Chapter 8

Time for a Change

It was around 8 o'clock that evening when Johnny got back. He carried his cooler into his apartment and then after retrieving Elizabeth's bowl he stepped over and knocked on her door. There was no answer, but Johnny was sure that she was home and knocked again. After knocking for five minutes he gave up and turned to leave when the door opened and Elizabeth red tear filled eyes were peering out through the narrow opening.

"What?"

"That's what I'd like to know. How come you left with out telling me?"

"You don't have to worry about me, I'm a big girl." Then she moved to close the door but Johnny moved forward and put his foot up against the door keeping it from closing all the way.

"I know you are a big girl but it was very inconsiderate of you to leave with out letting me know. After all you were my date."

Elizabeth pulled the door open and yelled, "No, I was your charity case. Well you did your good deed for the day so leave me alone." Then she slammed the door in Johnny's face leaving him somewhat ashamed of himself. He hung his head and returned to his apartment bowl still in hand.

Later that evening Johnny's phone rang. He picked it up to find that Elizabeth was on the other end. "I'm sorry," she sniffed. "I should have told you I was leaving and I'm sorry for yelling at you too."

Johnny let out a sigh and asked, "Would you like to tell me why you left?"

"There was more then one reason but your conversation with your friend Chet was the deciding factor."

Johnny cringed she had heard what Chet had said, "I'm sorry." Was all Johnny could think to say at first. Then it dawned on him that she had said there were other reasons for her wanting to leave. "Would you like to talk about some of the other reasons?"

"I don't know," she sniffed.

"I really would like to know Zibbeth. Isn't that what friends are for, to listen when other's need to talk?"

Johnny heard her take a deep shuddering breath then she said, "What it all boils down to is that I will never be able to enjoy a relationship that could lead to marriage and children." Then he heard her start to cry again and she hung up the phone.

A few days later Johnny was coming home from work when he saw a good looking women coming down the stairwell of his apartment complex. He had never seen her before. He quickened his steps and called out, "Good morning, My Name is John . . . ." His greeting fell short when he realized he did know this woman. It was his neighbor Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth?"

"Good morning John." She said, with a smile on her face, she stepped past him and over to her car, leaving Johnny standing on the steps with his mouth hanging opened. Before Johnny was able to get over his dismay, Elizabeth was in her car and pulling out of the parking lot.

Later that evening Johnny was watching for Elizabeth to return home for work. He didn't have to wait long as one could set their clock with her arrival and departure for work. As Elizabeth walked up the stairs, Johnny stepped out of his apartment and leaned against the door frame with her bowl in hand and waited for her to close the space between them. He greeted her with a large smile on his face. "You look terrific! What brought about this change?"

Elizabeth blushed a little, "I was talking to a friend, well actually I went to cry on her shoulder but she told me that, 'You need to stop whining and take control of your life and take it where you want to go instead of having pity parties.'"

"That was bunt."

"Yes, but I'm glad she said it. She took me shopping and to the hair dresser and now you're looking at the new me."

"Good for you Zib. You're going to have to keep the men off with a baseball bat now." With that comment the smile on her face faltered a little and she looked away.

"Hey hey now, don't worry about that. I'm still your neighbor and your friend. I help beat them off when ever you want me too."

Elizabeth gave him a week smile. "Thanks Johnny." Then she stepped over to her door and moved to unlock the door.

"Wait uh here's your salad bowl," Johnny stopped her, and handed the bowl to her. And don't forget to get me that recipe."

Taking the bowl she said, "I'll get it to your before your next shift." Then she went inside.

Johnny kept an eye on Elizabeth. At first the only changes he noticed was her appearance. But then as time went on, he became aware that she was not so regular with her coming's and going and that she was often getting home a lot later in the evenings as well. As the time passed Johnny also became aware of the fact that there was no sign of men in her life and even though he could tell that she was more confidant with her new life, there was still no evidence of a relationship that would grant her, her greatest wish, that of becoming a wife and mother. But Johnny didn't feel it was his place to inquire and she never talked about that aspect in her life either.

As the next year passed they would talk in passing and Johnny found out that she had gone back to school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Even though she was busier with work and school she would still bring him cookies or other good things to eat, though not on a regular bases. Oddly enough she always seemed to bring food at times when he was recovering from an injury or ailment. At these times she always seemed to be unaware that he was under the weather but always willing to help with his laundry or running to the store for him.

When she had earned her CNA she was eager to share the news with him and then again when she changed jobs. She was now working as an aid in a nursing home. Through their conversations Johnny found that she loved working with the older people. They were often grateful for her care and many became good friends. There were times he would find her coming home in tears because one of her elderly friends had passed away, but there were other times when she would talk about something funny that happened at work and then they would start comparing stories that they both had from dealing with the elderly on their work experience. It was not unusual for them to be standing in front of their apartments talking, laughing or even comforting each other when they lost a patient.