“Because it’s just not…the timing is…the script isn’t that great and I don’t want to be on location that long.”

Anna picked up my clothes, folded my jeans and T-shirt, and laid them on the tufted ottoman then she turned to me. “Take the movie, Jackie. It’s important for you.”

“Anna, no offense,” I chuckled, “but I don’t think you’re in a position to be giving professional advice.”

“Is that so?” Anna spun to the dressing room door, slammed it shut, and turned. “Tu piensas que no valgo nada? Tu piensas que todo lo que hago es jugar golf con tu Papa?”

“Anna, I don’t…”

“Ju tink all I do ees play golf with your daddy?” she spat. “Ju don’t think that what I do is valuable? Do ju know how much money I raised for ceeestik feebrrrosis dees year? Or dee Seeherra Club, or dee Amerrrican Cancerr Societeee?” Her cheeks were flushed, eyes flashing. I’d never seen Anna angry in my whole life. It was shocking and unexpected like a tornado ripping through a sleeping neighborhood.

“No, Anna, please don’t be upset. I think what you do is important. I don’t know what I’m saying. Okay? I’m sorry.”

Anna took a few deep breaths. She put her hands on her hips and bent over.

“Anna?”

She nodded and held up a hand.

“Hey, I know you’re worried about Dad. I didn’t mean to upset you more.”

From her bent position Anna reached for my discarded shoes and socks and placed them at the foot of the ottoman. For years she had swept my mess; picked up my clothes, removed plates, tidied homework papers into order. Had I ever so much as said thank you?

“Thank you,” I said weakly. “I’m sorry, really.”

She brushed away my apology and stood. “Yes, I am worried about your daddy, Jackie. But I am also very worried about you.”

“I’m fine, Anna.”

She took my face in both her hands. “Take the goddamn picture, Jackie.”

My father’s words coming from Anna’s lips made me smile. “I’ll think about it, okay? I promise.”

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM

DAWN

DAY 53

Merilee is here. Right here in my room. White-knuckled, gripping the back of the chair, swaying slightly. I’m guessing she had a few stiff ones before coming.

From her expression, I look worse than she expected. She, however, looks better than I expected. She’s lost weight since the Star Magazine photos; her hair now short and light gray. She is dressed in tan slacks and a flowery cotton blouse. She could be someone’s nice aunt, even someone’s mother.

It was Emme who brought her. “Don’t leave us,” I wanted to cry out as the door shut. “Pull the plug!”