Three Against Three: Chaos in New York

Arc Five: Something Smells Rotten in the Big Apple

Part 1: Going Down in Chinatown

Plaza Hotel-Lobby

December 23, 1991-11:10 A.M.

(Christine's PoV:)

I hope the family is able to find us very soon. I'm starting to really miss them, even Buzz. I can tell Linnie and Kevin feel the same way, as the three of us ride the elevator down to the lobby. I'm taking Kevin and Linnie to Chinatown and the toy store today.

I'm currently dealing with a headache from this morning's hangover. I drank a little too much wine last night before going to bed, and ended up getting drunk for the first time in my life. I feel like I set a bad example for my siblings, by getting drunk in front of them. Mom would be so upset with me, if she knew. In addition, I could've killed myself last night, too, since alcohol doesn't react well with the medications I take.

"I can't believe you got drunk last night, Christine. It was like sleeping next to a passed out skunk that farts in his sleep. I'm not complaining about Fuller wetting the bed ever again," Kevin complains.

"I know, Kevin. You don't have to remind me," I feel guilty, and not caring that Fuller wets the bed.

"It's OK, Christine. Everyone makes mistakes. That's how we learn," Linnie chimes in, trying to make me feel better. "Kevin and I are going to keep it a secret, and not tell Mom or Dad," She turns to Kevin. "Right, Kevin?" Linnie balls up her fist and shakes it at Kevin.

"I know how to keep a secret. Secondly, I'm not stupid. Lastly, I'm not scared of you, Linnie," Kevin snarks, knowing full well he's been keeping a big secret from the rest of the family about the Wet Bandits breaking into Mom and Dad's house last year.

"Would you two stop right now? I'm in no mood for any bickering today," I warn, holding my head, as the three of us get off the elevator.

"Morning, McCallister Family, Ms. McCallister," Cedric greets. "The pictures you dropped off at the hotel's photo center last night came back today." He's standing next to the empty desk, where Mr. Hector normally works.

"Hi, Cedric," I greet dully, while my siblings cheerfully wave.

"You don't look well, Ms. McCallister. Are you OK?" Cedric asks, concerned. He hands me the photos of our trip, which I place them in my backpack.

"No, I'm just dealing with a headache from a hangover. I got drunk last night, sipping too much wine," I reply, looking ashamed.

"That's nothing to be ashamed about, Ms. McCallister. I see it happen all the time here at the Plaza. People just let themselves loose, when they go on vacation," Cedric says, trying to help. "I can have the kitchen whip you up a hangover cure, if you want? It won't take long to fix. I just want you to feel better, before you go out into the city today." Cedric whispers.

Smiling, I reply, "I would like that, Cedric. Thanks. I know the headache pills I've taken haven't helped any,"

"I'll be back in a jiffy," Cedric says, rushing off to the kitchen.

While Cedric is doing that, I ask Linnie to head over to the hotel newsstand to buy me copies of the New York Times and New York Post. I hand her the money to buy them. I need to catch up on the news I missed from the past two days.

The main headline in all the New York papers has a common theme: Crime Wave Intensifies, New York Police Tied Up to Their Necks with Complaints, Citizens Angry at City Hall, Burglaries and Muggings at an All-Time High, Missing Dockworkers Bodies Discovered in East River-Foul Play Suspected.

Well, that explains why the police couldn't help us the day we arrived in New York. I scowl at the creepy picture of Donald Trump in the paper, while quickly flipping over to the next page, so I can read about the crisis currently going on in the Soviet Union. There's been talk that the Soviet Union might not even make it into the new year.

Cedric finally returns with the hangover cure. "I want to warn you, this hangover cure has a kick to it," He hands me a small glass filled with a red-colored liquid. It looks thick and smells horrible. My siblings look disgusted.

Putting the newspapers in my backpack, I take the glass and cheer, smiling, "Bottoms up!" I drink the liquid in one big gulp. The effect is a fast one. It's like a bomb going off in my brain, causing me to almost fall down. Luckily, I have three awesome people to catch me.

