I'm glad people are responding to this story. It looks like people are liking this story a little more then my first one. So, that's why I'm updating this one first. I have so many ideas for the direction this story will take that I had to get it out. No worries, Chuck vs. Starting Over is still in the works. I'm finding sticking to cannon strictly has been difficult in my other story. I might change it up and have him come back earlier so I can make-up where it goes. Hope you like it. Enjoy. Like before, I don't own Chuck.
Stranger than Fiction
Chapter 2: Birthday Surprise
September 18, 2007
Today is my birthday and knowing Ellie, she's going to throw me a party. It has happened every year since graduation. There's no getting out of it; even if I wanted too. She will kick me out of my own house and set it all up.
I just hope she stops trying to fix me up with her doctor friends. The look in their eyes when they meet me is awed, to say the least. They get nervous and never know what to say. Its like they're me, when I was in high school. None of the woman I've met have been able to see past my fame. Is being treated like a normal human being so much to ask?
I maybe heralded as one of the best young author's under thirty. The critic's claimed my story telling was gripping and authentic. And being on People Magazine most eligible bachelor's list two years running didn't make meeting someone easy. None of it was important to me, it felt nice to be recognized, but never gave me fulfillment.
From my spy related research, I gained 20 pounds of muscle and had a stylist who completely transformed me into something that I wasn't. If you knew me from Stanford you would never guess we were they same person. The only people who saw the real me were my friends and family. In the public-eye I played a part, which never felt right. Its like I was a spy from my novels, never letting my author persona interfere with my personal life. There had to be more out there than fame and fortune.
Don't get me wrong I loved writing, but the passion was gone. Maybe I needed some inspiration. My final book in the Vengeance Spy Series was finished and all it needed was a release date from my publisher.
As if on cue my doorbell rings and I answer it, knowing who it is. "Happy Birthday Brother!" She sings as she gives me the biggest hug.
"Now Chuck. You know the drill, make yourself scarce for a while. Be back in about four hours though, it would be rude to miss a party I put so much effort into." She says, knowing I wouldn't dare disappoint her.
"Of course," I want to ask about the party and its size. "Couldn't we just have an intimate gathering? With only those closest too me? Its my party after all."
" If I did that, there would only be eight or nine people at your party Chuck. Anyways we have to have a bash worthy of the famous Charles Bartowski. Now go do something productive okay." She gives me a look that says this discussion is over, as she pushes me out the door. I barley have time to grab my keys before the door slams shut on my face.
I want to stay inconspicuous, so I decide to drive my least noticeable car. A 2007 BWW 335i painted black, with a 300-horse power turbocharged in line six-cylinder engine. If you saw my garage you would know why its my least noticeable vehicle.
After researching my second novel, I took a course with the LAPD on driving tactics and it was exhilarating. Learning the pit maneuver, how to evade someone following you, coming out of an uncontrolled spin, and tailing a suspect. Having the L.A. mayor as a fan of my books comes with its advantages. Driving fast cars became a passion of mine soon after that.
Knowing I had to home in a few hours, I decided to hit the gym to work of my excess energy. Nobody bothers me at the local gym, because most people that read don't work-out a lot. I wear a hat just to be sure. The time I spend at the gym is therapeutic, hitting the heavy bag is something that releases all the tension that builds up. I've had boxing, karate, Brazilian jujitsu, and krav maga instructors teach me how to fight. They're all amazed with how quickly I pick-up each form, my mind is like a sponge that soaks up new information constantly.
After two hours at the gym I hit the showers. With nothing to do for a couple of hours I drive. Trying to come up with some inspiration for my next novel. I draw a blank. There's not a single idea that peaks my interest as I head home for some torture. Pulling up to the drive-way and seeing all the cars is my first indication of what kind of hell is waiting for me. I put on my happy face and enter the house.
"Happy Birthday Chuck!" About fifty people scream as I open the door. I don't recognize half the people at my own party. Streamers and balloons are placed throughout the house, which I find touching. I'm glad Ellie kept it simple and didn't go overboard.
I start to get swamped and say "Thank you for coming" to all the guest who come up to me. Being kind is like second nature after Ellie drilled it into my head since childhood. It just started and can't wait for it to end. I head off to Ellie, Devon, and Morgan because they are the people I am most comfortable with.
"Oh my god Ellie this is a great party. How did you do this in four hours?' I flatter her so she doesn't see how uncomfortable party's are for me. You would think I was use to all the attention, but I'm not. She tells me she had help, then gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I go up to Devon giving him a fist bump and tell him how awesome his woman is.
"I know bro. I know." He replies and pulls my sister into a passionate kiss, that I turn away from.
"Gross, get a room you too." I say, as I go over to Morgan.
"How badly do you want to get out of here to read a book or play some video games?' Morgan jokingly asks. He knows me so well.
"So badly Morgan. I don't know anyone here. How about you Morgan?'
"A few, but there are some smoking hot single doctors that I need to get rejected by. Like right now." As he tries his luck at love. Morgan's more confident now, but even with a successful career you couldn't overcome the massive height difference and the beard. I wish I could put myself out there like him. Romance just wasn't in the cards at this point in my life.
Knowing I had to play nice for a while I mingle with the guests and tell them funny stories that make them laugh. I can be charming when I want too. They sing happy birthday to me and we have cake. The party is in full swing with the alcohol flowing.
A few courageous women try their luck, but I shut them down before they have a chance to flirt. I know the type, ones who try to sleep with me to black-mail me or to sell the story to the tabloids.
I keep it light and have as much fun as possible. Talking to people about surface subject and never going any deeper. All the meaningful conversations I've had lately were with either Ellie, Morgan, or Devon. For years they are the only people I could confide in, if you didn't count Bryce and Jill back at Stanford. Feeling a little tipsy from the punch, I tell Ellie and Devon thanks again for a great night. With that over with I go to my room and close the door.
Hearing my computer beep with an e-mail, I walk over to my desktop and check it out. Its from Bryce and I open it. "Wow! Zork. I guess he did remember my birthday." I say remembering Bryce programing it and having me critique the storyline. It was a blast and recalling what I had in my hero satchel is difficult while slightly inebriated. Then it hits me and I type it in.
I've defeated the evil troll and all of a sudden pictures start zooming onto the computer screen. I can't look away if I tried. Hours pass by in what seems like minutes. Then the screen goes dark and my body collapses. I'm out cold before my head hits the carpet. That's a good thing, because I was going to have a splitting headache in the morning, with no idea I just became the world's most important intelligence asset. Real life was about to collide with fiction in an explosive way.
A/N: I've decided to write mainly for this story now. More people are enjoying it. I'm going to tweak my other story a little to make it non-cannon after the first chapter. Up next we will have a Chuck vs. Ninja Sarah fight scene. As always reviews are appreciated. Until next time.