The next morning
It is 9:30 a.m.
Oliver is beginning his research on narcotics. He has to know what each kind of drug is, the side effects, and any other information that he can learn about. Also, he needs to know information about the new drugs that have come out.
Seconds later his cell phone rings. He decides not to answer it. A message is left after his voicemail.
Barbara: Hello son! I thought maybe we could have brunch, but we can do it another time. I'm very concerned about you. Please call me back when you call.
Meanwhile Barbara decides to take a tour of Llandview. As she is about to head out her cell phone rings. She answers it right away.
Barbara: Hello!
George: Hello Barbara!
Barbara: George! How are you?
George: I've been fine! The reason I'm calling is because I'm coming to Llandview tonight!
Barbara: What? (She says in a shocked voice) That is not necessary dear.
George: Why not?
Barbara: I think Oliver is working on a case right now. He had to go to the Police Station last night on his day off. I didn't understand how dedicated he is to his job until now.
George: His job shouldn't be more important than his family!
Barbara: You should try to be a little more understanding George! (she says in a serious tone)
George: Why should I be understanding?
Barbara: Maybe you shouldn't come to Llandview!
George: Give me a reason why I shouldn't come!
Barbara: You're not wanted here!
George: How can you say that to me Barbara?
Barbara: Because it's the truth. All you care about is being well respected in the community. I have hated living up to that expectation.
George: If you don't want to live that life, you can just leave.
Barbara: You know that is not a bad idea.
George: What? (He says in a shocked tone) You can't possibly mean that!
Barbara: Yes, I do! George, I'm filing for divorce.
George: No, you will not! (He says in a serious tone)
Barbara: I can do whatever I want George. Oliver and I don't need to hear lectures on how to be the perfect family. We don't need someone who follow strict rules. Whatever we did was never good enough for you, unless we did exactly what you expected us to do.
George: You won't be happy without me Barbara!
Barbara: Yes, I will! Tomorrow I an hiring a divorce attorney!
Then she ends the call.
Sometime later
Around 1:00 p.m.
Oliver is taking a break from doing his research on narcotics. He has to let John know today if he will accept the assignment.
Oliver: If I take this new job assignment, I have to be careful not to get caught. If Keeton or Mayor Lowell suspect me, I could risk putting people I care about in danger. What do I do? Kyle would know what to do, but I need to make this decision on my own.
Then he thinks about what it will cost, the danger he could be putting the people in his life in, and most important the good thing that comes out of it. Right then he knows exactly what his decision is.
Oliver: I have decided to take the assignment.
Seconds later he calls John.
On the third ring he answers the phone.
John: Hello!
Oliver: Hi John!
John; Oliver, what is your decision going to be?
Oliver: I'm going to take the assignment!
John: Are you sure you're willing to risk your life to expose Mayor Lowell's criminal activity?
Oliver: Yes!
John: Okay! First thing Monday morning we'll discuss what exactly you'll need to do to pull the job off.
Oliver: Okay! Bye!
John: Bye!
Seconds later Oliver ends the call. Then he checks to see if he has any voicemails. The first one is from Kyle. He liked that Kyle called to say how he felt, and that made him smile. The second one was from his Mom. When he is done listening to her message, he calls his Mom's cell phone number.
On the seconds ring she answers the phone.
Barbara: Hello!
Oliver: Hi Mom!
Barbara: Hi son! It is a good thing that you called now.
Oliver: Why Mom? (He says in a surprised tone) Is something wrong?
Barbara: I need to talk to you about something really important! Can you meet me at Roddy's?
Oliver: Okay! I'll be there in ten minutes!
Barbara: Okay!
Ten minutes later
Oliver finds him mom sitting at a table in Roddy's! He heads over to her seconds later.
Barbara: Hello Oliver
Oliver: Hi Mom!
Then he takes a sit.
Oliver: Why did you ask me to meet you here?
Barbara: Your father called me today!
Oliver: What did he want?
Barbara: He said he was coming to Llandview tonight!
Oliver was very shocked by it.
Barbara: I told him not to come. He asked me why and I said you were busy with work.
Oliver: How did he take it?
Barbara: He thought work shouldn't be more important than family. That is the point where I thought enough is enough.
Oliver: Mom, what are you telling me?
Barbara: I've decided to divorce your father.
