As the class boarded the plane which was heading back to Fission City, the sharks were more than eager to go home.
"Can't wait to get back to school so we can turn in those bogus reports.", Streex stated as the Boltons boarded.
Dr. Bolton gave his son a smile.
"I for one am happy that you all decided to do it anyway."
"It was either do it or risk Mr. Garcel throwing us out of school.", Ripster said plainly, "The homework won."
Soon they were all seated and eagerly waiting for the rest of the boarding to finish.
"Attention passengers, we'll be departing for Fission City shortly. Please make sure you're seated and your seat belts are fastened."
The seat belt light came on and the Boltons were all seated close to each other like the flight before which was a good thing for them.
"I barely got past the first flight.", Slammu said a little worried, "Not sure if I'll make the trip back."
"Hey, it'll be worth it bro.", Jab assured, "We did buy some nice stuff while we were there."
Streex ran a hand over his Mexican styled shirt before showing a winning smile.
"I do admit, I look good in this wear.", he said before admiring his sandals.
"You look great in anything.", Ripster put in.
Dr. Bolton chuckled a bit which got his son's attention.
"What's up Dad?", Jab asked.
"I was just...I was just remembering the day I first met your mother.", Dr. Bolton admitted.
Four sets of eyes locked on him eagerly.
"What was she like?", Streex asked.
"Was she smart and beautiful?", Jab put in.
"Was she blonde?", Slammu asked.
"There's nobody like her in the whole world.", Dr. Bolton said plainly, "Wait until the plane takes off, and I'll tell you."
As soon as he finished, the plane had concluded that the boarding was finished and the plane was beginning it's departure. A few minutes afterward, the plane picked up speed and was soon airborne and climbing fast. Once the plane hit the cruising altitude, Dr. Bolton made himself comfortable enough so that he could talk without moving around so much.
"So how did you and Mom meet?", Ripster asked.
Dr. Bolton smiled.
"It all began a long time back. I was just about your age."
-Flashback-
Robert(Dr. Bolton in his youth) hurried into his biology class just as the bell rang and his dark haired Asian teacher had finished putting the latest assignment on the teaching table.
"Nice to see you made it to class Robert Bolton.", she said calmly.
Robert took his seat and got out his notes along with a few pencils as he started doing some work ahead of time as the rest of the class filed in and took their seats.
"Looks like Bolton made it.", a classmate joked.
Robert ignored him and kept working until the next bell rang and the teacher came up in front of the desk at the head of the classroom.
"Attention students.", she said firmly, "Today we will be studying the marine anemones and their role in the marine world."
She took the cover off the tank on the desk to reveal some beautiful flowery sea anemones flowing gracefully in the tank before turning back to the class.
"Now, who can tell me what sea anemones are often known for?"
Robert's hand shot up and the teacher turned to him.
"Yes Robert?"
Robert took a breath before starting.
"Most sea anemones are known for being a home for the clownfish?", he guessed.
The teacher smiled.
"Continue."
"Most would think the anemone is a plant and in actuality is. Related to jellyfish and corals though lacking the medusa stage the jellyfish has in the life cycle.", Robert added growing confident.
The teacher nodded.
"Excellent Mr. Bolton. Now if everyone will turn to page thirty five in the textbooks please."
-End Flashback-
"So what happened after that?", Jab asked, "Why wasn't Mom around?"
"Well, she wasn't there yet.", Dr. Bolton answered.
"So far all we got is a boring day at school.", Streex said sounding bored, "When are we getting to the part where-"
"Bro.", Ripster said cutting Streex off, "Don't rush Dad. He'll get to that detail, when he gets to it."
"Thank you son.", Dr. Bolton said acknowledging his son helping him out.
-Flashback-
Robert got his things as the final bell rang signaling the end of school for the day. He had a lot of work, but most of it he had already done. A few minutes of hitting the books in his dorm room and he'd have it done in time for the game. He had just gotten to his dorm room when he got bumped from behind and almost spilled his books.
"Oh sorry. I had a hard time seeing where I'm going."
Robert turned to see a girl about his age wearing sneakers, plaid pants, and a black sleeveless top that covered her flowers(your mother will explain this) while having brown eyes, and light red hair that came to her shoulders while carrying her own books.
"Oh that's quite alright.", Robert said smiling, "You new around here?"
The girl nodded while blushing a bit.
"I'm Carrie by the way.", she said.
"I'm Robert.", Robert said to her blushing as well, "It's..it's nice to meet you."
Carrie then started moving by him.
"My dorm is down the hall if you'd like to come visit.", she offered.
Robert snapped out of his daze instantly.
"Sure I'd love to. Just give me a minute to finish up my schoolwork okay?"
Carried left after giving a quick glance over her shoulder and Robert felt his heart skip a beat before turning back to his dorm door and opening it. He went in and found Luther(Dr. Paradigm in his youth) working on something in the living room.
