There were flames surrounding the plane. There was a massive crash, a massive pile of dust, as the knife drew in closer, and closer. The men, wearing Turbans, and robes drew the knife in slowly. Emily looked on, as her parents lie lifeless, limp, as if they were objects, that disappeared into dust. Red, demonic presence sat in the men's eyes, as they opened their mouths to reveal fangs. They lunged at Emily, digging their fangs into her heart. Then everything went black.
Emily opened her eyes quickly, feeling her heart beat outside of her chest. Emily's body shook, as she breathed heavily. She felt as if something was coming. She could hear the low growl of a demonic hound, as she clenched her fists. She didn't scream, although she felt like screaming loudly. In her mind, she thought only disruptive idiots screamed, and cried. She curled up, rocking back and forth to self soothe. She felt as if she was being threatened. She felt as if she was going to be stabbed. She sat, tensing up, feeling her body going into alert mode. Her palms were sweaty, her heart raced, and she had a sideways, faraway look in her eyes. She eventually sat up, opening her eyes, seeing everything was normal. She was at the resort. Tears welled up in her eyes, as she let out a loud cry. She felt the sadness, the pain come over her, as the anxiety left her body. She felt a throbbing pain in her head. She just had a PTSD episode, a flashback.
She sniffled, as her eyes welled up with tears. She began sobbing, as she felt the tears cloud up her vision. "Mommy". She said, getting up to find Bev. She went outside, opening the sliding glass door. Bev was stretched out on a lounger, naked. Emily held her Tigger Toy, sobbing. There were no tears. There was cry heaving. She stared, troubled. "Good morning, love". Bev said, gently. Emily sat, as she still sobbed. "Mommy". She said. "Sweetie, are you feeling alright?". Bev asked, kindly. Emily took a deep breath. "No". Emily said. "What's troubling you, honey?". Bev asked, gently. "I...I...I...I don't know". Emily said. "You can tell me". Bev said, gently. She stroked Emily's cheek. "I had a nightmare". Emily said. "Sweetie". Bev said, gently, sympathetically. "It'll be ok". "What was it about?". Bev rubbed her thumb against Emily's cheek. "I'm gonna die". Emily said, sniffling. Her eyes welled up with tears. "My mommy, and daddy died". "The bad guys on the plane". "They killed mommy and daddy". "They killed me". Emily began crying. Her cry became loud.
"Love". Bev said, softly. "Mmm, you're reliving the trauma of the plane crash". "I am?". Emily asked. "You are, sweetie". Bev said, gently, honestly. "Sometimes, when we get hurt really bad, and something tragic happens, we have flashbacks, and nightmares". "I know you're hurting, baby". Bev kissed Emily's cheek. "It's difficult going through a trauma like that, feeling pain". "Yeah". Emily said. "It was terrible, the plane crash". Bev said, softly, in a gentle whisper. "Then struggling, emotionally". "Mm". "But, we'll help you through it". Bev rubbed Emily's hands. "I'm always here for you". "I love you".
"What do I do?". Emily asked. "Well, if you ever need to talk, or express feelings, I'm always here". Bev said, gently. "You truly are a gift to us". She kissed Emily's cheek. She brushed Emily's cheek, softly. "I'm afraid". Emily said. "I'm afraid I'm gonna die". "I'm afraid you, and daddy are gonna die". Tears streamed down her cheek. "Sweetie, we'll be safe". Bev said, gently. "Daddy will protect us". "He's such an amazing man". Bev swooned.
Bev tickled Emily's cheek, as Emily sat, calming down. "We'll get through this". Bev whispered, although her whisper was still in a deep voice. Her cover up, much like curtains or sheets, billowed, freely. "As a family".
"Ok". Emily said. Bev lit a cigarette, a white cigarette, as she laid back, smoking. Emily sat, crying. Her tears streamed down her cheek. "Oh, shh, shh, shh". Bev whispered, gently. She massaged Emily's cheek. She made nonverbal gestures, clicking sounds, to soothe Emily. "I love my baby girl". She hummed, gently. "It's ok, my love". Bev said in a low voice, a soothing voice. Emily still cried, she sobbed. "I have something special just for us, for breakfast". Bev said, winking at Emily. Emily sat, trying to calm down, trying to feel the anxiety melt away.
