Stacey's Big Break

I've decided to add to my Baby-Sitters Club fan fiction piece, sharing Stacey's perspective this time. While I related more to Mary Anne as a kid, I enjoyed reading about Stacey as she seemed to have it all together and always dotted her "i's" with hearts. The books about her were a lot of fun, especially "Boy-Crazy Stacey," which I decided to re-visit by bringing a character back from that story.

Before you start, read Kristy and Mary Anne's chapters, in that order.

~Stacey~

I wake up to sunlight streaming through my window, a pounding headache, and the chorus of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” playing over and over.  The latter being my ringtone.

“Turn that thing off!” I shout to no one, as Toby already left for work and it’s a little past 11 a.m. I cover my head with the pillow and groan, trying to piece everything together from last night. There was the impromptu dinner with the girls from the BSC, also known as my best friends in the world, aside from Laine. There was Kristy’s little attitude problem. And then there were the celebratory shots that Mallory and Dawn kept ordering for me. I don’t even know what time I got back to my apartment or even how I did that.

The ring tone shuts off by itself and I hear the ping telling me I have a new voice message. I hope it’s Kristy calling to apologize, but that would be asking too much.

After fixing myself some coffee, I check my voicemail.

“This message is for Stacey McGill. My name is Amanda Swanson and I am calling to invite you to audition for the national touring cast of Mary Poppins. Please come to the Javits Center on Saturday, March 19^th at 9 a.m. We hope to see you then.”

I nearly drop the phone. Mary. Poppins. My all-time favorite movie, and I have a chance to audition for the stage version! I want to tell all my friends at once, but I have a feeling they need a break from “The Stacey Show.” I decide to call Claudia instead, since it’s only a little after five in the evening in Paris.

After several rings, I’m about to hang up when Claudia answers.

“Hello?”

“May I speak to Claudia, please?”

“Stacey, it’s me.”

“You sure don’t sound like you.”

“Sorry. I think I picked up whatever my roommate brought home from the preschool where she teaches.”

“I should probably let you get some rest then.”

“No. You are calling me in Paris when everyone else lives somewhat nearby.”

“Well, since you’re my best friend, I thought you should hear first that I was invited to audition for the National touring cast of Mary Poppins!”

I am met with silence.

“Claudia? You still there?”

I hear some rustling.

“Sorry, I dropped the phone. What were you saying?”

“I was invited to audition for the National touring cast of Mary Poppins!”

“That’s amazing! They have to cast you as Mary. You know the whole movie by heart and you sing the songs perfectly.”

“Aww. Thanks!”

“Does anyone else know?”

“Before you dropped the phone, I was saying that you’re the first person I’ve told.”

“Before Toby? I feel honored. Do you think he’ll be excited for you?”

“Like you even have to ask? He knows this has been my dream.”

“How are you going to get married if you get chosen to be in the show and are barely home?”

“Let me figure that out. Why has this week been all about bursting my bubbles? First, Kristy questioned my marriage plans, and now you’re trying to keep me from auditioning for my favorite musical ever! Besides, it’s a tour and it might only go for a year or two.”

“What if you want kids? Aren’t you pushing the age limit to even try for them?”

“It hasn’t come up yet and I haven’t given motherhood much thought, thank you very much. Anyway, I should get going.”

“Okay… Well then, break a leg, and don’t forget to eat something before the audition.”

“Thanks… ‘Mom.’ Hope you feel better soon.”

“Thanks. Call me when the audition is over and let me know how it goes. Bye.”

After I hang up with Claudia, I pace around the apartment, trying to let out some negative energy. Then I start practicing “A Spoonful of Sugar” for the big audition while waiting for Toby to come home. I’m sure we’ll go out to celebrate, so I don’t even bother cooking.

***

I am up bright and early on Saturday, ready for the audition that could change my life. Quite a change from when I was woken up by the phone call about it a week and a half ago. I shower, change, kiss Toby while he’s still sleeping,  and am out the door with my audition bag (the “Kid Kits” inspired me to make a bag of stuff to keep me busy during the long waits at auditions) at 8:15. I hail a cab and am on my way to the Javits Center with plenty of time to spare so that I’m not completely rushed once I arrive.

Good thing I get there when I do, as the area roped off for auditions is already packed full of young women hoping for their big break on stage. I begin to wonder why they called me. Everyone else seems to be 10 years younger than me, or so it feels that way.

After waiting what feels like several hours and finishing a whole book, as well as catching up on e-mail (thanks, audition bag!), I finally get called in with about fifteen other girls. We’re led to a big conference room with a raised podium in front of a table with several men and women seated behind it.

I sit through several repetitions of various Mary Poppins tunes until I am finally called up to the podium for my turn. I make my way up there, trying to ignore the rumbling in my stomach that isn’t from nerves. (Why didn’t I listen to Claudia?!?) And as I’m standing on the podium, I see him. Jeremy Anderson. Tony winner several times over and intensely attractive. He's sitting at the table with the rest of the people who are patiently waiting to decide my fate, as I wait for the pianist to give me the starting notes. And he's piercing me with his radiant blue eyes, like he can see through me. Everyone else is giving me an impatient stare, in the meantime.
I think I'm supposed to say something, so I clear my throat and introduce myself.
"I'm Stacey McGill and I'm auditioning for the role of Mary Poppins. I'll be performing 'A Spoonful of Sugar' today." Then I look at the pianist to give him a cue to begin. I still feel Jeremy's stare as I position myself to audition for the role of a lifetime.
I hear the first note from the pianist, but then just a rushing sound in my ears like I'm underwater. My heart feels like it is racing a mile a minute, and just as I'm about to sing, the room turns pitch black.

Super Special

Blog Project 3.0 has been going on for about two years, even though one of the group members changed after a few months. I love blogging with this group and I hope we can continue to inspire each other.

This week, Darwin Shrugged chose the topic: An unexpected outcome

First, read what everyone else had to share on this topic. I will be only posting links to posts on this same topic from my group. So check back if you were hoping to read their blogs and don't see a link yet.

Darwin Shrugged
Froggie
Moma Rock

You may recall my fan fiction piece for The Baby-Sitters Club that I wrote back in 2014. Well, I've finally decided to write another chapter. I'm sure you didn't expect that, right? ;) (I will try to incorporate the topic in this chapter though.) Definitely read the chapter at the link above (if you haven't already, or if you want a refresher), before continuing here. I've decided to go with the format of Super Specials, which featured each character's voice in first-person when it was their turn for a chapter.

~Mary Anne~

The first thought that crosses my mind when I hear Stacey’s news is that I wonder if Alex will be at the wedding.
The second thought that crosses my mind immediately afterward is “Why am I wondering about Alex?”
I ponder both thoughts as I sit on the train, headed back to the Connecticut suburbs and my full house that somehow feels empty.
I met Alex before I started dating Logan. We were hanging out at Sea City and then we introduced his friend Toby to Stacey, once she got over her crush on that arrogant lifeguard. Alex and I stayed in touch as pen pals for a little while, at least until I met Logan. Then I will admit to slacking off on the letters until they became non-existent. I wonder if Alex even cared that I stopped writing. It’s not like he ever called me. So even if he were at the wedding, I don’t know that he’d be happy to see me.
And that brings me back to my other issue. Why should I even care what he thinks? I’m supposed to be happily married to my childhood sweetheart. Well, at least according to my Facebook posts. We’ve been together longer than I can even keep track of anymore and have five kids to show for it. So why am I even entertaining the idea of seeing a guy I only hung out with for a few days and stayed in contact with for a few months? What’s wrong with me?
It all comes down to Logan. I barely even see him these days. He works late hours and then I’m asleep by the time he gets home and I don’t wake up until long after he’s left the next morning. I only see him when Tanya wakes me up in the middle of the night for a feeding, but he’s sleeping by then. We send short e-mails to each other regarding stuff around the house or something to do with the kids. That’s been about it lately. I don’t even remember the last time I actually heard his voice aside from his outgoing voicemail message. This all led me to tell Kristy that I think Logan is cheating on me. I’m sure I’m being ridiculous though. I don’t recall a time he was ever unfaithful, even when we went to separate colleges. We still spent every weekend together, alternating who did the traveling each time. I immediately feel guilty for accusing Logan of cheating and for entertaining thoughts of reuniting with a guy from my past.
Then the curiosity gets to be too much and I open my Facebook app, seeing if I can first find Toby’s profile, which will lead me to Alex’s. I’m sure Stacey is friends with Toby on Facebook if they’re engaged. I’d be surprised if she didn’t update her relationship status as soon as she told us her news at dinner. And that’s another thing. When she told us about her engagement, I felt a pang of jealousy. That’s not normal for someone who has been married as long as I have. It can’t be.
I easily find Toby’s profile and am about to search for Alex’s when a text message comes in from Jodie, my 13 year-old.

