Love Metamorphosis

Chapter 5

                  

Jemma was unbelievably tired. Every inch of her was drug down by an exhaustion she didn't think a reasonable amount of sleep could fix. The only option was to try an unreasonable amount of sleep and follow through with an unhealthy comfort food. Fries and a milkshake sounded awfully good at the moment. Her father had insisted she stay with him in his takes-up-an-entire-floor-of-the-building condo.

Rubbing her forehead she tried to push the headache aside as she rolled over to look at the clock. Already 2:00 pm. She felt absolutely lazy and not one bit refreshed. So the unreasonable amount of sleep hadn't worked, but she was still betting on those fries. Pulling on a little black summer dress that tied in the back and had a lacy hem, Jemma tried this time to pull herself out of the exhaustion and was failing, miserably.

The reception that followed the funeral had been a blur, there were hugs and condolences, and she had spoken to an immeasurable amount of people who cared for Jeff. Mika had stood next to her like a guardian angel, making her drink and eat when Jemma should have done on her own. By the time she left even her bones were exhausted.

Trying to fix her hair into some semblance of decency and slapping on enough make-up to make her look more alive, Jemma was in the living room in 20 minutes. Her little black earrings bobbed next to her head, hitting her neck as she pulled on a sweater she had left in the living room the night before. The phone rang just as Jemma was stepping into her flats and she paused.

She could ignore it and say she had stepped out if it was an important call or she could let the answering machine get it. It was her father's home, so it could be for anything even work or, it dawned on Jemma, it could be her father. She walked across the kitchen and picked up the receiver.

"Turner residence," Jemma said, unable to think of any other way to pick up the phone.

"Is that you Jemma dear? It is Mary Kennis, we met on the train." The sweet old ladies voice was an unusual comfort to her. She relaxed instantly.

"Mary! What a surprise! I am guessing the rest of your trip was enjoyable?" Jemma asked politely a little curious about why Mary was calling her father's number.

"It was. I was calling to get your father to pass on our regards on behalf of our entire family. My grandson wasn't able to stay for the reception yesterday because he had to come and get me from the train station. He failed to mention that he would be attending and I took him away prematurely. We are so sorry for your loss and would like to offer our condolences. Eric would like to see if your father needs anything. Would you be a dear and pass on my message?" Mary explained.

"I am sorry I wasn't able to meet your grandson again," Jemma said and she meant it, "Of course I will pass on the message to my father."

"How long will you be in DC?" Mary inquired, and Jemma felt uncomfortable answering completely honestly.

"Another week or so," Jemma answered, unsure as to why the other woman was asking.

"I am forcing Eric to take me into DC when he goes there for work later this week, on Friday, I believe. I know we are not necessarily friends, more like accidental acquaintances, but I would like to take you to lunch." Mary requested, her voice obviously determined but not trying to offend.

"What a lovely idea, I can take you to one of my favorite restaurants. Hopefully the chef is still the same." Jemma felt herself smiling at the thought of good food and good company. Anything to distract her.

"I am very happy that we were able to meet, I will call you Thursday when I know an exact time." Mary insisted.

Jemma's stomach growled and she gave it an annoyed glance, it only had to wait a moment or two and then it would be fries heaven, "I should be dropping Mr. and Mrs. Chapman at the airport in the morning but I will be free to take your call in the afternoon."

"Sounds wonderful Jemma, I will talk to you soon." Mary sounded pleased with herself.

"Take care." Jemma said and then hung up, and headed straight for the door, all but jumped into her flats, snagged her purse, and down the stairs she went.

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