Folio Fall 2022: Rendezvous Chapbook

Rendezvous Folio’s Greatest Hits

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© 2022 Folio Literary Magazine, Special Issue. Folio is an award-winning literary and arts magazine compiling artistic pieces from students, staff, and faculty at Salt Lake Community College. The works included in this special spring 2022 edition, “Rendezvous: Folio’s Greatest Hits,” are published with permission from their respective creator(s). All rights are reserved by this publication and the creators whose works are published herein.

Folio is curated, edited, formatted, designed, and published by SLCC students and Folio editorial staff each fall and spring semester. This edition is intended for free public distribution and is not for sale.

Cover by Allison Nash Hutto. Design by Samuel Wilson.

Contact folioslcc@gmail.com for information on enrolling in ENGL 1830: Literary Magazine Studies—the class that produces Folio.

RENDEZVOUS: FOLIO’S GREATEST HITS The Folio students and staff wanted to write something that captured this edition’s theme in a positive and creative way. We ultimately decided that writing a story where characters recount a misremembered event from multiple viewpoints was the best way to portray our theme of reverie.

Each character tells our story from a different perspective unique to their individual personality.

We hope you enjoy our stories.

Daniel Baird KaylieAnne Brown Melissa Johnson Miriam Nicholson isabella p prada a Ascari Pena Samuel Wilson Artwork by Allison Nash Hutto

Rodrick

By Daniel Baird He flipped his gorgeous blonde hair back behind his shoulder. Then practiced his brilliant white smile—that smile cost 2k after all!

Ding, ding, the chimes for the doorbell rang. He flipped his gorgeous hair and flashed his 2k smile as he opened the door. Another guest.

“Yo! I am Kaleb, brought some beer with me.” A lanky guy with a Hawaiian shirt and round colored sunglasses.

Who brings beer to a celebrity party like this? But he kept flashing his 2k smile.

The chime rang again. A flip of the gorgeous hair and a 2k smile greeted a camera. He was sure someone was behind the camera but he had to keep blinking his eyes because the flash was so bright. But he kept flashing his 2k smile.

Another chime, another flip of the gorgeous hair, another flash of the 2k smile and another guest entered into his mansion. Joanna in her sassy sweater with her posh poodle in matching sassy sweater. Then rainbows and pastels, Olivia or something like that, who talked past him and wouldn’t you know it, she even commented on that gorgeous hair—what hair saloon? and oh, such shining white teeth he needed to give her a recommendation, and ooh, your name is Roderick and she hoped she wasn’t too early and ah, thank you for the

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invitation to such an partay, and oh the unique design of the guitar on the invitations. It was a Music Man Earnie Ball Stingray Bass Guitar but he kept his 2k smile.

Was that everyone? No there were others still coming so he kept flipping his gorgeous hair and flashing his 2k smile. The girl wearing the T-shirt with the quote, “books are mirrors of the soul” who wears a T-shirt to a celebrity party and then not another T-shirt this time a guy, but he kept his 2k smile.

After all the guests arrived, he slipped upstairs in his Victorian mansion to fluff his gorgeous, blond hair that fell past his shoulders and admire his smile that 2k, then made his way to the main room.

“Ah, ah, test test, ah, ah, if we could turn the music down” he hated saying that since it was his band after all—maybe “Screamin’ for cupcakes” was the name of the song that they were dancing to? and he liked that one: smooth bass solo. “Ah, I would like to show you the prizes for the raffle that will be held later today. Ah, yes I should also tell you, all proceeds will go to the Cupcake Charity Foundation for Troubled Teens.”

He flipped his gorgeous hair and flashed his 2k smile.

“Ah, first up ah, is the first double platinum album, Purple/Pink Frosting, personally signed by all members of my band, Black Death Cupcakes! Ah, rare, since the band broke up and has since reconstituted with a new drummer, new singer, and new guitarist. Ah, let’s see, ah here it is. Featured on the invitations,” he looked

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around trying to find rainbow and pastels, Olivia or something like that, “A fretless Music Man Earnie Ball Stingray Special Bass Guitar signed by the one and only Jac Pasta. Ah, then we have for second prize we have a classic Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar, ah signed by my man Woot! Ah then ah here is my baby, the one of kind made for me by Warwick the special six string Dolphin Special that I did that smooth solo on “Screamin’ for Cupcakes,” he flipped his gorgeous hair and flashed his 2k smile again, “that you can listen to on the double platinum album, Purple/Pink Frosting with the original band members of Black Death Cupcakes! Ah, turn up the music, I like this one too, ah, the sad ballad, “Blondie Cupcakes.”

He left the podium to put in his own set of raffle tickets. After all, he really didn’t want to give away his one of kind made for him by Warwick the special six string Dolphin Special that he did that smooth solo on “Screamin’ for Cupcakes.”

As he wandered around the party listening in to see who might also be trying to win his one of kind made for him

by Warwick the special six string Dolphin Special that he did that smooth solo on “Screamin’ for Cupcakes” he heard the word, “Folio.” Now there was only one time the word Folio ever meant anything to him and that was back in his younger years as a student at SLICK, or was it SLCC? He flipped his gorgeous hair and flashed his 2k smile, and pushed into the group.

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Rainbow and pastels, Olivia or something like that, was talking to sassy sweater and posh poodle, Joanna, or was that the name of the girl? “. . . and then he says no this one should be the editor’s choice for art in Folio and like, I says no way, way, have you no sense, this totally ignores the rules of thirds and besides, it is just like totally stick figures. . . .”

Flash! He stumbled back over someone with bright lights startling with every blink. “Oh sorry, I just wanted a picture of the famous bassist of Black Death Cupcakes! for the anniversary issue of Folio.” He looked but all he could see were flashing spots, but he kept flashing his 2k smile. “I am Kisi! And I have lots and lots of other photos of you and the band. I even can show you what I submitted in Folio when I was a student.”

He flipped his gorgeous hair and flashed his 2k smile.

“Ah were you the one that did that Folio cover of me holding my one of kind made for me by Warwick the special six string Dolphin Special that I did that smooth solo on “Screamin’ for Cupcakes” with?”

“Uh, I know that one, yeah I know all the metal colors like silver and brass and lemon and the cool weird creatures and such, yeah, I know that one.”

He realized it was the person he had stumbled over earlier that was talking. Whoa, that guy is smoking something and it ain’t no weed. Ah and there is t-shirt guy! Never did get his name.

The guy with a Hawaiian shirt and a beer in his hand

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peered through his sunglasses at the group. Was his name Kaleb? “Nah, that was a different cover. I don’t care so much about pretty covers as I do the pretty girls that get editor’s choice for their art.” Hawaiian shirt and beer flashed a smile at sassy sweater with posh poodle, Joanna.

If T-shirt guy is here, wonder if T-shirt girl is too. He looked around and saw she was trying to look like she was part of the conversation between Rainbow and pastels, Olivia or something like that, and sassy sweater with posh poodle, Joanna. To avoid the smoke of whatever drug that T-shirt guy was smoking and the lame jokes of Hawaiian shirt and beer, was his name Kaleb? He went over to T-shirt girl. “Ah, what is your connection to Folio?”

