Chapter 22 - Life

Rita stood behind the counter, reaching up to the top shelf and cursing when she couldn’t quite stretch that far even on tiptoes. The little bell on the door dinged when it opened.

“Hold on, I’ll be right with you,” she said cheerily, just missing the can again.

Before she knew it, there was a presence behind her and an arm reached over her shoulder, the hand grabbing the can. She recognized the big watch on the wrist.

“Cam?” she said, turning to her right. “When did you get back into town?” She grinned and took the can that Cam held out to her. “Thanks.”

“Last night, or actually probably nearer this morning.” Just mentioning the time made her yawn. “Sorry, long drive.”

“Is Michelle here too, and those cute little darlings? Lucy showed me their photographs, such beautiful babies.”

Cam smiled quickly. She loved it when anyone else noticed how adorable Darcy and Noah were. “No, well Michelle is, but the twins are back in LA with my mum for a bit. We uh, just needed some time to ourselves.” She didn’t lie as such; bending the truth slightly wasn’t lying.

Rita’s smile dropped. “Oh what a shame. I am dying to meet them both.”

“Next time, I promise,” Cam answered as she stepped away. “I just need to grab a few bits and then head back.” She was about to turn away when she stopped. “Actually, you know everyone around here, right?”

“Well, I like to think most folk use the store and I am always polite and chatty, so yes, I suppose I do know most. What can I help you with?”

“It’s just…” Cam looked around the store. There was nobody else there. “The thing is, Michelle… Who would she speak to about…”

“The blues?” Rita interrupted.

Cam’s head tilted at her. “Yeah. How?”

“You look like death itself, and you’re both here without those babies…seems to me that a little time away isn’t just for a rest. Am I right?”

Cam nodded. “Michelle needs to talk to someone.”

“Well,” she inhaled and thought for a moment. “If it were me, I would speak to Dr. Talbot. She’s new. Been here maybe a year now. She set up a new practice for women’s health.”

“Right, sounds perfect. And is she…”

“Discreet? I would say so, yes.” Rita smiled. “I hope Michelle feels better soon.”

“Me too,” Cam agreed, “I’ll just have a quick whizz around then.”

“Take your time.” Rita grinned and turned back to her shelves.

* * *

It was a lot warmer by the time Cam got back to the cabin. The heating was on high, and she had left Michelle taking a relaxing bath. Right now, though, she could hear her talking in the lounge.

“So, highlight your lines, but make sure that you learn everybody else’s if you can. Especially those who speak before and after you.”

“I will,” Storm said solemnly. The kid was beaming, and the smile only got bigger when Cam entered the room. “Hey Cam.”

“Hey kiddo.” She lugged the two heavy bags over to the kitchen area and heaved them up onto the worktop. Popping her head out again, she asked, “Anyone require a drink?”

Michelle shook her head. “No, thank you.” She looked weary and done in, and Cam was concerned about how long Storm had been here.

“I’m good,” Storm shouted. “I’m going to be in the school play!”

“Wow, that’s amazing,” Cam called back. She grabbed a can of soda and came back into the living area, sliding in behind Michelle. She placed a quick kiss against her cheek. “What play is it?”

“Bugsy Malone,” Storm said proudly. “I’m Tallulah.”

Cam was about to answer when she felt Michelle’s hand move to her thigh and squeeze gently.

“So, I was thinking,” Cam said, letting her free hand move to Michelle’s shoulder to squeeze a reply. “How about if we let Michelle go take a nap, and…”

“It’s okay. I have to go anyway. I just stopped by to be neighborly.” Storm smiled and both women returned the gesture, though Cam’s grin was a lot less forced.

“Great. Well thanks for stopping by,” Cam assured, rising up from her seat to follow Storm to the door. “Catch ya later.”

“Yeah, bye Cam, bye Shelly,” Storm said, looking around Cam to wave at Michelle.

“Bye, Storm.”

Michelle let her head fall back against the couch and groaned. “God, I hate being such a grouch.”

“You weren’t a grouch,” Cam said, returning to the place she was sitting before. Michelle made some more room for her and snuggled in.

Sighing, Michelle said, “I feel like there is this black cloud sitting right above my head. Repressive, you know? Pushing me down and every time I try to get up, it pushes harder.”

“So, there’s this doctor here who I think might be able to help,”  Cam suggested quietly. She didn’t want to be another thing pushing on her wife.

Michelle nodded. “Can you organize that?”

“Sure. I’ll do it right now,” she said, pulling her phone from her pocket. She Googled the name Rita had given her and called the number.