Habitude, page 22
“We’ll always be here.” Frank says putting his hand on her foot as they all walk toward the door.
Faith didn’t really want to leave, but she was tired and they had the appointment with Chad tomorrow at the dealership. She had thought about canceling since they would most likely need the help at the café, but she knew her parents would insist she go.
It had been a long day. Faith and Jonathan were both exhausted. Walking through the door into the condo they both notice the Christmas tree still lit from earlier.
“I’d forgotten it was even Christmas.” Faith says.
“Me too.” Jonathan turns and wraps his arms around her. “She’s going to be alright, Faith.”
“I know.” Tears start flowing and Faith doesn’t even fight them. “It’s just crazy how fast it all happened. I knew something was wrong when she wasn’t there.”
“I’m sorry that I doubted you.”
“You were trying to think positively.”
“I really did think she was just late.” He runs his hand down the back of her head trying to soothe away the stress of the day.
“I know today wasn’t easy on you either. Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
Lying in bed that night Faith finds it hard to fall asleep even though she’s utterly exhausted. She keeps thinking of Hope, of the car accident, and of Jonathan’s parents. She’s sure Jonathan is lying next to her thinking of them too. She puts her arm over him and snuggles in close hoping restful sleep will come for both of them before long.
Chapter 37
Altitude
Noun; a high level
On the way to the dealership the next morning, Faith has a revelation about what she wants to do with her car.
“If Hope’s car is totaled, which it sounds like it will be, I’m going to give her mine.”
“That’s a great idea.”
“I think it will help her. Even if everything gets covered by insurance that can take a while.” She looks at Jonathan. “I feel guilty for going car shopping while she’s still in the hospital.”
Jonathan reaches for her hand. “I’m sure she’ll appreciate it. And don’t feel guilty, she’s happy for you. Have you talked to her about it yet?”
“No. I only just thought of it. I will talk to her after all the paperwork is done.”
“OK.”
“I’m also going to step up at the café while she’s out. I need to feel like I’m helping somehow.”
“I get that. You know I support you.”
“Thank you for that.”
Jonathan pulls into the parking lot. Parking near the front of the building, he sees Chad through the window standing near the entrance. He quickly gets out and opens Faith’s door for her. Chad greets them just as Jonathan closes it behind her.
“It’s so great to meet you, Faith. Jonathan has told me a lot about you. I’m ready to find you the car you’re looking for.”
“Thank you, Chad. It’s wonderful to meet you too!” They shake hands.
Chad asks, “Did you have anything specific in mind today?”
Faith tells him about the two vehicles she found on their website. He excuses himself to grab the keys for the Audi first. He comes back and hands the keys to Faith. “Are you ready to take it for a test drive?”
“Yes.” She takes the keys from him. She and Jonathan follow Chad to the car. Jonathan opens the driver’s door for her to get in. Faith uses the push button to start the car, leaving it in park. She looks at all the different buttons on the screens and steering wheel. Faith is certain this one is fully loaded with all the options possible. Jonathan sits in the passenger seat while Chad gets in the back.
Once the test drive is over, Faith pulls the car back into the dealership parking lot. She sees the Range Rover parked up front. For a moment, she feels panic creeping in at the thought that someone else might be buying it, but soon she sees that Chad simply had someone bring it around for them to test drive.
Chad says, “Now, before we get into this one,” he points to the Range Rover, “You still want to test drive it, right?”
“Yes, I do. I was actually a little worried when I saw it up here that someone else was buying it.”
“OK. What are your thoughts on the Audi?”
“I really like it. It handled well and I like all the features.”
Chad motions to the driver’s side of the Range Rover and says, “Let’s take this one for a spin.”
Faith gets in and starts the car. The guys take their seats. Midway through the test drive Chad asks her to consider the comparison of the two cars. She already knows in her gut that the Range Rover is the one for her. When they get back to the dealership she is ready to sign the paperwork.
Chad asks, “Are you sure you don’t want to see anything else we have?”
“I like the Range Rover very much. I don’t need to look at anything else.”
Jonathan says, “Excuse us,” to Chad. He grabs Faith’s hand and they walk away to talk in private.
“You’re sure that one is the one?”
“I am. I really like it. The Audi was nice, but I guess I can’t explain it very well. The Range Rover simply feels like it’s supposed to be mine.”
“OK. As long as you’re sure.”
“I am.”
They walk back into the dealership to find Chad at his desk. He looks up and asks, “Have you made a decision?”
“Yes. It’s the red Range Rover.”
“You won’t be disappointed. Let me get the paperwork started and then we’ll get you into the finance office for license, registration, and payment.”
Jonathan shakes Chad’s hand. “Thank you, man. This has been a great experience for us.”
“I’m happy to hear it. Come see me next time you need a vehicle.”
Four hours later Faith drives off the lot with her brand new Range Rover and heads straight to the hospital. Jonathan follows her.
