Listen To Your Heart ~ Book One.

Billie's Opinion

"Including lying about the baby's paternity? How's that going to look now? We lie about me not being the baby's father. Claudia tells the truth. Maybe some people might not believe her...but all it takes is one person to get other's talking."

"So, what are you suggesting?"

"Give Claudia what she wants."

"I already discussed it with Billie...that's not happening."

"Even if the truth would ruin Billie and mine careers?"

"And let's say I fuck Claudia and give her a baby. What then? You screw your sister again to get revenge?"

"I promised my parents and Billie. It wouldn't happen again."

"And I promised Billie I wasn't going to fuck Claudia or any other woman for that matter. So why are you asking me to break that promise?"

"You said you'd do anything to protect, Billie. I thought that would include her career?"

"Damn it! I'm tempted to just shoot your ass anyway. Don't you realize the mess yours and Billie's actions created? Why do you think I'm going along with keeping my mouth shut?"

"I know...but we can't change what happened."

"Look...just talk to Claudia. Hopefully you can change her mind."

"What if you're wrong?"

"Then Billie and I got a lot of talking to do."

======================================

(Three days later, Billie and I are in the 5150-studio working on some songs. Billie had just come back from her first psychological therapy, and I could tell she was stressed. She had trouble concentrating on the songs, and her use of profanity was going thru the roof.)

"!#$%^&*!#$%#!#%$&*^#!!!!!!!"

(I stay quiet, figuring it would be best to let her get it off her chest.)

"Do you think you could fuckin' answer me instead of sitting there like a useless asshole! Or are you thinking of fucking Claudia again?"

"You're upset because you had to talk about when you were raped. You're angry because your therapist wouldn't allow anyone in the meeting with you, because she figures you need to deal with this without any outside distractions. Am I right so far?"

"I....so you have been listening. Then why the fuck didn't you say something?"

"You had to blow off some steam. Who am I to deny you that? I got to admit...I was surprised when your therapist said just the two of you only over the phone."

"Exactly! I mean...what the fuck? How could she even consider you or my Mom or Zoe an outside distraction?"

"I don't know. I'm not a psychiatrist."

"I FUCKIN' KNOW THAT DAMN IT! TELL ME SOMETHING, I DON'T FUCKING KNOW!"

"Your constant use of profanity is a bit of a turn-off?"

"Well...FUCK YOU THEN! I'LL CURSE ALL I FUCKIN' WANT!"

(Shrugs)"Suit yourself."

(We both sit in silence for awhile. Billie sighs, then she moves closer to me and leans her head against my shoulder.)

"Yes...was there something you wanted?" I ask.

(Billie points to her lips.)

"You want a kiss? Gee...I don't know. You think you deserve one potty mouth?"

(Billie pouts. I tilt her lips up towards mine and kiss her. Billie hugs me.)

"Why do you put up with my shit?"

"Because I shot all the other guys who were standing in line to win your heart. So, I'm the only one left."

(Smiles)"I love you...you know that?"

"Sure do. Why do you think I used all those bullets for?"

(Laughs)"You fucking nut."