Author note
Some quick things.
1-This is a slow burn
2-I might be releasing multple books at a time. So if you like this book let me know.(Views and Message count as time this year. I tally daily)
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May every road I take, lead me back to you.
"I MEAN IT MINDY! I AM NOT GOING TO ASK AGAIN! GET UP NOW!"
"Again," I groaned opening my eyes. "This is the first time I heard you."
That…wasn't entirely true. I had heard her calling my name, a few times, but I thought, no hoped it wasn't true and I was just imagining things. I'd stayed up super late last night reading a book. I had planned to only read a few pages, but found myself engrossed well into the night. I just couldn't put it down.
Once I finished, I went straight to bed and I swear my head had just hit the pillow, when I heard her calling my name. There was no way it was morning already! I groaned as I rolled on my side. I saw my mother standing in the doorway of my room.
She was dressed for work, in her classic pink uniform and blue apron. She'd been a waitress at Belle's diner for the last ten years or so. She tapped her foot on the floor, then impatiently looked at her watch before she handed me a piece of buttered toast.
"Breakfast?" I asked, taking it.
"Try almost lunch!" she snapped. "I want you up and out of this apartment by the time I leave for work!"
"What! Why?"
"You're getting a job. TODAY!"
"A job."
"Yes! We've been asking you for weeks what you were going to do since the library. And all you've done is stay in bed playing video games and reading books. You can't hide in your room forever. It's time you got out and about again. I don't care what job it is, but by the end of the day, you'd better have one, Mindy."
"Or what?" I asked without thinking. I immediately regretted it. I really didn't want to know or what. I knew I'd already been pushing it.
She gave me a long, hard, look, then said, "Stay in bed any longer and you'll find out!"
I sat up and pulled my feet out from under the blanket. I set them on the carpet and that seemed to be enough, to get her off off my case. She pulled from the doorway and went down the hall; I immediately laid back down.
Not even a second later, she shouted, "MINDY OLIVIA EVERT! DON'T YOU DARE!"
She couldn't possibly see me from the hall, but she knew what I'd done. She had that sixth sense that all mothers had. They always seemed to know when you weren't doing what you were suppose to, be it getting into the fridge, right before dinner, or going back to bed.
I groaned then yelled, "I'M UP! I'M UP!"
"You'd better be! I want you outside in fifteen minutes!"
"Fifteen minutes, but I need to shower! You said you wanted me to get a job today, right?"
"Then you'd better hurry!" She said passing by my room.
I was still laying in bed, and she gave me another hard look that meant business. I got to my feet and quickly gathered my things. Just what had gotten into her today! Of course, I knew. My little sister had now been married and out of the house for a month.
I knew my days were numbered the minute I heard their i-dos. The fact that my parents had let me stay here for so long was amazing, but I couldn't expect their goodwill to last forever. Especially now that I was the only one left. Who knows maybe this was the push I needed. I was twenty-two and my life was officially going nowhere. I needed to started getting my shit together, sooner rather then later.
I rushed to the bathroom and took a record breaking cold shower. I would have preferred to let the water get warm, but I knew I didn't have a second to spare. I swear it took me longer to dry off and get dressed, then I'd been under the water. I'd just started doing my makeup, when my mother pounded on the bathroom door.
"TIME'S UP!"
"I'm doing my makeup!" I protested.
"You can do it on the bus!"
"What! I can't have the car?"
"Are you gonna actually pick me up at eleven o'clock."
"I could."
"Right," she said. I could hear the skepticism in her voice. I was late one time and she wouldn't let me forget it."Move it! Let's go! I mean it now Mindy!"
I groaned, but collected the essentials as she shooed me from the bathroom. I dipped into my room real quick and put on a pair of socks and shoes. Since I was going to be out for a while, I opted for my old school backpack over a purse. I threw in my wallet and makeup, then moved through the room like a tornado, picking up whatever caught my eye. I probably wouldn't touch most of it, but it was better to be prepared.
After a minute or two, my mother popped into the doorway once more. I was sure she was going to yell at me, to hurry it up, but instead she crossed her arms and said, "What a mess! You need to clean this up. You live like a pig. No man is ever going to want to marry you, if you can't keep house."
"I'm sorry," I snapped back sarcastically. "Was it a job you wanted me to look for today, or a husband?"
We exchanged looks before she tapped her finger on her watch and said, "I'm getting my purse!" I let out a heavy sigh and stepped out into the hall. I swear she practically pushed me out the front door, before she locked it behind us. "Do you have your keys?"
"Yeah, I think so," I said, digging through my backpack. I think I grabbed them in my frenzy. At least I hoped, she was in such a hurry today that I doubted she'd let me go back in for them. It would suck to get locked out all day. I found them and held them up, "Here they are."
She snatched the keys from my hand and put them in her purse, "Good, now your father wont be home until six or seven, depending on traffic. He'll let you in, but we expect you to have a job by the end of today, if not, then a list of at least a dozen places you applied."
"What! You're seriously locking me out of the apartment! What if I need to get back in real quick?"
"Then you're out of luck."
"But there could be an emergency."
"Then call the police!" she said as we went down the first flight of metals stairs. "I mean it Mindy! You can't spend your whole life in bed. You are not a princess! You need to get your head out of the clouds and start living again."
"Living, right." I said as we went down another flight.
When we got to the bottom of the stairs, she turned to me and said, "Now here is twenty dollars, you can use it for the bus and get yourself something to eat."
"With twenty bucks?" I said, "It doesn't buy much these days."
"It could be ten!" she snapped, but I quickly took it.
We walked to the car and I stood outside as she got in. She pulled out of the parking spot, then paused and rolled down the window. Her eyes softened for a moment as she said, "I love you, be safe."
"Right I love you too," I said. "Drive safe."
She rolled up the window and drove off without another word. I stood there for a long moment still half-awake and cold from the shower. It felt like my life had been on pause and someone had hit the play button, without warning. The last two years hadn't been easy on me...life hadn't exactly gone as I'd planned.
I was suppose to be married...maybe even have kids by now. Some might think that was young at twenty-two, but I knew what I wanted from a young age. I wanted a loving husband and children. I'd dreamed about it off and on...perhaps living somewhere by the ocean. Maybe I should have aspired for something more. I just- I guess I always felt like a third wheel in my own family and I thought, maybe if I started my own, things would be different.
