The Hungry House by Elizabeth Amelia Barrington Page A
Authors: Elizabeth Amelia Barrington
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listen."
"When I was a young man, I wanted to be a priest . I entered the seminary. Your thoughts and ideas are not totally foreign to me."
"That's not exactly on Wikipedia. What happened?"
" No, it's not well-known, and I'd appreciate it if you kept it that way. I came to realize that my interests were too broad for me to make a good parish priest. I was not a good fit. So, I had to leave my first love, as is so often the case in life."
"Have you ever regretted your decision?"
"No, never. Although I do sometimes become weary of 'Hollywood.'" On the word "Hollywood," John put imaginary quotes in the air.
"I can see how it could be wearying, but I'm a film buff . It'ss my secret vice." I laughed. "I could not imagine a world without the classic films like Grapes of Wrath or All About Eve to be honest with you."
"Excellent choices. "
After they had finished their meals while chatting, John placed his knife and fork across his plate and dabbed at the corners of his mouth with his napkin . "So, to summarize: You have my card and will call me if ever the need arises?"
I nodded.
"All right . It's agreed. "John looked at his watch." I have to get going. It's been a pleasure."
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The day I was to visit the set finally arrived, and it should have been one of the most thrilling days of my life, but it was tinged with sorrow because of the news that Mom's condition had worsened. The doctor reported the tumor appeared to be the same size, but Liz was extremely tired and weak. She had to be admitted to the hospital, where tests confirmed that the treatment for her cancer had not worked; it had spread. I had wanted to cancel the visit to the set, but Mom was adamant that I go, telling me to take as long as needed and that she wanted to "have a chat" when I returned. So, troubled as I was, I arrived as planned, after driving in the darkness just before break of day.
The scene was shot inside the People's Coop grocery store in Southeast Portland, which had been closed down for filming. A three-block radius had been cordoned off for the purpose. I caught up with a young man with glasses who wore a headset in one ear, walking past me at a fast clip and asked where I could find John. I was directed to his trailer. Once there, I sat, then I paced while continually making bargains with God. If you cure my mother, when I'm a doctor I'll treat people for free. Yes, that's it. I'll join Doctors Without Borders. If you cure my mother, I'll enter a convent. Oh, just give me a sign of whatever I have to do, and I'll do it. Even better, take me instead. Yes, that's the answer. Take me instead of my mother.
A few minutes after my arrival, John and Matt entered the trailer so John could have a cup of coffee in peace.
John glanced at me with a grin, "Okay kid, I'm almost awake and ready to go. He reclined on the leather sofa, and closed his eyes, occasionally sitting up to sip his coffee. Matt sat still and silent, while the great man rested, as if he were in church. A couple of minutes later, the three of us were out the door.
When we reached the set, it was amazing how many people were standing around. It seemed as if there were 15 or 20 people, most wearing headsets. I walked past a large screen set on a table next to the camera that showed the film set.
John purposely strode over to several directors chairs and introduced me to a 30-ish man with a beard. "This is Josh Cohen, one of my assistant directors." Josh seemed preoccupied with some papers in his hand and did not look up.
Then to Josh, "This is a friend of mine, Vicky Howell."
Now Josh gave me his full attention. He stood and quickly put the papers down on his seat behind him. "It's an honor to meet you."
I was given an honorary seat next to John in one of the directors chairs that had my name printed on the back canvas in large letters.
John looked incredibly serious and focused. In a loud voice, he said, "Let's go for a take!"
The
"When I was a young man, I wanted to be a priest . I entered the seminary. Your thoughts and ideas are not totally foreign to me."
"That's not exactly on Wikipedia. What happened?"
" No, it's not well-known, and I'd appreciate it if you kept it that way. I came to realize that my interests were too broad for me to make a good parish priest. I was not a good fit. So, I had to leave my first love, as is so often the case in life."
"Have you ever regretted your decision?"
"No, never. Although I do sometimes become weary of 'Hollywood.'" On the word "Hollywood," John put imaginary quotes in the air.
"I can see how it could be wearying, but I'm a film buff . It'ss my secret vice." I laughed. "I could not imagine a world without the classic films like Grapes of Wrath or All About Eve to be honest with you."
"Excellent choices. "
After they had finished their meals while chatting, John placed his knife and fork across his plate and dabbed at the corners of his mouth with his napkin . "So, to summarize: You have my card and will call me if ever the need arises?"
I nodded.
"All right . It's agreed. "John looked at his watch." I have to get going. It's been a pleasure."
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The day I was to visit the set finally arrived, and it should have been one of the most thrilling days of my life, but it was tinged with sorrow because of the news that Mom's condition had worsened. The doctor reported the tumor appeared to be the same size, but Liz was extremely tired and weak. She had to be admitted to the hospital, where tests confirmed that the treatment for her cancer had not worked; it had spread. I had wanted to cancel the visit to the set, but Mom was adamant that I go, telling me to take as long as needed and that she wanted to "have a chat" when I returned. So, troubled as I was, I arrived as planned, after driving in the darkness just before break of day.
The scene was shot inside the People's Coop grocery store in Southeast Portland, which had been closed down for filming. A three-block radius had been cordoned off for the purpose. I caught up with a young man with glasses who wore a headset in one ear, walking past me at a fast clip and asked where I could find John. I was directed to his trailer. Once there, I sat, then I paced while continually making bargains with God. If you cure my mother, when I'm a doctor I'll treat people for free. Yes, that's it. I'll join Doctors Without Borders. If you cure my mother, I'll enter a convent. Oh, just give me a sign of whatever I have to do, and I'll do it. Even better, take me instead. Yes, that's the answer. Take me instead of my mother.
A few minutes after my arrival, John and Matt entered the trailer so John could have a cup of coffee in peace.
John glanced at me with a grin, "Okay kid, I'm almost awake and ready to go. He reclined on the leather sofa, and closed his eyes, occasionally sitting up to sip his coffee. Matt sat still and silent, while the great man rested, as if he were in church. A couple of minutes later, the three of us were out the door.
When we reached the set, it was amazing how many people were standing around. It seemed as if there were 15 or 20 people, most wearing headsets. I walked past a large screen set on a table next to the camera that showed the film set.
John purposely strode over to several directors chairs and introduced me to a 30-ish man with a beard. "This is Josh Cohen, one of my assistant directors." Josh seemed preoccupied with some papers in his hand and did not look up.
Then to Josh, "This is a friend of mine, Vicky Howell."
Now Josh gave me his full attention. He stood and quickly put the papers down on his seat behind him. "It's an honor to meet you."
I was given an honorary seat next to John in one of the directors chairs that had my name printed on the back canvas in large letters.
John looked incredibly serious and focused. In a loud voice, he said, "Let's go for a take!"
The
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