Tuesday
Stanley was sitting on his side of the bed getting dressed for work, while Diane still laid in the bed with her eyes closed. After a while, Stanley looked back at Diane. Normally, Diane was up and going. Any other morning, she would be up fixing breakfast for her family and watching her morning talk shows. Stanley was a little worried. He reached over and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Baby?”
“Yeah”, she responded in a groggy voice.
“Is everything alright?”
“Yeah. Just tired.”
“Do you need me to fix you anything? This isn’t like you to be laying around in bed.”
“No. I’m good.”
“Okay. Well, I’m about to head out. I’ll check on you a little later.”
“Okay.”
Diane never made eye contact with Stanley. Feeling depressed, she decided to get up and check on the kids. On her way out of the bedroom, she stopped at the vanity mirror next to the door and looked at herself with dissatisfaction.
###
Rhonda and Jimmy were both preparing for work. Jimmy was going through the drawers, looking for a good pair of socks to wear as Rhonda came out of the bathroom from taking her shower. Jimmy settled on a pair that wasn’t the same, but looked almost identical.
“You came home pretty late last night.”
“You noticed?”
“Rhonda, do we have to start this again? I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I apologize. I’m good.”
“If there is something I did wrong, please let me know.”
“I didn’t say you did anything. Is there something you should be telling me?”
“Are you still tripping on me praising Marla about her cooking? If you need to hear me say it, no she doesn’t cook better than you. I’ve always liked your cooking the best.”
“You think I actually care if you like someone else’s cooking?”
“Then, what is it?”
“I can’t just have some time to myself?”
“Time to yourself? Since when did this start?”
“Jim, it’s not the end of the world. I’m still here.”
“I don’t understand you at times. Well, I’m gone. I can’t be late.”
“Don’t have too much fun at work.”
Jimmy angrily walked out, as Rhonda continued to get dressed for work. A smile appeared on her face, feeling as if she got one on him. “I will never understand that woman.” Jimmy quickly started his vehicle and pulled out without looking and not noticing the car coming towards him. The vehicle hit Jimmy dead-on, on the driver’s side. The sound of the crash, outside startled Rhonda as she rushed to the bedroom window to see who it was. Once she noticed Jimmy’s vehicle badly damaged and him lying unconscious, she rushed out of the house in shock. “Jimmy! Jimmy!” She kept yelling for him as she made it to the vehicle. She went to the passenger door to get to him. Rhonda began to shake Jimmy in hopes of waking him. He slowly became conscious, but barely. Police and paramedics arrived, after being called by the other victim. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m sorry, baby”, said Rhonda as she continued to kiss his face. Being a huge man, the paramedics struggled to get Jimmy out of the vehicle. Eventually, they got him on a stretcher and carried him to The Covering Hospital, where Rhonda worked.
Rhonda followed in her car, behind the paramedics and kept an eye on Jimmy as they got him checked into emergency. One of Rhonda’s co-workers noticed her standing by Jimmy.
“Rhonda! What happen?”
“Hey, Tracey. Jim was in a bad accident.”
“Oh, no. Is he responsive?”
“Somewhat. They want to get him hooked up and see how badly hurt he is.”
“Rhonda, I hope everything is okay.”
“I’m praying. Tracey, my phone doesn’t work inside this area. Can you contact Roger for me and let him know I’m here with my husband.”
“Sure thing.”
“Thank you.”
Tracey reached for Rhonda and gave her a hug, before looking for Rhonda’s supervisor, Roger.
###
As usual, Stephanie was in her kitchen preparing her cup of coffee to start her day. Stephanie was a financial advisor for Donner & Sons, a small, family-owned investment firm. As she prepared her coffee, Reggie walked in stretching, wearing his underwear.
“Got that ‘Morning Joe’ going?”
“You know it. I have to have my fuel to start my day.”
“Yeah. Have at it.”
“Did you do anything, yesterday?”
“Yesterday? Nah, I didn’t really have much to do.”
“You just sat at home all day?”
