Jenny In Space: Chasing The Killer Comet

  ***

  A few kilometers away, Jenny got up to a beautiful Sunday morning. The birds were noisily attending to their new day, and she could smell the aroma of coffee drifting up from the kitchen. She went downstairs and found Relli at the kitchen table sipping on a coffee and reading a newspaper.

  "Good morning," they greeted each other.

  "I guess Dad went to work already?"

  "Yes, he left shortly after you and Martin went to bed last night. He only got about four hours sleep."

  "This sure is serious. No matter how he tries to make it sound like everything is going to be okay, I can tell he's worried. And with reason," Jenny said, and Relli nodded. "When is your first client due?" Jenny asked as she poured herself a glass of orange juice.

  "My first is at eleven and the second at two."

  Jenny paced around the kitchen. "Waiting has got to be the hardest thing of all. When you are expecting something to happen, time just seems to drag on."

  She had a bite of breakfast, but she really didn't have an appetite, and she tried to busy herself with little things until the sun warmed the cool morning air. Finally, she felt as if she had to get out of the house or she would bust.

  "Relli, I'm going to the lake now. I'll be back around three o'clock."

  "All right dear. Try to forget about things and enjoy yourself for a while."

  "I'll try," Jenny promised, and she grabbed her saddlebags and headed out to the barn.

  "Ready to go to the lake, Polka?"

  Polka stamped his hoof and tossed his head. Jenny tightened the cinch, strapped on her saddlebags and hoisted herself into the saddle.

  "Let's ride Polka," was all Jenny needed to say. She leaned forward and Polka took off like a shot. Jenny just hung on for the exhilarating ride, her bright face alive with expression. It was now hot and sunny. Jenny and Polka were both looking forward to getting to the lake and cooling off.