by Anna Wild
“Timmy…” Jon murmured in a drowsy tone, slowly opening his eyes. “Where am I?”
“Hey, sleeping beauty,” Tim teased him. “Nice of you to join us; we’re still in Vermont. Oh, and don’t call me that.”
“Just kidding,” Jon smiled up at him. “You look like hell, you know that?”
“I haven’t slept in two days.” Tim replied.
“Go get some rest. I’ll be fine.” Jon claimed. “Where’s your girl?”
It was the question that Tim had been dreading. His face hardened; he even squeezed his lips tightly shut, unwilling to answer.
“I’m waiting.” Jon insisted.
Tim sighed. “It’s over. She said she couldn’t forgive me.”
“Oh, man…” Jon gave a huff of exasperation. “Talk about ungrateful. You put your ass on the line for her and that’s how she repays you? I mean, come o – ”
“It’s complicated,” Tim interrupted. “What happened out there, Jonny? Do you remember anything?”
“Well, yeah! I remember just about everything.” Jon said a little more forcefully. “That Laura girl is one crazy chick.”
“Tell me about it.” Tim snorted. “Do you remember anything else?”
“Her goons didn’t hurt us. I resisted: they roughed me up a bit; but that’s about it. They didn’t touch your girl. But now, Laura?” Jon paused, “She wouldn’t leave Josephine alone.”
“What did she do?” Tim wondered.
“Well…” Jon started, “she did a lot of things. She didn’t get… physical or anything, but she did a lot worse than that. She kept talking about how she seduced you. Your girl didn’t believe Laura at first, but she wouldn’t let up. She only believed it, when she showed her a naked picture of you. I saw it, too.”
“Can TV’s take pictures?” Tim interjected one more question.
“If it’s got a built-in web camera: sure.” Jon responded. “But, the system has to be on. No power? No picture.”
“That fucking whore!” Tim shouted, kicking a stool in front of him.
“Take it easy, big man.” Jon tried to placate him. “You don’t want to get kicked out of here.”
“You’re right…” Tim drew in a sharp breath, running his hand through his hair. “Go on.”
“As I was saying, Laura wouldn’t give her a moment’s peace. She taunted her a lot, kept saying ‘how good you were in bed, how you paid attention to detail.’ That’s a direct quote, by the way. At some point, Josephine passed out. Laura wouldn’t allow her men anywhere near her. She said she’d take care of it herself. She just left her there, lying on the floor, until the poor girl woke up. I felt for her, man. I really did. You know what? Now that I think about it? Maybe…” Jon faltered. “Maybe she’s not totally wrong to not want you back.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tim said in a voice filled with confusion.
“That girl just spent 36 hours of her life locked up in a tiny little room, 24 of which she had to listen to the same old story about her boyfriend going out with the bitch who fucked everything up in her life. She got brainwashed. If I was her, I’d never want to see you again: ever.” Jon voiced his opinion.
“I was lonely, Jonny. I screwed up.” Tim confessed. “I just wanted to feel a little better. It didn’t mean anything.”
“Laura also wanted to know if you guys had a song.” Jon continued. “Your girl told her. After you guys went out, she came over and bragged about how she had used it to make you feel even worse. She knows a thing or two about psychology; I’ll say that much.”
“We underestimated her.” Tim concluded. “So now we’re paying the price. I keep wondering about what the hell I can do to change her mind, but I can’t find anything.”
“Is that so?” There was doubt in Jon’s still drug slurred voice. “I talked to your girl yesterday. In fact, we talked a lot. She told me all about you guys. She loves you a lot, but, she had a tiny little complaint about you.”
“What’s that?” Tim was intrigued.
“She said –and I quote- ‘He never liked the job of a security guard. He didn’t care if he was going to get fired or not. He just loves being called a “misfit”. Doesn’t he want to do anything in his life, other than breaking into people’s houses?’” Jon’s few sentences relit his hope. It seemed that Josephine disliked the fact that he was always ready and willing to go back to being an outlaw, but had not shared it with him. His short conversation with David flashed through his mind. He did like the idea of becoming a fireman, but had not given it much thought yet.
