All My Toys: 292

Dear Diary,

How in the world is March almost over? It's crazy. Big things are going on though! There's this big concert in Swans Crossing coming up, Glo is the opening act! I mean, it will be a time. Makes me wonder though how some of my friends from Swans Crossing have been up to...

-Miss M

Toy Valley Mall, specifically BB's Boutique...

Sydney: What even is this place? Hello? Does anyone work here? Is this even a real boutique? Feeling more like some random art installation... 

???: I can assure you, this is a store. I was here a few weeks ago and saw an employee. I think they may have gone on a break.

Sydney: So they just leave the store unattended? Is only one person on the payroll?

???: I would imagine they aren't getting paid much and are probably way overworked. They'll be back.

Sydney: What happened to Make America Green Again? I thought President Luthor was going to jump start this economy and make everyone rich? What a joke. I knew his weird obsession with super heroes and making a priority of banning them from sports was going to lead to so many problems. I should have just ordered online. I miss when Count Chocula was president.

???: Yeah, except when President Chocula was kidnapped and that imposter took his place. Strange times. I get it though. Sometimes it's nice to look in person right? I just got engaged, and I am looking for a really nice dress to celebrate. Looking online, it's just too risky.

Sydney: Oh that's so nice. I just got engaged too. It's pretty exciting. 

???: Yeah. Right? Your ring looks gorgeous.

Sydney: Oh thank you. (looks off into the difference) Wait a minute. Is that who I think it is? My god.

???: Nice meeting you.

The mall food court...

Mila: Ok, I have my drink. I think I'm ready for my class!

Sydney: Mila! My goodness!

Mila: (breathes deeply) Oh lord.

Mila: Sydney! What a surprise.

Sydney: Oh I know! Look at you. I didn't realize ballet core was back, your take on the trend is so on point.

Mila: Yes, well, I am dressed this way for my ballet Jazzercise class.

Sydney: Oh? You teach Jazzercise now?

Mila: No. I attend as a patron. We're no longer spring chickens Sydney, it's important to keep things looking fresh.

Sydney: I wouldn't really know.

Mila: Of course, you just pay to keep things nipped, tucked, and sucked right out of you huh?

Sydney: Oh how sweet of you to think I've had work done. I just have my own trainer. I wouldn't be caught dead in an exercise class. Have you heard the news? I'm engaged!

Mila: Wow, I didn't know. Congratulations. What number will this one be? 

Sydney: Look at you, so clever. It will technically be my first. That rush to the altar during the whole Y2K panic was annulled. And, I am truly sorry.

Mila: For?

Sydney: I just feel terrible. I rushed back from that clinic in Switzerland, practically from the dead, crashed your wedding to Garrett and ran off with him. Only to break up, which did wonders for me because it allowed me to meet my one true love, Alex Von Chausen, and now I'm ready to plan the wedding of my dreams. If I had just been more patient, Garrett and you would have stood a chance and you'd have your happily ever after.

Mila: No need to ruffle a wrinkle Sydney, you actually did me a favor.

Sydney: Oh?

Mila: I have moved on from Garrett. Had we been married, it would have been something else, you just happened to be the 'something' that set the drama in motion sooner rather than later. So thank you. I am living my best life.

Sydney: How quaint. Well, you go girl. I do hope you find a chance at love, and your own wedding. You said so yourself, you're not a spring chicken. Dating is just so tough, especially at our age. 

Mila: Not all of us are worried about marriage Sydney.

Sydney: Of course. I wasn't. But then I met Alex. His family owns that coffee bean empire. With both of our wealth combined, this will be a wedding for the ages. 

Mila: Great. I love how out of touch you are, never change Sydney. Well, this has been something. I do need to get to my class though.

Sydney: Yes of course. I need to get back to shopping. I'm looking for a dress for the concert in Swans Crossing. Are you planning to go?

Mila: Perhaps. Maybe I'll see you there. Congratulations again Sydney. 

Across the food court...

Miss M: What do you think that was about?

Glo: I don't know. It couldn't be that bad though, because they both walked away unscathed.

Miss M: I wanted to say hi, but Mila looked like she was ready to drop an anvil on Sydney.

Glo: Well, we'll all be together for the concert soon enough.

Miss M: How are rehearsals going? 

Glo: Good. It's a nice venue. Great stage but for a smaller audience. It's going to be perfect. I'm more excited than I thought I'd be.

Miss M: I love that. I'm sorry I had to cancel the plans with Layla and you this weekend. But, the good news is that Yvie stayed a little longer than normal with me.

