Don't Call Me Lucy

Charlie laughed, waving off the apology almost immediately. "Then we're both equally guilty." She held up her cotton candy with a grin. "I was way too focused on making sure I didn't drop this to pay attention to where I was turning." At Quinn's suggestion, her face lit up. "Perfect! I was secretly hoping someone would say rides first. People keep trying to convince me the games are the smart choice because we'll have more energy now, but I don't know. I feel like you have to start with the adrenaline." She offered Quinn a friendly smile. "I'm Charlie. Nice to meet you."

"I don't blame you, cotton candy is way too delicious and important to be dropping any of it." Quinn smiled playfully. "Oh you absolutely do! You need to get all the good rides in right away and save the games for later. Besides I find that it's more fun to walk around and play games when it starts getting darker out." Quinn nodded. "It's been so long since I've been to a carnival I don't know what ride to start with first? Maybe the roller coaster or tilt a whirl?" Quinn suggested. "Nice to meet you too Charlie."

The amount of respect Nick had for Quinn just kept skyrocketing, every time he got a little glimpse of what she'd been doing by herself for more than a year now. Today, it was getting Beth ready to go out for the carnival -- a production in and of itself, and something that he wasn't quite prepared for even after several weekends taking care of his daughter -- daughter!! -- on his own.

"You and I both know that you'd ride the carousel all night if she asked you." Quinn teased, approaching the pair from behind. She had gotten to the carnival a little over an hour ago and had been enjoying eating food without Beth's little fingers reaching to steal some of her own and riding rides that Beth wouldn't be able to go on. It was nice, but she was starting to miss her baby and wanted to be with Beth as she rode all the rides and played games.

Ethan had always been pretty competitive and even though he knew that carnival games were rigged probably ninety percent of the time, he still couldn't stop himself from trying to win a giant stuffed animal at one of them. After all, there could be a pretty face nearby that he could offer it to and maybe even hit a few of the rides with. And being that he was a baseball player, the first game to naturally attempt a win at would of course be the knock-a-block. There were three blocks stacked on a platform and you had to use a softball to knock all of them clean off the block to win a prize. However, after his second or third attempt, he was starting to get a little nervous at his own skills. "I swear, even though I'm not a pitcher, I do know how to throw this thing where it needs to be, it's probably just the fact a softball is bigger than a baseball, you know?" He chuckled nervously to person nearest him, knowing full well that he could throw a softball just as well as he could throw a baseball.

Quinn wasn't usually very competitive, but when she passed by the game booth with the three blocks and the stack of balls and saw a giant stuffed bunny, she knew she had to stop and win it for Beth. She waited for the employee to get to her so she could pay and start throwing, and couldn't help but smile at the guy next to her missing missing multiple times in a row. "You keep telling yourself that," She smirked, handing over her money and looking down at the balls in front of her. "It's probably not all your fault though. They totally rig these things." She shrugged, picking up a ball and throwing it hard, knocking the top block clean off.

In Amber's humble opinion, she looked extremely cute today. She was wearing the very same pastel yellow sundress her bestie had picked out for her and had her hair in a very cute half-up, half-down style. She should have been having more fun - maybe finding a cute guy to win her a stuffed animal. Instead, she was currently staring wistfully up at the Ferris wheel as it made its rounds. She let out a dramatic sigh, throwing some more cotton candy into her mouth. "Ferris wheels are, like, so ruined for me now," she lamented. "Now they just make me feel sad and super single. Like, don't get me wrong, they're already inherently romantic, but being a girl that's actually gotten to experience a kiss at the top of one before? So much worse."

Quinn leaned against the food truck that was selling fried oreos and smiled as she watched kids and families run around and enjoy all the rides and games. She didn't even notice the girl standing a few feet away until a loud sigh came out of her mouth. Quinn couldn't help but chuckle and nod along. "Oh I know what you mean. It's been a long time since I've been kissed at the top of a Ferris wheel, but there is something still so romantic and sweet about it." She nodded, holding out the small plate. "Fried oreo?" She offered.

Charlie was currently standing by the cotton candy stand, waiting for her order and taking in the fairgrounds. The music from the rides was loud, the lights were everywhere, and she was already completely in her element. When she finally grabbed her stick of pink cotton candy, she turned around and bumped right into someone, laughing softly as she stepped back. "Oh, sorry! I'm completely distracted by all the bells and whistles," she said, her usual bubbly energy shining through. "Hey, were you headed toward the rides or the games? Because I'm trying to do absolutely everything tonight, and I definitely need a partner in crime."

