There's nothing that grounds Pippa more than having her little routines. A big part of her life, the subject she has made her life's calling has to do with parallel universe theories based on the intricacies of the human mind. A complex blend between metaphysics and neuroscience and most days it's tough to keep her head screwed on straight. If she didn't have a routine down, she would be a lot less sane than she is today.
She runs on a schedule, wake up early to get to university classes and be there ten minutes before class starts in order to have enough time to buy a cheap coffee from the cafeteria. Wednesdays, do fitness with Doran and work on that upper body strength, also stamina training. Friday nights are movies and pizza nights with Coby, they've recently started on campy '90s horror movies. Sundays, time for the weekly Kingston family dinner, which now also includes Heather, Maureen' s girlfriend and Eli, Sam's boyfriend. And on Saturday afternoons she meets up with her older brother Sam.
It started out with Sam asking her to meet up the day before family dinner to tell her he was bringing Eli to dinner the next day because they were finally officially dating. And he could really use someone already in the know at the dinner table who could diffuse awkward conversations.
Then Pippa had done the same but with announcing to their parents that she wanted to live on her own, closer to campus.
And now it's become another part of her routine. Where they meet up depends on the season and the weather. As it is now the middle of summer, their venue of choice is the bar in Arden Park, which allows them to sit back and sink their feet into the grass while enjoying a cool and refreshing cocktail, or iced tea whichever they prefer at the time.
The bar is crowded as is only expected with the hot temperatures, and Pippa and Sam find themselves a nice spot in the shade. It's not the most private place, but as the two most shameless members of the Kingston family it doesn't prove as much of an issue.
They are very much creatures of habit, so their conversations always start the same way.
SAM
How's uni?
PIPPA
Tiring. How's school?
SAM
The same. Way too many assignments.
PIPPA
Ugh, good luck with that. And Eli?
SAM
He's good. How's Doran?
PIPPA
Getting better every week. Building up that upper body strength.
With that out of the way, they can start on the actual conversation, and it seems Sam has something he's dying to talk about.
SAM
Speaking of upper body strength... is Eli fit?
PIPPA
Er, he's your boyfriend, I guess you should know that yourself.
If Sam could, he would've rolled his eyes, instead he shakes his head with a snort.
SAM
Yeah, trust me, I know he has biceps for days.
Pippa groans,
PIPPA
Sam, no one says that anymore. Wait, I don't even know if that was ever a thing people said.
SAM
Yeah, yeah, my lingo is old and outdated. We've been over this, Pipsqueak.
They have, many times in fact, but that isn't going to stop Pippa from teasing him when the occasion arises. And when Sam retaliates with one of his lovely nicknames for her, it is only fair.
SAM
So?
PIPPA
So what?
SAM
Is he fit? Like, in an attractive, “he looks fit”, way?
PIPPA
What does that even mean? Can you be fit and unattractive?
SAM
Of course, if your face is all-
And here Sam pauses to do a weird hand motion waving in front of his own face.
SAM
- ugly and gross, then it doesn't matter how muscular you are, does it?
Pippa takes in a deep breath, and pushes her sunglasses up in her hair, to really look at Sam. His shoulders are a bit hunched and he absentmindedly scratches his cheek.
PIPPA
First of, if you just dared to imply you look ugly I'm gonna need you to stop before I organize the next family intervention.
SAM
There's no n-
PIPPA
And secondly, since when do you give a flying fuck about appearance? Mister "Beauty is subjective and societal norms are a load of crap".
SAM
Well, yeah that's all true, but can't I just be curious? (beat) So, how would you score Eli, objectively?
PIPPA
This is ridiculous, I can't say that because as I've learnt from my older brother, how you perceive someone's appearance is inherently subjective.
SAM
What about Maureen? She- she ought to be a bit more objective about it.
Pippa can barely hold it together and has to stop herself from bursting out laughing.
PIPPA
Because she's gay?
Sam doesn't give a reply, doesn't even crack a smile, he just fidgets with the half-empty glass in his hand. His face turns to the ground, where their feet are resting in the grass. He's never acted like this, so self-conscious and fixated on his own and others's appearances. Something must've happened and Pippa is going to figure out what.
PIPPA
(continuing)
Let me text Maureen to ask her.
And if she texts someone else in the meantime as well, Sam doesn't really have to know.
PIPPA
There, done. (beat) Now spill.
SAM
Spill what, sister?
Oh, he's adding a little humor in now, trying to deflect and act as if nothing is wrong. Pippa isn't falling for it.
PIPPA
What happened, Sam?
SAM
Nothing. It's stupid, really.
PIPPA
Tell me anyway.
SAM
Last Tuesday Eli and I went to the Midsummer festival and because of the heatwave, we just went out wearing tank-tops and shorts. But because Eli's body is like a freaking furnace, he still felt too hot, so I just said, why don't you take your top off. Which he did and- and...
Sam sighs heavily and frown lines settle on his forehead.
SAM
(continuing)
Some woman turned up and started chatting and flirting with him while I was right there.
PIPPA
Surely, Eli blocked her off?
