She almost yelled, “You're not going to come home on the streets on your own at this time of night, Wheels!”
I sighed. She was right. Whoa, that's one for the history books! “I'll call a cab, Gwen. I'll be home in a few.”
This seemed to placate her and she just hung up on me. I looked over at Sarah sheepishly. “Sorry. My bitchy roommate is being over protective for some odd reason. This is the first time I have ever been out of the apartment this late at night without my roommates so I think I freaked her drunk ass out when I wasn't home when she got back with her boyfriend.”
I shrugged. “She won't let me wheel home alone on the streets this late at night even though we are only a few blocks away. So I gotta call a cab for like a two minute ride. Sorry for all this.”
She smiled. “Nothing to apologize for Ree, I happen to agree with her. And since I don't drink and drive, I need a cab too, maybe we can share?”
I loved that she wouldn't drink and drive. I was smiling hugely for some silly reason. “Of course!” I was dialing a cab as she finished her beer and I took the last sip of Pepsi.
She looked nervous on the cab ride home. I was sitting right next to her since the chair was taking up part of the back seat. She pulled out her iPad and pulled up an address book app. Then kept looking at me then the iPad. I could see another decision being made. Then she handed it to me. It had my name entered already, Reese Qualls. I grinned at her nervousness. I already felt as if we were good friends and I filled in my email address, home address and phone number and handed it back to her.
She was smiling as she put it back in her bag. I wanted an excuse to see her again. I handed her my iPod with her name already in my IP phone app for her to enter her number. She did so happily.
Oh! I got it! “You know. I can replace the cracked screen on your iPad. I got spares at my place, Gwen and Marcie are always breaking theirs so I stock up on them. Just drop by sometime.” I mentally crossed my fingers.
She smiled and said quickly, “Sure! I'll do that.”
She grabbed my hand and examined my palm. “Long lifeline. Cool.” But she didn't let go until we arrived at my apartment, she just kept tracing the lines on it. It was getting really hot in that cab and I swear my hand was tingling.
The driver got out and opened the door for me and I unfolded my chair and transferred into it. Sarah, got out on the other side and stood on the sidewalk by her open car door. I paid the man and gave twenty extra and nudged my head toward Sarah. “For her ride.” He nodded, and I popped myself over the curb and up to Sarah.
I looked down. “Thanks so much for the most fun I have had in years. I hope I see you soon.” I was suddenly engulfed in a hug I didn't see coming. A nice warm hug. A nice soft hug. She smelled nice. Like... chocolate?
Before I could react or the tingling could stop, she was back in the cab and it was pulling away from the curb.
I stood there in shock. Holy crap! I just made a friend didn't I? Then I smiled and wheeled into the building and started banging my way up the stairs. I saw our door open before I got to the top. Gwen was standing there looking cross at me. I got to the top and sheepishly wheeled into the apartment as she stepped aside for me.
She stomped past me and grabbed Mark's hand, who was on the couch, and dragged him toward her room as I was unloading my stuff onto the counter. Then she yelled at me, “Don't you ever fucking worry me like that again!” Then she slammed her door.
What the hell has gotten into her? Was that really Gwen or a body snatcher? Yeah I guess I could have called or left a note or something. But I'm not used to being out in the world late at night and certainly didn't think I'd be out all night.
I went to the bathroom. I won't bore you with the tediousness of the process of the choreographed dance it takes to transfer to the toilet using the grab bars on the wall and back again. I'll wait until the morning to shower. I am beyond beat.
I wheeled into my bedroom and grabbed a nightshirt and shorts. Then rolled out of my chair and onto the bed and changed my clothes. I pulled myself under the covers and yanked my legs into position. Then I was greeted by angry sex sounds coming through the walls from Gwen's room. I put a pillow over my head to block it out.
I fell asleep with a smile on my face as I thought of the friend I had made, of the copious amounts of fun I had had tonight... and I had danced!
