The Jenkins Girl

by RosalindB

Chapter 4 - Coming Clean

It was great having 3 days off. I'm not big into doing overtime. If a guy needs some extra cash then more power to him. But I've seen guys come back to a regular shift after doing overtime, and they're not always sharp. Don't get me wrong, no one's come back unable to do their job-but the edge isn't always there. That's not me. I might be a goofball, but at least I'm an alert one.

Almost forgot where the laundromat was. Man did I have a ton of stuff. Uniforms, jeans, tee shirts-all crying out for some soap and water. My socks stood up and walked to the door. Heck, they beat me to the car. Most guys hate the laundromat. They see it as another chore taking up valuable recreation time, or date time. Call me weird, but I like doing laundry. First, it's straightforward. Whites in one machine, colors in another. Socks go into the mesh bag, so none of them run away into the machine. A little soap in the pre-wash, more soap and fabric softener at the full wash. Yes, I use fabric softener-who wants to wear itchy clothes? Then 30 uninterrupted minutes to read a magazine or check out the flight attendants doing their laundry. See, there are very cute girls doing the wash. They dig guys who can keep their clothes clean. Haven't dated any yet, but they're impressed I can tell.

The only downside is getting a dryer. I usually need at least two, three if I've got sheets and towels. The mothers who wait till their kids wear the last of the clothes rush in and hog the dryers. They grab five, when they only need maybe three. Fortunately Mr. Losi doesn't tolerate that crap.

"No no, too many dryer one person! Put more in that one!"

They hate him, but they come back every week.

I like folding. Maybe it's from my Army days. Something about the order of it. Roll socks, set one side. Flip bottom of shirt to top, right sleeve, left sleeve, stack. Repeat. Find myself tuning out the kids, the gossiping mothers, even the cute flight attendants. Johnny has horses, Roy and Cap have family, Marco has cooking, Mike builds models.

I have laundry.

"Whatcha got there Chet?" Johnny peeked over the dorm divider, trying to catch a glimpse of what was in Chet's lap.

"Nothin' Gage," Chet slipped the journal under his butt. "What's up?"

Johnny walked around to stand in front of Chet's bunk.

"Um, well, I-"

"Must be serious, since you can't get the words out," Chet looked up at his stammering comrade.

"Well I just wanted to say-I know you've been really reserved lately-" Johnny looked around to make sure no one else heard "-you haven't water bombed me in two weeks. That's just not normal."

Chet shook his head. "I'm not angry with you John. You know Cap lit into me the other day. Guess I went too far teasing you about whomever you're dating. That I'm sorry for. Didn't know it was so serious. Anyway, I can't afford to get written up. If that means I gotta keep a distance for a while then hey."

John looked at his friend.

"Hey, I don't want you to get written up. And you're not malicious with the jokes-I get that. It was a touchy subject for me at the time. Frankly, everyone's a little worried about you. Why can't you afford to get written up anyway?"

Chet hesitated.

"I'm not sure if I'm retaking the engineer's exam. It got me twice John. If I have to stay a lineman, gotta stay on budget."

John was at a loss for words. He knew Chet really wanted a shot at engineer. Roy passed on the first go. Mike did too when he took it a few years back.

"You can pass it Chet. I know you can. You can handle heavy equipment-"

"Yeah, I did it in the Army, but it's not the same here. I just have trouble with testing. Go blank on questions. In the Army I learned on the job. Roy passed, Mike passed ages ago, Marco I don't know if he wants it- he's always talking about opening a restaurant. You could even pass it I bet."

Johnny ignored the dig. He was glad the teasing started again.

"Hey I'm not sure I want engineer anyway. Have you talked to Cap? Maybe he can give you some pointers?"

They didn't hear Hank walk into the dorm.

"I could give you some advice Chet, if you want. That is after I apologize for chewing you out."