LOCK 1.2

I could see a pawl perk up his head from the foot of my bed. I could make out his chubby silhouette on my white down-comforter as he stood and took off toward the sound. I looked at the clock and it read 1:12 am. I grabbed my trusted Louisville slugger, which my dad gave me years ago, from beneath my bed. Then I put on my robe, grabbed my cell phone, and I walked calmly toward the door.

As I turned the corner, the faint knocks turn to pounds and I could hear my name, “Lock, Lock open the door!”

I recognized the voice of my dear friend, Marilyn. I place the bat next to the door and the cell phone in my pocket. I quickly unlock the door. Marilyn stormed past me and directly into the guest restroom.  As she ran, she was telling me how much she had to pee and that “single’s night” at the club was a waste of time. While she was in the bathroom, I locked the front door and picked up Pawl. I went over to the bathroom and spoke through the door to ask if she was thirsty or hungry. Suddenly she submerged from the bathroom with a heartbroken look on her face and gave me the biggest drunken hug ever. She told me she just heard my voicemail and that she was sorry. She released me from the Hulk-like grip and headed to the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen, Marilyn opened the fridge. She grabbed water, deli meat, spinach, tomatoes, sandwich spread, and cheese, all while telling me how the guys at the club were a complete waste of a great dress. I saw her struggle so I grabbed the bread from the cupboard and a knife to help her assemble her sandwich. Like clockwork, her voice changed and she began to talk about Alex. He was the perfect guy, however, Marilyn was afraid to commit because as a child she witnessed her parent’s ugly divorce –she vowed to never get married.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I sat with her on the porch swing as her dad loaded his truck with his belongings. He trudged past Marilyn with no words and loaded the final box, then jumped into his beaten up Jeep and took off without a goodbye. Abruptly, his truck stopped two houses down and he put his car in reverse. Marilyn stood up and walked down the driveway in confusion. He jumped from the truck and walked sternly past Marilyn to the mailbox and sorted through the mail. Walking back in the direction of his truck, he turned to 9 year old Marilyn and handed her the mail. Marilyn’s dad told her: “Give this to your Mom chipmunk.” That was the last time we saw him. He kept in touch with the occasional birthday card every 2 to 3 years.

This brings us to Alex, a software engineer, who simply adores Marilyn. They’d dated for about 3 years and it was perfect. I’ve never seen Marilyn so happy. However, this past Valentine’s Day when Alex pooped the question, Marilyn started to push him away.  Alex ensured her that he was not her father and he wanted their relationship for life. 5 months ago Marilyn left him at the altar at a small intimate wedding with only Family and close Fiends. Alex was hurt, which soon turn to devastated when after 12 hours of looking for her, he found her in bed with their mutual friend Richard, who is a true ladies’ man.

“Alex is better off without me, I’m toxic,” were the words Marilyn said to snap me out of my memory state.

Tears fell from her eyes and she lifted the top slice of bread to add pepper to her sandwich. She grabbed the white saucer which held her sandwich, and bottle of water, then headed toward my bedroom. She placed the items on the dresser and grabbed a set of pajamas. Before changing she gave Pawl a slice of deli meat from her sandwich. She placed her items on the nightstand and climbed into bed with me. Pawl soon followed.

After biting a huge bite of her sandwich, she said to me “I love you Lock and I’m sorry about what you are going through.”

Once the swallowed the piece of food went down, she took a gulp of her water and said, “Tomorrow is a new day and we will welcome in together. I love you”

As Marilyn got comfortable in bed, Pawl rested neatly between us. Although I was happy to see my best friend, I wasn’t sure if she could get me through the days ahead. As Marilyn and Pawl fell asleep, I lay quietly and tears fell from my eyes as I thought about the words that made breathing unbearable. I could see him as he uttered those words, “Lock……………”

Thank you so much for reading my short story. This is a series that will explore the life of Josephine Lock. Who do you think uttered those words? What words could make breathing unbearable? Could it be William, Richard, Alex, her father, or the police? It is up to you to decide what happens to post your vote in a comment below. Voting is also taking place on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Email. and also on Twitter. The series will pick up next Sunday with the most voted storyline. Please feel free to enjoy the previous post Lock 1.1. Thank you all in advance for your participation. If you are reading this series after the voting, please enjoy Lock 1.3. How did you like the story? Any suggestion?  Please share in the comments below. I really would love to know.

Until next time, shine amongst the stars!

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