The Confessional
Part II

"What if one of them workmen walks in while I'm dressing?" remarks Alice, "Likely scare him half to death." "Turn around and run I suppose."

By now I don't know why I'm surprised when Melva comes back with,
        "Less he likes what he sees, then he'll stay."

Why aren't they laughing, I wondered. I wished I could see their faces. I stopped undressing, and would-be writer that I am, I sat down on the bench and began rooting around in my handbag for pen and paper, hoping they would go on.   Melva did not disappoint.

        "Well would you just look... I put on two bras this morning. Wonder why I did that?"

        "Maybe you needed the extra support. I know I sure do."

        "There isn't a foundation garment made that could drag my bosom up off my belly, Alice. They should make breast suspenders for women like us."

        "Bet the Uniroyal Factory over in Scottsville has the materials for just such a bra. Let's design one and send it over to 'em."

        By now I was scribbling notes on the backs of sales receipts, in the margin of last week's church bulletin, even writing on tissues.   I dropped my pen when I heard them describing a black rubber bra that sounded like something from the back pages of Penthouse. The image of a senior citizen's sex catalogue crossed my mind. I did not have time to ponder the image. I was frantic trying to find another pen in my bag, as the one I had dropped rolled under the door. Eyebrow pencil in hand, I returned to scribing.

        "We'll be rich, quipped Melva, This provokes me though. I don't know why I put on two. I guess I was just senseless this morning."
                                        
        "Don't worry 'bout it. I've done dumber things. Last week I tried to start the car with the seat belt buckle. Tried to push it right on in to the ignition. Couldn't see why it wouldn't fit. Took me a bit to figure out I wasn't holdin' the car keys."

Oh my God, I thought. I've done that before. Maybe they aren't that old.    Or maybe I'm older than I think. Please say something to indicate your age. I was panic stricken at the idea that they might only be, as I was, in their mid thirties. Do I sound like that, I wondered?