Bev stretched back on the lounger. "Mm, this will be new". She said, seeing her stomach had grown a considerable amount, and that there was a bit of a bump near her stomach. "I may look big, but, it's nothing to be concerned with". Bev blew out some smoke. "Mmm, let's get some breakfast, sweetie". Bev said, gently. Emily got up out of the chair she was in, walking with Bev inside. Bev put on a white, silk bra, and pajama pants, going over to get the keys for the car.
Emily got into her carseat, as they drove to a nice restaurant over on the river. The sky today looked silver, although there were some patches of gray sky. It was a nice, fancy restaurant, with white tables, and tablecloths. There was a private table outside, just for them. Emily got out of the car, walking toward the table. "Mommy, it's all by itself". Emily said. "Yes, it is, love". Bev said, gently. They sat down at this table, as Emily held her Tigger Toy. A waiter brought over an ice cream dish, with two scoops, of ice cream. One was pink, the other was orange. The pink one was cotton candy flavored, the orange one was sherbert. "Here you are, Emily, honey". Bev said, gently. "Ice cream". Emily said, picking up her spoon. "Sorbet for breakfast". Bev said, gently, winking. "We won't tell daddy about this". Emily ate her sorbet, feeling a little bit better. At least now, the fear had left, and was going elsewhere.
Bev had her black coffee, as a cigarette sat in the ashtray which was beside. There was a brief silence as Emily ate her sherbert. "Mommy", Emily asked. "Did grandma ever give you ice cream?". "Sometimes". Bev said, gently. "My mother would give us chocolate covered bananas". "They were very good". "Was Grandma nice, like you?". Emily asked. "She was a good person". Bev said, gently. "She had her methods of discipline when the time called for it". "She would never hit us". "She would constructively criticize, although she never spanked, or did anything of the sort".
"I remember when I was younger, we would be outside painting our house, in the summertime, it would get so hot, the paint would dry up on the brush". "At that point, my sister and I would sneak away somewhere, while someone else came in, and painted".
"What did you and Aunt Linda do?". Emily asked. "We used to do very bad things". Bev said, sipping her coffee. "We would vandalize things, drink a lot, make out with boys". "I had a wild time as a young person". "There was one time, my sister and I, as well as your father, were on top of the roof of a building". "We just had quite a time up there". "As a young person, I wasn't perfect". "I broke a lot of rules, did crazy things, and, did other things". Bev pursed her lips, not revealing that she was sexually active then. She still loved sex. She loved doing it with Ed, and with Rocko, while Ed was at work.
"Ralph may have gotten it from me, although he's more like his father, very abrasive". Bev said. "He is charming, he does like being an original, he gets that from me, although he is aggressive". "Mommy, do you still talk to Aunt Linda?". Emily asked. "At times I do". Bev said, gently. "Mmm, I haven't talked to anyone in a while". Emily ate her ice cream, trying not to cry. There was another pause again, as Bev smoked her cigarette. Emily looked down at her Tigger toy. "Emily". Bev said, gently. Emily lifted her head. "Sweetie, are you feeling better?". Bev asked. "Kind of". Emily said. "You're doing so well, honey". Bev said, kindly. "You are the strongest person I've raised". Emily didn't respond to Bev's compliment. Emily had a lower IQ, and had these moments. "Emily". Bev prompted, gently. Emily lifted her head. "Sweetie, you are the strongest person I've raised". Bev said, kindly.
"I am?". Emily asked. "You are". Bev said, gently. "You are so patient, calm, you're positive, even after being hurt". "Why do I be happy?". Emily asked. "You have strength". Bev said, soothingly. "You've received it from prayer, from talking to your birth mom". Bev spoke softly, in a whisper. "I talk to my birth mom". Emily said. "I see my birth mom". "Hmm". Bev nodded. Bev smiled, a kind smile. "Do you still pray when you're upset?".
