Marlene Leaves

It had to end sooner or later. Marlene's boyfriend came home from the service (He was deployed for over a year, although I did not know then) and wanted to move to Dallas, TX. She gave me two weeks' notice, then said her boyfriend, Fred, was going to Dallas early to work on their new apartment and asked if she could stay in the guest room for a couple of days.

“Of course,” I answered quickly. “Stay all week if you would like,” I added quickly.

“Thank you, Mister Jack, she responded, smiling. The week went slowly, then Marlene came in two days later with her suitcase and a carry bag. ”I had to give up the apartment not to pay an extra month," she announced.

I smiled back, and she started her normal cleaning. For the next two days, she was unusually quiet, doing her cleaning and dusting, stopping for lunch, and making me dinner. She would retire to her room early and stay there until the next morning. The last day, however, was dramatically different.

That last morning, Marlene joined me for breakfast, seeming sadder than before.

“What is the matter, love?” I asked.

“I am sorry to be leaving you, Mister Jack,” she responded, starting to weep a bit. I walked over to where she sat and stood behind her, putting my hands on her shoulders.

“Things happen,” I said. “You two will go off and get your lives back together. it has been wonderful having you here, knowing you, and enjoying our time together. Be happy.”

“I am happy,” Marlene responded. “I love him, but I also love you. I want to do something special for you today before I leave in the morning.”

“Trust me,” she smiled. “You will be happy.” She turned toward me, smiled once again, and said, “Let's go to your room. I will make you very happy tonight.”

I thought for a moment, then turned and started toward my room. “Wait for me,” she called out and rose from her chair, and started walking behind me. “ Need to go to my room for a moment and will join you in a few seconds. Go lie on your bed, and I will be right in.” I did as she asked, wondering what she had in store for me.

When she entered my room, Marlene had her carry bag, which she placed on the bed after she pulled back the covers. “Get undressed and under the covers, my love,” she ordered. I responded quickly. Marlene turned and began to remove her own clothes, placing them on a chair. When she finished, I was under the covers as she ordered, and looked over to where she was now coming closer, her carry bag still in hand. I must admit, I was confused.

Mister Jack” she announced, "I remember when I first came to work for you. I was cleaning on that first day and eventually ended up at your closet door in the bedroom. I opened the door to see if dusting was needed and looked along the floor to see. That was when I found some things that seemed odd at the time.

“What was that?” Jack asked.

“Well,” she responded, “I saw a package of, you know, the adult diaper things and another bag that had some other things in it. The next time I came, they were all gone. I wondered about them for a long time."

“Ok, then love, Let's talk about it in a few minutes after I finish my work.” Unfortunately, received a call a few minutes later, told Marlene I had to go see a client, and rose to leave. “When I get home, we will have lots f time,” I added, and she kissed me on the head.

The meeting took two hours and, as I returned home, the apartment was quiet. The TV was off, and I heard no activity from Marlene. instead, taped to the TV was a note. It read:

Mister Jack,

I had to leave. if I did not, I would probably stay here, but I need to be going with my boyfriend. I has been wonderful staying and working for you.

All my love,

Marlene