The Home

Beth knew she moved in too early.  But it was the only decent apartment complex around.  The underground parking sold her on it.  New England winters can be rough.  Not having to shovel snow or clean off the car was inticing.  But, she didn't know what she would get herself into. Until.

Fats and Nosy could always be found on the gazebo in "their" chairs.  They even had one for their dog.  They were more than anxious to delve into anyone's personal life.  Beth didn't know that then.  She was a private person.  Preferring very small groups and definitely not comfortable in a gossip circle. 

"Nope, not for me.  Never has been.  It always turns mean."

After listening to so much needless gossip she decided to find out just who the culprits were.  Management?  The Home residents?  Or both?

So, she decided to spread a few rumors.  Give it a week or so to see what came back to her.  The management told things they definitely should not have.  She wondered what they said about her.  She hoped it was good.

The rumors were about the single men.  Beth was still single. She knew it would work.

While in the hall, she was chatting with one man.  Management called him into the office.  Beth wondered if the resident would be spanked.  Only last week she had asked if the man had a roommate.  Management assured her two names were on one lease. The man said otherwise.

She felt that the man was being told she had inquired about his 'living arrangement.'  Now if the man came out from the management office and left quickly, she would know.  If not, management didn't drop the dime. After all, she and the man had been in a deep discussion, something the man wanted to share with her. He wasn't finished the conversation.

The man wouldn't even look at Beth.

"Okay, got to get ready for work," he said.

 He still had four hours to go before he had to leave.  Beth knew his schedule like clockwork.

She decided to have even more fun.  She would draw the man in further.

"Pop outside, I have a question for you?"

The man was only to eager to find out what was going on. He looked edgy.

"Do you think you can trust her, that woman in management?"

"Yes, I think so," said the man.

It was only the other day he said otherwise.

Now Beth knew. She would set up the next scene. She couldn't wait.