╢Only The Strong Survive ╢Elvis Presley╢

♪ 5. Little hope and when the devil is closer ♪

May 23th, 1965.

Two days ago, Patti adapted in a new place. She had little contact with Jay during this time - save for the moment when she got up in the morning and ran into him while he was in a hurry at breakfast and on his way to work.

—Good morning — Patti said politely, wearing a black bathrobe. Before that, she made sure it was tightly covered. —Are you such an early riser?

—Yes, my dear — Jay said softly and took the last sip of his coffee. —That's life, on the run all the time.

At this point, Welma entered the kitchen and greeted Patti with a happy smile. Patti replied the same, and Jay wished the women a nice day and left quickly.

—Is he afraid of my company?— Patti asked, raising an eyebrow as Welma pursed her lips. — If so, why did he agree to help? Maybe this is too much for him after all?

—It's not that — Welma began cautiously and looked over her shoulder as if to make sure Jay had really left the house. —Mr. Jay's still healing his wounds.

—What wounds?— Patti asked. —Love wounds, maybe?

—That's right  —Welma walked over to the refrigerator. —Sit down, I'll tell you, just let it stay between us.  What do you want for breakfast, ma'am?

— Call me Patti — The girl sat down on the stool. — Can I make my own breakfast, please?

—Can I make you breakfast this time, Patti?— Welma smiled politely. — Next time you decide what you want to eat.

—All right — Patti nodded. —I'll be right there, just check to see if Gladys is still asleep, okay? Sometimes she wakes up and doesn't cry.

— Fine.

Patti went to her room and, after making sure Gladys was still asleep, returned to the kitchen. Welma made her pasta with spinach and when Patti started eating, Wilma said:

— Mr. Jay is fresh out of a serious relationship. Do you know Sharon Tate?

— Yes, she is the actress who starred in Eye Of Devil, a very pretty woman. I understand Jay loved her very much?

— Yes, but it's a delicate matter. Well, Sharon chose another man.

Patti put the pasta on her fork and looked down at the plate. Could Patti somehow remind Jay Sharon in appearance? Aside from the fact that both were blonde and both were quite skinny, there were different.

— Jay pretended to understand her choice, but is actually very hurt. And you ... you are a bit like Sharon.

—Is ...— Patti suddenly took a deep breath. —Is that why he agreed to help me? You know, I don't want any trouble with another famous man.

—No, no — Welma said. —Frank is Jay's regular customer and his friend. Jay helped Frank many times as well as Frank's friends. This is another favor.

Hopefully Patti thought. She appreciated Jay's hospitality, but preferred the neutral ground of relationships. Now it is revealed that Jay has been spurned by Sharon Tate and avoids Patti because Patti looks like his former love in appearance.

I will only speak to him when necessary. Besides, it's good that he works for a long time, thanks to which we only see each other for a moment and it's a safe solution.

Patti hoped Nancy and Frank would soon find her another shelter. She really didn't want any new complications - all she wanted was peace for herself and her baby. She had it temporarily, but it is unknown when it might be disrupted by her husband.