The Star Sister - Photo Story
Our story begins with dried dirt clumps crunching crisply under a pair of trusty old ankle boots worn by a girl named Tenney, as she sauntered down an unfamiliar path with the utmost uncertainty.
You might be wondering, where is she? Where does our story begin? Well, these are excellent questions, ones that she’d also like to know the answers to,
because at this particular moment, Tenney was completely lost. So, if you find out the answer to those questions...
Please share with the rest of the class.
Everything that led our dollie friend to being dropped off in the middle of nowhere happened so fast, that she barely knew what it was that even happened. One minute she was on her way to the hotel, so close that she could hear a warm bath running and a comfy bed calling her name,
Then next thing she knew, she’s tramping through weeds with a dead iPhone and a so-so sense of direction.
Of course it’s the one time we didn’t travel together, she mumbled, checking her phone again like there was some possibility it’d spring back to life with the power of friendship and excessive desperation radiating through her entire being.
But she had no such luck (which makes sense, but it was still disappointing). So, instead she took a deep breath and started taking in her surroundings again. Surely the taxi didn’t just strand her in the middle of nowhere, right? I mean, he clearly must have misread the address she handed him, but it couldn’t have been misread that incorrectly, right? Tenney forced herself to focus, there had to be something helpful around here.
Let's see... trees that don't have leaves, fall must stink here…
Rocks. Cool rocks, but rocks nonetheless…
And, oh my gosh what is that?!
Tenney shuddered as she took off her hat to fan hot air onto her already hot and sweaty face. This was it; this was the end for her. She always saw those people on the news who went missing, now it was her turn. She pulled an Amelia Airheart, but with a taxicab, who would have thought?
That is, until she heard a loud CRACK! Followed by an even louder TUD!
“Good gravy!” Tenney all but screamed, dropping her backpack into the dirt, causing a cloud of dust to puff up and coat the entire thing.
Tenney glared at her backpack, making the mental note that if whatever made that noise didn’t eat her alive, that she’d never come back here by choice ever again.
She turned her attention back towards the noise and contemplated her situation. The noise was so loud, it had to be close, probably not very far beyond these trees.
Tenney chewed her lip, and before she could change her mind took a deep breath, grabbed her dirty backpack, and went venturing towards the noise.
Was this a good idea? No. Did walking in the direction of mystery sounds in the middle of nowhere with a dirt-coated backpack as your only defense display good survival skills? Absolutely not. But sometimes when there are no good options,
You have to choose the really dumb option.
Tenney flinched at the crunch of each footstep. Barely able to hear her own silent prayers over the snapping of twigs and the pounding of her heart.
One final push through the trees and brush. With her breath held, she pushed through...
“OH CHEESE AND CRACKERS!!!”
Nailed it.
To Tenney’s utter shock, she wasn’t immediately eaten by a pterodactyl. Nor did she see a hungry Heffalump or Woozle in sight.
But instead, she saw a girl with black hair cut to her shoulders playing with what appeared to be a large stick.
Tenney hesitated. Being a famous country singer taught her enough to know going up to people she didn’t know without bodyguards or at least Logan was not always the best plan, and horror movie trailers on TV taught her that approaching some random girl in the middle of who-knows-where playing with a large stick was an even worse idea. But once again, there were no good options. This was Tenney’s only hope of getting help.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. So, she straightened her sunglasses, hoping her ensemble was enough to hide her identity, and prayed that this girl wasn’t crazy.
She didn’t turn around as Tenney approached, though she was certain the girl must've been able to hear her footfalls. She just stood there, fiddling with her stick.
“Excuse me,” Tenney said tentatively.
The girl continued to play with her stick. And without turning around, asked “Do you think this would be a better sword or wizard staff?”
Tenney blinked behind her dark sunglasses. “Pardon?”
Finally, she turned to face her. “This stick I just got,” She explained.
“Would it make a better sword.”
“Or staff, do you think?”
“Oh,” She replied, still unsure if she understood. “I’m not exactly sure.”
“Was that you who made the loud cracking sound a few minutes ago?”
“Oh yeah, that was me! I broke this stick off that tree.”
“Right over there.”
“I see.” Tenney nodded towards the tree. “What was the thud then?”
“Oh, that was also me,” the girl replied with a shrug and smile, then began studying her stick. “I may or may not have fallen out of the tree when the stick broke.”
