Welcome to the Fifteen Minute Novel. Each morning I spend fifteen minutes writing on a singular story line. Each morning starts with the last line of the previous day. The goal is to get a (very) rough draft out of the simple story idea and to avoid letting the story idea languish in limbo forever, actually writing it out. This is the third year I have done this writing experiment and each year I learn just a little bit about myself and the way I write as well as creating a framework for the story. But without further ado…
Day 96: “I don’t think it’s come to that,” Gwen said with a smile.
“I don’t think it’s come to that,” Gwen said with a smile. She had been friends with Michael but never even dated him. And after Toby, Gwen didn’t think she wanted to think of marriage at all for a while. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to date for a while.
‘Better to figure out what I want first, then I can think about adding someone else in,’ Gwen decided.
The waiter returned with their meals and they ate companionably. “I don’t suppose you hae a planner, or calendar with you?” Margaret asked.
“My computer has a calendar,” she said.
“Ah yes of course, no need for a paper one I suppose,” Margaret said. “Well when we get him it might be beneficial to sit down with it,” she said. “After we put in your scheduled classes, there are a few upcoming events I would like you to attend with us. They are mostly dinner affairs so they shouldn’t interfere, but we should get them on the schedule so they don’t come as a surprise.”
Gwen nodded. “That would be good.”
“Especially as Jenny is quite likely to have Michael schedule something in the near future,” Margaret added. Her wyes slid to the door leading to the outside dining area.
“I was thinking I could meet up with him in the park,” Gwen said. “It seems like it is in between the two apartments.”
“Oh,” Margaret said. “Yes it is isn’t it?” She smiled. “What a lovely compromise. And it is a lovely park in good weather.”
“And as you aren’t there his step mother would have little reason to tag along,” Gwen said. “And if we start there she can’t get into a habit of coming along.”
Margaret blinked. “Indeed,” she said. She smiled with approval. “Although don’t think you have to stay in the park just for my sake.”
Gwen nodded. “I won’t but at the moment it is one place I know and both of us can get to.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Margaret said. “In no time you will feel comfortable in a wider array of locations. It probably won’t be as comfortable as Westport, but I am sure you will find it easier to navigate in less time than you think.”
“I’m sure I will,” Gwen said. “So what sort of exhibit are we going to see?”
Margaret was more than happy to take the change of topics and they discussed the museum and Gwen found out that not only did Margaret and George visit often but they routinely gave donations and in fact one of the events later in the summer would be a fundraiser at the museum. Somehow Gwen doubted it would be like the fundraisers that the school did when they needed a new gym.
‘Probably less cheerleader car washes for one,’ she thought.
Ten til Midnight 