Author's note: This is my first attempt at a modern fanfic (the regency one I tried to do still remains on hiatus unfortunately) Please be forgiving!
Disclaimer: Lalala, all characters and plot references belong to Jane Austen. If I owned them...I not sure what I would do.
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Two women lounged together in the cheap plastic chairs of the sidewalk café, sipping at the cold drinks the establishment had to offer.
"Well Juli darling, we're finally here," the brunette voiced to her companion as she gestured to their surroundings. 'Juli darling' took a look around at the bustling streets, men and women decked in the latest Paris fashion, the cobblestone sidewalk and finally back to the smiling face of her friend.
"Yes," she started and took a delicate sip from her drink. "I daresay we are." Their peals of laughter travelled along with them as they fathered up their belongings and walked down the street arm in arm, all the while drawing admiring looks from the male population.
Lady Anne Fitzwilliam, tall, slim and brunette, coupled with piercing crystal blue eyes and the face and body of a model, had the brains to go with her looks which put off some men. Juliana Simmons, otherwise known as Juli, was just as striking with a long swath of blonde hair and a fairly petite figure. The two made a striking pair as they walked down the street, just like they had from grade school, high school and through university. The two had first met at Miss Preston's Academy for Girls, and became self-pronounced lifelong friends. After tedious years of training of proper manners, dress and conversation besides the "normal" school subjects, they were cast into the post-secondary school system and received a grueling higher education.
And now they were free.
"Well, Anne darling, what do you plan to do with your life now: music major and all that artistic talent?" Juli enquired as they strolled through a park. The two hadn't really talked about the future, meaning when they leave university, rather the present. "Do tell me you plan to open up some gallery and get famous so I can say to everyone I meet that I went to school with the Lady Anne."
"Oh do be serious Juli," Anne then sighed and looked away. "Mother does want me to enter society and act the part of the lady—" she said, trailing off
"Well that's what you got this posh British accent for!" inserted Juli, trying to cheer up her friend. She knew that the her new of impending departure for New York was to be soon, very soon in fact. They had never been separated by an ocean before, and she knew that it was going to be very hard to both of them.
Part of their neverending education was of manners, dress and conversation as befitting their status in society. Anne was the daughter of an earl, and Juli, though not titled, was a daughter of a viscount. Juli knew that if there was anything Anne ever wanted, it would be to remove the title and live a seemingly normal life. The title was an anchor, tying her down when she tried to chase opportunities, and something that weighed at her to live up to it every single minute of her life.
Juli's quip had broken the sad tension of the conversation and they continued along, spending the day gossiping, shopping and sightseeing.
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"You're leaving so soon?" cried Anne when she found out Juli's news. "Why didn't you tell me this before, then I could have planned something and we could go together…you're just leaving me here?"
Juli sighed, having foresaw that this was going to be hard explaining. "I'm really sorry Anne, but you were so busy organizing that sociable with your mother that I barely had time to even talk to you. And the position really will not wait, it's so frightfully hard to get a job with no experience these days – I also want to get that doctorate that I've always dreamt about."
Anne nodded slowly, knowing that it was the truth. "Promise you'll write and that we'll always keep in touch?"
"I promise with all my heart."
And so the friends parted, each to pursue her life's path – for the first time since they met, they were to be separated. As Juliana Simmons stepped onto the plane, she offered up a silent prayer of thanks and for protection. As Anne Fitzwilliam stepped out of the airport and back into her car for the drive home, each whispered a soft goodbye and with determination, set off, each to her separate future.
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The friends did keep in touch over the years, even though there were times when the pace slowed almost to a stop, the exchange never stopped and both friends were fairly well informed about the other's life. Juli smiled as she read Anne's latest reply which was full of tidbits on all the "fashionable" ladies of London. Anne had indeed become the lady of society that her mother had wished, and now spent the days with her music, painting and entertaining at the seemingly endless parties and social gatherings, and carrying on her mother's work.
Oh Juli, how you would enjoy watching and laughing at some of these ladies. They really do seem to know all the little mannerisms required to be truly considered fashionable here. And I know you're asking whether I'm fashionable. To tell the truth, I'm considered quite wild and Bohemian. Of course, I could never fully take the place of mother. Every since father's passing, everyone has expectations for me to fulfill – its all quite overwhelming. But back to their manners, I do believe it would have impressed even Ms. Preston –
Juli have a snort at that. Ms. Preston, their grade school teacher, was known for her traditionalist ways and strict adherence to society's rules.
One lady even seemed to do the whole teacup routine to perfection (remember the one we had so much fun with?). Oh those were good times. Mama seems intent on getting me married off. It does seem to be the acknowledged fact around here that every man possessing a good fortune must be in want of a wife. That is perfectly fine for me but somehow, having a good fortune makes them all dull, boring, and utterly conceited! One or two of these "gentlemen" seemed more normal…that is until I asked what genre of music they enjoyed. Rap. I was put off immediately –
Oh Anne, Juli thought, anything not classically oriented would be dreadful to you. When you do marry, I'll bet that your children will all become virtuoso pianists or such and will be able to recite the complete history of western music by heart!
I do hope that I may find someone who will respect and love me for who I am, not my title. Remember our talks about soul mates? I still believe in it and I intend to convert you into a believer as well. I really dream that if I ever have a son, and you have a daughter, they will unite in matrimony. Wouldn't that be sweet? Do tell me more about how you're doing and reply soon!
Your loving friend,
Anne
Yes I hope so too, was all Juli thought as she clicked off the lamp and fell into a deep slumber.
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So there it is, what did you think? Should I continue?
Please review!
I thank you from the depths of my heart, trek-elly