So Many Times

While We’re Waiting to Die Chapter 4

“Ladies, you can go now.” The deputy unlocks and opens our cell door.

“We’re free?” I ask.

“Yup,” the deputy says. “Mrs. Stevens from Sweet End Home isn’t pressing any charges. She’ll be here in about an hour to take you and your golf cart back home. So why don’t you go to the diner across the street and get some lunch?”

I grin and step into my sandals. “Good old Becky.”

“Back to the Bitter End,” Jenny mutters as we walk into the sunlight. “And our boring little lives.”

We wait for a Greyhound bus to go by before we cross the street.

Clara watches the bus drive by. “Maybe it’s not time for the Bitter End yet.”

“What do you mean?” Jenny asks.

“We have money and our charge cards, right?” Clara asks. “How about a tour of the country?”

“You mean, a Greyhound bus tour?” Jenny asks.

“Oh no.” I shake my head.

“Oh yes.” Clara nods. “We can’t go to jail for that.”

Jenny watches the bus turn into the depot. “I’ve never seen much of the U.S.” She grabs our arms. “C’mon ladies! Let’s hop a bus to anywhere!”

Jenny and Clara pull me forward. I dig my heels in.

“Maggie, what’s wrong?” Jenny asks.

“You go explore, but without me,” I say. I’ve had my fill of traveling. I’ve over-filled with traveling.”

“Oh, c’mon,” Clara says. “It won’t be fun without you.”

“You two can get into all sorts of trouble by yourselves.” I give them both a hug. “My dad was a career Army man, and I traveled all over the world with him. Now all I want to do is plop my butt down and put my feet up while I read romance novels.” I hug my friends again and push them towards the depot. “Now go, have fun!”

Jenny and Clara blow me kisses as they scamper away. Their bus pulls away about ten minutes later, and we wave goodbye to each other.

I wipe the bus-fumed dust and tears from my eyes. Then I walk to the diner for some home-made apple pie.