{"id":31599,"date":"2023-01-30T14:03:57","date_gmt":"2023-01-30T20:03:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=31599"},"modified":"2023-01-30T14:03:57","modified_gmt":"2023-01-30T20:03:57","slug":"chapter-20-the-elevator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2023\/01\/30\/chapter-20-the-elevator\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 20: The Elevator"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vanguard was perturbed as Tabby once again invited herself to join his t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate with Strawberry at the SSSS. It wasn’t like the two weren\u2019t at work together all day as it was. In the break between the end of the work day and dessert, there were apparently innumerous things that came to Tabby\u2019s mind that must be shared with her BFF.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I’m not sure if I really need any more hostas, but the fall planting specials are on, and I’m sure I could squeeze them in somewhere,\u201d Tabby chattered, flipping through a catalog.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder if I should add some more lilies,\u201d Strawberry considered. \u201cThose new double ones are gorgeous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere’s that empty space out the back door that could be filled in,\u201d Vanguard offered the first thing that came to mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPreposterous!\u201d Tabby interjected, looking horrified. \u201cIt’s too shady for lilies there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever he said was always a misstep with her! Vanguard was much aggrieved. \u201cMy mom always planted coral bells in the shady spots,\u201d he commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby narrowed her eyes, likely reluctant to admit he had some knowledge on this matter. \u201cThat might work,\u201d she said coolly.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was too bad there wasn’t someone else in Tabby\u2019s life to relieve some of the demand on Strawberry’s attention, Vanguard reflected. There was supposed to be that doctor fellow from the hospital, but he wasn’t around nearly enough to make a difference. Tabby was more frequently with Thomas; and maybe, if he made a declaration, would be more successful in distracting her. The two unicorns were an obvious match, apparent to everyone but themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

But, Vanguard did actually have business to discuss with the pink unicorn today. He cleared his throat. \u201cTabby, I\u2019ve been meaning to tell you, something has come across my desk that I need your help with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby shifted her attention from Strawberry. \u201cWhat?\u201d she asked shortly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour father\u2019s memorial scholarship,\u201d Vanguard said succinctly. \u201cYou have to select this year\u2019s recipient from the applications.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a history department thing,\u201d Tabby said dismissively, taking a fry from Strawberry\u2019s plate. \u201cWhy are you involved?\u201d She eyed him suspiciously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mom talked to the dean,\u201d Vanguard explained, keeping a calm demeanor but getting irritated at her confrontational attitude, \u201cand specifically requested that we work together on this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, she must have liked you,\u201d Tabby said, infusing the statement with derision. \u201cWhat do I care what snot-nosed brat deserves a hundred bucks?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s significantly more than that,\u201d Vanguard observed–it was more like five thousand, a generous allotment for a freshman scholarship, but that was small change for Tabby\u2019s family. \u201cBut why don\u2019t you stop by my office tomorrow after work, and we can get it out of the way?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby sighed as if it were a great inconvenience. \u201cFine, whatever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

The following day, Tabby met Vanguard in the university atrium as they had agreed. It was a spacious glass-lined space with potted shrubbery at intervals, and tables and couches for studying or socializing. Indeed, there was quite a bit of socializing going on even at this late hour, with a rather boisterous group set up in the middle, talking and laughing. Tabby gingerly sat on the edge of a settee, looking back and forth for Vanguard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d she acknowledged as he came toward her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello,\u201d he said. \u201cI have the applications–\u201d Raucous laughter rang out, and he was forced to pause. \u201cAnyway, and the checklist of criteria–\u201d One of the students did something that resulted in a loud cheer rising up from their table. \u201cBut you\u2019re probably familiar with that–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, professor, can I ask you about this problem from yesterday\u2019s quiz?\u201d a perky student asked, appearing at Vanguard\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in the middle of a meeting,\u201d Vanguard said, firmly but not unkindly, \u201cbut–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019ll be quick, I promise!\u201d The student whipped out a textbook from her backpack. \u201cIn Chapter 5, it says\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