When R U getting home? Dad said he’s gonna be super late again.

I text back that I’m on my way and ask if everyone is asleep.

Max is playing Legos in his room and Tanya is fussing around in her crib. The other 2 R sleeping.

I still don’t know how I managed to have five kids. Jodie was such an easy baby that she made me think I could handle another. Kate was born almost two years later. Then came the twins, Rory and Max, a few years after that. And now Tanya, whose arrival in my life was rather unexpected. Thankfully, the others help with her a lot. Max is outnumbered as the only boy, since Rory is a girl too. He is content to hide out in his room and play Legos though.
But where was I? I go back to my Facebook app with Toby’s profile open and look up the name Alex. I’m a bit fuzzy on his last name, but I think it started with a K. Of course, none of them have a last name with a K. For all I know, he and Toby are no longer friends. Or Alex isn’t on social media. I put my phone back in my purse and stare out the window, while my thoughts lead back to Kristy’s subtle hint at us working together again. I never really gave it much thought over the years. Kristy has a certain management style that would take some getting used to again. I also don’t know how I’d swing childcare. Maybe when Tanya is older and starts preschool, I could make it work.
Then something inside me snaps. I gave up on having a career when I first became a mom. I never even considered going back to my job as an executive assistant to a restaurant franchise owner after Jodie was born. Once I went on maternity leave, I knew I could never leave her with someone else while I spent each day in the office. However, part of me was itching to do something productive aside from feeding and changing diapers or tackling mountains of laundry. Logan convinced me that I was doing an amazing job as Jodie’s mom and that childcare would cost more than my salary, so what was the point of even working? He was making enough for the two of us to live comfortably. However, I’m tired of just spending my days shuttling the kids to and from school and after-school activities or lessons. The Mommy and Me group I attend with Tanya is so boring and I have nothing in common with the other moms, aside from having babies around the same age.
I pull out my phone again and text Kristy.

Are you still interested in me helping you with Nanny Corp?

I almost immediately receive a text back.

Are you serious?!?

I could find a way to make it work. Are you open to me telecommuting for now?

Let’s talk tomorrow. I’ll call during lunch.

Sounds good. Great seeing you tonight.

Same. Let’s make this happen!

Satisfied with my text exchange, I then open Google and search for divorce lawyers. And I don’t even find myself getting emotional about the possibility.
What’s wrong with me?

You win some, you lose some....

I recently entered my first fiction writing contest (well, at least since high school, even though those were entered for me by my amazing creative writing teacher). I didn't win, but I'm not disappointed about it. The winning story was really good! I'm glad I had the opportunity to compete and that Every Free Chance Books allowed me to share my story here now that the contest is done.  (I wasn't sure if it would become their property whether I won or lost.) I want to thank Samantha Stroh Bailey for helping me with editing and for her support and encouragement!

Keep in mind I had to write this in 1000 words or less. Not so easy....

Side note: I did win a caption contest on Facebook recently and got a $10 Amazon gift card. It was a picture of an empty toilet paper roll and a full toilet paper roll right next to each other on the same holder and I said "This is how we roll." I apparently made the author who was running this contest giggle...a lot.

The Destiny Do-Over

“And you're Mary Tyler Moore. I don't care what they say about us anyway. I don't care…”

I reach out to whack my snooze button and notice that my clock radio isn’t where I normally put it. I somehow manage to whack someone in the face instead, as I hear a stream of expletives behind me. Except the voice doesn’t belong to Dan, my boyfriend of two years. And my room looks like it has thrown up a 1990s shrine, complete with Backstreet Boys and Friends posters.

“Okay, if this is some sort of surprise fortieth birthday prank, it’s not funny!”

“Aren’t you aging yourself a bit there, Jackie? You just turned twenty-one.”

The voice sounds familiar, and not necessarily one I want to hear first thing in the morning. Especially since it belongs to Bryan, my ex-boyfriend from college. Either I got really drunk on my last night of my 30s or I’m having a nightmare that I just can’t seem to snap out of. I squeeze my eyes shut and roll over, hoping that when I open them again, it will be March 11^th, 2014.

I slowly open them. Chandler, Monica, and the gang are still looming over me from their spot on my ceiling. And now “Wonderful” by Adam Ant is playing on the clock radio that I still have yet to locate. “Did I tell you that I was wrong? I was wrong…”

As I look around my dorm room from junior year of college in 1995, I can feel my heart racing and I suddenly have trouble breathing. There’s no way this could be happening. No way. As I try to regain composure, I brush some stray hairs off my face, noticing that they’re much longer than the sleek brunette bob I recently got used to.

“Deep breaths, Jackie. You didn’t miss your Business 201 exam. You still have a few hours to study. That’s what’s wrong, right?”

“That’s far from what’s wrong at this moment. I’m supposed to be at work. And you’re not supposed to be here.”

“Slow down. What are you talking about? You signed me in last night when you were too drunk to get back up to your room alone.”

“I know this is going to sound absolutely insane but humor me for a moment. Today is my fortieth birthday and last night I was celebrating with my boyfriend, who I’m sorry to say is not you. When I went to bed, it was 2014, but now I’m somehow supposed to believe that it’s 1995. And that I’m twenty-one again. I don’t even have my iPhone here to prove that it’s true.”

“Is that like a phone you use with your eyes?”

“No. It’s half the size of what you would call a cell phone and you can do e-mail, surf the web, text, take and post pictures, Tweet…”

“Tweet? Text?” Bryan scratches his shoulder length blond hair, reminding me of how much I used to like running my fingers through it. I quickly snap out of my daze.

 “Look, I don’t have time for this. I need to find a way back.”

“A way back to what? Is there a secret time portal in your closet?”

It suddenly hits me that I gave up on my plans for the future to follow Bryan to Los Angeles so that he could follow his dream of writing the next big Hollywood film. And when he achieved that dream, he tossed me aside like the crumpled up scripts that made their home on the floor of his dorm. Something inside me snaps this time. I’m not going to live that life again. If I want to live in L.A., it would be on my own terms and I’d have a successful career to show for it. Who knows if it will lead to meeting Dan this time around, but if we’re meant to be together, we’ll somehow find each other. All I know is that I’m breaking up with Bryan now, before I waste my life on him again.

“Bryan, I can’t go out with you anymore.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Absolutely….not.  I have plans for my life and can’t waste them to focus on your big goal. Find another girl to follow you while you find yourself. I’m done.”

“Look, I have to run to class. Why don’t you sleep off your hangover and when I get back, we’ll talk about this.”

“There’s nothing more to talk about,” I say as he shuts the door behind him, a little too aggressively.

 I curl up in my bed, content in my decision, and doze off while “Zombie” by The Cranberries plays softly on my radio.

*****

“You're my end and my beginning, even when I lose, I'm winning…”

As I hit the snooze button, the smell of pancakes and coffee drifts into my room. It actually makes me feel slightly ill. I must have had more to drink than I thought.  I reach for my iPhone to check the date and to my relief, it says March 11, 2014.

“Happy birthday, sweetie!”

I turn to the voice that doesn’t sound anything like Dan and discover, to my complete shock, that Bryan is still here. But he’s an older, even more attractive version.  And he’s holding a tray with pancakes, hazelnut coffee, and a small bouquet of roses.

