Remnants - Ch. 4
chapter three
It's time for mix number three. This one's a touch on the frightening side given where we're visiting, but still cool enough to keep from getting any dirty looks from passing bikers. Pop it in, slow down, and take in the eeriness that is THE LOST COLONY.
BOO!
The first song is downright thematic and, with complimentary weather, Jared can feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as he drives down the 400 towards Roanoke Island, home to the recreation of colonial life Jensen had raved about in the journal. He's grateful there's a bridge to drive across instead of waiting for a ferry. The boat would cut back on the time he can spend at the park.
Jared braves the car line up for about five minutes before buying his ticket at the little toll booth that looks like a log cabin. The place looks downright cheesy, but Jensen seemed to think highly of it, so Jared's determined to give it a chance. Grabbing his camera, spraying sunscreen on his new tattoo, and making sure he doesn't leave his sunglasses or phone in the car, Jared heads to the large fort gates, hoping that it'll be as creepy as Jensen's entry makes it sound. Jared can't help but let out a groan as he realizes the place is about as creepy as Disneyland.
Chad had instilled a love of horror in Jared early on in their relationship and Jared had high hopes of being able to visit one of the most talked-about creepy places in the United States in celebration of his husband's love of the genre. This is a disaster to the extent that he almost wants a refund. Almost, that is, until he sees the aged wood sign carved into the shape of an arrow that states quite plainly:
CROATOAN
The smile on his face can best be described as child-like and Jared all but sprints in the direction indicated, hoping like nobody's business that they still have the damn tree. He's not disappointed.
“Holy crap. Holy crap!” Jared can't really stop himself from talking aloud as he takes in the tree from an arm's length, the inscription preserved on the old gnarled trunk and clearly making out the dreaded word. He snaps twelve pictures before asking one of the park employees to take a picture of him with it, his smile threatening to split his face.
Only when he's caught his breath does he realize that there's a rather large log structure close by with the words 'Lost Colony'. Still reeling from the excitement of having found the tree, Jared goes in and nearly has a teenage girl moment. Every artifact he could have dreamed of seeing is there, in shiny glass cases, ready to be gawked and gazed at. Next to each article is a little plaque indicating where in relation to the tree the artifact was found and what importance it holds. Jared stays for two hours, oblivious to the rest of the visitors and even the staff who occasionally try to interrupt his revery by asking if he could use any help. He takes so many pictures that he uses up his memory card's space on the last exhibit.
Once he's had his fill of the museum, Jared ambles around the rest of the park, taking in the reenactments with amusement and sometimes genuine interest. The day-to-day aspect interests him the most, and Jared finds himself mesmerized as he watches a woman secure her hair into a cap for a long day of cooking and cleaning.
Time slips by unnoticed, and before he realizes it, Jared's sitting on a hard, plastic, fold down chair and waiting along with an anxious crowd, for the Lost Colony play to begin. The production is stellar, Jared more than glad he'd decided to stay the night on the island instead of pushing through to Richmond. The act is the perfect way to end the night with a cold beer in one hand, and a second hot dog in the other.
Jared leaves the fort in a daze, his head filled with so much information about the lost colony of myth and legend that he barely feels the hum of the engine as he pulls out of the parking lot. Every last artifact was of intense interest and Jared drives to the hotel in something of a fog.
Excitement bubbles over him as he reaches the Comfort Inn on the main drag of the island, intent on telling his husband all about his trip, as though Roanoke was yet another business trip, and the day at the fort just a funny story that happened along the way. He doesn't see the strange expression on the manager's face as she hands him his key card, doesn't notice that the other occupants of the hotel shoot him dirty looks for pushing past them with his bag. Jared doesn't realize he's alone.
“Chad, babe, you had to see it--” Jared only realizes he's speaking to an empty room when the door clicks shut and there's no one but him inside.
“Oh god, they're gone!” The realization stabs like ice through Jared's heart, his knees cracking against the floor as he crumples under the weight of the truth. He lays there the rest of the night, on the dirty carpet, crying until his ribs threaten to shatter, until his lungs feel swollen and harsh, until there's nothing left to do but let go of the people he loved most in the world.
