Mouse: Mars! Gabe! Breakfast is ready for those that want it!
Gabriel (to Mouse): OMG Mars is here!?! If she doesn't get up, can I go jump on her, Mom?
Mouse (to Gabriel): Yes... Why don't you do that now, sweetie? You want to see her before you head off to school, don't you?
Gabriel (to Mouse): YES!
A moment later:
Gabriel (to Marlena): MAAAARS! Get up! MOM MADE BREAKFAST OMG YOU'RE I MISSED YOU!
Marlena (to Gabriel): Fat Christ, Goo! You are so loud. I missed you, too. Come here, you little creature & give me a hug.
Gabriel (to Marlena): Are you here to stay or to visit? There's breakfast. Do I have to go to school if you're here?
Marlena (to Gabriel): I'm just visiting, I have an apartment near campus. Let's eat before it gets cold. And, I think you still have to go. I don't think me visiting for the night is grounds to skip school. Sorry.
Gabriel (to Marlena): Aww, man! Okay. I GUESS I'll go to school. Not as fun as seeing you, though.
Marlena (to Gabriel): Heehee. Maybe, the parentals will let you come over to my place this weekend. How about that?
Gabriel (to Marlena): Aw, can I?! We can go to the park, and play video games! And I can have cookies? Please?
Marlena (to Gabriel): Heh. We'll see... But, you have to promise to go to bed when I tell you to, otherwise, no deal.
Gabriel (to Marlena): Okay! I promise! Bed when you say so. Definitely. No problem. I'll be good.
Eep (to Gabriel & Marlena): Fat Christ! You two are loud first thing in the morning.
Marlena (to Eep): Sorry, dad. Goo was very excited to see me.
Eep (to Marlena): So my blown out eardrums can attest.
Mouse (to Gabriel & Marlena): What on earth are you two planning over there? Here. Blueberry pancakes & sausage. Eat up.
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): Nothing too terrible. Can Goo stay over at my place for a night this weekend?
Gabriel (to Mouse & Eep): Can I please? I'll be good and listen to Mars and go to bed when she says! Pllllllllllllease?!
Mouse (to Gabriel, Marlena & Eep): Heh. I suppose one night wouldn't be too terrible.
Eep (to Gabriel): If you get all your homework done on FRIDAY instead of leaving it until Sunday night, it's OK with me.
Mouse (to Marlena): I'll pack up an overnight bag for him. (to Gabriel) What pajamas do you want me to pack?
Gabriel (to Eep & Mouse): Yes. Homework. Done before I go. Totes gets that done. Annnnd... um... robots, Mom!
Mouse (to Gabriel): Okay, robots it will be... Are you ready for school? (to Marlena) Heh. Would Saturday work?
Eep (to Gabriel): You'd better hurry up! (to Marlena) That was nice of you, Mars. Were you replaced by a pod person while in Mississippi?
Marlena (to Eep & Mouse): Very funny... I just missed you guys. It was just really shitty. And yeah, Saturday would be fine.
Gabriel (to Mouse): Yes...no. Wait.... no. Yes. Found my other shoe. Yes. I'm ready.
Eep (to Marlena): So that's a yes on the pod person. :-P
Mouse (to Gabriel): Heh. Well, go check & see if the bus is here. If it is, I'll walk you out to it, ok?
Gabriel (to Mouse): I see it down the street.... that counts as here, right?
Mouse (to Gabriel): Yes, that counts. Come on, munchkin-head... Don't forget your hat! (to Eep & Marlena) Heh. I'll be back in a minute.
Gabriel (to Mouse): Okay mom! (to Eep & Marlena) Bye Dad and pod-Mars! Love you and stuff...
Marlena (to Gabriel): Bye, Goo. I'll see you tomorrow for our sleepover. Love you & stuff, too! (to Eep) Yes, I'm a pod person. It's all part of my planet's master plan, we're going to convert all the surly bastards first. So, you better watch out, you're next.
Eep (to Gabriel): Later, Goober. DON'T SLAM THE... door. (to Marlena) Your mom and I have a contingency plan; if I come home smiling and happy, she knows I'm an alien, robot or clone. She shoots me on site.
Marlena (to Eep): Good plan. What the fuck does mom put in these pancakes? Crack? I swear nobody else can make them the same.
Eep (to Marlena): Don't tell her you've figured out her secret ingredient. She'll be heartbroken. What are your plans for the day, Monkey?
Marlena (to Eep): Heh. I don't know. Nothing too exciting. Probably some putzing around & then cleaning my apartment.
Eep (to Marlena): Sounds like a wild and crazy weekend that you've got planned for yourself. No River?
Marlena (to Eep): Oh, he's gotta work. We might meet up at some point... Can I ask you a question, dad?
Eep (to Marlena): Absolutely not.
Marlena (to Eep): Well, I'm gonna fuckin' do it, anyway... What do you think of River? Honestly. It's just I really like him. And, I care about your opinion for some unknown fucking reason.
Eep (to Marlena): Mmm. It's almost like I'm your father, or something. Do you really want my honest opinion?
Marlena (to Eep): ... Well, when you say it like that, I'm not so fucking sure. But, yeah, I do.
