Tears Among Friends~Scene From Tripping Prince Charming

“I just want someone to jerk my ignorant head off and tell me what to do." 

Carmella stood a few more minutes staring into the empty street, before pulling her phone from her pocket. She couldn’t believe Franklin had broken up with her. She needed to talk to Ivy, but before she could dial her cousin's number, the phone rang. It was Lillie-Rose, crying her heart out. While trying to comfort her and find out the problem, Ivy buzzed into the call, inserting her into the conversation by three-way; Carmella was disconcerted to also hear Ivy crying tragically through the line. 　　　　“Wait….hold on…stop, both of you. I can’t understand what either of you are saying. You're crying and talking at the same time. Are you saying you had fights with Bernard and Nathaniel? That’s so crazy, I just had one with Franklin. Is this some kind of conspiracy or something? Did the guys plan this as a joke?" Running her fingers through her hair in agitation, she paced a few steps. "I was just about to call you. This has turned out to be the worst day in my life. Can you come over here? Just pack a suitcase and come over here. We can have a damned pity party and discuss what we can do to fix this.”

　　　　After sharing a few more comforting words and agreeing to meet at seven, Carmella hung up the phone and ran into the house. She slammed the door and threw herself on the couch to cry broken-heart and alone. 　　
　　Forty-five minutes later, Carmella opened the door, quietly watching as Ivy and Lillie-Rose entered; each dropping their overnight bag to the floor of the foyer and solemnly continuing their trek towards the kitchen. 　　
　　“I thought we’d hang out around the pool and watch tear jerkers all night.” 　
　　　“Good, that’s the exact mood I’m in.” Lillie-Rose changed the direction she was walking in and followed Carmella. 　
　　　“Me, too,” Ivy agreed. “I just want someone to jerk my ignorant head off and tell me what to do." She stopped in mid stride, closing her eyes as if in severe pain. "Oh my God, Carmella, do you need to have Rhianna song on?” Ivy rubbed her fingers on her temples. “I’ve always thought Stay was the saddest song ever, but now, it just fits perfectly with my misery and I don’t think I can handle it.” 　　　
　“Well, I want to wallow in misery for the rest of the evening until I know exactly what I can say to make this right for me. I didn’t start having fantasies of living a Disney movie just to have my glass slippers thrown at my head.” Carmella flopped into the cushions of the large couch and turned on the television. “Grab whatever snacks you want and make yourself comfortable. We have a stack of movies to go through.” 　　
　　Two hours later, above the soft voices coming from the screen, the only sound to be heard was the sniffling of the three women huddled on the couch; each in varied positions of despair, none of them able to make the other believe they were crying over the heartbroken heroine in the movie.
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Smoke in the Mirror/That First Date~Scene From Tripping Prince Charming

