Chapter 3
Ira woke up in a cold sweat, looking around her room. Nothing had changed. There were no missing picture frames, or floating anything. She just stayed in bed, breathing heavily. Ira sniffled, trembling as she rocked back and forth to comfort herself. She glanced around, sniffling. Getting out of bed, she looked outside, seeing that the loading dock was abandoned for the evening. Staring at the clock, she saw that it was, 3:30 am. "No more". She told herself, going back into her bedroom. She pulled the sheets over herself, before laying back down. She heard giggling and moaning from the other room. My girlfriend, and client, Sedusa was in the other room, drunk and high…passed out. Ira sniffled, as she laid back down, going to sleep, while I handled some business.
I met with one of my friends, come to think of it, who was a guardianship attorney. "Hey, man, can we talk a spell?". I asked, as I smoked a cigarette. He called himself Vincent. He was an actual Millipede creature. "We sure can". He said, in a deep, gravelly voice. He was also a smoker. "Ace, I think you make an interesting premise with this one". "Ira Feldson is someone with a low quotient who might need some degree of supervision, and 24/7 care". "I'm perhaps pondering her care be administered by you, and you have full guardianship of her, as well as full control of her finances". "You'll be able to decide where she goes, what she does, and have full appointment of her care". "You'll be able to decide everything for her, because we both know she cannot care for herself". Vincent stated.
"I agree with that premise, fully". I replied. "I know Ira is someone who has always needed assistance, and care". "She needs to be in the possession of someone". "There doesn't need to be anything more". I nodded, seeing the legal documents. "She doesn't even respond to me when I call her, unless I say her name". "She's very handicapped". My lip corners began twitching as I sniffled a bit. "She's traumatized". Vincent said, as he pursed his lips. His stare became plain, and cynical, simple. "She's highly damaged from her experiences as a child". "She is very broken, and developmentally scorned". "She needs care, and supervision, just to ensure that she's safe". "She won't be in jeopardy, or anything of that nature". "She'll be safe, from anything that might harm her". "Such as an abusive family, or isolation". "You will receive a handsome compensation amount for being her guardian". "That way you can buy your penthouse, you and Ira can live in tranquility, and paradise". Vincent said, in his gravelly voice.
"Yes, that is the initiative". I said. "Ira and I in our penthouse, on the rooftop, with a pool beside us, and some chaise lounges where we can sit, drink our coconut water, and I can feed my Ira Oat Yogurt from a spoon". "She is such a darlin". "She needs bedtime cuddles, and milk, as well as a warm blanket to cover her when she gets cold". "That, and some Eskimo nuzzles". I was dreamy as I said this. Vincent nodded. "Perhaps caring for her would compensate for the affection your own mother never showed you". Vincent said. "Perhaps". I said, as I pursed my lips. "But it is a valid point".
"Hmm, well I did sign it, will you need anything else, my man?". I asked, as I put the pen down. "No, I believe that's all I needed". Vincent stated. "Everything else should take care of itself". "If I need anything else, I'll make a statement on our next phone call".
I nodded, hearing this. "That will be grand, then". "Thank you". I said, as I shook his hand, walking out of the lonely office in a small, abandoned building. The building was by the grocery store plaza, on the other side where my annex was. I left the building, hopping the gate one more time, as I saw 3:45 am on the flip phone I carried. As I made my way inside, I closed the porch door, coming in, kicking off my boots. Ira was in the kitchen, drinking some of her milk. As she drank her milk, she glanced around, sniffling, as if she was about to cry. "Ira…darlin". I said, gently, kindly as I lowered my shades a bit. (Shades in this case, being sunglasses). "Is everythin' ok?". "You look kind of frightened". "What happened, honey biscuit?". I asked, gently with softness to my voice. Like a pillow, or a blanket. "What's wrong, baby?". I asked, with a kind, teddy bear esque softness to my voice. I took Ira's hands in mine. "nothing….I don't think….it was just a nightmare I had". Ira said, as she sniffled. "There was a wolf roaring at me, and some scary demon thing saying that something bad was going to happen, and that people wanted to see me fail".
"Oh". I said, gently with the softness to my voice. Still, there was some nervousness as well. She couldn't be onto me, could she? "Sweetie, that's just the sadness, and self doubt coming from your trauma, again". I said, softly with kindness. I bent down, letting her see my face, my long neck, riddled with scabs, and sores. Some bugs wriggled their way through the scabs. I knew Ira could see them in there. The small ticks, and beetles. Or the mosquito flies, and ants. I know it must've been repulsive for my Ira to see the scabs, and the bugs, the parasites crawling around inside of them. She didn't cringe once.
