Memories of the Dance We Shared

by Auburn Red

An average day with his father and daughter becomes not so average for Max Goof when he researches his past and discovers some things about his father and his late mother. Contains excerpts from the journal of Penny Pooch Goof AKA Mrs. Geef/Mrs. Goofy

5. Penny's Journal: If I Were You

Memories of the Dance We Shared

A Goofy Movie Fanfic

By Auburn Red

Chapter Five: Penny's Journal: If I Were You, I'd Fall in Love With Me

….."It's been awhile since I've written in this. I haven't been a good journal writer.

But I have been trying to keep up with my studies and have decided to join the student newspaper, The Elias Examiner. I must admit that I was inspired by Goofy and his friends and what they said about doing what they love and working for it. I told myself that it is cowardly not to mention lazy to just sit and wait for things to happen to me. So when I saw the ad on the bulletin board for news writers, I took a chance and they hired me.

My editor, Nick Noseworthy, a nice but somewhat neurotic dog, first noticed me when I was the only student reporter to cover a women's march on campus for the Equal Rights Amendment. (Why shouldn't women be encouraged to work in similar fields as men? And why shouldn't they get paid the same amount as their male counterparts?)

From there, Nick gave me many news assignments including covering my latest, on a fire at the chemistry lab. "My instincts say it's an anti-nuke protest," Nick said. "But you know if you're mother says she loves you…"

"Check it out," I said. Nick likes to throw in all the reporter clichés. Admittedly, until I worked for him, I didn't know such things existed.

"I'm still checking on that one myself," I can tell by his tone that he is joking.

"So am I," I wasn't sure if he could tell that I wasn't.

"Alright, let's see what happens," I agreed taking my pencil, reporter's notebook, and tape recorder.

The second that I arrived at the lab, I had a feeling that it wasn't a political protest. More of the actions of a student, a specific goofy student.

Goofy answered questions from the police officer when he saw me and waved. "Hi Penny!" He called happily.

The officer, Chief O'Hara sighed. "Alright, Goof don't let it happen again."

Goofy walked over to me. "I take it that you can tell me what happened at the lab?"

Goofy smiled sheepishly. "Uh, I kinda did that."

My eyes widened. Maybe I was wrong about Goofy. "Political activism?" I asked.

"Chemistry major," Goofy said. "Or was. Prof. Von Drake said that if he ever saw me again, then it would be too soon."

I nodded wondering about some of the other news articles about accidents that the paper covered lately. "So, did you have anything to do with the kitchen fire-?"

"-Home Ec Major," Goofy said sheepishly.

"-the power outage?" I continued.

"Electronics," Goofy added.

"-The computers going dead?" I said.

"Computer Technology Major," Goofy said.

I shook my head. "Do me a favor and don't even attempt nuclear physics," I teased. I shudder to think what would happen if Goofy were in charge of Civil Defense. "You're still trying to find your niche?" I asked.

"I'm an only child," Goofy said confused.

I was confused. What did that have to do with anything? "I didn't ask about your siblings, so why-?"

"Because you asked if I found my niche," Goofy said. "I didn't know that I was looking for her. How can I look for something if I don't have one?"

I laughed. "No, I meant your niche um, your talent your future career."

"Well I'm still looking for it," Goofy said. "I guess I'll know it when I see it."

I took a few notes for the article and Goofy asked me to go for a walk with him. "I missed you," He said.

"Yeah," I agreed. "I missed you too." I haven't seen Goofy and his friends much since the night when we watched the movies. "I've been busy," I said way too hastily.

"Oh I thought maybe I'd done something to ya," Goofy guessed.

I shook my head looking at my shoes. "No, you didn't I-"The lady doth protest too much, me thinks. I couldn't disguise the blush that appeared every time I thought about Goofy kissing me. It was different from when Bradley kissed me. When Bradley kissed me, I felt cold like there was something wrong. When Goofy kissed me I felt warm, welcomed. I couldn't think straight. I thought it was best to avoid him until I could sort out in my head, what I couldn't in my heart.

"Was it wrong?" Goofy asked. "That I kissed ya?"

"No, it wasn't," I said. "I liked it, I really did. It was wonderful. I guess it made me nervous."

"I was nervous too," Goofy admitted. "I was scared and thought that if I didn't do it, then I'd chicken out and never would."

"I hope you don't feel that way about having sex with me," I joked.

Goofy shook his head. "No, I don't think of you that way. I mean I do! I mean you're definitely the lady that I would want to-"He ground his feet clearly embarrassed. "I was always told to never- unless the person was special and you are. I just want to be sure that you want to too. I would never force you."

I smiled. I was about to say something more when a car horn made me jump. Goofy turned around to see Bradley appear in his Porsche. "Penelope," he called.

I sighed. "I have to go," I said. I was about to leave when Goofy called me back.

"My friends and I are doing an independent studies project film if you want to see it," Goofy suggested. "We'll all be there. We're doing A Christmas Carol. You might like it."

I nodded. It would make an interesting article, an independent project of a film by a group of talented and creative students.

Bradley honked again more impatiently. "Penelope," he said impatiently.

I rolled my eyes and turned around heading towards Bradley.

Bradley waited until I entered the car and he started it, before he questioned me. "Who was that?"

I hoped that he wouldn't notice my blush. "A student that I was interviewing for an article," I said.

"That's all?" Bradley asked suspiciously.

"That's all," I answered. I couldn't tell whether he believed me or not.

Bradley stopped at a red light and said silently. "I don't like you talking to other men," he hissed.

"I have to talk to them to interview them or study with them," I said.

"It might give them ideas," Bradley said. "I trust you of course, but them-"

"You're being ridiculous," I protested. I could feel the blush creep up to my cheeks thinking of Goofy.

I didn't say more when Bradley's hand struck my cheek. "Don't ever call me ridiculous!" Bradley said. He pushed me on the neck and shoulder so I would face him. "If you want to be a good wife, you are going to have to learn to obey me while we are dating, do you understand?"

I gulped unsure of what he would do if I said no. All I could do was nod.

Bradley smiled. "Good," he patted me on the head as if the last few second hadn't happened. "Now let's get you home. Your father and I have a surprise for you."

When I returned, I dressed for dinner. I was dressed in a long Halston 2 piece black gown with paisley style sequins on the blouse and sparkling jewelry. My hair was curled and my bangs were sprayed. I sighed at my expression in the mirror. I looked like a character from Dynasty or Dallas, pretty, rich, incapable of any thought or emotion beyond what is told to me by others. I turned around not feeling or looking at all like myself. I nodded and looked downwards at my jewelry box and took out two emerald green barrettes. I pinned them to my hair so my ears showed and walked downstairs.

"I don't understand why you like wearing green so much," Mummy said to me indicating my barrettes. "It's not exactly a trendy color right now." She was dressed in very fashionable red.

"It's my favorite color," I suggested.

"Well whatever," Mummy said looking me up and down as if inspecting me for any signs that I would disgrace her and Daddy.

I sat next to Bradley and ate in silence as they talked around me. Bradley spoke about his economics studies as well as the latest Gamma events. Daddy recalled his days as a Gamma with Bradley's father and Mummy talked about her time in Lamma Kappa Sorority. "Penelope you do not know what you are missing avoiding the Greek system," Mummy said. "Think of the contacts that you will make."

"I'm not interested in joining a sorority Mummy," I answered. I really have never been interested in the fraternities and sororities. Some of the members are nice and have done a great deal for philanthropy and charity. But many use their privilege as a means of attacking others like arranging "dog fights" (mock pageants where they ask girls considered overweight or homely to the frat house so they could make fun of them). The horror stories from some of the former pledges are awful. What bothers me is that these men and women believe that it is their right to behave this way. Like Bradley.

"I'm talking her around, Millicent," Bradley said his arm around me as though he were their child and I was the guest instead of the other way around.

"Maybe if your time was spent at the sorority, you wouldn't waste it writing for that rag," Daddy said

"I like working at the newspaper," I replied. "I enjoy writing and maybe I could make a career of journalism."

"A career of journalism with your lack of intelligence?" Mummy said. "Such a foolish child."

"Penelope, you are much too featherheaded to think about working amongst the lower classes," Daddy said.

My parents and Bradley laughed like I was a precocious child. "Penelope, you will never have to worry about such tawdry things like earning a living," Bradley said. "Not when you have a good man by your side to take care of that." He nodded at Daddy. "Your father and I spoke about this last night and I asked for his permission." I gave my father a glare. I shouldn't be surprised that they talked without consulting me. Why should my parents break the habit after 19 years?

Bradley knelt down and took out a small box. I picked up the box to see a large admittedly lovely diamond gold ring. "Penelope Glorybee Libertee Pooch, will you marry me?"

I was stunned. I knew it would happen. As far as my parents and Bradley and his family were concerned, it was a foregone conclusion. My mouth dropped open. But before I could say anything, my father said, "Of course she would."

I glared at my father and looked between the three of them. I sighed. "Yes."

"Exactly what I wanted to hear," Bradley said as he held and kissed me….

…."Just think Rox," Max said dryly, "Bradley Uppercrust III could have been my brother. Boy did I miss out on being related to that fine specimen of humanity." He pictured in his head, his wife laughing as Max read…

….It was late night by the time that Bradley and I left our house. Bradley invited me into the Gramma frat house and hollered, "Hey, guys meet the future Mrs. Bradley Uppercrust II!" Bradley's fraternity brothers clapped and whistled, some wolf whistled. I heard a lot of them making jokes about the "old ball and chain" and one asking if he was "beating the shotgun."

"Nah, total ice princess with her legs together," Bradley yelled as one of the guys offered him a drink from a keg. I flushed embarrassed at the comments.

Bradley had quite a good time celebrating our engagement. He continued to drink until he was quite smashed. He sank off-key some songs like, "The Look of Love," and "Wishing and Hoping" (of course singing lines like "show me that you care just for me/Do the things I like to do…") As he sang, he made eyes at The Catterly Sisters and walked over to them. They winked and smiled at him as he touched Margeaux by the cheek muttering something about "not married yet."

I didn't say anything. I always felt uncomfortable at Bradley's fraternity parties, like a wallflower. Now I felt even worse. I dropped the glass of beer that was offered and headed for the door. "Uh oh," I heard one of Bradley's brothers call. "Ice Princess

going AWOL!" I turned to see Bradley, who was about to head upstairs with the Catterly Sisters, look in my direction. I turned around and opened the door.

I got as far as outside the front door when Bradley ambushed me. "Where are you going?" He asked.

"Home," I said. "I think I've done enough celebrating for tonight."

"You're not going anywhere," Bradley insisted.

"Yes, I am," I objected. Bradley grabbed onto me holding me to his chest.

"So you can give it up to other guys but not to me," Bradley snarled.

