Ford awoke early in the morning, a big grin plastered on his face. He leapt out of bed, pumped for action. After making it to the ground from the top bunk, he turned around fast expecting to see his brother.
"Stanley, today's the…day?" Ford found his brother's bed empty, not that he was surprised. He shrugged, only a little disappointed that his brother wasn't home yet. He always pulled this type of thing when things get hard and lately Stanley wasn't really enthusiastic about Ford moving to the other side of the country.
Of course, that knucklehead had to pick today of all days to disappear off the face of the earth. Ford thought to himself, sighing. He wasn't going to let that get him down though. Today was still the day he was going to present his perpetual motion machine to the world. Or at least to the West Coast Tech representatives.
As he got ready for school, he decided he'd bring a change of clothes for Stanley, just in case he ran into him at school. It was unlikely though, whether Stanley was in a good mood or a bad mood, he usually skipped his classes. Stuffing the clothing in a bag, ford thought about his brother. Maybe…his brother had taken the news hard than he originally perceived. Ford was a genius, no doubt about that, but not even he could predict how his brother would react to him being moved across country. Still, this was Ford's dream college. If things go well, he could be a millionaire and they could do anything they wanted together.
We could even travel the world looking for treasure, he thought and gave a little chuckle. Stanley will be fine on his own anyway. He has always been the strong one and will fight for what he believes in. Some don't have the courage to even do that much.
Ford made his way down the stairs, entering into the kitchen. His mother was making breakfast and his father was reading the newspaper.
"Hi, Ma. Hi, Pa" Ford said making his presence known. Ford started to rummage for something to eat.
"Morning, sweetie" His mother was the first to reply, her husband looked up from his newspaper.
"Don't you think that's enough coffee, Hon?" He questioned as his wife poured herself another cup. His voice was rough and it had signs of a true New Jersey accent, just like Ma. She glared at her husband.
"I don't remember asking for your opinion, sweet thing" She spoke back and he wasn't in the slightest impressed by her demeanor.
"I don't remember either, but I do remember the last time you had too much coffee" He spat back and both male family members shuddered. Ford wanted to make a quick getaway, but was stopped short by his mother.
"Stanford, have you seen your brother? It's his turn to wake up little Shermy." Ford turned around a little irritated. This wasn't the first time, Stan ditched in waking up their youngest brother, Shermy. Ever since he was born, each family member had to take turns caring for the baby. It was only fair.
"I haven't seen him" Ford replied.
"If that Knucklehead knows what's good for him he'll stay far away cause' if I get my hands on him there will be hell to pay" His father commented and Ford knew he was serious. Ma gave her husband, what seemed to be, an all knowing look on her face.
"Your one to talk" She said. Though it may have looked like Pa was cool and collected he was starting to get a little worried on what she'd reveal.
"Ford, go and get Shermy while I make his bottle" Just as Ford predicted, his mother had called on him to pick up his twin's slack. He groaned irritated as he walked up the stairs towards the little nursery, which seemed more like a closet than anything else.
Ford entered the room hesitantly, making his way in the direction of the crib. He nervously looked at his six fingered hands. Ford was always self-conscious of his hands, but it was always worse when it involved carrying his baby brother. Shermy was just so fragile and, ever since he was born, Ford avoided physical contact. It was like he feared, that if he touched his brother, Shermy would have some abnormality too.
His little brother began to wake up and looked disapprovingly at Ford. If Shermy could communicate verbally it would be something along the lines of 'who the hell are you and what have you done with my mother?'
After what seemed like few minutes, Ford slowly reached his hands into the crib, looking somewhat sympathetic at the babe.
"I know, I wouldn't be my first pick either, but it's just something we have to and for both are sakes, it would be best to just get it over and done with." Ford whispered as Shermy became very upset. He held his brother close, looking sad as he walked out, sighing.
Ford came into the kitchen. He placed Shermy in a high chair as quick as he could, while still being very careful not to hurt him. As soon as Shermy saw Ma, it was like Christmas came early for him.
