Upgrades, Shower, and Orphans

Owner's Office, Witch's Cove

Nakoma: So?  What do you think?

Albus: I'm quite impressed.  You must have worked on this for months.

Pocahontas:  I just put her to work on this two weeks ago.  The girl's got some creative skills.

Albus: She did this in two weeks?!  

Pocahontas: We've always known she was the artist of the family.  I'm surprised it took her this long.  

Albus: I could use her help putting together the atmosphere around the Windigo and the updated train ride.  By the way, what do you think of "Haunted Rail" for the name?  

Pocahontas: Once this website is linked to Mom's old one and operationable, she's all yours.

Nakoma: Oh, I've got a plethora of ideas.  Wait until you see what I've got in mind for The Overlook.

Pocahontas: See, Albus, she's alr -- what, wait?

*****

Zenobia's studio

Zenobia: I thought since you aren't doing a traditional wedding, and I'm not maid of Honor, that a bachlorette party was off the table?  I won't lie, I'm bummed about it, but you're the bride.  You call the shots.

Tris: An old-fashioned Bridal Shower is acceptable, you libertine.  You're still my best friend.  

Zenobia (teasing): Just after the presents, aren't you? 

Tris: Kind of.  We're pretty broke, you know.  (laughs)  I also noticed how disappointed you were.  I should have taken that into consideration.  Especially since you're gonna have to live with us.

Zenobia jumps up and hugs her, launching into plans. 

*****

Windu Acres

James: Thanks for the drinks.  This humidity is killing me.

Mace: Big ole storm brewing.  What's the verdict on them orphans?

James: Test results all came back.  Completely healthy, two colts and a filly, siblings.  Same sire.

Mace: So they aren't purebred. 

James: Looks like the mares were.  Some rogue stallion must have gotten into the paddock and whoever owned the mares... well, to put it politely, they reacted badly.  

Charlie: That's putting it way more politely that I did.  

Mace: Y'all got the cops on it, I'm sure.  Does the preserve have security cameras? 

Charlie: In the parking lot and visitor center.  We're hoping they didn't sneak in through private property to dump the babies, but we'll interview the landowners around if we have to.  

Mace:  Well, the little ones are settling in here.  Angus took them right under his wing.   Might even adopt them, since I'm in rebuilding mode. (Changes the subject)  What brings you back to Barbieville?  I knew Iggy was here, but you were a surprise.  

Charlie (hesitates for a moment): Things didn't work out where I was.  So I got my old job back and came home.  Staying with my folks until I find a place for me and Iggy.  (Laughs)  PJ's oldest had just come to stay with them while her dad's deployed and then here comes Iggy.  James's house is gonna burst at the seams.  

Almost Back To Normal

Taylor and Gabriella take Jenny and Fred to the beach.  It's not very hot out, so there aren't any crowds to worry about.

Fred: Look, it's Four and his mommy and brothers and Tris!  Kin we go say hi?

Taylor: Go on.  Remember the Germ Rules.

Four: Are the twins with you? 

Taylor: No, they're at work.  Painting social distancing reminders on the pavement.  Things like horseshoes in the merry-go-round line. Albus said if they gotta do it, they're gonna have fun with it. 

Esmeralda: I was just sending the boys up to the vending machines.  Would you like something?

Jenny: Do they gots candy bars?

Esmeralda: I already have some of those in my cooler bag.  We're out of drinks, though.

Taylor: Who was that with Kevin? 

Four: Ricky.  Or, as he prefers nowadays, Cedric. Mom told him he has to act the part if he wants to use an adult name.  Whenever he gets whiny, we just revert to calling him Ricky. 

Esmeralda: It's done wonders for his attitude.  

Gabriella: But his name's Richard, isn't it?

Esmeralda:  He didn't want to end up being Dick Eaton, for obvious reasons. Cedric is his middle name.

Taylor: I didn't even recognize him.

