Chapter 9: write me a song
"I got it!" Annabelle said running through the house to grab her notebook.
"you got what?" Simone was sitting on the couch reading a book, she had read a million times before.
"the song" Annabelle said returning with her notebook and guitar.
"not a lovey dovey one?"
"no" Annabelle smiled. Walking to her wife and kissing her. "I'm going to lock myself in the office, while I work on it."
"ok love" Simone said looking up from her book and smiling. She knew she'd be in there the rest of the day, so she was on her own. It was dinner time, Simone felt her stomach growl. She put her book down and went and knocked on the door. She didn't get an answer so she opened it slowly. She was awe struck, seeing Annabelle sitting there, pencil in her mouth, concentrating so hard.
"hey" Annabelle looked up with a smile. "it's almost done"
"awesome" Simone said realizing the younger women was rubbing off on her. "do you want some dinner?"
Realizing she hadn't anything to eat or drink since before she locked herself in the room, her stomach growled as if on que. "I guess I am" she said giggling. "what did you have in mind?"
"frozen pizza?"
"no you bought the kind that tastes like cardboard." Annabelle said putting her guitar to the side and her pencil on her note book. "how about I make us something" she said walking to her wife and wrapping her in her arms.
"ok" Simone said happy she didn't have to cook. The mention of cardboard brought back memories of the time she tried to make spaghetti.
"mm this is good" Annabelle said trying to make her feel good.
"who are you kidding, this tastes like shit" Simone said tossing her fork on the plate.
Annabelle giggled at the sound of Simone swearing. "I wasn't going to say anything" she smiled.
"how about I toss in the pizza we have in the freezer?"
"baby I'm not really that hungry"
"I am though and you need to eat" she said walking to preheat the oven. Then over to Annabelle and whispered "besides you need strength for what I have planned for you, the rest of the night"
"mm sounds promising" Annabelle replied Simone placed a wanting kiss on her lips. Annabelle wrapped her arms around her pulling her close. "why wait" she said deepening the kiss.
"mm because I'm hungry" Simone said pulling away
"tease" Annabelle frowned, grabbing the plates tossing the food in the trash and the dishes in the sink.
"can I hear the song?" Simone asked, she was hanging around the kitchen while Annabelle made dinner.
"mm maybe later" Annabelle said kissing her.
"maybe?" Simone said giving her the sad puppy dog look.
"it's not done yet"
"when it's done can I?" Simone asked "wait haven't you been writing it for a while now" she asked remembering Annabelle started the song that day in Jack's office.
"I didn't like how it turned out so I tossed it. Oh and you, my love, will be the first to hear it" Annabelle said kissing her.
"good because I'm also your manager" Simone smiled.
"that you are, in more ways than one" Annabelle placed a soft kiss on Simone's lips and turned back to the stove. After dinner Annabelle went out to the deck to have a smoke.
"can I have one?" Simone asked following her
"you really want one?"
"yes" she said taking her pack.
"you know you don't have to ask, we're married, what's mine is yours"
"and what's mine is mine" Simone smiled as she lit the cigarette and started coughing.
"you're funny" Annabelle said letting out a puff of smoke.
"I know"
"ok baby it's ready" Annabelle hollered from the room that they used as an office, later that night.
"really" Simone almost fell off the couch trying to get up
"yup I'll come out there"
"ok" she sighed sitting back down
Annabelle came trudging out of the room, guitar in one hand, notebook in the other. Sitting down on the couch. She took a deep breath "you ready"
"yes" Simone said with a smile.
Annabelle smiled back and began…
Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'll be the one, if you want me to
Anywhere, I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all
And I will stumble and fall
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl
Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
Anywhere, I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
And anywhere, I would have followed you
Oh, oh, oh, oh say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something
"Annabelle" Simone whispered, Annabelle opened her eyes and saw her wife had tears streaming down her face.
"you don't like it" Annabelle asked in a soft tone.
"no baby, I love it, it's just sad"
"you wanted something different"
"we did" Simone said as the tears fell down her already soaked face. Annabelle leaned forward to wipe them away, and left a soft kiss in their wake. Sitting down next to Simone she took her in her arms.
