Chapter 12: The Start of a New Life
I sat outside on the front porch, one leg on a separate step, the other up under my
thigh. Hannah gave me a nice blue-green tank top with a pair of dark blue jeans.
I wore my denim jacket over my
shoulders with a borrowed black scrunchie in my hair. Mike and Lizzy were outside
playing on the tire swing. Mike wore his trench coat and hat, making him look rather
silly on the swing.
Don walked out onto the porch to join me. He also wore his trench coat and hat.
He was holding an umbrella.
"Ready to go?"
"Yes. I'm waiting for Hannah."
He sat down next to me on the porch step, watching my empty expression.
"You will get you through this. And it will all be behind you. Like a bad dream."
I nodded, still looking outward.
"You know, we have a friend that lost her apartment and everything she owned in it."
"What happened to her?"
"She pulled through. Her job got her a new apartment, new wardrobe, and a new life. Of course, at the time, we lost our home too and had to stay with her for awhile until we found a new place."
"Who is she?"
"Her name is April. April O'Neil, a news reporter in Manhattan. We
keep in touch now and then but now she's married to another friend of ours named Casey
Jones and they have a daughter to look
after. She's doing very well; moved up to Northampton and lives at Casey's
grandmother's farmhouse. We go see them sometimes and it's very nice there.
Beats living in a sewer."
"That's nice. I'm very happy for her. And her family."
Don nodded, looking over at Mike and Lizzy.
"Lizzy reminds me of Casey's little girl, Shadow."
"Is she Lizzy's age?"
"No. Shadow's only 4. We met her when she was just a baby. When
April and Casey were separated for awhile, as well as we went on our own, Casey met
another woman named Gabrielle and she had
Shadow. She died while having her and Casey returned to April with Shadow for a
second chance. Those were good times and bad. More bad then good I'd hate to
admit. The city was at war and we
worked over time to save our skins to survive in a massive crime wave throughout the
streets."
"Wow. That's a scary thought."
"It was more scary going through it. But, as I said before. You pull through and put it all behind you."
"And at times like that, you thank your lucky stars that there is a God above watching out for you."
"Amen to that."
The door opened behind us and Hannah stepped out with a smaller jacket and umbrella.
"Ready, Jewel?"
"Yes."
Don and I stood up and headed for the mini van.
"Lizzy! Come on! Let's go!
Don mimicked Hannah. "You too, Mike! Come on!
Mike and Lizzy ran over. Mike gave Don a look.
"You hollered?"
Don smiled and gestured to the van. I slid open the side door, and Lizzy hopped
in, taking her window seat. Don took his same spot again behind the first seat at
the window and Mike sat by Lizzy.
I got the front seat again.
We took the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan to get some 'errands' done. Our first
stop was at the police department where I was able to retrieve any scarce items that were
picked up at my apartment.
Photo albums, clothing, and such were gathered and I had to sign several papers to claim
my stuff back. My purse was found with all my major credit cards, social security
and I.D. still in my wallet.
Items that belonged to my husband were the worst to go through. During the hours of
reclaiming his stuff, I was very upset and cried a little bit. I held up a red shirt
to Hannah.
"This was his favorite. I got it for him last year at Christmas."
She could only hug and comfort me.
"What am I going to do?" I sobbed.
"Until your safe from harm, I want you to stay with me. We'll work something out."
I gestured to my pile of belongings. "What about all this? I feel like I'm just dumping it all on you. I need to get into a new apartment but it's not that easy."
Hannah sighed. "You're not dumping on me. You can stay at my house until we get you settled into an apartment."
The officer questioned me on the items again and I signed and filled out more papers.
A huge box filled with my belongings was finally released and I was able to place
them in the van to take home.
I got my purse and rechecked, thanking God my personal cards were saved. That saved
me a trip to the bank to reopen a new account.
I walked out to the lobby and met up with Mike, Don and Lizzy. Lizzy was busy
hopping squares on the tile floor while Mike and Don sat and read magazines. I was
accompanied with a few officers,
carrying out large boxes containing my stuff.
"We'll be right back, guys."
Hannah and I escorted the men out to the van where she opened the trunk. The
trunk was able to fit about 4 boxes if stacked. The rest we placed near and on top
of the very back seat.
I kept my purse with me and walked back into the station, once again for more paper work.
Hannah placed an arm around me as we walked back.