"I'm sad?". "I didn't know I was before". "Now…..now, I'm having nightmares about how sad I am?". "How…how?". Ira began to say as she sniffled. "Sweetie, you're sad because of your trauma, because of what happened to you in the beginning". "Sometimes, when we're sad, we have nightmares about what happened to us, how we doubt or question our self worth because of how we were treated". I said, gently, with softness. "This makes us sad, and in turn, we become more traumatized". I stroked Ira's porcelain-looking cheeks with my fingers. "That's ok, to feel sad, but we don't want to begin hating ourselves because of something we couldn't control". "Remember, you're beautiful, Ira". "you're magical, and intelligent in every way". "You are loved, you are appreciated for your miracles, your sweet and caring, altruistic nature, you are someone amazing". "Please don't blame yourself, and begin hating who you are". I said, gently, with softness. It was a teddy-bear softness, and a blanket of warmth. I had to be soft if I was her money-making caregiver. It was in the recommended job description.
"Please don't be that way". "It'll be ok, I promise you". "I love you, so much". "My darlin". I said, with softness. I stroked away Ira's tears. Ira sniffled, as she began to cry. "Shh, shh, it's ok". I said, gently, softly. "Don't be scared now, my Ira". "my darlin". "Everythin' will be ok". "I'm here, I'm beside you". "I won't let nothin' happen to you". I comforted Ira, kindly, as I stroked the tears from her cheeks. Just as I had when she was in the Children's Hospital. "Everything will be ok". I whispered, gently. "Ok?". "We ok, now?".
Ira nodded, as she sniffled. I kept stroking her cheeks, massaging them, kindly. "Reunited cuz we under-stood". "Reunited, and it feels so good". "Our love, can do anythin', my love". I sang, softly, gently in a kind hum. Ira seemed to become calm when she heard our song. She sniffled, wiping away more tears. "You ok, darlin?". "How you holdin up?". I asked, softly with gentleness. "I'm ok, now". Ira said, sniffling. "I know it's been a bad night for sleepin". "Let's have some Oat Milk, and some cuddles, and we'll head to our nice bed". I said, gently with softness. Ira nodded, sniffling. I comforted Ira by cuddling with her, nuzzling her, as I smiled. "Big boppy loves you". I said, softly with gentleness as I giggled. "I love you, too". Ira said. We both giggled, as I nuzzled her again, knowing she needed the affection. "Love you, baby girl". "You're my daydream". I said, gently. "Thank you". Ira said. Ira smiled a bit, as she giggled. She still sniffled, wiping back tears. "Know that I'm your Prince Charming". "I'll always be beside you to protect you, darlin". "My love for you is eternal". I said, gently with softness. I nuzzled her some more, as she giggled. We both giggled, as her eyes began to fall. "Time for beddy bye?". I said, kindly.
"Yes, I think so". Ira said. "Lovely, toots". "Know that my friend, Sadie is in the other room if you need her". "She's sleepin off a hangover". "But this evenin', she's your guardian angel". I said, kindly. "Ok". Ira said. Ira nodded, as she did nuzzles one last time. "Let's go tuck you in, baby". I said, kindly, kissing both of Ira's cheeks, gently. I wiped some milk from her cheeks as well. "Mm, you're my favorite, well, you know that". I said, gently. "I know". Ira said. We both made our way to the small bedroom, Ira's bedroom, as she laid down. I gently placed her Oat Milk beside her, tucking her under the covers. Ira glanced upwards as I planted a kiss on her cheek. "Snug, and comfy". "Just like a lambie pie". I said, gently, speaking to Ira in toddler talk. "Would you like some lambie pie, before you go to sleep?".
Ira shook her head. "No, that's ok". Ira said. "Thank you for the concern, but…I'll be ok". Ira glanced upwards. I smiled a gentle smile. "Love you, darlin". "I'm so glad we're reunited". I said, kindly, stroking my Ira's face, gently. "I was beginning to miss you in Italy". "I was lost without you, lambie pie". I said, softly with friendly kindness. "But you're back now, and I'm so happy". "I love seeing you". "You're mine now, my best friend". Ira and I shared a giggle. "Me too". Ira said. "Goodnight, sweetie". "Love you, lots". "See you in the morning". I said, gently, planting one more kiss on Ira's cheek. Ira recoiled at the feeling of the kiss, knowing it felt like slime, tobacco ash, and bugs. "Goodnight". She said, plainly. I smiled at my Ira, knowing she was in a good place. Now that I had the financials, I was set to go forward with my plan. In every aspect.
