In Another Lifetime By Yosh Episode 15A Chapter by Yosh Getting a call from Teresa, what do Marvin and Calista end up doing before they start calling his friends about his unfinished business? TW: This story will address sensitive subjects, including homophobia, abandonment, death, mental health struggles, the implications of suicide, etc. Please be mindful of these topics before you continue reading. In Another Lifetime by Yosh ____________________________________________________________ Reading key: Anything to the side in bold is narration. Anything to the side with a "character's name:" are inner thoughts. Anything in bold italics and regular italics are stage directions. Lines are numbered for the reader to keep track. Anything () is extra information. ____________________________________________________________ Episode 15: The day is April 17th, 2023. It's a Monday afternoon. With Marvin's encouragement to answer Teresa's sudden call, Calista hits the accept button on the call log, placing her phone to her ear to speak with Teresa. Marvin patiently waits for Calista to be done with her call, gazing at her eagerly, wondering what Teresa will say. Calista speaks in a friendly manner to Teresa, wanting to ease into their conversation. Calista Line 1) Hey, Teresa. How's it going? Teresa replies to Calista dejectedly, her voice timid, thinking she's being a bother. Teresa Line 2) Hey, Calista. I'm doing okay. Thank you for asking. How are you? Am I calling at a bad time? You're probably at work, right? Calista speaks informatively, her voice reassuring. Calista Line 3) I'm doing okay, too. Thanks for asking as well. You're not calling at a bad time. I'm actually not at work. I'm taking the week off. I felt the need to give myself a break, you know? Teresa replies anxiously, knowing that delaying her explanation for calling won't do any good. Teresa Line 4) Oh, of course. I completely understand. I'm glad you're looking out for yourself like that... Calista questions Teresa in worry. Calista Line 5) Did you just call me to see what's up, or is there something going on? Teresa responds nervously. Teresa Line 6) Um. The latter. I talked to my grandma.* *Remember that Teresa said she would notify the trio about how things go with her grandmother (refer back to episode 9, lines 81 and 111). Calista speaks curiously. Calista Line 7) Oh. So soon. Is it okay for me to ask how things went? Teresa explains herself to Calista in uncertainty, feeling worried. Teresa Line 8) Well, so, I actually talked to her after you guys left yesterday because I felt motivated by all of your guys' encouragement and wanted to get things over with as soon as possible... Teresa Line 9) My grandmother's quite the night owl, so I assumed she'd be up, to which I called and asked if it would be okay for me to swing by her place for us to talk, and she agreed. I was vague with my request because I wanted to tell her everything in person. Calista puts her phone on speaker for Marvin to listen to their call. Marvin gazes at Calista's phone in shock, not anticipating such a feature to be a thing. He stays as quiet as a mouse, folding his arms and getting himself comfy on the couch to listen to Teresa's explanation. *We get a flashback of Teresa knocking on her grandmother's place's door after driving to it yesterday night. The day is April 16th, 2023. It's Sunday night time. Elouise opens the door for Teresa, smiling at her welcomingly. She speaks tenderly, her compassion for Teresa prominent in her voice. Elouise Line 10) Hey, there, kiddo~ Come on in. Teresa looks at her grandmother nervously, speaking anxiously. Teresa Line 11) H-hey, Grams. Sorry for coming by your place so late at night. Elouise speaks reassuringly. Elouise Line 12) I already told you that was okay over the phone. You know how much of a night owl I am. Elouise opens the door wide for Teresa to come in, letting her enter her place. Teresa takes her shoes off and makes her way over to Elouise's couch for them to have their conversation. Elouise speaks warmly. Elouise Line 13) Make yourself at home. Can I get you anything? Want some tea and snacks? Teresa replies awkwardly. Teresa Line 14) No, thank you. I had guests over at my place earlier, and we all had tea together, so I'm okay, Grams... Elouise examines Teresa with concern, sensing that something is wrong. She sits on her sofa in the living room, turning it to face Teresa as she sits on the couch. Elouise speaks in a tone of worry. Elouise Line 15) I can tell there's something off about you. What's wrong? Teresa glances at her grandmother apprehensively, speaking hesitantly. Teresa Line 16) Grams. We need to have a serious talk with each other. Elouise's eyebrows furrow, not looking forward to their conversation. She releases a sigh to brace herself, speaking in a reluctant manner. Elouise Line 17) Okay... What about? Teresa fidgets with her hands, ripping the bandaid off in fear, her eyes wincing as she speaks. Teresa Line 18) I overheard you and Dad talking to each other about me that one time...