Go, Lucy Go (A Generation X Story)

Go, Lucy Go (novella for the 21st century)

2009-03-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Go, Lucy Go blog.

I wrote this novella in a new style inspired by cinematic screenplays. The chapters are often short, move quickly and you get to know the characters a little at a time. I also provide dream sequences and plenty of symbolism to define the characters and their various relationship struggles.

This is a comic novel that moves at a fast tempo, think Cuban mambo. I hope that you will enjoy this novella.

I am seeking a publisher (e-book or print) to publish this novella.

Thank you for taking the time to enjoy Go, Lucy Go.

Tropican phone booth

2009-03-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

Chapter One:

Lucy Yakamoto entered a crowded nightclub and scanned the college crowd, all dressed in riot girl and retro-seventies fashion. She noticed a few couples embracing in the club's dark corners. Other artsy types sat sipping lattes. She stuck a stray strand of blonde hair back into its neat bun, wondering what her mother would say about her bleached hair. The thought made her shudder, and she considered dying her hair back to natural black before returning to Tokyo. But that would have to wait.

She thought she would just fly over to the U.S., have a bit of fun, and return to Tokyo as a mature adult, but now, she was not so sure. She lounged at a bar reading The Good Girl's Guide to Marriage wondering who came up with such nonsense. She listened to her mother's advice, "Lucy, now that you have graduated from college, it is time for you to marry a nice man." Her mother would have it no other way.

An attractive hip barista sporting a pink frock caught Lucy’s eye as she placed a jasmine ice tea in front of her. Lucy locked eyes with the barista’s light green ones and as the barista pulled away, she could smell a strawberry scent emanating from the barista’s long red hair. Lucy panicked. No, this was not something her parents would ever accept and she needed to resolve that strawberry scented problem before returning to Tokyo.

Moments later, Lucy looked up from her book just as Carlos Suave entered the club. She had seen him around the small community on several occasions, but he seemed out of place in that nightclub. Carlos' legendary reputation as a lover circulated among young women hoping to stir up some passion in their lives. But in truth, the Latino, although extremely attractive, was actually a lowly clerk with conservative views that worked at the State Capitol.

Carlos brushed past Lucy, making his way to a pay phone. When he noticed that the phone was out of order, he slammed it into its cradle. In a huff, his bullfighter frame swaggered out of the nightclub, almost against its macho will.

Lucy gazed at the smoldering Latino and wondered if he could cure her of her sexual conflict. If he drummed up passion in her without cynicism, then she might have solved her problem. However, she had to act quickly. She tossed her book into a schoolgirl satchel and raced after Carlos. She saw him enter a phone booth on the corner so she followed the legendary Olympian lover.

She pounded on the glass of the booth. Carlos dropped a couple of magazines, Playboy and Modern Groom. He shouted at Lucy, "Can't you see, I'm on the phone?"

He pulled out singles ads and he dialed a number. Lucy pounded on the glass again. He opened the door and Lucy squeezed into the booth and planted a kiss on the Latino’s willing lips. Then she whispered in his ear, telling him to do her the way she’d seen in French movies. Carlos unzipped his trousers and lifted the young Japanese woman’s skirt up. They engaged in awkward staccato sex.

The phone operator came on the line. "If you would like to make a call, hang up and…"

Carlos hung up the phone. When he climaxed, he smiled at the strange creature who suddenly appeared in his life. She pulled down her skirt and with one fell swoop yanked a pen out from her satchel. She scrawled her phone number on Carlo's sweaty wrist.

"I'm Lucy Yakamoto and you are?"

Breathless, he responded, "Carlos Suave."

Lucy quickly exited the booth, looked around and ambled back to the nightclub. As Carlos watched the unusual woman disappear down the street, he thought his search for a bride had ended.

You did what?

2009-03-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

Chapter 2:

Late as usual, Lucy dashed into the sushi bar and restaurant locating her best friend and confident Natalie Dante in a partitioned area in the back.

"Sorry."

Natalie tossed a newspaper she had been reading on the table next to her. ''So, well, what is this great news you have for me?"

Lucy squeezed behind the table. "I found a man."

"Excuse me?"

"You know how you and I were talking about my situation and the cure for it?"

"Yes, but you found a man? Please explain."

"I went to the club Friday night after all. I was reading the book my mother gave me about marriage and I saw him walk into the club."

"Saw who?"

"Carlos Suave!"

Although Natalie felt shock, she acted stoic and therapist-like. She had been pining for Carlos in secret for the past year. She didn't dare tell Lucy. At that moment when her friend boasted about her exploits, Natalie felt her heart sinking into her Doc Martens. Lucy could not have known about Natalie's intentions for Carlos. In any case, relationships with her never lasted more than a few weeks so Natalie had the opportunity to get to know the Latino through her friend. Her new plan lifted her spirits.

"Carlos Suave? What was he doing in a nightclub?"

"I don't know. I think he was trying to use the phone."

"Okay, tell me the rest of your story."

"I followed him to a phone booth and we had sex."

"You had sex in a phone booth? What would you have done if a cop had seen you?"

"There were no cops."

Natalie choked.

Lucy giggled. "Hey, are you coming to my house leaving party?"

"I don't know yet."

"I invited Carlos."

"I'll see what I can do."

Marco Polo was not invited

2009-03-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

Chapter 3:

Carlos waited a couple of weeks before phoning Lucy. She told him that she was having a farewell house party. She mentioned music, artists, intellectuals and plenty of conversation. Lucy told him to think of it as a salon, but of course, he had never heard of salons except for places where his sisters had their hair done.

The party started without Carlos. The guests including a twenty-something British couple, Emma Chase and Andy Smith, Natalie, Lucy's house mate Mark Gardener, dead heads and other scenesters milled about the old Victorian house. The women sat around a table eating meatballs with chopsticks. The pale, nervous Mark also sat at the table chatting up a riot girl, not that he was interested in a twenty year old who resembled a toddler in her miniskirt, but it was a good way to learn how others lived their wretched lives. The riot girl waxed on.

"Yeah, my band, the Sugar Bums, just finished recording our first single. It sounds great!"

Mark decided to go along with the trivial conversation.

"Sounds intriguing! When's your next gig?"

Just as the young musician was about to respond to Mark's question, the doorbell rang and Lucy leaped out of her chair and strode to the door. "It must be him."

Dressed in his navy blue business suit minus the tie, Carlos swaggered into the house. He looked around, studying all the bemused faces. He chuckled to himself when his eyes landed on Mark's anemic face. Was this the best Lucy could come up with?

Lucy dragged her new boyfriend to the table. "Everyone, this is Carlos Suave. Perhaps you have heard of him?"

The men glanced nervously at the handsome Latino while the women swarmed around him like bees in a noisy hive. Carlos nodded to the women. Lucy placed a plate full of spaghetti in front of him, the way a good wife doted on her adoring husband. She handed him a set of chopsticks. He stared at them uncomfortably realizing if he fumbled with the chopsticks, he'd no longer be top dog. He dropped a meatball onto his lap. Lucy giggled. She handed Carlos a fork and a piece of garlic bread which he stuffed in his mouth and relished. Not exactly the spicy food his mother cooked, but it worked for that moment.

Andy struck up a conversation with Carlos. "Lucy tells me that you work as a clerk at the Capitol. What's it like working with power-hungry politicians?"

Carlos ignored Andy's question and focused on his dinner. He felt too tired and hungry to answer any questions, especially about work. But Andy kept pestering him.

"Have you met Booth Gardner yet?"

Mark joined the men. "What are they going to do about those Spotted Owls?"

Andy turned to Mark, "Not the Spotted Owl argument again. You think that you have problems-there is no wildlife left in England unless you count those tower ravens."

Mark argued with Andy. "You exaggerate. What about those cuddly hedgehogs?"

