Dear Stranger

Chapter 4

This is what happens when you wake up late. You end up running down the street, a Starbuck drink in your hand and your purse falling off your shoulder, pushing people around and apologizing to make it on time. Today, your manager's office was your goal. You were already 15 minutes late. Shit.

You quickly registered at the desk of the building and called for the elevator. "Come on, come on, come on" you whispered to yourself. It seemed to take hours. You finally decide to take the stairs and you ended up running up 4 flights. You took a last sip of your coffee on your way to his desk and threw your cup in the closest bin. You kept walking while fixing your hair and knocked on the door. "Come in!" a familiar voice said.

You opened the door to find Ricky, your manager, coming to you. "Hey! Sleep problem?" he asked with an amused smile. "Does it really show that much?" you ask sarcastically. He laughed and asked for you to sit in one of the chairs in front of his desk, where someone was already there. You didn't even noticed him. You turned to greet him, and both of your smiles dropped when you noticed each other. Darren. You looked away and said a quick "Hi" before sitting in the chair. He greeted you the same way, but you barely heard it. "Do you guys know each other?" Ricky asked. "No" you both say in unison a little loud. Your manager frowned but moved on quickly.

"So! I have great news! I got you both a big contract!" Ricky said excited as he sat back on his chair. "Cool! What is it?" you smiled. Darren crossed his legs and nodded, probably excited to know too. "I got you both a songwriting contract for a new original Broadway musical!" Ricky explained with a big smile. "Oh my god" you grin. "Really? That's awesome man!" Darren said and highed five Ricky. "This is so cool! I'm so excited!" you pratically squealed. "The company is supposed to send me the scripts and then you need to start working so you guys can give us songs as quickly as possible" Ricky explained.

"Wait" Darren moved in his chair. "Does that mean we will work together?" you asked. "Of course! You guys are the songwriting team for this musical, why do you think I made you both come?" Ricky shrugged. "I don't think that is gonna work out" Darren started to explain. "I can make it work. I'm a professional" you say and pinch your lips. "What does that mean? I'm a professional too!" Darren pointed. "You're not even willing to put your stupid feelings aside for a job. Get over it, Darren" you snapped. He turned to you and started to say "How dare y-" before he got cut off by Ricky. "Enough!" he almost screamed. That made you both jump out of your seat. You looked down, ashamed for the show you put on, and sat back up straight. "Gosh I feel like I'm in a middle school fight right now. Can you guys get your shit together and work as adults or do I have to cancel this?" Ricky asked firmly. "No. Don't" Darren and you protested. "Good! So we will start to work on Monday. I will have the script by then. You can go. Have a good weekend" he said. "Thanks, have a good one too Ricky" you responded and left the office.

You waited for Darren to close the door behind him to get closer. "Listen Criss, I have no clue about you, but I've worked a lot to be where I am today and to have this contract. So we're gonna be profesionals and write some music, do the job, and go our separate ways. You never have to see my face again and I will never have to see yours. Clear?" you ask. "Crystal" Darren nodded. "Good" you say, and put back your jacket on correctly. "See you on Monday" you say before going to the stairs. "Yep" you heard behind you.

Awesome, now you have to work with America's number one jerk. This will work. This has to work. You deserved this contract and you won't let harsh feelings destroy this moment. This will only be for a couple of weeks anyway right? Right. You spend your day going to meetings and interviews, answering the same questions, over and over again. Exhausted, you went back to your loft to find a new letter in your mailbox. Finally. You grinned geniuely for the first time in the last hours and hurry to go back home. You threw yourself on the couch and breath out before tearing apart the envelope.

"Dear Letter Girl,

I have no idea how you made me addicted to your letters. I only recieve two from you and I get way too excited to hear from you again.

I loved your letter. I also like Friends by the way. One of the best shows ever, that's why it's so iconic.

Your dream role is Sally? One of mine is Emcee! Let's just put on Cabaret together and we could hire us in our own production! I would totally love that!

My biggest shame story... That's hard... Oh I got one! I was once in a show, where I was playing a very agressive, shameless character. And into the character, of course, I accidentally threw a can at someone's face in the audience. I felt so fucking bad. I was seriously waiting for that person to take their stuff and to simply leave, but she didn't. After the show I saw her and she was actually bleeding! I don't think I ever felt so bad or ashamed than that night. I was in character, but I could have passed through the whole "Let's hurt some people tonight" thing you know.

Are you a drink kind of person? What is your best drunk story? I will tell you mine if you tell me yours ;)

Well, I hope this letter put a smile on your face!
Oh! I was thinking about changing my surname, it's an old one of mine, not related to my name at all. I thought "Mysterious Letter Boy" was too long. And maybe too mysterious. So, here, I change it.

Lots of hugs and butterflies,
Xoxo
Iclemyer"