Too late

Catching up

When I got off work I got a call from a random number, normally I don't pick up , but something told me too. "Hello?"

"This Cynthia Barnes?" I looked at the phone as if the number would become with the sound of her voice - it didn't. "Who's calling?"

"You probably won't believe it , but - Its Penny, Penny Gardner , from Telson Elementary , 2nd through 6th grade , we were inseparable-" she went on , spilling more memories, but she didn't have too , her name was enough for me to remember who she was. "Hey hey , Girl , I know who you are , its been over 20 years but girl , we were like salt and pepper. You still live in Folk county ? I'm about 2 hours away up in Redwood , but I could make a trip this weekend."

"I'm actually right in between , in Milford Meadows. It's so glad to reconnect with you girl. I heard from . . . well , it's probably a funnier story in person , maybe." We talked the entire ride home. When I got there I told her I couldn't wait to meet up and we set it for Saturday. I walked up the driveway and the house was completely dark , as if no one was home. I unlocked the door and walked inside , turned on some lights. "Kristen!" I called out setting my purse on the couch, kicking my shoes off. "Kristen!" I repeated going to the kitchen. I turned the light on and got me something to drink - a glass of wine. My favorite beverage. I walked upstairs and knocked on her door. I opened it up and she was knocked out. Early night for her. I went to my bedroom and started some bath water. I turned on my stereo , turned it down low but loud enough for the sounds of Ginuwine to spill into my connecting master bathroom. I tied my hair up standing in front of the mirror - hey there Cynthia, long time no see - I thought to myself. I knew that everything I've done and that I still do is for Kristen , but its been years since I could actually stare at myself in the mirror for more than a few minutes. I don't want to say that I didn't like what I seen , it was just , I wasn't ready to face it yet I guess. My phone buzzed on the sink , breaking the stare I had with myself - saved by the buzz. I clicked accept on the phone call from Donald. One of my three sponsors. "Hey Don."

"Hey Cyn , you busy ? I uh- I need someone to talk to."

"Uh . . . pulling me out of bed like this is going to cost you Donald, you know I don't like last minute."

"I know baby , I know, I'm sorry. You know it'll be worth your while."

"Let me freshen up , meet me at the oaks. You know the room."

"Thank you babe." he hung up and I rolled my eyes. I cut off the bath water and ran a shower , it was quick. Donald did pay big when he called me unexpectedly- real big." I hopped out , lotioned up and sprayed my chanel No.5 on my wrists , neck , and breasts. Donald was a very sexy older man , 48 , tall , stocky , he wasn't muscular but he wasn't fat , just big , and I liked it. We'd never gotten physical , couple kisses here and there , holding hands. There were times I thought to climb him like a tree , but prostitution wasn't something I was into and I'd be damn and I start doing the actions. Donald was a landlord for some warehouses, he inherited a bunch of land from his father , money as well. He built warehouses on the land and businesses scooped them up and pay very well for them. I slipped into a white lace body suit , some jeans that hugged me in all the right places and some white kitten heels. I tossed on a white blazer and let my messy hair just flow down my back. I was never too much into make up , so some lip gloss was all I needed. I checked on Kristen again and sent her phone a text letting her know I was out then slipped out the front door. I started my jeep , and cut on the radio so I could enjoy my 45 minute ride.