Chapter six
Nora: Linda? Hurry up already!!!, I don't have much time
Linda: am coming!!! (majestically enters into the living room)
Nora: really? You know we're going to jog right and not some fashion show!!
Linda: I know. But I still have to look cool, check out my pink canvas (rises her left foot up) cool right?
Nora: yea whatever. Where's Jones?
Jones: Am... (misses her step and falls to the ground)
Nora : ( moves closer to her and pulls her up ) watch your step before you injure yourself!!
Jones: Sorry, I was in a hurry (chuckles nervously)
Linda: Your shoe's lace is untied
Jones: Oops ( bends over and ties her lace)
Linda: You see Nora, this is why while dressing you should take your time
Nora: I don't care but on a serious note let's go, I want us to be back before "ten o'clock AM "
Linda: Okay ladies let's go burn some fat!!
(One step after the other, they run alongside other people at a steady slow pace within their neighborhood. They continue to jog around for about an hour ...)
Linda: Ugh ... Guys? please let's take a break ( falls flat on the ground) the sun is already out and I'm feeling exhausted!! ( open the water bottle and consumes every last drop)
Jones: Yea I agree with you (joins her on the ground)
Nora : (Shakes her head) lazy set of humans
Linda: You've got your mouth, so you can say whatever you like...
Nora: Guys we've only jogged for an hour
Jones: Yea!.. I....think that's enough ... for today
Nora: Okay fine I'll agree with you guys, let's jog back home ... whose with me? (raises her hand)
Linda: Wow that's funny... Too bad I forgot to laugh...
( While trying to decide on how to return home, they were interrupted by a car horn...)
Nora: Damn it!! (turns around to see who's car it was ) what the heck!?
Linda: That's Andre's car !! , help me up, please!!
Nora: OK (uses her left hand to pull her up)
Jones: (stands up and dusts the sand off her butt) who's Andre?
Andre: (opens the car door and steps out) Hey ladies !!
Nora : (whispers in Jones's ear) That's him... the guy with blue eyes and spiky hair
Jones: He's cute
Linda: Hey!! ... what are... You doing here?
Eric : ( steps out of the driver's seat) Hey pretties!! hope we weren't interrupting anything?
Nora: Yes you guys were!!!
Eric: My apologies Angel...
Linda: Hmm... Jones this is Andre and Eric...guys this is Jones our neighbor's daughter
Jones: Good day misters
Andre: British nice!!. love the blond hair beautiful
Jones: Wow!! (giggles) thank... You
Linda: Ugh... Yea so what brings you guys here?
Andre, We were driving by, saw you girls, and decided to stop and say "hi " to our beautiful princesses
Linda: Wow I'm flattered!! ...can I get a hug?
Andre: Yea sure (he walks few steps closer to her and gives a bear hug then stands close to his car)
Eric: And also to ask Nora if you guys can come over for dinner tonight?...
Nora: Well we ain't coming (she interrupts)
Linda: Of course we are!!
Nora: No we are not ...you know what if you want to go, you are free to because I'm going to work later today and might stay overnight
Linda : (sighs) You are one heck of a lady
Eric: It's okay!! It's cool. Maybe some other time
Nora: yea
( they both stare at each other until...)
Lizzy: oh my goodness, Eric!! (.. A lady in a purple skimpy dress on heels with dark blue colored short hair moves closer to him and hugs him then gives him a gentle kiss on his cheek..)
I had no idea you were around here but thank God you are here. So I was...hmm... thinking if you could drop me off at the mall? my car has some technical difficulties
Eric: Yeah sure no problem, hop in!!
Lizzy: Thanks, honey.
Jones : ( whispering) Is that his girlfriend?
Linda: Oh no!!!!. Just some girl who is forcing herself on him. Some people just don't know how to act, they don't know when they're trying too hard (putting something into her pocket )
Nora Isn't that Andre's handkerchief you're putting into your pocket?.
Linda Hmm... Of course not (chuckles nervously) why on earth will I do that !!
