Scripted Love

by Karen Frances

  “Me too. Is he still here?” I ask, thinking I should thank him.

  “No,” says Connor.

  “Oh!”

  “He’s going to come and speak to you tomorrow. Something about tying up loose ends.”

  “Okay. What about Julie? Does she know I’m here? And Trevor? I’ll need him to speak to the producer and director for me.”

  “I’ve not called Julie yet. You can do that when we leave, and as for Trevor, he’s already let them know. We both have a few days off and we can relax.” Connor is right. I’ll call Julie. She’s going to panic regardless of when she finds out.

  We all sit talking, and I try to convince my dad and brother to go home, but they want to stay. Something about wanting to hear what the doctor has to say when he comes back to see me, and hopefully discharge me.

  “Miss McGregor.” Doctor Hardy enters the room, carrying my notes. “I’m happy to let you go home, but please take it easy for the next few days. You will have follow up appointments to attend and I have a prescription here for you. If you have any concerns, please come back in.”

  “I will,” I say. “And thank you.”

  The doctor leaves the room. “Sweetheart, we’ll drive you both home, if that’s where you’re going?”

  Connor glances at me. He’s leaving this decision up to me. “Yes, we’ll go home.” Dad and Callum leave the room, giving me a moment alone with Connor.

  “It will only be home for a short time,” Connor says. “All being well, we’ll be in our new home in six to eight weeks.”

  “Something to look forward to in our world of madness,” I reply, standing up.

  Connor wraps his arms around my waist. “We have lots to look forward to, and our mad crazy world will go back to what we class as normal.”

  “I’m sorry our plans for tonight changed,” I say.

  “Don’t you dare apologise. This isn’t your fault, but the plus side is, I get you to myself for a few days. I’ll still do the interview tomorrow and then we can lock ourselves away from everyone until we go back on set.”

  “That sounds like a very good idea.”

  He nods, pressing a kiss on the tip of my nose before taking my hand.

  FILMING FIVE DAYS A WEEK and being out with the charity most nights, and trying to help Michelle when I can with the new shelter over the past six weeks is starting to take its toll on me. I’m tired; really tired. I’ve not seen Julie properly in weeks. Not since the day after Donovan. A two-minute telephone conversation every few days isn’t nearly enough. Especially with everything going on in my life. I need a night out or a night in with my friend. But I feel guilty for even thinking about having a night out when I think about Jack. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it.

  Tomorrow is the grand opening of the new shelter which will provide a permanent home for a number of our city’s homeless people, including Mack and Jack. Social services have agreed to Jack staying there for the time being. Michelle didn’t think they would, but they did agree with her that she thought he would run if he was put into care, or if they tried to reunite him with his dad.

  Jack doesn’t know it yet, but Connor and I have already approached social services about him coming to stay with us. Initial background checks have been completed and references have been given. I have no idea if it will work out, but I’m hopeful, and I’ve also been saying a prayer every night.

  Jack has wormed his way into my heart, and if this doesn’t work out, I know I’m going to be more than a little upset. We do have a backup plan in the name of my dad, if our plan to have Jack live with us doesn’t happen. Dad has also approached social services. So we’ll have to wait and see what happens with Jack’s dad.

  There is a plan C, should A and B both fail, and that is he would stay at the new shelter permanently. Whatever happens, Jack will still be in our lives. He’ll be loved and cared for, and he’ll attend school, where I hope he makes many friends. Because he deserves some happiness. Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen a different side to him. He’s been confident and happy, and for a lad so young, having been through so much, it’s brilliant to see.

  Tonight, I have no plans. I’m under strict instructions to do nothing except relax from both Connor and Michelle. Her words were, ‘If I see you tonight, we’ll fall out.’ Connor had to work later than me, so he promised he’d bring a pizza home. He called about ten minutes ago, saying he’s on his way, and I can’t wait to see him. Sounds crazy, I know, but today on set we had no scenes together, so I’ve kind of missed him.

