In The Garden

Chapter 8

"What's your name?" asked George finally coming to his senses.

"Georgette," she replied.

"Oh that's funny mine's George," he laughed at the coincidence.

"I know your name," she said.

"Oh you do, ok well then you had me at a disadvantage," replied George.

"Well that doesn't matter we know each other now," said Georgette.

"I guess you're right," said George.

"Thanks for standing up for my sister," said Georgette.

"Your sister," said George, "I didn't know she was your sister. I just saw them picking on her. I can see the family resemblance. You're both very pretty."

While George did think Zelda was very pretty in his eyes he had never seen someone as beautiful as Georgette. He longed for her from their first meeting on.

"Thank you," said Zelda, "I guess all the gentlemen aren't dead after all."

She winked over to her sister unnoticed by George.

"Well I have to get to class," said Zelda.

"Oh yeah school and stuff," stammered George, "I've got to go too. But can I see you after school maybe walk you home?"

"You can see me but I can get home fine on my own," Georgette flirted.

***

When Rhonda started work around six that evening she hadn't heard from Victoria about how her visits went. After clocking in Rhonda slipped downstairs to the patient common area she knew Randall spent time in. She stood in the entryway of the common area surveying the patients looking for Randall. Just like before when she had brought Victoria down he sat alone in the back near the windows. She hovered behind him not knowing how to start.

"I can see you standing there through your reflection in the glass. Is there something you need?"

"Oh I'm sorry," said Rhonda, "I don't mean to hover or to interrupt you."

"But," questioned Randall.

"But?"

"When people start off conversations with you that way there is always a but attached."

"I suppose you're right. I...I, It's just have some questions," explained Rhonda.

"What about?"

"About what you know," replied Rhonda.

"About what I know about what?"

"The woman in 227."

"Who told you about that?"

"My friend, Victoria Baker. You spoke to her at the book store the day of Allison Cooper's book signing and then again the other day. I let her in to talk to you," explained Rhonda.

"Oh you did," said Randall.

"She is very interested in what you had to say but your son interrupted you."

"I'm not supposed to talk to you. I was told to keep my mouth shut," snapped Randall.

"Please! I promise not to take up too much of your time," explained Rhonda.