Carlos slammed down his fork on the table. "Man, don't talk about politics! I am sick and tired of politics!"

Astonished by Carlos violent response, the men sheepishly left the table. They headed over to the stereo where a group of men had gathered and were rummaging through Lucy's vintage record collection.

Lucy, Natalie and Emma observed the men, but their attention was mainly focused on this new creature. Natalie flirted with him.

"So, Carlos, where are you from?"

Carlos frowned.

"Why haven't we met before?"

Carlos smirked.

Natalie sulked.

Emma interrupted the awkward silence. "Did you attend Evergreen?"

"No, I attended a business college. I don't have time to hang out with middle class hippies. Some of us have to work for a living and deal with the real world."

Emma glared at Carlos, "Well, excuse me."

Natalie and Emma left the table. Finally, Carlos found himself alone with Lucy. He asked her about the meaning of the demolition sign in front of the house.

"When do you have to move?"

Lucy gazed into Carlos' deep brown camel eyes. She was especially fond of his long thick eyelashes which reminded her of Mexican children in those paintings she had seen at thrift stores.

"In two weeks."

"I know a two bedroom apartment that's for rent. Do you want to move in with me?"

Lucy pondered Carlos' question. On one hand, she did need to find a new place, but on the other hand, she had only met him twice. Telling her parents would be a problem, but at least he staved off her other desires. Also there was the problem of economics. Could the two of them afford a two bedroom apartment on their own?

"I don't know. Could Mark move in too?"

Carlos frowned, "Who's Mark?"

Lucy shrugged, "He's my house mate and he also needs a place really soon."

Carlos smiled reassuringly at her. "Let's check the place out tomorrow and if you insist, Mark can tag along, that is if he's even interested."

Lucy glanced at her friends that swarmed around the stereo. She wondered why none of them asked her to move in with them. Wasn't this what the party was about, a plea for help? At least that was how she and Mark saw it. Yet, not even Natalie with her big, lush apartment asked either of them to move in with her. Lucy wondered why the English couple did not offer a space in their bungalow. Certainly they had a spare bedroom or two. However, Carlos, a man she barely knew had asked her to move in with him.

If she moved in with him, it would be fun. Certainly the sex would be steamy and she would be distracted from her problems. Sure Carlos should lose the suit and lighten up a bit, but he was attractive and responsible. Her parents wouldn't have minded that.

She gazed at Carlos and she caressed his arm. "Yes, let's go look at the apartment tomorrow then I will make a decision."

Lucy's love affair with Victorian bricks

2009-03-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4:

They decided to rent the apartment. Lucy figured she didn't have much time to squander and apartments were almost impossible to find in downtown Olympia. She especially felt in favor of the charming Victorian appeal. She had always wanted to live in a brick building and one so close to her favorite club, the Tropicana, where she would hear her favorite music drifting past her window.

Lucy danced around the empty space as Carlos lugged boxes up the stairs. They were told that the elevator was out of service. Carlos smiled at his new girlfriend.

"I'm glad to see that you like the apartment so much, but can you help me out with moving the boxes? The rental van is due back in a couple of hours."

Lucy darted out of the apartment and she returned with Carlos' stereo. She quickly plugged it in. She whipped out a single from her satchel and placed it on the turntable.

Carlos frowned. "What are you doing? We have a lot of work to do and you are just goofing off."

"No, I have a purpose for my madness. I am christening our new apartment with Ice Cream."

She turned up the volume and Carlos grimaced.

"Who is this band? They can't play their instruments and the singer can't carry a tune. This song will bring us bad luck!"

Lucy giggled. "Lighten up, Carlos. Ice Cream gives me the necessary strength I need to lug up all of those boxes."

Carlos wondered about Lucy. Would he actually be able to live with her when she seemed so flighty? Did she take anything seriously? Would she be able to come up with the rent?

Later that day, Carlos hauled the last box up the stairs and he deposited it on the living room floor. Lucy and Carlos glided over to the large picture window and they looked down at the city street which was littered in autumn leaves and debris from the nightclub. A slight breeze kicked up leaves. Carlos embraced Lucy as Mark had sneaked into the room. He watched his apartment mates kissing.

Mark ambled down the street kicking leaves off the sidewalk. He stared up at the apartment window and noticed that the crazy couple had disappeared. He thought they must have made it to the bedroom and he felt glad he was missing the main attraction. Had he made a mistake moving in with the Latino lover and his Japanese geisha?

Mark entered his favorite café, a drab spot with some art deco splashed around the walls that gave it a bohemian luster. The café reminded him of the Beats and he even heard rumors that Jack Kerouac had spent some time in the café ages ago--different era, thought Mark.

He was seeking comfort or something to rob him of his confusion. He smelled the aroma of the espresso machine, but decided not to drink any coffee. He felt rather jittery and ordered peppermint tea. He looked around the café seeking a familiar face until he spotted Andy and Emma sitting at a cluttered table tucked away in a forgotten corner.

Mark pushed a few coffee cups aside. He pulled out a chair and sighed hoping that Emma, who always seemed sympathetic would notice.

Emma smiled weakly at him and she caressed his wrist. "You look a bit rough."

Andy joined in, "I take it that the move hasn't gone so well. It was rather sudden and Lucy does seem a bit unstable since she met Carlos."

Mark frowned, "I find Carlos to be a bit too macho for her and I've always fancied her."

Emma perked up, "Sorry sweetie, I know of a French woman."

Mark shrugged. "I am not interested in your French woman. She's probably going ethnic these days too." He laughed nervously, "The plight of the Anglo male."

Meanwhile, back at the love den, Lucy and Carlos rolled on the floor of their bedroom. Surrounded by unpacked boxes, Carlos taught his new girlfriend how to kiss properly.

"No! Could you use a little less tongue? Kiss me sensually the way that Bergman kissed Bogart in Casablanca."

Lucy felt like she would suffocate under the weight of Carlos’ machismo.

"The problem with you is that you're old fashion and uptight. Besides everyone knows that movie kisses aren't real. And don't tell me on how to kiss!"

Carlos countered, "I prefer that a woman gives me pleasure."

Lucy shoved him. "I'm not your concubine. Pleasure yourself.”

She grabbed her jeans off of the floor and quickly dressed. She stared at her diminutive girlish body in a mirror and shuddered. She ran into the bathroom.

Carlos felt slighted by Lucy's tantrum shouted, "Que es problema? Come back and play with me, por favor!"

Lucy lugged a box of dishes into the bathroom. She turned on the tub faucet full blast and washed the plates in the tub. She sobbed violently and hoped the sound of the gushing water drowned out her anguish. She didn't want to let Carlos get the best of her even if she realized she had made a mistake moving in with him. Yet, what was the alternative to head back to Tokyo and marry some man plucked out of the crowd by her parents? And if she was swept up in a love affair with a lesbian her family would surely dishonor her. No, she had to stick it out with Carlos and hope for the best.

Later Lucy dialed Natalie's number. She was in the mood for some clubbing and her best pal was always game for checking out their favorite bands and just hanging out.

"Hi, Nat, it's me."

Lucy toyed with the phone as she listened to Natalie's polite questions.

"I don't think so. It doesn't seem to be working out."

Lucy thumbed through the local music paper and sighed.

"Carlos idea of a three course meal is tacos, rice and beans along with Mexican beer. I prefer sushi and sake."

Lucy stared at an ad for her favorite band, Ice Cream. Her spirits perked up.

"Hey, Ice Cream is playing at the Tropicana tonight! Want to go? Okay, I'll meet you there at eight... Carlos? No, it's not his thing."

We scream for Ice Cream!

2009-03-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

Chapter 5:

Lucy strode into the crowded nightclub. She gazed at all the fake palm trees and headed over to the all-ages bar. She watched Ice Cream set up their equipment, waiting in anticipation for the concert to begin. When the singer grabbed the microphone and wailed in his boyish voice, she rushed to the stage. As she stared up at the singer, she wondered about her friend's whereabouts.