When Oliver heard that he thought it was such great news, but there was another thought on his mind. What would his father be doing to make his mother never leaves him?
Barbara: I think I should move to Llandview!
Oliver: What? (He says in a surprising tone)
Barbara: I can be closer to my son!
Oliver: Mom, what about your life in Boston?
Barbara: I don't need it.
Oliver: You don't want to be part of your friend's lives?
Barbara: Oliver, I wasn't really friends with them. That was a role that was expected of me to play. I hated that! It is time for me to follow my own rules, and live my life the way I want to live it.
Oliver: Don't you think moving to Llandview would be too soon?
Barbara: Oliver, I need to start someplace new.
Oliver: Okay! What about your stuff at home?
Barbara: I don't need them. I can always buy new stuff!
Oliver: Mom, I am working on a case now. I'm not going to have time to help you look for a place to live in.
Barbara: That is okay. Now, that I'm going to being staying in Llandview permanently, I can get to know more about Kyle. Isn't that great?
Oliver thought in his mind how do I feel about that? I think it might be okay. Do I really mean that? Of course I do! Not really! It wouldn't be right if I told my Mom that I don't want her moving to Llandview. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea if she lived here. It might be good for her to get to know who I really am, about Kyle mostly, and the friends in my life. I don't have to hide being gay anymore.
On the other hand Mom will interfere with my life. She is going to always want to know what is going on with me, about Kyle, and about other people in my life. I can't always be honest with her about everything personal.
Flashback
Oliver is twelve years old. His Mom wants to know about his day at school.
Barbara: So, how was your day at school today?
Oliver: It was okay.
Barbara: Nothing interested happen at school today?
Oliver: No! (He lied)
Barbara: Are you sure about that?
Oliver: Yes!
Barbara: I got a call from your guidance counselor today! He told me about the cigarettes you had in your backpack.
Oliver: Mom…they weren't mine!
Barbara: That is good. I respect that you were honest about the cigarettes not being yours. Now, should we take about what your punishment is going to be.
Oliver: What do you want me to do Mom?
Barbara: Well, I think you should do some community work at the school.
Oliver: What kind of community service would I be doing?
Barbara: Well, the drama club is looking for volunteers to help out with the set.
Oliver: I can't be a volunteer for the drama club!
Barbara: Why not?
Oliver: My friends would think it's not cool.
Barbara: You shouldn't care what your friends think of you.
Oliver: Mom…I have to care about what they think of me..
End Of Flashback
Barbara: Oliver, are you okay?
Oliver: Yes, Mom! Sorry I was thinking of something from my past.
Barbara: That is okay son. So, I was thinking we could have a party.
Oliver: A party! (He says in a shocked tone)
Barbara: It doesn't have to be a big party. I will take care of everything.
Oliver: Mom, you're not going to do something over the top.
Barbara: No! (She lied) Now, let's go over who you're inviting to the party.
Oliver: Mom, I thought this party was for you.
Barbara: Why would it be for me?
Oliver: To celebrate you getting a divorce from dad!
Barbara: Sweetheart, I haven't even filed for divorce yet. So, when the divorce is really final then a party will be a thrown for me.
Oliver: I don't like parties Mom!
Barbara: Since when? (She says in a serious tone)
Oliver: Since I was a young kid!
Barbara: You know that is not true Oliver. I know you liked the party who had for your seventh birthday!
Flashback
For Oliver's birthday the theme of the party was Cowboys.
Oliver was dressed in a red and a white cowboy outfit. It was a barbecue. There were also games for the kids to play like Cowboys and Indians, and Duel.
His Mom made a special burger only for him. It had lettuce, three slices of slice, two slices of bacon, and a special homemade sauce.
Oliver: Thank you Mom!
Barbara: Enjoy your burger dear!
Oliver: I will Mom!
For dessert it was a delicious double chocolate, vanilla homemade cake with chocolate chips that his Mom spent hours on making. It took many attempts before it came out just right. She put vanilla frosting on top with seven blue candles.
The look on his face was really happy that she did it for me.
Oliver: Mom, I really love this cake. You're the best Mom ever!
Barbara: I'm glad you said that son!
End of Flashback
Oliver: How could I forget that Mom! I think it was the best birthday party that you had for me.
