Don't Call Me Lucy

[nick-duval]

Nick: I promise I was an anomaly, Beth's a way cooler kid than I ever was. I don't think I'm gonna be much help to you there, though, I haven't spent much time around 15 month olds. Yet.

Nick: Oh shoot, I didn't even think about allergies. I was thinking, like, diapers and wipes and uh. Cheerios, obvs. I just figured if she's gonna come chill with Cool Uncle Nick on Sundays, it'd be easier on you if I have stuff already here and you don't have to carry as much.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Quinn: Beth is a pretty cool kid. I'm really happy you're getting to know her Nick. It means a lot to me. Quinn: Oh, I can give you diapers and wipes, I don't expect you to go out and buy a pack of diapers, but if you want to have stuff there for when she comes over I think having supplies would really help.

[nick-duval]

Nick: Technically speaking, I was just a little hyperactive ADHD ball of energy and no one knew it yet, so you're probably okay, 😂 Or just get really good at distractions, that's another option.

Nick: Yep, I can do that! I did a sweep of the living area this week to make sure it's moderately kid safe, just in case, but you can let me know if there's anything else I need to keep on hand for her when you drop her off?

[lucyquinnfabs]

Quinn: Yea, I'm really not ok. I think one of those backpack leashes is definitely something I need for Beth. What kind of distractions would work on a 15 month old? Quinn: I mean besides the obvious? She has no allergies or anything, so it should be pretty easy.

[onceawarblerblaine]

That sounds like a smart choice, honestly -- especially as parasocial as people can get these days. Oh, you were a show choir kid too? I was pretty much the same way -- just the private school a cappella version of that, technically speaking. After I transferred schools, that is.

We'd love to have you! It IS a lot of fun, seeing what songs people choose and how they decide to interpret them, and I can usually provide accompaniment, either on guitar or piano as needed, unless they have their own backing tracks. And open mics are always a little more colorful during pride month, 😂

[lucyquinnfabs]

Yea I was. I graduated from the local high school here in Ashford. I was in the show choir for 3 full years. I never had any competition solos or anything, which was fine by me, I enjoyed just dancing and singing on stage with everyone. It was the first place I was able to be myself, at least to a degree. Your show choir was accapella? That's impressive.

Is it embarrassing to admit that I have a playlist on my phone of instrumental music to songs that I know I can perform well at karaoke and open mic nights? I'm not cocky about my voice or anything, I just like to be prepared.

[stellaschue]

I know, right? I'd've killed on 'It's a Hard Knock Life'.

...I have only just realized my dog's name is Pepper, and one of the orphans is ALSO Pepper. FML, I can't believe I missed that. I didn't want to change it when I got him because he's a salty old man and already answered to it, but now my poor brain is all Inception-ed.

I've seen him and his dogs at the dog park, they will be delighted to keep Beth company. And we can get you as many bellinis as your little heart desires, 😉🥂

It was just always there! And green! And I would think to myself, 'Stellz, you should probably buy a spray bottle and mist that sucker at some point' and then I wouldn't. Like a liar. Yes, please, flowers and plants are pretty, but I have the touch of death and SO much survivor's guilt.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Hey, you could always still do it. Just reinvent it for an adult Annie!

Well it seems like it was just meant to be! Well from what I remember Pepper is a salty orphan so I think the name fits your dog if that's their description! I think this is pointing to you doing an Annie revival and if you want I am happy to play a role as well. And Beth can't talk or sing much, but if we put her in a halloween costume she could be a cute Sandy!

Oh thank you, I need so many honestly. I can't remember the last time I went out without Beth and just enjoyed myself.

If it makes you feel any better I also can't keep plants alive either. I've never forgotten to water a plant for 3 years, but every plant I've tried to keep alive....is no longer here. But I'm doing a good job keeping a human alive so that's something.

[brodywestonx]

Karaoke it is, then. However, let me be very clear upfront — I will not, under any circumstances, be getting on that stage. I’m there strictly as a spectator and professional critic. You, on the other hand… I’m fully prepared to judge your song choices with zero mercy if you go on.

