Chapter One
Jessica traveled by many methods. Trains, planes, cars, boats, donkeys, horses, and her least impressive, bus. She enjoyed most modes of travel and considered the methods part of the adventure. Her last flight to Germany had been luxurious, paid by her publishers so she flew first class with all the amenities they provided. She often went by train from New York to Portland, Maine. Usually business class which was enough for her limited needs. A few hours to catch up on mail, reading, or preparing for her class at Manhattan University.
Travel by boat was one of her favorites. She loved cruises but then she just enjoyed being on the water. Was it because she's a Pisces? Whether cruising or just fishing, it was so very relaxing for her. Travel by animal meant she was on vacation more than likely and not in a hurry. While she hadn't tried camel or elephant, she was usually competent on the back of an animal.
She thought they would travel by car. Seth Hazlitt, her dearest friend for years, made the plans and normally she would have checked to make sure everything was covered, but she didn't want to offend him. He said he would make sure all reservations were made. She just assumed a comfortably equipped air conditioned car was included. She never imagined a bus. She had ridden buses many, many times over the years but generally they only lasted an hour or two, not five days! She loved Seth, truly she did, but his miserly ways could be irritating.
Five days by bus, each day traveling 9 to 14 hours, stopping for meals, passengers, and overnight stays. She was certain that flying to their destination would only take 3-4 hours tops and once you figure in the price for food and hotels, surely the bus wasn't cheaper than flying.
Seth came toward her with a big grin on his face.
"Now, don't worry about the ride, Jess," he began. "I know you're thinking we'll be sitting all day but we won't. I upgraded our seats to the reclining ones and there's a vending machine if we want a drink." He was beaming at her.
Jessica tried to smile. Her two week vacation was beginning to sound more and more like she'll need a vacation when she returns from this one.
They walked toward the loading area with their luggage. The storage compartment was already open and they each checked one bag and took their overnight bags into the bus. They found their seats easily. The seats up front were roomier than the ones in the back. Seth put their bags on the racks above the window and took an inflatable cooler out. "I'm going back to the terminal to get drinks and snacks. I'll be back."
He left and Jessica looked around the bus. They were in row 8 on the right side of the bus so she would be able to see the driver. Seth had offered her the window seat and suggested they exchange seats when desired with each other. She saw signs for the single restroom in the back and knew she'd have to be desperate to use the facilities.
She reclined her seat to test it out, pulled out the meal trays for her and Seth and wiped them down with antiseptic wipes and tossed the used wipes in the small trash receptacle. She unpacked two books to read and a small blanket because the air conditioner on the bus was blowing full blast and she knew she would be chilled pretty soon.
The bus was filling up quickly, it was already over half full. She hoped it wasn't going to be a packed bus but it looked likely. She pulled her sleep mask, ear plugs, and tissues out of her small purse which she then put the purse inside her overnight bag. She saw Seth returning and frowned. The cooler was now filled, hopefully with more than just sodas but it was the large bag of snacks that worried her. She watched him board and make his way over to his seat.
"I got us a few things to nibble on just in case we get hungry. The first stop is in three hours but it's not a meal stop, that's two hours later." He pulled out cookies, chips, beef jerky, and a breakfast sausage biscuit wrapped in foil and placed it on the divider between them. Then he handed her the bag which contained two oranges, a banana, and an apple. "All set?"
The driver yelled out "All Aboard!"into the PA system and a few stragglers boarded before the door closed and they were on their way.
Jessica relaxed into her seat and began reading but after a few minutes she gave it up as a lost cause. Seth wanted to talk so they discussed (read gossiped) for a while.
They had been on the road for two hours and Jessica was getting a headache. Someone sitting directly behind her was playing their radio, loud enough to disturb her but not the driver, at least two babies were crying, and someone was snoring so loud she wanted to cover her ears. Seth had a puzzle book he was working on so she picked up her book again and tried to concentrate. She knew this was a short travel day, only nine hours, so she couldn't wait until they were at their hotel.