Natalie hurried into the club and over to the stage. She tapped Lucy on the shoulder and shouted, "Sorry, my car wouldn't start!"

Lucy smirked, "Oh, don't sweat it," she lied, "I just got here myself."

Natalie looked up at the boyish figure who failed to carry a tune. Only in rock music would someone get away with a lack of real talent.

"Roddy seemed at his all-time best tonight. But I don't know why he flirts with all those schoolgirls clambering around the stage."

Lucy giggled, "Don't tell me you're jealous of a bunch of high school girls."

"No, I'm just confused as to why he would waste his time flirting with them, when hello, there's a full-grown woman standing here."

The two women took a seat at a table. Lucy stared at the floor beneath the table.

"Girls are easier to please than women."

"What are you talking about?"

En-tranced by the music, Lucy watched the band performing while she talked absently to Natalie. " Carlos taught me how to kiss him the right way."

Natalie waved her hand in front of Lucy's eyes and got her friend's attention.

"He did what? Is he abusive towards you?"

She shrugged, "He's not abusive, but he's a huge macho jerk. He prefers being on top and I don't like being on the bottom."

Natalie guffawed, "I hear you. Hasn't he heard of Tantric sex? You need to teach him that there's more to having sex than the missionary position."

The music swelled. Natalie looked away from her friend and watched the overgrown musician pogo around the stage. Lucy spied Mark sitting at a table with a twenty-something frumpy woman. She had met the woman before at a gallery party and found her pushy. She wondered why Mark would hook up with that woman when he had a crush on her.

Lucy headed over to Mark's table. She flirted with him while Julia glared at her.

"I've been looking for you."

Mark snickered, "That's funny because I thought that you were too enraptured with your Carlos to notice me or for that fact, the rest of the world."

"Come on, that's not fair. You're the one who pulled a disappearing act."

Mark placed his arm around Julia's back. "Have you met Julia?" He turned to his new love interest. "This is Lucy."

Julia Oliver studied Lucy's retro-fifties dress.

"Yeah, you look familiar. Didn't we meet at a gallery last month?"

Lucy giggled. "Yes, I think so. You were the one in the bathroom whining about how you could not meet a non-creep in Olympia."

Mark grimaced, "Pardon me."

Julia caressed Mark's arm. "Well, but then I met you and my problem was solved."

Lucy spied Natalie flirting with Roddy. She studied the singer's pathetic clothing and although she was fond of his music, she thought he resembled a large five year old. She hardly found him sexually appealing and she wondered when her grad student friend would stop chasing after boy toys. Lucy returned to her table and interrupted Natalie's conversation with the singer.

"Have you met Mark's new flame?"

Natalie laughed, "She's a bit too woman for him. He must be thinking of settling down and having little Marks."

Lucy stared at the table top. "At least he's found someone that…"

Natalie grinned, slyly hoping. Great she thought, her friend would grow tired of Carlos and then he would become available. Certainly, Natalie thought, those two were no match. It was too soon to go in for the kill so she feigned sympathy.

"We all feel disillusioned at times. Go home and sleep on it. Perhaps, the two of you can work things out."

Lucy perked up, "Yes, maybe."

The next day, Lucy found herself swamped by discreet Japanese businessmen and non-discreet politicians. She had been working at the sushi bar for over three years and nothing ever changed. She played the good Japanese waitress, bowing so often her back felt like it would break and she wondered who invented the traditional dress for women. Certainly it was hard to do anything in the straitjacket, much less serve customers.

She led two businessmen to a partitioned area. They quickly removed their shoes, like tired robots overly familiar with the routine and they squeezed themselves around the table. Fluttering her eyelashes, she took their order. They always ordered the same thing, so why even bother with formalities? Why not just act like those loud diner customers who tell the waitress, "Honey, why don't you bring me the usual."

When Lucy arrived in the kitchen, she took a little break. When the boss was away, the waitress played. She pulled out a tape of Ice Cream and she shoved it in her Walkman. She cranked up the volume. She sang along as she counted the tips she has earned, discreetly of course. She frowned and recounted the tips. She thought about those cheap politicians. Not only did they stiff tax-payers, but they stiffed waitresses too. At least she found her salvation in rock music. America was a great country.

The cocktail party was a smashing success

2009-03-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

Chapter 6:

Lucy and Carlos hurried out of the apartment in pursuit of a bus. Rain shot out of the sky like bullets of the Wild West. Lucy pulled out her umbrella while the rain drenched Carlos. She would have shared the umbrella, but it was a small Japanese umbrella, only good for one person. They arrived at the bus stop and Carlos ranted about how they should put a bus shelter at the stop. After all, the good citizens paid their taxes and deserved to be protected from the Pacific Northwest rain and it poured all of the time!

Lucy did not care much for his foul mood. He was releasing bad vibes so she huddled underneath her umbrella, praying that the bus showed up on time. It did and she hopped on first, quickly paying her fare. She found an empty seat. Carlos obstructed the front of the bus and people tried to squeeze past him. He dug for change from his tight wet jeans.

The science fiction enthusiast, Darren sauntered to Lucy and plopped down next to her. Lucy didn't mind but knew Carlos would be furious. He was so possessive and sure enough, the jealous lover kicked Darren out of the seat causing a scene.

Darren snickered at Carlos. "Hey, it's not like I want to have sex with her."

Carlos guffawed, "And how do I know that?"

Darren gawked at the clueless Carlos and he scurried to the front of the bus, found a seat and started a conversation with the driver.

Lucy turned to Carlos, "Your macho attitude is lost on me."

He grinned sheepishly. "Come on, I was only protecting you from wolves."

Lucy guffawed, "I know him from one of my classes."

She stared out the foggy window. Carlos sulked. "You're a sexy woman. I get tired of fighting off the competition."

Lucy glared at Carlos, "It used to be a free country until Carlos the dictator took over!"

More steam covered the bus windows. Lucy watched a group of business people and students carrying black umbrellas pass by her side of the bus. As the driver slammed on the brakes, Lucy noticed a woman in her twenties dressed like a riot grrl librarian. She carried a bright pink umbrella. She caught Lucy's eye and Lucy felt like her heart would disintegrate to ash. She was hoping never to see Belinda again because of the feelings the librarian aroused in her. She pounded on the window and tried to get the woman's attention. She mouthed "I love you" to the librarian as she disappeared around a corner. Oh, no, there it went again, her attraction to girls.

Carlos tried to get Lucy's attention. Finally, he shouted at her as if he had not embarrassed her enough.

"Hello! I'm trying to talk to you!"

Lucy felt dazed. "Did you see that woman?"

"Who are you talking about?"

Lucy fidgeted with her satchel. "Never mind, what were you saying?"

Carlos puffed out his chest like a proud rooster. "I was asking you if you still want to throw a party."

"We can throw a cocktail party like your parents did."

"You forget that my parents were too busy trying to survive in this country to throw parties and they didn't believe in drinking alcohol. You know my Mama is a good Catholic."

Lucy rolled her eyes.

Later that day, Carlos and Lucy strolled towards their apartment building. Carlos opened the door for his lady. Not that she felt impressed since he had acted like a beast all day.

"Have you see Mark lately? He's pulled a disappearing act since he met Julia."

"Why do you care as long as he pays his rent? Besides I like having the place to ourselves."

Lucy frowned at Carlos' ambivalence. "Mark's my friend and I think that something is bothering him."

"If he hasn't confided in you, then why do you get all worked up about his problems?"

The couple lounged in bed. Carlos caressed Lucy's arm and she stared off in space. She envisioned life with Carlos. She saw herself relating to his conservative parents or more like not relating to them. Carlos' mother would not care for Lucy's arty dresses, and she would be turned off by Lucy when she bowed and giggled.