Four: My dad and your mom have had both families on lockdown.  You haven't seen him in months.  And, you know, puberty.

Tris: By the way, we talked to Rose-Grace about our wedding.  She said all the law requires is a public declaration of intent and signing the paperwork.  Saves us a lot of drama! 

Four: We're going so untraditional, it ain't even funny. 

Gabriella: Hey, it's your wedding. 

******

Hagrid, the caretaker of Doll County Wilderness Preserve, meets with Animal Control and the vet. 

James: How long have they been out here? 

Hagrid: Can't be more than 24 hours.  They weren't here yesterday.

Charlie: This is a new one on me.  Dogs, cats... but horses?  Why would anyone dump horses out here? 

Hagrid: Same reason they do any other critter.  They're disgusting, selfish idiots.

Charlie: Well, I can't take them to the animal shelter.  (to James)  And yours is a mobile clinic.  But I really don't think it's safe for them to stay here.

James: This is even weirder than you think.  They're perfectly healthy, from what I can tell, and look to be purebreds.  Very valuable animals.  

Hagrid (taking out his phone): I might have a foster home for them.  Let me make a call.

Charlie and James exchange a glance, both willing to bet they know who he's calling.

Mace: I see you managed to contain them.

Hagrid: The filly came along nicely, but those two colts... you gotta watch them.  That spotted one just likes to tease, running away and coming back like a boomerang.

Mace: Angus will be glad for the company.  He misses Silverstream. 

Hagrid: Dr. Potter said he'll be by your place tomorrow to give them a real exam.  You sure you're okay with baby-sitting them? 

Mace: I'm okay with adopting them if it comes to that.  I've  finally got grandkids that are interested in following in my footsteps!   

******

Albus meets with the mayor about Witch's Cove reopening.

Rose-Grace: All these measures look good, but why is she putting off opening until next year?

Albus: To quote her, the place is gonna be a hotbed of germs no matter how many changes we make.  This gives the experts time to cope and it won't break her bank.  Dent it real good, but not break it.  I doubt even Kida realized how well-off she left her girls. 

Rose-Grace: She told me once that she was probably a millionaire. 

Albus: I wouldn't be surprised.  She made money hand over fist and lived simple. 

Rose-Grace: What about the ghost hunt?  Is that still on?

Albus: Oh, yeah.  They're gonna release a joint DVD.  Good press and a bit of profit for both the park and the paranormal team. 

Reopening

Brent and Daisy video chat, both enjoying the summer weather.

Daisy: Oh, she's almost good as new.  We're concerned there might have been damage to her vocal cords from the intubation, but other than that, she's good.

Brent: Other than that?  The girl's a singer!  Damage to her vocal cords could end her singing career!

Daisy: She's also an actress and she's prepared to change her path a bit if needed.  We're just glad she's pulled through.  But I'm calling you about something else.  

Brent: Please don't tell me one of you two are sick now.

Daisy:  No, we're healthy.  Didn't you mention something the other day about a new television station there in Barbieville?  Are they looking for journalists? 

Brent: Kyra's ex has started WDLC.  Have you decided to finally get out of the city?

Daisy: You know we were already dealing with the homophobia and Bertie getting eyed by Immigration every time she turned around.  We almost lost our daughter to the pandemic and now race riots are going on again.  We're just done.

Brent: I can get you William's information, so Bertie can send a resume.  I'll put in a good word for her.  William and I get along much better than I expected.

Daisy:  Do you know any of the other WDLC people?  Any possible problems there?

Brent: The only journalist I know is Becky Weasley.  She walked out of college graduation and into a job at WDLC, but I'm not sure what she'll be doing there.

Daisy: She was the nice KBV girl, right?  Not the psycho? 

************************

Easter in Lockdown

In the lull between Easter dinner and dessert (because who has room for dessert right away?) the residents of Windu Acres, Barbieville, chat.  They all pretend not to notice the dogs feasting on the little ones' mess.  