Smoke in the Mirror 　　　　Carmella, elbow resting on the counter, chin in hand, leaned over the extensive research notes she had spread out across the counter in the kitchen. It was getting late, but she couldn't talk herself into going to bed. She was way too distracted, her thoughts running circles around the things she'd heard. It made her feel a little freaked out knowing Franklin had enticed his friend to pretend they didn't know each other in order to ‘watch' her. The entire idea was a little romantic and a lot creepy. She wanted to call Ivy and see if Bernard had shared anything with her, but decided to wait for her cousin's call. Within an hour, her wait was over and she had included Lillie-Rose on the phone's three way system to add her two cents to the conversation. 　　
　　"I take it your little date with Bernard went well." Carmella’s disappointment could be heard through the phone line. 　　　　
Ivy chuckled softly. "Of course, there's no way things could have gone wrong." 　　　
　"Of course." Carmella and Lillie-Rose agreed, laughing in unison. 　　　
　"What?" Ivy laughed. "What's the joke? You already know how I feel about him. He could have ignored me all night and just the fact he spent so much time with me, oh my God, my life is made." 　　
　　"Ivy you're crazy. You can't have just one conversation with a guy and decide he completes your life." 　　　　
Lillie-Rose snorted. "You're the one to talk, Carmella. Franklin hadn't had a hint of a serious conversation with you and you melt at the mention of his name. I can't believe how easily the two have you have dumped your entire outlook on relationships and turned into drooling man-hungry squeezers." 　　
　　Carmella laughed in denial, her long giggle light and infectious. "Lee stop. I never drool." 　　　　"You know what your problem is, Leelee? You need someone in your life." 　　
　　"Okay, let's stop right there, Ivy, and change the subject. I'm not interested." 　　　
　"Why not?" 　　　　
"Leelee, you know it's time to get over the past.” 　　　　"Listen, you two, if you can't change the subject I'm off the phone." 　　　
　"Fine, but I feel sorry for you. You can't let one mistake, horrible as it was, direct your steps for the rest of your life. 　　　
　"Carmella, I'm not having this conversation. Change it or I'm hanging up." 　　　　
“Okay, don’t get all puffed up. We’ll change it.” 　　　　"Besides,” Lillie-Rose, like a dog with a bone, had to gnaw a conversation until she was satisfied. “You know what's wrong with you, Carmella?" 　　　
　"Nothing is wrong with me, but I know you'll tell me differently, Lillie-Rose." 　　　　
"You have your mind wrapped in the pages of a romance novel and love doesn't work like that." 　　"Why not?" Carmella put down her pencil and moved to the living room to flop in a recliner. She could already tell this conversation was going to take the turn towards a therapy session. "Why can't I have a beautiful love story? Why can't I have Franklin fall in love with me the way those girls do in those books? Why can't I have one of those silly fairy tales your dad used to harp on, Ivy? I used to think they were really stupid until I saw Franklin. Why can't I believe it can happen to me?"　
"Because you are a Black girl, Carmella Candi.” Lillie-Rose stated her answer with a clap of her hand between each word. “Wake up, you’re dreaming. You have to work for the happily ever after. When you read those fairy tales, where was that pretty Black princess? You ever read a story where this little Black kid married a prince?" 　　　　
"At least we think she is." Ivy commented softly. She knew this was another sore point with Carmella. 　
　"At least you think I'm what? Ivy, I know you're not going there this time of night." 　　　
　In a flash the two cousins were in the middle of an argument about what makes a person Black - same argument they'd had all of their lives. The same argument that had been going on for generations in the African-American communities and it didn't help any that Carmella's mom was Asian. 　　　　
"Hey, hey, wait a minute." Lillie-Rose broke in. "Let's have that argument after I make my point. As I was saying, you're a Black girl and it doesn't work like that. We have to go and ‘get' our man." Lillie-Rose smacked her lips, the sound loud and irritating through the phone's receiver. 　　　　
"You think because I'm Black there's no guy going to come and sweep me off my feet? What does that mean? Go and get our man? Do I have to settle on being 'the baby mama' and call it my 'romance'? I'm not going to be part of some baby mama drama relationship." 　　　　
"No, girl, it's just that no sincere Black guy runs around with flowers and candy. That romance stuff is just a figment of someone's imagination. I told you all through high school about reading those idiotic romance books; they'll warp your mind. You passed up some mighty fine guys back in the day, hiding your head in those books." 　　　
　"You should've read some, Lillie-Rose, and you wouldn't be so cynical and hard when a man approaches you." "I heard enough about the idiotic romances when Ivy's dad used to read us those stories as kids. Didn't believe them then and I don't believe them now. When Prince Charming comes poking around me, he better just watch out. As for now, Ms. Carmella Candi, when a man approaches me then I won't be as cynical."

 Scroll through the posts and see what brings on this episode. Act 1: Scenes of a Breakup.

Before you leave, please take some time to do this…

Write down a couple of quick notes for:

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Is there a way I can enchance it visually?

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Would you like to read a sample of my writings in other genres? Download a free copy of, " WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES" At Smashwords HERE Put in code: MP63V

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Friends On Ruby Mountain~Scene From Tripping Prince Charming

