Never Too Old

By J.A. Massa

Never in her wildest dreams could she imagine that the day she called her special day would change not only her life but also her daughters. It was the day that the mother, with the help of her daughter, decided Mom would live one day on the crazy and wild side, the day that would change each of the womens lives forever, a day that would last each of them a life time and beyond as they learned life after death truly exists.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781503510395

J.A. Massa

From a very early age, I have written everything from songs to poetry. Having several short stories published in the past, I have never undertaken a task of this magnitude. I was encouraged first by my history teacher in high school on a paper I had to submit about the Hindenburg. I wrote the article through the eyes of a mouse that happened to climb aboard the ill-fated blimp. I was further influenced by my English professor in college. During more twenty years that I spent in the Marine Corps, I continued to write for my own entertainment. Now retired and considered disable, I thought I would share a few adventures with those who will be entertained by my writings, those who will share the laughs I have gotten from some of the characters. Some of the sorrows I felt are in my books. I continue to write in hopes that some will find my works enjoyable and entertaining but feel deep in my heart that if I can bring pleasure to just one person who reads my stories, then the time and effort are well worth the hours put into them.

Book preview

Chapter One

T he bright morning sun begins its lazy climb over the, Central Georgia’s, Blue Ridge mountains. Its rays slowly move over the sleepy little town below. The sky is the color of a robin’s egg. A few puffy, white clouds float casually as if they are looking down, giving the earth their blessings. The air, coming through a bedroom window she had left slightly open, is fresh and clean. The chill of winter has vanished. Signs of the new life, that early spring brings, are evident everywhere. Flowers are beginning to peek up from their rich soil; birds are busy gathering whatever they can find for nest needed to bring their young into the world. Buds are forming on the trees that surround her little cottage. They will soon become the leaves that will dress the trees for the summer ahead, and protect her quaint little home from the hot summer sun.

In her room, she lays sound asleep. The rays of the sun sneak through a small crack in the drapes. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the rays find their way to her closed eyes. She awakens with a smile on her face. She takes a deep breath of the clean fresh air and thinks how great it is to be alive. Sitting up in the bed, her arms open wide as if to embrace this wonderful day. She turns, fluffs her pillow and falls back onto it. As she lays there, eyes wide open, she thinks that a beautiful day like this requires a little something special, but what? Over the last several years, one day has become no different than the one before. She thinks how wonderful life could be if only she could get herself out of living the routine that had become her way of life over.

She decides right then and there, that although she has little, been divorced the past eight years, has a grown daughter living on her own, that this day was going to be different. It was time to put routine aside. To worry about all life’s problems another time. Today she was going to start living her life to the fullest. She gets out of bed and before doing anything else, begins to straighten the sheets. Reaching for the blanket and the quilt she made the winter before, a thought flashes through her mind. This is the way I start every day, it’s just too routine. Looking at the half made bed she says aloud, today you stay unmade. I’ll not let you control my life. I’m taking over!

She moves to the bath room, washes her face and brushes her teeth. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she tells it, I guess some things have to remain the same. A woman has to be clean. This little bit, my personal hygiene, I can deal with, but starting today gal, we live wild and crazy. We’re going to be young again. We’ll do what we want, when we want, and nothing is going to get in our way. Who knows, just maybe this new way of living will prove to be as wonderful as I believe it will. Just maybe, it will carry on for the rest of my life. Yes we’ll be young again. No cares. No worries. Just enjoying life to it’s fullest!

She had just finished her breakfast, consisting of a slice of toast with extra jam, and coffee, instead of her usual bacon, eggs, and dry toast, when the phone rings. Seeing her daughters number flash on the screen. She answers with a jubilant, Well good morning Katie. Isn’t it a wonderful day? The tone in her voice tells her daughter that mom is truly in grand spirits today.

