The Paparazzi Descend

Have you ever been swarmed by paparazzi? I’m guessing you have, so I don’t need to tell you how disorienting it is.

The employees had no idea why so many photographers and reporters had descended on the Hedger Corp building.

Briefly, Sue wondered if her “Wood Carving” video had gone viral on You Tube.

It had not.

Instead, the paparazzi were there for Techie Smurf. He had been an intern at Hedger Corp last summer, and he still works with us from time to time. But recently he had become a major movie star, thanks to The Smurfs movie.

The movie opens next week, so Techie Smurf and the movie’s director were on site doing some promotion.

When Ted and Ann saw the Hollywood director, they both took off speed-walking toward their houses. Ted was going to get his dog, Mr. Bojangles, who he always felt should be in show business. Ann was going to retrieve a screenplay that she had recently finished writing.

Meanwhile, the paparazzi went crazy when they discovered Chachi in the crowd. “How’s Fonzie?” they yelled. “How’s Mr. C?”

Chachi just laughed and posed for pictures with Techie Smurf.

Derek unhappily watched this unfold. Chachi was his idol, and someday would be his Best Friend Forever. But now Techie Smurf and his fame appeared to be getting in the way.

There was no way Derek could allow this Chachi/Smurf friendship to blossom. No way.

He began to devise a plan.

Later, everyone ended up back in the breakroom. Ann tried to pitch her screenplay.

“It’s horror film about a gang of quasi-magical ponies who take over a house and try to drive the owner out,” she explained.

“That seems rather far-fetched,” replied the director.

Little did he know Ann was describing her own life.

Then Ted stole the director away. “Watch how well Mr. Bojangles can pitch a product,” Ted said excitedly. “This little guy is a born star!”

He demonstrated how Mr. Bojangles could be a “spokesdog” for electronics…

…and coffee.

Elsewhere, Derek began to hatch his “Thwart the Budding Friendship Between Chachi and Techie Smurf” plan.

Derek’s plan was simple. He decided that the rest of the week would be “Dress Like Your Favorite Celebrity” week. If everyone looked like a celebrity, then Techie Smurf would hold no special appeal. Chachi would stop paying attention to him.

Derek started handing out flyers to announce the event.

Then Ted flew out of nowhere and karate chopped him.

“Mr. Bojangles can also play a rescue dog!” Ted yelled to the director. “Look at this sad sack who’s hurt! Mr. Bojangles is helping him!”

Overcome with fear, pain and dog slobber, Derek passed out. He later came to, with no help from Bojangles.

As he sat up, he realized Chachi was trying to comfort him. “It’s OK, buddy,” said Chachi, as he patted Derek’s head. “That was so messed up.”

Derek felt tears of joy welling up.

He decided to cancel “Dress Like Your Favorite Celebrity” week. It was going to be too much work. And suddenly it seemed unnecessary.

Unfortunately, he forgot that he had given Bob a flyer.

The next day, Bob arrived at the office in an outfit that was… abnormal.

“I’m Lady Gaga,” he joked, in a high voice. “I’ve come to visit Techie Smurf.”

The paparazzi, still on the premises, went NUTS. Bob suddenly stopped to take in his surroundings. He was deeply disturbed. Why was he the only one dressed up? Why were the photographers swarming? Did they think he was actually Lady Gaga?

He had a sinking feeling things were about to get very awkward.

Next week: The Lady Gaga outfit proves difficult to remove. Meanwhile, Papa Smurf clashes with the staff.