　　　　"What's so funny Carmella?" 　
　　　Lillie-Rose poked Carmella's shoulder with her pointer finger. 　　　
　"Not a thing." Carmella sat up in surprise and looked into the eyes of her friends. She hadn't heard them approaching. 　　　
　"She’s probably thinking about Franklin, who else?" 　　
　　 Ivy flopped down in the middle of the flowers at the base of the tree house and began weeding. Lillie-Rose studied the bemused smile on Carmella's face and the twinkle in her eyes before sitting on the heavy iron bench next to her. 　　　
　"Yup Ivy, by the look in her eyes, I think you're right. Got something you want to share, Carmella?" 　　　
　Carmella stood, straightened her clothes before removing her sandals and stepping on to the low retaining wall surrounding the statue of the fallen prince. Slowly, walking with her arms spread wide she tried to keep her balance as she moved from the toes of the prince to his chest. Swinging her right leg over to straddle it, she sat on his stomach before answering. 　　　　
"Don't worry about me, Lillie-Rose we're here because of you. What's on your mind?" 　　　
　"That's what I'm wondering." Ivy moved closer to her friends, dropped to the ground and immediately dug her fingers into the soil. "It's not like she ever wants to hang with us anymore. Rarely calls, never comes out to play." She laughed. 　　　　
Changing her position to lay on the bench, Lillie-Rose stretched her limbs, flexed her toes, and relaxed. The coolness of the metal seeping through the thin material of her blouse and making her shiver slightly. She watched her friends giggling and slapping at each other like little kids unable to hold the secret they have on one another. She wiggled her fingers in Ivy’s direction before closing her eyes. 　　
　"Maybe it's because you always want to play in the dirt, little Miss Ivy Gardiner." 　　　
　"Ha, maybe it’s because you have a new playmate and you don't have any time for us." 　　　
　"Ha, or maybe it’s because you have a new playmate that plays different kinds of games.” 　　
　　Ivy and Carmella scoffed and laughed loudly before stating their own opinions between bursts of laughter. 　　　
　 “And they aren’t the kind of games you can play with us." 　　
　　Reaching down to grab a handful of clovers, Lillie-Rose threw them in her friends’ direction, the gentle breeze swirling and floating the petals over and releasing them on their heads, Ivy and Carmella laughed delightedly. 　　
　　"You aren't funny. Besides," Lillie-Rose closed her eyes again. "I was just with you in Beaumont."
　"You noticed she didn't deny having a new playmate." 　　
　　"Oh, I noticed alright." 　　　
　Lillie-Rose opened one eye at Ivy's tone. The other woman smiled smugly, the hint of the knowledge of a secret, evident in her tones. 　　
　　"So, Lillie-Rose." Carmella tapped a tune on the forehead of the prince, immediately receiving an admonishment from Lillie-Rose for her actions. 　　
　　"Wow, silly laugh and defending the prince." Ivy elbowed Carmella on her rear. "If I have to make a deduction, I'd say our girl has found her a man." 　　　
　Taking note of the way Lillie-Rose smiled before closing her eyes again, Ivy jumped off her perch, and rushing to the bench, she pushed Lillie-Rose's legs off and sat down. 　　　
　"Spill." 　　　
　"Yeah," Carmella joining her friends on the bench, pushed Lillie-Rose from the shoulder until she was sitting up. "Please say its Nathaniel." 　
　　　"Of course it's Nathaniel. Who else would it be?" Ivy leaned back triumphantly and folded her arms across her chest. “Those 900 bad blind dates were decoys, designed to make sure our little Lillie-Rose kept her mind and her eyes on the prize. Guess my plan worked." 　　
　　Reaching behind Lillie-Rose's back, Carmella swung unsuccessfully in Ivy's direction. 　　
　　"What plan?" Lillie-Rose looked from one to the other. Carmella and Ivy made a face at each other over Lillie-Rose's head. Each one unsuccessfully trying to shush the other’s words. 　　
　　"Don't mind Ivy, she’s talking out of her head. It wasn't really a ‘plan'. More like a wish." 　　
　　"What kind of wish?" 　　
　　"You know. I was building a relationship with Franklin, Ivy with Bernard and we didn't want you to be alone." 　　　
　"We just prayed for the right man to come your way." 　　
　　"Well, I think your prayers may have worked." 　　
　　Ivy and Carmella jumped up squealing and laughing like little kids. Chasing each other around the bench and then the statue, ending out of breath in front of Lillie-Rose they grabbed her hands and pulled her up to join them.. 　　　
　"Get excited, girl." Carmella bounced a little in her excitement. 　　　
　"What makes you think our prayers were answered?" Ivy put her hands on her hips, tapping her right foot in impatience. “I don’t see a ring on that finger.” 　
　　　“He gave me this.” She pulled the necklace from inside her shirt. “He says the one petal means he loves me and I don’t have to throw petals off the bridge anymore.” 　　
　　“That’s sooo romantic.” Ivy crooned. 　　　
　“It really is sweet, but I had my heart set on seeing a ring.” Carmella fingered the chain before letting it drop gently back in its place. 　　
　　Smiling from ear to ear, Lillie-Rose pulled a small box from her pocket. Without even looking inside of the box, the two friends repeated their crazy whooping run. By the time they returned in front of her, Lillie Rose had already put the ring on her finger. 　　
　　"I love it." Carmella caressed the diamonds with her index finger. "This is one awesome design. Two heart shaped diamonds, and does the crown in the middle of one heart mean he's your prince charming?" 　　
　　"I believe so. No," Lillie-Rose pressed her hand to her chest, covering her heart. "I know he is." 　　　　Both women wrapped their arm around Lillie-Rose. 　
　　　"I'm so happy for you."
      "Me too. I think Franklin is going to propose to me tonight." 　
　　　"Really, how do you know?" 　
　　　"Yes. I can tell by the way he's been acting. Since tomorrow is Valentine's day I'm cooking a meal at home tonight so he can plan whatever he wants to do for tomorrow. I think it's something big." 　　
　　"I get that impression from Bernard, too. He's been secretive and the way they all have suddenly started hanging out together...gives me goosebumps, just wondering what they're planning. Maybe they have a special dinner all set up." 　
　　"I hope so. Wouldn't it be nice if we all get engaged this weekend and then we could help plan each other's wedding."

