The next morning after the nursing home debacle. I woke still trying to get the previous day from my mind.
In a snap decision I decided to go see my sister. One year younger than I, we were always being mistaken for twins.
I hadn't seen Anne for at least two months. We were both busy but that's a poor excuse for not seeing each other. After all we live just four hours apart.
It would be fun to surprise her and just show up at her door.
I jumped in the shower and then packed a small travel bag, I was ready to go!
It was a beautiful day, sunshine and blue skies. What could go wrong?
Once in the car, radio playing, I thought this trip will be great for me.
Roughly about two hours into the drive, the car started to lose power. My top speed was about 40 mph. This wasn't good. This had been Chads car, his baby. He took care of it like it was his child. When he passed I didn't have the heart to get rid of it.
Seeing an exit sign for a small town, I quickly got off the interstate.
As i approached the town, I saw it had a population of around eight thousand people. Small but hopefully it had a good mechanic.
On my right I could see a sign that simply said, garage. Pretty clever, right?
Along side was a motel and a lounge. It looked like something out of the seventies.
I pulled up in front of the garage door and before I could get out a young man came out of the office.
"Good morning miss, what can we do for you today?"
As I explained what the car was doing, he listened intently.
"I think i might have an idea what's wrong but I'll talk to my Dad. He's the mechanic."
Following the young man I was surprised when we entered the office. Neat, tidy, clean were words that came to mind. As i stood there I could see him in the garage talking to, I assume his father. After a moment, the older gentleman got in my car and proceeded to drive away. He wasn't even out of the parking lot when he turned around and drove into the garage.
As he entered the office, there was no smile on his face.
"I'm sorry I didn't get your name."
It's Sheri P. and you are?
"Jerry, Mrs P. I'm sure I know what the problem is. It's a fuel pump."
Great will that take long to fix?
"That's not the issue Mrs P. It's trying to find one. No one in this town carries parts for an import. Todd is on the phone now trying to track one down."
I was dissapointed but what could I do. I'm glad I hadn't told Anne I was coming. all she would have done is worry about me.
Can I ask you a question Jerry?
"Of course," he replied.
Is the food any good next door?
"It is and lunch time is fine, but take a little advice, you don't want to be in there at night."
Well hopefully I'm not here tonight.
"Keep your fingers crossed Mrs P."
I walked next door to the lounge or diner, what ever you wanted to call it. Once again clean and bright. It was like stepping back in time.
A lunch of salad and a sandwich hit the spot. I paid my bill and walked back to the garage.
Entering the office once more. Jerry was on the phone and Todd walked in from the garage.
"Mrs P I have found the part, but the bad news is we won't have it till tomorrow morning. I'm sorry."
Now what I thought.
"The rooms at the motel are clean and nice. My Dad can get you a discount. He'll walk you over and give you a hand dealing with Carl."
Thank you Todd, I said.
"No problem Mrs P, I'll get your bag from the car."
As Jerry hung up the phone, he looked at me and said, "Sorry."
There's nothing to be sorry about. It is what it is, right?
Jerry took my bag from Todd. I followed him out the door to the motel office. We walked in.
"Wake up Carl" boomed Jerry! "You got a customer. No bull shit either, she gets the discount."
"I heard you Jerry. It's gonna be 40 bucks cash lady."
That's fine I replied as I handed him two 20 dollar bills.
"Room 12 Mrs P, he said smiling."
Carl had obviously not been to the dentist for a while, like say 30 years. His hair was long and shaggy and balding on top. But his most outstanding feature was his weight. At least 300 plus pounds. Scary is the word to describe him.
Jerry carried my bag to my room.
"There you go Mrs P. As soon as your car is done we will come and get you.."
Thank you Jerry and tell Todd thank you too!
" I will Mrs P."
It was almost mid afternoon by now. I thought i might take a short walk. After just a few blocks I came to the conclusion. There was nothing in this town. Oh well!
Returning to the motel, I thought I would lay down and take a short nap.