Well aren’t you the chipper one today mom? Here I sit in this lonely apartment bored to death. I thought if you weren’t doing anything maybe we could ride into Athens and make a day of it? Oh Katie, any other day would be great! I just have so much going on here today. I have a doctor’s appointment at ten this morning and a contractor coming to quote me a price on a new roof for the cottage at 1:00. Suddenly, from the back of her mind an unfamiliar voice asks, what happened to not letting anything stand in your way? What did you say Sweetheart? Sharon asks. I didn’t say anything. I really thought we would have a great time, Katie replies. Sharon pauses to think. You know what Sweetie? Your right! We’re going to have a great time. Here’s what I’m thinking. I can keep my doctor’s appointment and the contractor should be finished by 2:00. Let’s plan on making this a day and a night we’ll never forget! Better yet I’ll not have a contractor control my life, I’ll call him. Tell him I have to leave town. He can leave me his appraisal in the mail box. If that doesn’t set well with him, we’ll just have to reschedule his visit for next week. Are you sure mom? Positive! Sharon replies. Get here about 1::00. We’ll drive into Athens and shop, shop, shop! After we’re shopped out, we’ll get a room, doll up and make a night of it too. Gosh, I haven’t been out on the town in ages. It’s about time I treated myself. Today is going to be my special day! Are you ok mom? Katie asks. I’m better than ok. I’m wonderful! How are you with French food? Sharon asks. I really don’t know much about it. If you think I’m going to choke down snails, your sadly mistaken, Katie tells her with a giggle. Why do you ask? There’s this French restaurant that just opened up in Athens. I’ve heard that its food there is out of this world. I would love to try it. After dinner, we’ll find a place to just sit and listen to some music, have a couple drinks and relax. If we get really lucky, we may even have a couple handsome gentlemen ask us to dance. Oh mom your being silly. No Katie I’m being the new me. I’ll explain it all to you when you get here. I’m looking forward to hear this. Are you sure, at your age, you can handle such an outing? I’m not sure of anything anymore. Besides I’m not that old and I’m not going to sit around and get old. It’s the same old routine day after day. Even my breakfast is the same every day. We’ll today things change. I want to put some spice in my life! Sharon can hear her daughter laughing on the other end of the phone. Oh mom, are you sure you can handle such an outing? and without hesitation Sharon answers, no I’m not sure, but it’s something I feel I’m suppose to do, and it’s something I’m going to do. Now I ask you. Are YOU up to it? I’ll do my best to keep up with you, Katie chuckles. So the plan is set then? Sharon asks. I know this sounds crazy Katie but I just know this is something I’m suppose to do, and I know I’m suppose to start doing this today. Get here about one. Ok mom. Sounds like fun I’ll see you then. They say their goodbyes and end the call.

Chapter Two

O n the other side of Athens, in the small community of Woodstock, Eddie is returning home from the Atlanta International Airport. He had gone to the airport to pick up his son Robbie. Robbie is returning home after learning that his best friend Brian Jacobs had been killed in an auto accident. Although the funeral has past, he felt obligated to pay his respects to not only Brian but also Brian’s mo ther.

As the two men travel from the airport, to the home Robbie grew up in, they dabble in idle conversation. How’s your love life? Eddie asks. Actually dad I’ve been way to busy to be involved with anyone. My company has given me the account of a large company that for the past two years has been losing money. I’ve given them a lot of advice to turn the company around. If at the end of the year they show a profit, I can basically write my own ticket. Sounds like a golden opportunity to me, Eddie replies. It’s better than that dad. The company I’m working with is headquarter in Atlanta. The president of the company told me that if I can pull this off, there’s a job here in Atlanta waiting for me! I’ll be able to write my own ticket. Eddie frowns at his son. I would love nothing more than for you to come home. Since your mother passed away, the house seems so empty, but think about the company you work for. They been good to you. Would it be fair to them? I have to do what’s best for me. Sure they put me though school but after all this time, I’m still the lowest paid account in the firm. I guess they feel I owe them. Besides, to be honest, I really miss this place. Eddie smiles. I miss you too son.

Eddie turns the old Chevy into the driveway of his home. Robbie’s eyes see the old split level house he grew up in. Some things never change do they dad. The place looks the same as when I left here. What’s it been three years ago? Almost four, his father corrects him. The last time you were home was when your mother passed away. Wow! Dad how time flies. Robbie can hear the loneliness in his father’s voice. Soon after his mother passed away, Robbie notice the change in his father. Eddie who had always been so full of life seldom left the house. He would sit for hours just looking out the window, or sit in his big easy chair with a book in his lap starting off into space. It seemed to Robbie that when his mother died, so did a big part of his father. We sure had some great times in this old house. And a lot of good memories. I sure miss mom, but I’m sure she’s watching over us and this old house.

