Love Is Black And White

21. Memories And A Turkey Leg

Maybe it was a writer quality, but I never liked unfinished sentences, without a full stop. Both in writing and in life.

I was in the worst phase of a relationship. It felt like an end, but a full stop was missing. I knew it wouldn't be a comma, our story wouldn't go on. I had hurt Emma too much.

I called her many times after what happened. But she never answered. Urgently, I answered every time my cell phone rang. But it was never her.

"Hello?" I said on the line, the day before Thanksgiving

"Hello, Leon." A woman's voice spoke. "This is Natalie Stein." 

"Oh..." I let go, surprised.

"You'll be the center of attention on Thanksgiving this year." She said, with joy in her voice.

I frowned, "I will?"

"Yeah..." She gave a little laugh. "Listen, I want to publish your book."

"You want?"

"Yes." She reaffirmed. "We will talk better next week in my office. I just wanted to give you the news, so you can tell your family or friends on Thanksgiving."

"I..." Still in shock, I tried to speak, "I can't believe it."

She laughed, "Well, what can I say? Happy Thanksgiving!"

I hung up the phone, still puzzled. When the idea finally became real in my mind, I threw the phone on the couch, and smiled, with both hands on my head.

The next day, Dave and I were in front of Jade's apartment, waiting for someone to open the door. Mentally, I rehearsed how I was going to tell the good news to everyone.

"So, here we go." Dave interrupted my thoughts. "Oh, I'm feeling like I'm gonna meet a celebrity."

I frowned, "Dude, don't..."

"Hey!" Will greeted us cheerfully when he opened the door.

"Hi, Will!" I greeted him, "This is Dave."

As the two greeted each other, a figure ran towards me. She jumped up and hugged me. "Hi, Jade!" I said, surprised by her joy.

She released me and smiled. "Hi!" She replied and then looked at Dave, "You must be Dave... I'm Jade."

"I know." He smiled, "The Jade from the book."

I stopped breathing. Oh, shit...

"Yeah!" Jade replied, excitedly, "With the pigtail buns!"

I breathed a sigh of relief. Saved by Ruby.

Dave frowned. "What pigtail buns?"

And ruined by Dave.

Jade smiled, confused, "Uh... Ruby. Her hair..."

"Oh... Of course!" Dave's eyes widened, "Ruby!"

"Yes." Jade replied, still confused. "What book were you talking about?"

Dave looked at me and gave an embarrassed laugh. "Um... The same book." He replied, trying to sound natural. "There is absolutely no other book to talk about."

Frowning, Jade laughed. "Okay..." She turned and walked towards the kitchen with Will.

"Geez..." I mumbled to Dave.

"I'm so sorry." With his eyes wide, he seemed to be as surprised and embarrassed as I was. "I don't know what happened to me."

I laughed at his reaction. "It's fine." Then, I looked at him seriously. "Now stop talking... Just smile and wave."