* *Refer back to episode 8, lines 86�"90, etc. Elouise looks at Teresa in confusion. Teresa speaks refreshingly, her body language jittery. Teresa Line 19) You know, when Dad was questioning why you kept disapproving of the people I wanted to date? That conversation. Elouise's eyes glisten as she recalls the memory, a look of shame engulfing her face. Teresa speaks timidly, feeling the need to walk around eggshells when speaking with her grandmother. Teresa Line 20) Grandma. I don't know what happened between you and Grandpa, but just because things didn't work out between the two of you doesn't mean things aren't going to work out for me. Teresa speaks disconcertedly. Teresa Line 21) I can't say I understand your paranoia because I don't know what happened between the two of you. It seems to me that you're so worried to the point where you're on edge about my dating choices. I can't piece together your disapproval. Where does it stem from? Teresa speaks her mind passionately. Teresa Line 22) I know you see yourself in me, but I'm not you, Grandma. I know you're afraid I'll make the same mistakes as you, but things like that are always hit or miss. Sure, being cautious is important, but I can't control the outcome of all things, and neither can you or anyone else. Teresa speaks in a manner of betrayal. Teresa Line 23) If I hadn't overheard that conversation between you and Dad, I wouldn't have known the true reason behind your disapproval. I genuinely thought you rejected all of my dates because you thought they weren't good enough. Teresa speaks offendedly. Teresa Line 24) Whatever your intentions may be, you can't just keep rejecting people left and right on my behalf. Don't you want me to eventually settle down with someone? Why can't you trust my decisions? Teresa tries to gather her wits, wanting to stay expressive but keeping her emotions in check at the same time. Before she starts speaking again, she takes a deep breath, glancing at her grandmother, who appears upset. Teresa Line 25) Grandma. I can't understand you because you're not providing any kind of explanation. Let's talk to each other. Let me know what's going on and why you're acting the way you are because I can't take it anymore. Teresa speaks sympathetically, trying to give her grandmother the benefit of the doubt. Teresa Line 26) I know you got divorced, and that's most likely what's making you act this way, but why are you assuming that I will face the same outcome as you? I'm precautious enough as it is. I wouldn't want to settle down with just anybody. Let me assure you that I know what I'm getting myself into. Teresa speaks reminiscently, her tone sentimental. Her eyebrows slant in heartache. Teresa Line 27) Remember Cameron? He recently reached out to me, saying that he's still here for me if I want to give things another shot with him. He was the last guy I was with before I took a break from dating,* and the one who touched me the most, too. *Refer back to episode 8, lines 92�"95. Teresa speaks yearnfully, her face wistful. Teresa Line 28) Grandma, I really like Cameron. I think I might even be in love with him. It's hurting me that I can't give him a definitive answer about whether or not we can give our relationship another go. He's waiting for me, hung up on me, and I still feel the exact same way. It was utterly devastating to let him go, but he was so understanding. Teresa speaks desperately. Teresa Line 29) What about him brings to mind me repeating the same mistakes as you? What is it that's wrong with him? To me, he's more than good enough. Can you please give him another shot? Elouise glances at Teresa apprehensively. She speaks in a protective manner. Elouise Line 30) Teresa. Just trust me when I say that I'm doing what's best for you. It's not that I don't trust you; I don't trust the people you date. You're not thinking logically because "love" is clouding your judgment. Teresa clenches her fists in frustration, speaking in a tone of annoyance. Teresa Line 31) How exactly is this what's best for me? I'm 28, Grandma. People my age are getting married and starting families. I have the perfect person in my life that I envision all of that with, but the only thing in my way is you. Teresa Line 32) Of course, you don't trust the people I date. You don't know them the way I do. And my judgment is not clouded by love. I always make sure to think rationally. You can't make that call for