Before you leave, please take some time to do this…

Write down a couple of quick notes for:

Ways this post or blog held or lost your attention.

Is there a way I can enchance it visually?

Did you find any interest in the featured book?

What social network would be best for you to share this information?

I'd love it if you told me your answers in the comments below so I can know how to serve my readers.

Would you like to read a sample of my writings in other genres? Download a free copy of, " WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES" At Smashwords HERE Put in code: MP63V

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Love of True Romance Rests Between Covers~Tripping Prince Charming

Tripping Prince Charming received a new review and I love it:♡♡ 

As the title suggests, this book is a twist on the traditional fairy tale. A trio of best friends form their teenage years have not yet connected with Mr. Right. The characters are portrayed with insight, candor and often humour, making this a fun read even though romance is not my genre of choice.
Wade has chosen a unique presentation for the triple story with suggestions for music and some illustrations. It’s different but it adds an interesting element to the flow of the book.
We begin in the middle, sort of, as each of the trio discovers that their Mr. Right has reached their point of no return leaving the young women bereft and wondering what went wrong.
Then Wade takes on the journey of what brought them to that point. And how the three friends relate to each other will take you back to your own “best” friendships, the kind we all want. Some of the most humorous parts of the story happens between the trio as they commiserate over their missteps in their attempts to “trip prince charming”.
But wait. I did say this was a fairy tale, right? Wade makes skillful and entertaining work of telling the misadventures on the way to happy ever after.
This book is unusual in a number of ways: the “triple” romances, the presentation order and style, and the ending. If you like fairy tales but think you’ve outgrown them give this little gem a try. I did and I’m not sorry.
(I received a free copy for an honest review) http://www.amazon.com/Tripping-Prince-Charming-Romance-orts-ebook/product-reviews/B00FMRYU9S/  

Before you leave, please take some time to do this…

Write down a couple of quick notes for:

Ways this post or blog held or lost your attention.

Is there a way I can enchance it visually?

Did you find any interest in the featured book?

What social network would be best for you to share this information?

I'd love it if you told me your answers in the comments below so I can know how to serve my readers.

Would you like to read a sample of my writings in other genres? Download a free copy of, " WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES" At Smashwords HERE Put in code: MP63V

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Act 5: Scene 2-Love is in the Air~Franklin & Carmella (2NE1 & Locked Out of Heaven)

Tripping Prince Charming is no ordinary tale. Written in acts and scenes, each scene is written with a particular girl in mind and they may cross over and join one another. The main characters have their special avatars and each couple has a theme/favorite song. Watch for the signs and the road will be easy to travel. I hope you enjoy it.

Act 5: 

Love is in the Air 

"Can I Just Stay Here? Spend the Rest of My Days Here?"

Scene 2

Breaking Spells

　　       "Franklin," she slid her fingers through the loops of his jeans and pulled him as close as she could with the presence of the pillow bunched between them, "Don't worry about that."
　　　　"Don't worry?" He rubbed his hands down her back and around the curves of her buttocks, sucking in his breath at their simultaneous thrusting movements. "Are you saying you're on the pill?"
　　　　"No, I'm just saying not to worry about it. One time won't hurt anything. It'll be okay."
　　　　Franklin laughed and slowly pushed himself off the bed. "Honey, a lot of people have said the exact same thing and have ended up in some pretty dire situations." 　　　　
She sat up, pulling the pillow up and in front of her.
"How dire could a situation get between the two of us, Franklin?" 　　　　
Looking into her eyes, he had to smile at the pout on her lips and the exaggerated flutter of her lashes. 　　　
　"Me, I would go to Hell and kiss Satan's butt if it means I could spend eternity with you." 　　　
　
"And I you, so what's the problem?" 　　　
　"What if you became pregnant, and then decided you didn't want me anymore? I wouldn't be able to live. No you and my child gone… I would just die." 　　　　
"Are you saying you wouldn't marry me? You would let me just have a kid on my own? Yeah, I would probably have to leave you then." 　　　
　"See, so that we don't even have to face that kind of situation, I'm just going to leave now." 　　　　"Geez, Franklin I'm only kidding." Carmella grabbed her robe from the edge of the bed and followed him out of the room. "I would never leave you." 　
　"Girl, I am well aware of that. The next time we meet and every time after that, I'm going to be prepared." 　　　　
"God, you're driving me crazy, Franklin." 　　　　
"Maybe the next time you invite me over, you will plan things better. It can't always be on the man to protect the woman." He leaned over, gave her lips a quick kiss and walked out of the door. 　　　
"Well, I can honestly tell you this much, Cupcake." She returned to the present and dished the prepared foods into decorative bowls. "He won't be walking out of here tonight." 　　　

