Thank you to all who have read the first chapter of Why Mary Beth Why. If you have enjoyed it well enough to read the book, please post a review. A review is the only way I will know if my writing is of interest to any one. I have written simple romance stories, this book adds a little mystery to it, and my next book Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right will have a tidbit of witchcraft mixed in. I do hope you are enjoying my writing. I am having fun with it.

WHY MARY BETH WHY

Chapter One

        Mary Beth Hall was walking briskly home from her job as a waitress at The Home Plate, a small diner located on the ocean front of Baltimore. She was smiling and reflecting on how satisfied she was with her life. Only a few short months ago, she and her father, congressman Randolph Hall, had a big fight which ended with her moving out of his home in Decatur, Georgia and making a new life for herself. She picked Baltimore because she loved the ocean. The air was fresh and there were ample opportunities opening up in the area. She didn’t plan on being a waitress all her life, but at this moment it served the purpose. She had a nice apartment and the patrons of the diner were all kind and friendly. As Mary Beth reached the front of the boarding house where she lived, she walked to the back of the building. I’m lucky to have the back apartment at the top of the stairs; this gives me all the privacy I want. I can come and go as I like, without disturbing anyone, she thought.

     Her landlady, Mrs. Murphy, was coming out of the shed in back as she walked by.   

     "How is it going this beautiful afternoon, Mrs. Murphy?" Mary Beth asked as she walked past.   

     Mrs. Murphy smiled and answered, "Child, you always brighten my day, and it’s especially nice to see you today. Today is the first anniversary of my husband’s death." Mary Beth was her favorite of the tenants in the boarding house. Ever since Mr. Murphy passed away, it was difficult for her to keep the needs of the boarding house running smoothly. She was lucky to have Mary Beth as a tenant. She was a quiet girl, neat, clean, kind, and paid her rent on time, the first day of every month.   

     Mary Beth responded with, "You have a slight smile on your lips. You must be remembering the nice times the two of you had together.”

     “We had forty three years of happiness. My Henry was a good man,” Mrs. Murphy recalled.

     “I am sewing myself a new dress. Mr. Jenkins didn't complain about the noise of the sewing machine, did he?"

     “No dear, oh how you like to look so nice and neat all the time," Mrs. Murphy answered.       

      “Cleanliness is next to godliness," Mary Beth replied and continued on her way upstairs to her apartment. As she turned the key in the lock, she gave Mrs. Murphy a final wave and closed the door behind her. Once inside, she kicked off her shoes, placed them neatly in her closet and put on her favorite pair of bedroom slippers. She had been on her feet all day and it was a long walk home, both to and from work. The diner had been so busy; she didn't have time for a long break. She went to the cabinet and took out the canister marked tea. She took off the lid and placed her tip money inside the canister. This is where she kept the money she used to buy her clothing and shoes. Mary Beth walked over, sat down on the couch, then bringing her feet up, placed them on the arm of the couch. She placed a pillow under her head and decided to rest a few minutes before starting her household chores. Her mind was full of thoughts of the day and she wanted to sort them... She closed her eyes lightly and her thoughts turned to the start of her work day. On entering the diner, she went directly to the kitchen where Lhung Lei, the cook, greeted her with a, "Morning, Missy."

     "Greetings to you, my friend, how are you this beautiful day?" she asked. His back was turned away from her and he responded with words she did not understand. This he did frequently and it annoyed her greatly. Her reasoning told her to overlook it; he probably couldn't speak or understand that much English. He kept piling dirty dishes in the already overloaded sink. Mary Beth walked over to Lhung, placed her hands on his shoulders, and turned him around to face her. His round face broke into a huge smile, which showed perfect teeth. She pointed to the three sinks against the wall."Lhung, your job would be so much easier if you would fill this sink with warm water, place the dirty dishes here first to rinse, fill the next sink with hot soapy water, wash the dishes there, and fill the last sink with cold water, rinse the dishes there and then put them to drain."