“Oh, I submitted several stories when I was a student one of which one the editor’s choice award and then I was literary editor after that. I am Amelia by the way.”

He flipped his gorgeous hair and flashed his 2k smile.

“Ah, glad you could make it, Amelia. Did your stories feature my band, Black Death Cupcakes!?”

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Joanna

By Melissa Johnson This mansion is charming.

Was my first thought upon first glance. It had this classic Victorian, vampirism vibe. I’m so glad Roderick invited me to his dinner party at the last minute. If it were not for the free wifi, I probably would not have even seen it.

The manor reminded me of my favorite vampire motion picture film Van Helsing. I was half hoping that the highlight of the evening would be that the young Hugh Jackman would materialize and shoot something with a badass crossbow.

I unconsciously allowed myself to slip into a dangerous illusion, a daydream about what it would be like to be the lead in an actual motion picture film. I could almost feel the warmth from the bright spotlight on my skin, and the smell of cigarette smoke from the director’s lips. Alas, this reality was far from my reach. But I am determined never to give up!

As I rang the doorbell, I almost felt foolish standing at the door, holding my miniature black poodle named Jethro, with our matching fuzzy cashmere sweaters. I heavily fought against the sudden urge to leave when the french doors swung open unleashing the very definition of fine quality and luxury. It was Roderick with his long luscious golden honey locks and bright smile. He wasn’t Hugh Jackman, but he was close enough. He greeted me cordially and thanked me for coming as he ushered me

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inside.

“Thank you for the invitation, this party was fantastic.”

I spoke as I took a glass of champagne from the nearest serving tray offered. I haven’t seen him in four years since he taught magazine studies at SLCC. He has long retired and became a world famous basset rockstar with his hot new band; Black Death Cupcakes!. He flashed his bright smile in my direction as I passed by, more smiles than words would seem.

I immediately found Olivia, socializing and laughing while eating a black death cupcake. She had beautiful rainbow hair and glossy sparkly lips, though I was unsure if the sparkles were glitter or sugar. I decided it was a toss up.

“Joanna, it’s so good to see you.”

She gave me a hug automatically. That’s the kind of person she is. Always happy and enthusiastic. I just loved that about her. I haven’t seen her since we launched Folio together in college.

“How have you been? I still remember the multi modal creative video you submitted for Folio. I saw on instagram that you have been acting. Oh look doggy. . . .”

Feeling embarrassed, I went on to explain how I have guest-starred in some tv series here and there but nothing groundbreaking. As Olivia was infatuated with Jethro’s attention more than mine, I cared little. It was an opportunity to talk about myself, so of course I obliged.

“Oh yeah for sure.” She said looking up from Jethro and

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offering a bright smile. “Don’t give up, I believe in you girl, maybe Roderick has a connection in Hollywood.

Maybe he can give me a reference or get you an audition.” she suggested.

After dancing in the ballroom with marble floors, and glittering chandeliers to what sounded like a mixture of melodic symphonic basset with alternative music. It began to get really hot so we went outside to cool down.

“Hey Joanna!” I heard someone yell.

I swerved around, nearly falling off my heels to see who had beckoned me. Kaleb, Amelia, and Donny hanging out in the courtyard together next to a flattened bush of red roses.

I could not believe it.

Kaleb wore a black T- shirt that advertised a heavy metal band with classy reading glasses while casually drinking a beer straight from the bottle. He made a goofy joke about how the flattened rose bush looked somehow like Robert Downy Jr.’s second chin. He always reminded me of the Hawaiian version of Chandler from friends. I always admired Kaleb’s creative sense of humor.

Amelia wore a chic outfit with a writing pad that hung from her neck on a chain and she drank a neat martini.

Her black hair with bangs made her look flawless. She reminded me of Katy Perry.

Donny was wearing a violet buttoned down plaid with an orange beanie. I had seen on instagram that he is currently

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a screaming audio engineer. I wondered how that was going. He seemed to be in an inebriated state of bliss. I was jealous.

“Jojo!” he exclaimed. Opening his arms wide for a hug but failed to take steps forward but stumbled instead. I stepped forward accepting the hug graciously. What a sweetheart. I admired the effort.

“What’s up you guys?” I asked, “I layed in a rose bush.” Donny said proudly.

“Joanna. It’s been a minute. I’ve missed you.” he said with a smooth fistbump. So I have a question for you, doesn’t your father own the biggest publication house in Salt Lake City? Can he look at Amelia’s novel and possibly get it published?”

“Oh Absolutely! I loved your piece about the Brazilian artist who fell in love with the Japanese Samurai that you submitted to Folio. It was saucy. If I do, can you maybe post a review about me on your blog? That way we can help each other.” Joanna asked hopefully.

“Yeah that sounds awesome here, let me give you my phone number . . .” she said in her stylish latin accent. She began scribbling on her trendy writing pad.

“I’m glad you liked that one, but I’ve got better in the making. You wont be dissapointed.” she declared.

Flash. Whir.

My world went blinding white.

“Sorry everyone,” said Kisi, ”you just all look so candidly

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photogenic I didn’t dare say anything or I would lose my shot.”

“I think I’ve lost my cornea,” said Kaleb sarcastically.

“But look,” she said, exhilaratingly showing us her photos “you all look so serene.” It truly was a great shot.

“Jojo, have you ever noticed how your hair looks exactly like your dog’s hair?” asked Donny. Looking at the camera. “Oh man, it does.” Kaleb agreed.

Roderick emerged from the threshold of his manor with a gilded bass around his neck. “Greetings Folio friends, the show is about to begin. You don’t want to miss my solo performance called; Cupcake Crescendo,” he said, flipping his hair, and flashing his sparkling white smile at us.

“Wait!” Yelled Kisi, “This shot is gold. Everyone look at me, and pose.”

Flash. Whir.

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Amelia by isabella p prada a She walked up to white double doors but thought twice before knocking. What if I am too early and I am the only one here with Roderick? It would be so weird if I was the first, Amelia thought to herself, but her worries were completely erased when the music started to blast just a second later, followed by the whooping and shrieking of the crowd.

Plus, the invitation said 9 pm and she showed up at 10:30 just to make sure she was not the first one there.

Amelia shook off her nerves and didn’t even bother to knock on the door, it would’ve been impossible for anyone to hear it with that bass. She went around the house, the sound of the music reverberating through her whole body.

Despite her bad mood thanks to yesterday’s book news, she felt a bone deep need to start jumping around while bouncing her head.

Damn, at least one of us is good and successful, Amelia said to herself, or at least having fun.

The house was surrounded by a massive garden, dotted here and there with patches of trees. Now she could see the crowd Black Death Cupcakes! had gathered, some people were in small groups around the garden partaking in questionable activities or just drinking and talking.

Amelia pushed through the ones leaving through the back sliding doors. She was going to get to the bar no matter what, even if she had to risk getting trampled by fancylooking, filthy rich people.

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On her way to the door she saw Donny, he was the funny kid in school.

