part 6
by DS Bauden
Please see part one for all disclaimers.
Chapter Nine
So where do I go from here? Do I just sit around and pretend that none
of this has happened? I know I can't do
that. Nonnie and Crystal have been
great, but now all I want to do is to get back to Annie. I miss her sweet face and her beautiful
smile. God I'm never gonna want to wake
up anymore. If sleeping means I get to
see Annie again, and then sleep sounds really good to me. Then again, if it was just a dream, I need
to get over it and live my life.
"Frankie? Where are you babe?" Crystal asked breaking me away from my
thoughts.
"I'm just
thinking about my options at this point Crystal. Is Nonnie going to come out and tell me if she finds anything
out?" I asked. Nonnie went to her room and hadn't come out
in a long time.
"I promise
you if she finds out anything, she'll either tell you directly, which is her
style as you know, or she'll tell me and I'll relay the information." She explained.
"Alright. I guess I need to learn how to be patient,
just like she said. I really hate being
patient though." I said as I
started to pace back and forth like a caged animal.
"Let's do
something Frankie. It's the middle of
the afternoon, what would you like to do?" She asked hopefully.
"Sleep." I answered truthfully.
"Now cut that
out. My best friend is not going to
become a part of her furniture. I won't
let that happen. What would I tell
people?" She smiled.
"You'll tell
them to mind their own business just like you always have. That's what I love about you Crystal, I know
that all of my secrets are completely safe with you."
"Right back atcha babe." She
smiled. "You know they always will
be safe with me."
"I don't doubt that Crys." I
took her arm with my hand. "Let's
go to the movies." I smiled
knowing that she would love that idea.
"What? Really?
Like in the theater? Frankie
since you bought that home theater you never want to leave your house! You really want to go?" She got so excited it was like I was talking
to a child.
"You pick the
flick and that's what we'll see."
"The 400 is showing an oldie but a goodie."
"You don't want to see a new movie?"
"I love the classics. You know
that. C'Mon, you know how much I love
them."
I felt my resolve weakening with every plea coming from her mouth. I loved the classics even more than she
did. "Fine, whatever you like my
friend. I owe you big for your help
with this… but especially for not making fun of me."
"Frankie, I would never make fun of you with something like this. I know how hard it was for you to even tell
me about this. I have known you my
whole life just about, and I know that you have never seen any of the things
that I do to be real or truthful. I
think it has been just nonsense for you."
"Crystal, I…" I started.
"No, it's
ok." She held up her hands in
defense. "I know that you are not
the only one to think that supernatural stuff is hoaxy, I deal with that every
time someone walks into my door with a non-believer. It's OK, you have many redeeming qualities in you that surpass
your stubbornness."
"Gee, thanks. I think." She smiled at me.
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We walked into the
theater and Crystal started to order food from the concessions area. She ordered everything necessary for a good
film: a large popcorn, a large soda, Raisinets, and of course cherry licorice
ropes. After she made me pay, we found
a good seat in the direct center of the theater. I never could understand how people could watch a movie from the
front row. If your neck wasn't broken
by the time the movie ended, it sure as hell felt like it was.
We sat down and
noticed only a few other people in the theater. There were some couples but there were mostly women. I'd say it was a favorite for the female
race.
As the movie started
I watched the screen and felt myself begin to finally relax. I looked over to Crystal who was munching
away on popcorn and sipping her soda without a care in the world. The look on her face brought a smile to
mine. She was truly a wonderful friend. She still looked to the little things in
life to make her happy. That was rare
these days. She made me feel a lot
younger than I truly was, and for that I will be forever grateful. I never want to feel as old as I am. I don't think I ever will.
Half way through
the film Crystal and I were singing our hearts out. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this film. The fellow theatergoers stared at us with
smiles on their faces when they weren't singing along with us. Barbra herself, would have been proud of all
of us funny girls. The poor guys that
came with their girlfriends just sat back and endured. That in itself was a noble quality, I
thought.
The movie ended
two and a half hours later. Crystal and
I walked out into the fresh air and breathed deeply. I loved the smell of popcorn, but after that long in a theater,
enough is enough.
"So now
what?" She asked.
"Umm… I
really hadn't thought past the film. Is
there something that you would like to do before nightfall?" I asked.
"Well, we
could go window shopping. There is a
great boutique just down the road a bit here.
It's safe for us since it's not open.
I can't remember the last time you and I were able to go shopping
without spending a mint." She said
and started to giggle.