The next day, Ira woke up to some groaning, and moaning coming from my room. She tossed, and turned, hearing the moaning again. Ira got up, wandering into Sedusa's room. Mm, Sedusa. She did a little favor, for my boys and I when we needed a lump sum to recover Egyptian Artifacts, or something weird. She did a favor for me, personally. I'm not too proud to say, I got between her legs, and collected her panties. She wanted it. I had to have it, so I got it. Again, not too proud. Anyhow, we're getting off the straight and narrow. Sedusa was in her room, moaning a bit until she saw Ira come in. "hey, baby". Sedusa whispered, in a gentle manner. "Oh, it's alright, love, it's alright now…I've got you, it's ok, I've got you". "Pus pus". Sedusa whispered, wrapping her legs around Ira, as she kicked a bit. Ira looked around. "Ok…". Ira said. "I'm your guardian angel". Sedusa whispered, stroking Ira's face. "Ohh, it is so nice, you have a forever family, mommy will be there, and daddy will be there, we'll have cookies!". Sedusa whispered, gleefully, albeit drunkenly. "Daddy is so funny, mommy will hold you close, and carry you up to bed". "Bedtime, with your nightlight, and your angel book". "I love angel book".
"You need a mommy, you need a daddy, let Ace and I be your mommy and daddy". "We'll visit your birth mommy, and sing songs". "You need someone…oh". Sedusa whispered, drunkenly. "Dear diary, I know I don't have a lot, but please, ask the Lord for a family….for a home". "Where is our family?". "Where is our home?". "It's here, and we love each other".
"Sadie, are you drunk?". Ira asked, as Sedusa giggled, cracking a cunning, mischievous smile. "Maybe…but I love bein a guardian angel". "It means being by your side…hold on, I feel a dry heave coming". Sedusa said, as her face was as green as the side of a celery stalk. "I love you…you mean a lot…excuse me for one second". Sedusa said, as she disappeared from the bedroom, going into the adjoining bathroom. That was where she proceeded to throw up. Foolish woman. Stupid girl, who doesn't believe in love, pain, or anything she can't change. That's the way girls are, unfortunately. The majority of them know very little. As Sedusa threw up in the small bathroom, I brushed past her, not giving it a second shrug. I went to my room, looking at a few things. Ira sat on the bed, as she glanced around. I noticed her, while putting clothes away. "Good morning, baby girl". I said, gently, as some of the blankets rustled beside the backdrop of my deep, smoker's voice. I smiled at my Ira, as she turned her head a bit.
"Ira". I said, gently, calling her name. Ira turned her head, responding to my voice. "There she is, you did so well, listening, Ira". I said, gently. "Hey, I got somethin for ya, that might help in your sleeping endeavors". The sheets rustled, as Ira kept her eyes, her gaze focused. "This, is a new sipping cup that will help you drink your milk". "You can take it with ya, wherever you might go". I said, gently. "You like it, baby girl?". "I knew to get your favorite color". I showed Ira the sippy cup, as she looked at it. "It looks nice". Ira said. "I'm kind of surprised, but I guess it's ok".
"Hmm, why are you surprised?". I asked, scowling a bit. The depth of my smoker's voice was prevalent. "Maybe because….because….". Ira began to say. "Because you weren't expecting a travel cup?". I finished. "Mm, I know you so well, baby girl". "I also knew to get you this bib in case you spill some milk, and the spill makes drinking less comfortable".
"Honey, you know how much I love you". I said, gently. "We both know you deserve only the best". "I got you something I knew would help you when you become thirsty for some milk". I smiled, folding some more clothes. "Thank you". Ira said. "Perchance, you're much different than others, in a lot of aspects". I remarked, gently. Ira glanced upwards, trying to figure out what was meant by that.