SAM
Yeah, he told her he was with me and when he did I just, I-I just felt this woman freeze up, as if she was thinking, "really, this freak?"
PIPPA
Hey! Don't call yourself a freak. People like her, they're the ugly ones.
SAM
(softly)
It's okay.
PIPPA
No, it's not. You deserve to be happy and I hate that this shit still happens. (beat) Did you talk to Eli about this?
SAM
No, no, I don't want to make him worried or upset.
PIPPA
Sam, he deserves to know what goes on in that head of yours.
SAM
I know, it's just... I've never had problems with this before and it's making me anxious.
PIPPA
All the more reason to talk about it, don't you think?
SAM
I'll think about it.
Pippa knows by now not to push him too much and this is about the best outcome she could hope for. Her phone buzzed a while ago, twice, but she only pulls it out of her jacket pocket now.
PIPPA
I've got a reply from Maureen. Do you still want to know?
SAM
... Yes.
Pippa's eyes scan over the text message and she grins.
PIPPA
She wrote that she doesn't know either and that quantifying the attractiveness of your partner is, in her words, "quite rude".
Sam reclines in the chair and throws his hands up in the air in frustration. Pippa notices the person standing behind Sam and waves at him. Sam doesn't notice, and complains loudly.
SAM
Can't anyone tell me on a scale from 1 to 10 how attractive my boyfriend is?
ELI
He's a ten.
Sam jumps up from his seat in surprise and Eli puts his hands on Sam's shoulders to push him gently back in his chair and leans in to give him a peck on his red cheeks. Sam smiles softly and places his hands on top of Eli's.
ELI
Oh, you were asking about me? Well, I guess I would be around a seven or eight? What do you think, Pippa?
PIPPA
I'm keeping myself out of this one.
SAM
(hissing)
Yet you didn't think to warn me.
Pippa slides her sunglasses back on her nose and completely slips back in her seat.
PIPPA
And ruin the surprise I so carefully and lovingly planned out for you? (beat) Nope, don't think so.
SAM
You're my least favorite sister.
PIPPA
Bastard.
I love you though, you stupid, sensitive, caring, insecure, cool, idiotic twat of an older brother.
Word count: 37.440 words out of 50.000 (still going strong)
Snippet below the cut: [This snippet references one of my earlier posts: An Ocean of Glitter]
JOEY
So what, you track down people stuck in a parallel universe and that's how you found us?
PIPPA
Not really. I'm still working on theories, not actively searching for people. This was-
JOEY
A coincidence? (beat) You can't fool me you just happened to be here in this quarry at three thirty in the morning.
PIPPA
I... I had a gut feeling.
JOEY
(groaning)
Not you too. It's all Doran's been talking about. (beat) That, and you.
PIPPA
Me?
Pippa looks down at Doran lying on the ground with his eyes closed. Dark circles underneath his eyes, his hair a bird's nest, clothes rumpled and dirty. It's a striking difference from the last time she's seen him, wearing an indigo suit and nicely groomed. Big smile on his face as he tackled Pippa to the ground to give her the biggest and most comfortable hug in the world.
JOEY
You like him, don't you?
PIPPA
We used to be friends, a long time ago. It's hard to let go of that.
She doesn't take her eyes off Doran, doesn't even think she can if she has to.
PIPPA
So yeah, I like him. And I'd rather not see him in pain.
JOEY
He'd be pleased to hear that, he really cares about you too.
Pippa kicks a discarded pastel blue balloon around the party hall with her bare foot. Sometime during the evening, she lost her shoes and right now she has neither the motivation or reason to leave the party to go looking for them. Her light blue jumpsuit is no longer in a pristine condition due to the glitter bombs which launched somewhere between midnight and one a.m. The floor is a sea of sparkles.
DORAN
Oi, Cinderella, fancy meeting you here.
Doran's voice resonates loud and clear in Pippa's ears. He is careful in his approach, not too fast and not too close. He looks at Pippa as if she's a rare woodland creature he doesn't want to spook.
PIPPA
And who are you supposed to be, Prince Charming?
DORAN
I guess so. Do I get the stamp of approval?
With that invitation and forgetting all her decorum, Pippa lets her eyes freely roam Doran's fit body. The indigo suit he's wearing shimmers in the blue and white disco-lights. His bushy hair, which is usually an unkempt, but controlled mess, is now neatly slicked back. Somehow it both fits him and doesn't at the same time.
PIPPA
It'll do.
DORAN
Oh, come on, that's all?
PIPPA
Are you fishing for compliments, because I've seen like six other girls ogle you while we've been talking. I'm sure they'll be willing to indulge you.
DORAN
You're keeping count.
PIPPA
Am not.
Pippa fixes him with a firm glare. In normal conditions Pippa has no problem holding eye contact for a long time, but tonight there are glitter particles in the air. Of course one such particle floats into her eye, making her blink helplessly.
DORAN
You'd be surprised how many men are watching you.
PIPPA
How many?
DORAN
I haven't been counting, I only have eyes for you.
