Didn’t go out that evening. After showering and nibbling on my chicken I made the decision to change my plans.

The original itinerary was 9 nights in Port Antonio the remaining 3 nights in Negril. Was there last year for Independence with my two crazy cousins, but I only stayed for two nights. I thought it would be nice to stir up some trouble there and get that lobster thermidor Murph talked me into seeking out at Teddy’s.

But the thought of leaving Portland was making my heart ache and my stomach spin. Before I ate another bite, I made the calls.

To the Negril hotel to cancel my reservation. They were cool once I said I would let the deposit ride until I can get there.

To the Ocho Rios hotel to make reservations for one night. I can stand the drive straight through on arrival, but it’s much too hard on departure. So an overnight stay in Ochee or Montego Bay helps me let go gradually.

Son #1 to let him know how things are going. He gave me grief for waiting more than 72 hrs to call.

Son #2 to check on the car. “Oh, hi mom. Um, there’s a little problem with the car.”
“How little??”
“The rear passenger window got off track somehow. “
“Oh?”
I hear his gf ask for the phone..
“Hi Miss Vi?”
“Yes Corrine.”
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
“uh, yes….”
“Awesome!”
“What’s this about the window??”
“Oh don’t worry about that. Kenny and I fixed it?”
“oh!….okay that’s good. How?”
“With Gorilla tape!”

Dear Father………..

I need mommy!!

“Hi Mom”
“Hey mon! How is everything there?”
***sigh***
“Mom, I decided I’m not leaving Port Antonio…going to stay for…..”
“OH yes you are, Vi. You WILL be at that airport on the day you are supposed to leave and you WILL get on that plane. And you WILL be there for your son to pick you up!!!”
“Wait MOM…MOM…”
“Did you hear what I said???”
“No Mom…you don’t understand!”

I hear my sister in the background ask what’s wrong Mom tells her I’m not leaving Jamaica. Sister asks for the phone.

“Hey…what’s going on???”
“Vanessa, put mom back on the phone. She misunderstood me.”
“Mom, she wants you back.”
“There is nothing else to discuss, Vi.”
“Mom!!! I decided not to go to Negril! I’m not staying in Jamaica for good…just Port Antonio until it’s time to leave.”
She laughs…”Oh, my bad.”

Did momz just say my bad???? Can’t handle this…I need a drink.

“When do you come back?”
“Next Sunday.”
“You better. Love you, Vi.”
“Love you too, mom.”

Why does it feel like I’ve had this struggling conversation with her before???

I needed a heavy drink and a light movie.
Rum no chaser and Despicable Me 1 & 2!