The Fifteen Minute Novel 2023: Day 138

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 138: It was quite the transformation.

It was quite the transformation. Neither looked as they did in class and Gwen wondered if this was the look they put on for the people in their parents’ social circle or if the close they wore there were them playing dress up.  ‘It could be both,’ she thought.

Somehow the thought made her feel better about dressing to deal with charcoal and paint stains in class.  She felt Michael shift and as silly as it was, she was glad he was here with her. She knew she would have to deal with them in class on her own, but this first time, it was nice to have someone here.

“So, what are you doing here,” Kelly asked.

“My grandparents are members and they asked that I join them,” Gwen said.  “And you?”

“We come every year,” Nico said.  His eyes narrowed.  “You’ve never been here.”

“No, I haven’t.  I was never in town during events,” she replied.  Gwen didn’t feel the need to add that she had never been in the city until recently either.

This seemed to take the pair back as they paused to think of a response. Nico looked to Michael.  “Never seen you here before either.”

“This is my first time here,” Michael said.  “I don’t live here either by my father and stepmother are members and they asked me to come with them.  Why are you here?” The question was polite, and Michael’s tone sounded almost bored.

“Our parents are members and we come every year,” Nico said. 

“Are you only here during the school year?” Kelly asked.  Gwen suspected she wanted to know what school she went to so she could more accurately gauge her social standing. 

“No,” Gwen said.  “Michael and I went to the same school though which is how I know him.”  She smiled.  “It was a surprise running into him when I arrived this summer.”

Kelly tilted her head to the side and opened her mouth for another question.  An older woman came up behind them.   “Kelly, Nicolas, how lovely to see you.”

They both turned and their smiles morphed into ingratiating lines. 

“Mrs. Wallace, how lovely to see you this evening.  Are you enjoying yourself?” Kelly asked. 

“Immensely, dear,” she turned to Gwen and Michael.  “Michael, darling I am so glad you were able to attend this year.”

“Thanks Aunt Bea,” Michael said.  “It’s nice to see you looking so well.”

She waved away the comment but looked pleased at it.  “It was a cold, nothing more than a trifle.  I don’t know why these doctors make such a fuss.”  She looked at Gwen.  “And you could only be Margaret and George’s granddaughter.  Gwen, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Mrs. Wallace it is. It’s nice to meet you.” Gwen said. 

“And I you dear.  You must come over for tea while you are here,” she said.  “Margaret has told me so much about you that I feel as if I already know you.”

“I would be happy to,” Gwen replied.