They stopped at a Taco Bell for lunch. Inexpensive and filling was the reason for the restaurant choice. Seth bought a burrito, taco, nachos, and something called a chalupa. A large Pepsi and what looked like cinnamon twists rounded out his meal. Jessica didn't indulge in fast food too often so she played it safe with a chicken quesadilla and iced tea.
The food didn't seem to agree with everyone and soon odors were wafting down the aisle and windows were being opened. Eating beans before a long bus ride wasn't a good idea. The open windows helped with the smell but the bus warmed up once the air conditioner was turned off. Seth was taking an afternoon nap against the window so Jessica reclined her seat and hoped the music wouldn't start up again.
Their dinner stop was at a family buffet where kids ran around freely, sticking fingers in the food. Most of the food was fried but Jessica was able to get a filling salad with garlic bread and corn on the cob. Seth filled up on spaghetti with meat sauce, ribs, bbq chicken, fried shrimp, baked potato, and apple pie for dessert.
It was a stuffed group that returned to the bus for the last leg of their journey for the day.
The bus pulled into a large motel parking lot. There were large rvs that took up a huge section of the lot and people sitting on lawn furniture were outside socializing. Jessica studied the motel through the window. She thought they were staying at a hotel but this two story motel looked dingy. The pool water was greenish brown and the nearby picnic tables were covered in bird droppings. There was a lot of outdoor lighting that helped her see. She wondered how much worse it would look during the day.
The driver was unloading the luggage from the storage area beneath the bus so Seth and Jessica waited until theirs was brought out.
The reception area was well lit and clean so Jessica was relieved.
"Dr. Hazlitt, here's your room card key. The complimentary breakfast begins at 6 am and ends at 9:30 but your bus leaves at 8 so no worries. Will you need one key or two?"
"Why would I need two keys?" he asked. He was ready for a hot shower.
"For your guest? You reserved your room for you and a guest." she looked over at Jessica.
A sinking feeling in the depths of her stomach told her she was probably the 'guest'.
"I would like a room of my own, please." requested Jessica.
"I'm so sorry but we're full tonight. There are two beds in the room, surely you can manage for one night?" She looked at Jessica expectantly.
Jessica looked over at Seth who was staring in dismay. She wasn't going to cause a scene and embarrass him. "It seems I have no option," she replied.
The receptionist smiled and handed Jessica a room key. "You might want to contact other hotels where you might be staying to make sure they'll have separate rooms for you two. The bus tours fill up the rooms quickly."
Jessica looked for the bus driver who would have all the places reserved for them so she could call and make necessary changes but he wasn't in the lobby. A look in the parking lot showed the bus was gone!
Seth tried to be reassuring. "Jess, a bus will be here in the morning."
Jessica sighed and followed Seth outside to their room. Their room was on the first floor near the end. Entering first she saw that the room was acceptable, barely. The bathroom appeared clean if the overpowering smell of bleach was an indication, and the bedding looked fresh. She knew she would be awake most of the night.
"I'm sorry, Jess." Seth did look contrite. "It can be like camping." He gave a hopeful smile.
"We can manage one night, Seth. Would you like to shower now or in the morning?"
"You can go first, Jess."
Jessica grabbed her toiletry kit, pajamas, robe, and shower shoes and entered the bathroom. Conscious of Seth waiting his turn, she only took a few minutes to wash the bus ride off of her, brushed her teeth, and exited.
While Seth was in the bathroom, she sorted through her belongings and took out her clothing for the next day and put today's clothing in a bag to keep it separate from her clean clothes. Having organized her belongings she got into bed and set the alarm clock for 5:30 AM. She listened to the shower running for several minutes and wondered how long it took Seth to take a shower.
Apparently a long time because twenty minutes later he was still in there and Jessica was tossing and turning trying to sleep.
It was thirty minutes later when Seth finally left the bathroom. He turned on the room light and noisily put away his clothing by opening and closing his suitcase several times.
"Jess, are you asleep?"
"As a matter of fact, Seth, I'm not." Jessica turned over and looked at him. "It's difficult sleeping when the light is turned on."
"Sorry, I'll just be a minute longer. I just wanted to say, I know we got off to a rough start but it will be a better day tomorrow." He turned off the light and got into bed. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Seth."