At Aiden & Nathaniel's apartment; West Piedmont:
Zoe: Okay, Zoe, you can totes do this. Man up. Put on your big boy pants... Damn it, this is going to suck. (to Colin) Hey Colin, are you free to hang out?
Colin (to Zoe): Let me check my social calendar... Mmm. Yes, I think I can pencil you in, Miss Meriwether.
Zoe (to Colin): That's good to hear, Mister Rathbone. Care to meet at the park for a picnic?
Colin (to Zoe): Yes. I'll have my secretary hold all my calls. What time should I be there? Do you want me to bring anything?
Zoe (to Colin): How soon can you get there? If you can grab something to drink that'd be cool, Lemonade sounds good.
Colin (to Zoe): About 30 minutes? I can leave now. I wasn't doing anything all that interesting.
Zoe (to Colin): Okay. I'll see you at the park in 30 minutes.
Colin (to Zoe): Awesome! I'll see you then be-lemonaded.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Thank you for letting me hide out with you for the night... I'm gonna go meet Colin for a picnic & our talk.
Aiden (to Zoe): It was our pleasure, Zoe.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You weren't a bother. Take it easy, alright?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I will... I'm doing the right thing, right?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I doubt it'll fucking feel like it, but, yeah. You wouldn't want someone staying with you outta pity, would you?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I know. I'm gonna talk to him & see what happens.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): OK. Gimme a hug, Runt. It'll be OK.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Thanks. I'll see you later.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yikes... She looked like hell, didn't she?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That she did... Want some more coffee?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Thanks. Do me a favor, if you get bored with me and wanna break up, just fucking shoot me.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Fair enough. But really, how on earth could I ever get bored with you, Nate? So, is that what Zoe is off to do? She's giving Colin the boot? Poor kid. Hell, poor kids. I'm glad I didn't date when I was teenager.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. So you'd love me even if I ran off to become a banker? :-P I'm kinda shocked you didn't date more. I mean, have you SEEN you?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I was much to focused on my schooling. I didn't really have time for all that... I believe there were a few girls that followed me about, it just always seemed odd to me. And besides, I had a bit of a crush on Reginald Hawkins. He was a fellow a few years older and very much into girls. :-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Don't I know the fucking feeling? Heh. Poor shorter, younger Aiden, all hot and aloof in your school uniform pining after some upper class-man... Was he captain of the rugby team or shit? He walked around in his little short shorts and made you fucking nuts? Ha ha ha! Don't throw shit at me! I was just kidding.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, I'm sure you were... I should go off & find myself a nice banker to settle down with, that would serve you right. :-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You should. You guys can color coordinate your suits when you go out together. People will start saying shit like, "Glad to see you finally got rid of that homeless crazy guy you were dating." :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Would you like me to stop wearing suits when I'm over here? Does it make you feel like some sort of charity case?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No, no. Wear whatever the fuck you like. I was just making a bad joke, cause Yoyo kept telling me that I dress like a homeless guy the other night. ...I do feel a little outclassed by you sometimes, but that's probably cause you're a fucking aristocrat and shit. Heh. I feel kinda like Cinder-fucking-ella over here. :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, I certainly don't want you to feel outclassed by me... From now on, suits are only for New London. It'll help me to blend in over here a bit better, anyway.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Well, I'm not gonna complain if you start wearing jeans, but I got news for you, I AM outclassed by you. It's OK. I got other ways to make sure you stay interested...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Come here.
A short time later, at the park; East Piedmont:
Zoe (to Colin): Hey there. I hope you weren't waiting long. I had a heck of a time wrangling everything into this stupid basket.
Colin (to Zoe): Hey! Not too long. I got regular lemonade and RASPBERRY lemonade. Cause we are fancy.
Zoe (to Colin): Yes, very much so... I brought leftover chicken from our dinner last night, potato salad, and lemon meringue pie... So, um, Mom & Dad are planning on taking us to Britannia at the end of the week for the summer.
Colin (to Zoe): Really? Awww! Man! That's not... That's not all you wanted to tell me, huh?
Zoe (to Colin): No, you're right... It's just-- Well, I-- I love you, Colin and I might not be coming back to school so, I think we should break up... I don't want to make you wait for me and it would just kill me if you met someone while I was gone. And, I feel really awful about it but, it's probably for the best.
Colin (to Zoe): So, you love me, but you don't wanna date me anymore...
Zoe (to Colin): I'm sorry... I'm a jerk. I thought it would be better to do it now then to wait until I got back. You're really wonderful. I just can't figure out why you like me, I'm just a big weirdo... And well, you're so normal. I'm a dick. You can yell at me if you want. I deserve it.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh... Look, I can't do this. This whole picnic thing, right now, OK? I'm... I'm gonna go.
Zoe (to Colin): Okay... I'm really sorry, Colin. Really I am. I wish I could say something to make you realize this is for the best.