Eddie shuts off the car. Robbie turns to his father. Sorry I had to get you up so early dad. You really look beat. The two men step from the car. Robbie grabs the lowly brown suitcase he carries with him from the back seat. As the two men walk the steps leading to the front door, Robbie looks at his father. You know dad I don’t have much time this trip, I’ve got a lot of running around to do. I sure would like to get started. Mind if I use your car? I won’t be gone more then a couple hours. Sure son where you off to? He tells his father he wanted to go by Mrs. Jacobs and pay his condolence. Then he thought about going over to his old girl friend Kelly’s to see how she was doing. Do you know if she still lives in the same place dad? Eddie nods a yes. She’s still available son if you still have feelings for her. Robbie smiles. Eddie sees the sparkle return to his sons eyes. Oh dad. Nothing like that. I just thought since I was home I would stop by and see how she was doing, nothing more. Listen dad I have a great idea. While I’m gone how about you getting some rest. Tonight I’ll take us both to Athens and see what we can get into. Robbie tells his father with a chuckle. Sounds great too me son. I understand that they just opened a new French café there. I hear the food is excellent. If it’s ok with you, I sure would love to try it. After that maybe we can take in a movie or something? Robbie sends his dad a warm smile. Whatever you want dad, is fine with me. Eddie tosses his son the keys to the old car. When are you going to trade this relic in dad? Robbie ask. It maybe old, but it’s well taken care of and runs great. No telling what I could end up with if I were to trade it in. He takes his son’s suitcase from him and before walking into the house turns and tells Robbie, By the way Robbie, tell Kelly and her daughter I said hello. You might want to see if the two of them would like to join us tonight. It would give you and Kelly a lot more time to catch up on things. I’ll call and make the reservations for four. Sure dad but you get some rest now. As Robbie turns and starts back to his father’s car, Eddie’s words echo in his head. Her daughter? What daughter? Robbie is getting the feeling his father is trying to play match-maker? He shrugs the daughter comment off and gets behind the wheel of his dad’s old Chevy.

The ride over to Kelly’s didn’t take long but it proved to be long enough for the thoughts of that heart wrenching day flash through his mind. It happened in his bedroom while he was laying back listening to some music, and it came as a complete surprise to him. He remembers how she came in and sat down on the edge of his bed. How she kissed him and then how she broke the devastating news to him. Robbie we have been the best of friends for a very long time. I want you to know I care very deeply for you and yes I do love you. It’s just that I feel I’m not in love with you. I think we are holding each other back. I believe its time we started seeing other people. If it’s meant to be that we end up spending the rest of our lives together, it will happen but right now I feel we both need to see what life on the other side of the fence is like. Robbie remembers how his eyes filled with tears over her words. He can picture her standing in his doorway and starting to leave his room. He remembers telling her how much he loved her and that he didn’t care how long it took, he would wait for her.

Months past and it seemed she was drifting further and further away from him. She had become really interested in Craig Summers one of the jocks from their high school. Robbie could still picture clearly in his mind the night he and his dad had gone to the movies. Kelly and Craig walked into the theater, holding each others hands. In the dim light of the theater neither Craig nor Kelly had seen Robbie or his dad. They sat two rows in front of the father and son and all through the movie they were kissing and hugging on one another. Kelly did a lot of giggling that night. On several occasions Robbie could hear her tell Craig to Stop that. and she would giggle all the harder. The next morning Robbie informed his dad that he was tired of the little town and he was heading west. He went to the bank, closed his small bank account. He packed up most of his clothes, loaded them into his Mustang and headed for San Diego. Once settled into a small apartment, he took a job with a large industrial company working as a clerk in administration. Robbie was a diligent worker and well like by all, especially his bosses. The company sent him to school where Robbie earned his Associates Degree in Accounting. Upon graduation, Robbie was promoted to a full account for the company. This was four years ago and now he was going to see her for the first time since she walked out of his bedroom and out of his life.

Pulling into the driveway of the duplex she rents, he begins to wonder if this is such a good idea. Maybe I should have called first and let her know I’m in town. She may not even want to see me. He sat behind the wheel of the car a good five minutes, debating if he should walk to the door, or just back out of the driveway and drive away. He could tell she was home. The front door was open and he could hear the television playing. What the heck, he tells himself. I’ve come this far, here goes. He opens the car door and starts up her walkway. The excitement of seeing her again builds inside him. He can feel the love he’s held for her all these years igniting in his heart once again. He taps on the door and hears a friendly, I’ll be right there. He turns his back to the door and thinks maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. What if she again rejects him. A soft yes? comes to his ears. He turns and faces her. Realizing who is at the door she gasp and covers her mouth with her hand. Oh my God, Robbie! What brings you this way? Please come in. It’s so good to see you!"