“Oh…” The causal way in which this girl just talked about falling out of a fairly tall tree threw Tenney for a loop. And now that she was really looking at her, sticks stuck in her hair and dirt clinging to her skin and clothes, she definitely looked like she took a pretty good tumble. She was just about to ask the girl if she was okay and why she didn't just get one of the 15 dozen sticks on the ground when she continued.
“I think it’s a sword.” She gave an approving nod to her stick,
then turned to Tenney and smiled. “I’m Ivy, by the way. You’re the new doll, right?”
This snapped Tenney out of any thoughts about Ivy’s disheveled appearance. “What?”
“You weren’t supposed to be here for a couple more days, not that I’m complaining. We’ve all been really excited to meet you.”
“Um, I think you-”
"ACK!"
“We should probably get you inside to meet everyone and so Mary can prepare to have an extra person at dinner.”
Tenney's mind spun, what was even happening? There was no possible way this was real, right?
“The others are going to be so jealous that they weren’t here to welcome you on your first day! This really is a cool surprise though!” Ivy kept rambling on, never allowing Tenney to get more than a word in.
Within minutes, a house came into view. A human sized house. And Ivy was dragging her right towards it.
Tenney was starting to panic, and every time she tried to explain Ivy would just continue on talking about her family’s excitement for a new sister and T-Rex facts every now and then for some reason.
Ivy pulled Tenney through the absolutely massive door, despite Tenney's resistance to move forward.
As they made their way into the first room though, Tenney all but forgot to struggle. Her terror mixed with fascination at the massive space. Tenney had never even been near an actual human building before, her whole life was spent in the doll side of this world. It was all so much to take in. Though she was a little more than spooked, there was just something about the room, so large and daunting, that left Tenney in complete awe.
She must not have given it much more thought after that, because immediately after saying it she proceeded to scoot herself onto the first step. "Come on! Let's go!"
Tenney grimaced, but begrudgingly took to the first step after her. Going up a human ladder was not an experience Tenney ever thought she’d have. She’s one half of an international country music duo, she’s toured across the country more than once, performed for screaming crowds larger than her mind could ever fully wrap around, yet as sweat poured down her brow she realized the feat of climbing this monster sized ladder may just be the hardest thing she’s ever done.
Tenney was gasping for breath by the time she finally emerged over the lip of the loft, where Ivy was waiting to offer her a helping hand into a house much more familiar, yet somehow still foreign.
The space set out before her was actually doll sized and furnished and decorated with an odd mix of things, not completely matching but not necessarily clashing either. The area was bustling with multiple dolls rushing about, each on their own adventure with their own things on their mind.
“This... is a lot of people,” Tenney whispered, bewilderment mixing with a touch of intimidation. She didn’t quite know what to make of this place, but something about it intrigued her, something about it pulled her in.
“This is nothing.” Ivy waved a dismissive hand. “Most of the family isn’t even here.”
Ivy nodded, then began waving someone down. “Hey, Melody! Look who’s here!”
A cheerful looking girl pulled her headphones down, and Tenney couldn’t help but wonder what music she was listening to or if she was listening to music at all. She gave Tenney one of the friendliest smiles, one that reached her deep brown eyes and made them crinkle just a little.
“Hi there!” She said warmly. “I’m Melody.”
“Nice to meet you, Melody,” Tenney replied, grateful to finally be given the chance to talk. “I-”
“She’s the new girl.” Ivy interrupted.
Well, so much for getting to talk…
Melody’s brow scrunched a little. “The new girl? So soon?”
“Oh no, I’m not-”
“Did I hear something about the new doll arriving?!” A voice suddenly burst from behind, continuing the theme of Tenney not being allowed to explain herself.
“Yes, Jasmine,” Melody replied. “She just got her a few minutes ago.”
“And why didn’t anyone tell me?!” the girl complained. “What on earth could have kept you guys from telling me sooner?”
“I fell out of a tree.”
“That’s no excuse, Ivy!”
The girl turned and gave Tenney a movie star smile. “Hi, I’m Jasmine. If you need anything, you just let me know!"
"I am, after all, the oldest doll in the house currently. Which means I’m in charge.”
Thank goodness, Tenney thought, someone in charge. “Thank you so much, because I actually-”
“Well, it was nice meeting you, I’m going to go touch up my makeup.”
“But you already touched up your makeup ten minutes ago?”
Bewilderment completely engulfed Tenney as she listened to the clicking of Jasmine's expensive shoes as she left the room. “Please tell me she’s not actually in charge,” Tenney said, exasperated.
Melody raised her eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t she be? Is there a problem?”
