The kids were in their own world, playing with each other and sometimes arguing over toys. I sat on the couch watching them and contemplating finances. Only $700 more to go. I had five days to come up with the money. Surely I could do that. I had just come up with two thousand in a day. Thinking of that made me think of Jerry and I shuddered. Put it out of your mind. It’s over.
I did just that, but the next thought I had was of Shanetta. I’d essentially turned down her offer and called her slut, only to turn around and do exactly what she had offered me anyway. The “situation” with Jerry made me understand Shanetta and other women like her so much more. I’ll never judge them again, I thought. Then another thought hit me hard—I could no longer say them. I was one of them now, so it was us
