Second Choice

The grass peaked two inches above the broken front porch step. Two hanging mums are long withered from the summer heat and lack of care. A family of ants carried the last of the coffee cake crumbs across the railing while I rubbed my temples from a massive hangover. "Do you think he will call back?"    Back and forth I swayed on my rickety porch swing listening to Laura puffed on her menthol while getting ready for her second shift at 'The Pub.' I know she was doing her best to listen to me, but her mind was on work, and getting a raise out of her boss. "Hun, I hate to break the news to you, but anytime you bring up your monthly red on your first date as a conversation starter...  it's kind of a buzz kill." Laura giggled into the phone. "Why did you do that, anyway? We don't even rag until next week?" "Fine," I roll my eyes. "Laura, his breath smelled like curdled milk. It was gross, okay?" "f**k! That's bad!"  Laura laughed and laughed to where it was useless talking to her. I guess she forgot the point that she was the one that picked him out for me,  and I was the one that wanted to stay home — the benefits of being a supportive friend. "Are you done laughing yet?" I asked dryly after giving her way too much time. "Oh, come on, Bailey! You just compared your date to rotten ass milk! Who does that?" Laura takes another puff of her cigarette. "Okay, okay, I know this one was on me. I will tell you what, I have a friend -" "Nope!" I immediately cut Laura off from any idea of going on another date this week.  "But you haven't even heard what I was going to say?" Laura challenge. "I... uh, I need to get going, I have to go to work on the lawnmower some more today. This grass is really getting out of control." "And this guy would be perfect to come over and help you out, Bailey." Laura was trying her best to make it up to me, but all I could think of was curdled milk and needing a bath to wash off the idea of what the next guy would smell like.  One more guy like that, and I am done! "No. Thanks. Plus, I have to go into work early in the morning.” It was partially the truth. I technically didn’t have to. I offered the overtime.  “Are you sure you are okay? You have been quiet these past few weeks?” There was too much silence on Laura’s side of the phone. She was waiting for something she wasn’t going to get.  "I gotta go, Laura. Drive safely, okay?"  Laura huffs, "You know, Bailey, you are one stubborn ass woman." "And that is why you love me." "Always," I promise with no regrets. After hanging up with Laura, I sigh, knowing I really need to do something about the overgrown grass. The lawnmower has been broke for a month and a half, and the steady rain seems to make my nine acres worse. The yard is finally dry, managing through it on my push mower will be a pain in the ass.  I wish that I had the funding for the proper tools to keep this place up. Having a riding mower on nine acres is not an option. Two years ago, when I turned eighteen, both of my parents died in a car accident. This house, that broken Ford pickup truck parked under the barn, and my ten-year-old sister, who I have in a boarding school, is all they left me. A single salty tear slides down the side of my sweaty cheek as I tinker with the push mower. After replacing the filter, cleaning the blades, adding the oil, yet it still will not turn over.  "Come on! Just once!" I try and try, yet still no success. I grabbed the handle and yanked it back with all my might. Once, twice, “Please, you piece of s**t! Please!” Feeling beyond aggravated, I stop and take a breath, knowing the good for nothing push mower doesn't care how I feel. Although when I swore, I know that I heard it laughing at me. Several moments later, I calm down and try again. The motor chokes in protest but finally listens. The potent smell of gasoline filters through my nose, and I stand there feeling like I took on the world. "Hell yea, baby!" By late afternoon, I finish the entire nine acres. The yard looks better than it has in months. There are no weeds around the steps, the grass isn't making my legs itch like mad, and only one snake scared the s**t of me by bushes. I still don't know where he went. A shiver spreads across my spine; the more I think about it.  What if he comes to my house or bed at night while I sleep? s**t! Feeling paranoid, I find a new sense of energy and put the push mower up before running full speed up my steps to avoid any new confrontation from my new resident. After coming inside, I deadbolt the door, lock it, and take a peek out the hole to make sure he isn't staring through the hole with me. The one exception to wishing I had a man around. Snakes.  My body shivers again. I walk to the fridge, giving it a once over. I am low on groceries, but I manage. My sister's boarding school is crucial for me. It keeps her mind clear and on the straight path from losing our parents. I won’t lie, I miss her so much, but until I can clean this house and my life, I am only bringing her down. I reach for a carton of eggs to make a sandwich, and all I can smell is the gasoline still all over my clothes. My stomach curls again in protest.  “I better shower first before I eat.” The steamy shower water rolls down my hair and neck, off my shoulders, my breast, and down my body. Relaxing me and washing away the worries from the day I have endured. It was a dumb notion, but I thought to myself maybe it would be nice to have a man for more than to kill a snake, perhaps even times like sharing a shower or f*****g after a long day. Hell, stress s*x is nice too. My thoughts trail along with my hands and down my body. "I really don’t need a man..."  I lean my head back and moan. "Well, maybe just for times like this, mmmm.” Allowing myself to relax, I lean against the black and white tiled wall. The mixtures from water and the warmth awakened my body, forcing me to want to enjoy more. I close my eyes, but the phone rings on the sink next to the toilet. I glance out to see who it is.  It is from Carralem’s Hospital. Oh, no…. By the third ring, I gather my towel and answer the phone in a hurry. "Hello?" "Hello, Yes. Is this Bailey McDowell?" I stare into the steamy mirror. Reflecting is a pale blonde hair woman with dark circles and eyes that have been through a lifetime already. "The one and only."  There is silence for a moment. The lady could detect my sarcasm. "I am sorry, Ma'am. We have you on file to call...There has been an accident." "Of course, there has."