Bridgette

I think you’ve got a bit of a point.  I know it’s cliché but the whole expanding your social circle, going out more, putting yourself in a situation to meet more people, it really does work sometimes. 

Glad to see I’m not the only one with this line of thinking. Though, it seems to me you’ve been climbing out of your rut recently, Alec. That must be how you know that works so well. 

I can’t help you there, but uh…

That’s quite alright, Dylan. I hope you’re doing well.

Oh, yikes. Sounds like you’ve got yourself a problem. A problem and an epiphany, but I don’t think the epiphany isn’t doing much for you. Hey, I’m Anne Summers and I’m new in town so… hello, first impressions.

It sounds like it, though fate willing I won’t for much longer. I’d have to agree with you on that, unfortunately. I’m pleased to meet you, Anne Summers. I’m Bridgette Huffman, I’m still fairly new in town myself. Well, if you consider being here for...Oh, four months now? New. First impressions, huh? Well, I always like to be as honest as possible, it’s kind of my thing. So, if that’s the first impression you’re getting, you’re spot-on. How are you settling in?

Not to be crude, but, I’ve been wondering the same thing myself for months. 

PM: Now that is just a crying shame. I don’t understand how no one has snatched you up yet, Val. Would you be interested in changing that, gorgeous? I’d hate to leave such an exquisite lady in need. It just wouldn’t be right. 

Things for the Welcome Party here at the Paw House Veterinary Clinic are underway, and we are just about ready for things to get started! I hope to see everyone here tonight, we’ve got plenty of refreshments thanks to Alec at the Moon Dance cafe, and our decorations are the best in the state thanks to Sabrina Warner! 

Everything is all set up and ready to go, Doc. This is going to be great, I can feel it. 

Oh good, lucky me, another swanky affair.  I have always adored Cinderella, so I believe I’ll go and check it out - if I’ve got something to wear.

Yeah, I’ve never been one for operas or anything like that but, free is free so looks like I’ll be making an appearance as well. I’m pretty sure I saw something about the owner of that boutique in town offering threads for the event. Maybe contacting him will help. I’ll bet he could at least get you pointed in the right direction. 

I just cannot believe it is almost May, time has just been flying by. That means we are officially only about two months out from this year’s Pre-K graduation at Smile Time. I have lots to plan and put together but I look forward to it every year. I am still considering themes for this year though so if anyone has any suggestions, please do let me know. 

I have to say, even though I’m not a huge fan of time moving so quickly, I am so far beyond ready for warmer weather it isn’t even funny. And, props to you for doing what you do, I know that’s one profession I could never handle. I’m Bridgette, by the way. I just moved into town a few months ago. I’m sorry I don’t have a theme suggestion, like I said kids really aren’t my thing. But, I hope you get it figured out soon!

I wouldn’t worry too much- it must not have been that bad if I’m agreeing to go out with you. That’s one way to look at things, I’ll agree with you there. And, that’s very sweet of you to say. How does this weekend sound, honey?

Good, good, that’s what I like to hear. Don’t worry Val, there’s a lot more where that came from. This weekend sounds perfect, I’ll pick you up tomorrow evening around 7?

Oh my god, what? Vivian Westwood? Only, like, one of the most influential designers of the century. The wedding dress Carrie wore in Sex and the City was a Westwood and I’ve been obsessed with it for, like, years. Oh, yeah, they are, and they’re always just as juicy. You’re so right, but it could also be someone that knows that they’d be the last person anyone would suspect, right? So maybe they’re, like, hiding in plain sight or whatever. I am her! It’s nice to meet you, Bridgette. If you ever need help navigating this crazy town, then you know who to text. 

Yeah, I hate to break it to you gorgeous but, that’s still not ringing any bells. I’ve never been one to keep up with designers like that, though. But hey, if that’s your thing, have at it. You know, I think you actually may be onto something there, with the hiding in plain sight thing. I mean, has anyone even tried putting a modicum of effort into figuring out who’s behind this? Or is everyone too busy whining about it? Wow, that’s cool. I feel like I should ask for your autograph or something. Would that be too crazy? In that case, maybe I will ask for that autograph, as long as it comes with your number. 

I think the people that are mostly or completely left off could argue that it’s not actually inevitable.  Clearly there is a purpose; you’re right.  There is though a difference between people watching, and even imagining what could be going on, and malicious gossip. If people actually waited until they knew someone, or a situation, then AA’s gossip wouldn’t hit so hard. There is something to be said about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.  Our decisions are often influenced by our experiences.    

