Arrived (Book One)

Chapter 3: Dad's Plan

I never knew that I had an appointment this Friday: Was there a doctor's appointment or is there something wrong with Mom and Dad? I quickly put my textbooks inside my bag then raced out of the school.

Uncle Seth was leaning his back against the car, trying to absorb the sun's blistering heat. His red hair was tied into a short ponytail, he recently trimmed his beard, and he wears a black suit and tie.

When he saw me, he waved. "Hey, Uncle Seth!" I exclaimed, embracing him immediately. He smelled faintly of oranges and cologne. "Hey kiddo," he chuckled. "I'm bailing you out of school."

I raised my eyebrow. "Did Mom and Dad know about this?" "Yeah," Seth replied. "What did they want me for?" I asked. He didn't answer my question, he only opened the door for me.

"Come on Cinderella," Uncle Seth urged. Reluctantly, I crawled into the car then closed the door quickly. After buckling my seatbelt, I waited for Seth to start the car. "So, why did you take me out of school?" I asked unsurely.

"It's a surprise," Uncle Seth replied, turning on the ignition. My smile fell flat, I hated surprises. "Can you tell me?" I whined. He accelerated the car forward then turned it around. "It's a surprise," he repeated. "For being a good student."

While Uncle Seth was driving, I wondered what the surprise could be. Ever since I was little, I have been starting to collect a variety of antique cameras. So far, I have collected twenty nine of those nineteenth century cameras with the little handle attached to the box.

All I needed is one more camera to complete the set. Uncle Seth began driving calmly until he spotted my blithe, grey house beside him then parked on the driveway.

As soon as I got out of the car, I hurried inside and found Mom and Dad sitting in the black living room couch. They're expressions were elusive.

"Mom," I began. "What's going on?" I stared at her outfit. She still wore her black work dress as if it was the only thing in her closet. I saw a small, fresh white stain on the skirt then glanced at her face.

Mom has been sitting there for a minute or so. It's like she has been staying here for the entire time, or did Dad call her for something important? As soon as they saw me, Mom and Dad rose up from their seats then flashed me a compressed smile.

"Hi Cleo," Mom began. "Your father has a surprise that he would like to share with you." "What is going on?" I demanded. "Why won't you guys tell me?"

Mom crossed her arms then turned to face my father. "Exactly Ben," she agreed with a smile. "What is going on?" Dad reached into his pocket and pulled out two plane tickets to Cuba. My eyes widened as I stared at the blue slips of paper.

After the gears clicked in my head, I knew what the surprise was: Dad is taking me to Cuba. "Am I going to Cuba with you?" I asked. "Yes," he answered with a chuckle. "Sorry I had to pull you out of school like that."

Still, I remained suspicious. "How come?" I asked. Mom looked at Dad then gave him a mere nod. "Your school guidance counselor called me again," Dad explained. "But this time, she thinks I am not spending time with you." "I have asked your uncle to pick you up," Mom admitted. "You're not in trouble, Cleo."

I only raised my eyebrow at Dad. "What makes you say that?" I asked. "I spend quality time with you." I remembered the conversation that Dad and me had before I left school, why does the counselor think I don't spend time with him?

Uncle Seth let out a low snort. "Yeah, since you were in diapers." Uncle explained. "But sometimes, you started avoiding your dad, like he's the plague."We all flashed our eyes at Uncle Seth in surprise.

"Seriously?" Mom snapped. "Shouldn't you be drinking our milk or something?" He gave her a shrug then searched in the refrigerator for some milk. "Cleo," Mom began. "Ignore your uncle."

I thought about Uncle Seth's comment for a moment before looking at Dad in the face. I never realized I was avoiding him.

"I'm sorry," I apologized. "It's just with school and your job, I am trying to do some multi-tasking." Mom hoisted her handbag over her shoulder then told us that she is going to go back to work.

She kissed Dad and me on the cheek then left the house. With Uncle Seth gulping down the chocolate milk, the living room got a bit awkward with me and Dad standing there.

Sighing, he urged me to sit down next to him. I hastily sat down on the couch then stared hard at the chipped floorboard in front of me.

"I'm not mad at you," Dad insisted. "It's just most of time, I see you and Mom chatting along happily, but somehow, you never had the effort to make small talk with me." I touched the couch with my pinkie then traced my nail on its seams. I guess I should open up to him: "You're always busy, Dad." I admitted. "With your job and all, it's been getting a bit distant."

"But that doesn't mean I hate you." Dad swallowed hard then looked at me. "Being an FBI agent has been longer than I expected. Look, you don't have to come with me if you don't want to."

I smiled then held his hand. It felt clammy and sweaty against mine. "Can I pack my things?" I asked. He slowly nodded. "The trip will only last for a couple of weeks," Dad explained. That will be enough time for us to hang out together.

Nodding to myself, I ran up to my blue bedroom and brought out my heavy suitcase out of my clustered closet. Catching my breath, I zipped open my suitcase and filled it with items I need: my clothes, my spare sneakers, books, my camera, toiletries, and other necessities.

I took my handbag that was hanging on the chair then stuffed it with my mother's pepper spray, taser, and my personal favorite, my tracking device with two small trackers that was tucked away in my plastic bag.

After I was finished packing, I set my suitcase besides my bed, took a quick shower, and slipped into my cotton candy blue sleepwear. I knew that I needed to get up extra early before the plane.

That will give me some time to wake up Dad and get ready. I turned off the light, covered myself in a woolen blanket, and dozed off to sleep. That's when I heard my mom came home from her late shift.

I could easily tell, because her apple cinnamon perfume invaded the house. She later marched her swore feet upstairs until she must have noticed me sleeping peacefully in my bed.

I then heard Mom's feet thudding onto the white carpet and a loud groan escaping from my bed. "Goodnight, Cleo." she whispered with a sigh. She sang a small tune and kissed my cheek.