For some who were wondering, Different, in this case, refers to her having a lower quotient than others her age. She needs more help. I needed not explain it to her, as she tried wondering what it meant. Ira still glanced around, not reading into that much, even if she knew it was a passive-aggressive insult. A hidden insult. I put the clothes away, going to light my cigarette, for a smoke. Ira nodded. "Would you like to join me for a bit?". "I might go to a few places, and pick up some things". "You're welcome to come with me". "I would love having my best friend by my side". I said, kindly. I winked at Ira. Ira nodded, as she stood up. "Let's refill your milk cup before we go". I said, kindly. "Get that taken care of, so it's out of the way".
Ira followed me to the kitchen, as I filled her container. She spotted the money envelope given to me by Vincent. "What's that?". She asked. "Nothin', just another winning I collected". "It's nothin' important, for now". "I'd focus on how beautiful you are, darling". I said, gently, nuzzling Ira, with kindness. Ira laughed and giggled. I smiled, pinching her cheeks. Ira and I went along on our ride, finding the other members of my gang.
We rode to the city dump, seeing the mounds of trash being loaded by the alley. Ira looked at the members of my gang, Snake with his lipstick, and makeup, women's shades, (for some reason he did that), his menacing look, Lil Arturo with his cigarette, and Grubber with a parasitic bug attached to his face. It was an abnormally big tapeworm. They all smiled at Ira, something sweet, and pedophilic.
"Hey, baby girl". Lil Arturo said, as he glanced, at Ira. Snake smiled and waved at Ira. "Hello, darling girl". "You look ssssstunning". Snake hissed. "Thank you". Ira said, as she glanced upwards. "It's good to see you". Ira hesitated for a bit.
"Of coursssssse". Snake hissed, as he smiled a cunning smile. "Hey, darling baby". "Did you see my friend?". Grubber asked, as he grinned, excitedly. He showed Ira his parasite. Yep, these were my boys.
Ira glanced at them, as she looked off to the side for a second. "Ok". Ira said.
"Yes, my Ira will be seeing us, today". "She's been feelin a little down, so I promised her she could hang with us". I said, grinning. Snake looked on with an evil smile. He seemed to glance at Ira, longingly. Arturo looked on with dreamy intent.
"You ready, baby girl?". I asked, gently. "Kind of". Ira said. I smiled a gentle smile, rubbing Ira's back, with kindness. "So glad we're reunited". I said, gently. She and I laughed.
We went on our way to the store, wandering around, seeing what we could get. Ira glanced around, seeing what she could get her hands on. "There might be some Oat Milk we can get more of, baby love". I said, gently. Ira saw one of the bugs in a scab of mine crawling, and perhaps laying eggs. She recoiled a bit upon seeing this. "Everythin' good, baby?". "Do I have somethin on my face?". I asked, gently. "No….no…not really". Ira said. "One of your scabs, something in a scab, was moving around".
"Mm, that's perhaps one of my little friends". "One of my little lovebugs". I said, gently. "She's super pregnant, so she's laying eggs". I chuckled as I said this.
"Well, just as long as the bugs aren't hurting you". Ira said. "Or…biting you".
"Oh, I feel pinching and itching all the time". "My friends used to bite at me when I first got them, but they are vicious in there when they see someone they're not used to". "They've cooled down around me, they'll love you when they meet you". "Did my boy Grubber show ya his friend?". "I'm sure his stick on will like you, too". I said, gently. "You mean Grubber's parasite?". "His tapeworm?". Ira asked.
"She's not hurting him, she's helping his blood a bit". I said, gently. Ira nodded, just going along with it. I smiled a gentle smile, stroking Ira's cheeks a bit. "You know you're my best friend, always and forever". "I love seeing my baby girl". I said, gently. I kissed Ira's forehead, with kindness. "Let's drink some more milk, honey biscuit". I reminded, gently, holding my Ira's hands with kindness. Ira nodded, as she glanced around. My baby girl was still in her pajamas. Her little girl pajamas. I reminded her that it was ok to wear her pajamas to the store.
Ira drank her milk, as I wiped her cheeks, with my thumbs. "I love you, baby darlin". I said, kindly. Ira nodded, as she glanced around, drinking her milk. "You're my favorite".
Ira walked to the other aisle, seeing Snake doing something. She drank her milk, quiet as she walked over. "Hello, little girl". "My princesssss". Snake hissed, as he winked at her. His voice was soft, and gentle, much like that of a teddy bear. "Hi". Ira said. "You sssseem pleasssant today". Snake said, gently. "You're very lovely to have around". "My besssst friend".