He pushed onto me and I managed to get out of his grasp. "Let me go! There is nothing going on between me and George Goof!" I winced realizing that I revealed too much! Stupid, stupid stupid!

Bradley gave me an icy grin. "That the goof you were talking to earlier? You know his name? Sounds like he's more than just someone you interviewed." I didn't respond. Instead, I turned around and walked away. "Don't you walk away from me," Bradley commanded. He whirled me around and punched me in the face.

Before I could respond, he pushed me to the side of the frat house, ripped off my skirt, and forced me to the ground. "Let me go," I commanded. "Let me go!" I kneed him in the groin before he could finish his work. I took his look of surprise as a means to run

from the frat house holding onto my skirt and pulling it on as I ran.

The frat house is far from my parents'. I knew it was a long walk, but I was prepared to make it if it was the only way to get away from Bradley. I got as far as the Interstate when a wrecked green car pulled up behind me. "Lookin' for a ride home, milady?" called a familiar voice.

I rolled my eyes not really feeling like talking to anyone especially Goofy. "Where you headed?" I hesitated, Bradley's assault still fresh in my mind.

"Are you following me?" I asked.

"Actually this is my way home," Goofy said. "I thought I'd give you a ride in the event of strangers wanting to pick you up."

"No one's stranger than you," I teased.

Goofy chuckled and held the door open for me. I twisted the engagement ring on my finger until I took it off and hid it in my purse.

I walked inside the passenger seat. Goofy looked closely at me. He saw the bruise on my cheek and blood on my lip. I looked down and noticed that I was barefoot. My shoes must have fallen off when Bradley pushed me on the ground. In my haste to put back on my skirt, I didn't realize that it was backwards and inside out. My hair was a mess and my barrettes fell out as well. "What happened?" Goofy asked concerned.

"Nothing," I said.

"Did someone hurt you?" Goofy asked.

I shook my head. "No nothing like that. I went to a college party and you know what those are like. I got a bit drunk and made a fool of myself. That's all."

"Are you sure?" Goofy asked. "Maybe I ought to call the police or somethin'."

"No," I said. "I'm fine. Nothing happened that wasn't my fault. I acted really silly and drunk. That's all."

"Okay, I'll take you home then," Goofy said.

Goofy pulled far from the house and held the door open. "I know you're still working things out and I know that there may be no way. But there's nothing that said we can't be friends."

My lip shook. Mine and Bradley's engagement, plus his assault made me vulnerable. "And you'd be satisfied with that. Honestly?"

Goofy had this long look at me and I didn't have to hear his answer. "I just want to take whatever you have to give me right now."

"I really have to go," I said to Goofy. I ran from him, ran from what had happened between me and Bradley, and ran from everything that had happened to me in the last 12 hours.

Here I am now in my room, my tears falling on the pages as I hug Bloomsbeary tightly. Soon I will just trade one gilded prison for another. I know where they think I belong. They think that I should be thinking of a wealthy man with a handsome profile and a large bank account. Instead I am thinking of a wide buck tooth smile, an infectious laugh, and large comical dark eyes. It's sort of ironic in a way. Bradley hurt me and then in my efforts to push Goofy away, I ended up hurting him."

"That miserable bastard," Max muttered under his breath. He imagined Roxanne assuming that he was talking about his father. "Not him! Bradley Uppercrust II! That fucking asshole nearly raped my mother!"

He expected Roxanne to remind him that she got away. "I know but that's not the point! He hurt her, Rox! I know I can't change the past, but-it's not right that he got away with it! If she hadn't gotten away-"He put the journal down and held up his hands. "I just can't read anymore tonight."

He sat in silence and stroked his wife's hand. "I would always protect you no matter what happens to you and I will always love you." Max lay his head down on his wife's hand and kissed her. Then he rested his head on top of her hand wanting to feel close to her. "I'm not leaving you until you wake up," he whispered.

Goofy held open the guest bedroom door as he saw Trixie staring at the window. She was dressed in her blue Rainbow Dash pajamas and her hair hung loose to her shoulders. She whispered into the stars, "Mommy will get better. Mommy will get better." She leaned down with tears in her eyes.

Goofy hung his head sadly and walked into the bedroom hugging his granddaughter tightly. "I'm sure she will, Trixie Belle." Goofy said.

"I'm sending all of my positive thoughts, Gran'pa Goof," Trixie said. "Is it working?"

Goofy nodded. "Of course it is," Goofy assured his granddaughter taking a Kleenex and wiping her tears.

"I'm also sad about Daddy," Trixie said. "He must be sad and lonely sitting with Mommy with no one to help him. Do you think he's okay?"

Goofy nodded. "Your Daddy's very strong. He's taking good care of your Mama." He thought to himself wondering who's looking after Max. He mentally vowed he would see him in the hospital to see if he could relieve his son a couple of hours and let him get some rest. "Now let me get your mind off of this." He said. "Do you want to hear a story?"

"Okay," Trixie said.

"Let see, did I tell you about the time that your Great Uncle Mickey, Great Uncle Donald, and me found a beanstalk?" Goofy asked.

"No," Trixie asked. "Like Jack?"

"Yeah but we were much better than him," Goofy boasted tickling his granddaughter. Despite her worry, Trixie offered a little giggle. "Well once we lived in this place called Happy Valley, where the sun always shined, and everyone was singing…."

Goofy continued the story but Trixie had long fallen asleep before he came to the part when Willie The Giant arrived singing his "Fee Fi Fo Fum," song. He smiled at the sleeping little girl and leaned down. He kissed her good-night and then walked into his bedroom. He looked through the window staring up at the starry sky. He thought of his daughter-in-law lying in her hospital bed and his son sitting by her side. "Roxanne will get better," He said to the heavens above. "Roxanne will get better."

Max sat next to his wife saying different things on his mind, his voice becoming hoarse with talking. When he ran out of things to say, he turned to his mother's journal. Even though he didn't want to read it after hearing about her near rape, Max felt that the journal filled the dead air with conversation and allowed Roxanne to hear his voice.

He read about how Nick, Penny's editor jumped at the chance for her to cover the independent project on A Christmas Carol and that she entered the studio where it was being filmed.

Goofy walked into the hospital room seeing his son's sagging bloodshot eyes, unshaven face, and the hair hanging over his forehead as Max ran his fingers through it. Goofy held onto Max as he pushed his father away, "I approached the studio where they filmed Christmas Carol; my conversation with my parents during breakfast ran through my head…."

Goofy tapped his son on the shoulder and then held him by the arm but again Max resisted. "Come on, Maxie, you ought to get home and some rest. You're tired," Goofy said. Once again he pushed on Max's arm but Max refused to leave his wife's side. "Let me look after her for a while."

Max shook his head. "No, I promised her that I would stay with her until she wakes up."

"Max, I'm not saying you have to ignore her," Goofy said. "But you need your rest. You need to come back to us. Trixie needs ya, I need ya."

That's the way it is, Max thought, Too many people need me. I help Roxanne; I let Dad and Trixie down. I help them, I let Roxanne down. I help any of them, I let P.J. down. So much to do and I have to get it all done. First things first, Roxanne. I'll get to them soon enough. Max felt weighed down with all of the people who depended on him. "Until she wakes up," Max said shortly and determined.

"Max, I-"Goofy began.

"Dad," Max interrupted. "If you were in my place and it were Mom here and there was a chance that she would wake up, wouldn't you be here?"

Goofy winced thinking of his late wife and nodded. "Alright, son, just let us know if there are any changes."

Max wordlessly nodded and turned back to face his wife as though taking his eyes away from her for even a moment would result in her taking a turn for the worst.

Goofy lowered his head and left Max alone with his wife as he read to her:

"…. I tried to find a way to break my doubts about my upcoming marriage to my parents. While we ate, I cleared my throat. "Mummy, Daddy may I ask you a question strictly rhetorical of course?"

"Of course Penelope," Daddy said. "What did you rhetorically do?"

"Oh nothing," I said. "I was just wondering, suppose I didn't want to marry Bradley?"

My parents looked horrified at me as though I said, "Suppose I wanted to join Charles Manson's family or move to Jonestown?"

"Why ever would you not marry Bradley?" Mummy said.

"Well suppose that I wanted to be with someone else," I said. "Or suppose I didn't want to marry at all." My parents were confused, but I continued. "Like I said, it's rhetorical."

My father smiled icily. "Well rhetorically, I would cut you off from any current or future financial assistance. I would immediately put a stop on your college tuition, so you would have to pay for your education yourself. I would disown and disinherit you, so you would live among the rabble you find so interesting and would have to earn a living on your own which you are too stupid to do. If by chance you have fallen in love with someone else, then I would hire some men to hunt down that someone else and take care of him."

My father gave me a hateful expression that told me that he was telling the truth. I'm sure that he understated what he would do. "And if there were any specific reason maybe Bradley having a bad temper or-"

"-Whatever argument that you had was probably a minor incident," Mummy said.

"Knowing you, you probably brought it upon yourself," Daddy concluded.

I bristled not expecting them to take my part so I continued, "Or what if there were any side romances-? "

"-What a ridiculous suggestion," Mummy said at the same time my father said, "You had better not consider something like that."

"I was talking about Bradley," I said.

"Well that is to be expected in a marriage," Daddy said.

"Not to be expected in a proper lady," Mummy replied.

Their words made me wonder, especially about my father. "Have you had affairs?"

My mother took on a haughty expression and my father's face turned red. "Those are the details of our marriage," Daddy said.

"And are not to be done in yours," Mummy said.

"You will marry Bradley Uppercrust II," Daddy said. "It means everything to all of us."

"We only want for you to marry the best," Mummy said. "There is no one better than him, especially for someone who began life as such an ugly duckling like yourself. Do you understand?"

I nodded. "Yes ma'am, sir." I mumbled.

I was about to head into the studio when Margaux and Adelaide Catterly followed me.

Margeaux and Adelaide smirked at me. "You left the party in a hurry last night," Adelaide teased.

I didn't feel like talking to them when Margeaux said, "You shouldn't cry so much. It makes you look puffy and reddish."

I turned my head away from them not wanting to see either the bruise or my anger from the assault last night. 'I'm fine and I had my reasons why I left the party last night."

The Catterly sisters grinned. "Rumor had it, that you had to hurry off to meet

another man," Adelaide said.

I glared at the two sisters and walked off as they followed me. "I don't have anyone else in my life."

"Of course," Adelaide sneered. "I can't imagine you of all people could do better than Bradley."

"Of course no one's more perfect than Bradley," Margeaux sighed.

I rolled my eyes and fought back nausea. "He's not really as perfect as you make him out to be," I said remembering how he slapped, punched, and nearly raped me last night.

"I don't even imagine what Bradley sees in certain Plane Janes," Adelaide said. "If you catch my meaning."