"You'll be okay. You can stay in the computer room for now."
"Is it alright if we stop by at Roosevelt Hospital? I want to see how Edward is doing."
"Roosevelt? Whoa, talk about recuperating in style. I can swing by there if you'd like. I think it's on 10th Avenue."
We gathered up the rest of the gang and drove over to the hospital. It sure
looked different in the daytime. Much more comforting. I stepped out and
stared upward at the balconies. Thank goodness
we don't have to go in that way! All 5 of us went through the front entrance.
"Deja vu, Don?"
Don smiled at me and nudged Mike whom agreed.
The nurse stood up as Hannah and I approached the counter. The others sat at the couch, waiting.
"We'd like to see Edward Meddleton, please."
"Meddleton? I thought it was Cranston." Mike whispered to Don.
"Cranston is Jewel's maiden name. Meddleton is Edward's last name. You know how that works."
"Oh." Mike shook his head.
"Are you a friend or family member?" The nurse asked as she sat down to check the computer.
"I'm his wife." I looked at Hannah whom stared at the nurse.
"Oh. Then what you're going to have to do is sign in so we keep track of who comes and goes. Mr. Meddleton has had some disturbances lately and a security guard has been placed outside his door."
I looked at Hannah again. "Oh, my God. Is he alright? How is he doing?"
"His condition has been the same. When he was brought here, we had to contact family members so everything's taken care of. His sister asked about a Jewel, his wife. That must be you."
"Yes, that's me. I'd like to make contact with his family eventually. To let them know that I am alive and well."
The nurse raised an eyebrow. "Beg pardon?"
"They didn't tell you why he was brought here?"
"No, ma'am. I'm the alternate nurse on duty and wasn't here the night your husband arrived."
"I'm sure you heard about the explosion a few days ago at an apartment building
located on 4th Avenue. My husband and I were involved and nearly survived."
I didn't have to get into details about my
being kidnapped, life on the line and man-sized walking, talking turtles helping me out.
She was already giving me weird looks.
She stood up and looked at me with slight pity. "Oh, yes. I remember hearing about that. How awful! I'm so sorry! I hope everything works out for you."
"Thanks. Slowly but surely, I'll get the pieces of my life back together."
The nurse pointed to a sign-in sign-out sheet on the counter. "Just sign here, okay?"
I felt nervous leaving my name in broad daylight where anyone coming through can see
that I've been here. But I wanted to see Edward desperately. I scribbled my
name so it didn't look too legible.
Maybe no one would notice it. The nurse didn't even look at it. Could have
left it blank if I wanted to.
She went back to her seat, checking her computer. "Okay, Mr. Meddleton is in room 925. Just let the guard know who you are and he'll escort you in."
"Thank you."
Hannah and I walked over to Lizzy and the Turtles. They already looked bored sitting there. Lizzy rested her head against Mike, giving me a face like she wanted to hang herself.
"I think I read every magazine here. Can we go with you, huh, Jewel, huh?" Lizzy botched her eye lashes at me.
"You don't read magazines, Lizzy."
"Okay! I looked through them all! Saw every picture! Wonderful!" Her tone changed to sweetness. "So can we go with you, huh?"
Don shrugged. "If we all can't go in, how 'bout we wait in the cafeteria? You remember where his room is, don't you?"
"Yeah, I do. Okay. I won't be too long. I think the cafeteria was on the 5th level."
Don stood up. "Yeah. Got a good view of it. Let's go Mike."
Mike stood up and Lizzy linked her arm through his, stopping him in front of Hannah first.
"Wait! Mom, can I have some money?"
Hannah opened her purse, pulled out a $20 and handed it to her.
"Don't buy junk food or you'll spoil your appetite. We're going to stop somewhere for lunch after we leave here."
Mike looked at Hannah and put his hand out. "Please, Mom?"
She smacked his hand and smiled. "You've got enough! Lizzy WILL share with you guys."
Lizzy linked her other arm through Don's. "Alright guys! We're off!"
"To see the Wizard?" Mike grinned.
Lizzy smiled back. "Riiiiight, Mike!" At that, she pulled them down the hallway toward the elevator.
I frowned at Hannah.
"I should called Leo and let him know the situation."
Hannah put an arm around me as we slowly walked to the elevator. The others had
already left on one of the four awaiting elevator shafts. Food was calling to them.