"Isn't that
the truth? The shopkeepers see us
coming and they grease up their cash registers." I laughed.
"Especially
that shop that carries those great China shoes. God I love that place!"
She said as we started to walk home.
We walked and sang
down Sheridan Road. It was turning into
a beautiful spring night. The
temperature was around sixty-five and there wasn't a cloud to be found. All I could think about was Annie. The diner that she worked in wasn't even a
diner anymore, it looked to be a
convenient store of some kind now.
"Hey Crys,
can we walk down to the beach for a minute?" I just needed a little more of a reminder of Annie.
"The
beach? You got a sudden urge to go
swimming?" She joked.
"No, it's
just so nice out and days like these are rarities. C'Mon, just for a minute?"
I put on my best puppy eyes for her.
There was no way she would deny me.
"Oh God! Not the eyes… fine. We'll go for a bit Frankie, but it's getting
dark out and I don't want to end up walking home in darkness."
"Yay! Thanks Crys, we'll only stay
a minute. I just want to see the
water."
"Let's
go." She said as she headed for
Lake Michigan.
We jogged a bit to
save on time and headed towards the lake.
We finally arrived and my thoughts were flooded with Annie. God I missed her.
What the hell is wrong with you
Frankie? You barely even know this
girl. Get a fucking grip on
yourself. You don't even know if she is
a real person.
"She's got to
be." I whispered out loud after
fighting within myself.
"What?" Crystal asked as we stared into the changing
sky.
"Hmm? Oh nothing.
Sorry, just thinking out loud."
"God this is
really beautiful. No one thinks that
Chicago has more than just big buildings to offer someone. Take a look around us. This is just gorgeous." She marveled,
The sun began to
make it's decent and I promised Crystal a cab ride home if she would stay and
watch the sunset with me. She agreed
only because she knew how much I wanted to stay. I felt a real connection to Annie here. There was something special about her and there was a reason that
we were brought together the way we were.
I just didn't know what that reason was yet.
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We made it back
home before the news came on. I was
nervous. Bedtime was approaching and I
wasn't sure if I was ready to go back there again, or if I was meant to go back
at all. I looked around my apartment
and remembered what I had seen just the night before. My Pop and Ma were here in my kitchen! This place looked so different back then. There was a whole different feel to it than
what I remembered. Maybe Pop got rid of
a lot of stuff when Ma left. He never
told me anything like that so it's hard to say. We never really talked about Ma and what made her leave. Knowing my Pop, it couldn't have been his
fault, he was too loving and kind.
As I started
getting ready for bed, Crystal came into my bedroom and plopped onto my
bed. She was teasing me by watching me
as I dressed. She would scan my body
with her eyes, but we both knew that she did it to make me blush. She had done this since I could remember,
and I'll be damned if it didn't work everytime.
"You know, I
hope you know one day I will get over that blushing thing." I said as I pulled my T-shirt over my body.
"You have
been saying that for so many years Frankie, I'll believe it when I see it. Besides, I know it feeds your ego."
"Whatever, babe. I think you just
are denying your true feelings for me and this is just a way for you to
ogle."
"Ogle? I haven't heard that word
in ages." She said as she started
giggling. "Aren't those pants
gonna make you hot when you sleep?"
She asked as I was throwing on my blue jeans.
"If I go back
there tonight, I want to wear clothes that will work for me as well as everyone
else in 1974." I stated
flatly. I took a wad of cash out of my
wallet and stuffed the bills into my pocket.
I didn't want to be without money this time around.
"Frankie, you
can't necessarily bring anything with you to the other side. Remember what Nonnie said, 'Do not try to
control the situation.' You may not
even get back there again." She
explained again.
"I know, but
I have to do whatever I can to get back there Crystal. I felt such a strong connection with Annie
that I can't just let it go. I have to
get back there Crystal. Can you help
me?"
"Help? What do you
mean?" She asked.
"Can you do
anything to help me get there?" I
asked filled with hope.
"Honestly
Frankie, I don't know. We can try
hypnosis if you'd like. Sometimes I
have had luck with my customers with this kind of thing. We might be able to help you get back there
if you are completely calm and relaxed."
"I don't want to get hypnotized Crystal.
I will take my chances when I go to sleep tonight." I said.
There was NO way I was gonna do that.
"Suit
yourself, but if it doesn't work, we can try that if you change your
mind."
"Thanks." I said as I finished getting ready for
bed.
I grabbed a large,
thick blanket and opened my window. I
stepped over my sill and landed on the fire escape. Crystal looked at me with concerned eyes.
