Page 2 of Jeremy
Heasks me four questions which I have no trouble answering, then takes down mysocial security number. Finally, he asks, “Since the account has been dormantfor an extended period and has a substantial balance, we need to verify onemore thing. Would you mind providing your fingerprint, as you did when youopened the account?”
“Whateverspeeds this up. My friend is waiting in the lobby.”
Iprovide a fingerprint, and finally, he hands me a new debit card. “I’d alsolike to withdraw five hundred dollars.”
I’mled around to the front counter where the teller fulfills my request, and Ibreathe a sigh of relief. I have access to my money again. I’m luckier than therest of them, even if they do manage to escape.
“I’msorry that took so long,” I apologize to Agnes as we leave.
Sheflaps her hand at me. “Don’t worry about it. I have all day and nothing to dowith it.”
Myown situation pales as I consider Agnes’s statement. It royally pisses me off.She has family, but they ignore her. I have no idea where I’m staying tonightor where I’ll be tomorrow, but I ask, “Would you let me take you out for lunchtomorrow? As a thank you for today?”
“I’dlove that! Would you mind if we went to the supercenter and the grocery store?The supercenter won’t take my coupons.”
“Sure,no problem.” She beams and sits back in her seat as we head to the supercenterthat has her pharmacy located inside.
Ihand her the keys and arrange to meet her back at the car as we go inside. “I’mgoing to grab a few things.”
“Sure,dear. No hurry. The pharmacy always takes forever.”
Grabbinga cart, I quickly make my way to the clothing and throw in a couple pairs ofjeans, sweatpants, and tee shirts. They are followed by a cheap pack ofunderwear and socks. I’ll wait on the bras since cheap ones are terrible and I don’thave much to worry about in that area anyway. Instead, I head down thetoiletries aisle where I grab the basics, along with a hairbrush and electricstraightener.
There’sa large bin of flip flops so I pick up a pair of them as well. They’ll work untilI can get some real shoes. When I think of the racks of shoes I left behind.Ugh.
Bythe time I get through the line at the front of the store, Agnes joins me. Shewasn’t kidding about the pharmacy taking forever.
Ipile my purchases into her back seat, and we head to the grocery store. I’mconcerned she may be getting tired because of her age and all, but she suredoesn’t look it. “Do you need a break before we go to the grocery store?” Iask.
“Notat all. Don’t let these wrinkles fool you. I’m spry as a spring goose!”
Laughterbursts out of me and it’s the first time I’ve laughed in so long. “You are mynew favorite person,” I tell her.
Weeach grab a cart once we get to the grocery store, but I only get a few things.I’m going to find a hotel for the night and my plan is to order pizza, so Ijust grab a few snacks and a package of bagels for breakfast.
Bythe time we return to Agnes’s house and I help her get her groceries put away,it’s nearly dark. “You’re welcome to stay the night, dear,” she offers, but Idon’t want to take advantage of her hospitality.
“Thankyou, but I have a place to go. I really appreciate the help today. You made avery difficult time so much easier.”
Smiling,she pats me on the arm. “I enjoyed myself.”
“Lunchtomorrow at noon?”
Herface lights up. “I’ll be ready.”
Mycab honks the horn out front, and I gather up all my bags. “See you tomorrow.Don’t forget to lock the door behind me.”
“Yousound just like my son,” she snickers, but I hear the lock click behind meafter the door shuts.
Thecab driver doesn’t look twice at my dirty appearance. I assume he’s seen it allat this point. I was able to call ahead and reserve a room at a nice hotel forthe week, until I find a more permanent residence.
Thelady who checks me in sneers at me and my numerous plastic bags from thesupercenter, but doesn’t comment as she hands me my key. An hour later, I’mshowered, shaved, lotioned, and lounging in a fluffy bed, gorging on pizza andsoda. How the hell did I live four years without sugar and caffeine?
Myspirits plummet when the movie I was watching ends and the nightly news comeson. They’re talking about the shooting. Of course they are. It’s only been aweek since The First Men killed all those innocent people. Tears pour down myface, and I pull the covers up to my chin.
I’msafe, I remind myself. They’re dead and the rest are an unorganized mess. Theywon’t come after me. I’m safe.
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