Courage to Change Deleted Scene

In addition to being considerably longer than Wisdom to Know, Courage to Change seemed to take much longer to edit into a final version. Part of that may simply be length related – all I know is that it felt like forever. Sadly, Pippin, Allison’s cat, got a lot of the cut scenes. So those of you who are cat lovers, please know I didn’t intend to give him short shrift. It just worked out that, at the end of the day, he’s a cat, not a major character. The following scene was near the end of the novel (I don’t think it has spoilers though.) Also, it did get cut somewhat toward the start of the editing process, so think cut scenes on a DVD in terms of any issues that might be herein.

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Finally home, she pulled into one of the short term parking spots out in front of the building, her hands shaking from gripping the steering wheel. She took a moment to calm her racing heart before heading into the building.

Lindsey had Pippin purring in ecstasy when Allison unlocked the door.

“Now that’s  a sight I’ve missed.” Allison dropped her purse and plopped next to Lindsey on the sofa. “He’s been giving me the cold shoulder lately.”

“Can’t really blame him, can you?” Lindsey continued rubbing his ears. “I don’t understand what your mom has against cats. Especially one as precious as Pip here.”

“There was a childhood incident, apparently. I’ve never gotten all the details, and my grandmother made me promise to just let it go.” Allison shrugged and caught Pippin’s tail as it twitched past her. He lifted his head and eyed her before twitching it out of her fingers and rolling to shift Lindsey’s hand to a new location on his head. “You didn’t want to go to the play, I take it?”

Lindsey rolled her eyes. “Not after your mom started explaining it I didn’t. Your poor dad…he tried everything he could think of to get out of it.”

“Ha. Yeah, I imagine he did. But when all’s said and done? He’ll have enjoyed himself. That’s why Mom keeps making him go to things like this.” Allison frowned, thinking about her parent’s relationship. “They have a unique dynamic, but it works for them, you know?”

“Yeah. Actually, they remind me of my parents, when Mom was still alive. She and Dad did everything at an extreme. They were either so happy and in love they were dancing in the kitchen or so frustrated they were screaming and slamming doors. And now Dad’s just kind of lost, like he doesn’t know how to feel without her to steer the direction.”

Allison scooted closer to Lindsey who leaned her head on Allison’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what it’s like.”

“I miss her. You remind me of her, a little. For all their extremes, Mom was a rock, the center of the family. We’ve both been adrift since she died.” Lindsey sighed. “I don’t think I’d’ve gotten pregnant if she hadn’t, but if I had? She’d’ve know just how to handle things. I like to think that I’ve finally found the path she’d’ve set me on, thanks to you.”

Allison felt her eyes fill and blinked. “You’re a special girl, Lindsey. I’m glad to know you.” Several seconds ticked by. Pippin hopped down from Lindsey’s lap and stretched before curling around to groom his hind end. Allison laughed. “Pippin’s always known just how to handle emotionally charged situations.”

Lindsey joined in the laughter. “Silly cat.” She levered herself up off the sofa. “I should get going. The appointment’s kind of early tomorrow…you’re sure you can’t make it?”

Allison shook her head, a rueful expression on her face. “Sorry. With the wedding in the afternoon, I’ve got a pretty full day. But it’s going to be great. Brian and Olivia are neat and I know Faith will smooth over any awkwardness…though I don’t imagine there’ll be any at all this time.”

Lindsey nodded. “Ok. You’re right. I just get nervous.”

“Of course you do. I’d be worried if you didn’t.” Allison dug the car key out of her pocket and tossed it to Lindsey. “Be careful going home. The moron quotient seems to be particularly high out there tonight. I had one person ride my bumper practically the whole way here and another who kept slamming on their brakes in front of me.” Allison made a face. “Honestly, some days I wonder if I’m the only one who actually studied for their driving test.”

Lindsey laughed. “Maybe you were.” She wiggled the key. “Thanks for letting me borrow your car so much. It’s been great to have the flexibility. I know it hasn’t made your life very easy.”

Allison shrugged. “Haven’t missed it as much as I thought I would. And it just makes sense. Now, get going. Call me when you get in, ok?”

“Will do.”

Allison went to the door and watched Lindsey until she reached the elevator. After a final wave, she went back inside and called Phil back, looking forward to catching up on all the conversation they’d missed during the week.