“Hey Ams! Is that you? Long time no see,” yelled Donny.

He was sprawled on top of a squashed rose bush, his pupils devouring all the blue of his eyes. Were his eyes blue or green? Amelia couldn’t remember.

“Oh hey, Donny! How have you been?” Said Amelia while awkwardly standing there, trying not to get pushed around by the flowing crowd.

“Meh!” Donny shrugged. “Nice hair! Did you cut it?”

It’s been 4 years since I last saw him. “Huh? Yes, I guess.

Thanks Donny,” Amelia tried to smile.

“You know, I always thought you would be one of—” Donny cut himself off. “Oh–do you want some? I found this great stuff—” Donny was offering Amelia whatever he was smoking.

“Oh, not now, thank you. But you know what, ask me again in a couple hours. Need to go! Nice seeing you.”

Amelia started to walk away, waving.

“See ya, Ams!” Donny shouted, he laid back and started to talk to himself. “So as I was sayin’ . . .”

The back entrance was not a small door: they were two massive glass doors. Amelia could see the gigantic stage through them, set up in the even more gigantic ballroom of the house. Chandeliers hanging from the ceiling reflected crazy shadows in the walls. The lights were different colors, the air felt heavy with sweat, and it smelled like expensive

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perfume and also it also smelled like fresh baking . . . cupcakes? Nice, they have drinks and cupcakes, maybe it was not such a bad idea saying yes to the invitation.

The bar was set up to the left of the grand ballroom. On her way to the barstools she saw people from college, some celebrities, and some people she tried really hard to avoid.

“Could I get an espresso martini, please?” Amelia shouted above the booming of the music. The bartender nodded.

She saw Roderick playing until he stopped to tell everyone about some prizes being given away that night. His long blonde hair looked the same as it did a few years back, and she thought she needed to ask him what dentist he went to before she left the party, because wow.

Amelia stood up from the bar stool, the music made her want to dance. Weird. She swore it had some spell to make people want to dance.

She started to dance around, shaking her head and spinning around. Somehow not spilling her drink. Oooh, this is definitely going to get rid of my annoying shyness.

“Amelia!?” Amelia heard a shriek that managed to be louder than the music.

“Oh hi! Olivia, right? We were in Folio together,” Amelia leaned towards her, still moving to the sound of the music.

“YES! You remember me!” Olivia tried to match her vibe right away and started to dance with Amelia. “So nice to see you! Did you ever get that book published, the one you always talked about?”

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“Mhmm . . . it’s still a work in progress. Well . . . it’s finished, but I haven’t been able to publish it yet.” Amelia told her. “Hence, this . . .” she lifted her espresso martini glass.

“Oh makes sense!” Olivia nodded entusthicaly. “You’ll make it, I know it.”

“Thanks, Liv!” Amelia shouted.

They talked and danced for a bit until Olivia said, “Oh, hey Sarah!” and ran to another group of girls.

The spellbinding music was great and all that but Amelia started to feel the complaints of her mostly stagnant body, and that quick chat with Olivia drained her social battery a little bit. Amelia walked towards the bar again and ordered a new martini.

There was a new girl sitting next to her. She remembered her, Amelia thought. Was it Kiwi? No, that’s what her best friend called her, she shook her head giggling. Kisi! That was her name.

“Hey!” Amelia’s shyness had long ago left her. “Kisi, from Folio, right?”

“Oh yes, hi. You were the editor right? Amelia?” Kisi answered. She had been looking through her camera, apparently she had been taking pictures of the party.

“Yes, that’s me!” Amelia answered.

“I remember you had gotten a whole bunch of your work published. You had a famous blog and everything. I bet you’re now super famous in the literature world. I wouldn’t

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know though, the last thing I read was Dr. Seuss. Great books by the way,” Kisi said while still clicking through her pictures.

“That’s me! The genius. I fell down the golden-childturn-into-burnt-out-adult pipeline, ya know. It’s been pretty tough.” Amelia gave a sad laugh. “Kisi, tell me, did you know publishers are soul-sucking monsters, like dementors? They are the worst! Ugh. I once had this lady practically spit at me. I had nightmares about her for three nights straight.” I will not order another martini, Amelia thought, let’s hold back. No trauma dumping tonight.

“Anyway! What about you, what have you been up to?”

“Mhmm, right.” Kisi scooted her chair a few inches away from her. “Well, actually, I’ve been doing pretty good. I’ve been getting amazing gigs after I graduated. Actually, I started my own photographers agency, I am doing this as a favor for Roderick. He said he needed new pictures for his website.”

“That’s awesome, Kisi! I am so happy for you. If I ever need any photos taken, I’ll call you.” Amelia tried to gather herself.

“Right. Sure. See you later Amelia. Good luck with everything.”

Amelia groaned. Great, another night of trauma dumping.

She got out her phone and saw some texts from her agent, Amelia ignored them, she had been ignoring them since 11:13 am to be exact. “Screamin’ for Cupcakes” started playing for the third time since Amelia got there, she was

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not complaining though, what a great song. She looked at the crowd and sipped a little more of the new martini she said she wouldn’t order. The people were starting to look funny, the place was louder and even more entrancing.

For real, what was in the music?

“Aaaaameeeliaaa! Earth to Amelia!” Someone was frantically waving their arms in front of her.

“Oh my god—Kaleb? Wow, it’s been such a long time.

What have you been doing?” Amelia hugged him tight.

She finally came back to herself. It was nice to see a friend.

Kaleb and Amelia were best friends throughout college, until he dropped out and their conversations went from every day all day, to once in a while texts, to practically never besides a “happy birthday Ams!” or “Happy birthday K!” on Facebook.

“Meh . . . you know me, living one day at a time.” Kaleb shrugged. “Order me whatever you’re drinking! We need to catch up.”

Amelia did so and they both sat there, talking as if they had been talking every day for the past four years, or as if no time had passed.

“So, yeah,” Amelia was saying, “it hasn’t gotten published yet. I still have hope, you know, but it’s tough, dude.”

Amelia groaned. “Ugh, I said I was not going to talk about this again.”

“No, Ams, you’re good. I know you’ll get it published one day, I believe in you,” Kaleb reassured her. “Well, me?

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I am living the mobile life-style, meaning my car is very comfy and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world, not even for this spectacular mansion that for sure has very nice bedrooms, great food, and amazing views—nah, never!”

“Wouldn’t it be nice, huh? To own this house.” Amelia took a sip of her martini.

“Oh hey, that’s Joanna!” Kaleb pointed. “Her dad owns a publisher I believe, let’s talk to her.”

Kaleb grabbed Amelia by the arm and dragged her out of her chair. Joanna was standing with a group of friends, the same one Olivia had ran off to a few moments ago.

After Kaleb spilled everything Amelia just told him to Joanna, she started to scream: “Of course, of course! You know I always loved your stories, Ams. I even named my cat after one of your characters. Remember that story you wrote about the girl who falls for that cool artist guy? Yeah, I named my cat after the girl,” Joanna was telling her. “Take out your phone, save my number and give me yours and we can talk more about it.”