　Pulling a bag of various colored condoms from a drawer in the island she poured them into a glass container and pushed on the lid. She had a special place for this. Carrying the jar towards the hallway, she stopped behind the couch in the living room and turned up the volume on the TV. Holding the jar tightly, she danced in rhythm to the tones of her favorite video. Since meeting Franklin, all other songs had become obsolete;  2NE1's I Love You was now her motto.

.

English Version of Carmella's song. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kp1LZCeeV8

　Carmella, taking slow bites on a grape, sat mesmerized by the sight of Franklin, dressed in nothing but pajama bottoms, moving around in her kitchen preparing breakfast, He sang the chorus to Bruno Mars' Locked Out of Heaven loudly and in good voice. The grape slipped from her fingers, hit the counter top and fell to its squishing end, when Franklin bent at the waist to retrieve a dish towel from the floor and wiggled his butt in her direction. Coughing slightly, she cleared her throat and picked up another grape. 

"So, is that little action a necessary move for picking up dropped items?" She ate a bit of the fruit, chewed and swallowed. "I may have to start doing that. Looks very enticing" 　　　

　"Please don't do it while I'm around. I'll have to take it as an invitation." 　　　　

"I should hope so. If I have learned anything from the last month, you are the best," She left her place at the counter. "It's the fact you are the best and most thoroughly entertaining guest." Coming up behind him, she slipped her hands around his waist and into the pockets of his pajamas. "That's why I give you an open invitation. Sing that song again. I have really started to love it." She kissed the lobe of his ear. 　　　　

"If you don't move your hands, you'll find out exactly why I needed your cooking class. My secret of being the world's worst cook will be exposed. Along with the equipment I use for entertaining. I'd love to spend another day cuddling in bed with you, but I have to get to the airport." 　　　　

"Yeah, I know." Resting her head on his back, she reluctantly removed her hands and pretended she would return to her seat. “Me, too. But first I have to meet the girls." 　　　

　“So, what do your girls think about this?" 　　　　

"Think about what? Me, having breakfast in the kitchen?" 　　　

"No, the fact you are being practically eaten for breakfast on the kitchen island." He turned until he was facing her and pulled her close into his arms. The quick movements of his hands releasing the knot of her short lacy robe exposed her matching panties and bare breast. An action that started off as a hungry quick kiss, turned into a desperate need for immediate fulfillment. Pushing her to the small space of wall between the pantry door and the refrigerator, Franklin caressed her body, hands gliding down until they reached the top of her panties, before stopping. "Do we have time for this?"

 　　　　

Carmella chuckled softly. "We don't have the time not to do this. I would die right here if we didn't and you left me hanging." 　　　　

"And I refuse to let you die when I can be your savior."

Before you leave, please take some time to do this…

Write down a couple of quick notes for:

Ways this post or blog held or lost your attention.

Is there a way I can enchance it visually?

Did you find any interest in the featured book?

What social network would be best for you to share this information?

I'd love it if you told me your answers in the comments below so I can know how to serve my readers.

Would you like to read a sample of my writings in other genres? Download a free copy of, " WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES" At Smashwords HERE Put in code: MP63V

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Act 6: Scene 1- Dragons, Trolls and all Those Distractions (Stay)

 Tripping Prince Charming is no ordinary tale. Written in acts and scenes, each scene is written with a particular girl in mind and they may cross over and join one another. The main characters have their special avatars and each couple has a theme/favorite song. Watch for the signs and the road will be easy to travel. I hope you enjoy it.

Act 6: 

 Dragons, Trolls and all Those Distractions 

 Scene 1 　　

　Cry Me a River 

　　　“Are you serious? Are we really having this argument right now?” Carmella moved so that she was standing right in front of Franklin and looking straight into his eyes. “I'm not saying we need to break up, I'm just asking if this is how we’re going to spend the rest of our relationship. I’ve seen you with the women at church, you seem so comfortable with them and it just makes me wonder, that’s all. I know I came off kind of pushy in the beginning and so I don’t want you believing you have to stay with me if you don’t want to.” 

