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This is a work of fiction, inspired by the actor, and person of Russell Crowe. No insult or invasion of his privacy (or the privacy of other real persons mentioned in this story) is intended. The persons (except for Mr. Crowe and his family and a few others) and events in this story are entirely fictional and invented, as are the locations and descriptions of those. The following story contains adult language and situations. The author is not responsible for any discomfort this story might cause in the reader.
Things Happen for a Reason ©2007 by: B
It was their 6th wedding anniversary. No: would have been. It had been four years now. Four years she had been all alone. Well, not all alone, she had her little daughter, Debbie, her sunshine. She had never met her dad, but knew all about him. Helen had told her little daughter everything.
Aaron, her one and only and first true love. After he had died in that horrible accident on his way home on their second wedding anniversary, Helen’s life had turned dark. She had been three months pregnant then and as she had had one miscarriage before, she hadn’t told Aaron yet. She had been going to tell him about it that day.
He never learned about his baby.
When the police called her and told her about the accident, Helen thought she would die too. She broke. She hung up the phone without a word and braced herself up on her arms. Her legs went numb and slowly gave in and all went black before her eyes.
~*~
Helen sat on a blanket somewhere in Sydney’s Botanic Garden. Her eyes tight on her little daughter who was chasing butterflies and squealing with delight, her mind drifted back and forth – as it always did on this, the anniversary of their wedding day.
She waved at the little girl to come back to her, which she did, taking a zigzag course. “Don’t forget to drink, honey,” she said softly and ruffled the short black curls on her daughter’s head and handed her a bottle of water.
“Yes, mommy.” Little Debbie drank about half of the bottle in small gulps. “You see the butterflies, mommy? The blue are pretty.” Her high pitched voice trembled with excitement.
“No, I haven’t. They’re too far away. Will you show them to me, sweetheart?” Helen kissed her forehead and moved to stand up.
“No, no. I catch one for you. Sit tight.” And with that Debbie was on a mission and Helen knew better than to act against her little daughter’s ‘orders’.
She watched Debbie chasing the butterflies for a while and then turned back to her laptop, typing away on the final report for her company’s headquarters in Germany.
“Psst, mommy.” Helen looked up at her daughter. She held her hands protectively together, her face beaming with pride and joy. “Don’t startle him.”
Debbie lifted one of her hands up and in her tiny palm sat a beautiful blue butterfly. Helen was not surprised that Debbie actually had caught one, but she was amazed. Still. Debbie had that gift, a sort of bee charmer, but not only for bees but almost all kinds of insects and other animals. Something that sometimes, especially in this country, made Helen feel a bit uneasy. But so far nothing had happened to her, no bites or stings.
“It’s really beautiful, honey.”
“He.”
“He? How do you know?”
Debbie shrugged her shoulders and looked at her mom in earnest. “I know it.”
“Okay.” Helen smiled at her. “Let us take him back to his friends then.”
She stood carefully and took her daughter’s free hand.
When they had released the butterfly – it had stayed on Debbie’s palm all the way – Helen picked her daughter up into her arms and carried her back to the blanket.
“We gotta go, honey. I’ve got something to do in the office before we go home.” She spoke softly to her and kissed her cheek and tickled her belly. “Do you wanna help me with the blanket?”
The little girl laughed and squealed and Helen felt a pang in her chest. Debbie not only had her father’s half African-American complexion and hair, she had the same expressions and gestures too. However, her features were more like her mother’s. And for that Helen was eternally grateful. She wouldn’t have been able to stand looking at her late husband’s mirror.
“Yes, help.” Debbie struggled to free herself from her mom’s hold…
~*~
It was a long video-conference. Helen had not only turned in her final report, but her notice too. She knew that the headquarters would not have any problems replacing her, her assistant, Michelle, was more than a mere assistant by now and could take over her position easily. They did not want to let her go, however, offered her a similar position in their Sydney office or wherever she wanted. But she did not want to work for them anymore at all. She knew it was crazy. She had made a nice career there. They had trained and supported her and she had climbed up the company’s ladder pretty fast. But after fifteen years she had had enough. She wanted to do something else. Anything else.
She had a good financial background that would facilitate a comfortable living for a while, until she got settled again.
Her work permission for Australia was still valid for another three months. But that was just a thought deep, deep inside her mind. For now, she would just enjoy her free time with Debbie and see where life would take her.
The conference was more emotional than she had expected – on both sides. She knew the senior manager had a soft spot for her, but even with the imperfect sound and the slightly blurry video quality she could see the emotion, and even the tears, in his eyes. And she could feel her eyes getting wet too.
After two hours of back and forth; ‘Will you think it over?’ – ‘Are you sure?’ – ‘Do you want more money? Less working hours?’ – etc, she was exhausted, sad and happy at the same time. She picked up Debbie from the company’s own day care, made her goodbyes and finally, at last she left the building.
She didn’t turn around, didn’t look back. It was time for a new life – and she was ready to face it.
~*~
The following week was a blast! Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, it was just Debbie and Helen. They went to the public pool, to museums and exhibitions fit for children, to the theater and also the movies. They took long walks along the wharf and they even went to a game of the infamous South Sydney Rabbitohs.
There she saw him for the first time in the flesh. Co-Owner Russell Crowe with his wife and his two boys. Only a few feet from where Debbie and she were standing. She didn’t pay much attention to the game. She never got the rules right. But Debbie had fun watching the teams chasing the ball and tackling each other; and the atmosphere was great, with the Rabbitohs on a winning track.
