Welcome to Pleasantview

Chapter 3

There came a day when I couldn't take it anymore.

We sat across from each other alone in the kitchen for once. She sat in one chair, I sat in the other reverting my eyes away from hers. Usually, this meant that she felt the need to bring up an uncomfortable discussion much to my discretion.

"Dina, honey," my mother sighed, "I still don't understand why you can't be more like your sister and get a boyfriend like Don Lothario. Look at her! She's happy!"

"Why do you care so much? Why does it matter whether I have a boyfriend or not?" I asked. My mother was speechless. "Is it because she has one now so therefore I have to get one?"

"Well, I just"-

"You know what? Don't bother asking- I already know the answer." Before I could run away, Mom grabbed my arm.

"Dina, you're being unreasonable! I don't expect you to be like Nina."

"So you don't expect me to get good grades, a job and a husband?"

"With that attitude, you won't get any of that!" I pulled out of her grip and stormed out of the house. I was frustrated. I wanted to cry. I ran as far as I could. I needed something or someone to tell me I was going to be okay-that I would do well in life even if I was different from other people. I found that person.

"Whoa, hey! What's wrong?"

He noticed me slow down just before I passed him to wipe my eyes. I could tell he was older than me, but the difference in age didn't matter to him. Since I was in distress momentarily, I needed to be cheered up. He patted my shoulder gently.

"Hey, look, it's alright! Don't cry. You'll ruin that pretty face of yours." I couldn't help but smile when he said this and he did the same. "Come here. Let's sit down." Then I confided in him in which his responses told me everything I wanted to hear-everything I believed from what was a moment ago a complete stranger.

"So, what's your name?" he asked me.

"My name is Dina Caliente," I told him, "Who are you?"

"I'm Michael Bachelor. It's nice to meet you." We shook hands. I couldn't help but feel I heard the name "Bachelor" somewhere, but I put it out of my mind until it was revealed to me later on. Even if I did know earlier, I would grow to love him regardless. Who cared if he was the brother of Bella Goth, husband to Mortimer Goth?

Angela and Lilith exchanged glances. Dirk couldn't make out whether it was a look of disgust or confusion of some sort.

"Your dad?" they asked simultaneously. Dirk jabbed the fork at his turkey slice and stuffed it in his mouth and swallowed before speaking again.

"What do you think about it?" The twins looked at each other the same way again.

It was lunchtime in the school cafeteria. Angela, Lilith and Dirk were sitting together at a table that they assumed would be the quietest in the corner away from the chatter. Angela and Lilith put down their forks.

"Dirk, no offense, but," she paused when she saw her sister roll her eyes, "I don't think that would work." Dirk sat up in his chair and unconsciously played with his food.

"Well, why not? I don't see any problems with it." Angela sighed and shook her head as if pitying him.

"Look, I don't know where you've been all this time, but Beau isn't the kid you think he is, whatever it is you have in mind," said Angela, "He's just a bully and a whiny, dependant little troll."

"He isn't any of that! He's just…having a hard time connecting with others socially." It sounded more like a question to Angela, who gave him a victorious smile.

"Why do you care about him so much all of a sudden anyway?" asked Lilith, "There's nothing special about him. He's like every other snot nosed brat in the universe."

"But he acts out for a reason, doesn't he? Beau just…needs someone. His dad died and his brother is," he looked away from Angela, "Gone-it's just him, his mother and his little brother." He took a deep breath and continued more confidently, "He's only eight years old. He'll change!"

"Oh, please! He's still an inconsiderate"-

"Aren't you just saying that because"- Someone knocked on the glass. Everyone's head turned towards the window. There Beau was, waving to Dirk.

As if on cue, Beau entered the cafeteria and walked over to where Dirk sat. Dirk turned himself away from the girls and towards the younger child.

"Mom wanted me thank you again for last night," said Beau.

"It was no problem, really!"

"Do you think you'll be able to come over again soon?"

"Yeah, I can make it tonight, actually."

The twins edged towards each other and farther away from the table.

"Ange, do you see this?"

"Yeah, I don't get it either," Angela whispered back. Lilith resisted to slamming her fist down on the table.

"I mean…he's blowing me off for a kid! A goddamn kid!" Angela rested the side of her face on the palm of her hand and looked back at the boys talking together.