"Frankie,
what the hell are you doing?"
"What does it look like? I'm gonna
sleep out here tonight."
"Why the hell are you going to do that?"
"Because if I get back there, I don't want to be inside the house again in
case my Pop sees me. Duh!"
She gave me a great look after that.
"Oh, silly stupid me. Why
didn't I think of that? Frankie are you
crazy? You could get attacked
outside." She was trying to talk
sense into me.
"There is no
way that anyone can get up here. I
brought up the ladder, so no one, unless they come from inside my home, can get
to me." I stated. "Don't worry."
"I worry Frankie. I worry a
lot. As much as I want you to be able to
get back there, I don't want you to get hurt." She paused to look at me with her beautiful brown eyes.
"Crystal, I
know you mean well. Just let me do
this. If it doesn't work, then I'll
stop because then I'll know that it was just a dream. Until the morning comes, I have to believe that what I
experienced was real. It was so real
for me that it couldn't have been just a dream."
"I believe
you Frankie. I really do. I truly believe that Annie is real, and that
she will call for you again. Just be
careful. Promise me?"
"I
promise. Thanks for your support
Crystal."
"What kind of friend would I be if I didn't support you? Especially since you are experiencing things
that are right up my alley." She
said with a smile.
I leaned inside
the apartment and grabbed hold of Crystal.
I held onto her with everything I had.
She was the greatest friend I would ever know.
"I love you
Crystal. Thank you so much." I said as I kissed her cheek.
"You're
welcome Frankie. You know there isn't
anything I wouldn't do for you. It's
the least I can do. I'll make sure that
I pay extra attention to the sounds outside tonight. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Thanks for your concern, but I'll be fine. You forget I can take care of myself." I said as I wiggled my eyebrows.
"I should
have taken those classes with you."
"Then I would
have no one to protect." I
smiled. "Now go on, get some
sleep. Hopefully I'll have a new story
for you in the morning." I tousled
her hair and she hugged me again.
"Good night
Frankie. You want to leave this window
open?" Crystal asked.
"Yeah, if I
have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I need to have easy
access inside. My luck the lock would
break and lock me out completely. That
would be ugly."
"True. Are you sure you'll be warm
enough out here? You want another
blanket or a jacket or something?"
God she is adorable.
"No darlin,
I'll be just fine. Now shoo. Off with you. I'll be fine. I even have
a pen and paper here to write down anything specific." I said as I held up the items to her.
"Good. Alright. I'm going.
See you in the morning. If I
don't see you by nine, I'm coming up for you."
"Ok babe, I'll be here. Mario
still has the keys to the shop, so if I don't open up, he'll be here. I'm covered so don't worry."
"It's my job
as the best friend, I'm supposed to worry."
"Good night
Crystal." I pretended to sound
exasperated.
"Good night
Frankie." She said as she slipped
out of the window and back into the apartment.
I watched until her shadow disappeared.
"OK, this is
it. I just wish I was tired." I said to the clouding sky. "Don't get any ideas, it's not supposed
to rain for another couple of days.
Back me up Pop."
The night was
quiet and my neighborhood never seemed more still. It had been awhile since I had slept out here. I used to do it all the time after Pop
died. It would remind me of all the hot
summer nights we would hang out here. I
always loved those times with him. We
would just sit out here and suck on Popsicle's and just watch the city lights
go out one by one.
God I miss you Pop.
Chapter Ten
I couldn't help
but shift as I felt the hardness of the fire escape dig into my back. When I opened my eyes I was looking into
eyes I hadn't seen in years. It took
every ounce of my control not to scream.
"You need a
place to stay?" I heard him say.
"Wha…."
I couldn't speak. I rubbed my eyes and
cleared my throat and tried again.
"Excuse me?"
"I asked you if you needed a place to stay." He repeated.
"No… I um…
" Think fast Frankie. "I thought this was my
balcony. I guess it was late when I got
home last night, and I went up the wrong ladder." I looked at my father and he still had the
most warmth I had ever seen in anyone's eyes.
"I'm sorry, just let me get off of here and I'll get out of your
way."
"It's no problem. I just wanted to
make sure that you were ok."
"Thanks P… " I stopped
myself. "Mister. I appreciate the concern."
"You want
some breakfast?" He was always so
nice to people.
"Breakfast? Um… "
Would this be a good thing or a
bad thing?
"Are you
hungry? My wife and I were just sitting
down to eat and I heard you out here.
We have plenty if you want."
