Wednesday – Story Day AKA Hump Day

 

a handwritten manuscript

 

It is Wednesday story day again. Last week we left poor Charlotte listening to the book My Struggles as read aloud by Bob. She was attempting to provide some constructive criticism and suggested Bob would not remember details from being an infant. Bob said he recalled elements of his infancy. Charlotte then opined aloud that she needed a drink, and it wasn’t the water that Bob was offering. Let’s go back to the pair and see if Charlotte has regained her composure.

“Thank you, Bob, but the water was not what I had in mind.”

“Oh, I see you would like something stronger.”

“Yes, Bob. Given the degree of difficulty with this project I think I could use something stronger.”

“I have a flask if you would care for a nip.”

“My goodness no. I was thinking of some coffee.”

“There is a shop next door. I’ll run and get us some.”

“What a lovely thought Bob. I would like some coffee.”

“I’ll be right back. I’ll get the coffee black and bring cream and sugar.”

“I like Splenda as well as half and half.”

“You got it. I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time. I need to make a phone call.”

“Hello.”

“Hello, Melissa this is Charlotte.”

“Ah yes. How are you dear?”

“Don’t dear me Melissa. Bob is a mess.”

“Whatever do you mean a mess?”

“He thinks he can remember his birth.”

“Oh, but sweetie he can.”

“What? You can’t be serious?”

“He has a remarkable memory. He remembers things I have long forgotten.”

“But being put into a sink at birth?”

“Like I said he remembers.”

“I’m not sure I can continue with this assignment.”

“No? Why not?”

“I don’t think Bob is going to correct any of the mistakes in his manuscript.”

“Yeah, so?”

“It’s going to be a piece of junk. Everyone will laugh at him.”

“Don’t you think they already do?”

“Um, I suppose.”

“So what’s the harm? Just get the thing published and who will care?”

“I guess I will.”

“You don’t count. Goodbye.”

“Oh. My gosh.”

21 comments

  1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Curiouser and curiouser. Now I wonder what Melissa is up to. I keep thinking about those American Idol contestants that were put on the show solely for comedic value. Not good singers, but people would tune in (in this case pay money) to see what happened.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Interesting perspective. Thanks

      Like

      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

        You’re welcome. Now I wonder where you’re going with this. You always keep us guessing.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          See that sign on my wall. It says, “always keep em guessing.”

          Like

        2. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

          It’s how authors amuse themselves. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  2. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    Ouch … Melissa is a B.I.T.C.H … poor Charlotte.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes she is. I need to help Charlotte a little I think.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Dan Antion's avatar

    I can identify with Charlotte today. I have experienced the “You don’t count / “your thoughts don’t count” speech numerous times in my career. “Just get the job done”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I guess we all have. Thanks

      Like

  4. teagan geneviene's avatar

    Poor Charlotte — she makes life seem good as long as you’re not her. Okay, so i’m starting to wonder if Bob had a hidden identity as a former President, or royalty to be so deluded. 😉 Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m not sure if he is a real person.

      Like

  5. S.K. Nicholls's avatar

    I’m actually starting to have a twinge of empathy for Bob.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Aw. You are so nice.

      Like

  6. Let's CUT the Crap!'s avatar

    Poor Charlotte’s going to look bad if she allows publication of Bob’s sorry mess. What about her–wait. Could this be a setup to ruin her career? 😮
    Can’t wait till next Wednesday. o_O

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I am plotting right now.

      Like

      1. Let's CUT the Crap!'s avatar

        I am sooo looking forward to hearing if the MS get published or if something else happens instead. o_O

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Let's CUT the Crap!'s avatar

          😀 😀 😀 Yes, I know what you mean.

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    Gesh. I don’t know what to think. Melissa’s sorta blunt, huh?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Reminds me of my first wife.

      Like