The Power Within

Chapter Three

"Hello?" I asked, a little breathy. I had ran from the bathroom to answer my phone.

"Good morning, my love." The sound of my Mom's voice put a smile on my face. My Mom is one of my favorite people on the entire planet. She always seems to know exactly what to say when I am upset or gloomy. And she gives great advice as well. Mom just had her 57th birthday party last month, but she doesn't look a day older than 40. Mom's hair was still her natural, light blond color, with only a few gray strands around her ears. The only wrinkles on her face were the laugh lines right next to her baby blue eyes. Too bad I wouldn't inherit those awesome genes. I thought to myself.

"Morning, Mom-ra, how are you today?" I asked her. I call my Mom, "Mom-ra," because her name is Nora, and when I was younger, I had put the two names, mommy and Nora, together once I found out I was adopted. Mom and Dad told me I was adopted the day after my first shift. My tenth year of life was rather eventful.

"I am good, my love. When are you leaving for your trip?" She asked me, bringing me out of my thoughts.

I glanced at my clock. "Probably in about 30 minutes. I just got out of the shower." I replied. I walked over to my dresser to grab some clothes for the day. 

"Okay, well, I won't keep you on the phone. I just wanted to check-in with you." Mom said. "You will call me to let me know you are safe, won't you?" She asked me.

"Yes, of course, I'll call you." I told her. I put the phone down on my dresser and hit the 'speaker' button, so I could get dressed. I heard her heavy sigh through the phone.

"I am glad you are on vacation, I just wish you weren't driving that old, beat-up truck of yours. Why won't you take my little Subaru?"

"Mom-ra, I will be fine. And, besides, there is nothing wrong with Jake. He'll take care of me because...,"

"Yes, yes, because you take care of him." My Mom finished for me. I swear I could hear her shaking her head at me. I smiled, and grabbed the phone again once I was dressed. "Just, be careful, please." She pleaded through the phone.

"I will be, I promise." I said. "Cross my heart." I made the motion over my chest.

My mom sighed. "Alright, I will talk to you later, I guess."

"Bye, Mom-ra, love you." 

"Bye, my love, I love you too."

    I clicked the 'end' button and tossed my phone onto my bed. I went back to the bathroom to finish getting ready. Once my colored-contacts were in, teeth were brushed, and my hair was braided, I finished packing my stuff into my bag. I put my bag over my shoulder, grabbed my phone, and walked out towards the living room. The living room and kitchen were only separated by a small counter that doubled as my workspace. My purse was sitting on top of the counter. I placed my phone inside the small pocket on the side of my purse. I looked around to make sure everything was turned off and unplugged. Becca would stop by every day this week to get my mail and water my two violets. I walked over to where they sat next to my small loveseat. 

"Good-bye, my pretty babies," I cooed to my girls. I talked to my flowers every single day. I named them too. Jackie was in the blue flower pot, and Jolene was in the green flower pot. I petted their leaves softly. "I will be back in a few days," I told them. "Becca will be here tomorrow to take care of you."

    I walked back over to the counter. I grabbed all my bags. There was one for my clothes and toiletries, two different bags for all of my camera equipment, and my purse. I grabbed my keys. I locked the door, and headed towards the elevator. My apartment was on the 24th level of the building. It was still a little early, so no one was waiting for the elevator. Once the doors opened, I stepped inside and hit the 'G' button to take me to the garage. The best perk about my apartment was the attached parking garage where each apartment had one assigned parking spot. 

    Jake's parking spot was only a short walk from the elevator. Jake is a bright red '99' Ford F250 pick-up truck. He is a monster, even without the back dually-wheels like some other trucks have. I unlocked the passenger side door, and placed my camera bags on the floor in front of the seat. My clothes bag and purse went onto the seat. I slammed the door closed, hard. Jake's passenger side door was a bit stubborn about staying closed. It always needed some extra 'oomph' to keep it closed. I walked all around Jake, looking at his tires, and making sure there is nothing in the bed of the truck. Once that was all checked, I unlocked the driver's side door and hopped into the front seat.

"Time to get this party started." I sang in the empty cabin of the truck.