These fresh-faced young things<\/span><\/i>! Tabby thought, exasperated at the delay. Surely <\/span>she<\/span><\/i> had never been that annoying!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Vanguard said after the student had been sent on her way, \u201cmaybe we should just take this to my office.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby shrugged. \u201cLead the way.\u201d But Vanguard strode over to the elevator doors against one wall. \u201cSeriously, it\u2019s a two-level building and we\u2019re taking the elevator?\u201d Tabby asked, aghast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the most direct route,\u201d Vanguard said, and his smile was starting to look forced, \u201cand takes less time than going to the other end of the building for the stairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fuming, Tabby entered the elevator, and Vanguard filed in behind her. He pressed the button on the console, the doors closed, and the assent began.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, the box lurched and then\u2026 nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Vanguard, frowning down at the console. \u201cThat’s not good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGahhhh!\u201d said Tabby eloquently, pushing him out of the way, and frantically mashing buttons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t do that!\u201d Vanguard admonished. \u201cJust stay calm. Maybe it’s a momentary glitch.\u201d He pressed the buttons himself, and then forced the doors open a crack, seeing that they were, indeed, between floors. \u201cWe\u2019re stuck,\u201d he stated, reaching for his cell phone. \u201cBut don\u2019t worry! I\u2019ll just call the university maintenance department.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to be kidding me!\u201d Tabby whined, panic rising. \u201cWe\u2019re stuck between floors on a two-level building! There\u2019s got to be a way out!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re sending a technician,\u201d Vanguard said a minute later, \u201cbut he\u2019s in Neighberry, so it\u2019s going to be a bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe this is happening!\u201d Tabby fumed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019re here and we have the applications, so we might as well get some work done,\u201d Vanguard said prosaically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Tabby said, gingerly lowering herself to a seated position.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI picked out these front-runners,\u201d said Vanguard, pulling out one paperclipped stack, \u201cbut I have the other applicants, too. This one has the highest GPA.\u201d He pointed at the top one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll have no trouble getting any number of scholarships,\u201d Tabby grumbled, skimming the sheet. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t mean anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this one has 200 accumulated hours of community service,\u201d Vanguard suggested, going on to the next.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShowing off,\u201d Tabby scoffed, and the rest were summarily dismissed. \u201cWe\u2019re not here to find the highest scores, but the best character,\u201d she insisted, getting into the project and feeling some interest in the outcome. \u201cLet me see those.\u201d She grabbed the stack of rejects and perused more pages. \u201cWhat about this one?\u201d she finally asked, holding one up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cB-average, C in history,\u201d Vanguard noted. \u201cNothing spectacular. What caught your attention?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of this report they did on Skuspiosla,\u201d Tabby pointed out. \u201cThat was one of my dad’s favorites after Atlantis.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUltimately, it\u2019s your choice,\u201d Vanguard conceded. \u201cI\u2019m only here to offer advice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t patronize me,\u201d Tabby said with a dark look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vanguard looked at her through narrowed eyes and Tabby thought she might have finally pushed him to the edge, but he maintained silence as he arranged papers back in his satchel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s be candid,\u201d he said at length. \u201cI know you have a problem with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t \u2018have a problem\u2019 with you!\u201d Tabby protested, but knew she was lying. \u201cI\u2019m annoyed at being stuck in an elevator, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see the dirty looks you send my direction,\u201d Vanguard insisted, \u201cwhether we are in an elevator or not. You don\u2019t like me spending time with Strawberry. You\u2019re jealous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook,\u201d Tabby said, rounding on him, \u201cshe’s been my best friend since we were five, and I was used to doing things with her. And now it\u2019s all Vanguard this and Vanguard that and, and\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFunny, because all I seem to hear about is Tabby this and Tabby that,\u201d Vanguard said with a wry grin. \u201cI would never want to come between the two of you; but the fact is, you have to learn to live with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not married,\u201d Tabby pointed out. \u201cAnything can happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI care deeply for Strawberry and I have no intention of going anywhere, unless she says so,\u201d Vanguard said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you do anything to hurt her, I will destroy you,\u201d she said harshly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t plan to,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby crossed her forelegs and leaned back against the wall, sinking into silence. They sat there for some time, awkwardly avoiding eye contact.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up in Woodlawn,\u201d Vanguard\u2019s voice finally broke the silence. \u201cMy parents still live there. My mom is a post office clerk. Dad is retired from the widget factory. I\u2019m the middle foal with two brothers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked at him with wide, alarmed eyes. Had the situation actually driven him to insanity? \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d she gasped. This was certainly too much information!