Chapter Ten

I'm so sorry about yesterday. I was busy with my day job until 9 pm and then busy with editing my middle daughters first paper due in English class. Daddy just isn't good enough at writing as Mom, but I suppose that's a good thing since I'm the (aspiring) writer. As I write, I'm still in my meeting, but people are just chatting. I simply couldn't stay away from all (four) of my followers.

Uh Oh!! Kate is pissed - in so many ways in Chapter Ten. This is one of my favorite chapters. Sure, Kate goes off the figurative deep end and almost drowns, but the act of jumping was so much fun. If I think of myself as Kate (which I have to admit I do), I'm sort of jealous of the fun and near disastrous trouble Kate has in the chapter. If I think of Kate as my teenage daughter, I get freaked out and want to lock Elyssa up in the house forever. I'll just have to not think of Kate as Elyssa.

Raise your hands... who of you loves to go out every once in a while and let loose? Come on. I won't tell. I promise. Those of you who didn't raise your hands are lying or terminally boring. Sorry for the judgement, but I don't buy the idea of anyone not liking the occasional party. Recently, I did my best to get on every stage on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. I stayed completely clothed, but the dancing and singing (badly) and playing air guitar (fantastically to wild applause) at Cat's Meow was amazingly fun. That stuff keeps me sane while I play wife and mom and engineer. Unfortunately, I don't do it often enough, but if I were Kate and had Savannah at my side, I'd party hard too. Woo Hoo!



Chapter 10

The heat beat insistently on my body as the sound of water flowing from the waterfalls lining the back of the pool soothed my mind. This time the pool was meant for people, not birds. Mom delivered on one of her promises at least; we had a pool. I’d been lying by it all day. The lazy activity was just what I needed after what had been a restless night.
Mom had come home extremely late the night before, well after 2 AM. I waited up for her at first, anxious to show-off my new haircut and share my adventures. When she wasn’t home by midnight, I went to bed, feeling angry and alone. Sleep refused to come, despite my exhaustion, so I tossed and turned until I finally heard her walk through the door. Only after she poked her head into my room while I lay perfectly still with my eyes closed, was I able to sink into a restless sleep.
The smell of coffee greeted me when I woke up the next morning. Either Mom learned how to program the complicated looking coffee machine in the kitchen, or she decided to stay home.
“Nice to see you, Mother.” My voice was cold and deliberately provoking as I walked into the kitchen.
Mom was sitting at the table studying a thick pile of papers, thoroughly absorbed. I tried to convince myself I didn’t care what she thought while I waited expectantly for her to look up. Not that I was at all successful lying to myself. I desperately wanted her approval. Since I’d taken time before coming downstairs to arrange my hair in perfect soft curls, carefully apply makeup, and dress in one of my new outfits, I knew I looked good. Very Kate Broucheriou. But what would Mom think?
“Kate, honey. I’m so sorry about yesterday. This movie sucked me in a bit faster than I thought it would. Wait until you ……” Turning around to face me, she looked up and froze.
“Kate. Oh my God! What? Wow! You look fantastic!” She crossed the short distance between us quickly, stopping in front of me to reach up and fondle one of the curls. As she examined the new me, her eyes filled with tears. “My baby is all grown up.”
Her last words came out as a whisper, and she gathered me into a hug. All of my anger and hurt evaporated as I sank into Mom’s familiar arms. For a moment, Mom was just Mom, not Bridgette Broucheriou. For a moment, I was just her daughter Kate Swanson, not Kate Swanson.
“Oh, Mom! Do you like it? It was so much fun. Savannah took me everywhere. I’m afraid I spent A LOT of money. I hope you don’t mind.” My words came out in a rush.
She laughed at my enthusiasm. “I don’t care a bit. I’m glad you had fun. You liked the phone and the car?”
“Oh my God, Mom!! I love them!! You’re the best!” How had I forgotten my gifts? I loved my phone! I LOVED my car!
Mom laughed again, “I’m glad you approve. I know this is all strange for you. I just want to make you happy.”
“I know, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you too, Kate. I hope you remember that when I tell you I have to go in again today.” Her face was tentative as she spoke words that sunk my heart down to my toes.
I just nodded. I was going to have to accept Mom was no longer only mine.
That scene was hours ago. I’d been lying by the pool ever since. Savannah sent me a text shortly after Mom left to say she was expected on set too. So, for today, I knew I would be alone. Another thing I would have to get used to.
I’d just rubbed a fresh coat of sunscreen on my skin and turned over onto my stomach to take a nap when my phone rang. Melanie. I almost pressed ignore but changed my mind. I couldn’t avoid her forever. Just because my life was changing didn’t mean I could ignore my best friend. I loved her. It wasn’t right.