       "Yes, Missy," he responded with a blank look on his face.

       "I made you a present," Mary Beth continued as she pulled a long pillow case out of the bag she was carrying. "I will show you how to use it," she said as she piled the rinsed silverware in the pillow case. She then grabbed each end of the pillow case and began to shake it. She then dumped the silverware on the counter, showing him how dry each piece was.

     Lhung had a look of disbelief on his face. Why such a beautiful young thing would care how tiring his job was surprised him and he smiled his appreciation.

     She felt proud of herself as she tied her apron around her tiny waist to start her shift. As she went behind the counter, her face broke into a huge smile; sitting at the corner in his usual booth was one of her favorite customers, Stubby Roberts. She had no idea what his real name was, but Stubby fit him to a tee. He was on the short side, a little paunchy, and always wore a short beard which was always neatly trimmed.

     Hilda Swanson, who owned the diner and worked in the kitchen with Lhung, came through the door with a hearty, "Morning to you all," and continued her walk into the kitchen. Hilda was a big, tall woman, was masculine in appearance and with a generous heart. Mary Beth could hear her talking to Lhung, telling him how she wanted everything done. Mary Beth remembered thinking to herself, it is a good thing Lhung doesn't understand more English; he would probably throw the rolling pin at her. She giggled to herself at that thought.

            Hilda made sure the diner was sparkling clean, she was probably the reason meals were prepared properly, with a pleasing appearance as well as being very tasty. She would fill the plates with huge portions, making sure the customers went away with a full stomach and her prices were reasonable. She had worked in this district for years and understood the difficult circumstances many of the men worked under. She was probably the reason The Home Plate was always filled with customers. Mary Beth dozed off with a smile on her face.

       A gentle tap on the door woke her. She sat up startled then realized she had fallen asleep. She realized it was Monday evening and Stubby would be at the door. She walked over to the door, opened it to let him enter. She greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. "Stubby, it is so nice to see you. I am afraid I went to sleep and lost track of time," she explained.

            He answered, "I have a present for you. He showed her a large, heavy box. He carried the box over and placed it on the table.

      Mary Beth forgot about being tired as she tore the wrapping off the box with eager anticipation

            Stubby opened the top of the box for her.

       Inside the box was a complete setting for four of dinnerware, including plates, saucers, cups, bowls, serving dishes, silverware and glassware. Mary Beth was so excited she was shaking. She had wanted nice tableware for a long time, but just couldn't afford it. Mary Beth was so happy her eyes glistened. "Stubby, how did you know I wanted this?" she asked in amazement.

     "I remembered hearing you say you would like to have nice tableware, but the sets were always serving for eight, and you did not have the cabinet space, so when I saw place settings for four, I thought of you. Actually, when I saw the delicate flowers on the dishes, they reminded me of you," Stubby answered. He continued with, "Enjoy them in good health."

     Mary Beth was flattered the flowers reminded him of her, and said, "I will have to think of a special way to thank you," leading him to the bedroom. Mary Beth always spent Monday nights entertaining Stubby. She did not consider herself a prostitute. She only had sex with three men, Stubby on Monday night, Karl Richards on Wednesday night, and Otto Hamacher on Friday night. They would thank her by leaving money on her pillow, which she used to pay her rent on time. The three men had been friends since grade school and had thought of the arrangement. Each man made sure the others kept themselves clean and did not run around with other women. They were very protective of her.

     Mary Beth and Stubby came out of the bedroom and she led him into the bathroom where she filled the sink with water and began to give stubby a sponge bath. She soaped his pubic hair gently and smiled, thinking how her Mother had made the soap for her.

            Stubby noticed the look on her face and asked," Hon, what are you thinking about?"

     "How my mother made this soap for me. I have been thinking about my mother a lot lately. I had a letter from her a few days ago. She is going to be coming to visit me for a few days Sunday. My mother is a very special person. I will tell you about her later if you are not too tired," Mary Beth told him.

