Getting Her [On going]

16. Money or passion

As I packed Luke's bags, I raised some shirts and asked him which he wanted. He pointed at the blue one with a drawing of Superman on it, it seemed to be his favourite shirt because his eyes lit up everytime I asked for what he wanted me to help him pack.

Or... Maybe not, maybe it was due to the fact that he was going away for a while, to a place unknown to the both of us to have some fun. And his excitement was contagious - not that I wasn't excited enough. I mean, let's face it. With all that's happened, I truly did deserve a break and it wasn't a weekend getaway or anything like that, it was a 2-week vacation and Bob had it all organized.

I think it was a Wednesday and I was yet to be pacified with Bob not telling me exactly what he and Prince were doing together. Besides, I was still a bit offended that he asked me to excuse myself and give them room to talk at the hospital.

I know, I know, you can't seriously judge me... My inability to forgive so easily is one trait that most likely runs in the blood because Emma is so much worse in that aspect. Anyway...while I was busy considering searching Bob's room for whatever it is he and Prince were planning, Bob himself approached me.

He acted like he didn't just catch me in his study, looking through some files on his table. I was embarrassed and I hoped it will not change his opinion of me but I am a curious cat.

"What do you think about us taking a vacation Alex?
"Uhn... My train of thoughts got lost for a minute because I was actually expecting a reprimand for my inability keep my curiosity and then I realised what he was saying and I asked again "what?!

Bob isn't someone that generally repeats himself and I wasn't surprised when he said "you heard me" and smirked. I knew if I didn't allow his question process in my head, then he wasn't ever going to bring up whatever it is again.

"You want us to take a vacation?
"Yeah... He looked at me with a confusing face and a small smile.
"Us...as in you? Me? Luke? For each question, he nodded and I squealed
"Unbelievable!! For how long? Have you found a good place?

"Take a breather and allow me answer one after the other" he laughed. I took in deep breaths and listened intently.
"For two weeks and second, I have found a good place but that... will be a surprise" he grinned as I screamed and hugged him.
"Thank you so much!!! I squealed.
"Yeah well... He tried to sound humble and not too pleased that I was excited "you deserve a break...we all do and I figured why not now."

"I'm so happy" I gushed "When do we leave?
"Well I want us to use Thursday and Friday to have everything in order. I'll go to the office and put some things in place while you go to Luke's school and inform his teachers and the principal. Then we pack...

"I can pack some things for us to eat along the way right? Is it a very far place?
"So many questions Alex, you must be really excited. Anyway, yes it is far, at least far away from here and I'm sincerely hoping you don't know anywhere there. So yes, you can pack some things for us to bite along the way."

On Thursday, I went to Luke's school and collected a pass on his behalf. Then I called my father, Emma and the Reverend to tell them about the vacation - they are my family, there was no one else to share the good news with. I hadn't made a lot of friends here, except from the ones at church and those from the business trips I went on because I was generally not an outgoing person.

Or... Maybe I was, but after leaving the club, the interest to go out and have loads of fun, died. Emma was ecstatic and I shared in her excitement, she got me so hyped up about it that I was looking forward to actually having fun and not just take a break - they are two different things. The Reverend on the other hand was happy and asked me not to do what I would regret - I didn't understand him.

He was supposed to be happy for me, besides, I couldn't imagine doing anything on the trip that I would regret and I told him so. At the end of the call, it dawned on me that he was talking about Bob and I. I figured it was because he didn't know Bob that well - Bob would never be caught in a compromising situation, and so I waved his premonitions off.

Now, here I am, helping Luke pack his box. Of the three of us, I think he had the most clothes and I figured little boys usually get dirty easily - that was why I packed lots of clothes for him, so I won't have to rewash on the vacation. I mean, if I am to be taking a break, I might as well take a break for everything - washing, calls, work, cooking, every thing.

I placed Luke's box in a corner and went to my room to start with my own packing. I hoped we would get to swim because I am a good swimmer and I would love to take a dip whenever, so I packed about two swimsuits and packed different clothes. Not surprisingly, my box wasn't so full. I took some novels, just in case it was boring, I could just lounge somewhere and read.

Bob was back from work and he immediately went to check the car we were going to take for the trip. As usual, he didn't want to be caught unawares, he changed tires and did some things on the car. I had informed Rachael, Luke's nanny, about the trip and asked her to come get her pay for the month because in two week's time, we would be entering a new month.

She arrived just after Bob finished with the car.
"But...I need to have a job to do in those two weeks" she argued.
"Then go look for a job... isn't it just two weeks. Besides Rachael, I am paying you for a whole month, even for the two weeks you won't work. Isn't that all that matters? I asked her in confusion.

"Alex...I can't get a job for just two weeks? No job will allow me work for just two weeks. If I am done working now, then I can't wait two weeks, I'll just go get another job" she stated.
"But you're perfect for Luke, he likes you very much. You can't just leave him...it's only a two week break and we are paying you."

"It's not all about the money Alex. I don't work for money, I work because I don't want to be lonely, having nothing to do on my hands. I work because it's what I love doing, I love taking care of children. Two weeks without doing so would be torture for me and no one will allow me be a nanny for just two weeks!

I sighed as Bob entered the house and raised my brows in a silent plea for help because I didn't understand Rachael. I didn't think her point was valid and I didn't want to handle it anymore.

"Okay..." Bob came to meet us and hugged me to his side.
"Can you do any other thing apart from being a nanny for those two weeks? He asked her.
"Yes, if I find something to do but it will be hard. This was a last minute decision and it is affecting my plans."
"I understand and for that I apologize" I opened my mouth to say something but he hushed me, making me huff in annoyance.

"Alright, can you clean? He asked her.
"Yes?
"Then we'll need someone to air and clean the house to prevent dust from accumulating while we are away, tend to the garden, clean the compound because leaves keep falling into it and I don't want the whole place looking like a bush by the time we get back.

Always ensure you close the windows before leaving so that rain doesn't get in. Lock the doors securely, I will teach you how to operate the security system. Is that good?

"Really? That's fine by me. I'll be glad to help you out and you don't need to add to my salary. Thank you so much" she beamed at us and I wondered how the change in her attitude was so fast once she was given a job to do.

"That went well" he stated after she had gone.
"Right...I don't even want to talk about it. I'm thinking she might be bipolar" Bob snickered and came to my side "alright...to more pressing matters, on a scale of 1-10, how prepared and excited are you for our trip."

I grinned at him "a ten, definitely a ten for the both of them" we laughed as I showed him the list of snacks I was taking on the trip.

Those that need a much needed break, holla!! Those that work because it's their passion and not just for money, holla!!! 😁😁Like, comment and share peeps.