Catherine and Johns Saga, Ch-25, Driving to Catherine Home

John and Catherine checked out their apartments to make sure everything was a okay. They would take turns driving. John’s leg was much better. We will stop at the Drive thru for two large cups of coffee.

They had each gotten to bed later than usual. John has a bimorph with his coffee. Catherine gets an oatmeal cookie. They decided to travel along the ocean road.

“Pacific bay looks so calm and blue.” John said.

“There’s the bank of America building, it’s so tall. I think I’ll go to them for a loan for my business.” John continued.

“The Warf is one of my favorite places; there are so many shops where you find things that are different items that you don’t see in other places. Also there is the Wax museum.” Catherine said.

As they drove they both were in their own little world. The coffee hadn’t kicked in yet. Catherine was in deep thought about John and her mother. She would have to be firm with her mother. They saw the military base on Angle Island. At Richard mound was the navy base and port of all the ships. As we drove along we stated to see hills. On the hills were wind mills. Davis California University was off to the right side of the road.

When they came to the arm land there were Acers of orange, Grapefruit, and lemon trees. Seasonal migrant workers did the picking of the fruits.

Catherine’s coffee finally kicked in. she felt like her happy self. She smiled at John.

“Good morning, I love you.” She said to John.

“I wonder if you were ever going to talk to me.” John said.

“I need a minimum of eight hours of sleep every night. Otherwise I’m brain dead.” Catherine said.

“I love you too. I don’t need that much sleep. Six hours of sleep is enough for me. I sometimes get up from bed and do paper work and have a cup of camimeal tea. It relaxes me.” John said.

“I need to stop and walk around for a while. I’m beginning to stiffen up. Let’s see if we can find a city park.” John said.

They were lucky when they drove into town they saw a sign that said local park stop and enjoy. Finding the park was simple. It was landscaped with blocks of beautiful flowers John and Catherine headed for the rest room. Catherine came out first and was amazed by the lovely park. John came out and walked over to Catherine and gave her a warm hug.

“Do you think we can find someplace where we can buy a sandwich or soup so we can eat at the park?” Catherine asked.

They got in the car and drove own main street looking for a deli. They passed one so they parked and went into the deli and they each got a cup of soup and a corn beef sandwichfor John, Catherine got a chicken salad sandwich. They drove back to the park and found a bench and ate the tasty lunch.

“I feel so much better.” John said.

“We better get on the road again.” Catherine said. She was to do the driving. She knew her way now. She was in her home area now. On the outskirts of town they were getting close to her parents’ home. It was a red brick house with a white picket fence. They still had her swing set in the back yard. They got out the car and rang the doorbell. Rita, Catherine’s younger sister came to the door.

“Hi, about time you got here!” She said.

“Come in mother should be here soon. She’s at the hospital doing volunteer work. She thinks if she’s not there then the hospital will close down. Father will be coming on a plane from phoenix. He has to be picked up.” Rita said.

“I will be glad to do it. That will give John time to get to know mother.” Catherine said.

Looking out of the kitchen window Catherine saw mother arrive.

“Mother is here now.” She said.

“It’s so nice to see you again, give me a big hug!” Mother said as she came in the house.

“What time is father’s plane coming in?” Catherine asked.

“It comes at 2:45, would you go and pick him up?” Mother said

“It’ll be nice to surprise him, in that way you can get to visit with John, I want you to see the good points in him, and I better get going to the airport.” Catherine said.

Catherine then gave John a kiss and left him with her mother. John asks mother if she needs help in the kitchen.

“I’m not a stranger in that department. It will be a good way for us to get to know each other.” John said.

“I thought we would have pork chow Mein for supper. I didn’t want any heavy meal. I have a huge turkey and all the trimmings. You can cut the celery and onions. I’ll do the browning of the pork. Father likes my chow Mein. It’s something simple, let’s make each of us a small salad. John tell me about your child hood.” Mother said.

“I had a great childhood. I have two loving parents. My mother and father own an avocado orchard. We were brought up to love and respect one another. My parents worked together and still had time for us. I’m a hard worker but still find time for play. I’m a social worker; I hope to open my own business. Catherine and I have known each other for quite some time. I know that I love her very much. I think that she is a warm kind person. I’d say we are well matched for each other. We’d make very good parents.” John said.

Just then Catherine and Father came into the room.

“Were you surprised?” Mother asked.

“I was surprised and it was a good surprise. What’s for supper?” Father asked.

“Chow mien with rice and noodles. Say hello to John.” Mother said.

“Come on John lets go to the den and see if we can find a game on TV.” Father said.

Father and John go to the den and find a football game to watch. Father asks John about his future plans.

“I’d like your permission to marry your daughter.” John said.

“How can you support her and make her happy? I would be happy for you tow to get married, to each other. We have to get mothers okay.” Father asked.

“If you have a problem with anything let me know, I’ll be there for you. Now I missed that touchdown, I think we need to get some beverages to drink, how does that sound?” Father concluded.

“it sounds good to me, I’ll have a light beer if you have it.” John said.

After the ball game Catherine came in and said supper was ready. They went to the kitchen and sat down at the table. The food looked better than the Chinese buffet. Rice was nice and sticky, and the chow Mein was very good.

“How is work? Anything unusual?” Father asked.

“We seem to have younger people coming in for therapy. The younger generation is into sports more than the older people. Sounds like there’s your answer.” Catherine said.

“Mother you made an excellent meal again. I think I’ll keep you around a while.” Father said.

He gave his wife a big hug.

“I’ll do the clean up in the kitchen, then I’m going to a friend’s place over night. John can have my room, I don’t mind.” Rita says.

“I’ll have my old room to sleep in.” Catherine said

“I put clean sheets on my bed; I can always find a girl friend’s place to stay. We’ve done that before, they also have slept over here.” Rita said.

Mother, father, Catherine, and John all thanked Rita, for doing the cleanup of the kitchen.

“Mother you made a good meal.” Rita said.

“Mother now I know where Catherine gets her cooking skills from, you did a good job teaching her.” John said

They go to the den and watch a little TV. Catherine and John wanted to turn in early. It was a full day and tomorrow would be also. Catherine asks her mother to wake her up so she can help in the kitchen

“Good night and thanks again”