The Specialist and I

32

I looked at my friends and sighed.

"I guess this is goodbye.", I said.

Everything was packed and ready to go. My bike was able to fit in the back seat. My helmet sat in the passenger seat and all my clothes sat in the back seats.

"I'm going to miss you.", Stacy said, "We all are."

"I'm just a phone call away.", I said, "Feel free to call me at any time."

"After you talk with Ron and your dad, call us and let us know what happened.", Lindsay said.

"Better yet, call me and I'll talk some sense into that guy.", Gab said and we all laughed, "What? What'd I say?"

"Promise you'll come back someday?", Lisa said.

"Promise.", I said and we group hugged, "Okay, bye. See you soon."

I pulled away and got in my car. As I drove away, I waved to them. My phone rang and I answered it without looking at the caller ID.

"Hello?", I answered.

"Lori, please don't hang up on me. Let me explain.", Ron said.

I narrowed my eyes but remembered what my mom and Lindsey both said. I sighed out of annoyance as I stopped at a stop light.

"Explain this to me, Ron.", I said bitterly, "Why the fuck did you give me a fake key to your truck? Hm?"

"Fake key? What are you talking about?", Ron asked, I could hear his long breaths as I continued driving.

"You know what I'm talking about. And don't lie to me Ron Edih. I know where you live.", I said.

"The key to my truck isn't fake. It's custom made. Everything about my truck is custom made. Why would you think it's fake?", Ron asked.

"Nevermind.", I said, "Why'd you call me?"

"I wanted to make sure you were alright.", Ron said.

"Whatever. Look, I'm driving right now. I'll call you later.", I said and hung up.

When the sun began to set, I decided that it was best if I just checked into a hotel room. I pulled into a parking lot and walked into the Inn.

"Hi, how can I help you?", The woman at the desk asked.

"I need a room for 1. One night.", I said.

She gave me the key and I walked into the room.

~~~~~~

I sighed as I drove through North Carolina. Along with yesterday's driving, I've totaled up to 10 hours of driving. I still have 3 hours left to get to DC. My phone rang and, once again, I didn't look at the ID.

"Hello?", I answered.

"Lori, it's me again.", Ron's voice came through the phone.

"Ron, I can't talk. I'm driving. Again.", I said, "I'm running errands."

"Look, Lori, about the other day...", Ron started.

"Ron, we can talk when I get back to where I'm living. I call you.", I said.

"What happened to you calling me last night?", Ron asked.

"I was busy.", I said, "A friend and I went to the movies and stayed out late. I have to go before I get pulled over."

I hung up and continued driving.

~~~

I stopped the truck and parked. Finally, I could rest. I looked to my left and spotted several people. Did I mention that I no longer have my brown hair? Well....I still do....it's just a little different (picture). Anyway.... back to what I was talking about.

Three familiar figures walked toward me. One set their hand on the hood to figure out how long I've been here. They must not have been looking outside the past hour or so. I smirked and laid on the horn for 5 seconds. I couldn't help but burst out laughing when they jumped.

After calming down, I got out and opened the door to the back seat. I grabbed my suitcase and spotted Dad walking closer. I walked around the car, completely avoiding him, and made my way up to the house. Annabel stood in front of my car, Ron behind her.

I walked into the house and up to my room. After setting my stuff on my side of the bed, I walked back downstairs and into the kitchen.

"Did you find out who that truck belongs to?", mom asked, expecting me to be dad or Ron.

"If you turn around, you'll find out.", I said.

"Lori!", mom spun around and hugged me, "What did you do to your hair?"

"It's highlights, mom.", I grinned.

"God, I missed you.", mom said, "And you look so gorgeous."

"Just finding out a little more about myself.", I told her, "I have to get the rest of the stuff out of my truck as well as my bike."

"Ooo! I'll help you.", mom said and followed me out, "Have your father and Ron seen you yet?"

"Nope. I did scare dad though.", I said, "The horn has its ways."

"You are terrible!", mom laughed.

"I know.", I said and laughed along with her.