Ira nodded, as she watched him pick out a few things. "Ira". I said, gently with soft kindness. Ira turned her head, seeing me, wondering why I was calling on her. "I have something to show ya". "You'll think it's pretty neat". I said, gently. My voice seemed to surround her, bringing forth a calming, yet manly quality. Ira came over to me, seeing the Oat Milk jug I had pointed out.
"This, is chocolate flavored Oat Milk, with some branded sugar". I said, gently. "You'll like this Oat Milk, because it is chocolate". "Perhaps tonight, we can make some with raspberry drizzle". "That's our favorite to make". I smiled a gentle smile as Ira nodded.
"Ok". Ira said. Ira glanced around, drinking her milk. "Honey". I said, kindly with gentleness. Ira looked up at me, responding now that she recognized my voice. "You seem kind of upset this morning". "Everything ok?". "Worried about somethin?". I asked, softly with gentleness.
"It's nothing". Ira said, as she sniffled, looking off to the side. "Tell me". I said, softly in a comforting manner. "We can get it off our chest". I bent down in front of Ira, holding her hands. "I had another nightmare this morning". "They're getting worse". Ira said, as she sniffled. She became somewhat fearful, and saddened. "What about, sweetie?". I asked, gently in softness.
"My foster father". Ira said, as she sniffled. "Essentially, what happened, is, my foster father came to me, he was a demon with a ram's head….and told me that there were people who wanted to see me fail". "He said I had no purpose". "Before he died…in my dream".
Ira sniffled, keeping her tears hidden. "Hmm". I nodded. "That's terrible, sweetie". I said, gently with softness. "I know things weren't the best with you, and your father". "He was a very abusive man". "I feel bad for you, truly I do".
"I'm ok….but….I just….I kind of thought that I forgave my foster father". "I thought things were ok". "But I guess I was wrong". Ira said. "I don't know why I keep having nightmares". "I don't feel angry towards anyone".
"I understand, honey". I said, gently. "Sometimes, we get so traumatized by somethin', it leaves a psychological scar on us". "It left one of those on you, unfortunately".
"Just because you forgive someone, doesn't mean you still don't feel hurt". I said, gently. "You feel hurt because of what your foster father did". "This is common, and it will only get worse if you don't address it".
"But I promise you, as time goes on, things will get better". "You have to trust in us, and know that I'll take care of you". "I'm your best friend, and your prince charming". "I'll make sure you're doin well, love". I said, gently. "I love you more than anything, and I'll make sure nothing hurts ya". "Give me a kiss, darlin". I lowered my cheek, as I showed my scabbed neck where the bugs were crawling. I allowed Ira to give a kiss. As I smiled a lovesick, sympathetic, kind smile, I winked at Ira, lowering my sunglasses. Ira nodded, hesitantly, as she kissed me on my cheek. "Let me give you a kiss, baby". I said, gently. I kissed Ira's forehead, gently. Ira nodded, walking around. "You ever do Eskimo kisses, honey?". I asked, gently. "Somewhat". Ira said. "We did them last night, if you remember". "Our cuddly nuzzles". I said, gently. "Oh, that's right!". Ira said. We both laughed at this knowledge. "Let's do some cuddly Eskimo kisses, just for the fun of saying we did them". I said, gently. Ira nodded, as she nuzzled, we nuzzled, while I kissed Ira's nose, kindly. "Feel better, baby girl?". I asked, gently. "I feel much better". Ira said. "I feel safe now, too".
"One day, you and I will find our penthouse". I said, gently. "We'll live up there in it, and we'll have all the Oat Milk, and Cheesecake we wish". I smiled a gentle smile. "We certainly will". Ira said. "You and I will live comfortably, my dear". I said, kindly. Ira nodded, as she walked down the other aisle, grabbing some things. As someone bratty came by, Ira, as well as Lil Arturo, tripped them with their feet. We all laughed, knowing we were doing our business…as usual.
Outside, when we went, the sky seemed to be a nice blue color, save for the red dot that looked to be as big as a small sight of the moon when it was out during the day. You've seen that before, haven't ya, reader?
"Hey, boss, that red dot is gettin closer and closer, isn't it?". Lil Arturo said, with some degree of innocence, as he glanced upwards. "I'm afraid so". I stated, as I put the groceries in the car. "The red dot might actually only get bigger, but hey, it won't come anywhere near us". "It's just a space thing". I said, casually, with some degree of nervousness, as I put the last bit of groceries in. Lil Arturo hung beside us, as he glanced up and down at Ira. "hey beautiful". Arturo said, gently with some suave behind his voice. "You look nice, you doin ok?". He smiled a bit at Ira.
