III
Tuesday, December 22
"So," Carol began in a tone that sounded like one of the sisters from St Margaret's. "Jeanette Harrison called me today."
"Oh?" Therese braced herself. Jeanette's husband Cy was the boss at Harge's firm. By Carol's tone, Therese knew that Carol was displeased.
"She told me that Cy saw you leaving Harge's office yesterday." Carol glared at Therese.
Therese was silent.
"Damn you, Therese!" Carol yelled.
Therese jumped like a startled rabbit.
"How could you?"
"I wanted to help," Therese explained. "That's all. I thought I could - "
"Stay out of it!" Carol hissed with an anger that she had never before directed at Therese.
"Oh...K-kay," Therese stuttered meekly.
"Go to dinner," Carol ordered, again in a tone that she had never used before and had not meant to use. She shook her head. "I mean," she took a breath and resumed in a milder voice, "I'm not good company tonight - why don't you go and have a nice meal."
"I - "
"Go!" Carol said vehemently.
"All r-right," Therese said almost in tears.
"Christ," Carol sighed.
Later, Therese returned, coming in quietly. She saw the orange glow of Carol's cigarette in the dark apartment. Carol was sitting in the chair by the balcony doors, as was her habit of late. Silently, Therese crept by, heading for her room.
"Therese," Carol said in almost a whisper.
Therese stopped.
"I'm sorry," Carol said. "I haven't been myself lately. I know that you meant well, darling. Forgive me?" The last two words were also said in a tone that Therese had never heard Carol use before, a pleading tone laced with utter fatigue.
Therese did not know how she would stand more of this. "Come with me to bed, Carol," she said, pleadingly.
"No, I'm too tired."
Therese could hardly hear the words.
"Go to sleep," Therese said softly.
"I can't."
[continued]