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 140: “Now, about this list?” Gwen prompted.
“Now, about this list?” Gwen prompted.
The rest of the event passed in a calm and composed matter. She spoke to Michael and then when he was called away to talk to others his stepmother wanted to introduce him to, Gwen moved around the room making polite conversation with people who were on good terms with her grandparents.
It was not the most scintillating of conversation. Besides politely telling them she was in town and staying with her grandparents, there was not much to say. She mentioned she was enjoying herself in town. Overall they were just speaking to her to be polite. There were few people her age and most were in the group with Kelly and Nico. She did notice that after a time, that group disappeared.
In time, she met back up with her grandparents and they made their way back to the car with Sebastian.
“So how did you find it?” Margaret asked.
“It was fine,” Gwen said.
“Chatting with the old folks about the weather,” George said with a smile. “I’m sure it was oodles of fun for you. But we do appreciate you going.”
“Thanks. Did you just want to make sure people didn’t think you made me up?” she asked.
“Well after that story of Big Foot camped out in out basement circulated, we do find it better to present proof before the stories get out,” George said.
“You don’t have a basement,” Gwen reminded him.
“True,” George said. “Probably why no one believed the story. It really does come down to details with things like that.”
“Did you discuss the weather all night,” Margaret asked, ignoring her husband.
“Not once actually,” Gwen said. “I did tell a lot of people that I was enjoying the city a lot though.”
“Well I suppose it was a good first meeting,” Margaret said. “And the cocktail style parties are a bit more difficult. You just sort of wander and meet everyone. If you know lots of people it is great as you can flit from group to group and see everyone in the same evening. If you don’t then it is less fun. In two weeks we will be going to a dinner,” Margaret said. “It makes it much easier.”
“Because you are trapped at the same table with the same people for the duration,” George said. “They can’t escape you.”
“And as some of them will have already met you,” Margaret continued, ignoring her husband. “You can talk about more than how you are enjoying the city.”
“How was your friend Michael,” George asked.
“He seemed fine,” Gwen said. “I saw him yesterday so it wasn’t a big surprise, just him in dressier clothing.”
“I meant with his parents,” George asked. “They seemed happy to present him.”
Gwen nodded. “I noticed that.” She shrugged. “I’ll ask him next time I see him. We’re going to the movies in a few days.”
“Jenny was both annoyed and relieved,” Margaret said.
“Annoyed and relieved?” Gwen asked.
Ten til Midnight 