“Hello? Is someone there?” Annie asked, looking in the closet for an intruder. “Okay, that was stupid. I must be hearing things.”
“Trudie, pick up, please. It’s Kelly.”
The voice was coming from the computer speakers. Someone is trying to Skype with Trudie. Annie sat down and clicked on the monitor. There were two programs running, and one of them was the online video chat. Annie had used Skype before, to talk with her parents when she was deployed overseas. She accepted the call, and the screen popped up a video box and a woman’s white face slowly came into focus.
“Hello? I’m calling for Trudie Youngblood.”
“Hi. Trudie is asleep at the moment. Can I tell her you called?”
“Yes. My name is Dr. Kelly Ramirez. I had an appointment with Trudie this morning. Just have her call and reschedule.”
“You’re her shrink, right?” Annie asked.
“I don’t know that I would use that word,” Kelly said indignantly. “Who are you?”
“Oh, sorry. I’m Annie Nichols, Trudie’s friend.”
Kelly shook her head. “I’m sorry. Trudie has never mentioned you before.”
“No, probably not. We’ve haven’t known each other very long.”
“And yet, if I might be so presumptuous, you’re with her now at eight in the morning.”
“Uh? No, it’s not what you think. Trudie has pneumonia, and I’m just here because no one else was available.”
“Don’t shortchange yourself, Ms. Nichols. Trudie does not trust easily. You obviously have proven yourself with her.”
“I’d like to hope that I have. She’s a very special lady.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“I know you can’t say much because of doctor-patient confidentiality, and I certainly don’t want to meddle into Trudie’s privacy, but is there any way I can help her with her agoraphobia?”
“No, there’s not. An agoraphobic has to want to step out that door on their own. They can’t be coaxed, threatened or medicated. The only thing you can do is to leave her alone.”
Leave her alone? As in physically leave, or like just don’t bring it up? “Uh, okay, thanks.”
“Trudie is at a pivotal point in her life. It’s important that nothing upsets that balance.”
What is she trying not to say to me? “Don’t worry, Doctor. I only have her best interests in mind.”
“As do I. Have her call me, please.”
“Of course. Nice meeting you, Doc.”
“Likewise.”
Kelly disconnected, leaving Annie to wonder why all of Trudie’s friends and her psychiatrist seemed to dislike her so much. It was like the private club was getting bigger, and they were circling the wagons to keep her out. Well, they can try. As long as Trudie wanted her friendship, Annie wasn’t going anywhere. Annie shut down the program and turned off the monitor.
“Annie?” Trudie called.
Annie jumped up and ran to the living room. “Good morning, sunshine.”
“I woke up and you weren’t there. I thought it had all been a dream,” Trudie said groggily.
Annie put her hand to Trudie’s forehead, and then under her chin, smiling as Trudie looked up at her with her big violet eyes. “No fever, thank God. How do you feel?”
“So much better. What time is it? And what day?”
“It’s a little after eight on a beautiful Wednesday morning. By the way, did you know you left your webcam on? Those things are too easily hacked, whether they’re left on or not. You might want to be more careful about covering up the lens when you’re not using it.”
“I forget to turn that thing off all the time. I only video call with my therapist, my family, my doctor as needed, Blake in Hollywood, and Noella of course.”
“Well, it was your therapist calling this time. She asked that you call her back when you’re feeling better.”
“Oh, no. I forgot she was going to call and check on my homework assignment.”
“Homework? What kind of homework, uh, if you don’t mind me asking, that is?”
Trudie laughed. “Well, one time she had me stand on my head while I talked on the phone.”
“I would have paid real money to see that,” Annie chuckled.
“I get the feeling that she doesn’t know what to do with me and comes up with this crap just to keep me occupied.”
“Does it work?”
Trudie nodded. “Yes, actually, it does.”
“Trudie, can I ask you something that’s completely none of my business?”
“Why am I afraid to leave my condo?”
Annie pinched her lips and nodded.
“I didn’t start out to be this way, you know.”