"Yes". Emily said. "I pray when I'm sad". "Hmm, does it make you feel hopeful?". Bev asked, softly. "Yes". Emily said. "I feel happy". "Hmm". Bev nodded. "I think it's wonderful you like to pray". "Sweetie, if you ever feel sad, you can always talk to daddy, and I". Bev said, gently. "We're always here for you". "I know, mommy". Emily said. "You're my love". Bev said, kindly. She set her cigarette down, admiring Emily. Emily ate her sorbet, finishing. "Thank you". Emily said. "Of course, love". Bev said, in a deep, raspy voice. Emily sat, feeling a little bit better than she had. She knew there was hope somewhere in this bleak, bleak world.
The clouds remained a silver color, as Paula Hutchinson, Turtle, lay stretched out on the king size bed that had silk sheets. She was in her bra, and panties. Paula admired the weekend with Filburt. Filburt had given her everything she deserved. Now, Paula was pregnant. Paula looked out the sliding glass window, seeing the infinity pool, and hot tub, on the resort deck, as well as the beach. "Mmm". Paula mumbled, sitting up a bit. "I feel so tight". She wanted to take her bra off. Filburt wouldn't mind. "Mmm". "hey". She said, seeing Filburt. "Hey". Filburt said, laying down beside her. "Mmm, does your thing hurt?". Paula asked, flopping her hand back on the bed. "It did, but, it's not of any concern as of now". Filburt said. "Does yours?". "Not especially". Paula said. "I could keep going for another hour". "Likewise". Filburt said.
They leaned in, kissing. Paula, feeling Filburt's kiss, Filburt's tongue dig into hers. Paula kissed Filburt, curling her tongue around his. "Mmm, you're so perfect". She whispered. "As are you". Filburt said in a suggestive register. They continued kissing. Paula felt Filburt's reproductive organ slip into hers, pushing it, pressing it back. Paula felt that ever familiar tingly feeling in her vagina.
"I have a surprise for you". Filburt said, suggestively. "Mmm, I love how you surprise me". Paula said, in a feminine, lovey, airy voice. "Of course". Filburt said, coming in, kissing Paula on the lips, he unhooked Paula's bra, pulling down her panties. He unbuckled his khaki pants. They kissed with ecstasy, joining their reproductive organs. They continued kissing, going in deeper, and deeper. Filburt eventually picked Paula up, even as they were naked, carrying her to the infinity pool.
It was a calm day, as they kissed in the pool. Paula stretched out, with a cherry in her mouth, as Filburt bit it. They kissed, joining reproductive organs. The tingly feeling, the rock hard feeling was felt yet again. "Mmm, you're wonderful". Paula whispered. "I do well". Filburt said as a guttural growl. He kissed Paula, pushing back her tongue. "You are lively". Filburt said. "Mmm, so are you". Paula said, brushing the warm water with her backhand. "Mm, don't forget, we find out the gender, and the ultrasound on Wednesday". Filburt said. "I never do". Paula said. "I made an appointment with the doctor at Magee Women's". "Doctor Sansen". "Hmm, is she under you?". Filburt asked. "She's with a different branch, but she is the best". Paula said. "I got in right after Bev's". "She has her ultrasound on Tuesday?". Filburt asked. "Yep". Paula said. They continued kissing, as Paula felt ecstasy come over her. She was happy to have Filburt by her side, kissing her, slipping his reproductive organ into hers.
Paula truly was happy. She was lucky to be married to such a wonderful man. They were starting their desired family together. Paula brushed the water, stretching out. A bit of sunlight shone on her, as she stretched her body out, feeling the tightness. "Mmm, you make me the happiest person when you're near me". Paula said, softly. "As do you". Filburt said, as they kissed again. Paula could feel the fetus developing, her stomach getting bigger.
