Chapter 69
No Waiting for Clearance… Okay, Food Poisoning Might Be the Exception
I was on the phone with my dad.
“I just want you to think about it.”
“Dad, I’m telling you, I’m leaving him. I’m not asking for your advice.”
“You need to do this carefully, Lee Ann.”
“I’ve got a plan. I’m moving to our next station. I’m taking a plane to Texas. Austin is ready with my teaching certification. They said they could walk me through in a day. I’m not saying anything to him yet. To divorce, there has to be a six-month separation. This time will count. If I try life on my own and can’t handle it… then he’ll never know.”
“When do you fly out?”
“A month ahead of the start of school, while Jane’s stateside…”
Two weeks later…
“Dad, plans changed. I got food poisoning.”
“You’re sure it’s not a virus?”
“I bit into a rancid pepperoni last night. Reflexes sent it down and not up. I tried to get on the plane anyway, but the airport said no. I couldn’t fly with a fever.”
“They think you are contagious.”
“I don’t even really have a fever!”
“If you look bad enough for them to notice… you should get checked out.”
“That’s what I’m doing now. They gave me one phone call, so I called you.”
“Robert doesn’t know you’re in the ER?”
“The ER doesn’t even know I’m in the ER! They’ve all been calling me Snow White!”
He laughed at that.
“Will you try calling Robert’s office and home numbers and let him know I didn’t make the plane? I don’t want to hear the disappointment.”
“I sure can, Pumpkin.”
“Dad, I’ve got to change everything. It’s two weeks for another free flight out. I had job interviews scheduled. They will be filled by then. Hotels were booked. Oh no! Austin! I hope the lady I’ve been dealing with is understanding. There’s no point in going if I’m not certified.”
“Butterflies, baby.”
“All of the dang bats are in my stomach right now! Don’t say anything else to Robert! Let him know I don’t need a ride home.”
“Of course. You know if you need anything at all, just call me.”
“I know, dad. That’s the one thing that keeps me focused.”
“I want you to consider coming back to Alabama. I have a job waiting for you leading six computer labs for nursing homes in the area. I’m on the board. You are highly qualified for the job and it’s good money.”
“Dad, if I go back home, he’ll know I’m thinking about divorce. I have to go to our next station. Plus, I’d really like to do this on my own if I can.”
“Home’s here if you need it.”
“Thanks, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
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