Annie saw the glint of guilt in her eyes. “What way, Trudie?”
“Someone who’s afraid of her own shadow. Before Leigh died, I was very outgoing, loved autographing books and posing for pictures with total strangers. Loved to travel and meet new people. But the mere thought of just stepping out onto my balcony now causes me to panic, and my heart to beat so fast that I think it’s going to burst wide open. That’s a very debilitating feeling. One that I avoid at all cost.”
“I can’t imagine how you must feel when that happens. But I think you’re probably the bravest woman I’ve ever met.”
“Brave? I just told you what a coward I was,” Trudie protested.
“No. You just told me that you tried, and that makes you brave.” Annie’s eyes were locked on Trudie’s and she desperately wanted to kiss her. With the last ounce of control she had left, she stood up and clapped her hands. “So, who’s ready for breakfast?”
She didn’t push. Didn’t ask me for more explanation. She accepted me... “You know, I am pretty hungry.”
“Very good, madam. Let me see what’s on the menu.”
Trudie started to get up, but Annie stopped her. “No, you stay right there and keep warm. I’m an old hand in the kitchen, I’ll find my way around.”
“Thank you, Annie, but I just coughed so hard that I have to pee.”
“Is that supposed to turn me on?” Annie asked. “Because, oddly enough, it does.”
“Down, girl,” Trudie laughed, “Some things are not meant to be shared on a first sleepover.”
I am so totally loving this. “Okay. Need any help?”
Trudie held out her hands, and Annie pulled her up. “Thanks, and no thanks, I’m an old hand in the bathroom. I’ll be fine.”
Annie grinned mischievously. “All right. I’ll just be there in the kitchen if things don’t come out the way you planned.”
“Oh, you should be a comedian,” Trudie laughed.
“Thanks. Plenty more where that came from and I’m here all day.”
“Really? No joking?”
“Well, it was a joke,” Annie explained. “But yeah, I can stick around today if you would like?”
“I would like that very much. Um… I’m still very weak and could spike another temp at any moment.”
“Not to mention wetting the floor if you don’t get a move on to the bathroom.”
“Now you see,” Trudie grinned, “thanks to you, I just avoided an embarrassing mess.”
“Not yet you haven’t, now scoot.”
Trudie laughed as she walked into the bathroom. I feel like we’re playing hooky from school.
Annie went to the kitchen, then stopped and pulled out her cellphone and clicked on Donny’s phone number.
“Morning, Uncle Donny. Listen, I’m not going to be in today. I need to stay with Trudie a while longer.”
“How’s she doing this morning?”
“Much better. Her temp finally broke and now she’s hungry, so I’m about to fix her some breakfast.”
“Did you sleep over at her place last night, Annie?”
“Yes and no. Yes, I was here all night, but no, I didn’t get much sleep. Trudie had a pretty rough time of it.”
“All right, I guess I can spare you today, but don’t make a habit
of it, understand?”
“Understood, and thanks, Uncle Donny.”
“Uh huh.”
Annie clicked off and stuffed the phone back in her jeans pocket. She looked around the counter and noticed a slate-gray electric teapot with a programmable timer. Next to it sat an expensive coffeemaker in the same color scheme. Neither of which look liked they had ever been used before. On the stove sat a dark blue tea kettle. Now that’s more like it. Annie filled the kettle and sat it on the burner. Then, rummaging through the refrigerator, she pulled out eggs and bread. When her mother was sick, Annie learned to fix food rich in protein and antitoxins. Now if I’m really lucky, she’ll have green tea, too. In the corner opposite of the electric devices, Annie saw a silver-plated wooden box with Trudie’s name engraved on it. The tea box had the green tea she was looking for. She set the bag to the side and pulled out the orange juice from the fridge.
“How’s it going in here?” Trudie asked as she walked into the kitchen, slipping her robe on.
“Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Meantime, drink some juice.” Annie handed Trudie a tall glass of juice.
That’s too much,” Trudie protested.
