The eyes of eons. [Slow Editing]

Chapter 20

      I haven’t sat behind the wheel since the day I sold my Jeep, and that was over two years ago. In the beginning of the journey I was nervous, however later, excitement erased any feeling of discomfort from operating Victor’s car. Sure I was excited, the car drove smoothly and a purr of engine was barely noticable. The reasons to why Victor let me borrow his car at first place, were unknown. And while on the road I preferred not to think of it. I chased all doubts to the back of my head and just watched, or rather enjoyed the ride.

     Once I stopped to have something to eat and put gas into the tank. Then for sometime the radio was cheering me with modern music, and then for another hour I’ve been singing something under my nose. But mostly it was silent in the salon. 

     The progression of my route was in perfect harmony with the progression of the day. By the time it started getting dark I passed the border of Vermont and around eight o’clock got closer to the Green Mountains. To tell you the truth, to drive by familiar highways completely thrilled me. I couldn’t wait to get home and when I got on the little mountain road that connected the highway and my little town I started bouncing in agitation. 

     I passed the township constantly gazing around looking for the faces of friends and neighbors. Then got on the path leading to my house and at the top of the hill turn to my street. My house was first from the chain. The driveway was empty and I pulled to the gates and stopped the car. Then I shut the engine off and for a moment froze on the seat contemplating - If Alexandre will call me, I shouldn’t pick up the phone. He will make me to go back, and I came here to forget about him. 

     When I made sure that my mind was sat firmly, quickly I pushed the car door open and jumped out from the vehicle. Chilly and windy - my two best friends, embraced me right away. I shivered and hurried to find the keys in my briefcase. I got all my possessions out, locked the car and swiftly went to the backdoor.

     The house looked lonely as from the street as from inside. It was chilled to its foundation and a rusty-humid odor was floating in the air. Immediately, I turned the main thermostat on and opened windows in the kitchen and living room to aerate the space before I started using it. 

     Then I ran to the second floor to check the situation up there. My room was first I visited.  I dropped my carryalls by the bed and sighed observing my dated furniture. It didn’t feel cozy at all. Dismissing a nagging feeling, I went to the window and glanced outside. The backyard didn’t look messy, but it definitely lacked care. I opened the window to freshen up my dusted bedroom before to go on with my cleaning mission and headed for the door. In the doorway I paused and retrieved to the place where I dropped my bags. From the pocked of my purse I fished out my phone and the charger, and plugged into the outlet I placed the phone on the nightstand. I had Roberta and Billy whom I needed to keep a contact with, not because of Alex...not for Alex, I’m not picking up the phone if he calls - mentally I was rehearsing my today mantra. 

     I left my bedroom and headed to check on the rest of the rooms. As I twisted the handle of Billy’s bedroom door, a heavy knock came from downstairs. Startled, I flinched and darted by the stairs to the front parlor.  Before to open the front door I glanced through the window. I couldn’t recognize who was standing on the porch, but on the curve by the driveway were flashing red lights like from a police vehicle. Immediately, I unlocked and faced two officers. One was very tall with mustache and the other was buffed like a serious weightlifter...and both looked familiar. They exchange glances and on one of the faces stretched a warm grin.

     “Jimmy O’Donavan,” I beamed, “and Micky Cana.” I hugged Micky.

     “What’s up Alex?” Jimmy reached to give me a hug too and then immediately reported to the shoulder. “It’s all right, paps. It’s just Alex came to visit.”