"are you ok?"
"yes, these are tears of joy"
"of joy?" Annabelle pulled back looking at her confused
"yes" Simone looked up, Annabelle then leaned in and kissed her. "of joy" she whispered. They sat there holding each other for a while.
"hey how about we take a walk on the beach" Annabelle said trying to change the mood
"sounds good" Simone said pulling out of Annabelle's embrace, and standing up. Then turning around holding out her hand the help her up off the couch. "I have an idea" Simone said, they had stopped and were sitting in the sand looking out over the water. It was a full moon and the light reflecting off the water looked as if it were out of a painting.
"what's that?"
"we should write a song together"
"that's an amazing idea, and we'll sing it together?" Annabelle asked hoping she would say yes.
"yes" Simone kissed her head.
"that's awesome I love that idea" Annabelle said raising her head to kiss her wife, the kiss got more heated. As Annabelle started pushing Simone down on the sand.
"we should stop and go back to the house, and finish this" Simone said when they stopped for air.
"why" Annabelle said not wanting to break contact.
"because, I…." was all Simone could get out, she found her back against the cool sand and Annabelle on top of her.
"live in the moment" Annabelle said Simone could feel the smile against her lips. At the sound of Annabelle's soft voice, Simone, lost all control as Annabelle's hand explored the body it knew by heart. When they finally separated, they were both out of breath and spent. Neither had the energy to make the walk back to the house, they laid there on the sand, holding each other.
"so how about that song" Simone said to the top of Annabelle's head.
"I'm excited you want to do it, but you have to sing it with me."
"I will" Simone said kissing the top of Annabelle's head. "I'll call Jack tomorrow and let him know you got that one done. What's the name of it?"
"say something" Annabelle said lost in thoughts looking at the dark water.
"sounds about right" Simone said joining her love in looking at the water. "we should head back"
"mm I don't know if I have the strength to get up yet"
"well get it, I want to shower and go to bed" Simone said complaining "I have sand in very uncomfortable places" she said moving around.
"I helped put it there I'll help you clean up." Annabelle smiled standing up, then holding out her hand to help Simone up. Taking her in her arms they walked back to the house. Simone was out of the shower before Annabelle, which was weird, normally Annabelle was the first one done, Simone loved standing under the cascading water.
"hello" she said answering her phone, wondering who would be calling this late at night, she didn't recognize the number.
"Simone?"
"yes"
"this is John Schwartz, Senator Tillman's assistant"
"hi" Simone said confused.
"I have tried calling Annabelle's phone but got the voicemail"
"she's in the shower"
"there was an accident"
"what" Simone exclaimed.
"the Senator is at UCLA medical center in LA" Simone heard the guys voice say.
"how is she?"
"she's in the ICU they won't tell me much I'm not family"
"we'll be there as soon as we can, thank you" Simone said hanging up not waiting for him to say good-bye. "Annabelle" she said busting into the bathroom.
"hello naked here" Annabelle was standing naked in front of the mirror. Simone in panic mode didn't even notice.
"yeah hurry get dressed we need to go"
"go where"
"your mom"
"what about my mom?"
Simone took a deep breath trying to find herself. "there's been an accident, I don't know what kind, but your mom is in the hospital."
"what?" Annabelle exclaimed pushing through Simone on her way to the bedroom, she found clothes and through them on. "let's go"
"I'll drive" Simone said grabbing the keys, she wasn't even sure what set she grabbed, when they got to the cars she hit the unlocked button. It was the keys to Annabelle's car. "get in" she said holding the door open for her.
"I need a smoke" Annabelle said pulling out her pack and lighting it. Simone usually yelled at her for smoking in the car, but she knew this wasn't the right moment.
"can I have one" she said instead. Annabelle took another out of the pack and lit it handing it to Simone.
