Chapter 8
At the breakfast table the next morning, I’m staring off into space when Sue sits down with a notepad and pen. “Since you have school the rest of the week, you may want to take time today to make a list of things you want to take care of before moving.”
“Yeah, that’ll be helpful. You know me and my lists, Sue.”
She smiles at me. “So what’s first, sweetheart?”
“Well, I guess school stuff first. How does that work? Do I need to get transcripts? Pick out new classes?”
“Write all that down, and I’ll text Mary asking how that works for you.”
I write it all down, passing that sheet over to Sue.
“I’ll need a suitcase or something for my clothes and stuff.
I was thinking I could get a phone for Mal with an unlimited plan and leave it here with her.
That way I can talk to Jake as much as I want, and she would just have to charge it for me. ”
“That’s an excellent idea.” Sue comments. “That will make it easy for you and Mal both.”
“Will you check in on Jake and Mal for me, Sue? I’ll visit as much as possible, but it would be comforting if you could stop by once in a while.
” The thought of Jake being alone really upsets me.
I know he’s not truly alone with the nurses living there, but I don’t want him to feel abandoned.
Having eyes on him outside the facility will help my brain cope.
It’s irrational with how wonderful Mal is, but it seems a prudent type of checks and balances for me.
“I was already planning on it, sweetheart. Mal and I stay updated on gossip together. Besides, I can’t deny her my home-baked goods for too long,” she exclaims.
I smile at her. “That’s true. Anything else you suggest I do?”
“Maybe talk to Zander more this week? I assume we’ll hear from Mary when everything is settled with him.
Afterwards, flight arrangements and other plans will be made, but that’s for later in the week.
Perhaps we can grab a phone for Mal today so you’ll have it ready for her when you visit Jake tomorrow? ”
“Yeah, that’ll be good. We can also grab a suitcase while we’re out.”
“Okay, let’s tidy up here and get on the road.”
We wash up the dishes, then I grab my jacket and we drive to the cell phone store.
Grabbing a phone, charger, and case for Mal with the settlement money, I sign up for an unlimited plan.
I need to cancel my phone because I can’t have more than one phone plan at a time, which is a pain.
I hate using my settlement money, but I do for important things like this.
After that, we stop at a department store, and I grab a suitcase set, toiletry bag, and a few tubs of ice cream as well.
Sarah calls to check in after we get home. I tell her about my list and the phone for Mal. As usual, I’ve an open invitation to call her if I need to.
Sue and I snuggle down on the couch to watch some tv until bedtime.