I did. Those words mirrored my mother's description of me being an "ugly duckling," so much that I was growing tired of the insults. I couldn't challenge my parents, but I didn't want the Catterly Sisters to know that they got to me.

"Rather a 'Plain Jane' with some sense than a blonde bombshell that has none at all."

Margeaux and Adelaide exchanged angry glances. Of course neither missed the fact that they were both well-endowed blondes that were dressed like supermodels. Adelaide said, "You watch yourself, Penelope," Adelaide challenged. "If you don't hold onto Bradley someone might step in."

"Yeah, someone like me," Margeaux dared.

I had enough of these wanna-be soap opera vixens (or queens, you know because they're cats), that I left them. Plus, I had a story to cover.

I greeted Mickey Mouse who stood at the front of the studio. He lifted his top hat and waved it at me. He was dressed in a red Victorian style long coat and long green scarf. "Hiya, Penny," He said. I had already called him to let him know I was interviewing them.

"Hi Mickey," I said. "Don't you get overheated in that?"

"You just learn to think cold thoughts, film in short spurts, and keep the AC cranked up," Mickey winked. I laughed. Mickey looked closely at me. "Are you alright?" He said. "What happened?" He pointed at my cheek.

"Oh, I um fell and hit the side of our family cabinet," I replied. "It's nothing. It looks worse than it is. Would you excuse me for a minute?" Mickey nodded as I ran to the nearest lady's room and put foundation and blush on my face so the bruise wouldn't be noticed. I hoped this would be the only time that I would do this, but something tells me that if I marry Bradley, it wouldn't be.

I returned to Mickey as he gave me some background information about this project.

Because Mickey and his friends didn't have a large budget, they often solicited friends and family to act as extras and crew members many of whom play multiple roles which is why many are often on hand even when they are not called to act. They had a wide group of friends from their days at the Iwerks Children's Home and school as well as various relatives such as aunts, uncles, and cousins who are willing to pitch in at a moment's notice.

I took notes as I asked. "So what do you think is the draw for them to act in productions like these even if they aren't getting paid much for it?"

Mickey winked. "Well it's amazing what people will do just so they can get their 15 minutes of fame," We laughed. "I think they enjoy performing. I mean, ours isn't the only group that does these. Some of the Princesses and Heroes have created films of their stories and some of the other Animals have too. Sometimes we all work together and put these films under one name.

We all have this urge to entertain and make our presence known even if it is just to make people laugh. I also think there's a lot of, love, loyalty and family presence to it." He sighed and his voice became quiet. "This is off the record, but I also think many of us have suffered a great deal of loss and pain in our lives and maybe it's a way to provide us with some good times, happy endings, and, yes, allows us to move forward." He stood in silence for a long time as though he lost his train of thought but he continued. "Goofy probably told you a bit about us, me, and Donald, and Goofy and how we met right?" I nodded as he continued. "Well my father used to have this saying, 'You have to move forward in life.' It's one of the few things that I remember about him."

He looked serious, but smiled again and laughed. "Well let me take you inside where the magic begins," He said as he opened the studio door.

I was amazed. The interior looked like a Victorian bedroom with a canopied bed, a fireplace, and a comfortable armchair. I would have thought it was real, save for the cameras, boom lights, and wiring around as well as the people walking around, talking, and generally goofing off.

A small cricket, a large red-haired giant, and a blond woman in a gold dress standing in front of a harp glanced at the door. The three did a double take when they saw Mickey.

The cricket leaped off the table and onto a loudspeaker. "Mouse is in the forest!" He hollered. The workers all jumped and then sprinted about obviously getting to work, some bumping into each other.

I looked at Mickey confused and he shrugged. "They always say that," he said. "I have no idea why." He then called everyone over. "Everybody, everybody," Mickey said. He then pushed me forward. I felt very shy among these people. They were mostly animals, pigs, dogs, bears, ducks, mice, and others. There were some humans as well, including a woman with black hair and two other women, both blondes. They were all dressed in beautiful gowns, the black haired woman in a blue and yellow one, one of the blonds in a white gown and the other in a blue gown.

"Everybody, this is Penny Pooch. She is doing a story on us for the Examiner, so try to be on your best behavior."

"We'll treat her like family," a weasel yelled. Everyone else laughed in return including the weasel that stood next to him. He then stopped looking hurt. I guess he was family.

"No, Smart Ass," Mickey insisted. "You will treat her better than that." He turned to me. "Where do you want to start?"

"Oh I don't know," I said. "Are there any rules about taking pictures during filming?"

"Just try not to do it with a big flash," Mickey said. "It might be distracting." I took out the camera. "There are some chairs over there next to the table," Mickey said. "You should get a good view from there."

"Okay," I nodded.

"Okay," Mickey said clapping his hands and telling them to get in their places. "Are Scrooge and Marley ready?" Mickey asked.

"Aye, I'm here," a familiar Scottish voice said. I turned to see Scrooge McDuck, arrive on the set dressed in a gray nightshirt and cap. "Let's get this ruddy thing over with."

"Is Jacob Marley ready?" Mickey asked.

A pig in overalls that stood by the camera announced. "They're still working on makeup. That ghost stuff takes a while to put on. That's why I'm filming now instead of him."

"He'd probably wipe most of it off anyway," Scrooge said amidst the others' laughter. I took a picture of Mickey and Scrooge having their conversation.

I laughed and said aloud. "Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge, very smart casting."

The giant and the blond harpist laughed. "Tell me about it," the harpist said. "Scrooge is Donald's uncle and when Mickey asked him to play the lead he said he would do anything to make sure Donald graduated so he wouldn't have to mooch off of him."

I laughed having a feeling that Scrooge was purposely pretending to be gruff. The harpist stuck out her hand. "I'm Goldie," She said. I shook her hand. "This is my husband, Willie."

The giant shook my hand and my body up and down warmly. "Hi I'm Willie and this is my lovey dovey squeezie wifie, Goldie." He picked up his wife and for the first time I realized that the harp behind her was actually attached to her back! Willie gave his wife a big kiss.

"I already introduced us you Big Softie," Goldie teased.

"Oh, I thought it sounded familiar," Willie said scratching his head. I laughed. They seemed very happy together. "I'm the Ghost of Christmas Present," he said taking off his wreath and holding it to his chest.

"And who do you play?" I asked Goldie. I wondered how they were going to put a living harp in A Christmas Carol.

"Oh, I'm not actually in the movie," Goldie said. "I'm part of the chorus with Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora-"She nodded at the three human women. "We have a song called, 'Oh What A Merry Christmas Day.'" She sang a bit from the song, "Joy to the children far and near/What a wondrous time of year….'" Goldie had a beautiful voice. "Plus, I assist with coordinating the background music to the scene."

"I'm here Mickey," Goofy called from behind the scenes. He came up to the set, dressed in a blue-gray makeup and clothing behind Minnie who was dressed in a blue Victorian dress and cap. She carried a makeup case and tape measure. Obviously she did the makeup and costuming for the movie.

Goofy tripped over the chains that he held and fell into the door. "Gawrsh," He said.

Mickey shook his head. "Are you okay, Goof?" He asked.

"Yeah, as usual," Goofy said. He stood up. I wasn't sure that it was a good idea for a klutz like Goofy to play Jacob Marley because he would trip into the chains. But he does look like how he's described in the story, lean, thin, and lanky so I suppose they know what they're doing.

"Alright, we'll do the Scrooge and Marley scene," Mickey said. "Places."

"Places," Donald, whom I suppose is the Assistant Director, called through a megaphone.

"Quiet on the set," Mickey said.

"Quiet on the set," Donald called back.

"Everybody be quiet," Mickey said.

"Everybody be quiet," Donald repeated.

"You too," Mickey said to Donald.

"Me too," Donald shouted back. Mickey looked at Donald who laughed sheepishly, shrugged, and then stepped back muttering angrily to himself. "I better go get those lights."

"Alright, we'll start from when Marley enters Scrooge's room," Mickey said. Goofy nodded and went through the stage door. "Camera rolling?"

"Rolling," the pig answered.

"Countdown," Mickey told Donald.

Donald held up his fingers. "Countdown in 5…4…3….2" He pointed at the setting.

Mickey called, "And action!"

Scrooge McDuck, now in the portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge ran into his room and slammed the door, putting several locks on it. He could hear Jacob Marley, actually Goofy call, "Scrooge Ebenezer Scrooge."

"Go away!" Scrooge called hiding in his chair putting the pillow over his head.

Goofy then walked through a hole in the door and some dry ice shown through the air. Goldie whispered, "Goofy's supposed to walk through the door, so they show where they will later animate the special effect."

"Ah," I said.

"Scroooge," Goofy Marley continued to moan. "Ebenezer Scrooooge." Unfortunately, Goofy didn't see Mr. McDuck's cane was still lying on the ground. He tumbled over the cane and landed on the ground.

"Oh no, Cut," Mickey called.

Worried, I ran from my seat to the set and knelt down to Goofy. "George," I said. Goofy must have hit his head because he was out cold. I held onto his hand. "Please be alright," I said.

Goofy opened his eyes and looked up at me. "It was worth trippin' so I could see you again."

I smiled as Mickey looked at his friend concerned. "You okay, Goof? You don't need to go to the hospital or anything?"

"Nah," Goofy said. "The wind was knocked out of me, that's all."

"How many fingers am I holding up?" Mickey asked holding up three fingers.

"He wouldn't know that anyway," Donald answered.

Goofy bristled. "Hey Donald how many finger am I holding up?" He was about to hold up a finger when Mickey interrupted.

"Alright, that's enough," Mickey replied. "When you are ready Goofy, we'll get back to filming." He helped him stand.

"Timex ought to have you as their spokesgoof," a large cat in a robe called. I guess he

was playing the Ghost of Christmas Future. "Get a lickin', keep on tickin'." The others laughed.

"Should we edit that scene, Mickey?" Daisy called. She stood over an editing machine.

"You know what?" Mickey said. "Let's throw it in. It makes sense. You'd be expecting something like that from Goofy."

"I like to make 'em laugh," Goofy said slamming his hand in his palm.

"Okay now back to the conversation between Scrooge and Marley," Mickey said.

They resumed their scene as Goofy said, "Ebenezer remember when I robbed from the widows and swindled the poor?"

Scrooge smiled. "And all in the same day, oh you had class, Jacob!"

I hid my laughter through my hand as Goofy looked proud and said, "Ahyuck, yep!" He did a double take and said, "I mean no, I was wrong! And I am forced to carry these chains for eternity." He thought for a minute and said, "Maybe even longer."

I laughed through my closed hands at Goofy's melodrama confused with gullibility. It's amazing watching him act in his movies. He takes even the most dramatic scenes and finding humor in them. He just embodies a sweetness and humor throughout his entire body.

