Chapter Text
It was summer in New York. A time to be alive. Kids were enjoying the sun after freedom from school. Beaches and pools bustled with people, and fire hydrants were open and flooding the streets, as children played with glee. However, one teenager did not focus on summer activities.
Anna Marie Gonzalez, a 15-year-old girl, was trying to look into various comedy clubs to perform her stand-up routines. Ever since she was five, she adored comedy after watching “Animal House” for the very first time. “Saturday Night Live” then became her ultimate introduction to the world of comedy, and the biggest dream of hers. Staying up until 1 AM to watch it always filled her with happiness. An escape from a life that was unsatisfactory.
She started performing stand-up at school talent shows at the age of 10, slowly perfecting her jokes little by little. A summer in Chicago three years later changed everything for her, as she watched performances at the Second City theatre, which improved her comedic timing due to her studying the performers.
A year prior, she performed at the 13th Annual Young Comedians Special hosted by Dennis Miller, a cast member on SNL. She was the youngest among the performers. She nearly fainted upon meeting Dennis, as she was a huge fan of him. Miraculously, she didn't, although she almost did once more when he told her she was funny.
“Ok, this one seems pretty cool!” Anna spoke, showing a newspaper advertisement to her three friends, James King, Matthew Carter, and Angelina Benson. “You've been saying that about every club so far.” Matthew chuckled. “Yeah I know! But this one seems interesting! I think I'm gonna sign on for this one.” Anna said. “I hope they allow minors in there.” Angelina chimed in. They were all 15, born around the same time and in the same year, except for James. He was born on December 15, 1974. Matthew was born on January 2nd while Angelina was born on January 20th. Anna was the youngest, born on February 15th.
“Duh! That's why I picked it so that you guys could watch!” Anna giggled. “Aw, how thoughtful.” James sarcastically joked. Anna playfully slapped him, and circled the club's name in the paper, knowing that was the perfect place to perform. Before she knew it, the night came for the performance, and she went up and killed as best as she could. After her routine ended, the club owner came up to her.
“Kid, that was honestly one of the best stand-ups I have ever seen in my life. You definitely need to do this as a career.” He said. Anna giggled and thanked him. “Look, I usually don't do this, but I want you to come back next week. I can't let a good act like that go to waste.” The owner revealed. Anna of course was in shock, but accepted, knowing she couldn't let an offer like that slide.
What she didn't know however, was that the performance the following week would change her life forever.