I thought I'd met the right guy...Brett. Huh. I thought he wanted all the things I did. He said he did. We used to stay up late talking about our future. We got engaged before we were twenty. People used to warn us we were too young, but I knew what I wanted and I thought- No I was in love. There was no denying it. I loved Brett and the idea of our future together….of my dreams coming true. Yet one morning, I woke up and he was gone, no note, not a word...nothing.
A few days later, his mom stopped by for his stuff and the ring. She said he just wasn't ready. I wanted, needed to hear it from him, but he wouldn't face me. He wouldn't even get on the phone. He just left me with everything. The car loan, an eleventh month lease on a place I couldn't afford on my own, credit cards to furnish it and a fucking gym membership.
Some things could be undone, but a lot couldn't. It didn't help that I was a fucking mess from the break up. My life felt like it was falling apart. This wasn't how things were suppose to go. I went to my parents and they weren't happy. My mother kept shaking her head and said she'd warned me. My father was disappointed, but he did his best to bail me out. He made some calls and got me on a payment schedule. I returned or sold what I could and they let me move back in.
I owed them both so much. I split every paycheck I got between them and the debt collectors for months, until I got laid off. After that it was like I couldn't find my footing. I bounced around from job to job, but nothing stuck for one reason or another. Eventually, I got a little money together and tried to take some college classes, but didn't have the grades or money to keep going.
Months ago, I volunteered at the library and I really liked it. I kept hoping they'd hire me on, even part time. I loved getting lost amongst the shelves for hours on end. It made me think about becoming a librarian. However one day, after I finished my shift, the volunteer coordinator called me into her office. She sat me down and told me they had too many volunteers right now, and they needed to let me go. I tried to explain it to my mom, when she picked me up and I could still remember her saying, "Who gets let go from volunteer work?" She was sure I must have done something wrong, and I couldn't help but wonder if I had.'
Maybe I wasn't enough of a team player. I'd gotten complaints about that in the past. At the library a bunch of the volunteers used to get together and sit around chatting. Sometimes they'd bring snacks. One day they offered me a cupcake and asked why I didn't join them. Honestly I didn't feel too social these days and I'd heard how they gossiped about others.
I didn't want my life or the lack there of to become fodder. I already got enough ridicule at home. I'd rather focus on the books, the reason we were there in the first place. I just smiled politely and told them I wasn't a big talker. Later, I overheard one of them calling me rude and weird. Maybe they'd gotten arid of me because I hadn't joined in, or maybe I was just being paranoid. Either way it was a huge blow to my self-esteem.
A few days later, my little sister announced her engagement. She was only two years younger then me. We all worried the same thing was going to happen again and warned her. However unlike me, it worked out and she got married. I was happy for her, really I was, but yet again I couldn't help but wonder, why hadn't it worked out for me.
My grandmother would have said, "We each have our own paths in life. Never look to another's and compare your happiness as you don't know what awaits you down the road. I knew I had my own destiny, but right now I just felt so...lost. I felt like every time I tried to get back up, I got knocked down, and I didn't know which way was up anymore. Maybe I just hadn't found my niche yet, or maybe I was just afraid to truly commit to anything, after everything had fallen apart.
I don't know...lately I just want to stay in my room, where it's safe and escape into my books and video games. In them I felt like anything was possible. I could run a successful cafe, solve mysteries, be the love interest of a wealthy baron, have countless friends and endless adventures. Where as in my own life-
I let out a heavy sigh and ran my hands over my face and through my hair. I knew it did me no good to dwell on the past. I'd been over it enough times already. I might as well get this over with. I started walking. Who knows maybe this time things would be different, or my parents would see I was making an effort and leave me alone.
I dropped by the local convenience store and broke the twenty, with some gum and a drink. I had some money of my own, from selling a video game last week, but I was hoping to save it for another game or book. As I waited for the bus I thought about where I could go.
Off the top of my head there wasn't much around here. My best bet would probably be Chariot street and twenty-fourth. It was a pretty busy area and had to have at least two dozen places I could apply.
The bus came and I took the time to put on my makeup. I went a bit too heavy on the eye shadow and had to do my lips twice, when the bus jerked to a stop twice, but I think it turned out well enough. I pulled my long hair up into a sloppy bun, then stared out the window for twenty or so minutes.
When I got off the bus the sun was shinning. It wasn't quite spring, but it hadn't felt like winter in weeks. I looked around then decided to walk for a bit. I was hoping to apply somewhere different. Who knows I might get lucky and actually like my job. I walked through a parking to a set of stores. There was a pet shop, nail salon, empty store and a flooring place. I killed an hour in the pet store looking around. I wished we could have a dog, but our building didn't allow pets.
We used to live in a house when I was a kid and had two dogs. When I was fourteen my dad lost his job and my parents had to sell the house. We stayed with some family for a year, then moved to our current apartment complex. My sister and I shared a room for a while until my brother moved out. Then we each got our own room. Now it was just me and my parents.
I eventually filled out an application, then went next door to the nail salon. They asked if I had any experience and I told them I didn't. They said they were only hiring people with experience. At least they were honest and saved us both some time. I checked out the flooring place, but no one was there and they didn't have a help wanted sign. I still hung around for fifteen minutes then moved on. I went down the road and there were five different fast food restaurants spread over a block, chicken, burgers, pizza, smoothies and pretzels.
I'd already worked at other branches of the chicken and smoothie shops. I doubted they'd hire me again. I wasn't sure if they kept a database of something of past employees. The pizza place was tiny, delivery and pick up only. They were super busy, but weren't hiring. I applied at the burger place then the pretzel shop. When I was done, I got a pretzel and sat down for a while. I read some of a book, used the restroom, then checked the time. It was just barely after three. It felt like I had been out here forever. I sat for a bit longer, but knew my dad wouldn't be home until six at best, so I kept going.
I crossed the street and entered a massive parking lot. There wasn't much here, but a craft store that was going out of business, a hardware store that was closed, and a furniture store that didn't look too friendly. Oh and Darrow's Park, the Renaissance theme park. I could see the colorful flags and castle spires in the distance. Frankly, I was surprised this place was still around. I know it had changed hands a few times over the years and shut down at least once for a few months. Their commercials used to be everywhere when I was a kid, but I hadn't heard anything about them in a while.