"Wanna come over my house this time? I'll ask Dad-if it's fine with your mom." Beau nodded.

"She wouldn't mind. I'll talk to her later." Angela turned her head back towards Lilith.

"He's probably gonna do this a lot, you know." Lilith placed her elbows on the table and lowered her head.

"You're just saying that because that's what happened with you and Dustin." Angela did her best not to reply to that. "Besides, those two aren't related last time I checked. I mean, he's nowhere near adorable and he's so freaking clingy and needy! At least I actually care about him! I'm the one he's dating!"

"Well, the way things are going with them, you'll have to catch Dirk in the morning. This has to be settled." They momentarily refocused their attention on Dirk and Beau. They were giggling together, hugging and then Beau left the cafeteria again. "He'll come to his senses…I hope."

"Mom! Mom! Look!" Jennifer uncrossed her legs. Just before she could get up, Lucy had already ran over to her and pulled out a report card. Judging by the grin on her daughter's face, she seemed to be doing extremely well, for once. "Mom! Mom, look!"

Jennifer took the report card and read it aloud. "Let's see… Social Studies-B+, Science-B-, Math-B, English-A…" She quickly glanced at the comments and grabbed her daughter's hands. "I'm very proud of you, Lucy!" She stood up and wrapped her arms around the younger one. "See what happens when you spend less time playing with Alex?" Lucy nodded.

"He helped me study a lot, actually." The front door opened. All eyes reverted to the once missing John Burb.

"Dad!" Lucy tore away from Jennifer and kissed his cheek and handed him the report card.

"Well, this is a nice surprise to come home to," John said as he skimmed the grades. He handed the paper back to Lucy and looked back at Jennifer.

"You're back early?" she asked.

"No, I'm on my break." John leaned closer to Jennifer and whispered loud enough for Lucy to hear. "And we need to talk." Jennifer held her daughter's arm.

"Can you go play outside for now, Lucy? Maybe you'll see Alex." Lucy quickly turned her head back to her father and shrugged. It was best not to ask questions.

"…Okay." The parents waited until Lucy had left the kitchen. Jennifer crossed her arms.

"How much longer are you out for? You've been kept at the headquarters longer than usual lately and that bothers me." John straightened his tie and fixed his officer badge nervously.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry, but there's been this investigation going on."

"Investigation?" Jennifer repeated.

"That's…what I wanted to talk to you about." John reached into his pocket and flipped over a couple of pictures.

One picture was an aerial view of a patch of forest, but where was it? "This was taken recently from one of the helicopters," said John, pointing to a couple of areas on the photo, "I wonder why nobody has ever seen this before." There was a couple of large metal pieces-machinery, possibly. He pointed to the same areas on the next two photos. What did this mean?

"So…what do the other guys think are in those trees?" asked Jennifer, "Where was this?"

"It was taken in Pleasantview. We haven't gone deep into the forest yet. We're positive that there are chunks of metal lying around, but from what? We're trying to do more research before we go in there." Jennifer kissed John lightly on the lips and backed away.

"Alright, do whatever, but all I ask is that you come home safely." John was ready to say something, but his walkie talkie beeped.

"I better get going… I'll see you later!" He burst out of the entrance and ran for the car, not even noticing Lucy standing against the wall next to the glass door.

"Absolutely not." Dirk frowned. What was wrong with his father? It was unnecessary to be so serious about this.

"Oh come on, Dad! You're being totally unreasonable!" It was the afternoon. Dirk had just gotten home from school and noticed Darren had just gone down the stairs, so why not take the opportunity to ask him now? Of course, he didn't expect this kind of reaction. Dirk grunted.

"Just this one time! It's easier for me so I can do my homework. You're not gonna see anybody on your own, so at least if I bring someone here other than Lilith, it's better for you."

"Why can't you just bring your homework with you?" Why was he missing the point? He headed back up the stairs. "I don't have time to deal with noisy kids. I got work to do-paintings to paint-bills to pay! I can't concentrate if you guys are going to make a racket." Dirk sighed aloud and went to pick up the phone.

'I guess Beau will have to be disappointed.' He stopped walking. Why couldn't he move? He closed his eyes just to blink…

A man who has lost luck twice is bound to lose three times. What's the point in trying anymore? Just leave him lying there… against the floor.