“Yeah. You know me. On my days off, I try to chill and do nothing.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought. It’s always important to get your rest in.”
“How was your day, yesterday?”
“Different.”
“Different. In what way?”
“You know. Life is full of surprises. But, every day is a new day.”
“That’s right, baby.”
“Well, let me get out of here. I need to make some stops, before I get to work.”
“Well, let me get my morning sugar, before you go.”
“No. You haven’t brushed your teeth.”
“What that mean? You ain’t never cared before.”
“New day.”
“That’s cold.”
“Have a good day.”
Stephanie quickly walked out of the door and went through her smartphone to text Rhonda. [Stephanie: He lied right to my face and said he was home, all day.] After sitting in her car for a while and not getting a response, she put her phone away and went to work. Once Stephanie made it to the parking lot of her job, she pulled her phone back out and called Angie.
“Hello?”
“Angie.”
“What’s up, girl?”
“Sorry to call you so early. Have you heard from Rhonda?”
“Not since last night.”
“This Reggie is a trip. He tells me, he was home all day.”
“Y’all gone learn.”
“I was hoping Rhonda could check him out on the job.”
“I got you. You know I’m enjoying this.”
“Alright. You something else”, said Stephanie while laughing.
Angie ended the conversation with Stephanie, as Marla knocked on Angie’s door and walked in.
“What’s up, Marla?”
“Anything new?”
“Well, Stephanie just called and wants me to check up on her boo. So, I’ll be filling in, again.
She said she hasn’t heard from Rhonda.”
“I hope she hasn’t done anything crazy.”
“Who you telling?”
“Did y’all come up with anything, last night?”
Angie went on to tell Marla all the details, along with her additional ‘fillers’. How she told the story about Jimmy, sent Marla into shock. Angie almost made the situation seem like an erotic story. The only thing she didn’t add was Jimmy and Crystal having sex. Marla was amazed by the story and had to ask, “Nobody else saw this?” Even when she talked about Rhonda spying on Reggie, she gave it her own twist. Marla was almost sold on the note belonging to Jimmy or Reggie by how Angie told each situation.
“And, the UPS driver touched her breast”, asked Marla.
“I told you. I had to get up and leave. It was too much for me.”
After day one, things had went completely opposite from what was planned. Now, it seemed as if every woman had a reason to believe they were being cheated on. And, Angie’s ‘extras’ didn’t help either situation. Marla started having second thoughts about what they were doing, but at the same time she felt she had to know. The entire time Marla was in Angie’s office, Tina kept walking by. After a while, Angie noticed Tina’s spying and cut the conversation short.
“I seriously don’t know what to do with her”, said Angie.
“Maybe I’ll invite her to lunch and eliminate any friction that may exist.”
“Thanks. I knew I hired you for a reason.”
Marla laughed.
“It remains to be seen what will come from this.”
“Whatever you need for me to do, let me know.”
“Sure will. Thanks.”
“Since I haven’t heard from Rhonda, I’ll do as I did yesterday.”
Marla just knew there was no way possible that Stanley would have lunch at the same place, two times in a roll. Being able to catch him leaving the restaurant, yesterday was a one in a million chance. So, she decided to have lunch with Tina. To her surprise, Tina didn’t hesitate to say yes. In reality, Tina just wanted to be nosey and find out why Angie was spending so much time with the new hire. She figured that she could get in good through Marla. Or, at least find out what they were talking about.
Marla offered to drive and took Tina to one of her favorite spots, Luigi’s Sub Shop. Although it was further away from her new job, Marla had a craving for one of their excellent steak and onion subs. When they walked in, the place was beyond packed. Every seat was taken at the counter, where Marla usually would sit. They decided to have a waiter seat them at a table. The waiter gave them a chance to look over the menu, while he prepared their drinks. Although Marla was seated at a table, she was still spotted by Jeffrey, who worked the counter.
“Is that my Marla”, yelled Jeffery.
Marla smiled and playfully covered her face with her menu. Jeffrey rushed to her table and gave Marla a big hug and kiss.
