9:00 AM PST
Marty Jr woke up, as Hip To Be Square by Huey Lewis and the News began to play on the radio. He glanced over at Marlene, who was also just beginning to wake up. It did seem as if he and sister were cursed with bad luck. He really would have to be careful to avoid the record store and the Cafe '80s. He'd have to make other plans.
"What shall we do, bro?" Marlene asked, as she stretched her arms. "We quite have to do something to break our string of bad luck. It's quite good that the police finally decided to be understanding, and let us out - but it was such a scary experience."
"I hear you, Marly," Marty Jr replied, stretching. "It's very scary to think that, in the one timeline, I could've spent fifteen years in jail. Of course, I quite remember being locked up in jail, when Harmony and I went back to 1968. Jails really freak me out."
"Hey, Junior," called out Marty Sr, as he stepped into the room, "Harmony just came over. She wants to know if you'd like to go out to brunch with her. She even offered to pay. She's in the kitchen right now. Marlene, Mike has also just called you."
"Thank you, Dad," replied Marty Jr, as began to leave the room. Turning to his sister, he called out, "Why don't we eat at Olive Garden today? I really wish we had thought of that yesterday." As Marlene nodded, he added, "I'll let Harmony know that, then."
Marty Jr swallowed deeply, as he began to head to the kitchen. He hadn't wanted to really eat much before the party, but he figured he sure owed it to Harmony to treat her to a place that was more romantic. He could just be able to, once again, tactfully address the alcohol issue to Mike - and he wouldn't have to worry about Griff's gang.
"Are you okay, Marty?" Harmony asked, as she threw her arms around him. "You just seem a little distracted. I mean, I understand you just woke up - but it just seems like you're, well, a bit disturbed about something. Did you have a bad dream last night?"
"Uh, yeah, I did," Marty Jr replied, quietly. "I just had a dream that you and I ate at the Cafe '80s with Marlene and Mike, and Griff's gang showed up. We ran out of the restaurant, and we sure forgot to pay. Therefore, we all ended up being arrested."
"That sounds awful!" gasped Harmony, as she gave Marty Jr a gentle squeeze. "Did you really want the four of us to go out on a double date later today? I sure believe it's an awesome idea. I guess you don't quite want to eat at the Cafe '80s, though - with that dream you've sure had. Where do you think would be a nice place to eat?"
"I figured we could eat out at Olive Garden," suggested Marty Jr. "It's a nice dimly-lit restaurant to eat at, and... Y'know, it actually used to be a locally owned restaurant called Francesca's Italian Diner. Nobody makes stuffed shells like my mom, though."
"Hey, I might learn to make stuffed shells," Harmony replied, laughing. "Anyway, I do think it's really a wonderful idea. Let's just make this a special day. Why don't you get dressed, and we'll be meeting my sister and Bill at the restaurant? How's that sound?"
oooooooooo
Marlene's heart was quite racing, as she decided to call up her boyfriend. She knew that, once again, she'd have to address the whole grasshopper issue Mike. It really helped to have her brother with her, but she just knew that eating at the Cafe '80s was out of the question. She didn't wish to have another run-in with Griff's gang.
"Hello, Marlene," gushed Mike, as he answered the phone. "I thought we might maybe go shopping later on today. I never was a big fan of shopping - but, if I had you along with me, we could have a good time. Say, didn't you use your goggles to call me?"
"My parents really don't want me to use the landline phone in the morning," explained Marlene. "As a result, I just have to use my cellphone. So, Mike, would you like to eat out later today? I also figured that my brother and Harmony could come with us."
"I rather wish I could go out this morning," Mike replied, sighing, "but my father needs me to run a few errands for him. Anyway, maybe I could pick you up at around one in the afternoon. It might be very nice to go out on a double date. Any particular place? The food court at the mall doesn't seem like a place that especially, uh, romantic."
"Definitely not the Cafe '80s," Marlene was real quick to say. "I was thinking we could go someplace that's a little more romantic, like Olive Garden. The four of us could just maybe shop afterward. The thing is, I think it could actually be a rather fun idea."
"Italian food sounds wonderful," agreed Mike. "It'll be a neat treat for us. I suppose shopping with your brother and Harmony could be fun. I'm really not into shopping - except for music. You know, I really wanted to play the guitar - but I never was too good at it. So I just decided to take up football. In fact, I was a basketball captain."
"It's awesome that you've found your talent," Marlene replied, gently. "The thing is, I wanted to be a pop star, but I simply don't have the voice for it. I sure want to be an actor, but I'm concerned of being compared to Michael J Fox, and it would just be..."