“How…how did you…how are we…”

“I’m guessing that when you had your weird time travel freak-out and decided to break up with me, I did some thinking.  So here we are…you, the hotel magnate and me, the Oscar nominated screenwriter. Now get yourself ready for work and then prepare to be wined and dined tonight!”

Either 1995 or the other version of 2014 was a dream, but after looking at my slightly rounded belly and feeling another wave of nausea come over me, I realize there’s no more going back.

Back from my fiction break

Last month, I did not post any fiction because I just couldn't get into the mindframe for writing anything substantial. I was unmotivated due to everything going on in Israel and even in the US. However, fiction writing keeps my mind strong and I missed coming up with ideas. I did write a short fiction piece for a contest recently, but won't know until Monday if I won or not. Hopefully, I'll be able to share the piece one way or another. (So wish me luck! Thanks!)

The story I have for this month is based on a real-life situation I read about a few years ago and found recently in Timehop. (I LOVE that app!) 

Bring Out the Big Guns

“Mail’s here! And it looks like my diploma arrived too. I’m an official graduate!”

“That envelope looks a bit small to be holding a diploma, don’t you think?”

“Maybe it’s a letter telling me where to pick up my diploma?”

Chris used his index finger as a letter opener and pulled out a letter written on letterhead from Hargrove High School.

Mr. Lyons:

It has come to our attention that you used an inappropriate word in your Valedictorian speech, implying gun violence. Therefore, we cannot give you your diploma at this time and have alerted the admissions office at Princeton that you have not officially graduated.  If you wish to appeal this decision, please have it to us in writing within 30 days of receiving this letter.

We apologize for this change in plans.

Regretfully,

Simon Grinne

President, Hargrove High School Board of Education

Chris read over the letter several more times in stunned silence.

“What? You’re starting to scare me here.” His mom, Abby, tried to glimpse at the letter, but Chris held it against his chest, still standing in shocked silence.

“Gun violence. When have I ever told anyone to use guns?”

“What are you talking about?”

“They said I can’t officially graduate because I 'implied' gun violence in my speech.”

“I’m sure it was a misunderstanding. I have your speech on video. Unless I was sleeping—which I wasn’t—I didn’t hear a thing about using guns. You’re the least violent person I know! And I’m not just saying that because you’re my son.”

Abby scrolled to the video on her iPhone and turned up the volume. When it was finished, she still looked puzzled. “There’s nothing about guns in here. I am—I mean—we are going to take this to the school first thing tomorrow so they can tell that idiot Board President that he was hearing things. “

“Good. Maybe we’ll get this whole nightmare behind us. I hope I can convince the admissions office at Princeton that it was all a mistake.  Liz and I were supposed to go there together. She’ll freak out if she has to go without me.”

“We’ll get this all figured out. Don’t worry about it.”

*****

“Mrs. Lyons. Christopher. Thank you both for coming in. We’ve reviewed the video of Christopher’s speech several times and there’s no mistaking it. He said the word ‘shoot.’ According to school guidelines, words that are related to guns in any way are not permissible at school programs.” Simon Grinne adjusted his glasses and scratched at his bald patch as he spoke.

“He said ‘shoot for the stars.’ It’s a common saying.”

“He could have said ‘reach for the stars.’ It would have been more acceptable.”

“Then why didn’t you review his speech before he gave it and make the appropriate edits. Isn’t this your fault?”

“Given that he’s the Valedictorian, which makes him the smartest student in his class, he should have taken the responsibility to look over the guidelines before writing his speech. My hands are tied here and we cannot let him graduate given that he promoted gun violence in any capacity, even unintentionally.”

Chris groaned and buried his head in his hands.

“Simon, if this is about me turning you down for prom way back when, ruining my son’s life is not the way to handle it.”

“Well, aren’t you full of yourself, Abigail Grant. What made you think I’d even remember you until you just mentioned that?”

“The fact that you told everyone I was pregnant with Dan Harper’s baby after I turned you down, but the laugh was on you because Dan came out of the closet around that same time. I know you’ve been waiting to get revenge ever since.”

“You’re just a bit paranoid, Abigail. That still isn’t going to change what your son said in his speech. He can appeal it all he wants, but a rule is a rule.”

“With all due respect, Simon, we will find a way around this. Chris would never hurt a fly.  And he’s way more popular than you would have ever been, even if you had been in school now. So you know where you can shove your pompous attitude.”

Chris just scowled at Simon as he followed his mom out of the office and back into the warm June sunlight.

*****

Dear Mr. Lyons,

We regret to inform you that we received a letter from Hargrove High School’s Board of Education stating that you did not graduate. We have no other choice but to revoke your admission. Should you resolve this matter and take the extra steps to graduate, we can add you to the bottom of our waiting list.

Best of luck to you.

Sincerely,

Rosie Watson

Dean of Admissions

Princeton University

This time Chris was vocal in his response to receiving the letter from Princeton that threw his future a huge curveball. “They’ve got to be kidding me. Did they even bother to listen to my side? No! I would never use a gun, but I have the strong desire to kill Simon right now.”

“Don’t let him hear you say that or you’ll probably get pushed back to freshman year and have to start high school all over again.”

“This is not a time for jokes, Mom! What is Liz going to say? She’ll probably break up with me. No one wants to date a Valedictorian who can’t even manage to graduate and get into an Ivy League school! I’m screwed!”

“I’m sure Liz will understand. She loves you, right?”

“I guess we’ll have to see.  I dread finding out though.”

*****

Dear Chris,

After our talk the other night about your new college plans, I’ve decided that I should make a fresh start by going to Princeton as a single lady. I don’t think I can do the long distance thing. It’s been a great couple of years, but I’ve decided to move on and see what happens in college.

Love (as a friend),

Liz

Chris slammed his laptop shut and threw it on the ground, jumping on top  of it. How could his girlfriend of almost three years break up with him through a Facebook message? What was wrong with the world?

“Christopher Joseph Lyons! That is not the way for a Valedictorian to behave! You’re paying for any damage done to that computer, so you might as well get a job while you’re waiting for this graduation issue to get resolved.”

“But she...broke up….with me….on Facebook!” Chris was sobbing as he continued to stamp on his laptop. “And who is going to hire a Valedictorian who didn’t graduate, can’t get into Princeton, and whose girlfriend broke up with him through a social media site? I’m. A. Joke!”

“I’m sick of the self-pity party. So you said a word that was taken grossly out of context. We’ll fight this. You’re better than Simon Grinne ever will be.”

“You’re just saying that because you’re my mom.”

“The entire student body was cheering for you at graduation. You were invited to all the parties year-round. Clearly I’m not the only one with a high opinion of you. Besides, you haven’t checked the mail today.”

“Why should I? All I seem to get is more bad news.”

Abby sighed and handed him a letter encased in a gold envelope with fancy calligraphy on the front.

Dear Mr. Lyons,

We would like to formally invite you to visit Wrightman College and see how an education here can open doors for you in your future career path. We heard about your predicament and we would be open to you just taking an admission exam in order to qualify. We are a prestigious college, established in 1882, and we only invite people we believe would represent us with the utmost quality.

Please contact us at your earliest opportunity to let us know if we can arrange a visit to our campus.

Sincerely,

Jasmine Kirtch

Dean of Admissions

Wrightman College

“Is this some kind of trick to make me feel better?”

“No! It’s real. It came in the mail today. I’ve never even heard of this school.”

Just then, he heard a pinging from his iPhone, alerting him to a new Facebook message.

“If Liz wants me to take her back, it’s too late.”

“Maybe you should just look for yourself.”

Hey Chris,

I wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear what the school did to you. You totally didn’t deserve that. I found out when Liz got all drunk outside Taco Bell and decided to tell everyone who walked by how her boyfriend somehow ruined HER life. Of course, the gossip got to me pretty quickly, given my sister, Tiffany, is her best friend. In any case, you should have received a letter from Wrightman College by now. My cousin’s father-in-law works for the admissions office and I asked her to tell him what happened.