me. Teresa speaks impatiently, standing her ground. Teresa Line 33) At this point, I'm contemplating getting back together with Cameron, whether you like it or not, if you're not going to start explaining things to me. Elouise speaks reprovingly, her voice powerful. Elouise Line 34) Absolutely not, Teresa. Teresa rubs her head in distress, questioning her grandmother in immense confusion. Teresa Line 35) Why? I've been in so many relationships. There's no way you could have predicted all of them would end in divorce. How can you be so certain? If you don't like my pick, then who do you think is the right person for me? Do you want me to be alone? Is that what this is all about? Elouise speaks remorsefully. Elouise Line 36) Teresa. You're not thinking rationally. I'm being your bird's-eye view to knock some sense into you. When I was your age, I let love consume me, and it possessed me to do things I shouldn't have. I'd rather be safer than sorry because I don't want you to endure the same pain I went through. Teresa speaks reasonably. Teresa Line 37) What makes you think I will? Cameron and I both like each other very much. We're not getting into this relationship the way you did with Grandpa. Dad told me the two of you got married because of business.* That's not the case for me and Cameron. There's nothing forcing us to be together besides our devotion to each other. *Refer back to episode 9, lines 92 and 103. Teresa speaks in a brave manner, wanting to reassure her grandmother. Teresa Line 38) Regardless of who I get with, there's no certainty about any relationship going well. That's something only time will tell. We can't be afraid forever. We have to give things a go to see how they'll unfold. Our fears will only hold us back. We have to learn how to face them to grow. Teresa speaks in a tone of treachery. Teresa Line 39) Mom and Dad worked out okay. I know you went easy on them because you felt like you owed Dad for cutting ties with Grandpa,* but why am I the only exception? Can't you see how unfair that is? *Refer back to episode 8, line 87. Teresa speaks in a manner of distress. Teresa Line 40) Not to mention, the tension between you and Dad is suffocating. Anyone would be able to detect that there's something wrong between the two of you. Because things are left unresolved, I'm getting caught in the middle, and it sucks.* *Refer back to episode 8, line 82. Teresa speaks in an analytical manner, her voice emphasizing importance. Teresa Line 41) Your sense of disapproval has to do with your relationship with Grandpa, but how am I supposed to understand you when all I know is that the two of you got together because of business, then divorced, and then you decide to cut ties with him? What are the specifics, though? You're being vague, and I need to pinpoint exactly what it is that you're so against about me and Cameron for. Teresa speaks hopelessly, glancing into her grandmother's eye eagerly, hoping she'll be able to resolve her issue the way she anticipates. Teresa Line 42) You say love possessed and consumed you, but if that's the case, then why did the two of you decide to get a divorce? I know it's more complicated than it may seem, but it's obvious there's something you're not telling me. Is that something the reason why you're not allowing me to be with Cameron? Give me something to work off of, Grandma, please. Elouise speaks unwillingly and clenches her fists in frustration, reminiscing at guilty memories. Elouise Line 43) I'm too ashamed to tell you, Teresa. I'm not proud of what I did, but what's done is done. Your father doesn't even know the full story. What makes you think I'd tell you? I'm taking this to the grave, and that's final. Teresa speaks adamantly, unrelenting to her grandmother's dismissiveness. Teresa Line 44) It's not fair for you to impose something on me that I don't even know about. Just because you think love is clouding my judgment doesn't mean we're alike, especially since I don't agree with you. We won't be able to resolve our issue if you keep having the last word. Elouise speaks stubbornly, her arrogance prevalent in her voice due to her sharp enunciations, giving off a passive-aggressive undertone. Elouise Line 45) It's not that I think we're alike verbatim; I'm just afraid that your love sickness won't allow you to think straight, like the way it did with me. Your defensive disagreement only heightens my stance. Elouise Line 46) If you want more details, let's just say every date you've brought to me so far doesn't seem like they like you the way they should, Teresa. That includes Cameron. I can just feel it. Teresa speaks irritably, unable to understand her grandmother's immaturity. Teresa Line 47) Of course, you'd say that, Grandma. You