While Amelia was going through her phone she accidentally opened her agent’s texts, she sighed but then she read the texts and almost started to cry. Her poetry collection was getting published! I can’t believe this, she thought.

“Oh my god! Guys!” Amelia told them about her agent’s

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texts. She hugged both Kaleb and Joanna.

“That’s awesome Ams!” Kaleb said.

“See, Ams! My dad will be happy to work with you,” Joanna said.

“Thank you, thank you both! Please let’s get together again, I’ve missed you.”

“YES PLEASE! I have so much to tell you Ams. I’ve been in Los Angeles trying to make it but I needed a break. Let’s have brunch next week! I pay.”

“I am down for free food. ALWAYS,” Kaleb said. “And let’s celebrate tonight!”

“I know what we can do,” Joanna said, “they have cupcakes over there, and do you guys remember Donny?

He’s outside. . . .”

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Donny

by Samuel Wilson By all accounts, rose bushes should not be as comfortable as this one is now.

He’s not sure how long he’s been sitting here, watching people walk by, waving at some, ignoring others; staring at the moon for what must be an embarrassing amount of time. The lights coming from the mansion are easy on his eyes, enveloping everything in a pleasant blue and pink glow that really makes his surroundings pop. Hair ruffled in red petals. Shapes peaking and undulating before him like living things. How did he get here again?

Jeez, how strong is this stuff?

“I did take a lot. . . .” Donny mumbles to no one.

Either way, he can hear the music pumping like a beating heart from the backyard even where he’s sitting. It’s not bad. Maybe he can use some of it in the next project he’s working on.

“Sundance prep is coming up soon . . . maybe I could pitch something to him. . . .”

“Oh, hey Donny!”

He takes a moment to observe the figure in front of him, blocking out the moon with her silhouette but still just as striking. Long hair, curled for the occasion, done up in a ponytail. . . . Amelia doesn’t seem to have changed a bit.

“Hey, Ams! Is that you?”

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They talk—at least he thinks they do. Sometimes when he’s on something he sort of runs on autopilot, pretends to act normal enough that he has a little more of a grip on things around him. He’s listening to what she has to say, and isn’t at the same time, the words processing at the corner of his brain while the rest is taken up by substance.

When he stares into her eyes, he sees her soul opening its eyes wide as she blinks. He avoids eye contact to keep focused.

Did she cut her hair?

How long has it been, anyway? Years, at least. She looks good—probably successful too. There’s no way she’s not with the stuff she wrote even back then.

“I always knew you’d be one of. . . .” Wait, that wasn’t Amelia who did that. He looks down at the joint in his hand—laced with something, though he’s not sure what.

Anyway. Maybe . . . “Oh—do you want some?”

She smiles, and it looks like the moon again. Wait—that is the moon. She said goodbye and moved on to mingle.

Good for her.

“Anyway, as I was saying, Roderick might be into soundtracks. Or not—s’been a while since I saw him.”

After an indeterminate amount of time, Donny stands up and moves to look for Roderick.

He doesn’t even notice the specter of rainbow positivity until he’s been tackled into a hug by her.

“Hey, Dreamy! How are you holding up? Need some

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water or anything? Does sugar help?” He thinks Olivia keeps talking, judging by how her lips are moving, but things are a little hard to determine right now.

Donny adopts a goofy smile. “I’m good now, I think . . . already peaked when you guys found me. Thanks for keeping an eye on me, though. Could have sworn I saw . . .” He trails off staring at Olivia’s glittery manicured nails.

“Thought I saw . . .”

“Donny? You on the right planet?” She raises an eyebrow at him.

It takes what feels like a long time to get a grip back on himself. He focuses on the smell of confectioners icing and alcohol around him, and slowly (or at least he thinks slowly), he reigns his brain back in.

“Might need something to eat . . .” he mumbles. Judging by the look on Olivia’s face, he must really need it.

She tells him to stay put, then she’s a blur of pink and purple leaving his eyesight.

Donny sits back on the soft couch, sinking into the goose feathers easily. From this part of the house, he can see the disco lights a lot easier, making everything around him look like a living, writhing kaleidoscope. It’s kinda nice.

Reminds him of that time he got invited to that insane wrap party with the drinks that looked like space, and he tried that. . . .

“You look a little different since the last time I saw you!”

Oh—there’s someone sitting next to him. Has she been

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talking long? Her sweater’s fuzz lights up under the neon in such a way that it takes a long time for him to finally look up at her face. Wasn’t she . . .

“Joanna?”

The girl in question smiles wide—warm, he thinks—and pulls him into a small hug, kissing both his cheeks. She’s much softer than Olivia.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Last time I saw you was when we recorded that soundscape for 1045! We were in there for hours, you overachiever!”

Reminiscing like this brings a smile to Donny’s face. He had kept them all there, rerecording the same action scene for a class they shared until the janitors had forced them out. He remembers that day every time they bring a watermelon into the studio.

“It was perfect in the end though,” He mumbles Joanna smiles and flicks his forehead. “Cocky. But you’re right. You always had this insane attention to detail. . . . Remember that time in Folio when you argued with all the editors over whether or not that horrible painting belonged in print?”

“It was completely expressive! No one else got it. . . .”

Joanna laughs again, sitting back fully to watch the disco ball with him for a bit. In the meantime, Donny allows his brain to lift off the floor as he follows the lights distantly.

For a moment, it feels like he’s not even at the party anymore.

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“So, what are you doing right now?” Joanna asks, loud enough to be heard above the booming bass of the next song beginning in the other room. He doesn’t look away from the lights when he responds: “I’m an audio engineer. In between gigs at the moment, but I was thinking of looking at what’s going on in Salt Lake before they start casting for Sundance. . . .” Wasn’t he going to ask someone about that? He can’t remember . . .

“You still acting?”

Oh. That makes Joanna’s expression falter a bit. Even through the haze of whatever that weed was laced with, Donny can tell something’s up.

“Well, trying to, anyway. . . .” Joanna replies, “It’s been pretty tricky getting any callbacks right now. Competitive workplace, and all, you know?”

Donny does know. He’s heard every different version of the same warning: the film industry is competitive! It’s hard to get jobs out there, even if you move! Maybe try something a little less high-stress! Heck, he’s been hearing those things since before he even started college. Thank God for Folio, or he might have lost his mind having to hear that from everyone else outside of campus. . . .

“I get it,” he says, instead.

It’s uncharacteristic for Joanna to stay so silent, but really, Donny’s always had that effect on people; he encourages them to just slow down and look around for a bit. This, though. . . . She seems a little distant.

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“Hey,” Donny mumbles. He doesn’t think he’s loud enough to be heard over the music, but Joanna turns to look at him anyway. “It’s a party. Why don’t we worry about all that later? Wanna go see if Roderick still has that weird hairstyle?”

There’s her smile again. Joanna looks around a bit, sitting up. “Think you can stand, Dreamy?”

Donny’s not sure why people keep calling him that. Maybe it’s the drugs. Does he really look that zoned out?

