Meanwhile...

 Candy and Dawn meet at Sunburst to catch up on the last few years.  

Dawn: These are all your kids?  You've been busy. 

Candy(laughs): No, the big twins, the girl in camo, and the little boy are mine.  The other two girls are Pike's stepdaughters and the babies are his with Rose-Grace.  

Dawn: So your ex is married to the mayor?  Do you two get along?  There's no bad blood?

Candy: We had a amicable divorce.  He wanted to put down roots, I didn't.  We do a pretty good job of co-parenting - none of that playing the kids against each other crap.  

Dawn: You know I was in and out of the system because my parents proved each other unfit?  Well, Dad's other wife said she'd take me and raise me.  I'd met her and Iris a few times and we always got along great.

Candy: I do remember your Dad was a bigamist.  What's the age difference with you and Iris? 

Dawn: Just a few months.  I met a little boy the other day who told me all about how he and his sister are the same age, but not twins, because they're both adopted.  

Candy: That had to be Bobby.  Were you at the greenhouse? 

Dawn: The day care.  We're opening up shop in the same building, just a floor above.  

Candy: I hope John rescued you before Bobby could tell you his life story. 

Dawn: He did.  Handsome fellow. 

Candy: Happily married fellow.  What kind of shop do you have?

Dawn: Tailoring by Halfsies.  Because we're half-sisters.  

****

At Doll County Correctional, Paris Malfoy meets with his lawyer. 

Andre: I'm afraid I don't have good news, Mr. Malfoy.  The case against you is solid.  

Paris: How?  They don't have the vehicle, any fingerprints or DNA, not even a witness. 

Andre: They have video.  Candy Pike was wearing a GoPro, and from the video they tracked the license plate and identified you as the driver.  I've had the video sent to an independent lab to see if it's been tampered with, but this does not bode well.  The car belongs to your daughter and was reported stolen years ago. 

Paris: Zenobia can't press charges against me.  I'm her father.  And there's plenty of men around who could be mistake for me in a blurry GoPro video. Hell, even the first victim's husband looks so much like me it's rumored that he's my bastard brother. 

Andre: Zenobia can and probably will testify against you.  It's entirely possible you'll be charged with car theft on top of everything else. James Potter has an alibi for all three incidents, and the video is very clear - Ms Pike is a professional photographer and uses top-of-the-line equipment.   Now, you can come clean with me and we can work out a defense, or I collect for the time I've wasted here and move on to my next case. 

*****

The Montez Contracting crew meets in the park for work.  They're installing playground equipment. 

Gabriella: I'm going to hit the restroom before we get started, Dad.  I'll meet you at the site. 

Joe: Okay.  (teasing) Don't be slacking off just because it's your last day on the job. 

Ryder: Why's it her last day on the job? 

Joe: Back to school tomorrow.  

Tate: Oh?  What's her major? 

Joe: Major?  She's in high school, she doesn't have a major. 

Ryder (amazed): High school?  She's underage? 

Tate: We though she was just petite. 

Joe (chuckles): I'm not sure if I should be complimented on my parenting or angry that you two were apparently lusting after my daughter.  She is very mature for her age, but yes, she's underage. Wait a few years before asking her out. 

Gabriella sprints across the park, shouting.  

Joe: What is it?  

Gabriella (panting): There's a car in the water, down behind the restrooms.  I think it's the one the cops are looking for.  Green SUV, right? 

A Reunion (Or Two)

 Sunburst.  Zenobia hurries in after her meeting with the lawyer. 

Iris: Casey, stop playing on your phone and eat.  

Casey: I'll have plenty of time to eat when Dawn gets here.  You two are gonna go blah-blah-blah til bedtime. 

Iris: We aren't going to be here that long.  We're going to the shop and make plans.  

Zenobia: Welcome to Sunburst!  I'm Zenobia.

Dawn: I'm looking for... oh, there she is.  (waves to Iris)  I'll just have some coffee, please.  

Zenobia: Cream and sugar? 

Dawn: No.  Just strong black coffee. 

Zenobia: It'll be a few minutes for the coffee.  I started a fresh pot.

Dawn: Excellent.  I'll also have this taco thing Iris is eating.  (Stops Zenobia when she moves away.) I hate to sound like some kind of stalker, but who is that woman over there?  In the wheelchair? She looks very familiar. 