I also wanted to thank you for not making a freshman like me feel invisible. It’s hard to fit in when everyone expects me to be like my sister, and I’m not. So I appreciate you giving me attention that was purely about me and my interests. It means more than you know.

Anyway, if you decide to go to Wrightman, I hope you’ll stay in touch.  

Your friend,

Marnie Douglas

Chris reread the letter several more times in quiet contentment.  Before he could even think of something deep and meaningful to say back, he decided to write a quick message instead.

Marnie,

I believe I have something to celebrate. Care to join me for ice cream in 30 minutes? I’ll swing by.

Hope to see you soon.

Chris

Simon may have made his life a nightmare, but maybe he did him a favor in the end. Either way, Chris hoped Wrightman would give him the tools to become far more successful in the future and he imagined what the look on Simon’s face would be when that happened.

My Attempt at Fan Fiction

A while back, I read an awesome book called Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (reviewed here). It's about a girl who writes fan fiction for a book series that is similar to "Harry Potter." It made me think about my favorite book series from when I was a kid and how it would be fun to write fan fiction for it. As you may remember, I was a huge fan of "The Babysitters Club" back in the day. I decided to write about the characters as adults in the 21st century. I just put a chapter up here and who knows where I'll go with it, but I had fun getting back into the heads of characters I felt so close with at one point.

~Kristy~

I finally have a few minutes free from calls and meetings to take a lunch break. Business at Nanny Corp is still moving along at an amazing pace, which is nothing to complain about, but it means I rarely get more than a few minutes to myself. Of course, the moment I sit back waiting to devour my leftover chicken lo mein in peace, my cell phone starts buzzing. Stacey’s picture pops up on the screen.

“Yo, McGill, what’s up?”

“Kristy! You actually answered your phone. When was the last time we talked? Three months ago?”

“Ha ha ha. So FUNny!”

“Okay, so are you free at eight tonight? I’m trying to get the local girls together for dinner and drinks. I have something to celebrate!”

“What is it?”

“You’ll see. I want to share the news with everyone at once. Can you meet me at 21 West?”

“Let me check my calendar.” I quickly glance at my Outlook calendar, but of course I don’t have anything booked for the first time in weeks. “Yeah. I should be able to get there. Is Mary Anne coming?”

“I think she’s having Jodie babysit again. She’s almost 14, if you can believe that!”

“We’ve known her since I started a sub-agency of the club to find people to babysit for her after she was born.”

“Right. And get this. Dawn is in town for a photo shoot. It will be so great to have her there too!”

“So we’re only missing Claudia then, huh?” Claudia has been working in Paris as an artist and rarely ever gets back to the states these days. “I’m sure Mallory will be available if you can tear her away from Biggest Loser or whatever reality show she’s watching tonight.”

“I’ll give her a ring.” Stacey giggles nervously then. “Okay, I’ll let you get back to whatever you were doing.”

“Sounds good. See ya later.”

After hanging up, I silence my phone and tell Amanda, my assistant, to take messages until I say otherwise. Yes, I have an assistant. I still have to pinch myself every day to believe this much about my career. Nanny Corp stemmed from the BSC after college and has taken off since then.  It’s going so well here that I could probably retire and it would run on its own without flaws. Then again, I thrive on being busy. It beats going home to an empty apartment and allows me to not focus on the fact that I haven’t dated since the worst breakup ever.

After lunch, the rest of the day moves at a quick pace again and before I know it, it’s a quarter after seven. I wrap things up and then walk 15 blocks to 21 West. The early October brisk air is invigorating after being stuck behind a desk all day. I also figure that if I get there early, I can catch up with Mary Anne before everyone else shows up. And as I see her getting out of the subway station, I thank myself for leaving the office when I did. She spots me and runs over, wrapping me in her embrace.

“So great to see you, Kristy! It’s been a horrible week. This is the first time I’ve been out of the house when it’s not for groceries or doctor appointments. Tanya is a spit-up machine. And Logan rarely ever gets home before ten, if he comes home at all.”

“We are definitely getting you a drink then. At least you have an instant babysitter these days. I don’t know how you’d manage five kids on your own otherwise.”

“Yeah. Jodie loves being the responsible big sister now. And now that she’ll get allowance for it, she is even more eager for me to leave the house. I’m hoping this will become a trend.”

“She could start her own BSC,” I say wistfully.  

As we approach the restaurant, Mary Anne blurts out “I think Logan’s cheating on me.”

“Mary Anne, sweetie. Logan would never cheat on you. He’s crazy about you.”

“When was the last time you saw us together? I mean, seriously? He is rarely home, and when he is, he doesn’t even look at me. I think he even screens my calls too.”

“Maybe it’s something else. Maybe something’s going on at work? Isn’t he an investment banker? I heard there have been a lot of layoffs in the field.”

“I wouldn’t know. He doesn’t tell me anything anymore.”

“Okay, we’re definitely getting you a drink and then we’ll get to the bottom of this.”

“Hey guys!” Mallory greets us at the door. Apparently, Stacey’s news trumped reality TV this time. “Stacey got us a table upstairs.  She sent me down here to look for you. Dawn is already here too.”

Mary Anne lets out a little squeal. “Dawn’s here?!? Awesome!” She races up the stairs.

Mallory and I walk up slowly so I can fill her in on what Mary Anne told me.  I’m not a gossip, but we all still look out for each other and I’m secretly hoping Mallory can do a little spy work. Maybe it will keep her from being glued to the TV all the time.

When we get to our table, Stacey and Dawn hug me before we all sit down.

“Dawn, when were you going to tell us you were in town? This is such a great surprise!”

“I only found out yesterday and was busy preparing for cross-country travel. I love living in L.A. again, but I miss it here sometimes. I’m back for a few days, but then have to head to Vermont after this for another shoot. Evan usually does the east coast, but he broke his leg last week.”

Dawn is a photographer for a travel magazine, but she normally focuses on the west coast. Even though I feel bad for Evan, I’m secretly glad she has an excuse to come out by us. I don’t know when I’m ever going to get to L.A.

“So, Kristy, how is the business going?” Dawn turns everyone’s attention to me.

“It’s going really well. I could probably hire someone else on now just so I could get a little break. Anyone interested?” I ask cheekily, winking at Mary Anne.

“Oh, I would if I could work from home,” Mary Anne chimes in.

“Can’t you get a daytime sitter, even to work part-time? You’d be so great at this and we could be partners again.”

“I wish it were that easy. If Logan’s job is in trouble, like you think, then it might not be a possibility.”

“Maybe he could be Mr. Mom for a while, like that Lonestar song?”

“He’s still a dad, even if he doesn’t work.”

“Sorry. Anyway, what’s up with you, McGill? What are we all celebrating? Did you finally get a starring role on Broadway?”

Stacey went to a fine arts school after graduating from Stoneybrook High and gets bit parts in off-Broadway shows, but nothing to make a living from. She’s a server at Hal’s Diner on West 84^th when she’s not performing.

“Um, no. This is better. I met ‘The One.’ Mary Anne, do you remember Toby from when we went to that Sea City trip with the Pikes? Alex’s friend? Well, we never stayed in touch after that trip, like, 30 years ago. However, he came into Hal’s when I was working one of my shifts. It took a while for us to figure out how we knew each other, but when it clicked, it was just one of those perfect moments. We’ve been going out every spare moment I have available.”

“And you tease me for not being around?”

“Oh whatever. I would have told you about him weeks ago if you actually answered your cell. Anyway, we went to the Poconos this past weekend and he said he didn’t want to waste any more time not being together and got down on his knee right in front of everyone at dinner.” Stacey puts her left hand on the table, showing a huge, sparkling diamond.

“STACEY! That’s amazing! Congrats!” The girls got up and hugged Stacey while they all jumped around and screamed. It’s good there weren’t many other people dining up here. When they finally sat back down, I reached out for a fist bump.

“Great news, Stacey.”

“Is something wrong, Kristy?”

“No. How long have you been dating anyway?”

“A few weeks? I lost track of time. We practically live together now.”

