Creating the beginning of this story has been a really great experience, in part because it gave me the chance to write in a different medium and express my creativity in a different way. In doing so I got to envision parts of the characters’ world, describe in detail visuals like seasons, colors, and wardrobe and write some really fun dialogue. I’ve also enjoyed the comments from readers and am glad it’s been as fun for you to read as it was for me to write. This is the last scene for now, but not the last you’ll see of this story.

Now, in the last installment of Storytelling Love, we saw the wonderfully awkward moment when Arthur and Tom met for the first time (well, awkward for Arthur). This next scene is their first conversation.

TOM
Well thank you! What a sweet thing to say. Celeste, did you hear that? This gentleman said I was handsome.

At this point, Arthur looks like he wishes the Earth would open up and swallow him. Jane and Celeste are both enjoying the moment immensely.

REAGAN
I did. Also, let’s not encourage him! Jane, Arthur, let me introduce you to Tom Williams. Tom, meet Jane and Arthur.

JANE
Great to meet you Tom.

ARTHUR (trying to act cool)
Hi Tom.

TOM
Nice to meet you both!

CELESTE
Alright folks, I need to get ready for the storytelling circle. And come to think of it, I could use an extra set of hands. Jane, you’ve participated in one of my circles before. Care to join me?

JANE
Sure!

Arthur’s eyes widen. He glances sideways at Jane with a look that says: “please don’t leave me here, especially after I completely embarrassed myself.” Jane stands and gets ready to follow Celeste, with a look on her face that makes it obvious she is extremely satisfied her and Celeste’s plan to have Arthur and Tom meet is in action.

CELESTE
Tom, will you be okay hanging out here with Arthur while Jane and I get things set-up?

TOM
Oh, I think we’ll be just fine. Arthur, if you don’t mind, I’d love to hear about which character you’d choose. It’s been a while since I’ve sat in on this activity.

ARTHUR
Okay, but only if you share yours too.

TOM
Deal!

CELESTE
See you gents later!

Celeste and Jane leave. Tom picks up a few different markers and crayons, getting ready to draw on the paper.

TOM
And then there were two. Is it just me or do you think Jane and Celeste had this planned?

ARTHUR
To have us meet? Well, I only just met Celeste tonight, but it’s something Jane would absolutely do.

TOM
Celeste too! So, hey, before we start talking about the characters, can I get you anything from the snack station? Coffee, tea, bannock, biscotti?

ARTHUR
I’d love a coffee please.

Tom gets up from the table, leaving to go to the snack station. Arthur continues doodling on the paper covering the table. A few seconds pass, Tom returns, hands a cup of coffee to Arthur and sits back down, noticing Tom’s snowflake drawing.

ARTHUR
Thank you.

TOM
No problem. That’s a great drawing. Guessing you like Frozen?

ARTHUR
I do. Total Disney nerd here!

TOM
Always nice to meet a fellow Disney Gay!