"Thank you, hon, now hurry on out to school, if you know what's good for ya" Ford gave his mother a half-smile in reply. He wasn't too positive if Shermy would ever warm up to him, but, if things go well today, it might not even matter. Ford started to leave
"Good luck, Sweetie!" Ma yelled to her departing son.
"Don't screw up!" Pa yelled from the other room rather sternly. If Ford had stayed he would have seen Ma hit Pa upside the head for such a comment. Pa most likely thinking Yeah, I probably deserved that.
Fast-forwarding through the school day, there was no sign of Stanley. No big deal. It was, now, time to get ready to present his project to a small group of West Coast Tech representatives. His mind firing on all cylinders with excitement, his heart racing. A judge-like gathering came up to him and Ford put his hands behind his back, straightening his back. One of the officials spoke up before Ford began.
"Alright, Kid. Show us what ya got." Ford took a breath and began to present.
"Okay! Well, what if I told you that the future of technology was beneath this sheet?" As he lifted the veil, Ford revealed a machine with spinning parts. Ford's presentation went on for the few minutes, but it felt more like hours to him.
Ford explained everything from how the machine worked to what it could be used for. He covered every little detail he possibly could until he was satisfied. The officials made little physical indications of what they were thinking. The silence was unbearable and seemed like forever before someone spoke up from group.
"Mr. Pines" The man said slowly handing Ford an envelope. "We look forward to seeing you at West Coast Tech next year."
Ford whooped and hollered, hardly believing that he made it. He was going to his dream school! The college representatives shook Ford's hands and for the first time Ford didn't remember about his abnormality and how it haunts him on a daily basis. They congratulated Ford as well and left having found another brilliant mind to add to their collection. Overjoyed, the young inventor made his way out of the gym.
He seemed to be smiling constantly as he made his way home. He made a few triumphant leaps into the air, speeding through the halls. Nothing could ruin this day for him.
"Stanford Pines to the principal office" a voice on the intercom rang through the hall. Stanford didn't think twice as he made his way to the office. He felt he was on an adrenalin rush, so happy thinking the school was going to praise him on his achievement.
When he got to place he needed to be, he went straight to the front desk. The secretary guided him towards the phone, explaining that he had a call for him. Ford was more than a little curious as he picked up the phone. Scenarios jumped around in his head, but, not in a million years, would he ever be able to predict this phone call.
"Stanford Pines, speaking" He spoke into the device hints of his good day in his voice. The person on the other end seemed to take a second to respond.
"Hello, Mr. Pines? We are calling because we found your brother's car this morning destroyed. You need to come down to the police station right away." Ford froze as he translated the words being spoken to him. He became pale and felt like he was going to be sick.
"What do you mean you found his car!? Is Stanley okay!?"Ford yelled into the phone. This had to be a joke, right? A senior prank Stanley made up, to purposely give him a heart attack.
"Sir, we will answer all your questions at the station. Please come as quick as you can." After that Ford practically bolted for the door. This was no joke. He ran faster than he ever knew possible until he reached his vehicle. No matter how hard he tried, he could not get the keys in soon enough. Everything around was too slow and his heart ached. His mind panicking at everything that could have happened, but there was one constant voice in his head. It was a voice worried for only a single name. Ford begged to all that was good in the world. Please, just, let him be alright. Let my brother be alright!
Wow this chapter was a long one for me. I might have to take a breather before I start on chapter 3, which I'm really excited to do. I wanted to just say thank you to everyone following this story, you guys are the best and you make me so happy.I also wanted to say thank you to the people that gave me such awesome reviews. You guys rock! I love it when you guys review and the reviews really make my day. Did I also mention they make me want to submit faster?
lol. Well. Hold on to your hats, ladies and gentlemen, because in chapter 3 we find out what happened to Stanley and who the mysterious person who kidnapped him. Just guess who it is. I dare you. bye for now.