Sparks
Copyright© 2010 by black_coffee
Chapter 12
06:20 Friday, June 28th, 1991
The Biltmore Hotel
2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix AZ
Dan threw the last of the bags into the bed of the truck, and everyone climbed in. Dan and Kate sat in the front, while Ben was between Sandy and Lenore in the back. As they left the hotel grounds, Sandy took a deep breath. "I'm sorry I was such a wreck last night."
Lenore patted her knee. "It's called a 'catharsis', Sandy. That's what they taught me in Psych 121, anyway. You needed to get it out."
Conversation was subdued for the next ten minutes, though just as they turned onto the freeway, Ben announced loudly, "Okay, everyone. Sandy's trying to learn Spanish, and we're all somewhat fluent. For the rest of this trip,
unless we're out of the truck, let's try to speak only Spanish."
Sandy looked at Ben in dismay, while everyone else laughed.
14:30 Friday, June 28th, 1991
Mobil Station, I-10 Frontage (Westbound)
Beaumont, CA
"Go on," Ben nudged.
Sandy shrugged. She walked up to the cashier, the credit card from the ranch in her hand. She read the name on the card, "DeeCee Ranch". She realized the cashier wouldn't question her signature. When he looked at her, she said, "Numero trece."
He replied, "Cincuenta siete dólares," so she handed over the card.
A moment or so later, the receipt printer chattered, and she signed the slip. Just before turning away, she felt bold enough to add, "Adiós."
She hid her pleasure at her success behind her cool, and as they walked to the restaurant, Ben smiled at her wryly. "You did well, your highness."
Sandy gave in and smiled warmly at him. He returned it just as warmly.
18:00 Saturday, June 29th, 1991
Holiday Inn, 2730 N. Main St
Walnut Creek, CA
After the second long day in the truck, Sandy felt beat. She felt sure everyone else did, also. Ben developed a cough in the truck, one which worried her. The look of distaste on his face as the spasms ended suggested things might be developing into something worse.
When the family checked into the hotel, Sandy announced that she and Ben were tired, and would stay in the room to watch a movie. Over supper at one of the innumerable steakhouse chain restaurants near Pleasant Hill, the family made their plans.
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