Natalie's Point of view
I started my day in bed as the day went on. I really needed to rest as my body really needed that, but rest from what exactly?. It was my off day and Mr Jerkins wouldn't stop talking about how incompetent I had suddenly become.
I said a few prayers and took my bath quite sleepily and headed off to Paula's. I knocked at her door and her kids were not around. I knew the hour had come for me to sleep.
"Aren't you tired of sleeping and rolling into bed like you have nothing to do?". Paula said, walking away with a tray in her hand, sounding all stern.
I felt like she had a bad day and she needed some space. I decided to give her some space to at least have some time for herself, but she wasn't just having it.
"I called you here to see what can be done about yourself, work and everything that concerns you," Paula said. I actually didn't like how she sounded, but it seemed like she meant the best to me.
Stop, I said, tapping my feet on the ground. "You should have a seat, Natty". Paula said, pulling on those stools for me.
"He never said he loved you, did he?" She said, trying to peer into my face as I looked away.
"He didn't" I said, as those words felt bitter in my mouth.
"So why then is your energy low as though he did, and the relationship didn't work out?"
I was quiet. Paula was right. He never asked me out.
"Suddenly, he brings up some sort of note and wants to cohabit with you, and for Mr Jerkins, why did you resume work as late as you did?".
"I was sad" I said, nonchalantly.
"Probably when you finally get fired and kicked out of your house, you'll understand what your job means to you." Paula looked at me sternly. I knew she was getting angry already.
"Look, you have to understand that it's not usually a bed of roses. That's why you should step up your games, Natty. Step up and don't let the fact that your relationships are spoiling ruin your career, you will find someone sooner or later". Paula said, her voice sounding softer than normal.
"Maybe" I knew she was right. But I don't think I'll want that anymore. "I've heard you Paula, I'll see what I'll do about that."
"Just don't beat yourself up about what's his name again?" She asked, giving me a not-so good look.
"John." I said. I was already getting tired of the conversation and I didn't want to go there anymore.
"Good enough". Paula readjusted her skirt. "The kids would soon be home. They are having farming classes with Old Ms Dumpty. You'll see them when they arrive".
"Okay". I replied, trying to tie my hair in a bun.
Time really flies, Paula and I used to be an inseparable duo. We grew up looking alike. I chose to go for my career, and she thought being a homemaker was best for her and maybe it is.
The kids eventually came, and we were happy to see each other. They loved me as the only aunt they had and it felt surreal. I finally tucked them into bed as I also retired to my room.
"Goodnight Paula" I said as I walked to her in my pajamas.
"Goodnight Natty, don't forget to turn off the lights as you go to bed." Paula said, retiring to her room.
I switched off the lights and turned on the inner light, around the Plaster of Paris on the wall. I heaved a sigh of relief as the sexual moment spent with John began to cloud my mind craftily.
The moans, how he touched me in places I really haven't been touched, the body contact. I felt a tiny tingling sensation in between my legs and I really loved how that felt.
I looked up at the ceiling and I reminisced how wonderful the short time with John felt. Philip didn't even handle me the way John did, not even Arthur.
"Aargh" I groaned, memories were building up sexual tension inside me and I really wanted to let it out.
"Maybe I should let love be, and be a hoe". I knew I sounded confused when that came out. I lit a blunt and smoked it up until it was half, paused, grabbed a bottle of coke and gulped it down like it was nothing.
I rolled another blunt and began to smoke really slowly, making sure that every puff got right into my head. I wanted to be oblivious of my surroundings and drown in the euphoria of the moment.
It felt good.
There was a knock at the door. It was Paula. I thought she had gone to bed.
"Hey ma'am, can I help you?" I said, with my eyes bloodshot.
"I came to remind you that you didn't roll the back of the window, and you should, and cover it properly and, if you don't mind, stay in your room or go outside to smoke this thing, my children are in the house." Paula said as she moved out of the room.
"I know you don't like that I drew this" I said, pointing at the rolls of blunts in my hand "sticky sticks, but I'll try to stop".
I knew I wasn't going to stop, but that was really very reassuring. I took a cold bath after I threw the blunt into the bath sink, I laid naked on the bed, sexual tension building up as much as it could. I knew I needed a companion, no matter what it could be.
I went back to the bathtub, spread my legs while the water filled it.
I needed mental healing by all means, but it seemed it didn't want me anyway, or so I thought.
There was a knock on my bathroom window. The knock came again and this time the window was trying to be opened.
Who could that be? Why did the person try to terrify me? Why the bathroom?
I was terrified. I jumped out of the tub and broke the mirror.