Glo: Hey, that's big. I'm glad to hear that. It's gonna be ok.

Miss M: Yeah, I am sure it will. I also got a little snippy with Bruce. 

Glo: Oh, what happened?

Miss M: I just lost patience. He is honoring all these commitments he made that he can't remember because he wants to do the right thing, but he just can't possibly try and do right by me. And I know I am being a brat. Because it's not ok to demand that a man love me when he can't remember doing that in the first place. I just, it gets frustrating. 

Glo: I know. This has been hard on all of you. If it is impacting you this way, are you sure you're ok seeing Dick?

Miss M: Yeah. I want to enjoy my life. I am in my prime, and I am not going to just stop trying to find my happiness while waiting for Bruce to get his memory back. Call me harsh or whatever, I don't care. I'm tired.

Glo: I know, but girl, what do you do if he remembers?

Miss M: I don't know. I'm not looking to marry Dick or run off into the sunset with him. I just want to enjoy my life, and he makes me feel good. Look, I know this is messy. But let's be real, all of these exes from Bruce's past who have been crawling out of the gutter to make sure he is ok, like, come on. Of course he remembers all of them. 

Glo: Girl, men are too much.

Miss M: I know. Heck, we all are. Anyway, I've got good news. My dad wants you to drop by his club. He isn't in charge of hiring the talent, but he can have final say if need be. The singers all get together on Tuesdays for a meeting and rehearsals, so he said to drop by.

Glo: Oh really? I'm so excited to hear that. And you are ok?

Miss M: Yes. I want you to show those chicks what's up. I am so excited for you. Everything you have going on, this is a big deal.

Glo: I know. I think about how much I struggled. You were there when we were younger. You know. I am really trying to have it all. This amazing career. Being a mom to Laya, like not just phone calls at night before a show, but actually here in her day to day life. I'm not going to miss out on her life. Sure, there won't be world tours and such, but I am ok with that. My star doesn't need to shine the brightest.

Miss M: Yeah. You just have it shining in other ways. I am so excited for this concert. 

Glo: Me too. Real talk though, you think if Sydney and Mila are there, and if Garrett shows up, what do you think might happen?

Miss M: I don't know. Sydney seems really happy with that coffee guy and I think Mila has sworn off men.

Glo: Yeah. I get it. I suppose we can do with one drama free night right?

Miss M: Absolutely.

Across town, Sydney Rutledge's modest mansion...

Alex: (through speaker phone) Babe, I'm sorry, but I will be back soon. This was a last minute business deal.

Sydney: I know, but I was really hoping we'd be able to celebrate tonight. 

Alex: I get it, and we will celebrate. As soon as I get back.

Sydney: Ok. When will that be? Will you be back in time for the concert?

Alex: I hope so babe. It all depends. Luthor keeps imposing these tariffs on everything, it's disrupting the family business. I've got some fires to put out.

Sydney: Well I have some fires here, that were meant to set the mood for us. Little candles. Leading up to the bedroom for your surprise.

Alex: Oh really? And uh, what was my surprise?

Sydney: Oh, I think you can imagine. Remember that pale blue lace number from our night in the Maldives?

Alex: Oh.

Sydney: Yes, but, think less lace.

Alex: Oh. Nice. Hey, I gotta go, they're calling us in. 

Sydney: Oh, well I love you...

Alex: Yeah I lo... (hangs up)

Sydney: Well ok then.

Later that evening, downtown...

Miss M: I know, I know, I shouldn't be walking alone at night. But, the mall is so close to my apartment. You've seen gas prices, I don't want to drive if I don't have to. Besides, I have you here to protect me.

Miss M: Best bodyguard ever!

Godzilla: Rawr.

Miss M: Ok, next time I will bring some mace too. 

Miss M: Ya know, I used to do some super hero stuff not too long ago. I've helped save the world more times than I have had any right doing. 

Godzilla: Rawr. Rawr!

Miss M: Thank you. We make a good team. 

Godzilla: Rawr?

Miss M: So I actually didn't buy anything. I know. It's crazy. Trust me, if I had, you'd be carrying my bags.

Godzilla: Rawr.

Pinkie Pie: Hey party people!

Miss M: Pinkie Pie. What are you doing here? You usually only show up when...

Pinkie Pie: No need to say it! We all show up when needed. Right Godzilla?

Godzilla: Rawr, rawr.