Chapter 4 – Outing
I awoke to another fight going on in the girls' room, their voices were low and muffled as usual while they argued under their breaths. It was still early on a Saturday, couldn't this wait? I banged on the wall and got a simultaneous “Not now Wheels!” from the two girls. I just pulled the pillow over my head again and tried to get back to sleep.
I couldn't. I just kept thinking of my new friend. I have a new friend, you know. I sat up and got ready for the day. I grabbed my stuff and wheeled into the bathroom then started the shower. I put the small shower chair into the tub then using the grab bars mounted around the stall. Transferred myself first onto the tub ledge and lifted my legs over the rim and transferred myself onto the shower seat.
The warm water felt good rolling down my body, I thought about what to do today. Weekends were “days off” for me as I force myself not to work on them, just as I force office hours on myself. I get bored easily and used to find myself programming sixteen hours a day. So a couple years back I decided to separate my work from my life and be like any other business. Nine to five, Monday through Friday. The rest of the time is for doing chores and for me. Since I don't go anywhere, to keep myself amused, I have amassed a huge digital library of music, movies and TV shows, not to mention all my video games. I call it all my 'virtual life'.
Once I dried off in the tub after my shower and repeated my chair transfer, I put on fresh undergarments then a pink tank top and threw a white half blouse over it. Then I put on a white skirt, (I wear almost exclusively skirts since they are easier for me to put on and take off.) and some white ankle socks and pink tennis shoes to finish the look.
I stared into my amber eyes in the mirror, wondering if they were pretty. Then it was on to the dreaded tangle of long wet chestnut hair. Sometimes I wish I had shorter hair like Gwen and Marcie, they can get away with a quick brush and look perfect. I used the dryer as I looked into my full length mirror on the back of the door. Brushing and drying and pulling it back into a ponytail. I'm going to have to plan a trip outside in a week or two to get it cut, it is getting too long for my tastes.
Finally I was ready for the day and opened the door. Marcie was there, leaning against the door frame in her nightshirt with her supplies. She looked way hung over and her bed head blonde hair still looked cute. Damn her. She pushed past me without a word before I could wheel out. As soon as I exited she shut the door and locked it.
I assumed Mark was already gone since Marcie had been in the bedroom arguing. I rolled into the kitchen and started some coffee. The smell of the fresh coffee brought zombie Gwen out of her room. She did her normal impatient thing and slipped her cup in place of the coffee pot to fill it then swapped back. Errant drips sizzling on the burner, just something else for me to clean later.
Once I had my coffee I wheeled over to the couch where she was watching the morning news, and I transferred to the couch. Before I was fully settled she had already grabbed my legs and swung them over her lap. I quickly checked my email and other messages on my iPad.
While she was engrossed in the weather forecast, I took a moment to look at her. Her blonde hair definitely had the 'sex hair' tangled look. Her perpetually pouty lips were pink and swollen and probably bruised from the angry sex I heard last night. The way her breasts heaved under her nightshirt as she breathed was mesmerizing. I looked away when I started feeling flush.
I could see why the guys line up at the door for her. I always wished I looked like her or Marcie and could walk. What would it be like to have boyfriends? To have... sex? It didn't seem like it would be desirable, but the girls s
eem to really enjoy it.
It has always kind of freaked me out, and I can never picture myself with a man like that, but I'm sure it's just because I hate the way people treat me now. I don't find them desirable in that way. I mean, I can appreciate good looking men, but that's about as far as it goes. I'm sure I'll feel different if I ever find a guy who accepts me for who... no, what, I am.
I glanced over and saw that Gwen was staring at me. I looked down then to the TV. She spoke quietly, “You know you scared me last night, Wheels? I mean, not that I care what happens to a degenerate like you. But I'm kind of, not adverse... to having you around here. So when you weren't here and I didn't have a clue where you were, I kind of... I just didn't know if you were hurt. You just have to promise to never, ever, pull a stunt like that again. OK?”
She never spoke to me like this, it is always joking or teasing or just being a general bully and bitch. It really sounded like she was worried. I just nodded, not looking at her. That seemed to placate her.