  The speed at which time flies past is too quick. There are parts of my life I wish I could slow down. Like my time with family and friends. I’ve grown to really appreciate what I have more than I ever thought I would.

  Family and friends I’ll never take for granted.

  The TV is on, but only for background noise. I used to love the silence, but not so much anymore. I’m excited about moving house next week. I still can’t believe Connor and I have bought a home together. Our new life starts then. A whole new chapter. We can say goodbye to the old, to the past, and look forward.

  With a sigh, my thoughts drift back to Donovan. Who would’ve known that him leaving me, doing what he did, would change my life completely? Maybe one day I’ll get the chance to thank him for what he did, because now I see he’s done me a huge favour. I received a letter from him, hand delivered and already opened by Trevor. I’m sure Trevor was worried about what was inside it.

  Donovan’s letter was brief and straight to the point, apologising for all the pain he caused before he left me and for all his actions after. He pleaded guilty to a number of charges. I didn’t attend court. I didn’t see the point. He’s currently in prison. And, as for Katherine Hunter, I believe she’s back in the States.

  The sound of my car in the driveway grabs my attention. I know it’s Connor and I smile. The car door slams closed and I silently curse him. He needs to get his own car now. The front door opens and bangs closed. I swear he’s just kicked it shut with his foot. I can only presume his arms are full.

  “Hey, honey. I’m home!” he calls out.

  “Don’t honey me. Slamming my poor car door closed.”

  “Sorry, babe,” he says, entering the front room with not one but two large pizza boxes and a bottle of Cola. Who does he think he’s feeding? And since when did we start drinking Cola? I stare at him, puzzled. His grin is huge. “I’ve brought someone to see you.”

  I frown and then quickly try to hide my disappointment that I’m not getting a quiet, relaxing night.

  My frown and disappointment are short-lived when Jack walks into the room. I jump from my seat and rush toward him, drop to me knees, and wrap my arms around him. “How, and where is Mack?” I ask Connor.

  “When I spoke to Michelle, she agreed to Jack coming here as long as he was happy to stay, and as for Mack, he’s staying at the shelter tonight.”

  Jack is staying here tonight. Not on the streets. Tonight, he can stay in comfort, and hopefully it will be the first of many nights with us.

  “Thank you.” Tears fill my eyes and I hold Jack at arm’s length to look at the boy who has changed so much in the short time I’ve known him.

  “You have a lovely home, Ella,” Jack says when I finally put him down. I try not to think too much about his words. I don’t want him to feel intimidated or scared here. Being here might be too much for him. I hope not though. Connor puts the boxes and Cola down on the coffee table and leaves the room. Jack joins me on the couch and I watch as he nervously looks around the room. His knees bounce rapidly and he rubs his hands together over and over.

  I can’t believe he’s here.

  I rub the back of my neck as I watch him. I think I’m more nervous than him.

  “Glasses for the Cola,” Connor says, breaking the silence. “What’s wrong?”

  Jack and I both answer at the same time. “Nothing.” Jack looks at me and a slow smile spreads across his face. “Sorry,” he says.<
br />
  “You have nothing to be sorry for. We have tonight and we can do whatever you want.”

  “Do you have Scrabble? Mum and I used to play it.”

  “I’m sure I have it somewhere,” I say. “After we’ve eaten, you can help me look for it.”

  “Deal.”

  Connor smiles, handing me a slice of pizza. Jack is already tucking in. I eat in silence, watching and listening to Jack and Connor. They’re talking about Fletcher’s football match this coming weekend. Fletcher has organised with Michelle for some kids to attend. Jack is going and he’s so excited about it. He’s not met Fletcher yet, but will meet him and the rest of the players at the game.

  Jack now looks a bit more relaxed than when he arrived. I suppose my reaction would’ve made him nervous too. But now I’m trying to keep my thoughts calm and positive. I can’t think of the worst case scenario. We have to all have a happy ending. Jack has to have a happy ending. I’d sacrifice my own happily-ever-after to ensure he gets his.

