Fifi Ballinger awoke at ten thirty that morning. She had been on pills ever since Jim had left that past Thursday.
Determined to straighten her marital status out, she phoned John Madison.
John did not usually work on Saturday, but happened to be in his office, looking for a book, when the telephone rang.
"John," Fifi said. "I want to make an appointment with you."
"I know what you want, Fifi," John said, "and I would be glad to represent you. However, Clara and I have just been too close to you and Jim as a couple for me to represent you--either of you! I had to tell Mark and Janie Engle the same thing when they were divorced--plenty of people. Of course, I hope you'll understand."
"In other words," Fifi said. "I will have to get another lawyer."
"Yes. So will Jim. I want to remain a friend to both of you."
"Well, I'll be damned if you're my friend any more! I suggest you try another profession!"
"Fifi!" John retorted. 'I've been a lawyer for many years. I think I know what's best!"
Fifi slammed the receiver down. Uncertain as to why she behaved in the manner she did, she cried for a few minutes. She then arose, and headed for the liquor cabinet. No sooner had she prepared a drink and gotten settled back into bed, than the doorbell rang. For a minute, she thought about not answering. But there would be rumors. Finally, she answered.
"Just thought I'd come by and see my friend," Janie Engle said. "Did I wake you?"
"Oh," a shocked Fifi replied, "no. C'mon in."
Janie couldn't ignore the empty glasses, and general disorder of the room.
"Let me dress," Fifi said.
"Oh, no," Janie replied. "I'm not staying long. Don't go to any trouble over me! I just thought I'd come by and see how you were."
They sat down.
"I've been the news lately," Fifi cried. "Oh, Janie! I don't even know where Jim is--no one knows! I called John Madison a little while ago about the divorce, and he cut me short!" Growing louder, she continued, "He preached to me that he wouldn't represent either of us. Disgusting, ain't it!"
"He did the same thing when Mark and I separated. Have you been entertaining, Fifi?"
"No, let's plan something."
"Well, I was just noticing all these empty glasses. Can I help you clean up?"
"Oh, Lord," Fifi said. "I'm so embarrassed! It's just these past few days have been a little too much for me. Honestly, I had to do something to calm my nerves!"
Janie arose, and began tidying up.
"Please don't go to any trouble over my house!" Fifi said. "Don't worry about it."
Janie ignored Fifi, and proceeded with the chores. She picked up four glasses, and took them to the kitchen. Fifi, totally embarrassed, headed for the bedroom.
"I'll be right back, Janie."
"Okay."
When she reached the bedroom, she headed straight for her drink. She took the glass, put it to her mouth, and gulped it down. Two nerve pills followed. Fifi returned to the living room, as Janie completed the cleaning.
"Ya really are helpful," Fifi said. 'If I knew anything about hairstyling, I'd help you sometimes!"
"Think nothing of it!" Janie said.
The two sat down again.
"You do know a little about sewing, don't you?" Janie asked.
"Uh, yes," Fifi, knowing what would come next, answered.
"Well, tonight I've got to make some things for my nieces. Why don't you just come help me! we can sew and visit. We haven't had a good visit since I don't know the day!"
Fifi thought about it. She knew she'd probably be drunk, and, even if she wasn't drunk, she'd be doped up.
"Can I make it another time, Janie? You know how it is." She hoped Janie understood.
"Why, certainly," Janie answered. "I understand how things are. I've got to be going. Take care of yourself--please."
"You know I will," Fifi, another drink in mind, said.
That afternoon, several of the youth of Cole gathered at the country club. There was swimming, dancing, golfing, and a barbeque. The college students attending the party would buy drinks and give them to the underage, the only reasons several of the teenagers were there.
Among those present were Jack Fisher and Margaret Henson, Bill Kazan and Karen Ingram, and Clyde Henson and Kathy King.
Fifi, unaware of the youth gathering, decided to escape from her problems and retreat to the club.
Before she left the house, she popped another pill, then took a large gulf of wine. This, she thought, would "get me going."
When she drove up to the club, the unusual number of cars didn't scare her away. She merely assumed there were a lot of golfers, as there usually were on Saturday.
When she entered the clubhouse, she headed straight for the bar.
"Good afternoon, " shouted Barlow McGee, the jolly manager of the club who was a friend of the Ballingers. "How's my baby doing?"
"Gimme martini, Barlow," Fifi, slurring her words, said, as she sat at the bar.
"Comin' right up!" Barlow said. As he was preparing the drink, several college students came storming in, immediately found seats, and made themselves comfortable.
"What the hell is goin' on?" Fifi asked.
"Nothing much," Barlow replied. "The young gang are having a little get together. They really have a good time out here!"
"I didn't know they would be here today," Fifi said, sniffing.
Steven Lee and Valerie Black, both in swimwear, walked through the adjoining ballroom.
"Why aren't those kids dressed?" Fifi asked.
"Aw," Barlow replied. "Leave 'em alone! Here, take your martini outside and enjoy this beautiful day!"
"Thanks," Fifi replied. "Put it on my bill."
As Fifi proceeded to the pool, she overheard Steven say to Valerie, "That's the lady who ran her husband away."
Fifi's first thought was to throw her glass at Steven. Subduing herself, she sat down on a recliner, and stared at the fun everyone was having around and in the swimming pool.
"Don't you know that's my pool?" Fifi yelled.
The youths, apparently believeing Fifi was joking, were amused.
"Get out of my pool!" Fifi said.
"Yeah," Jack said. "We all wish we owned this pool! Unfortunately, not all of us are that lucky!"
"But this is my pool!" Fifi cried. She quickly arose, and ran toward Margaret, who jumped in and began swimming across.
Fifi ran to the clubhouse.
"Barlow! Barlow!" she screamed.
"What's the matter, Fifi?" Barlow asked.
"One of those damned children is swimming in my pool!"
"Are they causing any trouble for you?"
"I don't know," Fifi, breathless and shivering, answered. "They are swimming in my pool!"
"Look, Fifi," Barlow continued, "let's go back to the kitchen. I didn't think you looked well from the time you came in. Are you sure you're okay?"
As several of the youths giggled and whispered among themselves, Barlow grabbed Fifi by the arm and led her into the kitchen.
"What's the matter, Fifi? Are you feeling okay?"
At that moment, Fifi dropped her glass, and fell to the floor. As she lay there on the cold linoleum, Barlow phoned an ambulance.
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