Then she looked intently at my legs and sort of brushed them with her fingers. She looked over as she continued. “You know, we've never really discussed... this...” She looked at my legs again. “Can you feel anything? Can you feel my hands?”
What brought this on after nine years of ignoring it? She's never wanted to speak of my injuries or the accident and I was just fine with that. I looked at her then her hands and shrugged. “Not really, I mean, I know you are doing something from the motion it causes, but there is no sensation.”
She nodded then asked timidly, “Do you... remember what it was like to...”
I cut her off. “I can't...” My voice hitched and I had to fight off the tears I swore I would NEVER cry about my injuries. I won't, I don't deserve to. Mom is dead because of me, I deserve whatever I get dealt.
She quickly said, “Sorry. I shouldn't have asked.” Then she changed the subject. “I'm heading into town with Mark later. I'll be back before five.” We turned to see Marcie exit the bathroom and make a beeline for the coffee. I composed myself.
Gwen bent my legs up to my chest and headed to the bathroom to get ready for the day. Marcie just sat at the counter, drinking her coffee and watching her leave. She glanced over to me and then went into her bedroom.
I'm going to have to make a point of sitting down with Marce at some point to find out what I had done to get her so mad at me lately. I mean, it isn't like we're good friends or anything, but she used to tolerate me for years... then this.
Marcie came back out of their room and went to my desk and fished out her keys and Taylor's from the key can, then went to leave. She stopped at the door and stared at it and spoke to me without looking, “I'll be back around four or five.” Then she left.
I realized how stupid and inconsiderate I was last night. For four years, like clockwork, the girls would let me or each other know where they were going or when they would be back, just like this. I just took it for granted. Even with her current problem with me, Marcie still religiously told me if Gwen didn't. The one time I went out at night without them, I didn't even leave a note. I can understand the worry. I'd have to make amends.
Gwen finished up in the bathroom looking like a trillion bucks and went into her bedroom just as every device in the place started ringing. I grabbed the iPad and the huge smile on my face threatened to open a portal to another dimension as I saw Sarah's name. I hit accept. “Hello?”
A super chipper voice responded. “Sweet. It really is your phone number!”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh come on, give it a rest, lady.”
She laughed at that. “Sorry. I was just... you know, like, wondering if you were serious about fixing my iPad.”
I nodded into space, it's not like she can see me. “Yes. Of course.” Oh cool! I get to see her again. “Just drop by any time.”
She responded with a cute rushed “OK!”
Then the doorbell rang. I looked over. “Just a second Sarah, someone is at the door.” I started transferring into my chair as Gwen came out of her room and answered the door before I could get there.
Standing there was a super-smiley Sarah on her phone. She hung up as Gwen said, “Yes? Can I help you?”
Sarah was looking at her in shock, I swear she was drooling. Finally she stuttered. “Ummm... yeah... ah... I'm here to see Reese.”
I was wheeling up and Gwen wasn't moving. She looked Sarah up and down and asked harshly, “What about?”
Sarah was stuttering. “S-she said she could fix my iPad.”
I was tugging on Gwen's sleeve to get her to mellow. “Come on in Sarah. Don't mind Gwen here. She's just a little overprotective after last night.”
Gwen looked down at me then over at Sarah again, then turned and walked toward the kitchen. I grabbed her hand as she passed me. I looked up and didn't look away this time as she looked at me. “I really am sorry about not leaving a note last night. It was really stupid of me.” She just nodded and grabbed her purse and walked over to grab her keys from my coffee can as Sarah came in.
She stopped in front of Sarah and stared her down for a couple seconds with a death glare, then left. She called out as she was shutting the door. “See you around five, Wheels.”
Sarah looked at me with a mock frightened face. “She's kinda scary.”
I laughed. “Yeah, that's her at her warmest. My roommates may be bitches, but they are my bitches.”
She nodded. “And hot too. I mean, did you see her?” Her eyes bulged when she looked at me. “And holy crap, you too! I love your hair today!”
I blushed as she tilted her head at me. “Wheels?”
