The Long And Winding Road
Notes: Thanks for all of the recent reviews. Now for a few replies.
YellyBelly – Yours was my 200th review. As usual, you had some interesting thoughts and analysis.
Rehkopf – Thanks. Glad you're continuing to enjoy it.
spider-man-fan – Watch where you're going with that pitchfork…
cutiepye06655 – You're right. It seems like JT's really been feeling the pressure.
fcms1163 – Glad you've enjoyed Ellie's appearances as well as the JT/Emma relationship.
kristine – Thanks. You're right about it being different. Fighting isn't something they do often, especially about such serious matters.
Chapter 38 - You Can't Always Get What You Want
His car parked alongside the curb, JT sat alone on a bench across the street from The Movie Difference.
Some might look at this old building and see a relatively insignificant business. A minor movie house to show films that the mainstream doesn't care about as well as films from a bygone era. JT, however, saw it as the place that shows the movies that more people might enjoy if they knew about them, and the place to bring older classics back to the big screen for new generations. It was an old building that he knew he could revitalize and use to entertain so many people in the area.
He also now saw this place as the unintended cause of his and Emma's first major disagreement since they became a couple. After spending time looking over at what will soon become his, he got back into his car and drove away.
Emma, meanwhile, walked around the neighborhood for awhile after leaving the Yorke house. First she tried to gather her thoughts together. Then she tried clearing her mind. Neither was successful, as everything kept coming back to JT's news and the resulting argument.
She finally made her way back home. Upon entering the house, she went into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and stared inside, not really hungry but realizing that an empty stomach wasn't going to help.
"Not eating out tonight?" asked Snake, startling Emma out of her thoughts. She turned to finally notice that he had been sitting at the kitchen table working on his computer the whole time.
"Hi Archie. Didn't see you there."
"I noticed."
"Dinner plans got canceled on me," Emma explained as she pulled out some pasta salad and shut the refrigerator door. "Where's Mom?"
"Still at work. One of her stylists called in sick, so she's staying late to help out."
"Fun," Emma responded sarcastically while pulling out a plate from the cupboard.
"It's okay. She enjoys it. Besides, when you run the place, sometimes it's up to you to cover when one of your staff can't be there."
"Something else for JT to look forward to, and I bet he hasn't even thought of situations like this."
"What? I had no idea JT was thinking of going into business with your mom."
"Very funny," Emma replied while standing at the counter putting some of the salad onto a plate.
"What's going on, Em? You seem like something's wrong."
While Emma explained JT's news to her stepfather, JT was now walking the grounds of the university, wandering past various buildings. He soon reached his destination: the campus library. Once inside, he took the elevator to the third floor. It was much quieter here on the top floor than at ground level and he noticed very few students as he roamed around through aisles of books. Soon, he found, sitting at a table in an out-of-the-way corner, the person he had come to see.
"Ellie Nash."
Ellie looked up from her book and smiled.
"JT Yorke," she replied, putting the book down on the table.
"How's it going?" he asked.
"Not bad. It's good to see you."
"It seems peaceful here. I can see why you told me you like to come here some nights."
"Yeah, most people prefer the first two floors, where all the computers are. They seem to forget that there are also books up here, too. Not that I'm complaining. I get more work done up here than any place else. And reading. And relaxing. Occasionally you'll see a few grad students up here sorting through research materials. Or someone sleeping. One Thursday night a few weeks ago, I went into the restroom and found a couple having sex, but other than that…"
"All part of that great college experience I keep hearing about?"
"Something like that," Ellie laughed. "JT, I know I said you ought to come by sometime, but I didn't expect it would be tonight."
"Are you busy? I can leave."
"No, I didn't mean it was a bad thing. Sit down."
JT then sat opposite her at the table.
"I took a chance that I'd find you. I figured you ought to know how things turned out after this morning's conversation."
"You didn't have trouble finding the library, did you?"
"No. Remember, I make it to the campus a few times a month to bring new ad copy to the student newspaper."
"Oh, that's right. Anyway, I would have thought that tonight you'd be off celebrating. That is, if things worked out. Did they?"