“Why rush into a marriage then?”

“What is your problem, Kristy? Let’s get this out now, while we’re all here. Am I not allowed to be happy with someone?”

“Never said that.”

“Then what? Are you jealous because you haven’t been in a relationship in almost eight years?”

“Ha! Like I even have time for a relationship. If I wanted to be in one, I totally could.”

“Just because Patrick broke up with you by kissing another girl on the ‘Kiss Cam’ at the Yankees’ game while you were there with us, just a few rows in front of him….”

“They caught my mortification on the video too, you know.”

“Still, it was EIGHT YEARS AGO! You two only dated for half a year anyway.”

“Let’s forget it. I’m happy for you Stacey. Really, I am. I just don’t want you to rush into something and potentially get hurt.”

“I know what I’m doing. Thanks though. Chardonnay, anyone?”

“Does Claudia know?”

“I haven’t told her yet, but I’m going to call her tomorrow. At least she’ll be excited for me.”

“Whatever. I’m tired and need to get some more research done before tomorrow’s meeting.” I toss a few 50 dollar bills on the table. Dinner’s on me in honor of your special news.”

“Gee, thanks. Call me when you’re not too busy.”

“Will do.” I hug the other girls. “Mal, can you make sure Mary Anne gets to the subway safely?”

“Sure thing!”

“Dawn, let’s do lunch before you leave. We need to catch up more!”

“I have a really tight shooting schedule, but I’ll call if my schedule opens up.” Dawn doesn’t look too happy about the tension between Stacey and me.

I head out of the restaurant, and it feels like the temperature dropped 30 degrees. I wrap my jacket tighter across my chest and walk the five blocks to my apartment, wondering why I’m really so bothered by Stacey’s good news. 

Just for fun, I decided to cast everyone as adults:
Kristy: Rashida Jones
Stacey: Rachel McAdams
Mary Anne: Elizabeth Reaser
Dawn: Piper Perabo
Mallory: Natasha Lyonne

Taking on a guy's voice

I usually write fiction from a woman's point of view, so I decided to focus on a guy this time.....

Yours for Eternity

Adam Carver had all these ideas of what Heaven would look like, but he didn’t imagine what he saw at this very moment.  Somehow, he had been transported into his dorm building from college, Harrison Hall. A television in the corner was showing the Super Bowl from 1986, when the Bears last won. That was his favorite Super Bowl memory. Apparently, the guy behind him was watching something different on that same television because he was laughing hysterically.  Between laughs, he was trying to explain. “Jack…just thought…Chrissy was…sleeping with Mr. Furley!” Adam hoped that this guy wouldn’t be his roommate for eternity.

Where the dining center would have been was a food court with his favorite junk food establishments from Dunkin’ Donuts to Sonic to Ben and Jerry’s. He slowly inched his way to the front of the check-in line while taking in all the sights before him. The best part was that all the girls he laid eyes upon were gorgeous. And the radio was playing Nirvana music without so much as a commercial or announcement in between. Of course, the guy behind him could be listening to something completely different and he didn’t care to know what it was.

He finally made his way to the front of the line. “Welcome to Cloud Three!” The man sitting at the table was bald, wearing a long white gown with wings and a halo over his head. This was almost too much to take in. Did angels really dress this way for the fun of it? Or was this another play upon his vision of what Heaven should look like?

“Hello? Your name, please?” The angel was waving his hand in front of Adam’s face rapidly to get his attention. “I’d say ‘come back to Earth,’ but that’s not really an option now, is it?”

Adam’s face turned bright red, but he managed to regain his composure. “Adam. Adam Carver.”

“Ah, yes. I have your paperwork right here. It says you arrived at age 36 on April 24^th at 8:22 pm after a texting and driving accident. Was anyone else with you at the time?”

“Nope.”

“Well, that’s good, at least. You would be in a much different place otherwise if you had taken someone else down with you. “

Adam shuddered at the thought. “Thanks, I guess.”

“Would you like a mentor? Heaven is quite an adjustment, even if it’s everything you’ve ever wanted. There are still some guidelines to make your stay for eternity much more pleasant than it would be already. And before I forget, do you want me to send a message to anyone so they know where you’ve ended up?”

“Like a sign?”

“Exactly! Who should get the sign and what kind of sign should it be? And if you’re not sure now, you can call down to the front desk when you’ve made your decision.”

“No need to wait. I want my mother, Marianne Carver, to get the sign and it should be in the form of extremely hard to get tickets to the Bette Midler concert next month.”

“We can arrange that. Here are the keys to your room. We haven’t assigned a roommate yet, but the right match for you hasn’t arrived yet either. We prefer for all roommates to get along or to have had a connection back on Earth.”

“Fair enough.”

“Oh, and don’t forget to take your iPad equipped with Facebook for the Afterlife. Just keep in mind that your grandparents are most likely not using it. However, you can look up anyone on here to find out where to locate them, even if they don’t have an account. Only the ones who actually have accounts will be available for friend requests.” Then he leaned in and whispered conspiratorially “And if you need a dose of schadenfraude, you can even see who didn’t make it into Heaven and is spending eternity in a less desirable location, also known as ‘that other place.’”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.”

***

Adam’s room was set up to his liking, with posters of his favorite movies and bands on the wall and a large flat screen television on the wall opposite his bed, equipped with streaming Netflix and a Wii. He was quite literally in Heaven now. The best was the fridge, stocked with his favorite beer and snacks, as well as a freezer full of Ben and Jerry’s cartons. He wondered if everyone got this kind of treatment and whether he was booked for a massage at the spa that was constantly being advertised in the building. He’d check later, but would settle in for now. While he felt guilty for leaving his mom and all his closest friends behind when he made that foolish decision to text his latest conquest that he was running late, he figured that this wasn’t a bad way to spend eternity. It could have been much worse. He remembered that movie, Defending Your Life, where the guy was trapped in purgatory and had to explain his actions from past situations. Adam seemed to have a quick ticket to Heaven without having to go through any hoops first. It was-almost-too good to be true!

After finally feeling like he was settled in, Adam switched on his iPad to see if he could find some long lost relatives, and find out if anyone he didn’t like ended up in “that other place.” It was relatively easy to look up names and he was pleased to find out the guy who bullied him in grade school and later got killed in a drunk driving accident was now in “that other place.” He was also glad to know that his grandparents and a bunch of other relatives were in Heaven too. He’d have to go to their buildings to visit them soon. They’d be surprised to see him, but probably sad that he didn’t get to live to an old age. 

A pinging sound interrupted his thoughts. He saw that a message had just come in from someone named Madison Delaney. Adam racked his brain to see if he could remember anyone with that name, but drew a blank.

You don’t know me, but I was wondering if you could help. There was a computer glitch when I died and I ended up in “that other place.” I’m not supposed to be here, but no matter how often I argue with the gatekeeper, he won’t let me out without someone to claim that I belong in Heaven. Can you talk to one of the angels up there to see if they can get me out of here? It really sucks. I am stuck in the office where I had my first job and am constantly making copies of every boring document in existence. One page at a time. Please. Do whatever you can to get me out of here!

Adam was flustered by this message, as he didn’t know computer glitches could really happen. He wondered how long she was stuck down there.

I’m sorry to hear this. Has anyone else tried to help you yet? How long have you been down there?

His iPad pinged a moment later.

A few people but they never got anywhere and gave up on me. Three years.

I’ll do my best, even if I have to come down there myself and get you.

You won’t want to do that. Trust me. The gatekeeper will make you jump through hoops. This is why people keep giving up on me.

Well, hang in there and I’ll see what I can find out from up here.

Adam then went to Madison’s page. There was a picture of a beautiful girl with long, blond hair cascading down her back, held off her face by a headband. She had mesmerizing blue eyes and her smile made him weak in the knees. He’d get her out of “that other place” if it was the last thing he did. Then again, it was eternity, so he would want to get her out sooner rather than later. He heard another ping.

You’re the best! XOXO  So, tell me how you ended up in Heaven? How old are you? I’m 32.