I pressed the 'UP' button and
watched the numbers decrease. Security guard? I hope nothing happened if Leo
and Raph came back. The double door opened behind us since all the elevators
operated simultaneously. We stepped
in and the doors closed automatically. Number 9. Number 9. Number 9.
Number 9. The Beatles song went through my head as I pushed the button marked
'9.' Wasn't much to that song anyway.
The elevator stopped at 4. Someone else had pressed for a higher level. A
man walked in with dark clothing. I gasped at his appearance and stepped back,
hoping my reaction wasn't noticeable. His
face looked ashen and had no expression whatsoever. The only thing lively on this
man was he was holding a bouquet of bright-red roses.
"Um, what floor do you want?" Hannah stood by the numbers and asked casually.
He glanced at me, then to Hannah. "Number 9." I almost fainted.
"Hoookay." Hannah didn't have to press anything otherwise and just stepped back near me.
The numbers continued upward and the guy never took his eyes off us. I kept my eyes darting around the floor, the walls, the ceiling.
"So, are you going to see someone?" I asked to be friendly.
"Yes. A loved one is dying. Thought I'd bring some flowers to cheer them up."
You're going to need some cheering up yourself, I thought to myself. This guy looked like rigor mortis had already set in. He gave me the chills.
The elevator rang on the 9th floor and the double doors slid opened. The guy
gestured us to go first. We stepped out and read the numbers on the wall to find
925. We walked down one hallway and
I quickly turned to see the guy go the opposite direction. He turned to glance at us
and then kept walking.
"That guy was scary." I quietly whispered to Hannah.
"Yeah, if he's going to cheer up someone, he should hide his face behind the flowers."
I had to laugh at that. "Or wear a mask even!" Hannah laughed, too.
We found Ed's door easily. A security guard was sitting outside. He stood up as we approached him.
"Hi, I'm Jewel Meddleton, Edward Meddleton's wife. I came to visit him."
"May I see some I.D. ma'am?"
This was serious. I went through my purse and opened my wallet to the window section where my I.D. was. The guard took the wallet and looked at it. He then gave it back and nodded to me.
"Okay, but she'll have to wait outside."
"Sorry, Hannah. I guess they're pretty strict around here. Would you mind waiting for a few minutes?"
"No, go right ahead honey. I'll go wait over on one of the chairs at the elevator. You go take care of what needs to be done."
"Catch you later."
Hannah patted my shoulder and walked down the hallway we came from. The guard
unlocked the door and let me in. The door was locked now? Odd. I went in
and the guard shut the door behind me.
I looked over at the bed and felt a lump in my throat. He looks the same. I
walked over and sat down at a chair near the bedside, taking his hand in mine.
"Hi, Edward. It's me again. I know you weren't aware that I've come by before but um, I just want you to know that whatever happens, I still love you no matter what. Okay? Baby? Can you hear me?"
His body stirred and I felt him weakly squeeze my hand. I stood up and got closer.
"Ed? Can you hear me? Oh, my God, sweetie! Just say something. Anything."
Edward slowly opened his eyes and looked up at me. I smiled; my eyes filling with tears.
"Jewel?" Came a rigid voice.
"Yes, it's me, baby! I'm here! Oh, God I need you so badly."
Ed smiled weakly and looked around the room.
"What the hell happened? Are we still going out to dinner?"
I shook my head with a small laugh. "No, that was days ago. There was a terrible accident. Have you been unconscious the whole time?"
"I guess so. I don't remember much except we were going out and there was a lot of noise." He winced a little and squinted his eyes.
"What's wrong? Are you in pain?"
"My side hurts. That's all. Something hit my side and it hasn't stopped hurting."
"Everything will be alright, Ed. We will get our life back together. I
promise. I contacted Hannah Jacobs and I'm staying with her for awhile. Till I
get us a new apartment." I didn't want to scare him
about me being hunted down and killed by psychotic people.
"That's wonderful, Jewel. But tell me, did you find out what happened at our apartment?"
I explained in small details that a bomb was placed in the lower levels but left out
why it was placed there. I also left out my new friends who helped me were not
human. The way he looked,
I didn't need to tell him right away. Maybe later. If there is a later.
"Just relax now, Ed. You're in good hands and I know you'll pull through. I have to go now. I love you very much."
"Love, you too, babe."