"They did. Ellie, you are looking at TMD's new owner. Well, new owner as of the end of next month anyway, but…"
"JT," Ellie interrupted loudly. "That's great!"
"Keep shouting like that in a library and you're going to get us both thrown out of here," he teased.
"Oh please. If nobody was bothered by a couple moaning one another's names in the restroom, I think we'll be okay."
"I've gotta thank you, Ellie."
"No. It was your idea. Your dream. I didn't have anything to do with it."
"It's my idea and my dream. But you're the one who reminded me I should go for it. That I shouldn't spend the next few years doing something I know I'll hate just to please someone else. Not when there was a chance I could make this happen."
"Speaking of someone else, what did Emma say when you told her the good news? She was thrilled, wasn't she?"
Back at the Nelson/Simpson home, Emma ate and talked with Snake.
"Wow," he said.
"I know," Emma responded. "I couldn't believe it myself. Look, since he obviously won't listen to me about this right now, maybe you could talk to him."
"What?"
"You know, maybe after class tomorrow."
"I don't think I should get in the middle of this."
"But you're his teacher. And his girlfriend's stepfather. Not to mention you're more of a father figure to him than his own father has ever been. He'll listen to you."
"And what am I supposed to say, Em?"
"That he's moving too fast. That there will be plenty of time to run a business in a few years. That he should give university a chance because he'd do well there. And anything else you think might sound good."
"I don't think so."
"Archie…"
"I'm sorry, Em. I know you're disappointed that he changed his plans, but it's his decision."
"I would think as a teacher you would encourage your students to continue with their education."
"It's up to me and the other teachers to encourage and educate so that students will be equipped to make well-informed decisions about what to do with their lives once they turn 18. It's my job to prepare you guys so you're able to decide for yourselves whether to continue on with your formal education or take a different path. It's not my job to tell you what that decision should be."
"Okay, that's the teacher response. But since it's JT, what's your personal opinion?"
"I think he's learned a lot at Degrassi and could do well at university," Snake offered.
"Great," Emma answered with a smile on her face.
"But I also think he could do well even if he didn't choose to do that," he added.
Emma's smiled disappeared after hearing this.
"He's also learned a lot working at the theater," Snake explained. "Sure, he might not fully realize how much more is involved in running the place than what he already handles. But you just told me a moment ago that the current owner is sticking around to help with the transition and any additional training JT might need. If this is what JT wants, then I think he should have a chance to make a go of it. I have a feeling he'll do very well, or at least put in a good effort."
"I'm sure he would. I'm not doubting his abilities, Archie, I just…"
"…Want him to do things your way?"
"Putting it like that makes me sound awful."
"I wouldn't put it that harshly. You want what you think is best for him."
"Exactly."
"And you're disappointed that he didn't come around to your idea of what that 'best' is."
Emma knew that Snake was correct in his assessment of the situation.
"It's not like I'm saying he shouldn't want this or that he shouldn't do it. I just think that if he slowed down and took a few courses, THEN he'd have a better idea of whether this is what he should do."
"Look, there are all different kinds of education, Em. Some students go on to university. Craig went a different way. He's been working as a photographer's assistant since he graduated last year as well as continuing with his music. JT's planning to put his Degrassi education and his on-the-job education to good use running that movie theater. And I'm sure there are many others graduating this May who also have different ideas they're going to pursue."
"So you think I should back off."
"Again, that's rather harsh, but yeah, easing up might be a good idea."
"Sounds more like giving in."
"It's not giving in. He changed his mind and decided not to go. You can change your mind and try to see things from his perspective. Nobody's the loser in this."
"You know, Archie, even when he used to make rotten grades more often than not, I never thought he was dumb. He's always been smart in his own way."
"And what he's decided to do…It's not going to cause you to stop believing in him, is it?"
"Of course not."
"Did you tell him that?"
"It all happened so fast. The surprise. The shock. Then I just started talking and…"
"And what?" Snake asked after she stopped without completing her thought.
"And I barely let him get a word in."
"It's okay, Emma I think he's used to that from you by now."
