pseudon't

day 9

"Hey, what's up?"

"Sam is coming back TODAY!" Suzie explained and they start squealing again. Oh, well this would be another awkward situation. She looked out the window and yelled, "There she is!!"

The two ladies run down the stairs like children, but it did seem fun. I follow them downstairs in a eh-fuck-it manner. Sam walks in the door with no bags at all. The three reunite and hug each other happily and I watch at the stairs. Until she notices me. 

"Hey there. Welcome back." I smile and greet, "Haven't seen you since day 2."

Sam hurried towards me, "Oh, Tom, hello! I probably should have told you that I left because of friend issues."

I sigh, "Oh, okay. I thought you left because of what happened betw-"

"Yeah, no! Haha, anyway."

"So, we're good?" I motioned my arm for a hug and we did a small squeeze. "So, that means you're working again?"

Sam explained carefully, "I decided that it's really best for me to set my path somewhere else. After, heh, 5 years. So, I'm here to pack up my remaining stuff. "

I nodded in comprehension, "Go ahead, girl. Chase those dreams."

She laughed and the three of them left to the maid's rooms. I collected Hallie's tray after that whole thing and then I saw Gerald.

"Mr. Tom. Let me collect that for you." He says.

"Oh, thanks."

He took the tray and said, "Oh, and I came upon your guitar and it happened to be off tune so I tuned it myself. I hope you don't mind."

"You can play guitar?" I almost yelled in amazement. And I never knew?

"I played guitar, Tom. Electric guitar." He smiled a bit.

My eyes widen, "Damn. Were you in a band or something?"

"I was. But I retired to take things differently 3 years ago, here in the Demar family."

"I hope I can hear you play one day. That'd be cool."

"One day, Tommy Ollis."

"Sure thing, Gerald—"

"Gerald Way."

That's the first time I've heard his full name. I curtsy and he bowed to me jokingly as goodbye's and we were off to our different ways. But I heard him mumble, "By the way, Mr. Greggramp is calling for you." I thanked him and went out to the garden.

Relieved to see him again, I jog towards him. He coughs severely and I stopped. He notices me and gave a wide grin as if nothing happened. I gave a nervous smile and greeted, "Good afternoon, Gregg. You called for me?"

Gregg stopped taming the plant and looked at me sadly, "I just want to say, say that I will be going for now." He cracked his back, "Now is the time for this old bean to focus on my retirement work." He briefly coughed. "Heard they'd be... be hiring someone else by next week."

"I see. You've always done such a great job. I wish all the best for you. Where are you going now?"

"I-I will be living with my children, you see. It's time for this old geezer to settle down."

"That's good to hear. I'm sure they'll be amazed by your gardening skills." I compliment, "And plus, you'll have all your plants around in your house."

"What? No, that's stupid! Having plants in your house can take all your oxygen up at night and can possibly kill you!" I went idle, not knowing to say, "But thanks for the idea, son."