When Jared wakes the next morning, he can barely see. Feeling his way to the bathroom, the problem only becomes apparent when his face is mere inches from the mirror, nose squished against it so he can peer at himself through his lashes. His eyes are crusted shut and so swollen he can barely blink. His chest burns with the exertion of multiple sobs and his shoulders feel like they've been glued to his ears all night. Jared washes his face slowly, hissing as his eyelashes slowly and painfully separate from each other. The cold water soothes the constricted muscles in his face and ease the swelling of his eyes. A few minutes under the spray and physically, Jared is good as new. Psychologically is a different story.
He sits on a bed untouched by sleep and stares at himself in the mirror, trying to remember what it was like before the tornado. He remembers happiness and love, warmth and kindness, jokes around the dinner table, and late-night wake up calls from nightmares and horny husbands alike. He remembers Breanna chasing Jason around the living room with a laser gun. Remembers their kisses, their laughs, their smiles. More than anything, Jared remembers the last 'I love you's, the ones that will forever mean the most. The tears well again as he lays down and tries to rest, knowing there's no way he can hit the road in his current state.
Sleep doesn't come, but something new and a little frightening begins to emerge amidst all the nostalgia and melancholy. It's Chad's voice, strong and clear, the tone tender and a little sad. Jared's eyes shoot around the room, looking for any sign of his dearly departed and finding none. Still, the voice continues. Jared finds no choice but to lay back down and listen.
Babe, stop doing this to yourself. Just let us go. We're together and we're happy and that's what you've always wanted, right? Happiness for your family? So let us go, Jared, and remember that one day we'll be together again.
The tears stop, his face unscrews, and as slowly as a flower opening for the first day of spring, Jared begins to let go of the guilt, the anguish, and the torment that's plagued him the majority of the trip. He keeps all the good, and throws away the bad, and soon finds himself smiling along with his daughter, laughing with his son, and kissing his husband, the memories so vibrant that they feel real.
It's only a two hour drive from Richmond to Baltimore with a stop in D.C. and Jared's in much higher spirits after his night in Roanoke. There's quite a bit of traffic this early in the afternoon and, as Jared turns the corner onto Capitol street, he can see why. A flood of people in red, blue, and white are flooding into Nationals Park, ready to enjoy the Great American Pastime. Jared's intent on buying a baseball cap as soon as he gets in, but he's grateful he chose a navy blue v-neck to wear for the day. The last thing he wants is to stick out, or worse, wear another team's colors.
The excitement is palpable and since he skipped breakfast in favor of a shower, Jared's ready for some heart burn-inducing fare. After parking, walking what feels like a mile to the main gates, getting his ticket ripped, and climbing the long ramp up to the the seats, Jared finally makes it to one of the sellers, ordering a burger and some chili cheese fries with a coke. Despite having his hands full, he manages to find a cap seller and buys a limited edition Nationals cap, finally feeling like he's part of the hoopla.
His seats are easy to find and Jared's glad that he's on the aisle. Getting up and sitting down a million times just to let people through would be a lot more difficult if he was stuck in the middle of the row. He's a little early for the game, which gives him a few minutes to eat his food and appreciate the view in relative peace. It's a beautiful park, fashioned in the classic style of years gone by and Jared can't help but let the aura of history overcome him. He knows the park is only newly-built, but with the fans, the lighting, and all the different smells of food, drink, and turf, it harkens back to something unique and magical.
Before he knows it, the game is starting and, with the first crack of the bat, people are on their feet. Jared takes photographs at almost every opportunity, smiling the whole time, just happy to be there. The Nationals take an early lead against the Diamondbacks and Jared boos right along with the crowd as the teams switch positions so the Diamondbacks can have a turn at bat.
He refrains from beer because of the drive he has to make, but loads up on cheering for the team so much that by the time the game is over-with a win for the Nationals-Jared is completely hoarse. Everyone in his row jumps, then laughs in delight as a shower of fireworks rains over the stadium, lighting the sky in an explosion of multiple, flowering colors. Jared takes a few pictures and then enjoys the rest of the show, his smile one of awe and wonderment.
It was the perfect way to end the night. A win against the Yankees and a fireworks show to rival Disney. I just wish Josh could have seen it. He would have loved it. I think it won't really sink in that he's gone for a long time. I thought he was in the room the other day. Started talking to him and everything. It was just people outside though, and I was too tired to know the difference. I've seen so many things in the last few days, had so many amazing experiences and it kills me that he never got a chance to live that with me. Josh would have wanted me to do it though, to keep going and keep my head up and so I soldier on. Hopefully one day, I can take the trip with my husband and kids and show them just how amazing this big 'ol place really is.
