[Karma]

Shonda

"Tangi it is so good to see you! I was so excited to hear that you came back to town. While you're pouring me a drink, I'll fill you in on everything that's been going on."

*Shonda looks enviously at Tangi. She tries hard not to let it show. Tangi really has it together. And what is this talk about her not having a man? With Tangi's glamourous model looks, she can snag any man she wants.*

"Girl, things have been really great! You know I still volunteer at the church part-time doing the books. You're father really runs a tight ship and I just love it. The girls are getting really big. I'm sending them off soon to boarding school. And Mr. Caleb? Things couldn't be better."

*Shonda found that last statement really hard to make. She's been begging Caleb for years to get some help. But how could she muster up the courage to tell her old friend what was really going on in her life? She had two beautiful girls who barely knew, or liked her. They clung close to their father, almost as if they were trying to create some protective barrier. And Caleb didn't make things any better. He let them do anything and gave them anything they wanted. When she tried to impose discipline she was seen as the "evil" parent. It just wasn't fair. Her decision was hers alone and although Caleb objected, he finally caved in. Damn, why did he have to be such a punk and not put up a fight?"

"Caleb is up for a big promotion at work. I'm hoping he gets it, he really does deserve it."

*Yeah, so that he can start paying some bills.*

*Shonda basically inhales her entire drink. As the warm spirits enter her body, she feels like she can let loose. Lord knows she needs someone to confide in. But she decides to make this her only cocktail. She knows once she starts to drink, her mouth runs like a faucet. She can't let Tangi know the truth.*

"You know, I need some work done in my master bathroom at home. This plumber that you're using, is he any good? If he is, give him my card and I'll give him a shot."

*Shonda digs into her oversized purse. It's a mess. She struggles to keep the contents from spilling out, but to no avail, everything falls out...including the box of MAGNUM condoms. She quickly picks up the mess hoping Tangi didn't notice. How could she explain why she has condoms in her purse?*

"Well, here's the card. I gotta run, I forgot there was something that I had to take care of. Oh, before I forget...Pollie is in the hospital. I stopped by the hospital before I got here and she's in rough shape. Poor thang probably didn't know I was there."

*Shonda runs out of the house and waves to her friend as she gets in the car. Before she made it to the corner, she pulls over. She's crying and shaking. Her emotional floodgate lets loose.*

"Lord, please give me strength" Shonda quietly prays "I know I haven't been right. Please let Pollie make it...She's the only true friend I have. I promise you, if it's in your will to let her live, I will try my best to live by your word. And I promise to make things right with Pollie."

*Shonda shoots off in the direction of the hospital.*