“Where have you been my love?”
“Making some changes.”
“Really? I was worried. I hadn’t saw you or your friend, Kevin.”
Hearing his name disturbed Marla. She still had a negative view of Kevin.
“Well, I’m back.”
“Great! Did they take you all’s order?”
“Not yet. I want….”
“Hush. You want the half with cheese, mushrooms, and peppers. Salt and vinegar chips, and diet cola with a lemon.”
Marla blushed.
“And, for you doll”, Jeffrey asked Tina.
“What she’s having sounds good. I’ll do the same.”
“Gotcha. Coming right up.”
After Jeffrey left to put in the order, Tina started to relax a little. She realized how down-to-earth Marla was.
“You seem like cool people, Marla.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
“Thanks. Especially coming here. I would’ve never imagine you having lunch at a place like this.”
“Really? Why?”
“I thought you were the ‘bougie-type’. I guess I was wrong.”
Marla burst out in laughter, which drew attention of the people around her. At the same time, the previous waiter appeared with their food.
“Trust me. I know all levels. I’m down-to-earth, but I also know my role. In the professional arena, I keep it professional. I may make mistakes, but I never stray too far from my professionalism. That’s something to always remember. You don’t have to change who you are; just recognize your position and adjust accordingly.”
“Deep. I like that. How did you and Angie hit it off so well?”
“Position. I always enter a new situation, playing my role. As we learn each other, we discover things in common and grow from there. Angie seems to be a very cool person.”
“Yes. I can’t complain. She’s helped me out a lot through the years.”
“So, you should know what I’m talking about?”
“Yeah, in a sense. But…. Is it cool, if I’m honest with you?”
“Sure.”
“I wanted your position.”
Marla’s eyes widen as she quietly chewed her food and listened.
“And, I’m trying to figure out why it wasn’t offered to me.”
“Did you ask for it?”
“Yes.”
“Did you display it?”
“Display what?”
“The position. Anybody can say they want something, but you have to display why you deserve it. If you keep working your current position, then you are showing what you’re able to do; your current position. That extra mile….”
Marla was distracted, when she recognizes a woman walk into Luigi’s that looks familiar to her. She stares at the woman for a moment and quickly looks away as the woman walks by, heading to the bathroom.
“Something wrong?”
“You know how you’ve seen someone before, but don’t know where?”
“All the time.”
“One of those moments.”
Suddenly, Stanley walked into Luigi’s. As he prepared to scan the restaurant, Marla quickly put her head very low to her plate.
“You okay?”
“No.”
“Well, that food must be incredible to you.”
Marla took a chance and looked up at the door, again. Stanley had taken a seat at the counter, where some people had left. Him and Jeffrey smiled and shook hands. Marla watched closely as Stanley went through the menu. The familiar woman came back, which was the same brunette from yesterday.
“That’s where I know her”, Marla whispered to herself.
Tina felt as if she was being ignored by Marla and became annoyed. She pulled out her phone to check her messages. After a while, she looked at Marla.
“Well, looks like it’s about that time.”
“Not yet”, replied Marla with her eyes deadlocked on Stanley and the brunette.”
Confused, Tina turned around and looked in the same direction. Jeffrey came to the table and laid the bill down with two ‘to-go’ containers.
“Dessert for you ladies. On the house.”
“Jeffrey, you shouldn’t have.”
“My pleasure.”
“Seriously, you shouldn’t have. The last thing I need is another pound”, said Tina
“Stop it. You’re beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
“Jeffrey, I’m going to pay with cash and you keep the change.”
“Thank you, love.”
“And do me a favor…. I have to leave quietly.”
“Okay. Is everything alright?”
“Yes. Sometimes, it is best if you go unseen.”
“Well, you can use our backdoor if need be.”
“Great.”
Marla and Tina quickly stood to their feet as Marla leaned towards Jeffrey to whisper in his ear.
“Have you seen those two before?”
“Who?”
“The two that just came in…. right there?”