Eep (to Marlena): I think River's a nice enough guy. But, I think that because he's a nice, good-looking guy, he's gotten away with a lot shit that maybe he shouldn't have. He's got a lot of growing up to do. Which, let's fucking face it, most kids do. What worries me, is that I'm not sure if he's actually learned a lesson with you, or he's just on his best fucking behavior cause he wants you back, and he's not used to being the "bad guy." I did a lot of dick things too, when your mom and I first started dating. And, as much as I'd like to fucking string him up by his balls for hurting you, if you're willing to give him a second chance, then I am too.
Marlena (to Eep): ... I really would like to give him a second chance. I just don't want to be one of those dumb girls who keep taking back the bad boy out of some sort of shallow need to have a boyfriend. I really want to think that it's going to be different this time... That doesn't make me dumb, does it?
Eep (to Marlena): Only if you have no reason to believe it'll be different this time. There's nothing wrong with second chances. If your mom hadn't given me one, you and Gabe wouldn't be here. And for as long as you've been alive, I've never known you to change who you are or pretend you're stupider than you are to please anyone else, or to fit in, or to get a boyfriend.
Marlena (to Eep): Heh. Thanks, Dad.
Eep (to Marlena): Heh. You're too much a surly bastard for that. And, I don't think you're doing that now, Monkey.
Mouse (to Eep & Marlena): Wow, that was way more gracious than I was expecting. :-)
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): Well, that's because I'm the fucking favorite. :-P
Mouse (to Marlena): Don't get cocky, kid.
Eep (to Marlena): You are fucking not. You're the same blood type as me, so when I need a lung or a kidney, I'm looking at you.
Marlena (to Eep): All I'm fucking hearing is drink & smoke more.
Mouse (to Eep & Marlena): And, on that note, I'm heading off to work. I love you both.
Marlena (to Mouse): Bye, mom. I love you, too.
Eep (to Mouse): Later, Killer. Love you. (to Marlena) I'm getting you fucking nicotine patches for your birthday this year.
Marlena (to Eep): I'll wear them, if you wear them.
Eep (to Marlena): Heh. I'm already fucked, kid. You have time to live a healthy life. And to keep your tender organ meats in good shape for your old man. ;-P
Marlena (to Eep): Heh... Why do I suddenly have the fucking urge to take a fork & stab myself in those tender bits?
Eep (to Marlena): Because you're a contrary dick. I don't know where you get that from.
Marlena (to Eep): Me neither... Heh. I gotta get home and get my apartment Gabriel proofed for tomorrow. I'll see you later, Dad.
Eep (to Marlena): Later. Give us a call if the Goober is too much for you.
Marlena (to Eep): Heh. Don't worry, I fucking will.
A few hours later, at the Lovelace School of the Arts, East Piedmont:
Ophelia (to Colin, Jessica & Zoe): Um, hi. Do you mind if I sit with you guys?
Jessica (to Ophelia): You're the new girl, Ophelia, right? Is it true you had to move here because your dad lost all his money in some sort of scandal?
Ophelia (to Jessica): Ummm. I don't think that's why we moved.
Zoe (to Jessica): Jess! You don't go around asking people that sort of thing. (to Ophelia) I'm sorry, she's an idiot. I'm Zoe.
Jessica (to Zoe): I'm not an idiot. You told me that I should be more straight forward.
Zoe (to Jessica): I didn't mean that you should ask rude & personal questions.
Colin (to Ophelia): Have a seat, and please ignore Jess. We swear she has redeeming qualities. (to Jessica) Straightforward doesn't mean rude, Jess.
Jessica (to Colin & Zoe): Fine... Sheesh. Some people are so sensitive.
Ophelia (to Colin): Thanks.
Colin (to Ophelia): No problem. (to Zoe) Hey! Eat your own lunch! How can someone so tiny eat so much damn food?
Zoe (to Colin): I burn up a lot of energy, I can't help it. And, you get the tater tots just to entice me... Don't lick them! Like that's going to stop me.
Colin (to Zoe): No, I get the tater tots because they're awesome. I will stick them ALL in my mouth. SO HELP ME.
Zoe (to Colin): Fine... I'll stop stealing your tots... You're a terrible boyfriend, you know that? :-P
Colin (to Zoe): Yeah. I know. You're only with me to improve your social standing. But guess what? The joke's on you!
Ophelia (to Jessica): Are they always like this?
Jessica (to Ophelia): You mean aggravatingly adorable? .. Yes. It's terrible.
Colin (to Ophelia & Jessica): Sometimes we're even embarrassing.
Ophelia (to Colin, Jessica & Zoe): Heehee, good to know.
Jessica (to Colin, Zoe & Ophelia): Colin, I hate to interrupt you & Zoe's weird flirting... But, did I tell you the good news?
Zoe (to Jessica, Colin & Ophelia): Come on, it's not that weird.
Colin (to Zoe, Jessica & Ophelia): It's a little weird, but so are we. :-P What's the good news?
Jessica (to Colin, Zoe & Ophelia): We've been approved to do Victor/Victoria for the next musical. You're all going to audition for it, right?