Colin (to Zoe): Don't... Don't start with that. I'm... I'll see you... Oh. I won't, will I? I... I gotta go.
Zoe: I am such a jerk.
A short time later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment; West Piedmont:
Zoe: Mom! Dad! I'm home. There's leftovers in the fridge... I'll be in my room, contemplating the meaning of life, the universe and why everything sucks.
Poppy (to Zoe): Oh, honey, you look awful. Go be mopey in your room, I'll bring you something to cheer you up.
Zoe (to Poppy): Like what? A grenade?
Poppy (to Zoe): Yes, honey, A GRENADE... I was thinking more along the lines of a cheesy movie and banana pudding.
Zoe (to Poppy): No, that's okay. I'm not hungry.
Poppy (to Zoe): Suit yourself, honey. Your father or I will come check on you in a little while, anyway.
An hour or so later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh good! You're home, lover. Will you please go and check on your daughter? She's moping in her room & asking for grenades.
Vincent (to Poppy): Grenades? Oh dear... That doesn't bode well, does it?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. Well, she is a bit prone to exaggeration. That is clearly from your side of the family, lover. ;-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Yes, lover, because the Longfellows are such a mild-mannered lot.
A moment later, in Zoe's bedroom:
Vincent (to Zoe): Zoe? ... Oops. What happened?
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, Dad! I broke up with Colin. He wouldn't talk to me about it and just left. And, I feel awful. I thought I was doing the right thing. Since I was going away for the summer. I love him but I'm not in love with him. And, he's going to hate me. But, it's better this way... And, I want to die.
Vincent (to Zoe): Oh, sweetie... Come here. I know you don't want to hear this right now, but you and Colin are both going to be fine.
Zoe (to Vincent): I know... But, that doesn't make me feel less like a jerk.
Vincent (to Zoe): I know it doesn't. You're not a jerk, sweetie, but you're going to have to let Colin be mad at you for a while, I'm afraid. Thank goodness we're leaving for a while. It will give you both some space. How about we get a large pint of ice cream, & put on a dumb movie. Do you still like French Kiss?
Zoe (to Vincent): Yeah, I do... Thank you, dad.
Vincent (to Zoe): You're welcome, hun. I love you, and I'm very proud of you. I know it hurts right now, but you'll both come out of this better people, I promise.
Zoe (to Vincent): Have you ever broken up with someone, dad? Did you feel shitty about it?
Vincent (to Zoe): I have. It's all a bit... complicated. It was before your mother and I met. Percy and I dated.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh yeah, I think Mom mentioned that to me before.
Vincent (to Zoe): I broke up with him because I thought he had stronger feelings for me than I had for him. This was before I knew he was an automaton, of course. Which did not help matters, I must say. ;-)
Zoe (to Vincent): I'm sure that was awful.
Vincent (to Zoe): It wasn't a picnic, but it was the right thing to do, and even though it hurt and was uncomfortable and awful, I knew that. Doesn't mean I didn't act like an idiot over it, however. ;-)
Zoe (to Vincent): ... If you & Mom want to stay in Britannia after the summer, I'm willing.
Vincent (to Zoe): I think we can wait until the end of the summer to make that decision, hun.
Zoe (to Vincent): Okay. But, I'm willing. I don't think I want to go back to Lovelace.
Vincent (to Zoe): Are you saying that because you don't like the school, or because you don't want to run into your ex?
Zoe (to Vincent): Ummmm... Yes?
Vincent (to Zoe): Yes to which part, hun?
Zoe (to Vincent): Heh. Both parts. :-)
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh. Alright, hun. At the end of the summer, we'll talk about it. If you don't want to go back, you don't have to.
Zoe (to Vincent): Thank you.
A n hour or so later, at Robert & Jacob's house; East Piedmont:
Robert (to Vincent, phone): Vincent? To what do we owe the pleasure?
Vincent (to Robert): I'm not sure I would classify it as a "pleasure." I thought I should let you and the Professor know that Zoe and Colin just broke up. My girl did the breaking. In case he didn't mention it, I thought I would give you gents a head's up.
Robert (to Vincent): Ah. That would certainly explain a few things. Thanks for letting us know, Vincent.
Vincent (to Robert): You're welcome, Robert. Poor kids... Remember when we were that young and stupid?
Robert (to Vincent): Heh heh. I actively try not to.
A few minutes later:
Robert (to Jacob): Well, I've discovered the source of Colin's angst.
Jacob (to Robert): Oh? What is it?
Robert (to Jacob): Vincent just called me. Zoe broke up with him this afternoon.
Jacob (to Robert): Oh, damn. Ice cream & cheesy movie time?
Robert (to Jacob): I think so.
Jacob (to Robert): Well, you grab the ice cream. I'll get the movies & our eldest.
