Every Day

Episode 1: Belle

Episode 1: Belle

Belle's head throbbed. She had a terrible ache right behind her eyes. All she wanted to do was climb into bed and sleep for the next twenty years: just drift into a dreamless state where she could forget her marriage was a total wreck, that her husband was a fall-down drunk who had cheated on her because she had practically pushed him into it, that her beloved daughter was miles and miles away, and that she was alone and so lost she wasn't sure she would ever find her way again.

She'd had another fight with Shawn that afternoon and after a long day at the office, she was ready to surrender to the welcome embrace of slumber. She slipped her key into the lock and stepped into the apartment.

A soft light emanated from the lamp on the end table. She wondered if she had accidentally left it on when she went out that morning. She was distracted enough these days to do something like that.

Then she heard a quiet, familiar voice. "Mom," Claire called to her.

Belle's eyes moved across the living room where her daughter sat on the sofa, hugging a thick, tasseled pillow to her chest.

"Claire?" Belle said. Louder, "Claire!" She cried.

Claire dropped the pillow and rose to her feet. Belle rushed over to her, yanking her into a fierce embrace.

"Hey, Mom," Claire said, returning the hug.

Tears escaped Belle's eyes. "Oh, Claire, I was just thinking about you."

"Good things, I hope."

"Of course, good things," Belle said. She cupped her daughter's face in her hands. "Let me look at you... You cut your hair. It looks so cute." And indeed it did, but it would take some getting used to. Claire's long, wavy blonde locks were no more. She was sporting a short, pixie haircut instead. "You're too skinny. You need to eat more."

"Mom, come on."

"Sorry. But you do look great and I'm so happy to see you. I had no idea you were coming. If I had known, I would have picked you up at the airport."

"It's no big deal," Claire shrugged. "How are you? Really?"

Belle studied her daughter's earnest expression and saw the pointed questions in her eyes. She sighed. "How much do you know?"

"Only what I've managed to piece together from different relatives in their very vague emails and letters. Something's happened between you and Dad. Something bad. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Seriously? I'm going to have to pry it out of you?"

Belle sighed. "Look, don't worry about us. I'd rather focus on you tonight. I'm so glad you're home, honey."

"Tell me the truth, Mom. Please. I'm not a kid anymore. I'm not delicate and fragile anymore either. I can handle 'grown up' stuff."

Belle sighed and turned away, rubbing her aching forehead. "Let's just say, your dad and I have had some differences of opinion lately."

"Come on. I know it's more than that. You don't have to try to shield me from the truth. I know relationships are not easy."

"Claire-" Belle broke off as the door opened and she heard Shawn come stumbling in. He slammed the door after him.

"Belle," he called out. "Belle, we need to talk right-"

Shawn broke off when he saw Claire standing there. "Claire? Sweetheart, is that you?" he asked in wonder.

"Hey, Dad. Yeah, it's me, in the flesh," Claire said. She moved to him and held out her arms.

Shawn moved towards her but almost fell over his two feet. Belle and Claire had to catch him before he hit the floor.