He gave Scrooge's sentence that he will be visited by three spirits (Goofy held up two fingers) and warned him that if he didn't listen that his chains would be heavier than Marley's. "Farewell Ebenezer," Goofy looked down at the cane. It was good ad-libbing that he decided to step over it. "Farewell." He then walked the door as Scrooge called.

"Jacob watch out for that first-"From behind the door, Goofy bumped into Donald who was holding several lights. The two dropped the lights as Goofy acting like he was in pain. Donald however really was in pain as the lights landed on his foot.

. "-Step," Scrooge finished.

"Cut," Mickey called. "Good job, Donald," Mickey said to Donald who fumed at Goofy. "You made that scene better!"

Mickey engaged in some lighting and scene changes talk with the actors who played Marley and the Christmas Ghosts, so I took the opportunity to interview some of the performers. I decided to begin with Goldie. She told me about her background as a classical harpist in a Toon Town symphony orchestra. She met Willie at her

goddaughter's birthday party (Her goddaughter was the small viola daughter of a

violin mother and an alto sax father. Oh and the goddaughter also has a younger brother

that's a tenor sax. I don't ask.) Willie worked as the party entertainer doing magic tricks and making balloon animals. Shortly afterwards, Mickey hired them to perform in Mickey and the Beanstalk where Willie played the Giant and Goldie played the golden harp that he kidnaps.

"Did it bother Willie to play the villain?" I asked. After all, he is such a sweet childlike man, I couldn't seem him relishing playing such a character.

Goldie smiled and shook her head. "Willie did apologize several times during filming for pretending to kidnap me. But as any actor could tell you, playing the villain is a lot of fun. Besides there really aren't a lot of calls for good giant characters just like none for a singing harp." She nodded at the harp behind her. "That's why I mostly do the background music. At least Mickey and his friends have given us a chance which is more than most people would."

I shrug trying to be as tactful as I can. "I must admit that you two are a very um well-"

"-Unusual couple?" Goldie finished. She waved at Willie who waved back and blew a kiss. "A lot of people think so and I must admit I had my doubts at first. 'I mean what am I thinking,' I thought. 'A harp with a giant? Our personalities totally clash, he's a big kid and I am a seriously trained musician!'"

"So what changed your mind?" I asked. "Off the record of course."

Goldie sighed and smiled at her husband who smiled back. "Well I suppose that I realized that when you truly love each other none of that matters. I mean in some ways it does, Willie and I will always be different personality wise and our sizes do get in the way at times. But I think we realize that when you love each other, when you truly love each other, you just have to jump into it. You don't think, you just jump."

"You just jump," I repeated.

Goldie said. "You must realize that as well." I must have looked confused, because she amended. "I mean the way you looked at Goofy."

"Oh, I'm not involved with Goofy," I answered.

Goldie blushed embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I spoke out of turn. Willie always says that I can tell when people are in love, though I do get carried away. I thought when he got hurt that-"

I blushed even further. "Oh, we are friends, but there's a lot more to our problems-" I clearly didn't sound like I pleaded my case well enough. "-Even if I wanted to, well-we're just too different and-"

"-Like I said, you just jump," Goldie offered.

I shook my head remembering my parents' words and Bradley's proposal. "No, I'm not free to jump."

After I finished watching the filming for the day and getting a few more interviews,

Goofy called me over. "Hey Penny," he caught up to me still holding his chains and wearing the Marley make up. "Thanks for running up to me and asking if I was alright and stuff."

I laughed. "I'm just glad you're alright."

"Ah it will take more than a hit on the head from a concrete floor to get the better of George G. Goof," Goofy boasted. "Um, I was wonderin' I got a couple of tickets for a Screwball Comedy Festival to see, 'It Happened One Night,' and Bringing Up Baby' and was wonderin' if you'd like to come with me."

I smiled. I knew about the Screwball Comedy Festival on campus from the student newspaper and wanted to go myself. Those are some of my favorite movies and it would be nice going with Goofy again. "I'd love to," I replied.

"Good it's this Friday at 6," he said.

"Just as friends," I asked.

"Like I said, I'm willing to take whatever you have to give me," Goofy said.

"It's a date then," I said. "I'll meet you on campus at the Student Union." He smiled as we said good-bye.

I left the studio to hear Bradley calling to me.

"Penelope," he said. I was determined to walk faster when he ran towards me and blocked my path. "I want to talk to you."

"I think you said enough last night, Bradley," I answered.

"Come on, don't hold it over me," Bradley said. He once again stopped me from walking. "I was drunk and out of control and I'm sorry. I'm sorry you took it the wrong way." I stopped. "I would never do that sober, you know that."

I looked downward and Bradley followed my gaze to my fingers. "Where's your ring?" He asked. When I didn't answer right away, he continued. "Come on Baby, don't be that way. We're perfect for each other. It was an isolated incident and it will never happen again, I promise. I would never do anything to hurt you. I love you, Penelope."

Before I could finish he kissed me. Part of me screamed, 'no this is stupid' and another part screamed, 'yes, forgive him.' Before I could agree with the former opinion, I took the ring out of my purse and put it back on my finger. "I didn't lose it nor was I going to return it to you," I replied. "I just kept it off to make sure it was safe."

Bradley smiled. "Of course that's my fiancée, always playing it safe. I should never have worried about you disobeying me or your parents."

"You never will, Bradley," I said. He kissed me again.

"I have to go," He said. "I have a class in ten minutes. I just wanted to see that we're still on."

"We're still on.," I said.

"Good," he said. "You will be able to attend the Country Club for a set."

I thought. "Umm I can't on Friday. I have a class." I thought more about. "In fact, the Friday night classes will be unmovable from now on. Saturday's fine."

"Saturday it is then," Bradley said. He patted me on the head as though I were an obedient daughter as he left.

I stood in silence when I saw Daisy and Minnie walk up behind me. Minnie was still dressed in her blue Mrs. Cratchit costume and Daisy still wore her pink costume as Isobel, Scrooge's lost love. They waited until Bradley was out of ear shot when Minnie said, "Penny, what are you doing?"

"I don't know what you are talking about," I stalled.

"Did I hear you just talking to Bradley Uppercrust II and he referred to you as his fiancée?" Minnie asked.

"Yes, so," I hinted.

"And didn't you just set up a date with Goofy a few minutes ago," Daisy said.

"I didn't know that my love life was so interesting," I said.

"Are you going to tell Goofy that you're engaged?" Daisy asked. "Or Bradley that you're in love with someone else?"

"I don't see that's any of your business," I said shortly.

I was about to walk away again when Minnie grabbed my arm. "Look Penny, Goofy's our friend and he's a great guy. For what it's worth, you're our friend too. We were close once. Are you in love with him?"

"With Bradley?" I replied. "We have a good relationship and our marriage will be good for our families."

"I take it that's a no," Daisy said dryly.

"But I meant Goofy," Minnie added.

"He's a friend that's all," I insisted. I was growing tired of everyone asking me that. "You're so concerned about it, why didn't you tell Bradley about Goofy just now?"

"Because Bradley's a jerk," Daisy said. "You could do so much better and you know it."

"You don't know Bradley like I do," I said. I really didn't want to talk about this with them.

Minnie pointed at my cheek. "Penny, I'm practiced enough in Cosmetology to know when someone's hiding a bruise. Goofy certainly has his faults like anyone else, but he would never leave you with that." I covered my cheek with my hand.

"Plus Bradley Uppercrust II's reputation is pretty well known among the women on-campus," Daisy said. "Don't think for one second that he has been or ever will be faithful to you." I flushed remembering how at the Gamma House, Bradley openly flirted with the Catterly Sisters right in front of me. I turned away rather than say anymore.

Minnie continued, "Maybe you don't think that you deserve to be with someone better than that or maybe you like playing both of them. Just be careful, Penny. I don't want Goofy to get hurt or you."

"No one's going to get hurt," I said.

"Then you have to be honest with someone," Minnie said. "If not, Bradley then Goofy."

Minnie then walked back into the studio leaving me alone with Daisy.

"Penny, when we came to your birthday party and your mother told us that we weren't invited, you saw it happen didn't you?"

"Through my window yes," I answered.

"Why didn't you stand up for us?" Daisy asked.

I lowered my head. I asked myself this same question for years afterward. "I was 7 years old," I said. "I was scared to stand up to my parents."

Daisy nodded. "You're not 7 now and you're still looking out the window." She walked back inside leaving me alone….

… I have enjoyed many Friday night trips with Goofy and his friends. Goofy and I started with the Screwball Comedy Film Festival. Halfway through Bringing Up Baby when we were laughing hysterically at Katharine Hepburn singing Baby the Leopard down from a roof, Goofy held my hand and didn't stop until the movie was over. We have also had some interesting dates, from going dancing to having a late night picnic. I love how even though he can't afford to spend a lot of money, every time we go out is special simply because he is so enthusiastic about everything. I catch that enthusiasm and share it with him.

We also went on several trips with Goofy's friends around town, such as when we entertained the children at the Iwerks Children's Home. I read to them as the others performed comedy sketches, and invited the children for a sing-along.

I think the reason that I still want Goofy and the others in my life is that they are so natural and real as compared to the other people that surround me. No matter how they behave with Donald's temper, Goofy's klutziness, Daisy's flakiness, or whatever, they aren't afraid to be themselves.

It's strange how I go from Fridays with Goofy and the others and have the time of my life with them and spend the rest of the week, particularly Saturday with Bradley and my parents and I hover between being bored and watching myself so I don't anger them.

While Bradley acted like what happened at the Frat House was an isolated incident, he still lost his temper more often. Once I got into a minor disagreement with Bradley and my mother about one of the wedding details when Bradley slapped me and told me that clearly I didn't know enough to have an opinion and to let my mother handle it. Another time when we were playing doubles at the Country Club, Bradley and I lost to the other couple. Bradley fumed and argued with the others. I tried to stop him and apologized. That's when Bradley turned on me and said that I was just dead weight and a stone dragging him down. Both times he apologized and blamed it on the wedding or his nerves, or the pressure that he was under with school and our engagement. Of course I forgave him and tried not to anger him or disappoint my parents further.

With Bradley and my parents, I am shy, proper, and never want to make waves or make them upset with me. When I'm with Goofy and the others, I'm funny, silly, and outgoing. I live two lives and my soul feels split. I haven't told either Bradley about my friendship with Goofy and the others and I haven't told Goofy that I'm engaged. Daisy and Minnie haven't said anymore about it, but I know they feel that I should tell Goofy. Someday one of these lives is going to end but which one?

Sometimes I wonder which of them is me. Who is the real me, Penelope or Penny?

Then there are my feelings for Goofy. We kissed a few times and held hands. These physical signs astound me. I want to deny them like I have been to everyone that they mean nothing and that Goofy is just a friend. But the truth is, I think I am falling in love with him. No, I know I am falling in love with him...