"Funny. But not that far off. He kept trying to tell me why he thought this would be great. He was so excited. And I just wouldn't let up. He looked so hurt that I wasn't acting like I was happy for him."
"He DID spring it on you. He had to know this would catch you off guard."
"True. Forgetting the whole college angle, it bugs me a little that he didn't talk it over with me before making such a huge decision. Not that we're married and he should feel obligated to consult me. I don't know. Maybe he thought it would make a fun surprise announcement. Maybe he figured I was unapproachable today after our phone conversation this morning."
"So what's your plan?"
"I love him, Archie," Emma stated without hesitation. "I love him and I'm proud of him. I may disagree with his timing, and I'm disappointed that we won't get to take classes together in the Fall. But it's his dream. I won't NOT support him. He's always been there for me."
"Wise choice."
"It'll take a little getting used to, though. JT Yorke – entrepreneur. But I know that if anyone can make it work, he can."
"I know he'll be happy to hear you say that, Emma."
"Excuse me a moment."
Emma left the table and walked toward the telephone. She called JT's house but the answering machine picked up.
"JT?" Emma began after hearing the beep. "It's me. If you're there, pick up."
She waited a moment, but when JT didn't respond, she continued her message.
"I guess you've gone out for awhile. We're not done talking. When you get home, call me back. Even if it's late. This time I won't complain if you happen to wake me up. I want to hear all about your purchase and your plans. You can tell me all those things I didn't give you the chance to say earlier. Talk to you soon."
At the library, Ellie noticed that JT looked stressed despite his attempts to act like his normal casual self. From past experience, she understood all too well the desire to downplay one's troubles around others, even friends.
"Just talk to her again tomorrow," Ellie advised.
"Then she and I can have one of those 'de ja vu all over again' experiences," JT replied. "Not a good idea."
"No, maybe after having some time to think about it and enjoying a good night's sleep, she'll get it and be happy. Even though I think she could have reacted better, you dropped a big bombshell on her."
"I know. Maybe you're right, Ellie."
"And if she still wants to be a pain about it, that's her tough luck. She can either deal or get out of your way."
"No. I'd never want it to come to that. If it's going to cause that much of a problem, I can…I don't know…maybe put it immediately up for sale again. Make a nice little profit and keep Emma happy all at the same time."
"And give up what you want more than anything?"
"What I want more than anything is a life with her. Long-term. Anything that gets in the way of that is non-essential. I wish she'd have just let me get a few words in. If she had just heard me out…"
"Then tell me, JT."
"Huh?"
"Tell me what you wanted to tell her."
JT let out a brief sigh.
"Okay. Well, Emma knows my feelings about that place, but I don't think even she knows exactly what it's meant for me to work there. When I'm there, people look to me to take charge. To help people. To make things happen. Me. JT Yorke. I'm responsible for the staff. I'm the one they come to when there's a situation. I'm the one that customers come to, whether there's a problem, or even just to say they enjoyed their experience. I handle much of the phone calls and paperwork. I'm important.
"Nobody there – staff or customers – has ever looked at me and said 'Don't bother with him. He's just some useless kid.' They see me as the guy who can get things done, and maybe make them laugh a little while I'm doing it. Perfect strangers see more value in me than my own father ever… Anyway, what we do there all goes toward entertaining people. That can't be a bad thing.
"Sure, we've been losing money. That's because Sal's gotten tired in the last couple of years. In one sense that's been good because it's meant I've gotten to take care of a lot of the things he would normally do. But it's also bad because he hasn't cared as much about upkeep of the building or wanting to increase the variety of films we show. Also, he hasn't wanted to do special promotions or events. Even before I ever thought I could buy the place, I imagined what I could do if TMD was mine, and I have so many ideas. The only difficult part will be figuring out where to begin.
"Am I the brightest guy on the block? No. Would a few years of university courses help me? Probably. But I think I'm bright enough to do what needs to be done. And what I lack in smarts, I make up for in instincts. It might be tough at first, but it will be worth it. And, Ellie…I know I could make Emma proud of me."
"You don't think she is already?"