This led to a thought about Natalie helping Lucy slip into a wedding gown. Dressed in traditional kimonos, Lucy's parents entered the room. They bowed to their daughter. Restricted by her wedding gown, Lucy attempted a bow, but stumbled.

Next, Lucy saw an altar. Carlos beamed victoriously since he managed to snag a bride. But Lucy only noticed Belinda Chance, the riot grrl librarian, sitting in the front pew and smiling demurely while holding a blue Telecaster in her lap. Lucy grimaced when she realized she made a bad decision.

The priest turned to the reluctant bride. "Lucy Yakamoto, do you take Carlos Suave as your lawfully wedded husband?"

Lucy picked at her bouquet, dropping petals on the carpet. "I don't think so. I really don't think so. I'm incapable of marriage."

The priest wiped sweat from his forehead and Carlos threw a tantrum. Family members and wedding guests hissed and booed. Lucy tripped over her gown as she raced out of the church.

Later that day, she lounged at the kitchen table reading a book on cocktail drinks. Carlos sneaked up behind her with a surprise, a bouquet of daisies which he handed her. Lucy rose from her chair and embraced Carlos.

"What are these for?"

Carlos handed Lucy a super size burrito.

"Food too! Yummy! Are we going to eat a three-course meal? Thank you."

Lucy devoured the burrito while Carlos filled a Mexican vase with water. He plopped the daisies, plastic and all into the vase. He splashed water all over the table, but Lucy was too hungry to mind. She devoured her burrito and licked her lips. Wow, that one was sure spicy, she thought. Carlos kissed her on top of the head.

"We have a few hours to kill before the party. Would you like to learn some party games I learned as a child?"

"Are they naughty games?"

"I'll let you decide."

They raced to the bedroom. They allowed their raging hormones to call the shots. Lucy tore off her dress. She was not interested in acting ladylike, but in quenching that sudden desire that took over her more reasonable thoughts. Her lover pulled her toward him and he bit the strap on her slip, feeling like a lusty fool for love.

He whispered in Lucy's ear, hoping to please her for once. "I'll even let you be on top."

"What's the occasion?"

"I just thought I'd try something new."

"Really?"

Carlos grabbed Lucy's ponytail and he gently pulled her head back, kissing her full on the mouth.

Meanwhile, Marks sneaked out of his bedroom like a mole surfacing from underground caverns. He spied on the couple making passionate love through the cracked open door. He frowned because that routine wore thin and it had only been a week since he moved in with them.

He watched their heads bobbing up and down; he listened to their moans. He staggered to the phone.

"Hey, it's me. Nothing's wrong, but would you like to see a movie tonight?"

Mark glanced over his shoulder and he whispered into the receiver. "The Latin lover rides again. I'll pick you up at eight o'clock."

Mark slammed the door when he left, knowing full well he would embarrass Lucy, that was if she was capable of embarrassment. He felt doubtful at that point. She appeared to have no limits like a coyote constantly catching its tail on fire. "Go, Lucy, go, and where are you heading anyway?"

Startled by the door slamming, Lucy pushed Carlos away from her. "Ah, Mark's been here the whole time! We don't have much privacy with him around."

Carlos laughed, "And earlier you were worried because he doesn't hang around the apartment enough and going on about Julia… We just gave him the thrill of his life--live erotica in his own home. This beats the Playboy channel!"

Lucy shuddered. "You don't know Mark. He's really a gentleman."

Carlos guffawed. "No, under that pale expression and shy demeanor, he is a hot-blooded male. Everyone knows he's pining for you."

Lucy blushed. "He just has a little crush, that's all and he has a new girl now."

Lucy tickled Carlos and she kissed him. "Mark's just a pal."

Carlos fidgeted with the sheets. He cleared his throat, tossed a breath mint into his mouth. "I know that we have only known each other a short time, but… "Carlos grabs Lucy's hand. "Lucy, will you marry me?"

Lucy gasped as she pulled the sheets tightly around her body. "That's just sex talking. Orgasms make people say things that they regret later."

She jumped out of bed and pulled on a kimono. She glanced at the Hello Kitty clock.

Carlos argued, "That's not true. I love you."

Lucy quickly made her way to the door.

"Hey, where are you going? You aren't giving my proposal any thought."

Lucy tried to calm her nerves by shoving her feet into her furry slippers. "Neither have you. You're only thinking about yourself, but what about me?" When a woman looks for a husband, she doesn't have sex with him in a phone booth!"

Carlos felt dejected and he refused to give up his prize. "But, I thought that when you agreed to co-habitat, you'd also be interested in marriage."

Lucy looked over her shoulder. "The guests will be arriving any minute. What will I tell them if I answer the door in my kimono?"

"Tell them that you accept my marriage proposal. Then we'll have something to celebrate. Your friends will like that."

Later that evening, Lucy lounged at the kitchen table lost in a memory of the other day when she met Carlos' parents. His mother looked at her as if she was yanked out of a swamp. She obviously didn't care for Lucy's bright mini dress, but it went beyond the clothing. She felt that no woman would be good enough for little Carlitos. Oh, and how, she spoiled her son, plying him with Mexican cuisine and constantly patting him on the head or kissing him as if he was still a child. How could Lucy ever marry into such a family, where the husband is king and the wife, well, she had better know how to cook, clean and give confession to the priest on a regular basis. Aye, yi, yi, as Carlos would have said.

Carlos sulked in the bedroom. What was the point of giving a party now when he felt dejected? He prided himself on being a man about town and he thought he could have had any woman in Olympia. So why did he put up with Lucy's flightiness? What was the attraction anyway? She seemed rather selfish only caring about her friends and alternative rock music. Certainly there was no future with that woman. Why did he bother?

And yet, in the short time that they knew each other, they had some good times. He recalled the day that they moved in the apartment and he introduced Lucy to Cuban music. Yeah, Benny Morès and Perez Prado. They danced around the empty apartment, tripping over boxes and really working up a sweat. Boy, Lucy could sure dance and for once they had a moment in common when they and the music were one. But she had proven that she was incapable of serious adulthood. And he doubted that she would ever grow up.

Lucy flitted into the kitchen dressed in an Audrey Hepburn cocktail dress. She arranged the cocktail glasses and set a blender out on the table. She danced her way into the living room which adjoined the kitchen. She pulled out the soundtrack for Breakfast at Tiffany's and placed it on Carlos' turntable. She wondered if he was still sulking, but then decided to put that thought out of her busy head. She wished to appear happy when the guests arrived. She felt that life was too short to worry about sulking men bent on dominating women.

Emma entered the apartment looking quite elegant in a chic 1960s cocktail dress. Lucy liked when Emma wore her hair up and showed off her long neck. Andy, always the good sport, wore a vintage 1950s suit.

Lucy imitated Audrey Hepburn, "You look ravishing darlings."

Andy looked around, "Where's Carlos?"

Lucy giggled, "He's in the bedroom sulking."

Emma confided in Lucy, "Ooh, why?"

Lucy's grin transformed into a frown. "I would rather not talk about Carlos. Come on, let's enjoy ourselves."

Andy also did not want to get involved with a heavy discussion. He spotted Lucy's record collection and shuffled through the pile.

"Brilliant! Prado and Nino Rota! I was expecting something silly like Perry Como or is that coma?"

Emma teased Andy, "Don't be rude to our hostess. She's really knocked herself out." Emma turned to Lucy, "Where did you find these records?"

"I stole them from my parents and the rest of them came from thrift stores. I actually had to buy the Nino Rota ones at Tower."

Natalie and a group of men arrived. The women headed to the kitchen while the men swarmed like drones around the record collection. Lucy detected drool coming from their mouths and she was happy to accommodate them. They were out to have a splendid evening.

The men shuffled through the collection. "Whoa! Burt Bacharach! Does anyone listen to him any longer?"