A moment later:
Jacob (to Colin): Colin? Care to join us downstairs for cheesy movies & ice cream?
Colin (to Jacob): Oh. Hi, Da. Um, yeah. That sounds OK. ...Mr. Potter called you, didn't he?
Jacob (to Colin): He did. How you holding up?
Colin (to Jacob): I don't know. Not so good.
Jacob (to Colin): I know this doesn't mean much right now but you'll get through this. I promise. Now, come & watch a stupid movie with us.
Colin (to Jacob): ...Yeah. I guess so. I'm coming.
Several hours later, at Vernian Industries; Coventry, Britannia:
Delphine (to Una & Eva Greymalkin): Bonjour mademoiselles! You are both looking quite lovely this afternoon.
Una (to Delphine): Oh? Are we? (to Eva) I think Madame Delphine is trying to butter us up, Eva. What do you think?
Eva (to Una): She's definitely trying to butter us up, Una. (to Delphine) Pardonnez mes mauvaises manières, Delphine; what do you want?
Delphine (to Una & Eva): I was hoping… that the two of you might give some clues as to where I could find the young Miss Franklin. She grew up with you in a manner of speaking. Any thoughts as to where she might go?
Eva (to Delphine): So you'd like us to do your job for you?
Una (to Delphine): Je suis désolé. We already told the last bounty hunter that came looking for her all we knew.
Delphine (to Una & Eva): … Well then, I apologize for bothering you both, then. I was just thinking that one of you might know something that you haven't realized. A place that Miss Franklin talked about, a person she might have mentioned visiting. I'm having a bit of a tricky time of it.
Eva (to Delphine): Mademoiselle Delacroix, if we knew where to find the wayward Franklin girl, why would our mother be paying you?
Una (to Delphine): And, that is our problem, why?
Eva (to Una & Delphine): I was just wondering that myself. She certainly isn't doing much in the way of inspiring confidence, Una. Perhaps we should...
Una (to Delphine): Our mother has given you a substantial amount of money with absolutely no results. We were assured you were one of the best people for this type of thing… Clearly, we were misled. Perhaps, we should tell mother to cancel your contract & find someone else to do your job. What do you think, Eva? Should we?
Delphine (to Una & Eva): You know what? Please do. I'm tired of dealing with your bloody freaky, deaky company. I dare you to find someone else that can do a better job… I quit!
Una (to Eva): Oh... I think we may have upset her, Eva.
Eva (to Delphine): I think we did. Very good, mademoiselle. I'm sure you'll have no problem returning the *sizable* advance our mother gave you. It's not as though you have gambling debts to some rather unsavory characters which you MUST repay.
Delphine (to Una & Eva): … Are you threatening me?
Una (to Delphine): No, of course not. We're just reminding you of the reason you took this job in the first place.
Eva (to Delphine): As my sister said, of course not. We're simply asking you to honor the contract which you signed. All funds are to be returned to the Company unless your job is completed in a manner satisfactory to the shareholders. (to Una) Isn't that right, Una?
Una (to Eva): That is correct, Eva. (to Delphine) So, what's it going to be, Madame?
Delphine (to Una & Eva): Fine… You seem to have me over a barrel. I shall complete the contract. Now, if you'll excuse me, I should get back to my search.
Eva (to Delphine): Of course. We wouldn't want to keep you from your work. Good day, mademoiselle.
Una (to Delphine): Au revoir, Madame... (to Eva) Should we warn mother that Delphine might be trouble?
Eva (to Una): I suspect Mother already knows, but it wouldn't hurt to warn her all the same.
Una (to Eva): You're probably right. I still don't understand why she wouldn't let us go look for Georgette. We could have found her, by now.
Eva (to Una): I'm not sure either... You know how mother gets.
Una (to Eva): Well, I don't know about you but I'm curious about what's going on in New London. Care to join me?
Eva (to Una): Of course, sister dear.
Una (to Eva): Fantastic. We'll take the automobile.
Eva (to Una): Very good! Would you like to drive, or shall I?
Una (to Eva): I'll flip you for it.
Eva (to Una): Call it, sister dear.
Una (to Eva): Tails… And, no cheating. I've got my eye on you.
Eva (to Una): I wouldn't *dream* of it. Heads. It looks like I'm driving, dear.
Una (to Eva): Heh… Fine. Just remember the brake sticks a bit. The engineers are still trying to fix it.
Eva (to Una): You say that as though I'm going to apply the brake. Shall we, Una?
Una (to Eva): Yes, let's.
Several hours later, at the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:
Charles (to Delphine): May I help you, miss? I'm afraid the kitchen is closed for the night, but I can take your order for tomorrow if you'd like.
Delphine (to Charles): Pardonnez-moi, mon petit. Have you, by any chance, seen this girl?
Charles (to Delphine): I can't say that I have, miss. Is there anything else with which I can help you?