"Are you OK, Christine?" my siblings ask, worried.

"Do you need to sit down, Ms. McCallister?" Cedric asks.

"No, I'm fine, really. But, thank you, Cedric. I'm feeling much better. My headache is gone," I reply, with a smile. "I guess we'd better get a move on. I promised my siblings I'd take them to Chinatown and to the toy store today." I place my arms around my two siblings' shoulders.

"Well, at least allow me to get you and your siblings a cab," Cedric requests.

"That's sweet of you, Cedric. Go right ahead," I reply, smiling.

"It will just take me one second," Cedric quickly rushes off to the front desk and talks briefly with Ms. Stone, before heading back my way.

'Why is he smiling?' I wonder.

"Well, Christine," Cedric whispers. "After talking to Ms. Stone, I managed to get you and your siblings a limo to take you around the city for the day. Compliments of the Plaza Hotel, of course."

"What? How?" I ask, speechless. I've never ridden in a limo before. My siblings are stunned.

"Well, I lied to Ms. Stone, and told her it was your Birthday. I wanted to give my cousin's girlfriend a present," Cedric replies, sheepishly.

Feeling touched, I reply, "Cedric, that's sweet of you, but you didn't have to do that,"

"I wanted to, Christine. You made my cousin happy. It was the least I could do,"

"Alright. Well, Kevin and Linnie, it looks like we're going to be travelling around Manhattan in style today," Kevin and Linnie high five one another. "And, Cedric, if it makes you feel any better, I did have a Birthday on the 1st of this month, but Ms. Stone doesn't have to know that." I give Cedric a small, friendly peck on the cheek, leaving him speechless, as we leave the hotel.

The weather is cold and cloudy, as we head outside. Some snowflakes are falling from the sky. A brown stretch limo is already waiting for us, as the driver speaks, "My name is MacAulay, and I will be your driver for the three of you today," He opens the limo door for the three of us.

Linnie and I can't help but notice the resemblance between the driver and Kevin. 'Is this what Kevin is going to look like in his thirties, especially with that beard?' I wonder, and I'm sure Linnie is, too. We all climb into the back of the limo, wishing Mom was here to see this. She would get a kick out of seeing an older Kevin lookalike.

"What's the deal with staring at the driver?" Kevin asks.

Linnie and I just giggle. "You'll find out, when you turn thirty, sweetie," I tell him. Kevin just rolls his eyes.

"Hey, Mac. What's the best toy store in New York?" Kevin asks the driver.

The driver replies, "That would be Duncan's Toy Chest, young man,"

"Could you take us there after a quick stop in Chinatown?" I ask.

"It would be a pleasure, Ma'am," the driver replies, gearing the limo into motion.

The visit to Chinatown is indeed a quick one. It's just a quick visit to a shop that sells items imported from East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, etc…) that Linnie found out about during our tour of Manhattan yesterday, and she really wanted to see it. I know Linnie has an interest in ceramic objects from Japan, which is why I agreed to take her there.

Linnie finds herself a cute blue ceramic bowl, which I buy for her for Christmas. I also buy Kevin some Chinese fireworks. I wasn't planning on purchasing them at first, despite Kevin begging and pleading, until he brought up that they're for Megan and Linnie's Birthday.

Linnie suddenly starts pleading for me to buy them, as well, which causes me to break down and buy them, much to my discomfort. I know Mom won't be pleased, when she discovers I smuggled illegal fireworks back to Chicago.

Before leaving, the kind old shopkeeper also sells me two pieces of art, featuring a happy-looking, spiky-black haired kid, with a monkey's tail. It's flying on a yellow cloud in the sky, while holding a red pole.

Not knowing where it comes from, I think it'll make a nice present for both Jeff and William, since it looks cool. The next stop is Duncan's after grabbing some hotdogs. Mac doesn't care if we eat in the car, as long as I bring him one, too…

END