Helen had one eye on her daughter, half an eye on the game and half an eye watched the crowd. And of course every now and then she would catch a glance at the Crowe family.
She was amazed at how at ease they all were. He held his little one almost all the time in his arms, his oldest son was climbing onto the rail to have a better view, but otherwise he behaved really well for a six or seven year old. His beautiful wife had an eye on all her men and obviously reveled in the fun and happiness around her.
The game ended with a grand victory for the Rabbitohs and Helen and Debbie struggled their way out of the stadium amongst celebrating fans.
“Mommy? Can we stay?” Helen looked in the deep brown pools that were her daughter’s eyes.
“Stay here? Sure, honey, we can wait till the crowd is dissolved,” she said softly, thinking that’s what Debbie meant.
“No, not wait here, mommy.”
“Not wait here? What do you mean then, Debbie?”
“Na bleiben, für immer.” The little girl’s voice held an impatient and frustrated tone.
Debbie switched between the two languages easily. Helen had always wanted to raise her children bilingual. As her husband was an American she had hoped for his help there. But since she had been a single mom from the beginning she went for it and spoke only English with her. Helen’s mom and the day care spoke German with her and so it came that at times when Debbie thought herself misunderstood, she switched to German in hopes for better understanding.
Helen had thought about that every now and again, about leaving Germany for ever, especially since the funeral of her beloved husband. Yes, she would leave a lot behind, family, friends – but most of all the ever present painful memories of her loss.
But she would need a job to get a permit of residence. Her old employer had allowed her to stay in the company’s apartment for the rest of her official stay. But what then? She would need at least a flat. And a nanny for her daughter or a day care place, if there was anything like that at all.
True: She had fallen in love with this city from the moment her feet touched the ground at the airport in Sydney. The people were nice, the city had all you could wish for. But staying? Forever? That would be a huge step.
“Honey, I don’t know. Do you really want to live here? Leave all your friends behind? And what about your grandma?” She knew that was a lot she had asked at once. But Debbie looked seriously at her and her head nodded “yes” at every question.
“We can visit.”
Helen laughed softly. “Debbie. Mommy will need a really well paid job then.”
“Oh.”
~*~
The topic did not arise again for the next few days, but Helen did consider it. She started looking at job offers and put together an application with her resume, just in case.
The email that arrived seemed like the answer to a never sent prayer.
Hey Helen,
I know you’re on holidays now. But a friend of mine heard from a friend of hers about a job that could be interesting for you.
Call me, love Chris
Helen smiled. Chris. The manager of the Sydney bureau. He had friends in all the branches and all around the world. And ever since they had met for the first time two years ago in the Berlin headquarters, she knew he had an eye on her. And he knew Helen better than she had expected.
For a few more days Helen pondered over the possibility – and the chance – to call Chris and ask him for more information. She could at least try and turn in her application.
~*~
… and therefore we would like to invite you to an interview on Tuesday at 10 am in our offices…
Helen read the letter for the umpteenth time. She could not believe it! Chris had turned in her application without her knowledge! But actually she was not really surprised about that. What really surprised her was that they were interested and had invited her for an interview.
She picked up the phone and dialed Chris’ direct line. He answered before the first ring had completed.
“Hello.”
“You bloody wanker!”
“Helen! G’day to you too, love.” Chris greeted her heartily, ignoring her outburst. “I take it you got mail today? Is it good news?”
“It’s an invitation. Reckon you’d say it IS good news,” she growled back.
“Listen, love. It’s worth a try. I knew you’d go for it anyway – but probably turn in your file too late. When’s the interview?”
“Tuesday.”
“You call me Tuesday then, you hear me? I wanna know if we’ll have something to celebrate.”
Helen sighed. She knew he was right and she just needed that push. And it wasn’t as if she already had the job. “Okay. And Chris?”
“Yeah.”
“Ta, mate.”
“No worries, love. And good luck.”
Chris hung up. Helen stared at the receiver for a moment and called the number on the letter to confirm the appointment.
~*~
“Helen Brooks for Mr. Banks.”
“Miss Brooks, g’day. I’m Martin Banks. Sorry to keep you waiting.” Martin Banks looked like a typical bookkeeper. Grey suit, short neatly trimmed hair and glasses. But no tie. He had a kind smile and a calm voice, though a bit high for a man’s voice. He sat down opposite from Helen and flicked through her file.
“It’s Mrs Brooks. G’day.” Helen shifted slightly in her chair, trying to show interest, all that psychological stuff you’re supposed to do in interviews.
Martin switched back to her CV and then looked up from the file. “I’m sorry. Mrs. Brooks. So.” He leaned back, studied her. “How did you know we were looking for someone? We haven’t even sent out our ad.”
“Well,” Helen let out a breath, “actually a friend of mine knew about it. I don’t know how he knew. And he sent in my application.”
Martin nodded and picked up her file once again. “That makes sense then.” He leaned forward, looking at her intensely. “Listen, Mrs Brooks, you’re actually over qualified for the position. But we need someone soon, as the production is coming along sooner than we had thought, than we had hoped for, actually. And we need someone who knows German.” He sighed. “And – the job is for a limited time. When the production is wrapped up, your contract is too.”
“That’s okay. My work permission is only valid for three more months anyway.”
