Collision
Seriously, that was the most wonderful note anyone has ever written me. It’s probably a very good thing you didn’t say all of that in person. I would have been a bawl bag sucking my thumb in the corner. It was touching. Perhaps you should write movies rather than act in them. Merely a suggestion.
What do you mean you don’t know what I think of you personally? I think you’re amazing…and wonderful…and kind…and funny even when you aren’t trying to be. You’re also a very gifted yard ball player. And I agree with you. I think we made a great team while we were together. If I had to spend sixty days with someone, there’s nobody else in the world I would want it to be. You’d be my only choice, for certain!
I do hope to see you again when I come back to the States. In the meantime, I suppose we’ll just have to continue this friendship via e-mail. Thank God for technology, right?
You also opened my eyes to a whole new world. And my heart, well, when it comes to you, I don’t think it could be any more open. You will always have a very special place inside that nobody else could ever fill.
You’re a one of a kind, Cabot, and I’m blessed to have met you.
I suppose I should be signing off now. We’re boarding in less than an hour, and I still need to crutch on over to a food station to get something to eat. You know how bad airline food is…or perhaps you don’t, you first-class bastard!
Thanks again for this amazing laptop. I was playing with it while on the plane. It can do a lot of amazing things, least of all keep me in contact with my best friend from across the globe!
By the way, if you would have asked me to stay, I would have said yes. So, I suppose it’s a good thing you didn’t ask. There’s no telling what trouble we would have gotten into given our emotional state. Some things are best left just as they are.
Already missing you desperately.
Kei
I can’t even describe the reaction in my body when I read the words “I would have said yes.” I can’t tell if it was a positive response because there was hope she had feelings for me or if it was a negative response to the fact that had I manned up and asked her to stay, she would be here with me right now.
I wrote her back immediately.
Subject: Re: Re: You just left
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: July 28, 2007
Kei,
What do you mean you would have stayed? In that case, get your butt back here! While some things are best left as they are, I’m not sure we apply.
Sorry I made you cry. Just know you aren’t alone. I wailed most of the night myself.
Let me know when you make it home. I’ll be worried until you do.
Cabot
I closed the laptop and took a deep breath. That time, when the air entered my body, something else entered too: hope.
C H A P T E R
14
Subject: Where the hell are you?
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: August 1, 2007
Kei,
Okay. You’re freaking me out! Where are you? Did you make it home safe? Answer soon or else I’ll have to swoop in and try to save the day.
Waiting to know you’re okay.
C.
•••••
Subject: Re: Where the hell are you?
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: August 3, 2007
Worry Wart,
I contemplated not responding for the sheer pleasure of seeing you swoop in and rescue me! I would have loved that!
I am, in fact, alive and well. Can’t say the same for our Internet connection at the mission house. It’s a goner. I must go in to Gulu, to a certain Internet café, to get Internet access. I hate to say that you probably won’t be hearing from me on a regular basis. Guess our plan of frequent communication was made without taking into consideration the horrid Internet connections in East Africa due to dodgy Internet wiring.
How goes it in the States? Are you good?
Kei
•••••
Subject: It’s about time!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: August 4, 2007
Kei,
Completely unacceptable! What can be done to improve the Internet connection? I’ll make some phone calls to see if there’s anything I can do from across the world to fix the problem. You might just see me swoop in after all.
Am I good? I guess I am. Life’s busy, of course. I got to Vancouver yesterday, and James is already driving me insane. There’s a new movie he wants me to do. I’m not so sure it’s a good career move. He’s convinced it is. Wish you were here to run it past. I’d love your opinion.
We start production on Mystic Fog on Monday. I met my co-star today. She seems pretty nice. We’re scheduled to film for forty-seven days with a few days off here and there.
I think I’ve got the Teen Choice Awards later this month. The event is crazy. I wish you were here so I could take you. You’d get a jolt out of all the noise.
Fill me in on what’s going on in your world.
C.
•••••
Subject: Re: It’s about time!
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: August 8, 2007
Superman,
Miracle! The Internet connection is back! We got a surprise donation to the mission, and it was designated specifically for new Internet wiring. Then, lo and behold, a crew shows up that very day to repair the lines. Geez. Wonder how all that came about?
You shouldn’t have, but I’m glad you did! Thanks! You’re splendid!
Regarding the project: Do you take your shirt off in the film? If so, I say no, no matter how much the girls want to see your pecs. Just say no! Repeat after me: No rubbish!
Is Mystic Fog the one you were telling me about where the young girl disappears while her family is on vacation and you’re the brother who’s helping to look for her? I remember thinking it sounded very interesting.
