What is that sound? That annoyingly chipper computerized tune? Slowly she opens her eyes to face the alarm clock between the two double beds in the hotel room. In obnoxiously large glowing red numbers, 2:00 AM shown from the clock. What is that sound? Oh, cell. Without looking at the caller ID, Shelby groggily answers the phone.
"Hello."
"Shelby, I need you to come get me," a woman said on the other line. Shelby bolted up-right in her bed and looked over to the empty one beside her with the covers thrown to the side.
"Harley, where are you? It is two in the morning and …," Shelby sleepily got out of the bed and dug in her duffel for a pair of jeans to change into instead of her pajamas.
"Marilyn's been in an accident." Shelby stopped moving and took in a deep breath. Counting to ten never helped much except it helped put things into perspective.
"Are you ok? Is Marilyn ok? Where are you?" Shelby asked calmly.
"Umm…I guess I'm ok. Marilyn is messed up pretty bad. Come get me Shel. I'm in front of that diner we ate at yesterday," Harley nearly whined.
"Give me a minute," Shelby told her before closing the phone and quickly packing. They had been at this hotel for nearly two weeks. They obviously would not be moving on tomorrow but that was something she would think about after she knew Harley and Marilyn were ok, in that order of course. She would have to go get Harley, take care of her, and find another hotel. Tomorrow she would check on Marilyn. Shelby thrived from to do lists and even in an emergency like this it comforted her to know what needed to be done.
Within three minutes, the room was cleaned and taxi called for. Super woman is off to save the day, yet again.