I stood and began following him to the door, but I was puzzled.
“You mean, leave now? Right now?”
He laughed slightly as he pulled me along. “My superiors need me to leave tonight, so I’ve made all the arrangements, but we have to hurry.”
“But—”
“I’ll explain on the way, honey; I have some deadlines I must keep.”
I managed to grab up my purse then with Dad’s hand on my back, propelling me forward, I walked out of the apartment, out of the building, and out to a car, a strange car.
“This isn’t our—”
“Shh!” Dad hushed me as he held the door for me to get in.
I looked over my shoulder into the back seat as my father walked around the car. There were no boxes or suitcases there. Where were our things? And why was he acting so oddly?
“I’ve already brought your suitcases to the bus station.” He forestalled my questions. “I know you’re wondering what is going on, but you’re not to worry.” Dad gave me what I supposed was a reassuring glance as he backed the car out of the parking space. “You can’t come with me this time, Meri.”
“What? What do you mean?” I stared at his profile. “Bus station?”
“We only have a few moments before we get there. I’m sending you to a small town on the northeastern side of the state called Hoyt Lakes. It’s a new town, a mining town, and I got you a job there at the public library.”
“What?”
“I’m going to be working in kind of a remote area, and my boss suggested I go alone. Now that you’re all grown up, I figured you wouldn’t mind. Besides, it will be an adventure. Here.” He handed me an envelope. “I’ve explained as much as I can in that, and you can read it on the way, but you have to go now, honey, because the last bus will be leaving soon.”
“But, Dad! Where will you be? Why can’t we be together? I’ve never been on my own! You got me a job? How long have you been planning this? What’s this all about?”
He stopped the car along a curb, checked his watch, and turned to me. “Wow, it’s getting late. I better drop you here because I have to be at the airport in just a few minutes. You don’t mind walking the rest of the way, do you?”
“Dad!”
“You have only a few minutes to get on the bus. Here’s the ticket and the bus number. All your things are loaded and the tags are with your ticket.” He took a deep breath and smiled again. “I love you, Meredith, you know that. I’m so sorry about rushing you like this, but…”
He reached for me and drew me into a hug, kissing me on the cheek. “No more talking. You have to go now!” He reached across me and opened the door, giving me a little shove. “There’s nothing to worry about; you’ll do just fine. I’ll write as soon as I get settled.”
I stumbled out with my questions flying at him, but he pulled the door shut and sped off. I stood on the sidewalk in astonishment as I watched the car disappear.
What just happened?
I looked down at the envelope in my hand and then at the ticket. Noting the time, I knew that I had to hurry if I was going to make it to the bus station. But did I want to?
I looked at the houses along the city block where I was standing. Where would I go if I stayed here? Our apartment was empty. I knew practically no one in the city. I began moving down the sidewalk. My father left me no choice but to board that bus and go to some town. By myself.
I picked up my pace and willed myself not to faint.