Rose-Grace: I'm torn between being mad at you for breaking your self-imposed exile and being glad you're here. 

Pike:  I showered before coming and washed my hands when I arrived.  Ryan and I have been wiping down the interior of The Tank at least once a day.  Ryan said his sister's gonna bring him dinner, but he's staying in.  He's really worried about his folks. 

Rose-Grace: You can take him some of our leftovers as well.  God knows we have an army here, but I made enough for two armies!  

Mace: You be glad he's here, Rosie, and I'll be mad at him.  I'm old.

Taylor: That's why you and the babies are way over here.  We're being super careful.

Stacie: Yeah, we're even gonna wipe down everything Dad may have touched before letting y'all leave the table.  I mean, the only rooms he's been in are the entry hall, the kichen, and the downstairs bathroom.

Mace (laughs): Oh, yeah, little girl?  You think you can stop me from getting up?  

Stacie: You aren't that dumb, Grandpa.

Rose-Grace: Our other usual guests will be calling us for an on-line conference call.

Finnick: Wait.  You heard from Mom? 

Rose-Grace: Oops, that part was supposed to be a surprise.  Her idea, I swear! 

*****

The Conference Call! 

Candy: Hey, guys.  Sorry to worry you so much, but there was a cluster- I mean, some trouble with me getting back into the country.   I'm quarantined, obviously, but I'm not sick or hurt or anything. 

Stacie: You look different. 

Fred: You look way prettier now, Mommy.

Candy: My green stripe is gone and I've been working out a lot.  I always meant to start, and this whole mess is as good an excuse as any.  By the time I come home, Fred won't be the only one of my babies I can lift!

Tanner: You gotta catch me first. 

Finnick: She'll be able to, dummy.  She's looking like one of them lady MMA fighters!

Morgan:  You look great, Candy.  I always thought you needed a little meat on your bones. 

Candy: You're sheltering in place at your folks' house?  And you haven't killed each other yet? 

Lee (laughs):  She gets outta line, we send her to her couch.  

Morgan: Mom's helping me with teaching on-line.  I was already making so many rookie mistakes before this virus hit!  Thank God she's a sub now and doesn't have a course load of her own! 

Talk then becomes the usual large-family chaos.  

HAPPY EASTER 

to all my Barbieville followers! 

Spider, Shoppers, and Silver Stream

Albus is out in Witch's Cove looking for damage from last night's storm.  

Albus (to the spider):  Mother Nature did a number on you, didn't she?  I hope I beat the birds to all your shiny bits.  (laughs) It's so quiet with no one on the grounds but me, I'm talking to a robot spider, but it's all right as long as you don't reply.  

Albus:  Hmm.  Well, this is new.  

Albus:  Now look here:  If you slide off this roof and give me a coronary, I will rip off your remaining legs and beat you to death with them.  The last thing I need is for her to catch me working off the clock and barefoot!  (Thinks for a moment.)  Well, I guess I'll have to tell her I was out here...  

*****

At the grocery, Batgirl meets Pike when he arrives.

Batgirl: I got your email about the new hires.  Ryan Guinness?  

Pike:  Ryan's a changed man.  Tanner even spoke in his favor, and you know that's something.

Batgirl:  I notice most of them are Midna's people.  Good of you to help them out.

Pike: Good of them to help me out.  (laughs)  Seriously, though...  Frodo and Whitney declined because they live with little ones.  Esmeralda's got her hands full at home, since Marcus is practically living at the hospital, and Midna is helping the Changs with deliveries.  Of the four left, only Jeremiah has never run a register. 

Batgirl:  We really don't have time for the real training.  I'll give the rest an overview in case we need them there.  Mostly we're gonna need them for stocking and loading the pick-up orders in trunks.  