     She rinsed the soap off his genital area and dried him gently. He walked back into the bedroom to get dressed, leaving her alone to get washed up and dressed.

            He came back to the bathroom door and asked, "Are you dressed, you didn't put your underwear back on, did you?"

            She answered by coming out the bathroom door and lifting up her skirt.

      He smiled knowing there would be more play time. The two crossed the room and sat down on the couch. Stubby put one arm around her shoulders. He enjoyed being with her, and he knew he would do anything to make her happy and keep her safe.

       “Now I will tell you about Mother. She is a very special woman. Her name is Elizabeth, she has beautiful red hair; it is a shade darker than mine. She is tall, has a beautiful figure, dresses beautifully and is very energetic. She is a very talented woman. She sings, plays the piano and organ, makes her own clothes, and even tats her on lace. She enjoys cooking and baking, and since daddy insists we have a house keeper, it gives her more free time to do what she wants. She painted the picture I have hanging over this couch. Christmas time would not be the same without her cut out cookies, her divinity, fudge and caramel candy she makes. She enjoyed everything she did, and her favorite expression is tomorrow will be another day.”

     “Tell me about your father,” Stubby asked.

      Mary Beth got a sad look on her face and said, "Okay, provided you promise never to talk to me about him again. He is a big man, big in stature, and involved in politics. He has his clothes made to order, as well as special boot shoes made to order. He thinks he is better than anyone else, and if you disagree with him, your dirt. One night my date took me to a night club. The next day one of his friends told him he saw me dancing with a fellow at a local night club. He came home furious, confronted me, and I admitted it was true. He said, Mary Beth, dancing is a sin. It is nothing but hugging set to music. As long as you live under my roof, I forbid you to ever bring disgrace on me again.”

     I said, “Okay, I will move out. He slapped me across the face and said, if you leave, you will be dead to me, and told my mother, keep your mouth shut or you are next. I went to my room, packed my belongings and when I came out to leave; neither of my parents was there. I went to the housekeeper, and asked her if I could write to my mother using her address. She agreed, and that is how I keep in touch with her. I was much surprised to find out that daddy is going to drop mother off on his way to Washington Sunday. I will talk to you about my mother anytime, but please, never mention him to me again.”

            He promised, and she knew he would pass the information on to Karl and Otto.

            Stubby said, "I am sorry I asked about him. I feel badly that remembering makes you so sad. You are so beautiful. Your hair is the color of honey, always clean and shiny, and your skin is so smooth and clear. You remind me of a porcelain doll." [re1] Stubby pulled his hand from underneath Mary Beth’s skirt, stood up and stretched saying, "I had better call it a night. A tanker should be pulling in very early tomorrow morning. That means a rough day for us. Will I see you at lunch time?"

            "No,” Mary Beth replied, “Tomorrow is my day off. I will take clothes to the laundry, do my shopping and come home and clean. I want clean cabinets to put my new dishes in." She walked him to the door, gave him another kiss and said good night.

       Stubby put the lock on the door and said, "Keep this door locked at all times. I forgot to tell you that a dredger pulled the body of a young red headed girl from the ocean up North this morning."

      Mary Beth shivered as she pulled the door closed behind him; giving it a tug to make sure it was locked. She then went into the bathroom for her nightly beauty ritual, washing her face with cornmeal mixed with cold cream, rinsing her face and then walked to the kitchen where she took half a lemon from the small refrigerator and rubbed it on her face, wondering if it would ever rid her face of freckles. At least it keeps them light, she thought, she mixed a little baking soda and salt in the palm of her hand and went back to the bathroom, reached for her toothbrush and brushed her teeth. Her teeth were white and straight, thanks to her mother who encouraged her to eat fruit and drink milk. She reached for her hair brush, brushing her hair one hundred strokes. Pulling a clean gown over her head, she again peeked in the mirror, satisfied with her reflection.  

