Aftermath and Beginnings

Rose-Grace comes home early to find Pike and the three youngest in her bedroom.

Rose-Grace: What is that?  And why are the kids half-naked?

Freddy:  We played in the mud and Daddy had to bath us.  Then the mailman brought me a dino!

Pike: The mailman brought you a dino poster and the little twins some wall art.  Auntie said you had to share, remember?

Freddy: Auntie is a dino scientist, Step-Mommy.  Did you know that?

Rose-Grace (chuckles):  Yes, and apparently she isn't going to rest until one or more of Pike's children follow in her footsteps.  

Freddy: You look like you're getting one of your headaches.  Are you all stressed out?

Rose-Grace: Very stressed out.  (To Pike)  They determined the fire was arson.  Neither Midna or Violet can settle with the insurance company.

Pike: Say no more.  We'll clear out and let you take a nap.

Rose-Grace (already crawling into bed, fully dressed):  Thank you, honey.  

Tanner:  Oh, man, that sucks.  I remember all the hassle after our fire, and that was proven to be totally not arson.  I wonder who did it.

Samara:  Fick!

Finnick: Hush, Samara, you aren't supposed to tell anyone.  (laughs)  Take her, somebody.  I'm gonna help Fred with his poster.

Fred:  Are you mad Auntie didn't send you a dino something?

Finnick: Well, she kind of did, since we all share this room.  

*****

At the elementary school, a few days later.   

Stacie:  Roxy, this is Dan and Emma.  They just moved into my neighborhood.

Roxy: I wondered why you and Anakin came in here during third grade. 

Anakin: We met them on the Sledding Hill Of Doom.  Told them you'd help them like Stacie did me.

Emma: Maybe we can all be friends.  

******

At the middle school

Kevin:  This is the social studies room. Both eighth and seventh grade use it. It's also our home room.

Hermione: Thanks for showing us around, Kevin.  

Kevin:  No problem.  When your mom mentioned...

Kevin:  Hi.  Are you new here, too? 

Ron: Yeah.  I'm Ron Weasley.

Kevin introduces himself, Hermione, and Harry.  Then he starts telling them about their classmates.

Draco:  Oh, look, more peasants.  Probably from the Welfare Arms out by the lake. 

Charmaine: The redheaded boy got on the bus there.  I don't know who the other two are.

Draco:  You ride the bus?

Taylor: Look, Sam, if that's how she's going to be, you're better off without her.

Samantha: She's just acting like that to impress Draco.  She thinks he's cute.

Alex: No boy is worth stabbing a good friend in the back for.  Especially not the way she did.  What she called you is -- 

Samantha:  She didn't say it.  He did. 

Gabriella:  That's just as bad.  She didn't defend you.

*****

  Nikki and Claudia find a moment to welcome Ginny after lunch.

Nikki:  How are you liking it here so far?  

Ginny:  I like it, but it's going to take a little getting used to.  I tried to look like I'm in a uniform, and everyone is so casual.  Did you two twin on purpose? 

Claudia: Yeah, we do that sometimes.  She's my bestie. 

Snow Day!

The worst of the cold snap has passed, and finally it's warm enough to enjoy the snow.  The parents are at work and Taylor stays home with the babies, but the rest of the Pikes burn off some cabin fever.

Tanner:  Watch me take this next snow drift like a pro! 

Nikki:  No, I'm not wearing my helmet!  I don't want my brains all over the place! 

Tanner: Why didn't you wear your helmet, dummy?  

Nikki: You promised to be careful.  Some of us actually use our brains and want to keep them inside our heads where they belong. 

Finnick: Tanner would be totally safe in a zombie apocalypse.  

Tanner: At least I don't look like I belong on a magic carpet instead of an ATV.  Seriously, dude, you look ridiculous. 

Nakoma: You're just jealous you don't have a girlfriend to give your coat to. 

Tanner: My girlfriend wouldn't need my coat.

Finnick: Yeah, cause she'd already be frigid. 

Fred: Are we most to the sledding hill, Stacie?  I wanna be there NOW! 

Stacie: We're there.  Check it out.

Anakin:  Holy cow.  That is one steep slope. 

Stacie: Told ya.  This is the best hill in town, and it's all mine!  Well, you know, ours.  On our property.  Step-Mom said once she tried to take the sleigh down it and almost ran over Angus.

Anakin: Yeah, how come nobody got the sleigh out?

Stacie: You gotta be old enough to drive and the twins had to play on the ATVs.  Dad or Mom will get it out later.  Or Grandpa Mace, if he comes over.

*****

Down the block, James is supervising the least professional movers in the known universe.

James: Harry, where is your coat?

Harry: I'm fine.  I'm not a wuss like Hermione. 

Hermione: This wuss isn't going to have frostbite later.  Besides, Mom told you to wear a coat.

Harry: Yeah, but she's not my --

James: Say it and see how long you're grounded.

Emma: Dan and I will get the plants before they freeze.  What room do they go in?

Dan: Let's hurry and stick them in the living room so we can go sled with those kids over there.

Becky watches from her new apartment for the taxi that's bringing her cousins from the airport.