Paula let the sun shine over her. She let the sun warm her young, healthy looking nipples. Her wet, moist nipple was seen, as the sun shone on it. "Mmm". Paula mumbled to herself. As she stretched out, glad she was pregnant, she felt a bit of exhaustion. It was tiring enough that she was carrying a developing child, but she felt exhausted from hormones. She felt as if whatever she did, she would be tired. "It's fine". She decided. "If I'm tired, I'm tired". "It's not that big a deal". Paula smiled at Filburt, as he licked his lips. He pulled Paula close, kissing her again. "Hey do your thing, feel it". Paula encouraged. "Should I?". "is it respectful?". Filburt asked. "I'd like it". Paula said. "I love it when you feel me". "Oh, alright". Filburt said. He felt up Paula's body, pushing his reproductive organ into hers. Filburt felt, but he didn't watch. Instead he felt the tingly feeling as well, as he felt up Paula's body. It was awkward at first. He did feel as if he was disrespecting her, but, he eventually did what he did.
He continued kissing, feeling, as they exchanged fluids. They exchanged fluids, they exchanged things, as they kissed. Filburt felt as if Paula was the one, truly. Paula was someone he could spend the rest of his life with, and Paula felt the same way. "I'm so lucky". She thought. They kissed, feeling their best, knowing they were starting a family with one another. Eventually, Paula got tired, and stretched out, floating at this point. "Mm". she mumbled, floating backwards. "I'm so tense". She looked around, feeling a bit sick from the hormones caused by the developing baby. "Mmm". she continued floating backward. Her legs were stretched out just so, she could still float. "Babe". She said, looking up at Filburt. "Yes?". Filburt said, swimming over to her. "Mmm, are you hungry at all?". Paula asked. "I am a bit, now that you mention it". Filburt said. "Mmm, would you mind splitting a pizza pocket?". Paula asked. "Not at all". Filburt replied. Paula swam over to the steps of the Infinity pool, climbing up the steps, and onto the porch. She laid on the lounger, as Filburt gave her a peck on the lips. "Don't worry, I'll heat it up". Filburt said. "Mmm, I can get it, babe". Paula said. "I might as well".
She walked into the kitchen, naked, keeping in mind, and heated up the pizza pocket in the microwave. Filburt was naked as well. He sat out on the lounger, reading the wall street journal. Paula left the Pizza Pocket in the microwave, trusting it would get warm. She stretched out on the lounger as well. "Hmm, it's so peaceful out here". Paula whispered to Filburt. "It is". Filburt said, with a guttural depth to his voice. "Mmm, you're perfect". Paula said, smiling. "You're perfect". Filburt replied. They gazed at one another, as Filburt came over on Paula's lounger, sofa, and kissed her, he kissed her with ecstasy, feeling the happiness in just kissing. Eventually his reproductive organ snuck up on them again, and it joined with Paula's reproductive organ. They linked, as Paula felt a tingly feeling.
The microwave beeped, as they didn't notice. They were too busy doing things. They were busy doing things for their own pleasure. It was a nice day, that turned to afternoon, that turned to evening, as they kissed, feeling the pleasure, feeling the love that they shared for one another, and for another day.
The next day was Sunday, and after getting up, Bev packed her, and Emily's bags, put the mashed potatoes and stuffing boxes away, and got ready to leave. Emily didn't want to leave, although it was time. "I'm glad you had a great time". Bev said, gently. "I love coming up here". "It was good". Emily said. "Mmm, we'll plan a trip to Paris next time". Bev said, kindly. "Really?". Emily asked. "Yes, just you and I". Bev smiled a cunning smile. "We'll see the Eiffel Tower, we'll try some local cuisine, we'll have guided riverboat tours". "I'll have you all to myself". Bev tickled Emily's cheek. Emily turned her head. She sniffled, as a tear came to her eyes. "What's wrong, sweetie?". Bev asked, gently. "I feel sad". Emily said. "I hurt". She turned her head, taking her bag. "Why do you hurt?". Bev asked, kindly. "I don't know". Emily said. "Because my grandpa died". "Hmm". Bev nodded. Bev put the bags in the car, as they drove away from the resort.
