A Day in the Life

Scene 1: Addington High

Heather Blakely

I check the clock again and groan. 20 minutes is too long to make someone wait for you.

My head turns at the sound of footsteps, but they don't belong to Jace and I'm condemned to more wasted time.

"Hey," Leo said in passing.

"Hi."

He stopped at the door and turned around to see me. "You good?

I forgot how attentive you are.

"Um..." I shrugged casually. "Yes."

"What's up?"

"Well," I sighed. "Jace was supposed to meet me here at 3:15 so we could take boxes to the food drive at this Catholic Church."

"So, where is he?"

"Exactly," I said, exhaustedly.

Leo squinted his eyes and gave me a cautious look. "I hate church ladies."

And I'm sure he has a ridiculous reason why that comes with an eccentric story, "but..."

He threw his head back and sighed. "Where are the boxes?"

"Really?" I said with hope.

Leo nodded. "Yeah, I got you."

"Thank you so much." He playfully rolled his eyes. "I owe you."

"Yeah, you do."

There is a storage room in the cafeteria— a giant pantry, essentially. Audrey, Alison, and I would come in here and sneak cookies freshman year. It started as a dare, but we kept a key hidden and didn't stop coming back until the year was over.

I unlock the door and Leo goes in before me.

"Jesus. Why stop at the Catholics? You can feed all of New York." He gaped at the shelves and stacks of food.

"They only get ten boxes. Don't worry."

"We put them on this and wheel them out?" Leo asked, rolling the utility cart.

"That'll work."

"Cool," He replied, watching me so he would know what to do. "Why'd you agree to do this with a flake?"

"I didn't know he'd flake. It was his idea. I'm not even in the club."

"This is for a club? I'm showing up for the yearbook picture."

"We should," I laughed.

"I'm counting it as volunteer work for myself too. It's going on my resume or something."

"Oh, great, your hour of philanthropy."

"Loading and unloading the boxes? Two hours of philanthropy."

"A true humanitarian if I've ever seen one."

"You haven't. I know who your people are."

I laugh at him and roll my eyes. He should get credit for this considering he didn't have to help me...he's probably not even allowed to.

"I'm not keeping you from anything, am I?"

"Nah, I was going home."

"Okay, good, I don't want to upset anyone."

"I think it'll be alright," he chuckled off the impending awkwardness. "I'm just helping..."

"I thought you didn't want to be my friend anymore," I challenged.

He let out a breathy laugh. "That's not what I said."

"That's what I heard."

"Selective hearing."

"Sure."

"You know I don't have anything against you anymore."

I scoffed. "Oh, really?"

He shrugged with a slight smirk. "You ripped out my heart and stomped on it, but I don't have anything against you."

"That sounded so vindictive." I crossed my arms. "You stomped on mine first."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes!"

"You said it was over."

"You're going to keep bringing that up, are you?"

"You're joking, right?" He laughed in disbelief, and I gave him the same sly shrug he gave me. "I was calling your bluff, by the way. I thought I'd come back and you'd be pissed— more than you'd ever been before and I'd have to work like hell to get you to forgive me, but we'd still be," he started to lose his nerve, "I don't know...with each other."

"Oh, so you thought my heart was still intact while I stood in the rain and you drove away?"

"Yeah..." he said, uneasily. "I could've lost money on how that worked out."

"What kind of bet did you have on our relationship?" I joked. "That we wouldn't last a year? You'd break up with me before I could with you?"

"I was betting on you walking away smiling."

"Then you would've lost big."

"I did," he said, his eyes glossing over me.

Hm.

If I was such a big loss, I wouldn't have been so easy to replace.

"I think you're doing pretty well for yourself," I snarked. "Happy wife, happy life."

"I'm ignoring you now."

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"You can fight with yourself," he smirked. "I've got charity to do."

"Who's fighting?" I said, innocently.

"Heather."

"I was only pointing out the obvious. Secret friend to secret friend."

"You're not a secret."

"Mm."

"You're not."

"Definitely." I'm sure your girlfriend agrees.

"What, you want me to prove it?" Leo paced closer to me.

"Well, if you're offering," I said, slyly and he kept approaching, too confident for his own good.

When we're face to face my nerve is lost just as fast as his was before...

God.