Taking the first drag Simone coughed, she didn't normally smoke, she would only have one every so often. She felt the need for one right now. Laura Tillman had become a mother to her. She opened her arms and heart to Simone. Seeing exactly what Annabelle saw in her. Simone was just as upset as Annabelle, not knowing what was going on was killing them both. Tossing her cigarette out the window she looked over at Annabelle, who was lost deep in her mind, she reached for her hand, Annabelle took it, grasping it tight. Turning to look at Simone, her eyes normally full of happiness and joy, were filled with fear. Simone squeezed her hand. "it'll be ok" she whispered. Annabelle just gave her a forced half smile. A little bit of hope came in her eyes, but Simone knew it was only because she was with her.
"I'm here to see my mom, she was brought in…" Annabelle said to the lady behind the desk inside the door of the hospital.
"name" the lady asked then looked up "Laura Tillman?"
"yes" Simone jump in to take over for Annabelle. She could tell Annabelle was having a hard time forming complete sentences.
The nurse nodded and picked up the phone. "the Senator's daughters are here". She was silent then "alright" then hung up the phone. "someone will be right out, have a seat" she said pointing to the chairs.
"how the hell am I supposed to have a seat when my mom is in there, and I don't know how she is" Annabelle said to Simone when they reached the chairs.
"hey" Simone said taking her hand. "it'll be ok" she said trying to look into her eyes, but Annabelle wouldn't make eye contact with her. Knowing how much she was hurting killed Simone, she wanted nothing more than to take all the pain away.
"Ms. Bradley-Tillman?" they heard a voice say behind them.
"yes" Simone said turning around, that was both their names in all reality.
"hi I'm Dr. Knight" he said reaching them.
Simone reached out her hand first, nodding.
He turned to Annabelle and said. "your mother is doing good; she is in the ICU but I expect her to make a full recovery"
"can we see her" Simone asked
With Laura being the Senator of California, everyone knew who the couple was. "yes, please follow me" he said leading the way to the elevator. "now she looks worse than what she is" he added once inside the elevator.
"do you know what happened?" Annabelle was finally able to talk.
"maybe John can fill you in more once we are there, I myself am not entirely sure" he said but it didn't leave Annabelle much hope. Feeling Simone grab her hand, she took it and squeezed it tight. The elevator doors opened, John was standing just outside of it.
"Annabelle" he said when he saw her "good you're here" he said they could see the relief flood his face. "she's over here" he said walking to the room.
Simone let Annabelle go in first, but she was right behind her. Almost knocking her down when she stopped abruptly. Simone heard her grasp, seeing her mother laying in the bed, with tubes everywhere.
"like I said it looks much worse than it is" Dr. Knight said walking in behind them. "we have her in a medical induced coma, both of her legs are broke, and an arm. And a minor concussion." He said "bruised ribs, and a collapse lung, but we expect her to make a full recovery" he said sounding hopeful.
Annabelle just nodded, letting go of Simone's hand, she didn't even realize she was holding. She headed to the bed, and grabbed her mother's hand. "I love you, mom" she said and kissed her cheek. "please come back to us" as she started to break down and cry.
"Annabelle" Simone said touching her back, "here sit in this chair" Simone had grabbed the chair from the other side of the bed. As the nurse came in with another one for Simone.
Annabelle just nodded sitting down. Simone motioned to the Dr. and John to talk with her in the hall. "I think she needs some time alone"
The two men just nodded.
"so Mr. Schwartz, what happened?" Simone asked.
"well, we were driving through an intersection, and this car came out of nowhere running the red light, crashing into us." Simone noticed then that he had a cast on his arm, and cuts all over his face.
"are you ok" she asked concerned. touching his arm lightly.
"yes I just have a broken arm and this" he said pointing to his face.
"and the driver?" Simone asked.
"he just has a few bumps and bruises, the car hit the rear passenger side, where the Senator happen to be sitting." He said giving Simone a sad look.
"I'm glad you're ok" Simone said with a nod. "you can go home now"
"ok"
"I will call you if there are any changes" Simone said trying to reassure him the Senator was going to be ok.
"thanks" he said turning to walk away. Simone stood there for a minute, watching him. She said a silent prayer, took a deep breath and went back into the room.
"hi" Annabelle said looking up
"hi" Simone said walking over to her.
"how's John?"
"he's fine just a broken arm" Simone said putting her hand on Annabelle's back. Annabelle turned back to look at the woman who gave her life. "she's going to be ok"
"I'm glad you're so sure" Annabelle said trying hard not to cry.