only met my dates once and immediately rejected them afterward without even getting the chance to properly know them. Teresa Line 48) I'll admit that you were right about some of them not liking me the way they should, and other reasons resulted in me breaking things off with them,* but you're wrong about Cameron. *Refer back to episode 8, line 92. A moment of silence passes between the two of them, with Teresa processing her thoughts and trying her best to go easy on her grandmother. She speaks in a calm tone, though her annoyance peeks through despite her collectiveness. Teresa Line 49) If you don't want to tell me what happened, so be it. Knowing you're too ashamed is enough of a reason for me to back off. I guess we all have a few skeletons in our closet. But at least be willing to give Cameron another shot, Grams. What makes you think he doesn't like me the way he should? Elouise speaks passionately, her distaste for Cameron heavily apparent in her disdainful explanation. Elouise Line 50) I can just tell, Teresa. He was way too rigid and indifferent when we met. He barely spoke when all of us gathered for dinner, but when he did, he was bland, as if someone forced him to meet up, while you, on the other hand, kept giving him heart eyes the entire time. It's obvious you're head over heels for him, but he definitely isn't. Teresa speaks defensively, a nerve-stricken within her from her grandmother's unreasonable criticism. Teresa Line 51) Again, Grandma, you can't just assume things based on your first encounters. Cameron acted that way because he was nervous. Could you blame him? He wanted to make a good first impression. Anyone would be antsy in his position. And I was trying my best to make him feel comfortable by looking at him affectionately. Elouise speaks in a headstrong manner, her bias shining through her irrational opinions adamantly. Elouise Line 52) First impressions reveal a lot about people. Actions speak louder than words. You don't have to say much. It's also about one's body language, their engagement in the present, and their determination. I didn't see any of that from Cameron. Elouise Line 53) Trust me, Teresa. I've been involved in all kinds of business my entire life. I have loads of experience under my belt that allows me to conclude what people are like. Why are you doubting me? Teresa speaks in an advocative tone. Teresa Line 54) Sure, you have experience, but I can still doubt you, Grandma, because I don't agree with you. I'm begging you to give Cameron another try. I'll talk things out with him, and I'll prove you wrong. He's just shy, so his timidness was tenfold when he met you, Mom, and Dad. At least they liked him. You're the odd one out of the bunch. Elouise speaks in an outlandish manner, disregarding Teresa's pleas. Elouise Line 55) I don't know, Teresa. I don't like him. You know how I am about giving people second chances. I truly believe that if he were the one, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now because things would've worked out smoothly. Teresa thinks to herself, finally putting the pieces together on why Elouise is so against her relationship with Cameron. Teresa speaks in a processive tone. Teresa Line 56) He reminds you of Grandpa, doesn't he? A marriage out of business... You were the one consumed by love, and then it ended up in divorce, with you cutting ties with him... Grandpa didn't feel the same way as you, right? That's what caused you guys to call things off, huh? And Cameron and I remind you of that... Elouise swerves her gaze away from Teresa's devastatedly, confirming that her conclusion is correct. Teresa speaks apologetically, trying to be empathetic towards her grandmother. Teresa Line 57) So that's what it is. I'm so sorry, Grandma... A moment of silence passes between the two of them. Teresa Line 58) I'll hold things off with Cameron until we're able to sort this out. Teresa speaks desperately. Teresa Line 59) But you need help, Grandma. Your regret is hurting others. Don't you want to heal? Elouise glances into Teresa's eyes in anguish. Teresa speaks in a manner of concern. Teresa Line 60) Please consider talking to someone about this. Not only will it help you move on, but it'll help you make amends with Dad. Don't you want to be on good terms with him? Elouise droops her head down in shame, staying silent. Teresa speaks suggestingly, her tone encouraging. Teresa Line 61) I know someone who can help you, Grandma. Are you willing to give them a chance? Elouise speaks weakly. Elouise Line 62) No, Teresa. It's just too hard for me. If I can't tell you or your father about what happened, what makes you think I'll tell anyone else? I want to keep this hidden. It's a part of my life that I want