Free I Remember (Remembrance Series) by Cynthia P. O'Neill

today, Honey?” Mom asked, as we entered his room.
    “I feel better than I have in days. Maybe I can talk the doctors into letting me out of here. I would love to get back to my own bed.” Dad was definitely upbeat and positive.
    Mom gave me a look that told me to play along with what she was about to say. “We will try to see what we can do.”
    I knew Mom meant every word she said. If my dad desired to go home, she would find a way to get him there.
    Dad asked, “Are you headed back home tomorrow, Jordan?”
    “Well, yes and no. I will come by to see you in the morning and then go back to get a few things; but I will be back tomorrow evening.”
    “Why are you coming back?” Dad looked a bit puzzled.
    “I talked it over with Mom and decided to commute back and forth to work for a while, at least until you get better. She said she could use the company and besides, I want to spend some time with you.”
    Mom quickly spoke up, “Honey, I feel all alone at home with you here. It would be nice having Jordan to keep me company.”
    “I don’t like the idea of you driving back and forth on the Interstate. But, it is nice that you are there for your mother and me.” He couldn’t really argue with my mother’s request for company.
    The next morning we stopped by the gift shop on the way to dad’s room, to pick up a Valentine’s bouquet and a couple of Mylar balloons.
    Before we even stepped foot into the room, Dad yelled, “Happy Valentine’s Day to my two favorite girls!” He was sitting up in bed looking cheerful.
    “Happy Valentine’s Day, Dad! ”
    Mom leaned in for a kiss and a hug.
    “I’m sorry I am in here on Valentine’s. I feel bad that I don’t have cards for either of you.”
    Mom was quick to answer. “Don’t worry about it, Honey. The best present you could give us is to feel better.”
    “Still no plans for Valentine’s, Jordan?”
    “Dad, we’ve been over this. I cancelled my plans for today so I could be with the two people who mean the most to me. Besides, I am talking with someone new and he seems more my type.”
    Dad’s eyebrow arched. “Why don’t you give this new guy a call then and go out with him, today?”
    “Dad!” I was shocked by his candor. “We’ve only talked on the phone once. Actually, he was quite nice to talk to but I want to get to know him better, before we go out.”
    “Maybe you should give him a call to wish him a Happy Valentine’s Day.”
    “So, what have you been up to this morning?” Mom changed the subject, thankfully.
    Before I knew it, it was time for me to get on the road.
     

 

     
    Traffic was fairly light, considering it was a Sunday and Valentine’s Day. I arrived at the apartment in record time.
    I began to make quick work of everything that needed to be handled.
    I called Alley and reassured her I would continue to pay my share of the rent and utilities and be back to stay as soon as I could. I told her not to be alarmed if she saw a few of my things go missing during the time I was gone, as I would drop by on occasion for the mail and a few more clothes.
    I called my boss, Caroline, and most of our relatives—aunts, uncles and cousins. I also got in touch with a few of our closest friends from our hometown of Clewiston, FL. The conversations were full of tears, well wishes and promises of keeping them updated.
    I was very thankful that Caroline was understanding of the situation and offered to work with me on whatever schedule I needed.
    It did not take long to pack the items I needed for the week.
    Before heading back, I decided to take a break, turn on the computer, and see if Gregory had written. I could not believe that I had three emails waiting for me.
    The first email, written Friday, read:
     
    “Hello Jordan. I know you don’t have a computer at your parent’s house, but didn’t know how to get a hold of you any other way. I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed our talk on the phone and I did dream of you! My