Broken Hearts And Mended Dreams

By Paul Beidler

Broken Hearts And Mended Dreams is a journey of self - discovery and redemption. Angie Atkinson is a typical 17-year-old 'arts kid'. Like many young people she, however, sees herself as 'different' and in many ways she is. She has her own style of dress and loves acting and her theatre classes. She also has more than her share of problems. Her father was killed in an automobile accident when she was almost 10 and this had a devastating effect on her as well as her mother. Angie copes as well as she can until her mother remarries and Angie's family grows uncomfortably. Angie is in conflict with both her mother and stepfather who reject her dream of going to college and majoring in theatre. The saving grace for Angie has always been her relationship with her grandmother, her 'Nana'. Nana has always been her anchor in life. Almost all of Angie's problems have been talked out with 'Nana' at the old retro-50s diner the 'Pink Cadillac', over a strawberry milkshake. Angie always loved the 50s and through 'Nana's stories often wished she could go back to that period in time. Now, however, her 'Nana' lies seriously ill. In addition, a recent report card puts Angie's college dreams in jeopardy. Seeking escape Angie heads to the 'Pink Cadillac'. What she doesn't know, as she sadly sits in her favorite booth at the diner, is that she is about to travel in time back to 1956 where she will meet a girl from the 50s, 'Susan', an old friend of her 'Nana'. Susan guides Angie on a journey that will confront Angie with her past and hopefully allow her to face her future with courage and one last lesson from her 'Nana'
Broken Hearts And Mended Dreams is a story about discovery and relationships. Is it possible for Angie to achieve her dreams? Can her broken heart ever be mended? Can she possibly regain the lost relationship with her mother? Can a journey to the 1950s provide the answers she is desperately looking for?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098383275

Book preview

care’.

2

MONICA - BFF

It was the moment she had been dreading all morning, ever since leaving the principal’s office where she had registered for the fifth grade in her new school. The girl with dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a ready smile had been introduced to her new teacher, gotten her new books and been assigned her new desk in her new fifth grade classroom. Monica Rodriguez did not like being the ‘new’ girl. This particular moment made her nervous. The bell for first recess sounded and all the other kids quickly piled out of their desks and headed to the playground. Monica followed at a slower pace. She had never changed schools before and didn’t know what to expect.

At her old school, Monica looked forward to recess. She had lots of friends. She loved sports, especially soccer and there was always someone that she could kick a ball with. This was her new school and she had no idea who might play soccer or if they even had soccer balls. By herself she went and sat at the corner of one of the lunch tables. While she was getting used to these new surroundings she noticed a girl with blonde hair break away from another girl and head right in her direction. Uh, oh, she thought. She recognized the girl as one who sat across the room from her. The blonde girl came right up to her and said. You’re new in my class. Your name is Monica?

Yes, Monica replied.

Hi, I’m Angie. Angie knew something about being by yourself on a playground. She didn’t do well at sports that involved throwing or catching a ball let alone controlling one with your feet. Her athletic ability was dance but you didn’t do that at recess, only at dance class.

To any outside observer, Monica Rodriguez and Angie Atkinson probably shouldn’t have been best friends, yet they were. Now, seven years after that first meeting they were seniors in high school and they were still best friends in spite of their many differences.

In many ways, those differences provided a balance between the two. They complimented each other. Monica was athletic and had gotten involved in sports in intermediate school and was a three year varsity soccer player at Orchard High. On the field she was a fierce competitor. She hated to lose. With her long hair in a single braid, Monica would literally try to run through opponents and she was deadly with a slide tackle. Her coach had to stop her one time from hitting an opponent who she thought had tripped her. Fist cocked, ready to deliver a blow, her coach had grabbed her and pulled her away. She got a yellow card for that.

Angie had been in the stands for one of the OHS girls’ soccer games earlier in that senior year. Tied for first place with their cross town rivals, this was the big game of the season. Behind 1-0 at halftime Angie could see ‘the look’ on Monica’s face. Eyes narrowed. Jaw clenched. Lips pressed in a straight line. Pure determination. Angie had the thought, Monica’s in ‘her zone’. We got this.

Back and forth the two teams struggled up and down the field until with ten minutes remaining Monica intercepted a pass at mid-field and headed toward the goal. She deftly side stepped a defender and faked to her right. As the goal keeper moved to cut down the angle, Monica ripped a shot past the goalie’s outstretched hand and into the left corner of the net. That tied the score at 1-1 and Angie figured the game would go into overtime or might come down to penalty kicks. That could be exciting but anything might happen. One wrong bounce of the ball and the game would be over.

With two minutes left OHS was awarded a corner kick. Angie saw Monica quickly say something to Tritia Ackerly, who was going to take the kick, and then run back across the field. At the referee’s signal Tritia approached the ball and sent a graceful kick curving toward the net. It went just beyond the keepers fingers and looked like it would curve right out of bounds when Monica came flying in from the right side of the penalty box, jumped high into the air, and headed the ball just inside the post into the back of the net. Her teammates mobbed her. Monica pumped the air with her fist. After two minutes of injury time the referee’s whistle blew and by a score of 2-1 OHS won the league title. Chemistry, Monica might not be good at but she was really good at this.