I paused trying to think of the last time I'd been. It had to be when I was sixteen. We'd won some tickets and I'd gone with my sister and some of friends for her birthday. As I recall it had been pretty run down at that point. I'd loved it as a kid, but I think twelve was the last time it was really fun. It was more for younger kids and people who were into the Renaissance. Everyone that worked at the park, dressed up and acted as if they were stuck in time. I know some people loved that and dressed up as well. It was kind of like having a year-round Renaissance Faire.
I bit my lip and knew I should probably keep going, but I found myself curious. What was it like now? It was a weekday and they had a few dozen cars parked outside, so they were still getting some business. I also had hours to kill before my dad got home. Maybe I could check it out. Who knows maybe they hiring. I slowly walked up to the front gate and saw the weekday, adult price, was twelve dollars. I let out a groan. I'd have to dip into my own cash. I started to walk off, but everything felt so far away and there was something nostalgic about it.
I shrugged and went for it. I bought a ticket and walked over the fake drawbridge. I could see things had changed immediately. The entrance was larger. They used to have us enter through a small tunnel, and I remember even as a kid it had been cramped. Now the entrance was big enough you could drive a truck through it. They had also made it longer, which gave me a sense of anticipation.
I heard music just before I stepped out of the tunnel. I was immediately hit with the strong scent of freshly baked bread and spices. I looked about in awe as I saw the city had changed as well. Before one or two houses were real and the rest were just paintings. Now it looked like every house was real and there were so many characters walking about. It really looked like a bustling Renaissance City.
I didn't get more than two steps before one of the guards welcomed me to the Ruby Kingdom. He was in a full set of armor and handed me a flyer. I glanced at it as he proceeded to tell me what was going on. I could not have come to the kingdom at a better time. This weekend the Ruby King and Queen were going to be making a big announcement, in the newly restored castle...apparently there had been a fire.
I took a closer look at the flyer. It had a full map of the park, along with events and times. They wanted twenty-five dollars just to enter the park on the weekend. They also sold season passes and VIP memberships. I could tell someone had sunk a lot of money into this place, and it was no longer on its last legs.
The guard was still talking and told me there were so many delights to see, and so much more to come. I should subscribe to their official mailing list, check out the announcement board out front, or come back anytime with family and friends, to learn about upcoming events. The kingdom had never been more peaceful and prosperous, and I was always a welcome guest.
I awkwardly nodded and said thank you. He stepped aside and I wandered about. I mostly saw families with little kids. but there were a few adults here or there. I kept to myself and found if you didn't approach a character they wouldn't interact with you, which was nice. I checked out the houses and was surprised to find they were all Renaissance themed shops. They had everything from souvenirs, to crafts, and décor, but was it ever pricey.
They also had a lot more places to eat. The smoked turkey legs looked and smelled amazing. I walked up to the stall to see how much they were and nothing was under ten dollars. I slowly backed away and continued looking around.
I made it to the center of the city and found it had been expanded upon as well. There was a massive tiered fountain that was also a wishing well. I took out some change and wished for a job. They also had various street performers, jugglers, singers, dancers and even a woman who breathed fire. This was were most the people were gathered.
A vendor selling brightly colored fairy floss passed by. I caved and got some for seven dollars. I got a lot but there went a new video game. Now I'd only have money for books, speaking of which, they had a massive bookstore. It was like a full on library and they had characters quietly acting inside, even if no one was watching.
You could buy any book off the shelf. They had kids' books, cookbooks, history, mystery, thrillers and even romance— and they were all Renaissance-themed. I didn't know they had so many. I looked around for a bit, but was asked to go outside as I was still eating the fairy floss. I'd missed the sign that read no food or drink.'
I stepped outside and saw a puppet show was going on. I sat down and watched it as I finished off my fairy floss. Then I went back into the bookstore. They had some good ones in the romance section, but again pricey...at least for me. Maybe after I got a job I could come back. Who knows maybe I could work here, at one of the food booths or even the puppet show. It might be cool to dress up and pretend to be someone else for a while.
I wasn't sure where to apply. I looked around some more, then asked a witch selling camel apples. She stayed in character as she pointed out the wizards' information tower, on my map. I made my way there, and a guy around my age was dressed up like an old wizard, with a long white beard. He seemed bored out of his mind. I asked for an application and he handed me one, without looking up from his magazine. I sat on a nearby bench and fill it out. It was pretty standard, though they had one question about acting. Had I ever acted before? I wondered if school plays counted and wrote down some. When I was done, I went back to the wizard's tower to hand it in, but the guy told me to give it to the manager, Rupert. I asked where I could find him and he suggested I check the break room. He gave me some rough directions as he pointed out a staff only door on a fake cabin, not far from the tower.
I cautiously went through the door and found it was like night and day. Outside was the bustling city; inside was endless gray cement floors and brick walls. I thought the park was big, but the back area seemed huge. I tried to follow the wizard's instructions, but kept getting lost, every hallway looked the same. It was like a maze! Eventually I found out where the maps were. It took me a few minutes, but I made it.
The break room was pretty big, they had several picnic tables, regular tables, chairs, two couches, four microwaves, three fridges and five vending machines. It was pretty amazing, but completely empty. Now what? I bit my lip wondering if I should wait? I didn't think they'd want me wandering around. Before I could decide, a man rushed into the room.
"HERB!"
The man paused, when he saw I was the only one there. "You're not Herb." He said putting his hands on his hips. He had a measuring tape around his neck
"No, sorry." I said. "Um, you wouldn't happen to know where Rupert is?"
"Who?"
"Rupert the manager. The guy at the wizard's tower said I could turn my application into him." I said holding up my application.
"Sorry, I don't know a Rupert," The man sighed. He looked at me, then did a double-take. He stepped back and gave me a weird look. "Hmm," He looked me up and down, from head to toe. Then slowly walked around me. I'd never had anyone blatantly size me up before. He stopped, tapped his foot and said, "Yes! Yes! I think you just might do!"
Before I could ask him what he meant, he snatched up my arm, and away we went.
