Three Wishes (Dreams Come True #3) (2 page)

Chapter Two

Ben

The call came in around seven in the morning, effectively rousing me from my sleep. It was the station manager for the local cable news channel. “Ben, it’s an emergency,” Justin began in his usual brusque manner.

“What is it this time?” Ever since I’d interned with them during my undergraduate studies, I’d worked at the station part time for fun money, and experience. I rubbed my eyes and sat up in bed while waiting for my assignment.

“The cameraman for this morning’s mall event is ill. I need you to take over. It’s easy. I’m emailing the details. You should be there at nine thirty, sharp.” He sounded breathless and I could hear his feet rushing down the hall.

“Okay. I’m up. I’m on it.” Stretching, I yawned.

“Good. I knew I could count on you.”

Obviously, Justin wanted to end the call, but we had one little detail to iron out first. “Now this is last minute on a Sunday. I want double my usual pay.” I grinned. We’d had similar discussions in the past and I knew his face would be red.

“Double?” Justin spluttered.

“Yup.” Confident I had him, I walked to my bathroom and leaned against the vanity as I waited for his word before starting the shower.

“How about time and a half?”

I chuckled. “Seriously, I’ll roll over right now and turn off my phone for time and a half. The station can afford it.”

“Fine.” Only he didn’t sound fine. He sounded borderline pissed. “Get the footage here as soon as possible. We need to get promos ready for the evening news.”

“Of course. See you in a few hours, Justin.” Then I ended the call, turned on the water and brushed my teeth while I waited for the shower to heat up. Since I spent my time behind the camera, even if I had to interview people at the same time, I didn’t waste much time on my appearance. I wasn’t famous. Few people paid much attention to me. I valued the anonymity my position provided. After a quick shave, I moved to my walk-in closet to find something to wear. What was mall appropriate on a Sunday morning? I tugged at my chin. Hell, what was I doing anyway?

With the towel tucked around my hips, I walked to my desk to open the email I’d received. The subject line simply read Caring Bunny. I scanned the details of the assignment. Special needs kids visiting the Easter Bunny. No wonder the other cameraman had decided to be sick. Working with kids and animals was notoriously challenging. Still, all I had to do was point and shoot, maybe talk to some parents. I could manage this no problem.

By nine twenty-five, I had driven to the station to pick up one of their marked vehicles and parked in the mall at the one entrance near the food court that promised to be open hours before the rest of the building. Hauling the bag out of the trunk, I hefted it onto my shoulder and balanced the tripod on the other side. As I walked in, I glanced around, pleased to see few cars in the lot and fewer people inside. Setting up only took a few minutes, then I looked around and considered who to speak with first.

Wearing my credentials in a lanyard around my neck, I walked over to the table where the families signed in. “Do you have a moment to speak to me?” I addressed the woman seated on a metal folding chair.

She glanced at my badge and nodded as a smile spread across her face. “Of course. I’d be glad to.” Rising from her seat, she walked with me over to the camera I’d set up near the Easter Bunny Set.

“Let’s start with your name and your position.” I gently coached her as I held the microphone her direction.

“I’m Elise Forgette with the Autism Society.” She smiled and looked at me expectantly.

“Great. Are you one of the organizers for the event?” I stared at her through the back of the camera, watching to make sure everything was recording properly. In the distance behind her, I noticed a young woman walking in with a little girl, who wore a giant hat on her head and a surgical mask, which effectively covered the bulk of her face. I paid attention, wondering if it would ruin the shot.

“Yes, we started the event just this year. The Caring Santa Event was so popular, we thought we should try one with the Easter Bunny as well.”

The woman and child were nearing the table in the distance. I could see the little girl walked slowly and though the mother offered to help her, she refused, even as she stopped from time to time as if she were struggling to catch her breath.

“What makes the Caring Bunny Event so special, Elise?” Even as I asked, I looked past her, wondering if I should offer to help, doubtful my assistance would even be accepted.

