I'm really, really late posting today - for those of you who are paying attention. Between work and my 15 year old's high school orientation, it's been a crazy day. Thank goodness for Tivo. I get to watch the Vikings/Texans game from the beginning. Can I just say that Brett looks way hot in purple! Oh baby!!
Shopping!! Yeah!! The Houston Galleria is almost as fantabulous as Brett Favre in a Viking uniform. :) Did I say oh baby? Ooops, I did. I see it just up a couple of lines. Well, I'm not erasing it... What was I saying? That's right. The Galleria. Once upon a time a few glorious years ago, I worked at an engineering company that was located in a office building attached to the Galleria. They say write what you know. I know the Galleria. It is heaven complete with a ice skating rink, good places to eat, and SHOPPING. From really, really, really expensive to cheap, it has everything. I miss the Galleria as if i lost my best friend or cut off a limb, and for those of you who know me, you know I am not exaggerating. I only work about 10 minutes away now, but it's not nearly as easy to get there. The distance also diminishes the immediate gratification of walking into the mall after a particularly crummy meeting or after your boss truly pisses you off. Such good memories...
Living in Mapleton, Kate has never seen anything like the Galleria. Sure, she has the Mall of America, which having lived in Minnesota myself I can say that it is almost as nice as the Galleria, but the MOM lacks the couture glamour of the Galleria. In Chapter 9, Kate gets to commune with the shops of the Galleria as I only dream of doing. However, I have now lived vicariously through my writing. Although I would much rather have an agent sign me, find a publisher, sell a gazillion copies of my fantastic novel, and then shop like Kate for real, writing it was still fun.
And I almost forgot. In Chapter 9, we meet my third favorite character behind Kate and Logan - Johan. I swear I don't really know a Johan. Okay, that's a lie. Johan is a slightly saner version of an old hairdresser of mine. John got a bit too flaky and unreliable for me, but I really do miss him. The result of my fond memories is Johan.
Nighty night all. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite. And most of all, enjoy chapter nine.
Chapter 9
“Savannah, are you really sure?” Oh, Lord, what was I doing?
“Absolutely! Trust me. If there’s one thing I know about, it’s personal grooming.” Savannah’s supremely confident face beamed back at me.
Sure, she could be confident. It wasn’t her hair.
The salon Savannah (actually the hotel concierge) chose was more lavish than anything I ever dreamed. The modern interior, all black and chrome, was filled with wonderful herbal smells. Dance music played as impossibly lovely stylists, dressed entirely in black, efficiently moved around their wealthy clients. I was seated in front of a large mirror watching as my stylist warily picked up hunks of long chestnut hair, looking at them in horror.
“Like I said before, Johan, just cut it. Start from scratch.” Savannah held a glass of red wine in one hand as she motioned with the other, directing the stylist from her position on a small couch next to the styling chair. “Don’t worry about a thing, Kate.”
“Sweetie, who has been cutting her hair and what have they been cutting it with? A butter knife? You don’t even have to have my flawless gay instincts to see this is horrid!” The stylist’s high-pitched nasal voice quivered with outrage. Well, he was certainly gay. I would just have to trust that his instincts were flawless.
Both Savannah and Johan turned to fully look at me, their eyebrows raised in identical looks of slightly mocking puzzled inquiry. I opted to simply shrug my shoulders – I wasn’t about to confess that Erik’s mom usually gave me a quick trim in her basement “salon”. Definitely no black or chrome there, and Erik’s mom was usually dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt. I could easily guess that those facts would increase Johan’s dismay.
“At least the color’s good…..,” Johan mumbled as he picked up one last hunk of hair, dropping it to grab his cutting shears before attacking my hair with determination.
I tried not to look. I really did. It was best not to. I could feel and see the large chunks of hair falling to the floor. Throughout my ordeal, Johan and Savannah kept up a steady stream of conversation, seeming to bond over their common dislike of my old hairstyle. Before it was over, they were best of friends, and I was scared to death.
It was only hair, right? It would grow back.
Even as Johan styled my hair, I refused to look. Although Savannah looked smugly pleased, I kept my back firmly to the mirror while Johan cooed over my new style, brushing and spraying and drying and spraying some more. Only when he stepped back and declared, “Sweetie, now that is how Bridgette Broucheriou’s daughter should look,” did I dare turn around and look in the mirror.
“Ohhhhhhh…….!,” I gasped when I finally opened my eyes.
It was beautiful. My previously limp, long wavy hair was transformed into a softly curling bob that perfectly framed my face. Its chestnut color shined with life while the curls seemed to bounce with unrestrained passion. And it wasn’t only my hair that was transformed. The new haircut somehow opened up my face so my eyes looked brighter and my smile prettier. Gone was the Minnesota farm girl. In her place was a stylish young woman who could believably call herself the daughter of one of the most beautiful movie stars ever.
“You like, darling?” Savannah stood up from her position on the couch and walked over to where I sat.
“I love! Oh, Savannah, how can I thank you for this!!” I jumped up to give her an exuberant hug. This was the best day ever!
“No thanks are needed, hon. None at all. I’d do anything for Bridgette’s daughter. We’re going to the best of friends this summer.” Savannah’s eyes lit with excitement and something not quite as sincere. Before I could analyze her look, it was gone, replaced with a calculating glare. “Logan will love it. Won’t he, Kate? You two sure seemed to hit it off last night.”
I staggered a bit due to her quick mood swing. “Oh, no, Savannah. He was just trying to make me feel better. I was feeling out of place. Really, I have a boyfriend at home,” I hurried to assure her.
Savannah’s look brightened, the hostility leaving her face. “A boyfriend? How sweet. How does Farmer Joe feel about you being here?”
“Erik. Erik doesn’t like it much. But he trusts me.” I didn’t bother to respond to her not so veiled barb about Erik. I was beginning to get the feeling Savannah’s moods ebbed and flowed erratically. If we were going to be friends, and we definitely were, I was going to have to learn to ignore them.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of shopping bliss. After my haircut, paid for with my shiny new credit card, we drove the short distance to the Galleria.
Louis Vuitton, Channel, Armani, True Religion, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, Juicy Couture, Yves St. Laurent…… Savannah was my tour guide through the previously undiscovered world of designer shopping. There were jeans and t-shirts and blouses and pants. There were long skirts and mini skirts and dresses and formal gowns. There were big bags and small bags and duffle bags and wallets. There were shoes - delicate ballet flats, tall strappy sandals, flip flops, and tennis shoes that would be horrified to even think about participating in actual exercise.
Oh, and lingerie. Gone were the holey pajamas. Gone were the cotton underwear and simple white bras. Kate Broucheriou wore silk, lace and tiny bits of fluff barely deserving the name underwear.
I bought it all - every last bit of it purchased with the credit card Mom left me this morning. And all of it with complete disregard to the cost.
“Savannah! Savannah!” A group of young girls ran up to Savannah and held out pieces of paper for autographs while Savannah’s two enormous body guards, who had followed us from my house to the salon and then on to the mall, watched carefully. Cameras flashed and people stared. Since this scene replayed over and over throughout the day, I was now strangely immune to the borrowed attention. Amazingly, it didn’t bother me anymore.
Savannah finished signing autographs, barely acknowledging her adoring fans as she pushed the papers back into their hands. “You didn’t do badly, darling. For a beginner that is. Let’s go get a drink.”
As she spoke, I glanced at the clock on my phone. It was late. Terribly late! “I’ve got to get home, Savannah. Look at the time. Mom will be worried.”
Savannah shook her head at me, chuckling softly. “Mothers are supposed to be worried. Besides, I doubt your mother will even notice you’re gone.”
“She’ll notice. Really Savannah. I have to go home.” I grabbed her hand and started towards the door.
“Fine, we’ll go. I don’t suppose you have anything to drink at the house.” Her sultry voice drawled the question lazily as we waited for the valet to bring around my car.
“I think I saw some Coke in the refrigerator.” Where was the car? I hated valets. They always seemed to take twice as long as parking it yourself. Savannah insisted, though. Apparently, Savannah Sears couldn’t be seen self-parking.
“Kate, you are so precious I could just eat you up!” Savannah laughed as if I’d made a joke. She was still chuckling when we pulled into my driveway five minutes later. The house was completely dark.
“See, darling, she’s not here,” Savannah said as we walked into the silent foyer.
She wasn’t home. My mother wasn’t home.
I grabbed my phone from my purse. I’d unconsciously ignored it all day, being too intent on shopping and the high of being with Savannah to talk to Melanie or Erik. When I flipped the phone open, I noticed the missed call from Mom. Pushing the correct buttons, I connected to my voicemail, skipping through the messages from Melanie and Erik until I finally heard Mom’s voice.
“Kate. It’s Mom. I hope you’re having a great day! Hey, Kyle has offered to take me out to dinner. Since you’re not here, I’m going to accept. Love you. See you in the morning. Don’t wait up.”
Ignoring Savannah, I walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. I couldn’t believe Mom wasn’t here. In my memory, there hadn’t been a single day Mom wasn’t at home waiting for me when I arrived. I had stupidly believed she’d always be there.
“Kyle?” Savannah sat down beside me putting her arm around my shoulders.
“Yep.” I nodded, not able to say more.
“Kate, how much do you know about your mom and Kyle?” Savannah’s expression was solemn.
I shrugged and waited for Savannah to continue. I didn’t know much.
“I heard a lot about them when I was getting ready to play Anna. Their story is a bit legendary among those in the know. Not much of it ever made it to the press.” She pulled her arm from around my shoulders and turned to face me fully.
“I know they were involved before Mom met my Dad.” I mumbled the words. I was certain I didn’t want to know more. A poorly masked, malicious glint sparkled in Savannah’s eyes.
“Kind of. Bridgette and Kyle were engaged. Only a few people knew. They kept it extremely private. All the arrangements were made. They were supposed to get married while Midnight’s Dawn was filming. The week before the wedding, they called it off. The rumor was Kyle had cold feet. Bridgette was heartbroken.”
My mouth fell open in surprise. I didn’t know anything about this! No wonder Dad was intensely jealous of Kyle. Kyle was Mom’s first love.
“Bridgette continued filming Midnight’s Dawn. She didn’t really have a choice, but I guess it was rough for a while. It wasn’t until after your mom and dad started to date that Kyle came to his senses. He begged Bridgette to forgive him. She refused, and the rest is history. Kyle never married. The rumor is he never got over your mom.”
Everything suddenly made sense. Mom and Dad’s divorce, her refusal to remarry or even date, the way she lit up when Kyle met us at the airport. Mom had never gotten over Kyle either.
“Thanks for telling me Savannah.” My head dropped back to stare at the ceiling. “I need to think. Can I call you tomorrow?”
“Kate, are you okay?” The malicious glint was gone replaced by real concern.
“I’m fine. Thanks for everything today. You’ve been a good friend.” I stood to walk her to the door.
Although she wasn’t really my only friend, she felt like it right now. Erik and Melanie felt both physically and emotionally far away. Somehow in the last two days, they’d faded in my memory. Too much had happened. This world was a completely different place. I was becoming a different person. Everything I thought to be true was suddenly in question. As I watched the bright taillights of Savannah’s black SUV disappear from view, I stood up straight pulling my shoulders back and lifting my chin. I’d be fine. I was Kate Broucheriou. Kate Swanson might be feeling scared and lonely, but Kate Broucheriou had a new car, new clothes, and a killer haircut. Kate Broucheriou didn’t need her Mom to cook her dinner or ask her how her day was. Kate Broucheriou was independent, and Kate Broucheriou liked it that way.
© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Chapter Eight
Hey there! I've been busy since we last chatted. Check out my new profile. I've added fun little facts about myself and a picture. It's not the best picture; I was freshly off a transatlantic flight on a layover in Frankfurt, Germany on my way to India. I'd showered and applied a bit of makeup, but there is just no way to look fresh as a daisy after sleeping on an airplane - Ambien or not. Now, you may ask why I don't pick a better picture... Well, I just don't take that many pictures of myself alone. Me and the kids, yes. Me alone, no. So, when you ask me for a picture of myself, you get a crappy one of me taking a picture of myself in the Frankfurt airport.
I've also added created a Twitter account. We'll see how that goes, but there is a way to directly post your BLOG link to Twitter. I thought I'd try.
I'm still at 4 followers. There have been people looking at my profile, though, which is good news. Please remember to post my BLOG link to your Facebook, Twitter, email your friends... I'm relying on all of you to help me out. Thanks!!
Chapter 8. Now that we've met Logan (Wasn't he great?! If I could, I'd wait for Logan to grow up another 10 years or so and grab him for myself!), we get to know Savannah. Savannah should be easily recognizable. She's not one specific person really. It's more that she's meant to be the stereotype embodied by the Paris Hiltons and Lindsey Lohans of the world. Just think of how fascinated they would probably be by our very non-glamorous lives. The Simple Life tried to show the idea to the extreme, but dial the idea back and sit Paris Hilton on your couch. She wouldn't know how to react. Kate's sort of like that couch. Savannah isn't quite sure what to make of her.
Love you all! Talk to you tomorrow! Ciao!!
Chapter 8
Overly bright sunshine woke me too early the next morning. Unaccustomed to waking anywhere but in my own bedroom, the sensation of not knowing where I was threw me for a minute. Although I knew I wasn’t in my private sanctuary back home in Mapleton, I couldn’t quite remember exactly where I had fallen asleep.
It all came suddenly rushing back to me … Mom, the movie, LOGAN, Savannah, LOGAN, the media……….
“Oh, God!!” I groaned loudly and literally rolled out of bed, hitting the floor with a thud. Ouch!!
“Smart, Kate! You already look like a simple farm girl. Go ahead and add a few bruises to the mix. Then you’ll look simple AND clumsy,” I mumbled to myself as I stood and staggered towards my bathroom.
At least the impact finished what the bright Texas sun started; I was completely awake. Still, it took me a while to realize the house was completely silent. The only sound was the muted white noise of the air conditioner buzzing overhead as it worked to combat the hot Texas weather.
I was surprised Mom hadn’t woke me hours ago. This was supposed to be one of only a couple days she had available to get me settled before filming started. We were going to have “girl time”. It was all planned, and, believe me, I was looking forward to it. Mom began weaving fairy tale dreams of shopping at the Galleria last week. It was supposed to be Houston’s version of shopping Nirvana. My heart beat a little faster as I imagined the happy sound of the credit card machine spitting out receipts. Ahhhhh……… It was any girl’s dream.
“Mom????” My call echoed off the high ceilings of the huge house. When Mom didn’t respond, I padded out of the room and headed downstairs. Maybe she was still asleep. It was unusual for Mom to sleep in, but not unheard of.
“Mom???” I called again as I peeked my head into the master bedroom. The bed was perfectly made, showing no signs of Mom.
“MOM????” I yelled loudly, getting impatient at her disappearance. Where could she be?
Finally, I turned and stumbled toward the kitchen. If I was going to have to play hide and seek, I required caffeine. When the glorious smell of freshly brewed coffee didn’t welcome my arrival, I frowned. Mom always made the coffee.
Then I noticed the note and two large boxes on the kitchen counter.
Kate-
I had to leave so early this morning. I’m sorry. I know this was supposed to be our day, but Jackson needed me to sit in on some meetings. We’ll definitely do it tomorrow. I promise. I thought you might like a couple of things now, so I had someone deliver these this morning. Hope you like them. See you later.
Love,
Mom
Mom was gone. I was alone. A new city, no friends, and now apparently no mother either. My head dropped onto arms while unfamiliar anger flowed through my body. Damn It! How could she do this to me?
I brightened a bit when I remembered the presents. Presents were good. Not as good as my Mom, but possibly a start. I grabbed for the top box that was marked “Open Me First”.
Hmmmm….. maybe I could do without Mom for the day????
The packages were wrapped in heavy silver wrapping paper with bright red bows sitting directly on top. They looked like something you see in one of those home and garden magazines when they try to teach a normal person how to wrap. Since Mom was incapable of wrapping even the simplest present (I’d been wrapping my own Christmas gifts since I was old enough to not believe in Santa.), it was easy to see this was the work of someone far more gifted.
I’m not typically one of those odd people who carefully removed wrapping paper, lifting the tape to preserve the wrapping, but for a minute, I was tempted to convert. The packages were that pretty. Fortunately, the bizarre instinct passed quickly, and ignoring the card under the bow, I began ripping the wrapping paper aside like an enthusiastic six year old.
Inside I found a beautiful, shiny cell phone. Not just any cell phone. It was one of those combo phone/text/email/movie/music devices. I was pretty sure it could have cooked my breakfast if I asked it to. I’d been begging for one for the past year, but Mom stubbornly insisted a basic cell phone, like everyone else owned, was sufficient. I could never understand how Mom, with all of her millions, could be so stingy. She always claimed she was trying to keep me grounded, but I just considered her cheap. Until now! Thank goodness!
I dug the accompanying card out of the wrapping paper debris before opening the second gift.
Kate-
I know you’re going to miss your Dad, Erik, and Melanie. Use present number one to keep in touch. At least when you’re not too busy with present number two…Enjoy. I love you.
Mom
Holy cow! If this was present number one, I tried to briefly imagine present number two. Enough waiting! I hurriedly grabbed the second box, noticing how much lighter it seemed from the first box.
The second time I didn’t even pause to consider preserving the wrapping paper. To heck with the paper, I wanted the present!
Which was a second, much smaller box with a small card taped to its top. Okay……
Kate-
I hope I remembered which one you liked best. I trust you to be safe and responsible. Just not too responsible! Have fun!!
Love,
Mom
My eyes widened in anticipation of what was inside the small box. I was suddenly sure I knew what it would be.
A large key filled the small space of the box, and underneath, was a shiny credit card. There was a God, and today she was named Bridgette Broucheriou! I grabbed the key and ran toward the front door.
In the driveway sat the most perfect, absolutely magnificent, supremely spectacular, shiny vivid blue sports car ever built. I begged Mom and Dad for months before my sixteenth birthday for just this car. I printed out brochures touting the safety statistics and maintenance records. I performed an economic analysis of resale values. I even promised to work on the farm and at Chic to earn a portion of the payments, but nothing worked. No. It was too much for Mapleton. It would set me apart. I was suddenly very glad for Jackson Michaels, the movie industry, and Houston, Texas. Where nothing else succeeded, they got me into this prime piece of German automotive engineering.
And a credit card just for me. I could do some serious damage with the credit card. If Mom’s note was to be believed, it seemed as if she meant for me to do just that. Right now, I loved my life.
