The Cruise (Part 1)
Several months have passed since the encounter with Nora and Colin in his bedroom. She has been terribly busy at work and has not seen Colin since that night. Bo and Melanie are still a couple and she's been dragging him from one fabric store to another trying to find just the right fabric for the new window treatments in Bo's apartment.
Nora's Office:
Nora: (Beginning to straighten the mess of files on her
desk, rubs her hands through her hair and stretches) (To herself)
Nora, ole girl, you need a vacation.
She reaches over and pushes the intercom on the phone.
Kay: Yes, Ms. Buchanan
Nora: Kay, could you come in and pick-up these files, please.
Kay: Yes, Ma'am
Nora: Thank You.
Kay walks into Nora's office carrying a couple of phone messages.
Nora hands the stack of folders to Kay as she gives Nora the messages.
Nora: (Looking at her watch) Good grief, it's 6:30. Why are you
still here?
Kay: Well, I wanted to stay around in case you needed me. You've
been working way too much lately.
Nora: Between work and Matthew, it doesn't give me much time to
sit around and just think. I need that right now.
Kay: You know what you need . . . A vacation. When was the last
time you just relaxed and concentrated on yourself.
Nora: (Skimming through the messages and trying to think) (Laughing
briefly) I can't remember.
Kay: See what I mean. My friend recently went on a cruise and
she had a wonderful time. She said there were so many things to
do or places to just relax. You should think about it.
Nora: (Waving it off) I just don't have the time right now, but
thanks for the suggestion. Look, you should head home to your
family. Have a great night.
Kay: Is there anything else you need?
Nora: (Staring at one of the phone messages) When did he call?
(Holding up the message)
Kay: It was around 5:00. He didn't want me to interrupt you. He
did ask how late you planned on working.
Nora: (Looking concerned) What did you say?
Kay: Oh, I said I didn't know. You look worried. Should I have
interrupted you?
Nora: No, no. You did fine. Thanks, Kay. Goodnight.
Kay: Goodnight, Ms. Buchanan.
Nora: (To herself) What do you suppose he wanted. (She took the
message and crumbled it and tossed it toward the trash can) (Waving
two fingers down) 2 points! You go girl!
Nora packs her notes in her briefcase and turns the lights
out as she locks her office door. The ride in the elevator seemed
to take forever. She finally arrived at Parking Level Two where
her car was parked. There it sat, halfway across the parking garage.
With the exception of a couple utility trucks her car was the
only one in the garage. As she walked to her car, the hair started
to rise on the back of her neck. She felt like she was being followed
but when she glanced around there was no one else around. She
used her keyless remote to unlock her car which turns the interior
lights on. Everything looked fine. She opened the back driver's
side door and tossed in her briefcase. She opened up her door,
looking around one more time because that eerie feeling just wouldn't
subside. She got in behind the wheel, closed and locked her door.
Without hesitating, she put the keys in the ignition, started
the car and drove away.
Nora: (To herself and combing her hair with her fingers) I really
do need a vacation.
After Nora drove away a man stepped out from behind one
of the parking garage columns.
Colin: (With an evil grin) Well, aren't we working late these
days.
Nora's House
Nora: (Walking through the front door) MaryAnn, I'm home. Matthew,
Mommy's home!
Matthew: (Running and jumping into Nora's arms) Mommy! Mommy!
Daddy's here.
Nora looked towards the kitchen as Sam stepped through the door.
Sam: (Smiling) Hey Stinger.
Nora: (Trying to hide her disappointment) Sam. What brings you
by this evening?
Sam: (Taking Matthew out of Nora's arms) I have a big favor to
ask and I thought I would come by here and ask in person.
Nora: (Taking off her coat and putting her briefcase on the table)
OK, Sam, I'm listening.
Sam: (Licking his lips) Nora, I need to go visit Jen in Switzerland.
I leave in two days. I would love to have Matthew meet his big
sister.
Nora: (Brushing her hair away from her eyes) Sam, I... I don't
know. Switzerland? It's a long way away (waving her arm).
Sam: I realize that, but what an opportunity. We haven't been
able to spend a lot of time together (hugging Matthew).
Matthew: (Looking sweet) Please, mommy!
Nora (pausing)
Matthew: Pretty please, I go to Swidderland, see Jen.
Nora: (Stroking Matthew's hair) Honey, Mommy would miss you.
Matthew: I miss you to mommy. I'll bring surprise back. Please......
Sam: (Joining in) Please ....... (Both begging)
Nora: (Throwing her hands up in defeat) OK, OK, I give! (looking
at Matthew and placing a kiss on Matthew's forehead) You can go
to Swidderland with Daddy.
Matthew reaches for Nora and gives her a big hug.
Nora: (Hugging Matthew tightly) I love you, Matthew.
Matthew: I love you Mommy.
Sam looking very pleased and rubbing his hands together.
Sam: OK, fine, then it's a deal!
Nora: Hey, I don't think I had any bargaining chips here.
Sam: (Smiling and licking his lips) I finally out maneuvered the
master!
Nora: (Putting Matthew on the floor and patting his head) Yeah,
but using small children? (Shaking her head) Dirty pool!
Sam: Well it worked. (Clapping his hands together and picking
up Matthew) Hey sport, I'll see you in two days.
Matthew: OK, daddy.
Nora walked Sam to the door. He leaned in and gave Nora
a kiss on the cheek.
Sam: Thanks, I know how hard this is.
Nora: (Smiling slightly) OK, Sam. (Pointing at him) You take care
of my most precious treasure.
Sam: Will do.
Two days later Nora watched Sam and Matthew fly away from
the Llanview airport.
Nora: (As she watched the plane take off with her hand on the
airport terminal window) (Sadly) Bye Matthew, Mommy loves you.
She turned and walked through the crowded terminal, headed back to her car and occassionally wiping a tear from her cheek. She was so lost in thought that she never noticed she was being watched.
To be continued . . .
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