She’s even more beautiful then her remembers. She is dressed in a pair of tight fitting jeans and an old Falcons sweatshirt. Her silky blonde hair is pulled back in a pony tail and she hasn’t lost the sparkle from those beautiful green eyes. The radiant smile she wears on her face, tells him that it wasn’t a mistake to stop by. She is truly happy to see him. I just put on a pot of coffee Robbie, would you like some? Robbie nods. Let’s sit in the kitchen. You can tell me all about what you’ve been up too. Moving towards the kitchen Robbie sees a little girl in a pink dress laying on the sofa watching cartoons. Kelly’s eyes follow Robbie’s to the little girl. Robbie this is my daughter April. April this is a very dear friend of mine. So much for seeing other people, Robbie thinks. Hello April my name is Robbie. He looks from April to her mother. Both have the silky blonde hair, both have their hair in a pony tails and both have that same sparkle in their eyes. She might have been mine if things had been different. Robbie thinks to himself. Mommy and Mr. Robbie are going to the kitchen. When your show is over you may join us. She tells her daughter. Taking Robbie by the hand Kelly leads the way to the kitchen. Once in the kitchen she offers Robbie a seat. How’s your dad? She asks. Robbie tells her that he was still having issues over his mother’s death. I was so sorry to hear about your mom. I wasn’t able to attend her service. I was out of town at the time." Robbie’s eyes move to the fingers of her hands. She wears no rings and Robbie breathes a little easier. As Kelly strolls over to the counter to get their coffee, Robbie notices the way she is swaying her hips. He wonders, if she always had that sway in her step, or is she just doing it just for his benefit. He just couldn’t remember. As Kelly pours the coffee, Robbie thinks just how much has changed between them over the years.

Kelly sits across from him at the kitchen table. She places her hand over his. She tells him that she felt their break up may have been a big mistake on her part. Don’t get me wrong Robbie I am very happy. She tells him about April. She is really a God-send to me Robbie. I don’t know what I would do without her. What about April’s father? Robbie asks. Kelly give a sarcastic laugh. When Craig learned I was pregnant he took off to greener pastures. You do remember Craig Summers don’t you? Robbie nods. Anyhow the last I knew Craig is somewhere in Ohio. I haven’t seen or heard from him since the day I told him I was pregnant. Don’t get me wrong, April and I are doing fine without him.

The longer they talked, the more he realized how much has changed between them. He realizes how far they had drifted apart. After all he had his life in San Diego, and she had her little girl.

They talk about the first time they met. Was fourth grade I think? She tells him. Third, he corrects her. They talk about their days in high school and the dances and ball games they attended together. You have always been a good friend to me Robbie. You were always there for me. I guess that’s why I love you the way I do. I’ve thought about you often. I honestly feel that everything has worked out for the best. You really deserve better than I could have ever given you. I wish I could have fallen in love with you.

So tell me Robbie what brings you home? The last I knew you were living somewhere in California. Robbie tells her he is living in San Diego and a little about his job. You remember Brian Jacobs don’t you? How could I ever forget Brian. The three of us were inseparable. She tells him she was shocked when she learned of his death. I went by to see Mrs. Jacobs. She’s taking if very hard. Do you remember the time we snuck one of Mr. Jacob’s beers out of their refrigerator? We thought we were so grown up sitting behind Brian’s house drinking that beer." Robbie did remember and remember the lecture he receive when he got home that night smelling like beer.

They traded childhood stories back and forth for a good hour, before Kelly excuses herself to check on April. As she is walking out of the room, Robbie notices the perfectly shaped bottom, in those tight fitting jeans, swaying even more now than when she had stepped over to pour the coffee. When she returns she informs him April has fallen asleep on the sofa. He glances at his watch and was surprised to see they had been talking more than two hours. Between the holding of his hands, and the swaying of her bottom Robbie is becoming more and more uncomfortable. He glances at his watch and tells her he really needed to be going. I still have to go by and see Mrs. Jacobs. I’m not really looking forward to that but it will be good to see her again. Dad and I have plans for tonight, and I’d like to get a little nap out of the way. It was great to see you. I’m happy to see your well, and happy. I only wish it had worked out between us, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. Robbie sees her eyes begin to fill with tears. I feel the same way, she tells him. Would you mind keeping in touch? she asks. Robbie sends her a weak smile. I would love that. He reaches and removes a business card from his wallet. Taking a pen from his shirt pocket he scribbles his address on the back of the card. Here’s my phone number and address. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on or just someone to talk to, remember me. Good friends are hard to come by and I think you’re the best. Kelly takes the pen from him, finds a piece of paper and jots down her phone number and address. That’s a two way street my friend, she tells him. Please do call and or write. Robbie smiles and nods.

