Chapter 4

Jenny strode down the road, wondering what she'd find at home.  She'd gone to work and worked a good shift.

The nice thing about a stocking job, she mused, she never had to worry about getting her workout.  They had loaded everything today, in record time.

She turned the corner by the oak tree and paused, as she spotted yet another vehicle in her driveway.  She didn't recognize this one, a sporty red compact.  She pulled at her sweaty t-shirt, wondering what they'd think of her in "work mode", wearing her company polo and slacks, sweaty, with disheveled hair.

Of course they hadn't minded at work, she thought, shifting her re-usable tote bags on her shoulder.  She'd picked up a few things on the way home.  Charlie needed some hydration drinks, when he was up for it, and she was out of cottage cheese.

Jenny correctly figured Charlie would vomit again at the smell of cooking pork chops, her original plan for dinner.  She could steam the greens in the microwave, and eat them with the cottage cheese.  She squinted at the sun.  Although, she thought, her dinner was most people's "lunch".

She straightened her back and strode towards her house.  It was her home, and if whoever it was became ugly or judgmental, they could just leave.  In the meantime, she had a husband, for however long, to tend.

Jenny arrived at the gate as her brother-in-law exited the house.  Jeff.  She didn't know him well, he was much older than Charlie, and off serving in the military during most of her marriage.

"Hello" she greeted him cautiously.  He gazed at her for a moment, his eyes dark.  He grasped the handrail and came down the stairs, limping slightly.  He must have been hurt.

He saw her eyes on him.  "Car wreck" he stated.  "It actually happened here in Houston, after I got out.  It only acts up when it wants to rain."  Jenny nodded.

"You're a good Christian" he continued.  "A lot of women would have run him off if he showed up like that."  He paused and took a breath.  "He asked me to bring him some medication, and move his car up in the driveway.  I hope you don't mind."

Jenny wave her hand, dismissively.  "We're family.  Sorry about the messy house."  Jeff grinned.  "No problem.  If you don't mind I'd like to help with a few things.  I find it very relaxing."  Jenny probed him with her eyes, looking for signs of pity.

He held up his hands.  "Really, it's fun.  And, like you said, we're family."  Jenny nodded slowly.  "We can talk about it."

Jeff came out of the gate, thoughtfully latching it, before he saw her bags.  He turned, reopened it, and reached out his hand for the tote bags.  Jenny stared at him for a moment before she realized his intention, and handed them over.

"I've got eggs in the purple one" she murmured, as they went up the stairs together.  Jeff peeked in the bag.  "What's with the chicken feet?  Are your finances that bad?"  Jenny snickered.

"No, I like to use them for making chicken stock.  About one pound per quart of water makes a delicious broth.  I use the weird little ends of vegetables and all, cook it all up, and freeze or can it for later.   I figure Charlie can use a little broth at some point, too."   They went in the house together and she turned into the kitchen as Jeff put the bags on the counter.  "Go ahead and sit down, I just need to put this up.   You didn't just come to move the car, did you?"