The Birthday Girls

by Pauline Lawless

  By Wednesday morning Consuela decided she had to intervene and bustled into Angel’s bedroom, full of purpose.

  “Okay, Miss Angel, it time you stop this now,” she said sternly.

  Angel woke and put her hands over her eyes. “Close those curtains, Consuela, please. The light is hurting my eyes.”

  She pulled them half over but left them so that there was still light coming in.

  “C’mon now, Miss Angel. I bring you a nice cuppa coffee.”

  “No, no, I want to go back to sleep,” Angel cried, snuggling down under the covers.

  Consuela whipped the covers off her as Angel stared at her in shock.

  “I no stand by and see you kill yourself, Miss Angel. No man worth that. Now c’mon and drink this here coffee.”

  Angel started to cry and Consuela wrapped her motherly arms around her and rocked her back and forth as she sobbed.

  “C’mon, honey, everythin’ be okay.”

  “Oh Consuela, it’s not just Will, it’s everything. I’ve lost my friends too.” Angel managed to splutter in between her sobs.

  “What you mean? You not lose your friends. They call and say they love you, siempre.”

  Angel was silent as her sobs receded and she sipped the coffee Consuela handed her.

  “You special lady and great actress. You no need pills and whisky. The friends and many people, they love you, but maybe you not love yourself.”

  Angel looked at her, her big blue eyes full of tears. “What can I do, Consuela?”

  “I make you nice bath then you put on nice clothes and I cook good breakfast for you. Then maybe you go hairdresser and she make your hair pretty cause it no look good now.”

  As she went into the bathroom to take her bath Angel looked in the mirror and saw with a shock that she looked a mess. She allowed Consuela to help her into the bath and felt a little better as she sank beneath the bubbles. Thirty minutes later Consuela came to help her out and get dressed.

  The smell of fried bacon assailed Angel as she came down the stairs and she suddenly realised that she was starving. She guessed it must be five days since she’d eaten – she couldn’t really remember. She devoured the delicious breakfast, leaving not a morsel on the plate. Two more cups of coffee and she felt much better.

  “You’re so good to me, Consuela. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “Gracias,” Consuela replied, beaming with pride. She was happy to see Miss Angel get back to her old self.

  Angel decided to take a Prozac to help her get through the day but was shocked to find that the box was empty. She felt a wave of panic sweep over her and she knew she’d never get through the day without it. Checking her supply of Ambien she saw that it was almost gone too. Goodness! How had that happened? Had she taken all of them in such a short time?

  She immediately rang the doctor, out of earshot of Consuela, and made an appointment for that afternoon. She hoped she’d last that long.

  On her way to the hairdresser’s it felt strange being out and about again and she drove very slowly, ignoring the angry honking of other drivers, because she still felt a bit groggy.

  She consumed numerous cups of coffee as Zach styled her hair. She tried not to look at her reflection in the mirror and refused to take off her sunglasses when he asked her. He shook his head and threw his eyes to heaven, understanding why Angel looked so crappy today. He was used to the substance abuse of his many celebrity clients. This was Beverly Hills, after all.

  Crystal, the manicurist, also noticed how off-form Angel was and didn’t chatter as she filled Angel’s gel nails and painted them a bright red.

  Angel was relieved to get out of there and was sitting in the doctor’s waiting room fifteen minutes before her appointed time. The receptionist was surprised to see her so early as she normally turned up late. To Angel’s relief the doctor took her straight away and the moment she left him she went into the restroom and popped a Prozac. Five minutes later she began to feel its effect. Happier now, she drove down Rodeo Drive where she treated herself to a Dolce and Gabbana dress and a gorgeous pair of Valentino shoes. She considered going into the Beverly Wiltshire for a quick drink but decided not to as she would surely bump into people she knew and have to make small-talk. There was also the danger that the paparazzi who constantly prowled outside would snap her which was the last thing she wanted at this moment.