"Oh no! It's not that," Tenney said hastily, but as she did so she caught a smirk pulling at the corner of Melody’s mouth.
“Oh wow,” Tenney said, “very funny.”
“Thanks,” Melody said with a smile. “I thought so.”
Tenney shook her head, but she was smiling. She couldn’t help but like this girl. Maybe if things were different, or maybe if there was time, they could’ve been friends.
“Jasmine is the oldest here right now, but she’s not quite um… focused on the world around her enough to be in charge. We let her run with the idea though, easier than explaining otherwise and it doesn't really change anything about how things are run with Janet gone anyway. The doll you’re looking for is Maryellen.”
“Mary!" Melody shouted over her shoulder. "Can you come over real quick, please?”
Amongst the chatting and maneuvering further in the room came a strawberry blonde pushing her way through. “I’m coming!” She called back, her tone sweet yet mature.
“Hello,” the newcomer said, wiping her hands on an apron tied around her waist.
“This is the new girl, Mary,” Melody told her.
“Oh, Magdalene!” Maryellen replied. “What a pleasant surprise! I’m so happy to meet you, though I’m sorry the others couldn’t be here for your arrival. Everyone else is at a dance convention out of town.”
“Molly I swear if you keep moving…”
“What are you expecting me to do when you’re sticking that thing in my eye?! I already need glasses as it is, and as much as I like Jay’s season 6 eyepatch phase I don’t want one myself!”
“Sit still!”
“NoooOOOOO!!!”
“JANET!!!”
“Ay caramba…”
“Well, everyone except the twins, that is. They’re at a concert; they should get back before the others.”
Tenney nodded and smiled politely, but in truth she really hadn't caught much of what she said. It was becoming harder and harder to focus with her nerves doing backflips in her stomach. For what it was worth, everyone she’d met thus far was very kind, perhaps a little odd, but kind nonetheless. It was something of a rarity in her line of work. Fame often meant kindness had an ulterior motive, and that she had to be cautious whenever she was shown it. It was nice to be treated like a normal person for once, even if it all was a complete misunderstanding.
“Why don’t you take your hat and glasses off? I’m sure it’s quite warm under there, plus I can’t imagine being able to see very well indoors with such dark shades.”
And just like that, Tenney was snapped back to the reality of her situation. They were going to see her and know she wasn’t who they seemed to think she was. Worse than that though, they were going to realize that she looked an awful lot like a certain country super star that was hitting the charts lately. If the worst-case scenario came about and they were all fans, she was completely outnumbered and it could be difficult to leave, let alone have help to get her back where she belonged. But even in the best-case scenario, the way they treated her was going to shift. She wasn’t going to be one of them anymore. Though she tried not to let it, that thought made her a bit sad.
Tenney’s mind raced for a way around all this while Melody and Maryellen’s gazes became confused.
“Is everything okay?” Melody asked.
No, Tenney thought.
“Yes, Everything’s… dandy.”
They stared at her expectingly, and Tenney realized she had no choice.
She took a deep breath, and began to remove the items she relied on to blend into the rest of the world, and even at that just barely.
Tenney sighed, steadied her nerves, and looked up to meet their eyes.
But instead of realization hitting their eyes, they both simply smiled.
“Awesome, it’s nice to finally see you face to face,” Maryellen said, taking her sunglasses. “You’re very pretty, by the way.”
Tenney was stunned speechless. They didn’t recognize her? It felt like Tenney couldn't go anywhere nowadays without being pointed out, was she really seen the same way as everyone else here? More than that, as Magdalene, whoever she may be?
“Welcome to the family, Magdalene. We’re so happy that you’re here. Would you like me to hang this hat up for you?”
Tenney's mind became mush in her skull as she tried to process everything happening, leaving her only able to stare. Welcome to the family? Me?
“Magdalene?” Mary tried again, but Tenney remained frozen. “Is everything okay? I didn’t get your name wrong, right? It is Magdalene, isn’t it?”
And it was at that moment,
That Tenney Evangeline Grant,
Panicked.
“Yes,” Tenney replied. “I’m Magdalene.”
Relief washed over Maryellen’s face. “Oh, thank goodness,” She chuckled. “I thought for a moment that maybe I misremembered your name. You are okay though, right?”
Tenney smile and nodded, it was the most she could do with her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth and the need to cry slowly climbing her throat.
“Okay then, Melody can help you get to your room and get settled while I finish making dinner." Maryellen grinned at her before turning back towards the kitchen. "It’s been such a pleasure to finally meet you, Magdalene.”