Pinkie Pie: The night is still young, and as your guardian pony, I think we should pull out all the confetti canons and party! And then get late night french fries.

Miss M: I dunno. I'm trying to be good.

Godzilla: Rawr.

Miss M: I know. Thanks for calling me out.

Miss M: I mean, going out and enjoying the night won't be worse than staying up all night in bed doom scrolling, but the thing is that I really need to try and get my sleep routine back in gear. 

Godzilla: Rawr.

Pinkie Pie: Oh don't be so protective Godzilla! We're all looking out for her best interest. My way just helps bring up some of those endorphins so she doesn't fall into a depressive state.

Godzilla: Rawr!

Pinkie Pie: Well sometimes a girl needs more than a big strong lizard monster with laser beams and the ability to carry shopping packages ok?

Godzilla: Rawr...

Pinkie Pie: Ok, that was harsh. You are not a monster. But you know how fragile she is.

Miss M: Guys? I'm right here. 

Evil-Lyn: That you are. Talking to your imaginary friends again? How silly.

Pinkie Pie: We're not exactly imaginary. We're charged with protecting her, hand picked by...

Evil-Lyn: I don't really care. You are all missing the point. When this happens, it's usually a sign that poor sweet Miss M is on the verge of cracking that egg of a head of hers.

Miss M: I am doing just fine. Thank you.

Evil-Lyn: Are you though? I mean, you have me here again. A reminder of the chaos that can swirl around your life.

Miss M: You hold no power here. You're probably off in space somewhere floating away never having to pay for what you did.

Evil-Lyn: Please, that was years ago. The real issue is your train wreck of a life. Do you really think it wise to be getting involved with another man, when the love of your life has amnesia? Who does that?

Pinkie Pie: I mean...

Miss M: Umm, we are not judging me tonight!

Godzilla: Rawr!

Miss M: Thank you Godzilla.

Evil-Lyn: Face it. All of us here right now, it can only mean one thing. You're in over your head. That makes you desperate, making poor decisions. You need to face reality Miss M. You've got anger and grief simmering, and at some point it will boil over.

Evil-Lyn: What happens then? Hmm? America's dorkette, sweet as apple pie until suddenly not. The clock is ticking. We all know it. The crash out will be glorious.

Pinkie Pie: Don't listen to her M. She's just your deepest most insecure pieces acting out. 

Godzilla: Rawr!

Miss M: No. She's right. I'm a mess right now, and I'm not doing what I need to do. And I don't really want to. I'm just trying to survive.

Miss M: So, I'm making a compromise. No going out partying tonight, but I will stop for some french fries and instead of doom scrolling I'll just watch some soap operas and try to get to bed early. How does that sound?

Pinkie Pie: I like it. It was always about the french fries any way.

Godzilla: Rawr.

Miss M: Yeah. I'm gonna be ok.

Ed: Yeah you will. You're Miss M.

Miss M: Ed?! But, you're dead? And what's with the dog costume?

Ed: Well, the panda suit is retired for now. I'm the ambassador for the Rainbow Bridge in the After Life, so this is my new getup. 

Miss M: What are you doing here? Is this in my head too?

Ed: This can be whatever you need it to be M. I just wanted to check on you. I do from time to time. 

Miss M: I miss you. 

Ed: I miss you too. After Life is not the same without you. I've got Gwen though and things are good. 

Miss M: Well that's nice.

Ed: What about you? It looks like the universe has been throwing you some curve balls.

Miss M: The universe has been throwing the world of curve balls. Lex Luthor is president and, well, it's all a hot dog mess. You know about everything else.

Ed: Yea. I get it. I guess what I want to say, is, keep searching for what makes you happy. You're not acting out. You're trying to find the life that is right for you. 

Miss M: I thought I had already. It felt like everything had fallen into place.

Ed: I get it. You're pretty tough though. You'll figure this out. I gotta go now. Oh, by the by, your old dog, Luke Skybarker, he lives with Gwen and me now. He's a character.

Miss M: I love that.

Ed: Well, take care M. You're gonna be ok kid.

Miss M: I sure hope so.

Ed: I know so.

Up Next: The Swans Crossing concert you won't want to miss!

All My Toys is back! Get ready for more soapy toy drama you will ever know what to do with. Also, I want to add info with how you can help support people in our nerdy blogging community. I have never asked for money for my writing and that will never change, but I will ask if you can please donate (if you can) to a family in need. If you can't donate right now, please spread the word to those who might be able to. Thank you so much and thank you for supporting my dorky blog. Hugs to you all. 

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