Matty was an addict, no question about it. She was a high functioning addict who self medicated using a combination of street drugs as is often the norm among those living on the edge. She avoided being homeless by qualifying for public assistance due to a brain injury. She had other problems too, like the inability to make good judgements. And when alcohol was added to the mix all bets were off. She became manic.
Evidently there was a pre-party somewhere. Matty had a few drinks and showed up to work drunk and stoned. She began by making lewd remarks to Missus and even tried to feel her up. “God, you look hot tonight,” she whispered as she attempted to squeeze her ass. Inappropriate to say the least!
She worked part time as a housekeeper. She was hired as needed by old widows who needed a hand with the heavy work. She was supposed to be cleaning up after the party that night. She offered to help some of the older gals walk home since it was dark, but she was having just as much difficulty navigating the dark paths in her drunken state as the aged ladies who sought her help. It had been a potentially dangerous situation.
Missus had to make a change, “It grieves me to have to write this, but I am no longer in need of your services. You have served me for many years. Thank you.” She never sent it.
The last major event in the community was a big hit and a big disappointment. More than double the usual number attended and a good time was had by all, but Missus was left hanging with much of the clean up work incomplete. She went back to the Meeting Hall for three days trying to finish up, wash dishes, and mop the floor.
She was pissed! She felt that she had been mistreated. She couldn’t believe what the frustrated, stoned, and drunk Matty had said and done. Matty stacked the chairs and tables, washed the silver, and took out the trash. But she didn’t wash the glasses or serving dishes. She stuffed some of the main serving plates and trays in the refrigerator as a short cut so she wouldn’t have to wash them.
Poor judgement ensued. She was tired. Her high was wearing off and now she was turning into an evil bitch. It was getting late, almost 11:00 PM.
Matty loaded up a huge tray of cold meat, a big bowl of left over noodles, and some cabbage salad. Then she wadded up the new table cloths that had just been purchased for the event, emptied a large bushel of previously arranged flowers into a bag and dumped all of it on Missus’ patio in large lumps and piles.
Without regard for who she was speaking to or the late hour, Matty called out in a shrill,“Hey Lady! I’m outta here! I’ve already been paid for two hours. Now you owe me for another hour!” She was harsh and mean spirited. Missus didn’t deserve that, and she was aghast at the manner in which she was spoken to!
The money itself wasn’t the issue. Missus honored friendship and helped those in need more generously than most. But she would not submit herself to verbal abuse and mistreatment. She had been there before with drugs and alcohol. She always seemed to be tolerating more than she should. Why did she have to be such a damned bleeding heart?
Missus figured she paid Matty about $2,000 per year including tips and extra work days. She had helped as a friend, a companion, and a chore mate. They had helped each other. For now she didn’t know what she would do. Damn! Why did she have to care for people so much?
Matty’s behavior proved that she could not hold regular full time employment. Missus was going to have to broach the subject very carefully. She realized that she was dealing with an irrational person who had brain damage.
She guessed she would swallow her pride and raise up her Statue of Liberty lamp beside the golden door of her forgiving nature. She was still very angry, and she would be wary in the future with this unpredictable cat.
(First published 11/4/13)