“Probably,” he says instead, “I saw Ams here too, a little bit ago. She looks good.”

“Amelia? I have to go find her!”

Instead of following, Donny watches Joanna mingle back into the crowd where she’s most comfortable. Back to being her old confident self. She looks good.

A few minutes later, Olivia returns with a cup of something, a suspicious amount of whipped cream and sprinkles overflowing along the edges.

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Olivia

by Miriam Nicholson The Victorian mansion in front of Oliva took her breath away. She knew that Rodrick had been successful but not this successful. The house was already pulsing from the music emanating from it, a familiar track that she couldn’t quite place. Checking her appearance in one of the many windows one last time, she knocked on the front door. It burst open and she almost had to take a step back. Roderick’s hair fell from his head like the heavens themselves had blessed them, paired with a blinding white smile.

“Long time no see! Where do you go to get your hair done? It’s stunning!” she said in passing as she squeezed through the door. “What dentist do you go to? I’ve never seen a smile so bright!” His lack of a response was a little disconcerting, as if his face was permanently stuck in a smile. “Okay. . . I guess I’ll see you inside! Hope I’m not too early, couldn’t miss a party with such a clever invitation!”

Oliva left him at the door and gawked at the large ballroom where the party was being hosted. Streamers of all the colors of the rainbow hung from the celling with cupcake banisters accompanying them. She’d never see so many streamers in her entire life! The music was like the heartbeat of the house, and she couldn’t help but sway to it as she made her way further into the room.

“Joanna! Long time no see!” the minute Oliva had seen her she was already wrapping her in a large hug. Some people

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thought she was too liberal with her hugs, but she just couldn’t help herself. “How are things? Did you finally get a gig in LA was it?”

Joana pulled away from the hug almost as quickly as it was given, as if worried to wrinkle her very stylish sweater.

“Oliva! It’s so nice to see you! It seems like ages since we planed the Folio launch! As far as acting I’m still trying to find the right role, but I’m not giving up!”

“Keep at it girl! You were amazing in your video submission to Folio!” Oliva looked down to notice a poodle in a matching sweater. “OMG I don’t remember you owning a dog! Hi there little one,” Joana’s laugh was contagious as they continued their idle chat about how she had gotten her dog, and all the small roles she’d played in movies Oliva had never heard of.

She had never been one to be able to focus on details of conversation especially when there was a dog involved.

“That’s really awesome!” Oliva pulled her eyes away from the dog long enough to see the other guests. “Is that Donny and Amelia?” Before Joana could answer she was already off to sweep Amelia up into a hug.

“Hey girl! How’s that book coming? You know you can send it to me to be a beta reader! Did you lose my email?”

Amelia hardly had a chance to respond before Oliva had pulled up her contact information. “This is you right?”

“Yes, sorry things have been busy, all work and no play am I right?” Amelia stood a little bit further away than Joana had, and Oliva could tell she was nervous.

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“No worries! I’m just always down to support my friends!

Did you see Donny? Could have sworn I saw him enter.”

“No, I must have missed him sorry,” Amelia seemed like she was about to say something else when Roderick got on stage for an announcement.

“Ah, ah, test test, ah, ah, if we could turn the music down,” the lights from the stage further highlighted his hair and teeth, almost as bright as the many led lights strung around. “Ah, I would like to show you the prizes for the raffle that will be held later today. . . .”

At the word raffle Oliva stopped hearing what he was saying. “Ooo a raffle! I love raffles! Never did win them though.” Her mind imagined what it would be like to win one of those prizes. “I could start my own band with that guitar! I’ve always wanted to.” “. . . . all proceedings will go to the Cupcake Charity Foundation for Troubled Teens,” he said finishing up his announcement by motioning the band to crank it back up.

“Didn’t know he ran a charity event, good for him!”

Oliva turned around to talk to Amelia again, but she had vanished. She always did have a more reserved personality, so Oliva shrugged it off. Now where did Donny go?

She wandered through the bouncing crowd with the grace of one who had been to many parties before. Just then it dawned on her where she’d heard the song before, it was “Screaming For Cupcakes!” She remembered how she first heard it as a submission to Folio back when Roderick was rocking the traditional punk hairstyle and piercing. She

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giggled to herself at the image, noticing the snack table.

“Oo! Cupcakes!”

Finding Donny left her mind as she loaded up a paper plate shaped like a music note. It wasn’t until she’d finished two glasses of punch that had gotten spiked at some point that she remembered what she was doing. “Oh! I was looking for Donny!” Oliva grabbed a handful of chocolate kisses and headed outside.

“Heeeeey Guuuuuyss!” Oliva noticed Kaleb and was that Kisi? They were standing outside the metal fence looking at the rose bush. Oliva looked too only to see Donny high out of his mind laying on it like a couch.

“Oh, Hey Oliva!” Kaleb shouted.

“What’s wrong with him? Have you been here long?”

Oliva’s voice was laced with concern.

“Seems Donny here just had a little too much fun.“ Kisi replied, snapping a photo. “He’ll probably want this, you know, to show his kids how cool he was back in the day.”

“Oooo I remember one time this happened to me when I had waaaaaaay too much warheads in one sitting. Yeah, I was basically paralyzed, my body was tingling so bad it felt like a hundred little thunderbolts were coursing through my body. It was crazy!” Oliva shoved a few of the kisses into her mouth, the thought of that many warheads making her mouth water. “Yeah, I gave the stuff up, I try to stick to chocolate now. It doesn’t make me quite as hyper. You guys want some?” She held out her hand.

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“I’m good . . .” Kisi said already zoning out into her camera again.

“Nah, I’m good too. Thanks though ‘liva!” Kaleb never seemed to quite remember anyone’s real name, sticking to his spur of the moment nicknames. “Hey, you don’t happen to know if there’s like a back door anywhere, do you?”

“Yep! Just keep going and you’ll get to it, that’s where everyone’s going in and out of. I’ve pretty much already said hi to everyone, you guys go ahead! I’ll keep an eye on Donny!”

“Sweeet! Thanks buddy! Come on Kisi, to the back door!”

Before Oliva could respond, he was sprinting away with Kisi following at a much slower pace, pausing every now and again to get another photo.

“You okay there Donny?” Oliva waved her hand over his face, he barely seemed to notice. “Do you need water, food, anything?” Still no response. “I’ll come back to check on you in a little bit okay? Be careful getting up.

Oliva went back into the party as her favorite number started playing. Time seemed to slow as she danced to the rhythm of the music, as if it was her life blood. She kept an eye on the door to see Kaleb and Kisi walk through.

There was no point in babysitting Donny, he was a grown man, however Oliva would watch for him to rejoin the party just in case. After about twenty minutes of dancing, chatting and eating way too much candy, he appeared.

“Donny!”

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Oliva glided across the dance floor to wrap him in a large hug. “Hey! How are you holding up? Need some water or anything? Does sugar help?” Oliva really had no idea what to give someone coming off of whatever Donny had smoked.

It was like watching someone in slow mow with the amount of time it took Donny to process what she had just said. “I’m good now, I think… already peaked when you guys found me. Thanks for keeping an eye on me, though.

