Chapter 65
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On Tuesday August 23rd Eve woke up around 8am. She knew her father would be picking her up in about two hours. Eve showered, changed her clothes, then had a final breakfast with Julia. She'd become the only roommate that Eve really bonded with. Eve gave Julia her last pack of ciggarettes, she was going to try and quit. Eve brushed her teeth, and packed her remaining clothes. Then Eve got a few of the cards sent by children from around the country. These cards might help inspire her to come back, at least that seemed to be what colonel Sadler was hoping for with this policy. As Eve walked out she saw captain Greer. Eve said goodbye, thanked the captain for everything. Eve waited near the parking lot for her dad. Jessie was hanging out near there. They couldn't talk or be seen together, but Eve was grateful to be able to see him one last time. Then Zack arrived alone. Eve hadn't wanted Karen here, but wished he had brought Cujo. Father and daughter were glad to see each other again after two months apart. As they drove to Washington they kept the windows down. Eve wanted to adjust to losing the mountain air again. She'd miss this place, but was glad to be going home again. Eve ended up sleeping for much of the car ride to Washington. She had the jitters of someone trying to quit smoking, it was painful, but she realized she'd brought it on herself. They arrived at the hotel in mid-afternoon. The plan was to do some sight-seeing the two days before the reception. But for today, Eve just wanted a little downtime of swimming and watching tv. It seemed like Zack was holding something back from Eve. He admitted that he needed to explain a few changes that had happenned to her highschool over the summer. But that could wait until they got home. Eve should just enjoy their little trip. She decided to take this advice. With the countdown getting smaller Eve had learned to savor the little moments. Whatever bad news might be coming, it could wait.