He pulled me through various hallways and rooms. I think we went downstairs twice before we turned down a hall, and then another that I swear went on forever. There were yellow clothing racks on one side, and I heard modern music getting louder the further we went until we burst through a set of double doors, into a two- story room. The place was a mess! It was like someone's closet had thrown up! There was fabric everywhere, and I could barely make out worktables and sewing machines.
A man with glasses on his head, was chewing gum as he leaned over one of the worktables looking at a magazine. He let out a heavy sigh, turned the music down, then asked, "Did you find him?"
"No, but I found this." said the man, who'd dragged me down here. He let go of my arm, but put his hand at my back and gave me a slight nudge forward as if to present me.
The man with glasses on his head stood upright. He put his glasses on, then sized me up as the other man had. He blew a bubble and let it pop before he said. "A bit young isn't she?"
"That's what makeup is for. Besides they did that sometimes, back then. If they can have a child king, they can have a teenage queen."
"Uh, I'm not a teenager." I said.
"Then what's with the backpack, you go to college?" asked the man with glasses.
"No, I just like to be prepared."
"Right." he said, blowing another bubble.
I looked down wondering what was wrong with the way I dressed. I suppose it might be a little outdated. I had worn this shirt in high school, but it still fit and money was tight. I couldn't afford new clothes right now...even then I liked it.
The man's bubble popped. He let out a heavy sigh and crossed his arm. He sized me up again then threw his hands into the air. "Whatever, let's give it a try."
"Give what a try?" I asked, still so very lost.
The guy who'd brought me in reached for my backpack. I didn't let him take it. "It's alright sweetie. I'm just gonna put it over here. It will get lost otherwise, trust me." He said, gesturing to everything around us.
"I have a system," said the man with glasses.
"Yeah! A system of chaos!" snapped the man who'd brought me in. I bit my lip and reluctantly let him take my bag. He set it down on one of the few clear surfaces in the room. Then turned to me and said "Now you can change over there."
"Change? Over where?" I asked as he pointed to some curtains. "Excuse me? I'm sorry, but I'm very lost here. I just wanted to apply for a job."
"Well let's see if the dress fits first," said the man with glasses.
"Dress?"
The man with glasses looked at me and must have finally realized I was absolutely clueless.
"Okay, let's start over-." He paused and I realized he was waiting for my name.
"Uh, Mindy, Mindy Evert."
"Relax Mindy Evert. We don't bite. We're just very tired and need you to try something on. I'm Jules and the brute that brought you in, is Berry. We are Darrow's Costume Department."
"The entire department,"added Berry.
"Oh," I said. These two made all of the costumes for the entire park. No wonder they were tired. I hadn't actually thought about who made the costumes. I just assumed they got them from somewhere. The fact that they were having me try something on, had to be a good sign. I might actually get to work here! I tried to hide my excitement. "Sorry, I didn't know. What did you need me to try on?"
Jules turned and gestured to something. I missed it when I'd first come in, overwhelmed by the music and clutter, but it now had my full attention. I saw the most beautiful blue ballgown I had ever seen. It was like something from the pages of a fairy tale.
I couldn't help but gasp."Oh wow that's stunning!"
Jules smiled "Oh we're going to get along quite well. Now if you'd just undress, we can get started. You can leave your underwear on, but we'll need to see how it fits so we can know what adjustments we need to make."
I couldn't believe it! "I get to try that on!" I said failing to hide my excitement. Berry and Jules exchanged looks and seemed pleased.
"It's nice to have someone appreciate our work for once." said Berry.
"It is something, isn't it." said Jules, admiring the dress for a moment, "But have you ever worn a corset?"
"No."
"Oh," said both Jules and Berry, in near unison.
"Is that bad?" I asked, worried.
"No, there is... always a first for everything." said Jules.
"Yes," said Berry.
"Well let's get to it," said Jules, taking my application.
"Okay," I said, then went back behind the curtain.
Once I was out of their sight, I started to realized how insane this was. I didn't know these guys and was about to strip down to my underwear! It was for work, but still...this felt fast. I knew I'd have to wear a costume at some point, but I figured they'd interview me first or something. I bit my lip, but quickly took off my shirt and unbuttoned my jeans. I didn't want to lose my nerve and I'd love to try on that dress.
To wear something like that even if it was only once, would be pretty cool. I stepped out of my shoes and wasn't sure if I should leave my socks on or not. I decided to leave them on. I folded my shirt and jeans, then stacked them on top of one another on the floor. I took a deep breath, then pulled back the curtain and stepped out. I swear it only took me a few minutes, but they were both gone.
Before I could call out, I heard Berry. "Found one! I think this should work!"
"Yes!" said Jules, "That looks about right!"
I realized they were still in the room just lost amongst the clutter. I awkwardly stood there, in my underwear as they rummaged about. I caught a glimpse of them, here or there before Jules popped out from one of the clothing racks.
"Okay I'm back! Did you miss me!" he said, setting some clothing down on a nearby table. He walked up to me and pulled out a tape measure. He moved quickly, measured my height, hips, waist, bust and arms. "Okay, okay, not horrible, not great, but it's something."
I wasn't sure what he meant by that. He jotted down the numbers then helped me put on a white slip. It fell to my ankles and was like a nightgown. Next he helped me put on a white petticoat. I knew what it was from my sister's wedding. It was the thing that made a dress poof up. Berry returned with a corset and it was an experience onto itself. It seemed okay at first, but kept getting tighter. Soon I felt like the oxygen was being squeezed out of me and let out a burst of air.
Berry looked concerned, "I think you're cutting off the poor things oxygen."
"Nonsense." said Jules, "What is your favorite flower, Mindy?"
"I like roses." I wheezed.
"Any color in particular?"
"Blue."
"Wonderful," said Jules, "See, if she can talk, she can breathe."
"Alright," said Berry, "But if this one passes out, you're cutting her out."
"What!" I said. "If this one passes out? Have other people passed out?"
"Oh, don't mind us, we're just teasing each other, "said Jules.
"The only part of the job I like anymore," said Berry.
"Okay," I said, "But this feels a little tight."
"Give it some time, you'll get used to it. The first times always bit of a... learning curve." said Jules.
"Besides, haven't you ever heard, "beauty is pain." said Berry. "Just let us work our magic and you'll see, it will all be worth it."