Quinn was enjoying walking around the carnival while Nick had Beth. She saw the cotton candy and smiled walking over. A cotton candy would be the best way to start off the carnival. Quinn didn't realize how close she got to the girl in front of her because when she turned around she bumped right into her. "Oh god, it's totally fine. I should've been standing further away!" Quinn apologized quickly. "I'm trying to do everything too, but I was thinking of hitting up some rides after this so If you're up for me joining you I'm all for that. I'm Quinn by the way." She smiled.

Yeah, totally! I mean, I helped with the drama club's costumes and even some of our glee club outfits a couple of times, too. Oh that might be a bit more difficult, because it would depend on what I could find from thrifting and if I can find the right material to turn it into that outfit. Otherwise, I could point you in the direction of some some seamstresses that do more with commission work and using store-bought materials? That's why I don't do commissions too much really and mostly for Halloween, since depending on the costume it doesn't really have to be made from scratch.

That is true, you were very talented even then. I never said it, but your costumes were always great! I understand and if you can't I'd love a seamstress that would be able to do it with store bought materials. I don't care if she wears it for Halloween, but I just think getting her one would be super cute! It's just a silly idea anyway, so lets focus on a simple outfit.

You can always do a cat and a dog if you can find the right pair, too! I have two dogs and three cats and they get along so well together. But that's totally up to you and what the perfect fit ends up being, of course. I think the online media really just depicts one side of things a lot of the time, because most people are going to post what they think will get them the most views, so I wouldn't fully trust that. And if you ever decide to watch the Homeward Bound movies, there's two both were really good, but if you cry easily have tissues on hand. They're the emotional rollercoaster type of movies.

Oh man, jump right to two animals? You have too much confidence in my pet care abilities. I think a cat might be a better fit. When Beth wants to play with a dog she can go to her dads house and play with his. I know that a dog can sometimes feel like having a child and I'm happy with one of those right now. Oh man maybe I won't watch them then. I cry at everything nowadays, so I would probably be a mess.

Depending on her age, I'm going to assume she might just see any fluffy animal and get excited. And yeah, it's a python. Oh okay, so kind of like those Babysitter Club ones or Charlotte's Web, something like that? Or Goosebumps, that's one of the few books I read by choice as a kid. What made you decide to make that switch to work in a library?

Yea, she's only 15 months so if it's fluffy and cute and interacts with her she loves it. Wow that's really cool! Yea exactly. So far I have a series out, and I'm currently writing a new stand-alone book. Oh goosebumps were so good, but my parents didn't like me reading them so I had to read them at school and leave them in my desk drawers. I needed something with benefits and stable hours and pay for my daughter, but I still do write and publish books!

Okay, well that makes a lot more sense, then. So, you two were a thing, are a thing, random hook-up? Not that it's any of my business, so feel free to not answer if you don't want to. Yeah, definitely don't need little hands getting burnt or cut, that's for sure. Don't really need the big hands to have that happen to either, but hey accidents happen. They make for memorable scars. I usually do like foodie days with my friend, River, maybe you two could join us on one of those days, keep it simple so I'm not spreading myself too thin.

We were a thing in high school for a bit, but broke it off. Beth is the result of a very drunk one-night stand when I was passing through town two years ago. Don't know what possessed me to think it was a good idea, especially considering I'm gay, but I got my daughter out of it which is all that matters. Oh I'd love that! Hey the more the merrier right? Well actually isn't there a phrase about too many cooks in the kitchen? So maybe more isn't always merrier.

Well that doesn't sound like a lot of fun, I'm sorry it seems like you kind of had to grow up fast. Oh, see that's where I'd definitely suggest a dog, because while cats can make great companions, I think dogs are perfect for those lonely moments. Though the right cat could be a good fit, too. I always feel like I start to favor dogs when it comes to the companionship and then I remember how sweet all of my cats are and remember that the whole cat vs dog thing isn't actually as black and white as some people make it seem. Like, I love the Homeward Bound movies, but I feel that pushed the whole cats vs dogs divide a little too hard. Even though the did always end up getting along in the end, I'm sure that whole "cats rule, dogs drool" quote got stuck in too many people's brains.

It's ok, I'm just focused on giving my daughter the childhood I always wanted. Maybe you're right, I do think a dog is a good option for us. Plus Beth is obsessed with her dads dogs, so I think she would love mommy to have a dog too. Whenever I think of cats I just think of all those stupid online videos of cats who are nightmares or cats who have one braincell left. I don't think I've ever seen that movie if I'm being honest. I kind of know what it's about, but I've never seen it actually.