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, since we\u2019re stuck here together, we may as well get to know one another,\u201d Vanguard noted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s necessary,\u201d Tabby insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s either this or sitting in silence, stewing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take my chances,\u201d said Tabby, and remained stubbornly silent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vanguard regarded her closely. \u201cMy older brother, Stillwater, is an architect,\u201d he continued, \u201cand married to Morning Dew. My younger brother, Icon, is a computer programmer and started his own business with two of his friends. Our cousin Chiffon teaches second grade\u2026 hey,\u201d he said, getting her attention, \u201cI can go on like this all day, or you can contribute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby glared, and finally came to a decision. \u201cI grew up here on the outside of town in a ridiculous overblown mansion that is an old family property,\u201d she reluctantly revealed. \u201cI have a twin sister, Tamara, but I\u2019ve always been closer to Strawberry. I met her in kindergarten on our first day when I dealt with some bullies teasing her about her freckles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe had freckles?\u201d Vanguard interjected, smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, back then,\u201d Tabby said, feeling uncomfortable at the dreamy look on his face, presumably distracted by thoughts of his beloved. She rushed to bring things back down to earth. \u201cTamara lives abroad. She does something with blogs of vlogs or whatever, because ponies like the whole spoiled socialite lifestyle she has pinned down to a science.\u201d The conversation was getting heated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour brothers, they, uh, live in this Woodlawn place?\u201d Tabby asked hesitantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I\u2019m the farthest afield from home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou planning on moving back there?\u201d Tabby asked directly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t seem to be where my future lies,\u201d Vanguard confessed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Tabby, scrutinizing him carefully. Her expression softened. \u201cWell, you know, I actually went to school here. I was majoring in English, but then I transferred to the tech college\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Some time later, the elevator returned to the ground floor and opened its doors, thanks to the ministrations of a surly repair pony. Tabby and Vanguard emerged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait, so he\u2019s the one that filled the professor\u2019s office with balloons?\u201d Tabby asked, frowning in concentration over the college remembrances they had gotten embroiled in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that was Discus,\u201d Vanguard clarified. \u201cThis is Rubicon. You know, the guy that was always putting the plastic wrap on doors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, right. And stealing elevator light bulbs,\u201d Tabby said knowingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Vanguard agreed, finally taking note of the repair pony. \u201cHey, thanks for coming out here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvenin\u2019,\u201d the repairpony grunted and ambled off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Tabby said, looking at Vanguard appraisingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what?\u201d Vanguard asked quizzically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we can deal with each other a bit more civility,\u201d she admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would be on board with that,\u201d Vanguard said as they walked out of the building. \u201cBut, if I could make one request?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat you stop crashing our dates at the SSSS.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby stood, gaping. \u201cGathering at the SSSS is a sacred institution!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, wait until after we\u2019ve moved on to dessert,\u201d Vanguard quickly clarified. \u201cGive us a chance to finish the main course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby made a moue of distaste, but conceded, \u201cI can work on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d appreciate that,\u201d Vanguard said, holding the door for her as they stepped outside and both headed the same direction down the sidewalk. \u201cSo\u2026 where are you going now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo the SS–<\/span>not<\/span><\/i> to the SSSS!\u201d she quickly corrected herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery good,\u201d said Vanguard approvingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmph!\u201d said Tabby, flouncing as she turned to go the other way. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll be there later at ice cream time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally,\u201d said Vanguard, adding with a mischievous grin, \u201cMaybe Thomas will be there, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see why you think I care,\u201d she said pertly. \u201cI\u2019ve been at work with him all day, anyway. Why would I want to see more of him?\u201d Still, she felt a flutter of anticipation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe lady doth protest too much,\u201d said Vanguard, chuckling as he ambled off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby shrugged to herself and made her way home, where Othello was expecting a steak for dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Vanguard was perturbed as Tabby once again invited herself to join his t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate with Strawberry at the SSSS. It wasn’t like the two…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1071],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31599","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-writing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31599","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31599"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31599\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31600,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31599\/revisions\/31600"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31599"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31599"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31599"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}