The First Supper

A short, but full skirt, black tights, white tank and a black long sweater; no, too much. Jamie rejected her fourth outfit of the night. This was supposed to just be dinner at her house, if she looked too dressed up he would know it meant a lot to her, but if she dressed down in leggings, he would think she didn’t give a shit. Christ, this was frustrating. This is why I don’t date, Jamie thought. Then she cackled, a gross sound, to herself in her room; yea, that’s why she doesn’t date- not that she doesn’t get offers or anything. Her humor at her own expense was just the natural Valium she needed; she would have to examine that later- because there was no way putting yourself down and relaxing was a good thing.

 

Jamie put on patterned tights and a long sweater. This was March, in Berkeley, so it was totally acceptable to dress a little warmer and the leggings with the sweater were cute. So there! She even had 20 minutes to spare before Aaron was supposed to be here.

 

She walked into the kitchen to see what Grace was cooking; it smelled good as always.

 

“You nervous?” Grace smiled kindly at her daughter. Jamie shrugged; what would she be nervous for? The chances of this evolving into anything real were slim. She was a hot mess that came with emotional baggage. Hell, she wasn’t even speaking to her dad because he just tried to kill himself. How could she even think a man would find her desirable?

 

“What are you making?” Jamie asked her mom.

 

“Chicken with Dijon sauce, roast red potatoes and salad. Sound good?”

 

“Mom, obvi it sounds good! Everything you make is delicious!”

 

“Which of you fuckers wants to do my history homework?” Jamie’s sister Amy yelled out from her room.

 

“Jesus, Amy, why do you always have to be so crude?” Jamie hollered back.

 

“Because she’s 17, that’s why” Grace defended her youngest daughter.

 

Jamie reflected that there was once a time she would have been embarrassed by her sister’s obnoxious, yet endearing tendencies. She would have pitched a fit to her mom that they should send Amy to a friends for the night, so as not to send the evening awry. Now, at 21, Jamie welcomed the dysfunction that her sister brought to the table. Not only was it a good conversation topic, but it made Jamie seem more sane.

 

A quick glance at the clock revealed there was only 10 minutes left until the arrival. Jamie ran through a quick internal debate of if she should answer the door, or let Amy get it and then make a small debut coming out of the hall as he walked into the kitchen.

 

Before she had a chance to finish the debate, the doorbell rang.

 

“What the fuck!?!” Amy yelled.

 

There was an unwritten rule amongst the Stein women about punctuation. They were never on time, a quality that had driven Gordon crazy. The fact that this newcomer was 8 minutes early was slightly irritating.

 

“Amy get the door!” Jamie yelled. She knew there was very little chance Amy would show slight hospitality and lose the chance to make a dramatic entrance, but she thought it was worth a shot.

 

“Fuck you, you get the door ya dick!” Amy had such a way with words.

 

“Jamie, get the door, Amy watch your mouth” Grace concluded.

 

Jamie walked to the door shaking her hands out like one does after the finish the SATs. She slapped a smile on and opened the door.

 

“Hey! Welcome!” Jamie greeted Aaron.

 

“Thanks for having me,” he replied as he entered the house.

 

Jamie envied how calm he seemed. She wondered if that would come with age; that sense of ease going to someone’s house, someone of the opposite sex to be specific.  They entered the kitchen together and Aaron immediately walked over to Grace, with a sense of familiarity. Grace was not thrown in the slightest, she enveloped Aaron in a hug, in only a way a mother can.

 

“Hey sweetheart,” Aaron turned on the charm; not the same charm that he used at the dealership, this wasn’t about customer service. This was the type of charm people who didn’t like themselves used to make other people like them. Jamie missed that at this time, but upon later reflection- after everything went south- she was mad at herself for missing this.

 

Amy chose this moment to make her entrance.

 

“What’s up, bitch” was her greeting of choice to Aaron.

 

Jamie and Grace both widened their eyes. They knew how Amy operated, but this newcomer could easily take offense.

 

“Hey, ya clown nice to see you too,” Aaron responded. Jamie and Grace sagged with relief.

 

They all exchanged the regular chitchat and pleasantries and sat down to eat. Jamie and Amy trained their eyes on Aaron’s face. Grace was an exceptional cook and when people first tried her food there was always an appreciative, fleeting expression of surprise and joy. The sisters were not about to miss this. Aaron’s eyes widened fractionally as his mouth closed around his fork. Mission accomplished.