Kelly walks him to the door, leans and whispers in his ear. I’m so happy you stopped by. When we were young, you were my best friend. Now that I know you still care, and you’re not mad at me, well, you’re still my best friend. I’ve honestly thought of you often, and what might have been. Tell your dad hi for me. She kisses his cheek and gives him a big hug. Robbie walks slowly to the car, opens the door and slides behind the wheel of the old Chevy. From where he sits he can see Kelly in the doorway. In her arms she holds a now wide awake April both are waving him a good bye. What he can’t see from the distance are the tears that run down Kelly’s cheeks. Robbie wipes his own tear away, waves back and starts for Mrs. Jacob’s house.

The stop at the Jacobs lasted a little more than and hour but seemed like an eternity to Robbie. Mrs. Jacobs welcomes him with open arms, and teary eyes. She offered him some coffee which he really didn’t need or want, but to be courteous he accepted. The two of them sat having their coffee and a couple of freshly baked oatmeal cookies that. She talked about watching Brian and him growing up together. You know Robbie, Brian was a good boy. I felt so blessed when he brought you into our lives. You were like a second son to me.

I have something I want to show you, she tells him as she stands and excuses herself. When she returns, she carries a large photo album. I put this together after Brian died, There were hundreds of pictures of Brian in the album. She quickly skims through Brian’s baby pictures. When Brian was about five, Robbie notices he is showing up in a lot of the pictures. As she continued and the boys got older Robbie was now in most of the pictures. You boys were inseparable. The pictures of Brian and Robbie went from the first day they met until the day Brian left for the Army. Mrs. Jacobs turned page after pages of pictures. Often Robbie would tell her what he and Brian were doing or thinking at the time the picture was taken. Oh I remember that one Mrs. Jacobs. Robbie speaks up. As she turn the page of the album. That’s from the time Mr. Jacobs took us to that amusement park. I remember Brian and me on the ‘Tilt-a-Whirl’ and Brian lost his lunch. That was so funny back then. There were pictures of parties and different events the boys attended. She had in fact put Brian’s whole life in that one book. The last picture that she showed him was from the boys graduation from high school. How proud I was watching my boys graduate, she tells him. Robbie studies the last photo. Yes there he and his two best friends stood proudly beside him in their caps and gowns. Brian on the left, him on the right and Kelly was in the middle. That was the last time Robbie ever saw Brain. The day after graduation Brian left for the Army and soon after Robbie made his move to San Diego. They did stay in touch over the years by phone mostly, and a few of letters. At the end of each call or letter, they promised to meet and rekindle their friendship again. That was no longer possible.

I really hate to have to run off mom, but dad and I have plans for tonight. I think I could use a bit of a nap before we head out. Dad did tell me to remind you he’s just down the street. If you need anything, your to give him a call. She walks Robbie to the door, gives him a motherly hug. She thanks him for stopping by. Thank your dad for me son and tell him I certainly will. You stay in touch a little more often. She tells him. Robbie assures her he will, then clutching her photo album to her chest she walks back into the house.

Chapter Three

M eanwhile, Sharon has been puttering around the house. Today she is doing nothing more then what Sharon wants to do. Oh my God, she thinks aloud, my hair! I have to do something with it! Sharon is becoming frantic. I hope Pattie can squeeze me in this morning. She quickly runs to her address book and looks under emergency numbers. There it is ‘Pattie’s Place.’ Pattie and Sharon have been the best of friends ever since the first grade. As so often happens, upon graduation from high school, each went their separate ways. Pattie moved out west and went to a beautician school, while Sharon went to the state’s university and earned her degree in education. After completing her courses, Pattie moved back to the rural community and opened her little shop. Looking at the clock on the wall Sharon realizes it’s only 7 : 30 . Damn! Sharon says aloud. She won’t be open for another thirty minutes. Thinking, that just maybe, Sharon punches in the numbers to the salon. On the forth ring Pattie answers with a cheerful Pattie’s Place. Pattie good morning, this is Sharon. Sharon hears her friend giggle over the phone. Of course you are. I would know that voice anywhere. I have a bit of an emergency Pattie. I was hoping you could squeeze me in first thing this morning? Your in luck Sweetie. My first appointment just called. She had and accident on her way in, and had to cancel. If you get here right away, we can fix you right up. So tell me, what’s the emergency?" Sharon tells her she would fill her in on all the details when she got there, and that she was on her way.