“It’s good for you. It will help you get better quicker.”
And if I don’t want to get better because that means you will leave? “Yes, Nurse Ratchet.”
Annie laughed. “Hey, I’ve seen One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and I am nothing like her. Now, if you want me to be tougher on you, then I can be.”
“Oh, no. No, that won’t be necessary,” Trudie replied and took the glass from Annie’s hand.
“So, I called and got the day off. And Uncle Donny asked after you.”
“Oh, that’s so great,” Trudie exclaimed.
“But I’ll need to go home at some point. I haven’t had a shower in a while and my clothes are at home.”
“No problem. You and Leigh were about the same height. I’ll go pick something out for you.”
Annie grabbed her arm as Trudie turned to leave. “That’s really nice, but, uh, I wouldn’t feel comfortable in her clothes.”
“Leigh wouldn’t have minded, and besides, I’d love to see what you look like in a cowboy hat.”
Annie ran her hand down Trudie’s arm in an effort to help her understand. “I’m not Leigh, Trudie. I can’t be.”
Trudie lowered her head and nodded, running her fingers along the rim of the glass. “I’m so sorry. I know you’re not Leigh, and honestly, I don’t want you to be. But I don’t want you to leave either.”
Annie tucked her finger under Trudie’s chin and lifted her head. “Then just a pair of jeans and a shirt is all I need.”
“And underwear?” Trudie rebounded.
“No, I don’t wear underwear,” Annie replied.
“Now see, you are nothing like Leigh. She preferred boxers.”
“And what do you prefer?”
Trudie grinned. “Cotton briefs with a little bow at the top.”
“Okay, now you’re just teasing me.”
“Is it working?”
“Yes, can you hurry and get me those clothes? I suddenly need a cold shower.”
Trudie laughed, feeling better than she had in days. “I’ll be right back.”
Annie smiled happily as Trudie sauntered off to the bedroom. God, she’s so sexy in that bathrobe. Annie returned to scrambling eggs when the doorbell rang. Lucy was in front of the door in a flash, her tail wagging. Annie picked up the pan of eggs and kept stirring as she walked over to the monitor. “Deidra’s here to walk Lucy,” Annie called to Trudie.
“Would you let her in, please?”
“Sure.” Annie laid the spatula in the pan and unlocked the door. “Good morning, Deidra. Would you like some breakfast?”
“Why are you still here?” Deidra asked accusingly.
“Why are you so opposed to my being here?” Annie countered.
“Because you upset the balance,” Deidra answered as she walked in and closed the door.
There’s that word again. Balance. Is there something wrong with her equilibrium? “And you know this how?”
Deidra exhaled skeptically. “It’s a long story.”
“Come tell me while I finish making breakfast,” Annie encouraged her in a pleasant tone. She wanted to make friends with the young woman so she would stop shooting darts at her with her eyes.
“Okay, well, Trudie’s mom and my mom were best friends in college. Louise, that’s Trudie’s mother, knew that I was majoring in veterinary medicine, and when Trudie bought Lucy off the Internet, Louise asked me if I wanted to earn some extra money for college. Of course I jumped at the offer.”
“Smart move,” Annie complimented, scooping the eggs onto a plate. “Would you mind setting out the plates and forks on the island counter, please?”
Deidra walked over to the cupboard and pulled out the plates.
“And finish your story, please. I really do want to know why you dislike me so much.”
“Um, okay. It’s not really that I dislike you.”
Annie set the plate of eggs on the hotplate and then cracked open more eggs and began scrambling. “Would you toss some more bread in the toaster for me, please, thanks? So you’re saying that you do like me, is that right?”
“Um, yes and no,” Deidra replied, washing her hands at the sink before picking up the bread. “I don’t know you well enough to know if I like you or not. Neither does Trudie.”
“Ah, and that bothers you so much that you don’t want to get to know me.”
“Are you a shrink or something, because you’re starting to sound like one.”
Annie laughed and shook her head. “No, shrinks give me a headache.”