Zoe (to Jessica): Don't look at me! I am done with you crazy theater types.
Ophelia (to Colin, Jessica & Zoe): I wouldn't mind trying out for it.
Colin (to Ophelia): You should. SOMETIMES, it can be fun.
Jessica (to Ophelia): Excellent! Ignore him. He's still mad at me about the last musical. (to Colin & Zoe) Come on! It'll be different this time. I swear. I've got it all out of my system. I will not be mooning over Colin or tormenting you. Please? Pretty please?
Zoe (to Jessica): I don't know, Jess. I'm gonna have to think about it.
Jessica (to Zoe, Colin & Ophelia): Shoot! I wish I could stay & try to talk you guys into doing it, but I got class. See ya!
Ophelia (to Jessica): Okay. Bye. (to Colin & Zoe) Is she always like that?
Zoe (to Ophelia): You mean, annoying & in your face? Yeppers. OW! (to Colin) Don't pinch me! I was just teasing.
Colin (to Ophelia): No. Sometimes, she's downright obnoxious. Jess is alright, but she's right. I'm still annoyed at her.
Ophelia (to Colin & Zoe): Oh. I'm sorry for bringing up a sore subject, then. Thanks for letting me sit with you. I gotta get to class.
Zoe (to Ophelia): No worries! See you later.
Meanwhile, at Renfield's, West Piedmont:
River (to Nathaniel): Nate! Whatever you said to Mars on your trip, thank you.
Nathaniel (to River): Gah! Jesus, River! Don't fucking DO that. And don't thank me too much. All I said was she had you on the hook. Cause she DOES. :-P
River (to Nathaniel): Well, thanks, anyway. She asked me over to her place for dinner, tonight... I really don't want to screw this up. What should I do? Should I bring something? Should I dress up or should I just wear whatever? Fuck. I'm nervous.
Nathaniel (to River): Uh... I don't fucking know. Dress nice, I guess? And just ask her if she needs you to bring anything. Calm the fuck down. If she's inviting you over, I think you're past the penalty phase, you know? She did say she missed your stupid ass.
River (to Nathaniel): Oh right. Sorry... She said she missed me? That's, well, that's just great. Thanks. I should really get back to the bread.
Nathaniel (to River): What the fuck are you pouting about? I thought you'd be fucking over the moon to hear that.
River (to Nathaniel): I am. Really. I'm thrilled. I just don't want to screw this up.
Nathaniel (to River): So don't... Look, you've been trying to get her to cut you some slack since you got back, right? You have. Fucking relax. Now, unless you wanna help me make a shitton or rosettes for these fucking cupcakes, go tend the bread.
River (to Nathaniel): Okay, okay. I'm going, I'm going... And, uh, thanks.
Nathaniel (to River): Don't worry about it. It wasn't a big deal.
A few hours later, at Mouse & Eep's house, West Piedmont:
Gabriel (to Eep): Hey Dad! Guess what I saw today! There was a baby bird that fell out of his nest in the tree at school. He was soooo little! My teacher said we shouldn't touch it because the mama bird would smell us and not take the baby back. I don't think that's true… Birds don't even HAVE NOSES! And the janitor picked it up and put it in the nest. Maybe he's a secret birdman?
Eep (to Gabriel): Birds have noses in their beaks. And I think your teacher told you not to touch it more because she was afraid you guys would accidentally hurt him. Birds are really fragile. Especially when they're babies. Either that or the janitor is a bird man.
Gabriel (to Eep): Oh. Well why not say that then? I wonder if the janitor has wings under his shirt. And can fly. Maybe that's how he gets the kick balls off the roof...
Eep (to Gabriel): Heh. I don't think the janitor has wings, Goober.
Gabriel (to Eep): ... He might. How ELSE would he get the kick balls down then!?! You aren't thinkin' this through, Dad.
Eep (to Gabriel): That's why ancient man invented ladders.
Gabriel (to Eep): Oh. Well that's boring. Ancient man is no fun.
Eep (to Gabriel): Heh. No, probably not much. You wanna snack?
Gabriel (to Eep): Yes please. Then can I listen to some music while I do my homework so I can go to Mars house tomorrow?
Eep (to Gabriel): Yeah. I'll bring you a sandwich in a minute. Not too loud!
Gabriel (to Eep): Okay…. is Mom's David Bowie okay?
Eep (to Gabriel): Only the CDs. You know how she gets about the vinyl.
Meanwhile, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Hey, Uncle Vincent. Am I interrupting?
Vincent (to Nathaniel): No, not at all. Come on in, kiddo. Ooo, Nate! From the look of your eye, I'm guessing your talk didn't go well.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): No. Not really. It's alright. I just wanted to let you know that Grandpa... He's still alive, but, um, he's not doing well.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Thanks for letting me know. Are you alright?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah. I'm OK.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Alright. I won't keep you. Head home. Oh, and happy birthday, by the by. Your aunt and I didn't want to make a big deal out of it in case you weren't feeling up to it, but we'd like it if you and Aiden came over tomorrow or Sunday.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. Um, thanks. Yeah. That sounds good. I'll give you a call this weekend at some point. I should get home.
