"Jackie"

“Jackie"

        I hated lending anything to Jackie, knowing it would be days before I’d get it back.
Desperately wanting to get back into the car, I gingerly tapped on the door, hoping she wouldn’t hear me.
      “Hey, you made it! Don’t trip over these things. I haven’t had a chance to put them away.”
    Looking at the mess in the living room, I wondered how my friend could live this way. The TV was blasting away and clothes were strewn over the couch and chairs. I set the shampoo machine down and walked toward the kitchen, tripping over a pair of shoes.
    “Sorry about that. I worked late last night and then I stopped for a couple of drinks at Ernie’s.  I was exhausted when I got home. I ate a frozen dinner, watched my soaps and went to bed. Did you know Erich left his wife for his mistress? I am so upset with him! He’s just like my ex. They’re all alike. Do you want a drink or something? I need a refresher.” She grabbed her glass, dumping some vodka over ice. She’d been keeping it in a wine decanter, thinking she was fooling everyone. A few months back, she had switched from Merlot to Vodka. She claimed the wine made her too dizzy.
    “Nah. I can’t stay too long. I have to finish what I started at home.”
    “Why? You’re retired. You have all the time in the world,” she replied with empty green eyes.             
    Jackie was clueless when it came to keeping a house or a husband.   
    “I do have a routine and a husband at home, you know. It’s not like I sit around eating chocolates all day.”
    “It’s a good thing I’m not married anymore. I can barely keep up with myself,” she laughed, gulping down her drink. “Men are too demanding.”
    “Do you want something to eat? I’m starving,” Jackie announced, throwing open cabinet doors. “Fuck. I need to get to the grocery store. I have nothing in the house. What time is it?”
    “It’s 1:30.” I grabbed some dirty dishes out of the sink and placed them in the dish washer, ignoring Jackie’s glare.
    “Oh, shit! I have a hair appointment at 2:00. I‘ll have to call and cancel.” 
      “You still have time. I’ll leave now and catch up with you later.”
    Ignoring me, she picked up the phone, punching in a number. “Hey, Shelia? I’m sorry but I have to cancel my appointment. I’m not feeling so good today. Can I have another one for next week, same time?”  She marked her appointment on an envelope shoving it under a pile of mail. It was a given that she’d lose it. She never used a calendar, even for her work schedule. 
    Apologetically, she admitted that she already had three drinks and couldn’t drive.
    “I need to go to the bathroom.” I left the room, stepping over her shoes, making a path. 
    “I haven’t had a chance to clean,” she yelled after me.
    I was hoping there was toilet paper. I was expecting a mess, but I was surprised to find sleeping pills on the sink. Oh, God. It’s time for a real intervention! After gathering my thoughts, I took a deep breath and headed back toward the kitchen.
    Looking at her disheveled appearance, I shook my head.
    “Jackie, you have got to get hold of yourself. You procrastinate too much and you’re right. You can’t keep up with your own life, your job or anything. You are drinking way too much and your house is a mess.”
    “My life is a mess! Did you forget Charley left me for another woman? And an ugly one at that!”
    “Yeah, but she’s sober. Your husband pleaded with you to cut back on your excessive drinking and keep a cleaner house. It’s what marriage is about, but you wouldn’t listen. He’s worked hard and has given you everything you ever wanted.”
    “So it’s all my fault?” She was standing now, arms folded, giving me her cold emerald stare.
    “No, Jackie, but listen up. Have you tried? Ever? You need to go get some help.”
    “Listen, Miss Goody Two Shoes! I don’t need help, except to pay my bills.  I have to work and
I don’t have the time that you do.  Now that I don’t have him nagging me any more, I've got you!
    “I saw your sleeping pills. That’s all you need, on top of alcohol. One slip with your pills mixed with alcohol and you will go over the edge.”
    “I need them to sleep.”
    “You just don’t get it, do you? What you need is help, Jackie!”
    The ring of the phone broke the silence. Jackie angrily reached to grab it.
    “Hello?” She listened, not saying a word. Her face held a strange look as she hung up.
    “They are coming over to question me.”
    “Who’s they?”
    “The fucking police. That’s who!” Taking another gulp, she turned away.
    “What’s wrong?” I held my breath, waiting for her to answer.
    “They said there was a hit and run last night. The─They said I hit someone last night and didn’t stop. I never did no such thing!” 
    What seemed like an eternity of silence, Jackie began to tremble, as she turned back towards me.  Her eyes were wide, filled with questions.  She waited and hoped that I had an answer for her.  I didn’t and I shook my head.
    “That’s ridiculous! I’d know if I hit someone! Wouldn’t I?”


Word Count: 925
Seven Deadly Sins Contest – Round 4