"It's ok to hurt". Bev said, gently. "We'll be ok, sweetie". "We're finding out the gender of the baby next week". "Gen-d-e?". Emily tried to pronounce. "Gender". Bev guided her, helping her. "We'll see if it's a boy, or a girl". "They'll also look at the inside of my stomach". Bev smiled. "I'm a girl". Emily said. "Yes, you are". Bev said. "The baby could either be a boy, or a girl". "We'll see what the Ultrasound says". Bev drove a ways until she got on 95. "What's that?". Emily asked. "An ultrasound is a machine that the doctors use on pregnant women to see the inside of her stomach". Bev informed, gently. "They see mommy's belly". Emily said. "Yes, they do". Bev said, kindly. She focused on driving. There was a bit of silence, as Bev drove 95 all the way up to Cogan, where she got off.
Emily looked up, then addressing something. "Mommy". "Why is grandpa being laid out?". Emily asked. "Well, love, he's being buried". Bev said, gently. "He'll be in a casket, which is a big long box known as a coffin". "You'll be able to see him". "I know it'll be painful, but, we'll be there with you, to support you". "Daddy, and I". Emily played with her Tigger Toy. "grandpa was the only person I have left". Emily said. "Hmm, that makes it very hard". Bev said, gently. "Do you feel lonely sometimes?". She asked. "Yes". Emily said. "Mmm, what do you feel when you feel lonely?". Bev asked, gently. "I have to stop crying". Emily said. "Mmm, when you were young, and lived in the orphanage, no one comforted you when you cried, or had a nightmare". Bev said, softly. "You eventually soothed yourself". "You only cried for a couple seconds, as you knew you wouldn't be comforted". There was a bit of emotion behind Bev's voice.
"Sweetie, daddy and I want to give you everything you deserve". Bev said, gently. "You are our greatest treasure, and have brought so much joy to our lives". "I love you more than anything". "I know, mommy". Emily said. "I love you, too". "We'll be there to help you, sweetie". Bev said, kindly. "I know this funeral will be difficult". Emily looked up at Bev. "Thank you, mommy". Emily said. It was quiet for a few minutes before Emily began to sniffle a little bit. "Are you alright, sweetie?". Bev asked, gently. "I am ok". Emily said, holding her Tigger toy close to her.
"For the funeral, there will be some friends of your grandfather there to help". Bev said, gently. "We'll have the service at St. Jude's, we'll have the burial at the local cemetery, Mary Queen of Heaven". "Lunch will be at Red Ginger Palace". "It'll be a quiet ceremony".
"Ok". Emily said. "Mommy, can you and daddy come?". "We'll be there, sweetie". Bev said, kindly. "We'll have some tea, we'll look at some flowers, we'll get through it the best way we can". "It'll be good". Bev tickled Emily's cheek. They eventually got back to their house, pulling into the driveway. Ed had just come out to get the mail. Bev and Emily got out of the car. "Ladies". Ed said, taking the mail out of the mailbox. "Hey, honey". Bev said, kissing Ed on the mouth. They lingered for some time. "How was your trip?". Ed asked. "It wasn't that bad". Bev said. "The weather wasn't that nice, but, we were able to do various things". "That's good". Ed said.
"Daddy". Emily said, getting out of the car. "Hi, sweetie". Ed said, gently. He kissed Emily's forehead. "Did you have a fun time?". "Yes". Emily said. "I got to swim". "That sounds like fun, sweetheart". Ed said, kindly. Emily's eyes looked baggy, and red from crying, and lack of sleep. Emily didn't let it bother her. "Sweetie, you look tired". Ed said, gently, but with concern. "I am ok". Emily said. "Why don't you go in, and take a nap for a little bit". Ed said, kindly. "Then, we'll have lunch with Mr. Dupette". "Mr. Du-pe-tte". Emily tried with struggle to pronounce. "Yes, that's my boss at work". Ed said, kindly. "He wants to meet you, and talk about your singing". "Ok". Emily said. "Then, your grandfather's funeral got moved to tomorrow". Ed said. "So, we'll get up at 8, as the funeral is at 10". "Mass is at 10:30, then the burial is at 11". "Lunch is at 12". "We'll plan accordingly".