Nora : (Sighs and shakes her head) you need help
Lizzy: (Opening the car door) oops sorry didn't see you girls there...
Nora: Don't bother We're not offended because we all know a blind person can't see.
Lizzy :(Enters into the car back seat and slams the door)
Nora: Hungry Girls? I know I am!!
Jones: Yea me too
Linda: Well... there's a cafe not so far from here, we can stroll down there
Nora: OK let's go
(then walk few steps away from Eric's car...)
Eric Nora?
Nora : (turns around) yea
Eric: hmm I'll see you around?
Nora yea whatever (walks away)
( both Andre and Eric entered the car and drove off while Nora and the girls strolled their way to the cafe.
On getting there...)
Nora: You girls enter and order anything you want, I'll be right back
Jones: Where are you going?
Nora: Do you wanna stand here and listen to me as I explain myself? or go in there and get something to eat ?!
Jones: I'll go with eating (chuckles)
Nora: As expected
( Nora walks away while Linda and Jones majestically make their way into the cafe and have their seats)
Jones: So...What are we going to order?
Linda: I don't know, what do you think?
Jones: Hamburger and soda?
Linda: Hmm... no
Jones: why no?
Linda: if Nora finds out that we ate something like that, she's not going to take it lightly...
Jones but she said "we could order anything"
Linda: very well then... Hamburger and soda it is.
Waiter!!!? (she calls out)
(the waiter arrives at their table and Linda placed an order for both her and Jones, not less than two minutes they were served...)
Linda : (trying to masticate the little amount of food in her mouth) I so love this burger it's my favorite.
Jones: yea it tastes so gooooodd (shows her smile bones)
So... Tell me about Nora and Eric, are they in some kind of relationship?
Linda : (drops her snacks on the plate ) well...(sips her soda) no!
Jones: Eric seems to like her but I don't think Nora likes him that way, I noticed that today...
Linda: True but Nora likes him but she doesn't show it and Eric knows that.
Jones: but why is she like that?
Linda: girl!! I do not know, when she comes back you ask her
Jones: but what's up with the other girl, Lizzy?
Linda : (sits up) Lizzy has always been like that; all over Eric, always showing herself whenever he's around knowing fully well that the guy isn't interested in her. In my opinion, she's trying so hard ( gulps the remaining soda)
Jones: yea She is, just like you ( bites a big of her burger).
(on hearing this Linda coughs out the drink out of her mouth)
Jones: are you okay?
Linda : ( uses the table napkin to wipe the stains off her clothe) what did you just say !!?
Jones: well I was saying that you and Lizzy are the same ( looking straight into Linda's eyes) just like her, you too were all over Andre; you were trying to make him notice you and also you took his handkerchief while hugging him. If you ask me I think you're obsessed with him ( takes the last bite of her burger )
Linda: wow! Wow!!. So tell me what else do you know? (hits the table with her hand)
Jones: are you mad!!?
Linda: of course not!!. You know what !!? I've lost my appetite! (pushes the food off the table and stands up ), waiter!!? Waiter!!? Come take your money!!! (drops the money on the table)
Jones: please don't be angry, I was just giving my candid opinion about you two...
Linda : (interrupts her) and I sincerely respect that!!!
(Linda storms her way out of the cafe and Jones runs after her...)
Jones: Linda!!? Please calm down (holds her hand)
Linda: don't you touch me!
Nora: hey girls (walks to them )
What's up?
Linda: I Am about to board a taxi cuz I ain't jogging back home!!!
Nora: okay!!? . Are you sure you're okay?
Linda: me!! Yes! Am perfect!. Taxi!!? (waves her hand to stop a cab ) .
(she stops a cab, enters inside the car, and drove off)
Nora: what's up with her?!!
Jones: I may have said one or two things that changed her mood!! (lowers her head)
Nora: you don't say!! (folds arms and stand upright ),so tell me What could a teenager tell a young adult who has seen a lot in life?
Jones : Well!! I was just telling her that "she and Lizzy are alike; they are both trying so hard to get guys that don't love them!
Nora: wow!!