Pike: Use the waitresses and Ryan before enlisting Pern.  She's very out of practice.  Oh, and I've parked The Tank around back.  It'll be my residence for the duration and since Ryan's folks are elderly, I've offered him a bunk.  

******

Mace trudges into Rose-Grace's bedroom and makeshift office.

Mace: Rosie, I need help with something.

Rose-Grace:  Since you got that call the other day and have been moping, I rather expected this.  What is it?  One of your friends from the apartment?

Mace: No.  It's Silvie.  Silver Stream.

Rose-Grace: She's infertile?

Mace:  No, Rosie, she's dead.  Something with her intestines...  (crying) I'm not sure, the breeder was using all these medical terms, but how am I gonna tell your babies?  

Rose-Grace: The same way always you told me.  But this time I'll be holding your hand instead of Mom.  We'll get through this, Daddy, I promise. 

It's Not The Plague

How are the residents of Barbieville dealing with the COVID-19 shutdown?  Let's drop in on the town's First Family and see!

Tanner:  Man, this sucks.  We're doing homework for lack of anything better to do. 

Finnick:  I'm just getting it over with.  Then I'm gonna get as many people together as possible for a marathon gaming session! 

Tanner: That's a great idea.  What game, though?

Finnick: That depends on who's playing.  We might even switch around as people join in or leave.  

Samara and Orlando are enjoying an unprecedented amount of freedom to chew on their big sisters' dolls. 

Samara: Horsey! 

Nikki sends a photo of them to Claudia. 

Claudia (via text): Orlando iz in da house!  LOL 

Nikki (via text): He thinks I can't see him in there.  How are things at your Grandma's? 

Claudia (via text): Awful.  I'm so mad at Ben.  He lets me be home alone all the time normally.

Nikki (via text): Normally, idiots aren't clobbering Asians for giving us the plague.

Claudia (via text): It's not the plague.  All this craziness is to keep it from being the plague.

Mace: I'm glad I got moved in before it hit.  If I was still in the apartment, they'd have me under quarantine.  

Stacie: They wouldn't even let you come here and take care of the horses?

Mace: That's what quarantine is.  You go nowhere and nobody comes over.  Nobody in the building is sick, but most of them are high risk, so they're being super careful. 

Stacie: It'd be a pain in the butt to do the barn chores without you. I'd have to get the twins to help and they'd just gripe the whole time. And Daddy is at work more than he's home!  

Fred: Your bed ain't very fun to jump on, Grandpa.

Mace: Boy, you better not get manure on my blankets.

Fred: I tooked my shoes off. 

Rose-Grace: I just told everyone in town to avoid gathering in groups larger than ten.  We're breaking that rule just by having everyone at home, and I'm the mayor!  We have to set an example.

Taylor: Well, can I go over there?  Charlotte might leave if I do.  She doesn't like me. 

Rose-Grace:  I also suggested self quarantining. Again, we have to set an example. 

Taylor: Sometimes it really sucks that you're the mayor. 

Rose-Grace: That we can agree on.  

Sex, Drugs, and... Remodeling

At Barbieville Middle School, the day begins. 

Alex: I appreciate all the advice, but I really don't think it will be rough adjusting.  For one thing, I'm going to have my own room to hide in if it gets crazy.  

Hermione: It was all the boys in the house I had to get used to.  

Samantha: Having a stepsister is a godsend for me.  Raven has helped me so much since Charmaine did what she did.  (laughs) And now they've moved out of town, so I don't even have to look at her! 

Alex: Still gotta look at the piece of crap she did it for, though. 

Samantha: He's not to blame for her actions.  (Waves dismissively in Draco's direction.)  I heard your dad's team finally got a chance to investigate Witch's Cove?  

Alex: Yeah, and it was Pocahontas's idea!  I think he's more excited about that than the wedding!

Gabriella: ...then Charlotte told Courtney nobody cares and Mom said "Keep your mouth off my children."  

Taylor: No wonder y'all come to my house so much.  Beside helping your dad with the remodel, you can get away from that hag.  