Fifteen minutes later Sharon is walking in the door of the little salon. Pattie greets her friend with a warm smile and a big hug. Ok girl-friend you have my curiosity up, what’s the emergency? On the walls of the salon are photos of women wearing various hair styles. Sharon begins looking at the pictures trying to find the special one that will fit her special day. As she studies the photos She begins telling her friend about a dream she had and how she woke up that morning realizing how routine her life had become. I thought back to how my life was when I was in my twenties. How I came and went as I wanted, had no worries and had nobody around telling me what to do. I decided that today I was going to live my life like I was in my twenties again. You remember how it was Pattie. We would raise a little hell, and live a little wild and crazy. Today I’m going to leave all life’s worries to others. Today is worry free for me. Pattie looks questioningly at her friend. Your right, I’m not so sure about being wild, but you do sound a crazy. They share a laugh together and Pattie asks, so Sharon what’s it going to be today? Sharon pauses to think. Hmm. I’m really not sure. This is my special day and you’re the expert, so surprise me. Give me a twenties look. Pattie studies Sharon’s face. She flips a few locks of her friends hair. She turns Sharon’s head from side to side and asks How about the works? A good shampoo, a little trim and I’ll shape it into something wild and sexy! Perfect! Sharon replies.

While laying the chair back to start Sharon’s shampoo, Pattie laughs and asks, Want to be blonde? You certainly have the blue eyes to be blonde? Sharon shakes her head. A nice shade of her brown will be perfect. Remember! Today everything has to be perfect! Ok, brown it is, with just a little patch of blonde in the front. Trust me. It will look so sexy on you. Ok Pattie but just a small patch.

Two hours later, after a shampoo, trim, styling and coloring, Sharon looks at her reflection in the large mirror. She giggles at the inch and a half blonde patch off to the right yet still in the front. I love it Pattie! Your amazing! Now let’s talk makeup. What do you suggest? Pattie pauses to gather her thoughts. Twentish not thirtish? Pattie asks. Twentish, Sharon repeats. You could ask Katie. After all she is in her twenties. I’m asking the expert. What do you suggest? Sharon asks. You don’t want to go overboard. I would suggest you concentrate on your eyes. Wear a bit more eye shadow, liner and mascara than you normally wear. Get yourself some false eyelashes to accent your eyes. Nothing to long but not short either. Sharon laughs. I wouldn’t know where to begin with false eyelashes. It’s really no big deal girl-friend. Just take your time putting them on. I think a soft, pink lip gloss, is in order. Forget the lipstick. Other than that, I would think much more would take the twentish look to the level of a hooker." Pattie tells her with a chuckle.

Sharon returns home just before eleven. She decides to make a list of things she would need to purchase. Glancing at the calendar, on the desk, she realizes that she had completely forgotten her doctor’s appointment. I can’t let that bother me. Not today, she thinks. I’m sorry doctor but you just don’t fit into my plan today. Maybe another day. She picks up the phone and calls the doctor’s office. She explains that she had totally forgotten her appointment and wanted to reschedule. She removes a small note pad from her desk drawer and jots down the time and date of her rescheduled appointment, she apologies for her forgetfulness. Ending the call she thinks If I start living my life again, the way I want to, I may not need that doctor anyhow, she tells herself.

With couple hours before Katie arrives. Sharon pours herself a glass of wine, sits in her big easy chair. She picks up the book she’s been reading, from the coffee table, and begins reading from where she left off. With all that has been going on this morning, she finds it’s hard to concentrate on the story. She sets the book back on the table. She begins thinking of this crazy idea of hers. I don’t know why, but I feel so compelled to live this crazy notion out. This is really silly. Women my age shouldn’t act this way. Am I losing my mind? I don’t think so. I just know I do have to live this out. Besides, it could be fun. Once again she hears that soft voice in the back of her mind. What are you going to wear? it asks. Sharon shakes her head as if trying to shake the strange, soft voice out of her mind. Oh great! Now I’m hearing voices again. Maybe I am losing my mind? Regardless, what will I wear? she thinks.

