The Princess Groom
Ch.15: Then Came the Killjoy
It all began the day before, a Monday. Angel and I were engaged in banter as we watched a crime show. It was early afternoon when my cell phone rang. I rolled my eyes. It had to be those solar power people again.
Instead, my eyes widened as the voice was revealed to be Katie Killjoy's producer, Mr. Assistant. He said that a segment from the morning news show was about interesting figures in Hell, and he was wondering on Katie's behalf if I wanted to come on the following day.
After getting Charlie's ok, I agreed to it. However, there was a caveat. I would be alone.
It was time to do some talking.
As I waited outside the studio the next day at 7:15, a production hand counting down, I looked at Katie. She appeared to be in her 40s and was smoking a cigarette. She wore a red dress, and I thought she was pretty. She appeared to be in a good mood.
"Alright, you can go in" the hand said. I nervously stepped onto the set. Hearing my footsteps, Katie looked up. "Ah, you must be David. Go ahead and sit. I've heard a lot about you."
"Good things?" I asked. She chuckled. "Mhmmm. I'd say so. So, I tend to ask some tough questions. Is that okay with you?"
I thought for a moment, then nodded. "As long as you're not asking about my family."
Katie quickly shook her head. "Wasn't going to. I get it. My daughter found me. I died in 1992. Cancer."
I frowned. "I'm sorry to hear that, Katie."
She nodded, sipping on her coffee. "Just so you know, I don't hate Charlie. I think she's in over her head, but she's fine. Just... between you and me, I'm rooting for you guys in July."
I was trying to figure out how she knew about the trip when the cameras turned to the on-air sign. Katie straightened up. "And we're back. Here today on Figures, we have David Root, the boyfriend of Princess Charlie. David, mind telling us about yourself?"
I nodded, straightening up. "Well, I'm 25. I love to write and play video games. Games in general. I also love anything history or political."
Katie nodded. "How have you taken to all this?"
"Well," I said. "Not well at first. I was afraid that my family would be targeted. But Lilith and Charlie sat me down and reassured me. Lilith had to put me under hypnosis, but it was worth it."
Katie chuckled. "Any plans to do that in roleplay with Charlie?" I knew Katie loved these details. Was it appropriate to talk about? I did answer with a mere shake of my head.
Katie then got to the real meat and potatoes. "In July, you and Charlie will be going to Heaven to meet with you know who. How do you think the trip will go?"
I hesitated, taking a moment to think. "I don't know" I finally answered. "I mean, Lucifer is kind and great. Will the opposite be the same?" I shrugged. "Gotta try though. For the kids and our friends."
Katie flashed a big smile. "Why do you wear the cross?" she asked in curiosity. It wasn't to mock.
I smiled big. "Faith. Faith in my faith, faith in my friends and family. I know I'm down in a place of pessimism, but one way or another, the winds will always change the direction of the apple tree."
"Well put!" Someone off-screen said. I chuckled.
Katie smiled, taking a drag. "Who would you say you get along with best in the Hotel besides Charlie?"
"Angel Dust" I said immediately. "We both know what its like to have hard times. Brothers in Arms."
Katie turned away for a moment, then turned back.
"Last question. You have been thrown into all of this. Marrying Charlie in August, and someday, you will help rule down here. Are you ready for it?"
To Katies surprise, I stood. "Cameraman, can you get in my face? Like in a press conference?" I smiled as he did. Then I said it.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. I have suffered. I could barely see, walk, or talk in my first few years. I went through custody battles, educational uncertainty, and have Asperger's on top of it. And yet, I have been to the mountaintop. I have lived struggles, and while I will never be perfect, life has thrown curveballs at me, and I have hit home runs every time! When the time comes, I will weather those storms too! I will not fail."
I then sat, as a stunned Katie thanked me for joining. When we were off camera, I took her hand.
"Bad times don't last, Ms. Killjoy. I'm sure your daughter is proud of you."
Katie smiled softly. "Thank you, David. You think Charlie would mind me as a guest at the Hotel sometime?"
"The ultimate believer in second chances?" I chuckled. "Fuck yeah, she wouldn't!"
I then stood, walking off set. Katie smiled softly.
"He'll be alright. A Prince for all"
