Page 18 of Salute, To Bravery
“Confirmed” popped up in bold letters across my screen, followed by an impossibly long confirmation number.
I gently closed my laptop, a satisfied grin spreading across my face, and scooped up my laptop and shoved it into my work bag. I felt unstoppable, and could hardly contain my excitement.
I had been planning this trip for months, but work had prevented me from making any solid plans. With only a week to spare, the powers that be finally approved my vacation days. Little did they know, I wouldn’t be coming back. My resignation letter was scheduled to be sent an hour after I left tomorrow morning. That gave them a month while I was on vacation to find a replacement. I hated doing it this way, but I didn’t really have a choice.
My phone buzzed on the table and pulled me out of my train of thought. My cheeks stretched into a bigger smile when I looked at the caller ID.
“Hey, Sophie! You have perfect timing. I just confirmed the RV rental for the trip. This is going to be so much fun, I can’t wait,” I gushed as soon as I picked up the phone.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Give us time to say hi first, O.” Sophie chuckled on the other end. The sound felt empty.
“Us?”
“Oh, I’ve got Emmy here with me. You’re on speakerphone.”
“Oh awesome. Are you guys ready for the trip?” There was hesitation at the other end of the line. “Or not? What’s up, guys?”
This time it was Emmy’s turn to speak. “Look, O, we need to talk about the trip.”
“Sure, do we need to make some changes?”
Again, I was met with hesitation. Sophie sighed. “O, we can’t go. Is there any way to reschedule?”
“Wait, what? Why?”
Emmy cleared her throat. “O, we got a call from your mother. She told us all about the plans for this weekend. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I didn’t tell you because I had no plans of going.” I gritted my teeth. My meddling mother would be the end of me.
“Uh, O, you kind of have to be there. You’re literately the entire reason for the party.” Sophie sounded genuinely confused.
“Her and Josh.” Emmy giggled in the background.
Sophie tried, and failed, to hide her snicker.
“Guys, I’ve already rented the RV. The plans are made, we can’t back out now. Come on, this will be fun!” I tried to completely ignore the subject at hand.
Sophie’s mood sobered up. “O, get a refund. You know you have to go. Plus, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to. Josh is hot as hell and is the perfect match for you.”
“Plus, you’ll never have to work another day in your life. Just face the music already and stop complaining.” I could almost see Emmy’s eyeroll through the phone.
“We’ll see you at the party, okay, O?” Sophie tried to sound upbeat again. “Oh, and wear that pastel pink dress, it always complimented your skin tone so well! Love you, hugs andkisses.” She made kissing sounds through the speaker and promptly hung up.
I sighed as I looked at the screen. Then I pursed my lips before chucking the phone into my bag with my laptop. I’d just have to deal with them later. For now, I had to get my ass to work before I was late.
The walk to the hospital was dull as usual. The strangers on the street paid me no mind as I weaved between them with my music blaring in my ears. I’d made this walk every day for the last two years, and the only familiar faces I could recall were the few shopkeepers who were opening their stores or taking over for the night shift.
Between six and seven in the morning was a time of day that I had truly come to hate. Everything was loud, everyone was in such a hurry. There were too many smells to take in and everything just assaulted my senses. I much preferred working night shifts, but the job I took at the hospital only had a day shift available, and it was within walking distance of my studio apartment.
Taking the alley to my left, I came upon the side entrance that I and my coworkers used to enter the hospital. As always, a few of my favorite people were outside smoking their last cigarettes before their shift.
“You know you shouldn’t be smoking, it’s not good for you. And it makes you smell terrible.” I scrunched up my nose at the two techs.
Ashton took one long last drag off his before stomping it out under his shoe. “Yeah, yeah. That’s what you always say.”
The other tech rolled her eyes. “You ready to face the chaos? You seem kinda bitchy today.”
“Oh gee, thanks Anne.” I flipped her off as she pulled open the door.