I couldn’t resist. I needed to drive my baby right away, regardless of my scraggly hair, morning breath, and holey pajama t-shirt. Although I did get odd looks from several impeccably dressed joggers and one old woman walking a dog, I didn’t care. The car was everything I knew it would be. By the time I got home, I was floating on a cloud of pure ecstasy.
The ecstasy followed me upstairs, into the shower, through a fruitless investigation of my totally Minnesotan clothing, and downstairs where I turned on my new phone. I followed the phone’s directions to connect to my email and logged into my account. There was already an email from Dad, two from Melanie, and three from Erik.
I read Erik’s first, missing him more with every word I read. I could imagine his beautifully handsome face as he wrote. I could feel his emotion; the way he missed me. The way he worried I would forget him. A wave of guilt hit me as I realized he was right to be nervous. I wasn’t even gone 24 hours, I’d come way to close to forgetting him last night.
Melanie and Dad’s emails were happier and less emotional. Both wrote about strictly upbeat subjects. I suspected Melanie’s enthusiasm was real. Dad, on the other hand, seemed overly careful. We’d hurt each other far too badly for him to risk anything but strictly happy topics. I was certain it’d pass. It was just going to be a bit uncomfortable for both of us until it did.
Having slept through breakfast, my stomach was growling anxiously for food, but I made it wait as I shot off a short email to all three, ignoring any discussion of my social awkwardness, Logan, and Kyle’s odd closeness with Mom. Instead, I opted for a discussion of my new car and planned shopping spree. The rest of the stuff was unimportant – or at least that’s what I told myself. Okay, maybe not unimportant, but embarrassing, guilt inducing, and sure to cause a fight. It was self-preservation. What they didn’t know couldn’t hurt them or me.
My stomach was overjoyed to see that the Food Gods had conveniently left little silver packages of food in the previously empty refrigerator. As a package marked “Spaghetti and Meatballs” heated in the oven, I idly wandered into the living room and turned on the TV, flipping through the channels until I located a station broadcasting the local news. The news might be boring, but I wanted to get to know my new home while I ate. There would be plenty of time for the Food Channel and Home and Garden Network later. When the oven timer beeped, I returned to the kitchen, grabbed my pasta, and walked back into the living room.
“And in entertainment news, the legendary Bridgette Broucheriou made a splash when she arrived in Houston for the filming of the sequel to the ‘90s blockbuster hit Midnight’s Dawn. Also rumored to be in town for the filming are Bridgette’s former leading man and beau, Kyle Thomas, heartthrob Logan St. James, and party girl Savannah Sears. Welcome to Texas! All I can say is it ought to be an interesting summer with that crew here in town.” The blond anchorwoman was enthusiastically perky as I watched my Mom’s face fill the big screen TV. The camera pulled back to show a wider view of the baggage claim area where Mom and I had exited security yesterday. I was horrified to see myself hiding in the background. On TV, my hair looked even worse than I had feared when I got off the plane and my eyes were heavily bruised with dark circles.
Oh, God!!
“So, Donna, wasn’t Midnight’s Dawn one of Bridgette’s last films?” A grey haired anchorman questioned.
“That’s right, Richard. Bridgette caused quite a scandal when she married a Hollywood unknown and then disappeared shortly after having a child. She made only one more movie after Midnight’s Dawn. Her daughter, Kate Broucheriou, is now nearly seventeen and accompanied her Mom to town yesterday.”
“If that was her behind Bridgette yesterday, I’d have to guess she takes after her Dad.” The anchorman laughed and the blond joined in with a chuckle of her own.
“Well, sixteen is an awkward age….. Now with the weather, Mario can we expect rain any time soon?” The camera switched over to focus on the weatherman.
I stopped listening. Instead, I concentrated on not throwing up. I know I don’t take after Mom, but awkward? These people were cruel. I would have liked to have seen them at sixteen! The nerve. I was still staring blankly at the TV when the click of heals across the kitchen floor and the unexpected sultry tone of Savannah Sears’ voice caused me to jump.
“Ignore them, darling, they’re just jealous.” Savannah’s slender body settled on the couch beside me. She lifted her legs up underneath her to casually perch on the soft cushion. Gone was last night’s sarcastic tone. In its place was a light sweet drawl. “You’re Kate Broucheriou, Bridgette’s daughter, and they’re rotting their lives away on the local news.”
“Kate Swanson.” I corrected.
“What?” Savannah looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“Kate Swanson. I’m Kate Swanson.” I couldn’t pinpoint why I was making the distinction, but somehow it seemed important. I was Kate Swanson.
“Oh, whatever….. Honey, here you’re Kate Broucheriou. Don’t forget it, and those jerks will never dare talk about you like that again.” Savannah’s hand waved in dismissal.
“But, I….”
Savannah waved her hand again and interrupted. “Let’s go, Kate. Come on. Get up. I saw your sweet little blue car out front. We’ll take it. Let’s go find somewhere to spend all of your mom’s money!”
“But, I promised Mom I’d wait for her. We were supposed to have some “girl time”…..”
For a third time she cut me off. “Moms are moms, darling. We don’t do “girl time” with our moms. Trust me. You’re better off with me. Plus, your Mom will be tied up straight through the start of filming. I’m almost glad Jackson pulled me from the role of Anna. Way too much work! I’m too fun loving to work that hard.”
Mom promised she’d have some time before filming. But Savannah seemed so certain. Of course, Mom promised she’d be around today too.
“Okay….. if you say so,” I reluctantly agreed before grabbing my new phone and sending Mom a quick text message. She wouldn’t mind. She’d understand. I did need new clothes, especially if I wasn’t going to continue to be the butt of newscaster’s jokes.
Plus, when it came down to it, how could I say no to shopping with Savannah Sears? She was so nice – most of the time at least. Maybe I just imagined she didn’t like me. But, what about the hate filled look she gave me when I walked off the elevator with Logan? I’d been tired. That must have been it. Today she was kind and helpful, almost like a big sister. I was feeling better already.
“Where to?” I stood up and smiled. I could already tell this was going to be fun!“Why first things first, hon! I know just the place. It might not be LA, but it’ll do. Let’s go fix your hair!”
© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson
I've also added created a Twitter account. We'll see how that goes, but there is a way to directly post your BLOG link to Twitter. I thought I'd try.
I'm still at 4 followers. There have been people looking at my profile, though, which is good news. Please remember to post my BLOG link to your Facebook, Twitter, email your friends... I'm relying on all of you to help me out. Thanks!!
Chapter 8. Now that we've met Logan (Wasn't he great?! If I could, I'd wait for Logan to grow up another 10 years or so and grab him for myself!), we get to know Savannah. Savannah should be easily recognizable. She's not one specific person really. It's more that she's meant to be the stereotype embodied by the Paris Hiltons and Lindsey Lohans of the world. Just think of how fascinated they would probably be by our very non-glamorous lives. The Simple Life tried to show the idea to the extreme, but dial the idea back and sit Paris Hilton on your couch. She wouldn't know how to react. Kate's sort of like that couch. Savannah isn't quite sure what to make of her.
Love you all! Talk to you tomorrow! Ciao!!
Chapter 8
Overly bright sunshine woke me too early the next morning. Unaccustomed to waking anywhere but in my own bedroom, the sensation of not knowing where I was threw me for a minute. Although I knew I wasn’t in my private sanctuary back home in Mapleton, I couldn’t quite remember exactly where I had fallen asleep.
It all came suddenly rushing back to me … Mom, the movie, LOGAN, Savannah, LOGAN, the media……….
“Oh, God!!” I groaned loudly and literally rolled out of bed, hitting the floor with a thud. Ouch!!
“Smart, Kate! You already look like a simple farm girl. Go ahead and add a few bruises to the mix. Then you’ll look simple AND clumsy,” I mumbled to myself as I stood and staggered towards my bathroom.
At least the impact finished what the bright Texas sun started; I was completely awake. Still, it took me a while to realize the house was completely silent. The only sound was the muted white noise of the air conditioner buzzing overhead as it worked to combat the hot Texas weather.
I was surprised Mom hadn’t woke me hours ago. This was supposed to be one of only a couple days she had available to get me settled before filming started. We were going to have “girl time”. It was all planned, and, believe me, I was looking forward to it. Mom began weaving fairy tale dreams of shopping at the Galleria last week. It was supposed to be Houston’s version of shopping Nirvana. My heart beat a little faster as I imagined the happy sound of the credit card machine spitting out receipts. Ahhhhh……… It was any girl’s dream.
“Mom????” My call echoed off the high ceilings of the huge house. When Mom didn’t respond, I padded out of the room and headed downstairs. Maybe she was still asleep. It was unusual for Mom to sleep in, but not unheard of.
“Mom???” I called again as I peeked my head into the master bedroom. The bed was perfectly made, showing no signs of Mom.
“MOM????” I yelled loudly, getting impatient at her disappearance. Where could she be?
Finally, I turned and stumbled toward the kitchen. If I was going to have to play hide and seek, I required caffeine. When the glorious smell of freshly brewed coffee didn’t welcome my arrival, I frowned. Mom always made the coffee.
Then I noticed the note and two large boxes on the kitchen counter.
Kate-
I had to leave so early this morning. I’m sorry. I know this was supposed to be our day, but Jackson needed me to sit in on some meetings. We’ll definitely do it tomorrow. I promise. I thought you might like a couple of things now, so I had someone deliver these this morning. Hope you like them. See you later.
Love,
Mom
Mom was gone. I was alone. A new city, no friends, and now apparently no mother either. My head dropped onto arms while unfamiliar anger flowed through my body. Damn It! How could she do this to me?
I brightened a bit when I remembered the presents. Presents were good. Not as good as my Mom, but possibly a start. I grabbed for the top box that was marked “Open Me First”.
Hmmmm….. maybe I could do without Mom for the day????
The packages were wrapped in heavy silver wrapping paper with bright red bows sitting directly on top. They looked like something you see in one of those home and garden magazines when they try to teach a normal person how to wrap. Since Mom was incapable of wrapping even the simplest present (I’d been wrapping my own Christmas gifts since I was old enough to not believe in Santa.), it was easy to see this was the work of someone far more gifted.
I’m not typically one of those odd people who carefully removed wrapping paper, lifting the tape to preserve the wrapping, but for a minute, I was tempted to convert. The packages were that pretty. Fortunately, the bizarre instinct passed quickly, and ignoring the card under the bow, I began ripping the wrapping paper aside like an enthusiastic six year old.
Inside I found a beautiful, shiny cell phone. Not just any cell phone. It was one of those combo phone/text/email/movie/music devices. I was pretty sure it could have cooked my breakfast if I asked it to. I’d been begging for one for the past year, but Mom stubbornly insisted a basic cell phone, like everyone else owned, was sufficient. I could never understand how Mom, with all of her millions, could be so stingy. She always claimed she was trying to keep me grounded, but I just considered her cheap. Until now! Thank goodness!
I dug the accompanying card out of the wrapping paper debris before opening the second gift.
Kate-
I know you’re going to miss your Dad, Erik, and Melanie. Use present number one to keep in touch. At least when you’re not too busy with present number two…Enjoy. I love you.
Mom
Holy cow! If this was present number one, I tried to briefly imagine present number two. Enough waiting! I hurriedly grabbed the second box, noticing how much lighter it seemed from the first box.
The second time I didn’t even pause to consider preserving the wrapping paper. To heck with the paper, I wanted the present!
Which was a second, much smaller box with a small card taped to its top. Okay……
Kate-
I hope I remembered which one you liked best. I trust you to be safe and responsible. Just not too responsible! Have fun!!
Love,
Mom
My eyes widened in anticipation of what was inside the small box. I was suddenly sure I knew what it would be.
A large key filled the small space of the box, and underneath, was a shiny credit card. There was a God, and today she was named Bridgette Broucheriou! I grabbed the key and ran toward the front door.
In the driveway sat the most perfect, absolutely magnificent, supremely spectacular, shiny vivid blue sports car ever built. I begged Mom and Dad for months before my sixteenth birthday for just this car. I printed out brochures touting the safety statistics and maintenance records. I performed an economic analysis of resale values. I even promised to work on the farm and at Chic to earn a portion of the payments, but nothing worked. No. It was too much for Mapleton. It would set me apart. I was suddenly very glad for Jackson Michaels, the movie industry, and Houston, Texas. Where nothing else succeeded, they got me into this prime piece of German automotive engineering.
And a credit card just for me. I could do some serious damage with the credit card. If Mom’s note was to be believed, it seemed as if she meant for me to do just that. Right now, I loved my life.
I couldn’t resist. I needed to drive my baby right away, regardless of my scraggly hair, morning breath, and holey pajama t-shirt. Although I did get odd looks from several impeccably dressed joggers and one old woman walking a dog, I didn’t care. The car was everything I knew it would be. By the time I got home, I was floating on a cloud of pure ecstasy.
The ecstasy followed me upstairs, into the shower, through a fruitless investigation of my totally Minnesotan clothing, and downstairs where I turned on my new phone. I followed the phone’s directions to connect to my email and logged into my account. There was already an email from Dad, two from Melanie, and three from Erik.
I read Erik’s first, missing him more with every word I read. I could imagine his beautifully handsome face as he wrote. I could feel his emotion; the way he missed me. The way he worried I would forget him. A wave of guilt hit me as I realized he was right to be nervous. I wasn’t even gone 24 hours, I’d come way to close to forgetting him last night.
Melanie and Dad’s emails were happier and less emotional. Both wrote about strictly upbeat subjects. I suspected Melanie’s enthusiasm was real. Dad, on the other hand, seemed overly careful. We’d hurt each other far too badly for him to risk anything but strictly happy topics. I was certain it’d pass. It was just going to be a bit uncomfortable for both of us until it did.
Having slept through breakfast, my stomach was growling anxiously for food, but I made it wait as I shot off a short email to all three, ignoring any discussion of my social awkwardness, Logan, and Kyle’s odd closeness with Mom. Instead, I opted for a discussion of my new car and planned shopping spree. The rest of the stuff was unimportant – or at least that’s what I told myself. Okay, maybe not unimportant, but embarrassing, guilt inducing, and sure to cause a fight. It was self-preservation. What they didn’t know couldn’t hurt them or me.
My stomach was overjoyed to see that the Food Gods had conveniently left little silver packages of food in the previously empty refrigerator. As a package marked “Spaghetti and Meatballs” heated in the oven, I idly wandered into the living room and turned on the TV, flipping through the channels until I located a station broadcasting the local news. The news might be boring, but I wanted to get to know my new home while I ate. There would be plenty of time for the Food Channel and Home and Garden Network later. When the oven timer beeped, I returned to the kitchen, grabbed my pasta, and walked back into the living room.
“And in entertainment news, the legendary Bridgette Broucheriou made a splash when she arrived in Houston for the filming of the sequel to the ‘90s blockbuster hit Midnight’s Dawn. Also rumored to be in town for the filming are Bridgette’s former leading man and beau, Kyle Thomas, heartthrob Logan St. James, and party girl Savannah Sears. Welcome to Texas! All I can say is it ought to be an interesting summer with that crew here in town.” The blond anchorwoman was enthusiastically perky as I watched my Mom’s face fill the big screen TV. The camera pulled back to show a wider view of the baggage claim area where Mom and I had exited security yesterday. I was horrified to see myself hiding in the background. On TV, my hair looked even worse than I had feared when I got off the plane and my eyes were heavily bruised with dark circles.
Oh, God!!
“So, Donna, wasn’t Midnight’s Dawn one of Bridgette’s last films?” A grey haired anchorman questioned.
“That’s right, Richard. Bridgette caused quite a scandal when she married a Hollywood unknown and then disappeared shortly after having a child. She made only one more movie after Midnight’s Dawn. Her daughter, Kate Broucheriou, is now nearly seventeen and accompanied her Mom to town yesterday.”
“If that was her behind Bridgette yesterday, I’d have to guess she takes after her Dad.” The anchorman laughed and the blond joined in with a chuckle of her own.
“Well, sixteen is an awkward age….. Now with the weather, Mario can we expect rain any time soon?” The camera switched over to focus on the weatherman.
I stopped listening. Instead, I concentrated on not throwing up. I know I don’t take after Mom, but awkward? These people were cruel. I would have liked to have seen them at sixteen! The nerve. I was still staring blankly at the TV when the click of heals across the kitchen floor and the unexpected sultry tone of Savannah Sears’ voice caused me to jump.
“Ignore them, darling, they’re just jealous.” Savannah’s slender body settled on the couch beside me. She lifted her legs up underneath her to casually perch on the soft cushion. Gone was last night’s sarcastic tone. In its place was a light sweet drawl. “You’re Kate Broucheriou, Bridgette’s daughter, and they’re rotting their lives away on the local news.”
“Kate Swanson.” I corrected.
“What?” Savannah looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“Kate Swanson. I’m Kate Swanson.” I couldn’t pinpoint why I was making the distinction, but somehow it seemed important. I was Kate Swanson.
“Oh, whatever….. Honey, here you’re Kate Broucheriou. Don’t forget it, and those jerks will never dare talk about you like that again.” Savannah’s hand waved in dismissal.
“But, I….”
Savannah waved her hand again and interrupted. “Let’s go, Kate. Come on. Get up. I saw your sweet little blue car out front. We’ll take it. Let’s go find somewhere to spend all of your mom’s money!”
“But, I promised Mom I’d wait for her. We were supposed to have some “girl time”…..”
For a third time she cut me off. “Moms are moms, darling. We don’t do “girl time” with our moms. Trust me. You’re better off with me. Plus, your Mom will be tied up straight through the start of filming. I’m almost glad Jackson pulled me from the role of Anna. Way too much work! I’m too fun loving to work that hard.”
Mom promised she’d have some time before filming. But Savannah seemed so certain. Of course, Mom promised she’d be around today too.
“Okay….. if you say so,” I reluctantly agreed before grabbing my new phone and sending Mom a quick text message. She wouldn’t mind. She’d understand. I did need new clothes, especially if I wasn’t going to continue to be the butt of newscaster’s jokes.
Plus, when it came down to it, how could I say no to shopping with Savannah Sears? She was so nice – most of the time at least. Maybe I just imagined she didn’t like me. But, what about the hate filled look she gave me when I walked off the elevator with Logan? I’d been tired. That must have been it. Today she was kind and helpful, almost like a big sister. I was feeling better already.
“Where to?” I stood up and smiled. I could already tell this was going to be fun!“Why first things first, hon! I know just the place. It might not be LA, but it’ll do. Let’s go fix your hair!”
© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Chapter Seven
Happy Saturday! I hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend. Since yesterday was a work Friday (I have every other Friday off.), today was errand day for me - gas, groceries, pedicure, etc. All of the necessities of daily life. Today also started "extra" Saturday cheerleading practices for my seven year old. It used to be that the girls practiced twice a week, but starting last year, the gym went into super overdrive. No two days a week now. "Extra" practices start in August and continue until March. That's three days a week of practice and a fourth day for a private lesson - times two kids. It takes dedication to be the Mom of a competitive cheerleader, probably much like being a mom of a baseball player, club volleyball, swimmer, etc. I have a co-worker who's daughter is a 10 year-old level 8 gymnast. He tells me she practices something like 4 hours/day, every day. Wow! It'd be amazing to watch your kid in the olympics, but the amount of time and money to get them must be overwhelming. I'm happy to stick with cheerleaders.
My fifteen year old is waiting for me to pick her up, so I'm going to get right into Chapter 7. In Chapter 7, we meet Logan St. James. I mentioned earlier how I started writing Hollywood Dreams at Disneyworld, right? Well, I decided on the name Logan while I was there too. I wanted something Hollywoodish. The St. James just sounded right, but I couldn't figure out the right first name. Naming your characters is the worst! It's so hard. The name has to be just right - like when you name a baby. Anyway, I was at a loss, and then I went into this Finding Nemo show at Epcot. It was the one where you interacted with the animated turtles from Finding Nemo. At the end of the show, kids get the chance to ask the turtle dude some questions. One of the little kids asking questions was named Logan. The Disney cast member announced his name and the light bulb went off... ta da! Logan!! So thank you little kid at Disney. Even now over year after naming Logan it still feels right.
When I post my first book, Short Skirts and True Love, I'll tell you the story about how the hot brother (Admittidly he's jailbait, but he's still hot.) of my seven year old's friend was the inspiration for my sexy hero, Ethan. But, that's a whole different subject. Smile.
Chapter 7
The hotel ballroom was decorated in Midnight’s Dawn memorabilia. Mixed in among the movie posters, old props, and costumes were pictures of the cast on the original set and at various openings and award ceremonies. From every wall, Mom’s smile beamed. In the pictures, Kyle typically accompanied her, but, in a few of them, I could see Dad standing in the background. Poor Dad. It must have been hard to be eclipsed so completely by his beautiful wife.
Despite tonight’s elegant surroundings, the dress was casual – or as casual as a group of Hollywood elite could get. And this group was definitely Hollywood elite. The best and the brightest had been hired to work on Dawn’s New Light, and although the room was currently packed with at least two hundred people, Mom assured me that before the movie was complete, thousands would have a hand in its production.
Simply walking into the ballroom was nerve wracking. Mom promised my light summer sundress and strappy sandals were perfect, but I wasn’t so certain. How was I to know what was right? I suppose Mom would have told me if I looked like a troll, but next to her, I looked blah in anything I owned. I wish I could have gone on the promised shopping trip before having to face these beautiful people. If Kyle was a shock, I could only imagine my reaction to meeting Savannah Sears. Her beauty was bound to be a hit to any normal girl’s ego.
“Bridgette! Hello! I’m so sorry I missed meeting you at the airport myself. Things have been so crazy here. I’m nearly tearing out what’s left of my hair.” A distinguished looking man, a bit on the short side but with plenty of hair to tear out, bounded up to Mom, enthusiastically hugging her before stepping back to study her intently. His eyes started their inspection at her head, traveling slowly down her body until they reached her feet.
With his inspection complete, he looked back up. “I see you’re as beautiful as ever. Perfect. You know there are those who thought I was crazy to insist you play Anna. They were certain you’d gotten all farmwife pudgy and wore only overalls or something. I’m glad to see I was right – as usual.”
My mouth dropped open, appalled at his rudeness. As if my Mom would have gone fat!? What’d he think we did in Minnesota? Sit on our butts and eat Jello molds? I was insulted on the entire state’s behalf!
Mom surprised me when she burst out laughing. “It’s nice to see you too, Jackson. And I’m glad to see you haven’t changed either. Blunt as usual. Someday someone’s going to be less than charmed by you. Who knows what will happen then? Be careful. This is Texas; people carry guns here.”
“Oh, Bridgette. You know I love you. I never believed a word of the speculation.” Jackson had the grace to blush.
I still hadn’t forgiven him for his dispersions on my home state when Mom turned to me. “Jackson, this is my daughter Kate. Kate, this is Jackson Michaels.”
“Be careful of this one, Kate,” Kyle warned as he moved to stand between Mom and me. “As beautiful as you are, he’ll be trying to recruit you into the movies before the film is half over. He’s a tricky one.” I hadn’t seen him arrive, but once I became aware of him, I found it hard to believe I’d been so blind. Kyle Thomas lit up a room, making it almost impossible to ignore his presence once he entered the same space as you.
I noticed, although his words were addressed to me, Kyle’s full attention was on Mom. His eyes were a little too attentive, and he stood just a little too close. Mom seemed drawn to him too. The way she leaned toward him slightly, as if a force field was pulling her, startled me. Guys didn’t affect mom! Heck, I couldn’t even tell you the last time she went on a date. She always said that part of her life was over. Seeing her with Kyle now, I wasn’t so sure. I also wasn’t sure I liked it – or him for that matter.
“I’m glad to see you could make it, Kyle. Of course, you never could stay away from Bridgette.” Jackson studied Kyle and Mom. After watching his earlier inspection of Mom, it wasn’t surprising to see it happen a second time. “Ah, yes, I was right. You two are still magic together. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You were always magic. Still, I wondered if it’d still be there after all these years.”
In reaction to Jackson’s clinical words, Mom and Kyle looked toward each other. As their eyes met, the connection that flowed between them was almost visible. Magic. Jackson was right. They were magic together. I decided then I didn’t like Kyle. No way. He could just take his magic far away from my mother.
“Now, Jackson darling, don’t you ever turn off your director’s mind and just have some fun?” The sultry sounds of Savannah Sear’s voice floated across the short distance separating her from our group. I watched in awe as she glided up to place her arm around Jackson’s shoulders.
“Savannah, dear. I hope that is just Coke you’re drinking.” Savannah’s flirtatious look faltered, turning briefly to annoyance, before settling into a mock frown. I glanced at the small glass in her hand. It was brown and had bubbles. If it wasn’t Coke it was Dr. Pepper or maybe Pepsi. How odd Jackson would care.
“Jackson, don’t believe all those dreadful rumors you hear about me. I’m still that innocent little girl from Georgia. It makes me terribly sad people are so willing to think the worst of me.” Her lip trembled slightly and her expression saddened. I felt the urge to reach out and pat her perfect blond head in comfort. I never considered that all those rumors could be false. Seeing Savannah’s innocent, ethereal face now, I found it hard to believe she could be anything but sincere.
“Give it a rest, Savannah. Save it for someone who is less familiar with the havoc you can cause,” Jackson’s words were harsh (how mean!!), but he leaned in to place a kiss on Savannah’s flawless cheek.
“Ooooo, who do we have here? You haven’t replaced me again, have you?” Savannah’s eyes settled on me. I’d been charmed watching her banter with Jackson, but now, with the force of her gaze directed at me, I was overwhelmed. This was Savannah Sears. In person. Looking at me!
At least this time, unlike with Kyle, I could speak. “I’m Kate Swanson. Bridgette’s daughter. It’s an honor to meet you, Ms. Sears.”
“Oh isn’t she precious. How have you kept her hidden, Bridgette? Hollywood would just eat her up. Figuratively speaking, of course.” Savannah looked at Mom with calculated disregard obvious behind her smile. For the first time since meeting her, I wondered if Savannah was as sweet and innocent as she appeared.
Mom stuck out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Savannah. It’ll be great to work with you. I’ve heard so many stories. I’m sure it’ll be a unique experience.” Her pleasant words were laced with mocking sarcasm. I didn’t know what I just missed, but I was sure it was something significant. Everyone’s words seemed to have about twenty meanings. It was all a bit confusing. In Minnesota, people usually said what they meant and meant what they said. Mom, though, followed all the undercurrents perfectly.
Turning away from Savannah, Mom looked at Jackson quizzically. “So, where’s our boy villain? You promised me he’d be here.”
“Oh, he’ll be here, Bridgette. The night’s still young.”
The boy villain? Jackson hadn’t even finished speaking when a shrill screaming rose from outside the ballroom.
“I’m guessing that’s him now, Bridgette. Despite all the money we pay security, one or two determined girls always make their way through. Ingenious little things. I’m not sure how they do it.” Jackson laughed indulgently as we all turned towards the door. My knees nearly buckled when Logan St. James entered the ballroom, shutting the door on an increasing level of screams. I barely breathed as he began making his way over toward where we all stood.
Logan St. James was the biggest teenage star in the history of the world. Well, maybe not the history of the world, but in the history of my world. Not yet in his twenties, at nineteen, his movies were almost always blockbusters, and his female fan following was legendary. I guess that explained the screaming.
I’d swooned over him myself, not realizing his perfection could be even more awe inspiring in person. His hair was strawberry blond and styled long enough to show off its beautiful color. When combined with sparkling blue eyes and a magnificent body sure to make any male model jealous, he looked the part of a genuine Hollywood superstar.
“You do know how to make an entrance, Logan.” Jackson reached over to shake his hand. Logan looked slightly embarrassed as he acknowledged Jackson’s greeting.
“I’m sorry, Jackson. I can’t seem to help it.” His abashed smile was charming in an unpracticed way. It was easy to see how he maintained the reputation of being a truly nice guy. A reputation that only served to increase his appeal with every female on the planet. There were so few truly nice guys…
“Logan, I’d like you to meet Bridgette Broucheriou and her daughter Kate.” Jackson deftly introduced Mom and I to the single most perfect guy in the world. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t think.
Thank goodness for Mom. “It’s nice to meet you, Logan. I’m truly looking forward to working with you.”
“Bridgette Broucheriou! Wow! I’m honored. I’ve watched all your films. I’m the one who’s privileged to be working with you. It’s truly an honor.” Not a trace of sarcasm was present in Logan’s words. I could tell Mom was thoroughly charmed.
“Logan, darling…” Savannah dislodged herself from Jackson to plaster herself in a proprietary manner to Logan’s side. “Be nice, you’ll make Bridgette feel old… like our mom or something.”
Before Mom could respond, Savannah turned her gaze to me. “Of course, our lovely Kate here is the only one who can truly call her Mom. Right Kate? Oh, and don’t call me Ms. Sears again, it makes me feel nearly as old as your Mom.”
Savannah chuckled as she watched my face go white before turning red. I was generally not good at meeting new people. When the people were some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, I was apparently pathetic. “That’s right… uhmmm… please excuse me…” I mumbled as I made my escape. I could hear Savannah chuckle again as I exited the ballroom in search of the restroom.
I used a few minutes in the bathroom to compose myself before forcing myself to return to the party. I might be a naïve country girl, but I had no reason to hide. I was Bridgette Broucheriou’s daughter, and I belonged here as much as anyone. I was definitely going to have to get over my nerves, or I’d continue to embarrass myself.
Despite my internal pep talk, I cringed when I re-entered the party to find Mom locked in conversation with a new group of people I didn’t know. Rather than go and join Mom, I went in search of food. Thankfully there was a lot of it, all delicious. I happily settled down to comfort eat and star watch.
Mom was amazing. Her charm lit up the room, especially when Kyle was beside her, which was most of the time. They seemed drawn to each other, only temporarily separating to talk to different people, before unconsciously moving back together as if by design.
Others seemed drawn by their combined force too. One by one, I watched as almost every one of the two hundred people in the room made their way over to greet Mom and Kyle. Some were obviously important, while some were just as obviously not; however, regardless of their position, Mom took the time to say hello. She was in her element, looking more complete than ever before. How could I have never understood? This, all of this, was a necessary part of her. How could I not have realized a part of her was missing all these years?
Savannah stuck close to Logan’s side, apparently intent on staking her claim. Since nothing had been reported in the gossip magazines, I was almost certain they weren’t a couple. I was just as certain Savannah wanted to change that fact. Logan, on the other hand, seemed vaguely annoyed at her attentions. Although I doubted Savannah ever failed to get exactly what she wanted, I wondered just how open Logan was to Savannah’s plans. It’d be interesting to watch this real life soap opera play out.
I eventually tired of eating and watching people fawn over Mom and decided to go in search of the pool, which I heard was on the roof of the hotel. The nighttime view of my new home was sure to be spectacular. It only took a few minutes for me to make my way to the top floor and step out into the muggy Houston night.
Although the skyline view of the city was spectacular, the luxuriously padded chase lounges called to me. I didn’t take the afternoon nap Mom suggested and was exhausted from lack of sleep and the stresses of the day. Perhaps if I just closed my eyes for a couple of minutes, I’d feel better.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was being gently shaken awake. I jumped slightly before opening my eyes to find the startling handsome face of Logan St. James only inches away.
“Kate. Wake-up.” His whispering voice was gentle. I would have thought I was dreaming, but there was no way my mind could invent anything as amazing as the reality of Logan St. James.
“I’m awake,” I claimed. The husky tone of my voice disputed my words. When I struggled to sit up, Logan reached out to help me. A spectacular jolt of awareness pulsated through my body. If only we’d both felt it, I thought regretfully before immediately taking it back. The jolt was only my imagination. I loved Erik. No “non-Erik” jolts were allowed!
“Your Mom’s looking for you, Kate. It’s time to go. The party’s over.” Logan still spoke in a soft whisper. This time when I responded, my voice was stronger and louder.
“Oh, God. How long have I been up here?” Although horribly embarrassed, again, the fact that Logan St. James woke me up kept flickering through my head (what girl didn’t dream of that???). Just wait until I told Melanie!
“An hour, I think. Don’t worry. I saw you head up the elevator. I told your Mom I’d come and get you.”
“Thanks. I guess I better go.” I stood up, stumbling a bit in my haste. Logan took my hand, pulling me back to sit down. When he didn’t immediately let go of my hand, my heart started to pound loudly in my chest.
“It’s fine. Just sit and wake up a bit. She’ll wait.”
“I know. I just hate to worry her. She knows I’m not used to all of this….” I was certain Mom would be worried.
“She’s okay. I don’t think she even noticed. She was pretty busy holding court in there. Everyone is so excited to have her back.” His words, although meant to comfort, made me uneasy. I couldn’t imagine Mom not noticing I was missing. But, Logan was right; she focused on everyone else tonight. She may very well have lost track of me - something inconceivable at home.
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” The sad note in my voice made me feel silly. It’d been such an overwhelming day it was virtually impossible to stop the slight whine.
“Hey, it’s okay, Kate.” Logan gathered me into his arms for a hug.
Oh my God! Logan St. James was holding me.
For a moment, I let myself be comforted. Then I remembered Erik and pulled back. Every instinct told me I was absolutely insane. This was Logan St. James! Still lightly holding my hands he continued, “I was born in a small Iowa town. Mom and Dad moved me to Hollywood after I started acting. I remember how it feels. Nothing feels the same any more. This might not be Hollywood, but it’s close enough.”
It was nice to hear I wasn’t totally over reacting. At least I wasn’t the first or only one to go through this.
“I know. It’s just there’s so much I don’t understand. Everyone talks in code, and I embarrassed myself thoroughly with Savannah earlier. I acted like a country bumpkin!” I let irritation at my earlier actions leak into my voice. Strangely, I no longer felt nervous around Logan. Outside of the realization that I was sitting holding hands with the man of my dreams (literally!), I felt completely comfortable with him.
“Don’t worry about Savannah. She means well. It’s just that she grew up in Hollywood. Oh, she claims to be from Georgia, but the last time she was there, she was still crawling. I suspect she’s fascinated about the way you grew up more than anything else. Give her some time.” Logan stood up, pulling me with him as he did so.
“Let’s go find your Mom.” We continued to hold hands as we walked to the elevator, riding it down to the ballroom level. We were still joined when we exited the elevator and walked directly into Savannah who glanced sharply at our hands. I pulled mine away as fast as I could, not caring how it looked. Erik!! How could I keep forgetting?
Logan smiled at me, ignoring Savannah to hug me goodbye. “Kate, it’s been a true pleasure to meet you. I’ll see you soon.”
The incredible sight of him walking away wiped every image of Erik from my memory. Logan St. James was everything the media made him out to be. Intelligent, funny, warm, and caring. I almost didn’t feel guilty for how he made me feel. Almost. For tonight only, I gave myself permission to remember him in my dreams. Tomorrow, I would be better. Tomorrow, I would remember how much I loved Erik.
© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson
My fifteen year old is waiting for me to pick her up, so I'm going to get right into Chapter 7. In Chapter 7, we meet Logan St. James. I mentioned earlier how I started writing Hollywood Dreams at Disneyworld, right? Well, I decided on the name Logan while I was there too. I wanted something Hollywoodish. The St. James just sounded right, but I couldn't figure out the right first name. Naming your characters is the worst! It's so hard. The name has to be just right - like when you name a baby. Anyway, I was at a loss, and then I went into this Finding Nemo show at Epcot. It was the one where you interacted with the animated turtles from Finding Nemo. At the end of the show, kids get the chance to ask the turtle dude some questions. One of the little kids asking questions was named Logan. The Disney cast member announced his name and the light bulb went off... ta da! Logan!! So thank you little kid at Disney. Even now over year after naming Logan it still feels right.
When I post my first book, Short Skirts and True Love, I'll tell you the story about how the hot brother (Admittidly he's jailbait, but he's still hot.) of my seven year old's friend was the inspiration for my sexy hero, Ethan. But, that's a whole different subject. Smile.
Chapter 7
The hotel ballroom was decorated in Midnight’s Dawn memorabilia. Mixed in among the movie posters, old props, and costumes were pictures of the cast on the original set and at various openings and award ceremonies. From every wall, Mom’s smile beamed. In the pictures, Kyle typically accompanied her, but, in a few of them, I could see Dad standing in the background. Poor Dad. It must have been hard to be eclipsed so completely by his beautiful wife.
Despite tonight’s elegant surroundings, the dress was casual – or as casual as a group of Hollywood elite could get. And this group was definitely Hollywood elite. The best and the brightest had been hired to work on Dawn’s New Light, and although the room was currently packed with at least two hundred people, Mom assured me that before the movie was complete, thousands would have a hand in its production.
Simply walking into the ballroom was nerve wracking. Mom promised my light summer sundress and strappy sandals were perfect, but I wasn’t so certain. How was I to know what was right? I suppose Mom would have told me if I looked like a troll, but next to her, I looked blah in anything I owned. I wish I could have gone on the promised shopping trip before having to face these beautiful people. If Kyle was a shock, I could only imagine my reaction to meeting Savannah Sears. Her beauty was bound to be a hit to any normal girl’s ego.