"Oh hey Robert.", Luther said giving Robert a smile, "How was school?"
"It was okay.", Robert admitted, "A little more work and I'll be square for tomorrow."
Luther looked his way with narrowed eyes.
"Robert, are you okay?", he asked taking a break from the thing he was working on.
"Yeah, why?", Robert answered.
Luther came over and looked suspicious for a minute before looking eager.
"I know that look.", he said taking a seat, "Who's the girl?"
Robert sighed.
"Her name's Carrie and she lives a few doors down.", he admitted.
Luther smiled.
"Well then, you should go see her."
-End Flashback-
"That's how it all started.", Dr. Bolton admitted, "With an accident in the hall."
Streex was starry eyed.
"Mom must have been wonderful.", he said dreamily.
Ripster rolled his eyes.
"Bro, Dad must have been nervous asking her out."
Dr. Bolton chuckled.
"Oh yeah, I was a nervous wreck."
Jab however looked uneasy.
"You're admitting that you and Paradigm were actually roommates and each other's best friend once?"
Slammu gave his brother a firm look.
"Hey, how was Dad supposed to know Paradigm would betray him the way he did? He was probably a nice guy before he went overboard with the whole world domination thing."
A cart of snacks came by and the stewardess took a moment to ask if they wanted anything.
"I'll take a coffee and four waters for my sons.", Dr. Bolton answered.
The stewardess shrugged and then after a few minutes, the family had their beverages as well as a packet of peanuts each as Dr. Bolton rubbed his shoulder.
"Still feeling a bit of the sting that jellyfish gave us.", he admitted.
The stewardess moved along with the cart with an expression like she was hearing a crazy person, but then shook it off and continued with her job.
"So what happened next?", Jab asked still eager to listen to the story.
Dr. Bolton had finished his coffee and had gotten out his pillow to help support his head since he was feeling a bit drowsy.
"Well after a little encouragement from my roommate, I finally got up the courage to ask her out."
-Flashback-
Robert stood outside Carrie's door looking nervous. His work was over and he had some time for himself. He felt his nerves freeze and he was already thinking that this was a mistake. He turned to see Luther nearby with a look of encouragement on his face.
"Luther, I..I don't think I should."
Luther frowned and walked over to his friend's side.
"Robert, you're just psyching yourself out. Just pretend she's someone you already know."
Robert flinched even further like something scared him. Luther looked confused.
"What?", he asked.
"I was imagining her as our physical education teacher from the fifth grade and he had this really freaky mustache on his face."
Luther rolled his eyes.
"Oh for Heaven's sake let's just go for it."
And before Robert could stop him, Luther raised a hand and knocked twice on the door.
"Coming.", Carrie said from the other side of the door.
Luther gave his friend a thumbs up before walking off.
"Good luck Romeo.", he teased as he walked back to the room they shared.
Robert felt more nervous than ever as he heard the sounds of footsteps approaching the door. Before he turned away, the knob on the door turned and opened to reveal Carrie looking a bit nervous herself.
"Can I help you?", she asked.
Robert gulped.
"Um Carrie?", he asked still sweating, "I...I don't know how to say this."
Carrie raised an eyebrow.
"Robert? Are you okay?", she asked getting more than a tad worried.
"Carrie, I just wanted to know if you're available tonight?", Robert finally said before looking more nervous.
Carrie opened the door a bit further.
"Robert, are you asking me on a date?"
Robert sighed and looked humbled.
"Yeah.", he admitted, "What do you say?"
"I'm free on Friday at eight.", she answered.
"Done.", Robert said feeling his confidence again, "See you at that Humongo Burger?"
Carrie smiled and winked.
"Don't be late.", she told him as she closed the door slowly.
Robert sighed and walked back to his room only to find Luther already waiting for him.
"So, how did it go?", he asked eagerly.
"I'm dating this Friday.", Robert admitted.
Luther smiled as he opened the door to allow his friend in.
"You still got it.", he said as he followed Robert in and closing the door behind him.
-End Flashback-
Dr. Bolton took a moment to reflect that date he had.
"It was a date I'll never forget.", he admitted, "Carrie was wonderful and we learned that we had a lot in common."
He turned to see all four boys sound asleep. He chuckled as he draped each one with a blanket that they all had before settling himself for a snooze. Before he did, he took out his wallet and then a picture of him and Carrie at their wedding.
"Rest well my beloved.", he said before slipping the photo back, putting his wallet away and drifting off to sleep himself.
Not far off, Theo observed from the wing though nobody bothered to look in his direction and he knew they couldn't see him anyway.
"Yep, Mrs. Bolton would've been proud of what her boys have become.", he admitted, "See you back in Fission City sharks."
And with a flick of his wrist, Theo vanished like a phantom leaving nothing behind.