He reopened his eyes. He was able to move again.

'What just happened? Maybe I'm thinking about this too much. I don't even remember why I'm doing this in the first place…' He ran a hand through his hair. 'And why was he lying by his easel? What happened?' Wait a minute, wasn't the easel upstairs? Could Darren have done something while he was gone? The thought sounded unrealistic, but what he saw in his mind…

Dirk ran up the stairs and peered over at Darren, who was continuing to do his work. How crazy must he be? Darren was obviously fine-physically-but he was okay.

'Nothing's wrong here… He should've been flat against the wall right there. What was I seeing'-

"Is something wrong?"

Dirk jumped in alarm and shook his head. "No, sorry! I just…never mind, I'm going back downstairs." And he did, finally picking up the phone. 'I think I'll have a change of plans…' He dialed the number and pressed the phone against his ear.

"Hello?"

"Dad says it's okay. Come over when you can." Yes, it was going against Darren's wishes, but it was for the best, right?

Alexander watched the fish roam beneath the surface of the fish tank, swimming about. Lucy had just left a few minutes ago just before the door opened. He guessed Lucy had forgotten something until he heard the clicking of heels against the floor. 'He's home early again?'

"Alexander, come here for a second." Mortimer seemed happier than usual. Dina… was more in a daze than usual. Had Mortimer's depression from the night before ended?

"I'm sure you remember Dina, right?" How could he forget? That girl was not only the object of Mortimer's affection, but an object that possessed Mortimer's mind. Why else would he neglect to be around the house anymore?

"Yeah, I do," he replied. Mortimer smiled sweetly at Dina and then Alexander, gently cupping Dina's hand into his own and held it for Alexander to see. He felt his knees weaken not at the shining gleam of the ring on Dina's finger, but the fact that it was there.

"From now own, Dina is going to be living with us!"

"Oh…"

He took a deep breath before continuing.

"So you're getting married to her?" The ring said it all. Alexander found himself forcing a smile. "Well, congratulations, Dad!" Mortimer let go of Dina's hand, but Alexander still couldn't take his eyes off that ring.

"Thank you, son-I'm sure you'll both get along just fine." Dina moved closer to Alexander, reaching her arms towards him.

"Mortimer and I were worried that you wouldn't like this very much, but I'm glad to see you look happy!" Alexander didn't move. Did they really consider his feelings other than their own? That was hard to believe. Then, he took Dina's embrace and quickly pulled away. What was done had been done. There was no point in denying it.

"Isn't this great?" Alex nodded and quickly stormed back into the living room. He couldn't help but feel sicklier than before. 'Great…right…'

Nina Caliente had slipped off her own top in front of Don at the doorway of his bedroom and then her pants, throwing them both to the side. Don was lounged on the bed, studying every movement his girlfriend made-even the simple swaying of her long red hair when she threw it forward and back while undressing and gently placed each article on the floor. She practically glided over to the bed side where Don pulled her close, kissed and reeled Nina onto the bed.

"You know," he said, "We could just take it to the hot tub…" Nina slapped Don's arm playfully.

"Don't be stupid," she giggled, "Besides, I didn't bring my bathing suit this time. I don't feel like getting wet today." Don pressed Nina against the covers and hovered over her.

"I think I can change your mind…" He lowered his head oh so slightly and adjusted his legs…

Until he heard the phone ring a floor below. Don stayed completely still until it was over. He prepared to move again, but the ringing started up once more.

"Are you gonna take the call, Don?" asked Nina. The ringing stopped and then persisted on. Don rolled off of Nina and onto the floor.

"I guess I have to. I'll be right back." He left the bedroom and looked back at Nina. "I won't be long, so hang in there." He picked up the phone hastily.

"Dr. Lothario?"

"You better come up with a good reason to call right now. I was busy!"

"Busy? With anyone?" Don huffed.

"Why does that matter? You don't know her."

"Well, I wasn't asking about that, but alright…" Don ignored the remark.

"Anyway, what's going on?"

"The investigation team is here. They want to ask you questions." Don immediately understood.

"They're still going on about that?"

"I'm afraid so. I don't know why they're bringing it up now of all times."

"But why did they do that? Did they find something?"

"Yeah-something in the forest."