　　　　"Well, I don’t know what else I can say or do. I can't put up with another stall in our relationship." Franklin, in the process of setting the dining table for dinner paused what he was doing and slowly put the dishes and cutlery he held in his hands on the tabletop. "One minute we're all kissie-kissie and the next you're second guessing. Either you want me or you don't. Until you figure that out, I'll be staying away. Call me when you’re truly ready to give it a real go." 

　　　　"Oh my God, Franklin, listen, don't leave like this, it's ridiculous.” 

　　　　Carmella crossed the room to the kitchen island, misjudged the placement of the baked Ziti on its counter, but never stopped as it toppled to the floor. Even with her speed and agility, she was unable to get to the door before he walked through. She rushed outside in time to see him climb into his car and shut the door. After a few words, he drove off, leaving her standing in shock in the driveway. 

　　　　Carmella stood a few more minutes staring into the empty street, before pulling her phone from her pocket. She couldn’t believe Franklin had broken up with her. She needed to talk to Ivy, but before she could dial her cousin's number, the phone rang. It was Lillie-Rose, crying her heart out. While trying to comfort her and find out the problem, Ivy buzzed into the call, inserting her into the conversation by three-way; Carmella was disconcerted to also hear Ivy crying tragically through the line. 　

　　　“Wait….hold on…stop, both of you. I can’t understand what either of you are saying. You're crying and talking at the same time. Are you saying you had fights with Bernard and Nathaniel? That’s so crazy, I just had one with Franklin. Is this some kind of conspiracy or something? Did the guys plan this as a joke?" Running her fingers through her hair in agitation, she paced a few steps. "I was just about to call you. This has turned out to be the worst day in my life. Can you come over here? Just pack a suitcase and come over here. We can have a damned pity party and discuss what we can do to fix this.” 　

　　　After sharing a few more comforting words and agreeing to meet at seven, Carmella hung up the phone and ran into the house. She slammed the door and threw herself on the couch to cry broken-heart and alone. 　　　

　Forty-five minutes later, Carmella opened the door, quietly watching as Ivy and Lillie-Rose entered; each dropping their overnight bag to the floor of the foyer and solemnly continuing their trek towards the kitchen. 　

　　　“I thought we’d hang out around the pool and watch tear jerkers all night.” 　

　　　“Good, that’s the exact mood I’m in.” Lillie-Rose changed the direction she was walking in and followed Carmella. 

　　　　“Me, too,” Ivy agreed. “I just want someone to jerk my ignorant head off and tell me what to do." She stopped in mid stride, closing her eyes as if in severe pain. "Oh my God, Carmella, do you need to have Rhianna's song on?” Ivy rubbed her fingers on her temples. “I’ve always thought Stay was the saddest song ever, but now, it just fits perfectly with my misery and I don’t think I can handle it.”

 　　　　“Well, I want to wallow in misery for the rest of the evening until I know exactly what I can say to make this right for me. I didn’t start having fantasies of living a Disney movie just to have my glass slippers thrown at my head.” Carmella flopped into the cushions of the large couch and turned on the television. “Grab whatever snacks you want and make yourself comfortable. We have a stack of movies to go through.”

 　　　　Two hours later, above the soft voices coming from the screen, the only sound to be heard was the sniffling of the three women huddled on the couch; each in varied positions of despair, none of them able to make the other believe they were crying over the heartbroken heroine in the movie. 　

　　　“Okay, listen.” Carmella turned off the TV. “We have got to fix this. I'm way too sad. I can’t understand what happened today. Was something sinister in the wind? Everything seemed fine between me and Franklin and the next thing I know, he’s walking out the door.” She stopped to wipe the tears streaming down her face. Pulling her legs to her chest, she lowered her head to rest it on her knees. “I don’t think I can live without him.” Her voice broke as did the dam on her tears. Carmella’s heartbroken sobs, a catalyst to the emotions of the others and they joined her in her wailing. After a few moments Ivy stood and paced the room. 

　　　　“Damn, my arrogance and my need to be a manipulator. I’m going to call and apologize. It was wrong of me to try and twist Bernard to my way of thinking. I’d gotten so used to moving the two of you around I figured I could do the same with him. How stupid and selfish of me. He looked frustrated out of his mind when he talked about me and Nathaniel. I just can't make him believe we're just friends. I don't know what else to do other than getting Nathaniel and Lillie-Rose married. I'm going to go call him right now.” She picked up her cell from the table and moved to the farthest corner of the room.