Zenobia: That's Candy Pike.  She's a pretty well known photojournalist, so you've probably seen her work, but it's odd that... 

Dawn (excited): Was her maiden name Barr? And no, I'm not being a smartass.  I actually once knew a girl named Candy Barr. We were in a couple of foster homes together.

Zenobia: I believe it was.  I can ask her, she won't mind.  I'm friends with her sons. 

Dawn: Please do. My name's Dawn Lung. 

Zenobia: This is going to sound really weird. 

Candy (laughs): Most of the things you say are weird, Zenobia, but that's why I like you. What's up? 

Zenobia: The lady sitting with Iris Patrick?  She thinks you two were in a foster home together as kids.  Her name's Dawn Lung. 

Candy (thinks for a bit): There was a Dawn.  We ended up in the same home twice, once when I was ten or so and then when I was a teenager. (scrutinizes Dawn from across the room, then smiles broadly)  That is her!  

Candy:  It's me, Dawn!  (To Zenobia) Oh, I hate this wheelchair.  Help me get over there.  

Zenobia: I have to put in her order and get her coffee.  I'll ask if they mind you joining them. 

Candy: Oh, yeah, I guess I shouldn't just horn in on them. 

The Giant

 

Zenobia's phone chimes as she's leaving The Tor.  It's her boss.

Midna: I got Esmeralda to stay over until you get to work, just in case this meeting runs late.  Is it true your dad hired The Giant to defend him?  Doesn't seem to fit what I know of him.

Zenobia:  He's good at ignoring your defects if you are of use to him.  The Giant's the best defense attorney on the planet, so it only follows that Dad hired him.  

Midna: I was shocked the first time I saw the guy.  I expected... well, a giant. 

Zenobia: He's a giant in the courtroom.  Also, there's probably some irony there.  

Midna: Like calling a skinny guy Fatso.  Anyway, don't sweat it about work.

Andre: I suppose you're wondering why I asked you to meet me here, at Mr. Rhee's office.  

Boudicca: He's Family Law, and we are here about family matters.  It's only logical to have him involved. 

Andre: Exactly!  Your father told me you were smart.  And Zenobia, you've moved back into the family home to help.  That must be a sacrifice for you.

Zenobia (not sure if he's being sarcastic): Mom instilled a strong sense of family duty in all of us.  My siblings need me, so here I am. 

Andre: Excellent.  Since the matters of home and family fall under his purview, I'll give the floor over to Mr. Rhee. 

Jimin: Thank you, sir.  (To Zenobia and Boudicca) There was some question of locking down your father's finances, but given the needs of  minor children, I managed to keep some funds available.  Household and educational expenses, for example.  Boudicca's tuition and books are paid from her own accounts, so we don't need to worry about that. 

Zenobia:  Yeah, Mom saw to that.  When I decided against higher education, he tried to take my college fund. She didn't want him doing that to the others if they pursued unseemly careers. 

Jimin: There are some formalities, papers to sign regarding custody of Draco and Leia, but no surprises.  Besides a collective tightening of the proverbial belt, I think life will mostly go on as usual for them. 

Andre: There were some questions as to Zenobia's ability to fulfill her role. 

Zenobia: Yet I was the first person he called to do it.  (imitating Paris) You are the eldest child, it falls upon you.

Andre (trying not to smile): Questionable morals aside, you pass muster as a responsible adult.  

Boudicca: I think Draco might have sealed that deal, anyway.  Shot himself in the foot, telling the investigator what a sleazy slimy slut you are and then praising your friends as good people.  Albus in particular. 

Zenobia: He does have a lot more respect for Albus than I would've expected. 

Andre: Well, then, once these papers are signed, we can all go about our day.  I'll be back in touch with you regarding Paris's defense. 

The Overlook Formal

Father's Day.  Evening.  The Overlook, event venue at Witch's Cove, reopens after remodeling with a formal ball. 

Nakoma: Welcome to the Overlook, Ms Jones!  Who's your friend? 

Rallee: Nakoma, this is Susan Anthony.  She'll be taking over as principal of the High School.  Susan, this is Nakoma Smith, one of the owners of Witch's Cove.  

Nakoma: Nice to meet you, Ms Anthony.  I think you'll like it here, at least until my little brother reaches the ninth grade.  (to Rallee) I was stunned to hear Dean resigned.  Is it true he got a offer from some fancy private school out west? 