“Well, we’d have to extend it for another six months.”
“Six months?” Helen raked a hand through her hair.
“Is there a problem?”
“No, no problem. I just… hadn’t expected this.”
Martin nodded. “I see. All right, Mrs. Brooks. I’ll talk to the managers about this. We’ll call you within the next week.”
~*~
Martin Banks looked at the file again. Last employer: Holt and Partners, Berlin, Sydney, New York. Holt and Partners. He pressed the button of the interphone.
“Linda. Could you please find everything about Holt and Partners, Sydney office? Thanks.”
Five minutes later Linda entered his office, a small folder in her hands and a slight blush on her face.
“Yes?”
“The information about Holt and Partners.” She walked up to the desk and handed him the folder. “Martin?”
“Uh-huh?”
“Chris Masters is my brother-in-law. I told him about the vacant position and he turned the file in.”
Martin looked up at his assistant. “And?”
Linda looked down at her feet for a moment then back up at her boss. “The ad will be out only Thursday next week.”
“Linda!” Martin was astounded by Linda’s confession. Usually she carried out orders to the letter. But it was done now and he knew they couldn’t wait much longer for a production assistant, let alone undergo long interviews and selections. And Helen Brooks seemed perfect, except for the fact that she had never worked for any media or entertainment company.
Peter was probably pretty easy. He would most likely say something like ‘If she wants the job and is qualified, she can do it.’ Russ, however, would be a completely different matter. He only wants to work with professionals, people with experience in what they are doing. No matter what position they’re in.
Martin took a deep breath. “All right, Linda. Call Peter and Russ and tell them I might have our production assistant, if they want to meet her.”
~*~
It turned out to be the other way around. Neither Peter nor Russ had time to meet Helen and trusted Martin with his selection to a certain point. He sent them her file via email and the first to respond and comment was Peter.
“No way. She knows nothing about shooting a film. And her work permit is running out, probably faster than it’ll take to get a new one.”
Russ was more relaxed though.
“She’d fit in the team. Whatever made her quit
her previous job, she wants something new. She’ll make it. Go get your arse in
gear and get her work permit for 6 months.” Martin was sitting between a rock and a hard place but finally Peter gave in too – after all it was Russ who would work closest with her. Thursday after her interview Helen signed her contract.
~*~
It took Helen two days to find out who her employer was – and she thought it would be her last day.
With her outgoing and friendly nature, Helen had won everyone’s heart in the office within her first day. She had not been introduced to the two managers yet, hadn’t even talked to them. As assigned production manager for the production, Martin had counter-signed her contract and truth be told, she didn’t really care who she worked for. It was fun work and very interesting. With Chris’ help she had found a nice nanny for Debbie and had already started to search for a flat.
It was her second day and she was the first one in the office – or so she thought. Linda had a day off. Some doctor’s appointment or something.
The door to the Fear Of God Film offices was secured with a code; personnel-number and a combination of letters and numbers. She passed the empty reception desk and stepped into her office. That’s when she heard a male voice.
“Yeah, mate. Friday to Sunday. Twelve to fifteen people. Just write it the fuck down and ask Brett to call me.” He slammed the receiver down and muttered something under his breath.
Helen was surprised and a bit unsure to find someone at her desk. Had she missed some information about a visitor? Who was this guy sitting in her chair with his back to the door and to her? She waited until the man had ended his call before she cleared her throat.
“Uh, sir? Excuse me, please, but can I help you?” Her tone was polite but not exactly as amiable as it usually was.
The man had already dialed a new number and obviously got a connection because he waved his hand to her in a gesture for her to wait, without turning or so much of a glance into her direction.
“Fuck!” He exclaimed and slammed the receiver back onto the station and finally turned to face Helen.
Her heart beat hard in her throat, her knees almost gave out and her face went blank with embarrassment and shock.
“And who are you?” His voice sounded harsh though restrained, demonstrating that he knew the person before him was not the reason for his anger.
“Helen,” more a squeak than a spoken word. She cleared her throat and started anew. “Helen Brooks, sir. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you at once, Mr. Crowe.”
He simply ignored her remark and handed her a note with a few numbers on it. “Can ya call them? Tell them to come to Sydney airport on Saturday noon or call me if they’re not available. And give a note to the staff too. Friday to Sunday, pack light.”
Helen looked at him open mouthed, took the note and scribbled his instructions down.
“I’m waitin’ on a call from Virgin Blue about the plane. I’ll be in my office. You know the phone-system?” Helen nodded. “Good. You can put him through then.”
“Yes, sir.”
During this conversation, that lasted less time than it took to write down his orders, he stood and paced the small office and was almost half way out when he turned back.
“You got a little daughter, right?”
Another nod.
“You can bring her too.”
And with that he was gone.
Helen sat down at her desk – onto the chair where only a few moments before Mr. Russell Crowe had sat. His office, had he said his office? She studied the internal phone numbers list – PHC and RC – she slapped her forehead with her palm.
“I need a coffee,” she muttered and went to the kitchen to start the coffee maker.
Helen murmured while she loaded the coffee maker and checked the supplies in the decent-sized kitchen. It was big enough for as many as eight people to have lunch along with everything you’d need in a kitchen.
She had just pressed the button to start the coffee when she heard the fridge door open. She didn’t expect Martin for another half hour, so it must have been Mr. Crowe. She took a few inaudible breaths before she turned around.
