Chasing The Impractical (Brian Quinn Story)

Scouts Honour - Apollonia

"I cannot believe you were filmed on IJ today, that's so cool" my niece Bella sighs.

"You've heard of this programme then?" I laugh as I place her dinner down on the table and pour myself a large glass of red wine.

"Errr yeah. Did you see Sal? I love him" she gushes.

"I dunno, maybe. Anyway, how was your first day at school?"

"Okay" she shrugs and begins to move the spaghetti around on her plate.

"Just okay?"

She just nods her head and smiles gently. "Can I go eat in front of the tv?"

"Yeah, go on" I sigh.

The next morning I see Bella off on the school bus and then start my journey to my new job. We had moved to New York, after a short and disastrous stay in Russia. With the little money we had left we had been able to book two one-way tickets to America. I had actually been born in US so I have residency here that would allow me to stay, Bella was born in London, but as I was her guardian and last living relative so she was allowed residency here as well. Before we left I had successfully passed a Skype interview with the producers of SNL, and some how managed to land myself a job as a junior writer for the show. However, we didn't have enough money to live in the city, so had found a small house in Staten Island.

The journey to work had been terrifying. I was still not use to the subway and the amount of commuters, but I managed to get to work just in time.

"So your the newbie" Jorma Taccone smiled as he led me into the writing office.

"That's me" I smiled awkwardly.

Jorma went on to introduce himself, he was one of the senior writers for the show, but I already knew of him from The Lonely Island.

"And this is your desk" he smiled at a small desk.

There was a brand new MacBook, iPhone and writing paper.

"We have writers meeting every Wednesday, we all present like 2 to 3 ideas each and then Lorrie will pick out the ones for the show. Sometimes you'll also be asked to help out the senior writers with their work and help prep for the show on Saturday. I've already put my number in your phone so if there's anything you need, just call" he went on to explain.

I just nodded and tried my best to look confident. "Everyone is super friendly here, just write and remember to breath. You'll be great" jorma tried to reassure me before walking back to his office.

I spent the rest of the morning staring at a blank word document on my screen. The office was filled with people chatting and clicking on their computers. I felt like my ears were about to burst. I had to get out of here, so I pulled out my phone and sent Jorma a quick message.

Am I okay to go and write outside of the office?

Course, it's a bit crazy in here today. Want some company? J

No, it's okay. I just need a coffee and some space to get writing.

Keep me posted. J

Once I had stepped outside into the warn air I finally felt like I could breathe. There was a large Starbucks near by so I quickly made my way over there and two lattes later I had my first sketch written down. I decided to head back to the office and clean it up before finishing for the day.

"We're all going for drinks tonight, wanna join? Jorma asked as I was finishing up for the day.

"No I can't, have to get back for the kid" I smiled and pulled my coat on.

"You have a kid, wow I wasn't expecting that" he coughs

"God no, it's my niece, she 10, but I like to try and not leave her alone too much. Maybe next time though?"

"Yeah, well we usually go out after the writers meeting on a Wednesday"

"I'll make some arrangements" I smiled before leaving.

Two hours later I was serving up dinner when Bella came running into kitchen.

"What's wrong, your smiling" I teased.

"I made a friend today" she cheered

"Yeah, me too" I smiled as my mind drifted off to Jorma.

"Their part of scouts and have asked if I can go camping with them on Wednesday. The moms going to be there"

"Oh really, well I wish I could say yes, but I don't know the mom and"

"And her number, she said to call" she interupts and passes me a piece of paper.

"Eat your dinner" I sigh and pick up the phone.

"Does this mom have a name?" I laugh before pressing dial

"Mrs. Vulcano. Like Sal Vulcano from IJ. My friend Bianca is his niece" she squeaked.

"Bella, you can't be friends with someone just because they have a famous uncle" I sighed.

"I only found out when her mom told me her name. Please, she's my only friend, pleaseeeeee" she began to whine.

I just roll my eyes at her and press the dial button.

"Hello?" A strong New York accent called out after three rings

"Mrs. Vulcano, this is Apollonia, Bella's aunt"

"Oh hey hun, call me Zoe. My kid has not stopped talking about your niece. She invited her to the scouts camping trip without asking, but I couldn't say no to them, but I wanted to check with you first"

"Yeah, I'm just worried about school?"

"Its scouts, so it's classed as extra curriculum. I usually pick them up from school on Wednesday and then drive up state. There's like four parents with us and 10 kids, including Bella. I hear you don't live that far from me so I can drop her back off on Sunday"

"Sunday? Wow. I mean, does she need to bring anything, money, etc"

"$30 for the trip and we supply everything they need"

I confirm a last few things with Zoe and then hang up.

"Sooooo" Bella giggles

"Your doing the dishes tonight" I laugh.