Rallee: East, actually.  I hate to lose him, but we get Ms Anthony, so its a win/win situation.  

Susan: It was fortunate that this event was the same day as my arrival in town.  Superintendent Jones insisted upon my coming, to meet most of the town's leaders.  

Pocahontas: Rose-Grace, how did you escape your husband looking like that?  (To Maren) I don't believe we've met.  I'm Pocahontas Smith and this is my sister Nakoma.  We own the Cove. 

Maren: Maren North.  I was hired to run the Barbieville Museum after Helena's death.  Terrible thing. 

Rose-Grace: Maren's young, but she's fully qualified and has excellent references. 

Maren (blushing): I'm something of a prodigy.  Graduated high school at 12 and dove right into college.  I'm quite driven. 

Susan: Do you have any family enrolled at the high school? 

Maren: Not yet.  That is, my younger sisters haven't been registered.  They'll be arriving later this week with my brother.  

Susan: I look forward to meeting them.

John: The mayor's got a whole brood.  (To Pocahontas) How many of them are in high school now?  Two? 

Pocahontas: I think just Taylor.  Maybe Nikki, too.  

John: We can ask Finnick if we can tear him away from Nakoma.  (To Susan) He's one of the brood in question.  

Susan: Don't bother the young couple.  

Nakoma: I can't believe Tanner and Whitney didn't come.  What's wrong with them, anyway? 

Finnick: He's right.  Even if he proposed to her all public like you suggested, Esperanza's still gonna think what she wants.  Want me to propose to you all public?  I'll do it. 

Nakoma: No, you idiot.  Get back to me when you finish trade school, though.  

The sisters spot more guests arriving and hurry to greet them.  

Pocahontas: Dean quit?  The Mellarks are moving?  What the hell, girl? 

Nakoma: I figured Midna told you, since she's lost her bookkeeper.  Peeta is moving in with the Carsons, but both the girls are going with Dean and Violet. One of the Rhee boys did bookkeeping for their parents' restaurant, so he'll be taking Violet's job. 

Pocahontas: She did mention Violet had given her two-weeks notice, but Violet's such a crabby thing, I figured she just got fed up with Midna.  Didn't know the whole family was skipping town.  (To the new arrivals)  Welcome to The Overlook!

Finnick: Why are you looking so sour?  

Albus: I hate all this fancy stuff.  Tried to bail, but the girls said I had to be here as head of Rides and Maintenance. 

Finnick: Relax, man.  Enjoy the scenery.  Nakoma is looking hot as hell. 

Albus: Nakoma's practically my kid, you sicko.  But you're right.  Lots of eye candy walking around here tonight.  You're looking pretty good, come to think of it. 

Finnick: Stay in your lane, old man.  I'm straight and spoken for.  

John: Finally I get you on the dance floor.  

Pocahontas: This is a work thing for me, you know.  I really shouldn't be taking time to enjoy my handsome husband.  Even if he does look much better since he quit going to Albus's barber.  

John: Albus has a barber?  (both laugh) I was due, though.  The long hair was easier, but I look safer to the parents that trust me with their kids.  And I can tell you like it short.  (whispers in her ear) 

Pocahontas: Later, I promise. 

 

Success!

Morning, on Muneca Lake Beach.   

Zenobia: Because the village of Barbieville stopped hosting Pride Events, it's been unfairly labeled.  Mayor Rose-Grace Pike has been accused of homophobia and transphobia, but nothing could be farther from the truth.  (laughs) The 1810 village charter contains the following:  "Private acts by adults, inflicting no harm upon others, shall not be governed by law.  If such is sin, each of us will answer a higher authority."  The simple fact of the matter is this: Behavior of celebrants at past events brought private acts into the streets.  Celebrants who chose to be more discrete were openly mocked.  (pause for effect) This event is being hosted by me, Zenobia Malfoy, as a private citizen.  It's not fancy because almost everyone participating has volunteered.  Love is love, the details don't matter, so let's not focus on them. 

Crowd cheers.  

Zenobia: We've got no parade, but a nice little festival.  Including live music by my band Sarcastic Fringehead, which starts as soon as I pass this microphone to the lovely Whitney Darling. 

*****

Later, down by the floodwall. 

Ken: Hey, your band is good!  

