Soul Mates Chapter 11
Two weeks have passed.
Bette is doing very good with her gallery.
Tina is working on a new grant for the center.
Dana is getting ready for a big tournament which is going to be held in San Diego.
Maria and Joseph just got done filming three episodes for their new television show.
Shane and Jenny work on the show. Stella is in charge of the studio that produces it.
Bryan is getting tryout as a free agent for a couple of NBA teams. He and Maria are not back together.

The scene starts on in the party room of four star hotel.
Maria and Joseph the two main actors in My Family Italian Style are seated at a long table with the shows writers. Jenny is one of the writers. Stella is also at the table.
Shane is standing off to the side with her headphones on and a clipboard.

This is a question directed at Stella A young reporter asks.
What type of audience are you trying to appeal to?
We want to appeal to everything young and old. Everyone actually. Stella answers.
Next question Shane announces.
My question is for Joseph A plump man asks Is it hard for you to play a straight guy on television when you are not straight. The man asks.
Joseph clears his throat and takes a sip of water.
Well actually my character is very happy as I am. Joseph says as he tries to cover up his nervousness.
Next question? Stella states into the microphone.
This question is for Maria..What is it like to be on a sitcom when havent hand any experience at acting? An another media person asks.
How does it feel to be in a sitcomwithout having any experience. Well
I feel my life has prepared me for this roleI mean in my family you never know what is going to happen next. Also the acting coaches have been helping me tremendously. Plus Jenny writes such awesome lines for my character.it makes it easy for me.

The questions continue for another hour. Then Joseph and Maria pose for pictures.
As Joseph and Maria are leaving the room for the catered luncheon.Maria is approached by two ladies
Excuse me Maria? The short haired blonde girl asks.
Maria turns around and flashes that Porter smile. Yes?
Could I bother you for an autograph? The girl asks.
Really? Sure..Who do you want me to make it out to? Maria asks.
Then five other people come rushing up and ask for autographs.
Stellas security had to intervene because people where mobbing Maria.
Excuse me folks but Maria needs to get to a luncheon. Vinnie the bodyguard announces.
Oh come on just one more pictures! A fan screams
Maria looks at Vinnie likeone more wont hurt.
Maria poses for them. She then walks away with Vinnie.
You know Maria one more isnt the problem.the problem is the one more never ends. Vinne states as Maria smile at him.


Tina is sitting around a large round table with five community members, Oscar, and few workers from the center.
So your telling me the Peabody Grant didnt get renewed? Oscar says.
Yes, Im afraid it wasnt renewed. Scott a community member.
How could she do thisI mean one minute she is doing interviews with usetc Tina announces.
Yes but the attorney fees she endured during her troubles caused a lot of monetary damage to the family. Scott replies Her mother is suppose to be putting a new person into Helenas place. But as it stands we are not favored to have ours renewed. Scott adds.

There has to be something we can do? Tina says
I hope there is something we can do to raise the money or get the grant back.or we are looking at massive cuts Scott adds.
Tina just sat there as she felt herself getting angrier and angrier. She thought to herself why didnt I listen to Bette in the beginning about Helena. Now how am I going to get the center out of this mess.

Tina! Oscar said..
What? Tina answered.
Honey you were in another zone..Are you ok? Oscar asks.
Yes Im finejust thinking.brainstorming. Tina replies.
Well I want everyone to come up with some ideas on how we can raise money Scott states. Lets meet back here in three days. How does that sound?
We will figure out something. Oscar states as everyone exists the room.

Later that evening the gang was at the planet.
Jenny, Tina, Bette, Maria, Carmen, Dana, Alice, Kit, and Shane were all sitting around the table.
So Maria how did your interview go to day with the press? Alice asked.
It went ok. Maria answered. I dont look forward to doing those again.
I know that feeling. Kit added During my hay day in the music business they were all up in everyones business you couldnt even take your trash out without them noticing. Kit added.
Tina whats wrong? Bette asked.
Oh nothing Im just worried about the center.Helena just cut the grant to the center.
Tina states.

So honey you need to come up with a quick money making idea right? Kit states.
How do you replace Peabody money? Tina says in a discouraged voice.
Honey .just leave it up to us Porters we will get you out. Kit said a she winked at Tina and headed to her office.
Excuse me Bette stated as she got up and followed Kit.

Kit and Bette are in Kits office.
So what is your idea? Bette asks Kit I know you have one.I can tell in your face.
I could never hide anything from you. Kit said with a slight grin.
Knock”Knock.. Maria says as she enters Kits office.
Come on in Maria Kit asks. So what brings you into my office?
Well I have an idea. Maria announces.
What idea would that be?Bette states.
This should be good. Kit announces.
Oh come on just because Im younger doesnt mean I cant scheme. Maria jokes.
Bette and Kit looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
OkI thought we could incorporate all of our talents. Maria said.
I thought we could do a benefit concertsell some artworkhave Bryan sign some autographs. Maria said.
Benefit concert? Kit said And who is going to sing?
Well you? Maria said.
Oh no Im not coming out of retirement for that. Kit said jokling.
Why not? Bette asked. I think it would be great.
I havent practiced lately.I have been too tied up with the Planet. Kit adds
Kit isnt it like ride a bike? Maria said.
OkI will do it but you guys have to sing too. Kit added
Oh ***** no! Maria said I cant sing in public.
I cant even carry a tune. Bette added
I will only do it if the two of you do it! Kit replied
OMG! Maria stated Anything to get you to do itright Bette?
Bette just looked at Maria and then Kit like they were out of their minds.