From: UgandaKei
Date: September 29, 2007
Candy Man,
Thank you! I did get my package, and it was splendid. You have no idea how many nights I’ve dreamt of those blasted Sour Brite Crawlers, and lo and behold, you sent me some…or a hundred or so packages. I’ve never seen so much candy in my life. I stuck half of it under my bed, and I take the rest with me when I go to the camps. You should see the children’s faces light up when I give them a piece. Then, when they realize they’re supposed to eat it and they finally take a bite… Well, I’ve attached the photos for you. It’s precious. You’ve made their year and mine again. You seem to do that often.
Thank you for remembering my birthday. I wish you would have been here as well.
Kei
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: It’s someone’s birthday
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: September 29, 2007
Kei,
You spend your nights dreaming about Sour Brite Crawlers? Did I make that little of an impression? Good Lord. You could at least dream about me every once in a while. I sure do of you. Totally innocent, I assure you…or at least mostly.
I knew you’d pass the candy out. That’s why I sent as much as I did. I’m impressed that you even saved half for yourself. You’ve made progress! Just let me know when you start running low. There’s always more where that came from, and I’ll bring more if there’s room in my suitcase.
The pictures were great. The kids looked happy. There were no pictures of you, though. Thank God I’ll be seeing you in person soon.
C.
•••••
Subject: Sneaky little buggers!
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: October 1, 2007
Cabot,
I’ll be out of pocket for a bit. I’ve gotten a case of malaria, and I don’t have much strength. I feel like I’ve been run over by a bus.
When you come to visit, be sure to bring your Malarone. My prescription ran out and I went several days without while we were on our trip without the nets. Big mistake!
I miss you. Please hurry up and get here!
Kei
•••••
Subject: Re: Sneaky little buggers!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: October 2, 2007
Kei,
Malaria? Isn’t that lethal? Dear God, you sure do know how to scare me senseless. I hate being so far away, especially during something like this. I feel even more helpless than I did when you broke your foot and I got stuck at home, waiting to find out if you were okay.
Please get back to me as soon as you can and let me know you’re better.
I miss you too. November better hurry.
Cabot
•••••
Subject: WORRIED!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: October 12, 2007
Kei,
It’s been over a week since I heard from you. I’m officially in a panic.
I hope you’re okay!
C.
•••••
Subject: Kei
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: October 18, 2007
Mr. Stone,
I’m Kei’s father. She isn’t doing well and has been transferred to Kampala for additional medical attention. She or I will contact you as soon as we can. Please keep her in your prayers.
C H A P T E R
15
I reread the e-mail over and over again, hoping that I somehow missed additional information.
“Isn’t doing well? Isn’t doing well? What the hell does that mean?”
“What the hell does what mean?” James asked.
I looked up from my laptop and over at him. I’d forgotten he was in the room, which was odd, because he was almost always in the room.
“Kei has malaria. They’ve moved her to Kampala, and all I get is, ‘She isn’t doing well.’ What do I make of that?”
“Exactly what it says.”
“Not doing well in terms of she’s sick but will be fine or not doing well in terms of she’s really not doing well and we’re worried she’s not going to make it. The possible meaning of, ‘Isn’t doing well,’ could be anything.”
“Don’t worry. I’m sure she’s fine.”
“The e-mail didn’t say she was fine. The e-mail said she isn’t doing well. Maybe I should go see her.”
“Now?”
“Yes, now.”
“Cab, you can’t do that. You’ve got an entire crew working right now, a budget to keep in check. They can’t shut down production just because you want to go to Africa to check on some chick you hardly know.”
“Don’t call her some chick, James. You don’t even know her.”
“Neither do you.”
“I know her.”
He shook his head and went back to looking at his BlackBerry.
I shut the computer and threw it on to couch next to me. “What?” I asked.
“What, what?”
“You just shook your head. You obviously want to say something.”
He kept his eyes on the BlackBerry and didn’t answer.
“Say it!”
“I think you need to cut her loose, Cab. She’s a freakin’ missionary. Seriously, you two can’t have anything in common. And if the late-night talk show guys get a hold of the fact that you’re fawning over some missionary, they’ll show no mercy. You’ll be the laughing stock of Hollywood.”
“I’m not fawning over her. She’s important to me. And besides, who cares what they say?”
“You do. And I do. And movie producers and the bigwigs who okay your movies and cut your checks. They care, Cab. Don’t forget who it is you work for.”
“And don’t forget who you work for and what it is I pay you to do.”