“Smells good, luv,” he addressed her before she completed her turn.
“Do you want some? Coffee, I mean.”
‘Shit’, she scolded herself inwardly. She’d never been nervous around so-called VIPs, so why was she now? He gave her a genuine smile and it seemed his bad mood from only a few minutes before had already vanished. ‘Moody character’, she thought. ‘That description seems right’.
They turned at the same time towards the cupboard and reached for the mugs there. Their hands touched briefly and she pulled hers back as if she had gotten burned.
“Sorry,” she murmured and let him take a mug.
He ignored her reaction, probably had experienced it a million times, and held his mug out to her. She poured him some coffee, then filled her mug and added some milk, then offered it to him.
“No, thanks,” he shook his head and lifted the mug to his lips, blowing the dark brown liquid lightly before he took his first sip. “Tastes good too.”
He looked at her over his mug. His hair was a bit longer again, his beard a bit more than a three day stubble. It made him look the age he was, not that that diminished any of his absolute handsomeness. But his eyes, his eyes were the eyes of a little boy.
“Thanks,” she said, feeling a bit more confident. “One of the first things you learn when you start working in an office.” She hoped her voice sounded as light as she meant it to. His chuckle said it did.
He leaned against the counter and drank his coffee, obviously not wanting to sit alone in his office. But there was no time for small talk, even with the boss, and Helen cleared her throat and squared her shoulders.
“Well, Mr. Crowe….”
“Russell.”
“I’ve got to make some phone calls and there are a few lists that need to be completed,” she continued unerringly with a smile.
“Yeah, sure.” Was there a hint of regret in his reply?
Helen went back to her office and started on her lists.
~*~
Virgin Blue called back, Helen had reached five of the six people on the note, the lists were completed and the staff informed. Mr. Crowe, Russell, had left the office around noon. New lists on her desk, a second draft of the script they were about to shoot in two weeks. The major part of the crew was hired and the cast almost completed. He himself would play the supporting role and direct the film. It was his fourth film as a director and the second time he’d star in his own movie.
She sat on the sofa at home, Debbie on her lap, and told her little daughter everything about her day. How she met her boss, what work she had done and her little daughter told in her cute way all about her day with the nanny.
After finishing their tales and having supper they had another hour left to play before Debbie was due for bed. A quick wash, brushing teeth and she lay in her bed, tucked carefully under the covers.
“Story or song?” Helen asked her little daughter every night and whatever was asked for, she did.
“Is he nice?” That was not the reply Helen had expected.
“Who?”
“Your boss.”
“Oh. Yes, yes he is very nice. He invited the crew this weekend. He invited you too.”
Bright white teeth split her little face in two halves. “Me?”
“Yes, sunshine.” Helen placed a kiss onto her forehead. “Now. Story or song?”
“Story.”
Helen grabbed Debbie’s favorite book and started reading. She was on the third page when the little girl turned to her side and pulled the covers tighter around her, her little stuffed polar bear in her arms.
The next day in the office was very busy. Linda was back and pestered her to tell her all about her first encounter with Russell. But with incoming calls and crewmembers filing in, the job got in the way and so her response was only brief. Although it probably would have been like that anyway. Helen did not really know what to tell her of what amounted to ten minutes of conversations with Mr. Crowe. However, why she had problems calling him Russell was still a mystery to her.
Linda filled her in about their boss. This was the third production she’d work on with him as an accountant and she had had some nice and not so nice anecdotes to tell. In answer to Helen’s question about the five men on the note, she mentioned the band he played in. “They’re pretty good, even though the musicians change from time to time. Depending on everyone’s schedules, y’know.” And she played some of the band’s music.
Nothing was seen or heard from him for the next few days, in fact not until Thursday.
“Fear of God films, Helen speaking. How can I help you?”
“I want to talk to the executive director please.” A male voice with a stiff accent answered.
“I’m sorry sir, they are not in the office. Can I take a message?”
“Ah, not good, not good.” The man sounded slightly annoyed. “He told me to call him today around noon in the office. I have a script he was interested in.”
“Sir, I am certain that Mr. Crowe will come in shortly. If you leave your name and number I’ll see to it that he gets your message.” Helen answered amiably.
A high pitched giggle came as reply and when the man spoke again Helen recognized the voice and was more than glad that they had no visual telephone!
“Helen, you know my name and number. So? Is everyone coming tomorrow?”
“Yes. No one declined.” She regained her composure quickly.
“And the blokes?”
“Dave called today. They’re all on board.”
“Bonzer.”
“Sir?”
She bit her lower lip at the sigh that came from the other end of the line, but she continued. Linda had said when he makes fun of her on the phone he’s in a good mood.
“May I ask you where we’re going? I’d like to know what to pack for my daughter.” She was very curious as to where they were off to. Linda hadn’t told her a thing except that he always gathered the cast and crew together before a shoot, like some sort of a warm up. But she hadn’t said where these meetings took place.
“Linda didn’t tell ya?” His voice held an almost triumphant tone.
“No.”
“It’s a surprise. Pack light. No dolling up needed.” She could tell he wouldn’t say anything more about it and it was her turn to sigh.
“Okay. Anything else you need?”
“Yeah. A cup of your coffee,” he teased. “See ya tomorrow, Helen.”
“I’ll bring some. Bye.” She grinned at his laugh before they hung up.