[lucyquinnfabs]

What? How can you invite me to karaoke and not actually participate? I always feel so awkward doing karaoke but I still do it because it's fun! What if we do a duet? Will you get on stage then?

[anastasiabeiste]

They have such a fantastic program over there, so Beth is definitely in great hands. I love that she's a little social butterfly. There is nothing better than a kid who just radiates joy, even if it leaves you wondering where they inherited all that extrovert energy from! I really hope she enjoyed coming into class this week! The kids seemed to really like their little food critic's visit. I think it was the perfect way to end the semester.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Oh I know. She's been thriving over there and except for glaring at people when they don't do what she wants, she's been really great there. She definitely didn't get that energy from me that's for sure. Even as a little kid I was a homebody. I agree, and Beth loved all the attention on her, now that is a trait she totally got from me!

[camille-diane]

"First of all, the fact that there was a documented punk phase feels like information I should have received much sooner." A laugh escaped her before her expression softened again. "And for what it's worth, I don't think there's anything wrong with leaving when staying is costing you yourself." She paused. "A lot of people spend their entire lives becoming who other people need them to be. The fact that you recognized it and did something about it is... actually pretty brave." Her gaze lingered on Quinn for a moment. "Besides, if cutting ties was really the easy part, you wouldn't still feel guilty about it all these years later."

Then, inevitably, the corner of her mouth curved upward. "Oh, I am absolutely that kind of friend." There wasn't even the slightest attempt to deny it. "The kind who remembers every interesting thing you've ever said and then quietly brings it back up at strategic moments." A beat. "So, yes. The puppet is happening. Eventually." Another beat. "And when it does, I expect pictures."

[lucyquinnfabs]

"It was not a great time in my high school career." Quinn laughed. "I was dealing with my parents divorce and a bunch of other confusing feelings and felt like reinventing myself for senior year would be a smart thing to do." She laughed. "Sometimes I wonder what life would've been like if I had been honest with myself in high school. Would I have had a girlfriend or something?" She shrugged. "It really makes me wonder."

Good to know you support poor decisions and encourage them." Quinn rolled her eyes. "Well when I order it and get it you better be with me to open it. Of course it would have to be when Beth is at school or taking a nap so she doesn't try and steal it from me."

[nick-duval]

Nick: Touché, an excellent point, 😂

Nick: I keep forgetting you didn't know ME at 3 or 4 years old; my parents absolutely would have had me on a leash, I was all over the place. Of course she does, just like her mama, 😉 You need me this Sunday then, I take it? Need me to come to you, or would you rather drop her off at mine?

[lucyquinnfabs]

Quinn: Oh god so I guess I should absolutely get my child a lease then? I've seen those cute ones that look like backpacks that could probably work. Quinn: Yes I do need you Sunday! Are you ok with me leaving her at your place?

[owenchang]

Gotta say, I really don't get more frequent reminders that I'm probably not ready to have kids than I do when I go to the grocery. I was there today just grabbing a few things and I see this kid just bawling their eyes out and, even though I know it's probably just a tantrum because they're not getting their way, my heart starts hurting and it genuinely upsets me. And if that's how a child crying makes me feel when it's not even mine then, phew... yeah, definitely not ready. Not that I'm in a rush or anything, for the record, but still. The curse of being a softie, I guess.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Oh trust me, that heart wrenching feeling and being upset for the child goes away VERY quickly when you actually have one. I now feel bad for the parent more than the child, because the poor parent has to deal with that headache. It hurts the first time your kid has a tantrum, but after that you just roll your eyes. Or at least I do.

[camille-diane]

Camille's expression softened immediately. "No, I haven't," she admitted quietly. "Though I think every parent eventually discovers the universe has a sense of humor."

