CHAPTER TWENTY
The late part of the afternoon, Pritchard came home, and he had Andrea with him. He helped her out of the car, and he assisted her inside. She looked awful, nothing new there. Andrea was in her nurse uniform, but she was high or drunk or maybe both. I was sitting at the kitchen table eating a bologna sandwich when I saw him come through the door with her. She was mumbling words, and he was listening and nodding. I moved out of her chair to another seat. Pritchard brought her directly to the kitchen and she sat down where I was before.
Pritchard asked her, “Are you sure you want to sit in here? The sofa is more comfortable.”
Andrea slurred, “The chair in the car stool. I’ll go back there.”
I know Pritchard didn’t understand what she said, but he remarked, “I’m sure you will. Andrea, let me take you to the living room.”
She pushed his hand away.
He asked patiently, “Are you hungry? I can fix you something. I bought a little bit of groceries.”
“Margaret got no groceries. That chair car wobbling.” Andrea began to laugh out loud. She was so messed up to the point where she didn’t make any sense at all. “Did you see that tree take off?” She busted out laughing again.
I said to Pritchard, “I guess instead of going to work today, she got drunk instead.”
“She went to work, but she got drunk at work. I think she’s high, too. I honestly don’t know how she keeps her job.” Pritchard remarked as he touched her shoulder. He was actually keeping Andrea from hitting her head on the table. “Dr. Jameson said she was totally gone by noon.”
“And Dr. Jameson let her sit there at work like that?”
“No, she made her leave.”
“Where did she go?”
“I found her roaming in the park. One of the nurses took her car keys.”
“How did you know where to find her?”
“That’s where one of the nurses told me to look.”
I decided to move on from that subject and I said, “Pritchard, James Booker came by today.”
“I know we’re late on rent. Your sister didn’t get paid a whole lot Friday.”
“Well, he threatened me, and he wants the rent by tomorrow.”
“I’ll come up with something.” Pritchard assisted Andrea as she lay her head down on the table. He went to the refrigerator and started pulling out food to make a sandwich. “I’ll probably try to borrow money from my brother.”
Andrea had her head sideways on the table, and she was sleeping. Her mouth was wide open. I could not believe how tore up she was.
“Angela, I was meaning to tell you that Andrea had a seizure while she was in jail.”
I looked at her. “She had a seizure?”
“She couldn’t drink in jail and her body, I guess, couldn’t handle the withdrawals. That’s probably why they let her go.”
“She could have died?” I was staring at Andrea. How could she do that to herself? To get to the point where her body must have alcohol to survive sounded absolutely crazy.
“I suppose so. I tried to talk to her about getting treatment, and Dr. Jameson offered to help her, too. But Andrea doesn’t want treatment.”
“You knew that already.”
“I was thinking you and Olivia could talk to her and convince her.”
“She doesn’t want my help.”
“I can’t keep doing this by myself. I need you guys’ help.” Pritchard rubbed his balding head. He looked exhausted.
“You’re the one that let her get the drugs and the booze. You’re the one that gives her money for that crap. Stop paying for her habit, and she’ll stop.”
“Angela...”
I stopped him by saying, “Okay, whose life is it anyway? The choice is ultimately hers. I can’t make her do anything, nobody can.”
“I don’t understand you girls. You’re family, and you act like enemies. You’re just going to let her die.”
“And what choice do I have when she says no, Pritchard! Damn, how many ways I have to say it to you before you understand? The choice is hers.”
“When she dies, Angela, it will be too late, and you will regret it. I’m going to do all I can to help her. Everything I can and you should be trying, too, despite what she says.”
Pritchard stopped making his sandwich. He went over to Andrea because she was about to fall to the floor. He got her back up on her feet, and he took her to the bedroom. He came back in to continue making his meal.
Pritchard sat down once he finished. He said a prayer, and he said before he bit into his sandwich, “Andrea’s car is still in town. I can drop you off so you can drive it back.”
“That’s fine.” I remarked.