  Instead she drove to an off licence and bought a case of whisky which she put in the trunk of the car. She would sneak it into the house after Consuela left. Pleased with herself she drove home.

  “Now you very pretty,” Consuela exclaimed when she saw her. “Very beautiful.”

  “I wouldn’t quite say that,” Angel murmured under her breath as she made for her bedroom, one of the bottles of whisky secreted in her Jessica Simpson hobo bag. Once there she downed a glass in one go. As she felt the heat of the liquid spread through her she felt a sense of euphoria take over. She would need to be very careful not to arouse Consuela’s suspicions but she knew she could achieve that. She was an actress after all and a damn good one at that!

  Chapter 21

  Brenda settled back in business class on the flight to New York.

  “I could get fond of this,” she grinned at Lexi. “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to fly Ryanair again.”

  “Is it so bad?”

  “Well, let me put it this way, if people could afford to travel any other way, they would. But it is a cheap way to fly.”

  The stewardess offered them a glass of champagne which they happily accepted.

  “To New York!” Lexi toasted, raising her glass to Brenda.

  “To The Big Apple!” Brenda grinned, clinking her glass.

  “I hope Mel is okay and not too upset over Jack,” Lexi said as she sipped her drink.

  “She fell really hard for him, didn’t she?”

  “She sure did. I don’t understand how she could fall in love in such a short time. I’m actually more worried about Angel,” Lexi confessed, biting her lip. “Mel is a tough old bird but Angel is terribly fragile.”

  “I’m surprised to hear you say that. Angel has everything going for her. She’s beautiful and famous and all her life she’s been adored and petted. Men idolise her and she appears to be full of confidence.”

  “But she’s not, you know. She’s terribly insecure. Deep down she feels worthless because her mother never loved her.”

  “What?” Brenda exclaimed, spilling some of her champagne as she turned to Lexi. “You’re not serious?”

  “I’m afraid so. Angel’s father was so thrilled with his ‘little princess’ as he called her that her mother became insanely jealous of her pretty little daughter. She was extremely cruel to Angel as she was growing up but Angel never told anyone. Her mother threatened to kill her if she breathed a word, especially to her father, so Angel suffered in silence.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “Because she came to my house once in a terrible state. Her mother had given her a beating and left welts on her back. She made me promise not to tell my parents and I didn’t. I regretted making that promise. Then when she was down visiting me in Florida another time she unburdened her heart to me one night after a few drinks. She revealed that her mother had been physically and verbally abusive. I couldn’t believe the things her mother used to say to her. She totally demolished Angel’s self-esteem. She was a vicious woman.”

  “I remember her as being cold and aloof.”

  “She was. Then when Angel’s father was dying her mother never informed her and he was dead and buried before Angel even found out. She was in America then of course. She never forgave her mother and hasn’t spoken to her since.”

  “Is she still alive?”

  “I don’t know. I presume so. I know she moved to the south of France after her husband’s death. Angel never mentions her but she still bears the scars.”

  “Poor thing! No wonder she’s so messed up. Does Mel know any
of this?”

  “No. I never discussed it with her and I doubt Angel did.”

  “Maybe you should tell her. It might help Mel understand her better.”

  “Yes, I’ve been debating that since the blow-up they had. Maybe I will talk to her. We’ll see.”

  The stewardess arrived with their lunch which was as good as anything served in the best restaurants.

  After the meal Lexi dozed off and as Brenda looked out the window at the beautiful clouds her thoughts turned to Troy. She missed him. He’d made her feel attractive and desirable and she understood how Mel had fallen in love with Jack in such a short time. It had almost happened to her with Troy but luckily she’d been able to stop and nip it in the bud. She was trying not to dwell on her feelings for him. She couldn’t afford that luxury. That was dangerous territory.

  Lexi slept for the rest of the flight and Brenda’s worries about her surfaced once more. When she woke up Brenda broached the subject with her.

  “Lexi, I can’t help notice how easily you tire lately. Don’t you think you should see a doctor about it?”