….Last Friday night was maybe the last night I may ever spend with Goofy. He gave me a small bouquet of flowers and we had a late night dinner with sandwiches, chips, and soft drinks. We ate on a hill overlooking Toon Town. I could see the colorful lights dim during the night as even the buildings yawned and slept. Goofy took out his small radio and we danced to soft rock songs like "I'm Not in Love," "Dream Weaver," "If," "Summer Breeze," and others. Goofy held me close as we danced. We were so entwined that my feet were almost on top of his. Goofy kissed me and I sank down with him onto the table cloth. "This has been my favorite night," I said lying next to him as we kissed under the stars.. "It's so quiet and beautiful. I wish it could be like this forever."

Goofy sat up and moved from my hold. I was afraid at first that I had said too much, but he tilted my chin up. "Well, what if it was?"

"What if what was?" I asked.

"What if it was like this forever?" Goofy asked. "What if you and me could be together forever?"

I paled as Goofy opened his pocket and took out a small box. "What I am gettin' at is Penny would you marry me?" I opened the box to see a gold ring. I could tell that it wasn't as fancy as the one Bradley gave me. It was a plain gold band. I could see an inscription around the band. I read closely, "Penny I luv you forever, George.' Bad spelling aside, I knew that Goofy must have spent a lot of money for the engraving. Like everything else he does, Goofy gave this ring from his heart. I had tears in my eyes. "Oh George, this is so sweet and you are so wonderful. As much as it hurts to say this, I can't." I handed the ring back to him.

Goofy looked stunned. "Why not?" He asked. "It ain't because I'm a big clumsy dumb goof is it?"

I shook my head seeing that underneath that easygoing nature and naiveté that Goofy can be so down about himself. "No, of course not," I assured him. "Anyone who sees that is a complete fool because they don't see a wonderful kind man with a large heart, a great sense of humor, and yes is smarter than anyone, especially himself gives him credit for."

"Oh," Goofy said. "Is it because I don't have two cents to rub together and you're used to fine livin'?"

I shook my head. My constant anxiety about my father's threats to cut me off have nothing to do with my concerns about Goofy's financial status. Goofy continued. "I mean you're used to be treated like the princess that you are and I can't do that, so I don't blame you for being scared."

"Goofy, I have been treated like an object my whole life," I said. "You are one of the few people that have ever treated me like a real person. I will always love that about you."

Goofy smiled but he was still perplexed. "Then why?"

I lowered my head. "I could never help you in our married life. You're right that I'm used to fine living, but it has nothing to do with how you think you wouldn't help me. I wouldn't be able to help you. I have spent my whole life pampered and cared for and I hate it, but that's all I know. I would be a load and a hindrance to you. What if I am unable to find work to help you?"

"Penny, you of all people should know better than that," He gently scolded me. "I've read your articles in Examiner. I've even, well, I've been keeping them in a scrapbook. You're a great writer! You should do that be a newspaperwoman or a writer or somethin'! You have such a love in you when you write about the people that you want to help. When you write about things like women's rights, didn't you ever think that could be referring to you too?"

I thought about it. Despite my parents' and Bradley's negativity, my earlier suggestion to become a journalist entered my mind. Could I do that? Was I good enough? I continued deciding to tell at least part of the truth of my parents' threat. Goofy might as well know what a coward he was getting. "My father said that if I married a man that they did not approve, then he would cut me off immediately. I wouldn't be able to finish school. What would you do with a wife who couldn't even finish her education?"

"Well I wouldn't say nothin'," Goofy said. "Instead I would march myself down to registration and drop out of college myself. Then I would work to put you through school."

I was stunned. "You would do that?" I asked. "But you'll be in your senior year soon. You'd be almost finished."

Goofy shrugged. "Finished with what? I can't even choose a major. I was never much for book learnin' anyway, but you, Penny, you are so smart. You deserve to go as far as you can go in college and deserve to walk down that aisle in your cap and gown and get your diplomy and I'd be marching with ya in spirit!"

Goofy kissed me. He made it sound so simple and I was almost tempted but I also felt guilty about the biggest reason of all. "George, I can't marry you because I'm already engaged-"

"-I know," Goofy said at the same time that I said, "-to Bradley Uppercrust II." I started. "You know, how? Did Daisy or Minnie tell you?"

"No, how does Minnie and Daisy know?" Goofy asked. "That first night when I took you home, I saw you take off your ring and hide it. I guess I was hopin' that it was over between you, but I guess not."

"You knew that I was engaged and you never said anything?" I became angry. "You just let me go with you even though you knew that I wasn't free to?"

"You never told me that you were engaged!" Goofy reminded me.

My mouth dropped open and I wanted to object, but I couldn't. "You're right," I said. "I'm sorry. I was so stupid. I just wanted my life to be different and I didn't want to hurt you."

"Then don't," Goofy said. "The only way that you could hurt me is to say no."

I winced letting tears fall from my eyes. "No, George, I can't. You are a good man and you deserve a good woman who would never hurt you or lie to you."

"Penny I love you," Goofy said with tears in his eyes.

I wanted to tell him that I loved him too, but I'm not someone who deserve his love. "Don't, George, just don't. I can't marry you it would be reckless and foolish. Bradley Uppercrust II and I are getting married and that's all there is to it."

"He is the one that hit ya that night wasn't he?" Goofy guessed. I couldn't believe how perceptive he can be when the occasion called for it. "And he's hit ya since then hadn't he?"

I gave him a non-answer. "We have our problems and they need to be worked out, but marrying him is what I have to do. It's what I want to do."

Goofy lowered and shook his head. "Penny, why are you so afraid?"

I started. "I'm not afraid." I said.

"Yes you are," Goofy said. "You know you talk a good game about writing for others and speaking for them and wanting your own independence, but you're scared of it. I'm offering it to ya, and that scares you more than my Dad's story of meeting Big Foot scared me when I was a young 'un. You'll go on and you'll marry that Uppercrust fella' not because you want to, because it's safe for you. You'll deny it, but that's why. Little by little, the things that I love about ya' that fire, that spirit, that brain will all be gone. If he don't appreciate all those things about ya' and accept them then, in my mind he don't deserve you! It ain't foolish if there's real love there."

"And you're the expert on being foolish," I said bitterly. I was angry because of Goofy's words, angry because I know he's right and I have no defense for it. I chose instead to get on the defensive. "Goofy for once use your head! It would be an impractical idea for us to get married. There are too many strikes against it and not enough advantages. I can't marry you. I don't want to marry you. Now, take me home!"

Goofy led me to the car being uncharacteristically quiet. He said nothing on the way home. I flip back the pages to read the words that I said to him. I guess I told him alright, yes, I certainly did. My parents were right, I am a stupid ugly girl….

….. Oh it wasn't over. This morning, there was a little coda to mine and Goofy's last night together that may be getting worse soon. All weekend, I tried to avoid talking to anybody just playing the obedient daughter and fiancée. I knew that I was acting, that I was lying about who I really was. This was the role that I would be forced to play for the rest of my life. I could hear Goofy's words in my head: Penny why are you so afraid?

As I left my American Novels: Late 19th-Early 20th Century Class, I met Goofy. I looked downward and I could tell that he was still hurt from my refusal. "I didn't think that I would see you again," I began.

"I wasn't sure that I wanted to," Goofy said.

We both began to talk, "Listen-" "I'm sorry-" We stopped and laughed bitterly remembering how similar this conversation was to the one we had when we first met.

I decided to start. "I thought a lot about what you said all weekend and you're right. I am afraid. I'm afraid of who I am, of what I want, and especially how I feel about you. My whole life people have held a mirror to my face and I don't like the person I see-"

"-That must be an awful lot of mirrors," Goofy said. "Don't they have something better to do?"

I shook my head. "It's a metaphor, George. I'm comparing my life to a mirror's. When people judge me, I often feel ugly, stupid, or cowardly and they say it so often that I believe that I am."

"I think you're beautiful, smart, and brave," Goofy said.

"It's easier to believe the bad things that are said about you isn't it?" I asked. " You and your friends opened up a new life for me and I will always love all of you for that. You let

be myself, because you are all yourselves. I feel like I fit in and I belong somewhere, but I don't. Not really. We're just too different. I know you want me to be your girlfriend and you want me to marry you, but the person that you believe me to be doesn't exist. The person that I am could never make you happy. All I can offer you is my friendship."

Goofy's eyes filled. "This is real hard for me to say, but I don't want your friendship." My heart sank, but Goofy continued. "Not if it means that I have to watch you with a bashed in face and can't do nothin' about it. Not if it means that you come to my house after a fight with your husband or your parents and I'm supposed to just give you a hug and take you home. Not if it means that one day, you'll close the door on me because they'll order you to. Not if it means that you'll go on thinkin' yourself to be ugly and stupid and I won't be there to tell you that it ain't so. That would hurt too much. I don't want to just be your friend if it means that I'll have to say good-bye to you one way or another."

I understood. I suppose. I had just entered his life and reentered Daisy and Minnie's and I was going to have to phase out of their friendship once again. Well I suppose I would always have the memories of five wonderful friends and a sweet lovely man that I realized too late that I loved.

"I guess this is it then," I said.

"Yeah I guess so," Goofy said. He held me close and kissed me.

I might have ended there if I didn't hear a nasty snooty voice say, "Well Hello, Mr. Friday Night Class, I presume?" Goofy and I looked up to see Adelaide Catterly looking at me. She looked Goofy up and down. "Well I would have thought if you were having an affair at the very least he was handsome. My mistake. It never occurred to me that you were into the circus clown type."

"What do you want, Adelaide?" I asked.

She smiled snidely. With her thin sallow face and upturned nose, she was almost ugly. Her haughty expression further added to her cruel demeanor. "I just came to tell that Duckjoy saw you getting into a mysterious green jalopy last Friday with another man who was clearly not Bradley-" She sneered at Goofy. "-And he told your mother, who told Mrs. Uppercrust, who told my mother who told me and Margeaux. So consider yourself in big trouble!"

I sighed knowing that I would get caught eventually but Adelaide wasn't finished. "Your parents would like to have a chat with you and the Goof in private. Oh and one more thing my sister told Bradley. I don't think he's very happy right now." She said sarcastically. I shudder to think what will happen when Goofy and I talk to my parents….

….. It wasn't as bad as I feared and that's what worries me.

Goofy and I sat next to each other in our family parlor as my mother silently and coldly glared at Goofy while my father fumed. "How could you do this, Penelope?" my father commanded. "You have disgraced your family name!"

My mother shook her head. "We are planning for an early summer wedding! Your gown has been ordered and all the details have been planned. We will be sending out 500 wedding invitations. All of the elite from this side of the Coast will be invited including the Countess Demaree! How do we tell them that our daughter's a slut?"