I bent over and kissed him long and full on the lips. I carefully placed my arms around his shoulders, giving him an assuring hug as best I could. I pulled away and we smiled at each other.
"Oh, wait, before you go, my sister, Lucy, left her phone number here. I remember she stopped by this morning. I think you should give her a call." He slowly pointed to the table next to his bed.
I opened the drawer and found a note pad with a phone number and her name scribbled on it. I sat down on the chair again and took my own pad and pen out and wrote down the number.
"Got it. Okay, Edward, you hang in there. I'll come see you whenever I get the chance."
"Does Hannah still live on the Island?"
"Yes."
"Well, I guess it won't be too often will it?"
"I'll take the train if I have to come see you. Whatever it takes."
Edward smiled again. That's what I needed to see. Him smile. I started to cry again.
"Now, get better, alright? I'll see you soon."
He nodded and I slowly turned and headed for the door. The guard stood up as I left and tipped his hat to me as he locked the door again.
"Why do you have to keep the door locked?"
"It was upon request. Someone said this man was in danger and needed 24 hour security watch. I'm just doing what I was told to do."
"Do you know who it was that requested this?"
"No, ma'am, I do not. And if I did know, I would not be permitted to give out such information."
"Not even to me, his wife?"
"No one. It's purely confidential."
"Just watch for him, okay? I don't want to see anymore harm come to him."
"I'll do what I can, ma'am."
I smiled and turned to walk down the hallway. I met up with Hannah whom sat
reading a magazine. She looked up and placed the magazine back on the table.
She stood up and I went into her embrace,
sobbing uncontrollably. She rubbed my back and tried to shush me. I couldn't
stop crying as she held me close. She pulled back and put her arm around me, guiding
me to the elevator.
"Come on. Do you want to stop in the ladies room to wash your face?"
I nodded, wiping my eyes with the back of my arm. We got on and she pushed on the button for level 5.
"Since we're heading toward the cafeteria, we can find a bathroom for you down there. Okay?"
I nodded again, not really listening to what she was saying. The elevator went
down without any stops and we got out, turning a corner to find a public bathroom.
It was a large 5 stall restroom with three
sinks in front of a large mirror. I went to the first sink, noticing there was no
faucet crank. It was censored where you run your hand under it to activate the flow
of water. I cupped my hands and splashed
the ice cold water onto my red, puffy face. I pulled my little bangs up past my
forehead and splashed more cool water.
"You hungry for some lunch? We don't have to eat here if you don't want to. I was thinking more of a sit-down restaurant."
I nodded. "That sounds nice. I need to eat. I'll be alright. I have to leave before I get upset again. Hannah, he looks awful. I'm very worried about him."
Hannah patted my back as she stood behind me. "I know, sweetie. He's going to be fine. He's a very strong man and should recover quickly."
I laughed a little. "He's a very strong man. I'm a very weak woman. Why aren't I lying in a hospital bed, Hannah? It's just not fair it only happened to him and not me as well."
"I don't know. Bad things happen to good people. He must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and got more injured than you."
"We were both in the wrong place at the wrong time. The worst of my injuries was cuts and bruises. He's got a fractured skull and is suffering with side pains."
Hannah shook her head and looked down. "With a fractured skull, it may take a little more time for him to heal."
I swung my purse behind my shoulder. "Let's hope you're right that he'll recover quickly because of his size. The only I can do now is pray."
Hannah pulled open the door. "I'm praying too. For the both of you."
We stepped out and followed the signs to the cafeteria. The room was somewhat
empty as we entered. The three of them were seated at a table near the back,
slurping on sodas and quietly chatting.
It looked bizarre seeing one small girl and two large guys in hat and trench coats sitting
together. No one seemed to bother them which was fine with me. We approached
them and they looked over
at us. Hannah made a face when she saw a wrapper of chocolate on the table.
"I thought I said no junk food, Liz."
She pointed to Mike. "It was his. I got a bag of fat-free potato chips."
I looked over at Don to see if she was right. He only shrugged and held up his snack.
"I've only been munching on these pretzels." He then frowned at my face. "Hey, you alright, Jewel?"
My eyes looked red and bloodshot. "No. But I'll be fine soon. Give me a few minutes."
Don looked at me in sympathy.
Hannah sighed, taking the wrapper to a nearby trash can.