"I think she is. Most of the time. But there are times…times when I'm so afraid she still thinks of me as that goofy kid from down the block who shoves pebbles up his nose or belches in her face. And now, after tonight, maybe she thinks I'm just a dumb kid who's too lazy to want to go to college. Like I said, maybe I should just sell the place and forget the whole thing."
"Absolutely not," Ellie was quick to object.
"I can't do this without her support," JT counters.
"You can and, if need be, you will. But before that happens, go to her."
"I think it wouldn't do much good to talk to her again tonight."
"Fine, then try it tomorrow. Talk to her. Reason with her. Argue with her if it'll do some good."
"I can't stand arguing with her."
"Then put on that JT Yorke charm and let it work its magic. This isn't her dragging you to a crappy movie at the mall. This is your future, and it's coming up in only a few more weeks. Just tell her what you wanted to say to her earlier. What you've told me now. Whatever you do, don't keep all of that bottled up inside. Trust me, nothing good comes from holding things back."
Knowing some of Ellie's history from past conversations, JT understood where she was coming from with that comment.
"You're right, Ellie. I shouldn't give up just because of one bad conversation. I'll try again."
"That's good, JT."
"But I don't want to wait for tomorrow. I think I'm gonna head home and give her a call. Maybe we can still meet up tonight and go over everything."
"Sounds like a plan."
"Thanks Ellie," JT said as he stood up from the table. "I really didn't come here to unload all of this on you."
"Don't worry about it," Ellie replied. "It's what friends do. I'm just glad you wanted to come by and tell me the good news. And don't let anyone convince you that it's not good news. It's great news. I know you'll be successful."
"That means a lot, coming from a highly critical consumer such as yourself."
Ellie laughed as she too stood up from her chair.
"You know," JT began, while looking at a shelf of books beside where they stood, "it's no wonder you've got sexually charged people getting together in the restrooms here. You've got books on human sexuality over here. Right next to books on medieval torture. Those crazy coeds can't help needing an outlet with all the inspiration around here."
"What?" She began surveying the books on the shelf. "All I see on that shelf are books on economic theory."
"Yeah," JT said with a smirk, "but I made you look."
"You're crazy, JT," she said while rolling her eyes.
"Thank you, Ellie. It's taken years of practice to reach this level of crazy. This is not for beginners."
Suddenly, Ellie moved closer to JT and gave him a brief hug, catching JT off guard.
"Sorry," she said shyly after releasing him.
"I've never had someone hug me and then apologize for it," he said, looking clearly confused.
"It's just that I'm not normally the touchy-feely hugging type."
"You? I'm shocked!" JT replied jokingly.
"I guess I just felt like you deserved a hug. I'm happy for you and I don't want you to think you made a mistake."
"Thanks. I guess I'll see you around the theater later this week."
"You mean YOUR theater."
"Not until May."
"Technically. But you need to start thinking of it that way."
"I'll do that. Good night."
"Good night, JT."
Ellie watched as JT walked toward the elevator. Once he was gone, she sat back down at the table.
'I don't know who's worse,' she thought as she picked up her book, 'Emma for not supporting JT and this great opportunity he's made for himself, or me for encouraging him to keep trying to get through to her. For his sake – and only for his sake – I hope it works out.'
JT left the library and it wasn't long before he had made his way back home. Before he could call Emma, he noticed he had a message on the machine. He decided to play it and then call her.
"JT? It's me. If you're there, pick up."
JT smiled upon hearing Emma's voice.
"I guess you've gone out for awhile. We're not done talking. When you get home, call me back. Even if it's late."
His smiled turned into a frown and he cut off the message before it was over.
'I guess you didn't even want to sleep on it, Emma,' he thought. 'No. Instead, just more orders. Why wait and maybe have a change of heart when you can call to give me another lecture?
'And since I was out, you left a message, obviously with strict orders to call you for my lecture once I got back. Sorry, Emma, but one lecture tonight was plenty. And I guess if you're still in the mood to argue, there's not much point calling to try to get you to see things from my point of view. At least not tonight.
'It looks like the peace talks will have to wait for another day.'