Gabriella: Have you heard anything from Candy?

Taylor: No, and it's been over a week.  We're starting to really get worried.

Draco: You know, a decent school doesn't teach this stuff to boys and girls in the same room. 

Nancy: You and I have very different ideas of what a decent school does.  (Draco rolls his eyes.) If you have parental consent, you can turn in your book and take a study hall.  Do you have parental consent? 

Draco: You know I don't. 

Nancy: I suggest you discuss your discomfort with your parents.  In the meantime, please keep your complaints to yourself.  

*******

Pern is walking home from work when Pocahontas calls her over to a table in the park. 

Pern: I knew this was going to happen.  That you'd make me say it. 

Pocahontas: Pern, I'm not going to do this without your okay.  You've surprised me, to be frank, with your drive to stay off the drugs.  I really don't want to hurt you. 

Pern: It's just so hard to admit I failed that badly as a mom.  

Pocahontas: I'm sure it hurts.  I'm sorry.  

Pern (crying softly): But it'd be a bigger failure to stand in the way of what's best for him.  

Pocahontas:  You'll still be in his life.  Hell, if John's the mom and I'm the dad, you can be the doting aunt.  We've all come to love you, Pern.  Warts and all. 

********

At Windu Acres, Joe's short break is interrupted.

Mace: Did you have to make mine the ugliest room in the house? 

Joe: Hey, you left it up to Rose-Grace.  She told me to use repurposed materials from my warehouse.  Not my fault they ended up being contrasting patterns.  

Mace: I'm just messing with you.  It's actually kinda bohemian.  Makes me wanna invite Albus over and smoke some weed. 

Joe: I donated a few horse prints.  I'm a city boy, barely know one end of a horse from the other.

Mace: Thanks.  Hey, what say we go to Sunburst for lunch?  My treat. I can teach you which end is which. 

Evening at Windu Acres

Mace comes in from the barn for supper.  While he greets the dogs, he notices an unexpected guest.

Mace: Hey, Joe!  What are you doing here?  

Rose-Grace: Grab a seat, Dad.  I need to talk to you before I give Joe his orders.

Rose-Grace: We've decided to divide the basement into small rooms.  

Mace: Well, it's your house now, so go for it. You don't need my permission.

Joe: We've planned a nursery for those monsters on your lap and a small studio for the boys' band.  

Rose-Grace: Fred will be in the nursery, too.  He overhears way too much sharing a room with teenagers.  (to Mace) We want to you to take one of the rooms.  You've practically moved back in since Mom died, anyway.  But if you do, you need to get with Joe on details.

Mace: If you're keeping the cellar door, I can take that room.  Make it easier to slip out in the wee hours to care for the horses. But other than that, I trust Joe on the details.  Gonna soundproof the studio? 

Rose-Grace (laughs): Mostly, anyway.  Even if Sarcastic Fringehead ceases to exist, we've got six more possible musicians in the house.  Could be doomed to twenty years of garage bands. 

*****

Upstairs, Finnick and Tanner are hanging out with most of their friends.  

Frodo: Didn't you tell your folks that you pretty much gave up on making a career of the band?

Tanner: We did.  But Dad refers to it now as a serious hobby.  And we do make a little money at it.

Frodo: Well, you can make money with a serious hobby.  I'm jealous.  Can't even talk my folks into moving Ty outta my room and into the attic.  Hell, I even offered to take the attic! 

Whitney: I've seen your attic.  I don't blame them.

Mariko: Speaking of moving kids in and out of rooms, Nova's offering unlimited soft drinks and pizza to anyone that helps clear out two of the rooms in our upstairs.  She's finally marrying Jeremiah and we need those rooms for Alex and Lottie. 

Nakoma: I'm in.  I might have Roxy and Kelly with me, though.  Pocahontas is hauling the guys to the bridal shop for their suits.  

