In A Time And Place

Chapter 24

               I didn’t know what I would do today. Last night I came home and just fell into bed, depressed. The best idea I could conjure, so I wouldn’t waste away in this room, is visit Thomas. I knew where he lived now. Exactly where. He said I was always welcome, and besides, I was worried about him. Worried about Richard too. Maybe later on I’d try to talk to Vivian. I didn’t tell her about Archie being her future husband. She was already freaked out enough.

               I pulled out the white and blue striped shirt with the sleeves folded up to my elbows and put on a matching semi-dark blue knee high loose skirt that flowed whenever I moved. I looked pretty good if I do say so myself. I kept my hair down and put my bangs back to compliment the look.

               The sun streamed in and got in my eyes as I put on my one inch dark blue heels with no additional design to them.

               My slim trim waist growled for some food. Should I eat here or, no, probably best to just leave. Now.

               I picked up my white purse, put my wallet and key inside, then left the room. Is this what it was like for adults? When they didn’t go to school? Always going around here and there, even if it’s their choice? I wasn’t saying, nothing was my choice. There wasn’t anything in this hotel I was running from. I guess it was me, not staying inside, away from the world I was really running from.

               I bet last night, the party went on and on until Richard and the rest really did drop. What is it with me? I come and go to places in an instant. I don’t want to do that. Not anymore. It reminds me too much of, just staying here and leaving, in a snap.

               As I touched the floor to the lobby, the kind clerk noticed me.

               “Oh, miss?”

               I turned. “Yes?”

               “That young man was looking for you last night and again early this morning.” He leaned on the desk waiting for me to say something.

               Richard was looking for me? He should know, it’s a waste of time. I’m not doing any good to anyone really. I should stop seeing him, before I do something bad, right?

               “Oh? That’s right. What time is it?”

               The man looked at a watch then up at me. “About 9:30.”

               “Thank you.” I turned and walked towards the door.

This place and this time. It was like visiting a relative far away and distant from everything and everyone else you left behind. Concerning the family members and friends, the separation, the time to fend for yourself, it’s, all about you. I can’t take, all about me. All my life it’s been a shade off of me.

               Then I met Richard. Those blue eyes sucking me in. Into this.

               As I walked out into the open, the people passed me, and the cars slid along. The sky was gray, and the streets and sidewalks were wet. Everything moving along, it seemed, without me. Even the past is the future for me.

               Without another thought, I didn’t go back for any coat; I just stepped onto the road, and waited for openings, then ran across the street on my way through the light rain where the smell of wet asphalt rising in the air and greeting my senses. I stopped under an awning and just looked up at the sky. I leaned against the damp wall and felt my hair.