He looked up from the phone in his hand. “What does that mean?”
“It means my personal life is my personal life. Period. You don’t get a say.”
“Part of my job is to protect your image by helping you make the right career decisions. Falling for some missionary isn’t the right career decision.”
“It isn’t a career decision at all. It’s a personal one.”
“You’re worrying me. You aren’t thinking straight. She’s got your head all f’d up, got you thinking about stuff you don’t need to think about. Get back to focusing on yourself and what’s best for you.”
“What’s best for me?” I stood, walked to the sliding glass door, and looked out over the city. “If there’s anything I’ve learned over the last several months, it’s that everything isn’t about me…and it shouldn’t be. It’s a great big world out there, James. There are a lot of problems, a lot of hurting people. It’s not about me.”
“So get out your checkbook and give to some charities. Hell, I can even get someone in here to talk to you about starting your own foundation if that’s what you want. That stuff always makes good copy. People love to read about their idols giving back.”
“I don’t want to do something for show. That’s not what I’m about.”
“Really? Since when?”
“Since I had my eyes opened.”
“Since her.”
“That too.”
Through the reflection in the glass, I saw him shake his head and look down at his BlackBerry again.
“I want to make a difference in this world, James. I want to be about more than this. I don’t think I can survive if I don’t.”
“Fine. Just tell me what you want to do.”
“I’m going to Uganda in a few weeks.”
“You’re what?”
“My schedule’s free. I can go if I want.”
“You’re going to see her?”
“I’m going to see her…and I’m going so I can be a part of som
ething bigger than myself. I’m going to find myself.”
“Find yourself? Cut the crap, Cab. You’re losing it.”
I turned to face him. “How’s that?”
“You’ve got the most recognized face in the world right now. Everyone is falling at your feet, and they’re throwing scripts at you. You have the pick of the crop right now. You can’t go getting off course. When things cool off, then you can go running off to find yourself or whatever the hell it is you need to do. Right now, focus on your job.”
“I’m going to Uganda, James.”
His jaw tightened and his eyes glared my direction. “Fine. I’ll get a press release written up. Maybe we can get some good press out of it.”
“No. I don’t want anyone to know. This is about me.”
“Cab—”
“If word gets out, you’re fired.” I turned and looked back out the window. “Are we clear?”
He didn’t answer.
I turned my head to him. “Are we clear?”
“We’re clear,” he said without looking up at me. “Just for the record, I’m against this. I think you’re making a huge mistake.”
“Guess we’ll see.”
•••••
The days crept by. I checked my phone every chance I could, and then, afraid that for some reason my phone wasn’t synching my e-mail, I also logged in on my laptop. No matter what way I checked, there was no word from Kei. I had no idea how she was or if she was even alive.
Finally, after more than two weeks of no word, I checked my phone just before going to bed and there was an e-mail from Uganda.
C H A P T E R
16
Subject: Re: WORRIED
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: October 30, 2007
Worry Wart,
I’m alive! I feel like rubbish and have lost a lot of weight, but I’m alive and more trollish-looking than ever.
Are you still coming next month?
Kei
•••••
Subject: THANK GOD
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: October 30, 2007
Kei,
I’ve never prayed so hard in my entire life! I’m so glad you’re better. You have no idea…
I hate this. I hate being so far away. I hate not seeing you for four blasted months, and I hate that it’s impossible to get news. I hate that you were sick and I couldn’t do anything to help you. I hate that I had responsibilities here. Otherwise, I would have been on a plane within the hour of hearing you were sick. I should have been there with you.
For the record, you’ve never been trollish looking.
Of course I’m still coming. November 24 can’t come soon enough.
Thank God you’re better.
I miss you so much!
Stay safe, take your medicine, and wrap yourself in a mosquito net, for the love of Pete!
Cabot
•••••
Subject: Re: THANK GOD
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: November 2, 2007
Cabot,
All’s well. I’m sorry that you were so worried, but I’m glad it got you and God talking a bit more often. Maybe my voodoo’s working on you after all.
I hate it all too, but this is our reality, our sad reality. Welcome to the life of being friends with a missionary. Now you see why I have so few!
But in the positive, you’ll be here in less than a month! These will be the longest three weeks of my entire life, firstly because I’ll be counting down the days until you get here and secondly, because I’ll be at the house recuperating. The doctor doesn’t want me back in the camps until my immune system has time to grow strong. I suppose I will spend the time working on loading pictures and doing work on the mission website. I’ll also personally prepare your room!