"I am" Simone said as something caught her eye.
"what?" Annabelle asked confused.
"hold on" she said leaving the room only to come back with the nurse. Who walked around the other side of the bed, to check the woman's vitals. The nurse nodded and smiled, at the couple.
"she's starting to wake up" as the nurse said the words, Laura's eyes opened.
"where am I?" a harsh voice asked.
"you were in a car accident" Annabelle said holding her mother's hand.
"Anna" she whispered.
"yes mom, I'm here so is Simone" she said nodding towards Simone.
"Simone" she said smiling. "I love you two"
"we love you too" Simone said putting her arm around Annabelle
"don't try and talk too much, Senator Tillman" the nurse said
Laura just nodded, and squeezed Annabelle's hand. Leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
"I love you, mom" Annabelle said in a sad tone. Simone wrapped her arm around her, letting Annabelle know she was there.
"I'm going to run home" Simone said, it was well after noon. "I have a few things I have to take care of"
"ok baby" Annabelle said looking up at her wife. Her mother was doing better, in and out of sleep most the day.
"I'll bring you back a change of clothes and some food"
"sounds good" Annabelle smiled "I want to stay here as long as I can"
"I know, and I thought I'd give you and your mom some privacy" Simone said leaning down to kiss her wife.
"thanks" Annabelle said returning her kiss.
"I'll see you soon"
"I love you" Annabelle said.
"I love you, too" Simone replied with a smile.
"I love you, too" they heard a raspy voice say.
Simone and Annabelle just smiled at each other. Which gave Simone an idea. "baby can I talk to you outside for a minute"
"sure" Annabelle said looking at her mom who was still waking up. "what's up?"
"she's all alone in that big house isn't she?" Simone asked once out in the hall.
"yeah" Annabelle said confused as to what her wife was getting at.
"how about we move in with her?"
"you think?" Annabelle asked.
"I love living on the beach, but she's going to need help"
"and you think we should be the ones to help her"
"she is your mother"
Annabelle stood in the doorway looking at the woman who gave her life. "ok let's do it" she said with a smile. "but let's surprise her." Annabelle said moving Simone away from the door. "I'm not going to tell her, we'll move in while she's in here, should be pretty simple"
"that's an amazing idea baby" Simone said putting her arm around her wife. "I'll start making the arrangements."
"we'll keep the beach house though" Annabelle said with a wink. "that's our safe haven"
"alright baby" Simone said kissing her. "I'll be back in a few hours"
"ok I love you"
"I love you, too beautiful" Simone said pulling away
Annabelle stood in the hall watching her wife walk away. 'damn she's hot, and she's mine' she thought. Shaking her head, she went back in the room.
"hello" Simone said answering her phone, she didn't even look to see who it was.
"Simone, it's Sammi, is Annabelle with you?" Simone felt a bitch streak coming over her.
"no" she snapped there was something about Sammi that brought out a side of her that she didn't like.
"oh, I've been trying to reach her, but since I have you I'll just let you know" Sammi paused "Jack was wondering how the new song was coming"
"I was going to call him later" Simone snapped, trying to compose herself she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Laura was in a car accident last night so we've been at the hospital all night" she added in an apologetic tone. She didn't much care for the woman, which whom she was talking to, but she had to deal with her so she might as well try and pretend everything is ok between them.
"oh my god, is she ok"
"she will be"
"I'm sorry, if you guys need anything just let us know"
"actually I could use some help with something" Simone said with a smile. "we just decided to move in with her and help her out. That house is so big and she's going to need help getting around for a while."
"oh" Sammi said "what can I do?"
"help me pack and move stuff" Simone said
"ok when"
"in about an hour" Simone said smiling.
"ok sounds good, I'll meet you at the beach house?"
