A One Shot Book of Unfortunate Events

Life Support Group

*Jerome's POV*

"Hello... My name is Jerome... My wife and I are currently separated— Esmé Squalor, the city's sixth most important financial advisor..."

I let those words sit and for a couple moments it felt like I hadn't even said them, just merely thought them. This was disproved by the dull chorus of "Hi, Jerome." I gave everyone a very small smile and sat back down in my folding chair. The next few people introduced themselves one by one. I didn't really think I needed to come to this life support group, but my therapist suggested it, and I don't like to argue, but so far I wasn't disliking the experience...

"Hello, everyone... Um... My name is Charles. My long term partner didn't really treat me like an equal. We've been broken up for about two months." One of the people in the circle said.

I had decided if I went to this, I need to at least make one friend. I wasn't allowed many friends when I was with Esmé. Charles seemed like a very nice person, so I picked him to try to befriend (of course I wouldn't force him). After we went around the circle we were allowed to mingle and talk so I approached him.

"Hi..." I said, pouring myself a cup of hot water and ripping open a teabag. Charles smiled at me as he poured some cream into his coffee.

"Hello, Jerome, was it? How's your day?"
"It's good for where I am," I chuckled, "Yours?"
"It's nice. I had to take the train all the way from Paltryville in the early morning to get here. That was sort of unpleasant."
I cocked my head. "Paltryville? That's quite far, isn't it? What were you doing out there?"

Charles smiled at my curiosity. "I run Lucky Smells Lumbermill. My partner got ran out of town after a scandal with the workers, and days later he broke up with me via letter..."
"That's cold..." I said solemnly, "Esmé left me for that villain Count Olaf. He's all over the news."
"He came to my mill! His horrible associates and he followed three sweet children there, but those kids were the ones that uncovered a scam with another local business."
"The Baudelaires? Esmé was helping conspire against them and their friends. They've been separated, though not for long, I imagine.
"They've made friends? That's great; I hope they're reunited!"

We talked more about the Baudelaires and how the events in our lives that they were part of affected us until the meeting had to close. We apparently were going to start the actual "healing" part next week, so this week we learned the affirmation.

Afterwards, Charles and I linked back up to trade numbers. "Maybe we should go to brunch sometime," he suggested.
"I like brunch," I said. "But it'd have to be a place that doesn't serve fish."
" Oh you don't eat seafood? " He asked curiously.
"Just fish. Very bad experiences at a couple of fish restaurants. My old friend used to have a saying: 'One bad experience has the ability to ruin the rest. ' That's also why he didn't like optometrists."
"I don't like them either after the issue with my old one..."

I nodded, then gave a small smile to signal a change in the subject. "So brunch?"

We set up a date at a little restaurant not too far from the city but relatively close to Paltryville to accommodate for him. I made a friend. That's progress in my book...

~*~
*Charles' POV*

It was a nice day out in Paltryville for once. It was usually very gray and cloudy. I looked at the company I had hired to make sure physical safety was much more improved around here. I had been writing up some new rules for the company that morning:

-All workers must be properly trained in the usage of heavy machinery.
-No minors allowed in the factory during work hours.
-Dorms must be clean and well lit until employees 10:30 to 5:50 am.
-Employees are allowed 30 minutes of lunch .

I was trying to make sure the needs of the workers didn't outweigh the need a of the company and vice versa. The buildings were also getting repainted and widows were getting installed in the dormitory. The fence was getting gum scraped off and a new paint-job as well. I much preferred how things went when we did things my way. I took a sip from my peach sweet tea  and checked the time. 9: 24... I'd better get ready now so I won't be late for brunch.

I stood in front of the mirror smoothing out my sweater. Jerome Squalor was a very sweet and caring person. I appreciated having a new friend; I never got out much since Sir made me do his domestic work and ride him around on a bike when he needed to get somewhere.

~*~

"Charles!" Jerome said happily, engulfing me in a hug as I walked through the door.
"Were you worried I wasn't coming?" I laughed.
"No I wasn't. I'm just excited; this is kinda the first time I've made plans for myself since I got married."
"Good for you, then! I'm in a similar case, unfortunately."

The two of us had a very nice meal and just talked the late morning away! He's a very good conversationalist and I think we get along so well because we're both very timid people. I enjoy that about our friendship. There was a very strong connection from the start.

... And he's cute... Like really cute.

Of course for now we were friends. For now. But I wouldn't be opposed to becoming something bigger and more beautiful at some point... 'I definitely wouldn't be opposed to it...' I thought as I took a drink from my drink, looking over my new friend fondly.

*****
960 words

Yay! It's been so long since I wrote a one shot! :D See y'all in the next one!