The Fountain of Youth

Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

When Andy’s alarm went off, she sat up quickly and reached over to turn it off. It normally took her alarm going off three, four and sometimes five times before she would get out of bed. This morning was different. She was on a mission, and only had a few hours to get everything taken care of before work.

Instead of going through her normal morning routine, she would simply do the necessities before heading out. She quickly changed into a pair of black men’s shorts, a black tank top and a white, short sleeve, button up shirt. Andy went over to her nightstand and rummaged through her bottom drawer, which contained miscellaneous knick knacks and tools. She pulled out a tape measurer, and took it over to her dresser. She measured out the length and width of the drawer, putting the measurements into her phone.

Before leaving her room, she slipped on a matching pair of black and white DC shoes and hat. With one last look to the rats, she exited her room and rushed down the hallway. She was abruptly stopped before hitting the kitchen by Aries. He looked up at her with his golden eyes and with a small meow, turned to lead her to his empty food and water dish.

“Oh Aries, I’m sorry. I’ve been a bad momma.”

Andy walked over to the kitten and kneeled down, scratching along his spine. She hadn’t had much time for him with the recent events. Even though she desperately wanted to spend time with him, she had no time to spare. Andy fetched his food and water quickly, then was on her way out the door.

Once she was in her car, she sped off down the street. Her first stop was at the local hardware store. When she had entered the store, her eyes narrowed as she looked around. She spotted the aisle she needed and made haste towards it.

Andy stood in an aisle full of wood. Not the kind that a lesbian like herself was not accustom to. She was looking for the lumber that matched her dresser. At last she had spotted the exact match. She stood in front of the piles of lumber, looking up and down the aisle to see if there was an associate nearby to help her.

At last a tall skinny man walked almost completely past the aisle, but noticing Andy, he began walking down the aisle towards her. He had a scruffy unshaven face, wearing jeans and a flannel shirt under his orange work vest. His smile was crooked but not unpleasant. She smiled in return as he got nearer.

"Howdy darlin', what can I help you with?" His Southern accent was apparent but not overbearing.

"Yes. Hi. I need a piece of this wood in these measurements." Andy stated, pointing to the stack of lumber and showing him the measurements she had put in her phone.

"Oh not a problem. Be back in a giffy." He grabbed a piece of wood, took one more glance at Andy's phone and headed off.

Andy tapped her fingers against her leg rhythmically as she waited. She was nearly bouncing with anticipation when the worker had rounded the corner with the piece she had requested. He smiled again as he handed her the freshly cut piece of wood.

"Is that all ya needed?"

"Yes sir, thank you."

"Take care now." He nodded his head, and continued on his way back down the aisle.

Andy admired the piece for just a moment before getting that hurried and anxious feeling. Before leaving the aisle she grabbed a few small inch by inch blocks of wood. She swiftly walked down the aisle and over to the check stand to pay for the piece of wood. While in line, she eyeballed a can of cold coffee. Although she preferred a piping hot White Chocolate Mocha, this vanilla bean coffee would have to suffice. She placed the can and the piece of wood on the counter and swiped her card to pay.