“Bridgette! Hello! I’m so sorry I missed meeting you at the airport myself. Things have been so crazy here. I’m nearly tearing out what’s left of my hair.” A distinguished looking man, a bit on the short side but with plenty of hair to tear out, bounded up to Mom, enthusiastically hugging her before stepping back to study her intently. His eyes started their inspection at her head, traveling slowly down her body until they reached her feet.
With his inspection complete, he looked back up. “I see you’re as beautiful as ever. Perfect. You know there are those who thought I was crazy to insist you play Anna. They were certain you’d gotten all farmwife pudgy and wore only overalls or something. I’m glad to see I was right – as usual.”
My mouth dropped open, appalled at his rudeness. As if my Mom would have gone fat!? What’d he think we did in Minnesota? Sit on our butts and eat Jello molds? I was insulted on the entire state’s behalf!
Mom surprised me when she burst out laughing. “It’s nice to see you too, Jackson. And I’m glad to see you haven’t changed either. Blunt as usual. Someday someone’s going to be less than charmed by you. Who knows what will happen then? Be careful. This is Texas; people carry guns here.”
“Oh, Bridgette. You know I love you. I never believed a word of the speculation.” Jackson had the grace to blush.
I still hadn’t forgiven him for his dispersions on my home state when Mom turned to me. “Jackson, this is my daughter Kate. Kate, this is Jackson Michaels.”
“Be careful of this one, Kate,” Kyle warned as he moved to stand between Mom and me. “As beautiful as you are, he’ll be trying to recruit you into the movies before the film is half over. He’s a tricky one.” I hadn’t seen him arrive, but once I became aware of him, I found it hard to believe I’d been so blind. Kyle Thomas lit up a room, making it almost impossible to ignore his presence once he entered the same space as you.
I noticed, although his words were addressed to me, Kyle’s full attention was on Mom. His eyes were a little too attentive, and he stood just a little too close. Mom seemed drawn to him too. The way she leaned toward him slightly, as if a force field was pulling her, startled me. Guys didn’t affect mom! Heck, I couldn’t even tell you the last time she went on a date. She always said that part of her life was over. Seeing her with Kyle now, I wasn’t so sure. I also wasn’t sure I liked it – or him for that matter.
“I’m glad to see you could make it, Kyle. Of course, you never could stay away from Bridgette.” Jackson studied Kyle and Mom. After watching his earlier inspection of Mom, it wasn’t surprising to see it happen a second time. “Ah, yes, I was right. You two are still magic together. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You were always magic. Still, I wondered if it’d still be there after all these years.”
In reaction to Jackson’s clinical words, Mom and Kyle looked toward each other. As their eyes met, the connection that flowed between them was almost visible. Magic. Jackson was right. They were magic together. I decided then I didn’t like Kyle. No way. He could just take his magic far away from my mother.
“Now, Jackson darling, don’t you ever turn off your director’s mind and just have some fun?” The sultry sounds of Savannah Sear’s voice floated across the short distance separating her from our group. I watched in awe as she glided up to place her arm around Jackson’s shoulders.
“Savannah, dear. I hope that is just Coke you’re drinking.” Savannah’s flirtatious look faltered, turning briefly to annoyance, before settling into a mock frown. I glanced at the small glass in her hand. It was brown and had bubbles. If it wasn’t Coke it was Dr. Pepper or maybe Pepsi. How odd Jackson would care.
“Jackson, don’t believe all those dreadful rumors you hear about me. I’m still that innocent little girl from Georgia. It makes me terribly sad people are so willing to think the worst of me.” Her lip trembled slightly and her expression saddened. I felt the urge to reach out and pat her perfect blond head in comfort. I never considered that all those rumors could be false. Seeing Savannah’s innocent, ethereal face now, I found it hard to believe she could be anything but sincere.
“Give it a rest, Savannah. Save it for someone who is less familiar with the havoc you can cause,” Jackson’s words were harsh (how mean!!), but he leaned in to place a kiss on Savannah’s flawless cheek.
“Ooooo, who do we have here? You haven’t replaced me again, have you?” Savannah’s eyes settled on me. I’d been charmed watching her banter with Jackson, but now, with the force of her gaze directed at me, I was overwhelmed. This was Savannah Sears. In person. Looking at me!
At least this time, unlike with Kyle, I could speak. “I’m Kate Swanson. Bridgette’s daughter. It’s an honor to meet you, Ms. Sears.”
“Oh isn’t she precious. How have you kept her hidden, Bridgette? Hollywood would just eat her up. Figuratively speaking, of course.” Savannah looked at Mom with calculated disregard obvious behind her smile. For the first time since meeting her, I wondered if Savannah was as sweet and innocent as she appeared.
Mom stuck out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Savannah. It’ll be great to work with you. I’ve heard so many stories. I’m sure it’ll be a unique experience.” Her pleasant words were laced with mocking sarcasm. I didn’t know what I just missed, but I was sure it was something significant. Everyone’s words seemed to have about twenty meanings. It was all a bit confusing. In Minnesota, people usually said what they meant and meant what they said. Mom, though, followed all the undercurrents perfectly.
Turning away from Savannah, Mom looked at Jackson quizzically. “So, where’s our boy villain? You promised me he’d be here.”
“Oh, he’ll be here, Bridgette. The night’s still young.”
The boy villain? Jackson hadn’t even finished speaking when a shrill screaming rose from outside the ballroom.
“I’m guessing that’s him now, Bridgette. Despite all the money we pay security, one or two determined girls always make their way through. Ingenious little things. I’m not sure how they do it.” Jackson laughed indulgently as we all turned towards the door. My knees nearly buckled when Logan St. James entered the ballroom, shutting the door on an increasing level of screams. I barely breathed as he began making his way over toward where we all stood.
Logan St. James was the biggest teenage star in the history of the world. Well, maybe not the history of the world, but in the history of my world. Not yet in his twenties, at nineteen, his movies were almost always blockbusters, and his female fan following was legendary. I guess that explained the screaming.
I’d swooned over him myself, not realizing his perfection could be even more awe inspiring in person. His hair was strawberry blond and styled long enough to show off its beautiful color. When combined with sparkling blue eyes and a magnificent body sure to make any male model jealous, he looked the part of a genuine Hollywood superstar.
“You do know how to make an entrance, Logan.” Jackson reached over to shake his hand. Logan looked slightly embarrassed as he acknowledged Jackson’s greeting.
“I’m sorry, Jackson. I can’t seem to help it.” His abashed smile was charming in an unpracticed way. It was easy to see how he maintained the reputation of being a truly nice guy. A reputation that only served to increase his appeal with every female on the planet. There were so few truly nice guys…
“Logan, I’d like you to meet Bridgette Broucheriou and her daughter Kate.” Jackson deftly introduced Mom and I to the single most perfect guy in the world. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t think.
Thank goodness for Mom. “It’s nice to meet you, Logan. I’m truly looking forward to working with you.”
“Bridgette Broucheriou! Wow! I’m honored. I’ve watched all your films. I’m the one who’s privileged to be working with you. It’s truly an honor.” Not a trace of sarcasm was present in Logan’s words. I could tell Mom was thoroughly charmed.
“Logan, darling…” Savannah dislodged herself from Jackson to plaster herself in a proprietary manner to Logan’s side. “Be nice, you’ll make Bridgette feel old… like our mom or something.”
Before Mom could respond, Savannah turned her gaze to me. “Of course, our lovely Kate here is the only one who can truly call her Mom. Right Kate? Oh, and don’t call me Ms. Sears again, it makes me feel nearly as old as your Mom.”
Savannah chuckled as she watched my face go white before turning red. I was generally not good at meeting new people. When the people were some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, I was apparently pathetic. “That’s right… uhmmm… please excuse me…” I mumbled as I made my escape. I could hear Savannah chuckle again as I exited the ballroom in search of the restroom.
I used a few minutes in the bathroom to compose myself before forcing myself to return to the party. I might be a naïve country girl, but I had no reason to hide. I was Bridgette Broucheriou’s daughter, and I belonged here as much as anyone. I was definitely going to have to get over my nerves, or I’d continue to embarrass myself.
Despite my internal pep talk, I cringed when I re-entered the party to find Mom locked in conversation with a new group of people I didn’t know. Rather than go and join Mom, I went in search of food. Thankfully there was a lot of it, all delicious. I happily settled down to comfort eat and star watch.
Mom was amazing. Her charm lit up the room, especially when Kyle was beside her, which was most of the time. They seemed drawn to each other, only temporarily separating to talk to different people, before unconsciously moving back together as if by design.
Others seemed drawn by their combined force too. One by one, I watched as almost every one of the two hundred people in the room made their way over to greet Mom and Kyle. Some were obviously important, while some were just as obviously not; however, regardless of their position, Mom took the time to say hello. She was in her element, looking more complete than ever before. How could I have never understood? This, all of this, was a necessary part of her. How could I not have realized a part of her was missing all these years?
Savannah stuck close to Logan’s side, apparently intent on staking her claim. Since nothing had been reported in the gossip magazines, I was almost certain they weren’t a couple. I was just as certain Savannah wanted to change that fact. Logan, on the other hand, seemed vaguely annoyed at her attentions. Although I doubted Savannah ever failed to get exactly what she wanted, I wondered just how open Logan was to Savannah’s plans. It’d be interesting to watch this real life soap opera play out.
I eventually tired of eating and watching people fawn over Mom and decided to go in search of the pool, which I heard was on the roof of the hotel. The nighttime view of my new home was sure to be spectacular. It only took a few minutes for me to make my way to the top floor and step out into the muggy Houston night.
Although the skyline view of the city was spectacular, the luxuriously padded chase lounges called to me. I didn’t take the afternoon nap Mom suggested and was exhausted from lack of sleep and the stresses of the day. Perhaps if I just closed my eyes for a couple of minutes, I’d feel better.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was being gently shaken awake. I jumped slightly before opening my eyes to find the startling handsome face of Logan St. James only inches away.
“Kate. Wake-up.” His whispering voice was gentle. I would have thought I was dreaming, but there was no way my mind could invent anything as amazing as the reality of Logan St. James.
“I’m awake,” I claimed. The husky tone of my voice disputed my words. When I struggled to sit up, Logan reached out to help me. A spectacular jolt of awareness pulsated through my body. If only we’d both felt it, I thought regretfully before immediately taking it back. The jolt was only my imagination. I loved Erik. No “non-Erik” jolts were allowed!
“Your Mom’s looking for you, Kate. It’s time to go. The party’s over.” Logan still spoke in a soft whisper. This time when I responded, my voice was stronger and louder.
“Oh, God. How long have I been up here?” Although horribly embarrassed, again, the fact that Logan St. James woke me up kept flickering through my head (what girl didn’t dream of that???). Just wait until I told Melanie!
“An hour, I think. Don’t worry. I saw you head up the elevator. I told your Mom I’d come and get you.”
“Thanks. I guess I better go.” I stood up, stumbling a bit in my haste. Logan took my hand, pulling me back to sit down. When he didn’t immediately let go of my hand, my heart started to pound loudly in my chest.
“It’s fine. Just sit and wake up a bit. She’ll wait.”
“I know. I just hate to worry her. She knows I’m not used to all of this….” I was certain Mom would be worried.
“She’s okay. I don’t think she even noticed. She was pretty busy holding court in there. Everyone is so excited to have her back.” His words, although meant to comfort, made me uneasy. I couldn’t imagine Mom not noticing I was missing. But, Logan was right; she focused on everyone else tonight. She may very well have lost track of me - something inconceivable at home.
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” The sad note in my voice made me feel silly. It’d been such an overwhelming day it was virtually impossible to stop the slight whine.
“Hey, it’s okay, Kate.” Logan gathered me into his arms for a hug.
Oh my God! Logan St. James was holding me.
For a moment, I let myself be comforted. Then I remembered Erik and pulled back. Every instinct told me I was absolutely insane. This was Logan St. James! Still lightly holding my hands he continued, “I was born in a small Iowa town. Mom and Dad moved me to Hollywood after I started acting. I remember how it feels. Nothing feels the same any more. This might not be Hollywood, but it’s close enough.”
It was nice to hear I wasn’t totally over reacting. At least I wasn’t the first or only one to go through this.
“I know. It’s just there’s so much I don’t understand. Everyone talks in code, and I embarrassed myself thoroughly with Savannah earlier. I acted like a country bumpkin!” I let irritation at my earlier actions leak into my voice. Strangely, I no longer felt nervous around Logan. Outside of the realization that I was sitting holding hands with the man of my dreams (literally!), I felt completely comfortable with him.
“Don’t worry about Savannah. She means well. It’s just that she grew up in Hollywood. Oh, she claims to be from Georgia, but the last time she was there, she was still crawling. I suspect she’s fascinated about the way you grew up more than anything else. Give her some time.” Logan stood up, pulling me with him as he did so.
“Let’s go find your Mom.” We continued to hold hands as we walked to the elevator, riding it down to the ballroom level. We were still joined when we exited the elevator and walked directly into Savannah who glanced sharply at our hands. I pulled mine away as fast as I could, not caring how it looked. Erik!! How could I keep forgetting?
Logan smiled at me, ignoring Savannah to hug me goodbye. “Kate, it’s been a true pleasure to meet you. I’ll see you soon.”
The incredible sight of him walking away wiped every image of Erik from my memory. Logan St. James was everything the media made him out to be. Intelligent, funny, warm, and caring. I almost didn’t feel guilty for how he made me feel. Almost. For tonight only, I gave myself permission to remember him in my dreams. Tomorrow, I would be better. Tomorrow, I would remember how much I loved Erik.
© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson
Friday, August 28, 2009
Chapter Six
Sorry this is a little late today. I've been posting at lunch, but today I went and exercised. If I hadn't gone when I did, I would have kept my too plump rear in my chair and not gotten up until it was too late to go. So, in the interest of getting back into my favorite pair of jeans before cheer season starts, I delayed my post for today. I'm glad I did; exercise was good. I now feel all pleasantly tired and proud of myself.
Hello to my latest follower, Kat. Although Kat is not a stranger, I'm going to count her as one since I've only met her once, and she's not morally obligated to join as my friend. That earns her a big gold star for joining my BLOG. Thanks!!
To all of you mothers out there, do you ever think back to those days right before your first baby was born? Do you remember how quiet it was and just how delusional you were that you'd always have a level of peace and quiet? The moment you have kids life is constant chaos except for those few, rare moments when you get to be completely and gloriously alone. I love my kids, but those moments are the absolute best. I got one of those nights last night. From 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM I was alone. Yeah!! I put that time to good use too. I wrote over 1,200 words last night. Double yeah!!
In Chapter 6, Kate finally arrives in Houston. Up to this point, she's only really thought about how her Mom's career revival will cause her to leave her friends and family. Sure, she thinks about the other stuff Bridgette has promised, but its all secondary to the thought of leaving those she loves behind. In Houston, she begins to realize that leaving Mapleton is only the tip of the change iceberg. Once again, poor Kate, but don't worry. Lots of really cool things are going to start to happen soon. That's Chapter 7 though... For now, welcome to Houston.
Chapter 6
“The captain has announced our final descent into Houston, Texas. All electronic devices must now be powered off. Please stow all carry-on luggage, put your trays in their locked and upright position, and buckle your seat belts in preparation for landing.” The seat belt sign pinged in confirmation of the flight attendants words.
Removing all traces of the eye make-up I had applied before leaving Minnesota, I rubbed my eyes and ran my hands through my hair. I stretched in an attempt to fully wake up. Melanie would be horrified, but I never could obtain her level of orderly personal perfection. Why try and start now?
Once the cobwebs cleared, I expected to feel far more rested than when we boarded the plane. A late and restless night and an early morning had left me exhausted, and although I didn’t remember much of my first flight as Bridgette Broucheriou’s daughter, I was glad I would face my temporary home well rested.
The entire experience of traveling as a VIP was a bit overwhelming. The few times Mom and I previously traveled, we always flew first class, but our trip to Houston was the first time I ever traveled in a true VIP manner. Plush and luxurious, the limousine the studio hired to pick us up made a mockery of the limo Erik had hired to take us to prom this past spring. Mom and I were dropped off at the door to our terminal. We were met by an airline representative who solicitously arranged for our excessive amount of luggage to be checked in, handed us our boarding passes, and escorted us around the long security line to a private screening area.
There were whispers and stares, but everyone looked excited rather than annoyed. A few people even pulled out there phones, flipping them open and pointing them in our direction. It took me a few seconds to realize they were taking pictures of us. Gone was the anonymity of my first sixteen years. It was as if a big neon sign was flashing over my head, saying “LOOK AT ME!”
It all made perfect sense when I passed one of the airport stores and noticed a younger version of Mom’s face splashed across most of the weekly entertainment magazines. I stopped dead in my tracks. MY mom was on the cover of magazines – lots of them! Amazing! Who could have imagined? Okay, I know I shouldn’t have been surprised. I grew up with the knowledge that Mom was far from ordinary. I just never actually believed it.
The magazine bylines splashed the news.
“Bridgette’s Back!”
“Savannah Out! Bridgette In!”
“Welcome Back Bridgette!”
Mom looked at the newsstands and only smiled. I suppose she was used to it all – or at least had been. To me, the growing concept of my mother’s fame was incredible.
The stares followed us to our gate where the attentive airline representative handed us over to an equally attentive gate agent. Since the plane had already finished boarding, we were spared the attention of the other passengers as we were escorted onto the plane and shown to our seats. No one bothered us – probably because the attentive first class flight attendant glared at anyone who even looked like they were thinking of approaching Mom.
“Ready, Kate?” Mom reached out to grab my hand as the plane glided to earth. I knew she could see the slight daze in my eyes and would understand just how much her fame shocked me.
“Ready, Mom.” I squeezed her hand, releasing it to run my hands through my hair and over my eyes again. I had the horrible, sneaking suspicion that I looked dreadful. In Mapleton, it wouldn’t have mattered, but now that I knew people would be watching, I was oddly uncomfortable at the thought of looking less than perfect.
While the rest of the plane gathered their belongings, the flight attendant retrieved our carry-on luggage. As soon as the airplane door opened, we were led off the plane and handed over to yet another airline representative.
“Welcome to Houston, Ms. Broucheriou,” the representative’s slight drawl greeted us as she shook Mom’s hand. “It’s an honor. I’m one of your biggest fans!”
“Thank you, Kelley.” Mom’s mega-watt smile lit up her face as she smoothly greeted the representative by name. A quick glance at her nametag confirmed she was, indeed, Kelley.
