Chapter 9

Bibble Addiction by Cat Valentine

Cat's Hospital Closet

July 12, 2020

2:30 A.M

Cat lies in the closet. She awaits her COVID-19 test results. The woman has remained sober for only 7 hours, but that still feels like a long time for a recovering alcoholic like Cat Valentine. Unfortunately, Cat lies on the floor and is tempted to chew her nails as a coping mechanism, but she can't because her nails are painted red.

"Cat" Her dad bangs the outside of the closet: "Why didn't you tell mom and I?"

The young woman sits up and rubs her forehead, guilt-ridden.

"Cat, we're not mad" her mom speaks from outside: "We just wish you told us about your alcoholism. Just let us help!"

Cat panics and bangs on the door: "Mom! Dad! Tell them to let me out of here!"

Her Dad sighs: "Kiddo, we can't! Your results don't come for another 2 days"

Nashville, Tennessee: Diner

Fall 2016

9:50 P.M

The diner is packed-full and applauds as Jade performs one of her songs; this time a bit toned down than her usual angst; adulthood has really calmed her down. Beck sits in the audience and goes on the stage to kiss her, which only increases the applause.

Suddenly, the kiss breaks as Jade's phone rings.

"Hey, Cat!" Jade greets her over the phone, but can hardly hear the conversation due to the lodu, cheering crowd

"Cat! I'm performing right now, can we talk later? Cool!" Jade hangs up and yells to the audience: "Who's ready for more?!"

The crowd loses its mind and cheers its loudest yet

Ithaca College: Radio Station Studio

Fall 2016

9:59 P.M

Andre works as a DJ for Ithaca College's radio station. He's playing a super familiar artist on-the-air and now comes the talk break.

"You're tuned into Women Run The World, our 2-hour Sunday show that celebrates female voices! You just listened to the song Bibble Addiction by Cat Valentine. Fun Fact: I attended high-school with Ms. Valentine. Cat, if you're listening, then I hope you're doing well and much love! Now folks, coming up is the final song for my show, but don't go anywhere cuz our Hip-Hop show is coming up next! Stay tuned!" Andre ends his talkset and switches to the final song of his show. Immediately, the studio's phone begins to ring.

"Hello" Andre picks up the phone: "This is DJ Andre"

"Hey, DJ Andre. Thanks for playing my music on-air" Cat playfully thanks him over the phone with a slurred voice.

Andre raises his eyebrows: "Cat. Are you alright? Doesn't your concert start at 10?"

Cat can be heard gag over the phone: "Yeah, I'm fine! Just been missing everyone! How's it going?!"

"It's going good, Cat!" he replies hastily, noticing the DJ for the next show entering the studio: "Cat! My shift's up. So I have to hang up"

"What? Can't you stay for a bit longer?!" she begs: "I haven't spoken to anyone from Hollywood Arts in months?!"

"Sorry, Cat" he sighs and hangs up.

Cat's Hospital Closet

July 14, 2020

8 P.M

Cat lies on the cold floor. There's nothing else to do in here besides reading a couple of lying books: Some medical books about the heart, plastic surgery guides, and a biography about Cat Valentine. The biography was all sunshine and rainbows.

Sam remains outside and talks to the redhead: "So, let me get this straight. You began drinking because of the loneliness?"

Cat rubs her eyes and pauses for several seconds. Part of her doesn't want to believe what Sam tells her, but she also knows that it's true.

"Cat. Is it true?" Sam asks, already knowing the answer.

Cat refuses to respond and her vision flashes again. The young woman has gone almost 3 days without alcohol.

A doctor speaks from outside: "Ms. Valentine. Your COVID test is negative"

The young woman springs up, dons her breathing mask, and bangs on the door: "Let me out! Let me out!"

Sam yells back: "Only if you admit that you're lonely and that's what led to drinking!"

"Don't do this!" Cat's heart races and her yelling intensifies: "I need to see Tori!"

All talking stops. Cat appears confused. She hears slow and heavy footsteps approach the door. The heavy sound of the steps sparks fear all over the redhead's face. Then, she hears someone collapse and burst into tears:

It's Trina.

"She's in the ICU"

To be continued