Her gaze lingered on Quinn for a moment longer. "And for what it's worth, I don't think you forgot who you were." She tilted her head slightly. "I think you got very good at being who you needed to be." The words were simple, matter-of-fact rather than pitying. "There's a difference." A small smile returned to her face then, lighter this time. "Besides, the version of you that was apparently busy scaring people in a cheer uniform still managed to grow up into someone who keeps binders full of letters from children and worries about whether she's kind enough." One shoulder lifted in a small shrug. "That seems like a fairly strong argument that she was always in there somewhere."

Then, because she couldn't help herself:

"And I would just like the record to show that the puppet idea has now gone from 'absolutely impossible' to 'a really fun idea'." The corner of her mouth twitched. "Which is exactly why I'm not letting it go."

[lucyquinnfabs]

"My mom used to tell me that all the time, especially when I went through my 'Punk' phase back in my senior year of high school. I never thought it would come true and I'm scared for myself" Quinn laughed.

Quinn took a breath and nodded at what Camille said. "You got that right. They house I grew up in basically forced me to hide who I was and what I wanted out of life." She agreed. "I always felt guilty about cutting everyone out of my life and just taking off after I graduated, but I think I needed that to get back to who I was."

"Oh man, you're going to be that kind of friend huh?" Quinn chuckled. "The kind that doesn't let me say no to something even if it's a bit ridiculous."

[dovesylvester]

You’re basically qualified to handle both the grammar disasters and the psychological fallout of these papers. Though, trust me, if you’re looking to high schoolers for relationship insight, you're in trouble. Unless your ideal partner is someone who communicates exclusively via text, gets offended when you ask what they want for dinner, and calls everything 'toxic.' How ridiculous are we talking? Seriously though, parents are wild creatures. One of these days, we'll have to swap horror stories about entitled parents.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Wow, I'm doubly qualified huh? That's impressive! As long as they're better at relationships that I was in high school the advice can't be all bad. Sounds like their relationships and my previous ones are pretty similar sadly. They tend to drop their kids and leave, as if it's a daycare or something. I've also had parents get super mad when books their kid wants are checked out or unavailable. Just a lot of entitlement. Oh man that would be so much fun! Between working at the library and dealing with book signing events over the years, I have plenty of stories.

[kurtxhummels]

I just keep going back and forth because I love my life here, but this is the kind of role that I've always wanted. You know how long I dreamed of playing Fiyero, so when I got that role on Broadway that was amazing. And playing Raoul was another big dream of mine. I had sort of let go of the idea of playing him here; primarily because it's such a big production that I'd have to go to Philly just to perform. Even then, it's usually only the National Tours that perform in the bigger cities. So it really is a great opportunity. But I also never realized how much leaving Dom for a few months would make me pause so heavily. Sometimes it's a little terrifying how much I love him, ha.

[lucyquinnfabs]

I completely get it. You want to follow your dream, but you also don't want to leave the life you established here. But hey, your friends and family will still be here when you get back. Remember that! I loved seeing you perform so much, you adored it and I want to see you live that life again!

[nick-duval]

Nick: Not the worst thing in the world? That's a ringing endorsement if ever I heard one, 😉😂

Nick: Me trying to change a diaper is probably going to be an undignified experience for both of us (me and Beth, that is), but we can get through it together. And I promise not to put a leash on her. Shhhh, I'M not the one raising a one-year-old here, a few hours a week is nothing.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Quinn: Especially coming from me ;) Quinn: I didn't think that would be something I have to worry about but gee thanks for confirming that. I have faith that you'll do just fine. Beth won't judge you too much if you mess things up, but warning, she does have the Fabray glare.

[camille-diane]

Camille laughed softly. "First of all, getting judged by a fourteen-month-old version of yourself sounds like a very specific kind of cosmic justice."

Her smile lingered for a moment before softening. "Perhaps instead of a completely different person, you've become a more honest version of the same one." She tilted her head slightly. "The Quinn you're describing sounds like someone who spent a lot of energy trying to protect herself. The Quinn I'm talking to now just seems less interested in pretending she doesn't care." A small shrug followed. "Which, admittedly, is probably much harder."