“Oh, yeah. Stan and Julie visit from time to time.”
“Okay. Thanks for everything.”
“You got it, love.”
Marla and Tina left out the backdoor and headed back to work. What Marla had seen and heard was disturbing. She had a number of thoughts racing through her head as she drove back. Tina hadn’t said anything. A couple of times, she looked over at Marla and noticed a stressful look on her face. It also appeared as if Marla’s eyes were beginning to water. Tina, not being one to bite her tongue, couldn’t hold back.
“What was that?”
Marla didn’t say a word. She continued to look ahead and drive.
“I mean, if you can’t tell me, I understand. It’s your business. It just seemed odd. You were talking and having a good time and….”
“Like you said, my business.”
“Understood.”
###
Angie was taking her lunch break and was walking into the business complex, where Jimmy was a security guard. She got a rush out of getting into other people’s business and would rather spy on people than eat a meal for lunch. As she walked toward the security desk, she realized Jimmy wasn’t there. Another security guard was working the post.
“Can I help you, ma’am”, asked the security guard.
“Yes. Is Jimmy here, today?”
“No, ma’am. He was in a bad accident.”
“What? Okay, thank you.”
Angie quickly walked out and pulled out her phone to text Marla.
[Angie: Rhonda tried to kill Jimmy]
[Marla: Say what?]
[Angie: That’s what the co-worker said. He wasn’t at work.]
[Marla: I’ll call Rhonda.]
[Angie: If you don’t get an answer, try the local jail.]
###
Rhonda was standing in the waiting room of the emergency department, leaning on the wall. She looked at her phone, which was still showing no signal. One of her co-workers, Rene stopped by to check on her, while on her break.
“Rhonda.”
“Rene!”
They hugged each other tight.
“You making it?”
“Yes. Just still in shock, a little.”
“Have you heard anything?”
“No. I haven’t been able to go back there. I’ve been out here all morning. I wish I had my employee badge on me. I’d go back there myself.”
“Has anyone tried calling you?”
“The signal is terrible in here. I was thinking about going outside and checking my phone.”
“Come on. I’ll go out there with you.”
As soon as they walked outside, Rhonda got a number of messages coming to her phone. The most recent message was from Marla that read [Are you okay???]. Rhonda decided to call Marla, first.
“Hello?”
“Marla?”
“Rhonda, where are you?”
“I’m at the hospital.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Well, Jimmy was in a bad car accident this morning.”
“What? I wasn’t sure what was going on. I called the local jail and everywhere.”
“Local jail? No, we’re here in emergency. I haven’t seen him, so I’m not sure of the condition.”
“Wow. Did you need anything?”
“No, thank you. I’m just more concerned with what is going on with Jimmy.”
“Okay. When you hear something, let me know.”
“Okay.”
When Marla and Tina arrived back at work, Tina quickly got out without saying a word and headed directly for Angie’s office. Marla wanted to give Angie an update on what was going on, but decided to wait and let Tina have her time with Angie. Instead, Marla walked back to her department to check on her other two employees.
When Marla approached her area, the first person she noticed was Betty. Betty was busy sorting mail, but had dozed off to sleep at her desk. As Marla approached Betty’s desk, she noticed Betty tongue resting on her bottom lip as saliva began to form in the corners.
“Poor, Betty”, Marla said to herself.
“Mrs. Betty?”
Marla tried calling Betty’s name and lightly shaken her shoulder. Eventually, Betty awakened and realized where she was. Then, she noticed who was standing over her.
“Mrs. Evans. Please, forgive me.”
“No need to apologize. Have you taken a break, Mrs. Betty?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Okay. I think it’s a good time to do so. I’ll have Tony finish this up.”
“Bless your heart.”
Betty slowly rose from her chair and hugged Marla, before leaving. Tony walked up to Marla, just as Betty was leaving.
“Just who I was looking for.”
“How can I help you?”
“Tony, you’ve been on your feet a lot lately. Too much caffeine?”