After eating, Pritchard did what he said he was going to do. He left in a hurry and when I got into the car and was about to drive out of the parking lot, I happen to see Jason opening his car door for a girl I haven’t seen before. They were on the other side of the road. She had long black hair, skinny, and she had a perfect smile. I’ve never seen her in Colum before. Where did he find her? They kissed one another. She was hugging on him. He waited for her to get in the car, and he closed the door behind her. He rushed around to the driver’s side.
Someone behind me honked their horn taking my attention away from Jason and his girl. They wanted me to drive out of the parking lot. I put my attention right back on Jason. Why all of a sudden was he trying to act like a gentleman with this girl? Why was she special to him? Then again, why was I so concerned? He wasn’t my man anymore.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
I started to go straight home, but I didn’t want to be around Andrea and Pritchard. They’d probably stay in their room because Andrea was done for the day, and I could stay in the kitchen or sit on the porch and not be bothered with those two. But sitting at home was boring, and I needed a little excitement. I wanted to go to Alex’s house, but I knew I couldn’t drop by unannounced. I slowly drove the dirt road to his driveway, and I wanted to turn in. I knew it was a bad idea because any one of his family members could be at the house. I didn’t see his truck. The house stood lonely and quiet in the distance.
What if I was the lady of the house? My chauffeur would drive me home, and he would open my car door and call me Mrs. Westing. I could only giggle at my dream. I drove on past the house knowing full well it wasn’t going to come true. But what if it could? I’d be called Mrs. Angela Westing. I love the sound of it.
I made a left at the end of the dirt road and kept driving past my parking lot and on up the road to Tanie’s apartment. I drove past Jerry’s Convenience Store, and it had several cars parked in front of it. I bet Andrea wasn’t allowed back in there. I laughed thinking about how she fell rounding the car trying to get away. Only my sister would do something as crazy as drinking in the store and leave without paying.
When I got to Tanie’s apartment, I put my ear to the door thinking she might have Jimmy over. The door came open giving me the scare of my life, and I nearly fell in the apartment.
Tanie had a huge grin on her face and said, “I just called you.”
“Okay.”
“I found out about a party this weekend. You know, Memorial Day weekend coming up. The best parties are during holiday weekends.”
I noticed Tanie had a beer bottle in her hand and I asked for one.
“You know where I keep them.” She pointed to the kitchen. “Did you hear what I said about a party?”
I went to the refrigerator and got a beer. I asked, “Where is it going to be?”
“It’ll be at the Carver Mansion.”
I followed her to the balcony, and we sat down. I said in disbelief, “No one can just go to the Carver Mansion to a party.” That house was like a castle. I’ve always wanted to go inside and look around.
“The oldest daughter, I forgot her name, is throwing a party. Both of her parents are out of town for the weekend. I heard they’re going to Washington DC for some kind of Memorial Day fund raiser of
some kind.”
“Somebody actually told you those people were going to Washington DC? Who tells you this stuff?” Sometimes I just didn’t believe her. She knew and heard everything and will repeat every rumor.
“Does it really matter, Angela? You want to go?”
“YES! You know I do. What time is the party?”
“I think it’ll start around 8, but you know we’ll be very fashionably late.” Tanie laughed.
I remarked, “We have to go through that house and check everything out.”
“Maybe, they’ll have gold toothbrushes we can steal.” She giggled.
“Hell yea! Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. Guess who I saw today?”
“I can’t guess. Just tell me.”
“I saw Jason today with a girl I haven’t seen before.”
“Really, what did she look like?”
“She’s black, long hair, skinny. He was like all into her doing weird things I’ve never seen him do before. He opened the car door for her, helping her into the car.”
“Are you sure you’ve never seen her before?”
“Yea, I’m sure. I don’t think she’s from around here.”