The corner of her mouth lifted again at the narrowing of Quinn's eyes. "And yes. Absolutely. One hundred percent. I'm going to keep bringing it up." There wasn't even a trace of apology in her voice.

"As for the puppet..." Camille considered the question with surprising seriousness. "I feel like you're asking the wrong person. You're the storyteller." Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Though if you somehow end up commissioning a puppet of one of your own characters, I wouldn't be remotely surprised."

[lucyquinnfabs]

"Oh you have no idea!" Quinn chuckled. "You ever have your mother say 'I hope you have a daughter just like you!' and find out you were cursed with just that?"

"I think you're right. This is the person I always was deep down, I was just too scared and hurt to let it show." Quinn sighed. "I definitely needed to protect myself growing up, in more ways than one, so I kind of had to be someone else to keep myself safe." She admitted quietly. "It was exhausting and after a while I forgot who I really was."

"Good to know." Quinn chuckled. "Hm, commissioning a puppet of one of my characters? I never thought of that but that sounds like a really fun idea!"

[nick-duval]

Nick: DEAL. If you're not careful we'll make a habit of it, you'll be stuck with me. I'll have a highlighter and sticky notes at the READY, 😁

Nick: Who's pretending? Not me! Oh, uh -- sure? I might need a bit of a crash course in how to take care of a one-year-old, since I imagine it's a little more complicated than a schnauzer. But yeah, you totally deserve a weekly brunch break, I can do that.

[lucyquinnfabs]

Quinn: I don't mind making it a habit. A weekly lunch date with you wouldn't be the worst thing in the world ;) Quinn: It's similar enough, the only difference is instead of cleaning poop during a walk, you change her diaper. But other than that, you keep her fed, happy and occupied and she's fine. You're amazing, you know that?

[nick-duval]

Nick: I would LOVE that, seriously. My office is only a block off the main drag through town, there's plenty of places we could grab lunch. I'm gonna have to add that one to my reading list so I can discuss it intelligently, then, 😉

Nick: HER Nick, huh? Not even two and staking a claim already, and I can't even be mad about it. All part of my master plan to be Cool Uncle Nick by the 4th of July, 😇

[lucyquinnfabs]

Quinn: Sounds like a plan to me! I'm not far from the main drag either so it'll be easy to meet up for lunch! Oh you should, it's a very complicated read ;) Quinn: Oh don't pretend like you don't love it. By the way, do you mind watching Beth on Sundays so I can go to a weekly sunday brunch with some friends?

[camille-diane]

Camille laughed softly at the image. "Oh, no. The judgmental daughter stare is a formidable obstacle. Children somehow manage to look more disappointed in us than any adult ever could."

The amusement lingered for a moment before her expression softened. "For what it's worth, I don't think that's stupid." She paused, turning the thought over carefully. "I think most people carry around some version of who they used to be. The problem is that we're usually the last person to notice we've outgrown it." A faint smile touched her lips. "And honestly? The fact that you're worried people still see you that way probably says more about who you are now than who you were then."

Her eyes narrowed slightly in playful suspicion. "Also, Quinn. You don't accidentally know that a puppet maker exists, follow her social media, watch her videos regularly, browse her website, and check the prices." The smile broke fully then. "At some point we're going to have to call this what it is: you're one moderately irresponsible financial decision away from owning a puppet. "

[lucyquinnfabs]

"What's worse is the stare is mine." Quinn laughed. "The stare I gave everyone back in high school is now being shot back at me by my 14 month old! Karma is truly a thing!"

"I should be glad that's how you see me I guess." She shrugged. "It means that I've really grown past who I used to be and have become the person I want Beth to be proud of. I also have to remember that the people who would have a problem with how I've changed are no longer in my life." Quinn smiled. "Yea I could care less back then about what people though, I was more worried they would find out what I was hiding." She shrugged.

"You're going to nag me about this until I actually commit to this and give it a fair shot aren't you?" Quinn said with narrowed eyes as she sipped her coffee. "What kind of puppet should I even get? Like what kind of character do I want that puppet to be?"