April Showers5

Almost 8 months later
Early April

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I glanced up at Casey. Her hands, for once, were not moving. Instead, they were resting comfortably on her hips, as she glared into her open purse.

What happened? I asked.

She looked up at me mournfully. I'm clean out of smack, and I've got a long day ahead of me.

I feel your pain, I clucked sympathetically, than reached into my sleeve and pulled out a small pack.

She practically snatched it out of mid-air. Thanks, April, you're a life-saver, she said breathlessly, then headed for the bathroom in search of a needle, bumping into Leila, who was on her way out.

Leila glanced back at the blonde curiously. What was that all about? she queried.

Missed her horse appointment, I laughed.

Leila shook her head. I can't believe The Man is raising the price, she commented. I trusted Greg.

What can you do? I shrugged. Anyway, we're gonna be late for work if she doesn't haul her ass out of there.

Casey and I had spent the night at Leila's. Some professor or engineer person from some college had wanted to interview Collins for a major teaching position, so he had politely kicked us all out for the night. I figured it was a good opportunity for a girls' night out. At any rate, it was almost 8 AM. I had to get to the deli, and Leila and Casey worked at a restaurant/cafe place a few blocks away. I was the lucky one: I got to stay behind a counter. They had to balance trays.

Casey finally emerged, smoothing the creases out of her white turtleneck. So, April, you coming with us again tonight? she asked lightly. She was already in a better mood.

I smiled. No, Benny's dragging a few of us to some new club. Says the dancers there are outrageous. I gotta keep an eye on my Roger.

Leila said suddenly. Casey, what'd you do to your neck?

Casey's brow knitted, and she raised a white hand to the side of her neck. Sure enough, I saw a medium sized purple mark there, like a bruise. That looks nasty, I commented, concerned. Casey, are you seeing somebody who--

she said, confused. I'm not with a guy right now. I didn't get into a fight with anyone. It don't feel like a bruise, she added, probing it with her index finger experimentally. It's weird, though. Sort of upraised. Like, I can feel the outline of it.

Do you have any others? Leila asked, not too worried.

Casey pursed her lips. I gotta bruise on my lower right leg, she said finally. Thought I bumped into something. She rolled up the leg of her black jeans, and sure enough, there was another one there.

You should get those checked out, Leila advised. Just in case. How've you been feeling lately?

Not so hot, Casey admitted. I think I got that bug going around.

Me too, I added, last week. It doesn't last too long, though.

Casey sighed, and smoothed her jeans back into place. I don't want to go to a doctor, she informed Leila. They take one look at me, they don't want me near them. Call me a junkie. Sides, I can't afford it.

Leila raised her eyebrows. Then I'll drag you there, she said stonily. Can't hurt to be careful.

This from the heroin chick? I laughed.

She shrugged ruefully. Too late to change that, huh? Don't mean I wanna die any time soon.

Nobody does, I replied softly. Shaking my head, I grabbed my handbag. We're gonna be late. I sprinted out the door. Talk to you later! I called back over my shoulder. The other packet up my sleeve smacked my arm lightly, rhythmically, as I jogged down the street.

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still plodding along. count on...um...three more chapters. that should do it. but keep reviewing anyway? please? thank you?