Wow! She had just had a real normal conversation with the boss. Linda was right. It was impossible not to share his excitement over things.
~*~
Friday at noon everyone came to the office, a bus would be picking them up and taking them to the airport. Helen felt a bit unsure; Debbie was not just the only child, but the only family member. Everyone else was on their own.
Helen was not one of those single-moms who always told everyone how hard it was to manage job and child with extra hours, weekends’ work and so on. If it was necessary she stayed at work till she was dismissed for the day and in her former company she had often had to work on weekends. Sometimes she would take Debbie with her, but most times she called her mom or a good friend to pick her up from day care or take her for the weekend. And Debbie was easy. She loved her grandma, she got along well with most of Helen’s friends, and with the good-night-call from her mom she had never had a hard time staying overnight with them.
But now? Of course, at first Helen was glad that Russell had said she could bring Debbie, but then she had thought that others would have their families join them too. Now she felt a bit ‘special’ – and she didn’t like that at all. But Debbie instantly became some sort of a mascot for the weekend. She was the center of the attention and Helen had a hard time telling everyone not to spoil her little girl too much. They would have to pay for it later.
When they landed at Coff’s Harbour another bus was waiting for them – and a beaming Russell Crowe with his oldest, Charlie.
The welcome was very cordial. Russell greeted everyone with a handshake, a pat on the back or for the women, a peck on their cheeks. Charlie was very attentive but greeted only the ones he knew from other occasions, which were Linda, Martin and a guy named Jock Hanson, who was the cinematographer. Helen and Debbie were the last to get off the plane. Debbie had slept all during the flight and half woke just when the plane hit the landing strip, so Helen carried the sleepy little girl out and down the gangway.
Russell greeted Helen just the same as he did the others, with a peck on the cheek and a “glad you’re here,” before he turned to little Debbie who eyed him with a tilted head.
“And who are you, little one?” he asked softly and gave her his brightest smile.
“Debbie Brooks, sir.”
“Pleased to meet you, Debbie Brooks,” he answered and took her tiny hand in his and lifted it to his lips, “I’m Russell.”
Debbie’s eyes grew big like saucers and she giggled at his action, but more so because his soft beard tickled her skin.
“Hi, Russell.” Her little face beamed and all tiredness was forgotten.
“What do you think, little one? Let me carry ya to the bus? So your mom can rest her arms a bit?” He was definitely flirting with her and she definitely liked it – and him.
Without any hesitation or the usual reassuring look to her mother, she reached out her arms to him and let him pick her from her mom’s hold.
Helen watched that scene with a smile, although slightly embarrassed too. She didn’t like it when there was too much of a fuss made of her and her daughter, especially not at a work function. But the others didn’t seem to mind and so she just stayed behind and let Debbie have some fun.
Before Russell carried her to the bus he squatted down with Debbie on his arm and introduced her to his son. Charlie was just as sweet to Debbie as his dad was, and just as charming.
In the bus, Russell asked Helen if it was okay if Debbie sat with him and Charlie during the ride and of course Helen agreed.
Linda pulled Helen to sit with her, three rows behind the threesome.
“Look at that! She has them both wrapped around her little finger,” she laughed at Helen.
And it was true. The three had a great time during the ride up to Russell’s farm and whenever Helen looked over at them they were laughing and joking or playing games.
“You know, Helen, Russell always wanted a daughter.”
“Yeah? They’re both still young. Why don’t they…” Helen stopped first because it was none of her business. But also because the look on Linda’s face silenced her. It was a sympathetic, compassionate look.
When they arrived at the farm they were greeted by his parents, his wife and youngest son and his brother and welcomed into the salon of the main house where drinks and food was served and they sat together before being shown to their quarters.
Helen noticed a hint of sadness in Danielle’s look when she saw Russell with Debbie on his arm walking towards her. He greeted her with a long kiss and pulled her into his free arm, never letting loose of Debbie, but still giving all his attention to his wife.
Helen watched how he introduced Debbie to his wife and his younger son and then he let her down and talked to the three kids and soon after that the two younger ones followed Charlie into the back of the house.
“I hope ya don’t mind, Helen. The boys won’t be too wild.”
“Oh, that’s okay. She knows her way around other kids. I mean… She’ll be apples.”
“How long have you been alone now?” He waved his hand. “Sorry. It’s none of my business.”
“It’s okay, Russell. I’ve been alone for four years now.”
She could see Russell calculating quickly. Debbie was perhaps three and a half now. The look on his face said he was thinking either her father was a bastard or… Helen decided to interrupt his thoughts.
“Her dad died on our wedding day four years ago. He never knew about his daughter.”
“Ya raised her all alone? She’s a real angel. He’d be proud of her – and you.” There was so much sympathy in his voice that Helen had to swallow a huge lump down her throat.
“More a little pixie, I’d say,” she replied and blushed.
~*~
The weekend was a blast! The crew got to know each other. Russell had divided them into teams for a cricket match. On Saturday his band flew in and they played and on Sunday they had all grown together as a team and almost as a family.
Debbie had the time of her life. She got along great with Russell’s boys and even Dani had dropped her reserve towards her.
Sunday afternoon came too soon and everyone headed home in anticipation of the very busy Monday before them when the last preparations before the shoot would start.
As expected the following week was busy as hell. Up to twelve hours of work each day! Helen was glad that the nanny was a true pearl and Debbie loved her. On Wednesday Helen got a surprising call in the office.