“She never said she wanted me to go legit.” He claimed. “You just gave me an idea.”
“I’m just telling you what I heard, man.” Jon shrugged his shoulders. “What idea?”
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Tim winked at him. “I need to check it out first. Goodnight.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Josephine’s ordeal had taken such a heavy toll on her that staying in Manchester was completely out of the question. She was unemployed and the small town brought back painful memories. After her breakup with Tim, there was nothing to keep her there or in her country. In truth, the young brunette’s options were limited: She could only hope that the job offer from the University of Paris still stood.
The following morning, she contacted Jan Pietrus, their director of human resources, with a very good excuse as to why she had practically abandoned them: she had had an issue with her father. It didn’t take her long to convince him. Pietrus accepted her apology and, much to Josephine’s relief, announced to her that the job offer still stood. There was one, minor problem:every flight out of Vermont, New York and New Jersey was booked for the next three days. She had to wait until Saturday.
On the morning of that cold, rainy day, she would meet with her good friend, Mona Silver. Josephine had already informed her of her decision and wanted to see her one last time.
“What a great day…” Mona whined, pushing her wet, graying hair back from her face. “My friend’s leaving the country and I’m getting soaked. Lovely…”
“Oh, my God…” Josephine whispered, covering her mouth with her hand. “Did you swim here? Come on in.”
“Thank you, my dear.” Mona attempted a polite tone, stepping into her friend’s living room. “Tell me more about that job in Paris.”
“There’s nothing much to tell.” Josephine pointed out. “They’re giving me eighteen months to finish my research. Then, I can teach at the University or do some more research on something else. It’s up to me.”
“That sounds great!” Mona said, her eyes wide open with admiration. “I’m really happy for you.”
A few slow steps to the left brought Josephine closer to her living room window.
“It’s the best thing for me right now.” She sighed, folding her arms across her chest.
“I really wish I was in that club that night.” Mona lowered her tone, looking at “Christine’s” club through her friend’s window. “I know; I wouldn’t be able to feel all the things you felt, but I’m just…” she paused. “Curious, you know?”
“That was the best night of my life.” Josephine whispered, gazing at the rain. “It was…”
“Magical.” Mona finished her sentence. “You’ve told me that story ten times already. Frankly? I get jealous every time I hear it.”
“Jealous?” A faint smile curved Josephine’s lips. “Why?”
“I’ve been with my Bill for more than fifteen years.” Mona spoke in a silvery voice. “We have two, great kids; we love each other very much. I wouldn’t change this for the world. But, I’ve always wondered what it would be like if I met someone who’d just…” She faltered,“Sweep me off my feet, like he did with you.”
“He did, Mona.” Josephine admitted. “He did everything he could to prove me wrong. He made me believe in him. And then he failed me. He’s a different man to me now.”
“You’re talking about a man who risked his life for you, sweetheart.�
� Mona spoke, turning her head to the right to face her: “Twice.”
“Mona, please!” Josephine begged, her voice quivering. “Don’t try to change my mind. This is my last day in the States for I don’t know how long. I don’t want to spend it arguing with you.”
“It would have been enough.” Mona’s voice became bass-deep, with a hint of change behind it.
“What?”
“The money that he stole for you,” she explained. “I did the math; we would need a little more than $560,000.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Josephine whispered, blinking back tears, as she turned her gaze to the window once more. “I’m going to France and he’s probably wound up right back where he wanted: breaking into people’s homes.”
“You’re being too harsh on him.” Mona remarked. “But, you’re right. It’s going to take us a while to see each other again. I don’t want to argue with you. When does your flight leave?”
“9:15.” Josephine was quick to reply. “All flights from Burlington were booked. JFK was my only choice.”