"yes" Simone said still smiling "I'll see you there"
"ok bye"
"bye" Simone said turning off her phone and tossing it to the passenger seat. Starting the car and driving off. She got home and decided to jump in the shower. It had been a long night, and she needed something to release the tension. Hoping the cascading water of the shower would do just that. After getting dressed, she found some boxes and started to pack the house. She was half way through Annabelle's cd collection when she heard a knock at the door. Assuming it was Sammi, or one of the other girls, she hollered "it's open" and continued putting the cd's in the box. Looking up to see who had come in she stood there shocked.
"hello Simone"
"what are you doing here?" Simone hissed.
"I saw that Senator Tillman was in a car accident and I wanted to come and make sure you and Annabelle were alright"
"oh now you care about us" Simone hissed at her aunt.
"I always cared, Simone, please can we sit down and talk" Immaculata asked pointing to the couch.
"I'm kind of busy" she said pointing to the box"
"please this will only take a minute" her aunt said begging.
Simone put the cd's that were in her hand in the box, finally looking at her aunt, she realized she was dressed in blue jeans and a flowered button up shirt, that most 'old' women wear. Sighing "fine" she said moving to the couch, and took a seat next to her aunt.
"Simone" Immaculata said looking at her "I'm so sorry"
"what?" Simone thought she didn't hear her right.
"I'm sorry, I hurt you" she repeated herself.
"oh" Simone said looking in her eyes. Gone was the hurt and betrayal Simone saw the last time she talked with her aunt.
"I had a long talk with Father Harris, he made me see, that it may not be right in the eyes of god, but it's right because you two are so happily in love. That you are my family and family doesn't turn their back on family. I've been following you two in the papers, and television, with Senator Tillman. You two looks so happy." She paused taking Simone's hand. "and I heard today that the Senator was in an accident. How is she? How is Annabelle?" Simone could see the concern in her eyes. She was serious.
"Laura will be fine, Annabelle is a wreck, they made up after everything happen. She's been a big part of our lives. She helped pay for the wedding, and has been a solid in both our lives."
"and you call her mom?"
"I do" Simone said with a smile.
"that's good I'm glad, your mother was," she paused thinking of the right words. "well you know, she sent you to me at 13 and never looked back"
"until graduation" Simone said looking around the half packed house
"are you moving?" Immaculata asked
"we are" Simone said with a smile "Laura is going to need some help when she's out of the hospital, so Annabelle and I have decided to move in with her"
"would you like some help?" Immaculata asked "I can't do much but I can sure try"
"sure" Simone said still not too sure on why her aunt had a change of heart. The last time they talked she was thrown out of her wedding, by Laura. She decided to shake it off and try and enjoy her aunts company. It wasn't much longer and reinforcements showed up. Sammi had a big stack of boxes, Collins and Cat followed her with bubble wrap and tape, and Kristen came in wearing a smile. "good you guys are here, we got lots to do" Simone said happy to have a big group of friends. Even though she had mixed feelings about Sammi, she made a mental note to ask Annabelle again how they know each other.
"how are you doing?" Kristen said putting down what she was carrying walking over to her best friend giving her a hug.
"I'm alright, now that we know she's going to be alright" Simone said embracing her.
"that's good" Kristen said looking over Simone's shoulder "why is mother Immaculata here?" she asked
"she actually came to apologize, and offered to help"
"wow after everything" Kristen said finally letting her best friend go.
"I know" Simone said in shock.
"why is mother Immaculata here?" Cat asked as she and Collins walked over to give Simone a hug.
"she came to apologize" Kristen said before Simone had a chance to say anything.
"wow would have never expected that" Cat said giving Simone a hug. It was still weird that her and Collins were together let alone married. Simone shook the thought away, and smiled.
"well people change" Simone said looking at her aunt who was in the kitchen looking for the glasses, and smiled. "alright everyone. A lot of this stuff can stay here, we aren't selling just moving. The stuff in the kitchen, dishes, pots and pans glasses, can stay. You know what?" Simone said walking to the box she was packing when her aunt came in. "these can stay too, if Annabelle decides she wants them we'll come get them." She said putting the cases back on the shelf.
"so basically just clothes and random stuff" Sammi asked.
