Chapter Five
Marcus checked out the mechanic shops in town, talking with the
owners. He found one that he liked, and was offered the job. He
quit the paper mill and started right away at the shop. He decided
to wait awhile before attempting to open his own business. He
knew it would take a lot of time and money to get one up and
running. Plus, he wasn't sure how long he was going to stay in AZ.
It had been 6 months since he visited his parents. Caleb was doing
well as assistant manager, but dad still insisted on being there too.
Mom helps a couple days a week and been trying to talk dad into
doing the same.
When Marcus got home Thursday, he did his daily routine before
checking his voicemail. "Marcus, please call us when you get this.
Dad had an accident at work. He is ok, just shook up."
Marcus's face went pale at the news. His heart raced as he sat down
and picked up the phone. With a deep breath, he dialed the number.
"Hi honey.".. "Hi mom, how is dad?".."He is ok, other than a bit sore.
He fell as he was on the step-stool, trying to pull a box off a shelf.
Caleb said dad was leaning too far to one side, when it happened."
Marcus let out a heavy sigh. "Mom, thank you for letting me know. I
love you, and will talk with you again soon.".."Love you too. Here's
your father. Go easy on him Marcus, for me, ok?" "I'll try," he replied.
"Hello son. Sorry if we worried you. You know how your mother can
make things sound worse than they are."
"Dad, you need to be more careful. You are almost 68 years old. No
falls at that age, are good. The lifting and such, should be done by
Caleb. He was hired to help run the store, so let him work.".."You
worry me sometimes, dad. You, yourself have told me how well he
is doing. Why don't you retire, and let him handle it now?"
"Oh, I don't need to retire. I still have plenty of energy, to work."
Marcus lets out another sigh. "That's what worries me about you.
It isn't about having energy, dad.".. "Listen, it's getting late, and I am
in for a busy day tomorrow, so I need to go for now.".."Please don't
push yourself, dad. I love you, and will call in a few days, to check
on you.".."Love you too, son. Talk to you next time."
Marcus thought long and hard about his being so far away from
them. He was concerned about his parents, especially with them
being in their late 60's. He talked with his boss, and informed him,
he will be moving closer to his parents after spring.
Mom was happy to hear that, and after she talked with dad, they
will both take a couple weeks off, come fly down to AZ, and rent an
RV. They can all drive back together, with his suv in tow.
Marcus met his parents at the airport, and they decided it would
best to wait a day, before going to pick up the RV. Since he lived in
a studio apt, he didn't have much to pack. Mom helped with the
cookware, and dad went to put their travel bags in the RV. Day after
their arrival, they were all ready to head out. Dad wanted to drive,
so mom and Marcus relaxed, and chatted about what his plans
were. After a few stops here and there, they called it a night in Calif.
The next morning, mom woke them with the smell of her cooking
sausage and eggs. She never liked to travel on an empty stomach.
An hour later, the travel north proceeded..After 7 hours non-stop,
except at a McDonald's for lunch, they pulled up for the night in
Coos Bay, Oregon. Mom, heard about a small restaurant here, and
wanted to check it out.
They sat down at a table and waited for their waitress. It was just
after 7, so it wasn't too busy. The waitress, named Maddie, came to
take their order. Marcus was speechless, as he looked up at her. She
had beautiful red hair, and her skin was so flawless. Mom noticed
how he was watching her, and nudged dad, pointing with her head.
They tried to get Marcus's attention a few times, and kept getting a
"huh, what." Or a "yeah."
After dinner was paid, they went to the RV for the night.....