“Then JFK it is.” Mona smiled down at her. “I need to call Bill; let him know that he’ll have to pick up the kids from their grandma’s. Then, I’m all yours.”
“Go ahead.” Josephine encouraged. “Excuse me for a minute, will you? There’s something I need to do before we leave.”
Moving around her friend, she made it to her front door and stopped under her doorframe. Sadness pierced her ribs and squeezed her heart, as she glanced left, up at the blue, neon sign of “Christine’s” club.
“It’s tearing out my heart.” She thought to herself. And then, something incredible happened, something that made her feel the sorrow in her bones: The five words that she had just used were a direct quote from one of her favorite songs: Bon Jovi’s “(It’s Hard) Letting You Go”. It crept into her mind. In a split second, she could even hear the sad, keyboard introduction playing in her ears. She dropped her gaze from the sign, trying with all her might to fight back the tears, to no avail. Josephine squeezed her eyes shut, upon hearing the echoing drum beat. She took two, slow steps: she abandoned the warm, fuzzy feeling of her home. Thick raindrops landed on her long, brown hair. More of them soaked her face, as she slowly looked up at the sign once more.
“Our table, Tim; I want to see our table, one last time.” One more thought ran through her mind, as Jon Bon Jovi’s nasal voice filled her ears. Josephine stepped onto the road, unable to stop staring up at the sign, as more and more drops of water fell on her hair, her hands and her face. The torrential rain would not deter her. Walking down the narrow street, she recalled the night when she knocked on his door. Josephine’s tears mixed with raindrops, as “Christine’s” club got closer and closer…
It ain't no fun lying down to sleep And there ain't no secrets left for me to keep I wish the stars up in the sky Would all just call in sick And the clouds would take the moon out On some one-way trip
I drove all night down streets that wouldn't bend But somehow they drove me back here once again To the place I lost at love, and the place I lost my soul I wish I'd just burn down this place that we called home It would all have been so easy If you'd only made me cry And told me how you're leaving me To some organ grinder's lullaby
It's hard, so hard, it's tearing out my heart It's hard letting you go
Now the sky, it shines a different kind of blue And the neighbor's dog don't bark like he used to Well, me, these days I just miss you, it's the nights that I go insane Unless you're coming back for me That's one thing I know that won't change
It's hard, so hard, it's tearing out my heart It's hard letting you go
Now some tarot card shark said I'll draw you a heart And we'll find you somebody else new But I've made my last trip to those carnival lips When I bet all that I had on you
It's hard, it's hard, it's hard, so hard It's hard letting you go It's hard, so hard, it's tearing out my heart But it's hard letting you go
With the heartbreaking ballad still playing in her ears, Josephine lazily climbed the few steps that led to the front door, but did not stop there. She left it behind, making her way towards the window in the corner. A simple look through the window doubled her sorrow. The sight of their table, the empty chairs and the dark fireplace brought even more tears to her eyes.
“Look at them: all alone; empty and so, so dark. They’re like my heart: my heart without you, Tim. My life without you…”
Josephine put her head in her hands, as more tears spilled from her eyes. A cold sensation made her stomach chill with fear. Dropping her arms, she flipped around, only to realize that her friend had followed her.
“It’s time.” Mona silently mouthed to her. Overwhelmed by emotion, Josephine collapsed into her friend’s embrace, bursting into loud, wailing sobs. Closing her eyes, Mona put her arms around her back, as the rain pelted down around them.
“Let it out…” She whispered. “It helps.”
“God, it hurts so much…” Josephine sniffled, her body shaking violently, as two tears rolled off her face.
“I know, sweetheart…” Mona added, caressing her back. “I know.”
“Take me away…” A whisper of despair left her lips, as she leaned back. “Take me away from here.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Josephine was so distraught that she cried for most of the long drive to New York. Preoccupied with her situation with Tim, she had yet to realize that, by going to Paris, she would essentially leave her entire life behind, including family, friends, and loved ones. As much as Mona tried to comfort her, it soon became clear to her that no matter what she said to Josephine, Mona simply could not make her friend feel any better. Josephine only seemed to calm down when the two friends arrived at JFK airport, at 6pm.