 

“Holy shit, Grace! Do you guys eat like this every night?” Aaron complimented Grace’s cooking.

 

“Yea, we’re fucking kings around here” Amy retorted. Grace rolled her eyes at Amy.

 

“Thank you, Aaron. You’re welcome anytime,” Grace responded.

 

“Don’t tempt me, I’ll move in tomorrow” Aaron said, with a quick glance at Jamie.

 

“Well, we do have an extra room right now, because my mom doesn’t have her own furniture yet. She let my dad have it in the divorce,” Jamie happily over informed.

 

They all ate and talked, keeping the atmosphere light. Grace and Jamie politely asked Aaron about is family and Arizona. Aaron returned his questions by asking what they all did. Amy disappeared to do her homework, while Jamie and Grace started working on dishes. In a suave move, Aaron some how got Grace to go sit down, so he and Jamie were doing the dishes together.

 

“Aaron! You’re the guest, you don’t have to do dishes!” Grace tried to argue.

 

“Trust me, Grace, this will be a one time deal,” Aaron won the battle and finished it off with a wink. Jamie and Aaron finished the dishes chatting happily about how full they were. Aaron joked he would be back for breakfast before work and Jamie retorted that that would be way too early for her. They were clicking.

 

Around 10:30, Aaron said he should be going. He had to be up for work at 5:45, an hour Jamie deemed ungodly. He thanked Grace for dinner, and hugged her; he walked down the hall and gave Amy a friendly punch. Jamie walked him to the door.

 

“Drive safe,” Jamie said.

 

“Thanks, I’ll try, but I won’t be able to get you out of my head,” Aaron caught her off guard as he enveloped her in a hug. Jamie hugged him back mainly out of habit, her mind was still frozen around his comment.

 

“Damn, you are the best hugger of all time” he said.

“Thanks,” Jamie smiled, starting to recover.

 

He leaned in, kissed her on the cheek and walked away, leaving her stunned at the door.

 

Jamie closed the door and smiled. This was going to be fun.

Their Meet was indeed, Cute.

She sat. It was another hot June day but still, Jamie sat on the couch staring into the TV screen. Law and Order: SVU was on, but she wasn’t seeing the dynamic Benson and Stabler take down perverts. She was wracking her brain for the answer- the explanation. There was no way this had happened without her actually doing something wrong.

 

It hit her: this could all be linked back to her dad. That fucker! As if he hadn’t done enough damage, he could easily be blamed for this! If he hadn’t tried to kill himself and been locked up, he would have been at work able at the dealership and she would have gotten an oil change no problem. But no, fucking Gordon, only concerned with himself. What a shocker, Jamie thought.

 

Back in March while Gordon was busy not confronting his issues in the mental ward, Jamie was forced to take her car to the local dealership that was running a coupon. It was at the front desk, checking her car in where Jamie first saw him; Aaron sauntered up to the counter, in the way only Aaron could. Jamie remembered thinking: who saunters these days? After the sauntering Aaron revealed the charm that was unique to him, and him alone.

 

Aaron started out with his smile; there was nothing overly special about the smile. He didn’t have perfectly aligned, white All-American teeth. Not to say that his teeth were gross, but that’s neither here nor there. Then there was the way he leaned against the counter- his whole forearm flat against the top as he casually turned his shoulder towards who ever the target was. His head still managed point away from who ever he was talking to, but the eye contact was direct. If you weren’t as observant as Jamie, you wouldn’t notice all these elements, but rather the charming man that was in front of you. The first time he played this move on Jamie, she swooned; literally swooned. Later, Jamie reflected that these were all words out of the cheesy books like Twilight or 50 Shades. Who swoons in real life?

 

“I’m Aaron, how can I help you today?” It started with regular customer dialogue.

 

“Hi Aaron, my baby needs an oil change today. Normally my dad handles this sort of thing, but basically he sucks at life. You guys have a coupon running so now I’m here,” Jamie continued in her usual fast-talking way.

 

They continued talking, getting the logistics across. Aaron filled out the paper work to get Jamie’s white 2002 Volkswagen Bug checked in for an oil change. Being the exemplary sales man that he was, Aaron made a point to ask Jamie if she wanted all the fluids topped off. Jamie also told him she needed her wipers changed out. This was the pivot of customer service to something more:

 

“So, this is all for free right?” Jamie teased.