“I’m afraid your arrival was leaked to the press. They’re waiting for you outside security. I can take you through an alternate exit if you would like,” Kelly looked at Mom anxiously, obviously hoping to make a good impression.
“That won’t be necessary, Kelley. I’d be happy to say hello. Besides, I suspect the studio is fully responsible for the leak.” Mom’s smile never faltered as she reached into her bag, grabbed a tube of lipstick, and swiped a fresh coat on her lips.
The press?!? Waiting for us! I looked at Kelley, waiting for her to make the same offer to me. When no such offer was made, I reached into my bag for my lipgloss. It wouldn’t make much of a difference, but at least I made the effort.
Mom paused at the top of the escalators leading to the baggage claim area where we would exit security. She grabbed both of my hands, squeezing them as she looked at me with a mixture of regret and comfort. “I suppose I should have prepared you for all this before we left. I didn’t think it would start this fast. I thought I would have time. I’m sorry.”
Rather than comforting me, Mom’s words freaked me out. How bad could a couple of reporters be?
“Just smile and don’t say anything. I’ll do all the talking. Follow my lead, and it’ll be over before you know it.” With a final squeeze, she released my hands. Reassembling her smile, she stepped onto the escalator.
Noises and blinding flashes of light greeted me at the bottom of the escalator. Chaos ruled as a crowd of determined reporters eagerly pressed against a makeshift crowd control barrier.
“Bridgette!! How does it feel to be back??”
“Bridgette! Over here! How does it feel to be playing Anna again after all these years?”
“Bridgette! How does it feel to be working with Kyle Thomas again?”
“Bridgette!! How does Savannah feel about your return? There’s a rumor of hard feelings??”
Mom calmly raised her hand to quiet the crowd. The reporters responded quickly, the roar quieting almost instantly.
“Thank you, everyone. I appreciate you all coming out to welcome me back home to Texas. It feels great to be back - to Texas and to acting. I’m honored to have been asked to join the cast of Dawn’s New Light. I’m sure I speak for Kyle too when I say I’m thrilled to be working with such incredible young talent. I can guarantee none of you will be disappointed in this sequel.”
The cameras flashed while Mom posed. I did my best to be invisible as the camera flashes lit the baggage claim area. After a few moments, Mom turned to grab my hand and leave.
“Bridgette! How does your family feel about your return?”
Mom paused and turned back to the growing crowd of spectators and reporters. “My family is the most important thing in my world. Without their support, I wouldn’t be here. My daughter Kate….,” she turned to pull me slightly forward. “My daughter Kate is here with me, and we’re both very excited to be able to experience this adventure together.”
I smiled dumbly, blinded by another round of camera flashes, until Mom signaled Kelley that we were ready to leave. With the help of several enormous security guards (definitely not the normal airport crew!), we walked through the crowd and out through a door marked “Passenger Vehicles” where another limousine waited. As we approached, the limousine’s passenger door opened and a tall, dark haired, dark eyed man exited the rear of the limousine. He paused to stare at us both, seeming to shake himself before finally stepping forward.
Kyle Thomas! Wow! I suddenly understood what Mom meant when she said he was gorgeous. He was even better looking in person than on screen.
“I see you’ve still got it Bridge. You dazzle them as usual. Welcome back.” He stepped forward to pull Mom into a hug that spoke of a level of intimacy I had only ever seen Mom share with Dad. It was now obvious why Dad was still so jealous of Kyle. Mom and Kyle had clearly been way more than casual boyfriend and girlfriend.
Mom reached up to kiss Kyle lightly on the cheek. She glanced over her shoulder at me before turning back to hug him a second time. “Kyle! I can’t believe you came to meet me. It’s so great to see you again.” Camera’s flashed, capturing Mom and Kyle’s reunion. I read enough gossip to know that this unplanned, unscripted meeting would sell a lot of magazines. I could almost visualize Dad’s stormy expression.
Mom and Kyle didn’t seem to notice the attention.
“Are you kidding? I couldn’t wait to see you. I never thought I’d see you back in the business, Bridgette.” Kyle’s eyes flashed with excitement as he looked deeply into Mom’s eyes.
“I couldn’t resist when Peter called. And Kate has been so supportive,” Mom said, turning to me. “Kate, come over here.”
The cameras continued to flash as Mom stepped back to put her arm around my shoulders. Her voice was strangely formal as she introduced me. “Kyle, this is my daughter, Kathryn. Kate, meet Kyle Thomas.”
“Hello, Kathryn. It’s wonderful to finally meet you,” Kyle reached out his hand.
Somehow I forced my hand to take his, but when I tried to say hello the words froze in my mouth. My eyes grew wide.
Mom laughed at the expression on my face, turning to Kyle to scold, “You could always strike me speechless too, Kyle. I’m afraid Kate isn’t used to the Hollywood scene. I’ve kept her pretty sheltered.” I blushed deep red as Mom and Kyle both turned to look at me.
Mom shook her head in mock exasperation. “He’s just a regular person, Kate. You’ll see. Come on now, let’s go.”
The drive from the airport took forever. Although the driver told us it wouldn’t take long, apparently “not long” meant something different in Houston than in Mapleton where going from one end of town to the other took less than five minutes. It took 45 minutes to finally pull onto our new street which was lined on either side by tall trees and, hidden behind the trees, huge, beautiful homes that looked like they belonged on the cover of a home magazine. Any one of the houses could have swallowed my little ranch style house in Mapleton multiple times over.
The drive gave Kyle plenty of time to fill us in on all the gossip. Well, fill Mom in, but I listened in fascination as he talked. Kyle included me in the conversation too, asking about my school and friends. I couldn’t imagine why this handsome, famous man cared, but I did my best to answer his questions without stuttering.
“Peter insisted on a house for you and Kate. He said you’d want to keep things as low key as possible. The rest of us are staying downtown. I’ll let you get settled in and plan on seeing you tonight at the welcome party,” Kyle said as the car deposited us in front of a large brick house surrounded by elegant trees and a garden full of colorful flowers. Before waving goodbye, he kissed Mom on the cheek (that was two kisses if you’re counting like me) and smiled widely at me. The stunning effect of his final smile didn’t dim until Mom ushered me into the beautifully decorated home and told me to pick a room.
“Unpack and get some rest, Kate,” Mom suggested. “The real excitement starts tonight.” A mischievous smile lit her beautiful face – a face that seemed to have transformed in the past hours. It was still my Mom’s face. But something else was there. A confidence and surety of self that might have been called arrogance on anyone else. On Mom – or maybe it was on Bridgette – it just looked right.
“You know, Mom, I think I may have had enough excitement for the day.” I shook my head in disbelief.
“Oh, no, Kate. Not near enough. Not nearly enough.” She smiled again as she walked down the hall toward the master bedroom. What could she be talking about? A week ago, I wouldn’t have been worried. Today, with those words coming from Bridgette Broucheriou rather than Mom, I was terrified. Brace yourself, Kate. You’re not in Minnesota anymore!
© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson
Hello to my latest follower, Kat. Although Kat is not a stranger, I'm going to count her as one since I've only met her once, and she's not morally obligated to join as my friend. That earns her a big gold star for joining my BLOG. Thanks!!
To all of you mothers out there, do you ever think back to those days right before your first baby was born? Do you remember how quiet it was and just how delusional you were that you'd always have a level of peace and quiet? The moment you have kids life is constant chaos except for those few, rare moments when you get to be completely and gloriously alone. I love my kids, but those moments are the absolute best. I got one of those nights last night. From 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM I was alone. Yeah!! I put that time to good use too. I wrote over 1,200 words last night. Double yeah!!
In Chapter 6, Kate finally arrives in Houston. Up to this point, she's only really thought about how her Mom's career revival will cause her to leave her friends and family. Sure, she thinks about the other stuff Bridgette has promised, but its all secondary to the thought of leaving those she loves behind. In Houston, she begins to realize that leaving Mapleton is only the tip of the change iceberg. Once again, poor Kate, but don't worry. Lots of really cool things are going to start to happen soon. That's Chapter 7 though... For now, welcome to Houston.
Chapter 6
“The captain has announced our final descent into Houston, Texas. All electronic devices must now be powered off. Please stow all carry-on luggage, put your trays in their locked and upright position, and buckle your seat belts in preparation for landing.” The seat belt sign pinged in confirmation of the flight attendants words.
Removing all traces of the eye make-up I had applied before leaving Minnesota, I rubbed my eyes and ran my hands through my hair. I stretched in an attempt to fully wake up. Melanie would be horrified, but I never could obtain her level of orderly personal perfection. Why try and start now?
Once the cobwebs cleared, I expected to feel far more rested than when we boarded the plane. A late and restless night and an early morning had left me exhausted, and although I didn’t remember much of my first flight as Bridgette Broucheriou’s daughter, I was glad I would face my temporary home well rested.
The entire experience of traveling as a VIP was a bit overwhelming. The few times Mom and I previously traveled, we always flew first class, but our trip to Houston was the first time I ever traveled in a true VIP manner. Plush and luxurious, the limousine the studio hired to pick us up made a mockery of the limo Erik had hired to take us to prom this past spring. Mom and I were dropped off at the door to our terminal. We were met by an airline representative who solicitously arranged for our excessive amount of luggage to be checked in, handed us our boarding passes, and escorted us around the long security line to a private screening area.
There were whispers and stares, but everyone looked excited rather than annoyed. A few people even pulled out there phones, flipping them open and pointing them in our direction. It took me a few seconds to realize they were taking pictures of us. Gone was the anonymity of my first sixteen years. It was as if a big neon sign was flashing over my head, saying “LOOK AT ME!”
It all made perfect sense when I passed one of the airport stores and noticed a younger version of Mom’s face splashed across most of the weekly entertainment magazines. I stopped dead in my tracks. MY mom was on the cover of magazines – lots of them! Amazing! Who could have imagined? Okay, I know I shouldn’t have been surprised. I grew up with the knowledge that Mom was far from ordinary. I just never actually believed it.
The magazine bylines splashed the news.
“Bridgette’s Back!”
“Savannah Out! Bridgette In!”
“Welcome Back Bridgette!”
Mom looked at the newsstands and only smiled. I suppose she was used to it all – or at least had been. To me, the growing concept of my mother’s fame was incredible.
The stares followed us to our gate where the attentive airline representative handed us over to an equally attentive gate agent. Since the plane had already finished boarding, we were spared the attention of the other passengers as we were escorted onto the plane and shown to our seats. No one bothered us – probably because the attentive first class flight attendant glared at anyone who even looked like they were thinking of approaching Mom.
“Ready, Kate?” Mom reached out to grab my hand as the plane glided to earth. I knew she could see the slight daze in my eyes and would understand just how much her fame shocked me.
“Ready, Mom.” I squeezed her hand, releasing it to run my hands through my hair and over my eyes again. I had the horrible, sneaking suspicion that I looked dreadful. In Mapleton, it wouldn’t have mattered, but now that I knew people would be watching, I was oddly uncomfortable at the thought of looking less than perfect.
While the rest of the plane gathered their belongings, the flight attendant retrieved our carry-on luggage. As soon as the airplane door opened, we were led off the plane and handed over to yet another airline representative.
“Welcome to Houston, Ms. Broucheriou,” the representative’s slight drawl greeted us as she shook Mom’s hand. “It’s an honor. I’m one of your biggest fans!”
“Thank you, Kelley.” Mom’s mega-watt smile lit up her face as she smoothly greeted the representative by name. A quick glance at her nametag confirmed she was, indeed, Kelley.
“I’m afraid your arrival was leaked to the press. They’re waiting for you outside security. I can take you through an alternate exit if you would like,” Kelly looked at Mom anxiously, obviously hoping to make a good impression.
“That won’t be necessary, Kelley. I’d be happy to say hello. Besides, I suspect the studio is fully responsible for the leak.” Mom’s smile never faltered as she reached into her bag, grabbed a tube of lipstick, and swiped a fresh coat on her lips.
The press?!? Waiting for us! I looked at Kelley, waiting for her to make the same offer to me. When no such offer was made, I reached into my bag for my lipgloss. It wouldn’t make much of a difference, but at least I made the effort.
Mom paused at the top of the escalators leading to the baggage claim area where we would exit security. She grabbed both of my hands, squeezing them as she looked at me with a mixture of regret and comfort. “I suppose I should have prepared you for all this before we left. I didn’t think it would start this fast. I thought I would have time. I’m sorry.”
Rather than comforting me, Mom’s words freaked me out. How bad could a couple of reporters be?
“Just smile and don’t say anything. I’ll do all the talking. Follow my lead, and it’ll be over before you know it.” With a final squeeze, she released my hands. Reassembling her smile, she stepped onto the escalator.
Noises and blinding flashes of light greeted me at the bottom of the escalator. Chaos ruled as a crowd of determined reporters eagerly pressed against a makeshift crowd control barrier.
“Bridgette!! How does it feel to be back??”
“Bridgette! Over here! How does it feel to be playing Anna again after all these years?”
“Bridgette! How does it feel to be working with Kyle Thomas again?”
“Bridgette!! How does Savannah feel about your return? There’s a rumor of hard feelings??”
Mom calmly raised her hand to quiet the crowd. The reporters responded quickly, the roar quieting almost instantly.
“Thank you, everyone. I appreciate you all coming out to welcome me back home to Texas. It feels great to be back - to Texas and to acting. I’m honored to have been asked to join the cast of Dawn’s New Light. I’m sure I speak for Kyle too when I say I’m thrilled to be working with such incredible young talent. I can guarantee none of you will be disappointed in this sequel.”
The cameras flashed while Mom posed. I did my best to be invisible as the camera flashes lit the baggage claim area. After a few moments, Mom turned to grab my hand and leave.
“Bridgette! How does your family feel about your return?”
Mom paused and turned back to the growing crowd of spectators and reporters. “My family is the most important thing in my world. Without their support, I wouldn’t be here. My daughter Kate….,” she turned to pull me slightly forward. “My daughter Kate is here with me, and we’re both very excited to be able to experience this adventure together.”
I smiled dumbly, blinded by another round of camera flashes, until Mom signaled Kelley that we were ready to leave. With the help of several enormous security guards (definitely not the normal airport crew!), we walked through the crowd and out through a door marked “Passenger Vehicles” where another limousine waited. As we approached, the limousine’s passenger door opened and a tall, dark haired, dark eyed man exited the rear of the limousine. He paused to stare at us both, seeming to shake himself before finally stepping forward.
Kyle Thomas! Wow! I suddenly understood what Mom meant when she said he was gorgeous. He was even better looking in person than on screen.
“I see you’ve still got it Bridge. You dazzle them as usual. Welcome back.” He stepped forward to pull Mom into a hug that spoke of a level of intimacy I had only ever seen Mom share with Dad. It was now obvious why Dad was still so jealous of Kyle. Mom and Kyle had clearly been way more than casual boyfriend and girlfriend.
Mom reached up to kiss Kyle lightly on the cheek. She glanced over her shoulder at me before turning back to hug him a second time. “Kyle! I can’t believe you came to meet me. It’s so great to see you again.” Camera’s flashed, capturing Mom and Kyle’s reunion. I read enough gossip to know that this unplanned, unscripted meeting would sell a lot of magazines. I could almost visualize Dad’s stormy expression.
Mom and Kyle didn’t seem to notice the attention.
“Are you kidding? I couldn’t wait to see you. I never thought I’d see you back in the business, Bridgette.” Kyle’s eyes flashed with excitement as he looked deeply into Mom’s eyes.
“I couldn’t resist when Peter called. And Kate has been so supportive,” Mom said, turning to me. “Kate, come over here.”
The cameras continued to flash as Mom stepped back to put her arm around my shoulders. Her voice was strangely formal as she introduced me. “Kyle, this is my daughter, Kathryn. Kate, meet Kyle Thomas.”
“Hello, Kathryn. It’s wonderful to finally meet you,” Kyle reached out his hand.
Somehow I forced my hand to take his, but when I tried to say hello the words froze in my mouth. My eyes grew wide.
Mom laughed at the expression on my face, turning to Kyle to scold, “You could always strike me speechless too, Kyle. I’m afraid Kate isn’t used to the Hollywood scene. I’ve kept her pretty sheltered.” I blushed deep red as Mom and Kyle both turned to look at me.
Mom shook her head in mock exasperation. “He’s just a regular person, Kate. You’ll see. Come on now, let’s go.”
The drive from the airport took forever. Although the driver told us it wouldn’t take long, apparently “not long” meant something different in Houston than in Mapleton where going from one end of town to the other took less than five minutes. It took 45 minutes to finally pull onto our new street which was lined on either side by tall trees and, hidden behind the trees, huge, beautiful homes that looked like they belonged on the cover of a home magazine. Any one of the houses could have swallowed my little ranch style house in Mapleton multiple times over.
The drive gave Kyle plenty of time to fill us in on all the gossip. Well, fill Mom in, but I listened in fascination as he talked. Kyle included me in the conversation too, asking about my school and friends. I couldn’t imagine why this handsome, famous man cared, but I did my best to answer his questions without stuttering.
“Peter insisted on a house for you and Kate. He said you’d want to keep things as low key as possible. The rest of us are staying downtown. I’ll let you get settled in and plan on seeing you tonight at the welcome party,” Kyle said as the car deposited us in front of a large brick house surrounded by elegant trees and a garden full of colorful flowers. Before waving goodbye, he kissed Mom on the cheek (that was two kisses if you’re counting like me) and smiled widely at me. The stunning effect of his final smile didn’t dim until Mom ushered me into the beautifully decorated home and told me to pick a room.
“Unpack and get some rest, Kate,” Mom suggested. “The real excitement starts tonight.” A mischievous smile lit her beautiful face – a face that seemed to have transformed in the past hours. It was still my Mom’s face. But something else was there. A confidence and surety of self that might have been called arrogance on anyone else. On Mom – or maybe it was on Bridgette – it just looked right.
“You know, Mom, I think I may have had enough excitement for the day.” I shook my head in disbelief.
“Oh, no, Kate. Not near enough. Not nearly enough.” She smiled again as she walked down the hall toward the master bedroom. What could she be talking about? A week ago, I wouldn’t have been worried. Today, with those words coming from Bridgette Broucheriou rather than Mom, I was terrified. Brace yourself, Kate. You’re not in Minnesota anymore!
© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Chapter Five
Meetings, meetings, meetings... boring, boring, boring! Do you think published writers go to as many meetings as us normal middle management types? I'm not sure, but I'd be willing to find out! So, finally, I got to do some more writing last night. Not on Hollywood Dreams. That's been finished for a while. I wrote a bit of my new story. It was hard since Wednesday nights are the only weeknight that the whole family is actually at home, which means it can be more than a little chaotic. I'm proud of myself, though. I managed to focus (a little) and write. I'm looking forward to tonight. Only one of the three kids is at home, and she is no trouble at all. Yeah!! Peace and quiet!
Oh, good news! I have a fourth follower. Since I'm at work, I can't see the followers list, but (keep your fingers crossed) I hope it's some random person who just has the immense good sense to love my writing!! Smile I'll let you know tomorrow. Whoever you are, welcome. I'm so happy to have you. When I'm rich and famous, my first followers will NEVER have to stand in line overnight to get a wristband to attend one of my readings. Front row and signed, personalized copies of my books for you all. I promise!
I actually made my husband do that once - standing in line to get a wristband. It was to Stephenie Meyer, so it was so worth it. Coincidentally, that was the day I decided to start writing. That's another thing I'm going to do when I'm a rich and famous published writer. I'm going to meet Stephenie, and we'll become BFFs. For now, though, she isn't aware of our bright, shining future.
Here's what you have all been waiting for - Chapter 5! This chapter is one of the racier chapters, meaning there is some kissing/making out. Now, remember Kate is in the summer between her junior and senior year of high school. It's hard to remember that long ago, but I'm pretty sure I did that at that age. As my Mom is one of my followers, I refuse to say any more than that. Unfortunately, I have a 15 year old of my own which is way too close to Kate's age, so everything I write as far as kissing is concerned stays pretty PG. I just get weirded out if it gets too hot.
Chapter 5
The sun glinted off the blue water as it trickled down the rocks set across the back of the pool. The soft sounds of the water soothed me while I let the sun slowly seep into my tired muscles and contemplated sinking into the pool’s cool depths………
Ha! As if! The only “pool” in my backyard was the birdbath Mom placed on the side of our covered porch last year, and the only thing sinking into its blue “depths” was the occasional crow. There were no pools in a Minnesota backyard. Texas, apparently, was a different matter altogether. Mom assured me we’d have a pool in Houston – yet another positive added to my growing list of reasons I to be excited about my summer vacation.
I’d yet to figure out how to break the news to the two people on the negatives side of my list. Things had gone so horribly with Dad. I was determined to do a better job telling Erik and Melanie about my plans.
Mom and I were still reeling from the night before. We’d both said things to Dad that we shouldn’t have and there was no taking them back. The fact that our angry words were true didn’t make us feel any better. Mom escaped to Chic early in the morning to nurse her wounds and begin preparing the store for her departure. I was left alone with the task of figuring out how to deal with two of the most important people in my life.
Somehow, although Erik, Melanie, John, and I had sat on my back porch most of the afternoon, I couldn’t figure out how to begin. Every time I opened my mouth to say the words, they got stuck.
“Do you want a hotdog or hamburger, Kate?” Erik asked as he deftly flipped a thick hamburger onto an already overflowing plate.
“What??” Erik’s words startled me out of my daze. I’d been drifting off into my own world all day, losing track of space and time until someone or something would bring me abruptly back to the present. I could tell Erik and Melanie were getting suspicious.
“Food, Kate. What do you want?”
“Oh, a hotdog I guess.” Not that I would be able to eat. Even though I’d transitioned from devastated to marginally excited, the prospect of leaving my friends, still caused me physical pain. I kept reminding myself it was only three months, but that didn’t help much. They’d be so upset. We’d never been apart for more than a week before. Three months would seem like an eternity.
“Kate! I swear if you don’t tell us what’s wrong, I’m going to go crazy.” Erik was standing in front of me holding out my hotdog. His face showed confusion at my distracted behavior.
Shoot! I must have drifted off again. I obviously wasn’t any good at keeping secrets.
“I………,” I tried once again to tell them. The words got stuck in the back of my throat just as they had each of the hundred times I’d tried to speak them today.
“What?!?! Are you sick? Did you rob the mini-mart? Did you kill Mr. Pearson and bury him in your Dad’s soybean field? What?!?!” Erik’s tone was joking, but his face was serious. I opened my mouth to speak as Erik set the hotdog on the ground and wedged in beside me, completely filling the remainder of the space available in the large outdoor chair.
“I….. I love all you guys. This is just so hard.” I reached out to grab Erik’s hand with one of mine and Melanie’s hand with the other. My eyes filled with tears as I struggled to continue, “I’m leaving. Mom’s agreed to do a sequel to one of her old movies. She’s going to act again.”
Melanie gasped, putting her free hand to her mouth partially muffling the loud noise. Erik didn’t move. He looked unsure of how to respond. People just didn’t leave Mapleton.
“Leaving?!? What are you talking about, Kate?” Melanie was the first to speak.
“Only for three months. I’m spending the summer with Mom on location in Texas. I’ll be back before school.” Darn. My nerves were causing me to mess it up. Pulling my hand away from Melanie, I moved to fully sit on Erik’s lap, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Erik. I’ll be back. It’s just the summer.” I leaned in to kiss him. Only with persistence did I finally feel his lips start to move under mine and his arms wind around my back. When I heard the screen door squeaking shut behind me, I knew Melanie and John had moved inside to give us privacy.
I slightly shifted, lifting my lips from his enough so I could talk. Our bodies remained touching, forehead to forehead, chest to chest, and arms to arms. “Erik, I love you. No amount of distance or time will change that.”
This time he kissed me. Where my kiss was soothing and persuasive, his was intense and passionate. His arms, originally stationary around my waist started to drift slowly up and down my torso. Of its own regard my dazzled body shifted to straddle Erik’s waist, winding my legs around him as he shifted forward in the chair and his mouth began to pay loving attention to the side of my neck. I impatiently pushed my hips into his as he grasped my bottom, intensifying the result of my unconscious attempts at intimacy. The feel of his mouth moving from my neck to my collarbone brought me swiftly back to earth.
“Erik, stop. Not now. Not here on my back porch.” I moved to unwind my legs from around his waist and put some needed distance between us. My body practically hummed from the pleasure of Erik’s touch. It took all my willpower to resist the instinct to fall back into his embrace.
“Why not, Kate? I love you, and you’re leaving me. I need you now.” Erik’s arms pulled me forward again, his face imploring me to agree to his demands. Rather than answer, I stood up, breaking his hold, and walked to the other side of the porch.
“Stop it Erik. I’m leaving for the summer. I’m not leaving you.” My eyes urged him to understand.
“You’re leaving, Kate. I can feel it.” Erik’s handsome face was filled with uncommon vulnerability.
“I’ll call and text. I’ll email every hour. I’ll send you pictures. It’ll be like I’m not even gone.” I walked back to him, bending over to grasp his hands.
His face was dubious, but he allowed himself to be calmed by the soft kiss I placed on his lips. “Do you promise, Kate?”
“I promise. I love you. I’m not going to forget just because I’m in a different state.” I kissed him once again, allowing myself to be drawn onto his lap a second time. This time he held me chastely, and as the sun started to sink, Erik continued holding me as if he never intended to let me go.
Surprisingly enough, Melanie seemed to take my revised summer vacation plans in stride. She chose to focus on the positives (I made sure to share my list!!) rather than the fact that we wouldn’t be spending the summer together. As she put it, how often did your best friend get to spend the summer on the set of a major motion picture? Maybe some of the glory would rub off!!
Over the course of the following week, while Mom readied our lives for our change in location, I spent every moment with Erik and Melanie. It was as if they were both determined to shove an entire summer into a single week. It was fun, if a bit exhausting. By the end of the week, though, I found myself almost looking forward to some rest and relaxation in sunny Houston.
“Kate. Finish packing up. The car’s going to be here any minute,” Mom called to me from the living room where she was lining up her numerous suitcases by the front door. The studio had arranged for a car to pick us up. A limousine. It would take us directly to the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport where we would be escorted as VIPs into the first class section of a direct flight to Houston. Limousine! VIP! First Class! I could already feel my life changing.
I shoved a final pair of jeans and my favorite picture of Erik into my overflowing suitcase and zipped it close. This was it. I was ready.
“Coming, Mom.” I yelled back and, yanking the suitcase off my bed with a thud, headed to the living room. The enticing aroma of coffee altered my direction as I passed the kitchen doorway. It was 6 AM, and I was definitely not a morning person. Coffee was a must. The doorbell rang as I was pouring the strong, black brew into my favorite travel mug.
I had said my goodbyes to Erik and Melanie the night before. Melanie tried to put on a positive face, but I could tell, despite her almost casual acceptance of my departure, the reality of my leaving was difficult to take. She said her final goodbye early in the evening, leaving the rest of the night to Erik and me.
Saying goodbye to Erik was much harder than saying goodbye Melanie. Erik, unlike Melanie, had never fully accepted my news. So, although he tried to be supportive, the final smile he gave me when I turned to walk into my house, way past my normal curfew, didn’t reach his eyes.
“Mom, the car’s here,” I called as I headed to the door. Mom had returned to the back of the house for a final suitcase, a total of eight for her. Comparatively, my two smaller suitcases looked inconsequential. Hey, she promised new clothes, right?
I opened the door and turned to point toward the mountain of luggage, “All of these are going, and one more is on its way.”
“Hello, Kate,” Dad said tentatively. He didn’t move to hug or kiss me.
“Dad!” A mix of emotions hit me hard. We hadn’t spoken since the disastrous night at the farmhouse. I had been certain he was going to let me leave without saying goodbye.
“Katie Bears, I’m so sorry,” Dad whispered, reverting to his baby name for me. I watched as his eyes clouded with tears.
“I love you Daddy. I’m sorry too.” I reached out to wrap my arms around his waist, and he gathered me into a tight embrace. How could I not be sorry? He’d hurt me, but the tears in my big, strong Dad’s eyes showed me how much I’d hurt him too.
“I didn’t mean it, Kate. I trust you. You’ll make me proud.” He laid his cheek on top of my head. “I’m just scared of losing my little girl.”
“I know. I’ll miss you so much.” I could hear the comforting thump of his heartbeat as he held me close.
The sound of the approaching limousine intruded on our embrace. The slam of the driver’s side door echoed through the still country air as I pulled away and turned back towards the suitcases. Mom stood next to them, her eyes filled with tears.
“Thank you, David,” she said softly as she reached out to pull Dad into a hug of her own.
“You keep my girl safe, Bridgette. Please. I know you’ll do great. Hollywood has always welcomed you.”
Placing a single kiss on the top of Mom’s head, Dad turned to me for a final embrace before turning to walk down the sidewalk towards his truck.As I watched the quiet streets of Mapleton pass by the darkened windows of the limousine, I could feel the grasp of the small town loosening its hold. It was as if the world knew I had left my small little farm town and was eager to claim me for its own. Images of Dad and Erik and Melanie passed through my head. I would hold onto them with all my strength. The draw and allure of Hollywood magic – even if it was transplanted to Houston, Texas - might be strong, but I would remember that Mapleton was where I belonged. If I forgot, I might just forget who I was. And that was a risk I wouldn’t take.
© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson
Oh, good news! I have a fourth follower. Since I'm at work, I can't see the followers list, but (keep your fingers crossed) I hope it's some random person who just has the immense good sense to love my writing!! Smile I'll let you know tomorrow. Whoever you are, welcome. I'm so happy to have you. When I'm rich and famous, my first followers will NEVER have to stand in line overnight to get a wristband to attend one of my readings. Front row and signed, personalized copies of my books for you all. I promise!
I actually made my husband do that once - standing in line to get a wristband. It was to Stephenie Meyer, so it was so worth it. Coincidentally, that was the day I decided to start writing. That's another thing I'm going to do when I'm a rich and famous published writer. I'm going to meet Stephenie, and we'll become BFFs. For now, though, she isn't aware of our bright, shining future.
Here's what you have all been waiting for - Chapter 5! This chapter is one of the racier chapters, meaning there is some kissing/making out. Now, remember Kate is in the summer between her junior and senior year of high school. It's hard to remember that long ago, but I'm pretty sure I did that at that age. As my Mom is one of my followers, I refuse to say any more than that. Unfortunately, I have a 15 year old of my own which is way too close to Kate's age, so everything I write as far as kissing is concerned stays pretty PG. I just get weirded out if it gets too hot.
Chapter 5
The sun glinted off the blue water as it trickled down the rocks set across the back of the pool. The soft sounds of the water soothed me while I let the sun slowly seep into my tired muscles and contemplated sinking into the pool’s cool depths………
Ha! As if! The only “pool” in my backyard was the birdbath Mom placed on the side of our covered porch last year, and the only thing sinking into its blue “depths” was the occasional crow. There were no pools in a Minnesota backyard. Texas, apparently, was a different matter altogether. Mom assured me we’d have a pool in Houston – yet another positive added to my growing list of reasons I to be excited about my summer vacation.
I’d yet to figure out how to break the news to the two people on the negatives side of my list. Things had gone so horribly with Dad. I was determined to do a better job telling Erik and Melanie about my plans.
Mom and I were still reeling from the night before. We’d both said things to Dad that we shouldn’t have and there was no taking them back. The fact that our angry words were true didn’t make us feel any better. Mom escaped to Chic early in the morning to nurse her wounds and begin preparing the store for her departure. I was left alone with the task of figuring out how to deal with two of the most important people in my life.
Somehow, although Erik, Melanie, John, and I had sat on my back porch most of the afternoon, I couldn’t figure out how to begin. Every time I opened my mouth to say the words, they got stuck.
“Do you want a hotdog or hamburger, Kate?” Erik asked as he deftly flipped a thick hamburger onto an already overflowing plate.
“What??” Erik’s words startled me out of my daze. I’d been drifting off into my own world all day, losing track of space and time until someone or something would bring me abruptly back to the present. I could tell Erik and Melanie were getting suspicious.
“Food, Kate. What do you want?”
“Oh, a hotdog I guess.” Not that I would be able to eat. Even though I’d transitioned from devastated to marginally excited, the prospect of leaving my friends, still caused me physical pain. I kept reminding myself it was only three months, but that didn’t help much. They’d be so upset. We’d never been apart for more than a week before. Three months would seem like an eternity.
“Kate! I swear if you don’t tell us what’s wrong, I’m going to go crazy.” Erik was standing in front of me holding out my hotdog. His face showed confusion at my distracted behavior.
Shoot! I must have drifted off again. I obviously wasn’t any good at keeping secrets.
“I………,” I tried once again to tell them. The words got stuck in the back of my throat just as they had each of the hundred times I’d tried to speak them today.
“What?!?! Are you sick? Did you rob the mini-mart? Did you kill Mr. Pearson and bury him in your Dad’s soybean field? What?!?!” Erik’s tone was joking, but his face was serious. I opened my mouth to speak as Erik set the hotdog on the ground and wedged in beside me, completely filling the remainder of the space available in the large outdoor chair.
“I….. I love all you guys. This is just so hard.” I reached out to grab Erik’s hand with one of mine and Melanie’s hand with the other. My eyes filled with tears as I struggled to continue, “I’m leaving. Mom’s agreed to do a sequel to one of her old movies. She’s going to act again.”
Melanie gasped, putting her free hand to her mouth partially muffling the loud noise. Erik didn’t move. He looked unsure of how to respond. People just didn’t leave Mapleton.
“Leaving?!? What are you talking about, Kate?” Melanie was the first to speak.
“Only for three months. I’m spending the summer with Mom on location in Texas. I’ll be back before school.” Darn. My nerves were causing me to mess it up. Pulling my hand away from Melanie, I moved to fully sit on Erik’s lap, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Erik. I’ll be back. It’s just the summer.” I leaned in to kiss him. Only with persistence did I finally feel his lips start to move under mine and his arms wind around my back. When I heard the screen door squeaking shut behind me, I knew Melanie and John had moved inside to give us privacy.
I slightly shifted, lifting my lips from his enough so I could talk. Our bodies remained touching, forehead to forehead, chest to chest, and arms to arms. “Erik, I love you. No amount of distance or time will change that.”
This time he kissed me. Where my kiss was soothing and persuasive, his was intense and passionate. His arms, originally stationary around my waist started to drift slowly up and down my torso. Of its own regard my dazzled body shifted to straddle Erik’s waist, winding my legs around him as he shifted forward in the chair and his mouth began to pay loving attention to the side of my neck. I impatiently pushed my hips into his as he grasped my bottom, intensifying the result of my unconscious attempts at intimacy. The feel of his mouth moving from my neck to my collarbone brought me swiftly back to earth.
“Erik, stop. Not now. Not here on my back porch.” I moved to unwind my legs from around his waist and put some needed distance between us. My body practically hummed from the pleasure of Erik’s touch. It took all my willpower to resist the instinct to fall back into his embrace.
“Why not, Kate? I love you, and you’re leaving me. I need you now.” Erik’s arms pulled me forward again, his face imploring me to agree to his demands. Rather than answer, I stood up, breaking his hold, and walked to the other side of the porch.
“Stop it Erik. I’m leaving for the summer. I’m not leaving you.” My eyes urged him to understand.
“You’re leaving, Kate. I can feel it.” Erik’s handsome face was filled with uncommon vulnerability.
“I’ll call and text. I’ll email every hour. I’ll send you pictures. It’ll be like I’m not even gone.” I walked back to him, bending over to grasp his hands.
His face was dubious, but he allowed himself to be calmed by the soft kiss I placed on his lips. “Do you promise, Kate?”
“I promise. I love you. I’m not going to forget just because I’m in a different state.” I kissed him once again, allowing myself to be drawn onto his lap a second time. This time he held me chastely, and as the sun started to sink, Erik continued holding me as if he never intended to let me go.
Surprisingly enough, Melanie seemed to take my revised summer vacation plans in stride. She chose to focus on the positives (I made sure to share my list!!) rather than the fact that we wouldn’t be spending the summer together. As she put it, how often did your best friend get to spend the summer on the set of a major motion picture? Maybe some of the glory would rub off!!
Over the course of the following week, while Mom readied our lives for our change in location, I spent every moment with Erik and Melanie. It was as if they were both determined to shove an entire summer into a single week. It was fun, if a bit exhausting. By the end of the week, though, I found myself almost looking forward to some rest and relaxation in sunny Houston.
“Kate. Finish packing up. The car’s going to be here any minute,” Mom called to me from the living room where she was lining up her numerous suitcases by the front door. The studio had arranged for a car to pick us up. A limousine. It would take us directly to the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport where we would be escorted as VIPs into the first class section of a direct flight to Houston. Limousine! VIP! First Class! I could already feel my life changing.