Jared's smiling and wiping away the tears simultaneously as he reads the entry in Jensen's journal. It's one of the only ones in the book that talks more about his personal feelings instead of the various destinations he's visited along the way, and everything Jensen has written echoes true to Jared. Countless times along the way, Jared had found himself thinking the exact same way, right down to the talking-to-people-that-are-no-longer-there part.
The insight stirs something in Jared that he honestly thought he'd never feel again. It scares him and thrills him, shames him, and alleviates him all at once. It makes him feel guilty until he remembers something Chad had said to him one night in bed right after Breanna had been born. They had just finished doing their wills and Chad was feeling introspective. Jared had tried to silence him at first, not wanting to hear the words, but his husband wasn't taking no for an answers and so, after a deep breath, he had cupped Jared's face and whispered intently,
If anything ever happens to me, I want you to keep going and I want you to fall in love again. Your life doesn't have to stop just because mine does. Find someone who makes you happy, treats you well, and live out the rest of your life.
Jared brushes away more tears and chuckles a little at the memory, recalling how Chad had made him pinky swear and then kiss him to seal the deal. Looking up at the ceiling of the hotel, Jared knows exactly what Chad would want him to say.
“Okay, babe, okay.”
While the next day's trip should be fairly short-Jared's only three hours away from New York City, after all-Jensen, has other plans.
The second-last stop of the tour has to be Atlantic City. Mobsters, the board walk, the taffy. How can you go wrong? One needs their fill of mafia wannabes, since the boys in NYC are apparently not to be fucked with-or so I've heard. Make sure to ride the Ferris wheel and have the guy stop it at the top. The view is not to be missed.
Jared's certain he's never seen so much silicone, self-tanner, and bling in his life, not even on all the trips to Vegas that he'd taken while working. Once again, he feels alien with his brown hair and simple clothes, devoid of any labels or logos. He hits the beach first, wanting to go for another swim, since it feels like forever since Panama City. Despite the Atlantic having colder water than the Gulf, Jared sprints for it and lets out a sigh of relaxation as he's enveloped in the lazy waves not far from shore. Jared swims for an hour, enjoying the freedom of movement and the ocean current that very nearly puts him to sleep with its slow bobs. While he swims, he tries to decide whether or not to try his luck at the casinos. They soar over the horizon as far as the eye can see, and even from the ocean, Jared can read the signs beckoning people to come gamble away their vacation budget. Upon drying off, he decides not to, wanting to keep his funds intact for New York.
Salt water taffy is his next stop and Jared buys enough of the sweet candy to feed him and his extended family for two weeks. The box he buys for his family is printed with the original ads from the heyday of the boardwalk, Jared figuring he should send them all something when he arrives in New York. The candy is heaven when it hits his tongue and, with the zeal of a small child, Jared eats three pieces as he walks towards the rides at the other end of the shore.
There's only a small crowd this late in the day and Jared barely has to wait to get on the Ferris wheel. Due to his size, Jared gets one of the buckets all to himself and he relaxes as the ride kicks into gear. He's never been afraid of heights, so the slow glide up allows him to focus on the view of the sun setting over the water. Pinks, purples, blues, and yellows paint the sky, reminding him of Breanna's finger paintings and Jason's coloring books. For the first time, Jared doesn't cry over the memory but smiles wistfully instead, missing his little girl and his tough lil' guy. He snaps off a few more pictures, capturing the scene digitally, Jared knowing it will make a great ending to his already-stuffed notebook.
The rest of the evening is spent playing the games at the midway and having deep-fried everything. By the time Jared gets in the car, it's close to midnight and he's feeling just a little sick from all the food. A swig of Pepto is enough to keep the nausea at bay and allow him to make the short trek into NYC proper. He arrives at the hotel at 2am, a little bleary-eyed and still smelling like the ocean but thrilled to have made it to his own finish line of sorts. It's an accomplishment he didn't even realize he wanted to do, but now that he's here, he can't imagine how he had put it off for so long. The Grand Union is the most expensive hotel of the trip and rightfully so, since Jared will be spending more than just a day or two in the city. In fact, if all goes according to plan, he will be spending more than a few weeks here. He checks in, showers, and promptly passes out, Jared certain he hasn't slept in such a comfortable bed in days.
chapter five
It's time for mix number three. This one's a touch on the frightening side given where we're visiting, but still cool enough to keep from getting any dirty looks from passing bikers. Pop it in, slow down, and take in the eeriness that is THE LOST COLONY.