Simone nodded. She still couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort for the woman from Annabelle's past. After the box was empty again, Simone went into the kitchen and found her aunt. "thank you"
"you're very welcome, Simone. I am sorry I caused you so much hurt. I was in disbelief that you would do what you did. I didn't understand at the time, that what you and Annabelle have is real" she said pulling out a chair and sitting down, motioning for Simone to join her. Simone looked around at her friends seeing they were almost done already and joined her aunt. "I was in love once, before I joined the convent" she paused. "he was everything I ever dreamed of, my soul mate" she said smiling.
"what happened?" Simone asked touching her aunts hand
"he was killed in the Vietnam war." Immaculata said trying hard to keep the tears at bay. She hadn't talked about the man in so long, it brought back so many memories.
"I'm sorry" Simone said standing and giving her aunt a hug.
"you said I didn't understand" she went on "I understand completely, what I didn't understand was how two women could be in love with each other. Love has no rules, Simone, I'm sorry it took me so long to realize that"
"It's ok, aunt Imm." Simone said still hugging her.
"can we start over?"
"I'd like that" Simone said smiling. "but right now I have to make sure we have everything and get back to the hospital, I've been gone long enough and Annabelle needs food"
"may I come with you?" Immaculata asked. "I'd like to talk to Annabelle. She deserves an apology too" Simone nodded, smiled and went to join her friends.
"hi beautiful" Simone said answering her phone.
"hi" Simone could tell Annabelle was smiling
"everything ok?"
"yup she's still awake, they are getting ready to move her out of ICU and into a private room" Annabelle said "when are you coming back?"
"we're almost done here, the movers are putting the boxes in the truck, and John is at the house waiting for them"
"ok good" Annabelle said smiling. "can you bring my guitar and notebook when you come"
"sure love, anything else"
"just you" Simone had a grin on her face, and turned beat red. She didn't understand how after almost 4 years Annabelle still made her feel that way.
"I love you, I'll see you soon"
"ok I love you, too" and the line went silent.
Simone went and grabbed Annabelle some clothes, guitar and notebook, she made sure no one had packed. And headed out the door. They had a caravan back to the hospital, 4 cars total. Kristen, Collins, Cat, and Immaculata. Simone pulled into a parking spot, grabbed the items Annabelle had requested and a bag from Hardee's. Collins walked over and grabbed the bag and guitar from Simone.
"thanks" Simone said.
Collins just smiled. Following Simone to the door.
"shit" Simone said as her phone was ringing. Sure it was Annabelle she stopped to try and get out of her pocket. Kristen came up and grabbed the rest of the stuff out of her hand.
"hello"
"they moved her to the 5th floor room 507"
"ok thanks I'll be there shortly" Simone said
"thanks baby" Simone smiled again putting her phone back in her pocket. Taking some of the stuff from Kristen they headed in.
"good you're finally here" Annabelle said reaching for the bag of food "I'm starving" she said digging right in.
"wow don't waste anytime" Simone said setting the rest of the stuff down on the chair next to Annabelle.
"I'm starving" Annabelle said with her mouth full. Noticing her friends, she nodded and smiled. Once she saw mother Immaculata, she looked Simone and said "what's she doing here"
"she wants to talk to you"
"I don't want to talk to her"
"Annabelle give her a chance" Simone pleaded
Rolling her eyes, she said "fine but only for you" she put her food aside and went to sit with Immaculata.
"Annabelle"
"mother Immaculata" Annabelle said sitting down. "I'm told you have something you'd like to discuss with me" Annabelle said still wondering why Simone brought her here.
"yes" she said shifting in the chair. "I want to say I'm sorry for everything"
Annabelle just sat there giving her the look she gave her all those years ago back in her office, the day she made her wear the rosary.
"really Annabelle she's sorry" Simone said standing in front of them. "hear her out please"
Annabelle nodded. She felt like she was in high school again. And the vision of the three of them in Mother Immaculata's office came to mind. Mother Immaculata went on to say everything she had said to Simone. Annabelle looking at Simone said "I forgive you" taking her hand.
"I'd like to be a part of your life"
"I'd like that" Annabelle said smiling. She was all about second chances look what happened with her and her mother. "shall we go see her" she said looking at Simone and standing up..
The song in this chapter is Say something by A Great Big World.