Faith’s parents are sitting in the same chairs as last night. Hope looks more aware of what’s going on today.
“Hey Doubt. Good of you to come visit your broken sister.”
“Oh, you’re not broken and besides I have something to talk to you about.”
“What’s that?”
Diane interrupts, holding her finger up. “Before you two go on with whatever it is you’re going to talk about, your dad and I are going to go get some dinner.”
Hope squeezes her mom’s hand. “OK, Mummy. I’ll see you guys in a little bit.”
Frank asks Jonathan, “Did you want to come with us?”
“Sure. We had a long day. I could use some sustenance. Faith, I’ll bring something back for you.”
“Thank you.” She smiles appreciatively.
With that the three of them leave Faith and Hope alone.
“So, what did you need to talk to me about?”
“My car. I was thinking, since Jonathan insisted on getting me a new one, you can use my old one until everything gets sorted with the insurance companies.”
“You’re serious?” Tears welling up in her eyes.
“Of course!”
“I had no idea what I was going to do. Officers came and talked to me about the accident today, they were asking so many questions. I’m certain that this is going to be drawn out.”
“What were they asking you?”
“The basics. They mostly wanted a play by play of the accident to the best of my recollection.”
“I see.”
“They were nice, but it’s still so stressful.”
“Have you thought about suing the driver?”
“Dad mentioned that too.”
“You said it was a truck, like a semi? Was it a driver with a company?”
“Yeah, a semi. It appeared to be a Dalton Freight truck.”
Faith exhales heavily, “That could be huge.”
“Maybe. I really want it to be over with. As long as they pay for my hospital bills and give me what my car is worth I’ll be happy enough with that.”
“Hope, you had to have surgery. Your car, which is only a couple years old is probably totaled. You deserve to be compensated for that distress. Especially when you did nothing wrong except be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and on Christmas at that.”
“I know. My poor car, I’m sure it’s totaled. There’s no way it isn’t. The entire passenger side was smashed in. It’s a good thing no one else was in the car with me.” The tears start flowing more freely as she pictures her car in her mind and the truck coming straight at her.
Faith puts her hand on her little sister’s shoulder. “It’s alright Hope. We don’t have to talk about this anymore.”
“Thank you.” She grabs a tissue off the table beside her and blows her nose. Then continues, “Tell me all about your new car.”
Faith does as Hope asks, giving her all the details from the color to the bells and whistles.
“And he just paid cash for it?” Hope asks.
“Yeah. His parents left him money, but not only that, they invested it.”
“Wow, that’s crazy. I’m glad to know he’s treating you so well. Please make sure that his lavish gifts aren’t a façade for something else.”
“What else would there be? He works a lot. That’s his only downfall, if you could even call it that. It’s more just a part of who he is.”
“I’m not sure. It all really seems to be a lot. The house, the car, the new furniture? What does he feel like he has to prove?”
“I’m not sure, but I am sure that it’s coming from a genuinely good place.”
“OK, Faith. Like I said, I simply want you to be careful about all this.”
“I understand. I appreciate that. Not all men are bad, though, you know?”
“Only good one I’ve met is our dad.” Hope says matter-of-factly.
“He’s the best!”
They both smile at the thought right as their parents and Jonathan walk through the door. Jonathan brought Faith a hot turkey sandwich with some mashed potatoes.
“Thank you, Jonathan. This is perfect.” She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until right now, her stomach grumbles.
“Where’s mine, Jonomeister?”
“I wanted to bring you something, but the doctors have you on a special diet.”
“Special diet my ass. There’s nothing special about it.” She spats the words out.
Frank chuckles and looks at Jonathan, “He’s got her on an all liquid diet. They’ll start reintroducing some soft food tomorrow and see how her system reacts.”
“It’ll react the way it always has.”
Diane gently reminds her, “You had surgery, honey. Things won’t be the same for now. It’s going to take some time. Have patience with your body. It’s been through a lot.”
“I know Mummy.”
Frank asks, “Have you thought more about what I said?”
“Yeah, Faith agrees with you if that helps.”
“Only if it helps convince you. This isn’t something you should wait to decide on.”
“I just want it all to be over with. I don’t want to have to make phone calls and talk to strangers about it all. I just want it to be done.”
“I get it, dear. We can get you a few names if you want.”
Jonathan has an idea. “There is an attorney we use for Kansen Corp. She’s good. I can get you her information.”
Hope is confused. “Wouldn’t that be for business stuff?”
“She handles nearly everything. Trust me, she’s great at what she does.”
“OK.”
Frank slaps his knee enthusiastically. “That settles it. Anything you need Hope, we’ll help you. If you want, we can make phone calls too.”
“No. It’s fine. I can take care of it. Especially if it’s with someone that comes so highly regarded by Jonomeister.”
Jonathan smiles at her, happy that he’s able to help. Faith grabs his hand squeezing it gently to let him know that she’s happy he offered that.