Leo smirks and takes the box from my hands "I'll do it all myself." He shook his head while chuckling. "So spoiled."

Scene 2: The Plaza Hotel

Trevor Bailey

"Trevor, would you come in here? I need to speak with you," my father said. I guess I wasn't quiet enough creeping past his office.

"Yes?"

"We received the paternity results in the mail this morning."

"I see..." my feet led me to the chair near his desk. Standing might make me look guilty. This news has a way of revoking my consciousness.

"Apparently I have fathered this child," he continued, "I will call to confirm, but it was a 98% match. You have another sister on the way."

Thank you, God, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and whoever Psalm is.

"Give my congratulations to Vivian," I said with indifference. Though, my heart is beating so fast that I can feel it in my fingertips.

"They will not be housed here. So you needn't worry about acclimating to living with a baby."

"Just what I was concerned about."

"I do apologize for all of this."

"Don't. I always felt something was off with that Vivian."

"Blinded by love like a fool." He clenched his fist on the desk.

"She was an actress, no one could've seen it."

"It won't happen again."

"Well, it's never too late to reconnect with mom."

He grimaced. "That isn't funny, Trevor."

"Okay." I sighed and got up, my legs a bit weak from nerves. "I'll leave you to plan the baby shower."

He huffed. "Trev-" and I closed the door.

This soap opera was fun in the beginning, but I would kill to change the channel now.

I look around to assure he hasn't somehow snuck out of his office without me hearing, and then I put the phone up to my ear and dial.

"Dr. McDaniel's office," his receptionist answered.

"Tell him Mr. Bailey is calling."

"Yes, sir."

The line clicks once and not a minute later, I hear it click again.

"Arthur, how are you today?" Dr. McDaniel asked.

"It's Trevor. The rest of your payment will be delivered now."

He sighed in what I imagine is relief. "I take it everything went well."

"Yes, thank you. He will be calling you, however."

"I anticipated that. I'll handle everything on my end."

"And Harry will hand deliver your check. I won't risk any interference."

"I'll be here."

"Goodbye."

$500,000 out of my trust fund.

I am positive that baby isn't worth that much.

"Would you like me to inquire about the official results, Mr. Trevor?"

"Um..." what an unbearable truth that could be. "No."

Some things are better left unknown.

"Understood. I'll only be a minute."

Scene 3: 3rd Avenue

Leo Rylin

"Do you want me to take you home?" She offered.

"Do you mind if we stop somewhere for a sec?"

"Okay," Heather replied— no questions asked and no sign that she'd rather be somewhere else with someone different.

"This doesn't count as the favor you owe me. I'm still gonna cash that in."

"And here I was thinking you had forgotten," she joked.

"You wish."

I put my hand on her back as we crossed the street. You're still safe with me.

"So, what is this English stance you've taken on Catholics?" Heather asked.

"It's not like that," I chuckled. "A lot of church people are dickheads."

"That's not a harsh enough word."

"I was with Amanda once, and we were walking by a church when a lady dropped some stuff out of her purse. Amanda picked it all up and gave it to her, no hesitation. She said thank you and everything, but some people behind her saw and told Amanda how nice and helpful she was, and one of them called her pretty— so this lady hijacked her compliment and said she would be if she didn't have the nose ring."

"Oh..."

"Yeah, and she was dead serious. She told her 'If I were in a congregation like this when I was younger, I would've made better choices,' with the most judgmental face, Amanda was pissed."

"I wasn't aware piercings were on the list of reasons you get sent to hell," Heather laughed.

"That and what? Wearing a shirt made out of two different materials? God hates poor people?" I said, and she kept laughing as she shook her head. "That's why it'll be really funny if we all die and there's nothing else. Like they spent all this time being self-righteous and religious and we just end up being fertilizer."

"You would grow very pretty flowers."

"I wanna be a tree. You can be the flowers that are..." I motion outward.

She laughed. "Around your tree?"

"Yeah, we can be somebody's backyard."

"Until then," Heather said, poetically, and I chuckled while holding open the door to the video store for her. "You want a movie?"

"I want a job."

"This place is nice. I buy from here."

"I should've realized working up here meant I'd run into you and the rest of school."

"Oh, I didn't realize you were trying to avoid me," Heather teased.

"I was, but here we are."