Their time will come, I’m sure. See, to me, the gossip isn’t the problem. We’re humans. There will always be gossip, assumptions, rumors, etc. It’s inescapable. It’s human nature to want to take a look at the lives of others. We’re social creatures, and unfortunately that isn’t always a good thing. But, what’s even more important is how you react to these things. How you choose to respond. Something my father always says is, “life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you react to it.” That’s something I’ve always lived by, and will continue to live by. Sure, it sucks that people talk. But it’s reality. It’s life. So, rather than sitting and wallowing, complaining, and wishing it wasn’t reality, I find it’s best to get up and make the choice to live anyway. It can’t all be sunshine and rainbows, I think it’s a little ridiculous that people around here seem to expect it to be. 

Exactly.  Obviously there are eyes almost everywhere.  Welcome to Snowbury.

It seems that way, doesn’t it? Thanks for the welcome, it’s nice. 

And seems to me, you don’t know anything about me. You deal with it how you deal with it, I’ll deal with it my way. Observations aren’t facts - you can’t always see everything. You go ahead and do that, sport.

Maybe I don’t. But, it’s pretty funny how you run around making assumptions about people and that’s totally fine, but you want to act tough and throw down some words when someone does it to you. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander sweetpea. Don’t worry, I sure will. You go on ahead. Really? Wow, I never knew! Thanks for pointing that out! And here I was, pretty sure I was omniscient. I’ve been living life all wrong, apparently. You can count on it. You must be so unhappy. Bless your heart, I’ll keep you in my thoughts. 

You’re funny, Bridgette. We haven’t formally met yet, but I’ve heard a lot of buzz about you around town. I…Must admit, I haven’t been taken out in some time. Longer than I’d care to admit. Maybe I’ll take you up on that offer, sweetheart. Even if you are young enough to be my child. 

You have? All good, I’d hope, even if something tells me that isn’t the case. It looks like we’re going to have to change that then, Val. Age is only an arbitrary number. You’re only as old as you feel, and from what I can tell you aren’t a day over 25 gorgeous. You let me know when you’re free, I’ll make sure and show you a great time.

A nerve struck? No not quite - maybe the first time I heard it, but when you hear it most of your life, it gets real annoying, real fast. Out in front? Clearly you’ve never lived in a small town before. Doesn’t matter if you’re in front or behind, once someone decides to start something, it never goes away.

Mmm, see, that’s where our perspectives are going to differ. Because you see, the real sign of not giving a fuck is indifference. If your nerve wasn’t struck, you wouldn’t be annoyed. You’re still reacting, so it seems to me there’s something in there that still cares. That’s just an observation, though. Actually, sport, guess again. I was raised in a town just about this size, born and bred in the good old fashioned American South. I’m just not one to resign myself to whatever anyone has to say about me. But, I guess I’m just a fighter that way. 

I’m just more disappointed that whoever runs the Snowbury gossip obviously has no sense of style. I was fully expecting at least a paragraph on the vintage Westwood piece I wore, but nothing. I wonder who’s even behind it, anyway? It would have to be someone who was at the circus to get all of the info on everybody. Part of me wants to play Nancy Drew with this, but I already know I won’t get far. Besides, it’s quite exciting getting to read everybody else’s juicy drama. 

I’m...Not exactly sure who or what a Westwood piece is, but I’m sorry you weren’t mentioned. Maybe next time, though. I’m getting the sense these little newsletters are regular occurrences around here. I’ve had that thought a couple of times myself, but I wasn’t sure it was really worth digging into. For someone to do something so bold, they have to have put more than adequate measures in place to protect their identity. And, really, I can’t say I disagree with you there either. I’m Bridgette Huffman, I just moved to town a couple of months ago. You look familiar to me, though. It’s...Sabrina, right? From social media.

I know that feeling so well.  I just retired from competitive gymnastics.  Trying to figure out next steps I decided to put my business degree to use and bought a small business.  One of my favorite ones from my time here before.  Yes, please do.  

Competitive gymnastics? And a business degree to boot? Wow, you’re just racking up those accomplishments. Congratulations on all of that, really. Either would be tough independently but having achieved both is a feat. And it sounds like you’re passionate about what you’re doing now, so that’s good as well. I’ll look forward to seeing you there, then.