“I thought I’d head to Mom and Dad’s in a day or two. Maybe Thursday or Friday. The school is beginning the on-line classes on Monday,” I said.
“Why don’t you two go shopping? I have to work,” Bill said.
We ate breakfast while making a shopping list. When we finished, Bill headed for his office. Carol and I changed and left for the store. As she drove, she pointed out several things. As we arrived at the grocery store, my sister’s phone rang. She pressed a button on the steering wheel, answering the call.
“Hi, Mom, how are you and Dad doing? Matt is here with me, and we’re on speakerphone,” Carol said.
“Hi, Carol, hi, Mathew. How was your drive from Boston?” Mom said.
“It was okay, Mom. It took about thirteen hours or so. I will probably see you and Dad on Friday or Saturday,” I said.
“That’s why I called. The governor had issued an executive order. We’re not allowed to leave the house except for food, doctor’s appointments, or other essential needs. They are also advising that no one visits,” Mom said.
I looked at my sister. She smiled and said, “No problem, Mom. Matt can stay with Bill and me as long as necessary.”
“Are you sure, Carol? I mean, if it’s necessary, I guess Matt could come here,” Mom said.
“Don’t be silly. It’s okay for my brother to stay here. From what they said on the news this morning, it’s going to get worse before it gets better,” Carol said, then she asked about our dad.
Laughing, Mom said, “He’s playing golf. Dad’s afraid they’re going to shut down the golf courses.”
We chatted with Mom for a few minutes. She kept apologizing for not being able to have me stay with her and Dad. Carol and I told her not to worry. We agreed to keep in touch and ended the call.
“It looks like I’m stuck with my little brother, doesn’t it?” Carol said as she bumped against me on the way into the store.
“If it’s inconvenient, I can make other arrangements. I can find a hotel or something,” I said.
“Don’t be ridiculous! You’re staying with Bill and me,” Carol said.
In the store, we each grabbed a cart. As we went up and down the isles, Carol placed items in the carts. After we went through the check-out, we loaded the groceries into the back of my sister’s SUV.
Carol and I started unloading the car. Bill came to help, carrying bags into the kitchen and placing them on the counter and floor.
“It looks like you bought our the store, sweetie,” Bill said.
Carol shook her head and told her husband about the phone call from Mom. Bill nodded and assured me I was welcome to stay as long as I wanted to.
Once we had the food and other things put away, Bill said he had to run out. Carol and I sat in the family room, watching the developing news about the virus. We learned the state was ordering a shelter in place order for our area, and that all non-essential business were to close.
When Bill returned, he asked me to help him with the things he bought. We carried the beer, water, soda, and liquor into the house and upstairs to the bonus room.
“Are you planning to have a party?” I said as we stored the things.
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