Page 25 of Being Julia

“I’m on my way.”

I told London I’d be right back, and I waited for my dad in the lobby. As I saw him walk through the doors, I ran up and threw my arms around him.

“Baby, what’s wrong? Did something happen?” he asked.

“Mrs. Fitzgerald is sending London to a rehab facility in California, Dad. Please try to talk her out of it. Please!” I begged.

“Julia, I know you’re upset, but it’s none of our business. London is her daughter, and she can make whatever decisions she wants,” he said as he kissed my head and led me over to the couch to sit down.

“But, Daddy, she can go to rehab here. You can find out which one is the best and tell Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald. You’re always finding out what’s best. Please, don’t let them send her away.”

“Calm down, princess,” he said as he pulled me into him. “Let’s go see London, and we’ll take it from there.”

I wiped my eyes and blew my nose with my dad's tissue. I took his hand and went up to the third floor where London was. When we entered the room, Mrs. Fitzgerald got up from her chair and walked over to us. I could tell she always had a thing for my dad.

“Connor, it’s so nice to see you again,” she said as they lightly hugged.

“Hello, Joan.”

I walked over to London and sat down on the edge of the bed while my dad and her mom talked.

“If you’re sending London off to a rehab in California, I’m offering you my plane, and we can take the three of you to California.”

“It’s only going to be myself and London going. Ron is still on his business trip and can’t fly back. I can’t ask you to do that, Connor,” she said as she put her hand on my dad’s chest.

“You’re not asking, Joan. I’m insisting. In fact, since the girls won’t see each other for a long time, we’ll travel with you.”

“Really, Dad?!” I exclaimed.

He looked over at me and smiled.

“If you insist, Connor, then who am I to say no to your generosity.” She smiled.

Ugh. She was coming on to my dad, and I would have to talk with my mom. My dad walked over to London and kissed her forehead.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” he asked her.

“I’m okay, Mr. Black. Thank you.”

“We’re going to make sure you get the help you need to put this behind you and move on with your life.” He smiled.

“Thank you,” she said as a tear fell down her face.

The day had come to take my best friend to rehab. The once beautiful, dark-haired girl with big blue eyes looked sullen and lost. I wasn’t allowed to see her until we boarded the plane. Mrs. Fitzgerald said they had too much to do to prepare for California and that she and London needed some time alone. I put my arm around her as we boarded the plane.

“How are you?” I smiled.

“Not good, Julia. As much as I’m trying to forget about the drugs, I can’t. I’m craving them so bad.”

“It’ll get easier. I promise. The doctors are going to help you, and you’re going to get better. I feel like I’ve let you down, and I’m really sorry.”

London took my hand. “You didn’t let me down. You tried to get me to stop using, and I did nothing but lie to you. You’re the only person in my life who cared about me, and I letyoudown, Julia.”

My dad walked over to where we were sitting and hugged London.

“People make mistakes, London. I know firsthand about mistakes. The people who truly love you forgive you and would do anything in the world to help you.” He smiled.

“I wish you were my dad,” she whispered.

---