I can’t even recall what all happened in the last 2 weeks that I couldn’t post, but I’m back now. It’s performance season once again (this pretty much never ends…it just cycles through a few times a year). My concert on Saturday is the first, then the school musical, three school concerts, two recitals, and one competition.
I’ve just finished polishing a short story to submit to a new-to-me publisher for an anthology, and I’m sketching a flash fiction for another anthology. Meanwhile, I’m continuing edits on Cat’s story and finally getting back to writing the second in my Notes from Boston series. Whew!
This week’s snippet of Cat is later the same day as the last one. If you’ve forgotten (I know I had), Cat was post-first-time with his boyfriend and in need of his meds (but had to dodge his sister and her minions). No worries, he got what he needed. Now he’s off with his friends to celebrate his birthday by sneaking into a 21+ bar.
WIPmath: 4/13 = 4 + (3 – 1) = 6 paragraphs
There was a line outside the club. Cat balanced on the balls of his feet to peer over Zee’s shoulder. There was no way they would get in; they were by far the youngest people in line, at least from what Cat could see. He knew he didn’t even look like he was out of high school himself. They did have the fake IDs courtesy of Ezra’s cousin, but that didn’t mean much. Cat bounced a little with nerves.
“Will you cut it out?” Zee hissed, turning around. “You’re making us look like we don’t belong here.”
“Well, we kind of don’t,” Cat said. “These guys are a lot older than we are.”
Ezra elbowed him in the back. “Keith’s got us covered. His boyfriend Preston is at the door, and he said he and their friend Landon will meet us inside.”
Cat nodded, too full of nerves and excitement to say anything in response. When they reached the front of the line, he held his breath through the guys handing over their cards. He fumbled his way through passing his to the man Ezra had referred to as Preston. The man barely looked at it then gave Ezra a wink and sent them inside. Cat let the air out of his lungs and followed the others.
It was dim inside and more crowded than Cat had been expecting. He looked around, trying to figure out what the decor meant. There were neon palm trees and other tropical decorations, but there were also what looked like miles and miles of fishing net strung with rainbow lights. Were they going for a pirate theme? The idea made him giggle-snort, and he covered his mouth before the others heard. Bryce was always on him about that kind of thing anyway, being too girly. Cat composed himself and lowered his hand, still puzzling over the bar’s theme.
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Aw, Cat. Also, I want to smack Bryce for that last part.
Yeah, they’re really not good for one another. They both take out a lot of their (very different) insecurities on each other.
Is it okay that I’m slightly envious of Cat for actually looking his age? Because I had one of those faces/figures that people assumed belonged to a 21+ woman when I was 12. No need for false ID’s here. (I never took advantage of looking older. It got me into [sometimes dangerous] trouble without any help from me.)
Heh, I understand. I’ve always been more like Cat—until my late 30s, I never looked my age. People always thought I was much younger. My sister, on the other hand, is the opposite—she always looked more mature until in her 40s. Now everyone thinks she’s the younger sister!
I love Cat’s observations about the decor. Not being much of a drinker, I’d be likely to be right there with him, “what’s up with thatting”.
I think Bryce might benefit by focusing on himself rather than Cat. Giggle-snorts are sometimes the only logical response to the situation. =)
Good luck with all the performances!
Boldly Going Through the Alphabet!
@shanjeniah
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Thanks! I love performance season, actually. It’s busy, but it’s fun, and it’s great seeing everyone’s hard work pay off.
The decor was kind of born out of doing a Google image search and the strange things it turned up. LOL! I’m definitely with Cat on this one. (And I’m not much of a drinker either.)
Agreed. Sometimes giggle-snorts are all you can do. 🙂
Good interaction here. I can really feel Cat’s nervousness.
Good luck with all the music season events, and the short stories you’re working on!
Thanks! 🙂 I’m glad I was able to get his nerves across even in this short bit.
I’m taking the next 2 months one step at a time. Lots going on, but I want to be able to enjoy it as it comes! 🙂
Argh! Matey, ahoy, there!! I’d be right there with Cat, although I don’t know if I’d be giggling or just rolling my eyes. Great job with showing Cat’s nervousness.
Ha! I’d probably do a bit of both. I’m happy to know it came across clearly how nervous Cat is here. He’s caught between wanting to prove he’s “just like everyone else” and knowing he has limitations other people don’t.