Ringing In The New Year: Part 2
"So, you're in the smart class at your school? That's so awesome," Hayley smiled up at Malcolm in adoration.
"Oh, I'm not really that smart. I'm just good at math," Malcolm blushed. "What brings you here?"
"My Uncle Craig works with your mom. He really seems to think highly of her," replied Hayley, sipping at the wine that Malcolm had stolen for her.
"Wait a second. Your uncle is Craig?"
"Yeah. Is something wrong?" Hayley's pretty face clouded over with worry.
"No, no, of course not. It's just that you and Craig are very…different from each other," said Malcolm. "Hey, you don't live in Nova Scotia, do you?"
"No silly! I only live a few minutes away from your mom's store," answered Hayley, slipping her hand into Malcolm.
Yes! He thought to himself. I love this girl! She's pretty, and smart, and pretty, and nice, and pretty, and sweet, and pretty! Hayley doesn't even live in Canada! We're totally meant for each other. I'm so happy!
"Well Craig, it was so nice of you to come," said Lois to her co-worker.
"Thanks so much for having me. My niece, Hayley, seems to be enjoying herself," Craig mumbled excitedly.
"How come you never mentioned her to me before?"
"I don't usually get to see her that much. She lives in a juvenile delinquent detention facility. Hayley is allowed out tonight because it's a holiday. Unfortunately, we have to send her back tomorrow," explained Craig.
"What did she do to get sent into the facility?" Lois asked.
"She killed her father. I take care of her now. Can I have some more pate?" Craig downed the rest of his wine and immediately reached for more.
"Hayley killed her father?" screeched Lois.
"Uh-huh. Murdered one of her boyfriends too. Quite sad, really." Craig gulped pate hungrily. Lois stared at the pretty girl her son was so obviously smitten with.
What am I going to tell Malcolm? Lois asked herself. He's going to start wondering why Hayley is never around. I know! I'll say that she's spending the month with her grandparents in Colorado. I'm sure I'll come up with another good excuse after the month is over.
"So, Jeff, what do you like to do?" Francis asked. Jeff had been good company up until a few minutes. Then he had spotted a pretty girl, and they were now making out on the couch. Needless to say, Jeff didn't respond.
"Well, this is just tons of fun," grumbled Francis. "This party sure is a lot better than hanging out with my friends at Marlin Academy. Life sucks."
Reese and Dewey seemed to be the only ones at the party who were having any fun. This was largely due to the fact that they had managed to consume two bottles of wine.
"You're a grand old flag, you're a high flying flag, and forever the freedom you wave," warbled Reese drunkenly. Dewey ran around his heels pretending to be a puppy.
"OUCH!" a woman shrieked, "Lois, your little boy bit me!"
Lois rushed over and yanked Dewey and Reese away. "Boys, you are in so much trouble!" she hissed.
When the ball at Times Square dropped, Hal was drinking, Lois was sighing, Francis was rolling his eyes, Malcolm and Hayley were gazing into each other's eyes, and Reese and Dewey were locked in their room.
Wow, Malcolm thought tonight hasn't been so bad!