"Well, did you guys save your appetite? We're going to go to lunch. Is there anything in particular you're craving right now?"
Don and Mike grinned that same grin when Hannah suggested pizza the other night. I groaned.
"Don't tell me you guys want pizza again."
Hannah shrugged. "I was thinking more toward a sit-down restaurant."
"They have a sit-down restaurant of Pizza Hut." Mike suggested with a permanent grin.
I looked over at Hannah. "Do you mind having pizza again? I gotta tell you, they love it more than anything so unless you can think of something quick, I've got a feeling we're going there for lunch."
Hannah couldn't think quickly and gave in.
:"Alright. I think I know where the restaurant might be. I'll have to call information to find out." Hannah started to leave.
Mike got up and ran over to her as we followed behind.
"I know where it is. I've been there before. We went with some other friends awhile back. It's a real nice sit-down restaurant."
Don and Lizzy threw their beverages away at the trash can closest to exit. I looked over at them.
"Were you drinking Coke, Lizzy?"
"Yeah, so?"
"Then maybe you should have a Sprite with you lunch. I don't want you drinking too much caffeine."
"Aw, Jewel! You sound like Mom! Sprite doesn't taste good with pizza! Everyone knows that."
Hannah turned and was near Lizzy so quickly, I wasn't ready for it.
"Now, hear this. I am your mother and you will drink either drink Sprite or water with your lunch. You decide." She left to meet up with Mike as he continued with his landmark directions.
Lizzy thumbed at Don. "What about Don? He had a Coke also."
Hannah spoke without looking back. "He's not my problem. He can drink 20 Cokes for all I care."
Don looked at her wide-eyed. "20, Hannah? I'd never leave the bathroom if I drank that many."
Lizzy laughed at that and Hannah turned toward the back.
"Okay, so it was a slight exaggeration. Sue me."
Don shook his head. "Nah. Only if you forced me to drink the 20 Cokes. Then when leaving the restroom after about a week, I'd sue you then."
I started to laugh now. Mike stopped his talking and looked back with a grin.
"Your humor never ceases to amaze me, Don."
Don shrugged at me as he walked. "Hey, at least I got you and Lizzy to laugh."
I smiled, looking forward. "Yes, you did Don. Thank you. I needed some cheering up."
We got to the lobby and left the building toward the van. Mike begged for shotgun
so he could navigate us to the restaurant. Hannah looked at me. I only waved
my hands as a way of saying yes. Don
took his window spot again and Lizzy shoved passed me to grab her seat next. Window
of course. I took the seat next to her and Mike hopped into the passenger seat.
"Um, okay, lessee. If we're on 10th Avenue, then we should, um, go, I think, um-"
I looked back at Don. "I hope you're not starving. Galileo up there will probably get us lost."
"Nah, I'm fine. The pretzels are still with me so I'm not on the verge of dying from lack of pizza intake."
Lizzy pulled out a small package of Rolos from her pocket. I looked down wide-eyed as she handed a piece behind her to Don.
"Lizzy!" I quietly whispered. "You're mom's going to freak if she's sees you have those."
"That's if she sees me. Want one?" She held up the package to me. Don watched from the back.
"I'll take hers if she won't eat it."
I took it and peeled off the gold wrapper, popping the little nugget in my mouth. I was hungry, I must admit.
"Thanks, Liz." I quietly mumbled through chewing on the caramel, feeling somewhat guilty.
"Oh, Jewel!" Hannah turned around and Lizzy quickly shoved the candy in her pocket again. "I was thinking, since you wanted to call Leo, do you want to just invite him and Raph to lunch?"
"Oh, okay! That sounds fine. We should check up on them anyway. You know, touch base."
"Alright, let's go pick them up first. Mike, I hope you know where you live, right?"
He frowned at her. "If I know where the pizza place is, I should know where I live."
Don rolled his eyes. "Gee, Mike, that's nice to know you can compare our residence with some pizza place."
Mike looked back. "It's not just any pizza place! It's one of the greatest ones around!"
Hannah drove around till we came to a familiar sight and stopped at a nearby alley way. She pulled out her cell phone and looked at Mike.
"Think I should call first? Just to let them know we're coming?"
"Sure. Do you have the number?"
"Yeah, Leo gave it to me the other night. Hang on-" Hannah put the phone in her lap and took her purse off the ground, digging for the note she wrote the number on.