I shoved a final pair of jeans and my favorite picture of Erik into my overflowing suitcase and zipped it close. This was it. I was ready.
“Coming, Mom.” I yelled back and, yanking the suitcase off my bed with a thud, headed to the living room. The enticing aroma of coffee altered my direction as I passed the kitchen doorway. It was 6 AM, and I was definitely not a morning person. Coffee was a must. The doorbell rang as I was pouring the strong, black brew into my favorite travel mug.
I had said my goodbyes to Erik and Melanie the night before. Melanie tried to put on a positive face, but I could tell, despite her almost casual acceptance of my departure, the reality of my leaving was difficult to take. She said her final goodbye early in the evening, leaving the rest of the night to Erik and me.
Saying goodbye to Erik was much harder than saying goodbye Melanie. Erik, unlike Melanie, had never fully accepted my news. So, although he tried to be supportive, the final smile he gave me when I turned to walk into my house, way past my normal curfew, didn’t reach his eyes.
“Mom, the car’s here,” I called as I headed to the door. Mom had returned to the back of the house for a final suitcase, a total of eight for her. Comparatively, my two smaller suitcases looked inconsequential. Hey, she promised new clothes, right?
I opened the door and turned to point toward the mountain of luggage, “All of these are going, and one more is on its way.”
“Hello, Kate,” Dad said tentatively. He didn’t move to hug or kiss me.
“Dad!” A mix of emotions hit me hard. We hadn’t spoken since the disastrous night at the farmhouse. I had been certain he was going to let me leave without saying goodbye.
“Katie Bears, I’m so sorry,” Dad whispered, reverting to his baby name for me. I watched as his eyes clouded with tears.
“I love you Daddy. I’m sorry too.” I reached out to wrap my arms around his waist, and he gathered me into a tight embrace. How could I not be sorry? He’d hurt me, but the tears in my big, strong Dad’s eyes showed me how much I’d hurt him too.
“I didn’t mean it, Kate. I trust you. You’ll make me proud.” He laid his cheek on top of my head. “I’m just scared of losing my little girl.”
“I know. I’ll miss you so much.” I could hear the comforting thump of his heartbeat as he held me close.
The sound of the approaching limousine intruded on our embrace. The slam of the driver’s side door echoed through the still country air as I pulled away and turned back towards the suitcases. Mom stood next to them, her eyes filled with tears.
“Thank you, David,” she said softly as she reached out to pull Dad into a hug of her own.
“You keep my girl safe, Bridgette. Please. I know you’ll do great. Hollywood has always welcomed you.”
Placing a single kiss on the top of Mom’s head, Dad turned to me for a final embrace before turning to walk down the sidewalk towards his truck.As I watched the quiet streets of Mapleton pass by the darkened windows of the limousine, I could feel the grasp of the small town loosening its hold. It was as if the world knew I had left my small little farm town and was eager to claim me for its own. Images of Dad and Erik and Melanie passed through my head. I would hold onto them with all my strength. The draw and allure of Hollywood magic – even if it was transplanted to Houston, Texas - might be strong, but I would remember that Mapleton was where I belonged. If I forgot, I might just forget who I was. And that was a risk I wouldn’t take.
© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Chapter Four
Good morning! It's another bright sunny day in Houston. I'm at work, not writing, but I suppose it could be worse. At least they pay me here :) I still know all of my followers, but a high school friend of mine who is in marketing has offered to help me promote myself and my writing. I have high hopes that my 3 followers will soon blossom to unheard of proportions. Thanks, Adam, if you read this!
Last night was another unproductive night, but the excuse yesterday was 2nd grade orientation for my 7 year old. It was dull and repetitive and generally mind-numbing. I needed to go, though. First, I needed to explain to the teachers why my daughter will often come to school wearing make-up on Mondays. Elementary schools tend to frown on 2nd grade make-up, but Macey is a competitive cheerleader, which requires stage make-up. I've found that it's a good idea to communicate with the teachers prior to her getting sent home for breaking rules. See, look at me being proactive. Unfortunately, I also needed to explain to the teacher that my baby is still mourning the loss of a wonderful woman who was a motherly figure to her. Claudia died of breast cancer a little over 2 months ago. Macey still cries sometimes, and Claudia's own 7 year old (Macey's best friend) is in the same class as Macey. The teacher needed to understand that sometimes Macey might be sad and that sometimes Macey and Carley might talk about her Mother's death. Heavy stuff... Believe me, it's not fun to help your baby mourn.
On to happier stuff. Chapter 4. Well, happier than the end of my last paragraph. Actually, it's practically joyous in comparison. I hope everyone is enjoying the book so far. Let me know your thoughts via comments or email. My email link is in my profile.
Chapter 4
It was almost noon when I finally left my room. The sun shined brightly through the wispy white curtains that covered my window. Rather than getting up right away, I cuddled deep into the numerous pillows that surrounded me. I loved my bed and all its soft edges and colors. Mom had given me free reign and an unlimited budget a few years back. “Create your dream space, Kate,” she’d told me. And I did.
I started with a big canopy bed, added a thick mattress, and covered it all with a down comforter in shades of blue, pink, and white. A thick, cushioned chair and ottoman sat in one corner, upholstered in a fabric that matched my comforter. A large vanity sat in the other corner; a mirror on its wide top. The room was topped off with a dresser sporting a top of the line stereo system and a flat screen TV. It was perfect, and if I could have managed it, I doubt I would have ever left its peaceful sanctuary.
Today, especially, I wanted to hide.
The doorbell had rung indecently early. I refused to wake up though I knew what it meant. Mom’s script had been delivered. Right now, she’d be curled up on the couch reading it. Deciding my future.
Maybe if I hid long enough, the monsters invading my serene life would go away. A child’s dream was easy to believe here in my room. Everything would change once I stepped out the door. So I stayed and hid. At least I tried, but my body soon demanded I get up. It was having none of this nonsense. The day was late, and it had business to attend to.
A long shower helped extend my avoidance, as did the care I took in getting ready, far more than the lazy Saturday deserved. By the time I emerged from my room, I’d managed to kill another hour, but my stomach was growling anxiously. I bypassed the living room, avoiding Mom, and entered the kitchen from a back hall. My toast had just popped up from the toaster when mom called to me.
“Kate?? Are you finally up?” Mom’s voice was even. Its tone gave me no clues.
“I’m up, Mom.” I spread a thick layer of peanut butter on my toast, placed it on a plate, and grabbed a napkin prior to heading into the living room. I was going to need sustenance to get through this conversation. My feet dragged, and my legs felt like lead as I walked the short distance between the kitchen and the living room.
Mom was curled up on the couch, just like I’d expected. With her hair piled high on her head in a loose ponytail, short pajama outfit, and no makeup, she looked to be twelve years old rather than 42. It was obvious she had done little else but read since the early morning script delivery; the only evidence of movement was a half empty coffee cup in front of her.
I sat down next to her on the couch, cuddling into her side and laying my head on her shoulder. She looked up from the thick bound book in her hands. Her look, like her earlier words, was even.
“Well??” I said without lifting my head. I’d been a coward long enough. It was time to face my fears.
Her gaze finally lost its neutral look. The violet depths of her eyes sparkled with a restrained pleasure. “It doesn’t suck.”
I could do this. I needed to do this for Mom. My Mom was everything to me; she did everything for me. It was time, after sixteen years of giving, for her to receive something.
“It’s great Kate. Perfect. Amazing! They want me on location next week if I’m interested. The director left this change to the last minute. Pre-production is almost over, and they’re getting ready to start shooting. The studio is going crazy.” Mom pulled away from my embrace, gently pushing my head off her shoulder. She stood up and began to pace in front of the living room window.
“Next week,” I echoed. I grabbed my toast, shoving a huge bite in my mouth to stifle the groan threatening to burst out. Next week. How could I say goodbye to everyone in a week.
“Next week. They need me in Texas right away for the three months of location work. We’ll be shooting in the Gulf of Mexico and around the oil refineries. That’ll be followed by another couple months in LA.” Mom stopped her pacing to stare out the window and across the street to Mrs. McDaniel’s house, so lost in thought I doubted she actually saw anything. Her mind was already in Hollywood, already lost in the world of her youth.
“Three months in Texas. All summer.” Another bite of toast followed the words to occupy my mouth once again. I didn’t want to ruin my strong supportive act now. Mom didn’t seem to notice.
“Yes. It’s perfect timing. You could spend the summer with me in Houston. You haven’t been to Texas since you were a baby. It’s a shame you never got to spend time there. You’ll love it. Come fall, you can come back and stay with your Dad. I’ll have to get Pam some help at Chic, but I’m sure she’ll be able to handle it.” Mom had obviously worked out the logistics in her mind while I slept.
I wasn’t so sure I agreed with her assessment of time in Texas. The Minnesotan in me had visions of cowboys riding through the streets on horses. Mom’s parents, Grandma and Grandpa Brown, had died before I could even walk. I hadn’t visited the state since their funeral.
“So you’ll call Peter and tell him you’re in?” My voice finally broke. No amount of toast could keep it calm.
“How can I tell him that, Kate? It’ll change our whole lives. Even when you return, it’ll never be the same. I always wanted to give you a normal life. This will ruin all my best intentions.” For a moment she looked at me with such uncertainty that it felt as if I were the mother and she the child.
She was right. She’d always tried to keep my life normal – exceptionally normal. But in the end, could I ask her to give up her dreams? Could any of us throw away what was so badly wanted? In the long run, despite our good intentions, the deepest of our desires always surfaced.
“You tell him yes because you can and will. You deserve it Mom. We’ll make it work.” My voice settled, gaining confidence and conviction.
“Are you sure, Kate? This is your decision. I won’t do it if you don’t want me to. You’re the most important thing in my world. You come first.”
But it wasn’t my decision, not really. I was old enough to realize there wasn’t actually a decision to make. This was about Mom and my love for her. This was about doing the right thing.
“Yes, I’m sure. It’ll be fun. A three month vacation. I can’t wait.” I uttered the lie without blinking.
Suddenly, Mom’s whole demeanor changed. Her previously stiff shoulders visibly relaxed, her face lightened, the lines of stress disappeared, and a huge smile spread across her face. “Oh my goodness, Kate! We’ll have the best time!! Houston is amazing! It’ll be fantastic to be back in Texas. I haven’t been there in years! Houston is cosmopolitan – in a southern sort of way. And wait until you see the stores! With all the oil money, there’s a ton of great shopping. You’ll need new clothes, of course. Lots of them. Bridgette Broucheriou’s daughter has to have the best!” Bridgette Broucherious’s daughter? I suppose I would be. Bridgette Swanson would disappear, wouldn’t she?
Mom continued, practically vibrating with excitement, “A new car too. You can’t drive your ugly sedan in Houston. We’ll sightsee and eat at the best restaurants. You can learn all about making movies. It’s fascinating! Oh, just wait until you find out who the rest of the cast is; you’ll DIE! It’ll be the best summer vacation ever.”
Before I could respond, Mom ran over and pulled into a huge hug. I pasted a smile on my face and joined Mom’s celebration. Although I wasn’t entirely convinced, I wouldn’t let her see my doubts. This was her time. I couldn’t ruin it.
And, well, when explained that way, it didn’t sound all bad. There could be benefits. A new car. New clothes. Celebrities (real ones – Mom didn’t count!). Nice! I could live like that. It would only be three months… I could live that long without Erik and Melanie. I could live that long without Dad.
Maybe it would be fine. Maybe I could survive.
When Mom calmed herself down enough to speak rationally, she called Peter. Saturday or not, he was excited to hear from her. While Mom talked, she started pacing again. Now that the decision had been made, she seemed nervous. I wasn’t sure if it was more about the prospect of re-launching a long dead career or the upcoming task of telling Dad. My vote was on Dad. He was unlikely to take this well.
After hanging up with Peter, she muttered something about pulling the bandage off quickly and dialed Dad’s number. Without telling him why, she invited us over to the farmhouse for dinner. He seemed a bit puzzled by Mom’s sudden desire to visit the farm but, in true hospitable Minnesota fashion, didn’t questioned her motives. I knew Dad would be wondering what was up. Although they’d stayed friendly after the divorce, my parents didn’t exactly hang out.
I opted for the coward’s way out and sent Erik a text message to cancel our standing Saturday night date. It wasn’t unusual for us to not speak on a Saturday until late in the day. Erik typically helped his dad around the farm on Saturday and that meant he was completely tied up until it was nearly time to come get me. I could have called and asked his Mom to find him if I wanted to cancel in person, but I didn’t really want to hear his voice. Right now, I couldn’t risk my reaction if we talked. There was no way I could have kept myself from blurting out my news. Dad deserved to be the first to know.
First things first. Telling Dad was going to be hard enough.
Melanie was a harder to avoid. It was extremely odd for us not to be together on Saturday. I faked a cold (Cough! Cough!) when she called to suggest we head into Mankato for the southern Minnesota version of high fashion shopping at the River Hills Mall. Any other Saturday, I would have jumped at the idea. Not today.
Then, with my evasions complete, I escaped to the blue and pink confines of my bedroom to contemplate the surprisingly pleasant concept of my self-imposed Texas exile. Before I knew it, the day was gone, and Mom’s little sports car was bouncing down the rough country roads towards Dad’s farm.
Before the birth of the incredible screeching machine, dinner at Dad’s had always been fun. In addition to the fantastic food (Laura, like Grandma before her, was an excellent cook.), dinner was a chance to spend some dedicated quality time with Dad. Unfortunately, Matthew’s birth seriously cut into that time. It was truly amazing how much time a baby took! At least the food was still good.
“Waaaaaaaaah!!!!” The melodic sounds of Matthew’s voice greeted me when I entered the house.
“Hey, hon,” Dad reached out to give me a one armed hug. I reluctantly returned his casual embrace, being careful to stay away from the thin line of drool dripping down the baby’s face.
“Hey, Dad. Hey, Matt.” I gingerly patted the baby’s head – the only safe place to touch since poop, puke, and drool didn’t typically make it to the top of his bald head.
“It’s Matthew, Kate,” Laura said, walking up behind me and quickly squeezing my shoulder in greeting. Laura was obsessive about her precious bundle of joy’s name. No nickname was good enough for Matthew Swanson.
“Sorry, Laura.” I smiled at Laura and wondered once again what Dad saw in her. Her pudgy body was covered in loose jeans and a baggy t-shirt. Sure, Matthew had only been born last month, but….. I remember seeing pictures of Mom one month after my birth, and she hadn’t looked like she was still pregnant.
“It’s no problem, Kate. You just can’t be too careful with someone’s name, you know? I wouldn’t want him to sound too common. Matthew Swanson is the name of a strong, virile man. Matt Swanson works at a fast food place. You know what I mean.” She looked at me earnestly, as if she thought I might have an opinion.
“Absolutely, Laura. I know what you mean.” I didn’t. Honestly, who cared?
I could feel Mom come up behind me during this exchange, her beauty almost a physical force in this small space, especially when compared to Laura’s plainness.
Rather than joining the conversation, she turned to Dad. “Thanks, David, for inviting us out tonight.” Inviting us out? Not from the conversation I’d heard. She was either warming up her acting skills or hoping Dad would forget the obvious fact that there was a purpose behind our self-invitation. Of course, when paired with her smile and a light kiss on the cheek, even Dad, who’d lived nearly seven years with Mom and knew most of her tricks, seemed to forget he hadn’t invited us.
The house was filled with the smell of Laura’s roast, combined with sweet scent of apple pie, causing my mouth to salivate. Laura took Matthew from Dad and turning to Mom and me, announced, “Dinner’s ready,”
It wasn’t until I devoured nearly half the roast that I remembered the news Mom and I were going to give Dad. After that, my appetite completely disappeared. While it could have been that I’d eaten half my body weight in beef, I attributed my sudden lack of desire for desert to nerves.
Barely touching her apple pie, Mom seemed to agree. She waited until after Laura placed a steaming pot of coffee in the middle of the table to bring up the real reason for our visit.
“So, David. Peter Jenkins called me Friday,” Mom casually stated. Dad’s eyes widened. His expression was an imitation of my own when I first heard about Peter Jenkins’ call.
“Peter.” His voice was sharp. His usually friendly expression was replaced by wariness. Dad might be a farmer, but he wasn’t stupid. Peter Jenkins wouldn’t have called Mom if he didn’t have a good reason. Especially after all these years.
“They’ve made some changes in direction for the sequel to Midnight’s Dawn,” Mom said.
Dad’s expression grew more wary. The words Midnight’s Dawn had even more significance to him than they did for me. “How does that affect you? They were supposed to have that troublemaking tart Savannah Sears play Anna.”
Savannah Sears was definitely known to be a troublemaker. Tall with long blond hair and more curves than strictly required, it wasn’t at all unusual to see her beautiful face splashed across the tabloids, usually associated with some sort of scandel. Guys, drinking, fights with the paparazzi, it didn’t matter; if it involved trouble, Savannah Sears was usually there. Although her behavior was scandalous, the public saw it as part of her charm. She was wildly popular, and at eighteen, she’d been the original choice to play Anna in Midnight’s Dawn’s sequel.
“The director has decided to change direction. He wants the old cast back. Savannah’s been re-cast as Anna’s daughter,” she paused. Her casual expression morphed into a mixture of hesitance and expectation. “Kyle’s already agreed to reprise the role of Jake.”
Dad’s wary face darkened, turning stormy.
Kyle had been Mom’s boyfriend when Dad and Mom first met. Though Mom broke off with Kyle before she and Dad started dating, Dad had never liked Kyle. I found it sort of amusing that, after all these years and a divorce, the thought of Kyle Thomas still made Dad mad.
I, on the other hand, was stuck on the fact that I’d get to meet Savannah Sears. Cool!
“They want you back.” Dad stated the fact bluntly.
“They want me back,” Mom responded, just as bluntly. I could tell Dad’s attitude was starting to bother her.
“And?” For a moment, I could see the resentment of lost dreams in Dad’s eyes. It wasn’t often I remembered that life on the farm wasn’t the one Dad originally wanted. At one time, Dad’s dreams were bigger.
“I’m going, David. I have to. I want to.” Mom’s words were unapologetic. Self-sacrificing or not, I could tell she wasn’t going to allow her ex-husband’s attitude to make her feel guilty.
“What about Kate?” Dad first glared at Mom then glanced over at me. I could tell he was waiting for me to throw a fit.
“Kate thinks Mom should do it,” I said. Dad’s attitude was beginning to make me mad too. Kate could speak for herself.
Dad ignored me. “Well I guess she can come and live here. We’ll have to move the baby into our room, but we’ll make it work.”
