Chapter 32: Off to Barbados (Eventually)
Chapter 31
The day of the trip finally arrived. The house buzzed with a kind of chaotic energy as everyone scrambled to get ready. Suitcases were being zipped shut, passports double-checked.
I was the first one fully packed and dressed, sitting on the couch with my backpack already slung over my shoulder. "Let's go already," I said, watching Alan shuffle between the living room and kitchen for the third time.
"Jake, we can't leave until your mother gets here," Alan said, trying to zip up his overstuffed suitcase. "She insisted on driving to the airport together."
"Because nothing says vacation like shared awkward silences," Charlie added, waltzing into the room in a Hawaiian shirt and sandals. "Who's ready for paradise?"
Alan raised an eyebrow at Charlie's outfit. "You do remember we're going to New York first, right?"
"Yeah, Uncle Charlie," I said, pointing at Dad, "we already have Dad to embarrass us. Let's not double down."
It wasn't a direct flight to Barbados. That part was my idea. Before heading to the Caribbean, we were stopping in New York City for six days. I'd never visited in my past life, and I wasn't going to miss the chance now. Museums, Wall Street, Central Park—I had a list, and I was ready to check it off.
"Thank you, Jake," Alan said flatly, clearly unamused.
"Fine," Charlie muttered, disappearing down the hallway to change out of his beach gear.
Judith arrived five minutes later, perfectly on time and already flustered. "Are we really doing this?" she asked, clearly still trying to convince herself.
"Yes," Alan replied, dragging his suitcase out the front door.