Barbara: Next time I see Kyle I will give him the pictures from your seventh birthday party.
Oliver: Mom, you can't do that!
Barbara: I have to go Oliver! I have to go shopping for the party supplies. I'll call you tomorrow!
Oliver: Okay! Bye Mom!
Barbara: Bye son!
Seconds later she leaves Roddy's.
Barbara: Where do I start? I should make a list right now. There is Kyle, Layla, Christian, and Victoria. I should give her a call right now.
Seconds later she calls Victoria's cell phone number. On the second ring she answers the phone.
Victoria: Hello!
Barbara: Hi Victoria!
Victoria: Mrs. Fish! How good it is to hear from you. How have you been?
Barbara: I've been good! The reason I have called is because I want to invite you to a party for Oliver.
Victoria: That would be great! It would be great to see him.
Barbara: I want it to be a surprise.
Victoria: Okay! When is the party?
Barbara: That hasn't been decided yet! I have to start planning the party, and it will take me sometime to do that.
Victoria: I could help you plan the party!
Barbara: You know what that is not a bad idea.
Victoria: So, what kind of party do you want to have for Oliver?
Barbara: Well, I was thinking it could be something fun.
Victoria: How about a murder mystery themed party?
Barbara: That is a great idea Victoria. We're going to need costumes and weapons.
Victoria: We also have to decide which parts each person will play?
Barbara: So, Oliver could play the murderer. What do you think of that?
Victoria: Sounds cool! We'll also need to pick someone as a detective, the accomplice, and which people will be the victims.
Barbara: Maybe you could play the accomplice. What do you think of that Victoria?
Victoria: That sounds great but I think we should include Oliver's other friends on it. We should find who they went to play.
Barbara: Okay! I'll talk to his friends today about the party idea. I'll call you tomorrow!
Victoria: Okay! Bye Mrs. Fish!
Barbara: Bye Victoria!
Then she closes the phone second later.
Barbara: I haven't met Layla and Christian, but maybe I should try the apartment again. Let's hope that Oliver is not there.
Five minutes later
Barbara is knocking at the apartment door. Seconds later someone opens the door. It appears to be Layla. Mrs. Fish impression is that the young woman is really beautiful.
Layla: Hello! Are you looking for someone?
Barbara: Are you Layla?
Layla: Yes! Who are you?
Barbara: I'm Oliver's Mom!
Layla: Mrs. Fish! How nice it is for you to drop by.
Barbara: Is Oliver here?
Layla: No!
Barbara: Good! Can I come in?
Layla: Yes!
Seconds later Barbara comes in and Layla closes the door seconds later.
Layla: Can I get you something to drink?
Barbara: No! Oliver told me everything!
Layla: Okay! Are you here to apologize for him?
Barbara: No! I have decided to throw a party for Oliver.
Layla: I didn't realize that his birthday is coming up.
Barbara: It's not his birthday until November.
Layla: Then why are you having a party for him?
Barbara: Well, I thought it would be great if I did something nice for him.
Layla: Well, does he know about it?
Barbara: Yes! The only thing he doesn't know is that it will be a themed party.
Layla: That sounds cool! What kind of party will it be?
Barbara: A murder mystery party!
Layla: That sounds great. Have you decided who will be playing the characters?
Barbara: Not for everyone! That is why I am here. I want to know what characters you and Christian would mind playing.
Layla: Christian isn't here right now, but I could discuss it with him later.
Barbara: That is good, So, you two will have to be in costume for this.
Layla: I have no problem with that. When is the party?
Barbara: It hasn't been decided. Also, I am inviting Oliver's childhood friend Victoria to the party.
Layla: Oliver had a friend named Victoria! (She says in a surprising tone)
Barbara: Yes! They meet at eight years old!
Flashback
Oliver was outside his house playing with a ball, when he sees a pretty girl with brown long hair, wearing a blue stripped dress coming his way.
Victoria: Hello!
Oliver: Hello!
Victoria: My name is Victoria. What is your name?
Oliver: My name is Oliver.
Victoria: So, do you want to play with me?
Oliver: Okay! What do you want to play?
Victoria: Let's play catch!
Oliver: Okay! You can throw the ball first!
Victoria: Thank you!
End of Flashback
Barbara: They were friends through high school!