Teen Choice Awards, huh? Sounds frightening. I believe I was afraid of teens even when I was one. Please be sure to send photographs of the event. I’m sure I will enjoy them.
My world is back to normal. We’re doing trauma counseling in the villages close to town. Mostly women, of course. This weekend, I’m leading a children’s sermon near Jinja and looking forward to it immensely. The children love music, and we’ll be playing a lot of it. I’ll try to get some video to send your way. I think you’d enjoy seeing the children sing and dance.
Mom and Dad are leaving for Sudan next week, so I’ll be here alone. Wish you were here to keep me company and play yard ball with.
Kei
•••••
Subject: Say what?
To: UgandaKei
From: YardBallChamp07
Date: August 9, 2007
Kei,
What do you mean you’ll be alone? Is that even safe? I don’t like it. Thanks to you, I’ll do nothing but worry all next week. Be sure to let me know as soon as they get back so I can stop biting my nails.
I’m with you on the movie project thing. I turned it down. The money would’ve been nice, but like you always say…it’s just money, and who needs more of that? Haha.
Yes. That’s Mystic Fog. We’re only a few days in right now, but it’s going well so far. Everyone seems to be getting along. I’m actually sitting in the makeup chair right now. It’s about 5:30 in the morning, and I’d rather be sleeping, but a guy’s got to get his makeup on!
Trauma counseling, huh? Sounds intense. Having any fun at all?
Just so you know…I really miss you.
C.
•••••
Subject: Re: Say what?
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: August 14, 2007
Worry Wart,
No worries. I misspoke. I’m not comp
letely alone. I have the house boys here, and Fred and Robert guard in shifts. I just meant that there would be nobody in my wing of the house. We don’t have any guests as of right now.
Am I having any fun? You aren’t here, so how in heavens would that even be possible? You’ve managed to set the bar of fun much higher than anyone else can obtain. Therefore, my life has zero fun in it at all. I’m pitiful and I hope you are as well. And if you aren’t, lie to me so that I’ll think you are.
So you turned the movie down? I hope you don’t blame me if this turns out to be career suicide. I don’t think it will, though. I feel like this decision is brilliant!
Just so you know, I miss you too.
Kei
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: Say What?
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: August 15, 2007
Kei,
Really? You miss me too? Like how much? Have you shed any tears?
You aren’t the only one not having fun. Fun is something I haven’t had since the day you left Asheville.
Speaking of Asheville, when are you scheduled to come back?
C.
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Say What?
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: August 18, 2007
Mr. Nosy Body,
I might have shed a tear or two…or possibly a few more. What can I say? I miss you like mad.
I think I’m going to try to come back December 15 or 16. Do you know what your plans are for the end of December yet? Maybe you could come to Asheville to say hello. I could possibly even secure the guesthouse for you again. You could have all the privacy one can imagine, or at least some privacy. I don’t know if my beautiful Asheville will ever be the same if you aren’t a part of it.
That’s a heavy hint, but I’ll completely understand if you can’t make it.
Kei
•••••
Subject: Exciting News!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: August 20, 2007
Kei,
Oliver called the other day. Our movie is a go. It starts production in late January, but I’ll head to Italy at the first of the month to start fight training and stuff. Had I taken the other one, I wouldn’t have been able to fit this one in. I think career suicide has been averted. You’re right. We’re brilliant, you and I.
Ready for some good news? Well, I hope you think it’s good news anyway. I’ve got three weeks off starting the end of November. How about I come for a visit to Uganda? I believe we’ve got some yard ball to play. Then we can fly back to Asheville together. I can hang out there for a week or so, and maybe we can do something fun for Christmas or New Year’s or both.
Not only will I get to see your world, but we can go back to our world together. Sounds pretty amazing to me.
C.
•••••
Subject: Re: Exciting News
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: August 24, 2007
Minister of Great News,
You’re coming to Gulu? In November? Oh, happy day! That’s the best news I’ve heard all year! I’m prancing around my room. You can’t see me, but I truly, truly am! Prancing, I tell you! Prancing, prancing, prancing! November won’t get here soon enough! Just tell me what you want to experience while you’re here and I’ll get it all set up. I’ll even see if I can squeeze in a demon possession or two.
I can’t believe you’re coming to see us! Bring your balls…your tennis balls for yard ball, I mean. I’m all out! And your running shoes. Wait until you see cross-country in Uganda! You’re going to love it!
And you want to spend time in Asheville too? What in heavens have I done to deserve such a splendid treat? Too bad it’ll be cold outdoors. We could camp out just for old time’s sake. Maybe it would rain.