“Thanks, Mary." Tenney finally managed in a slightly squeaky voice. "It’s nice to meet you too.”
****
"Well, here it is!" Melody announced after pushing open one of at least a dozen doors that lined the long hallway.
Tenney cautiously took a step inside. The room Melody led her to wasn't anything like she was used to. The room was plain, but there was something welcoming about it. It presented so much potential to make it your own that, after so many hotel rooms and tour buses over the years, Tenney almost wished she could stay to make it so.
She sat down on the soft bed as Melody adjusted small details around the room.
“I hope everything’s okay,” she told her. “We had everything pretty much ready, but we were going to make one last check tomorrow.”
“Everything’s great,” Tenney reassured her. Her feelings at this particular moment mingled around each other in a way that was most uncomfortable. Melody (and everyone she had met, for that manner) was really nice, she couldn't believe she lied to them. But what do you even say at this point?
"Sorry, I actually lied to you without meaning to and I also need a ride to my hotel"? The situation was starting to make her feel sick.
Well, might as well charge my phone at least, Tenney mused, pulling out her phone and charger.
Melody eyed Tenney’s small backpack. “Do you have any extra clothes with you, Magdalene?”
Tenney’s face flushed, the airport had probably sent her suitcases to the hotel by now.
"Um, not really, no..."
Melody pulled out an extra blanket from somewhere Tenney didn't quite catch. “Don’t worry about it, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Melody's sweet disposition seemed to fill the room with a warmth and comfort that was truly unmatched, not only adding to the welcoming feeling Tenney initially felt, but making her feel like she had always belonged.
She sat down next to Tenney. “Most the dolls here didn’t have anything other than the clothes they were wearing when they first arrived. I’ll find you some, you can even borrow some of mine if you don’t mind 92% of my wardrobe being Disney merch.”
Tenney couldn't help but chuckle a little. "I'm going to take a wild guess and say you're probably a Disney fan?"
"Oh, the biggest!" Melody beamed. "Do you like Disney?"
"Yeah, it has a special place in my heart," Tenney replied as casually as she could. "Tangled is my favorite."
Melody immediately lit up. "That's such a good one! It's one of my favorites too, plus the music is top notch in that one. See the Light is one of my all-time favorite Disney songs!"
"Same!" Tenney agreed, actively fighting anything that could pass through her eyes and give away that she wasn't saying all she wanted to.
This girl would absolutely flip if she knew Logan and I performed See the Light at one of the Disney Park celebrations.
"Did you know Tangled changed the game in animation at the time of its release, specifically because of Rapunzel's hair?"
Tenney shook her head, and as Melody was about to spill a solid 32 cups of Disney knowledge on top of her head, a voice called them from a long way down the hall.
"Melody! Magdalene! Dinner is all done!"
Melody sighed. "Oh well, I guess the Disney ted talk will have to wait until later." she stood and smoothed out her skirt as she did so.
"Let's say we pick things up later? Perhaps after some of Maryellen's famous mac and cheese?"
Tenney couldn't help the smile spreading across her face. "Yeah, I'd like that."
***
Tenney did as she was told, but any ease she had started to feel while hanging out with Melody started disintegrating like those noodles she once overboiled. The moment they left her (or rather Magdalene's) room, the reality of the situation came flooding back. Here came feeling sick to her stomach again, maybe that quesadilla for lunch on the plane was a bad idea...
Her mind was so preoccupied with not ruining the kitchen rug with what was left of her airplane quesadilla, that she almost didn't notice that the little girl in front of her in line was staring at her.
The girl -named Blair- had the biggest brown eyes Tenney had ever seen, and they were unyieldingly locked onto her.
Tenney wasn't really sure what else to do, so she waved awkwardly at the child. "Hi there," Tenney said warmly.
Blair didn't reply, nor did she move. She just stared... blinking every once in a while.
The room suddenly started to feel a little too warm. Did the kid recognize her? Why was she looking at her like that? Maybe she should say something more to her, but what? Tenney's nerves started knotting up faster with each annoyingly loud "tick" of the clock, but she couldn't get her mouth to say a word.
"....."
"What's it like being named after the woman who was possessed by 7 demons in the Bible?"
"Woah what?!" Tenney blurted, unable to hide what felt like a mix between relief and horror. "First of all, Mary Magdalene was a lot more than just the woman possessed by 7 demons."
The girl blinked a few more times, continuing her unwavering gaze as she waited for the answer she wanted. That is, until Mary finally broke up the staring contest.
