"Oof

"Oof!" yelled Claudia as she pitched forward onto the floor in her home. She slowly stood up and fumbled about until she found the light switch. As she blinked to allow her eyes to adjust to the sudden darkness, she looked around to see what she tripped over.

"Well there you are Crocker." She said affectionately as she picked up her orange cat and kissed the top of his head.

"Now where's your brother?" she asked as she carried him into the kitchen. She laughed as Crocker playfull tried to swat her earrings. "I bet he'll come running as soon as he hears the fridge open!"

Soon they were joined by a small gray tabby. Claudia picked up the kitten and rubbed under his chin.

"Hi Picasso, I'm going to get your dinner right now…"

She moved about the kitchen quickly throwing a sandwich together for herself and filling a bowl of cat food for the cats. She decided to sit down at her computer to check her email while she ate.

From: mywayonly

To: cakesbyclaudia

Subj: the dirt

Hey Claud! It's Kristy! This is my new email by the way and I will have access to my computer. Anyway, it was great talking to you today, I feel like we haven't really talked in years! I know we only chatted for a few minutes but it was great to hear your voice. Sorry I had to end our conversation so abruptly but I had to get back to the site.

Well you wanted the full story of Nigel and I so her goes. We were both assigned to the dig in New Mexico. He was actually a team leader from a group from Washington and I was there as part of another team from CT. Well as you know we were there a couple years and we just fell for each other. I really DIG him. (LOL, I am so damn funny!) The best part was that we were able to uncover some amazing artifacts from the dig which we believe are linked to the Mayan civilization. Ok. I'm boring you with work talk.

Anyway, he was raised in England but he really doesn't have family left so he and I will be moving back to Stoneybrook (We're both taking an 18 month sabbatical).

We should be back in about 3 weeks and I'd love if we could round up the old gang. It really has been too long. Then Nigel and I can come in and we can talk cakes. (By the way could you be any more UN-original with your dumb email address? Geez!) But please get ahold of everyone so that we can get together. I know some of us have drifted apart but it's not like anyone hates anyone else right? So that is your job. Miss you and see you soon!

Love, Kristy

P.S. Did I tell you that Nigel and I met up with Dawn a fer months ago? She kept trying to get us to take B-12 shots because we spend so much time in the darkness and dirt. What a weirdo! Then again, aren't all nutritionists? I mean they make it sound like a burger and fries is not a healthy meal! LOL.

Claudia smiled as she read through Kristy's email a second time. It might be fun to get everyone together. She hadn't seen Dawn, Mallory or Shannon in forever.

"Wow" said Claudia out loud. "I think the last time I saw Mary Anne was at Lucy Newton's graduation party!"

As she stood up to put her plate in the dishwasher she felt an unfamiliar pain in her stomach and her eyes fill up with tears. Slowly she sank to the ground and let the tears fall freely.

"Oh my God, the last time all of us were together Mark and I were planning on looking to buy a house together."

She stood up suddenly shaking thoughts of her ex-boyfriend from her head. She wasn't going to let that take over her thoughts again. She paused for a moment thinking of her old friends from school. As she thought of them, she realized how many were married or dating someone seriously. As she realized that she would be the only one of her friends not in a relationship she closed her eyes briefly.

She reached down to pick up Picasso.

"Hmm, maybe Betty's right. Maybe it is time I start dating again." She stared blankly at the wall as she thought of Mark. "Ok, it's been 5 years, I need to move on. I need to go out and meet people…But who-?"

She jumped as she heard her computer alert to her that she had mail. She walked slowly and checked her email.

From: mywayonly

To: cakesbyclaudia

Subj: One last thing

Before I forget, did I tell you Sam is back at home? His divorce was final about a month ago and he figured job opportunities were much better here then in St. Louis! I talked to my mom and she said he is bored out of his mind so I figure maybe when Nigel and I are back the 4 of us and whoever else is around can go grab some drinks?

Ciao!

-K