Mariko: We can always find smaller jobs for smaller helpers.  Anyway, I just stopped in for a few after work.  Whitney, need a ride the rest of the way home or you gonna get one of the guys to drive you? 

Nakoma (checks the time): Holy Smoke!  I better go, too! 

Whitney decides to go with them, leaving the guys to do whatever it is guys do.  

Frodo: What's the story with Mariko's house, anyway?  

Finnick: It was probably built for one of them old school farm families with ten or twelve kids, so there's a million bedrooms.  StepMom said the old man who lived there died and whoever inherited it auctioned it off with everything in it.  Mariko's folks were the highest bidders. 

Tanner: How do you go from that big a family to an old man living alone?  None of those ten or twelve kids wanted the place? 

Frodo: Happened to my great grandparents.  Grandpa was the youngest of thirteen, got the place by default, and Dad was his only kid.  When he died, there was a lot of debate, but they decided to move here and keep the place. 

Tanner: Your great-grandparents had thirteen kids in that house?  Where did they put them?

Frodo (laughs):  I have no idea!  

Monday, Monday

Very early Monday morning, Violet arrives at Sunburst to find odd activity.  

Violet: Did you fire me and forget to tell me? 

Midna: Don't be silly.  I,m just getting a head start for you on looking for a new day cook.  

Pern: We found a note taped to the front door when we got here. Apparently Jason got a really good job offer and had to go immediately. 

Violet (angry): He couldn't be bothered to call? 

Midna (to Pern): Is this your friend?

Pern: Yes.  And don't worry, he's been sober for fifteen years.  

Midna (reading the application): He worked at The Point almost that long.  Excellent references.

Pern: Charlotte Jackson did him real dirty.  No severance pay, nothing.  He's got two kids to support and is planning a wedding.  

Violet: I'm going to be insubordinate and order the owner into the kitchen.  Take Pern with you while I make the needed calls.  

*****
Early afternoon sees Joe Montez meeting with Pike.

Joe: You know, you keep giving me work, I might have to hire actual help instead of enlisting my children.  What do you have in mind now? 

Pike: We were having trouble fitting in that house before Orlando and Samara arrived.  We've decided to see what we can do with the biggest combo bathroom and laundry room on the planet.  I drew you a rough plan of our ideas.

Joe: I can already see a couple of issues we'll need to work around.  You just thinking more bedrooms? 

Pike: Actually, one of the things we'd like to do is put in a small studio.  The boys are still heavy into their band even if they do have more realistic career goals now. 

Joe: When can I come over, get a good look at the space?

Pike: If we aren't home, Mace is there.  He only goes back to his apartment to sleep.  Show up at dinner time and we'll even feed you.

****

Speaking of Mace.  

Mace: What are you doing here?  Come over to seduce me? 

Candy (laughs): You wish, old man.  (to Angus) Isn't it too cold out here for you? 

Mace: He loves the snow.  It is too cold for Silver Stream.  Her breed isn't as hardy as Angus's.

Candy: Speaking of breeding, you know the kids want a colt.

Mace: I've heard a rumor to that effect.  Seriously, though, why are you here?  

Candy: Came to see the kids when they get home.  I'm leaving on assignment this evening.

Candy is waiting inside when the kids get home and they gather around, even the ones that don't share her blood. 

Tanner: The Middle East?  Again?

Candy: I'm a photojournalist, son.  I have to go where the news is happening. 

Fred: Are you going where there's bombs, Mommy?  Dr. Marcus went to a bomb place and his leg came off.  What if your leg comes off? 

Candy: I'll be very careful.  And Marcus does okay without his leg. 

Fred: I will get Four to teach me how he helps his daddy, just in case.  

Stacie: Aren't you scared, Mommy?

Candy: True bravery is going on even though you're scared.  Gotta keep the world informed, right?

Nikki: She'll be okay, guys.  She always is. 

Finnick: That's the spirit.