Part 147 (1/2)

her. ”No, you sold me, and any claims to motherhood you might have had.

He may have bought me, Jane, but he doesn't own me,

either.” She fought back the tears. She wouldn't cry here, not in front

of this woman. ”I came here today to ask you to stop the movie, the one

they're making from your book. I'd hoped that you might have some

feelings for me, enough that you'd respect my wishes in this one thing.

But I've wasted my time.”

From up the the stairs Jane's current lover began to bellow curses. ”I'm

still your mother!” Jane shouted. ”You can't change that.”

”No, I can't. I just have to learn to live with it.” She turned,

walking quickly to the door.

”You want me to stop the movie?” Jane s.n.a.t.c.hed at Emma's arm. ”How badly

do you want it stopped?”

Deadly calm, Emma turned back. She took one long last look. ”Do you

think I'd pay you? You've miscalculated this time, Jane. You'll never

get a penny out of me.”

”b.i.t.c.h.” Jane's hand cracked across her cheek. Emma didn't bother to

dodge it. She simply opened the door, and walked away.

SHE WMDERED FOR a long time, dodging shoppers and dog walkers, ignoring

the laughter, the gunning motors, and the frantic Christmas cheer around

her. The tears never fell. It amazed her how easily they were

controlled now. Perhaps the cold helped, or the noise. It made it so

easy not to think at all. So when she found herself standing in front

of Bev's door, she wasn't completely aware of having walked there, or

having intended to.

She knocked quickly. It wasn't the time to think. It wasn't the time