New Year's Party
Originally posted on December 31, 2007
Jeremiah: Hey Kaida, wait up a minute.
Kaida: Hi Jeremiah, what’s up?
Jeremiah: I uh…. just wanted to know…..um….. what are you doing for New Year’s?
Kaida: You mean Kohana and me?
Jeremiah: Yeah, that’s what I meant.
Kaida: Kohana is going out with Asher….late movie and a later dinner, I think. They’re not big on crowds or noisy parties. I was just going to pick up some munchies and hang out here at the theater with whoever else shows up. Why, what are you doing?
Jeremiah: Uh… nothing. I sort of forgot it was coming up.
Kaida: Yes, some years celebrating the New Year seems a lot more meaningful than others. I bet it’s not so great this year for you, being away from your family and all.
Jeremiah: Nah, doesn’t really matter. Not to me.
Kaida: Sure it does - it always matters. Sometimes it just matters a little more or a little less. But if you’re not doing anything else, you can come back and hang out with us.
Jeremiah: I uh…. would you want to do something…. with me?
Kaida: Just with…….you? Oh. Um, Jeremiah…. I really can’t.
Jeremiah: Oh, that’s okay then.
Kaida: No, you don’t understand… I guess I haven’t explained about Kenzo. How is it that I haven’t done that?
Jeremiah: Who is Kenzo?
Kaida: He’s my….. boyfriend. He doesn’t live nearby, or I’m sure you would have already met him. We’ve been ‘together’ for more than a year now - I thought I told you about him.
Jeremiah: Nope, didn’t know you had a boyfriend. Sorry, guess I should pay more attention.
Kaida: (as if to herself) Yeah……attention is good……..(to Jeremiah) I mean, no, it’s not your fault. So…um…. I’m flattered that you want to go out, but I just…… can’t…. you know?
Jeremiah: Hey, I can understand unavailable. I’d still like to come to the theater party, if it’s still okay.
Kaida: Sure it’s okay – I’d be….we’d be glad to have you. Raid Asher’s cupboards and bring your favorite snacks or something. I think Pete’s bringing something to toast with. Non-alcoholic, of course; all of us are still underage.
Later, at the party…
Kaida: Oh my gosh!
Pete: What is it?
Kaida: Dolores left us…. costumes!
Zenny: No kidding?
Kaida: No kidding, she really did, she left a note that said to go ahead and use them if we wanted….. oh… a little warning here…… if we get anything on them we foot the cleaning bills.
Pete: I don’t want to wear a stupid costume.
Kaida: Come on Pete, be a sport. It’ll be fun.
Zenny: Yeah, don’t be a party-pooper, Peter.
Kaida: Zenny – you want to wear the fairy getup or the geisha?
Zenny: Oh give me the fairy crap….um, I mean let me try on that cute little fairy costume.
Kaida: Heh, heh, I have to agree with your first comment myself.
Jeremiah: I’ll do one. Anything there big enough for me?
Kaida: Here….this ought to work for you – yes?
Jeremiah: Cool – yeah, I like that. I could get into that.
Kaida: Here you go, Pete – here’s yours.
Pete: You’re not going to let me not participate, are you?
Kaida: Nope, wear a costume or party on your own, buster.
Pete: (grumble grumble) All right, all right. Hey! What are you wearing?
Kaida: You’ll see.
The party was allowed to go on uninterrupted, but then the gang all stopped to countdown to midnight and wish you all a….
All: HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
And afterwards…
Jeremiah: I can’t believe you made Pete wear that.
Kaida: Hey, it was either that or an Easter Bunny costume. With Zenny here to see it, he would’ve never lived that one down!
Jeremiah: Yeah, guess so. He did have a pretty decent attitude about it.
Kaida: Yeah, Pete’s just a nice guy. But you – you look pretty hot in that.
Jeremiah: Hot is right. Hot and sweaty. Who knew this black leather stuff would be so uncomfortable? This is one that I’m gonna have to get cleaned for sure.
Kaida: Speaking of nice guys….That was real nice of you, too.
Jeremiah: What was?
Kaida: Calling Dolores and asking her if we could borrow some costumes.
Jeremiah: What are you talking about?
Kaida: I know you’re the one who gave her the idea. ‘Cuz she would have only done it for you, you know. I think she’s sweet on you. Ever since Christmas.
Jeremiah: Uh-oh. Not sure if I like that idea…….But I sure liked your costume.
Kaida: It was interesting that Dolores put this out for us. When I worked with her she told me it was an exact replica of the outfit the owner wore to the theater’s very first opening night.
Jeremiah: The theater was owned by a woman at first?
Kaida: Yes, supposedly she finished the job for her husband who had suddenly died in the middle of building it. I recognized the gown because she wore it to pose for her portrait – you know – the one that hangs in the lobby?
Jeremiah: Oh, yeah, I think I remember seeing it now. The replica looks just as nice on you…
Jeremiah: …..Well, I suppose we better pick up the rest of this.
Kaida: Yeah, party’s over for another year.
Jeremiah: Kaida?
Kaida: Hmmmm?
Jeremiah: Happy New Year.
Kaida: Thanks. You too.
Happy New Year to you and your resins - whether you see this before, during or after the midnight hour.