Tanie took another swallow of her beer and looked up at the sky like she was thinking on it. She then remarked, “We have to find out who she is.” Tanie pulled her cell phone from a pouch on her belt
She dialed a number and waited for an answer. When someone answered, she said, “What’s up, baby?” Tanie continued on the phone, “Listen before you say anything, answer a question for me. Jason Stone. He has a new girl? What’s her name?” Tanie was listening to the answer, and said afterwards, “Where she comes from?” I could hear Jimmy’s deep, but muffled voice. Tanie got her answer and she remarked, “Oh, okay. I’m just wondering. Look, I’ll call you a little later.” Jimmy was still talking and she said, “I won’t be in town tomorrow. If you want to come over tonight, you can. We can play cards. Bring anybody but Milton.” She started laughing loud like it was the funniest thing in the world. It wasn’t funny. She remarked, “I’ll be back by Thursday if you don’t come by tonight. I’ll hook up with you then if you want. Alright...okay...babe. I’ll see you tonight then.”
Tanie sat back and remarked, “That’s Jason’s girlfriend from college.”
“Figures, treats her like a queen, and when he’s around me, he tries his best to whip my ass. I hate him, Tanie. What’s her name anyway?”
“Natalie. Jimmy said they’ve been dating since the beginning of his sophomore year in college.”
“He’s had a girlfriend all this time, and he slept with my sister last week!” I shook my head. Then I thought about that for a moment. I continued, “I wonder how she would feel if I told her?”
“Jason is smart, Angela. He’s not going to let you nowhere near his girlfriend.”
“He always get everything he wants, Tanie, everything, and he gets away with everything.” I drunk a little of my beer, and then I remembered I had to drive home. I set it down on the floor. “It’s just not fair.”
“We have to think of a way to get him back. I bet you’ll feel a whole lot better, a whole lot better.”
“That won’t ever happen.”
“You have to wait for that one chance. He’ll mess up, and you’ll be the one laughing at him.”
“Maybe, when he goes to the pros, he’ll never come back here. I won’t ever see him again, and I can have my sanity all year round.”
Tanie finished the last of her beer and said, “Honestly, he’s not good enough for the pros. You watch what I tell you. He’s only played a couple of games as a freshman in college, and maybe a handful as a sophomore. A lot of those guys don’t even get an inch of an opportunity at pros.”
“He thinks he’s going to make it.” I remarked.
“He’s a loser, Angela. He’s not going to make it to the pros. Take my word for it.” Tanie nodded with confidence. She added, “We need to get ready for some company. Jimmy is coming over, and he’s bringing over one of his friends. We can sit around here, play cards, drink a little, and who knows what else can happen. You need to freshen up, too. You look like you’ve been cleaning or something. You got stains on your clothes.”
“No, Tanie, I don’t think so.” My mind went straight to Alex, and she must have read me like an open book.
She said in a disappointed tone, “Alex, huh? What did I tell you? No expectations, Angela.”
“Tanie, we are only friends. We are just enjoying each other’s company.”
“Oh, okay.” I can tell Tanie’s mind was turning with opinions again, and to my surprise she did not say what she was thinking.
“Matter of fact, I was hoping you would let me use your phone.”
“You know where it is.” She remarked.
“Thanks.”
She followed me into the apartment, and she went to get another beer out of the refrigerator. I used the phone hanging on the wall inside the kitchen, and I spoke to Alex about going out that night. He wanted to meet at his house again, and we agreed to meet in an hour. I really wanted to get cleaned up now since I was going to see Alex, and I asked Tanie if I could take a shower and use some of her clothes.
“I guess so.” Tanie said disapprovingly. “You are getting involved, Angela.”
“Tanie, we are friends.”
I wasn’t really seeking her approval. It was my life, and when it came to her decisions, she didn’t require my approval, either. Alex made me happy. He made me very happy actually, and I wasn’t about to end it with him. I did have expectations for something more between me and him, but at the same time, I was trying to be level headed about it. I was trying really hard not to get my hopes up over him.
I wanted to be out of that apartment before Jimmy and my so called blind date showed up. There wasn’t any use trying to tell Tanie what I felt sometimes. She wasn’t the greatest of listeners when it came to what I wanted.
I put on a short blue jean skirt and a sheer floral halter top. I loved Tanie’s clothes. She had two closets full of clothes, and they were all nice. I came out of the guest room feeling and looking refreshed. That hot shower was the best. I wish I could live with her, but I couldn’t afford even half the rent and she kept her place immaculate.