Chapter 38
Lentitude
Noun; slowness, sluggishness
The week following Christmas goes by in a blur as it tends to do every year. It seems worse this year, however, with Hope having been in the hospital and the amount of hours Faith is working at the café. Hope was released from the hospital after a couple of days and is staying at their parents’ house since she still needs help with some things.
Diane decided to hold their Christmas celebration the evening after Hope came home. This years was a bit more somber than they wanted, and Hope’s diet was still limited, but they made the best of it given the circumstances.
Faith is loving her new car. She’s glad she let Jonathan talk her into letting him buy it for her. Now her mind is on New Year’s Eve. Jonathan told her he was making plans for the two of them, but was being very vague.
The night before New Year’s Eve Faith has no time to think about what could happen, Love’s Café is extremely busy. She tries to help her parents in every capacity since Hope isn’t able to work right now. Her mom has also been spending so much time taking care of Hope that Faith feels like it’s her duty to step up.
With everything she’s been doing at the café she realizes she never gave Hope enough credit for her role. She simply saw it as an easy job that Hope just more or less walked into. She has found out this week it is so much more than that.
Exhausted, she heads home for the night. Jonathan gets home shortly after her and makes dinner for the two of them. As they sit down to eat at the table Faith says, “Thank you for making this, Jonathan. I’m exhausted. I think it will be an early night. My feet are killing me.”
“I can give you a foot massage if you’d like. An early bed time might be in order so that you can stay up until midnight tomorrow.”
The thought of staying up that late was not appealing to Faith at the moment, but she told Jonathan, “I can’t wait.” Hoping she will feel differently tomorrow.
“It’s our first New Years, I want it to be special.”
Faith holds up her hand. “We wanted Christmas to be special and that didn’t turn out so great.”
“It wasn’t all bad.”
“No, it definitely wasn’t. There were some very special parts.”
Luckily the café is less busy the next day. After a follow-up doctor’s appointment, Diane brings Hope in to see that the place is still standing.
“Don’t mess up my organized chaos.” Hope says to Faith leaning in the doorway of the office.
“That’s what you call it?”
“Well yeah, what else would it be?”
“Simply chaos.”
“No. There’s a system, a method to the madness.”
“Please enlighten me.” Faith sets down a stack of papers in one of the many piles on Hope’s desk.
“If I did you wouldn’t understand it. It only works for neuro-divergents.”
“Sure. OK.”
Faith stands and motions for Hope to sit in her chair. “Are you ready to come back?”
“I’ve been ready, but Mom won’t let me.”
“What does the doctor say?”
“He said I need to give it at least another week. I’m ready now though.”
“I get it, but ultimately you need to follow what your doctor says.”
“I know.” She says begrudgingly. “This just sucks. I can’t stand sitting at home that long. It’s even worse at Mom and Dad’s. Plus, Mummy is always there.” She rolls her eyes.
“I can’t imagine.”
“No. You can’t.”
Faith smiles, a laugh threatening to sneak out. She doesn’t want to discredit her sister’s feelings, but she is reminding her of a much younger Hope.
Hope goes on. “OK. I’m changing the subject. What does prince charming have in store for you tonight?”
“Oh, I’m not sure. He hasn’t given me any clues.”
“I believe he’s going to propose.” She says matter-of-factly.
“Hope! Don’t say things like that. Now it won’t happen.”
“That’s why I said it.”
“If I could hit you right now I would, but I don’t hit injured people. Not even my injured sister that totally deserves it.”
Hope smiles, fully aware of the frustration she just incited. “It’s OK. You can hit me. I’ll simply go tell Mummy on you.”
“Some things never change. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do.”
“See you later, Doubt.”
“Happy New Year, Despair.”
Jonathan decided to leave work early to get everything ready for their evening. He wants it all to be perfect for when Faith gets home. He knows how hard she’s been working and how stressful it has been for her.
He stops in at the café to see what time Faith will be getting home. He peeks his head into the office and sees Hope sitting at her desk.
“Hey, Hope. How are you feeling?”
“Ready to not be stuck at my parents’ place anymore.”
“I bet.” He says looking around. “Have you seen Faith?”
“Yeah, she hit me and walked out of the office.”
“What?” He chuckles in disbelief.
“Sorry, I meant she said she wanted to hit me. Then she left.”
“OK. That makes a bit more sense.”
Right then, Diane walks up to the office door. “Good afternoon, Jonathan. How are you doing?”
“I’m good, ma’am.”
“I told you to call me Diane.”
“Yes ma’am.” He says with a smirk on his face.
Diane smiles then looks into the office as well. “Hope, are you about ready to go home?”
“Nope, can’t say that I am.” She gives her head a shake for emphasis.
“Well, I don’t want you to over-do it.”
“I know, Mom. Like I said I’m ready to come back.”
“Maybe next week we can start coming in for a few hours a day. Faith will be going back to school and won’t be able to be here as much. Let’s just give it the weekend.”
