Ether

Author’s Note: This story is inspired by the sitcoms “Diff’rent Strokes” and “The Facts of Life”. “Are you sure you can handle this, Kimberly?” said Mr. Drummond cautiously. He was off for a two day business trip next week, and the idea of leaving his daughter Kimberly home alone while having a slumber party was becoming an increasing concern. “Dad, I’m 18 after all,” stated Kimberly. “Willis will be gone for that baseball tournament and Arnold’s going to be at Dudley’s house while you’re gone. Adelaide will be around, though.” Mr. Drummond recalled the last time Kimberly had a slumber party, resulting in a massive pillow fight with feathers and stuffing all over the floor while Willis and Arnold got sick from eating nothing but junk food. However, that was about four years ago, and Phillip Drummond watched his daughter grow up and mature before his eyes. “Who exactly do you plan to invite?” asked Mr. Drummond. “Just my closest friends from Eastland Academy,” said Kimberly. “Sue Ann Weaver, Cindy Webster, and Nancy Olson.” “Okay, Kimberly,” agreed Mr. Drummond. “You can have your slumber party.” A week later everything was set in motion. Mr. Drummond got picked up in the company car and left for the airport, Willis was away for his baseball tournament, Arnold was over his best friend Dudley’s house, and Adelaide Brubaker, their beloved housekeeper, was finishing up preparing assorted snacks and foods for the arrival of Kimberly’s friends. The doorbell rang, and Kimberly happily greeted her friends as they entered: the studious blonde haired, blue-eyed, Sue Ann Weaver, the athletically tomboyish Cindy Webster with her pale blue eyes and long, somewhat wild, blonde hair, and the attractive brunette Nancy Olson. “Hi, Kimberly!” greeted Sue Ann as she, Cindy, and Nancy exchanged hugs. “It’s great to see you all again,” said Kimberly. “How’s Mrs. Garrett?” “Stressed, it seems,” answered Nancy. “Mr. Parker’s always has some type of catering project for her and she’s been babysitting Blair, Tootie, Natalie, and some other girl named Jo all year around, it seems.” ...

(story continues from American Dream 4: Ransom Note) Part 5: Pick Up Thursday 5TH October 2006 6am I awoke at the usual time of six o’clock. I left Jennifer sleeping as it was to be a big day for her. In more way’s than one. The days up to now had gone in like a flash. My new assignment at the Power Station was settling down to a familiar routine and that out the way left me to concentrate on the weekend ahead. ...

Laura and Maggie: Overture and beginners. Laura Wilson got off the bus which stopped at the end of her road and, swinging a large gym bag, turned into Anderson Drive. It was a warm spring evening and she was looking forward to collapsing in front of some mindless TV with her house mate Maggie Harrison, which would also probably involve a bottle of wine. She had known Maggie for about 6 years when they were dancers, working a number of gigs together and usually pairing up when they were on tour. Now they had moved in together, renting a house about 12 months ago. Their comradeship had embraced a new line of work after dancing, when Laura got Maggie a job at the theatrical agency where she had found work when the dance opportunities started to fade away. ...