“No. I was in a bad incident, a few days back. Now, I’m starting to heal.”
“Whoa. Be careful out there. Well, Mrs. Betty is on a break. I need you to finish up the mail.”
“Okay.”
Tony went to Betty’s desk and had a seat on the side of one of his butt cheeks that had the least pain.
Tina was still in Angie’s office, complaining yet again to Angie about Marla. Showing no concern at all, Angie played with her Pandora bracelet and partially listened.
“She must be a stone Gemini, because she got those up and down mood swings. I mean, one minute we having a good conversation. And the next, she’s totally ignoring me and off in her own world. Like, I’m not even there.”
“Tina, you do have that effect on people.”
“What effect?”
“Well, you have to tone it down some. Too much talking, complaining, crying, whining can throw a person off.”
“I don’t whine”, yelled Tina as her voice started to squeal.
“Just be careful and limit your comments. Try to be more of a listener, at times.”
“I do listen. Remember, when I sat right here in your office and listened to your hurt and pain?”
“Tina that was one time, when my wedding was rudely derailed. So, don’t go there. Besides, you need to get to work. This isn’t counseling. Do it on your own time.”
Tina quickly jumped from her seat and left out, slamming the door behind her. The loud slam alerted everyone as they watched Tina return to her desk. At the same time, Angie was disturbed after Tina mentioned one of the most disastrous times in her life. Angie continued to play with her bracelet as she continued to replay that “dark” afternoon in her mind….
It was about five years ago, Angie was dating a guy, named Andrew. In her mind, she was in love. Although Angie may have been in love, Andrew was only in lust. Since Andrew was six years older than Angie, she thought she was on to something by having an older man. Their often ‘night outs’ led to Angie’s pregnancy. At the time, Angie was staying in a small condo. When they found out she was pregnant, Andrew decided to move her in.
Andrew had no problem with moving Angie in. To him, the move made for “instant sex”. Instead of calling and having to meet somewhere, go out to eat, and so forth, he could simply go home and it would be waiting for him. On the other hand, Angie felt they would be together forever. She was so sure that she eventually talked Andrew into marriage. Once Andrew agreed, Angie went to great lengths to prepare for their wedding. With little money, they planned to get married at the courthouse. Although it was going to be a courthouse wedding, Angie planned and prepared for it as if they had a church, a hall, a wedding planner, and the works!
While pregnant, Angie managed to get promoted to department supervisor. It was one afternoon that Angie went home early, because she was having stomach sickness. When Angie made it home, she found Andrew in the bed with two other women. Andrew felt he had to get it all out of his system. Angie was distraught and quickly moved out. She managed to find a relative that would allow her to stay at their place, until she could find her own.
Afterwards, Angie was heartbroken and went into deep depression. Her unhealthy eating and prescription pills to cope with depression led to a miscarriage. Along with infidelity, she had to deal with the loss of her first child. Over the next three years, Angie was receiving help from everyone, including Tina. Tina’s help came by way of drinking and partying. One of Angie’s cousins bought her a Pandora bracelet and the first charm, which had the word “love” on it.
Now, Angie’s bracelet had a total of 11 charms. Some of them, she bought herself and others, someone bought for her. Every one of them had a meaning. In a way, the bracelet helped ease her mind. It was a better option than taking pills or drinking.
“I talked to Rhonda.”
Being off in her own world again, Angie didn’t hear Marla walk into her office and was slightly startled.
“I’m sorry.”
“No, you’re fine. You said, you talked to Rhonda.”
“Yes, not too long ago. I guess it wasn’t as bad as we thought. Jimmy was in a bad car accident.”
“Wow. What is his condition?”
“Not sure. She is waiting to see.”
“Well, I’m planning to stop by Reggie’s barber shop when I leave here.”
“Two in one day?”
“You know me.”
###
“Well, there was traumatic brain injury. We noticed damage of the frontal lobe. If there are any symptoms from this injury is left to be seen.”
“How is he, currently?”
“His responses are a little slow, but it is good that he is responsive. By being hit on the driver’s side, the impact was much worse.”