  Connor hands Jack the TV remote and he sits back, enjoying his pizza and flicking through the channels.

  I sigh when he stops. “Really? Football news?” I say with amusement.

  “I can turn it over,” Jack says.

  “You will do no such thing,” I reply with a smile and sit back. This is how I’m picturing nights in the new house. Fun and laughter. Peace and happiness. But more than that, I see stability in Jack’s future.

  We watch the football news. Connor clears away the boxes. Jack and I go for a quick tour of the house and we find Scrabble. I let him pick which room he wants to sleep in. He picks the small back room. The same room I sought comfort in all those months ago, when I thought my world was crumbling.

  Downstairs, we play a few games of Scrabble. Jack is really quite good at it. He’s very intelligent. I’m glad he’ll be going to school in the next few weeks, as soon as Michelle and social services sort through the paperwork. Or maybe I’ll be the one getting to pick out his school, if it’s decided in our favour for him to live with us.

  “Can we watch a movie?” he asks. “It’s been a while since I watched one.”

  “Of course we can.” Connor flicks through the channels and stops on an action adventure. I move from my position on the floor, where I’ve been sitting around the coffee table to play Scrabble. Jack joins me on the couch and snuggles up beside me. Connor sits on the chair and smiles, and if I’m not mistaken, his eyes are glazed. I wrap my arm around Jack.

  “Ella, thank you for having me. This has been the best night.”

  I choke back my tears. Something tells me he’ll be sitting in my arms the whole night. I don’t think he’ll make it upstairs.

  I OPEN MY EYES AND search the front room. No sign of Connor or Jack, but I hear their voices in the kitchen. I stand, stretching, and go to them. Pausing in the doorway of the kitchen, I watch the two of them interact. Jack is sitting at the island, his head resting in his hands, watching Connor as he cooks, and from the smell of it, he’s cooking pancakes.

  “I know I need to go to a new school. Do you think I’ll make friends?” Jack asks.

  I reach up, putting my hand over my mouth because I’m sad at the thought he thinks he won’t make friends. There’s a heaving ache in my chest and my heart breaks a little bit more for Jack. He sounds so insecure, and for that, I blame his dad. For not showing him any love or compassion in what has been the most traumatic time of his young life.

  I’m not a parent, but to me, a parent should always put their child first. Sadly, I’m finding out this isn’t the case for many.

  “Of course you will,” Connor tells him. “Ella and I are your friends.” Connor’s eyes meet mine for the first time this morning and there’s as much sadness in his as mine.

  “Yes, but you’re adults.”

  “Morning,” I say, finally stepping into the kitchen. I want to go to Jack, take him in my arms, give him a kiss, and tell him that everything in his life will be okay. He needs reassurance. Instead, I ruffle his hair, flashing him my biggest smile on my way past him, and I give Connor a kiss on his cheek. “It looks as though you’ve been busy.”

  “Connor has. I’ve just sat here and watched.”

  “So, pancakes this morning?” I open the fridge and take out the milk and fresh orange juice. I set them down and get some glasses.

  “My choice. Is that okay?”

  “Of course it is. Now, about starting school. I don’t want you to worry about it. You will fit in and it will be fun, hanging about with kids your own age.”

  “I’m not sure I want to. I’ve not been to school for nearly a year.” I stop at his words. “Ella, will I still be able to see you?”

  “Yes,” I tell him without hesitation, and sit down beside him. “I’ll always be here for you.”

  I take his hand in mine. Jack stares at our joined hands, his shoulders dropping and his back bowed. I hate seeing him sad and uncertain. There are so many changes happening in his life, most of them good, but I can understand his anxiety.

  Glancing across the kitchen, I’m met with Connor’s sad eyes. He offers me the weakest of smiles. We both feel the same. We’re both hurting for Jack.

  “Okay, breakfast is ready, you two.” Connor says.

  “Yay.” Jack’s voice is full of excitement. Up until last night, I’d only seen small glimpses of Jack the child. Usually, he has a wall built up around him, putting on his brave face; the one he uses every day to deal with the tough and unpredictable world he lives in. But, with us, he can be himself.

