Bittersweet Candy Bowl

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

Page 3 of 20

Transcript

*Molly appears in the doorway next to Janet. She looks anxiously at Abbey and taps her fingers together.*
Molly: Is it my fault?

*Abbey stares at Molly, worried.*
Abbey: Your fault?

*Molly comes into the room to stand close to Abbey. She looks fearful.*
Molly: Yeah! Are you not seeing your friends because of me? Did I yell too much at that boy before? Does he hate you now?
*Abbey frowns at Molly in confusion.*
Abbey: ?

*Abbey thinks fast, gears turning in his mind.*
Abbey: ..!

*Abbey leans forward in his chair and puts both hands on Molly’s shoulders. Molly looks up at him.*
Abbey: Oh, right.. nooo! Don’t blame yourself, Molly. This is about an appointment I made.. You didn’t do anything wrong.

*Abbey smiles softly.*
Abbey: Besides..

Abbey: If I did say yes, I’d be gone a whole week!
*Molly stares at Abbey with huge eyes, stunned.*

*Molly scowls adorably, making a fist with one hand.*
Molly: What! You can’t go! You’re meant to help me with scouting on weekends!
*Abbey smiles, hands still resting on Molly’s shoulders.*
Abbey: Exactly.

*Abbey straightens up and lets go of Molly. He smiles kindly.*
Abbey: So it’s fine! There’s no problem.

*Molly beams cutely. Sparkles glitter around her.*
Molly: Good!

*Janet watches from the doorway as Molly grins and enthusiastically holds up a fist.*
Molly: I need you to drag the cookie cart!
*Abbey looks away, smiling exasperatedly. He puts his hands on his knees and sighs.*
Abbey: I think you’re strong enough to pull that thing yourself now.

Molly: What kind of assistant are you?!
*Janet puts her hands on her hips, smiling gently at Abbey and Molly.*
Janet: Hm.

[The page fades out with a series of darkening panels.]

Author commentary

Veronica: I mentioned a few pages earlier that I drew up a ton of references at the time I made the Summer Vacation arc, right? Abbey was a character that went through SO MUCH REVISION. I really hated his original design, it felt very out of place to the rest of the cast.

So before the Summer Vacation arc started I tried to design an Abbey that felt more a part of the rest of the cast. I feel I was very successful with that!! He’s much cuter now with ears that make more visual sense, not looking like a gangly bug-eyed freak anymore lmao