After the game, and after the on field celebration, on the way to Monica’s car, Angie was still excited. That was so cool. So cool. I can barely catch a ball and you do all that stuff with just your feet. I can’t see how you got past all those other girls. Amazing!

Monica, still sweaty, her dark hair plastered to her forehead, smiled broadly. I’ve been doing stuff like that with my feet since I was like five. Actually I’d have been totally pissed if I’d missed that shot.

And that header. I thought the ball would go out for sure.

Tritia is the best ‘bender’ we’ve got. She can really curve the ball so I just told her to give it a little extra and kick it beyond the post not to the center of the box and I’d be there. She did and I was. Monica was laughing now. I frickin’ did not want to lose that game! And besides, speaking of doing stuff with your feet, I like have no idea how you do some of those dance steps. You just don’t have to kick anything. Wanna come to the team pizza party?

For sure.

The two friends headed for Monica’s car. At the pizza parlor Monica’s other side came out. Off the field she was one of the nicest most friendly girls at school. Monica was bubbly and social and involved. She’d been on yearbook staff for three years. Monica had lots of guy friends, many of whom had been rooting her on with Angie at the game. Monica held her own with the guys and they loved her wisecracking sassy comments.

Outside of Monica, Angie confined herself primarily to her drama group. Many friendships don’t maintain themselves in high school as friends develop different interests and start hanging out with other friends. Angie and Monica simply accepted each other and accommodated one another’s different activities. Angie went to all of Monica’s soccer games and Monica went to Angie’s drama shows. There was no jealousy when one or the other was busy with their particular group. They texted each other or used Skype to stay in touch.

Another contrast between the two friends was their life away from school. Monica had a much more stable home life. Her mother, Alicia, worked for the county assessor’s office. Her father, Roberto, worked for an architectural firm. Even though both parents worked, they never missed one of Monica’s soccer games. It was a close, sports oriented family. Monica had one older brother, Julio, who was two years older and already in college on a baseball scholarship. There was no small amount of joking, laughing or teasing when Julio was home.

Angie’s family life with her stepfather, Jeff, two twin stepbrothers, and little brother Brody always seemed to be in turmoil. Everyone seemed to be going in different directions. Angie’s mom came to some of her shows. Jeff never did. There was more often than not a sense of crisis and tension.

Over the years, especially as they went from elementary school to intermediate school Monica tended to be somewhat protective of Angie. Monica saw Angie as a bit naive and overly trusting. She was a people pleaser. Monica was afraid people would take advantage of Angie, and they often did. Angie was very non-assertive whereas you always knew exactly where you stood with Monica. Monica was a more ‘spur of the moment’ risk taker. Act now and worry about consequences later.

Sometimes Monica thought about consequences a little too late but she often pulled things off as well. Like the time she decided that her soccer team needed to toilet paper the coach’s front yard as a prank. The only problem was they didn’t have any toilet paper. Monica solved the problem by quickly arranging a ‘scavenger’ hunt in the neighborhood. Of course the only item on anyone’s list was a roll of toilet paper. Then, when they were almost done with their TP job a dog started barking so they all jumped in their cars. Monica ended up with five people somehow jammed in her little VW bug but they all escaped. She was lucky she didn’t have a wreck or get stopped by a cop since her drivers license stipulated she was only supposed to be able to have one passenger.

Angie usually didn’t join Monica when she’d pile into her pink VW beetle with friends and race off to the movies, the mall or a party. Monica was dependent on being in a group and didn’t spend much time by herself. Angie was more of a dreamer and personally independent. She was fine being by herself. It wasn’t that Angie didn’t take risks. She quietly took risks with her clothing, make up and hairstyles, which fascinated Monica who never ceased to be amazed at some of the things Angie came up with.

One of Monica’s biggest concerns for her friend, since they had been in intermediate school, was that Angie seemed prone to periods of depression. Monica knew why, or at least thought she did. Hell, she thought, if I’d lost my dad at ten I’d be depressed too. She had become used to Angie’s deep moods and often dark writing and poetry but the cutting Angie had started her freshman year truly worried her. Monica could simply not conceive of doing that to herself. She wanted to tell Angie’s mom but knew life would be horrible if Angie’s stepfather found out. She determined to be there for her friend. She encouraged her to maybe at least tell her Nana or somebody. She also urged her to get help but Angie kind of folded in on herself at those suggestions so she tried to get her to promise not to do it or call her when she felt bad. Angie actually did call Monica or go over to her house when she felt these frustrations. Unfortunately though she didn’t do this every time.

The two friends often studied together. Monica was a solid B/B+ student. Angie was actually more intellectual but didn’t always apply it. When she did she got A’s. Monica once asked her, How do you know so much stuff?

