ANGRYSPARROW.NET
When Easton
Met Alma
Posted November 12, 2008
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It’s been a while since we’ve seen Easton;
to refresh your memories, he is Fenchurch’s less-than-beloved older
half-brother (they share a father), and Shulamith’s
part-time squeeze. Alma
is the New Girl in Town…
**checks text message** “Suit URslf –
SHU.”
Easton: *to self* Eh
– guess I’m in no hurry to get back…
Easton: *thinks* Huh – who’s the Long Tall Sally sitting over there? Let us check
her out, shall we… *smile*
Easton: Good morning, sunshine! Though I wouldn’t mind knowing
your real name, so I don’t have to resort to clichés when I see you again.
Easton’s my
name.
Alma: Oh – and are we going to see each other again – Easton?
Easton: I know I wouldn’t mind *smile*.
Alma: Hm. *Thinks to self: It’s a pretty public
place. I can always use a headlock, if necessary.* All right then. I’m Alma. Have a seat, if you like.
Easton: I like. Thanks – Alma.
Alma: So – how well does this pitch usually work for you?
Easton: I’d say on average, 98% of the time. It worked today, which is what
matters for now.
Alma: An impressive figure – for which you count me as another statistic
*sip*.
Easton: Alma,
I’d never think of you as just another statistic. I have this feeling you’re
one in a million – which is why I’d like to get to know you better. Coffee’s a
start, but a nice meal really tells you more.
Alma: *thinks* How much more do I need to know? *aloud* My time’s pretty taken up right now –
Easton: Whatever it is you spend your time at, you still need to eat, keep up
your strength –
Alma: Of course – but I’m perfectly capable of addressing my nutritional
needs; I don’t need any help in that regard.
Easton: Ah, but there’s more to it than that. What’s the old expression, “Man
does not live by bread alone”? Companionship, a break from the grind, new
perspectives –
Alma: Haha! Notice that expression is Biblical in
origin, and in those days, they indeed meant “men”; as for women, they didn’t
care about their intellectual needs at
all! Very
patriarchal.
Easton: Is that so –
Easton: Old patriarchs aside, I care about what you’re thinking, and I’d
like to know more about you – like, what you do for work and fun –
Alma: I could ask the same of you; in fact, I’m more entitled to know just WHO
wants to know about me, since I was minding my own business here when you came
up and started the conversation –
Easton: Fair enough – my full name’s Easton Brickell,
and I’m an entrepreneur, looking to match goods with customers, wherever the
needs are. I’m local, and planning on being around here for a while; it’s a
promising area.
Alma: All right, then – I’m Alma Kielbaugh, I’m a
grad student, working on my master’s degree in sociology. If I’m not
researching online, I’m in the library with my nose in a book. I wouldn’t say
I’m antisocial, but my personal life isn’t exactly the stuff of popular drama
on TV, and for now, I’d like to keep it that way.
Easton: So, you’re the studious type; nothing says we can’t at least be friends.
It takes all kinds –
Alma: Tell you what – since I’m here most weekday mornings, you can look me
up. Let’s keep it at the coffee stage for now; no need to hurry.
Easton: Nope, no hurrying. I knew there was a good reason for not giving up my
coffee habit *smile*.
Easton: Well, I’d better get some business done today, and I’ll let you get back
to your studies. Nice to meet you, Alma
– same time, same place later this week? –
Alma: Haha, why not? I’m a creature of habit. Nice
meeting you – Easton Brickell! *waves*
Easton: *to self* Heh, she’s something!… But -- what is it about her that seems – familiar? Wish I
could figure it out… *shakes head*
Alma: *snort* Typical male! Can’t pick up after himself…
No
surprises, there – yet!
Zimta received a nice surprise, in the form of a
thank-you e-mail from dear Friend Shakkyo, to which
she responded –
Zimta took a laptop
out into the backyard
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