Stranger to Me

~Three~

Gilda's P.O.V.

"You made a good choice Gilda," Doris told me. "Lord knows where all your money would have gone, with one of them going about your property."

I just nodded and took another sip of tea. Doris didn't seem to notice anything wrong with me. She just continued ranting.

"You know, it was just the other day, I saw that man again. You know, the one who tried to shoplift? He had a little girl with him. I don't know about those folks, Gilda. Heaven forbid, he probably kidnapped her. He had no right to be in the mall anyhow. He should be in prison right now, no less. What has become of the justice system these days? My goodness, our town will be worse than New York City at the rate this is going."

She paused long  enough to ask, "More tea, Gilda?"

I nodded once again. It was then that I realized I  couldn't hide from Doris much longer. The most I had contributed to the conversation was "Yes, please,", "No, thank you," and "Of course, Doris." It wouldn't be long before she figured something was up. As she picked up her teapot, I suddenly put my hand up to stop her.

"Actually, no, Doris. I really should be getting home."

Doris looked at me funny, then nodded.

"Alright then, if you must."

I got up and retreated to the well kept yard, but not without passing a, "Thank you for tea, Doris," over my shoulder.

My legs are not what you would call spry or young, but at least I could walk with no assistance. I was grateful - there were people my age who were bedridden. I continued down the sidewalk, admiring the yards of my neighbours, when I saw her again.

I searched my brain for her name. Alas, I could not find it. I just remember it started with an "S" and sounded a bit like "Cheyenne."

*(Sajana is pronounced like "Shyana")*

She was walking on the opposite side with a girl who resembled her, just a bit older. I assumed it was her sister. The two were sauntering along as if they were in no hurry at all. I decided it wouldn't hurt to watch them for a bit. After all, I judged the girl, maybe a little harshly. Maybe I could give her a second chance.

Stealthily ( for a 61-year-old), I crossed the road in the next opportunity available. I didn't want Doris to see me walking past her house again when I told her I would be going home.

I followed the girls, who were conversing rapidly, until we passed the gas station. The two headed for the corner store, and I realized I needed an excuse to be in there. What did I lack from my fridge?

I decided on milk. I would buy milk. Milk was a necessity, and I think I was out, so that was a reasonable excuse.

The two entered the store, and the bell above them rang. The latter rang again upon my entrance, but I wish it didn't. The girl who had come to my door turned around and looked at me. Thankfully, I don't think she recognized me.

I made my way over to the dairy section, but not without keeping the girls in my peripheral vision. I noticed that the shop keeper was also scowling at them. I grabbed a bag of milk, but I couldn't leave yet. I had to see what went on in that shop.

I heard the girl who came to my door call the other one "Luxshana." Luxshana and her sister were near the rack that held gum, looking at the different varieties. I never quite understood why there were so many. Perhaps its because I'm jealous because can't really chew gum anymore.  My jaws aren't what they used to be.

The two spent a great deal of time looking through the gum rack, but they finally decided on one. Goodness gracious, the sheer amount of time amazed me. And all for a pack of gum.

"Come on, Sajana," Luxshana called to her sister. Ah, yes, that was her name. Sajana. They made their way over to the shop keeper, who was still eyeing them suspiciously. Luxshana put the gum on the counter. She reached into her handbag and produced a purse. The girl began to pull out some money when the owner suddenly stepped from around the counter. He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her towards the gum rack. I watched in horror, as did Sajana.

"Give it up. Hand it over," the man bellowed. Luxshana looked genuinely confused, yet still very afraid, as I would be in the same situation.

"W-what?"

"I know you've got something from my store in that bag of yours. I've caught you, so give it up and hand it over," he repeated.

"The only thing that I want to purchase is this pack of gum, which I have brought up to you to pay for. I have the money right here," the girl said, gesturing to her purse.

"Ha! Save it. I know your type. Stealing is your middle name!"

"Actually, Sir, I don't have a middl-"

"SHUT UP!" he roared. I winced, and Sajana burst into tears. The shop keeper snatched Luxshana's purse and proceeded to root through it. It seemed like he hadn't found anything, until-

"Ha! I told you!" He shouted triumphantly. He was holding a pack of gum similar to that in Sajana's hand.

"Sir, I bought that from you two weeks ago!" Luxshana protested. " If you'll open it, you'll see that I'm almost out, which is why I came by to get another!"

"Sure," the owner said sarcastically. He opened the pack to find two pieces of gum remaining. He popped out both pieces and tossed them in his mouth. He gave them a few chews, then spit them out at Luxshana and Sajana.

"Now get out of my store, and don't ever think of coming back!" he yelled as he yanked the to-be-bought gum from Sajana's hand.

Luxshana and Sajana exited the store at that, the former attempting to retain her composure and her dignity, and the latter in a torrent of stormy tears. I heard her screaming and sobbing outside, but it lessened as they walked further and further away.

I decided to follow them , just to make sure they got home okay. I was beginning to feel a mother-like love for them, and felt concerned for their safety.

They got home okay, I think. They went through the backyard - I presumed they lived in a basement. Sighing, I approached my own home, but a wave of terror swept over me when I realized I was still carrying the milk bag.

I hadn't paid for it.