Delphine (to Charles): Oh no, that was all. If you happen to see her, could you please contact me at this address? She was kidnapped by some bad people and her family has been searching for her for some time now. They desperately want to find her.
Charles (to Delphine): Oh dear. That's terrible. We get quite a few people through the inn, miss. If I see her, I'll be sure to contact you.
Delphine (to Charles): Thank you, mon petit monsieur. I'll let you get back to your duties.
Charles (to Delphine): Good night.
A short time later:
Charles (to Persephone): Miss Persephone, is that young woman with the pink hair still at the bar?
Persephone (to Charles): No, she just finished her glass of wine and left… What's going on?
Charles (to Persephone): She was looking for someone, and I'm quite sure her intentions were not as wholesome as she was presenting them to be.
Persephone (to Charles): Oh… Did you know who she was looking for, Charles?
Charles (to Persephone): I believe I do, miss.
Persephone (to Charles): … I'm fairly certain I know what's going on, but so that I can continue to play dumb, I'm just going to go home & tell Mrs. Esterly what happened. Be careful, Charles & please don't get involved with all this if you can help it.
Charles (to Persephone): I won't. Thank you, Miss Persephone.
Persephone (to Charles): Good. And please tell Mister Fitzroy to be careful, too. I should go.
Charles (to Persephone): Good night.
Persephone (to Charles): Good night, Charles. I'll see you later.
A few minutes later:
Charles (to George): Mr. Fitzroy? I'm sorry to bother you so late. May I come inside, sir?
George (to Charles): Oh! Um, just a minute. I'm not decent… Okay. You can come in, now.
Charles (to George): I'm very sorry to have disturbed you, sir. I... Oh! Mr. Fitzroy! I thought you said you were decent!
George (to Charles): What? I'm covered.
Charles (to George): I know that miss, but you're still in... You're not properly... Will you put on a dressing gown PLEASE?
George (to Charles): … I don't have one… Would the blanket be acceptable?
Charles (to George): ... Yes. That's fine. Thank you... I came to warn you to be careful. There was a dreadful woman with pink hair asking if anyone had seen you. She had a tintype.
George (to Charles): … Oh shit… I beg your pardon… That was probably Delphine, Ms. Dvorak warned me about her… Thank you for letting me know.
Charles (to George): I think under the circumstances, it's understandable if you curse. I'm going to... I should go. If there's anything I can do for you...
George (to Charles): … I'm scared… Can I have a hug, Charles?
Charles (to George): Oh... Uh, yes. Of course. Don't worry. No one will let anything happen to you, Mi... Um, George.
George (to Charles): Thank you… Are you going to keep holding me, Charles?
Charles (to George): E-excuse me! I'm very sorry. I, um, I should let you get back to... I should go.
George (to Charles): Please don't… You're always leaving... Everybody is always leaving… Or sending me away… I'm sorry. I'm just upset. Go on, go.
Charles (to George): I can stay if you wish. I'm done for the evening. I just worried that I'd overstepped my bounds a bit.
George (to Charles): I'm sorry for my outburst. I just don't want to be alone right now. Can you just sit with me for a little bit?
Charles (to George): Of course. I know how you must feel, George. Honestly.
George (to Charles): You do? Oh yes, of course, you do… I guess, we're both kinda in the same boat. You're a good friend, Charles. I'm glad I met you.
Charles (to George): You are? Oh. Well, I'm very pleased to hear that. I'm very glad I met you too.
George (to Charles): … I should get some sleep. There's a good chance that I'm going to have to go away in the morning.
Charles (to George): Oh. Yes. Of course. I would imagine so. I... I'll be sorry to see you go, Mi... George. I... If you're able, in the future, I'd be... I would like to see you again. If that's agreeable to you, of course.
George (to Charles): I would like that very much, Charles… There's so much I'd like to say to you, but I don't know the right way. I'm sorry that was probably way too forward and improper for your liking.
Charles (to George): I, uh... That was... I... Wow.
George (to Charles): I'm sorry. Please, don't be upset with me… I've been wanting to do that since I first met you.
Charles (to George): I'm not upset! It's only that I've never... I mean... You... I... Um, excuse me. I can't seem to form a bloody sentence. I'm not upset.
George (to Charles): Really? You've never kissed anyone before? You wouldn't know it… You're a right good kisser.
Charles (to George): I am? Ah, no, I've never... Um, thank you. I... I have no idea what to say!
George (to Charles): Heehee… You're quite handsome when you're flustered, Charles.
Charles (to George): Um, thank you. I... I happen to think that you're *very* pretty. Oh! You, uh, you wanted to go to bed, didn't you?
George (to Charles): Not if you wanted to stay here & talk… or maybe, kiss some more?
Charles (to George): I... I think I would like that very much.
George (to Charles): Good. I would like that, too.