She gasped and started to glare. "I hope you don't get the job."

I put my hand over my heart like I'm offended but I still end up laughing. It's just funny knowing she could be a lot meaner if she wanted to be. I've seen it.

"Hello, can I help you?"

"Hey, are you hiring?" I asked.

"Uh— yeah, I think so," the guy nodded. "Want an application?"

"Yeah, sure."

He reaches under the counter and hands me it.

"Do you want one too?" He asked Heather and I snickered before she could answer.

"Her last name's Blakely."

"My bad," the guy responded. Whether he recognizes the name or not, he just looked at her and realized she'll never need an application for any job ever.

"I should apply just to take your spot," she threatened.

"I'd like to see you in that uniform, Blakely."

"As if you're not thinking about how you can get out of wearing khakis."

"I will."

"I'll tell." She smirked.

"Annoying." I shook my head and smiled while she went to go distract herself with something. The application is short— it doesn't want much other than my name, address, and possible criminal history. "How long does it usually take to get a call?"

"About a week," he answered.

"Okay."

"I tell you what, though. The manager's in the back. I can see if he wants to go over it now and maybe give you an interview. He's pretty chill."

"Yeah, that's what's up. Thanks, man."

I could get along with these guys. I was worried they might be pricks considering the location of this place.

"Do you need a job to pay for something?" Heather asked.

"Why, you wanna buy it for me?" I smirked to tempt her.

"Why?" She said, alluringly, "do you want me to?"

You win.

The guy strolled back into the room nonchalantly. It's good he wasn't around, I think our little game could weird people out. "He said you can go in."

"Good luck," Heather wished.

"Are you okay by yourself?"

She simpered at me. "I'm fine."

"I'll be right back."

"I know."

Heather seems completely comfortable, and she doesn't really have a reason not to be, but I'm still reluctant to leave her out here alone.

I guess it would be unprofessional to have her sit in on the interview...

The door is open but he's looking at my application, so I knock anyway.

"Come in, have a seat."

"Thanks. I'm Leo."

"Dave." He gets up to shake my hand.

"Thank you for agreeing to do this so fast."

"Not a problem." He dragged the cap of his pen across my application. "I see you live on the other side of the city?"

"It's only like a half an hour train ride. I go to school over here, so it's no issue."

"What school?"

I show him the crest on my blazer. "Addington."

"Private?"

"Yeah."

"Wow," he replied. If this is what gets me the position..."Have you had a job before?"

"Not exactly. I was kind of like a benchwarmer at places, if they needed me, I was there but it wasn't...a job, really."

"What type of work did you do?"

"I bussed tables at a diner, delivered for a bakery, worked the register at a record store—oh, and I do volunteer work. Church food drives, things like that."

"Good, good." He sat up. "Why do you want a job here?"

"Uh— I like movies. I rent a lot, so the discount would be cool." He nodded. "But mostly I just need the money so my mom won't have to work as hard as she does now."

"That's why I got my first job. Mainly because she wouldn't buy me the sneakers I wanted, but you get the gist." Dave reached out to shake my hand again. "Employee discount is 20% off."

"Yeah?"

"You start Monday at 4. Don't be late."

"No problem!" I spoke reassuringly. "Thank you."

"See you then."

I push down my excitement, I don't want to jinx it but...today is fucking great. There must be something in the air.

And if this store is this empty all of the time— I'll love it here.

Heather is browsing through the romantic comedy section on the wall but looks over when she hears me coming.

"Hi, do you work here?"

"Yes, but only when you're not here." I try to pull her away but she doesn't let me.

"I want a movie," Heather argued.

"What movie?"

"The one about the girl and the place and the people."

"What?"

"Wow, you're really bad at this. Can I get a good employee?"

"Out of my store. Out." I take her hand and lead her to the door. "You're banned."

"On what grounds?"

"Being yourself."

"The movie was Labyrinth, obviously," she said while I was ushering her through the doorway.

"How— shut up," I scoffed while she held a smile on her face. "I'm glad you're so amused by yourself, but I'm starving. Want to get something to eat?"

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Let's just get a slice." I point to the pizza place next door.

"...From there?"

I take in her nervous expression. "Don't tell me this is a thing."

"What?"

"You're above pizza joints?"