BOO!
The first song is downright thematic and, with complimentary weather, Jared can feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as he drives down the 400 towards Roanoke Island, home to the recreation of colonial life Jensen had raved about in the journal. He's grateful there's a bridge to drive across instead of waiting for a ferry. The boat would cut back on the time he can spend at the park.
Jared braves the car line up for about five minutes before buying his ticket at the little toll booth that looks like a log cabin. The place looks downright cheesy, but Jensen seemed to think highly of it, so Jared's determined to give it a chance. Grabbing his camera, spraying sunscreen on his new tattoo, and making sure he doesn't leave his sunglasses or phone in the car, Jared heads to the large fort gates, hoping that it'll be as creepy as Jensen's entry makes it sound. Jared can't help but let out a groan as he realizes the place is about as creepy as Disneyland.
Chad had instilled a love of horror in Jared early on in their relationship and Jared had high hopes of being able to visit one of the most talked-about creepy places in the United States in celebration of his husband's love of the genre. This is a disaster to the extent that he almost wants a refund. Almost, that is, until he sees the aged wood sign carved into the shape of an arrow that states quite plainly:
CROATOAN
The smile on his face can best be described as child-like and Jared all but sprints in the direction indicated, hoping like nobody's business that they still have the damn tree. He's not disappointed.
“Holy crap. Holy crap!” Jared can't really stop himself from talking aloud as he takes in the tree from an arm's length, the inscription preserved on the old gnarled trunk and clearly making out the dreaded word. He snaps twelve pictures before asking one of the park employees to take a picture of him with it, his smile threatening to split his face.
Only when he's caught his breath does he realize that there's a rather large log structure close by with the words 'Lost Colony'. Still reeling from the excitement of having found the tree, Jared goes in and nearly has a teenage girl moment. Every artifact he could have dreamed of seeing is there, in shiny glass cases, ready to be gawked and gazed at. Next to each article is a little plaque indicating where in relation to the tree the artifact was found and what importance it holds. Jared stays for two hours, oblivious to the rest of the visitors and even the staff who occasionally try to interrupt his revery by asking if he could use any help. He takes so many pictures that he uses up his memory card's space on the last exhibit.
Once he's had his fill of the museum, Jared ambles around the rest of the park, taking in the reenactments with amusement and sometimes genuine interest. The day-to-day aspect interests him the most, and Jared finds himself mesmerized as he watches a woman secure her hair into a cap for a long day of cooking and cleaning.
Time slips by unnoticed, and before he realizes it, Jared's sitting on a hard, plastic, fold down chair and waiting along with an anxious crowd, for the Lost Colony play to begin. The production is stellar, Jared more than glad he'd decided to stay the night on the island instead of pushing through to Richmond. The act is the perfect way to end the night with a cold beer in one hand, and a second hot dog in the other.
Jared leaves the fort in a daze, his head filled with so much information about the lost colony of myth and legend that he barely feels the hum of the engine as he pulls out of the parking lot. Every last artifact was of intense interest and Jared drives to the hotel in something of a fog.
Excitement bubbles over him as he reaches the Comfort Inn on the main drag of the island, intent on telling his husband all about his trip, as though Roanoke was yet another business trip, and the day at the fort just a funny story that happened along the way. He doesn't see the strange expression on the manager's face as she hands him his key card, doesn't notice that the other occupants of the hotel shoot him dirty looks for pushing past them with his bag. Jared doesn't realize he's alone.
“Chad, babe, you had to see it--” Jared only realizes he's speaking to an empty room when the door clicks shut and there's no one but him inside.
“Oh god, they're gone!” The realization stabs like ice through Jared's heart, his knees cracking against the floor as he crumples under the weight of the truth. He lays there the rest of the night, on the dirty carpet, crying until his ribs threaten to shatter, until his lungs feel swollen and harsh, until there's nothing left to do but let go of the people he loved most in the world.