I hoped so. I regretted having that pretzel and the fairy floss, fuck all food ever. I was pretty sure this wasn't going to work. I'd never felt so confined. I wondered if all the characters had to wear something like this, or if it was just this one. I watched them walk over to the dress. They carefully removed it from the sewing bust and brought it over. The dress had several layers to it and another corset. I didn't think I could take another.
"Uh, do I really need to wear two corsets?" I asked as they put it on me.
"Oh no dear, this one is more for show." said Jules, "The one you're wearing underneath everything is plenty enough."
"Okay," I said, feeling slightly relieved.
After they finished dressing me they slowly walked around me. They didn't say anything for several minutes and I worried. After what felt like an eternity, Jules grabbed some pins and Berry grabbed a notebook. Berry took notes as Jules began adjusting the dress. He stuck pins in as he went, and I also noticed him cutting up some of the stitches. I wasn't sure if that was good or bad.
"We'll have to take it out some here," said Jules, gesturing to my waist.
"And here," said Berry walking behind me, "Girls' got some junk in her trunk."
"More like Annette had no ass," said Jules, cutting a few more stitches.
"Agreed," said Berry, "Ironic, given she was one."
They both chuckled and I found myself curious. "Annette?"
"She was going to be the original, Azure Queen, but mid-fitting she got a call from her agent, to do some stupid commercial." said Berry. "And suddenly she's too good for us and up and quits."
"Oh," I said.
"Yeah, "said Jules, "And we've been scrambling to find a replacement ever since. We only have until Saturday, to get you fitted and trained and you're not the only one that is making their first appearance this weekend. I swear the writers are trying to kill us, wanting royalty from every kingdom to visit, for that damn announcement!"
Announcement! I recalled the flyer I'd gotten, when I first entered the park. Wait? Was I going to be apart of that! "Wait! Does this mean I've got the job?"
"Give us a second honey," said Jules. "I don't want to get your hopes up."
"Sorry." I said. I knew I should stop asking. I really didn't want to blow this.
"It's quite alright." said Jules.
He lifted my dress some at the bottom, then pinned it. From there he went behind me and added a few more. I tried to stand perfectly still as he made the adjustments. I found it all so interesting. I wasn't used to this kind of attention. I can't remember a time when anyone had fussed over my attire.
I….I was going to be a bridesmaid at my sister's wedding, but my mother and sister decided against it, when we got to the dress shop. The number would have been off. My sister's husband only had four groomsman and five bridesmaids would have offset the balance. I had a feeling they were just trying to spare my feelings. Still, I would have liked to have tried on a dress.
"You okay sweetie?" asked Jules. "Your eyes look a little watery."
"The lighting in here is just- Uh allergies." I mumbled. I could not be crying right now! Not during a job interview! It had been a while since I'd cried during one, but I'd ruined more then enough with tears. I took several deep breaths and tried to get a hold of myself.
"Uh huh," said Jules. "Well let me know if you're uncomfortable. I'm not poking you am I? I know I can get a bit carried away."
"We're nothing, if not passionate." said Berry. "It's why we've stuck around so long. We've seen this place change hands, what three times?"
"Four." said Jules.
I nodded and tried to suck it up. Now was not the time to break down. Not, if I had even the slightest chance of getting this. Whatever this was.
"Okay. Okay. I'm liking it," said Jules, pulling back.
"See I told you," said Berry. "Do I have an eye or what!"
"Yes," said Jules nodding. "Let's see if we can't get the full look down. We might not have time later." Berry nodded as Jules turned to me and asked, "Do you have some time, sweetie? I'd like to do your hair and makeup."
"I'm free," I said.
I still had some time before my dad got off, but technically I didn't have to be there when he got home. I honestly had until the last bus ran, but I didn't tell them that. I didn't want them to know I had no life.
"Alright, I'd like to do the characters makeup next. Mind taking yours off. I like to start with a fresh pallet."
"Sure whatever you need."
Jules got a wet wipe and handed it to me. I rubbed the makeup off my face then gave it back to him. He tossed it in the trash, then stared at me for a good minute, "Hmm very nice. You've got some natural beauty here. I shouldn't have to do too much." He turned and picked up a large makeup pallet. He stared at me for another minute or so before he began. I couldn't help but notice he used a lot of different colors, ones I'd never thought of.
When he was done, he stepped back and looked at me. He must have liked what he saw because he smiled, then said. "Camera."
"Camera." repeated Berry. He looked around then admitted, "I have no idea where we left it."
"It's next to the- Or maybe- No we- Hmm," said Jules. He set the makeup pallet down, then rubbed his jaw, "Oh wait! It's next to that thing, we were fussing over this morning, the purple thing, you know."
"Oh yeah the purple thing." said Berry, rolling his eyes.
"Fine uh, the filing cabinets." said Jules, putting his hands into the air.
"Oh, I remember now!" said Berry. He rushed up some stairs, then came back down a second later. He gave a camera to Jules and he took several close up pictures of my face.
"Sorry, I don't want to lose this look. The picture will help us recreate it."
"Okay." I said."
"Now the hair." said Berry.
"Yes, there is so much of it, we wont have to use a wig." said Jules, setting down the camera.
I took out my sloppy bun and let my hair fall down, "Oh my, there is alot" said Berry, "Are you wearing extensions?"
"No, it's just been a while since I cut my hair," I hadn't really done much with it since the breakup. I mostly put it in a bun or braid and forgot about it.
"Hmm, okay let's see," said Jules. He took a book off a shelf and started flipping through it. From what I could see, it looked like a book on hairstyles.
"I say we go with something simple and sweet," said Berry. "Trust me, you don't want to have to do an elaborate hairstyle, every time you get into character."
"I agree." said Jules. "How do you feel about an over the shoulder braid?"
"I'm fine with whatever." I said.
"Hmmm, girl you are a blessing." said Berry. "You have no idea how some of the cast can be."
"Some of them need straight up ego checks, acting like they are some A-List star." said Jules.
They didn't have to worry about that with me, but I didn't say anything. I didn't know when or even if, my ego would ever recover, from getting let go from the library.
The camera shot out the picture Jules had taken, and Berry picked them up. He looked at them and nodded, "Very nice."