"I really think you're a pretty girl, Marly," Mike commented, gently. "I wouldn't worry about it too much. Anyway, I guess I'd better get going - but we could meet at your house at one this afternoon. Take care of yourself, honey - and I really love you."
"I love you, too, Mike," Marlene replied, as she hung up her cellphone. Turning to her brother, she added, "It might work, bro. I'm really not sure why we thought the Cafe '80s was such a nice place to meet. The thing is, it's not even a very romantic place."
oooooooooo
Marty Jr felt quite nervous, as he and Harmony were eating. As before, Melody and Bill were sitting across the table. It felt rather strange to think that everyone else at the table had no memories of what happened within the last three days. It sure was confusing, as time travel usually was. He really hoped to make this be a better day.
"Well, you guys are sure lucky to not come from a family of bullies," Bill commented, sighing. "Jill is feeling very apprehensive of coming along, as well - even though her best friend, Billie Canata, will also be there. I'm just dreading the whole gathering."
"I can imagine how it would feel for you," commented Melody. "I mean, it's quite bad enough that we have to put up with Griff Tannen harassing us - but it must really be hard having to deal with having him for a cousin. I really do feel bad for you, Bill."
"Well, I'm real used to it," Bill said, quietly. "I think it's entirely unacceptable for him to just be calling you on your cellphone, while posing as me. The thing is, I just don't get him at all. He always tends to go for the girls who simply can't stand him. I sure guess it gives him a rush to harass girls that he knows can't stand him. It's very pathetic!"
"Hey, what's up?" asked a feminine voice. Marty Jr looked up, and he saw that it was Nicole O'Malley - with her husband, Ryan. "Say, is my sister still giving you guys quite a lot of grief? It sure was a nightmare, growing up with Leslie and Kimberly. I actually don't feel like going to the family gathering, except that our other relatives would..."
"I completely sympathize with you, Nicole," Bill commented, nodding. "I mean, I'm not looking forward to seeing my extended family, either. Even though, it's be real nice if our Great-Grandaunt Jill's descendents were also coming. It's not the case, though."
"Well, yeah, she is our ancestor," Marty Jr added, nodding. "We're not closely related to the Tannens, though. Bill and I are third cousins, and he is actually much nicer than Griff. My parents wouldn't have any desire to come to the gathering. No offence..."
"No offence taken, Marty," Bill said, gently. "Anyway, Ryan, do you ever miss being a Nelson? I remember how Aaron was quite a little... well, a little less-than-happy about your decision. Although, I can certainly understand why your wife would rather like to hold onto the family name - and not let her sisters tarnish it. That wouldn't be good."
"Yeah, I sure understand where she's coming from," Ryan agreed, smiling. "Anyway, Marty, Aaron has a dentist appointment today - so he won't quite be able to practice with your band today. He said you guys could maybe reschedule for Wednesday."
"Thank you for telling me, Ryan," Marty Jr added, smiling. "I really wish you two the best luck. It's quite a huge shame that Whitey and Spike are going to be there. Just let your brother know to not to worry about it. After all, I'll be seeing him tonight."
"I'll be sure to do that, Marty," Ryan replied, cheerfully. "My brother is rather lucky to have inherited our father's musical talent. The thing is, I just grew up fearing that our father preferred my brother over me. I sure know now that it's not the case. You just have a great day! Merry Christmas, all of you! I really hope your party goes well."
"You take great care of yourselves, Ryan and Nicole," Bill called out. Turning back to his group, he added, "If at all possible, I will quite try my best to just make it to your party tonight. I really do hope to be able to work out a compromise of some sort."
"Yeah, it would be real good for you to come over," agreed Melody. Turning to Marty Jr and Harmony, she added, "Well, I guess Bill and I should get going. We quite have some last minute stuff to do, before Bill has to return home. I'll see you tonight."
"Yeah, you two have fun," Harmony commented, as she looked up. Turning to Marty Jr, she added, "I think it's so great that we're being included among your family. This would sure be great. Verne and Linda are coming, with Serena and Benji - and Goldie and Haven are pregnant with their first kid. I really do wonder if it will be a boy."
"It probably won't be Goldie IV," commented Marty Jr. "Goldie sure mentioned that he wants to name his son Caleb. Anyway, I'll sure see you at our house in the afternoon - and we can go to Olive Garden with my sister and Mike. I sure love you, Harmony."