When Jared wakes the next morning, he can barely see. Feeling his way to the bathroom, the problem only becomes apparent when his face is mere inches from the mirror, nose squished against it so he can peer at himself through his lashes. His eyes are crusted shut and so swollen he can barely blink. His chest burns with the exertion of multiple sobs and his shoulders feel like they've been glued to his ears all night. Jared washes his face slowly, hissing as his eyelashes slowly and painfully separate from each other. The cold water soothes the constricted muscles in his face and ease the swelling of his eyes. A few minutes under the spray and physically, Jared is good as new. Psychologically is a different story.
He sits on a bed untouched by sleep and stares at himself in the mirror, trying to remember what it was like before the tornado. He remembers happiness and love, warmth and kindness, jokes around the dinner table, and late-night wake up calls from nightmares and horny husbands alike. He remembers Breanna chasing Jason around the living room with a laser gun. Remembers their kisses, their laughs, their smiles. More than anything, Jared remembers the last 'I love you's, the ones that will forever mean the most. The tears well again as he lays down and tries to rest, knowing there's no way he can hit the road in his current state.
Sleep doesn't come, but something new and a little frightening begins to emerge amidst all the nostalgia and melancholy. It's Chad's voice, strong and clear, the tone tender and a little sad. Jared's eyes shoot around the room, looking for any sign of his dearly departed and finding none. Still, the voice continues. Jared finds no choice but to lay back down and listen.
Babe, stop doing this to yourself. Just let us go. We're together and we're happy and that's what you've always wanted, right? Happiness for your family? So let us go, Jared, and remember that one day we'll be together again.
The tears stop, his face unscrews, and as slowly as a flower opening for the first day of spring, Jared begins to let go of the guilt, the anguish, and the torment that's plagued him the majority of the trip. He keeps all the good, and throws away the bad, and soon finds himself smiling along with his daughter, laughing with his son, and kissing his husband, the memories so vibrant that they feel real.
It's only a two hour drive from Richmond to Baltimore with a stop in D.C. and Jared's in much higher spirits after his night in Roanoke. There's quite a bit of traffic this early in the afternoon and, as Jared turns the corner onto Capitol street, he can see why. A flood of people in red, blue, and white are flooding into Nationals Park, ready to enjoy the Great American Pastime. Jared's intent on buying a baseball cap as soon as he gets in, but he's grateful he chose a navy blue v-neck to wear for the day. The last thing he wants is to stick out, or worse, wear another team's colors.
The excitement is palpable and since he skipped breakfast in favor of a shower, Jared's ready for some heart burn-inducing fare. After parking, walking what feels like a mile to the main gates, getting his ticket ripped, and climbing the long ramp up to the the seats, Jared finally makes it to one of the sellers, ordering a burger and some chili cheese fries with a coke. Despite having his hands full, he manages to find a cap seller and buys a limited edition Nationals cap, finally feeling like he's part of the hoopla.
His seats are easy to find and Jared's glad that he's on the aisle. Getting up and sitting down a million times just to let people through would be a lot more difficult if he was stuck in the middle of the row. He's a little early for the game, which gives him a few minutes to eat his food and appreciate the view in relative peace. It's a beautiful park, fashioned in the classic style of years gone by and Jared can't help but let the aura of history overcome him. He knows the park is only newly-built, but with the fans, the lighting, and all the different smells of food, drink, and turf, it harkens back to something unique and magical.
Before he knows it, the game is starting and, with the first crack of the bat, people are on their feet. Jared takes photographs at almost every opportunity, smiling the whole time, just happy to be there. The Nationals take an early lead against the Diamondbacks and Jared boos right along with the crowd as the teams switch positions so the Diamondbacks can have a turn at bat.
He refrains from beer because of the drive he has to make, but loads up on cheering for the team so much that by the time the game is over-with a win for the Nationals-Jared is completely hoarse. Everyone in his row jumps, then laughs in delight as a shower of fireworks rains over the stadium, lighting the sky in an explosion of multiple, flowering colors. Jared takes a few pictures and then enjoys the rest of the show, his smile one of awe and wonderment.
It was the perfect way to end the night. A win against the Yankees and a fireworks show to rival Disney. I just wish Josh could have seen it. He would have loved it. I think it won't really sink in that he's gone for a long time. I thought he was in the room the other day. Started talking to him and everything. It was just people outside though, and I was too tired to know the difference. I've seen so many things in the last few days, had so many amazing experiences and it kills me that he never got a chance to live that with me. Josh would have wanted me to do it though, to keep going and keep my head up and so I soldier on. Hopefully one day, I can take the trip with my husband and kids and show them just how amazing this big 'ol place really is.