"I wouldn't say above-"

"You've never had greasy $1 pizza?"

"Why would I want to do that?"

"Because it tastes good." I open the door to the restaurant and wave her through.

Whenever we did get food together, I let her choose the place, and we were usually on her side of the grass. This is way overdue.

"Cheese or pepperoni?" I asked at the counter.

"Cheese."

"One cheese, one pepperoni," I say to the chef.

"$2.02," he responds, and I already have the cash in hand. Every kid in New York knows how much they'll need to the exact cent when buying pizza out of places on the corner.

After he takes the money, he goes to warm the pizza up and we stand back like there are other customers.

Heather steps right in front of me and I get weirdly tempted to do things I can't anymore...

I almost forget to keep my hands to myself. Something in me has to be reminded not to grab her or play with her hair— but it's habit, not desire. I probably do the same with Elle and don't even realize it.

Paper plates with large slices are slid across the counter. "Thanks," I said and didn't receive a reply. It's too common an occurrence to get mad at.

I figured we were going to leave with it, but Heather sits down at the table near the windows— hell, why not? We can sit and eat together just the two of us. It's not weird anymore, it doesn't have to be.

I pass her the Parmesan and red pepper shakers, but her eyes dart from the pizza to the napkins, instead.

"Don't even think about it."

"Leo," she complained.

"No." I pulled the napkins back. "That's where all the flavor is."

"That cannot be true."

"I'm afraid you're going to ask for a fork and a knife next, princess."

She picks up the pizza with her hands and takes a small bite. "Happy?"

"Mhm," I smirked. "I'll get us some water. It won't have ice, and it's probably from the tap."

Heather gives me a sarcastic smile. "Can't wait."

I forgot how entertaining it is to watch her be normal. She probably got the same amusement when making me go to tea parties and shit.

The man behind the counter raises his eyebrows to ask what I want when he sees me walking up.

"Can we get water?"

"Two?" He asked as he went for the plastic cups.

"Yeah," I responded, glancing over at Heather just as she's dabbing the grease off of both of our pizza slices. "You couldn't help yourself, could you?"

"I-" she sighed. "You're welcome."

Scene 4: Sant Ambroeus

Audrey Michaels

"Sister Althea ran around the corridor like a bloodhound trying to figure out where the smoke was coming from, and by the time she realized it was the restroom— everyone was out," Mona told us. "The priest saw her leaving the smoky room all alone and was thoroughly disappointed." She sighed while shaking her head, taking on the character of the priest. "Althea."

"At least they opened a window this time. Can't have a repeat of the sprinkler incident," Natalia said.

"I gave Mary an extra prayer that day for truly being immaculate. The math midterm had to be rescheduled because our tests were drenched."

"All it did was ruin my hair."

Once or twice a week Natalia and I spend time with her old friends as a couple. She wants me to know them. Even worse, she wants me to like them.

She was right, they are dull in comparison to mine. But it's a reminder that my dearest isn't missing anything.

"I was so happy to hear you may be coming back to Sarafine," Mona revealed.

"Excuse me?" I interrupted.

"Nothing is set in stone, but my parents would prefer if I transferred back..."

"Why?"

"Academic reasons..."

"You're failing?"

"No...my grades just aren't as good as they used to be."

"Is Addington more challenging than Sarafine-"

"It isn't that."

"Then what?" I huffed. "Why is now the first I'm hearing of this?"

She grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the table. I couldn't care less how uncomfortable Mona motormouth is.

"They blame you, Audrey," she said, disappointedly. "According to them, I am too occupied by our relationship and am not putting enough energy into my education."

"We hardly have any classes together."

"I know, it's a shame any difference has been made."

"This means you're thinking about me too much," I put a finger under her chin and bring her face to mine. "I can't blame you."

"You aren't mad at me?"

"Livid. But you're not going anywhere."

"If I have less than 3 As this semester, Audrey..."

"Then don't."

"As if my intention is ever to be average."

"Of course not. You wouldn't have me, otherwise." I kissed her nose. "Don't fret, I will fix this."

"You can't."

"Watch me. My essays are graduate school dissertation worthy. I can turn yours into a guaranteed A."

A smile appears on her heavenly face. "You're an editor now?"

"I am whatever you need me to be."