Andy smiled, "Sure they do. Actually, she has quite a collection here. Rota and Mancini."

"Where did she find the soundtrack to Breakfast at Tiffany's?"

The women mixed drinks and placed finger food on trays. Lucy licked salt off of her fingers.

Emma related, "What is it about men and record collections?"

Lucy popped a pretzel into her mouth. "I don't know, but I think that they enjoy impressing each other with trivial knowledge. It's really a bore."

Natalie tested a cocktail drink. "It's possible that they can't handle social events so they hide behind familiar things."

Lucy wondered why Natalie was so philosophical and why she stood up for men.

"Come on, don't go psychology major on us. They prefer sex and trivia. Sometimes they prefer trivial sex which is fine with me because…"

Natalie gawked at Lucy. When will she stop looking for fun around every corner? Besides, what is this comment about being too psychological?

"What's that suppose to mean? Perhaps, they just like music. Isn't that why they join bands?"

Emma and Lucy stared at each other and giggled.

Emma argued, "That's debatable. I think they join bands so they can get laid and it works for them."

Natalie gasped, "And why do women join bands? You will probably give me some gross generalization or a high minded answer that women join bands to heal the planet or something of that nature."

Emma glanced at Natalie who responded, "Actually, it's not so far off to say…"

"Oh, give me a break! I think some women musicians join bands to get laid just like some of the men do. I've known men that really enjoy playing music because it makes them feel good and not to get laid."

Lucy joined in, "Speech, speech! Nat, lighten up."

Natalie remained in the kitchen sulking while her friends joined the other guests. Carlos sauntered to the stereo and turned down the volume. The room fell silent and the guests gawked at him.

The man of the house took the floor. "I have an announcement to make."

Lucy freaked and covered her mouth. He planned to embarrass her once again and in front of people she knew. Lucy thought, oh, what a spoiled brat!

The guests crowded around Carlos, smiling in expectation. Lucy caught Carlos' eye and she mouthed, "Don't you dare!"

A menacing grin crossed Carlos' sullen face. "I proposed to Lucy."

The guests leaned forward in anticipation of Carlos' next words.

"And she did not accept."

The guests hissed and booed. Lucy stumbled from the room sobbing. The men quickly grabbed their coats and made a beeline for the exit. Natalie studied Carlos' face. She mused how best to play her cards in that situation. Did she sacrifice her friendship with Lucy and make a move towards to the Latino or did she maintain the status quo?

She glared at Carlos. "How dare you air out your dirty laundry at this party! If you have a problem with Lucy, then act like a man and deal with it in private."

Carlos sneered, "I wanted to humiliate her the way that she has humiliated me. I am not her Latin boy toy."

Lucy staggered into the room, her eyes red from sobbing. She plopped down in a chair hoping her friends would console her. Emma and Andy grabbed their coats off of the couch. Emma glanced at her distraught friend. She strode over to Lucy and kissed her on the cheek.

"I'll ring you in the morning, love. I'm sure that the two of you will sort this thing out. He's not the first man to be refused a bride."

Carlos collapsed on the couch, his body trembled. No one thought of consoling him. Natalie glared at him, zips up her parka and slammed the door.

After everyone left, Lucy raced down the hallway. She shouted at Carlos, "You can sleep on the couch tonight!"

She tossed a rolled sleeping bag and pillow at Carlos. He unrolled the sleeping bag. He pondered his situation and decided he wouldn't sleep in the love den. He headed out into the night which he hoped would give him some mother comfort.

Meanwhile at a café across town, another couple sat at their favorite table, sipping lattes. They gazed into each other’s eyes hoping to catch their own reflections. Mark confided in Julia.

"I made a big mistake moving in with them. They either fight or have loud obnoxious sex."

Julia took the opportunity to further her cause. "Did you sign a lease? What would happen if you moved out?"

Julia wasn't fond of Lucy and saw her as competition despite her situation with Carlos. Mark was unaware of Julia's ulterior motives and thought that he was madly in love with the self-professed Plain Jane.

"I signed one, but I think I can still move out. I mean the way they're going, I will be out of a home soon."

Mark mused to himself that he would never win Lucy's heart so what was the point of him living with her? Sure he thought at first, she would dump Carlos, after all, what did those two even have in common besides sex? And everyone knew sex was not a strong enough bond or a reason to hold a relationship together or so Mark thought.

He stared at Julia. She had her own unique beauty if only she would lose those bitchy cat eye glasses. At least she was not flakey like Lucy. In fact, he was fond of Julia's grounded personality and her sense of responsibility. He would be safe and secure with a woman like Julia, but it wouldn't be much of an adventure.

The barista sauntered over to the table and cleared it. He headed back to the counter and he placed a CD in the player. The sound of Ice Cream screaming filled the café. The couple barely heard their thoughts as those thoughts drifted past them on their way to nowhere.

"Why don't you move in with me?"

"What, huh?"

Julia shouted over the din, "I said, why don't you move in with me?"

Mark rose from his chair and he helped Julia with her coat. "When do you want me to move in? I'll need time to tell the others."

"How about next month? We can discuss it more later."

"How will I break the news to Lucy?"

"Be firm with her. Don't let her charm you out of your decision."

Spilled Milk

2009-03-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

Chapter 7:

Lucy recovered from her fight with Carlos quickly. There was nothing like an Indian summer day to cheer her heart. She shuffled through autumn leaves glancing at the various buildings that comprised downtown, Olympia. A Halloween colored cat crept up to her so she patted it. She felt on top of the world.

Lucy spied Belinda ambling out of a café across the street. Lucy raced across the street, weaving her way through traffic and avoiding curses from the various drivers. A car swerved and honked at Lucy. She didn't care because she was only a few feet away from the perfect woman, the Venus of Olympia, but Venus disappeared into a record store.

Lucy stared at the over-sized poster which graced the large window for the Sugar Bums latest single. She blew a kiss to Belinda who gazed down at her from the poster. Lucy entered the record store and did not hear the cash registering ringing or the people milling about or the loud music throbbing throughout the cramped space. She focused on the rock diva quietly shuffling through singles. Lucy shuffled through singles too and watched Belinda pick a single and then pay for it, finally exiting the store.

Lucy grabbed a Sugar Bum single and she tossed a couple of dollars onto the rack. She raced out of the store in pursuit of the perfect woman. Wait a minute, she wondered, why was she stalking a woman?

Belinda strode past bookstores and cafes without a care in the world. She turned around as Lucy ducked into a phone booth. Lucy did not want to be caught in the act of spying. How would she possibly explain to Belinda the reasons why she was being tailed by a young disturbed Japanese woman dressed like an Audrey Hepburn throwback?

Belinda climbed the stairs to the library and disappeared behind the heavy wood doors. She peeked out the door. Dang, Lucy thought. "She realizes I am following her. Do I enter the library and speak to her or do I disappear in one of the cracks of the sidewalk?"

Lucy picked up a random book and pretended to read it. She copped a business-like attitude and approached Belinda.

"Hello, I'm looking for a book by a Latin author. I can't recall her last name, but her first name is Julia something…"

Belinda played along with the little game. "Is this author a historian? This is the history department and fiction is upstairs."

"Oh, do you think that the fiction department can help me? I can describe the book to them. It has a yellow cover and…"

Belinda guffawed, "We're not mind readers, but best of luck."

The head librarian interrupted the conversation. "I have a gentleman on the phone that would like information on the Civil Rights Movement. Why don't you take that call."

Belinda studied Lucy then she calmly picked up the phone receiver. "Yeah, what line is he on?" She spoke into the receiver. "How can I help you, sir?"

Lucy examined a flyer on the counter mentioning various Halloween events around town. She decided to leave. Her quest had failed.

