Alternate Ending, Sort of

I actually like the ending of happiness. I think that Edwin leaving Jack on the mountain smiling an laughing is a perfect way to end. Simple and sweet. So, my new ending isn’t really an ending, it’s a middle part towards the end. It begins just after Jack had written How to be Miserable.


Edwin sat in his cubicle facing the empty walls. Still having not been promoted after all of this to an actual office, Edwin sat in his chair, a blank look on his face. He was thinking of Meg. Thinking of how he missed her, her lips, her essence…but mostly her lips. Since Jenni has left him he had been spending a lot more time at the office, or at the pub. No use in spending time in an empty house with a cat he didn’t even like. As of now though that cat was the only friend he had. May had quit her job at Panderic and moved across the country. She got another job, a promotion, and a new shade of lipstick.

Edwin was miserable. But this was okay because so was everyone else. The world again was the way it should be. Unhappy, full of addicts and consumers, and many who were just as unfulfilled as Edwin.

Mr. Mead called Edwin into his office. “Edwin, I have a new project for you to work on,” he huffed. His ponytail now long and thick, Mr. Mead presented Edwin with the new project. “Panderic, Edwin, is going to be heading in new direction. After the whole What I Learned on the Mountain debacle we have been looking for a new way to make as much money as that book. So I want you Edwin to start looking for the ultimate Children’s Book.”
“Children’s book sir,” said Edwin, an almost mystified look on his face. Edwin did not expect this. He was thinking the ultimate erotica novel, or home gardening book, but not this. “I don’t exactly think I am the one to be handling this new direction.”
“And why not?” huffed Mr. Mead.
“Well sir, with all do respect I don’t even like kids, let alone their books, so why would I be the one chosen to do this?”
“Just do it Edwin. Oh, and I am also going to be starting to work on my auto biography. I think everyone would be interested in hearing about what Woodstock was really like. And who better to tell them, right?”
“uh huh” exhaled Edwin.
“So I will also need your help with editing that.” And with that Mr. Mead motioned Edwin to leave.

Silently Edwin Stood up and returned to his cuticle. When he retuned he found a letter on his desk. The mailman must have just delivered it. Edwin immediately recognized the handwriting. Meg. He slid into his seat and opened it.

Dear Edwin,
How are you? I have been doing well myself, although I do sometimes miss getting coffee delivered to me every morning. I must say that you really surprised me with your wit to make Soiree write a book opposite of the original. Oh, Edwin, I honestly don’t even know why I am writing to you. If nothing else I just want you to know that I didn’t mean it when I said “Razbliuto”.

Meg
P.S. I saw Jenni the other day. She has gained quite a bit of weight actually, and looked a bit ragged.


Right after inserting this I would have the phone ring regarding Jack and Edwin would begin his journey to go and see him.