"So what about Idol?" Scene asks as the two sit on her couch. For the past ten minutes it's been silent, just staring at the box of tragic reminders.
"Hm?" Intern 2 asks.
"I mean, I was just wondering if you ever watch her show to, you know, see how she's doing?" Scene says. "I haven't, so that's why I'm asking."
"I watched it for a few months, but it was really hard to watch." He says.
"Why?" She asks.
"She's just...changed. I guess the fame got to her head a little." Intern 2 sighs, and leans back on the couch. Scene frowns, wishing she held onto her contact with Idol. Knowing that once Idol has gone in a certain direction, there's no turning her around, whether or not that direction is bad.
"Intern 2, is everybody gone for good?" Scene wonders, curling her legs onto the couch and leaning against his shoulder. He puts a hand on hers.
"Might be."
Intern 2 hugs Scene when it's nine at night and he needs to get home.
"Do you have to go?" She asks, knowing the answer. After all, she's asked this question too many times in her young life.
"Yes, but I promise I'll come back." Intern 2 says, looking her directly in the eyes.
"That's what everyone says." Scene says, thinking of Straightedge, of the lady at the orphanage promising her parents would be back someday, of Nerdcore when she saw him leave on his flight.
"Since when am I everyone?" Intern 2 smiles. "Call me anytime, I'll be there." Scene tries to comfort herself with the knowledge that Intern 2 has never been like anyone in her life as he walks out the door, taking the smell of cigarettes and the feeling of memories with him.
"Norma."
"Norma."
"Miss Haish!" Scene's supervisor yells at her as she dozes off in the back room. "What do you think you are doing?" Scene jumps up and nearly loses her balance.
"I'm sorry." She looks at the floor sadly. Her supervisor's eyes soften.
"Fridays are our slowest days, and we've already got two employees here." He says. "Go home, rest, and take it easy this weekend, okay?" Scene nods, and again, walks her bike home rather than riding it.
When Scene gets home, she sits on the couch, playing with the strip of paper that has Intern 2's phone number written in neat handwriting, worrying about the risk she'll take if she calls him. But she finally dials the number, and waits patiently through five rings before throwing the phone down upon hearing what his voice says.
Hey! You've reached Melvin Munson. Leave your name and number and I'll try to call ya back!
Oh boy...