I’m so happy that the project with Oliver has worked its way into your schedule. I know he really likes you and wanted to find a way for the two of you to work together.
Just to make you aware, I’m completely jealous that you two will be together in Italy!
Kei
•••••
Subject: Did you say bring my balls?
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: August 25, 2007
Kei,
Prancing, huh? Dang! I wish I could’ve seen that! Could you do it again when I get there? I’d love to witness it live and in person.
What do I want to experience? Well, I’ll leave that up to you. I might have to work myself up to the whole demon possession thing, but I figure that as long as you’re right there with me, I’ll be just fine. More than fine.
You need tennis balls? Your wish is my command. I’ll also be bringing shin guards…for myself. You, my dear, don’t get any. It’s payback for all the pain you inflicted on me both physically and emotionally during our time in Asheville.
Just for the record, here’s my open invitation to you that you can join us in Italy anytime you want. I, for one, would be happy to have you there.
I’m getting on a flight to Los Angeles in a few hours. Teen Choice Awards tomorrow night. I’ll e-mail you after and tell you all about it.
Can’t wait to see you.
C.
•••••
Subject: Surf Board City
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: August 27, 2007
Kei,
Well, try to contain your excitement, but you are officially a very, very close, personal friend with this year’s winner of Choice Movie Actor, Choice Movie Rumble, Choice Movie Liplock, and, my personal favorite, Choice Male Hottie. The movie also won a couple of awards. It was a fun night. I’ve attached photos of me with all my surfboards. By the way, the surfboards are the awards. Weird, I know.
Miss you!
C.
•••••
Subject: Re: Surf Board City
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: August 31, 2007
Dearest Choice Male Hottie,
I’m bowing down and worshiping you and your surfboards. I’m not worthy to be such a close, personal friend to such a massive celebrity with all of his glorious awards.
Am I to assume that the liplock was a snogging scene? Gosh! I’d hate seeing you do those! Choice Male Hottie, huh? Don’t let it go to your head and cause it to enlarge. You’ve got to fit on a plane to Uganda, remember?
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. We’ve been spending more nights away at the camps. There’s no Internet out there. Just remember that I’ll always get back to you as soon as I can.
How’s the filming going? Have you nobbed your new costar yet?
Kei.
•••••
Subject: Hell No!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: September 1, 2007
Kei,
No nobbing my co-star or anyone for that matter, I can assure you.
You’re right to assume the liplock award was for snogging. Why do you ask? You jealous? Please make my day and say yes!
Filming is going great. We’ve got about a month to go. It’s keeping my mind occupied, which should help me get through to November.
C.
•••••
Subject: Re: Hell No!
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: September 8, 2010
Dearest Noble Sir,
What? No nobbing? You haven’t let me rub off on you have you? Don’t let my opinion on the matter keep you from doing what you want…or need. *giggle* You’re a grown man. Nob away if that’s what you see fit.
Jealous? Me? Um…
I’m thrilled that filming is going so well for you. Like you, I’m busy, which is helping wi
th the S-L-O-W passage of time. Blasted November better rush in!
Kei
•••••
Subject: I’m almost deaf
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: September 10, 2007
Kei,
I presented an award at the MTV Video Music Awards last night. The music was so loud that I think my hearing is permanently damaged. Pray for me!
Here are a few pics.
For your clarification: Not nobbing isn’t that difficult when you’re doing it for the right reasons. And trust me. I’m doing it (or not doing it) for the right reasons.
C.
•••••
Subject: Re: I’m Almost Deaf
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: September 18, 2007
Kind Sir,
You live one batty life! Truly, sometimes that’s all I can think to say when I look at your photographs and read your notes. You live the battiest life of anyone I’ve ever met, and that includes me, so that’s saying an immense amount.
And if you don’t feel like nobbing, then by all means come on and join the world of abstainers. The queue forms to the left.
The team and I made the grave mistake of forgetting our mosquito nets while we were at the camp this last week. I’ve gotten mosquito bites all over my body and am miserable. Trust me to never do that again. I’ve attached a photo so you can see my legs in all their glorious misery.
Kei
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: I’m Almost Deaf
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: September 18, 2007
Kei,
Holy crap! That looks brutal!
C.
•••••
Subject: It’s someone’s birthday!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: September 24, 2007
Kei,
Happy birthday! The big ole twenty-one! Trust me on this, Kei. This will be your best year yet.
Wish I were there to celebrate with you or that I could take you on a real tour of Europe. Did you get the package I sent?
C.
•••••
Subject: Re: It’s someone’s birthday
To: YardballChamp07