Later that day, Lucy day dreamed her way through her waitress shift. She ended her shift, counting her measly tips in the kitchen. When no one was looking, she pulled the Sugar Bums single out of her satchel. She stared at Belinda's photograph. Lucy's coworker, Koko Yamato, came into the kitchen and she peeked at the single over her coworker's shoulder.

She asked, "Who is that?"

"The Sugar Bums. I think you would really, really like them."

Koko fluttered her eyelashes and giggled. "I don't think so."

Lucy giggled along, "I really think so."

Koko bowed to Lucy, picked up a tray with a tea set. She shuffled her way out of the kitchen.

After she completed her waitress shift Lucy walked by her favorite music store. She pined over a blue Telecaster that was displayed in the store window. She entered the store and she glided past a row of electric guitars in all the colors of the rainbow. She caressed the blue one and sighed. Guitars were much better than sex if only she knew how to play one. It wouldn't be too hard to learn judging from the musicians she had seen around town. They only needed to know three or four chords and they played them over and over again. Oh, but she was dreaming.

Lucy arrived at the apartment. She called out to her house mates and realized that she had the place to herself. She put the single on the turntable and took the opportunity to dance like a mad woman around the apartment. It was the least she could do after a long day. She whirled around the kitchen, poured herself a bowl of her favorite cereal and grabbed a book off of the shelf.

She lounged at the table reading The Good Girls Guide to Marriage hoping to knock her attraction to Belinda out of her system. She munched on her cereal. Sweat dripped down her face as she read the book. She decided that she was not cut out for marriage. She slammed the book on the table.

Mark sneaked into the apartment. He checked his reflection in the mirror and straightened out his wrinkled T-shirt. He smiled into the mirror and picked at food between his teeth. Had he been walking around looking like that all day? He sprayed breath freshener into his mouth. He casually sauntered into the kitchen where he spied Lucy sulking at the table. "Oh, hi, how's it going?"

Lucy tensed, "Where were you last night? I thought you were going to attend the party."

"Uh, well, I changed my plans at the last minute and I went out with Julia."

Mark poured himself a bowl of cereal. He brought the milk carton to the table and plopped down in a chair. He poured the milk onto his cereal, splashing some on the table. Lucy examined the puddles of milk, scowling at Mark.

"So how's it going with Julia? You spend a lot of time together. Is it serious?"

Mark snickered, choking on milk in the process. "You make it sound like I have cancer. I guess you could say it is serious."

Mark watched Lucy's expression from the corner of his eyes. Lucy rose from the table and took her empty bowl to the sink. She washed it along with the other dirty dishes.

"I'm happy for you."

"I'm glad because I have some news to tell you."

Lucy stopped washing the dishes. She blurted out, "Carlos proposed to me last night."

Mark froze.

"I couldn't accept so he made a huge scene and ruined the party."

Mark lightened the mood with a joke. "Sorry that I missed the theme party."

Lucy scowled at Mark. "Thanks for your sympathy. What is it you wanted to tell me?"

Mark felt gleeful so he poured more milk onto his cereal, splashing more milk onto the table.

"It's not important. Tell me, why did you get involved with Carlos in the first place?"

Lucy dried the kitchen counter with at dishrag making sure she dried up every bit of moisture. She wondered if she should clean up the mess Mark made on the table, but refrained. He was not a child and could clean up after himself. She considered Mark's question. Why did she hook up with Carlos? Was it really because she might be a lesbian?

"I don't know. I guess that he attracted me with his manly scent. Have you ever watched those nature programs on PBS?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Have you ever seen the ones with the bird mating rituals?"

Mark laughed nervously. Lucy continued her diatribe about why she thought she was attracted to Carlos. "The female birds are attracted to the male birds with the brightest feathers and the ones that stick their chests out the furthest."

"So what does that have to do with Carlos? Granted he does seem overly puffed up at times so what you're telling me is that he has bright parrot like feathers and he sticks his chest out the furthest?"

"Well, kind of. He turns me on and he's really good in bed."

"But we're not birds are we? We should be capable of rational thought…and must you share Carlos sexual prowess with me?"

Lucy strode to the table and she grabbed the book she had read earlier. She glared at the puddles of milk on the table.

"Hormones don't have rational thoughts and they prefer to call the shots."

Mark ignored the mess he made and he took his empty bowl to the sink where he rinsed it out. "Lucy, it sounds like you are trying to convince yourself of something."

Mark headed to the living room, grabbed a book off of the shelf and plopped down on the couch. Just as he was about to kick back and dig into the book, Carlos arrived. He passed by Mark on his way to the bedroom.

Lucy yelled at him. "It is nice of you to drop in! Where were you all night?"

"I slept in my car."

Mark dropped his book on the couch and scurried out of the apartment. He thought, there they go again. Do those two ever stop fighting?

Lucy pursued Carlos. She wanted some straight answers from the man that trashed her party. She paced the room while Carlos reclined on the unmade bed. He caressed the wrinkles in the sheets, the same sheets where he delivered a marriage proposal, unaware that he would be so rudely rejected.

Lucy stomped her feet. "You ruined the party. Everyone left!"

"Well, you ruined my life!"

"I think you are exaggerating. I had no idea you were going to propose to me."

"I love you."

"How can you say that when you barely know me?"

Carlos grabbed a pillow and he shoved his face into it. He felt like he would suffocate anyway. Lucy took the pillow away from Carlos. She fluffed it.

"Look, I don't enjoy fighting with you and I do care about you, but I'm not ready for marriage."

She plopped down on the bed and kissed Carlos on top of his head. She caressed his perplexed look away.

"Then is this just a sex thing?"

Lucy laughed, "I think it's a youth thing. I do enjoy sex with you and I don't see anything wrong with that."

International Monopoly

2009-03-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

Chapter 8:
Lucy and Carlos hung out with the English couple at their favorite café. They crowded around a small table near the window. They drank too much coffee and played Monopoly for hours on that lazy Sunday.

Emma felt irritated with Andy for dominating the game. "No! How cruel! You can't buy my hotel! It's the only property I still have left after you stole all my other real estate."

Emma punched Andy in the arm. He grimaced, but was not deterred from the macho battle of winning at a board game.

"Ha! I just bought your pathetic hotel and now I'm king of the forest!"

Lucy looked pensively at the board. "Wow, now we're all homeless and Andy's serfs."

Carlos sipped his coffee and leaned back in his chair. He examined all the properties on the board and shrugged. "I don't like this game."

Lucy giggled and kissed Carlos. "You might have liked it if Andy wasn't so greedy."

Andy smirked at Lucy and then he collective his Monopoly money from the board. "Capitalism is the name of the game. I thought that you Americans like that sort of thing."

Lucy reminded Andy, "I'm Japanese."

"Ah, same deal, no?"

Emma glared at Andy. She wondered why he was behaving so badly. She turned to the others. "Hey, Ice Cream is playing down the street tomorrow tonight. Does anyone want to go?"

Carlos cleared the empty cups from the table. "Who's Ice Cream?"

Emma beamed, "Lucy's favorite band. I'm shocked that you don't know that."

"I thought her favorite band was Perez Prado."

Emma giggled while Lucy covered her face with her hands. "No, Carlos, that's your favorite band. I enjoy dancing to Cuban music, but I prefer Ice Cream and the Sugar Bums."

Carlos snickered, "Who are the Sugar Bums?"

Lucy shook her head and giggled. "Didn't we meet at a rock music club?"

"No, I met you in a phone booth."

Emma leaned forward. "Do tell. I don't know this version of the story."

Andy added, "And don't leave out any of the steamy details."

A case of shyness overtook Lucy. She bowed her head and blushed. "I prefer not to."

Carlos nudged his reluctant girlfriend. "Come on, Lucy."

Lucy rose from her chair and she sauntered to the back of the café. After she left the table, Emma and Andy leaned forward in anticipation. "Well?"

