I wake up to people around me. And, of course, right in my face kneels good old Mimi. The drug addict. My WIFE. And she is, of course, high as a fucking kite. Not that I am surprised. Oh, and she's sure put on the good wife act this time. Her eyes are red, and she's pretending that's from crying over being worried. She's so good she even has Maureen conviced. And Reenie is a great actress. She can usually spot a lying bitch at 20 paces.

Damn my head hurts. Mimi is pouting that sultry pout and asking me over and over if I can hear her. What the fuck? I pass out, and suddenly I'm unable to hear? I fell DOWN, not deaf.

I have no patience for her. None. Where's my good old pal, Marky? Surely he wouldn't leave me alone with Mimi and Maureen.

"Mimi!" I hear him shout from the kitchen and she goes scuttling toward the sound. Reenie looks scared and I try to sit up before my beloved crack-fiend gets back. I manage about halfway and Maureen helps me the rest of the way. She seems distracted, as is her way, and I don't bother to ask her what's wrong. Anyone who's known Reenie for more than 20 seconds knows all about her and JoAnne. On again, off again, on again, off again... looks like this time it's more off than on.

I hear the shower go on and Mark comes out of the kitchen with a cup of ramen noodles and crackers. Ah, we are living high on the hog tonight. I get crackers!

Don't mind me. I'm feeling cynical.

I eat my ramen as fast as humanly possible. I didn't realize how hungry I am. Mark stops me twice to breathe and drink some water. "Where's Mimi" I manage to choke out between bites and Mark informs me that she is in the shower, and then she is heading to work. I know her work schedule by heart, and so does he. We both know she's not going to work.

The shower turns off just after I finish my second serving of ramen. DAMN that woman can use a lot of water. Mark offers to cook me some warm soup, because the loft is frozen, as per usual. I decline the offer and trudge toward the bedroom, bound and determined to have it out with Mimi about where she is really going.

I wait and wait and wait for her to come to the bedroom, but the raman has made me satiated and warm and I can't help but fall into the black abyss of sleep. As I drift off, I hear the front door close and a man's voice calling someone "Sugar". Damn, missed her again.