He said just smiling his beautiful smile at me. How could I resist an opportunity to eat
one more meal with my father and actually get to meet my mother.
"I would love
to, thank you." The words were out
of my mouth before I could stop them.
He held out his
hand and helped me into my bedroom. I
had the same clothes on that I was wearing the night before. I checked my pockets and felt the bulge of
the money I had put in my pockets too.
So much for not being able to control the
situation Nonnie. I
smiled to myself.
Pop led me into
the apartment and through the hallway I knew so well. My Ma was in the kitchen and looked a little astonished to see me
walking into her home with my Pop. I
looked at her and smiled.
"I'm
Frankie. Your husband was nice enough
to invite me in for breakfast."
She outstretched her hand to me. I
shook it and felt a great softness in her hands. Maybe that was where I got my baby soft skin.
"I'm Myrna, I
see you've met Frank." She said as
she looked over at my Pop. He gave her
the look that said, "we'll talk about this later". God I knew that look all too well.
"Yes I
have." I looked at him and smiled
back.
"Well,
please, make yourself at home."
Lady this is more my home then it will ever
be to you.
"Do you like
scrambled eggs?" She asked.
"Yes
ma'am. Can I help out with
anything." I didn't want to be
completely useless.
"No dear,
that's ok. I have everything
ready. I'll just bring it in. Go on and take a seat at the table."
"So
Frankie…" My Pop started.
"You look really familiar to me.
Do I know your father?"
Do you ever…
"I don't
think so. I actually live on the other
side of the street. I must have been
really tired when I crawled up the ladder last night." Nice
cover.
"Mm… I
see." He replied. That was his way of saying he didn't believe
anything that I was saying.
"Thank you
again for inviting me in. I am grateful
you didn't have me arrested."
He laughed out
loud, God I missed that sound.
"Nonsense. If you had meant
us any harm you wouldn't have stopped at the fire escape, you would have come right
in. In fact I think we had someone in
the house a couple weeks ago. By the
time I got to the fire escape they had already disappeared though." My heartbeat sped up instantly.
At least he didn't see me. A couple of weeks ago? God I wonder what day it is.
"I'm harmless
actually. Just a little
misplaced." I said with a smirk,
which made him smile.
"Are you sure
we haven't met before?"
"Yes sir, I am sure of that."
Liar.
"Oh Frank,
give the girl a break, if she had met you before she would say so." Ma came in with breakfast and came to my
rescue.
There's a first. Where were you my whole life lady?
I couldn't help
but look at her with wondering eyes. I
was an exact replica of the two of them.
I had her eyes and his smile. I
had his dark coloring, but her soft skin.
I found myself feeling extremely lucky.
How many people actually have breakfast
with their parents before they know
you are their kid? My guess is none. I knew this couldn't be a dream.
"So Frankie,
what do you do?" My Ma inquired.
You do NOT work downstairs. You do NOT work downstairs.
"I don't have
a job right now. I love the movies and
am looking to get a job at the theater down on Sheridan."
"The 400?" My Pop asked.
"Yep, that's
the one." I replied.
"I love the
movies too. My shop downstairs has a
bunch of keepsakes from the movies. I
have costumes, pictures, and memorabilia of all kinds. You should come down after breakfast and
take a look around." He said with
pride in his voice. He always loved his
shop.
"I have been
in there before. Maybe that's where you
have seen me." I suggested.
"Could
be." He said while taking a
mouthful of food.
"Thank you
again for breakfast Ma'am."
"Please call me Myrna." She
said.
"Thank you
Myrna." I have to say she did cook
a mean breakfast. I just didn't know
what else to say to her.
"Do you have
any children?" I couldn't help but
ask.
"No we
don't." She answered immediately.
"But we want
them, don't we dear?" My Pop
chimed in.
"I don't
think we should discuss this now."
She said with a hint of anger in her voice. I think we struck a nerve.
"I'm
sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. Please forgive me."
"Don't worry
about it Frankie." My Ma said as
she stared at my Pop. "Frankie,
that's an odd name for a girl."
"Well my real name is Frances. My
friends have called me Frankie for as long as I can remember." I explained.
"I see." She said as she
stuffed the rest of her breakfast into her mouth. She didn't seem very happy at the moment.
My Ma picked up
her plate and walked into the kitchen and put the dish into the sink. Without saying a word to either of us, she
began cleaning up the kitchen.
"I'm sorry
Mr. Camarelli, I didn't mean to upset your wife." God that sounded weird coming out of my
mouth.