nothing to do with anymore. Teresa speaks determinedly, her tone inspirational to motivate her grandmother. Teresa Line 63) Brushing it under the carpet isn't doing any of us any good, Grandma. It's been years, yet it's still impacting you. You haven't moved on. If you want to get better, you'll realize you have no other choice but to heal, forgive, and make things right. Teresa speaks pragmatically, making her grandmother face reality. Teresa Line 64) It's either you get help, or things will stay the same. You'll continue rejecting my efforts about Cameron, and you'll continue being awkward with Dad, carrying the same guilt you have for decades. What do you choose to do? Elouise speaks in an overwhelmed manner, rubbing her temples in distress. Elouise Line 65) I-I don't know... Teresa stands up from the couch, signifying getting ready to leave her grandmother's place. Teresa speaks patiently, her demeanor forgiving and understanding. Teresa Line 66) I don't expect you to give me an answer right away. I've said all I needed to. The person I said that could help you is willing to give you a call. Perhaps hearing from them will encourage you. Is it okay for them to give you a nudge? Elouise speaks in a conclusive manner, only agreeing to put Teresa at ease. Elouise Line 67) Fine. But don't get your hopes up. Teresa speaks in a slight tone of relief, her voice instructive. Teresa Line 68) That's a start, at least. I'll let them know and have them call you tomorrow. Make sure to keep your notifications on. I'll be off then. Teresa makes her way over to the door to exit her grandmother's place. She glances at her grandmother sitting dejectedly on the sofa, speaking appreciatively. Teresa Line 69) Thank you for hearing me out, Grams. Have a good night. Elouise replies dryly, the insincerity in her voice obvious. Elouise Line 70) Good night, Teresa... Teresa exits her grandmother's place. Elouise rubs her head in distress, releasing an overstimulated sigh. *Shot returns to the present time with Teresa explaining everything to Calista over the phone, along with Marvin listening, as she has her phone on speaker. Teresa speaks conclusively, her tone suggestful. Teresa Line 71) I think I told you everything. So, would it be okay if Jimmy* were to get into contact with my grandmother sometime soon about scheduling a therapy appointment of some kind? *Remember that Jimmy is the alias Calista assigned to Marvin on a whim for Teresa (refer back to episode 7, lines 93 and 94). Calista speaks reassuringly, the delivery of her words trustworthy. Calista Line 72) Of course, Teresa. We've got your back. Thank you for letting us know. Teresa speaks in a manner of relief, her voice radiating authenticity. Teresa Line 73) Thank goodness, Calista! I can't thank you and Jimmy enough for your kindness! I know he's having problems with his phone,* but is there a way you could pass on the message that I appreciate him and his hard work? *Refer back to episode 8, line 59, etc. Marvin smiles bittersweetly at Teresa's gratitude. Calista transmits Marvin's welcomeness, speaking helpfully. Calista Line 74) Of course, Teresa. You know he's happy enough to help you out. Marvin looks at Calista appreciatively for her message on his behalf. Teresa speaks gratefully, her voice sentimental. Teresa Line 75) Thank you so so much, Calista! I really mean it! Calista replies happily, feeling determined to help Teresa. Calista Line 76) You're very welcome, Teresa. I'll let you know how things go. Take care, alright? Teresa speaks enthusiastically, her voice containing a growl of passion as she talks. Teresa Line 77) Thank you, thank you, thank you! Have a great day and a happy break! The two of them end their call. Calista looks at Marvin for assurance on their next steps, speaking curiously. Calista Line 78) Is it alright if we get calling Elouise out of the way first before we start calling your friends? Do you still have her number on that sticky note Teresa gave you yesterday?* *Refer back to episode 9, lines 66, 80, and 81, etc. Marvin flips to the next page on the notepad he's been writing on, showing Calista the sticky note he pasted with Elouise's number on it. Marvin Line 79) It's totally okay, but what are we going to say to her, though? I'm not a real psychologist* and she's in need of one. *Remember that Calista made up that Marvin (Jimmy) is a psychologist for Teresa to open up about her familial issues (refer back to episode 7, line 97, etc). Calista thinks to herself, agreeing with Marvin's point. Calista Line 80) We're just going to call her to give her a nudge and see what she says. If things get serious and she's looking to actually meet with someone, we can refer her to them. Marvin speaks hopelessly. Marvin