Jones: now that I'm thinking about it, I just realized how deep those words went
Nora: Girl... You fucked up big time. Do you think we don't know that Andre doesn't love Linda the way she loves him!! , but guess what!? We don't talk about it. Just like we don't call you a fat ass even though you are acting like one.
Jones: am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt her. I have to apologize...
Nora: well to Linda, sorry is just a word it doesn't change anything.
Jones: so what do I do now!?
Nora: Well how about you come later today or better still tomorrow by then she'll be in a good mood...
Jones : okay
Nora: but right now, you have to go meet your mom. I saw her not long ago and she said you should come home.
Jones: okay (bows her head down)
Nora: hey. (squats and rise Jones's head up using her hand ) what is it?
Jones: I can't believe I just ruined someone's day...
Nora: it's okay. Don't get all worked up over it. But next time make sure you think things through before talking
Jones: I'll keep that in mind
Nora :(stands up) that's good, come on let's go (holds her hand) your mom must be waiting for you
Jones : kk
******
(later that day)
Linda: Nora! You wanna join me at the dining table?
Nora: what did you prepare?
Linda: macaroni and cheese and queens cake
Nora : ( pressing her phone) yes thanks but I'm not hungry!
Linda: oh well suit yourself. I think I'll eat here in the living room
(she walks into the dining table and dishes out a little quantity of food with a glass of water then sits on the couch in the living room with Nora)
Linda: so!! (puts a little bit of food in mouth)
Nora : (pressing her phone) you know you're not supposed to talk while eating Right?
Linda: whatever ( sips water). By the way, Mrs. Sharon was asking of you earlier today...
Nora: why didn't you tell me about it when I came back?!
Linda: I wasn't in a good mood and I wasn't paying attention to her (clears throat) but now that I'm calm I just remembered
Nora : (raises her eyebrows) hmm...
Linda: don't "hmm " me!. you should have heard what Jones said to me at the cafe it was so heartbreaking ( sighs)
Nora: I can imagine (pressing her phone)
Linda: I feel you're not paying attention to what I'm saying!
Nora: Oops... My bad (drops her phone on the center table and sits up and folds her legs in between each other )
So Why was Mrs. Sharon looking for me!?
Linda: it was concerning her daughter.
Nora: that spoilt brat!!
Linda :( puts another spoon of food in her mouth)
Nora: the one that's a little bit taller than you?
Linda: (looks at her) really!. Do you think am that short?
Nora: of course not You're... Ugh!! Average in height
Linda: whatever (rolls her eyes). Yes it's her "Sharon "
Nora: what happened to her?
Linda: well ( takes a tissue paper from the table and cleans her mouth) the guy her mom told her not to date just broke her heart and now she has been in her room crying and has refused to come out.
Mrs. Sharon has tried everything apart from breaking the door open but she's still in there...
Nora: So what does that have to do with me?
Linda: well you're a medical doctor and also you're good at talking people out of things
Nora: I'll rather eat your food than go talk to that stupid teenager
Linda: Are you kidding me, So my food tastes bad?
Nora: of course not I just said it, don't take it personally.
Linda: girl you got to overlook your issue with Sharon and help because of her Mom, you know she's hypertensive and she also has high blood pressure
Nora: why didn't her daughter consider that before misbehaving?
Linda: please let's help Mrs. Sharon before things get out of hand.
Nora : (rubbing her chin) hmm...
Linda: What are you thinking about?
Nora: well I know what to do (stands up) get your queens cake and come with me
Linda: Kk
(Linda and Nora walk to Mrs. Sharon's house who is their next-door neighbor.
Nora presses the doorbell and in few seconds an old lady dressed in a maid outfit opens the door )
Nora: halo Lady bill
Lady bill: Nora!!, Linda!! Please come in (uses her hand to open the door) Mrs. Sharon was just asking about you?
Nora: So where is Mrs. Sharon? (walking into the living room)
Lady bill: the family doctor is attending to her in her room, she had an attack but now she's fine I hope!
Linda: hmm... So where is everyone?
