"There were garden squash like balloon animals and snapdragons. Oh and upstairs we saw a real mouse circus. Not pretend like the crazy man's in our house." Coraline says excitedly.
"You sure you won't come?" Mr. Jones asks as he looks at Mrs. Jones.
"Don't fret Charlie. They'll love the new catalog.. At least they'll love my chapters. I did not call him crazy Coraline. He's drunk." Mrs. Jones says as she hands Mr. Jones the book before Mr. Jones get out of the car.
"Well I guess I'll see you around you dizzy dreamer." Mr. Jones says as he opens the back car door and gently grabs Coraline's nose playfully.
"Dad! i'm not five anymore." Coraline says as her dad shuts the door as her mom drives on.
*Timeskip*
"Nice pick dear. Have a boyfriend and cat at home?" The cashier asks as she puts a small cat house bed and black scarf in a bag.
"Oh no. Just for a couple friends." Alexis says as she hands the cashier the money for her items while Coraline comes over.
"What's wrong Coraline? You look grumpy. Thought that's not out of the usual." Alexis says.
"My mom won't get me some gloves. Hey why are you getting that little house like cat bed and black scarf?" Coraline asks as she sees Alexis's stuff.
"Reasons." Alexis says as Coraline looks at her curiously.
"Is my mom paying for your stuff?" Coraline asks.
"No my mom gave me plenty of money to spend before I came over to spend the week. I also saved up from my summer job as a news paper delivery girl." Alexis says as she puts the change from her purchase in her purse.
"Glad you're getting something you like." Coraline says grumpily.
"Oh come on Coraline. Grey isn't that bad. We'll be going to same school. So settle down. It's not as bad as you think." Alexis says.
"To you." Coraline says sourly as Alexis gives an annoyed look.
"Just come on Coraline. Your mom is waiting for us outside." Alexis says as Coraline sighs while grabbing her bags.
*Timeskip*
"So what do you think's in the other apartment?" Coraline asks as she is sitting in the front of the car while Alexis is in the back as Mrs. Jones is driving them towards the house.
"I don't know. Not a family of Jones imposers." Mrs. Jones says.
"Then why'd you lock the door?" Coraline asks grumpily as she looks out the window.
"Oh I found some rat droppings and thought you and Alexis would feel safer." Mrs. Jones says.
"I'm actually not scared of mice for a couple of reasons but I'm not arguing." Alexis says.
"Of course you're not." Coraline says as Alexis looks at her and growls slightly.
"The dreams aren't dangerous. They're the most fun I've had since I moved here. I'm happy that Alexis is visiting but still." Coraline says as she continues looking out the window.
"Your school might be fun. Alexis said she likes it." Mrs. Jones says.
"I know. She done told me. Yeah right." Coraline says.
"Had to give it a try." Mrs. Jones says in defeat.
*Timeskip*
"How do you feel about a mustard ketchup salsa wrap for lunch?" Mrs. Jones asks as Alexis is helping Coraline bring in bags before taking the cat house and placing it on a dry and warm place on the porch where it won't be bothered.
"Um I'm good. Thank you." Alexis says kindly.
"Are you kidding me?" Coraline asks as Mrs. Jones shuts the fridge door.
"Had to go food shopping anyway. Dad's planning something special." Mrs. Jones says.
"Disgusting." Coraline says.
"You girls wanna come along? You can pick out something you like." Mrs. Jones says as she looks at Alexis and Coraline.
"Oh like the gloves?" Coraline asks sourly.
"Look Coraline if things go well today I promise I'll make it up." Mrs. Jones says as she walks over to the door.
"That's what you always say." Coraline says.
"Won't be long. Alexis if you have the money and Coraline agree with you if you girls want to you can order something for lunch." Mrs. Jones says as she leaves.
"But we may be. Alexis help me find the key to the door." Coraline says as she looks in the key drawer and doesn't see the key to the little door.
"What!? No! Coraline leave that door alone. That place is dangerous. Those dreams. How she knows things. It's just not right. I don't want to go back there and you shouldn't either. So leave the door alone." Alexis says as she hears knocking and opens the door to see Wybie outside with the cat before going outside and shutting the door.
"Hey Ally." Wybie says happily as he smiles.
"Hey Wybie. I actually got something for you." Alexis says as she hands Wybie a small box.
"You did?" Wybie asks as he opens the box and sees a black scarf.
"Yeah. I felt kind of bad you gave me that necklace and thought I should get you something in turn." Alexis says kindly.
"A black scarf? Wow. Thanks. Nice and warm too. Hey what's that?" Wybie says as he puts the scarf off before noticing the cat bed.
"A little cat house bed I got for the cat. I've seen him around the house and thought since he is wild he may like a warm place to sleep when he is near the house. " Alexis says.
"I think he likes it." Wybie says as he chuckles seeing the cat go inside the bed and lay down.
"Glad you do fella." Alexis says as she smiles before the cat comes over to her and looks at her.
"Hey where's Jonesy? Is she not with you?" Wybie asks as he doesn't see Coraline.
"Yeah but she is kind of sour right now with me and her mom. I should probably go talk with her and see if she wants to order lunch. Maybe we could hang out sometime." Alexis says kindly.
"I'd like that. Well see you." Wybie says as he walks off while the cat stays before meowing at Alexis.
"Want some lunch fella? I'll take that as a yes. If we order some food I'll see if I can get you something." Alexis says as the cat meows before Alexis goes inside.
"Hey Coraline! Coraline where are you!?" Alexis asks as she calls for Coraline without a response as she looks around for her.
"Huh? Oh you gotta be kidding me. Coraline so help me you better be okay when I find you." Alexis says as she sees the tunnel door is open and goes over to it.