I know this chapter is really short but I promise there will be broe in the next chapter. ;) be patient with me please. LOL





I search for my luggage when I'm finally pulled from my thoughts and head out to hail a cab. My eyesight is not the greatest and so I still can't drive a car (I've never even tried for that matter), but I can see and it's enough for me. I tell the driver my destination and we're off to the old loft where my family used to live. Dad gave me the keys and told me I could live there if I liked or I could stay there for a while until I found a place of my own. I decided I would stay. I liked the loft and it reminded me of so many good times.

After I unpack my bags I'm exhausted and I'm barely out of my suit jacket before I fall asleep on the couch.



When I wake up, it is dark and I know it is late. A funny thing about the dark is that I can navigate my way through it better than I can in daylight sometimes. I open the fridge which has been stocked full

and take out a coke. I let the sweet syrup invade my senses and it feels good to be home.



I make plans to visit the new blind facility that Basic Black has sponsored and appointed me to run. I know in my heart that I will love working there and helping other children who are as isolated as I was as a youth.

I can't help but wonder if I will be able to see Chloe tomorrow and I smile at the mere thought of seeing her.

I find myself yawning again and I make it up to my old bedroom, where a larger bed than the one I had as a child, sits in the centre of the room. I pull my tie from my collar and unbutton my shirt and slacks, sinking into the cool sheets wearing only my boxers. I close my eyes and instantly I'm asleep.





I wake up the next morning and I feel revitalized. The shower is nice and I let my hair air dry because I'm already late for the meeting I scheduled. By the time I get there the meeting has started without me and I have to excuse myself as I find a seat.

"As I was saying," Dr. Pete Wilson says as he faces the twenty member staff, "this is one of the best facilities, built to include the most modern technology and I expect you all to work hard to ensure that our patients receive the best care. Mr. Black will be heading up our team of counsellors, if you have any problems I suggest you see him. I will now appoint the floor to Mr. Black, unless anyone has any questions." No one did.

I stand and I face the crowd, I feel my cheeks get hot and I'm hating this. I'm not good at public speaking and I want to get it over with as soon as possible. "Thanks Pete. First I want to welcome you all. I'm very glad to have you all here. I just wanted to say a few words and then anyone who wishes may speak. As some of you know, just a few years ago my father brought me to a place similar to this and I was one of the lucky ones because my family had money and so I stand before you today a person who can now see. But it wasn't too long ago that I was in the same shoes as the people that will be visiting this place. What I ask of you, is for you to have compassion and understanding. Some of these children will be angry and some will be painfully shy and those are the kids we need to work on. Besides offering medical services, this facility was designed to counsel blind children and parents of blind children. I expect professionalism, but I also expect warmth. I want people to leave this place feeling better about themselves, not ashamed because they cannot do things. It is our job to try to counsel these kids and if we cannot help them to see, show them that they posses many other gifts. I guess I just want you to make these kids feel good and normal. That's all I really have to say." I finish and I sit down and I can't believe the tangent I just went on. I survey the room and people smile at me, I smile back and I feel good. I know this is going to be a great place and I feel like I can make a difference.



The meeting is adjured and we break for lunch. There is still a lot to do before the centre can be opened.

I decide to walk around Salem place and see the things I desperately wanted to as a child. I feel nervous because I know I can't avoid confronting Chloe forever. I want to see her and soon, but I'm afraid once I do, I'll just blurt out I love her and freak her out. I want to tell her when the time is right, I want to tell her after I make her fall for me.