  The air lifts and we eat breakfast and talk about the day ahead. I have a few things to do before I need to be at the shelter. Michelle said Jack can stay with me until I go there. So, he gets to hang about here all day with Connor and me.

  I’m excited about this new project for the charity. There are so many people this new venture can help. And as for Mack, he has a new job. Michelle offered him a job as a maintenance man and he has a permanent bed at the shelter. He was a bit reluctant to take it because he thought that would mean leaving Jack on his own. Mack loves him as much as I do. I’d like to think that maybe, someday, Jack’s dad will seek the help he needs and they could build a relationship. Maybe, someday, father and son will get a happy-ever-after.

  “These are good,” says Jack picking up another pancake.

  “They’re not bad,” I say, teasing Connor.

  “You’ll pay for that,” he says.

  Jack watches us. “You two really do love each other.” We both nod with a smile. “So, why aren’t you married?”

  “We will get married,” Connor says confidently.

  My hand stops in mid-air with my glass of orange juice in my hand, shaking a little.

  “When?” Jack asks.

  I can’t answer that. I’m still too stunned at Connor’s last statement. “Soon, I hope,” says Connor, smiling at me.

  “Well, when you get married can I come?” Jack asks, his voice full of innocence.

  “If and when that happens, yes,” I say without looking at Connor. He lets out a smug chuckle.

  “So, Connor, when are you going to pop the question? Even I know you have a question to ask.”

  This time, its Connor’s mask that falls, but only for a moment. “I don’t know about that. I was thinking about just going all cave man, throwing Ella over my shoulders, and telling her she’s mine.”

  Jack laughs. A proper giggle. “You can’t do that. Ella deserves more than that. She’s special.”

  “She is and you’re right.”

  I smile at Connor’s words. Jack stands. “What are you doing?” I ask, noticing that he’s left almost two pancakes on his plate.

  “I want to show you something.” I nod as he leaves the kitchen. Connor shrugs his shoulders; he doesn’t know what Jack’s up to either.

  “I’d like to show you a picture,” Jack says, re-entering the kitchen. “It’s my mum.”

  Jack slides back into the seat next to me
with the photograph clutched between his fingers. Nervously, he hands it to me, before eating again.

  With the picture in my hand, I lift my head and look for support from Connor. He nods and I allow my eyes to study the picture, my gaze roaming every inch of it, taking every detail in.

  Jack with his mum.

  Tears fill my eyes and I’m fighting the urge to crumble as I see the love they shared. A mother’s love that no one can replace. I had my mum all through my childhood and still miss her every single day, but for Jack to grow up without his mother’s love saddens me.

  It’s a picture on a beach; they’re building sandcastles. Jack is watching on with awe as his mother sits back, proudly looking at what they’ve achieved. I’d say this picture is maybe only two years old.

  “Your mum was very beautiful. You look a lot like her,” I say.

  “She was, and she was my best friend.”

  “My mum was my best friend.” His eyes pop. “She died a few years ago and I still miss her every day, and I’m a grown up.”

  He puts the pancake down and tears roll down his face. I crumble with him. This time I don’t hesitate, and I do what I wanted to do. I offer him my arms of comfort as he cries for everything he’s lost.

  I sit back down with him in my arms, rocking him back and forth. “I miss her so much.” Tears roll down my face and I don’t even bother to wipe them away. My concern is for the boy in my arms that I’d happily do anything I could to make his hurt go away.

  I hear the scraping of a chair and I don’t need to look, because I feel him before I see him. Strong arms engulf us both, trying to protect us and offer comfort. I look up into Connor’s eyes and there’s something there. Something that makes me believe that everything will be okay.

  That Jack will be okay with our help.

  “Are you okay?” Michelle asks as I walk into the shelter. Jack has my hand in his and I can’t bear the thought of leaving him tonight. Although, I’m sure this is going to be easier than leaving him on the streets. I’m just hoping he won’t need to be here long.