"Are you sure you should've done that?" Melanie's producer asked when her show went to commercial.
"Of course! Between you and me, Victoria didn't exactly write that book on her own!"
"But what about Joy?"
Melanie winced, suddenly realizing what she's done. "Well, she might be a little upset, but I'm sure she'll understand."
"I'm not so sure about that," the producer said. He pointed behind Melanie, to the window outside the booth. Behind it stood Joy, and there was no mistaking her expression.
Joy stormed into the studio. "Melanie, how could you?!"
"I'm sorry, Joy, but the newspaper said that what happened to Joy-mouse was unrealistic. I just wanted people to know it was realistic, because it happened!"
"But now all of Cleveland knows I made a fool of myself in front of British royalty. Thanks a lot, Melanie!"
"I'm sorry, Joy. I really am. I just got so angry when I saw that review, and I knew I couldn't just let them say that about my book - I mean, Victoria's book."
Joy sighed. She knew Melanie had worked hard on the book. But still, this wasn't exactly an experience Joy wanted to share with the world. "What am I supposed to do now at Stormi's? What if every man in there has heard your show?"
"I know I screwed up. I'm really sorry. But I highly doubt this is something people are gonna remember. It'll blow over, really. And besides, something good might've come out of this book. A lot of kids feel awkward for one reason or another growing up. Lord knows I did!"
Joy found it hard to maintain her anger at Melanie. Suddenly, she thought about Wilbur. Her grandson was the most important thing in her life. What if he were being teased at school? Wouldn't she be glad if there were a book that made him feel better? She sighed. "Well, you owe me big for this, you know. But I guess I can forgive you." She hugged her friend.
"Thanks, Joy." Joy smiled at her.
"Uh, Melanie?" They both turned at the sound of the producer's voice. "I hate to ruin this heartwarming moment, but we're out of commercial."
"Oh, shoot," Melanie said, grabbing her headphones. She took her seat back in front of the mic. "Well, now that I've rambled on about my life long enough, let's get some calls. So, without further ado….Ask Melanie!"
She waited a moment, and once again, her producer spoke up. "We've got a caller who'd like to respond to what you said about the book review."
"OK, put 'em on." Melanie grinned and turned to Joy, mouthing, "See?" She turned back to the mic. "So, what did you want to say?"
A woman's voice came on the line. "Well, I just bought that book, Mouse Sisters, for my two kids. I remember watching Victoria Chase on Edge of Tomorrow for years. Anyway, I've got two daughters. They're only a couple of years apart, but they fight like crazy! Sometimes, I just want to run away! But I read the book to them, and I talked to them about how sisters are more important than a toy, or even a boyfriend. And they're getting along so much better now. Can you tell Victoria thank you for writing that book?"
Melanie's heart warmed. It was amazing to think that her little children's book had actually helped someone. "Yeah, I'll let Victoria know. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to hear it. And I just want to say something to all my listeners. Sisters are definitely important, but so are friends. Even though, sometimes they might screw up, and you might get mad, you should realize that people are only human and they make mistakes. So don't be too hard on them, especially if they say they're sorry."
Joy reached over and squeezed Melanie's hand. Melanie certainly wasn't perfect, but Joy knew her life would never be the same without her best friend.
The End