Don watched from the very back.
"Guess it's true when they say women's purses have a bottomless pit."
I turned around to him.
"Who are 'they' anyway?"
"Men!" Lizzy spoke up.
"Um, how 'bout I save you the trouble and just call for you?" Mike extended his hand for the phone.
Hannah looked up. "Oh, okay. Here, but you have to unlock it first."
Mike frowned. "Huh?"
Hannah snatched it back and pressed the star key and a few numbers. She placed the phone to her ear, hearing the announcer, "Your feature update was successful" then handed it back to him.
"Now, just dial the number. You can't make outside calls when it's locked. Only incoming calls can be received."
"Uh, huh." Mike shook his head and started to dial. He waited as
the phone rang. After the third ring, he looked at Hannah. "Must be in
the dojo." He waited a little longer. On the sixth ring, a voice
picked up.
"Yo, Raph! It's me, Mike! Yeah- who else would it be?! Jeez!
Listen, we were just hanging out in the city and thought you and Leo would like to
join us for lunch. Yeah, pizza! We're going to
a sit-down restaurant of Pizza Hut but we thought we'd swing by first and ask you to come
along. You know which Pizza Hut, the one we went to with April and Casey that one
time? Yeah....no,
I didn't get lost! What are you talking about?! Oh, really! You know
where it is more than me?! Well, fine! We're waiting outside and- fine!
You know where it is! Take the front seat, then!
See you in about 5 minutes? K, tell Leo I said 'hi!'. Alright, fine, I tell
him when he gets here! Sheesh! Yeah, sure! 5 minutes, okay? We're
starving! Hello? The clock is ticking. K, bye!"
Mike pulled the phone away and stared down at it.
Hannah looked over at him. "Just press End and Clear."
Mike pushed the buttons and handed the phone back to Hannah, whom locked it again.
"They're coming." Mike replied stupidly.
"No, kidding!" Hannah said sarcastically as she placed the phone in her purse and dropped it by her feet.
Mike looked away. "Leo must have beat Raph big time in the dojo. He's usually in a better mood when it comes to the subject of food. Especially pizza."
Hannah frowned at Mike. "What's the dojo?"
"Oh, it's like a work-out area where we spar and practice with our already learned ninja skills. Our master feels if we don't keep it up, we will lack in our performances and fail his teachings."
"That's not true, Mike and you know it!" Don spoke up from the back
seat. "Hannah, don't listen to him. If he can avoid going in that room,
he will. The dojo is a great place for exercise as well as
practicing our skills. It's one way to keep us in good health and in shape.
But yes, if we don't keep it up, our performance as fighters will lack in
perfection. I doubt our sensei will feel we failed him
in the least bit. He would just be most displeased."
"Then he'd ask you to drop and give him 50!" Mike grumbled.
"Oh, Mike!" Don sighed from his spot.
Hannah finally spoke up. "That sounds real neat, Don. Heck, if I could
make it to the gym every once in awhile, I wouldn't have these extra pounds that I need to
burn off. But I've lacked off too so
your sensei would probably be displeased with me."
About 10 minutes later, two suspicious looking characters in hat and trench coat came
out toward the van. Raph got up to the passenger side and thumbed at Mike to get in
the back. I waved to Leo
whom stood by the sliding door. I opened it for him and he stepped in, stopping to
look at the boxes near where Don sat at the back.
"Out, Mike!" Raph waited at the front while Mike groaned and stepped out onto the street.
"Okay, okay!" Mike climbed out and stood by as Don moved the boxes in
order for Leo to sit down. Once he was able to sit, Mike then took the available
seat by me. His clothing made the seat
seem more crowded. I pushed over toward Lizzy as Mike dug deep for the seatbelt to
snap the other side next to my rear.
"Got it?" I asked him, nearly into Lizzy's lap. She was pushed up against the window.
"Yup! I hate these kind of seatbelts. It was worse when Raph and I
were both back here with our combined coats rubbing against each other. Though it's
not as bad as getting stuck on the subway
during rush hour when your sandwiched between total strangers."
I nodded. "I can vouch for that."
Hannah put on her turn signal and pulled out away from the curb. Raph seemed a
better co-pilot as he gave the directions by street signs. We found the restaurant
in merely a few minutes. Thanks Raph.
Now's the time to relax, eat, and talk. About my life.