I take a break from the story to water my African violet pot plant. Etienne gave it to me so I take care of it well. I smile when I notice a new leaf-shoot or a new bud. Sometimes I find myself talking to it!
Etienne said, “Every time you look at it, Kaz, just remember how much I love you. I wish it could be me here with you always, instead of just a plant.”
And then I get back to Lacey’s story.
Rabbit in the Headlights – Scene Three
Lacey de Winter is in a TV studio to discuss her new book. The book is called: This Time It Will Be Different.
“So, what’s your book about?” the TV interviewer asks.
“It’s about beating addiction,” explains Lacey. “I have found the perfect answer. So I want to share it with others who are struggling with drugs.”
“It’s on the best-seller list,” says the interviewer. “You must be making a killing!”
But Lacey insists this is not about making money. No. She has found a way to stop the awful, endless cycle of addiction and rehab and relapse and the next drug binge.
“I will never again be tempted,” says Lacey. “I am free forever. I want other addicts to have their freedom too.”
There are three pages of the story left when my phone rings. It’s Etienne. He is whispering so I guess he is at home with Mary and the children. And yes, in the background I can hear a baby crying.
“I haven’t got long, my darling,” he says. “She’s just bathing the kids.”
I realise suddenly: I don’t even know the names of Etienne’s children. There’s a boy and a girl, I think. But I have no idea what they’re called. Nor how old they are.
“So what are you doing, my love?” Etienne asks.
“Reading,” I answer.
“Oh my love, forgive me. It must be lonely! I wish I could steal some more time away to be with you. But things are difficult right now. One of the kids has a temperature.”
Poor Etienne. He sounds so torn. How hard it must be for him.
So I say, “Don’t feel bad, Etienne. I understand the situation. And I’m not lonely, promise.”
“Are you sure, Kaz? Or are you just saying that to make me feel better?”
“No. I’m sure,” I say. In the background I can hear his wife calling for him. And the phone goes dead.
For some reason, I have a sudden need to know the names and ages of his children. I send him a message, choosing my words carefully. Etienne suspects his wife sometimes checks his phone. On his contacts, I am listed as ‘Kago’.
I go back to my short story and Lacey.
Rabbit in the Headlights – Scene Four
Lacey de Winter is very cheerful. Yes, the royalties coming in from the book are great. Plus the money from the TV interview. And she’s waiting for her agent to phone and confirm that she’s been chosen for the main part in an upcoming movie.
Time to spoil herself. Definitely! And she knows exactly what she’s going to buy – something she’s had her eye on for a while now. Lacey de Winter heads for Fifth Avenue, where all the most expensive designer boutiques line the street.
I turn over the page. There are just a few paragraphs left to read. Will there be a happy ending for Lacey? Or is it one of those stories with a surprise twist? Lots of short stories seem to have those surprise twists – and some of them can be pretty nasty!
***
Tell us: Happy ending or surprise twist for Lacey? If it’s a twist, can you guess what it might be?