Jared's smiling and wiping away the tears simultaneously as he reads the entry in Jensen's journal. It's one of the only ones in the book that talks more about his personal feelings instead of the various destinations he's visited along the way, and everything Jensen has written echoes true to Jared. Countless times along the way, Jared had found himself thinking the exact same way, right down to the talking-to-people-that-are-no-longer-there part.
The insight stirs something in Jared that he honestly thought he'd never feel again. It scares him and thrills him, shames him, and alleviates him all at once. It makes him feel guilty until he remembers something Chad had said to him one night in bed right after Breanna had been born. They had just finished doing their wills and Chad was feeling introspective. Jared had tried to silence him at first, not wanting to hear the words, but his husband wasn't taking no for an answers and so, after a deep breath, he had cupped Jared's face and whispered intently,
If anything ever happens to me, I want you to keep going and I want you to fall in love again. Your life doesn't have to stop just because mine does. Find someone who makes you happy, treats you well, and live out the rest of your life.
Jared brushes away more tears and chuckles a little at the memory, recalling how Chad had made him pinky swear and then kiss him to seal the deal. Looking up at the ceiling of the hotel, Jared knows exactly what Chad would want him to say.
“Okay, babe, okay.”
While the next day's trip should be fairly short-Jared's only three hours away from New York City, after all-Jensen, has other plans.
The second-last stop of the tour has to be Atlantic City. Mobsters, the board walk, the taffy. How can you go wrong? One needs their fill of mafia wannabes, since the boys in NYC are apparently not to be fucked with-or so I've heard. Make sure to ride the Ferris wheel and have the guy stop it at the top. The view is not to be missed.
Jared's certain he's never seen so much silicone, self-tanner, and bling in his life, not even on all the trips to Vegas that he'd taken while working. Once again, he feels alien with his brown hair and simple clothes, devoid of any labels or logos. He hits the beach first, wanting to go for another swim, since it feels like forever since Panama City. Despite the Atlantic having colder water than the Gulf, Jared sprints for it and lets out a sigh of relaxation as he's enveloped in the lazy waves not far from shore. Jared swims for an hour, enjoying the freedom of movement and the ocean current that very nearly puts him to sleep with its slow bobs. While he swims, he tries to decide whether or not to try his luck at the casinos. They soar over the horizon as far as the eye can see, and even from the ocean, Jared can read the signs beckoning people to come gamble away their vacation budget. Upon drying off, he decides not to, wanting to keep his funds intact for New York.
Salt water taffy is his next stop and Jared buys enough of the sweet candy to feed him and his extended family for two weeks. The box he buys for his family is printed with the original ads from the heyday of the boardwalk, Jared figuring he should send them all something when he arrives in New York. The candy is heaven when it hits his tongue and, with the zeal of a small child, Jared eats three pieces as he walks towards the rides at the other end of the shore.
There's only a small crowd this late in the day and Jared barely has to wait to get on the Ferris wheel. Due to his size, Jared gets one of the buckets all to himself and he relaxes as the ride kicks into gear. He's never been afraid of heights, so the slow glide up allows him to focus on the view of the sun setting over the water. Pinks, purples, blues, and yellows paint the sky, reminding him of Breanna's finger paintings and Jason's coloring books. For the first time, Jared doesn't cry over the memory but smiles wistfully instead, missing his little girl and his tough lil' guy. He snaps off a few more pictures, capturing the scene digitally, Jared knowing it will make a great ending to his already-stuffed notebook.
The rest of the evening is spent playing the games at the midway and having deep-fried everything. By the time Jared gets in the car, it's close to midnight and he's feeling just a little sick from all the food. A swig of Pepto is enough to keep the nausea at bay and allow him to make the short trek into NYC proper. He arrives at the hotel at 2am, a little bleary-eyed and still smelling like the ocean but thrilled to have made it to his own finish line of sorts. It's an accomplishment he didn't even realize he wanted to do, but now that he's here, he can't imagine how he had put it off for so long. The Grand Union is the most expensive hotel of the trip and rightfully so, since Jared will be spending more than just a day or two in the city. In fact, if all goes according to plan, he will be spending more than a few weeks here. He checks in, showers, and promptly passes out, Jared certain he hasn't slept in such a comfortable bed in days.
chapter five