Emily rubbed her eyes, feeling the red, burning that came from them. Ed helped unload the car, bringing some things in. Emily went outside, looking to bring some things in. "We're good, sweetie". Ed said, kindly. "Thank you for offering to help". Emily went inside, sitting down on the couch. Outside, Bev and Ed talked. "I'm sure you got to connect with her". Ed said softly, in a whisper. "Mm, she was very pensive". Bev whispered. "She had nightmares, she seemed depressed, she did react, internally to the knowledge of her grandfather's death". "We should address it before it becomes something in her later years". Ed whispered. "She does have grief counseling, and trauma support". Bev whispered. "We may have to look into intensive therapies, and support".
"It was nice you connected with her". Ed whispered. "I was honest with her, relayed with her backstory, and guided her through it". Bev whispered. "She is honest with us". Ed whispered. "Yes, and we are doing the proper thing, keeping an open relationship of honesty with her". Bev whispered. "I'm worried she may regress". "This death is hard enough on her as is". "We'll help her along, she'll just need more support". Ed whispered. "She is a wonderful girl". "She is". Bev whispered.
Ed whispered something in Bev's ear, as Bev giggled, suggestively. Ed then squeezed Bev's butt. Bev chuckled. They continued bringing things in. Emily faintly heard the door open, and the opening of the cupboard doors, as the mashed potato boxes were put away. Soon, Emily was in her very own area, as she fell asleep. Her mind clouded over into subconsciousness.
Emily felt a light brush on her cheek, then a kiss, as she looked up. It was Bev kissing her cheek. "Mommy". Emily said, looking up at Bev, stirring awake. "Love, let's wake up". Bev said, gently. "Daddy is so excited to take you to lunch". Emily stirred a little bit, turning over. Bev smiled a gentle smile, admiring Emily. "Mommy, I want 5 more minutes". Emily said. "How about this, love, we'll get you a blanket, and you can take a nap on the way there". Bev said, kindly. "Does that sound good?". "Ok". Emily said. Bev tickled Emily's cheek, as Emily got up.
Bev put the blanket around Emily, as Ed came out wearing a suit jacket. "Were you sleepy, honey?". Ed asked, gently. "Yes". Emily said. "It's ok, we'll get some almond milk to drink on the way over". Ed said, kindly. Emily went to get her Tigger toy, as Ed got Emily a little almond milk to go. "There you are, hon". Ed said, handing Emily her milk. "Have fun, love". Bev said, kissing Emily's cheek. "You are going to have such a wonderful time meeting Mr. Dupette". "Ok". Emily said. Ed and Emily went outside to Ed's car, as Ed buckled her in her seat. "Here you are, honey". Ed said, gently. He started the car, the drive over to Mulligan's. Emily was quiet in her seat, yawning, ready to fall asleep after having those nightmares earlier.
Ed sat, drinking his soda, as a cigarette box sat nearby. It was quiet, although his main thought was having sex with his wife. Ed was going to father another child. This reflected on how much he loved his wife, and how he wanted to keep doing things with her for years to come. Soon, Ed grew concerned over Emily. "Sweetie, are you alright?". He asked. Emily looked up at him. "Daddy". She said, lifting up her hands. "Sweetie, how are you feeling?". Ed asked. "Good". Emily said. "Did you have fun on vacation with your mother?". Ed asked. "Yes". Emily said. "I got to swim". "I ate yellow noodles, and ice cream". Ed pursed his lips a bit at how much Bev spoiled Emily. "That sounds fun". Ed said, with a bit of flatness in his voice.
"Sweetie, I was thinking tomorrow for the funeral, maybe you could bring our friend, Ivanov for comfort and support". Ed said, gently. "He knew how close you were to your grandfather". Emily did know that Ivanov perhaps was the only person that understood her. "Ok". Emily said. "Your mother talked to Amy, and they both agreed it would be best to let him visit". Ed said, gently. "Ok". Emily said. There was a brief silence between the two of them before Ed spoke again. Unlike before, and always, where there was a flat harshness to his voice, today he sounded genuine, and sympathetic. "I'm very sorry about your grandfather". Ed said, gently, soothingly.