Tanner: Yeah, we do all right as long as some jackass isn't yelling "Free Bird" from the crowd. (To Peeta) What the hell is that? 

Peeta: We won these for Tommy at the arcade.  Cost us a good bit, but it was totally worth it. And by the way, that was his mom yelling Free Bird.  She laughed so hard when the entire band "freed their birds" at us I thought she was gonna hurt herself. 

Tanner (shrugs): We're gonna do another set later, but Whitney had to go to work, so it'll be when she gets back.   You guys more comfortable here?  No one telling you to act more gay?

Ken: Our matching outfits and holding hands doesn't seem to be upsetting anyone on either side of the fence.  I really wish people'd stop thinking all gay men are flamers.  

Tommy: Your dad looks more like people think a gay dude should than my brother does, and he's walking around with a pretty woman! Is that your mom?  Did she rainbow her hair just for today? 

Casey: You know Dad.  He ain't gonna let being straight keep him from looking fabulous.  And no, Mom's hair is always like that.  (to Stacie) If Angus is here, who is pulling the carriage?  

Stacie: Our new mare, Ka-Gae.  She's kinda scary looking, almost totally white and she's got the blackest eyes!  Really sweet, though.  Angus will get his turn later, when Ka-Gae is tired. 

Tommy: Hey, Mommy, did you meet Casey's mom and dad?  They're so cool. 

Doreen: Yes, I met Iris and Coby at teacher conferences.  Coby is one of Ken's college instructors, too. 

Coby: You kids can ride the carriage together, if it's okay with Doreen. (laughs when Tommy and Casey get excited)  I thought you'd like that, but y'all better behave for Mr. Windu. 

Speaking of the carriage rides, The Hernandez family is returning from a pleasant jaunt around town.  

Esperanza: This is the worst Pride Festival ever.  I keep waiting for the hog-calling contest. 

Daisy: It is a little dull, but I don't mind.  (To Bertie) How did we raise a city slicker? Small town life is so much nicer. 

Bertie: Probably because we were living in a city for most of her life.  Of course, she is a grown woman and could go back if she chose, but I don't see her packing.  

Tate: I'm thinking, now that I've got the house in some kind of order, of getting a job here.  Do the rest of it at my own pace, you know?  It's not like I've got anything to go back for. 

Albus: Witch's Cove is always hiring, but it's mostly summer.  What kind of work are you looking for? 

Tate: Well, I've worked lots of janitor type jobs.  Some construction. 

Albus: Joe Montez is a contractor.  I don't know the number, but you can google him.  

Leia: Who is that fine looking slice of man? 

Boudica: Which one? 

*****

The evening winds down.  

Luna Jones relaxes at her face-painting station on the beach, listening to Sarcastic Fringehead perform requests.  One of twins is singing a duet with Whitney, some ancient love song.  Luna hopes Mom or Aunt Gwen picks her up soon - it's gotten chilly since the sun went down. 

 

 

Arrest and Arrangements

 

Bertie: News on the Deadly Driver, who has killed two local women and injured another.  Paris Malfoy, husband of one of the victims, was arrested this morning at his home in The Tor.  Malfoy is head of the history department at Doll County Community College.  We take you live to Rebecca Weasley, live at Barbieville City Hall Complex. 

Becky:  I'm here with Barbieville Police Chief Becky Lynch, who made the arrest.  Chief Lynch, what led to this arrest?  What evidence to you have that Professor Malfoy committed the crimes in question? 

Lynch:  The third victim, who survived the attack, was wearing a portable sports camera.  She shared video footage with us that contained compelling information.   We obtained warrants not only for his arrest but for certain technology from the Malfoy home and office, from which we hope to determine a motive.  

Bertie: All reports are that the Malfoy family is cooperating with the investigation.  In other news, two events upcoming this summer promise better times.  A civilian committee is planning a Pride Event for later this month and The Grand Re-Opening of Witch's Cove, which will include a formal ball for some of the guests, is planned for Father's Day.  

****

Speaking of that civilian committee... 

Peeta: Hey, we're wearing the same shirt! 

Albus (chuckles): Great minds think alike. 

Ken: I can't believe nobody wanted to help you with this, Zenobia.  Peeta and I were just talking the other day about how so many get ridiculous for Pride events and all of us look bad.  I mean, that's why the town stopped sponsoring anything. 

