It's a thin line
Part eight
Linzi's
smile was soon replaced by a puzzled frown.
"Do
I know you?" she asked.
"I'm
Billy, Billy Kidman." he replied, "Surely you remember me." Linzi
shook her head. She reached out a hand to Emily.
"Who's
this?" she said smiling.
"This
is my daughter." said Billy proudly. Linzi smiled at the little girl.
"Is
your Mummy in hospital too. You should be looking after her really." Just
then a doctor entered the room. Billy whispered urgently in his ear.
"Nice
to have you with us," said the doctor, "Now I have a few questions for
you. What is your name?" Linzi looked puzzled.
"I...I
don't know!" she burst into tears.
Later,
after the show, Mel found Billy in the bar, his head slumped on his arms.
"They
told the fans you have a bug. How's Linzi?" she said, sliding onto a stool
next to him.
"She
doesn't know who I am. She doesn't even know who she is herself." As he
spoke Mel realised that he had been drinking for quite some time. He carried on.
"Little Emily's distraught. Her Mom doesn't know who she is." Mel
gently laid her hand on his arm.
"I'm
sorry." she said.
"I
got her drunk you know," said Billy, as if Mel hadn't spoken," At
Kelley's party. She was only twenty. Kelley had made us promise not to fight so
we were being nice to each other. I thought, you know, that if anything happened
that she might love me."
"What
are you trying to say Billy?" asked Mel. Billy took another gulp of his
drink.
"I
don't know," said Billy. Then his face brightened. "I know I could
tell her that we're a couple. Will you help me Mel."
"No
way!" exclaimed Mel.
"Please."
Billy tried to pat her arm, but missed and fell off his stool. Mel half caught
him, but he was too heavy and she was in an awkward position. Luckily Raven
helped her.
"I'll
take him to his room." said Raven.
"No,"
said Billy, "I'm drowning my sorrows and I'm still sad." Raven shook
his head and half dragged, half carried Billy from the bar.