Cherry - part 28

Cathy

Jobs

Besides her new school, Cathy still worked at the store. Part time only. She felt how the home nursing school took her time, and only at the store she had time to relax and hear the newest gossip. It went well for her, though. The school was a whole new world, and she really liked to be a part of a community, like she haven't been for a long time. She saw new faces she already knew because of the store or the gossip she heard there.

Cathy pulls up her phone from her pocket and calls Cherry.

“Hey, Cher. How's it going?”

“Cathy, hi. I'm doing well. How about you? How's school? Did you send me the bills?” Cherry's thrilled voice rung through the phone.

“School's nice. We learn all kind of nursing stuff. I didn't send the bills, I was wondering if I could come to your place later? It's been a while since last time I saw you.”

“Please do! You know what; I'll send Richard out to get you. When should he pick you up?”

“Thanks, Cher. I'm of at 7.30, so 7.45 would be great.”

“No problem at all. Would you like to stay for dinner?”

“Oh, I should really get home and clean, I guess it's best if I just drop them off and say hi.” Her thoughts wandered off to her dirty apartment which haven't been cleaned for a week. Dishes haven't been washed and laundry haven't been done.

“Don't be silly! I'll have James make his famous corn chicken. If you need some cleaning up to do, I'll ask the maid to pay you a visit. It's hard to be alone and starting school again.”

“Oh, Cherry, I already owe you so much, please don't. It's my responsibility.” It was nice of Cherry to offer her help to get things fixed. Yet Cathy felt she was in debt to her ears, and she would never be able to pay any of it back.

“Now, Cathy, I'll take care of this. Think of it as... you are already paying me back by going to school and helping yourself. I already have everything, now I want to help someone, and that someone is you.”

“But...” She started, but Cherry cut her off.

“Cathy, shh. Richard will be there at 7.45 sharp. And when you get here, dinner will be ready. And you just give James the bills, and he will give it to my accountant. And I'll have the guest room got ready for you, so you'll stay here overnight. Don't worry, Richard will get you to school safely tomorrow. When you get home, my maid will have been there and everything will be taken care of. It's going to be nice. I'll see you later, sweety.”

“Okay, I guess.”

She stared at the phone while listening to the beeping sound. She never intended to rip Cherry of all her goods. The guilt was building up, but Cherry didn't listen.

A costumer walked into the store, touching a few items before going to Cathy. Cathy knew the costumer; it was Miss Darsy's son, George. He was probably still bitter about being fired from his position as Mr. Cryx's assistant. She had heard he was sure that he was fired so Percival could take his job. She had also heard that it wasn't even Mr. Cryx who fired him.

“Hello, Cathy. I didn't know you still worked here.”

“Hi George. Yeah, well, it's only part time now. I'm studying to be a home nurse.”

“That's nice. How about your night job. Still doing that?” She was instantly insulted. George had never been one of her clients, but he sure was interested in knowing her whereabouts as a whore.

“Not so much anymore. Money is not that tight now. It was only an emergency solution. I had to stop at one point, and frankly I'm tired of all the mean rumors.”

“I understand that. I've heard some of them, and it's not nice.”

“I know.”

He stood awkwardly and looked at her, and she wondered if all he came for was information.

“Have you heard Zia's in town again?”

“Yeah, she's been here for a while.”

“Have you talked with her?”

“No, but rumors spread like wildfire, or chlamydia, in this town.” They shared a laugh and the awkward silence fell again.

“Did you want something?” Cathy asked, and George looked around him.

“I forgot what I needed.” He turned to the door.

“Have you found a new job?” She almost yelled at him before he got to the door. He turned around and looked confused, as if he wanted to as how do you know? And then he laughed. Of course she knew.

“Not yet.”

“Good seeing you, George.”

“You too.” He yelled as he walked out of the store.