Line 81) That sounds solid. I wish I were a real psychologist since she's our main source when it comes to knowing what happened to me. She'd give me the full story, and I'd have some reassurance about my next steps, putting all the pieces of the puzzle together. Marvin Line 82) We'll have to stick with my friends for now. But based on how Teresa mentioned therapy, and Elouise seems rejective, what are the chances of her opening up about that to anyone if she won't even tell her family? I guess we're just going to have to see what happens when we call her. Is it okay for you to do the talking? Calista nods her head reassuringly, punching in Elouise's number on her phone. She hits the call button determinedly, putting the call on speaker again for Marvin to hear. The two of them anxiously wait for Elouise to answer Calista's call. A couple of seconds go by, and she answers. The two of them become alert, the expression on their faces nervous as reality settles in. Calista clears her throat, speaking in a friendly manner. Calista Line 83) Good afternoon. Am I speaking to Miss Elouise Dicon?* *Remember that Marvin's last name is Dicon and that because of that, Calista was able to identify that Teresa is related to him by it; therefore, Elouise must have taken his last name when they got married (refer back to episode 6, line 81, etc). Elouise answers Calista disconcertedly. Elouise Line 84) Um. H-how do you know my name? Calista speaks reassuringly, her tone welcoming for Elouise not to feel intimidated. Calista Line 85) No need to worry, ma'am. I was referred to call you by your granddaughter, Teresa. We're calling you about potentially seeking therapy. Elouise stays silent on the other line for a couple of seconds, answering unexcitedly, her voice slightly passive-aggressive. Elouise Line 86) ... Yeah. That sounds about right. Calista speaks professionally, giving Elouise genuine advice. Calista Line 87) I am in no position to provide you guidance about the things you should do in your life, but your granddaughter seems very concerned about you, and such concern deserves to be adequately addressed. Calista speaks in a manner of worry, emphasizing her importance. Calista Line 88) I thoroughly believe that speaking with a professional can help you alleviate any issues in your life. I understand opening up to someone about such sensitive topics can indeed seem very daunting, but rest assured, these people sincerely have your best interests in mind. Calista speaks compassionately, truly wanting to help Elouise by convincing her to the best of her abilities. Calista Line 89) Everything is up to you. Please feel free to decide whatever choice you believe is best. I suggest that if you aren't comfortable speaking about such topics, create a bond with your therapist first. Get to know each other and start small, making productive progress every day. Calista speaks encouragingly, trying to help Elouise visualize all the willing resources she has at her disposal. Calista Line 90) Therapists are thoroughly qualified to approach clients such as you who are on the reserved side to help you feel comfortable, curating an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. Before you know it, you'll be able to express yourself, and they will be able to trace out your next steps. Calista speaks patiently, hoping her descriptions aren't overwhelming for Elouise. Calista Line 91) With that being said, do you need more time to finalize your decision? Elouise speaks in an offended manner, her arrogance making her statement's delivery sharp. Elouise Line 92) Who are you? Calista looks at Marvin in panic, feeling disoriented by Elouise's strange and abrupt question. She speaks frantically, hoping Elouise's question is one out of clarification. Calista Line 93) I-I'm sorry? Elouise speaks concisely, her tone snarky. Elouise Line 94) Are you a therapist? Calista speaks anxiously, feeling apprehensive about Elouise's statements. Calista Line 95) No. I'm a sales representative, but I can get you in touch with a therapist. Would you like to speak with them instead? Allow me to refer you to a number�" Elousie cuts Calista off, speaking in an aggressive manner. Elouise Line 96) You get paid to convince me to choose therapy. This is your "job". Calista speaks nervously, swiftly constructing her sentence to be reassuring. Calista Line 97) Yes. That would be correct, but I do my job passionately to help those who are in need. I do this to make a difference in people's lives. Elouise replies sassily, her doubt heavily prevalent in her voice. Elouise Line 98) Yeah, sure. It's a therapist's job to provide me with therapy, correct? They profit off of my vulnerability? Calista speaks informatively, clarifying