Three Weeks

4

"Jeez, Jones! You got your head in the clouds today."

FP went to work, but he thought very little about the job and much more about the mystery woman who tried to phone him that morning. 

Fred snapped him back to reality though. It was almost their noon break and usually the two men would grab lunch from Pop's.

"You okay, man? You seem a little off today."

FP nods, "Yeah--I'm fine. Just got a lot on my mind, is all."

Fred shrugs, "Well, alright. If you want to talk about it, I'll listen," he pauses, "Wanna break and head into Pop's?"

He agrees and the two long time friends drive the mile down the road to Pop's Chocklit Shoppe. A hangout spot that they often went to in their youth.

The smell of burgers and fries circulate through the air and they grab a spot at the counter. Mrs. Tate was working that day and greeted the two men with a smile, "Hello, boys. Are we having the usual today?"

Fred smiles, "I will!"

FP didn't have much of an appetite, but he nods. 

Their food comes out shortly after, and while Fred scarfs it down, FP simply pushes it around his plate. 

"Okay, seriously? You need to tell me what's going on with you. You normally would have the entire plate gone by now..." Fred presses.

FP doesn't hesitate saying the truth, "I saw Alice a few weeks ago."

"Yeah...?"

He takes a bite of an onion ring, chewing thoughtfully, "I just can't stop thinking about her. She had this look on her face--like she was so broken and lost, and I don't know Freddy...do you ever see or hear anything...strange? I mean, you're her neighbor after all."

Fred leans forward on his elbows, and his brows knit together, "You mean...like Hal, uh, hitting her?"

He nods, "Yeah--I mean, I don't know what I mean! All I know is she looks miserable and I can't stop thinking about her and it's driving me insane."

"I know she's been kind of burnt out from having the baby, but I haven't heard or seen any signs of physical abuse. We all know Cooper's an ass though, so I'm sure she gets plenty of emotional abuse," Fred sighs, putting his soda can down with a thud.

It's quiet again, both of them consumed with things unsaid. FP finally breaks it, "Should I go over there? Just to make sure everything's okay?"

Fred shrugs, "I don't see the harm in it. I think she'd probably really appreciate it. Especially coming from you..."

He nods, taking a few bills out of his wallet as he slides off the stool, "Give this to Mrs. Tate for me. I'm gonna go see her."

* * * * * 

Alice had just managed to get Polly back to sleep. In every baby book she read, they always said to 'try to sleep when your baby sleeps,' though she was certain none of the authors of those books had a husband like Hal Cooper to deal with.

The laundry had already piled up again, as did the dishes in the kitchen. As much as she needs and wants to curl up on the couch and sleep, her household responsibilities loom over her head. Maybe she could afford herself a nap, after all Hal wouldn't be coming home until the following day. 

The doorbell rings and she mentally curses whoever is coming to see her while she looks like such a train wreck.

When she opens the door, her heart practically leaps out of her chest. FP smiles at her, his hands nervously tucked in the pockets of his Serpent jacket.