Let the countdown begin!
Kei
•••••
Subject: You Name It!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: November 3, 2007
Okay. If you could have me bring anything from the States, what would it be?
•••••
Subject: Re: You Name It!
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: November 5, 2007
Anything at all? Soccer balls for the children!
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: You Name It!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: November 5, 2007
I’ve already got tennis balls. And now a shipment of soccer balls is on the way. I meant for you. What can I bring for you?
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: Re: You Name It!
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: November 7, 2007
All I want is you.
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: You Name It!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: November 7, 2007
Trust me. You’ve already got me.
What else do you want?
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: You Name It!
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: November 10, 2007
Dear Giver of Gifts That I Don’t Deserve:
I suppose if I have to name something else, it would be a new sleeping bag or a new pillow. And speaking of which, bring yourself a pillow. We don’t have those here, and you’ll be miserable without one. It’s easiest just to carry it with you on the plane.
My parents and the team are getting very anxious to meet you! My dad even got an extra foam mattress for your bed so you would be as comfortable as possible.
Did you get the e-mail from Gregory? It should have included a list of what you will need to pack.
Kei
•••••
Subject: Less Than Two Weeks!
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: November 12, 2007
Kei,
Here’s the thing about gifts: the receiver of the gifts doesn’t have any say in whether they are worthy of receiving the gifts or not. It is the giver of the gifts who determines that and in doing so, gets to determine how many gifts a person should receive and just how often they should receive them. So get used to it, girl. You’ll be getting a lot of gifts, and you’ll be getting them often. If anyone is worthy of them, it’s you.
I got the list from Gregory, and I’ve got everyone working on it. I also found out that for a fee, I can bring extra trunks. So he sent me a list of supplies that the mission needs, and we’re working on that too. Are you sure all you want is a sleeping bag and pillow? That doesn’t seem like much. If you can think of anything else, there’s still time.
I got the rest of my shots finished. Not fun. And I got the Malarone prescription filled and sent in my MedJet form. I think that’s all the medical stuff I was supposed to do.
Did I miss anything?
C
•••••
Subject: Re: Less Than Two Weeks
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: November 13, 2007
No! Just shut your trap and get here already!
•••••
Subject: DON’T BE A HATER…
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: November 13, 2007
Kei,
Don’t hate me for this, but I’m in Paris. Tomorrow night, London; the next night, Madrid; and then finally Sydney. We’ve got premieres all week. Next week will be busy too: LA on Monday, Chicago on Tuesday, New York on Wednesday and Thursday. And another thing. I’m flying first class to Uganda. You might be willing to suffer through the economy class,
but my pampered arse can’t take it.
It’s not long now!
Cabot
•••••
Subject: Re: DON’T BE A HATER…
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: November 17, 2007
Dearest Butt Head,
I hate your guts immensely. You do realize you’re taking my dream trip, don’t you? Of course, I wouldn’t prefer to do it all so quickly, but I would take it!
First class, eh? No fair! My arse is jealous!
Due to your last e-mail, I’m starting to think you want me thoroughly angry at you before you arrive here. Jetting around Europe and flying first class is a lot to throw in a girl’s face all at one time. Next time, try giving small portions of horrible news at a time. I become much less hostile that way.
When you get off the plane in Uganda, do not stop to go to the bathroom or anything like that. You get your butt straight to the customs line and then get straight to baggage claim. I’ll be there waiting!
Oh, and P.S.: In case you’ve forgotten what I look like, I’ll be the carrot top wearing the huge smile on her face.
Kei
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: DON’T BE A HATER…
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: November 18, 2007
Kei,
Will you like me again if I tell you that next time I make this European trip, I’ll bring you with me? Promise.
Trust me, when I get off that plane, I’ll be making a beeline straight to you. I remember that smile well, and I can’t wait to see it live and in person.
Cabot
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: Re: DON’T BE A HATER…
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: November 20, 2007
European trip, huh? Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep.
•••••
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: DON’T BE A HATER…
To: UgandaKei
From: YardballChamp07
Date: November 21, 007
Kei,
I completely intend on keeping my promise. You will see Europe, and you will see it soon…and with me.
I’ll be in Africa in four days! Can’t. Freakin’. Wait!
Cabot
•••••
Subject: Yay!
To: YardballChamp07
From: UgandaKei
Date: November 23, 2007
Have a safe trip! See you in less than forty-eight hours! Woohoo! *Cue more prancing*
•••••