With exactly 7 days away from the Election 2008, I thought it would be a good chance to sit down with the characters from my stories and see who they’re voting for and why.

You would think it would be pretty straightforward, but I’m sure we’re in for a couple of surprises.

If you’re missing your story fix, take heart, I’ll try to get back to the story at hand soon.

“Kristin, it looks like it’s just you and I.”

“Yeah, Dad. I hope we can find those girls.”

I went to the telephone and called up my parents. “Hey, Dad?”

“Yes, is that Adam? What’s up son?”

“I was wondering, could it be possible for you to keep a client under surveillance, and out of sight for me until I get back.”

“Get back, where are you?”

“I’m over in England, I’ll send Mom a postcard.”

“I don’t see why not.”

“Dad, she’s my very closest friend, but I’m afraid this whole ordeal is going awry, just be parents to her, and teach her how to cook! I’ll see you soon.”

“Where do I meet her?”

“I’m putting her on the nine o’clock flight out of Heathrow. She’s going straight to Utica.”

“Fine, I’ll pick her up when she gets here. See you, Adam.”

“Bye, Dad.” I was sad to see Tracy go, but I sent her on a one way plane trip back home, my home that is. I told her that she was to meet my family, who would care for her for the rest of my trip. With a heavy heart, I bid her good-bye. I returned to the school I had once went to in England, but the thrill, excitement, and exuberance I had once had in returning had fizzled. I abhorred the day, but I pressed on. I couldn’t let my true feelings show.

In school, I went to visit my old teachers and leaders. All were impressed by Kristin, and delighted in seeing me back. Many memories came back that day, but they only succeeded in compounding my feeling of loneliness. Try as I might, I could not hide this from my daughter. “Dad, boy that’s coming more easy now, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, dear, what makes you think that something’s wrong?”

“Well, you were all excited about returning to your old school and that, and now you’re like the world has ended.”

“Kristin, the girl of my dreams has left my side, thinking that I don’t love her. I just went back to a place in my childhood where I made friends that I’ll never see again, and I have no idea where those missing girls are, and you’re telling me that I should be happy?”

“Well, isn’t that what God says? Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.”

“I didn’t know you went to church.”

“For a little while. It was mandatory in the orphanage.”

“Well, you’re right. Let’s find those girls and go home!” I gave Kristin a big hug. We went to the apartment, and I contacted the rest of the group.

“Sure,” I said, handing her the clothes. She went into the nearby bathroom and changed. Coming out, she looked picture perfect. We all laughed, went to Phillip’s for tea, and then went back to the apartment for bed. “Well, what’s it going to be?’ I asked Tracy.

“Well, you said it was up to Kristin.”

“What’s up to me?” Kristin asked.

“Two people have to sleep in one bed, and one in the other. Who goes in which?” Tracy relayed.

“Well, seeing as you two are playing husband and wife, I figure that you should.” I smiled, “But since you’re not really, maybe Aunt Tracy and I should.” Tracy smiled. “On the other hand, seeing as though Dad and I are the only ones related in here, maybe we should.” Kristin smiled.

“Great deducing Kristin. I guess the only way to solve this is to draw straws. I’ll be right back.” I went to the kitchen, cut three straws, and returned. “See, three straws, two equal, and one bigger. Who wants to choose?” I asked. Kristin raised her hand, and I put my hand down to her level. She drew a straw, and I let Tracy draw one. I opened my hand to show the one left.

“Well, Dad, looks like it’s me and you tonight. Sorry, Aunt Tracy!” Kristin said.

“All right, dear, go get ready for bed.” I said. Kristin left for the bathroom. “Well, Tracy, fair and square. You saw the straws, maybe tomorrow you’ll want to draw first.”

“I’m happy. Another night in the same bed as you would be torture!” She said, heading toward the bathroom. Kristin came out and got on a nightgown. She slipped into the king size bed and started to sleep. I sat in the living room and gazed out at the stars. Looking, thinking, watching, and hoping that somewhere out there my friends were all as safe as I was. Little did I know what was actually going on. I whispered a prayer for the missing girls, for Kristin, and for Tracy and I. I then got ready for bed, and slipped in next to Kristin, who was sound asleep.

I awoke to the smell of breakfast, or was it of something burning. I couldn’t quite tell. I got up and saw that my daughter was still asleep. The clock said that it was nearing eight, so I quickly proceeded to awake her. She got up and slipped into the uniform of the school. I got dressed and entered the kitchen. “What’s cookin’, honey?”

“Pancakes, although I don’t think I’ve got them just right.”

“Never mind, dear, I’ve got a friend of mine coming over today who knows how to cook the most delicious meals. I asked him to cook some for you. Maybe you can give him a few tips on some American foods, like burnt pancakes.”

“That’s it; I’ve had it with you and your friends. You can count me out of the rest of this trip.”

“Darling, what’s the matter?”

“I can’t take this stress.”

“Tracy, dear, if you want to go home, just say so.”

“All right, I want to go home.”

“Fine, I’ll arrange for your immediate departure.” I said, sorrowfully. I walked over to her. “I still love you.” I whispered in her ear.

“Just leave me alone,” came the response. She went into the other room and packed.