Lady bill: they are not around at the moment but Sharon is in her room. (Whispers) to be sincere I'm tired ...
Nora: well there's no need for you to worry we're here now (takes the box of cupcakes from Linda) just show us her room.
Lady bill: it's upstairs by the left side, the pink door you won't miss it.
Nora: thank you. Let's go, Linda.
Linda: kk
Nora : (going up the stairs) since Sharon is her last child then why is the mother called Mrs. Sharon
Linda: that's because Sharon is her first and only biological child, the other four were adopted
Nora: wow nice...
Linda: you would have known that if you were friendly with the neighbors
Nora: Metchww
Linda: did you just hiss!!?
Nora : (sighs) pink door nice (stands in front Sharon's doorstep)
Linda : (takes a deep breath) OK you knock!!
Nora : (looks at her with the side of her eyes) yea sure
(knock! Knock!! Knock!!!, she knocks on the door)
Nora: Sharon!!? (still knocking) Sharon!!!? I know you're in there open up...
Sharon: go away, I don't wanna talk to anyone
Nora : (about the punch the door but what draws her hand back) it's not just anybody but Nora and Linda. We're here to talk to you, so do you mind!?
Sharon: Look I don't care Just get out, I don't want to talk to anyone
Mrs. Sharon: that has been her response
( Mrs. Sharon is a Slim woman in her 60s (sixty 's) with grey hair, average in height been supported by lady bill to stand up properly)
Nora: Mrs. Sharon! You look weak, go get some rest, please
Mrs. Sharon: I will once she's out (winks repeatedly to prevent the tears in her eyes from dropping)
Nora: here (hands the box of cake back to Linda)
Sharon!? there something you have to know, the guy you're soaking your pillow with tears for has already moved on and you should do the same. no one deserves to be treated like this and I do understand if you're heartbroken but you should know that asshole of a guy doesn't deserve you or your love.
When people leave your life it doesn't mean it's over, you ought to get up and move on.
Sharon?
(No response)
Nora: well since you don't want to listen to me, I'll just go back home with my box of cupcakes. Bye!!
Sharon: wait!! (click!! Click!! She slowly opens the door)
Nora: Aww just look at you; our beautiful future model is crying over a guy how pathetic!!!
Sharon :(wiping her Swollen face dry with the back of her hand) hi everyone!
Mrs. Sharon: well it's about time you came out, just look at you what have done to your self?
Sharon: it's because I'm in love mom!!
Nora: of course, come closer I have something for you (smiles)
Sharon: okay!!..
(she moves closer to Nora. Nora raises her right hand and lands a hot slap on Sharon's left cheek)
(gasped!!!)
Sharon: what!! (tears rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably)
Mrs. Sharon: Nora!! What was that for?
Linda :( taps her) yes Nora What on earth!!
Nora: quiet!! let me finish
Sharon what kind of child are you that doesn't put the health of her mother Into consideration. You act the way you want to think that the "sun rises and sets on your head " but unfortunately it doesn't happen that way.
Your mother warned you to stay away from that guy but no!! You turned deaf ears to her words and now you're heartbroken, she's the one suffering!!.
Mrs. Sharon here has high blood pressure and she's hypertensive which means any little thing can remove her from the surface of the earth, did you ever consider that? No!! how would you when you're nothing but a selfish person crying over a spilled milk
Sharon :( tears rolling down from her eyes) I didn't mean to (Bows her head Low)
Linda: Nora!! (looks at her and nods her head)
Nora : (sighs) It's okay we all make mistakes sometimes,
Sharon: am sorry
Nora: I am not the one you ought to say that too. Go meet your mom and apologize from the bottom of your broken heart
Sharon : (cleans her face) I will
(she walks up to her Mom and puts her knees to the ground )
Sharon: mom am sorry for everything
Mrs. Sharon: it's okay my child (pulls her up and hugs her) thank you doctor Nora
Nora: Anytime Mrs. Sharon. Well I have to be on my way now ( looking at her wristwatch) I'm late for work
Mrs. Sharon: sure, Lady bill? (she calls)
Lady bill: yes ma'am
Mrs. Sharon: please see them off
Lady bill: sure ma'am, doctor Nora, Linda Shall we?
