“So, how do you plan on getting Tacita on your good side? Obviously, nothing you’ve tried has worked so far,” Taste of Honey said. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be in this situation right now.”

Mark sighed and took a puff of his cigarette. “You don’t need to rub it in. I already know I’m a sad, pathetic loser and should just count my losses and move on,” he replied, rolling his eyes.

“Well, not so fast,” Taste of Honey said. “This might not be a lost cause. Maybe you’re just going about things the wrong way. You need to show that you’re willing to make the effort, that you’re a good guy. What if you showed some kind of interest in something that mattered to her? Some kind of cause or hobby or something? What kind of stuff does she like?”

“I… I don’t know,” Mark stammered.

“You don’t know?” Taste of Honey cried out, incredulously. “You’ve known the woman for years and have a kid with her. You should know something about her aside from where her tan lines end.”

“W-well,” Mark said slowly, “I know she likes music. I know she’s sort of into the feminism thing…”

“Hey, now, don’t go talking bad about feminism.”

“I wasn’t. Honestly, I don’t know what she really likes.”

“Well, then, a good first step would be to find out as soon as possible. Then, we can move on to step two.”

“What’s step two?”

“Using this information to figure out a way to make her think you’re a kind, caring individual.”

“Are you saying I’m not?” Mark asked.

Taste of Honey rolled her eyes. “I’d rather not answer that,” she replied.


“Now, as you know,” Julia continued, fidgeting with a pen behind the podium, where no one would see her nervous actions, “the fashion show will take place in a few weeks. It begins at two-thirty in the afternoon. I will need every one of you to attend, to show that you are against this… this atrocity which serves to perpetuate the patriarchal need to sexualize females. Today, we will be making up the signs and banners we will be carrying when we attend, and if anyone has any ideas for chants we can shout, I’m open to suggestions.”

Julia looked around the room, frowning a little. Where’s Mae? she thought. She was supposed to come to this meeting. I told her when and where it would be. She said she didn’t have work today. So, where is she, and why isn’t she working on this important mission with me? Doesn’t she want to rid the world of patriarchal values?


“Thank you for meeting on such short notice,” Mae said, looking around at the group. “I know you all are giving up much-needed time to attend, so I will be brief. A local women’s organization intends to picket the upcoming Elemental Fashions show. As we’ve agreed, this company is making great strides for women, showing that we are capable of holding positions of authority and being successful in them. In addition, they provide tasteful clothing for all sexes and ages, a wonderful contrast to the skimpy little nothing outfits that seem to be so popular with other fashion companies.”

“What do you suggest we do?” Valo asked.

“Counter-protest,” Mae replied.

“Counter-protest?” Tacita echoed. “What do you mean?”

“We are going to support Ms. Foley-Cloud and her organization. We are going to form a human wall to prevent those protestors from being seen… cheer loudly so they won’t be heard… you get the idea.”

Valo looked around, then said slowly, “Mae, there’s only about fifteen of us. They outnumber us. How on Earth do you plan on making this idea work?”


Mae smiled slowly. “Networking. Call in a few favors, get some family members and friends involved. Get it? And I know just where to start. I’ve been talking to my cousin--”

“The one who’s a groupie?” Charise spoke up.

“Yeah, that one,” Mae replied. “And she’s sympathetic to our situation. She’s planning to help us out, and she’s trying to talk to some of her… uh… coworkers and get them involved.”

“So, it’ll be us and a bunch of groupies,” Tacita remarked. “How is this not going to fail?”

“Speaking of failing,” Charise spoke up, “I’ve got some great news. You remember that really rich jerk, Dunstan Diggory?”

“Yeah, what about him?” Jade asked.

“He’s dead,” Charise said, grinning.

“Seriously?” Valo gasped.

“Dead as corsets and bustles.”

Valo and Jade laughed loudly and hugged each other. “This calls for a celebration!” Valo declared. “Let’s go eat somewhere good, and get lots of dessert. If this isn’t a time to eat well, I don’t know what is!”

“I second it!” Jade added, grinning.