I’m 36 and I died while texting and driving. What about you?

I drowned while learning how to surf. Pathetic, huh?

Kudos to you for trying. Where did you live?

I was born in Iowa, but then my family and I moved to Hawaii. You?

I’ve lived in Chicago my whole life.

Fun. I never even made it out there when I lived in the Midwest.

Too bad. You would have loved it here. I never made it out to Hawaii either, so I guess we’re even.

True. Anyway, I have to get back to making more copies or I’ll be stuck doing an even more menial task. Thanks again. Hope to hear some good news soon.

Soon you won’t ever have to make copies again. I’ll make sure of that!

It sounds easier than it is or I would have been out of here by now.

***

The next morning, Adam went down to the main lobby to talk to the first angel he met.  

“Adam! How are you liking it here? Do you have everything you need?”

“Things are great. Thanks. I have more than enough. I wanted to know if you could help me though. I recently found out that a friend of mine ended up in ‘that other place’ because of a computer glitch. Can you go down there and get her out?”

“If I was able to get people out of ‘that other place,’ don’t you think I would by now? People down there are always contacting my residents to ask for help by saying that they ended up there by mistake.  I found that out the hard way once, when I liberated a guy and then later found out that he abused and neglected his pets. I would have been ‘Head Angel,’ if not for that incident.” The angel’s previous cheery demeanor was replaced with a scowl.  “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to run orientation for some new residents. I highly suggest you attend.”

“Thanks anyway. And where is orientation?”

“The lounge on the top floor. See you in five.”

After the angel sulked off, Adam took out his iPad to shoot off a message to Madison.

The angel won’t do it. I’ll find another way. I promise.

Figures. One animal abuser ruined it for all of us innocents down here.

Don’t worry. I’ll find a way. Hang tight.

Thanks. Off to make more copies now. Yay. :P

During orientation, Adam zoned out a lot to think of ways to rescue Madison from a lifetime in “that other place.” He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to go over his angel’s head to someone higher up, or if they would even believe him. Damn that pet abuser! Well, he’s apparently not damned anymore since he managed to trick Adam’s angel.

“Heaven to Adam.” The angel was waving his hand in front of Adam’s face again while a few others snickered. “We’re going around saying where we’re from, our ages, and how we got here. It’s your turn.”

“36. Chicago. Texting and driving.”

“Is that the worst way to go or what?!?”

“While you were on some other planet, we’ve established that everyone on this floor was texting and driving. You’ve obviously done something really good in your life to earn instant access to Heaven.”

“Well, I was a volunteer fireman and rescued several children when no one else would go in and do it.”

“Sounds like you’ve really earned your ticket then. And that also explains your fixation on that friend of yours in ‘the other place.’”

“Ooh! You were contacted by someone too? Those ‘other place’ people just prey upon us Heavenly people to help them out. It never happens though. We’re supposed to block them or report them.”

Adam couldn’t fathom doing that to Madison. Perhaps if they had both lived, they would have found a way to meet as mortals and would have possibly fallen in love. Either that, or he was just deprived for so long that he’d actually text someone for a booty call.

As if Madison were reading his mind, he found a message from her when he got back to his room.

Any luck yet?

Still working on it. I won’t let you down, no matter what anyone else says.

That’s a relief, I suppose. If you had ended up in “the other place,” what do you think you’d be doing?

Probably sitting through Professor Frankel’s world history lesson. It was so boring and he just droned on and on. He was like that teacher from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. And then he expected us to write essays about what he was talking about and I barely took any notes because it was just so hard to stay focused.

I can’t imagine that being any fun. Not sure if it beats menial work in a dingy old office working for the crankiest woman on Earth.

You’d be surprised. Anyway, I’m going to work on my plan to get you out of there.

If you can do this, I'll be yours for eternity.

I like the sound of that....

***

After doing some research and exhausting every possibility, Adam decided that he had to just go down there and rescue Madison himself. If he could rescue children from burning buildings, this would be a breeze. The gatekeeper couldn’t be all that bad, right? Maybe if he wore all white and said he was an angel-in-training, he wouldn’t be questioned as much.

That night, he put his plan into place. The walk was longer than he expected, and he also had to take two buses and an underground train. However, he finally made it to “the other place.” It wasn’t hot or raging with fire and brimstone like he expected. He peered through one of the spaces in the wooden fence to see what was going on. People just looked miserable, stuck in various mundane tasks. He hoped that Madison would know he was there so that she could just leave with him. There was no turning back now. Well, he could have turned back if he really wanted, but he came this far. He knocked on the giant door that marked the entrance between the fences.

The door was opened by a tall and brooding man who reminded him of a Disney villain. Perhaps Jafar? “Can I help you?” His deep voice unsettled Adam and threw him off his game.

“Um…yes…I’m here to pick…up one…of your residents? Madison Delaney?”

“And why would you be picking her up?”

“I was told that there was a computer glitch and that she was supposed to be up with us in Heaven?”

“I hate to break it to you, buddy, but there is no one named Madison here.”

“Did someone get her already?”

“She either doesn’t exist at all or she is still alive and has yet to arrive either here or in Heaven.”

“Oh. That’s just strange. We’ve been in contact for the last day or so.”

“Well, you could always wait for her here…since there’s no going back to where you came from.”

“But….I’m an angel!”

“Then where are your halo and wings?”

“I’m an angel-in-training.”

“Take a look, buddy. If you were an angel, your transportation would be waiting to take you back. Do you see your transportation now?”

Adam turned around and only saw a dark wall. He went over to it to find an opening and hit something solid. It truly was a wall.

“Come with me. I’ll show you to your room. Your roommate is famous for defrauding people of a lot of money. Don’t let him swindle you, even though it sounds like you let someone else do it already.” Then the gatekeeper let out the most horrifying laugh. It hurt Adam’s ears and he covered them tightly until the sound faded away.

When he arrived in his new room, he was pleased to find it empty for the time being. “Tomorrow morning, you will report to building six, room 405, for world history with Professor Frankel.” With that, the gatekeeper let out another horrifying laugh and walked away.

Adam turned on his iPad to send a note to Madison.

What is the deal?

The message instantly bounced back to him with an error message: User does not exist. Adam threw his iPad across the room, shattering the screen, and then buried his head in his pillow and sobbed in agony of his new situation.

***

At that same moment up in Heaven, Kitty Lockhart shut off her iPad and set it down on her nightstand. “Score one for Kitty, zero for Adam.”

Her best friend, Matilda, was lounging on the other bed, watching reruns of My So-Called Life. Kitty’s announcement drew her attention away from the TV. “What did you do this time, Kit?”

Well, remember that guy who got me to fall in love with him and then invited me to meet him in Chicago a few years ago? I got there and called him to pick me up from the airport, but he pretended to not know who I was. Turns out, he had met someone else and was too much of a coward to tell me before I actually purchased a flight out to visit him. I was so upset that I just hopped the next flight back home to Seattle. However, that flight malfunctioned and crashed. So, if it weren’t for him being a complete tool, to put it nicely, I would still be alive. I don’t even know how he was allowed into Heaven in the first place. So I made sure to send him where he truly belongs, courtesy of my ‘good friend,’ Madison.”

“Well, I hope I never get on your bad side then! I wonder if dinner tonight will be catfish, in your honor.”
Matilda laughed to herself and went back to watching her favorite show.  

Kitty sat back in her bed and cracked open her favorite James Patterson novel, a satisfied smirk on her face.

***

Chicago: May 21^st, 2014

Marianne Carver wiped her eyes on her sleeve as she opened the envelope that came in the mail, revealing a ticket to the upcoming Bette Midler concert. “I knew he made it up there,” she whispered to herself.

Fairy Tale Fun

I recently read Desperately Ever After by Laura Kenyon, which is about some fairy tale princesses we all know and love, but told in a modern style in the vein of Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives. That has inspired me to revisit an idea I came up with a while ago, which was to do something with a fairy tale to make it fit into modern times. I chose to write Goldilocks and the Three Bears as a chick lit novel. You can read more about it here. I don't know if I'll ever continue with it, but I thought I would try to write a little something that went along with an idea I had fun coming up with originally.