  “Don’t you start! Marvin is forever on at me about it but you know I hate going to doctors. It’s probably just that I’m run down. I’ll start a tonic when I get back home, okay?”

  “But Lexi –”

  “Subject closed,” Lexi stated firmly and Brenda stayed quiet.

  * * *

  Once again Brenda saw the skyline of Manhattan loom into sight but this time she’d get to see it from the ground too. She was really excited about seeing New York as she’d heard how fabulous it was.

  Mel was there to greet them and seemed in great form as she hugged them.

  “How are you?” Lexi asked her anxiously.

  “I’m surviving,” Mel smiled. “A little heartbroken but you know if I had to do it all again I would. Jack opened my eyes to so many things.”

  Brenda squeezed her arm. “I’m happy you’re not hurting too much.”

  “Well, you know what they say: better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”

  “You’re taking it very well I must say,” Brenda observed.

  After they had collected Brenda’s luggage, Mel led them to a waiting limousine.

  “Wow!” Brenda exclaimed. She’d never been in a limo with a chauffeur before. “Don’t you drive?” she asked Mel as she got in.

  “Of course not! Nobody with any sense drives in New York except for cab drivers.”

  “And how do you get around?”

  “Well, the company provides me with this limo complete with the lovely Franco here but if I’m starting very early or working late I generally take a cab to and from work.”

  “Which is nearly every day,” Lexi couldn’t resist commenting.

  Mel threw her eyes to heaven at this remark but she was smiling.

  “Wow!” Brenda whistled. “Have your parents been here? They must be proud of you when they see this.” She waved her hand, indicating the limo.

  “They came for a visit once but didn’t seem overly impressed by my achievements,” Mel grimaced. “They didn’t like New York.”

  “Well, I’m very impressed,” Brenda assured her.

  “And we’re very proud of you,” Lexi said, patting her hand. It hurt her always to hear how Mel’s parents continued to denigrate her.

  “Now tell me, is there anything special you want to see while you’re here?” Mel asked.

  “Everything!” Brenda cried as the others laughed at her enthusiasm.

  “I’ve taken the next three days off to show you around,” Mel announced.

  Lexi looked at her in surprise. Mel had never taken a day off as far back as she could remember. “That’s very kind of you,” she said, looking at Mel intently. Mel looked different. She was softer, gentler somehow. That hard edge had disappeared. Thank God something good has come from all this, Lexi thought as they arrived at Mel’s apartment which overlooked Central Park.

  * * *

  When they’d dumped their luggage and freshened up they set off in the limo again. Brenda was beside herself with excitement as they drove down Columbus Avenue past the Lincoln Centre on their way downtown. Mel told them they had the limo for the afternoon and suggested that they do a full tour to show Brenda the sights and give her a feel for the city.

  “We’ll make a plan tonight,” she said as she pointed out the Plaza Hotel. “Then tomorrow we’ll visit the sights individually by cab and on foot. What do you think?”

  “Sounds great to me,” Brenda nodded enthusiastically as they turned onto 5th Avenue.

  Her eyes were out on sticks as they passed the famed Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Department Stores. Mel was giving a running commentary and pointed out St Patrick’s Cathedral and across from it the Rockefeller Centre with its skating rink and massive Christmas tree. She also pointed to a very elegant building which was where she worked. Brenda’s head was swivelling left and right as she took it all in and then suddenly they turned a corner and ahead of them lay Times Square. She squealed with excitement as she saw the famous place that she was so familiar with from television.

  Lexi and Mel laughed at her, enjoying her enthusiasm.

  “You’ll see it all better tomorrow,” Mel informed her as they left the crowded Square and made their way down Broadway. Mel was better than any guide and, as they passed through the Garment District, explained all about the different districts of Manhattan. It was fascinating.

  “That’s Macy’s,” Mel pointed out as Franco turned on 35th Street and drove the length of the famous department store that seemed to go on and on.