misconstrued intentions. Calista Line 99) Ma'am. These therapists have an affinity for contributing to the greater good. They truly care about your well-being and want to make a difference by helping you. Calista speaks passionately. Calista Line 100) Becoming a qualified therapist takes years of difficult education and experience, and even then it's hard to get a job nowadays. It's most definitely not for the money. Elouise speaks in a haughty manner. Elouise Line 101) My family has been running various businesses for several years. I know the ins and outs of every kind of company, and the biggest thing I've learned all these years is that it is indeed for the damn money. You can feed me all kinds of opulent descriptions, but they're nothing but fabrications for gullible people to fall into. I'm not an idiot. Calista looks at Marvin speechlessly, not anticipating their call to go south. Marvin bites the tip of his thumb in a panic, shaking his leg in a jittery manner and feeling distressed. Calista gulps hard, not giving up just yet in convincing Elouise. Calista Line 102) Ma'am. I'm not fabricating anything to take advantage of you. You have to realize that people need to make a living one way or another, but that doesn't mean they aren't passionate about helping you. You don't have to listen to me, but at least listen to your granda�" Elouise cuts Calista off abruptly, speaking deeply offendedly. Elouise Line 103) How dare you use my granddaughter to market therapy to me? You've crossed the line. Calista speaks disconcertedly. Calista Line 104) I'm not using her. I'm just bringing up that this was her idea. We're just a servic�" Elouise speaks abrasively. Elouise Line 105) I don't know what kind of bullshit you've been brainwashing her with, but you've gone too far. You're pathetic for thinking I'd fall for something like this. Calista's heart drops to her stomach from Elouise's scornfulness, feeling vehemently scolded. Elouise speaks disdainfully. Elouise Line 106) What goes on with my family is none of your business. Leave us alone. If you contact either of us again, you'll be the one who needs therapy. Calista looks at Marvin speechlessly. Marvin's jaw drops in shock, feeling appalled by Elouise's audacity. Elouise Line 107) Have I made myself clear? Marvin speaks firmly, clenching his fists in frustration. Marvin Line 108) End the call. Elouise overhears Marvin's voice, speaking offendedly. Elouise Line 109) What was that? Is someone else listening to this call? Calista speaks quickly, wanting to wrap the conversation up swiftly. Calista Line 110) You must be mistaken, ma'am. Sorry for any inconvenience. Have a good day. Calista ends the call. Marvin and Calista sit in silence with each other, processing their hopeless conversation with Elouise. Marvin speaks apologetically, feeling immensely sorry for Calista. Marvin Line 111) I'm so sorry about that, Calista. Elouise had no right to speak to you like that. I had a bad feeling about reaching out to her from the start but wanted to be open-minded. I guess that was all for nothing. Calista speaks reassuringly, not letting Elouise's rudeness get to her. Calista Line 112) It wasn't all for nothing, Marvin. You were considerate enough to be open-minded. There's nothing wrong with having positive intentions. That's your thing.* Don't worry. I'm okay. *Refer back to episode 11, line 36, etc. Calista speaks fearfully, furrowing her eyebrows anxiously. Calista Line 113) I would call Teresa about how things went, but I'm apprehensive after the threat Elouise just made. Marvin speaks in a manner of concern. Marvin Line 114) Hold off on giving her a call. If anything, don't mention it until she comes to you first. Her threat shouldn't be taken lightly. She's capable of a lot because of her influence. Marvin speaks upsettingly, feeling pity. Marvin Line 115) I thought she would've changed after all these years, but it seems like she's still the same, nothing but a lost cause. I feel so bad for Teresa and her father for having to put up with that. Calista speaks agreeably. Calista Line 116) Yeah. I guess she's just gonna have to go against her grandmother's disapproval. She shouldn't have to withstand that. Calista speaks in a focused manner, wanting to get her and Marvin back on track. Calista Line 117) Anyway, we have things to do. Want to take a break, or should we start calling your friends? Marvin speaks precautiously, looking out for Calista. Marvin Line 118) I should be asking you if you want a break. That call must've been very hard on you, with you not liking to make them and all. Calista speaks determinedly. Calista Line 119) I told you it's okay, Marvin. I'm fine with calling your friends. Let's continue making progress since we