by Betty Johnson

Created on: February 23, 2011

THE DRINK- Chapter Two- "Getting to know you"

Mother and I had a great visit during the rest of the evening. I had decided not to carry my questioning regarding Mister Malloy, or my mother's youthful looks, any further; at least not for the time being.  We enjoyed talking about my old friends, caught up on who had passed away and general news about the neighborhood. 

 
It was around seven-thirty that evening when the doorbell rang. It was Jenny Talbot, from up the street. She and Mother had been lifelong friends. Jenny was returning one of Mother's bowls.
 
"Oh, come in Jenny," she said. "My son, Jimmy, is here for a visit. He'd love to see you again!"
 
Jenny came into the living room. I stood up to shake her hand. "How have you been, Mrs. Talbot?"  I asked, being so aware of the striking difference between her and my mother. They were both the same age. Jenny was quite wrinkled and had a bit of a stoop. Her hair was gray. She looked like she could have been my mother's mother! 
 
"Oh, I've been doing great, Jimmy," she replied, hugging me. "Of course, you know I lost my Charlie two years ago. Cancer." she added, sadly.
 
"I'm so sorry," I replied, remembering Charlie Talbot quite well. He had helped build my tree-house when I was a boy. I remembered him as a great friend of the family. Changing the subject, I quickly added, “You're looking good!" I was only being polite, as I was actually a bit shocked at how she had aged in these past twenty years. She looked quite frail. 
 
"Ha!" She laughed, taking a seat. "I just wish I could find the fountain of youth your mother seems to have found!" We all laughed at that, as I was thinking...'Yes, I wish I could find it too'.  "She never seems to age." Jenny added.
 
"Oh Jenny," Mother laughed. "You're exaggerating! You wouldn't know me without my hair dye and make-up!" Again, we laughed. But there was an undercurrent of tension in the air.  Mother didn't like to talk about her youthful looks, and I sincerely doubted that she dyed her hair; but again, I said nothing.  I wondered  if she really had been to a plastic surgeon...and also wondered about her smooth skin, beautiful legs and all her energy. Could a plastic surgeon work magic like that?
 
As Mother and Jenny chatted for awhile, my eyes were continuously moving from one lady to the other. These two women had graduated school together, for God's sake. This was crazy!
 
"Is Jed

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