Tuesday - 4/26
PARK
Emmy looked at the ball in Jan’s hands.
JAN: I said hi there.
EMMY (whispering): I’m not supposed to talk to strangers. Mommy said so.
JAN: Well, your mom must be a very smart lady.
Jan set the ball down and leaned forward so she was eye to eye with Emmy.
JAN: I’m Jan. And you, I believe, are Emmy, is that right?
Emmy nodded.
JAN: So, now that we know each other’s names, we’re not strangers anymore, are we?
EMMY: I guess not.
Jan smiled.
JAN: Is this your ball, Emmy?
Emmy nodded again.
EMMY: I was playing with it. Me and-
NICOLE: Emmy!
Nicole came running over. As soon as she did, she saw Jan sitting on the bench. Immediately, she wrapped her arms around Emmy.
NICOLE: Are you okay, sweetheart?
EMMY: Yeah. I was just trying to get my ball.
Nicole picked up the ball and handed it to her.
NICOLE: Here you go. Sweetheart, why don’t you go back by Mommy? I’m sure she’s got your snack ready by now.
EMMY: Okay. You coming, too?
NICOLE: In a minute, honey. I just need to take care of something really quick, okay?
EMMY: Okay.
JAN: Bye, Emmy.
Emmy waved. Nicole watched the child as she walked over to the other side of the playground. Then, she swung ‘round suddenly to face Jan.
NICOLE: I don’t want to see you anywhere near her again!
Jan smiled and stood up.
JAN: Nicole, how nice to see you. It’s been a while.
NICOLE: I swear to god, if you ever come near my niece again-
JAN: I didn’t. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when a ball landed at my feet and a child showed up shortly after. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Emmy. How old is she now, five, I think?
NICOLE: Oh, spare me. You knew exactly what you were doing. What, are you stalking Jade now?
JAN: I don’t do that sort of thing anymore.
NICOLE: Yeah, right. And I’ve got a bridge in California to sell you.
JAN: You can believe what you like, Nicole. That was the old me. Like I said at the hearing, my time in prison has changed me.
NICOLE: Speaking of that hearing, you do realize that you’ve broken the conditions of your release, don’t you? That restraining order against Jade, Emmy, I believe I’m included in it, as well.
JAN: I’m aware of the terms of the restraining order. Are you, though?
NICOLE: Well seeing as I was there when the judge read it out-
JAN: Because if I recall correctly, and my memory is pretty good, the order says that I can’t be alone with any of the people listed. But as you can see, it’s a beautiful day out, and there are plenty of people in this park.
NICOLE: That is a technicality.
JAN: And a very convenient one it is, too. Besides, I didn’t approach either you or Emmy. Her ball landed in front of me, she came and got it. You followed her.
Jan chuckled slightly.
JAN: You know, if I were the old me, I’d almost think you were trying to make me break the conditions of the restraining order. Of course, you wouldn’t do that, would you, Nicole? ‘Cause if you were, I’m sure the judge would be very interested in hearing about that.
Nicole folded her arms. It was her turn to chuckle.
NICOLE: Oh, I see what you’re doing. That is, I have to give it to you, that is clever. You think you can get me to back down if you threaten me. You must have forgotten who you’re talking to. I don’t scare easily, something you should remember. So, if you feel that you need to tell the judge about this little conversation, go ahead. Bring it.
Jan and Nicole smiled humorless smiles.
JAN: Have a nice afternoon, Nicole.
Jan folded up her newspaper and walked away. Nicole watched her, then went back to the other side of the playground, where Jade was sitting with Emmy, who was finishing up a popsicle.
JADE: What’s going on? Emmy said some woman who looked like me had her ball. It wasn’t…you know who, was it?
NICOLE: It was. You and I need to talk.
ABE’S HOUSE
There was a knock at the door. Abe opened it.
ABE: Well, this is a pleasant surprise!
CELESTE: Abraham, thank goodness you’re home!
Abe and Celeste hugged.
ABE: Of course I am. I’m sorry, we just weren’t expecting you, but of course, you’re welcome anytime. How are you?
CELESTE: Physically, I am well. However, I had a vision recently. A recurring vision. And since I had it, I knew I had to come and see you as soon as possible.