Scene 5: Madison Street

Heather Blakely

The car comes to a full stop in front of his apartment building, and I hear his seatbelt click open.

"Again, thank you for today..." I said before he could leave.

"Any time."

"Tell your mother 'hello' for me."

"She wouldn't mind seeing you...if you wanted to-" he nodded toward his apartment.

I contained my smile. "Sure."

"Cool," Leo agreed and then leaned forward to speak to my driver. "I've got it."

I wasn't sure what he meant until I saw him walking around the car to open my door for me.

"You want his job too?" I teased.

He nodded, happily. "Gotta get rich somehow."

I missed him when I was gone and spent countless nights indulging in the memories, a lot of them made here. The best and worst things happened in this apartment.

The familiarity of it feels welcoming, even after all of the months that passed. It was almost like having another home when we were together.

I wonder if anything other than us has changed.

"Mom, you home?" Leo yelled as we went in.

And since I'm ahead of him, I saw her first...standing with a man— the one Amanda and I saw her having lunch with.

"Heather, what a surprise." Isabel walks up to me and leans in for a hug.

"How are you, Isabel?"

"Good, thank you."

"Hello." The man reaches a hand out toward Leo. He's been staring at him as if he'd disappear after a while.

"Leo this is Phil," Isabel intervenes, possibly hoping it would lead him to behave nicely.

Phil puts his hand down. "It's great to finally meet you. Isabel talks about you all the time."

"Yeah, I'm her kid, so."

Leo...

"Hi, I'm Heather." I smiled.

"His girlfriend," Phil said, excitedly. "I've heard about you too. He's a lucky guy."

"Ex-girlfriend, not the new one."

Phil closed his eyes and sighed. "I need to bite my tongue."

"Mhm," Leo responded as he turned to go into his room.

"No, it's an honest mistake...and a little funny."

"I'm grateful you have a sense of humor."

"He has one too, I promise. I'll...go find it." Though I'm not sure it will make another appearance today...especially since he's laying down when I come in. He gets a certain way when he's irritated. The door closes gently behind me and I step closer to him. "Why are you being mean to that poor man?"

"I don't know him."

"It doesn't seem like you intend to."

"I don't."

"Then that's sad for Isabel."

"Why? I'm not the one dating him."

"Do you think she'd want to be with someone who would have no relationship with her son?" I said, rhetorically. "God forbid he's good and makes her happy."

"Who asked you?" Leo playfully replied. "What do you want me to do, huh?"

"Give him a chance."

"A chance to do what?"

"Prove whether or not he deserves to know you."

"Deserves," he scoffed.

"I think he would love you."

"You know how many boyfriends pretend to like the kid just until they can push them out?"

"Give Isabel some credit, please. I'm sure she'd be able to see past an act."

"I have a little brother, Heather. Did you know that?"

"...No."

"Because he's on my dad's side. What does that tell you?"

"Your dad is an asshole."

A smirk snuck past the tension."Yeah, if he's got you cussing."

"That doesn't mean Phil is also one."

"Fuck Phil."

"Leonardo Rylin."

"Oh, we're serious now?" Leo chuckled as if I'd let him smile his way out of this. "Okay...alright."

"Good."

"Fine."

I could tease him for being so stubborn, but I'd rather talk about this more. We used to lay here and he'd tell me whatever he wanted when something was bothering him. I suppose this means he wants to call Elle, then.

"I shouldn't overstay my welcome. You've already thrown me out of a store."

"You're leaving?"

I smiled. "I think I've bothered you enough today."

"Let me walk you down."

"You don't have to. I understand if you want to stay in your room for now..."

He shook his head. "I was going to head out anyway."

The thought of asking 'where' crossed my mind, but I don't let it leave my mouth. She probably lives near here— a refreshing change from having to travel to the upper east side.

We moved toward the door, and I waved. "Goodbye Isabel, goodbye Phil."

"It was nice meeting you...Phil," Leo said after me.

"You too! I hope I'll see you again soon."

"Yeah..." Leo avoided eye contact. "I'm going to Ned's place, okay, mom?"

"Make sure Heather gets home safe, and be back for dinner," Isabel answered, clearly proud of the small interaction. "

So am I.

"How sweet," I praised once the door shut. "See, that didn't hurt."

"It did."

"Drama queen."