Page 6 of Cinematic Destinies
Ella and Finn exchanged a smile and Betty continued, “Sometimes I have to remind myself that I have a job to do, and when it’s over, I’ve done my part. On to the next. It’s not like I get to see the children’s lives.” She stopped to take a sip of her drink before adding, “Who they become as adults.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Ella mused. “I think you can tell a lot from how we come into this world. Let’s take you and your siblings. Heavens, I was in labor with you forever, writhing around in pain. Now that I know you, it’s clear you were just taking your time. You’re always so thoughtful, careful, and you never leap before you look. I’m sure it’s made you an extraordinary doctor.” Betty looked down shyly and Ella continued, “Now Georgia, on the other hand, practically flew out of me. The doctor had to catch her like a football. It was quite the entrance.”
“That it was,” Finn added with a chuckle.
“Seems she couldn’t wait to get the hell out of me and out into the world, and that certainly hasn’t changed,” Ella said with a laugh. “Finally, Albert. His labor was shorter than yours, longer than your sister’s, but it was mild, peaceful. When he was born, that final push somehow lasted a moment longer than all the others. Like he was timid about joining us.” She shook her head. “So you see, how we come into this world says a lot about who we are.”
“So, I guess the moral of that story is that Georgia’s always been destined for the spotlight,” Betty said.
“Damn straight!” Georgia exclaimed, dramatically throwing her arms up in the air as she sprinted toward her family.
Everyone leapt up to greet her.
“Little peach, I missed you,” Finn said, wrapping her in a bear hug.
“Me too, Dad.”
“Hey, I want some of that,” Ella said. The two embraced affectionately. “I missed you too, sweet girl.”
“Me too, Mom.”
Betty hugged Georgia and whispered, “Good to see you, drama queen.”
“You too, brainiac,” Georgia replied.
“So, we’re glad you could join us before dark,” Ella teased.
“I planned to be here hours ago, but I got lost leaving the Bay Area and then I had a problem with the stupid convertible sports car I rented. Long story, but I made it. Where’s Al?”
“Resting in his room until dinner,” Ella replied.
Georgia furrowed her brow. “I don’t think so. I’ll go drag his ass out. Back in a flash. You can talk about me while I’m gone,” she said, darting off.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Finn, Ella, and Betty burst into laughter.
When the laughter died down, Ella smiled and said, “Georgia’s home.”
GEORGIA TAPPED ON THE DOOR BEFOREletting herself in. Albert was sitting on his bed with his headphones in his lap.
“Hey, snot face,” she said, barreling over to him.
He beamed as she plopped down on the edge of his bed and leaned over for a big hug.
“So, what kind of sad stereotype is this?” she joked, gesturing at the headphones. “Don’t tell me, you were listening to some indie band no one’s ever heard of and contemplating the poetic futility of life. Step it up. Be more original. You’re an artist for fuck’s sake.”
Albert laughed.
Georgia’s expression turned more serious. “You know I’m just teasing. What gives? Why are you up here all alone?”
“I was just a little tired. Jet lag.”
Georgia stared him down, silently prodding him to fess up.
He sighed. “I was thinking, that’s all. I just have some stuff on my mind. Personal stuff to figure out.”
“Well, for what it’s worth, my best advice is always the same. Be yourself because yourself is fabulous.”
Albert smiled. “I’m so glad you’re here. I missed you.”