He put his hand on
mine and rubbed it. "Don't worry
about it. It's just a subject we
disagree on." He leaned in
conspiratorially. "I want a
daughter one day who I can spoil, but she doesn't want children at all. Hopefully someday we can agree to have a
baby." I couldn't help the smile
that formed on my mouth.
"I think
you'd make someone a great father.
Don't give up on that." I
could feel my eyes welling up which meant it was time for me to go. How was I going to explain that?
"I should let
you get on with your day. I'm sorry
again for sleeping on your fire escape, I'll pay closer attention next time I'm
out late."
"Don't worry about it Frankie. It
was nice to meet you. The next time you
are in the shop, make sure you say hello."
"Thanks I will." I turned
back to my silent mother. "Thank
you again for breakfast Myrna, it was really delicious."
She turned from her task and smiled.
"You are welcome. Take care
of yourself Frankie."
"You too." I said and looked
at her one last time. I really didn't
know this woman at all. I didn't know
if that was a bad thing or not.
"I'll walk
you out. Let me get your jacket."
"Oh I didn't have one." I
corrected.
He went into his
hall closet and pulled out a jacket.
"Here you can wear this home.
It's kinda chilly today. The sun
is out, but you know how the Windy City is.
It looks beautiful outside until you take that first step out the
door." He said as he slipped the
jacket over my shoulders. I had
forgotten what a warm man he really was.
Thank you whoever you are that gave me this
chance to see him again.
"Thanks Mr.
Camarelli. I'll get this back to
you." I said as I pushed my arms
through the sleeves of the jacket.
"Take your time. I have a few
others to wear. Just drop it off the next
time you are in the neighborhood."
We stood smiling at each other.
It was as if he knew.
"Well, thank
you again for breakfast. It was very
kind of you." I didn't want to
leave.
"You're welcome. Tell your folks
that they are welcome over too."
"I will." Before I could stop
myself, I leaned in and gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. He didn't even flinch at the contact. He just looked at me with his loving eyes
and waved as I walked out the door.
"Bye
Frankie." He said as he closed the
door.
"Bye
Pop." I said quietly to no one.
Chapter Eleven
As soon as I knew
it was safe I completely broke down and cried.
I wasn't sure if I would ever be strong enough to see him again. It was so hard not to tell him who I was. I sat on the bench at the bus stop and
composed myself. It took me a few
minutes to pull myself together. As
much as I loved seeing him, it made me miss him all over again.
I had a better
picture of my Ma though. It was quite
obvious she didn't want any kids. I
guess my Pop talked her into it. She
didn't seem like the nicest person in the world. Maybe I should be glad that I didn't have her in my life. I had Pop and he was the most loving person
I could've ever asked for to be my father.
I walked past
Technicolor Classics and peered in the window.
The lights were off and the Closed sign was on the door. I guessed it was Sunday since the shop
wasn't open. It wasn't until I bugged
Pop about the business that he opened his doors on Sundays.
I walked down to
Sheridan Road just smelling my Pop on his jacket. God I missed that Old Spice smell. Rain or shine he would wear that stuff. I never remembered liking it more than I did right at that
moment. I don't know what I did to
deserve a chance to see him again, but I was extremely grateful.
I walked down
towards the diner that Annie worked in hoping to find her there.
How am I going to explain my leaving her
the last time and then coming back now?
It has got to be a couple weeks since I have been here according to Pop's
discussion of his unwanted guest in his house.
Me.
I walked up to the
diner and glanced inside to see if I could see her. I watched the activity at the bar to see if she was working, but
there was no sign of her.
I entered the
diner to ask if she was going to be at work at all today. I came upon a waitress with
"Doris" on her nametag.
"Excuse me
Doris, I am looking for Annie. I was
supposed to meet her here, but I don't see her. Is she working today?"
I asked while lying a little bit.
"No honey,
Annie's been off the last couple of days.
She's been sick. You may want to
try her at the dorms." Doris
suggested.
"Thanks. Is she at Mertz?"
"Yeah I do believe so. I think she
is on the eighteenth floor."
"Umm… Doris
this is gonna sound funny, but I can't remember her last name. We are in a writing class together and we
were gonna go over some notes, but I can't remember it. Can you help me out?"
"Sure honey,
it's Parker. You aren't some psycho are ya?"
Like I would answer yes to that question.
"Well that
would depend on who you asked that question to." Her eyes got huge and her skin blanched. "I'm kidding Doris, like I said, we are
in class together. Don't worry, Annie
is in no danger, I promise you." I
gave her my best calming smile and she seemed to be more at ease.