It is, and it's great for the environment! You know, instead of a bunch of stuff going to the landfills and all that. A lot of my wardrobe in school was also upcycled, so that actually means a lot that you liked it! My mom started helping me freshman year and then once I got my own sewing machine, I was unstoppable, haha. And that's a good idea, I never would have thought of doing that, but honestly more parents should try to do that!

Wait really? I never knew that! That's really cool. Man you should've let me know, I would've totally dragged you to a thrift store so you could find me some new clothes, especially during my senior year. I just thought of something I kinda would love to pay you to make. Would you be able to make Beth a cheer uniform that matches the one I wore in high school?

Cats are definitely my top pick for a pet, I rescued both of mine from the shelter here in town. Though my best friend has a snake and that's pretty cool, too. Oh you write books? What kind? Not that I read, really. I've tried and I just can't stick with it, I don't have the attention span for it. I work at a bar so staying up late is ingrained in my system, especially after being into parties back in the day once in awhile.

I do like cats a bit more than dogs. I'm not sure if Beth has any preference yet, as long as they're friendly and play with her she's happy. A snake? That's so cool! I always wondered what it would be like to own a snake or a cool pet like that. Yea, I write childrens books. Mostly chapter books for older kids. It was my main job until I moved here and got a job at the library. Now it's just a side gig. Oh god, I remember some of the parties I went to my senior year. Those were good times.

I mean... all of the above? Take advantage of it, Q! You're a super hardworking mom and you deserve some time to yourself finally. My mom worked so hard raising me when I was younger, I can't tell you how many little things I try to buy for her these days so I can pay her back for being such a badass mom. What about a spa day? My mom loves a good spa day.

Oh I took full advantage of it! I had myself a well-deserved spa day at home and then had a friend over for a while. It was so nice not having to worry about Beth for a while. I love her, and missed her so much, but it was nice having some time to myself. I don't know about your mom, but my spa day included wine, a bubble bath, face mask and a good show.

As usual, time got away from me... super late reply here, but... what did you end up doing in your first Beth-free weekend?? And how hard was it to not have her with you for that long?

I had a much-deserved spa day with some wine, a bubble bath and a good show. Then I had a friend over. I wanted to take full advantage of having a child-free house.

If that's what you enjoy, then I say that's what you should do. As do I. See you soon, darling?

I might do just that. Sounds like a decent evening. You absolutely will.

Exactly. I've even gotten them that wine for cats, it's really just like catnip tea basically, and then I don't even have to drink alone. I'll be honest, I don't know much about kids. but isn't there at least some time when she's sleeping that you can watch your shows then? That sounds nice, it's good that she has a dad that's there for her and that you have someone else that you can also rely on with raising her.

I love that so much! I've been thinking about getting a pet recently and if I get a cat I would totally get them that cat wine so we can drink together on our nights alone. Oh absolutely, but that's when I usually try to work on my book or do some much needed cleaning and self-care. I don't stay up too late either, so I watch occasionally but not as much as I'd like. Yea he has really stepped up and is an amazing father.

Oh, really? Not even when you were at least too young to really even know better? I don't think I've ever seen a kid that wasn't messy at some point, but there's always firsts for everything or exceptions to the rules and all that. And yeah, I get that, definitely in cases where the children are really young, I think it's important to only allow supervised time between them and the animal so you can make sure that they know the right way to treat them and handle them. If you think it's better to wait until she's older, maybe just try getting a stuffed animal and teaching her that way until you think she's ready. The staff there is really great though, Owen like I mentioned who is the manager, he's really great about helping people with the adoption stuff and they have other people who that's like their job title, basically, I think it's called adoption specialists? They'd all probably do a better job helping you there, I just volunteer when I can, so I don't necessarily know all of the animals there in and out, but they would for sure.

I'm sure when I was a baby I was, but I learned very quickly what was and wasn't acceptable in my house. I stopped caring as much when I got to high school and I had more control, but as a little kid I always was very careful not to be messy or too loud. At least not around my parents. I think I'm pushing the pet thing because her dad and I just started doing a split arrangement with her, so she's with her dad for part of the week and I'm starting to feel a bit lonely without her in the house. So selfishly I think I want a companion for myself, but a cat or dog that would be good for Beth is also important.