Bittersweet Candy Bowl

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

Page 9 of 20

Transcript

*Tess and Lily sit close together. Lily leans up to whisper in Tess’ ear.*
Lily: Psst..
Tess: ?

*Lily whispers to Tess behind her hand.*

*Mike and Lucy sit next to each other, still tied up. Mike frowns.*
Mike: Phone? Me? What?
[An arrow, pointed at Mike: Ace hearing]
*Lucy rocks back and forth, blushing and glaring anxiously at Tess and Lily.*

*Tess and Lily look at Mike and Lily and grin nefariously.*

*Tess stands with her hand on her hip, looking down at Mike and Lucy sitting on the grass. Lucy glares at Tess, red-faced.*
Tess: Mike~?
*Mike looks curiously at Tess.*
Mike: Hm?

*Tess smiles at Mike.*
Tess: So I hear it’s all about Sandy, is that right?
Mike: Well, yeah..

*Mike cringes in embarrassment.*
Mike: I’m sure she’d think it was a little fishy for me to go on some tropical vacation when I could be planning a visit to her instead..

Mike: I don’t wanna do the wrong thing..
*Tess smiles understandingly.*
Tess: Hm.

*Tess closes her eyes and smiles, thinking.*
Tess: I should have thought of this sooner..

*Tess opens her eyes and looks at Mike kindly.*
Tess: Mike, I’d like to do something for you.

*Mike watches Tess curiously. Tess gestures with one hand.*
Tess: This trip was supposed to be a thank you to my friends..

Tess: So how about we find a ticket and get you a flight out to Rickter!
*Mike’s eyes open wide in shock. He blushes.*
Mike: !

Author commentary

Veronica: Damn, Tess, you’re incredibly nice!

It’s nice to have friends that don’t just expect you to pay for things because you have money. I’m sure the idea of Tess financing a trip for Mike to see Sandy would have NEVER have crossed his mind! She has the ability to, but why would you expect that??