"Together Now" Excerpt 10

Warren arrived at Borden’s office. Borden was on the phone, so Warren slumped into the chair in front of his desk and placed a finger to his temple.

Borden stared briefly at Warren, nodded hello then signaled to him that he would be a minute. Warren nodded a reply back to Borden.

“Well this isn’t the type of offer you would expect to lose though... Okay, how about I meet with you later on this afternoon?... All right, just let me write the address down...” Borden said as he picked up a pen and started writing down the information. “All right, I’ll be there around 7... Okay, later.” Borden hung up the phone.

“So... You two are still not talking I see.” Borden observed.

“She tried to initiate a conversation this morning.” Warren replied.

“And?” Borden questioned.

“I said hey.” Warren stated.

“That’s it? Hey? Warren, you two came down here on a whim. A mere fucking thought! How long can you be angry for?”

“That’s a good question Mr. Borden. I wish I had an answer. It just seems like every time I try and to please her in any way she just pushes me further away. I don’t even know if she is worth the trouble.”

“Warren, to quote Will Smith: Girls of the world ain’t nothing but trouble. It’s just a matter of what kind of trouble you are looking for.” Borden offered.
“That actually makes a lot of sense.”

“I know it does! That’s why I said it. Look at your situation this way: You took a chance coming out here to become a writer. That you succeeded in. Anne came out here with you for whatever reason. She is a very unstable person, but she still decided to come out here with you. However it’s ultimately up to you what happens in your life and not hers, you may influence her decisions to some degree, but you can’t make her your main focus.” Borden stated helpfully.

“So in other words, should I stay or should I go.” Warren said with the sort of monotone drone that one would expect from an automated phone service.

“If you want to quote The Clash, pretty much.”

“What would you do in my situation?” Warren asked.

“Probably ask you the same question.” Borden retorted.

Warren chuckled at Borden’s wit.

“Anyway, on much more professional level, how’s the re-write coming along?” Borden asked.
“I’m about 40 pages in. I’m finding it harder to focus on something I’ve already written.” Warren confessed.

“Well it gets easier. Lots of writer’s are like you in that sense. Then one day they just find it to be second nature. You have the talent, you lack the refinement and that’s exactly what the second, third or even fourth draft is all about.” Borden pointed out.

“True. It’s just that the story line wasn’t supposed to follow just one character. I wrote Kitchen Life to show how complicated situations in every day life can be complicated and that seems to be getting lost.” Warren whined.

“If you want insight into the human condition through fiction then I would suggest taking that first draft and making it into a novel, but for right now think of the money.” Borden suggested.

“Money you say? I love money!” Warren perked.

“I do as well, so let’s make some money! Finish this draft and get it back to me. Now, what are you doing this evening?”

“Haven’t really put much thought into it.” Warren admitted.

“Nine Inch Nails just lost their venue and Trent was wondering if I wanted to grab some beers tonight while he is in town. Would you care to come?”

“Trent Reznor? Hell yes!” Warren beamed.

“Cool, I’ll come grab you around 6:30. Be ready to go.” Borden directed.

“I won’t let you down.” Warren said exuberantly.

***

An apology for lovers.

Dear ________,

My love for you is undying and always will be. The cold winter nights have always been filled by the thoughts of you next to me. I take comfort in the fact that one day we will be happy, maybe together, maybe a part.

I can only hope that you find something to quiet your tormented soul, after all, we all are tormented by something. You have always brought out the best in me. I have never told you that, but I'm telling you because you should know. Even if we are a part, just know that I still care and will always care about you.

I feel we are stronger together than we are a part. I know that I can be unfair, self centered and spiteful at times, but you were always the one that could point out the error of my ways. I haven't even said thank you for correcting me when I'm wrong. I am sorry for that.

You also have the power to bring out my worst. I find it very odd that someone could make me so crazy, so angry, and most of all: So in love. Although you can be cruel and unkind I love you for your flaws. You are weaker in some respects, (like your excessive _________), yet that makes me think about my imperfections and ponder what you ever saw in me.

I'm sorry for all the times I argued with you, I'm sorry for the times you thought I didn't care. I'm sorry for making you feel like you were second best, that was never my intent. I just wanted you to know.

I'm not one to meddle in free will, so if you feel the need to go, know that I will miss you. I have never met anyone that could trigger this in me before, and probably never will again. All I have are my mistakes. Lessons learned, and you, (wonderful you), I have to thank for that. Maybe later in life we can get it right, or even in another. Things may be tough right now between us, but somehow we are still connected.

Sincerely,

__________

Meeting a lady's parents.

This always seems to happen to me. I meet a lady and instantaneously they feel the need to introduce me to their parents. I have a very simple one word question: Why? I mean I can understand if your are going to spend a good portion of your life with a certain lady that you should probably meet her parents, but if she isn't interested in a relationship and you never hangout, then what was the point?

I hardly see my parents, why in the world would I want to meet yours? Don't get me wrong here, I love meeting people's parents, but you know after five minutes of meeting someone, I don't feel that inclined to meet the people who birthed and raised them. They haven't made a huge impact in my life in the five minutes. I'm sorry, it's just a fact.

Now if they introduce me to their parents while they are out with them, then that is completely different! I can leave at anytime and don't have to worry about making a good impression. It wasn't the express purpose for me to run into them, it was just a happenstance.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only guy that thinks this way, so ladies a word of advice: Don't introduce guys to your parents unless you plan on keeping them around for a minimum of 1 year, and guys, don't go unless you plan on being with them for the same amount of time.

-A. Warren Johnson

Women and the Trust Issues with them.

Women. Like any good story, and the fall of almost every hero ever is women. Why? Because they are treacherous beasts. Foul and deceiving. They are not to be trusted one bit. As soon as you do, they put the knife in a twist. They love nothing more than to be in control, (although most spin out of control do to alcohol and drugs), yet fail to see what they mean to other people.

It's laughable to think that these counterparts can even be considered companions. They make work hard, but you never heard the end of what they always do! They say they want to be loved and hate when guys lie, cheat, womanize and degrade, however this is exactly who they will end up with.

Here's a thought: Try not going for the asshole who treats you oh so horribly and find a decent guy? Now with that said, I know I'm in the wrong when I say ALL women can't be trusted. There are good ones out there, but they usually don't get a decent guy until well into there 40s, after the 3 kids with the drunk abusive jock they oh-so-loved in high school, after the menopause, and well after they have a sex drive.

Maybe if woman would pick intellect over physical prowess, or how about actually forgetting that ex who used to beat you and fuck your friends? You could even try realizing that just maybe there is someone special in your life that you have over looked. The possibilities are endless.

Another down fall to women is oneitis! It sucks, it drives you crazy and if you ever get it, it is extremely hard to forget about. You will most likely end up in counciling and actually loath the girl you thought maybe the one.

I have recently decided to cast the woman enigma out of my life for the time being. It is pointless because all I ever feel is rage and resentment against women I try to form a lasting relationship with. I'm sick of feeling that way, and I am sick of being tormented by my emotions and thoughts.

By the way, this is one of the down falls of choosing the tragic hero for your basis of your personal myth. So I strongly advise that if you choose this label, you are fully prepared for the consequences that follow.

To end this absolutely spiteful post I shall leave on an upbeat note to bring joy in not so bright days. When you have a truly depressing day, and everything is against you, just think: Baby Carrots.

-A. Warren Johnson