"She ain't a slut," Goofy objected. "Anyway, she did the right thing! She wanted to end it an' We did!" I couldn't believe even in this late date when I did everything wrong and behaved so recklessly and foolishly: engaging in this double life and sneaking around, being unfaithful to my fiancé, disappointing my parents, and breaking Goofy's heart that Goofy still chose to defend me.

"I suppose compared to the loose women of your class, our daughter is not a slut,"My father snorted.

"But she has left a smear on our reputation by sneaking behind her fiancé's back and making love to a house painter! This smear may take a long time to recover!"

"I'm sorry Daddy," I said sadly. "I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to disown me."

My father nodded, his face becoming completely red in his ire. My mother in comparison was pale cold. "We will do more than that," Daddy said. He turned to Goofy.

"You young man will never have a future! I will see to it that you will never get a job or settle anywhere! You think the poor are so fascinating, Penelope? He won't be so fascinating after living on the streets! You, young lady, will attend a convent in Europe and only after a year of complete seclusion will I even consider forgiving you!"

"Who says that we need to go to such extreme measures," my parents, Goofy, and I turned to see Bradley looking through the door.

Bradley walked into the room. I thought that he would be as angry at me as my father, but instead he smiled. He walked over to Goofy and me and looked at us in silence. He then stuck out his hand and patted Goofy on the shoulder and gave me a kiss on the lips. "Now that Penelope's secret double life has been exposed, we need not resort to such dramatic tactics, Reginald," Bradley said.

"Bradley, she is our daughter-"My father began.

"And Penelope is to be my wife," Bradley continued. "She just had a youthful indiscretion. She experimented, that's what College Life is all about experimentation. Anyone can forgive such an error in judgement."

"You are taking this rather well, Bradley," my mother said.

"Yes, you are," I said confused. Somehow his calm scares me more than the rage that I initially feared. "What are you getting at, Bradley?"

"I'm simply 'getting at' forgiveness," Bradley said. "One of those maxims that they have is never go to bed angry, so I intend to forgive you, Penelope, as well as Mr. Goof."

"Oh," Goofy said at first then he smiled. "Well that's great!" He shook Bradley's hand heartily. "Perhaps, I was wrong about ya!"

Bradley took his hand away from Goofy's and for a moment, I could see his usual snobbish irritation return behind his faux kindness. "Indeed," He said. Then he resumed his nice-guy demeanor. "In fact I would love to go so far as to invite Mr. Goof and Penelope's new friends to her upcoming birthday party."

"Really?" Goofy said with a big grin.

"Really," Bradley said. "We plan to make a formal announcement of our engagement at the party. Though clearly, I admit being apprehensive about my, ahem, competition. So you and your friends are certainly invited."

"I don't think this is such a good idea, "I said very suspicious of Bradley's suddenly generous nature.

"Why so, Penelope," Bradley said. "You're not embarrassed by your friends are you?"

"Are you Penny?" Goofy asked.

I looked into his soulful eyes. "Of course not."

"And if what he said is true then the two of you are no longer going to be involved are you?" Bradley asked.

"No," I said.

"And you don't wish to hide any more secrets do you?" Bradley asked. "After all you keeping secrets is what got you into this mess in the first place. If you had been honest with either myself or Goof here you would not be here now."

"Well true but-"I continued.

"-So there are no issues in extending the invitation is there?" Bradley said. "In fact I will even go so far as to say that if Penny has any further second thoughts by the end of the party, then she has my permission to marry the Goof. My blessing's on you both. But if she decides to become the future Mrs. Uppercrust II, then you will have no further involvement with these people. After all, there will be no need to reopen old wounds will there?"

I looked from my parents, to Bradley, to Goofy. "Alright," I agreed. "Goofy, I would like to walk you out."

"Well that wasn't bad at all," Goofy said gladly. "I thought they'd have my head!"

"They still might," I mumbled. "George, Don't go. I don't want any of you to come to my party."

Goofy looked downward. "So you are ashamed of us. I should have known it was too good to be true."

"No," I said. "I'm not." I sighed. "Of course you can come. But listen to me, George. You and your friends better be careful that night. I just have this terrible feeling that Bradley's planning something."

"Maybe you're worrying over nothing," Goofy said, but he sounded uncertain as well.

"Maybe I am, but-"I said. "Goofy, just be on your guard and tell the others as well."

"Okay," Goofy said. "Okay, don't worry. We will be." He leaned closer to me, but I stepped back and shook my head. Goofy reluctantly accepted and said good-bye before he left\...

….. These past few days, I have spent a lot of time thinking. I have voluntarily avoided Goofy and the others spending more time with my parents and Bradley. Neither have said anything about Goofy or my upcoming birthday party. Anytime I asked, they were quick to change the subject but also quick to remind me that I was where "I belonged." I spend a lot of time looking at Bradley's engagement ring and thinking about my future.

I looked through the articles that I had written so far for the Examiner: the Women's Right's March, the film of Mickey's Christmas Carol, an interview with first year students talking about their expectations and anxieties about college life, a lion professor who wants to start a Cultural Studies program at the university, students who are planning a protest at a nuclear power facility in Springfield, an upcoming event in which students and professors will be feeding people at a soup kitchen. (Nick actually wants me to do an expose on fraternity and sorority hazing. I told him that I would think about writing it, but thought it might be considered a conflict of interest since I was with Bradley. Now, I am wondering if I should write it after all.)

These articles are the beginnings of someone who is starting to see more of the world than her small corner and wanting to help it. Someone who is finally able to make her voice heard and feels ashamed about having and hoarding so much while others have so little. Could the person who writes these articles refine her voice until it is heard by a wider audience? Goofy thinks I could, but he doesn't think like other people do. He sees the world in his own unique vibrant way. He is always hopeful and optimistic and for a few minutes I see life that way too. Could I transfer that hopefulness so that other people can hear me too?

I knew one thing: If I married Bradley, I would never find out. I could see myself slowly rejecting all of the things that I was truly beginning to understand and believe: feminism, civil rights, nuclear disarmament, helping others. I would turn into a mindless Stepford clone hiding the pain of my unhappy home life and marriage behind lots of makeup, designer clothes, and a haughty expression that has nothing but contempt for "those people." I would turn into someone who attended wealthy parties with all the so-called right people, made demands of my servants, and judged my children by their appearance and the sizes of their friends' family's bank accounts. In short, I would turn into my mother.

I wondered what I could do about my fears and wondering if I could help Goofy and the others. I know that Bradley and possibly my parents are up to something, possibly humiliating them in some way. Perhaps I could find a way to stop them or failing that make them hear me.

I glance at the Examiner archives and considered. Of course! Not for nothing am I studying to be a journalist! I may be able to find something in the archives that could help me and of course that hazing article could prove fruitful. I wonder what I would find…..

…..I can't believe how much has changed in my life in the last 12 hours that it seems like I'm a different person than I was yesterday. One day I sat in my fancy bedroom contemplating my future wondering if anything is going to change and now the next night, I am sitting in an apartment with my two best friends ready to embark on a new life and a new world.

Let me put this entry up to speed. I didn't find a whole lot in the Examiner archives that I could use against my parents or Bradley except one small police blotter from last year mentioning a young girl that was assaulted outside the Gamma house. The description was so familiar to what happened to me, that I wondered if it could lead to something. I copied the blotter and folded it inside my pocket.

The next night, I prepared for my party dressed in my light green gown, a blue bow in my upturned hair. I walked down the hallway hearing the doorbell ring. I knew that no guests were expected for another hour, so I was confused as Duckjoy opened the door to admit a strange young red-haired vulpine woman. I recognized her as a young intern working for my father. "I wish to speak to Mr. Pooch," she said.

"I'm sorry Miss…" Duckjoy said.

"….Fairfox,," She said breathlessly.

Duckjoy continued. "Miss Fairfox, but Mr. Pooch cannot be disturbed right now."

Miss Fairfox sighed. "Then may I speak to Mrs. Pooch please?"

Duckjoy spoke again clearly irritated. "I am sorry but Mrs. Pooch is indisposed right now.."

"It's alright, Duckjoy," my mother said chilly. Frankly, if I were Miss Fairfox, I would not want to be alone with my mother when she took that tone. "I will speak with her." She indicated for Miss Fairfox to follow her in the library.

When I was a little girl and I went exploring in the family house, I often searched the rooms for a secret passageway or a family ghost or something interesting. I remembered I found one small passage connecting the library to my father's study. I had forgotten all about it until my mother led Miss Fairfox to my father's study. I gingerly stepped into the library and nudged the false wall until it opened. I hid just outside the door so I could make a clean escape in case my father or someone came into do some reading but close enough so I could hear my mother's conversation. My mother was in the middle of berating her guest.

"If you were foolish enough to get yourself in trouble, that's not my affair nor my husband's," my mother shot back.

"Please Mrs. Pooch," Miss Fairfox begged. I had the feeling that she was crying. "I'm not under any condition to give birth to a child. I'm unemployed and have very little money."

"I fail to see how this is our concern," My mother said.

"It is when Mr. Pooch is the father!" Miss Fairfox half shouted.

"Will you please lower your voice?" My mother commanded. My mother's voice became so quiet that I had to strain myself to hear. "Now where is your proof?"

"Mr. Pooch is the only one that I have been with since then," she said. "He has to be the one. Mrs. Pooch, I don't need a father for…in fact I don't even want this pregnancy at all. I can go to Planned Parenthood, but I don't have any health insurance. I just need money…"

"How much?" My mother said.

I didn't hear the amount, but I did hear my mother clearly said. "Here's enough to get you out of my sight!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Pooch," Miss Fairfox said. "I promise I won't come to you again."

"I hope not," my mother insisted. "You think you are the first woman to come to my husband about this particular issue?"

I waited until my mother and Miss Fairfox were out of the room and out of ear shot before I emerged from the library passage catching my breath. I harbored no illusions about my father's reputation, but I was astounded how far my parents' hypocrisy went. My sympathies were for Miss Fairfox and those other women. How many women had my father seduced and my mother paid off to get rid of them? I suppose I will never know.

For now, I decided to leave the information that I had about my parents and Bradley close to my chest. Don't use it unless it's absolutely necessary, I thought to myself.

I waited at the front surrounded by my parents and Bradley as we greeted visitors. I accepted hand kisses from the men and shakes from the women and the occasional air kiss from older women. "Just think this is what it will be like for the rest of our lives," Bradley whispered to me as he held my hand. I nodded offering a small smile. "Penelope, you could attempt to look like you are having a good time. Smile?" I managed a big wide fake smile that would put a game show host to shame. Bradley smirked. "Not like that." I resumed my original smile and he broke into a wide grin and said, "Ah, the entertainment has arrived."