 　　　　Lillie-Rose followed Ivy’s movements with her eyes, watching calmly for a few minutes before she herself stood. 　

　　　“I should go and call, Nathaniel. Our misunderstanding is my fault. I should have opened my mouth instead of letting fear hold my mouth shut. I know in my heart, Nathaniel is nothing like Dannon. I just need to make sure he knows I know.”

       Pulling her cell from the pocket of her dress, she dialed Nathaniel’s number. After two minutes of conversation, she was giggling into the phone. 　

　　　Sighing softly, Carmella smiled at her friends, both in the middle of animated conversations, no longer resembling the women who had arrived two hours ago. The evidence of their happiness filled the room. Going into the kitchen to retrieve her cell, she climbed onto the island’s bar stool. She’d missed three calls. 　　　　

 “Hi, Franklin it’s me, I see you called. Wait, before you say anything, I want to tell you I’m calling to apologize. I’m calling to let you know there’s no way on Earth I want to be without you and I’m sorry for keeping you confused about what I  want ...no, need from you.” She laughed aloud at his response. “No, you can’t come over. The girl and I are…hold on a minute.” 

She turned at the sound of throats being cleared behind her. Both Ivy and Lillie-Rose stood in the doorway, their bags in hand, they smiled and making thumbs up signs before waving and walking out the front door. “Never mind,” she chuckled. “Obviously they’ve found their glass slipper because they’ve gone. So, yes, you can come over. The trolls of dissension have been slapped to the floor and the crisis is over.”

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Act 4: Scene 3-Breadcrumbs~ Nathaniel & Lillie-Rose (As Long As You Love Me, Diamonds)

Tripping Prince Charming is no ordinary tale. Written in acts and scenes, each scene is written with a particular girl in mind and they may cross over and join one another. The main characters have their special avatars and each couple has a theme/favorite song. Watch for the signs and the road will be easy to travel. I hope you enjoy it.　


Act 4: 

Tripping the Prince　　

Scene 3

Breadcrumbs

Lillie-Rose, looking around the park admiring the huge decorative coin filled water fountain and the variety of flowers - well, anything that would keep her eyes from becoming frozen on his face, quickly focused her gaze on Nathaniel.

 　　　　“Now, that’s an odd thing to say, Nathaniel. It seems like I saw you twice today.”
　　　　"Come on. One was an accident.” He raised his foot so she could see the back of his heel. “And the other was a setup. I've seen Ivy and Carmella many times and you are never around. It just seems strange to me. They've had causal dinners, invited me and obviously you, but you don't show up and I'm left sitting like a fifth wheel."
 　　　　"I've been very busy lately. Besides, I had no idea you were being invited. When I backed out they never said anything, serves them right."
　　　　"What about me? Don’t I deserve some amount of consideration?”
　　　　Lillie-Rose chewed silently, studying his face to gauge his true emotions. "If you really want to know the truth, I consider you a helluva lot. It’s becoming a bit of a distraction. Every time I’m around you, an accident occurs. So, I try to stay away."
 　　　　"You know I was warned to stay away from you."
　　　　"Really, who would do that?"
 　　　　"Oh, just about every male in the county. The day you pushed...I mean I fell down the mountain; I received an earful from police, EMT, and emergency room workers."
 　　　　"Really?" Lillie-Rose picked up her sandwich and took another bite.
 　　　　"Yep. I was warned you would hurt me. What all of those volunteer saviors don't know is I love a little pain, especially when it’s given by a tiny wisp of a woman."
 　　　　Lillie-Rose didn't realize she was staring at Nathaniel with her mouth hanging open until she felt his finger under her chin, pushing it shut. To add more humiliation, she choked as she tried to swallow the bite of food with a mouth as dry as the Manabí desert. Nathaniel jumped out of his seat and rushed to thump her on the back while pushing his bottle of water towards her, succeeding only in having the water fall over the edge of the table and into her lap. She jumped up and immediately connected Nathaniel’s chin with the top of her head. He stepped back and placed his hand on her shoulder. 　　　
　“Relax and don’t leave.” Moving back to his chair, he rubbed his chin. “You know, just because I said I liked pain doesn’t mean you have to oblige.” 　
　　　Lillie-Rose tried to laugh. 　　　　
“I’m so sorry, Nathaniel. See what I told you, every time we’re together….”
　　　　“Don’t blame me. All I was doing was sitting here admiring a beautiful woman when she lost control of herself.”
　　　　“Wait, let’s get the story straight. The beautiful woman, me, I presume, was sitting, enjoying the view, when a gorgeous guy, you, made an outrageous comment which caused the beautiful woman, still me, to cough and then we get to your part of the story.” 　　　　
“Whoa! You think I’m gorgeous?” 　　　
　“How could you doubt it?” 　　　
   　“I can only go by your action. Wherever I am, you do your damnedest not to be.”
 　　　　“Then I should think you would try harder to be wherever I am.”
 　　　　“I find it much easier to have you come to me. Why else do you think you’re here?”
          “Oh, I know now, but I believed I was coming to hang out with one of my best friends - who may not be a friend for much longer.”
 　　　　“Try not to be angry with Ivy. She told me how much you dislike blind dates, but I begged her to be the go between. I figured since we already know each other, there’s no blindness here.”
 　　　　Lillie-Rose pushed her sandwich away. 　　　　
“So what do you expect to gain from this little date?”
 　　　　“More dates so we can get to know each other better.”
 　　　　“To be totally honest, I don’t really know. All I know is, I looked up and saw a mountain in the middle of a field of Bluebonnets, and there was an angel standing on it. The most beautifully carved angel of ebony I had ever seen. I wanted desperately to touch you. There’s nothing I want to do more, than watch you. Telling myself I was crazy, I put in my mind the vision was of a lost child. In reality I fell down the mountain and the angel has taken over my every thought. I need to either exorcise you or get to know you better.”
 　　　　“I have to admit,” Lillie-Rose drew small circles on the surface of the picnic table with her pinkie finger, too shy to look into his face. “I’ve been wanting to, but didn’t want Ivy to know. She’d never let me live it down.”
 　　　　“I won’t tell if you don’t tell.”
 　　　　“Then it’s a deal.” Lillie-Rose reached across the table to shake Nathaniel’s hand as he reached to respond, he quickly rescued an opened can of coke.
 　　　　“See, we could end up a team.”
 　　　　“We can only wish.”

