6:00 PM PST
As Marlene looked around the jail cell, she really hoped and prayed that she'd be able to live this day over. She found herself cursing the police, as she wondered just what went with the justice system. As much as people really loved to deride lawyers, didn't the justice system realize how important they were. She simply tried hard not to cry?
"I really can't believe this," Marty Jr commented, groaning. "What a way to spend our Christmas Eve! We're stuck here in jail, because we left the Cafe '80s without paying. The thing is, we were threatened by Griff Tannen and his gang, for crying out loud!"
"Yeah, I mean, you'd think the police would be more understanding," Marlene added, groaning. "Griff and his gang would've hurt us, if we stayed. They're rather the ones with no respect , so they should've been the ones to be arrested. This is not fair!"
"Well, at least we're in here together," Harmony said, sighing. "If we're going to get arrested for something we didn't even intend to do, at least we might just as well all be in it together." Turning to Marty Jr, she added, "I mean, we sure can look on the positive side. At least, you and I would certainly still be together for Christmas."
"Harmony's right, Marly," Mike replied, as he put his arm around his girlfriend. "It sure could be much worse. I sure do hope that our parents are able to appeal to the court on our behalf. I mean, your father has a lot of money - so that can come in handy."
"I see what you mean, Mike," Marlene replied, quietly. "Oh, brother! I just wonder if the news is going to go nationwide. I mean, that's one of the drawbacks of having a rock star for a father. I mean, this is quite embarrassing. What will my friends say?"
"Well, if they truly are your friends," Mike commented, gently, "I'm sure they would be understanding. I really see no reason why this news would go nationwide. Your father might be a rock star, but he is enitled to a private life. I'm worried about this, too - but I don't think it's quite a lost cause. Let's just keep our fingers crossed, for good luck."
"I hope you're right, Mike," Marlene commented, sighing. "It's only that, well, it seems like my luck has been anything but good. Anyway, this place is sure drab and dull. We don't have any pretty Christmas lights to look at. It's a horrible way to spend our..."
"This is my fault," Mike groaned. "I was the one who suggested that we head out to car. I'm certainly sorry that I got all of us in trouble. Yeah, this cell sure doesn't look Christmasy. I'm afraid that your parents might not want me to see you, anymore."
Marlene then thought of what Marty Jr told her, about what their father said to Mike the previous day. Marlene really was unconscious from drinking too much - and Mike, of course, had just no memory of that day. Still, she knew how her father was a real loving and understanding father - and he very seldom ever raised his voice in anger.
"I'm very sure Dad wouldn't say that to you, Mike," Marty Jr commented, gently. "He always was a patient father - and, anyway, we were just as guilty. It's really not like you've pressured Marlene into drinking alcohol, which might cause her to pass out."
"What are you talking..." Mike began to protest. He then continued, "Oh, I guess you believe I might've pressured Marlene into drinking a grasshopper?" He took in a rather deep sigh, before he added, "You know, I guess I maybe would have. I'm so glad you talked me out of it, Marty. I know it's wrong to pressure people to drink, but I just..."
"It's quite a tradition for you, Mike," Marlene commented, gently. "I guess being stuck in this jail cell is better than being passed out from drinking. Still, I'm just not sure how long we'e going to have to stay here. What if we're stuck here for twenty years?"
"I'm sure that won't happen, Marly," Marty Jr replied, softly. "Anyway, just remember about... well, you know. By the way, does anyone even happen to know the name of the officer who arrested of? I never even managed to capture his name, and I'm..."
"Oxford," replied Mike, softly. "He's Officer Oxford. Come to think of it, I actually do remember my parents mentioning his name - and how they felt intimidated by him. It quite is a shame we didn't get someone like Amanda Foley. She has always been fair and understanding. I'm very sure she would've been more understanding of our..."
Marlene was stunned, as she tried to figure why the name sounded familiar to her. Of course, there was the Oxford dictionary - but the name, for some reason, really gave her a bad feeling. She tried hard to think of why the name made her feel that way.
"Officer Oxford," muttered Marty Jr. He suddenly snapped his fingers, as he added, "It suddenly dawned on me who he could be. Our parents have sure mentioned that there was this guy named Owen Oxford, who used to always give Dad a hard time."