     She went to the linen closet, pulled two sheets and pillow cases off the shelf, and decided she also needed a clean blanket. She made her bed, tossing the dirty linens in the basket to be taken to the laundry in the morning, she crawled into bed, pulling the blanket up over her slender body, stretched, curled her body into the fetal position and immediately feel into a deep, peaceful slumber.

     Sun was shining through the window when Mary Beth opened her eyes. She stretched then lay very still while she was planning her day. Her day always started with a healthy breakfast. She jumped out of bed, used the toilet, washed up and combed her hair.   She walked to the closet to select her clothing for the day. She decided on a white blouse and turquoise skirt, white anklets and loafers. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror as she passed her vanity. Mary Beth smiled, knowing she was going to have a good day. She took an orange from the refrigerator, cut it in half, squeezing half, and saving the other half for tomorrow. She mixed water with the juice before drinking it. Today was an egg day. She decided on a poached egg for breakfast. She placed two slices of bread in the roaster of her oven to toast, while her egg was cooking. She sat the table, placed her plate with the toast and egg on it, poured herself a glass of milk and sat down to eat her breakfast. After she had eaten her egg, she spread the other piece of toast with peanut butter and ate it while she was making out her shopping list. She then went into the kitchen, put baking soda and salt in the palm of her hand, and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. She returned to the kitchen, placed the dirty dishes in a pan of hot soapy water, washed and rinsed the dishes. She dried the dishes, made the bed and then gathered up the dirty clothes to be taken to the laundry. Since she had so much laundry, she decided to borrow the wagon from Mrs. Murphy. Mary Beth carried the laundry downstairs to Mrs. Murphy’s room and as she knocked on her door, she was hoping that none of the other tenants was using the wagon.

            Mrs. Murphy opened the door and stepped out into the hall. Just at that time old Mr. Jenkins came walking down the hall. He was using his cane and as usual a stain from chewing tobacco was on his chin.

            Mary Beth did not like the way he looked at her. He made her feel uneasy. "Good morning to both of you," Mary Beth managed to stammer.

     "Put your eyes back into your face and keep walking," Mrs. Murphy said to Mr. Jenkins.

       He laughed as he walked away, brushing his body against Mary Beth as he left.

     This annoyed her greatly, but she kept silent.

       "Don't let that old goat get to you, how can I help you today?" Mrs. Murphy asked.

       Mary Beth explained that she needed to borrow the wagon and Mrs. Murphy went inside to get it for her. “Is there anything I can pick up for you today?" Mary Beth asked.

      "No, dear, I am going out after the mailman delivers the mail," Mrs. Murphy answered.

      With that Mary Beth placed the load of clothes in the wagon and started down the hall way. As she reached the door way, Gretchen Cummings caught up with her.

             "Here, let me open the door for you and help you get the wagon down the steps," Gretchen offered.

      Mary Beth was grateful for the help and the company. Gretchen worked as a checker at the laundry, so the girls walked together, chatting all the way. Gretchen was telling Mary Beth that her boyfriend, James Guyer, was going to buy a car.

      Mary Beth said, "I didn't know James knew how to drive."

            Gretchen answered, “He drives a tractor and that is similar. Gresy has promised he would teach him. He has had him out a couple of times."

            Gresy wasn't one of Mary Beth’s favorite people. He was married to Rebecca Gresaroudis, a very wealthy woman, who owned the cannery. Gresy and Rebecca had two beautiful young daughters, Heidi and Jeanette. In her opinion, Gresy thought he was better than anyone else. They lived in a huge mansion on top of a hill. James, Rebecca’s nephew, was their handy man. He kept the house and grounds in tip top condition at all times. James had a knack for landscaping. This ended their conversation as they had reached the laundry.

            Gretchen held the door open for Mary Beth to enter. Once inside, Mary Beth placed the clothes on the counter. Gretchen reached for the container that held the pins she used to mark the clothes. She used the last pin in the container and as she started to throw it away Mary Beth asked, "If you are going to throw that away, may I have it?"