“Hey, Mel.” My voice was hesitant as I struggled to sit up, putting on the sunglasses Savannah picked out for me yesterday (“They’re definitely you, darling!”).
“Oh my God, Kate! Where have you been? I’ve tried to call you a thousand times. My best friend’s all over the Internet, and I can’t even get a hold of her to celebrate!” She spoke excitedly. I could imagine her in her room, blond ponytail bobbing as she paced in front of her bed. A wave of longing poured through me – I missed my best friend more than I’d let myself realize.
Wait. The Internet???
“What are you talking about, Mel? The Internet?” My voice rose in alarm on the last words. I didn’t want to be on the Internet. If the newscasters had been horrible yesterday, I could only imagine what the World Wide Web would say about me.
“They love your look, Kate! It’s so cool,” she exclaimed.
According to Melanie, I was a hit. The mysterious girl shopping with Savannah Sears. Apparently there was wild speculation, but no one realized who I was, yet. Melanie was ecstatic to be one of the few people who knew the secret, privileged by association. I was amazed.
“You’re gorgeous!! What did you do to yourself? And Savannah Sears?! You’re the luckiest girl in the world!”
As we spoke, I ran inside to grab Mom’s laptop, filling Melanie in on the details of the last couple of days while I eagerly waited to connect to the Internet. Okay, I didn’t completely fill her in and certainly not with details. It was more like I gave her an abridged, edited for TV version of the last few days, but we talked at least.
The car, the phone, my clothes were all safe subjects. Even Savannah was fine. Mom, Kyle, and Logan not so safe. How could I explain the chemistry with Logan – the connection I felt in our few minutes together? How could I explain Mom and Kyle? My jealousy? My fear that Mom was disappearing and being replaced with someone new and unfamiliar? I wouldn’t have understood myself last week.
“These pictures, Melanie! Who could have imagined? I knew there were cameras, but we were just shopping.” When the Internet finally connected, I eagerly examined various websites at Melanie’s direction. The pictures were taken everywhere – my shopping spree with Savannah documented in detail. I was mystified and, at the same time, a bit smugly pleased. We looked great, both of us!! No more “awkward” Kate.
Melanie started to fill me in on the gossip from home, having exhausted the topic of how wonderful my life was, when my phone beeped. In irritation, I looked down at its display. “Mel, I’ve got to go. It’s Erik.”
“Oh, Kate. I should warn you. He wasn’t very happy when I spoke to him before.”
Great.
And she was right, he wasn’t happy.
“Kate! Where have you been? You don’t answer my calls, my texts, my emails, and now you’re plastered all over the Internet? What’s happening down there?” Erik’s voice was agitated and a bit panicky.
Guilt warred with indignant annoyance as I waited for him to stop talking. Sure, I’d ignored his calls, but did that really warrant an inquisition? He didn’t own me. He didn’t get to tell me what to do. Frankly, this was exactly why I’d ignored his calls, or at least that’s how I justified it to myself.
“Hey, babe. Wow, it’s hot down here. How’s the weather up there,” I said with deliberate cheerfulness. In the case of emergency, revert to the weather. Who the heck cared, but it changed the subject off of my Internet appearances.
“You cut your hair and are hanging out with Savannah Sears! Why would I care that it’s hot down there?” Okay, maybe not such a good distraction. I tried.
“Don’t you like my new haircut, Erik? I love it,” I tried again – this time my voice was little girl sweet. He’d have to agree. My hair looked great. Even a guy should be able to recognize that.
“I liked your old hair, Kate. You don’t look like you anymore.”
What?!?! It was one thing to act like he owned me but another thing to criticize my new hair!
“I’m sorry to hear that, Erik. I’m sure you’ll hate my new clothes too. Should I take them all back and wear rags until I can return to Minnesota and buy appropriate clothing? I can probably do that, but it’ll take another trip to the mall with Savannah. We wouldn’t want that. I might make a new friend.” Sarcasm dripped from my words. What had he expected? Was I supposed to sit around and mourn him the entire summer?
“I’ve read all about Savannah Sears. She’s going to get you into trouble. Since your summer is apparently going to be documented by an army of photographers, I’d prefer to not have my girlfriend embarrass herself and me!” His angry words surprised me. Even after his earlier disapproval, I hadn’t expected anger. I told myself to calm down. He was just worried about me.
To heck with that!! Screw calm! He was out of line!
“Why don’t you call someone you like and TRUST more than me, Erik? Goodbye!” I pressed the end button on my phone, clicking it emphatically shut. When the phone rang again, I ignored it. Let him panic; it’d be good for him.
I flipped over a second time, determined to take my nap and ignore my stupid, clueless, decent haircut impaired boyfriend, when the phone rang again. Reaching over to turn it off (that’d keep the jerk from bothering me!), I noticed this time it was someone who actually liked me, Savannah.