"Can I see the picture?" I asked. I wondered how I looked.
"We're not don't yet, "said Jules. "Let us surprise you." He shut his book then began rummaging around in some draws. "Now let's see, royal hair, royal hair, we can't just do a simple braid." He pulled out some dark blue and light blue ribbons. "Yes, we'll weave some ribbons into it."
"We should also add a line of lace and oh pearls!" suggested Berry.
"Oh yes," said Jules, then he waved Berry off, "Go, go and get them."
Berry rushed off and I watched Jules measure out the ribbon. When Berry returned he had some lacy white ribbon and a string of small pearls. I watched Jules measure again before he cut. He combined everything together then brought it over with a hairbrush. He brushed out my hair, then carefully weaved the ribbon into it as he braided it. When he was done my braid came to my waist.
"And there we have it!" said Jules as he stepped back. "I think we're done!"
Jules picked up the camera again, but Berry cried out, "NO WAIT!"
I wondered if something had happened, both Jules and I looked at him, but Berry didn't say a word rushing off. He came back a moment later, with a chair and something under his arm. He put the chair down next to me, then stepped onto it and held something over my head.
I realized it was a crown. "Oh yes!" said Jules excitedly. "Can't have a queen going about without her crown!'
Berry set it down on my head and proclaimed, "I dub thee Azure Queen!"
I was surprised the crown had some weight to it. Berry got off the chair, then both men stood before me, and examined their handy work.
"Oh yes! Yes!" said Berry, clapping his hands. "We are brilliant!"
"That we are!" said Jules.
Jules took several pictures from different angles, then set the camera down. He stepped up to me, and offered out his hand. I took it as he said, "Come my lady and see for yourself."
Berry moved some boxes around, then opened up a big three way mirror. Jules led me over to it. I thought I knew what I was going to look like. I'd played dress up before, but this was not that! I paused staring at the woman standing before me. The clothes, makeup and hair were all so different from my normal style. She looked like someone from another time and place…a royal queen! This was a version of myself, I had never seen until now.
Jules put his finger under my chin and lifted it. "One thing you must never do, my dear is look down. A queen never looks down and you personally should look up, and let everyone see those big beautiful eyes of yours. They are so full of life and wisdom beyond your years. You are a conqueror of hearts, who makes no excuses, let your beauty reign supreme!"
"Oh that was good! You should write that down!" said Berry.
"I should!" said Jules, excitedly.
Just then, the doors opened and we all turned to see an older man with a clipboard, ` "You wanted to see me?"
"Oh yes," said Jules, "What do you think of our, Azure Queen?"
"I thought she quit." said the man with the clipboard.
"She did, this is a new girl." said Berry
"New girl." said the man looking me up and down, "You ever act before?"
"Uh-"
"Of course," said Jules, "She is from the theater."
"Yes" said Berry, backing him up.
I looked at them both, but nodded.
The man with the clipboard sighed as his radio went off. I heard someone say, "We've got a mess in the mage's pit, some kid just threw up."
The man with the clipboard groaned, but picked up his radio and responded, "I'll be there in five." He looked me up and down again, then said, 'Well if it works, it works. Will she be ready by this weekend?"
"Of course," said Jules.
I swallowed and dared to ask again. "Does this mean I'm hired?"
"There can be no other, Azure Queen," said Jules. He looked around, then picked up my application and handed it to the man with the clipboard.
The man glanced at it, then said. "Alright, if she checks out she's hired."
"What is there to check out?"asked Jules.
"Don't you trust our judgment, Herby?" Berry teased.
Herby, who I assumed was the Herb Berry was looking for earlier, groaned but nodded. "Alright, alright, I don't have time for this." He looked at me, then said, "Once you change out of that, come find me in the office to fill out the paperwork."
"So I got the job!" I said more to myself then the others.
"Pay is shit," said Herb.
"Hours are too," said Jules.
"But you'll have fun," said Berry, "We always do."
Herb walked out and I couldn't believe it. I'd done it! Not only had I gone out and gotten a job in the same day, but a queen none the less. "Oh wow." I said, it was still hitting me.
Jules and Berry chuckled, then Jules clapped his hands. "Okay, we'll need to go into overdrive! Knowing Craig, he'll want to try her out. You have acted before, right sweetie?"
"Do school plays count?" I asked timidly.
"Depends," said Berry. "Front of the stage or back? Did you have lines or were you just window dressing?"
"I think I said a sentence once, in the third grade."
"Right, well you ever hear fake it until you make it." said Jules. "Just fake it! All acting is really, is pretending. Just pretend you're a really good actress."
"Not too good, it's not like were some big production," said Berry. "We're a theme park in a parking lot. Just show up and say your lines."
"And remember to keep your head up," said Jules, lifting my chin once more.
"I think I can do that...maybe." I said. My stomach started to hurt and it wasn't from the corset.
"Don't worry," said Berry, "We'll take care of you."
"Yes," said Jules, "Berry, go let the writers know we have our Azure Queen. We'll need some background, to get a feel for the character."
"Right," said Berry. He turned and took off.
"Now," said Jules turning to me. "We'll need to work on your walk."
"My walk?"
"Yes, you're royalty now, you can't just stomp along, you need to glide," said Jules, gliding about the room.
Okay," I said.
I could do this! It wasn't like I had anything to lose. I'd been fired before right, so if things didn't work out...it would be okay. I'd just look for another job. However I had a feeling this job was going to be hard to top. It was not every day you got to be a queen. I glanced back at myself in the mirror, and smiled.
"Okay," I said again to myself. I held my head up high, then turned to Jules and asked, "Alright, what do I need to do?"
"That's the spirit!" said Jules.
He turned the music back up and we practiced gliding across the room. Once I had it down, he made a few more adjustments to the dress then had me take it off. Nothing had ever felt so good as getting that corset off. I now had a much greater respect for the Renaissance and characters in the park. I got back into my clothes and he showed me how to do my character's hair and makeup. I practiced while he worked on the dress.
Eventually Berry returned and took me to the office. Herb was having a late lunch at his desk, but still wanted to go over everything. He gave me a bunch of paperwork to fill out, an employee manual, and a more detailed map of the park and its backrooms. It was even more extensive then I thought. There was four floors underneath the park and like a hundred rooms. There was no way I was memorizing this, but he said I'd eventually get the hang of it, if I was around long enough.
Once I had everything filled out and he'd scanned my ID. He put me on the schedule for orientation with Craig, first thing tomorrow. So much for sleeping in. Craig was the manager in charge of all the characters and once he and the writers had assessed me, I'd find out what my hours were. He told me I'd probably only work one to four hours a day, maybe longer on the weekend. I might even have split shifts, where I work in the morning then come back in the evening.
When we were finished I found, my way back to the costume department, to thank Jules and Berrry. Jules was happy to see me and wanted to have another fitting before I left, but he wasn't quite ready. They got me a stool and I hung around. At one point Berry got some sandwiches. He offered me one, but I didn't take it knowing I'd have to put that corset back on.
One of the writers popped by, and took a look at the pictures Jules had taken of me. They asked if I could come to the writer's room and work on my character's background. Jules said he wouldn't be ready for a bit longer so I went with the writer, to a building on the other side of the park. It was several stories tall and the second floor was just for the writers.
The latest owner really wanted to improve every aspect of the park, including the storyline. He'd hired a bunch of new writers and they'd been working on a new storyline that was suppose to take us into next year. This weekend was a pivotal event in all their planning, and they wanted to make sure everything went right. They gave me a book on the current lore Prisma and character handbook on rules and regulation. Apparently, from the moment I put on my costume until I took it off, I was suppose to be in character.
I skimmed through what they gave me as I watched them build my characters background. I was to be a visiting queen from the far off Kingdom of Azurite. It was a mysterious crystal kingdom, high in the mountains that few had ever been to. It had been mentioned a few times in the past, and they thought it would be good to have someone from the kingdom come to the announcement. It would show just how 'important' the Ruby Kingdom was, in the land of Prisma.
If anyone asked why I didn't have any royal guards. I was suppose to tell them I was a very 'independent' queen. My people were so smart and good with magic that I needed not for escorts. In truth, they didn't have the budget for extra guards, given how many characters were showing up this weekend.
My character was suppose to carry books and would be spending a lot of time in the library, which of course I loved. However after a few minutes, the writers realized they needed more characters to talk about the event this weekend. Since I was new, they decided to write in a scene where I would explore the city, and talk about how excited I was for the announcement this weekend. They began working on my script and had me say a few lines. It was so wild! This morning I'd been looking for a job, and now I was being written into an empire.
They had a room that was just for maps. On one wall they had a blown up map of the entire park. They also had a massive map table in the center of the room. It had various figures on it, representing each character and where they were at any given time. They picked up a small blue figure, for my character, and planned what routes I would take for my scene.
Without thinking, I asked if I'd be wearing my character's dress. I thought a ballgown seemed a bit fancy for exploring the city. They all looked at each other and realized they were going to need a second outfit for my character. They got on the phone and called up Jules. They told him they'd need another dress for the Azure Queen as soon as possible. They wanted something elegant yet simple, and also asked for a cloak, to make it seem like I'd been traveling.
I realized what I had done. I didn't mean to add to Jules and Berrys work load. I tried to take it back and said I didn't need another costume. Technically as a queen, I could go out in my best dress all the time. They just laughed and said it was fine. They said I should be happy as the more outfits my character had, the more hours I'd get to work. If I did well I might even get a first name one day. I didn't understand what they meant, and they said only the full time characters got first names, everyone else was just a title. I asked what would happen if my character went back to her kingdom one day, and they said I'd just play another character.
Someone got me a drink and they continued to talk about my character some more. Eventually they sent me back to the costume department. Berry had already left, he had a hot date he couldn't miss, so it was just Jules and me, He turned up the music and we didn't talk much. I wasn't sure if he was tired or upset with me. I apologized for causing him more work, but he said it wasn't on me. The writers were always making unreasonable demands. If it wasn't another dress for me, it would be something else.
I watched him draw up another dress for my character before he got to work. He was so talented, in less then an hour he had all the fabric picked out and pinned on a mannequin. He measure me again and one of the writers swung by, to ask what my availability was for the week. I admitted my schedule was completely open and that I had no life. The writer said I was going to fit right in as no one here had a life either.
They told me I'd be going live tomorrow, after orientation and handed me my first script to learn. I'd be doing a ten minute show, five times in an hour at noon, then again at four. They were still working on my script for this weekend, and should have it ready by Friday. It really didn't give me lot of time to prepare. After they left I just stood there feeling overwhelmed. Everything was happening so fast.
Jules noticed and told me I could practice my lines with him while he was working on my new dress. We ran through my script nearly two dozen times, before he told me to go home and get some rest. He asked that I come back two hours before my orientation so he could have me try on the new dress and check the changes he'd made to the one I'd be wearing this weekend.
I asked when he was going home and he just laughed. I offered to stay and help where I could, but he said he did better on his own. I wished him a goodnight, then looked for my backpack for a good ten minutes. Once I found it, I put everything I'd been given inside, then made my way to the front gates.
I had no idea what time it was when I stepped outside. It was super dark as I crossed the parking lot...eerily so. When I got back to the fast food restaurants, I could see the Corbel Bank sign. It listed the time and I found it was well past ten. It was good I'd left when I had as the buses only ran until eleven.
I made my way to the nearest bus stop as this strange excitement washed over me. I felt like I'd just gotten into a good book, and couldn't wait to turn the page to see what happened next, only it was my life. I had never done anything like this before and had no idea where it would take me. It was silly, but I felt this sudden sense of adventure.
I couldn't wait to tell my parents I'd gotten a job. My bus came and I got on. I was so caught up in everything that I accidentally missed my stop, and had to walk a block back to my complex. When I got to my apartment, I found the door was unlocked. I was able to go inside and took off my shoes. I thought my dad might be worried since I'd been out so late, but he seemed unphased as he sat in his easy chair, reading a newspaper. He didn't even look up a me as I stood in the doorway of the living room.
"You get a job?" He asked.
"Yes," I said proudly.
I saw him raise an eyebrow, but he didn't take his eyes off his paper, "And what is it?"
"Oh nothing much-"
I started to tell him, but the front door opened and it was my mom. She looked exhausted. When she saw me, she asked the same question. "Did you get a job?"