What?!
“Kate’s coming with me David. At least for the summer,” Mom said, glancing at Laura’s reluctant face while she did so. It was painfully obvious that a teenage step-daughter didn’t fit into her plans for a happy little household.
“I’m going with Mom, Dad. When school starts, I’ll come back and live in town.” Not that I’d run that part of the idea past Mom, but it sounded good to me. I’d be seventeen by then. No way was I moving in with Dad, Laura, and the drooling monster.
“Kathryn Swanson, you will live exactly where I tell you to. Do you know what it’s like out there? Do you know how they’ll eat you up? It’s not like Mapleton. Your Mom’s life will destroy you.” Dad’s face turned a scary shade of red.
Mom and I stood up at the same time.
“I believe Mom has first say in where I live. You might want to remember that before you TELL me anything.” How dare he! As if he’d ever bothered to direct my life in any way. That was Mom’s job. It was always the farm or Grandma or anything besides me. Now it was Laura and Matthew. I could feel all the long buried resentment bubble to the surface.
“Good God, David! Are you ever going to get over the past?! None of us can change what is done.” Mom’s angry words blasted out at the same time as mine. She visibly blanched as she watched Dad turn from red to white. She was right. Dad never recovered from Hollywood’s rejection. It just never occurred to me she would say the words out loud.
“Mom and you have raised me well enough to survive wherever I am. I’m disappointed you have so little faith in me, Dad.” I headed towards the front of the house. Mom followed.
I could hear Dad call my name as I opened the front door. As I stepped onto the front porch, I heard Matthew’s cry and knew that Dad wouldn’t follow. Matthew needed him. The fact that I was hurt and suffering would have to wait. He had other, more important things to attend to.
© 2008 - 2009 Elizabeth Johnson
Last night was another unproductive night, but the excuse yesterday was 2nd grade orientation for my 7 year old. It was dull and repetitive and generally mind-numbing. I needed to go, though. First, I needed to explain to the teachers why my daughter will often come to school wearing make-up on Mondays. Elementary schools tend to frown on 2nd grade make-up, but Macey is a competitive cheerleader, which requires stage make-up. I've found that it's a good idea to communicate with the teachers prior to her getting sent home for breaking rules. See, look at me being proactive. Unfortunately, I also needed to explain to the teacher that my baby is still mourning the loss of a wonderful woman who was a motherly figure to her. Claudia died of breast cancer a little over 2 months ago. Macey still cries sometimes, and Claudia's own 7 year old (Macey's best friend) is in the same class as Macey. The teacher needed to understand that sometimes Macey might be sad and that sometimes Macey and Carley might talk about her Mother's death. Heavy stuff... Believe me, it's not fun to help your baby mourn.
On to happier stuff. Chapter 4. Well, happier than the end of my last paragraph. Actually, it's practically joyous in comparison. I hope everyone is enjoying the book so far. Let me know your thoughts via comments or email. My email link is in my profile.
Chapter 4
It was almost noon when I finally left my room. The sun shined brightly through the wispy white curtains that covered my window. Rather than getting up right away, I cuddled deep into the numerous pillows that surrounded me. I loved my bed and all its soft edges and colors. Mom had given me free reign and an unlimited budget a few years back. “Create your dream space, Kate,” she’d told me. And I did.
I started with a big canopy bed, added a thick mattress, and covered it all with a down comforter in shades of blue, pink, and white. A thick, cushioned chair and ottoman sat in one corner, upholstered in a fabric that matched my comforter. A large vanity sat in the other corner; a mirror on its wide top. The room was topped off with a dresser sporting a top of the line stereo system and a flat screen TV. It was perfect, and if I could have managed it, I doubt I would have ever left its peaceful sanctuary.
Today, especially, I wanted to hide.
The doorbell had rung indecently early. I refused to wake up though I knew what it meant. Mom’s script had been delivered. Right now, she’d be curled up on the couch reading it. Deciding my future.
Maybe if I hid long enough, the monsters invading my serene life would go away. A child’s dream was easy to believe here in my room. Everything would change once I stepped out the door. So I stayed and hid. At least I tried, but my body soon demanded I get up. It was having none of this nonsense. The day was late, and it had business to attend to.
A long shower helped extend my avoidance, as did the care I took in getting ready, far more than the lazy Saturday deserved. By the time I emerged from my room, I’d managed to kill another hour, but my stomach was growling anxiously. I bypassed the living room, avoiding Mom, and entered the kitchen from a back hall. My toast had just popped up from the toaster when mom called to me.
“Kate?? Are you finally up?” Mom’s voice was even. Its tone gave me no clues.
“I’m up, Mom.” I spread a thick layer of peanut butter on my toast, placed it on a plate, and grabbed a napkin prior to heading into the living room. I was going to need sustenance to get through this conversation. My feet dragged, and my legs felt like lead as I walked the short distance between the kitchen and the living room.
Mom was curled up on the couch, just like I’d expected. With her hair piled high on her head in a loose ponytail, short pajama outfit, and no makeup, she looked to be twelve years old rather than 42. It was obvious she had done little else but read since the early morning script delivery; the only evidence of movement was a half empty coffee cup in front of her.
I sat down next to her on the couch, cuddling into her side and laying my head on her shoulder. She looked up from the thick bound book in her hands. Her look, like her earlier words, was even.
“Well??” I said without lifting my head. I’d been a coward long enough. It was time to face my fears.
Her gaze finally lost its neutral look. The violet depths of her eyes sparkled with a restrained pleasure. “It doesn’t suck.”
I could do this. I needed to do this for Mom. My Mom was everything to me; she did everything for me. It was time, after sixteen years of giving, for her to receive something.
“It’s great Kate. Perfect. Amazing! They want me on location next week if I’m interested. The director left this change to the last minute. Pre-production is almost over, and they’re getting ready to start shooting. The studio is going crazy.” Mom pulled away from my embrace, gently pushing my head off her shoulder. She stood up and began to pace in front of the living room window.
“Next week,” I echoed. I grabbed my toast, shoving a huge bite in my mouth to stifle the groan threatening to burst out. Next week. How could I say goodbye to everyone in a week.
“Next week. They need me in Texas right away for the three months of location work. We’ll be shooting in the Gulf of Mexico and around the oil refineries. That’ll be followed by another couple months in LA.” Mom stopped her pacing to stare out the window and across the street to Mrs. McDaniel’s house, so lost in thought I doubted she actually saw anything. Her mind was already in Hollywood, already lost in the world of her youth.
“Three months in Texas. All summer.” Another bite of toast followed the words to occupy my mouth once again. I didn’t want to ruin my strong supportive act now. Mom didn’t seem to notice.
“Yes. It’s perfect timing. You could spend the summer with me in Houston. You haven’t been to Texas since you were a baby. It’s a shame you never got to spend time there. You’ll love it. Come fall, you can come back and stay with your Dad. I’ll have to get Pam some help at Chic, but I’m sure she’ll be able to handle it.” Mom had obviously worked out the logistics in her mind while I slept.
I wasn’t so sure I agreed with her assessment of time in Texas. The Minnesotan in me had visions of cowboys riding through the streets on horses. Mom’s parents, Grandma and Grandpa Brown, had died before I could even walk. I hadn’t visited the state since their funeral.
“So you’ll call Peter and tell him you’re in?” My voice finally broke. No amount of toast could keep it calm.
“How can I tell him that, Kate? It’ll change our whole lives. Even when you return, it’ll never be the same. I always wanted to give you a normal life. This will ruin all my best intentions.” For a moment she looked at me with such uncertainty that it felt as if I were the mother and she the child.
She was right. She’d always tried to keep my life normal – exceptionally normal. But in the end, could I ask her to give up her dreams? Could any of us throw away what was so badly wanted? In the long run, despite our good intentions, the deepest of our desires always surfaced.
“You tell him yes because you can and will. You deserve it Mom. We’ll make it work.” My voice settled, gaining confidence and conviction.
“Are you sure, Kate? This is your decision. I won’t do it if you don’t want me to. You’re the most important thing in my world. You come first.”
But it wasn’t my decision, not really. I was old enough to realize there wasn’t actually a decision to make. This was about Mom and my love for her. This was about doing the right thing.
“Yes, I’m sure. It’ll be fun. A three month vacation. I can’t wait.” I uttered the lie without blinking.
Suddenly, Mom’s whole demeanor changed. Her previously stiff shoulders visibly relaxed, her face lightened, the lines of stress disappeared, and a huge smile spread across her face. “Oh my goodness, Kate! We’ll have the best time!! Houston is amazing! It’ll be fantastic to be back in Texas. I haven’t been there in years! Houston is cosmopolitan – in a southern sort of way. And wait until you see the stores! With all the oil money, there’s a ton of great shopping. You’ll need new clothes, of course. Lots of them. Bridgette Broucheriou’s daughter has to have the best!” Bridgette Broucherious’s daughter? I suppose I would be. Bridgette Swanson would disappear, wouldn’t she?
Mom continued, practically vibrating with excitement, “A new car too. You can’t drive your ugly sedan in Houston. We’ll sightsee and eat at the best restaurants. You can learn all about making movies. It’s fascinating! Oh, just wait until you find out who the rest of the cast is; you’ll DIE! It’ll be the best summer vacation ever.”
Before I could respond, Mom ran over and pulled into a huge hug. I pasted a smile on my face and joined Mom’s celebration. Although I wasn’t entirely convinced, I wouldn’t let her see my doubts. This was her time. I couldn’t ruin it.
And, well, when explained that way, it didn’t sound all bad. There could be benefits. A new car. New clothes. Celebrities (real ones – Mom didn’t count!). Nice! I could live like that. It would only be three months… I could live that long without Erik and Melanie. I could live that long without Dad.
Maybe it would be fine. Maybe I could survive.
When Mom calmed herself down enough to speak rationally, she called Peter. Saturday or not, he was excited to hear from her. While Mom talked, she started pacing again. Now that the decision had been made, she seemed nervous. I wasn’t sure if it was more about the prospect of re-launching a long dead career or the upcoming task of telling Dad. My vote was on Dad. He was unlikely to take this well.
After hanging up with Peter, she muttered something about pulling the bandage off quickly and dialed Dad’s number. Without telling him why, she invited us over to the farmhouse for dinner. He seemed a bit puzzled by Mom’s sudden desire to visit the farm but, in true hospitable Minnesota fashion, didn’t questioned her motives. I knew Dad would be wondering what was up. Although they’d stayed friendly after the divorce, my parents didn’t exactly hang out.
I opted for the coward’s way out and sent Erik a text message to cancel our standing Saturday night date. It wasn’t unusual for us to not speak on a Saturday until late in the day. Erik typically helped his dad around the farm on Saturday and that meant he was completely tied up until it was nearly time to come get me. I could have called and asked his Mom to find him if I wanted to cancel in person, but I didn’t really want to hear his voice. Right now, I couldn’t risk my reaction if we talked. There was no way I could have kept myself from blurting out my news. Dad deserved to be the first to know.
First things first. Telling Dad was going to be hard enough.
Melanie was a harder to avoid. It was extremely odd for us not to be together on Saturday. I faked a cold (Cough! Cough!) when she called to suggest we head into Mankato for the southern Minnesota version of high fashion shopping at the River Hills Mall. Any other Saturday, I would have jumped at the idea. Not today.
Then, with my evasions complete, I escaped to the blue and pink confines of my bedroom to contemplate the surprisingly pleasant concept of my self-imposed Texas exile. Before I knew it, the day was gone, and Mom’s little sports car was bouncing down the rough country roads towards Dad’s farm.
Before the birth of the incredible screeching machine, dinner at Dad’s had always been fun. In addition to the fantastic food (Laura, like Grandma before her, was an excellent cook.), dinner was a chance to spend some dedicated quality time with Dad. Unfortunately, Matthew’s birth seriously cut into that time. It was truly amazing how much time a baby took! At least the food was still good.
“Waaaaaaaaah!!!!” The melodic sounds of Matthew’s voice greeted me when I entered the house.
“Hey, hon,” Dad reached out to give me a one armed hug. I reluctantly returned his casual embrace, being careful to stay away from the thin line of drool dripping down the baby’s face.
“Hey, Dad. Hey, Matt.” I gingerly patted the baby’s head – the only safe place to touch since poop, puke, and drool didn’t typically make it to the top of his bald head.
“It’s Matthew, Kate,” Laura said, walking up behind me and quickly squeezing my shoulder in greeting. Laura was obsessive about her precious bundle of joy’s name. No nickname was good enough for Matthew Swanson.
“Sorry, Laura.” I smiled at Laura and wondered once again what Dad saw in her. Her pudgy body was covered in loose jeans and a baggy t-shirt. Sure, Matthew had only been born last month, but….. I remember seeing pictures of Mom one month after my birth, and she hadn’t looked like she was still pregnant.
“It’s no problem, Kate. You just can’t be too careful with someone’s name, you know? I wouldn’t want him to sound too common. Matthew Swanson is the name of a strong, virile man. Matt Swanson works at a fast food place. You know what I mean.” She looked at me earnestly, as if she thought I might have an opinion.
“Absolutely, Laura. I know what you mean.” I didn’t. Honestly, who cared?
I could feel Mom come up behind me during this exchange, her beauty almost a physical force in this small space, especially when compared to Laura’s plainness.
Rather than joining the conversation, she turned to Dad. “Thanks, David, for inviting us out tonight.” Inviting us out? Not from the conversation I’d heard. She was either warming up her acting skills or hoping Dad would forget the obvious fact that there was a purpose behind our self-invitation. Of course, when paired with her smile and a light kiss on the cheek, even Dad, who’d lived nearly seven years with Mom and knew most of her tricks, seemed to forget he hadn’t invited us.
The house was filled with the smell of Laura’s roast, combined with sweet scent of apple pie, causing my mouth to salivate. Laura took Matthew from Dad and turning to Mom and me, announced, “Dinner’s ready,”
It wasn’t until I devoured nearly half the roast that I remembered the news Mom and I were going to give Dad. After that, my appetite completely disappeared. While it could have been that I’d eaten half my body weight in beef, I attributed my sudden lack of desire for desert to nerves.
Barely touching her apple pie, Mom seemed to agree. She waited until after Laura placed a steaming pot of coffee in the middle of the table to bring up the real reason for our visit.
“So, David. Peter Jenkins called me Friday,” Mom casually stated. Dad’s eyes widened. His expression was an imitation of my own when I first heard about Peter Jenkins’ call.
“Peter.” His voice was sharp. His usually friendly expression was replaced by wariness. Dad might be a farmer, but he wasn’t stupid. Peter Jenkins wouldn’t have called Mom if he didn’t have a good reason. Especially after all these years.
“They’ve made some changes in direction for the sequel to Midnight’s Dawn,” Mom said.
Dad’s expression grew more wary. The words Midnight’s Dawn had even more significance to him than they did for me. “How does that affect you? They were supposed to have that troublemaking tart Savannah Sears play Anna.”
Savannah Sears was definitely known to be a troublemaker. Tall with long blond hair and more curves than strictly required, it wasn’t at all unusual to see her beautiful face splashed across the tabloids, usually associated with some sort of scandel. Guys, drinking, fights with the paparazzi, it didn’t matter; if it involved trouble, Savannah Sears was usually there. Although her behavior was scandalous, the public saw it as part of her charm. She was wildly popular, and at eighteen, she’d been the original choice to play Anna in Midnight’s Dawn’s sequel.
“The director has decided to change direction. He wants the old cast back. Savannah’s been re-cast as Anna’s daughter,” she paused. Her casual expression morphed into a mixture of hesitance and expectation. “Kyle’s already agreed to reprise the role of Jake.”
Dad’s wary face darkened, turning stormy.
Kyle had been Mom’s boyfriend when Dad and Mom first met. Though Mom broke off with Kyle before she and Dad started dating, Dad had never liked Kyle. I found it sort of amusing that, after all these years and a divorce, the thought of Kyle Thomas still made Dad mad.
I, on the other hand, was stuck on the fact that I’d get to meet Savannah Sears. Cool!
“They want you back.” Dad stated the fact bluntly.
“They want me back,” Mom responded, just as bluntly. I could tell Dad’s attitude was starting to bother her.
“And?” For a moment, I could see the resentment of lost dreams in Dad’s eyes. It wasn’t often I remembered that life on the farm wasn’t the one Dad originally wanted. At one time, Dad’s dreams were bigger.
“I’m going, David. I have to. I want to.” Mom’s words were unapologetic. Self-sacrificing or not, I could tell she wasn’t going to allow her ex-husband’s attitude to make her feel guilty.
“What about Kate?” Dad first glared at Mom then glanced over at me. I could tell he was waiting for me to throw a fit.
“Kate thinks Mom should do it,” I said. Dad’s attitude was beginning to make me mad too. Kate could speak for herself.
Dad ignored me. “Well I guess she can come and live here. We’ll have to move the baby into our room, but we’ll make it work.”
What?!
“Kate’s coming with me David. At least for the summer,” Mom said, glancing at Laura’s reluctant face while she did so. It was painfully obvious that a teenage step-daughter didn’t fit into her plans for a happy little household.
“I’m going with Mom, Dad. When school starts, I’ll come back and live in town.” Not that I’d run that part of the idea past Mom, but it sounded good to me. I’d be seventeen by then. No way was I moving in with Dad, Laura, and the drooling monster.
“Kathryn Swanson, you will live exactly where I tell you to. Do you know what it’s like out there? Do you know how they’ll eat you up? It’s not like Mapleton. Your Mom’s life will destroy you.” Dad’s face turned a scary shade of red.
Mom and I stood up at the same time.
“I believe Mom has first say in where I live. You might want to remember that before you TELL me anything.” How dare he! As if he’d ever bothered to direct my life in any way. That was Mom’s job. It was always the farm or Grandma or anything besides me. Now it was Laura and Matthew. I could feel all the long buried resentment bubble to the surface.
“Good God, David! Are you ever going to get over the past?! None of us can change what is done.” Mom’s angry words blasted out at the same time as mine. She visibly blanched as she watched Dad turn from red to white. She was right. Dad never recovered from Hollywood’s rejection. It just never occurred to me she would say the words out loud.
“Mom and you have raised me well enough to survive wherever I am. I’m disappointed you have so little faith in me, Dad.” I headed towards the front of the house. Mom followed.
I could hear Dad call my name as I opened the front door. As I stepped onto the front porch, I heard Matthew’s cry and knew that Dad wouldn’t follow. Matthew needed him. The fact that I was hurt and suffering would have to wait. He had other, more important things to attend to.
© 2008 - 2009 Elizabeth Johnson
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
