The
next day at noon Diane met her best girlfriend Sharon Blue at their regular
lunch place, the Friendship Cafe on Congress Street. Sharon was twenty-two, had
brown hair, and was smaller than Diane. She was a secretary at the Medical
Mutual Insurance Company of Maine. Sharon was friendly and fun to be around. She
was like a sister that Diane always wanted. "You look stunning," Diane greeted
her. Sharon was wearing a new outfit. "Thanks, like this? I bought it at
Marshalls on sale. You look great too. Did you and Roger do anything last
night?" "He came late again. We rented the video, 'Blue Moon.' Have you seen
it?" "Yes, it was strange; I wouldn't want to see my past again." "Roger liked
it; I didn't really care for it. So, how about those Sea Dogs? A homerun in the
ninth. They are in second place now. I hope Roger and I can go to the game
Friday night. Care to join us?" "Thanks alot. I would love to go with you two."
"There's a really nice man I want you to meet," Diane said. "No, no,no. You know
I don't want to get involved. My parents divorced; I saw what they went
through." "Time goes too fast. We'll pick you up Friday at seven. Have a great
afternoon." As they parted, "When are you going to get a car?" Diane
answered,"This 1956 VW bus is me! See ya!"
The Monday after the ballgame
Diane and Sharon met again at the Friendship Cafe. "I received my acceptance
letter from the University of Southern Maine this morning." "Congratulations
Sharon! When is your first day?" "September ninth." "Let's celebrate tonight.
Karaoke at Old Port Tavern. Roger has to work until midnight. I love him, but
he's too work oriented. He only has time for me a few hours two or three times a
week. I want a family, but he's not ready to make that commitment yet." "I'm
really sorry, Diane; he seems to be so nice, and I know he loves
you."
Tuesday night Diane and Sharon went to the Ice Arena. Roger had a
weak ankle from a childhood accident and couldn't skate, but Diane and Sharon
both loved and were excellent skaters. "I can't wait until the Pirates season
begins." "Jason is the best hockey player in the league." I bet they will win
the title again this year." "Watch this triple axle." Everyone stopped and
watched Diane show her talent.
Wednesday night Diane and Sharon went to
a movie. Thursday they met at lunchtime at the coffee and tea room in Casco Bay
Books. "What a day! Our computers have been down all morning. It was the power
failure. The storm woked me up about four. I've heard over half the city lost
electricity. They may have to run some undated backup articles in the paper. Do
you have power at Mutual?" "Yes, it was only off there for a few minutes. I
heard the storm too and tried to call you, but your phone must have been off or
out. My morning hasn't been good either. Some lady came in upset because her
policy wouldn't pay part of her hospital bill. She lashed out at me, and Doug
wasn't in yet, and I'm only the secretary." "Don't let it ruin the rest of your
day. The rain is stopping. Roger's coming over tonight. I'm going to try to get
closer to him." "What do you mean?" "He holds my hand and we kiss, but we have
never held one another close together for a long time. I'm going to fall all
over him. I think he will like it." "Oh, oh, do it! It will speed up your
relationship." "Have a good afternoon; tomorrow at one here
again."
Friday at the Friendship Cafe Sharon responded excitely, "Are you
alright? What happened?" Diane was in tears. Sharon threw her arms around Diane.
Diane could hardly speak.
**continue**
