More Important Things To Do
Originally posted on July 10, 2007
It has been several weeks since Cassandra left West Virginia and Eli has become increasingly frustrated with the lack of communication. He’s made several phone calls to no avail and found his patience wearing very thin. The only solution, he decides one evening after another failed attempt to contact her by phone, is to go to Oregon and meet Cassandra on her own turf. Just let her try to hang up on him then!
Eli: (comes upon Marty Jean shopping) Marty Jean?
Marty Jean: (coolly) Eli.
Eli: Is Cassandra here?
Marty Jean: No, I'm afraid she couldn't make it. I believe she said she had more important things to do.
Eli: I see.
Marty Jean: You know, I was wrong about you. I thought you were going to be okay, but it turns out Cardboard Eli has more heart than you do.
Eli: Now what did I do?
Marty Jean: I’m sure you know that better than me. Something that you’ve conveniently forgotten.
Eli: I don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t I at least deserve to know what I’m being accused of this time?
Marty Jean: (stony silence)
Eli: Fine, blame me for everything. She’s your sister and you should stick up for her. All I want is a chance to talk to her, try to figure out what went wrong.
Marty Jean: (sniff) It seems to me that you had plenty of time to talk to her when she was visiting you. Apparently, other “activities” kept getting in the way…..
Eli: Marty Jean, I just can’t discuss this any further with you. It really concerns just Cassandra and me. I thought she was going to be here today.
Marty Jean: I guess she didn’t want to deal with you. After what you did, I wouldn’t have either.
Eli: I don't know what she's told you, but….
Marty Jean: She told me that she threw herself at you and you shot her down.
Eli: I did what? Shot her …. Marty Jean, that wasn't……she really thinks……?…..Damn. Look, I really need to talk to Cassandra. I'm going down there to try and fix this.
Marty Jean: I wouldn’t if I were you. It won’t be just Cassandra this time. I doubt the others will be very welcoming.
Eli: Others? What others are you………..doesn’t matter. I’m going anyway. Will she at least let me in?
Marty Jean: (eyes him speculatively) Probably not. But I'm thinking now that she needs to hear what you have to say. So….. I can get you in the door, Eli. After that - you're on your own.