       "Put it in your pocket,” Gretchen answered. "I can't imagine what you want with them, but I will save the empties for you, if you like?"

     "Oh yes, please, I can find many uses for them and I will pick up my laundry Thursday on my way home from work," Mary Beth said as she left the building. What a wonderful friend Gretchen would make, Mary Beth thought, but she never had time for a friend. Now I will make time for one she vowed as she walked toward the store. The sun was shining brightly as she entered the store. Only one customer was there, Rebecca Gresaroudis. Mary Beth entered the door just as Rebecca had finished putting her groceries on the counter.

     Rebecca turned around, greeted Mary Beth with a nod of her head and kept talking to the store owner, Jake Ivey.

            Mr. Ivey interrupted their conversation and asked, "Mary Beth, do you need any help?"

            "No, thank you, sir, I know where everything is,” Mary Beth responded. Jake and Rebecca continued their conversation as he put her purchases in bags.

      Gresy entered the door and Rebecca said, “Hello dear, you are just in time."   

     He picked up the bags, noticed Mary Beth and asked, “Well hello, how are you today, beautiful?”

     “Well, thank you for asking," Mary Beth answered, noticing the look of disapproval on Rebecca’s face. She turned and started picking items from the shelves to keep from having to carry on a conversation with him. She kept her back turned until the pair left the store.

      Jake came over to her, taking her selections from her arms and carried them to the counter for her. "That man is trouble, and Rebecca is such a nice woman. She deserves so much better than that," Jake voiced his opinion.

     Mary Beth felt she sensed a little jealousy in his voice. She let his statement go by, feeling it did not need a response. She paid her bill and Jake held the door open for her and watched as she put her order in the wagon.

            "A shipment of fruit should be in tomorrow or the next day," Jake said.

     Mary Beth said with pride, "I will be shopping again in a couple of days. Mother is coming in from Decatur to spend a few days with me next week, and I will want my cupboard well stocked." With  a wave of her hand, started her walk home. So many thoughts were running through her mind. Once she got home and her order put away, she would need to start cleaning. She prided herself on the appearance of her apartment. Stubby often remarked how her floors were so clean, you could eat off them. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of barking dogs. She reached the boarding house, went around back, and carried her purchases upstairs. She set the bags on the porch as she reached in her purse for the key to unlock the door. Opening the door she felt something brush against her leg. She looked down, and it was only a calico cat. She had no idea who it belonged to, but it came upstairs on her porch frequently. Mary Beth went inside and came out with a saucer of milk, setting it on the porch. The cat was hungrily lapping the milk.

      Mary Beth set her groceries on the table and went back outside to return the wagon to Mrs. Murphy. She placed the key in her pocket, locking the door behind her. She thought to herself, I will only be a minute, but better safe than sorry; she pulled the wagon around front, took it up the steps and knocked on Mrs. Murphy’s door.

            Mrs. Murphy opened the door and said, "Back home so soon child?  That certainly didn't take you long."

      Mary Beth answered, "Oh, I didn't really have that much to do, and I did need to hurry home. I want to clean my cupboards today. Oh yes, Mrs. Murphy, Mother will be coming to visit me next week. Will I owe you any extra rent money for that week?"

     "My goodness no, the small amount of water she will use shouldn't raise my water bill too much more, but I do appreciate you asking," Mrs. Murphy answered.

     The two chatted for a few moments then Mary Beth said, "I need to finish my chores Mrs. Murphy. Thanks again for the use of the wagon."

     "Anytime, dear," Mrs. Murphy responded, took the wagon and went back inside.

     Mary Beth walked to her apartment, unlocked the door and went in. She was humming as she put away her grocery order. Once everything was in place she took the container Gretchen had given her, washed and dried the container. She placed baking soda and salt in the container, mixing it well, put the top on the container securely and took it to the bathroom, placing it on a shelf near her tooth brushes. She had two toothbrushes, once for morning use and one for the nightly cleaning of her teeth, think how much more convenient this would be for her.

