Bittersweet Candy Bowl

41. Invitation, original chapter posted 12/7/07

Page 13 of 20

Transcript

*Lucy and Tess stare worriedly at Mike.*
Tess: What’s wrong?

*Mike wails, heartbroken. Tears stream down his face.*
Mike: S-S-SHE WON’T BE AROUND ALL SUMMER!!
*Tess and Lucy recoil, surprised.*
Tess: WHAT?!

*Mike clutches at his scarf, gazing miserably at Tess and Lucy.*
Mike: SHE’S GOING TO EUROPE ON BUSINESS!!

*Lucy looks stunned. Tess seems confused.*
Tess: .. How old is this girl again?

*Mike wails and waves his arms violently, tears flying from his eyes. Tess watches him, frowning in concern.*
Mike: I THOUGHT THIS WAS MY CHANCE!!

*Mike collapses on Tess’ shoulder, shaking and crying. Tess hugs him comfortingly.*
Tess: Oh, there there, Mikie.. You’ll get your chance..

*Tess eyes Mike, smiling kindly.*
Tess: Hey, you know what’d make it all better?

*Mike looks blankly at Tess, a tear on his cheek.*
Mike: ?

Tess: A free trip to the Silvershore Islands!
*Tess grins encouragingly, patting Mike on the back with one hand. Sparkles appear around her. Mike frowns, irritated.*

*Mike turns his back on Tess and starts walking away. Tess clenches a fist and glares at him, frustrated.*
Tess: Oh COME ON!!

*Tess leans forward and yells as Mike continues to walk away with his ears down.*
Tess: She gets to travel this summer, why can’t you?!
*Mike stops, startled.*

*Mike glances back at Tess, suddenly uncertain.*

Author commentary

Veronica: I really like how Sandy’s reason is eyebrow-raising, it’s kind of intended to be that way! They don’t really know that much about Sandy, and she’s meant to be in the same grade as Mike and Lucy! Europe on business? What is she DOING?

Oliver: We shall see!

A quick omnibus note: readers might have noticed it’s Silvershore Islands, no longer Acapulco. I thought it better to stay consistent with the fictional place names to come. Plus it seems to be a more Hawaiian kind of trip? No need to reference a specific place in Mexico that really isn’t represented in the vacation to come.