How Fig and Me met

After I ate a couple of microwavable White Castle cheeseburgers and some leftover Rice Roni, I washed some dishes and felt tired enough for bed. My cat likes to sleep under my bed sometimes - I think she pretends we're sisters and that I'm on the top bunk. Sometimes she sleeps on my bed throughout the day, under the blankets like she's protected by a magical fort. And sometimes she sleeps with me at night, cuddled up next to me as if she's my special guardian sent to protect me from anything harmful. I love her very much.

After I made sure the sheets were clean (I have sensitive skin and I'm not sure if my cat brought in any fleas) I laid down upon the comfortable mattress for sleep. As I lay there, I thought about the day with Fig and remembered the day when we first met. The year was 2012, twelve years ago. She was celebrating her 21st birthday at the karaoke bar where I would go to cheer myself up.

I sat at the bar all alone and talked to anyone who was friendly enough to engage in a conversation. I'd wait for my turn to sing on their lit up karaoke stage and then I'd sing some old song by Heart or if I was feeling braver try a newer song that I had just discovered recently.

I had noticed Fig before she noticed me. She was sitting at one of the tables with a very sexy man. Actually, that man and I had exchanged "the look". You know "the look" that communicates "yes, you are very attractive to me" - yeah that look. Then I noticed he was with Fig having a nice evening and she was laughing and enjoying his attention. I can't remember what his name was, but he had come to the bar where I was sitting to get two drinks and his arm glazed my arm for a moment sparking an electric current that made me envious of Fig for about five minutes after it.

After I had sang my last song of the night and was paying my tab so I could leave, Fig came up to me.

"You are an incredible singer," she said to me.

I wondered if it was just the alcohol talking or if she was genuinely flattering.

"Thank you sweetie," I said and added, "And you are absolutely beautiful. Are you having a good time with your man?"

"Awwww," she said soaking up my return compliment like it was the first time she had ever heard that, "Oh, yeah. He's so nice. He's treating me for my 21st birthday. My first time at the bar."

"Really?" I said noting to myself that 21 is a significant birthday and agreeing with her that the guy was nice to be her companion or escort. "Happy Birthday darling," I added smiling and feeling happy for her. Then I handed her one of my cards.

She looked over the card which had my name and telephone number on it.

"You sell Avon?" she asked with a curious look on her face almost as if she had expected me to have a more glorious title or profession.

"It's just a side gig. I'll give you a birthday present if you give me a call. I'm always looking to meet a good friend." I told her as I gathered myself together and smiled at her one last time.

Fig put the card in her wallet and walked back over to the guy who was sitting at the table watching the both of us.

As I began to walk towards the door, Fig hollared out at me.

"Hey Danielle! I'm gonna call you tomorrow! I want some Skin So Soft!" then when she saw that I was looking at her, she dropped herself into the dude's lap and planted a wet sloppy kiss on him.

I laughed and nodded and hoped she'd remember that the next day. Then I went home.

Hard to believe that was 12 years ago. Fig is going to turn 33 this month. I will turn 41 in March.

As I thought about some other September memories, I drifted off to sleep.