     She decided she was hungry and went to the refrigerator, opened it and pulled out a head of lettuce, carrots, and a tomato. She made the salad, finish off with her favorite dressing. She mixed a small amount of tomato juice with vinegar and poured over the salad. After reaching up to the top shelf for the crackers, she took three crackers, replaced the box where it belonged on the shelf, put salad in a bowl, poured herself a glass of water, took a fork out of the silverware drawer and carried them to a small table, placed by the window. She was watching the neighborhood happenings as she ate her lunch. After her meal she cleared the table, washed, and dried the dishes and started to take all the dishes off the shelves, wondering what she would do with some of the dishes she no longer needed. She wiped the oil cloth covering she had on the shelves, and put most of the dishes back in their place. She had left room for her new dishes. She then washed the new dinnerware and set it in its proper place. Next came the cleaning of the shelves where she kept the glasses. She smiled as she placed the last glass on the shelf, knowing now that any company she had would never have to drink from jelly glasses again. Cleaning and placing the silver ware in the silver ware drawer completed her kitchen chores for the day. She had scrubbed the floor on Sunday after she had washed down the outside of the cabinets.

     Mary Beth turned on the radio and was listening to the music, dancing with the carpet sweeper as she swept the rug in the living room. She dusted cautiously, replacing the knickknacks on the shelf. Mother had given her those treasures from her collection for her thirteenth birthday.

     Satisfied with her day of cleaning, she decided to reward herself with a good evening meal at the diner. She washed her hands and faced, brushed her hair. She carefully locked her door, remembering Stubby’s warning about the dead body of a young lady. It had started to mist just as she reached the diner. The weather had been very warm today and a shower would certainly cool things off and make for good sleeping conditions tonight.

     She opened the door to the diner and the bell above the door started to ring. Mary Beth closed the door behind her.

     Hilda came out of the kitchen with a strange girl in tow and said, "Mary Beth, I am so glad to see you. I want you to meet my niece Letitia Willis, who has come to live with me." The girls exchanged smiles and Hilda continued, "Letitia will be working at the diner with us. She has just buried her Mother, and I am the only relative she has now, so I will be looking after her."

     Mary Beth smiled and said, "What a wonderful thing you are doing. It will be just like having a daughter of your own. I am sure she will bring much pleasure into your life." Hilda smiled at this comment, and Mary Beth continued with, "Letitia, it will be so nice having you here, and I will be happy to show you around town."

     Hilda said, "Mary Beth, go sit down at a table, and I will bring you something to eat. I need to talk to you, okay?"

            Mary Beth went to a table and sat down; wondering what was on Hilda’s mind. Soon Hilda came out of the kitchen with a platter of food, Mary Beth’s favorite, roast beef, mashed potatoes, no gravy and all the trimmings. “Here you are, eat up and enjoy," Hilda said as she placed the plate in front of Mary Beth. "What would you like to drink?"

     "Just a glass of water will be fine,” she answered.

     The bell over the door sounded as a couple walked through the door. "Good Evening Dr. Prepstein, who's the beautiful young thing with you?" Hilda asked.

      He responded with, "Hilda, this is my wife, Ramona. Ramona, this is Hilda, and sitting at the corner table is Mary Beth, who also works here.”

            Mary Beth looked up and smiled and said, "Welcome to our neighborhood." Ramona was strikingly beautiful with raven hair, so shiny and wound around her head in a braid. She had jet black hair and pearly white teeth that sparkled when she smiled. The two sat down at a table opposite Mary Beth.

      Letetia placed a glass of water in front of Mary Beth, turned walking to the table where the couple was sitting. She placed menus in front of them and said, "My name is Letetia and I will also be working here. Dr. Prepstein, your wife is so beautiful, you must be extremely proud of her."