"I'm doing fine". Ira said. "Everything is going well".
"Well, that's nice to hear". "When someone's doing well, it means a lot for them". "But on the opposite side, it could mean something different". Lil Arturo said. "It's fine". Ira said.
"Good to see ya, though". "I was beginning to think you were only a fantasy of mine…I have those a lot about girls, now more so, than ever". "But it is getting to the point where girls have noticed me thinking about them". "I get lost in my thoughts". Arturo said, gently, playing with his switchblade, fiddling with the lighter in his pocket. "Does that ever happen to you, beautiful?". "You get lost in your thoughts?". Arturo asked, kindly. "Sometimes". Ira said. "But not often".
"Yeah, I know you're concentrating on your schoolwork". "You're focused, poised, and positioned". "What would you want with romance, right?". Arturo said, gently. "But I don't do romance, I do the forever thing, once acquaintanceship has come and gone". "What I do want, is someone beautiful with a steady heart, and a nice kindness about her". "I want you, sweetie".
"Me?". Ira asked. "Yes, I want to be your protector as well". "You're my best friend, and my forever daydream". Arturo said, gently. "Not right now". "I have a lot to do". Ira said. "Hey, it doesn't have to be now, it can be whenever you have time". "But think about what you might be missing out on". "What you might be leaving behind because you cared about other things". Arturo said, gently.
Ira paused for a second, then asked Arturo an incriminating question; "do you think there's an evil related to the comet above….or that…dot in the sky?". Ira asked. "Maybe, but I think there's more or less, a chance it could pass, but I worry about it, too". Arturo said. "I worry about it sometimes, also". Ira said. She and Arturo shared a laugh. "My name is Lil Arturo". Arturo said, gently. "You're the amazing Ira". "I must say, we love having you". "Ace loves having you, most". "He's mentioned to others that you're his favorite, out of anyone he's met". "But….you deserve to be". "You get on his good side, which is something that's hard for anyone to do".
"I like seeing Ace, but I guess…things are ok". "I don't know". Ira said. "You're our favorite as well". "You possess a likeness not many girls have". "One day, when you're ready, I'll see you". "Then, maybe, we'll have something worthwhile". "You've always been a favorite of mine". Arturo said, gently. "Thank you….". Ira said. "Can I give you an afternoon kiss, just something to treat you, since you've treated me?". Arturo asked, gently. "Why not?". Ira said. Arturo kissed Ira's cheek, gently. "I'm 17 by the way". "I'm the youngest, but the most perceptive out of anyone". Arturo said. "That's always nice…to be perceptive". Ira said. She and Arturo shared a laugh. Ira walked away, seeing someone else. Grubber. "Hello, dear". Grubber said, softly in a comforting voice. "...hello". Ira said, as she put her groceries away. "It's good to see a lovely darling, a smiley darling in a good place". "Like blankets, and kittens". "That, and the chocolate roses I have in my heart for you, my Ira". Grubber said, gently and softly. "True". Ira said. "My heart is your heart, the left and the right ventricle". Grubber said, with gentle softness. "There is accuracy to that statement". Ira said. Ira smiled, as she drank her milk. "Hey, don't forget your sippy cup, Ira". Arturo said, gently. He gently placed it in my Ira's hands. "I won't". Ira said. "Um….thank you". Ira looked up with some dismissive quality of needing help. She needed assistance with a lot of things.
"Glad we found you, darlin". I said, gently. Ira drank from her cup, looking up at me. "We have somethin' special planned for you". "Somethin' you might enjoy". I said, with kindness. I kissed Ira's cheek, gently. "Then, I have somethin planned for you". I smiled a kind smile, as Ira nodded. "Don't forget I have something for her….boss". Lil Arturo said, as he glanced upwards. "Maybe, she knows that…if you told her". I said. "oh…well…I did tell her". Arturo stammered. "She knows, either way".
Ira nodded, seeing more of the bugs crawl around my neck. I took out a cigarette, lighting it. "Definitely time for a smoke". I said, beginning to trail out part of a cigarette. "I've needed the smoke for a few hours". "I had some of my bong beforehand, but it didn't taste nearly as good as a smoke".
"You mind if I get some of that?". Arturo asked. "Sure, why not?". I said, plainly.