“Me too.”
“Look, Trudie doesn’t know a lot about me yet, that’s true,” Annie admitted. “But it’s my hope that she will.”
Trudie stopped in the hallway when she heard her name. She wanted to make her presence known, but she also wanted to know what Annie was saying about her.
“And it’s my hope that she won’t,” Deidra stated, becoming serious again.
“Why? Why don’t you want Trudie to have new friends?”
“I’ve been working for Trudie for three years, and in all that time, she has never allowed anyone new into her life. Not since… never mind. It’s not my place to tell.”
“It’s okay, Deidra,” Trudie said as she walked into the kitchen carrying a pair of jeans and a shirt over her arm. “You can tell her.”
“Are you sure?” Deidra asked.
“Yes, I’m sure. I trusted Annie with my life and my virtue last night. I can certainly trust her with that.” And besides, I need to know how she will react to it.
“Okay, well, to put it bluntly, Trudie went a little nutzoid for a while.”
“And?” Annie asked, carrying the plate of eggs to the island counter. She indicated for the two women to sit down, and then went back for the toast.
“And?” Trudie asked incredulously.
“I would think there was something wrong with you if you hadn’t had some sort of breakdown, Trudie. The thing is, you chose to pull out of it and find an alternative way to deal with something as traumatic as that.”
“Some people think I’m nuts because I can’t leave my apartment,” Trudie added.
Annie shook her head. “Well, I think people who run for president are nuts, but they still get elected and do their job. Same diff.”
Trudie’s eyes welled up. “That’s probably the nicest compliment and weirdest comparison anyone has ever said to me.”
“You two eat your breakfast. I’m going to take a shower,” Annie instructed, as she took the clothes from Trudie’s arm. Eye contact with Trudie took Annie’s breath away, and for the briefest of moments, she drowned in the warm, violet pool of ecstasy. “And I think it’d better be an ice cold shower.”
Deidra and Trudie both watched Annie walk down the hall and then sat down at the counter.
&
nbsp; “She’s very comfortable with you, isn’t she?” Deidra asked, as she reached for the pepper.
“I think it’s more that she’s comfortable with herself,” Trudie clarified.
“You really like her, don’t you?”
Trudie smiled. “Yes, and I would like it if you could try to like her, too.”
“I’ll try, but it’s not nearly as much fun,” Deidra joked.
“Funny. That sounds like something Annie would say.”
Chapter Ten
Trudie leaned on the pillows on the couch and played with her wedding ring. Even if she could take the ring off... even if she could let Leigh go, she could never have a relationship with someone like Annie because it would be cruel of her to ask Annie to give up her freedom for her. Leigh did, and it got her killed.
“That feels much better,” Annie said, walking into the living room, running her fingers through her damp hair.
Trudie laughed when she saw her.
Tugging on the back of the jeans, Annie said, “Yeah, Leigh wasn’t quite as tall as I am I guess.”
“I think she was about an inch shorter than you, but I didn’t think it would make that big of a difference.”
“It’s not too bad,” Annie decided. “So, is Deidra out rollerblading with Lucy?”
“Not this time. She’s taking Lucy to the vet for her annual checkup. She’ll be gone a couple of hours.”
“I think she’s warming up to me, don’t you?”
Trudie laughed. “Yes, smart move getting her to help you with breakfast.”
“Yeah, my mother used to do the same thing to me to distract me from worrying so much.”
“What did you have to worry about, Annie?”
Annie walked over to the couch opposite the one Trudie was on and picked up the blanket lying there. “My dad died from cancer, and then my mom was diagnosed with it,” she said as she laid the blanket over Trudie.
“Oh, my God.” Trudie caught Annie’s hand. “I’m so sorry, Annie.”
Annie wanted to kiss her soft, delicate hand, but instead, she just squeezed it and let it go. “Yeah, me, too,” she said, and then sat down on the arm of the couch. “Mom’s in remission now, but it was rough going there for a while.”
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