The massive, glass door of Terminal 4 slid open sideways. With a heavy heart and two, large suitcases in her hands, Josephine walked into it, followed by her friend. Seconds later, she found herself waiting at the end of a very long, boarding line. To add to her frustration, Bryan Adams’ “Please Forgive Me” was playing from the speakers.
“Oh, great…” She gave a huff of exasperation, putting her suitcases down on the floor: “a love song about forgiveness.”
“I like it.” Mona chirped, with a big smile on her face, as more and people queued behind them. “It’s a good old, happy song.”
“You seem to be in an awfully good mood.” Josephine complained. “I’m leaving. Aren’t you just a little upset?”
“I am.” Mona nodded. “But, I still believe in miracles. Do you believe in miracles, Josephine?”
“No.” Josephine shook her head sideways. “Not anymore.”
“You should.” Mona suggested. “Remember when my phone rang, back in the lounge?”
“Yeah, why?”
“That was my cousin, Glenn.” She smiled yet again. “I haven’t told you about him. He’s the man behind the music in JFK. And I needed to ask him a favor.”
“What favor?” Josephine asked, her voice pitched higher with curiosity.
“This…” Mona winked at her, just before the introduction of Eric Clapton’s ballad “Wonderful Tonight” filled the air. Josephine was just about to start yelling at her friend, but then, something else grabbed her attention. It was a stentorian, male voice, audible over the music, calling out: “Joey!” Abruptly turning her head to the right, she saw someone pushing through the gathering crowd behind her. He would not stop calling out her name, turning quite a few heads.
“I know that voice…” She whispered. “Only one man in the world calls me that.”
Mona took a few steps back, biting her lower lip, in a clear attempt not to laugh, as he finally reached her friend. It was Tim, with a large bag wrapped around his shoulders, panting for breath.
“Tim!” She let out a gasp of surprise, eyes wide open, as their gazes met. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, thank God…” He sighed in relief, pulling out a piece of paper ou
t of his pocket. “Please, read this.” He requested, handing it over to her. It was an application to the fire department. “Joey…” Tim whispered, pulling the bag from his shoulder. He placed it on the ground, before taking a short step forward. “Please, don’t go, baby.” He added, leaning over her. “No more breaking and entering. I want to stay here and become a firefighter. I’d do anything to be with you again.”
“Anything?” Josephine whispered, her lips shaking, as she rolled her teary eyes up to meet his gaze again.
“Anything…” Tim said with a nod, feeling his heart thumping in his chest. She tossed the application across the floor, biting her lower lip, looking deep into his eyes. Closing her own eyes, she leaned in towards him and circled her arms around his neck. Tim shut his eyes and fastened his arms around her back, as relief left him on a gasp of breath. The gathering crowd burst into loud applause. Mona herself frantically clapped her hands, with a happy smile on her face.
“I love you, doc.” A soft whisper left his lips, feeling two tears rushing down his face.
“I love you, too.” She replied in her sweet voice, slowly leaning back. Tim tilted his head down to meet her lips. A gasp of surprise escaped her, as he pressed his mouth against hers. In a split second though, she returned his deep, passionate kiss, stroking the back of his neck, as he held her tightly in his arms. With the sound of the applause growing louder in his ears, Tim lifted her off her feet, feeling her hot breath on his skin. Easing Josephine down ever so gently, Tim kissed the tip of her tiny nose, pressing his forehead against hers. Josephine opened her eyes and glanced around, before a smile of embarrassment spread across her face. “We’ve become a spectacle.”
“I don’t care.” He spoke in a lazy tone, as more than two hundred people continued to applaud.
“I told you…” Mona interjected, running towards her friend. “You should believe in miracles.”