Orange 26; Gingerbread 22
Author: Marina
Story: Shifts universe (Shifts)
Challenge: Orange 26 (the check’s in the mail), Gingerbread 22 (just right)
Toppings/Extras: Cherry (email format), Hot Fudge, Sprinkles
Word Count: 1,534
Rating: G
Summary: The last thing Joy wants is to see Rupert at Christmas.
Notes: Casey’s pocky chain for Finn earlier gave me the idea to do this. This exchange takes place three days before the family reunion/Christmas party in the epilogue. Joy and Rupert have been divorced about nine months and she hasn’t seen him since.
From: rmgardiner@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 10:14 AM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Monday
Your stipend for January is in the mail and should reach you tomorrow. I assure you that I did not forget, so next month I trust you will tell Eleazar to stop sending me reminders that I do not need.
I hope that Ellen and Finnegan are doing well. I will see you on Thursday.
Rupert M. Gardiner
Vice President, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:08 AM
To: hensond02@gmail.com, prtygrl81@gmail.com, ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Subject: Fw: Monday
What does he mean by “I will see you on Thursday”? He’s not coming to the Christmas party, is he?
Love, Joy
---Begin Forwarded Message---
From: hensond02@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:13 AM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Fw: Monday
I assumed roo was going to be there didn’t you?
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:16 AM
To: hensond02@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
Aren’t you supposed to be taking a final right now?
Love, Joy
From: hensond02@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:20 AM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
just finished english final, am on snack break right now. algebra next, ughhhhhhh
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:29 AM
To: hensond02@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
Good luck! I’m rooting for you.
Love, Joy
From: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:30 AM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Fw: Monday
I was thinking we would bring Rupert along, yes. Abraham is also going to go and I didn’t think we could leave Rupert alone at the compound.
However, he doesn’t have to come if it’ll make you uncomfortable. He has not actually been given a formal invitation. Oriana and I will figure something out. Let me know what you decide; it’s entirely up to you.
Say hello to Ellen and Finn for me.
Eleazar J. Kopen
Executive Treasurer, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:58 AM
To: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Subject: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
Sigh, I don’t know. I’m tempted, but I don’t think I can tell him not to come. Drew already wrote me back and said he expected that Rupert would be there, so I suppose that means he’s fine with it. Plus, I would hate it if you or Oriana weren’t able to come because you had to stay and babysit him. I should probably double-check with Melissa and Matt just in case they do have a problem with it (and would not be surprised in the slightest if so), but I think you should go ahead and plan to bring him. I’ll talk to Ellen later and make sure she’s prepared. I am going to write Rupert back with guidelines on how I expect him to behave around the kids, though. I would be well within my rights to do that, right?
Finn says hello back (that’s how I interpreted the little burbles he made when I passed on your message, anyway). He had a nice breakfast, and I read him a new book. Hopefully he will get sleepy soon. I would like to have a couple hours to clean up the apartment before Ellen comes home.
I hope your day is going well!
Love, Joy
P.S. Please send him those check reminders again in January.
From: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 12:09 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
That is most certainly more than fair. You’re actually being very gracious in allowing him contact with Ellen and Finn at all. Quite frankly, if I were in your shoes I would do nothing of the kind.
Don’t be afraid to make yourself completely clear as to what you expect from him. I’ll back you up if necessary.
As for the check, I was planning to. He will just have to deal with it and be grateful he’s not getting a punch in the face instead.
Eleazar J. Kopen
Executive Treasurer, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 12:15 PM
To: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
Well, Rupert was very decent about the divorce and agreeing to pay child support, and hasn’t pushed anything up to this point. If he disregards my guidelines, I’m prepared to get a restraining order, but at this point I would rather not have to deal with the legal hassle. Also, I think it would upset Drew, and I don’t want to put him under unnecessary stress.
You are the best cousin ever and I am grateful for your support. I’ll put you on a bcc when I reply to Rupert, and you can tell me if I was too harsh.
Love, Joy
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 12:41 PM
To: rmgardiner@wellingstoneinc.com
BCC: hensond02@gmail.com, prtygrl81@gmail.com, ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Subject: Re: Monday
Thank you for the check, Rupert. I will let you know when I have received and cashed it.
In regards to Thursday, I want to make a few things very clear before you come anywhere near the children. Any interaction you have with Drew is between you and him, but I would advise you to let him approach you first, and not the other way around.
I am going to tell Ellen that she does not have to talk to you at all if she does not want to. Do not go near her unless she goes to you first. I would prefer that you do not hold or speak to Finn at all, but you may do so briefly if Eleazar, Oriana, or Drew is watching you. Above all, I do not want to hear one single derisive comment about my parenting, the apartment, or any perceived injustice you feel has been done to you. I do not want your advice or criticism, and I definitely don’t want to hear you discussing it with anyone else when you think I’m not listening.
If you disregard any of this, I will get a restraining order without hesitation. I hope this is clear. Also, these rules apply to any gathering where you might have contact with the children in the future, as well.
Have a good week, and I hope things are going smoothly at the company.