got the ball rolling with Elouise. Marvin speaks contemplatively, feeling nervous. Marvin Line 120) Can we call a variety of people I know before we call my friends? I just want to see where that leads us. Calista nods her head understandingly. Marvin starts writing down a bunch of numbers for Calista to call. After he finishes, Calista starts calling the numbers. She speaks in a friendly manner to the people. Calista Line 121) Hello? Am I speaking to XXX? The person on the line speaks disconcertedly. Person on the line (1) Line 122) You've got the wrong number. Sorry. Calista speaks leniently. Calista Line 123) That's alright. Thank you for letting me know. Calista ends the call, calling the other numbers on Marvin's list, with the cycle of her calling and declining calls from all sorts of people repeating. Marvin looks at Calista hopelessly, feeling let down by everyone saying she has the wrong number. As Calista calls, the other person on the line speaks in a confused manner. Person on the line (2) Line 124) I don't know anyone by that name. I think you've got the wrong number. Calista continues calling, with the next person on the line speaking irritably. Person on the line (3) Line 125) What are you talking about? You've most certainly got the wrong number! Don't pester me ever again! Marvin's eyes bulge in shock from the person's rudeness. Calista continues to call people Marvin knows, eventually calling two of his friends, with them repeatedly telling her she has the wrong number, leading her to hit the decline button several times over. After 20 minutes, the two of them take a break. Marvin speaks hopelessly, his eyebrows slanting in devastation. Marvin Line 126) I don't get it. Why are we getting nowhere? Why does everyone keep saying we have the wrong number? Calista speaks apprehensively. Calista Line 127) Their numbers must've gotten recycled. Marvin speaks in anguish, with his eyes glistening in sorrow. Marvin Line 128) But why? Does that mean they're all dead? Calista looks at Marvin sadly, breaking the upsetting news to him as she speaks in heartache. Calista Line 129) I'm really sorry, but that seems to be the case. Marvin's heart drops to his stomach. He stands up from the couch, speaking in agony. Marvin Line 130) Please excuse me. Marvin makes his way over to the bathroom. Calista nods her head understandingly, her eyebrows furrowing in heartache. Line 131) Calista's inner thoughts: This must be so hard on him. In the bathroom, Marvin bursts into tears, burying his face into his hands as he sobs. Line 132) Marvin's inner thoughts: I can't believe this. What am I supposed to do? There's nobody here for me. A couple of minutes go by, and Marvin exits the bathroom, his eyes puffy and his face slightly red. He sits back down on the couch with Calista, who gazes at him sadly after patiently waiting for him to come back and giving him all the time he needed to gather himself. He speaks instructively, wanting to mask his noticeable sadness. Marvin Line 133) Is there anyone left to call? Calista looks at the list of numbers on Marvin's notepad, observing that all of them are crossed off except one. Calista Line 134) One last number. It's your friend Russell's. Marvin nods his head confirmingly, giving Calista the okay to call him. Calista dials Russell's number, with Marvin looking at her in a focused manner, feeling antsy. The phone rings and rings until someone answers. Calista speaks nervously, hoping the call won't let her down. Calista Line 135) Hello? Is this Mr. Russell by any chance? Marvin looks at Calista in anguish, bracing himself for the person on the line to let them down. The person on the line replies in a soft voice. Person on the line (4) Line 136) Grandpa. Someone's calling you? Marvin looks at Calista in disbelief, his eyes glimmering in hope and relief. To be continued... ____________________________________________________________ Copyright ©2024�"2025 under United States Copyright Office, Library of Congress. All rights reserved. This literary work is protected by the U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the work without permission is prohibited. The offender will be traced and will face the full extent of the legal ramifications as stipulated by the law. Thank you for reading! ♡ ____________________________________________________________ © 2025 YoshAuthor's Note
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Added on June 11, 2024 Last Updated on March 22, 2025 Tags: #romance, #mentalhealth, #1960s, #action, #drama, #adventure, #charming, #enjoyable, #oldschoollovenewjersey, #lovelanguages, #fluff, #friendstolovers, #comedy, #original, #originalstory, #slowburn Author
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