"Okay, Blair. Here's your dinner, and for future reference, maybe phrase the question, 'what's it like to be named after Mary Magdalene of the Bible,' okay?"
Blair shrugged, clearly not seeing a problem with what she asked, and took her mac and cheese into the front room.
"Sorry about her," Mary said with the shake of her head. She began to fill Tenney's plate with the most wonderful smelling macaroni and cheese that Tenney had ever had the honor of sharing a room with. "Blair is our quizzer, but she doesn't always know the most... polite way to ask things."
"Oh, that's okay," she replied, eagerly taking her plate of pure edible joy. "Thank you!"
Maryellen nodded. "By the way, what kind of food do you like? I'll try to keep them in mind for future meals."
Tenney was simultaneously touched by the offer and struck with a mountain of guilt. "That's very nice of you, Maryellen. But you really don't have to go out of your way for me. I'm sure anything you cook will be lovely!"
"Thank you, Magdalene! That's very kind, but I want to do that for you," Maryellen replied earnestly.
Tenney's throat tightened. TELL HER THE TRUTH! Her conscience screamed and kicked around inside her. But the truth never made it to her lips. Tenney managed a weary smile, but wasn't quite able to meet her eyes. "Well, that's very kind of you, and I appreciate it very much. I like fried chicken, but I know that's a lot of work."
Maryellen returned a more genuine expression, "It's not a lot of work, I'm glad to do it for you, Magdalene. I'll try to work it into the menu soon. Go ahead and find a seat in the front room, it's movie night!"
"Thank you," Tenney mumbled as her conscience had a nervous breakdown in the back of her mind.
"Come on, Magdalene," Melody said as she pulled Tenney's elbow. "Let's go grab a spot to eat."
So, Melody led the way into the living room where dolls were practically stacked on one another and the noise was more overwhelming than an opening night crowd.
"Attention everyone," Jasmine exclaimed, bringing a hush over the room.
"Oh good grief," Julie groaned from the corner of the room. "Here we go..."
"I, your oldest sister present and therefore in charge, would like to announce that Magdalene has arrived early."
The room went uncomfortably silent, except for the periodic chirping of crickets.
"Oh, sorry. I was just practicing my animal impressions."
"How the heck did you even do that?"
"Jasmine, we already know. We all already introduced ourselves to Magdalene before dinner-"
"As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted," Jasmine continued in spite of this information.
"Magdalene has arrived early, so I'd like to deliver my warmest and most wholehearted of welcomes."
"May you enjoy living in our home, and sharing a roof with a very famous celebrity."
Tenney's eyes went wide. "Famous celebrity? Who?"
Jasmine's eyes narrowed. "Me."
"Oh..." Tenney sank further into her seat as Jasmine's death stare drilled holes through her head.
"It's only on Click-Clack," Melody reassured her in a hushed tone, "she doesn't get that it doesn't equal worldwide fame." Melody rolled her eyes at her oldest-sister-present's absurdity.
"Oh, yeah," Tenney whispered back, still embarrassed but now with the added sprinkle of unease at the mention of Click-Clack. She was all too familiar with the social media platform, that was where her and Logan's first song really took off and they still have a massive following over there. It's also where many people circulated gossip and rumors about them and many other celebrities. She avoided the app as much as she could nowadays.
Maryellen cleared her throat. "Well, Magdalene, we're glad you made it here safely, would you mind telling us about your trip?" She asked in an effort to break the awkward tension that seemed to have a hold over the room.
Tenney's shoulders tensed. No, there is nothing I'd like to do less. "Of course," she lied. "I'd love to answer questions about my trip... uh, what do you want to know?"
"How was it? Did it go pretty smoothly?"
Absolutely not, it went so rocky road that I ended up on an actual rocky road then in this house...
"Oh yes, all good and dandy. Long trip though, took forever to get umm... here."
"Have you traveled by that particular mode of transportation before?" Asked Saila.
"Oh, dozens of times. If I had a dime for every time I've been on a plane..."
Saila's brow crinkled. "You mean train?"
"Yes! Yes, train. That's what I meant, thank you. I go on trains all the time, lovely way to travel." Tenney said, shifting herself stiffly in her seat.
Who on earth rides trains anymore?
Pleasant, who was sitting on the floor with a teddy on her lap asked the next question. "Is it pretty different here compared to where you're from?"
"Oh boy, is it," Tenney blurted before she could really think about how that phrasing could come across.