Could have sworn I saw . . .” He seemed to get distracted

by Oliva’s sparkly nails, like a dog noticing a squirrel. “I saw . . .”

“Donny? Are you on the right planet?” Oliva raised an eyebrow, concern rekindling.

“Might need something to eat . . .” she could barely hear him through his mumbles.

“Okay sit right here I’ll be right back!” Oliva made her way back to the snack table and saw a vat of hot chocolate.

“Perfect!”

She grabbed a cup and filled it with as much sugar as she could find topping it off with a large helping of whipped topping and sugar. “This always help me perk back up!”

Moving through a crowded party is already hard enough without a drink, but with hot chocolate the walk back seemed to take ages. “Here you go! Freshly made by yours truly!”

Donny moved with the slowness of a sloth taking the cup

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from her. “Careful it’s hot!”

“Ah, ah, yes, settle down a bit, yes.” Roderick was back on the stage. “Who’s ready for the first raffle!”

Oliva sprinted away through the crowd checking all her ticket stubs. “The winner of the first double platinum album, Pink/Purple Frosting, is . . .”

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Kisi

by KaylieAnne Brown “I swear it, if I don’t get the best photo for my blog today I will lose my marbles.” Kisi mumbled to herself as her car turned onto Cupcake Lane. While Kisi didn’t care to go to the reunion, she received an email from Roderick, one of the people she had met in her Folio class in college. Kisi had honestly forgotten she had worked on the 2022 edition.

She had joined the class to look at pretty photos and have an easier time publishing her pictures. She hadn’t thought of it for years.

As she approached what she expected to be a modern richperson’s house was instead a giant Victorian mansion, many colors adorning the outside. It left Kisi in awe at the beauty of the large spans of windows and white pillars that flanked the door. The mansion was also lined with bushes, both rose bushes and dark green hedges.

Maybe she wouldn’t have to worry about getting good photos today.

She parked her car in the parking lot not far from the main entrance. She jumped out, grabbing her $3000 camera kit from her passenger seat. She trotted over to the front of the mansion taking in the size of the building.

Kisi pulled out her camera and aimed it at the house, almost taking a shot when she noticed a man standing at the entrance, banging on the door. He looked familiar with his brown hair just a few shades darker than her own. He had been practically bouncing as he tried to break down

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the door.

“You’re in my shot.” Kisi said, letting the irritation show in her voice.

The man only replied with a confused noise as he turned to look at her.

“You’re in my shot.” Kisi repeated, this time adding a bit of sharpness to the already sharper tone. She was usually patient, what had her so on edge today?

The man bounded towards her like an excited pomeranian.

“Is that you Kiwi?”

She didn’t hear anything after he named the fruit. Oh great, there was only one person who used that nickname. ...

“It’s Kisi, but close enough.” Kisi nodded towards the house, repeating for the final time. “You’re still in my shot.”

Kaleb, one of her former classmates, wore a shocked expression as he jumped out of the way. “Sorry!”

Kisi sighed in relief, aiming the lens at the center of the house. She made adjustments according to the harsh July sun before snapping multiple photos. When she was finished, she finally placed the man from inside her memories. “Kaleb from Folio, right?”

“Foli-what?” He stared at her blankly.

“Folio, the literary magazine at SLCC. We had it together.”

Realization dawned on him. “Oh yeah! It was a party! Isn’t

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that why we are all here?”

Kisi shrugged. “I believe that’s what the email said, though it looks like you’re having a hard time with the door.”

“Yeah, Roderick must’ve locked it.” Kaleb looked disappointed.

“Did you try the back door, or any side door this massive mansion has?”

Kaleb’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “This place ought to be big enough for multiple, let’s go!” He grabbed Kisi’s hand and almost ran around the house, causing Kisi to quietly curse as she tried to keep her feet beneath her.

What made the two stop prematurely was a corpse in the rose bush. Okay, it wasn’t a dead body, but the man was stock still as he lay limp in the thorny bush. A few pink roses were squashed under his weight. Kisi recognized the man, but couldn’t put a name to it.

“Donny is that you?” Kaleb answered her question, and all she could think of was how funny a photo of him taking a nap in a rosebush would be when another person comes over to them.

Her bubbly aura bubble gum pops informs Kisi immediately that it’s Oliva, and Kisi didn’t care for this person as much. She instead takes a photo for Donny, explaining that she wanted to keep it for the records. It was when the girl tried to hand Kisi some Hershey kisses, which only reminded her of the bullying she endured as a kid because she was “the Hershey Kisi, one to kiss every

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boy in the grade.” She refused politely.

“Thanks ‘livia. Hey, you think there’s an entrance round back?” Kaleb looked around Oliva to the other side of the house.

“Yep! Everyone is over there, minus poor Donny. I don’t think he’ll get up any time soon.”

Kisi was still looking at Donny, and was practically dragged behind an eager Kaleb. She didn’t remember them being close back when they took class together, but she wasn’t overly thrilled to be dragged by him.

“I can walk on my own.” Kisi whined, even though she didn’t mean to.

As they rounded the corner, Kisi was surprised by the number of people at the party. There was a disco ball that also flashed lots of colorful lights in the darkening yard.

There was the patio, which had many tables spread about, and Kisi could see a few people she recognized from class.

She smiled as she recognized Roderick, who was the main star of the show. She had to get pictures of him before leaving.

“I’m going to get a drink.” Kisi told Kaleb once he finally let go of her arm.

“Okay!” Kaleb was overly excited because he had found Amelia, who Kisi believed he had a crush on back in college. Hadn’t they dated or something? Kisi would have to check her college photography portfolio.

She didn’t waste any time running over to the rock star.

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She snuck up on him, trying to get raw photos before Roderick could pose for the camera. She successfully got him, but being the pro he was, he did flash his “2k smile” as he called it.

“Sorry.” Kisi lied an apology as she explained her actions to the star. “I wanted a good photo for a reunion edition of Folio, if they ever decide to do one.”

“No worries.” Roderick’s smile flickered a small bit but renewed itself.

Kisi got a few more photos of Roderick and his band before wandering around. She got lots of photos, with each one making her more excited for the updates to her blog she was going to do. After exploring the entire party, she rested at the bar and got herself a shot of tequila. She knew that her limit was one if she hoped to be sober enough to drive safely home, but she did have the urge to drink more than that.

A few minutes passed before Amelia came over and sat down next to Kisi. For some reason, Kisi and Amelia never entirely got along, but regardless, Kisi kept up some level of friendliness as Amelia started talking to her.

“Kisi from Folio right?”

Kisi almost sighed from where she was looking at the photos she had managed to capture on her camera. “Yeah, and you’re Amelia right? How have things been lately for you?”

Amelia almost seemed hesitant, but still answered Kisi’s

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question. “I am actually an author now.”

“Really?” Kisi was only mildly surprised. “You got all your stuff published in Folio right? Your works must sell like crazy. That means you must be like, ultra rich now right?”