Act 6:

                   Scene 5                   

The Pea

Walking through the adjoining bathroom to the room, Ivy always used, she smiled in anticipation of talking with her friend. Since the devastating breakup, the three friends were closer than ever. There’s nothing like the idea of losing the love of your life to pull the emotional strings tighter. But this wasn't going to be one of those lighthearted chats; she was going to chew her out for instigating this sleepover. As was habit, she pushed open the bedroom door without knocking and barged into the room, words flowing before she'd taken two steps across the threshold. 　　

         “Well, Ms. Ivy Gardiner, this is a fine mess you have us in. What am I supposed to do with Nathaniel?”
 　　　　“What do you want to do with me?" 　　　　
Frozen in mid-step at the sound of Nathaniel’s deep voice, Lillie-Rose stuttered as she backed to the door. 　
          “Wha…what are you doing I here? Where’s Ivy?”
 　　　　“Shhhh.” He pulled her into the room and wrapped her in his arms. “She’s not here, and if you stay quiet, no one will know you’re in here, either.” 　　　　
Sighing softly, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “What are you going to do to keep me quiet?” 　　　　“Everything I can possibly think of."
Pressing her back against the wall, Nathaniel slid his hands under her blouse to caress her breasts and release them from the confines of her bra. Once they were free, he replaced the caress of his hands with the hot exploration of his lips. The expected little squeal she emitted was music to his ears. 　　　　      “You wanna go take a shower?” 　　　　
        “What? Are you serious?”
        “Yeah, in there I can make you scream my name and no one would hear.” Ever so slowly he rubbed his hand up her thigh, effectively dragging the material of her dress up with it. At the same time he began kissing her neck and nibbling her ear. “Or we can just finish what we started last night, right here and now.” 　　　　
       “What if someone walks in?” 　　　　
       “Then they are in for a surprise.” He nuzzled her neck until she giggled. “So, stay quiet.”
 　　　　“How can I stay quiet when you’re doing your best to make me laugh?” 　　　　
He ran his thumb across her nipple before reluctantly pushing her away. “It’s either that or make love to you right here and now.”
 　　　　“For a minute I thought we were going to….”
　　　　“Ah, my Lillie-Rose,” He interrupted, "I’m so tempted, but then we would have to spend the rest of the evening fielding questions.”
　　　　“Damn, that’s true.” Closing her eyes briefly, she rearranged her clothing and opened the door. “I’ll tell you one thing,” Stepping through the opening she turned back to look at Nathaniel before walking away. “I’m going to kill Carmella for this sleeping arrangement and Ivy for this sleepover - as if I'll be able to sleep tonight."

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