Layla: It will be nice to see a friend of Oliver's.
Barbara: I have already told her about the party. I thought she could played the accomplice, but she thought I should ask Oliver's friends if they wanted the part or not.
Layla: So, will Oliver be playing the murderer?
Barbara: I think he should play a character that he is used to not playing.
Layla: That would be great for him. I think I should play the detective unless you want the part yourself.
Barbara: No! I wouldn't mind playing one of the victims. Do you think there should be only one detective or two?
Layla: I think there should be at least two detectives.
Barbara: Yes! There has to be at least two detectives to solve the crime. Do you know if Oliver has any other friends besides you and Christian?
Layla: Not that I know of. You could invite Kyle's friend Roxy to the party.
Barbara: Where can I find her at?
Layla: She has a salon called Foxy Roxy's Hair Haven!
Barbara: Okay!
Layla: Also, she works at the Angel Square Hotel.
Barbara: That is where Kyle is staying at. Thanks Layla.
Layla: You're welcome!
Barbara: Well, I should head to the Angel Square Hotel right now.
Layla: Okay! Bye Mrs. Fish!
Barbara: You can just call me Barbara!
Layla: Okay!
Seconds later Barbara leaves the apartment
Ten minutes later
Barbara arrives at the Angel Square Hotel. When she gets inside she thinks it looks awful. Seconds later she sees an older woman with blonde hair behind a desk. She heads over there seconds later.
Barbara: Hello!
Roxy: Can I help you with a room?
Barbara: Are you Roxy?
Roxy? Yes! Who is asking?
Barbara: I'm Oliver's Mom!
Roxy: Well, nice to meet you. Why are you here?
Barbara: Well, I thought it would be nice for me to invite you to a party that I'm throwing for my son.
Roxy: I don't even know Oliver!
Barbara: I know that but you are friends with Kyle.
Roxy: Yes!
Barbara: So, will you come?
Roxy: Okay!
Barbara: It will be a murder mystery party. You will need a costume.
Roxy: That is okay with me. Will I be playing one of the victims?
Barbara: Yes!
Roxy: So, what kind era should the costume be from?
Barbara: I didn't even think of that! Maybe the era should be something from the 1920's.
Roxy: Okay!
Barbara: Is Kyle home?
Roxy: He should be!
Barbara: Thanks! What room is he in?
Seconds later she sees Kyle coming downstairs, and he is surprised to see her.
Barbara: Hi Kyle!
Kyle: Hi Mrs. Fish!
Barbara: Please call me Barbara from now on!
Kyle: Okay! So, what are you doing here?
Barbara: I'm throwing a murder mystery party for Oliver.
Kyle: That sounds great. Who will I be playing?
Barbara: The victim if that is okay with you.
Kyle: That is fine. So, when is the party?
Barbara: That hasn't been decided yet. Also, you have to wear a costume that is from the 1920's.
Kyle: Okay!
Barbara: I invited Oliver's friend Victoria to come.
Kyle: Oliver never mention it to me.
Barbara: They were friends until high school ended. They have kept in touch from time to time, but they really haven't seen each other.
Kyle: Did he ever have a crush on her?
Barbara: No! She was kind of like a sister to him. I thought it was great for Oliver. I remember this one she made him play dress up.
Flash back
Oliver wants to know want Victoria has in the case.
Victoria: Well, I thought we could do something different today.
Oliver: What exactly are we going to be playing today Victoria?
Victoria: We're playing dress up!
Oliver: No! That is for girls to play.
Victoria: It is not.
Oliver: Is too.
Victoria: Is not.
Then Barbara comes in.
Barbara: What is going on?
Victoria: Oliver doesn't want to play dress up with me.
Barbara: Oliver, there is nothing wrong with playing dress up. Be nice about it. Play dress up with her.
Oliver: Okay Mom!
End of Flashback
Kyle: I bet you took pictures of him playing dress up.
Barbara: I do! I have pictures back at the hotel. I'll bring them to you next time I see you!
Kyle: Okay! Do you need any help with planning the party?
Barbara: I could use any help that I can get.
Kyle: Good! Well, let's get started!
Barbara: You don't have anywhere to be right now!
Kyle: No!
Barbara: Okay!
Then she and Kyle head out of the Angel Square Hotel.
To Be Continued
