Chapter 3 III

I woke up earlier than usual. I wanted to surprise mom with an American breakfast before leaving for work.

I had to leave earlier to go through study control at the university. So talk to the secretary about scheduling exams. Distance education course, the material was publish on the web. Therefore, attending in person is part of the relationships I cultivated with the university staff. That way, I find out the details.

I think that the interaction that results from physical contact cannot be replace by any other method, not even a video encounter.

What a pleasure to see Carmen's face when she came down and found breakfast served.

- Good morning, mommy, do you like it?

-Happy day, daughter! Have I fallen asleep? What time is it?

- No not at all. I got up early. I have to go through the university before going to the office.

- And so? Are the exams already starting?

- No, they haven't even published the schedule. That is why I am going to arrive in person. This is how I greet them and find out what the planning is.

- Very good. Always so organized.

-Thank you, mom.

- Let's go eat, it's getting cold...

- It was delicious... Especially these breads, soft and spongy.

- I already make them by eye, without a prescription.

-You inherited the family's culinary talent; I never tire of telling you.

-Thank you, mom.

In the afternoon, I go to the academy, I have dance today. I'll arrive at night. Do you need anything else?

- Yes, stop by and buy cheese and vegetables.

- Well, if you remember anything else, write to me.

- I wash and go out. I do not like to be late.

We said goodbye and I went to the parking lot. These days I find myself very motivated. I really want everything to turn out as I wish.

The day is cool, after the rain the night before. The wet streets invite me to drive slowly. In a few minutes, I cross the city to the institution's headquarters. Greeting and entered the premises.

I arrived with a splendid smile, which infected those present. I took a seat and waited to be attend to.

The manager receives me shortly after.

- Good morning, beautiful, what brings you here? Tell me. I wish all the students arrived like this, with a smile!

- Noticeable? I'm just happy. How have you been?

- So cute! Loaded with work, same as always.

- You will surely get everything out soon. I came because I want to know when they publish the testing schedule. I have to travel.

-What good news! Where are you going?

- I'm going to visit Italy.

- I congratulate you; it is a beautiful country. Moreover, the gastronomy... a delight.

- Yes, I don't know how I'm going to do it, maintaining my weight in the face of so many temptations will be a challenge.

- The important thing is that you enjoy. The rest is secondary.

Regarding the exams, they are still meeting waiting to define the dates. I think that by this week we should have everything ready.

-Can you send me a message? I need to know what books to take to study there.

- In Italy, I doubt it...!

- Yes, they have already told me, ha, ha, ha.

- That is a trip that you may take only once in your life. My advice is that you forget to bring books, but I will still let you know when I know the dates for each subject.

- You're great, I appreciate it. Nice to see you. I'm leaving, I have work to do. We talk to each other...

- Bye beautiful, good luck on your trip.

- Thank you.

I left the meeting very excited and went to the office, located fifteen minutes away by car.

Upon arrival, I greeted my companions. I arranged everything and started the day. I turned on the equipment and took out the agenda. I used to read what I had pending for the day.

I started by sorting and identifying the folders in the file. I want to enter the documents of the properties recently acquired by the company. It's one of the few manual tasks I do. The rest is all in the computerized system.

I am busy cutting the labels when I receive a call on the internal line. My boss asks me to come to his office.

I put aside what I had started and went out through the interior patio to the corridor that continues after the fountain. On the right hand side, Mr. Felipe's private room. Right next to the library.

- Knock!

- Who?

-It's me, Alessandra.

- Just pass.

- Good morning, how are you?

- Good and you? I have sent for you for the following. The man from the agency is driving me crazy. I already have to give him the date to issue the tickets for your trip.

My face lit up. Unable to contain my joy, I smiled and told him. Taking the calendar from the desk.

- Excuse me, may I?

- Sure, see the dates to call him at once.

- I would like to travel this coming week, between June 10 and 15. That is how I spent my birthday there.

- Ha! Bravo, very well thought out.

Mr. Felipe called the agency and informed the operator of the date of the trip, with return 15 days later.

- Thank you, Mr. Felipe. I don't know how to thank you for everything you've done for me.

- It's no big deal. You just enjoy it and tell me, do you have a suitcase?

- Yes, I have a small one, but I need another one.

- Let's see, don't pack a lot of luggage because later it will get in your way. There you are sure to buy something. Take the suitcase you have and, at most, a handbag with the most essentials. Take it from me that I hate walking with a lot of luggage. It is more tedious when moving.

- I will do so. You have more experience than I do.

- Don't believe it, when you travel a lot it annoys you. It's like everything, at first you are dazzled. Then you pray that you stay home in peace.

- That's how it is. You are right. Therefore, if you don't need me, I'll leave. I am adding some documents to the file.

- Go easy. I have to make a few calls. As soon as they send me the electronic ticket, I'll let you know. You print it and make a copy. Did you check the passport? Stay tuned for that.

- That was the first thing I kept in my luggage. It is valid; it expires in 3 months.

-Then you should go renew it. Therefore, they don't allow you to travel.