Girl's Write Out

Chloe is flighty as only fairies are. She believes being my Muse is an occasional job, something to do when she isn't painting her nails. She's always telling me she can get me a date if I "dress in something that actually flatters you, and discover a hairstyle. Geez, Lena!" And, she wants me to write poetry exclusively.



Deciding on the bad news first, I told her what I needed.



"What do you mean, fiction?"



"Fiction, Chloe, that's what I need this time, not poetry."



"I'm your muse. I tell you what to write. That's the job description, Lena."



"You're expected to inspire me, Chloe. Bossing me around is not part of the bargain."



Chloe pouted. "Why should I? This contest isn't my idea, and I'm in charge of ideas."



"It's a symposium, not a contest. Fiction is required. Besides, you'll get something from this, if you cooperate."



She stared at me over the top of her lacquered fingernails,and skeptically asked "What?"



"I can set you up with his Muse."



"Another Muse?" she squealed.



"What if I show you a picture of the writer?"



"Is he cute?" Where's his picture?"



"Writing dot com."



"Show me!"



Chloe gazed at the photo assessingly. "He's not cute," she asserted. "He's drool-worthy, Lena. So..."



"You keep wanting me to date. I like CrankUpTheVolumizer, he's smart, a good writer, and, as you said, drool-worthy. He participates in this symposium, and I can use that to get to know him better, and ask for a private review. I'll work on him from there."



"Can you do it?"



" It'll be easy, Chloe. You can even inspire me. I just need a story."



"Lena?"



"Hmm?"



She giggled. "How about this conversation?"