Chapter 1: Pirate ship? It's 2015!
"Violet! It's past noon!"
Goodness, my mom needs to stop yelling every time I sleep in. I mean, isn't that what weekends are for?
"I'm coming! Please stop with the yelling."
As I drag myself to the kitchen, I can tell that it's been a rough morning with Dad for Mom. He probably went out to the community centre to work on his woodworking projects early in the morning, since that's all he's into nowadays. From her expression I can tell that he went off without telling her again, concerning her and ruining her perfectly scheduled weekend routine.
To Mom, routines are everything. From house chores to work schedules to even entertainment and hobbies – I mean, who plans so far in advance to see a show in town?!
Actually, this whole town is about routines. Everyone gets up at the same time, goes to work at the same time, and finishes at the same time. Then everyone's off to practice their hobbies or to engage in other activities that mostly involve socializing but with the same group of people everyday. It sure is a curse to live in a town like this when you are a sixteen year old teenager. Especially when there's only one other teenager in town!
"Violet. Will you ever stop with that bored expression on your face? And please finish your breakfast. You are sixteen – you should be full of life! I told you that an irregular routine would take a toll on you one day."
"Mom. The regular routine is what is getting to me. Don't you understand that I want something more than eating breakfast at the same time everyday? Going to school only to see one other girl in my grade and coming back only to eat dinner at the same time and go to bed at the same time. I don't think my life is supposed to be that mundane."
"Violet, routines provide structure and safety! You can be your most efficient-self with a well planned out day. I thought you'd know this by now."
"Mom. I'm pretty sure that you are the only person in this town that has such fondness for routines. Not even Mayor Hudson talks about routines during his speeches."
"Well I do admit that I am a little bit more passionate about routines than others. Anyways, I wanted to tell you something that you would consider 'exciting'. However, you have to promise me that you will be back home by dinner time on the dot."
"Of course – I mean, was I ever late for dinner? What is this exciting news?"
"You've been late plenty of times and I think it's time for you to stop."
"Okay Mom. Not today. The news?"
"Mayor Hudson announced that there will be a town meeting in the evening today regarding the Pirate ship that landed at the shore off of the Mystery Island."
"Pirate ship? Mom, it's 2015. Pirates don't exist."
"Honey. I want to believe that as much as I can – for they are known for their absurd, unruly lifestyle without any routines! Floating around the sea aimlessly doing who-knows-what."
"Are you sure Mayor Hudson wasn't joking? I don't think people consider themselves as pirates anymore. Maybe sailors or other sea-people of some sort."
"I'm not too sure how 'civilized' they are. But I did see the ship at the dock, and the town meeting after dinner regarding the issue is confirmed. I know you're going to run off and check out the ship – that's why I am telling you now to be back for dinner."
"Mom I wasn't going to – okay I was. I promise I'll be back on time for dinner. Thanks for the 'exciting' news!"