Abby: Chapter II

Here is the next chapter.  If you haven't read the first chapter then I suggest you start here: Abby: A Short Story

Sorry it has taken so long for this as I am slow at editing and my grammar is very rusty.  If anyone has any suggestions feel free to email me as any and all suggestions are welcomed.

"Can you believe the nerve of that guy?" I set our drinks down without spilling a drop and take a seat in the corner booth. I can't wait for the alcohol to work it's magic and make me numb.

Sarah takes a long exaggerated pull from the straw. I am sure she's longing for the same thing--anesthetization. "We really should thank Bob and Doug. Had they not been there our asses would have been grasses!" She raises her glass in a silent toast to our saviors, giggles and sucks in another long slurp.

"Can you believe how quickly we got a patient back in the same bed, after all that? They didn't care there was no glass in the door." I run my finger along the rim of my margarita, taste the salt and sip my drink. Whoever invented the margarita was a damn genius.

"They abuse us in the chase of the almighty dollar. Do you think the new patient wonders about the fate of the person in the bed before she got there? I don't think I'd want to know." Sarah leans forward. "Abby, have you ever thought about that?"

I am only half listening to Sarah and wishing I could drown out all the other things clamoring in my head. "Yes, I do..." I raise my glass and clink hers. " At least we go home after all is said and done, we're not stuck in the bed at the tender mercy of someone else."

The fries I have ordered arrive and I dump salt on them (I know, I know, salt bad). If not for the fact that I vowed I would never smoke again, I would fire up a marlboro right now.

Sarah stares with a disgusted look on her face. "How do you eat all that crap and still look as good as you do?"

I shove another fry in my mouth. " For me to know and you to find out." I give her what I hope is a devilish look.

The waiter returns with two more margaritas. Sarah and I exchange a look of inquiry.

The waiter, as if on cue, points toward a corner in the restaurant. "They're from the gentlemen at the table over there."

I don't look, don't acknowledge the gift and i am not impressed. The thought of dealing with a couple of drunks tonight when we've been coping with unhappy people all day is too much. I need to unwind over a couple of drinks with my friend. No strings attached.

Sarah rises from her seat and gawks in their general direction.

"Sit down you dummy. I am not in the mood!" I hiss the words through my teeth to ensure she understands how strongly I feel.

Taking no notice of my attitude Sarah has plopped back into her seat. "They're not creepy."

I don't care what she says I have already felt some vibes that I'm not sure of-enough to jangle my nerves. I am a sensitive; I receive messages about things, and they serve me well. One of the reasons that I work in the small environment of the ICU is I get overwhelmed by too many auras in one place--not something that I advertise. Alcohol quells these feelings, dampens my receivers and quiets my mind when I become deluged with too many impressions.

"Sarah, I'm not getting a good vibe." I take a big gulp of my drink. Come on margarita work your magic.

"You're no fun!" Sarah narrows her eyes.

I stick my tongue out at her. "Men can't resist me." I raise my glass. Sarah lifts her glass to mine. I lean back in my seat happier amused with my own wit.

"Amen to your ir-re-sis-ti-bili-ty. Is that a word?" Sarah is acting as though the tequila has started to work on her.

I bring the margarita glass to my lips. Finally, I begin to feel the numbness only tequila seems to give me. I can almost feel the alcohol rushing through my veins. Starting at my stomach and slowly rising through my system.

I fret about the guys that sent us the drinks, and pray they keep their distance. Shit, I gave it too much thought, I assume one of them approaches, seeing Sarah is smile at something or someone.

A tall blonde-haired man stands next to the table. He captures my gaze and as much as I want to look away, I can't. Something is not right.  The negative intuition is stronger now this man has entered my space.

Sarah of course, smiles, trying her best to present herself as demure and charming. For Christ's sake Sarah please stop encouraging him. He is good looking; I can't blame her.

Sarah speaks, breaking the man's fixed regard. "Hi, I'm Sarah and this is Abby." She holds out her hand. "Thank you for the drinks."

"It's a pleasure. My name is Terry." His attention turns immediately back to me. "Abby, I"m sure I know you from somewhere."

"I don't think so." I want him to go away."

"We're nurses at the U; maybe that's where you know her from."

Shut up Sarah! I wish she just had even one ounce of the sensitivity that I have. The negative energy this person emits is overwhelms me.  Though he looks friendly from the outside, something isn't right.  I know, just as I knew Miss Annie was living her last few moments. Maybe if I fake not feeling well we can get out of here.

Copyright © 2010 Tammy Lochmann