"Oh that thing? Wasn't that a couple of weeks ago? They wanted the records on injuries or anything, right?"

"Yes, but they plan to go in deeper soon and they just want to double check with us."

"But what does that have to do with me again?"

"Apparently, they're linking that with your case." Don clenched his hand into a tight fist.

"Now come on! I think that's going way too far!"

"It does make sense, though, seeing as what happened that night"-

"For the last time, that wasn't my fault!" He released his grip and smacked his forehead, not even caring if Nina could hear from a floor above.

"I wasn't saying it's your fault. I think it's crazy, too. They also think that you have something to do with the other case."

"I'm just a doctor-nothing more!" Don yelled, "What would I have to do with that story?"

"I don't know, honestly. That's just what they're saying." Don pressed the side of his head against the wall.

"Look, they can search the house again all they want to, but I don't have ANYTHING to give them. Do I really have to go in?"

"It's best that you do."

"Then…I guess I'll see you in a bit." He hung up just as Nina walked down the stairs.

"Is something wrong, honey?"

"Yeah, I gotta get going. I'm needed at the hospital. I'll walk you home before I leave." Nina got dressed and waited for Don by the door, where they both left together.

"You did WHAT?" Darren twitched slightly and then cleared his throat. "Didn't I tell you I don't want the kids here?"

"Yeah, but they're going to be here soon. We can't just leave them outside," said Dirk. The doorbell rang. Dirk went to open the door. "You don't even have to do anything. Just let them in and go back upstairs." Darren had no choice but to give in. He might as well open the door himself.

"Sorry for the wait," he apologized, letting Beau step inside, "Come on in. Just make sure you-" She stood across him, holding a baby boy no younger than the age of one in her arms. Her unfamiliar hazel eyes were locked onto his and she smiled. He had never met this woman before, but already he felt a very similar rush that was almost like…

"Hey, there you are!" said Dirk, leading Beau to where the TV was. "I got the game to work. Let's play it!" Brandi followed and handed Dylan to him.

"Thank you again! Dylan should be ready for bed soon, by the way." Brandi walked back outside where Darren still stood.

"So you're Darren?" she asked, "I don't think we've met before."

"No, I don't think so. How long have you been in Pleasantview?"

"I've been here all my life, actually."

"How could I have not seen you before then?"

"I live all the way on the other side of town. Maybe that's why," she said. Darren cocked his head to the side.

"You didn't walk all the way here, did you?" Brandi laughed.

"No, I was driven here by a friend."

"Well, that's a relief." The car honked and Brandi turned towards it.

"She's waiting for me now. I better get going." She walked down the stairs and waved back to Darren. "It was nice meeting you, Darren! I'll come back to pick up the kids later!" Darren headed back inside once Brandi had been driven away. Maybe…it wouldn't be so bad to have company, for once.

Alexander put on his pajamas and sat on the floor next to the doll house. Thinking about it, he hadn't played with it in a long time. He could have just gotten a book, but he didn't feel like leaving the room for a moment-not while he knew they were down stairs together.

Did Dina even want to marry his father? He preferred she didn't, but he had to wonder. The rise in Mortimer's mood compared to the day before had exceeded greatly and Lucy had been right. It did have to do with Dina. The night before, did she reject him? What would change her mind so quickly? Alexander took a doll in one hand and another in the left.

"Michael Bachelor," he whispered to the one on the left. He didn't know much about him except he had passed away around the time Bella had disappeared. Apparently, he and Dina were married. That must have been before she moved to Pleasantview. He didn't even know her existence until Michael died. "Dina Caliente" became the doll on the right.

He wouldn't have known anything about Dina and Michael together if he hadn't done the research itself. It was also through that research that the rumors he heard at one point made him believe that Dina could possibly be a gold digger due to Michael's age (and it further proved it considering Mortimer was now older than Michael than when he died), but if that were the case, why would she reject Mortimer at first? He put down "Michael Bachelor" and picked up a different doll-"Mortimer Goth".

Maybe it was because she realized it was odd to marry her once brother-in-law? Then again, they dated for a few years, so that didn't add up. There was also the possibility of…

Alexander paused. That was it! It had to be! He then looked at both dolls and put them both down. It was hard to determine the outcome at the moment, but he was sure that he had gotten a good hold of the idea.