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 58: “I think I can cross anything that golf as a required business skill off my list of things to pursue,” Gwen decided.
“I think I can cross anything that golf as a required business skill off my list of things to pursue,” Gwen decided.
“Well it is good to have at least one thing decided,” Margaret looked at the bags. “I think we might have done enough retail damage today. Would you like to get something to eat?”
Gwen felt her tummy rumble in response to the question, reminding her that she skipped out on several meals. “I think that might be a good idea.”
They headed back towards the car. Gwen assumed that her grandmother called Sebastian, either that or he was diligently watching the entrances as once they reached the edge of the shopping center the car glided to a halt in front of them. Sebastian opened the trunk and their purchases went inside. Gwen and Margaret got into the back. Gwen gave Sebastian the name of a restaurant and off the car went. Gwen started as her phone buzzed with an incoming message.
Gwen pulled her phone out of her bag.
“Feel free to answer it,” Margaret said. Gwen looked at the phone. It was Lisa calling. She saw there were eight missed messages and three missed calls. Deciding it might be better to get it over with, Gwen pressed the button and lifted the phone to her ear.
“Hello,” she said.
“Oh my god you are so hard to reach,” Lisa said. “And I desperately need you. Toby and I decided on a June wedding so there isn’t much time to get everything together. There is so much to do. The dress and all the bridesmaids things and the flowers and a venue. When are you getting back? You know I need you for this.”
Lisa finally took a breath.
“Lisa I am not helping you plan your wedding to Toby,” Gwen said. She felt stunned and frowned even as the words came out of her mouth.
“But you know I can’t do all this myself,” Lisa said. The voice came out as a whine. And Gwen’s frowned deepened.
“Why would you think I would plan anything?” Gwen couldn’t help but ask.
“But you plan everything remember. Lisa decides what she wants to do and Gwen makes it happen,” Lisa said.
Gwen shook her head. “Not anymore,” Gwen said. “If you want something done you are going to have to plan it.”
“But you know I’m not good at planning. That was always your job. I always found us fun things to do and you planned ways for us to do them. I was thinking pink roses. Do you think we can get pink roses by June?”
“I think you’ll have to figure that out,” Gwen said. “Goodbye Lisa.”
Gwen could hear the start of a protest but Gwen cut her off by hanging up. Gwen’s phone began to ring. She pressed the button to reject the call and turned off the ringer.
“Unbelievable,” Gwen said.
“Did the girl who stole your boyfriend just call you to ask you to plan her wedding?” Margaret said slowly. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but…” She gestured to the small car interior.
“Yes,” Gwen said. “Lisa just called me to help her plan her wedding.”
Ten til Midnight 