  “It’s e-normous!” Brenda shrieked as she took it in.

  He drove around it and then back across Broadway where the impossibly high Empire State building rose up before them. Brenda gazed up at it, wondering if she would have the nerve to go to the top.

  Driving south on Broadway again they passed the Flatiron Building while Mel relayed the history of New York. A short while later she stopped talking all of a sudden and Lexi whispered that it was because they were passing close to Ground Zero. They were all silent and Brenda felt immeasurably sad as she thought of the horror that had occurred there.

  Finally the most famous landmark of all came into sight – the Statue of Liberty. Mel ordered the chauffeur to pull over at Battery Park and they made their way to the bay.

  As they stood at the railings and saw Lady Liberty in all her glory Brenda felt overcome by the magic of this wonderful city. She threw her hands in the air and cried out: “New York, I love you!”

  Lexi and Mel roared with laughter.

  “Uh-oh, she’s been bitten by the bug already,” Lexi declared.

  “I can’t believe I’m here,” Brenda cried. “All these famous places that I’ve seen on TV and in photos and now I’m actually here! And it’s even more thrilling than I expected. This is the most exciting time I’ve ever had in my whole life. Thanks a million for making it happen, girls.” She reached over and hugged them both.

  “Our pleasure!”

  “Most definitely!” Lexi and Mel grinned happily at their enthusiastic friend.

  Brenda felt a lump in her throat when Mel pointed out Ellis Island. The three women stood silent, staring at the place where so many Irish emigrants had arrived in America.

  “It never ceases to move me,” Lexi said quietly, “to think of how terrified they must have been, landing in this strange place with nothing but the clothes on their backs.”

  “Yes, having left everything behind knowing that they’d never see Ireland or their loved ones again,” Mel added.

  “It must have been heartbreaking,” Brenda agreed, tears coming to her eyes.

  They quietly made their way back to the limo and went back uptown, passing through Chinatown, Little Italy and Greenwich Village.

  “It’s hard to believe that we’re still in New York,” Brenda said as they drove by small narrow streets with brownstone houses. “It’s such a contr
ast to 5th Avenue.”

  “That’s what’s so exciting about it,” Mel explained. “It’s very eclectic as are its inhabitants.”

  “I love it,” Brenda declared.

  “Me too,” Mel and Lexi chorused together.

  * * *

  “How is Angel?” Mel asked, as they sat having a glass of wine before dinner.

  “I don’t know. She won’t take my calls,” Lexi replied.

  “Oh, I thought it was just me she wouldn’t talk to,” Mel said, relieved slightly.

  Brenda threw Lexi a glance which said ‘Why not tell her?’. Lexi took the hint and disclosed to Mel what she’d told Brenda earlier of Angel’s relationship with her mother.

  “I never knew any of that,” Mel exclaimed, her face growing pale. “Why did she never say?”

  “I think she was ashamed. She somehow thought it was her fault that she was unlovable.”

  “But everyone loves Angel!”

  “True, but I suppose she needed her mother’s love more than anything else.”

  “That more or less explains why she behaves like she does,” Brenda said.

  “I guess it’s why she craves love and attention all the time,” Lexi agreed.

  “God, I feel bad now.” Mel was visibly upset. “Could we try calling her now?”

  Lexi looked at her watch. “California is three hours behind us. I guess it’s worth a try.”

  She dialled Angel’s number and as usual it went to voicemail. “Are you there, Angel? If so, please pick up. It’s Lexi, and Mel and Brenda would really love to talk to you too. Please, Angel, pick up!”

  To her surprise Angel answered. Lexi put on the speaker so that the others could hear too.

  “Hi, Lexi.” Her voice was slurred and it was obvious that she’d been drinking. The three girls looked at each other in dismay.

  “Thank God we got you. Are you all right? We’re all desperately worried about you.”

  “Hi, Angel. I’m glad to hear you’re okay,” Mel said. “I’m sorry for losing my cool with you in Florida but I was pretty upset that night.”