I looked towards the door as Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto arrived. They gave me wide grins and waved widely. My parents rolled their eyes and Bradley leered in a way that made me uncomfortable. In rebellion, I smiled and waved back as Mr. Duckjoy announced, "Mr. Mouse, Miss Mouse, Mr. Duck, Miss Duck, and…Mr. Goof." They were dressed very well. Mickey and Donald wore black tuxedos (though Donald didn't wear pants) and black bow ties. Minnie and Daisy wore long lovely pink and blue gowns. Goofy was dressed very well in a dark blue tuxedo and red bow tie.

I walked up to my friends and greeted them with large hugs and a wide grin. "Thanks for coming, everybody." I said. Even if I still didn't trust Bradley's intentions of inviting them, I wanted them to know that I was still on their side.

"You're welcome, Penny," Mickey said.

"We just had to come," Goofy said. He looked me in the eye with that sweet loving look that he looked at me before. I wanted to say more to him, but I knew that in public wasn't the time.

We were interrupted by my father who ordered Pluto to be removed from the building. Mickey looked disappointed, but he led his friend outside. "Come on, boy," He petted him on the head. "We should do what they say. I'll get you a doggy bag later." Pluto looked hopeful at the bribe and agreed waving his tail as Mickey led him outside.

I ate with my parents and Bradley as Goofy and the others exchanged conversations with the other guests. While I didn't hear all of them, I later heard what they had said. When a Hollywood producer asked Mickey what he planned on doing with his future, Mickey responded that he wanted to direct and make cartoons, the man responded with. "Well what are you going to do to entertain adults instead of the kiddies?" Mickey then calmly explained that adults liked animation as well and that they appealed to all ages. The man said. "Of course adults who appreciate the formulaic content of such infantile affairs."

Minnie spoke with a woman who asked her where she bought her outfit. "Oh I made it," Minnie replied proudly.

"Indeed," the woman said patronizingly. "It does look rather…secondhand. I suppose that explains things."

Daisy added that a couple of women talked about how film versions of books were overshadowing the original content. "Just think," one said. "Someone would only capture the fantastic prose of John Irving's The World According to Garp while flipping through the Dating Game."

"They wouldn't," Daisy pointed out. "the Dating Game is on late at night here. There aren't too many films on, well except the Late Late Show."

The women looked at Daisy squarely. "You watch the Late Late Show and the Dating Game?" One said. Then she laughed. "It's such a breath of fresh air that someone thinks the satirical genius of the Ellen James Society can compare to Bob Eubanks and his Whoopee Questions."

"Bob Eubanks hosts the Newlywed Game," Daisy muttered angrily feeling embarrassed. She then walked towards Donald.

Donald said that he talked about the food when a couple of men made fun of him constantly asking what he said. Donald became red faced and said, "I said, this beluga is delicious, you stupid fool!" using their inability to understand to his advantage.

"What was that?" one man asked.

Daisy interrupted and said, "He said 'the beluga is delicious, like Russian blue!" She said glaring at her boyfriend staring him down.

Donald sighed and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, that's what I said."

Bradley didn't react to the others except Goofy. First he led him to the hors d'oeurves and invited him to eat one that looked like horseradish. Goofy unknowingly ate it and his mouth burned. He caught his throat waving his hand up and down over his open mouth.

"You alright, Goof?" Bradley said. "How about something to wet your whistle?" He offered him a drink. I'm not sure but I think I saw him put hot pepper inside. Goofy swallowed the drink and he spat it out in pain.

I walked over to Goofy patting him on the back and giving him an actual drink of water. "Bradley, that's enough," I said. "Are you alright, George?" I asked.

"George?" Bradley questioned as Goofy drank the water and flashed an okay sign. "Maybe you should sit down," I suggested. I glared at Bradley.

Bradley laughed. "What? I can't help it if the Goof can't eat like a gentleman." He laughed.

I sat across from my parents as a slow dance played, "Friends and Lovers." Goofy walked up to me and held out his hand. "Would you care for a dance, Miss Penny?"

Bradley smirked. "I don't think Penelope would want to dance with someone with two left feet." He laughed in such a way that annoyed me that I decided to show him up.

I held out my hand. "I would love to dance with you, George," I said pointedly.

Goofy held out his hand and led me to the dance floor as we danced slowly. I moved with him as we looked in each other's eyes. The words to the song really hit me, "We don't have to be one or the other/Oh no, we could be both to each other." Why did I feel that being just Goofy's friend was enough? Why couldn't I allow myself to be more to him than that?

My eyes filled and I was about to say something, "Listen George-" I began just then we were interrupted by a change in number. The song quickly shifted to a fast number, "My Sharona." Goofy stopped but then continued to dance fast with me. The tempo changed getting faster and slower as Goofy became confused but gamely danced along with me. Goofy bumped into several other dancers and tripped over them.

The dancers all fell down as Goofy and I tumbled to the floor. "Are you alright?" we asked in unison. "I'm fine," I said. "You?"

"Yeah," Goofy said. "Funny about the music?"

"Yeah really funny," I said sarcastically as Bradley appeared walking away from the band with a smile on his face.

"I think that I should cut in," Bradley said sarcastically as he held out his hand. He picked me up and before I could say more, he danced me across the floor.

"Did you change the music?" I said.

"Moi," Bradley asked. "It was just an error in the band's playing. That Goof doesn't need my help to trip over his own feet."

"Why are you doing this to him?" I asked through clenched teeth.

"I? I am not doing anything," Bradley said. "Except exposing the klutz for the bucolic fool that he is and is certainly not a good match for you."

"How would you know what is a good match for me?" I asked.

"If anyone should, it should be the man that you are to marry," Bradley said.

"Are you sure about that?" I asked angrily.

Before I could say anything, Bradley took my hand and led me to the bandstand. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Duckjoy invite two figures inside. He didn't announce them and I didn't recognize them with their hooded sweaters pulled over their faces. My heart sank and my chest clenched anticipating something that wasn't good. Bradley told the band pianist to play a fanfare when he stepped up to the microphone. "I would like to have your attention please," Bradley said. "As many knows this is Penelope's birthday and I would like to believe that I have given her the most precious gift that she could get just like she has given me my most precious gift. Well, Penelope and I are to be married."

There was a murmur of excitement as the pianist played Wagner's Wedding March and my parents and the partygoers applauded. I looked straight at Goofy who lowered his gaze looking sadly and turned his back. Mickey, Donald, Minnie, and Daisy walked towards Goofy, no doubt offering their sympathies.

Bradley held up his champagne glass and said, "I would like to propose to my lovely fiancée, our wonderful families, and such loyal friends, and to the future happiness that we will share. To future happiness."

"To future happiness," the people said.

Bradley put down his glass. "And I would like to thank my fiancée for having the kindness to hire such entertaining guests as Mr. Goof and his friends Mr. Mouse, Miss Mouse, Mr. Duck, and Miss Duck. They have proven to be quite entertaining and I would like to reward them personally." He nodded at the Catterly Sisters and the two hooded men. "Ladies, Gentlemen if you will."

Margeaux and Adelaide Catterly picked up bottles of seltzer water and squirted them at Goofy and the others. They winced as the water poured all over their faces and torsos. "No," I said as the guests laughed and Bradley chortled loudly.

"Hi ya cuz," one of the men said as he lifted the hood revealing himself to be a gander.

He spoke to Donald as he threw a pie in his face. "Gladstone," Donald cursed. "You goddamn-" He continued to rant and rave as Gladstone tossed another pie at Mickey and Goofy, and Minnie. He tossed another one in Donald's direction but he missed and it hit Daisy square on. He looked a bit upset at that one.

One of the hooded men lifted his hood and poured what appeared to be red dyed syrup all over them. With a "hot-cha-cha," he revealed himself to be a large rat.

"Mortimer," Mickey hissed as Mortimer laughed. I knew him as the owner of his parent's department store and Bradley's fraternity brother. I had only met Gladstone Gander once at a frat party and knew he was Bradley's brother as well. Mortimer laughed hysterically and threw the syrup at Mickey.

"Stop it," Minnie commanded as he poured some at Donald and then at Daisy.

"Hey," Goofy commanded. "Leave my friends alone." Mortimer smiled and did the same at Goofy.

Minnie glared at Mortimer. She didn't say anymore but walked up to him and slapped him in the face. Mortimer had a long look as though he were seriously considering not doing it, but instead he smiled eerily. He was clearly enjoying the mental torture and he poured syrup all over Minnie's face and down it fell on the beautiful gown she had made by hand.

The others laughed, particularly Bradley. "What a performance," Bradley laughed. "Now for the Grand Finale, I suppose you would like to go now would you?" Bradley held up his hand. "Mortimer, if you would care to-" Mortimer led Mickey and the others to a small corner of the floor. They were too dazed to really notice Mortimer press a button. The five friends jumped clearly from electric shocks that Bradley and Mortimer must have placed on that area of the dance floor and was triggered by the button.

Gladstone looked clearly upset by this development. Maybe he was out of the loop. "Guys that's enough!"

"Stop it!" I shouted trying to jump off the bandstand when Bradley grabbed my arm and held onto me forcibly. "You're not going anywhere," He hissed.

"Yes I am," I hissed. Looks like it was absolutely necessary. I should have said this when they started, but everything happened so fast. Now was my moment. "I am not behind the Gamma house with you and I am not like the girl you hurt last year!" Bradley tried to deny it, but I could see in his eyes and knew that I hit too close to the bone for him.

I hoped that I would be able to stop him, but instead Bradley's expression reddened and he seemed almost insane in his rage. He called out to Mortimer, "Full power, Mortimer!" He smirked at me as he grabbed me and held onto me. I noticed that the guests' laughter seemed to get less as they got shocked. Perhaps this was too far gone. But no one stopped this humiliation. I was disgusted at these cowards particularly at my parents who though they didn't laugh clearly smirked like they enjoyed the show but did not want to debase themselves by admitting it.

I had enough! Bradley held onto me tightly to keep me from moving. Even though his upper body strength was impressive, I managed to kick him in the shin and dig my heeled shoe into his foot. Before he could react, I punched him on the mouth. "This was the only thing I learned from you," I declared as I jumped off the bandstand and ran to Mortimer's side. I grabbed the button from the rat's hand and threw it on the ground stomping on it with my foot.

Mickey and the others helped each other to stand holding onto each other catching their breaths in silence. They were a mess with water, cream pie, and syrup all over themselves. I wanted to cry for them.

Bradley clapped his hands and walked to my side putting his arm around my shoulders. I pushed myself off his grasp. He glared at me, but then turned to the others. "Thank you all for the performance," He said. "But I think it's obvious to all and sundry that clowns like you don't belong here. Now, I insist you leave and never come near my fiancée again!" He hissed the last words.