 

“As long as there is dinner with you involved,” Aaron retorted.

 

Jamie felt her knees buckle slightly. She was used to random flirting but it never actually led anywhere. This incredibly attractive man was asking her out? Obviously she was thrilled, but Before Jamie could respond her mother, Grace walked in.

 

Grace was one of those people that everyone loved; she was loud but not obnoxious, funny but not rude, and wise but not a know it all. Jamie admired her mom, and they were extremely close.

 

“I’ll cook! Aaron, you are welcome whenever you’re free!” Grace called from the entrance.

 

You would think that Jamie would blush or stammer, but rather it boosted her confidence. If they were having dinner at her house, with witnesses there was very small room for error. The plans were made. It was Tuesday; on Thursday Aaron would come over for dinner. Jamie made her last move: when he handed her the invoice and said to call if she needed anything Jamie said:

 

“So, this is your personal cell phone we can call or text anytime of day?”

 

Aaron liked how forward she was. He flashed that smile of his, grabbed the invoice and wrote his number. With a wink he promised Jamie he would await her text. She was elated; stuff like this never happened to her. Just to be sure, she followed in the steps of Chandler Bing and made sure she got all ten digits. Yes, she was that insecure, but was instantly relieved to see seven numbers following the area code. Now, Jamie just had to keep calm and carry on… until Thursday.

Conflict Pt. 2

Jamie and Aaron Dialogue

“Jamie, are you mad?”

“Obviously, yea. You lied to me and you were rude to me in front of your friends. Get out, I need to change.”

“What are you even talking about? I wasn’t rude to you. You don’t know me! Nobody fucking knows me!”

“Aaron, is that a fucking joke right now? You think I don’t know YOU?! Oh honey, don’t flatter yourself. You are so easy to read, you’re like fucking Twilight! Get out so I can change.”

“I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE, THIS IS MY FUCKING ROOM.”

“Really, because we haven’t been sharing it all week?!”

“Jamie, just go home. Just fucking go home.”

“I don’t want to go home! I’m having fun! And guess what! Your friends LIKE me! THEY LIKE ME, AARON! They could not be more HAPPY FOR YOU that I am in your life!”

“JAMIE CALL YOUR FUCKING MOM TO PICK YOU UP AND GO HOME!”

“You’re just mad because I see the potential you have! I see you as a decent person and that scares you! It fucking scares you. Stop being such a little bitch and deal with it! Now GET THE FUCK OUT SO I CAN CHANGE!”

Conflict Pt. 1

Jamie Interiority:

I don’t understand what’s happening. Why did I let myself drink this much? Why doesn’t he realize how much I love him!? I just want to change out of this goddamn dress and heels… is that too much to ask? I don’t want to change in front of this moron while I’m fighting with him. I drank too much. Obviously I am mad that he snorted, lied to me about- but mostly that he did it at all. We’re here so this idiot can get better. No, he’s not an idiot; he’s lost. That’s why I’m here to help right? Why am I here? I just want to change out of this goddamn dress. Fuck you, Aaron. I am willing to put my happiness on the line because right now YOU are my happiness. I could never say that to him; good Lord, what if I did? I could never. He doesn’t feel that way about me. But… but, he did ask me to come with him here. Well, he didn’t ask so much as he picked me up. I drank too much.

RSVP to the Garden Party

Expository or Descriptive?

Pg. 6: Sadie brought them in…

Sadie brought them in… expository. Of course Laura and Jose…. expository. All the same,…. expository. Very… descriptive. Cook began arranging them,…. expository.

Pg. 9

Soon after that… expository. The band struck up… expository. Wherever you looked… expository. They were like bright birds… descriptive. Ah, what happiness.. descriptive.

Pg. 11

There lay a young man… expository. Oh, so remote… descriptive. He was dreaming… expository. Never wake him up again… expository. His head was sunk…. descriptive. He was given up… expository. What did garden parties… expository. He was far from all those things… expository. He was wonderful… descriptive. While they were laughing… expository. Happy… expository. All is well… expository. This is just as… expository. I am content.. expository.

