People say I’m crazy and that I am blind,
Risking it all in a glance.
And how you got me blind is still a mystery,
I can’t get you out of my head…
-BSB, As Long As You Love Me
Nick sat in Brian’s plush and dusty couch, feeling worn out. He picked up the phone and dialed his house. Brian picked up at the first ring.
“So how did the candidates for the housekeeping thing go along?”
Nick let out a sigh. “Well, all those who went here recognized me as one of the BSBs. How did all these middle aged mothers know BSB?” Nick could hear a loud laugh from the other line.
“Frack, you seem to have overlook the fact that maybe they have daughters that listen to us? Find me a housekeeper soon; I am not going back into that house again for about a week or so. I’ve got all dust to get rid of, not forgetting those memories… By the way, if you do get one, don’t let her into my bedroom! I like it the way it is!”
Just at that moment, the doorbell rang.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say…maybe I’ve got one right now, call you back. Wait a minute, what time are you leaving for Kentucky?”
“About three in the afternoon. Don’t even think of sending me off, I don’t want hordes of girls screaming after me! Bye, Nick!”
Hanging up the phone, Nick stood up and opened the door, bracing himself for some giggling and screams. All that he saw was a girl who was about Brian’s height, staring up at him. Nick felt almost all the breath flying out of him. This girl was beautiful. She had long auburn hair that fell to her shoulders with curls, a perfect gentle face, with piercing green eyes.
“Uh... yes?” Nick’s heart started beating faster when the girl gave a radiant smile. ‘Oh my,’ Nick thought to himself.
“I’m here to see Mr. Carter? About the housekeeping job, is this the right address?” Nick whistled under his breath. She didn’t know who he was, this was a real treat!
“Come on in, you’re at the correct address.” The girl slowly stepped in, looking at the dusty house. She sat down on the chair facing Nick.
“What’s your name?” Nick asked, unable to take his eyes off her face. Catherine fumbled around for an answer. She couldn’t possibly use her real name; people might recognize her.
“I’m, uh, my name is, uh . . My name is Marie. Marie Banks. Pleased to meet you. You’re Mr. Carter right?” she asked, handing out her slender hand. Nick shook her hand, all the while getting more attracted to her.
“You can call me Nick. This… well, the owner won’t be here for another week, so he wants you to give the place a new touch, you know, get rid of the curtains and all, clean the house, stuff like that. Can you do that?” Catherine’s face lit up in pleasure.
“You mean I’ve got the job?” Nick found himself nodding along. He realized that he didn’t even ask her for her particulars, but she didn’t look dangerous. A face so gentle like that won’t cause any damage. ‘Except to hearts,’ he thought, grinning to himself.
“I’ll supply you the money to get new stuff, and your monthly pay is about…$1000 a month? You could leave by the afternoon, for dinner with your family. Will that do?” Catherine nodded her head. She was sure that it was more than enough. Besides, it gave her time with Tommy. That was most important.
“Could you help me with getting the new stuff?” she asked, immediately liking this Nick and the owner whom she had never seen before. They were generous people. Nick’s face lit up.
“Sure, glad to be of help.” One thing’s for sure, he knew he’d be spending lots of time over at Brian’s house.
* *Brian lay on Nick’s bed, staring up at the ceiling. He had just finished packing what he needed to bring to Kentucky. Clothes didn’t matter; his mother had loads of his clothes back home.
Thinking of Kentucky, he couldn’t stop the memories of the past from flooding back. He couldn’t quite put his finger up to it, but he felt as if Cat was with him. He could almost feel her presence. Brian smiled to himself. He could still picture the way Cat walked, talked, smiled…The images were still vivid and clear in his mind’s eye. He remembered that day where he last saw her, and a stab of regret hit him. He regretted not telling her how much he loved her. He regretted not telling her how much he cared, and how he longed to run his fingers along her strawberry blond hair, kiss her rosy lips, hold her hands … Eight years had passed and his emotions were still strong for Cat. Though she had appeared happy around him, Brian had always known that something was not quite right. He realized now that Cat was the only one for him. If only she could be here… He swore that if he met Cat, he wouldn’t let her go… ever.
* *Catherine walked up the steps to her apartment, welcoming warmly the feeling of happiness back into her life. She couldn’t believe her luck. She felt so free and so independent. She couldn’t wait to see Tommy. Now she could buy Tommy all that he wanted. Toys, books, new clothes… everything!
She quickly knocked on the door of Mrs. Thomas. Mrs. Thomas opened the door, but her face was dark and gray. “What… what is it? Is Tommy all right?” she asked, fear tugging at her heart. Mrs. Thomas led her in.
“Tommy’s all right, he’s sleeping in my room. Catherine, there’s someone here to meet you,” she whispered, as she led Catherine to the living room. Catherine slowly stepped into the living room. She recognized a thin and frail man, once a big and burly man, who had always beaten her, who had done such… such unspeakable things to her. She choked back a gasp as her keys fell to the ground. She stalked to the man sitting on the chair.
“Catherine…”
“YOU! Don’t you even DARE call my name! What are you doing here? Are you here to ruin my life again? Why are you here? Why? Haven’t what you done to me in the past enough? WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?” she yelled, as her hands tightened in fists and brought them down in blows on his thin body. The man just sat there, letting himself being beaten by his daughter. Tears ran down his already wrinkled face and his eyes stared up at her, full of sorrow.
“Catherine! Control yourself!” Mrs. Thomas said harshly, as she struggled to stop Catherine’s blows. She stopped, her breathing ragged, face red and puffy from crying. Wriggling out of Mrs. Thomas grasp on her arms, she took the man’s hands and pulled him out of the chair.
“Catherine, please listen to me, I came to…” he pleaded, but Catherine ignored him. Catherine flung open the door and dragged him outside.
“YOU…” she whispered fiercely, pointing her finger in his face, “stay out of my life, I don’t want to see you again, you hear? I am no longer your daughter! Catherine Patterson has died, all right?! She has died!” Saying that, she slammed the door close, trying to drown out his sorrowful pleadings and the knocks on the door.
Mrs. Thomas stood in the middle of the room, staring at her in sympathy. Catherine’s tears flowed freely, and she slumped against the door, burying her face in her hands. She felt Mrs. Thomas warm hands on her cold ones, and her arms enveloped Catherine’s body.
“Hush now, Catherine. I understand, Catherine, I understand now. He…he is Tommy’s father… am I right? And he…he is your father too?” she whispered gently, rocking Catherine in her arms.
Catherine nodded slowly, relishing the warmth and comfort of Mrs. Thomas’ arms. Catherine remembered the time when a boy had held her in his arms, rocking her like this. She remembered their first kiss. Oh, how she longed to be in his arms, but sadly… it was a dream that could never be reality.