"Well you are
definitely a lot safer than that boyfriend of hers. I want to wring his neck for what he's done to her." I could feel my anger boil.
"What did he
do to her Doris?" I said through
clenched teeth.
If he has done ANYTHING to her I will kill
him myself.
"Well he
didn't pick her up the other night and it was raining out, she nearly caught
pneumonia from that storm. That's why
she ain't been here in a few days."
I felt my temper calm down.
"Nothing a little
chicken soup and some TLC won't fix."
I smiled knowing I could take care of both of those things.
"It's good to
know she's got friends like you then."
"Yep, it sure is." I
agreed. "Well, I'm gonna get
going. Thanks for your help
Doris."
"You're welcome honey. Tell Annie
we miss her down here." She
smiled.
"I will. See ya." I said as I left the diner.
I walked towards
campus and right up to Mertz Hall. I
went up the stairs and walked up to the little security desk. A guard with a bunch of sign in sheets sat
there eating his lunch.
"I'd like to
see Annie Parker please." I said
to him. He didn't even look up at me.
"Sign in
please." He said as she slid the
clipboard over to me.
I filled out as
much information as I could sans Annie's room number since I had NO clue what
that was. I was just hoping to get in
the elevator before this guy got a clue and tried to stop me.
I got in the
elevator and pressed the eighteenth floor button. The doors closed and the elevator began it's ascent to the
eighteenth floor. The door opened and
closed letting on and off many students along the way. I finally reached my floor and stepped out
hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
I walked slowly
past rooms listening for that sweet voice I knew so well. I turned a corner to hear laughter from the
corner room. I got a little closer and
heard a familiar voice; it was Betsy from the volleyball game. I walked up to her door and knocked. I heard her hang up the phone. The door opened and Betsy stood there in
nothing but a towel and a smile.
"Well, look
what the cat dragged in. How the hell
are ya Frankie? We thought you
disappeared into thin air." She
jokingly said.
God how right you are. If you only knew how right.
"Hey Betsy,
how have you been? I've been alright I
guess no complaints anyway."
"Come in girl have a seat. I am in
the middle of getting dressed I hope you don't mind." She said as she dropped her towel and
stepped into some clothes.
I immediately
looked away and felt my cheeks flush with a bit of embarrassment. It's not everyday you have a woman you
barely know show you her naked body.
It's not a bad thing mind you, it just doesn't happen all that much.
"Hey have you
seen Annie? I don't know what room she
is in and I need to talk to her about the other day." I said hoping I wasn't too off with my
timing.
"I think you
pissed her off with your disappearing act.
That was over two weeks ago Frankie.
I don't know how great of a reception you are going to get. You can go over and see her though, it may
help. She is just next door
actually. I haven't seen her in a
couple days though, I have had lots going on with class and all. You want me to come with you?" She asked.
"No I'm a big
girl, I can take it."
"I bet that is true." She
replied very flirtatiously. I needed to
leave her room and fast. I liked Betsy
and all, but I could tell she was looking for love in all the wrong places.
"Thanks for
your direction Betsy, I appreciate it.
Wish me luck." I said with
a laugh.
"Just
apologize Frankie, I'm sure whatever made you stay away so long was a good
reason. She'll understand, really. Just don't lie to her, she hates that."
"OK, thanks
again Betsy. Bye." I said as I walked out of her room and went
to Annie's door.
I could hear feint
sounds coming from her room. I felt
like a child waiting to walk into the principal's office.
What the hell am I going to say to her?
"Hi Annie, I'm sorry I vanished on you
a couple weeks ago, but I had to return to my own time…" Or I could
say… "Hey Annie, I'm sorry I
bailed on you, but my time here is limited, you see I'm from the
future…" Or I could use the old…
"Hey babe, sorry about the other day, but something suddenly came
up." AAHHHH!!! OK Frankie, calm the fuck down and breathe.
I calmed my
thoughts and my breathing. I wiped my
sweaty hands down the length of my pant leg and brought my hand up to knock on
her door. I knocked on the door and
heard footsteps approaching the door.
This was not the time to vomit.
My stomach was thinking otherwise.
Then the door
opened and I saw her face for only a moment.
"Hi
Annie… " I said as the door
slammed in my face. "Shit…"
I turned around
and leaned my body into her door and rested my head on the wood.
Fuck.
This is going to be a lot harder than I thought.
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