Ira drank her milk, as she glanced upwards. "Ready to go, darlin?". I asked, kindly. "I am, as of now". Ira said. We left the same way we came into the grocery store, getting our way past the city dump, until we came back to the other side of the city. The luxury penthouse apartments.
"Hey…thissssss isss the penthoussssse, you were referrin' to". Snake said. "Yep, it's a nice place we got for the evenin, that and I took the Chief Justice's membership card". "The operatives of the penthouse now think I'm one Mr. Dan Mantlebillow". I said, smiling a cunning, smile. "Boss, you're brilliant". Lil Arturo said. "All for my Ira, so we could be comfy for a night of class, brilliance, nuzzles, and Oat Milk". I said, gently. "She loves when I invite her in for an evening of luxury".
"There is truth in that statement". Ira said. I smiled a gentle smile, as the boys and I snuck into the penthouse, seeing certain aspects of our rooftop room that were classy. A nice pool, nice chaise lounges, and a nice sofa. "Hey, thissss lookssss nice". Snake said. "Indeed….what did you use on your loyalty card…like 43 bucks?". Lil Arturo asked. "Somewhere between 189 and 190". I said, as I swirled my glass of wine. "I don't think I've ever seen you drink wine before". Ira said. "Well, this Merlough was on sale at 50% off". "I couldn't pass up a Chantelle lace". I said, gently, winking.
"Allssss, you need now, issss a sssuit and tie". Snake remarked. "I don't need to wear somethin' stupid like that". "What am I…in school?". I said, sniggering. "No, it's kind of like how I don't need to wear a dress". Ira said. "Well, you look good in your jammies, love". I said, gently. "You look as cute as a button". I smiled a kind smile. "I love seeing you in your jammies". "I remember seeing you in those when you were at Children's, you looked so adorable".
"Thank you". Ira said. "Yessss, you looked, sssssweet, love". Snake said, gently. Ira nodded.
"So, you got the Chantelle Lace at half off?". "Was it a BOGO item?". Arturo asked. "Somethin like that". "Their sales have skyrocketed since the last time I've been there". "I think because everythin's on BOGO". I said, smoking my cigarette. "That's a fly move right there, if they wish to tackle the inflation crisis". Grubber said. "The inflation crisis will neva go away". I said, smoking. "It's here to stay until the coming years". "If our economy is that bad, the mayor has no idea what he's doin".
"He sure doesn't". Arturo said. "I think perhaps the mayor is getting too old to be in position". Ira said. "He just celebrated his 68th wedding anniversary". "That, and don't forget he was around when the city celebrated it's 56th anniversary".
"He is an old fluke". I said. "But Ira, darling, I have something special for you, I knew you deserved after a while". Ira glanced upwards, looking at what I had. "Come into our state of the art, kitchen". I said, gently. Ira followed me, as I took out my surprise I had for her. "This is lemon cheesecake with a raspberry drizzle". "And a candle I have on top". "This is my surprise to you….besides bedding you, and sleeping with you". I said, gently, as I burst into a childish laughter. "Taking my underwear off".
"What now?". Ira asked. "Oh…oh nothing…it was nothin". I said, nervously, quickly, in the slimy, sneaky way I had always condoned saying it in. "anyhow, let's have some cheesecake, sweetie". I said, gently. I brought the cheesecake out, as everyone looked at it. "Why is there a candle on top?". "Are you celebrating something?". Ira asked. "Yes, your birthday". I said, gently. Ira nodded, as she glanced down at the cheesecake. "That sounds nice". "Thank you". Ira said.
"Here we go, a slice for you, and a slice for me". I said, gently. "That, and some Merlough for my well-being". I chuckled a bit. "Let's have some, now, darling".
"Don't we get any?". Grubber asked. "I don't want any, but I was just curious is all".
I looked at him in a plain manner, an irate manner. "There was only enough for us". I said, sullenly. "She's my favorite, after all". "I'd give her my private jet if I wanted to". "If I were rich".
"Woof, I can see where your heads at". Grubber said, as he chuckled. "Yeah, boss, all we get are what's left in your cigarette packs". Arturo said. I rolled my eyes as I glanced at Arturo. "Perhaps". I said. We sang happy birthday, as Ira thanked us, colloquially.
The other members of our gang smiled, giving Ira a teddy bear as her present. Y'know, before they all left for the day. For now, it was just my Ira and I ;)