> Bailey in Plureality

The Feng Shui Do?

The corner store was practically empty, except for the cashier who stood behind the counter glancing up at the television in the corner, as Maggie walked through the door. Chimes rang out drawing the attention of the cashier who just gave a quick glance at the lady at the door, and then back onto the television set.

Maggie paused at the door, scanning for what she was looking for. She saw the coolers in the back and made her way there.

The cashier was focused on the game on the screen. He had good money on his team and they were behind.

The cooler was cool and comforting, and the chilled air rushed out to greet Maggie as she opened the door. She reached for a Ginger Ale and as her finger touched the cool glass the chimes jingled.

Maggie turned in time to see three men enter. All of them hands in pockets and scanning the place; two of the men noticed her standing by the cooler while the lead walked up to the counter, taking something small and dangerous from his pocket and pointing it at the cashier.

"Why can't I just have a moment just to enjoy a soda?" Maggie muttered to herself. "That's all I'm asking."

Flashforward

I am who I am.

The fall of Saigon was nothing compared to this. His head swimming with a current of alcohol. He wasn't sure what was going on but he knew that his mind was quiet and foggy like a pre-dawn London.

Max lay in the motel room, naked and sweating, watching the ceiling fan rotating around and around and around and around. He felt like Martin Sheen filming his part in a Francis Ford Coppola movie before the big bug out.

Am I mad?

His attention diverted as an naked woman strolled from the other room. Max looked up at the ceiling fan again.

This must be hell.

In the other room he could hear the sounds of lust emanating from a half-open door. Some girl was telling some guy that she loved it like that. Max closed his eyes, his mind drifting millions of realities away.

"Yo Max."

Max's eyes flickered open. Momentarily lost in the void, he was laying on a couch with the remote in hand.

"Yes?" Max questioned Frank.

"I'm going out to grab a java, wanted to know if you wanted one?" Frank asked. He was slipping into his loafers.

"Java?" Max said; he was still trying to grasp the scene change. "How long was I here?"

"All night bud," Frank replied; he stood up and grabbed his jacket. "You want anything?"

"Ummm," Max began, he swung his feet onto the floor. "I'll think I'll tag along."

The Boots are the Thing

The next thing Goner saw were stars and then he fell flat on his ass. The one punch was a world of pain, full of force and harmful intent. It staggered him a bit and left him momentarily stunned before the ground called to him.

The room turned from jovial to an icy cold silence and everyone turned to see what was going on. Max paused the game he was playing and made no move to intervene.

Maggie stood over Goner, looking down upon him, her right fist clenched and the look of anger in her eyes made Goner cringe like a frightened child. He had never Maggie this angry before and he didn't want to set her off again.

"What did I say?" Goner asked. He was rubbing his jaw and he spat out a little blood.

"Bitch boots!" Maggie said. "Do not say those words one more time because they are derogatory and have serious implications."

On that note Maggie turned around and walked out the door wearing long leather boots; the soles of the boots on the hardwood floor were the only sound everyone could hear.