I read a lot, Angie replied. And I do research for my plays and characters.

You just know so much random weird crap.

Angie smiled, Weird? You don’t think vast knowledge of Harry Potter and Hogwarts or the Land of Oz is important?

Sometimes I think you live part of your life in Oz. Monica kidded her.

Sometimes, I wish I did. Angie said cryptically.

In spite of their schedules and activities the two friends found time to hang out and communicate and watch out for each other. While Monica may have been protective of Angie it was Angie who pushed Monica to work hard to rehab her knee when she’d injured it sophomore year. Monica, who was rarely depressed was very down after the knee injury caused her to have surgery. Rehab wasn’t going well at first and she even talked about giving up sports. Angie stepped in and actually was assertive with some tough love.

Monica had been talking about quitting when Angie totally cut her off. That’s bullshit Monica. Your life without soccer would be like my life without theatre. It would be like no life. You’re always on my ass about being down and needing to build up my confidence well how about a dose of your own medicine. Your doctor said to start with walking and then exercises then slow jogging. Well, I’m gonna walk with you. I’m gonna be sure you do your exercises and I need to work out for dance class so I’ll jog with you. You are getting your ass back on that soccer field by the time school starts or else.

Surprised at Angie’s passion and gratified she cared so much about her, Monica worked out with Angie by her side all summer. Angie even did the pool exercises when Monica knew Angie hated swimming. By September, Monica was back on the soccer pitch and playing as well as ever.

Monica often dated but not anyone on a steady basis. She was all in on winter formals, proms, disco dances. She loved the energy the music and the crowds and she got along well with guys. She was a great ‘gal pal’ and they seemed attracted to her confidence and sassy replies. She encouraged Angie who tended to shy away from these activities. Monica knew there were guys who liked Angie but suspected boys were a little intimidated not only by her style but by the fact that when Angie was in full make-up for one of her shows, her ‘war paint’ as she called it, she was truly a stunner. Monica often suspected guys thought a girl that attractive had lots of guys and dates so they didn’t try.

Not that Angie really noticed that. She was always busy with some theatre activity. She had a hoodie that said, ‘I can’t - I have rehearsal’. Monica thought that was funny but also very true.

Theirs was a rare friendship. They would very likely go in different directions after high school but with modern technology and their shared past they were sure they would always be in touch. They’d already promised to be bridesmaids if either of them ever got married. Friends forever.

3

THE PRESENT - BACK AT THE TABLE

Angie considered Monica’s idea of not telling her mom but realized that, for her, it wouldn’t work. That’s your mom Monica, she said. One thing my mom is aware of about me is my grades. And my SAT’s and my college letters and will I get any scholarships. No worries if I hide this either since she knows how to use the parent portal at school to check up if she needs to. Since there are now three other kids in the family my college money won’t be spreading so far and mom and Jeff want me to get a decent education, business or law. The reality is they can help me with school but only if I don’t major in theater. They don’t want me to, she made ‘air quotes’ with her fingers, ‘waste’ the money.

So, you can still get into a college. You can do that. It wouldn’t be easy but you could just blow them off and do your own thing.

Angie had actually been thinking along these same lines herself. I think so. I need to see my counselor. My freshman year sucked remember. I’ve worked really hard once I found what I loved to do. Theatre is my dream. Getting in isn’t the hard part. Paying for it is another story. That’s why I need the scholarship to the Academy. Then I don’t need to rely on them and I can ‘blow them off’ as you say and I can major in what I want which is theater and dance. I want my BFA not a stupid business degree. But, not gonna lie, money is a problem. I couldn’t really get more than weekend jobs because of school and drama so I don’t have much saved.

Monica laughed at this. Drama was Angie’s true ‘job’, she just didn’t get paid. She had seen her friend many times on stage and could see her passion. How she would just lose herself in a character she was playing. Monica had gone with Angie to a weekend drama festival where Angie had done a scene from, ‘Anna Karenina’. Her character had a complete breakdown by the end of the scene. Angie was so convincing Monica thought maybe she really had ‘lost it’. A few minutes later though she was the same old Angie saying, I’m hungry, let’s get a snack. I think I saw donuts. Monica had often helped Angie run her lines over and over until she was ‘off book’ so she could rehearse without a script in her hand. Monica once asked her why she worked so hard to memorize before the deadline. Angela was very straightforward about it.

My character does not go through life with a script reading from it so I shouldn’t either. My character can’t be ‘real’ until she has both hands free.

Monica returned to the idea of a business education. Somehow I don’t see you even getting the degree let alone run a business. Not that you couldn’t if you wanted to but I just don’t see you wanting to. And a lawyer, no way. You’re such a wuss. You give in way too often to please people. You’d lose every case.

Yeah, you’re totally right. I’m a dreamer. I like to dress up, play characters. I’m not big on ‘detail’ stuff or spreadsheets and numbers and marketing. But, ‘cuz Jeff,