to move out. I’m at the Marriott. My house has to be condemned and my insurance company is trying not to pay me for it. Thank God I transferred my phone to the cell. Clarke is supposed to help me but whenever he calls, he doesn’t even mention what we’re gonna do about my problem. I don't know want to bring it up, but the truth is I don’t know what I’m gonna do."
"Chile! Hold on a minute! I can barely keep up," Kori said. "So where are you? And your house is being condemned? Hold up, I need to call Cricket on three way."
"No! Please don't," Persha begged, sniffling.
"I don't believe this. You need your girls right now. We can pull together to help you out."
"I appreciate that, but Clarke’s supposed to be taking care of it."
"Oookay, so what's the game plan?"
"Well-um, I really don't know just yet. But what I do know is that check-out is noon tomorrow. So I need to get in touch with Clarke real fast."
"You know I'd let you crash over here if I could. But you know how these folks are acting. Gurl, did I tell you that they left me a note talking about there were four bananas on Saturday and now there's only one left? Please watch my portions!"
Persha started laughing. "What?"
"I know! They're counting the food, eggs, bread and all. I can't wait ‘till this lease runs out. I don't have time for this shit."
"I don't think I've ever heard such a thing."
"Tell me about it. But, Persha?" Kori said.
"Yes?"
"The next time I talk about renting a room to save money, can you please bitch-slap me back to reality and tell my cheap ass there just has to be a better way!" Persha laughed at her friend’s comment. "Now, I’m for real, girl! This shit is crazy! Folks up in here counting food and shit. I don’t need this," Kori threw in.
"Well, the last thing I need to do is burden you with my problems," Persha offered.
"Chile, please, one more problem ain’t gonna break me down. But I tell you what, I think we should call Cricket, you know they have room over there. You can stay in one of those empty bedrooms. How many do they have?"
"Kori, you know I'm not about to go stay over there with all those damn cats! I don't see how Cricket stays there."
"Last time she counted, girl, she said there was something like 9 or 15-million cats."
"Oh hell no! I'll wait to hear from Clarke, if not, I'll just call moms for a loan to hold me over. Nine cats? That’s just down right nasty ain’t it?"
"Gurl, all I know is that place wreaks of feline. But maybe you should think about it," she giggled.
"Nothing to think about. I like cats and all, but that's one at a time. Nine? Ain't no way girlfriend!"
"Yeah, I feel you on that one."
"Oh, Kori, hold on. My other line's ringing." Persha looked at the screen and rolled her eyes. It was her mother and she knew she needed to take the call.
"Kori, let me call you back. It’s my mom."
"Okay, but hurry."
"I will," Persha said as she hung up with Kori and clicked over to her other line. "Hey Ma!"
"Lawd have mercy, girl! Where have you been? And why does it sound like you on that cell phone? You know I don’t like calling on these mobile phones, I know you on it ‘cause it sounds funny. I still think they cause brain tumors. I know doggone’ well, I called your home phone. Girl, what’s going on?"
"Ma, I’m not at home. I’ve had to move out. My house is contaminated with mold."
"With what, chile? Jesus be the glory! Chile, you been praying for the good Lord’s help with this matter? Mold? That’s nothing but the devil at work! Are you living right, chile? Your father, rest his soul, would roll over in his grave if he knew the way your life was going."
"Ma, please, I’m really frustrated right now. I’ve moved into a hotel and I just need to figure out my next move."
"Baby, put it in the Lord’s hands. You can’t handle this alone. But regardless of what’s happening, you should’ve called to tell me. I’m praying for you, but I need you to pray too. This
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