The Jenkins Girl

by RosalindB

Chapter 10 - It's Only Hair

Last time: Chet made the save, and picked up CJ from Rampart before Elmira.

Cynthia dozed off as Chet drove to her house. He stole glances at her sleeping. She looked younger, and smiled slightly as she slept. He was glad the only plan was lunch for them both and a good nap for her. When he turned into the driveway, the van rolled over the curb. The resulting bump woke CJ.

"Where?" Her eyes half open.

"We're at your place Thia. Come on, wake up for me." Chet gently shook her arm. She woke up, startled and turned in her seat to open the car door.

"Okay, I'm awake. Sor-ouch!" Her ribs protested the sudden twist. "Dammit." She leaned back in the seat to get her bearing.

"Hold on, let me open the door." Chet hopped out, ran to the passenger door and opened it. "Take your time," he held out a hand to steady her.

"Thanks." CJ eased herself out of the van, and took a breath. "Okay, I've got it now. Forgot for a second." She smiled at her rescuer. "Let's get inside. You're gonna need the kitchen, and I need the bathroom."

Chet laughed and escorted his Thia into her studio. It was more of a guest house, set behind the main home that faced the street. It had a small porch, with two lounge chairs. The back yard was shared, with an old fashioned clothesline off to one side. Thia stopped at the front door.

"Could you hand me my bag? My keys should be somewhere in there," she asked. Chet held the small duffel while CJ used her right hand to rummage through it. With a laugh, she pulled out her keys and opened the door. Chet noticed the easel first, then the cameras hanging on the wall. Walking in further, he took in the mementos on the small mantle. One was a photo of a red-haired man, hair past his shoulders, holding a smiling Black woman. The woman could have been CJ's twin, body wise. But Chet saw the CJ's face in the man.

"Yes, that's Mom and Dad. Just before he joined the department and had to cut off that hair," she explained. "It's my favorite photo. I don't have their wedding portrait. Mrs. Renault took that."

Chet nodded. He stepped over to look at the other picture on the mantle. "Is this your Dad's shift?" A group of firemen standing in front of the stationhouse, grinning, arms around each other looked back at Chet.

"Yep. Uncle Mickey found both of them in Dad's locker. He saved them for me." She touched Chet's arm. "It's going to take me a while to clean up. If you need to, you should use the facilities first." He nodded, set down her duffel and the food and quickly took care of business.

"Okay, all yours Thia," Chet returned to the living/dining area. "If you need me just shout. I'm going to set up lunch." He set the Roselli's bag on the eat in kitchen counter. CJ nodded and headed to the bathroom.

CJ followed Carol's instructions and took her time undressing. She winced a couple times removing her blouse and her jeans, but didn't have trouble breathing.

Okay, this is good. Just need the hot shower.

She eased out of the rest of her clothes and into the shower.

Chet began pulling dishes from the cupboard. He smiled upon seeing the small fire extinguisher hanging by the sink. He put the sandwiches and drinks into the refrigerator. He could hear the shower so he figured CJ was okay. Chet took a closer look around. First he returned to the mantle. He gently picked up the commendation shadow box, then put it back. Turning to the right, he reached out and lifted one of the cameras. On the bottom was an imprint, " C. Jenkins Eng 36". The other camera's imprint was "D. Jenkins MFA". He put the camera back and walked over to the easel. He pondered the half-finished painting.

Hmm..watercolor..sunset? or sunrise?

Chet walked to the hallway leading to the bathroom and bedroom. Along the wall were a few photos of CJ herself in various advertisements.

A model too? Being exotic has advantages.

The shower stopped. Chet made his way back to the living room.

Don't want her to think I was going to sneak in on her. Though I kinda wouldn't mind.

"Dammit!" CJ looked in the mirror and cursed again. "I don't believe this-shit!"

Chet froze, wondering if she fell.

CJ slipped into clean underwear, and threw a robe over herself. She cautiously made her way out of the bathroom, and dashed as best she could, into the bedroom, muttering to herself. Chet stared, half wanting to laugh at the bright orange robe, half wanting to slip it off her and admire the rest of her body.

"Oh hell and damnation! I'm an idiot!"

Chet couldn't resist. He walked to the bedroom doorway and watched CJ fight with her hair. Sitting at her dresser, she sensed his presence, and looked at him. Her once straight expensive hairdo was now a wet, curly mess.

"I forgot it was straightened. Wasn't supposed to get it wet. Now the curls are back." Tears ran down her face.

"All that time and money. I even got hit by three cars. And it's gone in minutes."

Chet stepped behind her. He looked at the quickly curling hair. He took the brush from CJ and began to gently pass it through. His other hand caressed her hurt shoulder, then moved to gather more of her hair to be brushed.

CJ closed her eyes. It had been a long time since she allowed anyone to brush her hair other than the recent salon visit. It had been longer since she let anyone touch her other than a hug or quick kiss on the cheek. Something about this man brushing her hair just felt right.

"Sorry Thia. I can't get it straight again."

She sighed. "It's okay. I shouldn't freak out over it. It's just hair." Chet continued brushing with one hand, stroking her hair gently with the other.

"You know, it's really soft." He leaned in and sniffed the top of her head. "It smells like ocean. I like it." He kissed the top of her head.

Then her cheek.

Then he pulled back the wayward hair and kissed her neck.

Then her shoulder.

Chet looked at CJ's relaxed expression in the mirror. "Thia, do you want me to stop? 'Cause if you do-"

Her eyes opened. She looked at both their reflections, then slid her hand to his cheek.

"This robe's pretty ugly. It's time I got out of it."