Joy
From: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 12:49 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Monday
Excellently done. I think you may even have been a little too civil, but there is no way he can misunderstand your meaning.
I will look forward to seeing you on Thursday! By the way, do you have any suggestions for presents for Ellen and Finn? Oriana laughed at me when I asked her.
Eleazar J. Kopen
Executive Treasurer, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: rmgardiner@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 1:03 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Monday
I have carefully read your guidelines and can assure you that I will adhere to them in every detail. There is no need for a restraining order; I am not a masochist.
Please inform me if there is anything else I can do to assist your welfare.
Rupert M. Gardiner
Vice President, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: hensond02@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 2:22 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Monday
go joy! sorry i didn’t mention roo before, I hope youre okay with him coming and all. also I think I actually passed my algebra final wooooooo!!!!
can i make a desert request for thurs.? pecan pie would be awesome
From: prtygrl81@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 2:25 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: PARTAY
Dearest, most beloved and awesome cousin IN THE WORLD,
You rock! Way to tell him exactly who the hell is boss. I hope he didn’t give you a hard time. If he did, tell me and I’ll happily kick his ass for you. ;)
Hey, try to see if you can get Drew to babysit the kids tonight, cause I want to take you out for margaritas. DO NOT RESIST, BOOZE IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER. Plus this one place downtown is amazing, you’ll love it, I swear.
Give Ellen and Finn a kiss for me!
~Ori
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 2:41 PM
To: prtygrl81@gmail.com
Subject: Re: PARTAY
Darling little Ori,
Thank you. Rupert actually agreed without protesting, so there’s no need to kick his ass on my behalf, although I do appreciate the offer. I’m actually really relieved that I just came out and said it so there aren’t any misunderstandings in the future. If you and Eleazar stay at the compound much longer, meeting up with him at some point is unavoidable anyway.
I just called Drew and promised him pecan pie at Thursday’s party in exchange for his services, so I think I will go out with you tonight. A girls’ night out and a margarita actually sounds really good to me right now. I’m looking forward to it, so thanks for asking me. In fact, why don’t you come over for dinner beforehand? I’m making chicken pot pie tonight and I’m sure the kids would love to see you. Come by at seven if you want to. (Ellen is reading over my shoulder and seconds this, so you think about it while I give her a lecture about reading my emails.)
Love, Joy
From: prtygrl81@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 2:48 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: PARTAY
SWEET I will so be there, your cooking is the bomb. CAN’T WAIT!
~Ori
Story: Shifts universe (Shifts)
Challenge: Orange 26 (the check’s in the mail), Gingerbread 22 (just right)
Toppings/Extras: Cherry (email format), Hot Fudge, Sprinkles
Word Count: 1,534
Rating: G
Summary: The last thing Joy wants is to see Rupert at Christmas.
Notes: Casey’s pocky chain for Finn earlier gave me the idea to do this. This exchange takes place three days before the family reunion/Christmas party in the epilogue. Joy and Rupert have been divorced about nine months and she hasn’t seen him since.
From: rmgardiner@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 10:14 AM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Monday
Your stipend for January is in the mail and should reach you tomorrow. I assure you that I did not forget, so next month I trust you will tell Eleazar to stop sending me reminders that I do not need.
I hope that Ellen and Finnegan are doing well. I will see you on Thursday.
Rupert M. Gardiner
Vice President, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:08 AM
To: hensond02@gmail.com, prtygrl81@gmail.com, ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Subject: Fw: Monday
What does he mean by “I will see you on Thursday”? He’s not coming to the Christmas party, is he?
Love, Joy
---Begin Forwarded Message---
From: hensond02@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:13 AM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Fw: Monday
I assumed roo was going to be there didn’t you?
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:16 AM
To: hensond02@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
Aren’t you supposed to be taking a final right now?
Love, Joy
From: hensond02@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:20 AM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
just finished english final, am on snack break right now. algebra next, ughhhhhhh
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:29 AM
To: hensond02@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
Good luck! I’m rooting for you.
Love, Joy
From: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:30 AM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Fw: Monday
I was thinking we would bring Rupert along, yes. Abraham is also going to go and I didn’t think we could leave Rupert alone at the compound.
However, he doesn’t have to come if it’ll make you uncomfortable. He has not actually been given a formal invitation. Oriana and I will figure something out. Let me know what you decide; it’s entirely up to you.
Say hello to Ellen and Finn for me.
Eleazar J. Kopen
Executive Treasurer, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 11:58 AM
To: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Subject: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
Sigh, I don’t know. I’m tempted, but I don’t think I can tell him not to come. Drew already wrote me back and said he expected that Rupert would be there, so I suppose that means he’s fine with it. Plus, I would hate it if you or Oriana weren’t able to come because you had to stay and babysit him. I should probably double-check with Melissa and Matt just in case they do have a problem with it (and would not be surprised in the slightest if so), but I think you should go ahead and plan to bring him. I’ll talk to Ellen later and make sure she’s prepared. I am going to write Rupert back with guidelines on how I expect him to behave around the kids, though. I would be well within my rights to do that, right?