Apparently, that series of questions set Amelia off like a firework. She was on the brink of tears when she finished explaining that she hadn’t had any luck getting published.

It felt like she went on for an hour, though thinking about it rationally, Kisi realized that it was probably only 10 minutes.

“I just got denied again, and I am losing hope.” Amelia sighed as she paused from her tangent. At this rate, Kisi had scooted her chair at least 6 feet away from her. If it had still been Covid times, she would’ve been 6 feet away from the start. Kisi was glad it wasn’t like her years in Folio. “Anyway, what have you been up to?”

Kisi almost praised the heavens because of the switch of topics. “I’ve actually been doing pretty good. I have my own photography agency now, and Roderick hooked me up for this party, and that’s why I’m here.”

“Oh. That’s . . . great.” Amelia said, though if Kisi could read people better, she probably could’ve seen the bit of envy in her voice. “If I need pictures taken, I will come to you!”

“Thanks. . . .” Kisi forced a smile as she took another shot.

Wait . . . had she been taking shots the entire time she had been talking to Amelia? Kisi mentally swore before

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realizing that it wasn’t as bad as she had thought.

She just hoped she could sober up before she caused any problems for Roderick. However, she honestly couldn’t remember anything past everyone’s screams, which only followed shortly after her conversation with Amelia.

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Kaleb

by Ascari Pena He walked up to the black metal gates, mesmerized at the not-so-humble abode that stood before him. Roderick’s mansion was soooo much bigger than the ‘97 Corolla Kaleb lived in—though not quite as red. “And my parents said music wasn’t a real job. Way to go Rod! That’s my boy!”

Flashing a cool smile and shielding his eyes with his WalMart sunglasses, he pushed the gate open and jumped up the steps. He could feel the bass in his chest and through the concrete under his feet; that must be Roderick.

Kaleb pounded on the door with both hands, mimicking the rhythm seeping through the mansion walls, but nobody answered. He waited another minute, knocked again, then turned the doorknob to no avail. “Damn Roderick, if you’re gonna bump music at least leave the door unlocked homie.” He turned his attention to either side of the door, hoping he’d catch someone’s attention through a window, but the blinds were drawn.

“You’re in my shot.”

“Huh?” Kaleb turned around to see a young woman standing in front of the gate, a camera in her hands.

“You’re in my shot.” Kisi echoed. She put the camera up to her face as she shooed Kaleb out of frame.

“Oh hey, wassup Kiwi! Long time no see!” Kaleb jumped from the top of the steps and landed an inch from the lens.

He held up his hand looking for a quick high-five, but Kisi

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stood with the camera still fixed on the house, or at least where the house would be if Kaleb would move.

“It’s Kisi, but close. You’re still in my shot.”

“Right, sorry ‘bout that!” Kaleb slid to the side and Kisi was finally able to get a shot of Roderick’s Draculesque mansion. She lowered the camera and admired the picture.

She shook her head in approval, snapped on her lens cap and looked over at Kaleb.

“Folio, right?”

“Foli-what?” Kaleb replied.

“We met in Literary Magazine Studies at SLCC. We worked on Folio together, right? You wanted to be a magazine editor because of how much you loved the class, but the teacher said you’d have a hard time if you just said yes to accepting everything that came in.”

“Oh yeah! We sure did! Me, you, Amelia, Roderick and the others. Man, time flies. It seems like just yesterday we were looking at some of your pictures to include in the magazine, and listening to Roderick’s songs for the web version. Can you believe this is his house?” Kaleb looked over at the mansion again, more surprised than the first time.

“Actually in a weird way, I can. Seems pretty on brand for a dude who plays in a band called Black Death Cupcakes!

Though it’s a little more colorful than I imagined.” She scanned the house from top to bottom “So, what are you doing just standing out on the porch? A party animal like

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you I would’ve thought you’d be on the dancefloor tearing it up.”

“Seems Roderick boy here locked the door, and now no one can hear my knocking over the music.” Kaleb had his hands on his hips like a dad trying to figure out why the old “classic” car with the missing battery won’t start.

“Have you tried going out back to see if there’s another entrance?” Kisi asked.

“Nah, but a house this big has to have another door, right?

Let’s check it out before we miss any more of the party!”

Kaleb started jogging around the side of the house while Kisi walked after him.

“Still the same old Kaleb.” She said to herself.

Rows of trees lined the side of the house. They made their way downhill as they got closer to the back. Kisi caught up to Kaleb as he stood looking over another younger dude, sprawled out on the grass. They both peered over and looked at the man’s glossy marble eyes.

“Uh, hey Donny, that you? You good buddy?” Kaleb angled his head like a dog trying to decipher its owner’s words.

Donny shifted his gaze to Kaleb, then looked at Kisi, and back at the clear, summer sky.

“You need a drink there, Donny?” Kisi asked, worry and confusion shaping her words. The camera dangled from her neck as it swung in circles. Donny broke his gaze from the sky, his eyes locking onto the camera and following

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it as if he was watching a game of tennis. Left, right, left, right.

“Alright buddy it was nice catching up, we’re gonna go inside now. Just let us know if you need anything!” Kaleb stuck his hand out for a quick handshake, but Donny could barely move his head, let alone hit a high five, slide, and knuckle combo.

“Are you sure we should just leave him here? Should we take him in there and like, put him on a couch or something?” Kisi kept her attention on Donny, who couldn’t believe what he was seeing. A flying saucer, right here before my eyes! Whoooah, that’s crazy. Hello aliens!

Welcome to planet Earth!

“Nah, I think the fresh air will do him good. Trust me, I’ve been there.”

“Oh great, that makes me feel so much better.” Kisi said sarcastically.

“Heeeeey guuuuuysss!” A girl in a pastel tracksuit skipped toward the three, bubble gum in her mouth and a handful of Hershey’s kisses.

“Oh hey Olivia!” Kaleb shouted. Olivia came to a halt, now standing between Kaleb and Kisi and over dreamland Donny.

“What’s wrong with him?” She asked through gum-filled concern.

“Seems Donny here just had a little too much fun.” Kisi replied. She snapped a picture of him. “He’ll probably

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want this, you know, to show his kids how cool he was back in the day.”

“Ooooo I remember one time this happened to me when I had waaaaaaay too many warheads in one sitting. Yeah I was basically paralyzed, my body was tingling so bad it felt like a hundred little thunderbolts were coursing through my body. It was crazy!” She unwrapped a handful of kisses and threw them in her mouth. “Yeah, I gave that stuff up, I try to stick to chocolate now. It doesn’t make me quite as hyper. You guys want some?”

“I’m good. . . .” said Kisi.

“Nah, I’m good too. Thanks though ‘livia! Hey, you don’t happen to know if there’s like a back door anywhere, do you?”

“Yep! Just keep going and you’ll get to it, that’s where everyone’s going in and out of. I’ve pretty much already said hi to everyone, you guys go ahead! I’ll keep an eye on Donny!”

“Sweeeet! Thanks buddy! Come one Kisi, to the back door!” Without a second thought Kaleb broke into a sprint.

