Operation: A.A.F.T.E.R.
Adults Against Father's Tyrannical Everlasting Rule
Chapter 1: Empty Spaces
"...And so, your honor, my client is clearly innocent." Abigail sat down, and the judge dismissed the jury to vote. Minutes later, the group returned, and announced that Mr. Briggs was, indeed, innocent of the crimes he was accused of.
The court let out, and Abby got many congratulatory handshakes as she made her way to her Jeep. "Yes, thank you, okay, that's enough. I know...yes, thank you..." It seemed like everyone knew her, and they all wanted to praise her hard work. Who are these people? I haven't seen any of them befo'!
Back at her house, Abigail changed out of her suit and into some sweats. After grabbing a bag of chips, she plopped down on her couch and turned on the television. "People all over America are anxiously awaiting the unveiling of designer Marico's newest creations," said the reporter at a local fashion show.
"Eh...where's the TV Guide? This stuff ain't my scene." She searched around on her coffee table, piled with many magazines and papers. She kept an eye on the screen, however, as she did like clothes.
Lights flashed around the stage, and the reporter looked like she was going to die. "Oh! I am very privileged to be here tonight – here's Marico's first outfit...modeling a white, knee-length lace skirt and a light pink sleeveless top, is Miss Kuki Sanban! Her boots are fabulous! I love the cut on the skirt, too! Very flattering on her form!"
Abby coughed, choking on some chips. "K-Kuki? A model?!" She immediately dropped what papers she had in her hands, gluing her eyes to the screen. Her old friend proudly walked down the aisle, turned, and posed for photographers. "I can't believe it! Wow, she's good! And she looks great, too!" Abby sat back as the pink-and-white figure disappeared behind the curtains and another girl replaced her. "I've gotta get down there!" Abigail grabbed her keys, rushed into her tennies, and snatched a jacket from off the back of a chair. The show was at Marty's Arena...oh, crud! The roads are packed She frantically looked around, pulling into a narrow road. "Good thing I know the backroads!"
"I'm sorry...flower delivery?" The guard cocked his eyebrow, looking down his nose suspiciously at the lady in front of him.
"Yeah...umm, for Kuki Sanban."
"Why aren't you wearing a suit or uniform or somthin'?"
"Uhh, because the boss called me after my shift was over, and nobody else was available." Abby smiled sheepishly, and the guard took the card that was attached.
"To Miss Sanban, from an old friend," he read. "Okay, I guess it's alright, but I better see you back out here in five minutes or I'll call security."
"Thanks! I won't be long." She slipped in, and found herself amongst confusion. Spotting Kuki ahead, she ran, trying not to ruin the flowers. "Kuki! KUKI! Over here, girl!" She dodged models trying to get to the stage.
"Hey! Watch it!"
"Sorry, just trying to do my job!" She smiled apologetically, then called out again.
"That voice...where've I heard that voice?" Kuki's eyes widened, and she turned to where Abby was running from. "Abigail Lincoln! Abby, is that you?"
"Hey, Kuki! How are you?" She reached her old friend, and they embraced in a hug that lasted for a long time. "Kuki, I don't have much time! If I don't get out in..." she looked at her watch. "One minute and eighteen seconds, the guard'll call security."
"Oh, I'll fix that." She headed for the door, and moments later returned with a broad smile on her face. "So...flowers?" she asked mockingly. "Who is my secret admirer?"
"I had to get in here somehow. Anyway, I saw you on TV, and I couldn't believe it was you!"
"Well, it sure is a surprise to see you here. What're you doing now? Oh, come sit down at my table and we'll talk."
They sat down, and happiness boiled up inside Abby – a feeling she hadn't experienced since the group split up. "I'm an attorney...but a model! Wow! How'd you land that gig?"
"My college had a fashion show, and I was in it. It was televised, but not too far out of town. Marico was watching, though, and he contacted me the next day. I finished college, and got a job with him instantly. Not calling yourself Abby anymore, huh?" She smiled slyly, putting the flowers in a vase.
"Oh, yeah, I stopped doing that long ago. Listen, I want to catch up, but–"
"Kuki? Kuki, dear! You're on in 3! Get dressed!" Marico looked flushed, busily running around backstage.
"Oh, I gotta go! Here's my hotel number..." she scribbled an address on a nearby napkin. "Come see me tomorrow. Just give this to the guy behind the desk, he'll take you up there." She gave Abby another hug, then rushed off to change her clothes. "Bye, Numbuh 5!"
Abigail smiled to herself. "Bye, Kuki!"
Later that night, Abby was working on her bills in her office, but she couldn't concentrate. I can't believe she's a model! That is so cool...I felt weird today, though. Happy. I haven't felt happy in so long. It was like the happiness filled a hole I've been feeling for years. Hmm...I wonder where the other guys are? She put the bills aside and jumped online. "Wally wanted to go to Phoenix..." she typed in his name on a search engine, and started taking notes.