Finn says hello back (that’s how I interpreted the little burbles he made when I passed on your message, anyway). He had a nice breakfast, and I read him a new book. Hopefully he will get sleepy soon. I would like to have a couple hours to clean up the apartment before Ellen comes home.
I hope your day is going well!
Love, Joy
P.S. Please send him those check reminders again in January.
From: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 12:09 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
That is most certainly more than fair. You’re actually being very gracious in allowing him contact with Ellen and Finn at all. Quite frankly, if I were in your shoes I would do nothing of the kind.
Don’t be afraid to make yourself completely clear as to what you expect from him. I’ll back you up if necessary.
As for the check, I was planning to. He will just have to deal with it and be grateful he’s not getting a punch in the face instead.
Eleazar J. Kopen
Executive Treasurer, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 12:15 PM
To: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fw: Monday
Well, Rupert was very decent about the divorce and agreeing to pay child support, and hasn’t pushed anything up to this point. If he disregards my guidelines, I’m prepared to get a restraining order, but at this point I would rather not have to deal with the legal hassle. Also, I think it would upset Drew, and I don’t want to put him under unnecessary stress.
You are the best cousin ever and I am grateful for your support. I’ll put you on a bcc when I reply to Rupert, and you can tell me if I was too harsh.
Love, Joy
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 12:41 PM
To: rmgardiner@wellingstoneinc.com
BCC: hensond02@gmail.com, prtygrl81@gmail.com, ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Subject: Re: Monday
Thank you for the check, Rupert. I will let you know when I have received and cashed it.
In regards to Thursday, I want to make a few things very clear before you come anywhere near the children. Any interaction you have with Drew is between you and him, but I would advise you to let him approach you first, and not the other way around.
I am going to tell Ellen that she does not have to talk to you at all if she does not want to. Do not go near her unless she goes to you first. I would prefer that you do not hold or speak to Finn at all, but you may do so briefly if Eleazar, Oriana, or Drew is watching you. Above all, I do not want to hear one single derisive comment about my parenting, the apartment, or any perceived injustice you feel has been done to you. I do not want your advice or criticism, and I definitely don’t want to hear you discussing it with anyone else when you think I’m not listening.
If you disregard any of this, I will get a restraining order without hesitation. I hope this is clear. Also, these rules apply to any gathering where you might have contact with the children in the future, as well.
Have a good week, and I hope things are going smoothly at the company.
Joy
From: ejkopen@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 12:49 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Monday
Excellently done. I think you may even have been a little too civil, but there is no way he can misunderstand your meaning.
I will look forward to seeing you on Thursday! By the way, do you have any suggestions for presents for Ellen and Finn? Oriana laughed at me when I asked her.
Eleazar J. Kopen
Executive Treasurer, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: rmgardiner@wellingstoneinc.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 1:03 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Monday
I have carefully read your guidelines and can assure you that I will adhere to them in every detail. There is no need for a restraining order; I am not a masochist.
Please inform me if there is anything else I can do to assist your welfare.
Rupert M. Gardiner
Vice President, Wellingstone, Inc.
From: hensond02@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 2:22 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Monday
go joy! sorry i didn’t mention roo before, I hope youre okay with him coming and all. also I think I actually passed my algebra final wooooooo!!!!
can i make a desert request for thurs.? pecan pie would be awesome
From: prtygrl81@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 2:25 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: PARTAY
Dearest, most beloved and awesome cousin IN THE WORLD,
You rock! Way to tell him exactly who the hell is boss. I hope he didn’t give you a hard time. If he did, tell me and I’ll happily kick his ass for you. ;)
Hey, try to see if you can get Drew to babysit the kids tonight, cause I want to take you out for margaritas. DO NOT RESIST, BOOZE IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER. Plus this one place downtown is amazing, you’ll love it, I swear.
Give Ellen and Finn a kiss for me!
~Ori
From: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 2:41 PM
To: prtygrl81@gmail.com
Subject: Re: PARTAY
Darling little Ori,
Thank you. Rupert actually agreed without protesting, so there’s no need to kick his ass on my behalf, although I do appreciate the offer. I’m actually really relieved that I just came out and said it so there aren’t any misunderstandings in the future. If you and Eleazar stay at the compound much longer, meeting up with him at some point is unavoidable anyway.
I just called Drew and promised him pecan pie at Thursday’s party in exchange for his services, so I think I will go out with you tonight. A girls’ night out and a margarita actually sounds really good to me right now. I’m looking forward to it, so thanks for asking me. In fact, why don’t you come over for dinner beforehand? I’m making chicken pot pie tonight and I’m sure the kids would love to see you. Come by at seven if you want to. (Ellen is reading over my shoulder and seconds this, so you think about it while I give her a lecture about reading my emails.)
Love, Joy
From: prtygrl81@gmail.com
Sent: Mon 12/15/2008 2:48 PM
To: joy_kopen@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: PARTAY
SWEET I will so be there, your cooking is the bomb. CAN’T WAIT!
~Ori