They made their way to the back of the house, and low and behold; a back door, propped open with an old fender bass amp. They made their way inside where they were met with a crowd jamming out to Roderick and his band playing some of their greatest hits such as “Screamin’ for Cupcakes.”

“Alright, I’m going to go get a drink. I’ll catch up with you

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in a bit.” Kisi made her way toward the kitchen, pushing through the sea of Roderick’s superfans.

Kaleb made his way to the dance floor, cracking his knuckles and moving his head side to side, prepping his body for a high-intensity rhythmic cardio session. Before he could bust his first move, he noticed Amelia sitting alone on a bar stool, a drink pressed up against her lip as she stared into nothingness. She and Kaleb were best friends in college—he was always the first to read her short stories, poems, and working manuscripts, and he loved every one of them. Kaleb made his way over to her, waving and flashing his dopey smile, but she sat still, not even blinking.

“Aaaaameeliaaaa! Kaleb to Ameeeeliaaaa, do you copy?”

Amelia snapped out of her trance and shot a glance at Kaleb. She slid off the bar stool and walked toward him.

He stood with open arms. “Kaleb? Wow, hey. It’s been a few. How are you?” She hugged him just like they did every time another submission rejected email hit her inbox.

“Can’t complain, you know how much I love parties with live music and free drinks!” He stepped back and looked at Amelia, who stood with her head fixed at the tile below her. “What’s wrong Ams? Why do you look so sad?”

“My book got rejected . . . again.”

Kaleb could barely hear her over the music, though he’d have a hard time even if they were at a library. Amelia rarely spoke loud enough to even drown out a whisper.

But he knew when she was this sad, it’s because her

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writing didn’t make the cut.

“Well that’s lame, and whoever rejected you is lame.

You’re the best writer I know!”

“It seems like you’re the only one who thinks so. I mean, I was convinced this was it, that this was my best work yet.

I’m trying to be patient, but It’s just so frustrating.” She crushed the red solo cup in her hand, the pungent liquid dripping from her knuckles.

“Hey! Maybe Roderick knows some publishers who could take a look at your book. I’m sure he can make somethin’ happen!” Kaleb belted with confidence.

“I don’t know, Kaleb. I mean, what if I get rejected again? And if I do get published, what if it’s because of Roderick and not my writing? I’d be the biggest fraud in the industry. God, I don’t want to be the next Stephanie Meyer, I just can’t.”

“Okay, your writing is great, so that’s not going to happen.

Come on, looks like he’s taking a break!”

Roderick plucked one last note before setting his bass down on its stand. He flipped his long blonde hair and looked over at his guitarist. “Alright boys, let’s take a break. Queue the party playlist.” He hopped off the marble stage that stood in his living room, columns on all four corners. If he wanted to, he could charge local bands a pretty penny to play here; this stage is bigger than most of the indoor venues in town. Kaleb waved him down as he walked toward him, Amelia closely behind.

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“Roderick, my man! You sound just like the recordings!”

“Kaleb, hey man! Thanks for stopping by! Wasn’t sure if you’d make it, you’re a hard man to track down. What’s up with that?” Roderick took a swig from his fancy wine glass, his initials engraved on the side.

“Yeah, I’m kind of living mobile nowadays, plus I only have cell connection when I stop at a McDonald’s and hook up to the WiFi. Lucky I checked my messenger when I did!” Kaleb stepped to the side. “And look who I ran into! It’s Ams!” “Hey Roderick. Nice house.”

“Amelia! It’s so good to see you. How’s the writing going?”

“Oh, it’s going! Yeah, I uh, I submitted a few stories here and there, and I just sent out a manuscript. I mean, it’s not going as well as this, you know your whole rockstar thing, but I’m hoping I’ll get published soon!” Amelia forced a smile. She believed in herself, from the bottom of her heart she truly did, but her mind always had other plans.

“I just got lucky. Honestly, do you know how many times Kaleb here let me crash at his dad’s place while I was playing for crowds of 10 people for beer money? It just takes time. You’re a phenomenal writer, and I know you’re going to do so much more than even this one day.”

Roderick looked around at his mansion.

“Yeah, thank’s Roderick.”

Kaleb to the rescue. “Hey Rod, you’re a pretty popular guy, you know any publishers that wanna work with a

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genius?” He looked over at Amelia, nudging her with his elbow. She looked at the ground, her face lit up like one of those Himalayan salt lamps.

“Hmmm. I’m trying to think. I know a lot of producers, but I don’t know if I have connections in the literary world.” Think, Roderick. Think. He dug deep, surely he knew someone. He had friends in the music biz, guys from Hollywood, hell even a few in Bollywood. Come on Roderick, your friend needs you. “Wait a minute! Yes, I do know someone!” He turned and scanned the living room.

“Joanna! Hey, Joanna! Come here real quick!”

Out of the crowd emerged a young woman wearing a cat sweater. Her jeans embroidered with paw prints, and hair in space buns. She peered over in Rodericks direction, spotted Kaleb and Amelia and gasped as if she’d heard someone say they weren’t really an animal person. She turned to a group of people next to her. “I‘ll be back guys!”, then walked toward the trio. “Kaleb! Amelia!”

“Hey Joanna! How’s it going girly!” Kaleb went in for a hug.

“Wow, you’re really here! I didn’t think I’d see you again after you left SLCC!” Kaleb let out a chuckle. “Yeah I almost didn’t make it here.

Like I was telling Roderick, thank god for free Wi-Fi!” “And Amelia! Oh, I missed you and your stories! I’m still waiting on that book about the girl who falls in love with a man from another planet! Oh, I remember reading the first chapter and instantly got Twilight mixed with Star-Wars

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vibes. You know if you wrote it, I bet I could play the main character in a movie adaptation!”

“Erm, no Twilight talk Joanna, I’m sure Amelia’s book is much more compelling than the Twilight Saga. But say Joanna, didn’t your dad just help fund an up-and-coming book publisher?”

“Yeah, he did! It’s called Velvet Couch Publishing. Kind of a funny name, but I guess there’s worse out there. Why?” “Amelia here is looking for someone to look over her work. Do you think your dad could pull a couple strings?”

“Totally! I mean, he did practically fund the whole thing.

I’m sure he can get them to look at your work, Ams! Just promise me you’ll write that book. I’m dying to read it. If you do, I’ll endorse it when I get my first major acting gig.

It’s a win win!”

“Wow, that would be amazing, Joanna. You have no idea how much that means to me. And as a matter of fact, I did end up finishing that book. I can definitely get you a copy of the manuscript!” Amelia’s face lit up for the first time in years.

“YAAAAAAAY!” Joanna pulled Amelia into her arms and pressed her cheek against hers. If Joanna could be any animal at this moment, she’d be a boa constrictor.

“Okay okay okay, here let me see your phone. I got a new number, so I just want to make sure we stay in touch so we can make this happen!” She held her hands out like a kid waiting for candy on Halloween.

48

Amelia let out a chuckle loaded with relief. She took out her phone and placed it in Joanna’s hands.

“See! Told you Ams!” Kaleb smirked. “I knew you’d make it one day!”

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