“Helen? This is Dani. Danielle Spencer. How are you?”
“Hi Dani. Hang on, Russell should be in his office right now.” Helen wondered why Dani hadn’t dialed his direct line, but maybe he had forwarded his line to hers. Before she could hit the key for Russell’s office, though, Dani stopped her.
“No, no. I wanted to ask you if it was okay if I picked up Debbie. The boys and I are going to the public pool and they’re having a children’s show there today.”
Wow! Helen was really surprised! She had seen posters for the event but dismissed it because of her work and never mentioned it to Debbie, knowing she would be too disappointed. Helen ran a hand through her hair and took a deep breath.
“Yes, sure. Debbie will love it. I’ll call Margret to pack her bag and be ready when you come.”
“Oh, that’s all right, Helen. We’re already here.”
Now Helen could hear the three kids cheering and she couldn’t but laugh. “I would’ve had no choice, huh? Can I have Debbie for a tic?”
A few seconds later, Helen had told Debbie to behave and mind Dani and to have fun. “I love you, sweetheart. Now give me Dani again, will you?”
“Love you too, mommy.”
“Dani? She’s a bit wild in the water but she can swim. I hope they won’t give you too much trouble. And Dani? … Thank you.”
~*~
The shooting had started well and was running smoothly so Helen could concentrate on getting all the work and shooting permissions for Germany during the following weeks. They would stay about three weeks, one of them in her home town, and she was looking forward to seeing her mom again.
Most of the Australian shooting took place in and around Sydney though some was in Queensland. Helen then stayed in the Sydney office while Linda traveled with the team to the locations.
Helen and Debbie spent as much time together as was possible. On some days Helen would even take Debbie to the office. As the shooting in Australia was not set for the holidays it happened that Dani called every now and then to ask if she could take Debbie to some event or other or to her dad’s music school or something. Over this time Helen and Dani had developed a close relationship, not friends exactly, but still more than mere acquaintances. On those days when Debbie was with Dani and the boys, or sometimes just with Dani and the little one, Tennyson, Dani always brought the little girl to the office when they were done and stayed for a coffee if her time allowed. But they never made more than small talk.
Six weeks’ shooting and then the break before traveling to Germany came. Tickets and hotels were booked. Work and the first shooting permits were in hand Thursday before their departure when Russell called Helen into his office.
“You can read my mind, luv.” He smiled thankfully and took the mug of tea Helen had brought him. It was the first time that he used that term on her and Helen felt a slight blush pass her cheeks quickly.
Helen sat down and waited patiently for Russell to tell her why he had summoned her.
“For someone who never had worked in this business you’ve done a great job so far, Helen. – No.” He checked himself, “You’ve done an excellent job full stop.”
“Thanks.” Helen was a bit embarrassed. She always did the best she could at her work. That’s why she’d had the career she’d had over at Holt and Partners. But then, that’s how she was raised – always doing your best, no matter what you do.
Helen waited patiently for more. Not even Russell would leave it at that.
“I’d like to extend your responsibilities in Germany. You’d be the production manager of the second unit there. Hire staff and extras and stuff,” he continued. Helen took a breath to reply, to refuse, but Russell waved a hand, silencing her. “You’re great with people and you know the language and German ways. You’re perfect for this job, Helen.” Now he looked at her, expectantly.
“Wow,” she breathed out and ran a hand through her hair. She thought about it. She liked the new job, chaotic as it often was, and she had been in a leading position at Holt and Partners and her ‘subordinates’ never complained about her. But most of all: Russell trusted her with the position and she was… “I’m flattered, Russell. That’s … wow.” She smiled brightly at him.
“So?” He raised a questioning eyebrow.
“Yeah. I’ll take that job.”
“Great!” Russell stood and handed her some papers. “Here’s your authorization and POA. Reckon you’ll need them.”
Helen stood with her mouth gaped open, her hands took the papers from Russell’s of their own accord. “You… you… How’d you know I wouldn’t turn you down?”
“You didn’t,” he stated and grinned at her then kissed her cheek. “Back to work now, luv. You’ve got a shoot to organize.”
~*~
Helen worked hard in her new position once they arrived in Germany. The shoot didn’t go well, but not as bad as they all had feared. There were many delays in getting permits, at one point a day’s filming had accidentally been destroyed and they had to wait to get the location and the permit for reshooting.
Debbie spent the entire stay in Germany with her Grandma and Helen joined them during the last three weeks, when the final filming and wrap took place in her home town.
Then it was time to go back to Australia and although Debbie couldn’t wait to see her new found friends again she was sad that she would leave her granny.
“Mom, why don’t you come with us? Take a holiday… We can easily get you booked with the crew, and our new flat has enough space for one more person,” Helen offered, not wanting to leave her mom either.
It took her and Debbie a few days to convince Pauline to join them, but eventually she agreed.
The new flat was actually a one storied bungalow not too far from Sydney Harbor and the Botanic Gardens. It was neat with a nice back yard and had three bedrooms, combined kitchen and living room and a decent sized bathroom.
Months later Pauline still lived with her daughter and granddaughter. The film had already gone into post-production and soon the final cut was finished and promotions would start soon. Helen was already working on the next project with Linda and Russell.
Chris was a regular visitor, a good friend of the family. He had accepted that Helen saw nothing but a friend in him and he was there whenever any kind of help was needed. He even had found them a house and set everything up so she could rent it.
