Bellamy's Redemption

“If this doesn’t work out, I hope you know that you’re too old to move back in with your dad and me.”

“The thought never even crossed my mind, Mom.”

“I mean, I guess we could make an exception…”

“You won’t need to, Mom.”

“Alright.”

“Aren’t you excited for me?”

“Well, golly Bug. I don’t know what to say. Sure, I’m excited for you.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Good luck. Uh oh, your dad’s yelling for me. I’d better go see what he wants. Call me if you need anything, Honey.”

“Thanks. Bye.”

“Bye, Bug. Love you!”

“Love you too, Mom.”

I wiped a tear from my eye, feeling strangely guilty as I sat in my cold, silent car. I felt a knot in my stomach, as though I’d just lied to my mom. But I hadn’t. I didn’t know where this overwhelming, negative feeling was coming from. To brush it away, I called Betsy.

“Hi Em, hang on a second,” she said. “Okay, I’m back. How’s it going?”

“Betsy! I’m so glad you answered. I have big, big news.”

“Wait, don’t tell me… You got a subscription to some decorating magazine at an unheard of rate, reserved just for you because you’re special.”

“No. It’s bigger than that.”

“I give up.”

“I’m going on Bellamy’s Redemption!”

“What do you mean you’re going on Bellamy’s Redemption?”

“I’m going to be on the show.”

“Like, you’re going to a filming of it?”

“Huh?”

“I’m not understanding what you mean.”

“I’m on the show, Betsy. I’m going to be on the show.”

“You,” she said slowly, “are going to be,” she paused, “on the show Bellamy’s Redemption. For real?”

“Yes!” I screamed.

I waited for her to scream too. Instead there was silence.

“Are you there, Betsy?”

“I’m here.”