The Appointment

The Appointment

“Are we here yet?” came a small voice from the back seat.

“No James, I’ll let you know when we get there,” Dad said, for what felt like the five thousandth time.

“Why is it so far? It’s never this far for Mom…”

“Mom drives you here from school, it’s closer. I’m driving you because there’s no school for you today.”

“Why isn’t Mom driving me?” James asked, also a repeat.

“I told you already, Mom had to work. Mom works for the school and all the teachers and staff had meetings today. That’s why you didn’t have school.”

“Oh, did the other kids have school then?”

A tad perplexed at this question Dad said, “No, Big Guy! All the kids have the day off. “

“Oh… and are they all going to the doctors?”

“No, but you had an appointment at BackGate, and since Mom had to work, I’m taking you.”

“Oh, we’re going to BackGate? I don’t remember this street…”

“Really? I thought this was the way.”

“You could look it up on the map…”

“This place isn’t on the map. Are you sure this isn’t the way you usually go?”

“I remember a bridge…”

“I better call Mom…”

Dad called Mom, then he turned around and went down a different street, then he called Mom again… and again…

Finally, about half an hour later, he spoke to Mom again and then turned onto the big highway.

“I don’t remember this…” James said.

“Plans changed. Mom is taking you to see the doctor tomorrow instead. So… you and I are going to the Zoo!”

“Yippee!!!”

Dad relaxed. He actually knew exactly how to get there. He just didn’t want to have James think of him as someone who brings him to appointments. Plus, Dad kinda liked the zoo…