The next day, I got up at nine so I can see Dad take off when the cab gets by. At nine-thirty, the taxi arrived.

"There's the taxi," said Dad picking his suitcase up. "See you all soon."

"Have a great time," said Sharon.

"I will," said Dad as he came to me. "Bye, sweetheart."

"Bye, Daddy," I said as we hugged.

Later, it was raining and there was nothing to do. I read so many books, there's nothing good on TV, and homework is all done. Then, I decided to spend the day with Kayla and Kaylee at their house, which is three houses down.

"I was getting bored, so I decided to come over to keep me busy," I said.

"Good. We were getting bored, too," said Kaylee.

"We're planning to go on a vacation soon. Sharon said I can invite you both," I said telling them about the plans.

"Cool," said the girls.

We asked their parents and they both had permission.

"Sweet," said Kayla.

"That's another way to celebrate," said Kaylee.

"I know," I agreed.

That night, at dinner, Granny called Sharon saying the heater is broken and the plumber guy is on vacation until tomorrow, so she and Pop-Pop are on their way to stay with us. I don't mind.

When they arrived, Granny said, "It's quiet here."

"Richard is on a business trip for a month. He left this morning," said Sharon.

"Good for him," said Pop-Pop.

"He's getting promoted to a higher level as an assistant manager when he gets back," I added.

"Wow," said Pop-Pop.

"We were very happy for him," said Dawn.

"Which means he might have to work late whenever Randy is out, but jury duties are during the week so Dad and I can still hang-out on weekends, " I added.

"That's good," said Granny.

"We're very close," I said.

"Good," said Pop-Pop.

After dinner, the phone rang as I went to pick up from Dad and Sharon's room to answer.

"Hello," I said.

"Hi, my girlfriend," said Dad. "How are you?"

"Oh, hi, Dad. Fine thanks," I said. I was glad to hear his voice. "How is it over there?"

"It was raining when I got there," said Dad.

"Same here, it's still pouring a bit," I told him. "Granny and Pop-Pop are here because their heater broke and the guy is on vacation until tomorrow."

"I might be home about two weeks before the end of the month," said Dad.

"That's great to hear," I said.

"I know. Is Sharon around so we can chat for awhile?" asked Dad.

"Sure," I said. "Hold on. I'm using the phone from your room."

I came out and said, "Sharon, Dad's on the phone."

"Okay," said Sharon going to the phone. "I got it. Thanks."

I went to hang up the other one so they won't lose one another.