Horizons(part 2)
The next morning Michelle awoke to the aroma of scrambled eggs, bacon and homemade biscuits. She had unloaded her burden on her aunt and her aunt’s roommate, Blanche, late into the night. Years of erred decisions had driven her to the point of feeling incompetent and unworthy. Sitting on the small sofa with Betty and Blanche hugging her from both sides, Michelle couldn’t stop the turbulent flow of tears as her story tumbled from her battered heart. She exorcised her demons until exhaustion finally claimed her and she was wrapped in a cocoon of deep sleep.
As she made her way into the kitchen, Michelle felt embarrassment and shame rise to her face. Betty welcomed her with a reassuring smile and gave her a soft hug. “I’m glad you are here and don’t you worry about a thing honey, things are going to be okay. Now, you go and sit at the table, and have some breakfast. You need to start eating for two, goodness girl, you’re too skinny!” Michelle sat across from Blanche. Blanches’ walking cane was propped against the table to her right. She studied Michelle, her face wearing a scrutinizing look.
“I’m so sorry to show up without calling. I won’t be staying long. I just…”
Blanche interrupted Michelle before she could finish, “What do you mean? You just got here and now you’re talking about leaving? You best stay here with me and Bett. We’ll get you lined out straight.”
“What Blanche is trying to say is that you can consider this your home as long as you want. It’s just that she doesn’t know how to say anything tactfully.” Betty sighed.
Blanche pursed her lips, “I always tell things outright and up front. That’s the best way. Never did like dancing around what I’m trying to say. Kinda gets on some people’s nerves though!” Blanche winked at Michelle.
Michelle smiled back. She liked Blanches’ spirit.
After breakfast, Betty set up an appointment for Michelle to see Doctor Williams. “We’ve got to get you and the baby checked out. Doc Williams is a good doctor. He’ll take good care of you two. He can get us in if we make it by eleven.”
The three women walked outside to Betty’s car. The back of the vehicle sat at an odd angle. One of the rear tires was flat. Looking disappointed in herself, Betty sighed, “I knew that I should have had that leak fixed. Well, I guess I need to call someone and have them come change it.”
“I can try.” Michelle offered. Betty and Blanche would not even consider that option.
Across the street the survivors of last night’s blowout were making their way out of the house and to their vehicles. With a roar of engines they headed off down the street. One of the exiting partygoers stumbled on drunken legs toward his bike. Through blurry eyes he spied the three women looking at the car. Grinning to his buddies he hissed, “Hey, look at that fine piece of tail over there. Let’s go have some fun. You guys can have the old ones!”
Laughing, the drunk and three of his cohorts staggered across the street.
To be continued…