Every few months my favorite author Meg Cabot has a short story contest on her fan forums. Every time she announces a new contest I check it out and think, that sounds like fun, I should participate. And then I never do because I talk myself out of it using excuses like, I won’t be able to come up with a good idea or this is supposed to be for teens, I’m too old, dumb, busy etc.
This time I put my excuses on hold and decided to accept Meg Cabot’s challenge to write a short short story (1000 words or less) on the theme of Valentine’s Day. I told myself I was working on a “special project” assigned by Meg Cabot that I HAD to finish. It’s screwed-up weird-ass fan-girl logic but at least it worked.
It’s the story of a girl named Marissa told through online chats she has with her best friend, Brandon and two other boys from her school. It may be dumb, it may fall flat and it is virtually buried by tons of fabulous short shorts written by talented teenagers on the Meg Cabot fan forums, but writing it was the most fun I’ve had in a long time:
hi_its_issa
I hate Valentine’s Day.
bran_man
Hi Marissa. Lemme guess. This has something to do with the rose you found in your locker.
hi_its_issa
You know me so well Brandon.
bran_man
Being friends since kindergarten has that affect on me. What’s wrong with the rose anyway? I thought girls went for that stuff.
hi_its_issa
Roses are fine I guess. But it’s one of those roses the cheerleaders were selling for their monthly fundraiser. I hate the idea of supporting those rah-rahs.
bran_man
Aw come on, can’t the rah-rahs have a little fun?
hi_its_issa
OK you’re right, it’s not really that. My problem is the card has some message on it and isn’t signed. I’ve been going crazy all day trying to figure out who sent it.
bran_man
A secret admirer!
hi_its_issa
I was thinking maybe it was Brian. He’d want to buy a rose right? You know, to support the cheerleaders?
bran_man
That jock? Getting a Valentine’s rose for you?
hi_its_issa
Gee thanks.
bran_man
Nothing against you of course. It’s just that…I didn’t think he’d be your type is all.
hi_its_issa
Brandon, he’s HOT! Have you SEEN his butt in those tight football pants?
bran_man
I gotta go.
hi_its_issa
Hi Brian, you there?
bribo
Hey Marissa! What’s up?
hi_its_issa
Oh nothing. Just wondering if you saw anyone near my locker this afternoon. You know…with a rose?
bribo
Nope. Hey did you see that running play today at practice where I took the snap and fake trap to the fullback?
hi_it_issa
Um, no can’t say I did.
bribo
Oh. Well I’ve been chatting with Dave about it all afternoon. He was pretty impressed. I can’t wait for our game tomorrow night. You coming?
hi_its_issa
Not sure yet. Probably. Oh hey I hear my mom calling. Gotta go! Talk to you later!
hi_its_isssa
Brandon, you there? You’re right. Brian is so not my type.
bran_man
hahahahaha!
hi_its_issa
Maybe it was Dave who left the rose?
bran_man
That guy who hangs out with Brian?
hi_its_issa
Yeah, he’s pretty cute!
bran_man
Again, nothing against you, but I never saw him with you. Or any girl for that matter.
hi_its_issa
Why not? He’s really nice and thoughtful and all the girls love to hang out with him. I feel totally comfortable asking him.
hi_its_issa
Hey Dave!
daver
Hi Marissa! OMG, I loved that sweater you wore to school today. Totally cute! Where did you get it?
hi_its_issa
I got it on sale at Forever 21. I don’t think they sell guys clothes there though.
daver
Oh too bad.
hi_its_issa
So how’s your Valentines Day going so far?
daver
Great! You know those roses the cheerleaders were selling?
hi_its-issa
You bet I do!
daver
Well, I bought one for someone and left it in their locker.
hi_its-issa
REALLY??? And who’s locker might that be???
daver
Well….I’m kinda shy about this….but I guess you’ll find out about it eventually.
hi_its_issa
Oh Dave. I already know. You’re SO SWEET!
daver
Aw! Who told you? What did he think?
hi_its_issa
He? Wait…what are you talking about? Didn’t you leave a rose in my locker?
daver
YOUR locker? Um no. Sorry Marissa I think you’re really nice and all but you’re not really my type. I left a rose for Brian. Didn’t you know that we’re both….well…not really into girls?
hi_its_issa
Oh…yes…of course I knew. I think it’s great! I’m sure you and Brian will make a cute couple.
daver
There he is now! Gotta go!
hi_its_issa
OK, I totally know it wasn’t Dave now. OR Brian. That’s confirmed.
bran_man
hahahaha! I tried to tell you.
hi_its_issa
I just wish I knew who gave this to me. Did I mention the note attached? It’s red but looks like kind of a blob, not heart shaped at all.
bran_man
Well, around Valentine’s Day it’s easy to remember that the heart is actually shaped like a fist.
hi_its_issa
Hey, that’s what it says on the card! Wait a minute…Brandon was it you???
bran_man
Happy Valentine’s Day Marissa! I know we’ve been friends for a long time but lately I’ve notice that my hands form a fist when you start talking about other guys.
hi_its_issa
Brandon I had no idea! And I’m so glad! The only reason why I talk about other guys is because I thought you didn’t have romantic feelings for me either. Maybe we should get off IM and see what happens between us in person?
bran_man
Sounds like a great idea! See you in a few minutes.
hi_its_issa
[Account signed off. Auto reply from hi_its_issa: Sorry I can’t chat right now. I’m busy celebrating Valentine’s Day!]
bran_man
[Account signed off. Auto reply from bran_man: Do not disturb. MAKE OUT TIME!]