Clairece watches as the local thrift store carries away the last of her furniture. Then she loads the three boxes and two suitcases of her clothes in the back of her Suburban. She pulls open the driver's door and climbs in, the box with Oscar in it beside her. She pulls her phone from her pocket, as it vibrates in her hand. She sees Evelyn on the screen and rolls her eyes as she answers it.
"Look Evelyn, I'm not getting back with Carl; So, save your breath."
"I would never call on his behalf, I was actually calling to check on you." She sounds cheery on the phone.
"I'm doing fine, I guess you heard about mom?" Clairece says as she watches the neighborhood kids playing ball.
"Yes, I did, I am sorry for your lose. I hope you're doing okay."
"I guess I am, just lonely. Lisa is, well Lisa. I don't have any friends anymore. Right now, a truck is leaving to the thrift store with all my furniture, I have three boxes and two suitcases with my things in them and I'm going to the cabin that is empty. I'll spend the rest of the day cleaning, which be the only distraction from how lonely I am." She says beginning to cry.
"I bumped into your sister and Greg in Switzerland and found myself in her cruel little clutches." Evelyn tells her, as her heart breaks for Clairece.
"Been that long honey. That's the only way I could see you volunteering for that ride." Clairece says with a smile, realizing she isn't the only one lonely.
"Oh my God yes, I fuck my way to the president's chair. Now I couldn't get laid if my life depended on it. I can't keep a man, because I am not mousy enough. I've honestly thought of becoming a lesbian, if I didn't like dick so much." Evelyn says as she almost cries.
"Well, you could do both, maybe open up your options." Clairece says almost laughing.
"Honestly I have entertained the same thought." Evelyn says and then giggles. "All I have is Rexy for companionship. Unfortunately, he can't take care of certain needs." Evelyn says looking at her dog.
"Well, he could if you wanted." Clairece begins to laugh.
"Stop teasing Clairece, that's horrible." Evelyn giggles.
"Yeah, but I bet you've thought about it." Clairece laughs harder.
"You naughty girl. but yes, I have." Evelyn says in disgust as a shiver runs up her spine.
"You could ask Carl, I'm sure he would." now tears running from her eyes.
"Promise me if I ever entertain that idea, please slap me." Evelyn says almost gagging. "What about you Clairece, who is filling your nights."
"No one, why do you want the job." Clairece says in a serious tone.
"Be careful I might take you up on that." Evelyn replies with a mischievous grin. "Lisa told me about the stipulation on the money. Whining about having to spend five days with you."
"And of course she will make it a horrible holiday. I don't understand why she finds it so hard to spend Christmas with me, I'm her sister for fucks sake." Clairece says, pissed at the idea of her sister. "You know once the Lawyer gives her the money, I'll never hear from her again."
"I'm sure she will, she is still pissed at me over your father." Evelyn says, regretting the words as they left her mouth.
"I know you had nothing to do with my parents getting divorced. He didn't want to face the fact I was "sickly" as he put it. She used that shit to get all the money. Which is fine, I didn't need it." Clairece says trying to rein in her anger.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to piss you off. I was just wanting to check on you and talk." Evelyn explains to her.
"I know, maybe you could come by the cabin for Christmas. You are more than welcome. I could use a friendly face." Clairece asks her, hoping she would agree.
"I would love to, my mom and dad are in Florida now, Carl will be with them. They haven't really celebrated Christmas since me and Carl have grown up. I would love too." Evelyn says, loving the idea.
"Do you remember where the cabin is?"
"Lady, I could find it blind folded." Evelyn tells her with a smile.
"Excellent, I shall see you then. It has three rooms, so you'll have some privacy." Clairece tells her.
"What if I want to room with you?" Evelyn says playfully.
"I umm, that would umm, be okay.... I guess." Clairece stammers as her face goes red.
"I'm only kidding, is it okay to bring Rexy, I would hate to have to board him for a week."
"Absolutely, we have the fence and covered area in the back so he can do his business." Clairece says to her. "I have to go. the neighbors are starting to stare."
"One more thing, do you mind if I call from time to time?" Evelyn asks her.