But Helen had another admirer. Brett. Brett was working as transportation captain on the new project and had an eye on her from the first moment they met. And Helen liked him too, a lot. Although he looked nothing like Aaron he reminded her of him, in a very comfortable way. And Debbie liked him too.
Helen hadn’t talked to anyone about it, but she already had applied for a constant residential permit and awaited the government’s letter within the next few weeks.
Due to weather conditions the shoot had to pause for a few weeks while they had to wait for winter. This year was very warm, temperatures a little higher than average.
Helen, Debbie, Pauline and Brett had planned a holiday in Coffs Harbour – ten days just lying in the sun, maybe taking a swim in the ocean, if the jelly-fish would stay away. They had rooms in a nice, not too flashy hotel close to the beach, with a spa and everything.
It was their third evening and Brett and Helen actually had the evening all to themselves. Brett had taken Helen out into the best restaurant in town. Candlelight, a secluded table for two, all very romantic. But that was Brett. He always seemed the tough guy, but deep inside he was a romantic softy.
After they had ordered their desserts, Brett took her left hand in his right hand, his thumb lightly brushing her knuckles. He looked deep into her eyes for what seemed like eternity before he took a deep breath.
“Helen, sweetheart. I know we haven’t known each other for very long. But I know too that I love you, with all my heart. Will you marry me?”
Helen felt her eyes fill with tears and a tight knot constricting her throat. Her heart skipped a beat or two. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply and Brett, who thought her hesitation meant she would say no, squeezed her hand gently.
“Helen, love. You don’t need to answer right now. But please, think about, will you? I know with my day job I cannot be the kind of husband who will be at home every evening, share the day’s events. I might even have to skip some weekends. But there will be times when I’m home for weeks or even months. I love you, Helen. You and Debbie. I want us to be a family.”
He rambled on and on and Helen started to smile. She lifted the hand he held in his to her lips and kissed his hand. “Yes,” she laughed softly at his continuous ramble, “Yes, Brett… Brett.”
Brett stopped rambling and looked at her as if he couldn’t believe his ears. “You will…?”
“Yes, I will marry you, Brett.” Her voice was thick with emotion and she could barely hold back her tears.
Brett jumped off his chair and pulled her up into a crushing embrace, his lips capturing hers. “I love you, baby,” he whispered between kisses until the waitress shyly cleared her throat to announce the arrival of the dessert.
Blushing they sat down again and Brett asked for the check. They wouldn’t stay much longer in the restaurant. They had something to celebrate…
~*~
On their last day at the beach, it was sunny and warm with no jelly fish warning. Helen and Debbie were alone and played around in the water. Brett and Pauline said they would pack and stow the luggage for their trip back to Sydney.
It was about time to get back to the hotel and Helen called to Debbie to get out of the water and dried off. Debbie was ahead and already wrapped in a towel and Helen swam after a ball Debbie had left, when a tiny sting across her throat made Helen gasp. But it was short and soon over and she ignored it until another sting hit her, this time on her lower belly and thigh. She looked around and saw a swarm pass by of tiny somethings with long tentacles.
‘Shit!’ she thought and hurried ashore, calling out to Debbie to call for help.
By the time Helen had reached the beach there were two guards, one calmed Debbie and the other was waiting for Helen.
“Everything okay? The little one called for help?”
Helen didn’t feel anything of the stings anymore and there were no traces on her skin to see. But from what Helen had read about jelly fish, the pain could come much later – and with more vigor.
“I, uh, saw jellyfish within the enclosure and I think some stung me. Here,” she pointed at her throat, then at her belly and thigh. “And here.”
“All right, Miss. We’re takin’ care of this. Sit down, I’ll be back in a tic.”
The young man walked back to the jeep and returned with a plastic bottle and a cloth. “This is vinegar mixed with water. Rub your skin everywhere, not just where the jelly fish stung you. I’ll call the hospital and the coast guard. We’ll take ya to the hospital for observation. From what you told us it was the Irukandji jelly fish. It’s highly venomous and we need to make sure that you… will be all right.”
Helen noticed the slight hesitation and just nodded while she cleaned herself all over with the vinegar-water mix. She had read about that particular jelly fish and knew that most likely a tough night and maybe day lay before her.
“Can you call my mom and my fiancé? They need to know. And they need to inform Ru… my employer.”
“Sure, Miss…”
“Brooks, Helen Brooks.”
~*~
An hour later Helen was in hospital. The pain had already kicked in during the helicopter flight and she was given painkillers to ease it, though it didn’t really help. The dose they would need to actually numb the pain would kill her so all they could do was observe her closely and try everything to keep the pain bearable.
But nothing they did helped in any way. Helen suffered indescribably violent pain for almost a week and there was a danger that her lungs would collapse and her heart wouldn’t be able to keep up with how high her blood pressure went.
The doctors discussed with Helen and her mom and agreed to put Helen into an artificial coma to ease the stress to her body. The danger that she would fall into coma was high and by artificially inducing it, they could control events better. They opted for one week and would see then if anything had changed.
Helen had had a lot of visitors. Brett didn’t want to leave her side at all, but eventually Helen convinced him to take care of his own needs, and of Debbie and her mom, which both came to visit every day too, although Debbie was only allowed a few minutes between the pain attacks.
Even Russell came by once and he called every day to check on her.