Key Players

My narrative will revolve around two main characters:

 

Aaron Ortega

Male: 24 years old

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Living in: Berkeley, CA with a distant aunt

Occupation: Used car salesman

Education: Some college

Overview: Aaron moved to Berkeley to stick with the company he’s worked for since he was 21. He hates being away from his family, who is close with without realizing their enabling his stagnant life. In high school Aaron was the captain of the football team and wanted to go to the police academy after graduating; however due to his steroid use for football the academy denied him. Aaron is also a functioning alcoholic and has a minor drug problem. Aaron never feels he is worthy of being loved.

Family: 

Mother: Sandy Ortega, thinks her son can do no wrong and is just going through a phase… that’s lasted 24 years. Sandy is a teacher and the major breadwinner.

Father: George Ortega, sees his son as a buddy and is not an active parent. George works as mall security.

Sister: Katie Ortega, 22 years old, lives with her boyfriend Michael. Katie is a teacher and her brother’s biggest defender. 

 

Jamie Stein

Female: 21 years old

From: Fresno, California

Living in: Berkeley, California

Occupation: Part time care taker

Education: Some college

Overview: Jamie is struggling with where she wants to be in her life. She knows she should be in school, but she is coping with a myriad of obstacles. Jamie is bright and caring. She will do almost anything for those she loves most. Naturally Jamie has her own insecurities and her parent’s relationship has inhibited her communication skills. Those around her expect big things from Jamie, and ultimately she will deliver.

Family:

Mother- Grace Stein, worked retail then was a stay at home mom, after her divorce Grace went back to school to become a social worker. Grace and Jamie are extremely close.

Father- Gordon Stein, works as a sales manager for a car dealership. Has very little of a relationship with Jamie and her sister. Lives with his new girlfriend. Functioning alcoholic and pot head.

Sister- Amy Stein, a graduating high school senior. Is close to her mother and sister, but marches to her own path. Amy has unresolved feelings about her parents divorce and their move to Berkeley.

“There is no friend as loyal as a book”…

This wonderful quote was written by the renowned Ernest Hemingway. The idea that a book is a friend could not be more realistic. Books are companions; they provide comfort, take you to new places, introduce you to new people and teach you new things.

I could never choose just one novel to proclaim as my favorite. Every book I have read and enjoyed, has taught me something new and impacted me in various ways. Whether it’s to introduce me to the quaint romance between Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe or to provide the insight of circus corruption as in Water for Elephants. I have always been a dog lover and this was cemented in me when I cried over Where the Red Fern Grows in 5th grade. If I am lucky enough to have a son in my future, his middle name will be Atticus, so he will always carry the grace and compassion of the great Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. The Great Gatsby taught me that money can’t buy you happiness. Mindy Kaling wrote the words of some of the thoughts that I have had but could never articulate before in her memoir Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns). I followed the grief of Gus and Melanie when their kids who were in love attempted double suicide- and only one succeeded- in Jodi Picoult’s The Pact. When I fall in love with a narrative, the characters become my friends; I am immersed in their world. 

I don’t love every book I read, but the few I just listed are some of my favorites I could read over and over again. 

You Read the “Poky Little Puppy” and You Turn Yourself Around….

… Here’s what’s it’s all about!

“The Poky Little Puppy” was published in 1942 and was written by Janette Sebring Lowrey, a resident of Texas. “Poky” is a curious puppy exploring nature while his siblings stick together- there is also a lot of dessert involved. 

 

The YouTube video was narrated by a woman, who I believe was trying to sound educational, but came across as condescending. Her tone was unprofessional and she skipped quite a few words. When you listen to someone else read a story, your imagination is compromised as the characters don’t always receive the voice you picture for them.

 

Before I learned that the author was from Texas, in my mind I pictured the puppies playing around a farm in the English country side. The imagery of the nature and fields the puppies are in was rich and led me to imagine myself running down the hill with them. The author’s tone allows Poky to be portrayed as a curious little nuisance, not intending to cause trouble, and the siblings to be a pack of ding dongs. Given that the story was written in the 1940s I am led to assume that this was when sending your children to bed with no supper was not a Children’s Services violation. 

My main curiosity, is why are these puppies eating so many desserts?

 

This is a picture of my dogs, and while they are not running around a hill somewhere, Oliver in the basket is a Poky nuisance!

First Day of Class

Today I attended my first Intro to Narrative Art class. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the class, as I was unsure what I was entering in to. Any class that allows me to creatively write is a great class to me! I look forward to studying more with Steven Funk and developing my writing further.