I find her sitting on the couch with her computer on her lap. When she places her finger on her lips, I notice the phone against her ear.
Dropping my bag on the floor, I plop down beside her. Like the creep I am, I try listening in on her conversation, but I can’t understand a thing. I close my eyes and wait for her conversation to end.
“So, it’s possible?” she asks the person over the line, surprised. She nods her head even though the other person can’t see her, and a smile lifts her face. “Yes, this is splendid news. Thank you!” Glancing over at me, she taps my knee in excitement.
What the hell has gotten into her?
I’m not complaining at all. Seeing the smile on her face is relieving. I try to peep at her computer screen. Maybe I’ll get a clue as to why she’s freaking out. When she slams the screen shut and sends me a glare, I frown.
Damn … that hurt. Okay, let’s be real. It didn’t really. I’m just exaggerating.
“Yes,” she says. “I’ll call you tomorrow to find out the details.” Ending her call, she throws the phone beside her. Turning toward me, she claps her hands. “I have something exciting to tell you.”
Sitting up straighter, I give her my full attention.
“I hope you love this.” She pauses and fiddles with the bun on top of her head. “Well, I know you’re going to love this. I just hope this works out.”
I raise an eyebrow. What is she getting at?
Taking a deep breath, she grips my hands in her own. “How do you feel about traveling the world?”
I freeze. Seeing my shocked state, she laughs. Is she saying what I think she’s saying? Judging by the gigantic smile on her face, I’d say yes.
“Don’t tell me—”
She interrupts, “I can’t see us going back home. We need a fresh start, away from that town. Athena invited us to join them on tour. You can do your college courses online while I work online as well. I contacted my office, and they gave me a new position that would allow me to. The two of us will still have responsibilities.” She gives me a pointed look. “If Leonidas distracts your focus, I’ll have to cancel our plans.”
My heartbeat speeds up—in a good way. My hands sweat as I nearly start jumping in my seat.
I voice my questions, rushed and excited, “So, I’ll be doing online school. How would that work?”
“The courses that you chose for the spring semester are available to be taken remotely. Every day, you’ll be expected to log on at a certain time. It will be noted if you don’t. You still have to finish work by the deadlines.”
I can totally do that. It doesn’t seem too hard.
“So, we’ll travel around the world with X3?” I perk up with a smile.
“I’ll be paying for everything, but, yes, if you want.”
I don’t know if I should cry or laugh. Both seem like pretty good options. But I just sit here, shocked, trying to process everything.
“What about the house?” I ask. “Will you sell it?”
She fiddles with a ring around her finger. “No, I’ll still own the house. Think of this as an adventure. It’s not permanent.”
“How will we get our stuff?”
“I’ll hire a company to get our clothes. They’ll ship them over to an address once I get one from Athena.”
Wow, she’s really thought this through.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” I ask her.
I hate to think Mom is doing this all for me. The thought of her leaving behind her life scares me. What if things don’t work out and she loses her job?
“This will be good for both of us. Traveling the world and moving on, all in one, seems more fun than staying at home and being reminded of everything.”
My eyes water. The thought of looking forward to my future makes me smile. I haven’t felt that in a while.