I shook my head and replied, “A sophomoric nickname they tagged me with in junior high to torment me and make fun of me.”
She grinned and shrugged. “I don't know, it's kinda cute.”
I slapped her arm. “Not you too!”
She looked nervous, rocking on her heels. Why was she nervous? I'm the one who never has anyone over. I broke the awkward silence. “So, iPad?”
She was quickly digging in her bag. “Right, iPad!” She handed it over.
I grinned at her. God, those green eyes were threatening to take me away again. I started wheeling toward my bedroom. I motioned over to the couch. “Make yourself at home, I'll be right out.”
She nodded and started that direction as I wheeled into my room. Was it hot in the apartment? I'll have to check the thermostat later. I rummaged around on my parts rack and grabbed a new iPad screen then rolled back into the living room. I held it up with a grin then put it on the coffee table with her iPad and grabbed my tools off my desk.
I was about to start. Crap, where are my manners? “You want something to drink? Coffee, water, grape juice? I could steal one of Gwen's beers if you want.”
She grinned. “Coffee would be grand!” Then she screwed up her face, sticking her tongue out to the side in distaste. “Who would drink beer this early in the morning?”
I snickered. “You did just meet Gwen right?”
I rolled on over to the kitchen crap. The three low cups were all used. I glanced up to the free hanging cabinet above the counter island where the other coffee mugs were, mocking me. I looked over by the sink. Marcie's mug! I reached up and grabbed it and washed it quickly in the sink then filled it and wheeled over to the waiting punk rocker redhead.
She accepted it with a smile then I started using my heat gun around the edges of the screen to heat it slightly. She watched with amazement while I worked around the edges with a super narrow putty knife. A minute later I was tilting the screen up and removing the connector. I took the new screen out of the box then reversed the process.
I looked at the time, sweet, less than ten minutes, I'm getting really good at this. I grinned and handed it over to the smiling sprite that was hovering over my shoulder watching in fascination.
She squinted and tilted her head away from the iPad like it would blow up and powered it up. As soon as she saw the familiar Apple logo appea
r she squealed, bent and gave me a hug. I swear I could smell chocolate like last night. Mmmm. I felt something missing the moment she broke the hug.
“You are the geek princess of Seattle Ree! How much do I owe you?” She was reaching for her purse while I blushed again.
I put a hand on her arm to stop her. “Nonsense. We're friends right?” Please say yes. Please say yes.
Her smile doubled and almost knocked me out of my chair. “Of course.” Yes!
She sat back on the couch. I transferred over to it beside her and pulled my knees up to my chest. She tilted her head as she watched me manhandle my legs into place. She tilted her head again. “Well at least let me make it up to you. How bout a girl's day out? Be tourists in our own city and have some fun?”
I was nodding and blurted out, “OK.” before I realized I was doing it. What was I thinking. I don't want to go out there. There's nothing out there for me. But her sparkling eyes wouldn't let me voice my concerns.
Before I knew it, I was back in my chair and we were heading for the door. I suddenly stopped and wheeled back over toward my desk. Sarah called out, “What's wrong Ree?”
I held up a notepad and a pen. “Gotta leave a note for the girls. Let them know what I'm doing. I kind of scared Gwen last night.” She nodded at me in understanding.
I set the note on the entry table and we went out into the hall and I locked the door behind us. I turned around and she started walking toward the far end of the hall where the freight elevator was. I grabbed her hand to stop her. It was soooo warm, it felt nice. “That thing hasn't worked in years.”
She nodded and reversed course and didn't even ask or look back and just skipped down the stairs and spun and waited at the bottom. I saw the smile she was trying to hide as I popped a wheelie and took the stairs head on.
She was mouthing “Showoff” when the lobby door opened.
Mr. Underman walked in and looked up. “If it ain't the goddamn vandal. Qualls, you...” He stopped in mid sentence when he saw Sarah standing against the wall. “Oh. Sorry, didn't realize you had a guest Reese.”
Five Feet or Less Page 4
