Home is Where You are (Ally and Stevie)

10. I am programmed to like you (They said)

*****

(Ally said)

Our elevator incident was such a good conversational starter with anyone in the ad agency.

"It is something that we could tell our future kids you know," I said to the prod team then I looked at Stevie, who was talking to Natalie. Our eyes met but I looked away immediately.

"When riding an elevator, do not wear bikinis or sexy underwear," one of them said. "Because if you get  trapped, you may never know how long they will keep you in there." We all  laughed. They were teasing us that it took a long time to fix the lift cabin because the operators were enjoying the view.

After the shooting, Stevie returned to the studio while I went to Starbucks to surrender to my burning desire to write a song. The other night I already finalized the chord progression and the strumming pattern. It will be the first song that I will record after the accident. I was just about to finish up when my phone beeped.

Mom: I am having dinner with Stevie tonight. I could trade you the dinner for just a week-long worth of dishes.

Me: Deal.

Mom: The things that you will do for love.

Me: It is because I love you that I do not want you to go out in this bedroom weather and stay up late.

Mom: Be at the Public School at 7 PM and tell Stevie I had to babysit Hera again. That is also Stevie's favorite restaurant just so you know.

Me: That is soooooooo lame, Mom.

Before she got the chance to reply, I rang her.

"Yes dear?" my Mom said.

"You are the best, Mom," I responded. "Thank you for doing this. I did not even have to tell you everything."

"You are welcome. And what are you not telling me?"

"Nothing important, Mom. I love you!"

"I love you too."

I have not explained everything to my Mom--the breakups, my memories coming back in smaller snaps, or even Stevie's sleepover. But I guess she just knows.

After my songwriting, I went to the flower shop. I wanted to make a good "first" impression of course.

"Hi Ally!" the store owner said. "It has been a while. Are you buying the lovely Stevie some flowers?"

"Yes I do. Can you get me a bouquet of red roses please?"

"So it's true. I mean what they say that you lost your memory."

"Why did you say that?"

"From your choice of flowers."

"Oh wait." I spent another two minutes pondering and changed my order.

*****

(Stevie said)

I could not find Helen at the restaurant. I was ringing her when I saw Ally, alone at a table. Helen finally picked up.

"Hi Helen! I can see here I am being setup," I said.

"You are welcome? Are you with her now?" Helen answered.

"I am approaching her right this second."

"Okay you two have a good time!"

"I hope she was not forced to do so but thank you."