The year is 1994. The Artist finds himself in a situation no one ever thought could happen. How does he get out of it, or perhaps more importantly, how did he get there in the first place?
The trailer, courtesy of @QueenofDisco ...https://youtu.b...
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September 1, 1994
**Iolani POV**
By the time I woke up the next morning still clutching my e ipo's note tightly within my right hand, and took my first look at my alarm clock, it was nearly noon...the smell of fresh coffee beckoning me into the kitchen to start my day. Aloha must already be up....she always was an earlier riser...
My eyes travel to the note in my hand with a sigh. I wish you'd come back...
I'd spent the better part of the night tossing and turning, my mind racing with so many thoughts that finding sleep was difficult...at least until the early hours of the morning when my fatigued body finally gave out on me. There's so much I need to tell you...and so much I need to know...
Although I'm excited to see her, Lo's early arrival has already turned my life upside down in ways I never expected...and I still don't have a clue what secrets she has yet to reveal. This visit might not have been such a good idea after all...
"Lan lan!" I suddenly hear her peppy voice squeal from just outside my bedroom door. "Are you up yet?! I'm ready to go exploring!"
As my eyes slide once more to the note in my hand, his sweet words echoing once more inside my rattled brain, I carefully slide it into a bedside drawer before lowering my legs to the floor and preparing to start another day. "I'm up...I'm up." I exhaustedly mutter, suppressing a yawn. "Could you grab me a coffee while I quickly get ready?" If nothing else, she's providing a welcome distraction...
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It took me about half an hour, but I somehow managed to pull myself together enough to face the day. Today's bound to be better...it just has to be...
Lo met her end of the bargain, placing an oversized, freshly brewed black coffee directly into my outstretched hand...allowing me a few precious moments of silence to enjoy my first caffeine jolt of the day before exclaiming excitedly as she pulls me into a tight hug, "I've missed you so much! You don't even know....I still can't believe I'm here."
"It's great to see you too..." I offer sincerely, hugging her back as best as my one free hand will allow since I'm not about to part with my morning coffee for anyone...not even her.
As she pulls away gently she keeps me at arms-length; meeting my gaze with a look of concern. "How are you feeling this morning? I walked straight into something last night, Lani. I hate to intrude, but maybe I can help..." she offers in a sweet tone.
"I appreciate it, but I'm just not ready to talk about it with anyone yet. When I am though, I promise you'll be the first to know." I reply sincerely, and am surprised to realize how much I actually meant it. Even though I'm nervous about trusting her again, I've definitely missed my best friend.
As much as I'm interested in the real reason behind her visit, I still want to show her a good time...even if my mind and heart aren't exactly in it at the moment. I wonder what he's doing this morning... Is he thinking of me...?
Forcing those thoughts aside at least for the moment, I meet Lo's excited gaze with a forced smile. "Well it's your first day in a America, girl. How would you like to spend it? Minneapolis has got some beautiful lakeside beaches." I offer enticingly. "They really give Avarua's beaches a run for their money..."
"Do they?!" she asks excitedly...at least until her eyes drop down to take in her chosen attire, a long sleeve shirt and jeans. How did I miss her wearing that? It's like 90 degrees outside...and even hotter in here! She can't seriously be cold! What is going on here...?
"I'm actually a feeling a little chilly..." she eventually mumbles in a desultory tone as sweat drips down her forehead, and off of her chin. What the hell?! You love the beach! This is not the Lo I know and love. Who are you, and what did you do to my best friend?!
"Maybe we should do something inside..." she rushes out breathlessly, eyes darting around in a panic. "What about that mall...? I heard they've even got a bowling alley in there. Now that I've got to see...." she rushes out, reeking of desperation for a few beats until she finally meets my eyes with a hint of her previous exuberance.
"You mean the Mall of America?" I ask teasingly, giving her an out...at least temporarily.
She gives me an excited nod, her usual bubbly nature shining through despite the enormity of whatever secret she must be keeping. What it is, I have no idea....but if it has anything to do with Alika...
"I thought we'd save that until just before you leave..." I continue gently, silently mulling over our options until inspiration finally strikes. There's this museum Zola's always going on and on about...what's it called...?
"Then what do we do today?" she asks bemused, as she shuffles her feet with impatience.
Suddenly it comes to me like a thunderbolt of inspiration, and my eyes light up with excitement...The Minneapolis Institute of Art!
"It's a surprise," I reply mysteriously, with just a hint of Lo's earlier exuberance...rushing her out the door before I can change my mind. Zola girl...don't fail me now...
**Author's Note: I was originally planning on holding this until the chapter was completed, but ultimately felt I kept everyone waiting long enough & decided to give everyone a taste of what's to come. And just in case you're wondering...the woman at the top is Aloha. ;) Looking to hopefully have the rest of this chapter up this weekend. I appreciate everyone's continued patience. #purplehugs **
