Cleaning Day (Socks CCXXIV)

The next morning, "Sorry Mom, I didn't feel like talking to anyone last night."
*
"I can't, I refinance the house today at eleven."
*
"Thanks, but I still want to be alone."
*
"No, I won't sulk all day. I'm going to clean the house, it really needs it."
Pretty was gone for a while, but when she got home, the vacuum came out.
Rar could hear large things being pushed around in the next room, then the vacuum would run.
Very soon after dark, Pretty scooted the vacuum next to the dresser, showered, climbed into bed and turned off the light.

Today's The Day (Socks CCXXIII)

One day Pretty stayed in bed all morning. The phone rang several times. She let the machine get it, and listened, before she'd pick up and talk. Rar heard Grunter's voice four times before Pretty talked to him.
"Yes, I got your messages."
*
"I'm doing good."
*
"I know it's final today."
*
"I know, we have until three to change our minds."
*
"No. I'm not changing my mind."
*
"No, do not come over here."
*
"Look, I'm going to refinance the house."
*
"I have an appointment at the bank tomorrow. "
*
"You'll get your money, as soon as I sign the papers."

Staying Behind (Socks CCXXII)

"I'm not taking this argyle without the other."
"Don't."
"In fact you can keep all this $#!t."
"I don't care, but it's time for you to go."
"And if I don't?"
"I'll call 911."
"You would. I'm leaving."
All was quiet again. Pretty put Boxer and the other stuff into the closet.
Lar was by himself in the drawer.
Rar was lonely behind the dresser.
Pretty used the phone a lot while lying on the bed. She spent a lot of time there.
"Yea, I'm doing ok, mom."
Or, "Sure, I can work tonight."
And, "No, you can't come home."

Full Circle (Socks CCXXI)

After a few days Pretty pulled all of the clothes from the basket, but all of the clothes that Grunter had worn got tossed back in. This happened again in a few more days, but the third time all articles went into the wash, except Rar. He was still behind the dresser.
Rar saw large feet enter the room.
Lar was back in the drawer when Grunter opened it. He took everything out except Lar.
"Where's my other grey argyle?"
"It wasn't in the wash."
"Bu!!$#!t, you lying b!t(#."
"I didn't have to let you come here."
"OK, your highness."

Emergency Housing (Socks CCXX)

"Just a couple of days."
*
"I've got to teach the old lady a lesson."
*
"Because she's forever on my case. I've had it up to..."
*
"She'll crawl back in a week."
Rar heard Grunter grunting under a strain, then he left. There was a bump as Grunter reached the door, "$#!#."
There was another bump out in the kitchen just before the back door shut.
All was quiet until Pretty got home.
Rar heard Pretty on the phone, "He's gone. He took most of his stuff."
"Both suitcases are gone, and there's a big gouge in the bedroom door trim."

Midday (Socks CCXIX)

"Can you give me a ride to the impound yard?"
"I would have to charge you, besides it's only a dozen blocks."
Grunter started walking, "Shyster."
The sun was straight overhead when Grunter got home. He stood in the bedroom doorway, undressing, and throwing his clothes in the basket from across the room. Every article of clothing landed in the basket, except Rar.
Rar landed behind the dresser. He could hear the water of the shower running. He could hear Grunter opening drawers and the closet. He could hear Grunter on the phone.
"Can I crash at your place, man?"

Late Fee (Socks CCXVIII)

Grunter returned to the table, his hair wet.
"Is this your first offense?"
"Yes."
"Good, I'll try to get you released without bail. Your wife has indicated that she would not pay your bail."
"Oh, no."
"What?"
"I need to call in to work. What time will we be done here?"
"Ten, ten-thirty."
"Oh, well. I'll say I'm sick."
When the whole thing was over, Grunter and his attorney walked out of the building.
"I'll need a thousand dollar retainer by end of business tomorrow, plus the two hundred dollars for last night's after hours call. It's a standard charge."