(they walk back to their house. On getting there Nora went straight to her car parked at the driveway )
Linda: wait you were been serious about going to work?
Nora: of course (opens the car door then sits on the driver seat)
Linda: ugh... Just give me a minute, a package was delivered for you I'll go get it ( increases her steps as she enters into her house)
(a few minutes later, she walks out of her house with a package in her hand )
Linda: here ( passes the package through the car's window )
Nora: Oh yea!! The stuff I ordered earlier today for a special someone (takes the package and drops it at the back seat)
Linda: Lucy?
Nora: yea it's her( She turns her car key to start the engine)
Linda: by the way I know that's not the only reason why you slapped Sharon there is more
Nora : ( switches the gear to drive) maybe (chuckles softly)
Linda: you are one badass
Nora: bye!!!! ( drives off)
*****
(she arrives at her workplace "hospital ", drives through the driveway then parks her car and enters the hospital ...)
Doctor Nicole : ( standing close to the nurse counter) I thought my day was gonna end well but unfortunately someone is about to ruin it
( they both look straight into each other's eyes)
Nora : (walks to the nurse counter) nurse Kelly?
Nurse Kelly: Doctor Nora how are you doing today?
Nora: great ( looks at doctor Nicole From her head down to her feet).
Doctor Nicole: excuse me!! (walks away)
Nora : ( wears a weird Smile on her face ) by the way nurse Kelly, please where's Lucy?
Nurse Kelly: she has been transferred to the children 's wardroom four
Nora: thanks ( took a step forward)
Nurse Kelly: Nora
Nora: yea (turns around)
Nurse Kelly: what's with the package?
Nora: it's a surprise for a princess (chuckles)
Nurse Kelly: that's cool, see you around then...
Nora: definitely ...
(....she walks to the children 's section then enters ward four only to see Lucy laying down on the bed on the left side of the room with the other three patients in their various corners ...)
Nora: Lucy? (stands close to her bed)
Lucy: doctor Nora!! ( sits up) You're here!!?
Nora: yea yo!!. You seem surprised
Lucy: of course ( showing her smile bones)
Nora : (smiles at her). So how's my baby girl doing?
Lucy: well I'm fine but...
Nora: (in her mind "there's always a "but ") so what is it this time?
Lucy: they kept me in a children's ward!!!
Nora: well (pulls a chair and sits close to Lucy's bed ) it's better than the emergency room
Lucy: I don't see the difference...
Nora: you been transferred here shows that you're getting back and you're recovering, isn't that good news?
Lucy: well it is (chuckles)
Nora: here (gives her the package) Got this for you...
Lucy: cool ( tears the package open). Wow, another doll!!
Nora: what do you mean?
Lucy: well professor got one for me yesterday
Nora: professor the cardiologist was here?
Lucy: yea .its looks like both of you are related cuz you're alike; so nice and generous
Nora: well I guess you could put it that way (smile). By the way where's your mom and grandma?
Lucy : (drops the doll on the bed) mom went to get something for me to eat while grandma went back home with Michael
Nora: so what about Mr. Jack your dad?
Lucy: well ...the court hearing was yesterday and he was given twenty-five years imprisonment with parole (sighs)
Nora: it's okay, don't worry about anything OK?
Lucy: yes I won't
Nora: so I got a box of chocolates for you (gives her the box) to apologize for not coming yesterday
Lucy : (chuckles softly) thanks (opens the box of chocolates and puts some in her mouth)
Nora: how about I spent some time with you what do you think?
Lucy: please do, boredom is killing me here and the worst part is that the other kids don't want to talk to me and I don't care!!
Nora: Lucy the "I don't care, queen "
Lucy : ( laughs so hard to the extent that tears started dropping) I don't know why am laughing so hard
Nora: me neither (chuckles softly and continues to chat with her) ...