Once she was placed in the artificial coma, everything seemed to go as expected. Helen’s body and heart recovered and her lung functions improved as well. So after the week had passed successfully, they took her off the life-support machines and woke her from the coma.
But then things went wrong. Something inside her didn’t respond to anything they tried. The moment they shut down the machines, Helen’s body rebelled. She needed help to breathe and the morphine was given to her in the highest possible dose, but the waves of pain weakened her and she seemed to simply fade away.
Three weeks of suffering passed and Helen called her mom and Debbie in. The morphine ran through her veins in a dangerously high dose so she could have more than just the few minutes to talk to them.
“Debbie, sweetheart,” she spoke low, her breathing labored, “I’m sorry I let you down, but there is nothing more I can do. I will see your daddy now. And he and I will watch over you, always.”
Debbie looked at her with huge eyes. “Mommy?” Her small voice sounded insecure and Helen fought down a wave of pain.
“You’ll be fine, honey. Grandma will take care of you.” She turned her gaze to Pauline. “Mom, can you call Brett in, please?”
Pauline squeezed her hand and nodded, tears in her eyes…
~*~
Two days after Helen’s funeral, a letter from the government arrived, her permit of residence was granted…
~*~
Thirty years later.
A young woman with dark skin and wild curls stood behind the stage, eyes closed, a few sheets of paper in her hands, waiting for the voice to announce her.
“… last year’s academy award winner for best documentary feature: Debbie Brooks…”
Debbie opened her eyes and nodded to the assistant who told her it was time. She took a deep breath and entered the stage.
“It is a great honor that I’ve been asked to introduce the man we honor tonight for his life achievement. And it is a special occasion for me too to say thank you to this man, who influenced and inspired me the most of all the people I’ve ever met. He touched my heart and soul from the first moment we met and he still does.
“Ladies and Gentleman, the man I am talking about brought innumerable characters to life on screen, as actor as well as a director. He created worlds with his visual talent and amazed us with his music when his day job allowed him the luxury of sitting back and write new songs.
“It was characters like Andy and Hando that earned him awards and the attention of Tinsel Town. It was characters like Bud White and the General Maximus that got him the attention of the audience and critics all over the world and he never ceased to amaze us with new characters like the portrait of Professor John Nash, the belligerent Sea Captain Jack Aubrey, the badass Ben Wade to name just a very few of the many, many characters he created.
“His own productions as a director like the feature film “Bra Boys”, “The Long Green Shore” and “Echoes of Uluru” did not convince the audience and critics because of his name, but because of the brilliance of his work.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, with pride and joy I have the honor and privilege to give the Academy’s life time achievement award to Mister Russell Crowe.”
Roaring applause and a standing ovation carried a beaming Russell on stage. Beaming not because of the adulation, but because of the young woman whose speech touched him so deeply with all that was both said and not said.
Although in his late seventies, he moved with the virile energy of a young man, his eyes sparkled like a boy’s on Christmas Eve. When Debbie handed him the statue, meanwhile his fifth, he ignored it at first and lifted her up, twirling her around before he stood her back onto her feet, as she blushed furiously.
“Thank you, sweetheart.” He whispered to her and kissed her cheek.
“No worries, Dad,” she replied.
~*~
Although Brett had taken care of everything for Debbie and Pauline it was soon obvious that he was not able to raise a kid alone. He took on jobs that lasted months more and more often and the calls and letters came less and less often, finally stopping altogether, although his monthly maintenance came on time until Debbie’s 18th birthday.
It was Russell and Dani who helped Pauline raise her little granddaughter and after Pauline’s death two years after Debbie started High School, they became her family. They never officially adopted Debbie, though, and she kept her name even after she married Russell’s youngest, Tennyson. And Russell and Dani were proud grandparents of a twin pair from them and two boys from Charlie and his wife.
Debbie had become a documentary film maker, specializing in life beneath the oceans. Before that she had studied oceanic-biology and with her help, an antitoxin against the Irukandji jelly fish had finally been discovered and saved many people’s lives.
Her documentary of the research to find that antitoxin got Debbie the Academy Award and her close relation to the Crowe family was the reason why the Academy asked her to honor Russell, a job she proudly accepted.
“I told you, you’d do a great job, Debbie!” Charlie embraced his sister-in-law and kissed her cheek.
“Baby, I stopped listening to your speech after the first sentence.” Tenny kissed her sweetly.
“Oh Debbie, that was even more beautiful than your first version.” Dani hugged and kissed her too.
Russell quirked an eyebrow. “Now, folks, it seems that everyone knew about this but me!” he scolded them. “How the fuck did ya manage to keep that from me?!” he added laughing and again kissed Debbie and then his wife.
“Not everyone’s a tattletale like you, Dad.” Debbie countered and everyone laughed.
“I love you, sweetheart. I love you all.” Russell announced, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re the best that’s ever happened in my whole life.”
He wrapped his arm tight around Dani and pulled her close to him, kissing her hair.
Debbie looked at them, smiling sadly and sighing.
“Hey, luv. What’s the matter?” Tenny pulled her onto his lap, gently caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers.
“I wish mom was here,” she replied.
“She is, luv,” he said and smiled and kissed her forehead.
Debbie looked out of the window into the night sky and right then one of the millions of stars above them seemed to sparkle especially bright and Debbie smiled a genuine smile. ‘Yes, she is,’ she thought to herself and knew it to be true.
THE END
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