"Not in a bad way though! Both places are wonderful in their own ways, I'm sure."
"What are some of the differences?" Pleasant further questioned.
Tenney weighed her answer carefully, now this one could get tricky. She had no clue where Magdalene was from, but she had to at least be outside the state if she came by something as absurd as a train, right? She decided to take a gamble and describe her actual home, Tennessee.
"Well, it's a lot greener where I come from, for one," Tenney began. "There are a lot more trees. Like, a lot more trees, and plants, and um... water... and bugs."
"I do appreciate the significant lack of bugs here though."
"Wow," said Gemini, "I didn't realize Nevada was anything like that."
DANG IT!
"Oh yeah, you'd be surprised. In all my 14 years on this planet, I've never seen a place quite so unlike what you'd expect it to look like."
"You mean 13?"
"13! Yes, of course. The trip just felt so long that it's almost like I gained a year in the time it took me to get here!"
Tenney, at this point, was honestly close to tears. She gripped the edge of the couch cushion so tightly that her professionally painted nails threatened to puncture through. Logan would have rolled his eyes at every single fumbled reply if he was here, Logan could lie through his teeth and most people outside of her would never suspect or think to question a word he said. He was good at putting on a show when he needed to, not that it was a skill she admired. Nevertheless, she wished he was here. She could only pray that everyone was all questioned out and ready to eat the mac and cheese that was starting to get cold.
That's when she noticed the change in Jasmine's expression. "Nevada?" She said, looking up from her phone.
She turned to Maryellen. "Is that in the south?"
"No, of course it isn't," was Mary's reply.
Jasmine turned back to Tenney. "Where'd you pick up the accent, Magdalene?"
Tenney froze. Her accent, of course her accent! She immediately felt stupid for not thinking of it or trying to hide it or work it into her story sooner. She'd only been to Nevada twice, but that was enough for her to know that people from there generally didn't speak with strong southern accents. Jasmine caught her in a corner.
She continued staring Tenney down as she waited for an answer, and Tenney could feel her cover melting all over the couch with each second that passed.
Don't just sit there! Her mind screamed at her. You have to say something!
Say something, literally anything. Say something!
SAY SOMETHING!
"What accent?"
SAY ANYTHING BUT THAT!
Jasmine's scrutinizing eyes went wide; features contorting into a mix of indignancy and confusion.
The whole room fell into a shocked silence aside from a stray, uncomfortable giggle from someone by the name of Samantha Parkington who probably thought that absolutely ridiculous reply was a joke. Tenney wished it was, she really didn't know what to do after that fumble. She couldn't even pull herself out of the eye lock her and Jasmine were holding, as if they were both waiting for something more or for the other to make the first move.
Thankfully for Tenney's drying eyeballs, her utter refusal to say another word ever again as long as she lived, and the sake of everyone in the room, Jasmine finally broke the silence.
"Wow, you are very strange, Magdalene. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at this point though. Seems to be a requirement for living in this household."
"Well, for everyone except moi."
Melody cleared her throat. "I think we should start the movie before it gets too late for Blair to watch it all the way through."
"Yay! Movie time!"
Tenney could not have been more grateful for Melody in that moment. She wondered briefly if she was shifting the subject away from her for her benefit or not, but a quick wink confirmed it all.
Thank you, friend. She tried to tell her with a smile.
"You girls do that," Jasmine said, standing up. "I have a meeting with my manager."
"You still don't have a manager," Julie called out after her.
"Of course I do! I am the manager."
"Tootles!" And with that, Jasmine flounced out of the room.
"If she's the manager, call me Karen."
The soda that Sam was in middle of swallowing sprayed all over the room, causing the laughter that had already started to absolutely explode.
"If anyone is going to be a Karen, I'm glad it's you, Julie," Saila laughed
Julie flicked out a quick salute. "Taking one for the team Julie, that's me."
Tenney laughed along with the rest of the room. Is this what it's like to have a normal life? To be part of a family? She'd never experienced anything like this before. Sure, it was a little chaotic, maybe even a bit overwhelming. But there was something beautiful about it, like there was no requirement for the love and belonging that filled the room, she didn't have to do anything to earn any of it, like simply being there was enough.
"Okay, everyone!" Maryellen called over the laugher that still echoed off the walls. "What movie are we watching?"
"The Complete History of America in 3 hours and 42 Minutes!"
The whole room groaned.
"If I wanted to sleep, I'd just go to bed, Pleasant."
"How could you sleep through an in-depth presentation and reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independance?!"
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