Cathablanca

Episode #22: "Two Secrets"


"How could you possibly forgive Steve after what he did?" asked Cathie.
"You don't really know Steve the way I do," Francesca replied. "You think he only stopped the execution at the last second because you gave in to him. In fact, I know that he would have done it regardless of what you did. That's why he showed up. Steve can be a scoundrel and a liar and a pest, but he's not a murderer. Underneath that demonic public image he maintains, he's really just a scared, paranoid little boy who wants attention. LOTS of attention!
"He's pulled stunts like this all his life, but even I have to admit that this IS the furthest he's gone yet. You don't need to be afraid of him, Cathie. But on the other hand, never trust him either."
"You don't have to worry about THAT," Cathie replied.
After being locked up in prison for months, Francesca decided to take the C*E*A staff on a vacation junket to celebrate.
In the ladies restroom, MommyAnn was whispering to Sneena.
"I've got a seeeecret!" sang MommyAnn.
"What?" asked Sneena.
"Well, if I told you it wouldn't be a secret any more, would it?"
Unbeknownst to MommyAnn and Sneena, Paulette was in one of the stalls, overhearing their conversation.
"Well I've got a secret, too, smartypants!" answered Sneena. "And it's a good one!"
MommyAnn thought for a few seconds.
"Okay, I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."
"Okay! But you have to swear not to tell anyone else, okay?"
"Okay."
"Francesca's taking us all to Paris!" said MommyAnn excitedly. "She wants to surprise everyone with the announcement this afternoon, so don't breathe a word to anyone!"
"Wow! Fantastic!" replied Sneena.
"Now you!"
"Okay. Don't ask me how I found out, but Jo's pregnant!", Sneena pronounced.
"Get out! You're kidding!"
"Nope!"
"Who's the father?"
"I don't know. In fact, from what I hear, even Jo herself isn't really sure!"
"You're kidding!"
Just then they heard the toilet flush inside Paulette's stall. They looked at each other in panic for a second, then Sneena turned on a faucet and acted as if nothing was wrong. MommyAnn followed Sneena's lead and did likewise, looking casual.
Paulette emerged from the stall and went over to a sink just two down from Sneena's and began washing his hands.
MommyAnn looked sideways at Sneena, then spoke to Paulette angrily.
"Paulette! What do you think you're doing in here? You should be using the MEN'S room!"
Paulette, drying his hands, turned to MommyAnn and responded snippily.
"MommyAnn, you shouldn't be gossipping like that, someone might overhear you!" And then he turned on his high heel, picked up his purse and left the ladies room.
That afternoon, Cathie gathered everyone in the large conference room for Francesca to make her announcement. Sitting in chairs at the front of the room were Cathie, Antonio, and Erich, with Francesca standing at the lectern.
"I want to thank each one of you for your wonderful support throughout my recent ordeal," said Francesca, "so a week from Saturday, I'm taking everyone to the city of love, Paris, France!"
Cheers and happy applause greeted her announcement, and the rest of the afternoon was spent talking and planning for the trip.
When things quieted down a bit, Cathie was walking back to her office. She noticed Jo softly sobbing in a secluded cubicle away from the other employees.
Trying to console her was, of all people, Paulette!
Cathie, normally not an eavesdropper, could not pull herself away from the spot where she was standing. After all, she reasoned to herself, 'I am responsible for the C*E*A personnel... if Jo's having a problem, I should know about it!'
"Don't worry, Jo!" she heard Paulette say. "We'll handle this situation together! I'll stand by you all the way! After all, it is my baby!
Don't miss the next exciting episode!