Atone (The Disciples 2)

“I knew it. You are younger than me. You know I was talking with Mrs. A., the other day about—”

I hold up my hands. “Please, God no. I don’t need to hear about my mother and what she thinks.”

I look over at the clock and blink. Is it seriously midnight?

“No, you need me. It’s funny—I always have these feelings.” She paces while moving her hands as if she’s strumming a guitar. “Like when I applied here, I just knew this place was good. And since I’m saving money for cosmetology school, I knew that this was where I should be.”

I stare at her. What in the hell is she talking about? But again, she’s so sweet and always bubbly. It’s hard to be a jerk.

“Well, I’m glad you’re happy here.”

“Oh, don’t worry about me. I make sure I’m happy. But you… you need to get out of this office.” She’s so animated her boobs are bouncing and I can’t help but wonder why she doesn’t get a better bra.

“I insist that you go with me tomorrow.” She stops and faces me. Her cheeks are flushed as if this is the best idea she’s had in a while.

“Cindy.” I set down the money and reach for the rubber band around my wrist to put my hair up.

“I can’t go out. I have a business to run.”

She shakes her head and pulls down my schedule. “You’re off tomorrow. I’m making appointments at Dolly’s Doll Shop. We’re getting our hair done, and after that, you and I are going out dancing. And hopefully you can get laid.”

This time I do laugh. “Thanks,” I say and shake my head at the ridiculousness of what she said. I don’t think I’ll ever have sex again. First, it can never, and I do mean never compare to the fucking amazing sex I had with David. And second, I don’t go out and get drunk or have my hair done. In fact, I think it’s been months. Cindy stands there looking at me, and I squirm.

“Stop it. I’m not doing it. I have other plans. Thank you, though.”

“So, you are what everyone says about you?” She shakes her head as if she’s heard the saddest thing.

I roll my eyes and straighten my shoulders. “I have no idea, but I’m busy…”

“Well, then I guess they are right. I said no, that underneath those dark clothes is a beautiful person. And I’m not talking about this.” She points at my face. “I’m talking about in here.” She hits her chest, causing me to wince at the boob jiggle.

“We all know that you’re beautiful, but what good does that do you if you’re miserable and lonely inside.”

“Wait, what are you rambling about?”

“Everyone thinks you’re stuck up, too good for us, and that that’s why you never hang out.”

“That’s absurd.” My cheeks get hot.

“Perfect. I’ll stop by your apartment and pick you up. Trust me. You are going to love getting your hair cut. Maybe they’ll have time to do your makeup.” She looks at my face and hair.

I stand up. “Look, Cindy—”

“Okay, see you around eleven.” She picks up her backpack and swings the door open.

“Great.” I lower myself into the chair. I can’t go… but then again, I do need my hair cut and styled. Picking up the ones again, I start to count. I’ll decide in the morning.CHARLIE“God,” I groan. My eyes flutter open for a moment then close as I reach around for the phone. The gritty sensation beneath my lids feels like someone tossed sand at me. I got home at two thirty in the morning, had a couple of glasses of wine, and tossed and turned the rest of the time. It’s as though I closed my eyes only seconds ago. What is that horrible banging and buzzing?

“Hello.” My voice cracks, but I don’t care. It’s my day off. I swear to God if it’s my mom calling…

“Hey you! Let me in.”

Cindy’s cheerful voice makes me turn from my stomach to my back.

“What?” I say, willing my brain to work.

“I’m outside your apartment. Cute neighborhood.”

I sit up. “Wait. What time is it?” I look around my dark bedroom. I have blackout curtains. When you work in the restaurant business it’s a must.

She giggles and I frown at the phone in the darkness.

“I have no idea why you’re laughing. What time is it?” I flop back and pull the down comforter over my naked body. I love the way the sheets kind of caress my bare skin. I kick a leg out since it’s slightly muggy. Time to have the landlord check my air conditioner. The air isn’t as cool as it used to be.

“It’s eleven thirty. Open the door, girlfriend. We’ve got a hair appointment in half an hour.”

I groan into the cell.

“Cindy.” I rub my forehead. My head aches and she’s way too much for me this morning… or afternoon.