“Darling. Are you terribly bored without me? It sucks when work gets in the way of fun, but….. Work does buy my Louis Vuitton!” Thank goodness. A voice of reason. Someone who understood my new life.
“Terribly bored, Savannah. At least I’m getting some use out of my new swimsuit. The pool’s fantastic.”
“Well, get some rest Katie! Tonight, we’re going out. You and me. We’re having a party to celebrate the new you.” Her voice sparkled with excitement.
A party with the ultimate party girl! Count me in! Kate Broucheriou could be a party girl too. Quickly making plans to meet at my house, we said goodbye. Savannah and a limousine would be at my house at 8 PM. God, what would I wear? My head practically exploded with the possibilities.
I was surprised to find that getting ready when you owned a closet full of new clothes was harder than if you only had simple Minnesota clothes. It was the choices. Everything was so perfect it made picking impossible. Did I wear the cute little Juicy Couture dress or the obnoxiously expensive True Religion jeans with the Marc Jacobs tee? Did I wear the Prada flats or the Jimmy Choo tall strappy sandals? These weren’t exactly decisions I’d faced before.
Somehow, I managed to shower, arrange my curls, dress (Juicy Couture dress with Prada flats), and perfectly apply my makeup as directed by a skilled MAC makeup artist by the time I needed to leave. Since I was pretty sure pacing in front of the door would look overly eager, I did my best to look casually disinterested by lounging in front of the TV until Savannah’s voice called to me from the front foyer.
“Come on, Cinderella. It’s time for the ball.”
If I thought I looked good, Savannah looked fantastic – just like I she looked week after week in the entertainment magazines. That I was to be part of it all, the adulation, the privilege, the sheer joyous fun, was starting to seem deserved. A little bit normal even. Before I could consider the absurdity of my thoughts, I stepped into the limousine and Savannah’s world. In Savannah’s world, there was no absurdity, only glamour and perfection. Kate Broucheriou belonged in Savannah’s world.
Dinner was first. Thank goodness! I’d been way too excited (nervous) to eat after I woke up from my delayed nap. Actually, only the knowledge that I needed to look good tonight forced me to clear my mind and fall asleep. Deep black circles and yawns would not be accepted at a party with Savannah Sears. Anyway, even though I took a nap, I hadn’t been able to eat and was now starving.
After a short drive, we pulled up in front of a brick building, lined with large glass windows. The windows where covered with white curtains that were just sheer enough to allow a person outside to glimpse the ultra-chic interior. A soft red glow bathed the interior of the space, enhancing the aura of edgy trendiness.
Lights flashed as the limousine pulled up in front of the restaurant. The semi-psychic abilities of the paparazzi no longer startled me – especially after seeing my Internet pictures. Although I’d never really questioned all of the celebrity sighting pictures Melanie and I studied back in Minnesota, now that I was part of this world, I was beginning to wonder. Savannah and I were going out to eat. Who cared? Photographers didn’t follow me around when Melanie and I went to the new Red Lobster in Mankato.
When Savannah and I were safely inside the restaurant, I turned to her and asked, “How do you stand it – all the attention? The lack of privacy?”
“Oh, but darling, I love it. It makes me feel alive. Plus, you know what they say about publicity. As long as they’re talking and all…,” Savannah replied.
I considered her words, trying to arrange them in such a way that they made sense. She looked as if she meant them, but to me, they just didn’t fit together correctly. I’d only been living under this microscope for two days and found it a little smothering. At least the restaurant was clear of cameras.
“Ms. Sears, welcome.” The restaurant’s maitre d’ personally escorted us to our seats. The low, white leather chairs positioned on either side of the table reminded me more of living room furniture than of anything I’d seen in a restaurant before. The low, black table was formed out of dark polished wood. To the side of the table sat a silver stand holding a bucket containing something that looked suspiciously like a bottle of champagne. In the center of the table, sat two tall, fluted glasses.
“Please accept this bottle of champagne as our gift. We’re honored to have you here. Let me know if I can be of any assistance during your visit.” The impeccably dressed man motioned to the stand, lowered his head submissively, and walked away while I stared at his back in shock. A waiter stepped forward and formally lifted the bottle from its bucket, offering it to Savannah for her inspection prior to pouring a sample into her glass. When Savannah nodded her head in acceptance, he filled both our glasses and stepped back from the table.
Savannah immediately reached for her glass, draining half of it before I could stutter in shock, “Savannah! What are you doing? We’re not old enough. We can’t drink in the middle of a restaurant. We’ll get arrested or something!”