Emily looked up at Ed. "thank you, daddy". She said. "I'm sure it must be hard". Ed said. There was a bit of a pause before Ed spoke up again. "It's always hard, losing someone that was close to you". "Kind of reminds me of when I lost my uncle". Ed said. Emily looked up Ed. "daddy, you had an uncle?". Emily asked. "Yes, his name was Uncle Wilbur". Ed said. "He was a gentle person, very laid back, didn't care what anyone did". "He was pretty gentle compared to the rest of my family". "He was the one we liked the best". Emily drank some of her almond milk. "Why did he die?". Emily asked. "He had a brain aneurysm". Ed said, gently, focusing on his driving. "I missed him a lot, although in my family, we really didn't show emotion". "I remember, the day he passed, I came home from school, my dad said, "hey, Uncle Wilbur passed". I said, ok, did my homework, took a shower, ate dinner, went to bed, and we never spoke about it again". Emily sat, listening. "Was Grandma sad?". Emily asked. "It was my dad's brother, he cared for him a lot, but, he had his own way of processing emotions". Ed said. "He just sat, and was quiet". "That's where I get it from". "Being hard on my kids, being careless, but I truly do care about you". "I know I can be strict, but, I do want the best for you".
"You are nice daddy". Emily said, holding her Tigger Toy. "I'm gentle towards you because I know you've been through some things that were hard". Ed said. "Besides, you're a good kid". "I've never had to be that hard on you". "Ok". Emily said. "You're the best daddy ever". Ed smiled a bit, it was probably the first time in a while he had smiled. "Thank you, sweetie". Ed said, gently. Emily played with her Tigger toy, trying to stay awake. It wasn't long before Ed pulled into the parking lot at Mulligan's on the river. It was a nice restaurant, with a lot of parking space. Ed parked in a parking spot, got out, and helped Emily unbuckle. He stood in the parking lot, waiting, until a shiny Maserati came over, parking beside Ed's car.
It was Mr. Dupette himself. The yellow lizard, with glasses, and a suit coat. You all remember Mr. Dupette, and what he looked like. I don't need to describe him to you. Mr. Dupette got out of his car, standing beside it. He organized his briefcase. "Sir, it's good to see you". Ed said in formal respect. "Yes, hello, Edward". Mr. Dupette said. His voice sounded a bit nasally. "I'm sure the afternoon is treating you nicely". "I just got rid of a girlfriend a bit ago". "That was nice finding her bra wedged in my couch". He chuckled. Mr. Dupette, although skinny, and nerdy looking, was a bit sleazy. "Yes, I'm sure you had fun". Ed said, grumbling under his breath.
Emily stood nearby holding her Tigger toy. "This is my daughter, Emily". Ed introduced. "Hello, superstar". Mr. Dupette said, bending down to Emily's level. He winked at Emily. "Hello, mister". Emily said, politely. "Such a respectful young lady". Mr. Dupette said, smiling. "My name is William Dupette". "It is very nice to meet you, hon". "I am Emily". Emily said. "Nice to meet you too". Mr. Dupette, and Ed chuckled, admiring how cute Emily was. "So, Emily, is this your favorite restaurant?". "Do you enjoy seafood?". Mr. Dupette asked, kindly. "Yes". Emily said. "I like shrimp, and clams". "You will love this restaurant". "They have an excellent Cajun Shrimp pasta dish you will adore". Mr. Dupette said, in a friendly manner. "That sounds exciting, huh?". Ed said, to Emily. "Yes". Emily said. "Right this way, folks". Mr. Dupette said, in a friendly manner. He grinned a sneaky grin.
