I decided to go on a Writer's Retreat. It seemed like the best thing to do to get Daren out of my head and mend my crushed and broken heart. A castle in Scotland, all inclusive, an open bar, and several hot guys in kilts? What could possibly go wrong?
“Now you sure you have everything?” my dad asked me as he
checked my ticket for the nineteenth time. Standing in the ticket terminal at
O’Hare airport, Dad seemed nervous.
“Yes, dad,” I answered. “Honestly, it’s just a couple
months. Think of it like I’m moving away to college.”
“You never did,” he sighed. “And call me worried or
whatever. I need to make sure my baby girl is protected.”
“I’m supposed to land in Heathrow at noon tomorrow and make
my connecting flight up to Edinburgh landing at four. Honestly dad, I’m
twenty-four, I know how to take care of myself,” I said.
He chuckled at that and honestly even I quirked a grin. We
both knew this “vacation/writer’s retreat” was merely an excuse not to see
Daren for his sister’s wedding. After being with him for that length of time
his two sisters, all of whom were in their twenties, and I were besties. I knew
it would break Jess’s heart that I backed out of being a bridesmaid but I just
couldn’t walk down the aisle of the church I had loved ever since I was a
little girl on Daren’s arm and smile.
“Okay just promise me that you’ll take care?” Dad asked.
I smiled at him and nodded feeling the threatening tears
behind my eyes. Clearing my throat I nodded again.
“I promise, dad, and I’ll call when I can, okay?” I said
throwing my arms around his neck.
“I love you, Nikki,” dad whispered in my ear.
“I love you too, daddy,” I replied. Slipping his hands up my
arms he broke my hold around his neck.
“Be careful, sweetheart, promise,” he said.
“Scout’s honor,” I answered.
Gathering my carry on that held my iPad and laptop, I tried
to smile as I walked towards security, but to be perfectly blunt, I could’ve
cried like a baby given half a chance.
Silent Whispers (c) M. Katherine Clark