"Yes, I was just telling dad," Then I got an idea. "I may not be a princess, but as of today I am a queen."
"Queen?" My mother said skeptically, taking off her coat. She hung it up, along with her purse as I continued.
"Yes! As of today I am the new Azure Queen at Darrow's Theme Park!"
"Oh, that place," said my mother, making a little face. "I'm surprised it's still open."
"Well it's a job," my father sighed.
I don't know why I thought they'd be excited for me. If my brother had gotten a job in the same day, my dad would have gotten him a beer. My mother would have been all over my sister wanting to know the details. I guess it didn't matter for me. I told myself it was probably because I'd had way more jobs then Denny and Joanie combined. Still some enthusiasm, even if it was just in their voice, would have been nice.
"Is it though?" said my mother responding to my father's comment. She walked into the kitchen and asked, "What does it pay?"
"What does it matter, a job is a job," I said.
"Yes, but if it doesn't pay, then you'll have to find another one or get a second job."
"What! Why?"
My mother gave me a look, then called out to my father, "Your turn! I got her out of bed this morning!"
I heard my father let out another sigh, before he grumbled and got out of his chair. We all stood in the kitchen and I had a bad feeling about this. I clung to the strap of my backpack as my dad pulled a beer from the fridge. He twisted the top off then looked around the kitchen. I could tell he was dragging his feet which only made me worry more.
He took a swig of his beer, then set it down on the counter and said, "We'd like you to start paying rent."
"Rent!" I said. "You never made Joanie and Denny pay rent!"
"Yes, well they were both out of the house by twenty!" my mother said shaking her head. "We know you got hurt, but you can't let it ruin your entire life. It's time you grow up and start living again. Your father and I have let too many things slide for far too long, but no more!"
"Alright," I said. "How much?"
"Well," said my mother. She paused for a moment, then continued. "How many rooms do we have, three and then there is, water, power, gas, laundry and food."
"What! Utilities and food too!"
"Yes," said my father. "Eventually you'll be paying it all."
"Eventually, what? Wait! Are you're kicking me out?"
"Don't say it like that," my mother said, crossing her arms. I could see she was uncomfortable.
"Look," said my father, "Your mother and I aren't getting any younger. With Joanie married, we'd like to have some time before we get grand kids. Maybe do some traveling."
"Traveling."
They wanted me out so they could go traveling. I knew they weren't being unreasonable, they had every right to do what they wanted. I just felt this was all so sudden...but it wasn't. They had probably been waiting for me to step up, and out for years.
"Mindy." said my mother.
"Right." I said, trying not to get emotional. "Okay. So again, how much are you asking for?"
"How much does this job pay?" my mother asked.
"I don't know yet."
"Well how about this." said my mother. "We'll let you have your first paycheck. Then take half of the next one and go from there."
"I'd rather just have a number."
"We'll talk about it." said dad. "There is no rush and it's late."
"Yeah," I said. "I got to get to bed for work tomorrow. Congrats by the way."
"For what?" my mother asked.
"Never mind." I said. It was stupid and passive aggressive, but I was still hoping one of them would congratulate me.
I went to my room and tossed my backpack on the bed. I let out a heavy sigh then dropped down on the bed as well. All the excitement I'd been feeling early started to fizzle, now that I knew what my parent intentions were. They didn't want me to just get a job, they wanted me to get out. Of course they couldn't be expected to carry me forever. I knew I'd been spoiled up to this point. I'd fallen down hard and they caught me, but I needed to dust myself off and get back up again.
Still, I wished they'd waited to talk to me about rent, at least for a week or so. It would have been nice to get a feel for the job. I hadn't even worked one day and now there was all this pressure. I felt like I couldn't afford to fail again. I looked around my room, thinking I could sell a few things if push came to shove and they wanted me out right away, but that was only a short-term solution. I needed to start planning long term. I needed to keep a job.
I bit my lip and got up. I really wanted things to be different this time. I wanted to succeed and move out. I wanted my parents to be proud of me. I wanted to be proud of me! I wanted to know I could do this! I turned on some light music and rolled up my sleeves. I took everything out of my backpack, and acted like I was back in school. I started taking notes and practiced my lines until I nearly fell asleep.
I wanted to keep going, but knew I needed to get some rest. I got ready for bed, picked out everything I'd need for tomorrow, and set an alarm. Then I grabbed the book on Prisma's lore and skimmed through it in bed. Apparently a bunch of stuff had happened over the years, like in real life the kingdom had changed hands several times. However unlike Darrow's Park, the kingdom had been renamed more then once as there had been a few wars, curses and straight up natural disasters. The latest incident had been the fire in the castle. The story was a 'dragon' had gotten loose. The writers definitely had their work cut out for them, making everything over the years, fit with their current storyline.
I skipped to the end of the book and found out what this weekend was going to cover.
The Ruby King and Queen were going to announce their daughters hand in marriage. Apparently the Ruby Princess had been in love with the Diamond Prince and was all set to marry him, but he'd been missing for years and was presumed dead, having fought in the magic wars.
The kingdom was now going to host some big event, where all the princes of the land far and wide, would come to prove their worth and forge an everlasting union of peace and glory. There was some other stuff as well about the mages returning to the land, the Dark Knight and his treachery and how darkness lurked around every corner.
I must have dozed off at some point. I dreamt of riding a horse through a forest, my long hair flowing behind me. I swear I could feel the wind rush against my face. Bursts of sunlight struck through the trees as I made my way. I followed a path and soon exited the forest.
I saw green rolling hills as far as the eye could see and a winding river. Everything looked so peaceful. I rode my horse up to the river's edge and got off so that it could drink. I looked around and saw some brightly colored flowers in the distance and there was now this slight breeze. Everything was just so nice. The sky was bright and beautiful, yet in the distance I could see storm clouds rolling in.
I just knew it was a warning! Suddenly, a great shadow rose up behind me and covered the land in darkness. The wind shifted and my heart began to race. I felt like someone was coming! I don't know how, but I just knew they would be upon me soon. Had I been followed? I looked all around and saw a cloaked figure emerging from the forest on a dark steed. They pulled back the hood of their clock and I felt ice in my veins. I tried to get a better look, but my alarm suddenly went off.
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