The next day Arlene's high dropped just after ten when the owner of the plumbing company called. She wasn't to get that job, unknown to her; the man's wife wanted a family friend to get the job. If the wife had seen Arlene would've said no, too pretty. For the better, unknown to all, their niece was the woman we had harassed at the No Frills. Trying to stay positive Arlene prays for better news tomorrow.

After that the day felt longer, television wasn't cutting it and a walk around the quarry with Sheena already done. Just going through her things comes across the last of her pills. Looking at the several different pills became conflicted. First thought take one to get rid of the nervous edge. Not really needing the fix she contemplated on either downing them all or flush them all, just to be rid of them. Trying to prove strength of will to her self tucks them away.

Proud of her self brought it up later when I got home. Having some news wasn't sure I should go ahead and do it. Telling her I will be working in London this week. Hearing London, she was still hoping some herb could be procured. Also saying we should only do it as weekend thing.

***

Off to a day of service left Arlene in Leamington. Her first interview went good having a long conversation with the person there. Informing her they'd call Thursday if the job was hers'. Contently onto the next interview gets a bigger surprise.

Zellers is willing to give her a job and orientation starts Thursday and if that works out she'll have regular hours the next week. Elated Arlene controls herself leaving but shouts out, outside. For more than getting this job, the waitress job was a last resort in her mind, now can blow off that interview. The only disappointing thing no one to tell.

While wasting time in town rechecks her remaining funds. Twenty from me for cab ride and coffee. Twelve bucks and change left in the coin purse. Deciding to treat her self picks up a bottle of wine for later.

Exiting the liquor store sees her cab driver, Sophie, dropping someone off. Primarily wanting to share her good news went to speak with the driver. The woman was happy for Arlene and told her to hang around awhile and she'll come back after the call and give her a ride home, for free. During the ride the Sophie lets Arlene know if she gets some money together for a car she knows some deals in town.

That night I was greeted by two happy females both seemed to be bouncing around for attention. I was happy for Arlene, after yesterday's rejection. Telling her I can drop her off in Leamington Thursday, she'll just have to hang out at a coffee shop for a while.

With the wine gone and still happy thanked me again for the ride and all I've done. Grabbing me in passing for a big friendly hug. I couldn't help myself as we let go pulled her in tighter and kissed her. Letting her go she wasn't having it and kept holding on. Kissing long again, until the back of the lips went raw.

Clothes were peeled away and her bed finally christened. This our second I took a bit more time seeking out the spots on Arlene's body that make her twinge. Again there was no way I was to last long, but Arlene was brought to content collapse, unaware.

Thinking what a great day she was having, was surprised again when I decided if this is the last time I get to make love to this woman I'm making it worthwhile.

Enjoying the attention Arlene finally had to stop, a couple hours later both were close to friction burns, in areas we didn't want them. Not saying another word, we merely cuddling up, to wind down, fall asleep in each other's arms.

Waking with morning wood between us and face to face. We were both a bit caught off guard and tried not to breath directly on each other.

Arlene pulls her arms back. "Oh my God Rob that was... But I don't think I could again. Not right now. You better put that thing away."

"Sorry." Letting go I'm pinned in the corner naked, scanning for any clothing. "I feel a bit warmer there than normal, myself."

"Jeez what got into you? We're supposed to be friends and room mates." Not that she's really complaining but wants to cover up too.

"Figured if this is was to be our last time I was going to make damn sure it was worth while."

"That you did." Taking her robe to slip on does think about it. "I still don't think we should be boyfriend girlfriend. But by the weekend I might be willing to try that again. Oh my and sober." She pats my hip getting out of the bed to use the bathroom. "You do keep surprising me. Just don't get all lovey dovey on me. Okay?"

"Okay." Very content with what happened will not be pushing any issues with her this week. Thinking more about having to pee and letting a dog out, go out to do the same. "Do you want me to start your coffee? I'll be going that way."

Appreciating that she hesitates closing the bathroom door. "Ah if you do, wash your hands first, please."

Trying not to laugh, "okay." Thinking about were they've been wash them in the kitchen sink, before touching doorknobs.

Barely clad I and still have to pee hear her turn on the shower. So slip outside with Sheena for a minute. Better off going out there too. Nearing the farm the farmer coming to check out the field. I managed to get inside before the man got on the property. Knowing the man still would've caught a flash of skin.

Back inside hop into some pajama bottoms and wash my hands again. After she exits the bathroom, I went in.

Leaving late for work stopped to ask if she needed anything. When I looked at her seated with coffee in hand she didn't want to get started on anything regrettable and said. "I have all I need here. You go have a good day at work. Might take Sheena down to the beach."

Feeling silly leave with. "Okay you do that."

***

On this trek down to the beach Arlene met an older couple outside their cabin. Through Sheena the woman remembers obtaining a used chair off the property. The woman wanted to know if she put the sign on the chair. Arlene had to mention just moving out there but knew the sign maker. She laughs hearing it read 'free to good home'.

In London I ended up on a new office installation, most of the equipment was thankfully new. Left to fend for lunch alone ran into a familiar face. Who was able to help me out with a herbal query, meeting later for a catch up and exchange.

Getting home after eleven find Arlene too nervous too sleep. We talked for a bit including the old couple and the old chair. I let her know who helped us out today while in London. Needing to get going early had to leave her alone with her thoughts.

In the wee hours our mist seeped into the shack. Seeming to check over each sleeping body including Sheena.

As it does the misty vapor drifts back out disappearing into the night.

***

Thursday morning I dropped Arlene in Leamington for her job orientation. With a wish of good luck left her to bid time at Tim Horton's.

The first couple hours of Arlene's day seemed long. During orientation she was jittery. Thankfully by lunch the people encountered eased the first day nerves. In the afternoon she was on a till for an hour. She handled it in stride despite frustrating herself thinking about making change. Management noticed Arlene quickly figured out the cash register and asked her to start Monday morning.

Leaving Zellers in a great mood Arlene figured on just walking store to store towards home and maybe all the way. Thrilled with herself she does a silly spin with the arm waving high, while crossing the road to the Canadian tire and gets honked at. Figuring it's some guy she doesn't care or look. It wasn't, a familiar cab pulls up, Sophie saw Arlene expressing herself and knew what it was about. They talked long enough to annoy a couple soccer moms, which gets her another free ride home.

Back at the shack Arlene plays with Sheena in the yard. Spotting the kids next door tries to sneak up to the fence on them. Jumping up waving her arms does scare the little girl into her mother, standing behind. The little brother was not paying attention. Slightly embarrassed Arlene smiles and waves cutely to the mother. The woman finding it all amusing does smile and waves back before taking the kids from the window. Sheepishly Arlene returns to the shack to flip channels.

Having gone to see Brian after work that night didn't make it home until midnight. Excited about the day Arlene was up. During the how did our day go talk, she mentioned wishing a joint to smoke. I left the herb in the shack and told her she could've. She assumed I took it with me and didn't even bother too look. Figuring we can get into that Friday when I get home we went to bed, separately.