With wine in hand she moves to her bedroom to search for the appropriate items to wear. Opening her closet, she begins going through all she owns. Sharon looks through all the fine clothing she owns. One by one she takes a garment out and lays it off to the side. Soon she discovers that nothing she owns, is appropriate wear for a twenty year old. She sits on the side of her bed and feels her whole plan is unraveling. Tears start to form in her eyes. We’ll shop, shop, shop, she remembers telling Katie. That’s it. I’ll get all I need in Athens. Now to just find something to wear to Athens. She decides on a pair shorts. She opens her dresser that contains her shorts. She takes the top pair and tosses them on the bed. To old looking, she tells herself. The next pair are her gardening shorts. They are blue with big flowers printed all over them. A twenty year old wouldn’t be caught dead in these. She finds a rather short pair of white shorts that belong to Katie. Hmm? Sharon slips the white shorts on. Not bad. she thinks. Along with the shorts Sharon selects a red pull over T-shirt.

There’s a knock on her door. Sharon moves back to the front of the cottage. Approaching the door she notices a young man about Katie’s age standing on her porch. Can I help you? she asks. Ah yes. he tells her. I know I’m early but I finished my last job sooner than I thought I would. Job? she asks. Yes I came about your roof. Sharon steps out onto the porch wearing the T-shirt, shorts and a big smile. I almost forgot. she tells him. She notices his eyes moving up and down her as if surveying her body. If it’s not a good time I can come back, he tells her. Sharon assures him that his timing was perfect. You do what you have to do and to let me know what the job is going to cost me, she tells him

Twenty minutes pass and the young man has finished his estimate. Sharon looks at the estimate. She tells him she would let him know something the first of next week. I guarantee my work and you won’t find anyone beat my price, he tells her. I sure hope we can do some business, but I guess you need to discuss it with your husband? I’m divorced, she tells him. If you don’t mind me saying so, your husband had to be blind or a fool to let a pretty young gal like you get away. She thanks him and tells him she would give him a call on Monday. She watches as the young man drives away and sits in the old rocker on the porch to wait on Katie.

Katie drives up and leaps from the car. Sharon knows her daughter is going to be full of questions. Katie slowly walks towards her mother. Even from a distant, Katie knows some major changes have been made to her mother’s appearance. Wow mom! What have you done to your hair? Sharon smiles. You like? It’s gorgeous mom. It makes you look twenty years younger. Thank you. I feel twenty years younger maybe a little more than twenty years. In fact if I didn’t know better, I think the young man, who came about the roof, showed an interest in me, Sharon tells her between giggles. Really mom? He hit on you? He didn’t hit me but I felt that the roof wasn’t the only thing he was interested in. Can you blame him mom? Look at the way your dressed. If I’m not mistaken, those are my shorts! I didn’t think you would mind Sweetheart. I don’t mind mom but they’re awfully short and very tight. Katie sits in the rocker next to her mother.

Are you ok mom? What do you mean? Sharon asks. I mean your change in appearance, your attitude. Is something going on I should know about? Sharon sends her a weak smile. Nothing to worry about. It’s just last night I had this strange dream. This woman came to me and told me that I was living in a rut. She said that each day of my life was like the one before and that I was wasting my life away living like this. When I woke up, I realized how routine my life really was. I remembered back to when I was your age. There was always something new and exciting going on. I decided that for one day, I was going back to my twenties and live my life wild and crazy. Back then I had no ties, no worries and no cares. I did what I wanted, when I wanted to do it. Before I die, I want to relive that era of my life if for only one day. Back then I didn’t exist, Katie tells her. Are you sure you want me tagging along? Sharon smiles. Sweetheart, your not only my daughter, you’re my best friend. Of course I want you with me. Katie sends her a warm smile Well if you’re going to do this mom, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. So when do we start? Katie asks. I started this morning. Let me get my purse and lock up and we’ll be on our way. Sharon stands to go into the cottage. Mom are you really going to wear what you have on in public? Why not? Sharon asks. Your bottom is almost showing! Sharon tells Katie she feels she still had a