            Dr. Prepstein answered, "I feel very fortunate to have her in my life." You could see the love they shared as they gazed at each other

            Letitia said, "I will be back in a few minutes to take your order, may I get you something to drink?"

            Dr. Prepstein answered, "Ramona will have a glass of milk, and I will have a cup of coffee.

     Letitia went into the kitchen and Hilda said, "Letitia, please take the customers’ orders, Mary Beth and I have a lot to talk about," and went to the table where Mary Beth was sitting and sat down opposite her.

     Mary Beth glanced up from an almost empty plate and said, "Hilda, I didn't realize how hungry I was.  This meal is delicious. What is on your mind?”

     Hilda answered, “Remember when Gresy started making nice apartments out of the old rooming house he owns down on Ocean Drive? Well, they are almost completed and some of the tenants will be moving in next week. The tenants are coming in mostly from Richmond. I understand that many will be families moving in. They will be the new workers at the cannery. Since the cannery expanded, it will mean many more jobs in our area.” Hilda went on, “He with needed experienced employees to teach the new ones their jobs. This should mean more business for us and I think we should consider being open seven days a week, twenty four hours a day. We will need to hire a couple of more people for the wait staff and at least one in the kitchen. We will also need to add more elaborate desserts to our menus. Now, do you want to remain as a waitress, a cook in the kitchen, or split your time between being a waitress and making the desserts? Think about it and let me know tomorrow." Hilda stood up, took Mary Beth’s empty plate and asked, "You are not thinking about walking home in this rain, are you?"

     Dr. and Mrs. Prepstein had paid their bill and they were standing by the door, "Come on Mary Beth,” Dr. Prepstein said. “We will give you a ride home the car is parked right out front.”

 Mary Beth was delighted with the offer.           Dr. Prepstein held the door open for Ramona and Mary Beth, and then raced outside to open the car doors for them    Mary [re2] Beth settled herself in the back seat as Dr. Prepstein started the engine, and turned the windshield wipers on.

            He let the car idle for a couple of minutes, and then turned his head to the back seat and said, "Mary Beth, you will need to give me directions. I have no idea where you live."

            Mary Beth gave him the directions and soon the car pulled up in front of the boarding house where she lived.

            Mary Beth said, "Please don't get out of the car. I can open the door myself. I am just grateful for the ride home. Thanks again, and have a safe ride home." She got out of the car, gave them a wave, and ran to the back stairway; glad the rain had slowed down to a sprinkle.

      She was running up the stairs, so glad to be home. As she unlocked the door, and entered her living room she felt so proud of her accomplishments. After the big fight she had with her father, when she decided to leave home, she had come a long way. He told her she would never spend another cent of his, she had no need to buckle down and beg from him. She had managed to get a job she was good at, and with the help of her three special friends, had enough money for all her needs. Now another opportunity had opened for her. Did she want additional responsibilities at the diner, or did she want to let things go rolling by as they were?  Mary Beth heard a noise at the door. She cautiously opened the door, and there was the calico cat, meowing pitifully. Poor thing, she thought as she opened the door and let him come into the room. She went to the bathroom, came out with a hand towel and began drying him off.

      "Poor baby, you must be starving," she said, going to the cabinet for a saucer and poured milk into it. She sat the saucer on the floor and the cat started lapping the milk. She had noticed the cat was male and was thinking of a name for him. Lonesome would be a good name for him but she didn't feel it was appropriate. Since it was a calico cat, she decided on Cal. She folded a rag carpet from the kitchen floor in half, and placed it in the corner of her bedroom. She came out, picked up Cal and carried him in to his new bed. "Cal, sleep here tonight and I will decide what to do with you tomorrow." Cal purred his thanks.

     Mary Beth took a clean gown from the dresser drawer and went to the bathroom to get ready for bed. She went through her nightly routine, noticing Cal was in the room. He followed her back into the bedroom and as she climbed into her bed, he lay down on the carpet to sleep.

 

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