A House Of My Own

Past

Day had awoken something in me that I hadn't let come to the surface in years. It made me think back to my days before Sylvia. Before I settled down. It reminded me of Sharl. Sharl and I were best friends throughout university and he really taught me a thing or two, if you know what I mean. After Sylvia and I got together I definitely neglected my friends, losing touch of nearly everyone I had known before and when Sylv got sick I never bothered getting back in contact with them.

It took me a while to dig up my old contact list from uni but I managed to find Sharl's number easily enough. I went back and forth with myself about calling, but finally ended up dialing. It rang for a few seconds before he answered.

"Sharl Hendrickson speaking"

"Sharl, hey. It's Dorian, Dorian Fisk"

"Oh Shit! Fisky, Oh my God."

"hey"

"what's up?"

"Um, uh. Nothing, it's just. Hmm. I've been thinking."

"uh oh, that'd not good"

"Charlie..."

"woah, haven't heard that in a while"

"hmm" I cleared my throat, suddenly embarrassed at calling.

"Dory, what have you been up to? Feels like you fell of the face of the earth. How's your, uh, wife?"

I stay silent, realizing he doesn't know.

"Dorian?"

"uh, she passed away actually, a while ago"

"Oh Dorian, I'm sorry, that's terrible news"

"Im sorry, Charlie, maybe I shouldn't have called, I just met someone and they remind me of you. I realised I was a pretty shit friend back then"

"Dory, its water under the bridge. Don't worry about it. Hey, are you still in town? Maybe we could meet up, have a beer or something?"

"I'm actually living outside of town these days but Id like that. We can catch up..." a pregnant pause fell on the conversation.

Sharl was silent on his end for a beat before responding.

"sounds like fun"

We planned to meet up at the pub in town the next weekend to catch up. I'd be lying if I wasn't nervous to see him again. I'd changed quite a lot and I'm sure he hadn't one bit. Still, I was looking forward to it.

***

I had spent the morning in my garden, weeding all of the stray plants and airating the soil. I couldn't wait to harvest my small crop and eat my own produce. It felt very self sufficient for me. After lunch I took dear Greta down to town for some second hand shopping. I was looking for a bed side table and a carpet for my living room.

I found too many interesting clothing pieces and not one of the items on my list. But there was always next week.

While in town I picked up a lemon meringue pie from the home industries and groceries to restock the pantry. I'd been craving something sweet forever. And it could be an excuse to visit Dorian again.

Once I was back in my car I phoned Dorian.

"hey, you free? Im coming over with pie"

"hmm, I like pie"

I cut the call and made my way to Dorians place

***

A/N

I like pie too

XxJR