Fran and Joanna had been circling the food court for ten minutes when they the finally came across a table being vacated by an elderly couple. Once they managed to settle their purchases in the empty chairs, they began eating their lunch.
"This place is a zoo," Joanna said breaking apart her chopsticks.
"It's a freakin' madhouse," Fran replied. "Loehmann's semi-annual clearance sale looks tame compared to this place!"
"So how long will you, Max, and the kids be gone?"
"Three weeks. I really wanted to go to New York for Hanukkah but since the kids have finals that week, we'll celebrate it here and leave for Christmas vacation the following week. What about you? Are you going home for the holidays?"
"Yes. My sister, brothers, and I are flying into Baltimore on the eighteenth."
"Does your mother know you all are coming home?"
"We started to surprise her but decided it would be better if she knew up front. And speaking of surprises, I have one for you." Joanna pulled a magazine from her bag and set it right side up in front of Fran. "Have you ever heard of The Virgin Chronicles?"
Fran shook her head. "Is it a magazine where people tell about their first sexual experiences?"
"No, they publish first time writers. I came across a copy when I was in the bookstore the other day. You can borrow my copy to get the submission information."
"Jo, do you think I'm ready to submit something I've written?"
"Yes. The only way for you to grow as a writer is to take a leap of faith." When Fran hesitated, Joanna continued. "Why don't you take some time during the holiday and think about it. Discuss it with Max. Then sit your tuchas in a chair and send it on its merry way."
"What do you think I should submit?"
"Don't limit yourself to stories only. Submit your poems as well. For your poem, I would suggest A Rose in Winter. For your story submission, I would send in the one about Alain and Raven. Have you come up with a title for it yet?"
"I don't know. Something like The Journey or Love's Promise."
"Love's Promise isn't bad. How about Destiny's Choice?"
"I like the title but I don't know if it really goes with that story."
"Just promise me you'll work on your submissions during the holidays."
"I promise."
They dumped their trash and stacked the trays on top of the bin. Gathering their purchases, Joanna asked, "Ready for Round Two?"