They went inside Mulligan's, hearing some music. Music was always playing in any restaurant there was. Some cute sayings hung on the wall at Mulligan's such as "Beach Hair, don't care", and "It's five o clock somewhere". There was a gift shop, and a couple of beachy decorations around. The waitress showed them to a booth. "This is pretty nice, huh?". Ed said to Emily. "We'll have to bring mom here sometime". "Ok". Emily said. Mr. Dupette, Ed, and Emily sat down. "This is nice, Dupette". Ed said. "You truly delivered". "This is a perfect spot for lunch". Mr. Dupette said. "I had an idea your daughter would like the atmosphere, and some of the dishes they served". Mr. Dupette smiled a cunning smile.
"It's very nice to finally meet you, Emily, dear". Mr. Dupette said, smiling. "Your father's told me so much about you". "Daddy talked about me?". Emily asked. "Yes, he has". Mr. Dupette said, gently. "All good things, of course". "One particular thing he highlighted was how good of a singer you are". Mr. Dupette smiled a cunning smile. "Do you like to sing?". "Yes". Emily said. "That is lovely, sweetheart". Mr. Dupette said, kindly. "Do you remember when you sang at the Interact Club talent show?". Emily looked down at her napkin, not responding. "Emily". Ed said, gently. Emily lifted her head. "Do you remember singing for the Interact club?". Ed asked. "Yes". Emily said. "Mr. Dupette was there, he saw you". Ed said, gently. "You were?". Emily asked. "I was". Mr. Dupette nodded, smiling. "Dear, when I saw you, I knew you had the most beautiful voice there ever was". Mr. Dupette said, kindly. "That's when I knew you and I would change the world".
The waitress came over, with her notepad. "Hello, can I start you off with something to drink?". The waitress asked, cheerily. "Yes, I'll have a frosted mug of coke". Mr. Dupette said. "I'll have the same". Ed said. "Can I have almond milk?". Emily asked. "Of course, sweetie". The waitress said. "We have chocolate almond milk, would you like that?". "Yes, please". Emily said, looking up at the waitress. "Ok, will do". The waitress said, cheerily. She went to get the drinks. "Anyhow, Emily, you have immense singing talent". Mr. Dupette said, kindly. "You have a wonderful talent that can be enjoyed by many". "I am so lucky to have heard you, and to have met you".
"Thank you". Emily said. "You are very welcome, sweetie". Mr. Dupette said, kindly. "I am very excited to become your way to stardom". "I'd like to become your agent". "What's that?". Emily asked. "An agent is someone who helps a person manage their specific talent". Mr. Dupette said, cheerily. "Your talent is singing, and as your agent, I'd help to book specific events you would perform, I'd help finance your talents, and just do the boring stuff". "Ok". Emily said. "How did you get into all this, whatever it is?". Ed asked. His harsh, strict tone returned. "Well, for me, running the company had gotten too boring after our product fashion went undertone". Mr. Dupette said. "I've been dating women, but, it's more of a playing, and going sort". "I went into the agent business as a way to bolster attention, and endorse, but, it's been something of a hobby".
"As Emily's agent, I wouldn't force her, or pressure her to do anything harsh, or strenuous". "We'll do a couple of small shows, she'll get paid for her shows, we'll get something to eat". "It'll be nice". Mr. Dupette said. "She'll have to be supervised with this money". Ed said. The harshness was heard in his voice. "The paycheck will have to go straight to us, and we'll put it in her savings account". "I'll link the pay to your work account". Mr. Dupette said. "It'll go under a new folder, entitled "Emily". Mr. Dupette smiled. "I think my new BFF will have oodles of fun". Mr. Dupette made a silly face, as Emily laughed. Ed sat, staring coldly. "So, Emily, bestie, what do you think?". Mr. Dupette said, kindly. "Would you like to join me?". "Ok". Emily said. "That's great, sweetie". Mr. Dupette said, smiling. He pinched Emily's cheeks.
A few moments later, Mr. Dupette had Ed sign Emily's name for a contract, and they had lunch. Emily got her Cajun Shrimp pasta, Ed had his fish sandwich, and Mr. Dupette had Cajun shrimp pasta as well. It was odd how Mr. Dupette had Emily sign a contract to work with him, but, things were put in place. It was the way of the world. Later that night, the Bigheads ate their dinner, and went to bed, knowing Emily's funeral would be arduous for her to endure.