“Well, this is a way for kids who might otherwise not have an opportunity to see the Easter Bunny. Often children with sensory issues and chronic illnesses miss out on what other kids take for granted. They can’t handle the noise, the lights, the overstimulation, or in some cases the germs from being around everyone.” Elise glanced over to the little girl who had caught my eye then turned back to the camera with a sad smile. “I better get back to work.”

I nodded. “Thank you for your time.”

Elise rushed back to the table to check them in. I watched and waited. The bunny had arrived and sat on the garden bench that was part of the backdrop for the pictures. The photographer coached him in a low voice.

Behind me, I could hear a woman speaking. It took everything in me not to turn around. I wanted to know their story. It had become my thing.

“Come on, Ollie. Are you sure you don’t want me to carry you? We need to get in and out as quick as we can.” The woman sounded nervous.

“Relax, Mama. I know. And I can walk.” The little girl sighed.

“I know you can. I’m just trying to help.” I watched as she threw her hands in the air.

As they passed by me, the little girl’s eyes lit up. “Oh, Mama! Do you think he could show me how to make a movie?”

The woman glanced my direction without making eye contact. She shook her head. “He’s working, Ollie. I don’t think he has time for that right now.”

I peeked over the camera and smiled at the little girl. “Psst!” She glanced up at me, a look of wonder in her big blue eyes.

Pausing, she looked at me and pointed to her chest.

Nodding, I whispered. “Come over after pictures. You can help me.” I grinned as I pulled a chair over and gestured to show it was for her.

Maybe I only saw what I wanted to believe, but it seemed like she perked up some after. She marched over to the Easter Bunny and plopped right down on the bench. Immediately, I began to film her.

“Ollie, hat and mask!” Her mother coached, showing she should remove it.

Slowly, the little girl reached up and pulled the big brimmed monstrosity off her head and tugged the mask off her ears. When she did, I could see she had a shiny bald head. Swallowing hard, I peered at the mother. Her back to me, I could see her shoulders stiffen, a defense mechanism, ready to defend her daughter as needed.

The Easter Bunny started to put an arm around her, but the little girl stopped him. “No please. Germs.” Then she winked and offered a smile. I watched her mother’s shoulders sink, then rise as she inhaled deeply.

Soon enough, the photographer had captured some images to show the mother and the little girl slid off the bench. Turning to the bunny, she murmured, “Thank you for the pictures.”

The Easter Bunny nodded in response. Then she tugged on her mother’s sleeve. “I’m gonna go sit over there.” She pointed in my direction and waited until her mother nodded before starting the journey to the seat I had waiting for her.

For the first time, I felt nervous. What was I doing? Kids were hard. They asked uncomfortable questions. This one looked to be a bigger challenge altogether. As she neared, she hooked the mask back into place over her ears and tugged the hat over her head. Then she smiled big enough for me to see her eyes crinkle at the corners and her cheeks pop up over the edge of the mask.

“Can I really help?” Here eyes widened as she waited for my response.

“Sure. Let me show you how to work this. Shall we film your mom?” I started to help her point the camera to the counter where her mother had been standing. I moved the camera slightly, seeking her out when there was a tug on my jacket. “What’s up, buttercup?” I didn’t even stop peering through the lens.

“No, thank you.” A voice snipped.

Looking up, I stared into the blue green eyes I’d never forgotten. It was the Crying Girl. I searched for her for years, to no avail, and now she was everywhere.

***

Charlie

Maybe I shouldn’t have been so cold, but all of a sudden, Ollie had disappeared and when I looked, she was standing with some strange man. I knew she wanted to talk to him, learn all about making a movie, but this wasn’t the time or the place. “Ollie, we have to go.” My voice came out more stern than I intended, but I thought I was actually holding it together pretty well, considering my heart had started racing the minute I realized she was out of arm’s reach.