A small frown forms on Pippa's forehead. She fidgets, but stays rooted on her spot on the tiled floor. With all those girls looking at Doran and guys looking at her, it's a miracle Pippa hasn't turned into a pile of glittery dust under the pressure yet. And Doran hadn't told her how many men there are exactly. The absolute bastard.
DORAN
(continuing)
Too much?
PIPPA
Er, yes, maybe a bit.
DORAN
You don't need to lie to protect my feelings. I'm tough I can take it.
PIPPA
Wow, that's the biggest lie I've ever heard.
Pippa doesn't have to delve far into her memories to find proof of Doran's undeniable tenderness. He cried when watching an episode of Kitten Rescuers, listened to people's troubles without judgment and with solid advice. And he gave the best hugs. Well, it's been a while since Pippa had the full Doran O'Byrne Grapple-Hug Experience, but she remembers it fondly.
DORAN
Yeah. You're way tougher than I am.
Doran says it with such conviction and admiration, it must be true.
PIPPA
Would you believe me if I said it was all an act?
DORAN
Not all but fifty percent.
PIPPA
I want... can you- (beat) Never mind.
Pippa fiddles with the sleeves of her jumpsuit, feeling her own heartbeat up in her throat. Any determination to look Doran in the eyes has flown out of the window, Pippa is hardly able to keep herself from running into the bathroom to hide. Maybe she'd come out a couple of decades later, when Doran is old and grey. Then this wouldn't be so bloody hard.
DORAN
Ask me anything. You already have a no, but you can get a yes.
PIPPA
(scoffs)
Wow, thanks, that definitely boosts my confidence.
DORAN
Just ask me, Pippa. Your odd are pretty high. (beat) I just can't seem to say no to you.
PIPPA
Okay, then... I could really use a hug right now. Can you-
Before Pippa can finish her question, Doran tackles her to the ground like an excited, oversized puppy. They're quite a sight to behold on the floor in the middle of the party hall, but Pippa doesn't have a single care in the world when she's wrapped up in Doran's arms on an ocean of glitter.
Word count: 28.107 words out of 50.000 (pretty much caught up with the total average)
Yesterday I wrote a satisfying slap in the face scene. Today I wrote a break-up scene. But for the snippet I wanted something a bit more lighthearted. (though if anyone wants to read the break-up scene I’ll post that too)
Snippet:
PIPPA
I met you in this parallel universe. You were such an asshole.
COBY
I'm so disappointed in my other self. What was he or me like?
PIPPA
You were part of a gang called the Hyenas and you were hitting on me.
COBY
Ugh, sorry you had to see that side of me, Pippa.
PIPPA
Which part, the gang member part or the other stuff?
COBY
The other stuff. Knowing me, I'd probably be faking the whole gang-loyalty stuff. I'm not fit for fighting.
PIPPA
So... you'd more likely be a spy?
COBY
Sure. (beat) Pippa, is ‘parallel universe’ me gonna be in a whole lot of trouble when you visit him today?
Word count: 26.107 words out of 50.000 (the goal for today was 26.672 so I almost caught up!)
Snippet:
PIPPA
What do you know about Fox?
NOBLE
I try to stay out of his business if he stays out of mine. My personal opinion on the matter is irrelevant.
PIPPA
You don't care about him?
NOBLE
I don't, and my job would be ten times as productive if the Listening Eye shared my conviction.
PIPPA
The Listening Eye is real?
NOBLE
Of course it's real, I wouldn't be working for a ghost, now would I?
PIPPA
I guess not. (beat) So, the Listening Eye is interested in Fox? Why?
NOBLE
Interest is putting it mildly. The Listening Eye has some sort of weird infatuation with the idiotic buffoon. And if I knew why, I wouldn't be here, but I would be using all my resources to talk some sense into the boss.
FOX
We go in, act like we belong and then we strike.
FOX
(continuing)
We pick out one of the weaker members of the Hyenas and make them tell us where their main base is.
PIPPA
You want to take out a gang member in a place where there are dozens of them hanging about?
FOX
They're not gonna expect it, are they?
PIPPA
Well, you'll be right about that.
FOX
So, you in?
PIPPA
As if I had a choice. I'd probable even go along with your plan even if that just consisted of walking up the stage, stealing the mic and yelling 'All Hyenas in the park say awooooo'."
FOX
Hmm
PIPPA
(warning)
Don't... fucking do that, or I swear to god I will kill you myself.
PIPPA
So, what's up with this? You're listening to the radio at night?
FOX
Uh, yeah, I do.
Pippa narrows her eyes.
PIPPA
You don't have to be so weird about it. Lots of people listen to the radio.
FOX
...
PIPPA
Unless, it's something else?
FOX
... me and Maureen had this promise.
PIPPA
Yeah?
FOX
That it was okay to have secrets. (beat) And I know it bothers you, since you find it hard to trust people.
FOX
(continuing)
Don't worry, Maureen hasn't told me why or anything.
PIPPA
Good.
FOX
You've got your secret and I have mine, and I just... don't feel ready to talk about it.
PIPPA
That's okay.
FOX
Yeah?
PIPPA
Yeah, as long as it's not something that would harm me or my sister or anyone else for that matter, then you are allowed to keep as many secrets as you like.