Sure, I’d had alcohol before – just not in public. I wasn’t a totally naïve good girl. Most of my experience came from kegs of beer at the lake, well away from the prying eyes of any adult. And, once, Melanie and I snuck a bottle of vodka from her mother’s secret stash. To drink in the middle of a restaurant while everyone (EVERYONE!) watched was an entirely different matter altogether.
“Oh, little Katie, haven’t you realized it yet? Rules only apply to people who aren’t lucky enough to be us.” Savannah’s eyes were alight with laughter. I was getting used to the fact that I amused her, but her humor in this instance didn’t make sense.
“But Savannah, this isn’t an arbitrary rule created by our parents. It’s a law,” I pushed.
“A law meant to be broken by people who can. We’re those people, Kate. Trust me. Have fun. This is the best part of being who we are.” Savannah picked up her glass a second time, motioning for me to do the same. Tentatively, I did as directed, nervously glancing around the restaurant as I put the glass to my mouth and took a sip.
No one jumped out to stop me, so I took a second sip, enjoying the bittersweet bubbly taste. Savannah nodded in approval, draining her glass and motioning for the waiter to pour her another drink.
The dinner proceeded at a comfortable, leisurely pace. It was all new and exciting, different from anything I had ever experienced before. We didn’t “dine” in Mapleton – maybe in Minneapolis or St. Paul but not in Mapleton. The first bottle of champagne was followed by a second, which was followed by a bottle of red wine. By the time small glasses of an after dinner liqueur were served, I was no longer remotely nervous. In fact, the world was beautifully soft and perfect. Everyone loved me, and I loved everyone. I even waved to the ever present paparazzi as I exited the restaurant and climbed into the limousine, absolutely certain that I, Kate Broucheriou, was deserving of their attention.
Certain of my privilege, I didn’t even hesitate when Savannah pulled me out of the limousine and toward a packed nightclub. Her ever-present bodyguards followed us, but instead of making me feel self-conscious, they made me feel special. I was special!
The attendants at the front door to the club quickly opened the ropes, ignoring the long line of people waiting to enter. We were led to an elevated VIP section of the club, separated from the common space by a set of stairs, a thick rope, and an even thicker bouncer. While the common space was jammed so tightly people barely moved, the VIP section was just comfortably full. For a moment I felt like a fraud. For a moment I forgot who I was – the people in the VIP section were too beautiful, too obviously rich, too entitled for me to fit in. But only for a moment. I belonged here now. All of this was mine. I was only now realizing I was entitled to it! If Mom and Dad hadn’t selfishly hidden me away in the middle of nowhere, this would have been mine long ago.
“Well, darling, it’s not exactly LA, but it’s not bad. There are some definite hotties in here. Let’s dance.” She reached down to pour us each a glass of the clear bottle of liquor a waiter inconspicuously sat in front of us. We both downed our drinks before turning to head into the middle of the floor serving as the dance space. Several amazingly handsome men immediately surrounded us. Men – not boys. Fully grown, confident, spectacularly muscled, charming……. It never occurred to me this was anything out of the normal. Rules applied to others, not me. Right and wrong were no longer black and white. Sixteen was an age, not a restriction. I was sophisticated and beautiful and deserved the attention of supremely gorgeous men.
Pausing only to gulp glass after glass of whatever alcohol was on our table, Savannah and I danced. Eventually tiring, we moved back to our seats along with two of our admirers. It seemed natural to lean into the firm body of my handsome dance partner. It seemed natural to lift my head for his kiss. It seemed natural when his hand moved from my shoulder to my lower back, pulling me close, while his other hand moved down my body to caress my breast. Suddenly, I felt myself jerked away. I fought my abductor urgently, more than a little confused and frightened, until the low tones of Logan’s voice whispered in my ear, “It’s okay, Kate. Calm down.”
“You should be ashamed of yourself, Savannah. This is below even you,” Logan’s angry voice echoed through the fog in my brain as he helped my now unsteady feet down the stairs and out of the club. He quickly bundled me into a sleek silver car waiting outside as cameras flashed, capturing it all.
The car pulled away from the club and headed away from downtown. In the sudden quiet, away from the pounding music, beautiful people, and freely flowing alcohol, I felt abruptly sick. A wave of intense nausea gripped me. Logan must have seen me go pale because he pulled onto a quiet side street. Standing in the neat lawn of a middle class house, Logan held me while I got sick. It took a long time, but he patiently waited until I lost most of my stomach contents.
“Damn Savannah. Her tricks have gone too far this time. I can’t take you back to your Mom like this.” Logan’s agitated voice pierced the fog surrounding my brain.
“Not Savannah’s fault…. Ohhhh, I feel terrible,” I groaned. My words were strangely slurred.“Yeah, right. You’ll be fine, Kate. Give it some time. The worst is over now.” His distant words drifted through the thickening mist, comforting me as I drifted into unconsciousness.



© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson