Crossing Paths. 07. A Change of Plans

Crossing Paths. Episode 7: A Change of Plans

It’s Saturday afternoon. Helen is in the kitchen, holding a mug of coffee. She’s waiting. A knock on the door. Helen walks over and opens it. Mark is standing there, holding a bag.

Mark: Hey.

Helen: Hi. Come in.

Mark: I brought your things.

Helen: Thanks.

Mark: Can we sit for a minute?

Helen: Yeah, sure.

They go to the kitchen and sit down at the table.

Mark: Helen, I’ve been thinking a lot.

Helen: So have I.

Mark: I know I messed up. I really do. I keep thinking maybe we can fix it. We can start over, you know?

Helen: Mark… We’ve tried to “start over” too many times.

Mark: Yeah, I know. But maybe this time…

Helen: Look, I really don’t want to try again. I don’t think we’re… compatible. We’re arguing all the time.

Mark: Yeah, you’re probably right. So, I guess… this really is the end.

Helen: Yeah. It’ll be better for both of us.

Mark: Yeah. I guess you’re right. But it wasn’t all bad, was it?

Helen: Haha, no… it wasn’t all bad.

Mark: I found your headphones, by the way. They were in my car.

Helen: Oh… thanks. I was looking for those.

Mark: I brought the book too.

Helen: Oh really? Did you read it?

Mark: I tried.

Helen: I thought so.

Mark: I mean, I know it’s classic, but he gets arrested and no one tells him what he did… and it’s just confusing and depressing. I gave up.

Helen: Don’t worry about that. It’s not an easy book.

Mark: Listen, I still care about you. We’re still friends, right?

Helen: Yes, for sure.

Mark: Alright, I guess I should go. I’ll text you if I find anything else.

Helen: Okay.

They stand up and go to the door.

Mark: Take care, Helen.

Helen: You too.

Mark leaves. Helen closes the door and stands there for a moment. Then she goes back to the kitchen and picks up her phone. She wants to text Thomas to arrange their meeting for that evening, but then she notices three missed calls. All from her sister. There’s also a message: Call me when you can.

Helen frowns and quickly calls back.

Sister: Helen, finally.

Helen: Hey. Sorry, my phone was on silent. What happened?

Sister: It’s Garry. He’s been in an accident.

Helen: What? What kind of accident?

Sister: A car accident. They just took him to the hospital.

Helen: Oh my God… is he okay?

Sister: I don’t know yet. They said he’ll be alright, but I need to get there.

Helen: Okay. Where are you?

Sister: At home. I’m with the kids, I can’t just leave them.

Helen: Alright. I’m coming over now. I’ll be there as soon as I can.

Sister: Thank you, Helen. I really appreciate it.

Helen: I’m on my way.