Carlos realized he was now the center of attention, but did he really want to embarrass Lucy again? "I won't say anything."

Emma nudged Carlos. "I'm curious to how you met in a phone booth."

Andy chipped in, "I’m assuming sex was involved, otherwise Lucy wouldn't have felt so uncomfortable."

Carlos fiddled with pieces on the board. "She would kill me if I embarrassed her again."

Andy laughed, "Aha, so there was sex involved."

Emma wondered out loud, "But how good is phone booth sex?"

Carlos placed the pieces and the board back in the box. He took the box to the back of the café. He bumped into Lucy and tried to hide his sheepish grin. She covered her face with her hands.

"You told them!"

Carlos reached out to Lucy, she shrugged him off. "No, they figured it out on their own besides, they were going to find out sooner or later."

"Yes, but I prefer later."

They sauntered back to the table and noticed that their friends were zipping up their parkas. Emma glanced at Lucy. "So, are we on for tomorrow tonight?"

Lucy looked sheepishly at her friends. "I don't know. I have to think about it. I saw Ice Cream play last week so…"

Lucy decided that she wanted to spend the rest of the day alone wandering through the leaf covered streets. She had enough of Andy and Emma's constant teasing. If only they knew that she could not stand it when they teased her, especially about private matters such as sex. But then she did involve herself in a public act, engaging in sex in a phone booth. What made her do that? Part of her was rife for adventure and another part of her just wanted to hide somewhere away from the crowd.

She strode by her favorite music shop and she saw that the blue Telecaster was still in the window. What could that mean? Was it waiting for her to buy it? Oh, but she did not know how to play guitar and what would Carlos have said about that? He already thought she was too unconventional.

She entered the shop and ambled past a row of Fender guitars. She picked up the blue Telecaster and she strummed it. She felt it would be cool to play guitar in a band. She noticed that the bands around town weren't good musicians and people loved them anyway. And at least Lucy had music lessons as a child, but…

The salesman approached Lucy. She blushed and put the guitar back on its rack. She rushed out of the store, thinking she should have never been there in the first place.

Lucy and Carlos decided to go to Ice Cream's show. Lucy did not mind seeing her friends again and Carlos was curious to the type of music his girlfriend adored. Although he thought it would not be very good. They saw their friends hanging out by the lip of the stage and staring up at what could only be called a loud spectacle. The singer, a boyish man of say, between twenty-five and thirty years of age, skipped around stage and sang off key. The guitarist and organ player weren't bad though, but Carlos thought the singer could use some training. At least he appeared to enjoy what he was doing even if it was grating on Carlos' nerves.

Carlos snarled and shook his head in frustration. He could not believe he paid good money to watch an over-grown five year old sing childish tunes. "What the hell is this? The singer can't even sing in tune. No comprendo! And he looks like a real idiot."

Lucy ignored her partner's diatribe and grinned fondly at the band.

Emma shouted over the singer and guitar feedback. "This is alternative rock. They don't need to sing in tune and people still like it."

Andy also shouted over the noise, "The point is that these bands don't need a big label deal because they do it all for themselves."

Carlos mumbled, "I can see why the labels stay away from them."

Lucy and Natalie visited the ladies room.

Lucy yelled to Natalie from her stall while Natalie checked her make-up in the mirror.

"So, Nat thanks for coming to the show tonight."

Natalie shouted back. "I'm surprised that you and Carlos are still speaking to one another. And I wonder how you got him to come to see this band."

"I'm glad that we're no longer fighting too, but I can't commit to him."

Lucy squeezed out of the stall and she washed her hands. She studied her reflection in the mirror. Lucy wondered if she should have told Natalie about Belinda again. Her psychology major friend was so stuffy about alternative lifestyles and she did not treat Lucy’s sexuality seriously. Yet, she needed to confide in someone. Perhaps Natalie would talk some sense into her. After all, Natalie knew a lot about human sexuality, at least more than Lucy.

Natalie stared at Lucy's reflection. "Have you met someone else?"

"No, but I keep seeing Belinda around.”

The two women had discussed Lucy’s crush on the riot girl previously, but it was not something Natalie took seriously. She considered that Lucy was just acting out because she had seen so many hip lesbians on campus. Surely she would not have been exposed to this lifestyle nor riot girls in Japan so it must have seemed novel.

"Are you really interested in women?"

“I'm not sure that it is about sex, but I like her."

"Why?"

"She leads a rock band. And she plays guitar. I think she's cool."

Natalie glanced at her friend who was now appearing in a different light. "So you're looking for an adventure."

Lucy frowned not knowing what to think. Natalie had said the words that she wanted to hear, but the words felt empty and false. Why on earth was she attracted to Belinda? Lots of women played guitar and lots of women led rock bands so why was she so hot?

The two women joined the others at the front of the stage. Lucy spied Belinda entering the club. The rock Venus stood in a distance, aloof staring at the band. She appeared passionless and too nonchalant for someone whose favorite band was performing on stage. Lucy did not mind and her heart felt like it would crash into her intestines. She suddenly felt a wave of love sickness that she had never felt with Carlos.

Carlos turned to Lucy. "I don't like this band. I'm going home. Are you staying?"

Lucy yawned. "No, I want to go home too. I don't feel well."

Lucy tapped Emma on the shoulder and mouthed words to her. Emma frowned. Lucy turned to leave with Carlos, but then she caught a glimpse of Belinda heading to the ladies room. She froze. She knew that she needed to act quickly or miss an opportunity.

Carlos tugged on Lucy's coat sleeve. "Hey, let go!"

"Come on, let's go."

Belinda disappeared behind the ladies room door. Lucy shuddered. "Wait, I have to go pee."

Carlos shook his head in disgust. "Man, you should do something about your bladder problem. Didn't I tell you to cut down on coffee?"

Lucy bolted to the ladies room, but she could not get past the door so she waited outside pacing back and forth like a total fool. She recited a speech.

"Belinda, you don't know me, but…"

Belinda glided past Lucy like an apparition. Lucy collapsed onto herself and she chastised her missed opportunity.

"Good job, smooth."

Carlos approached Lucy. "Are you ready yet? I cannot stand another minute of this noise."

She nodded her head then the couple exited the club.

Meanwhile, Julia and Mark lounged on a couch near the stage watching the band pack up their gear. They chatted quietly and waited for their ears to stop ringing. Mark realized his days were numbered as far as enjoying alternative rock. He had already grown bored with Ice Cream and similar bands, not that he ever was interested in the first place. When he gazed into Julia's eyes, he saw mortgage and children. He had never felt so domestic before and found he did not mind feeling like an adult.

Julia caressed Mark's shoulder. "So, have you told Lucy yet?"

Mark shook his head. He ran his fingers through his hair and he felt tension starting to build in his body. Why did Julia mention Lucy?

"I haven't had a chance and it's not as easy as I originally thought."

Julia couldn't believe that Mark had not told his housemates that he was moving out. How hard could that be? He was never at the apartment anyway and would be used to pay a third of the rent. His apartment mates would cover the rent without him. After all, they were both gainfully employed so what was holding Mark up? Was it true that he was attracted to Lucy? And if that was true, then what was she doing with him?

"When are you going to tell them?"

Mark wished Julia would drop the subject. Couldn't the woman just mellow out and enjoy herself? Why did she need to bring up a touchy subject when they were just having such a good time?

"I will tell them this weekend. I promise."

Julia wondered why Mark was so tense. She only asked him a simple question and about something she needed to know. "Do you still want to move in with me?"

Mark grabbed Julia's hand. "Of course."

Lucy's friends held a council near the empty stage. Andy felt as empty as the stage and he did not like hanging out in clubs long after the music had ended. In fact it was one of the things that depressed him the most, like the circus leaving town. He felt testy and wanted to go home, but Emma liked to hang onto everything to the last minute as if she was savoring every moment, for what, he hadn't a clue.