"Great Scott!" gasped Harmony, using her grandfather's habitual expression. "Maybe there is quite hope for us, after all. If he's always had it in for Big Marty, well... I just wonder how he ended up as a police officer, anyway. I really hope Big Marty appeals to the Chief of Police on our behalf. That man just seemed very... very intimidating!"
"He maybe would've excused Griff's gang," Mike commented, grimacing. "It bothers me that anyone would quite have it in for the great Marty McFly. I bet he was very jealous that Marty made it famous. I understand better what happened, though."
Marlene leaned up against Mike, as he placed his arm around her. She then began to wonder if she would ever break free of the spell. If she and her brother hadn't made the wish, then none of this might've happened. She quite worried that she could end up not having another chance to relive the day. She really began to swallow hard.
oooooooooo
Later that night, Marlene saw that Officer Foley arriving - and her parents were with them. Her parents never were the very strict sort of people, so they probably would be understanding of what happened. Both had grim looks on their faces, though.
"Children," Officer Foley commented, as she reached the bars, "as we've investigated a little more into your case, it's just been decided that you've been falsely imprisoned. We've found out that you really were being bullied - and that you ran out of the cafe, in an effort to get away from them. Therefore, I do offer you my deepest apologies."
"I understand that you weren't the one who arrested them," Marty Sr said, as he took in a deep sigh, "but how can I be quite sure this won't happen again? I really think you might want to try to improve the justice system. I mean, this just ruined our evening."
"I sure think that abolishing lawyers was a big mistake," added Jennifer, grimly. "We had a big party planned for tonight, and not having our children there placed such a huge damper on everything. I really think we might have to start a petition on this."
"I do greatly apologize for the inconvenience," Officer Foley said, sadly. "We've sure had some other complaints about Officer Oxford, who was the one who arrested the children earlier today. The Chief of Police will reprimend him - and he quite expressed regret, and placed 5000 dollars into your account. I know this won't make up for..."
"I understand that it's not your fault," Marty Sr commented, gently. "I'm sorry that I lashed out at you before. I sure was quite worried about our children, and also very disappointed that we had to call off the party. We were planning it for a long time."
"Thank you so much for everything, Officer Foley," commented Jennifer, with a small smile. As her daughter threw her arms around her, she softly added, "I'm quite sorry about what all happened to you, sweetheart. We simply can have a lovely Christmas party tomorrow, and we can have another one the day after. How's that sound?"
"Oh, a Boxing Day party sounds real lovely!" gushed Harmony. "I just hope Dad isn't very angry with me about what happened. I mean, I guess we really should've been more thoughtful - but I was too afraid to spend time around that Griff character."
"No, Officer Oxford should've been more understanding," protested Officer Foley. "In my opinion, he should've been fired today - but the Chief of Police decided to give him one more chance. You are free to go, now - and have a Merry Christmas, everyone."
"Thank you very much, Officer Foley," Marty Sr replied, gratefully. He then turned to the teens, as he added, "I sure remember Officer Oxford, from when I was younger. He was a member of Needles' gang, and I guess he quite never changed. I did rather suspect that there was foul play going on. Anyway, I'm certainly glad that it's over."
"Doc had suggested using the time machine," added Jennifer, "to go back in time, and undo everything that happened to you. We really were tempted to take him up on his offer, but I was worried it might make thimngs worse. I hope you don't mind that..."
"That's okay, Jennifer," Harmony said, gently. "If it wasn't for what happened today, Officer Oxford really wouldn't've been caught. As disturbing as it really was, for us to spend time in that jail cell - it could've been a lot worse. Anyway, the party can wait."
"I agree," added Mike. "I do understand all about the drawbacks of time travel, and it really isn't worth the hassle. I think it rather was nice of Dr. Brown to offer, though. I think I might simply turn in, as soon as I get home. I'm really beginning to feel tired."
Marlene glanced at her boyfriend, and then at her brother. She had a feeling that she and her brother really would have another chance to live this day, and that Doc's time machine really wouldn't be necessary. She suddenly felt real nervous, though - as she thought of how she'd have two issues to handle, tomorrow. She took in a deep sigh.