“Will he be his normal self?”
“Possible. If there are any symptoms….”
Marla walked into Jimmy’s emergency room.
“….they might be temporary. Also, there could be memory loss.”
“But, there’s no way of knowing right now?”
“No. We will continue to do tests. We will hold him for a while and find out if any additional damage exists and what effects they may have.”
“Okay.”
The doctor flashed a partial smile at Rhonda and Marla and walked out of the room.
“Marla?”
“Hey, girl. How you feeling?”
“Tired, upset, bothered, you name it.”
“You can’t stress over this, Rhonda. You have to be the strong one in this situation.”
“Yes. But, I feel like it is my fault.”
Rhonda lowered her voice.
“I was too focused on getting back at him, this morning. I was acting in a negative way and I could’ve lost him in an instant.”
Rhonda’s eyes began to fill up.
“I just don’t understand this crap. Why does this have to be?”
“Remain positive, Rhonda. There is no guarantee on anything. Just have faith in your husband. Have faith in his recovery and have faith in the vows he made before God.”
“Yes, but….”
Rhonda was unable to speak and burst into tears. Marla wrapped her arms around Rhonda and comforted her. The sounds of the heart rate monitor beeped in the background as Marla consoled Rhonda. At the moment, there was no thought about anyone’s significant other sleeping around. In fact, Marla and Rhonda were disgusted with the entire situation because now someone’s life had been in danger. Rhonda managed to pull herself together and have a seat. Marla sat next to her and watched as the staff, patients, and visitors constantly walked pass Jimmy’s room. For a moment, there was silence. Marla was at a loss for words and instead gave Rhonda some time to herself. Eventually, the silence became too awkward.
“I never knew it was packed like this in a hospital”, said Marla, attempting to break the awkward silence.
“All the time. I work in this environment, so I see it every day.”
“There are these many people in need of assistance and care on a daily basis?”
“Yes. At the same time, you got your addicts and homeless people that come in to get a night’s rest.”
“Huh?”
“Yeah. For the most part, a hospital has to accept someone that needs assistance. So, you have people that walk in and claim to have some illness in order to get a bed to lay on. The staff checks them in and runs test, while the individual gets some rest.”
“Wow. How often does that happen?”
“Every day. You have some that are wise enough to plan their visit. They arrive at a time, when patients receive a meal from the cafeteria. So, some get a meal and a bed to lay in.”
“How do they pay for it?”
“They don’t. You do.”
###
Reggie is co-owner of Island Cuts. Along with two other barbers, Stace and Mel, he rents a section of a strip mall for his barbering business. Island Cuts is a dream that Reggie had for a number of years. After putting in his time renting a barber chair at various locations, he managed to build his clientele and start his own barber shop. The partnership made the transition easy for Reggie and a huge success. Island Cuts is also the place where Reggie met Stephanie. Stephanie needed her eyebrows arched and randomly chose Island Cuts. It was a slow day and Reggie was the only one cutting hair on that day. As Reggie took his time producing the perfect arch, Stephanie was mesmerized by Reggie’s light brown skin and lime green eyes. A general conversation began, and the rest is history.
All three of the barbers were at the barber shop today, making money. They each had a customer sitting in their chair. As usual, a hot topic had to be going on, like most barber shops. The topic on today was the comparison of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. As each barber forcefully gave their opinion, the door of the barber shop chimed as Angie walked in. For a moment, the men got silent to greet and recognize Angie as she took a seat near Reggie’s chair. Since mainly men visit a barber shop, it was always a pleasure for the men to see a woman pass through. After every barber said hello, the men continued to talk about the Bryant and Jordan discussion. At the same time, Reggie placed his focus on Angie.
“Are you here for a specific barber?”
“You, if you don’t mind.”
“That’s cool. What would you like done”, asked Reggie as he continued to work on his current customer’s hair.
“Just my eyebrows.”
Reggie took a glance at Angie’s face. He looked again and stepped back from his customer