“But, Mama!” Her face scrunched up and I worried she was winding up to get all upset. I hated when it happened. She wore out so quickly. I’d be carrying her to the car for sure. At five, she was getting harder for me to manage, far longer and heavier than ever, even if she was small for her age.

“Let the man work.” My eyes flashed at him, willing him to help me. For a moment, I paused. There was something familiar about him.

He stared down at Ollie, biting his lip. I could see he wanted to help even if he didn’t know how to do so. Already her eyes were welling up with tears. I watched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. A shy smile spread across his face. He glanced up to see if I was paying attention. It all came rushing back to me, even as it seemed a thousand years had passed. Squatting down, he passed her the folded linen rectangle. “For you. Dry those tears, Ollie, right?”

My daughter sniffled and nodded before wiping her tears. “Yes.” Her voice came out a whisper as she stared at the floor.

“Nice to meet you, Ollie. I’m Benjamin. My friends call me Ben.” He smiled warmly at her.

My heart beat even harder now than before and slowly I reached up to touch my lips. I’d kissed him.
Lord, what had made me do that?
Ben gazed up at me, bit his lower lip and I knew he remembered too. This was too much. “Time to go, sweets.” Naturally, she didn’t budge.

For a moment, she dabbed at her eyes, then she stared at him a moment, her head tilted. “My name is really Olivia.”

“Olivia’s a great name.” Ben clasped his hands in front of him and I had the distinct feeling it was an act to prevent him from touching her. He understood the concern for germs.

Shit. I spent so little time around men, if I wasn’t careful I’d be kissing him all over again. This time, in front of my highly impressionable daughter.

“My mom’s name is Charlotte, but I hear people call her Charlie.” Ollie smiled up at me and laced her fingers through mine.

Slowly, he stood. “It’s nice to meet you, Charlie.” He stuffed his hands in his jean pockets and shrugged like he didn’t know what else to say, but his eyes spoke volumes. The sparkled like his mind was racing. I felt completely enchanted. If I could, I’d dive into his dark chocolate depths and uncover all his thoughts, but with Ollie, I didn’t see how that would ever be possible.

“Mama, can I try it for just a minute?” She pointed at the camera.

Something in me wanted to pick her up and run, oh, but something stronger urged me to stay. What would it hurt? A few more minutes for her happiness, then we’d go back to our life, never to cross paths again. “Sure.” Then I exhaled.

I watched, completely unable to focus, as Ben told Ollie about the camera and began to teach her some of the basics. Seeing her so happy and excited sparked a hope in me I hadn’t felt in some time, reminded me how much I wanted for Ollie to get her wish in order to make mine come true. I couldn’t be sure how much time had passed, but soon I saw the signs, the yawns, the blinks, and the unsteadiness on her feet. My baby was worn out again.

“Hey, Olls? It’s time.” I looked to Ben for help, knowing she would object.

With a barely discernible nod, he began packing up his equipment. “Perfect. I’m done too. I’ll walk you out.”

My head tilted to the side involuntarily. This wasn’t what I had in mind at all. “We’ll be fine. I’ve got this.”

Olivia sank into the seat and we both paused and stared at her a minute.

“Oh, this isn’t for you. I could use the help.” Ben winked at me. Inside, my stomach fluttered. I’d nearly forgotten what that felt like.

“Of course you do.” I rolled my eyes. “Want me to carry you?” I squatted down in front of my baby girl. She shook her head, but I could tell she wasn’t going to make it on her own. I bit my lip, wondering how I was going to avoid this fight and help her to the car with her dignity intact.

“So, Olivia, this equipment is really bulky and I have trouble carrying all of it. I was kinda hoping you’d ride on a cart and hold it all together for me?” Ben bit the side of his cheek while waiting for her response.

For a moment, her eyes brightened. Then she nodded her head.  Ben walked over to the sign in table. Though I couldn’t hear what he was saying, I saw him gesture to an empty cart and pieced it together. This guy. I took a deep breath. Already I could feel the tears prickling my eyes and struggled against the too familiar pain.