SWNOVELS Chapter 189
Ursula invited Jocelyn out for lunch.
"That woman looks a bit like..." Ursula watched Jocelyn's expression carefully, not wanting to stir any painful memories.
Jocelyn remained silent.
Ursula decided not to press on.
The two ordered their meals, called for drinks, and steered clear of any more talk of relationships.
Ursula pulled out her phone and opened Twitter, scrolling through her bookmarks to show Jocelyn. "How about visiting these places? With the world being so chaotic, maybe we should just find some relaxing spots closer to home."
Jocelyn hadn't insisted on traveling abroad; she just wanted to get away from here for a bit.
"Bucket list road trip on Route 318, wanna go?" Ursula suggested. "It's beautiful. Vast prairies, soul-cleansing snow-capped mountains. Sounds like a great choice. How about we drive ourselves, round up a few friends, and just soak in the scenery along the way?"
Jocelyn thought it sounded great.
"Then I'll consider it a yes," Ursula said, taking Jocelyn's lack of objection as agreement.
After their meal, Jocelyn went home to tell her parents about the road trip with colleagues. Calvin and Daisy had no objections.
They knew the strain Jocelyn had been under the past six months; it hadn't been easy for her to cope.
Now that she finally had some time, it was natural for her to go out, and have some fun for a change. "Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and don't forget to bring enough clothes," Daisy reminded Jocelyn. Jocelyn nodded.
Now, Daisy no longer brought up matchmaking for Jocelyn, and even avoided leaving wedding invitations on the table where Jocelyn could see it. Other people's joy was probably Jocelyn's deepest pain.
Ursula was quick to act. The next day, she dragged Jocelyn out to buy hiking equipment, essential medicines, sun protection clothing, and more.
They bought loads of stuff, filling the trunk to the brim.
"Will everything fit?" Jocelyn asked skeptically, eyeing the packed trunk.
"We'll switch to a bigger vehicle if needed," Ursula reassured her. "Even if it doesn't all fit, there's bound to be space in someone else's car. We can ask them to carry some of it." Jocelyn didn't worry about the details or who Ursula had invited.
The day of departure, Ursula picked up Jocelyn in an SUV to meet the others.
Upon arrival, Jocelyn recognized a familiar face.
"What a coincidence?" Harrison, dressed down in casual wear, approached Jocelyn.
Jocelyn glanced at Ursula, who looked innocent as she said, "I only found out Harrison was coming when I checked the travelers list this morning."
"What's wrong? Not happy to have me along?" Harrison asked Jocelyn.
Jocelyn shook her head. "Not at all. I'm just surprised you didn't go back home for your vacation."
"I've wanted to explore Route 318 for a while, but never had the time or the right company. When a friend mentioned this trip, I signed up since I had nothing else planned," Harrison shrugged. "Didn't expect to see you here, though."
Jocelyn didn't know if it was an coincidence but it didn't dampen her spirits.
There were over a dozen cars in the convoy, each with companions, except for Harrison.
"Damn!" Ursula suddenly burst out of the driver's seat to pop the hood. "My car won't start."
The others came over to help, confirming that her car had issues.
"Can't believe my luck," Ursula groaned. "I had it checked at the shop before leaving."
"So, what now?" someone from the group asked.
They were due to start the journey and any delays in getting a replacement vehicle would set them back half a day.
"Here's the thing, I'm solo, so hop in with me," Harrison offered. "We can take turns driving so it's not as tiring."
Everyone agreed it was a good plan.
Harrison looked to Ursula, waiting for her response, though he knew it hinged on Jocelyn's approval.
Ursula turned to Jocelyn, seeking her consent.
Not wanting to hold up the group and considering it would ease the drive for Ursula to share driving duties with Harrison, Jocelyn nodded to Ursula, "I'm okay with it."
"Then it's settled."
They quickly transferred their gear into Harrison's car, which had plenty of room to spare.
"I'll drive first," Harrison offered, heading to the driver's side. "You rest up."
"Sure," Ursula settled in the back seat.
As Jocelyn went to join her, Ursula urged, "Jocelyn, take the passenger seat. Keep Harrison company, and keep him alert."
Jocelyn frowned slightly.
Ursula gestured discreetly, "He's not just our driver."
Jocelyn sighed softly and took her place in the passenger seat, buckling up.
"Let's hit the road," Harrison said, as if he hadn't noticed Jocelyn's reluctance.
The convoy had already started moving, and Harrison followed suit.
Once on the highway, the vehicles spread out, agreeing to rendezvous at a certain rest stop before continuing the trip.
It was quiet in the car. Jocelyn watched the landscape whiz by, cracked the window for some air, but quickly closed it again as the rush of warm wind was too much.
Harrison played music, not loud beats, but songs suited for a journey with a loved one-romantic and heartwarming.
By noon, they stopped at the must-visit Heaven City. Everyone dispersed for lunch, ready to regroup and set off again.
"Harrison, you good to drive a bit later? That girl over there is not feeling well; I'm thinking of taking the wheel for her for a stretch," Ursula approached Harrison with a casual stride.
"I'm okay," Harrison replied, "I'd be riding solo anyway if you guys weren't hitching a lift with me."
"Then take Jocelyn along. I'll help them out," Ursula nodded towards two girls standing nearby.
"Sure thing."
Jocelyn eyed Ursula suspiciously as Ursula pulled her aside, "I'm just trying to lend a helping hand, honest."
"You better be," Jocelyn wasn't born yesterday; she knew Ursula was up to something.
Ursula grinned cheekily, "Come on, we're out to have fun, right? Gotta enjoy the views, or what's the point of all this?"
Jocelyn huffed.
"That's my girl." Ursula patted Jocelyn's cheek before confidently leaving her behind.
Jocelyn was speechless but couldn't do much about it.
Harrison handed Jocelyn a cup of hot chocolate and said, "Ursula's got a big heart, you know."
"Thanks," Jocelyn accepted the drink, "She's a good person."
Harrison pushed his glasses up with a smile, "Are you scared of being alone with me?"
Jocelyn paused, then laughed it off, "Scared? Why would I be?"
"Glad to hear it." Harrison could sense Jocelyn's restraint; she wasn't exactly keen on spending time with him. The convoy hit the road again.
Harrison was chattier than before, asking Jocelyn about teaching.
Both being educators, though at different levels, they found common ground when it came to their profession.
Discussing topics like college admissions was right in Jocelyn's wheelhouse.
Suddenly, Harrison's phone rang, which was connected to the car's Bluetooth. The name flashing on the screen made Jocelyn tense up.
Harrison answered naturally, not bothering to shield the conversation from Jocelyn.
"Mom."
Elise's voice filled the car, "Jocelyn must be on break by now, right? Shouldn't you invite her over? It's been a while since we've been in touch. I didn't want to intrude, afraid she might be swamped with student exams. But they're done now, and she's on vacation, isn't she? When are you bringing her around? I've missed her."
Jocelyn felt a knot in her stomach as Elise mentioned her.
It seemed like Harrison might not have told his family they had long broken up.