Albus: Flaunting the differences only alienates the people we're trying to convince.  If we want to be seen as just like them, we need to behave with the same discretion they do.  

Candy (coming up behind Ken): It's not always about convincing anyone.  Sometimes it's just about embracing who you are.  Love is love, sure, but other people are just promiscuous.  Seriously, Albus, neither you or Zenobia has any intention of ever marrying.

Zenobia: She's got us there, Albus.  Pride's about way more than marriage rights and everyone here knows it.  A lot of the folks who go overboard for Pride aren't asking for acceptance, they're showing that they don't need or want acceptance.  (To Candy) And I told you that your help here might be a problem.  Conflict of interest or something.

Candy: Well, you can just claim my son was coming to tell you Windu Acres is planning to do carriage rides and a horse-baby petting zoo.  I tagged along because I'm getting cabin fever. 

Finnick:  All I know is that if I'm making out with Nakoma and Peeta's holding hands with Ken, people are gonna get offended at them and not us.  It's stupid.  And I did not know you told Mom that, Zenobia, or I wouldn't have brought her.  

Zenobia: Well, if there's a problem, we'll deal with it.  I've got too much stress in my life to create more by worrying.  You and your trouble-making mom are welcome to stay. 

Frozen 2 Doll Set

I've had my eye on the Frozen 2 Forest Expedition Set for a while now.  It's been on the clearance shelf at my Walmart, and I waited until the price fell to the "less than ten bucks a doll" point because I knew the dolls have only five points of articulation.  Ten dollars is my limit on these dolls because I know I'm just gonna bring em home and body-swap them.

WARNING! NUDE DOLLS AHEAD! ALSO HEADLESS NUDE DOLLS! 

 

The packaging shows the sisters with Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf.  No dolls of those three, though!  Instead, we get new characters Ryder and Honeymaren.  I've not seen the movie, so I know very little about these two, but their faces are charming. Honestly, if they'd been available single, I woulda bought them that way.  Anna and Elsa I can take or leave.  Disney dolls tend toward Vapid Face. 

In this set, though, the sisters have a little smile.  They don't look particularly smart but at least there's a bit of personality.  Ryder looks like a lovable goof and Honeymaren has a smirk.  They're gonna be fun and I already have a plan in mind for them.  My plan for Elsa fell through, but more on that later.

Anna's boots are black with vaguely Germanic detailing.  Elsa's are white with (of course) an ice motif.

Ryder and Honeymaren's boots are rustic looking.  Detailing on hers makes them look so warm and fuzzy!  I think his are meant to be leather.  I love the tassels.

Ryder and Honeymaren have belts.  Nice molded details and more tassels.

I was worried their hats might be molded to their heads, but they are not.  Ryder's hair is molded, but it actually looks like hair, so I'm okay with that.  Honeymaren's is rooted and way longer than I expected.  For some reason, I thought it was barely past her shoulders.  

Since these are Hasbro dolls and most of my donor bodies are Mattel, matching skin tones proved to be a challenge.  Honeymaren (who I'll probably just end up calling Honey or Maren) gets a Liv body. Which is neither Mattel or Hasbro.

Ryder's face is a shade darker than his new body (Disney Descendants), but he can be one of them silly people who never puts sunscreen on his face.  He lost a good bit of bulk, but he's okay with that. Now he can change his pants and move more than five joints.  

Elsa is almost a perfect match for the Comfy Disney Princess.  Probably because they're both Hasbro.  I was gonna run with the whole Ice Queen thing and make her the prosecuting attorney for Doll County, but now she's, like, fourteen.  

Poor Anna.  Her closest matches, a Disney Descendants and a 90's Barbie, were too far off.  Her face is too dark for one and too light for the other.  So for now she's stuck on her original body.

The packaging had this scene in it.  You know you'll see it again.  If nothing else, it'll become a mural in the hospital waiting room.  

My Froggy Stuff has a video for making storefronts out of the big boxes - so far I've got this one and the Barbie Grocery. Grocery came with a good background, too, but it got damaged when I was removing the goodies.  Might be within my skill set to repair.  It's been on my to-do list since, like, Valentine's Day or something.

Back in their original outfits.  Elsa and Ryder are swimming in theirs and Honeymaren can't close the velcro on hers.  That's okay, though.  All my dolls share wardrobe and these pieces will fit somebody!