Tanie saw what I was wearing and remarked, “I forgot about that shirt. You look good.”
“Thanks.”
“You sure you don’t want to stay here and lay down some cards.”
“I’m very sure. Thanks, Tanie, for letting me borrow your clothes. I’ll bring them back after I wash them.”
“No, you won’t.”
When I got to the car, I looked at myself in the rearview mirror. I felt good. This was going to be a nice date with Alex.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
I stood in the front yard looking from a distance at one single candle inside of a room. The front door was wide open. I stepped on the porch looking around for him, but I didn’t hear him and couldn’t see him. I went inside the house, and I could hear the curtains flapping in the wind in the room on the left hand side. The house was so creepy quiet, and some of the sheets that lay across the furniture were off and on the dusty floor.
“Angela, I’m in here!” Alex announced.
His voice was coming from the room where the piano was, and I walked in. Alex was playing a soft melody on the piano, and I joined him. I loved sitting with him and talking to him. I looked at him with a smile, and he was returning the favor. He was cute with his slightly messed up hair and short blonde stubble on his chin.
He played for a little bit and then I asked, “Can you teach me a song?”
“Give me your hand.”
I gave him my left hand and it was like a bolt of lightning went up my arm. I don’t know if he was feeling the same way I was. I could only hope. He gently put my hands on the piano keys. He said, “Each key is lettered. Like the key you’re touching with your fore finger is the C note. Press down on the C note.”
I did what he said, and he continued explaining what the other keys were that my fingers were touching.
He said, “Okay, when I say the letter, you play the note.”
“Alright,” I remarked.
So, slowly he went through a range of letters, and I slowly hit each key afterwards. We were playing a nursery rhyme song, and I thought it was so cool. It only lasted less than a minute, but I thought it was pretty neat nonetheless.
“I played the piano.” I remarked tickled by what I did. I felt a little sense of accomplishment.
He touched my hand again, and I thought we were going to play another song. But his hand kept moving up my arm to my neck, and then to my face. He leaned forward so our lips would touch. He was so gentle. His tongue was smooth against mine. I didn’t pull away from him. My heart was beating hard, and I was scared. But I accepted his kiss. I returned his kiss.
Before I knew it, we were standing and he had me backed up against the wall. Alex started kissing me on my neck and caressing my breast. I wanted to take off his shirt, but for some reason my hands were frozen to the wall. He slid my halter top to my abdomen, and he started sucking on my nipples. He was moving real fast, but at the same time, he felt so good. All of a sudden he stopped. Did I do something wrong? Did he have regrets about kissing me or touching me? No, he only stopped to take off his shirt. I stared at his muscular chest and stomach, and I found courage and gently wrapped my arms around his waist. We started kissing again, and he moved down to my chest and then my breasts again. I stopped breathing. The sensation of his lips was driving me insane. He came back to me, and we kissed each other again. Our tongues were intermingling. The feel of his bare chest against my nipples got me more excited. His hands worked down to my butt, and he squeezed and rubbed. He lifted my skirt and pulled down my panties. I wanted to feel him, and he must have known because he pushed down his pants and underwear all at once. He held me close to him again. Our lips barely touching, our breath was hot, but our intention at that very moment was not to kiss. No, it was for me to explore him for the first time. We looked each other, and he took my hand. I didn’t resist. He moved it to his hard, thick penis, and it jumped when I stroked it. My eyes told him I wanted him, and he lay me down on the floor. Alex put on a condom, and we gently connected. At first, he was easy going, and I was taking him in, gripping his butt, and hoping he’d take me to the ultimate ecstasy. But then he started pushing harder, to the point where I was hurting, but I didn’t stop him. He was almost there, and I wanted to satisfy him. I lay there on the hard unforgiving floor, letting him fulfill his own desire. He climaxed quickly, and I didn’t at all. I was simply in pain. Alex took a moment to catch his breath before he got up on his knees.
The Ex Killer Series Page 11