Chapter One from Just Right:

The Longest Lunch Break

Call me crazy, but I love Mondays. They’re the one day a week that I have a standing lunch date with three of my closest friends at Sutton and Stafford, the investment firm where we work as support staff. We check out the trendiest restaurants Manhattan has to offer and I make notes for my posts in “Just Right,” my restaurant review blog.

I’m in the mood for Thai today, so I hope Jeannie, Stacy, and Cameron will be up for it too. Since it’s a refreshing 60 degrees out, I skip the subway and walk the 30 blocks to the office. (I wear my sneakers and pack the sensible work shoes that pinch my feet.) I pop in my earphones and set my iPod to my classic rock playlist, starting off with “Hold the Line” by Toto. The balmy breeze feels good after a long, insufferable winter.

Several songs later, I arrive at the front lobby of Sutton and Stafford and greet Mervin, the security guard. He seems distracted today for some reason, but I am in a rush to get started on my day so lunch will arrive that much sooner. When I get out at the 10^th floor, something doesn’t feel right. It’s almost too quiet. Sheila isn’t at her reception desk, where she normally chats to her friends and paints her nails. Most of the lights are off and there are boxes all over the place. I find Stacy at her desk, staring blankly into a void. “We’re done for, Goldie. Ollie Sutton got involved in a Ponzi scheme and screwed us all over in the process. Everyone has been let go.” She then buries her head in her arms and starts sobbing.

I try to choke back my own tears, but they’re too powerful. I love working here. There are so many perks to the job, like gym membership, a Starbucks on every other floor (including the 10^th), iPads for every employee, company parties on a private yacht…just name it, we probably have it as a perk. Besides, I make enough to live comfortably in my own apartment that rivals the one Monica and Rachel lived in on Friends. It terrifies me to think that I could lose all of this. And there’s no way I will go back to Connecticut to live with my parents. I’ve come too far.

All I say to Stacy in response is “I guess our lunch date is off then.” She just cries harder though and I keep her company until Jeannie and Cameron show up. Apparently, I have been the only one in the dark lately. The others somehow saw this coming from a mile away. You’d think someone could have warned me! But no, Ollie knew what he was doing with those investments and he was supposed to double the company’s income in a matter of weeks. Turns out, he’s never going to see that money again. And, of course, this is going to be all over social media and my gossipy sister, Silver (yes, my parents had a weird sense of humor when naming us) will tell my parents in no time. This is going to be a disaster.

I slowly pack up the items from my desk and avoid answering any calls to my desk and cell phones. I take one more spin in the most comfortable desk chair I’ve ever sat in. (It won all sorts of ergonomic awards. I’m not even joking here.) Then I say goodbye to my lunch buddies, promising that we’ll touch base soon via e-mail to network for other jobs.

I’m too upset to enjoy this beautiful spring day and take the subway back to my apartment, hoping I’ll be able to hang onto it as long as possible. After dropping off my stuff, I stop at Lolly’s Diner on West 81^st, suddenly realizing that I never had breakfast (I usually get a muffin at Starbucks), and that I’m starving. Another thing I’ll soon have to stop doing if I hope to survive in New York as long as possible…dining out. There goes my blog as a result.

Lolly’s daughter, Cindy, who now owns the diner while still working as a server, recognizes me right away and seats me at my regular booth. “What’ll it be today, Sugar?” (I love how she embodies the classic diner waitress personality.)

“The usual, thanks.” My usual is a short stack of pancakes with blueberry syrup and a side of scrambled eggs with peppers and onions mixed in. And no, I’m not pregnant. (Not that I even have someone to help me get pregnant.)

“Either I’m having déjà vu or it’s Sunday again. You’re never in here during the week.”

“I know. I just lost my job and before you ask, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Oh, Sugar! Sorry to hear it. Breakfast is on the house today. I’ve got to keep my favorite customer happy.”

“You don’t have to do that. Besides, you already got a good review in my blog already.”

“And look how many customers it has brought in. Why do you think you can’t get your regular booth on Sundays anymore.”

“Hah! Like that many people even read it. The restaurant is a tourist trap since the front was used on Roxie’s, back in the 80s. You have nostalgia and really good food going for you. That Seinfeld restaurant has nothing on this place!”

“Have you looked at the number of followers you have, Sugar? I think tourists come to New York just to try the restaurants you’ve been reviewing. You should forget about investment banking and get a job in the food business. At least monetize your blog for now.”

“What do you know about blogging?”

“I have my sources. And I’ve heard that some newspapers have been asking about you.”

“Really, now?” I look at Cindy skeptically. “You’d think they’d be calling me if they really wanted me.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you start getting some calls soon. Just saying. Anyway, your breakfast is up. I’ll be right back. Need anything to drink?”

“Well, since you’re paying, I wouldn’t mind a tall glass of chocolate milk.”

“You sure you’re not pregnant, Sugar?”

“You crack me up. Now hurry with those eggs and pancakes before they get cold and I have to write a new review.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

As I dig in, I mull over what Cindy said about doing more with my blog to make some money from it. I’ve been doing it as a hobby, but monetizing couldn’t hurt and every little bit I make could keep me in my apartment that much longer. Maybe I could get some free meals out of it too. A girl’s gotta survive in the Big Apple somehow, right? I’ll look for sponsors when I get home. For now, I’m going to enjoy what I’ve written up as the best breakfast in the city…even if you’re not pregnant. 

Wishing and hoping

Our blog project group has once again changed by one member, but I'm still calling it Blog Project 3.0. The newest member is Darwin Shrugged, a friend of Froggie's. I recently got to know her better through "52 Stories" and I look forward to what she has to say on the upcoming topics.

This week Darwin Shrugged chose the topic: Be careful what you wish for.

First, read what everyone else had to share on this topic:
Darwin Shrugged
Froggie
Moma Rock

Since I couldn't think of anything to talk about, I decided to do my short fiction piece for the month. (By the way, I realize I didn't do a fiction piece for February, unless the one about switching with Moma Rock for a day counts. I just had a rough month between falling on my face and dealing with a nasty cough for a while.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Wishing Web

Could this afternoon be any more boring?!? Violet Murray tapped her fingers on her desk impatiently while scanning the latest updates in her Facebook newsfeed. Everyone was talking about the weather and wondering how much more snow was going to hit NYC. She probably could get some filing or copying done, but she really didn’t care at this point in the day. Almost everyone had left for the holiday weekend and she was stuck until her shift ended at five. Anything would be more exciting than this right now. I wish...

Before she could complete her thought, something flashed in bright pink and purple on her newsfeed. Not another useless ad, Violet thought.

“Are you sick of being miserable? Do you have a wish that’s in need of coming true? Then click HERE!”

The word “HERE” kept flashing in alternating pink and purple colors. Violet clicked on it just to make the flashing stop.

Welcome to WishesComeTrue.com! Type your wish below and read the waiver before clicking “Go.”

Yeah, right. This is probably a scam.

As if the website could read her thoughts, an extra window popped up with a chat screen inside. “This is not a scam. You get to make one wish, courtesy of a generous and anonymous donation. Once you make the wish, you can’t take it back, so think really hard first!”

Violet glanced at the clock at the bottom of her screen. It was practically five o’clock now. She typed “Thanks. I’ll be back later.” Before she could log off, another chat window popped up. “Once you leave this site, it will disappear and you won’t be able to come back.”

Great, I’m stuck here when I’d just like to go home and kick off President’s Day weekend early. Then again, it’s not like I’m doing anything for Valentine’s Day tonight anyway.

“Don’t waste your wish on finding a boyfriend. Just like the Genie from Aladdin, we can’t make anyone fall in love with anyone else.”

Okay…this is getting creepy. Intriguing, but creepy.

“Shouldn’t you be leaving by now, Vivian? You don’t get paid for overtime. What? No hot date tonight? Too bad.”