Mickey nodded his head to his friends as they left one at a time. Mortimer, Adelaide, and Margeaux laughed but Gladstone ran up to the friends. Gladstone grabbed Donald by the arm. "Don, I'm sorry," He said. "I knew about throwing the stuff but not about the electric shocks! I didn't want them to hurt you or Daisy. I'm sorry, cuz!"

Donald glared and shouted something that I wasn't sure was, "Says you" or "Fuck you." Under the circumstances, I wouldn't have blamed Donald for saying either.

I followed them holding Goofy by the shoulder. "George," I said. "Don't go." I begged.

Goofy lowered his head. "Penny, we are just too different." He walked away.

I turned back to my parents and Bradley, glared wordlessly, and prepared to follow them. For this I had spent my life trying to be the perfect daughter and perfect fiancée and they treated my friends so cruelly or stepped aside while others did. I turned on my heels and prepared to follow Goofy out the door.

I opened the door when Bradley grabbed onto me and forced me into the house. My parents followed him and surrounded me. The three formed a tight circle. "Where are you going?" My mother asked.

"With the man I love and my friends," I declared. Bradley then slapped me on the face and I commanded. "Don't you dare touch me again!" Bradley stopped. "I want nothing more to do with any of you!"

"Penelope how dare you say that about your future husband or your parents!" My father snapped.

I pulled off my engagement ring and tossed it at Bradley. "You are not my parents and he is not going to be my husband!"

"How can you say that when your father and I only want what's best for you," my mother insisted.

"No you only want what's best for you," I declared. "None of you love me. You are all vain and superficial and none of you know any real love, just pride and ownership.

It was alright for the two of you as long as I was your little doll to play with and dress however you want, say whatever you wanted me to say, and do whatever you want me to." My parents blanched at my speech but remained silent. I then turned to Bradley. "And you, you don't know any love either. You are a sadist who delights in giving pain and abusing others. You think that you're some kind of hero, but you're not. You're a monster! I will not go into an unhappy marriage where I have to pretend to look the other way if my husband hits me or sleeps with other women. I will not turn into a cold fish who verbally abuses my child by calling her stupid or ugly and will certainly not stand by offering money because of even the slight chance that our good name will suffer! I will not turn into any of you!" My parents looked puzzled probably wondering what I know.

All politeness was gone from Bradley and he curled his ball into a fist. I stepped aside before he made contact. "If you ever hurt me or come anywhere me or my husband again, I will tell people what you tried to do to me and I will tell them about the girl."

"You don't know anything about it," Bradley hissed. I could tell he wondered if I did.

"Do I?" I asked. "Don't forget that I'm a journalist. All it took were a few questions asked by the right people. She seemed very happy to talk to me about it." I put on the acting performance of my life hoping that Bradley didn't catch that I was bluffing. It seemed to work, because he unclenched his fist.

"Penelope," my father began. "Don't forget what I told you! If you go with that man, prepare to be miserable for the rest of your life."

"So I can end up like Miss Fairfox?" I countered. My father drew back and my mother actually became almost jaundiced. "Her or any of the other women? How many women did you seduce, Daddy, and how many bribes did you offer, Mummy, so they wouldn't come forward?" I lost my chance to prevent this party disaster for my friends, but I would make damn sure that Goofy and the others would never have to worry about my parents or Bradley coming after them. "If you even threaten us, I will see to it that all of you go to jail or at the very least your reputations take a hit!"

"You are a spoiled ungrateful child," My mother commanded.

"No," I said. "I was your daughter, but I'm not anymore."

I left my parents' home for what I hope was the last time. I could still see Goofy walking away. "George," I yelled.

Goofy turned around surprised as I ran to his side. He looked at my hand to see that it was bare and smiled. He then took his engagement ring out and slipped it back on my finger where it belonged. "I guess I'll be moseying down to registration then," Goofy said.

I smiled through my tears. "First let's get you guys cleaned up."

I am now sitting in Minnie and Daisy's apartment. They let me stay here until Goofy and I are married in a week's time. We are all cleaned up and dressed in our night clothes. Minnie, Daisy, and I are reminiscing catching up with each other about our lives in between our childhood and now, laughing, giggling, watching and making fun of romantic comedies. It's good to have my two best friends back. I ask if they will be my bridesmaids. "I mean it's not going to be a big thing," I say. "Goofy and I are just getting married next week in front of a judge so it will just be you two, and Donald and Mickey and probably Pluto." I laugh.

Minnie and Daisy exchange grins. "Like you have to ask," Minnie says. We laugh as Daisy hands me some popcorn which I willingly eat. I know there will be hard times. There may not be money. I may have a difficult time getting used to doing all of the little things that others take for granted like doing my own laundry, or learning to drive or cook. Of course Goofy will have to work for both of us while I am in school. I will have to learn what it takes to earn a living. But now I can't wait to see what lies ahead…..

… Well I did it. I am Mrs. Penny Goof. Despite being a feminist, I had opted to take Goofy's name, occasionally using Pooch-Goof. But I want as little to do with the Pooch family as possible. The ceremony was short and sweet. It was a short 15 minute affair in front of a Toon Town judge and our five best friends. When the judge asked if we wanted to be husband and wife, we both said "I do" gladly.

Our wedding night on the other hand was wonderful. I never thought that Goofy could touch me in a way that makes me feel like a woman…"

….. "I think that's enough of that section," Max said. He flipped through the page onto the next. "It continues." He flipped a few more pages. "Still more." He flipped a few more disgusted at what he was reading. "Oh come on seriously?" His eyes widened at another page. "In public? I am never going there again!" He flipped through again, completely nauseous. "Oh God, Dad! No eye contact!" Finally he got to a section that didn't make him want to gouge out his eyes and deprive himself of his short term memory so he could forget what he just read. "Here we go, Graduation….."

"….I stood in line as the dean called my name. I accepted my diploma and smiled at my husband who cheered loudly sounding off a noise maker. I shook my head embarrassed but laughed. After the ceremony, I posed with the rest of my friends for several pictures taken by Mickey's sister, Donald's grandmother, and other friends and relatives.

Donald's sister, Della gave her brother a big hug. "Congratulations, Dumbold!" She teased. She held the hand of a large burly tattooed man that I knew Donald didn't care for but was her current boyfriend.

"Thanks Dumbella," Donald teased. Della also hugged Daisy as well.

Mickey and Minnie accepted the hugs from Mickey's sister, Amelia and Mickey's nieces and nephews particularly his favorite nephews, Morty and Ferdy. The two had grown a bit since I last saw them playing Bob and Martha Cratchit's sons, Peter and Tiny Tim.

Less anyone think that Goofy and I were alone, well we had family present as well. Of course the people who bore and raised me never showed but Goofy's grandfather did. He is a sweet but absent-minded man who looks like a more faded version of his grandson, more strictly black and white with a long beard down to his ankles. He gave me a kiss. "So this is the lady who stole my grandson's heart are ye?" He nodded at his grandson. Goofy was still in his orange factory uniform. I could tell from his droopy eyes that he was exhausted coming off an 8 hour shift. I told him that I would understand if he slept in, but he told me no that he wanted to come to his wife's graduation.

"You love my boy don't ya?" Pop asked.

I nodded. "Yes I do, very much so."

Pop nodded and pointed at his head. "He ain't got a lot upstairs. But what he don't have here, he makes up for in here." He pointed at his heart. "That boy's got a heart the size of Alaskey and Texas put together."

I know," I said with pride and guilt. I feel guilty that Goofy had to sacrifice so much to put me through school. When the tuition bills came he never said anything, just continued to work. He never complained about the books and supplies that I needed just kissed me and said that his wife needed those supplies so "she could be the best writer ever." He continued to cut out my articles and put them in his scrapbook and I believe that he was more excited than I was when I received the job of writing the events calendar at the Toon Town Talker daily newspaper. He picked me up, swung me around, kissed me, and then took me out to the fanciest restaurant that he could afford. That's Goofy he never asks for anything for himself. He gives so much of himself to others. One thing that I vow every day that I will be the reporter that he deserves so he will know his sacrifice is worth it.

"Like I told his Daddy when he married," Pop said. "Son there'll be tough times but if there's love, real love there, then them tough times'll be worth it. You see?"

Goofy walked up to me and smiled. "I think I do, Pop." I said kissing my grandfather-in-law on the cheek. Pop giggled and blushed.

"Gawrsh, she's a keeper, Georgie," Pop said. "Hold onto her."

"I'm gonna, Pop," Goofy said as he kissed me on the lips. "I'm gonna every day…."

…"I'm going to too, Roxanne," Max said slamming the book shut and holding his wife's hand. "I want that too. I want that real love that will last through the tough times like my parents had. But I want more than what they had. They only had five years of marriage, five before she died! My Mom never got to grow old with Dad, never got to see our wedding, never got to meet her granddaughter! That's what I want, us to be married longer than they were! I want us to someday look back on this many years from now and say, 'Wow, that was tough but we made it. We made it together!' I want us to be together and I don't want you to die! Please, I love you. Roxanne, please stay with me!"

Max held his wife's hand in silence and lowered his head, his vision blurred by his tears. He suddenly felt a slight movement from Roxanne's hand as her fingers curled slightly. He then felt the smallest breath from her mouth. Max raised his head to hear Roxanne whisper, "Max."

Author's Note

Goofy's various majors and his accidents are from the great comedy film What's Up Doc (1971), including the "political activist/chemistry major" dialogue. What's Up Doc? also has the "everybody be quiet/You too/Me too" dialogue as well.

Mickey's father's maxim about "moving forward" is purposely similar to Walt Disney's quote about "moving forward" famously used in Meet the Robinsons.

Disney historians probably will get Jiminy Cricket's call "Mouse is in the forest." It's a play on the line that many of Disney's employees used to say, "Man is in the forest" (from Bambi) whenever Walt Disney was about to enter. Basically it was a call for everyone to stop goofing off and get to work.

Goldie's goddaughter's parents are none other than the Violin Princess of the Land of Symphony and the Alto Sax Prince of the Isle of Jazz, , the protagonists of the Silly Symphony cartoon, Music Land (1935). It figures that the Singing Harp would be a friend of theirs.

Of course this implies that the cane scene in Mickey's Christmas Carol is a "throw it in/ad lib." Another in this fic was based on a real-life one from It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Goofy bumping into Donald who dropped lights making the scene better. The real life incident actually happened to Thomas Mitchell, who played Uncle Billy as he left the Baily home. A crew man dropped some lights. The sound of dropping lights ended up sounding like Uncle Billy bumping into garbage cans so they kept the sound in as well as James Stewart's laughter and Mitchell's "I'm okay, I'm okay" ad lib. The crewman was paid a small stipend for "improving the sound" on the scene.