Pop: Chapter 6a

     I go back to my room to make sure I have finished getting ready.  I don't have much to pack, as I still keep around a third of my clothes at the Lexington home, mostly my older stuff.  I bought so many things new since I moved here and started really exercising.  I needed the new wardrobe just to keep up. However, I usually switch things around every few months whenever I go back for a trip.  Looks like I'll be moving everything now.

    Today, I only need my computer tote and a small bag for toiletries and accessories.  Everything else is for home.  My old and new one.  I grab the bags and turn out the lights as I leave the room. Sam is rushing back from the bathroom, wearing a wet towel around his waist.  I guess he didn't shower last night after all.  As he notices me, he stops for a second before going into his room, throwing the towel back at me as he closes the door. 

    I catch it before it hits the floor and rush and take it with me downstairs.  There's no time to wash it before we need to leave, and I will not let a wet towel lay around for over a week to mold.  I find an old plastic bag and stuff the towel into it.  I then stuff the towel into my own bag.  Fortunately, I under packed it for just such an emergency.  I'm just lucky Sam didn't chose a bigger towel.  I hate having to do laundry so soon after getting back, but it can't be helped.

    "I'm here.  Are we ready to go, now?"  

    Sam had stuck up behind me.  I din't think he would be that fast after his little tirade, but he's dressed, barely.  He has on a white tee that just barely covers him.  It must be a year or two old to be so tight on him.  The shorts are a little better.  Black, knee-length, and somewhat loose.  I suppress a sigh.

    "Just need to make sure everything is off.  Did you turn off the lights upstairs?  And where's your bags?"

    "I left them in the hall.  And there's only one.  You had me leave a bunch of stuff the last time there."  That was over spring break, so it would be a mix of winter and summer.  It should be fine, as long as he's not growing more.

    "Fine.  Meet me in the hall while I finish up."

    "Aren't we eating before we go?"  Sam and his stomach.  He must be in another growth spurt.

    "No.  We'll eat on the way."

    Sam wanders into the pantry to steal a protein bar, and who knows what, while I take a last sprint around the house to make sure everything is off, again.

    When I return, Sam is munching on one of my blueberry bars by the front door.  I set the alarm just as our ride pulls up into the driveway.  What can I say?  I have a perfect sense of timing.

    The driver gets out.  I don't recognize him.  No.  I do.  

    "Gil?  What's happened to you?"  His hair was shaved off and so was his 'stache.

    "It's different.  Solidarity for a friend starting cancer treatments."  Gil pats his bald head as he waits for a response. "Do you need any help with your bags?"

    "No thanks," I respond.  Sam has already bounded into the back seat on the passenger's side, my favorite spot. I'll have to walk around to the other side to get in.  

    As soon as we are both situated and buckled in, Gil slips behind the wheel to start out.

    "Where to?" he asks.  "Just to make sure my schedule hasn't changed."  

    "LaGuardia.  Our flight leaves in two hours."