Violet’s thoughts were interrupted by her boss, Allison. The same Allison who was the most popular girl throughout their junior high and high school years. She still didn’t recognize Violet, even though their desks were always next to each other and their lockers were even closer.  Not many last names could fit between Murphy and Murray at their school. Even so, she liked to rub her social status in Violet’s face whenever she could. She also never got her name right. If only she could have been part of Allison’s crowd all those years. Maybe then she’d have some respect and wouldn’t be fetching Allison’s coffee (grande skinny mocha latte, no cream or sugar) every day.  She’d have the confidence to get a more exciting job too.

That’s it! I will use the wishing website to go back in time and become part of the popular crowd.

“Yes, I’m just shutting down. I do have plans to go to a concert tonight. Jewel is performing.” Violet crossed her fingers behind her back in hopes to get a little information out of Allison.

“Really?!?” Allison smirked. “I never liked Jewel. She was nowhere near as cool as The Dave Matthews Band.”

“To each their own, right? Well, have fun on your date. See you on Tuesday.”

“Night, Veronica.”

Violet clicked back over to the wishing website and typed in the box “I want to go back to 8^th grade and become popular.”  Then she shut down her computer and headed out to live out the rest of what she hoped would be her last boring day.

***

The next morning, Violet woke up to the smell of eggs cooking and the sounds of her favorite late 90s music playing on the radio. Her CDs of her favorite female singers like Tori Amos , Jewel, Ani DiFranco, and Fiona Apple were stacked on her nightstand, next to her CD Walkman. She was definitely in her childhood bedroom. YES! The website worked! Just to double check, she went online and typed in the Facebook address. Of course, it came up with an error. Her computer calendar showed 2/13/98. Looking in the mirror, she saw her 13 year-old self.

“Violet Grace Murray! You have to leave for school in 20 minutes! Are you coming down for breakfast?” Her mom shouted her usual morning script. Normally, Violet would dread going to school, but today she was going to win over Allison and become part of her crowd. It was part of the wish agreement. That whatever she wished would come true.

***

When Violet got to school, she sat by her locker in hopes that Allison would come by. Her best friend, Irene Kiriakis, came over instead. “Hey Vi. How was your evening?”

“You ask that every day. I just did homework and went to bed. What about you?”

“I stayed up a bit too late watching a Party of Five marathon. I probably shouldn’t have done that, but it’s just so good!”

“That’s cool. I wish you’d watch The X-Files already. Best show ever!”

“Bailey is way hotter than Mulder.”

“Whatever.”

“Anyway, there’s a new show that came out called Dawson’s Creek. Want to have a marathon this weekend? My parents taped the first few episodes since the time conflicts with Greek school.”

“I guess.”

“Well, I’ll save them until tomorrow night, but that's it. I’m dying to watch it already!”

Just then, Allison and a few other girls from the popular crowd showed up, giggling and talking about the Valentine’s Day dance they were planning to attend tonight.

“Hey, Allison!”

“Um, do I know you?”

“You copy off my homework all the time, so I hope you do. Anyway, I managed to score tickets to the Dave Matthews concert tomorrow night. Want to join me?”

“Seriously?!? How did you get those? The concert has been sold out for weeks!”

“I have my secret ways…”

“Well, you’re my new best friend now. Want to go shopping before the concert? And then go to Pizza Hut? My brother could drive us.”

“Sounds good.”

Violet felt Irene tug on her sleeve. “I thought we were watching Dawson’s Creek this Saturday?”

“What’s that?” Allison wrinkled up her nose at Irene.

“Just some show Irene wants me to watch with her. It can wait. The concert isn’t something we can tape and watch the next day.”

“Gee, thanks Vi.” Irene walked off looking dejected.

“What’s, like, her problem?”

“She’s probably just jealous. Not that she even likes Dave Matthews anyway.”

“So, should my brother and I pick you up at three tomorrow to hit the mall?”

“Can’t wait!”

“Do you want to sit with Julie, Mags, and me at lunch today?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Great. Let’s walk over to Mr. Gregory’s class. The bell’s about to ring and if I get another tardy, I might as well kiss the concert good-bye.”

***

Violet woke up the next morning with a pounding head. She was in a room that was neither from her childhood nor from where she was living before the wish came true. Stumbling to the bathroom in the early morning darkness, she nearly tripped over several people camped out on the floor.

When she finally made it into the bathroom, she squinted after turning on the light, only to see a complete stranger staring back at her. And this “stranger” was, dare she say it, hot!  After taking in her new appearance, including a decent set of abs and a larger chest area than she remembered having before, she went online to check Facebook. Maybe that would help her figure out some of the pieces of her life since her wish came true. All she knew was that it had to be more exciting than her previous one was. 

She must have a different login and password than she remembered from before, as she was having trouble getting in. She googled herself and didn’t find any mentions of Violet Murray. Typing in just “Violet,” the first few links that popped up were pop culture links, such as Perez Hilton. They all showed pictures of the gorgeous “stranger” from her mirror. Except she looked more and more drunk in each picture she saw. One of the headlines read “Violet Grace: Train Wreck or Lost Cause?”

Well, this isn’t good.

Just then, her phone rang. Someone laying on the floor groaned, indicating she should probably get it before everyone started waking up.

“Violet! Where are you?”

“Mom?”

“What? This is Cassie. Your agent? Or are you too drunk to remember? You’re supposed to be in hair and makeup right now for your appearance on The View.”

“So I really am a celebrity then?”

“Just wake up already and head over to the studio. You were needed there 20 minutes ago.”

***

On her way over to the studio, Violet checked her iPhone for more information about herself on the Internet. Putting some pieces together, she learned that she was a former Bachelorette who ended up breaking up with the guy who supposedly won her heart.  There were several articles about her in People and US Weekly.

When she arrived at the dressing room for guests of The View, Cassie ushered her inside, handing her some Tylenol and a large glass of some disgusting green drink. “Your usual hangover remedy. Drink up! You’re on in five minutes. Good thing you always look fabulous. No time for hair and makeup now.”

Violet pinched her nose and drank as much of the stuff as she could tolerate without throwing up. Then she felt Cassie guide her to the set.

One of the women on The View started talking. “Today, we’re featuring women who were friends with celebrities before they became famous. Our first guest is Dr. Irene Frost, who says she was once best friends with celeb-reality star, Violet Grace. Irene, do you have anything to say to Violet?”

Irene, who looked a lot different than the plain girl whose greasy hair always hung in her face, walked tentatively over to her. “I don’t even know why I’m doing this. I guess I just wanted to see for myself what a joke you’ve become. To validate why I was able to get over us parting ways. No, wait. Not us parting ways. You ditching out on our plans in order to hang out with Allison Murphy.” She practically sneered while saying Allison's name. “Where is Allison now? Probably resenting that you became even more popular than she was. I bet she made nothing of herself. In the meantime, I’ve gone on to become a world-renowned cardiologist and I’m now married with two kids. And what do you have now? Maybe you were at the top of your game for a while, but all the drinking and sleeping around is noticed by the whole world and no one really likes you right now. Especially me.”

“Irene…”

“I’m not done yet. I’m actually glad you ditched me. I wouldn’t have wanted to be sucked into your crazy life. I just hope becoming popular was worth it for you.”

“Look, I don’t even know what happened between that morning in 1998 and right now.”

“Yeah, right. Did you get amnesia from drinking too much?”

“I hope you can forgive me.”

“Even if I could, I still wouldn’t want to be part of your life now.”

Violet felt tears of guilt and remorse pooling in her eyes and ran off the stage at that moment. She was sure that interaction would be played over the Internet for days, weeks, or even months. She couldn’t escape what she so carelessly did to her best friend. She also couldn’t make any more wishes on that website. However, she could reinvent herself, even if it meant a few months in rehab and staying off the celebrity grid for a while, if that was even possible. Hopefully the world would accept a more toned-down Violet Grace Murray. Either way, she wanted to be someone she could live with. That’s all she could really wish for at this point.

Like to party? Hop along the Hump Day Blog Hop on Julie Valerie’s Book Blog. Click here to return to the Hump Day Blog Hop.