He turned to Emma. "I'd like to go home now. I have to rise early tomorrow and write this review."

Emma glanced at Natalie, "Are you staying?"

Natalie frowned. “No, I would like to call it an evening. She wanted to test out the probability of Lucy being a lesbian. "I had a very strange conversation with her."

Andy sighed, "So, what's new? Lucy is a strange one."

Emma leaned towards Natalie. "What about?"

Natalie wrestled with her conscience. Should she tell the English couple about Lucy's dilemma? Natalie did not wish to carry that burden alone and Lucy’s intent for Belinda seemed more real than ever.

She decided to pry her tongue loose. Loose tongues sank friendships, but the way things were going, surely a friendship with Lucy was ending. After all, Natalie had her heart set on Carlos and she was not too fond of lesbians. They seemed immature as if they were constantly fighting off father figures or at least that was how Natalie saw them.

"Has she ever mentioned being bi?"

Emma and Andy shook their heads. "Not to us. Why are you asking us such a question?"

"Well, it's really strange because she's hung up on a woman that she has seen around town. She's suddenly obsessed with the riot girls revolution and women-lead rock bands."

Emma frowned. She felt disappointed that Lucy confided all of the good stuff to Natalie. Why had not she told her about any of this riot girl stuff? Sure, she saw Lucy getting interested in alternative rock lifestyles which could lead to an interest in women rock musicians. It seemed like the Japanese thing to do as far as Emma knew.

"She hasn't told me anything and we've never talked about riot girls."

Natalie regretted confiding Lucy's secret. She had really blown it. "I should keep my trap shut."

Andy felt rather anxious to leave the club. He zipped his parka and gestured to Emma.

Emma took Andy's hint and she whispered to Natalie. "I'll ring you tomorrow."

Andy hoped they would not talk all night. He felt tired of hearing about Lucy's antics and certainly he didn't want to spend his time listening to women gossiping. "Yes, you do that."

Emma wondered about her partner's impatience and why he did not show an interest in Lucy’s little surprise. Emma felt intrigued with her friend's new image. Who would have thought of Lucy in that light?

Go, Lucy Go Q & A

2009-03-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Go, Lucy Go

Q & A

(Canadian virtuoso pianist Glenn Gould was known for interviews with himself. One of those interviews can be found on his Brahms collection of ballads and rhapsodies. I'm listening to the CD as I type this document. I find his approach, the artist interviewing self fascinating and insightful, therefore, I have chosen to interview myself. Besides, biographies and resumes bore me. Patricia Herlevi-Balquin or PHB represents the journalist and Patty-Lynne Herlevi or PLH represents the author of Go, Lucy Go. Shall we begin?)

Patricia Herlevi-Balquin: Where did the character Lucy Yakamoto derive? Is she based on anyone you know?

Patty-Lynne Herlevi: It's a long story. The novella, Go, Lucy Go, derived from a screenplay I wrote called The Mating Game. The screenplay had started out as a short script for a film production class that I took at the University of Washington. The original Lucy was a white European-American. The original story (5 pages) revolved around a couple trying to find an apartment mate so that they don't get evicted. Somehow characters from Olympia, Washington, a riot grrrl and a dead head (Grateful Dead follower) played into the scenario. Later, I decided to expand the script and I needed a bigger conflict, so Lucy transformed into a lesbian and eventually the script needed even more conflict so she also transformed into Japanese woman battling with her sexuality.

It's true that I have been fascinated with Japanese women for a long time, their interest in alternative rock and pop culture in particular. I would see a lot of Japanese students around Seattle and although they would outwardly adapt to American fashion, inwardly I had a sense that some internal battle of East verses West was taking place. And many of these students do return to Japan after they complete their studies so getting involved with American culture, even underground culture would only be a trend or a phase. And a young Japanese woman pursuing a lesbian lifestyle would definitely be seen as taboo in Japan.

PHB: So would you say that this story is about Japanese-American relations?

PLH: No, I wouldn't go that far. It's a comedy that I find incredibly amusing, putting people of different backgrounds and belief systems together in one place and seeing what would happen. It's an experiment in which I let the characters tell me their stories and not the other way around. By doing this, I was constantly surprised. I didn't create Lucy or the other characters, but I do bring some of my own experiences with alternative music (I was a rock musician for 10 years) and I do bring in my own observations about youth culture.

I literally sat back and just typed what popped into my mind, not knowing the plot ahead of time and not even knowing if I would end up with a compelling story. I did fall in love with the characters though, especially Lucy who I see as a Japanese Bridget Jones or Lucille Ball. I mean, the young woman is crazy. She'll try almost anything at least once, but thankfully, this comedy revolves around sex and not some darker topic like drugs, drinking or violence. It is a screwball comedy novella situated in the Pacific Northwest (United States) at a time that was the height of my youth.

PHB: Did you find yourself poking fun at your own culture?

PLH: Well, I am not sure what my own culture is exactly. I was born and raised as an American, but I come from mixed races including Asian, Finnish and Hispanic. Now, I never delved far into any of the cultures that I represent, but I can say that DNA does, I believe, create our personalities. Whether we prefer hot or cold climates, whether we are aloof or sociable and the types of foods we eat, music we listen to etc…This might not come through when we are in our youth or formative years because we are trying desperately to fit in and in my case, be as American and inconspicuous as possible. But later, as we grow into ourselves, we start testing our core beliefs out against mainstream society. We might question our sexuality, our lifestyle passed down to us by the education system, peers or parents. It is at this time, we begin to see how big the world really is and the myriad of cultures that comprise the world. For me, that was a daunting experience, an eye-opener and I began sorting out my DNA as part of my identity.

I think this comes through in my characters even though they are not self-conscious yet. Lucy's not thinking too hard about being Japanese and Carlos Suave isn't thinking too hard about being a young Latino man, not yet anyway. Their concerns are the question of settling down or seeking liberation. Those are two choices that young people face no matter what culture they derive and in some cultures, young people have that choice, in others there is no choice.

PHB: What is your interest in the lesbian lifestyle?

PLH: I do not have an interest in the lesbian lifestyle. It is merely a device to create conflict in my novella and screenplay. And Lucy wanted to go in that direction. Remember, I was merely an observer and I let the characters tell me their stories.

In no way was I thinking that I was writing this project for gays and lesbians nor was I writing this story for alternative rock musicians, psychology majors, college students or anyone else who is represented in the story. I'm not taking a feminist stance here and there is nothing political except for jokes about Washington State government. I'm not writing a forum of social issues or standing up for any causes. This is a screwball comedy pure and simple. It is intended for belly laughs.

Now, what I will say is that our societies and the world-at-large is comprised of many different lifestyles and cultures so those lifestyles do need to be represented somehow in the art that we create. Although my characters are fictional, I think real people can relate to them and the choices that they make. I have represented many types of people that you will encounter everyday and some folks are going to feel represented when they read this story and others might not. But these are all folks you would have found, with the exception of Lucy, in the alternative music scene in the Pacific Northwest during the late 1980s and early 90s. You could pick up a copy of music magazines of that time dealing with that scene, and those characters would pop up from the pages over and over again.

PHB: Why did you write a novella and a screenplay from the same story?

PLH: I had many request to write a novel about the characters. And besides, screenplays are much harder to sell than anyone would believe. It's always a good idea to have your feet in more than one realm. If the novella is published then I think it would warrant a screenplay and I have that base covered.

PHB: But most writers would write the novel first and then the screenplay? Why did you take the opposite approach?

PLH: A story is a story and if it can fit into more than one format, then that should be done. To be honest, I wasn't sure that Go, Lucy Go would work as a novella, but once I started converting the screenplay, into a novella, the characters blossomed in ways I would have never imagined. I hope that its readers will enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed manifesting it. Although I am wondering if the title should have been Go, Hello Kitty, Go.