It's late, so sit back & enjoy the latest chapter, in which the parents find out. I've put everything in here; I hope y'all like it. Sorry it's so late; since most of y'all are authors y'allselves, y'all know how hard it is to write dialogue & the family scenes were a bear.
Yes, Junior, I have put and continue to put a lot of time into this, more time than I have really. Kimmy Larisa, Lil Kimi, you figured it out. Cree Summer was also one of the voices for Mary Melody (Cindy McGee was the other); another cameo, another paycheck. And Joe Alaskey was Plucky, & Kath Soucie was Fifi. As a member in good standing of the TTA fanfic mailing list, I can vouch for her following. Nightw2, thank you too. Starry Nights, I thought you'd like that. I have more such in mind, but I won't be gratuitous about it; no doubt there'll be HA! fans who won't like it but what can you do. *shrug* Thanks for the reviews, y'all; please continue to read & review.
Rugrats is created, owned, & / or copyrighted by Klasky-Csupo & / or Nickelodeon, which in turn is owned by Viacom.
Time has passed; the footage of the press conference has long since ended. While the others talk as people at a party do, Didi is on the phone with her brother. A minute later, she returns to the party.
"That was Ben. The roads are finally thawed enough for them to get out of there; of course they won't get here for a couple of days yet."
"Whoever heard of a blizzard in April."
"They are in the Sierra Nevadas, Stu."
"Yeah, kind of the last blast of winter."
"Your brother's right, Mr. P. Late freezes happen in most places. There was this newspaper columnist in Little Rock, he referred to it as the frozen jonquil & snow tire festival."
"Oh, jonquils! Now there's a lovely flower."
"It can't beat good ol' Kentucky bluegrass."
"Oh, Stu, don't start that again."
"Hey, guys. What is this? A snow job? Hearts & flowers? Weren't you guys talking about something else?"
"Of course we were. My little brother."
"Bet you're proud, right, little brother?"
"Y'think?"
"Well, why wouldn't I be? Married for 30 years to the perfect woman--"
"Oh, Stu!"
"--and two wonderful sons, the first one succeeding me in the business & doing better than I've ever done..."
"Thanks, Dad."
"...and the second's getting paid a billion dollars to play ball. My life rocks."
"That second son also being an Olympic gold medallist, like my Kimi."
"Our Kimi, dear. And let's not forget who got him that contract, the executive producer and super agent to the stars."
"Hey, while we're at it, how 'bout them stars themselves?"
"Not to forget the people behind the stars. To the newest doctor in the family."
"And how about my Angelica. You just wait & see if she doesn't have my job in a decade or three."
That particular knot of party talkers had grown by the minute; by now every parent in the place was singing the praises of their respective offspring. Finally Drew called for attention.
"Yes, ladies & gentlemen, all of us have every reason to be proud. I'd defy the world to find another group of parents so blessed as we are. Allow me to sum it up. Ladies & gentlemen, our children!"
"Our children!"
"Hear hear!"
"Ladies & gentlemen!" Heads turned to the other side of the room, where Drew's nephew now took his turn in the spotlight. By now the younger generation had gathered around him & stood facing their parents. "I think that in accepting this toast, we should acknowledge those who made it possible: Stu, Didi, Drew & Charlotte Pickles, Chaz & Kira Finster, Betty & Howard Deville, Randy & Lucy Carmichael. Ladies & gentlemen, our parents!"
"Our parents!"
"Hear hear!"
The wine had barely left his throat --- and convincing Didi Pickles they were old enough to partake was a story in itself --- when Phil started the singalong again.
"I want you to know I know the truth,"
And the other young people, seeing where he was going, joined in:
"I would be nothing without you.
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings."
The song finished, the young adults held their empty glasses aloft and out, a silent tribute to their parents.
The latter had somewhat mixed reactions; clapping, smiles, tears --- silent & otherwise, eventually culminating in advancing toward their offspring. And a good time was hugged by all.
That was the highlight of the evening, or at the least the highlight of the portion of the evening at the Pickles available to a general audience. At the door, good-nights were being said.
"Now, don't stay up too late, little brother."
"You're one to talk. At least I'm still in my '50's."
"For the moment."
"Another wonderful party, Didi."
"Thanks, Charlotte."
"Um, Drew?"
"Yes, Stu?"
"Is it just my imagination or has Charlotte gone the whole evening without taking one business call?"
"She has. Even without Angelica here, this was a big occasion for her, somewhere between Ben & Elaine's wedding and Pop's funeral. She left orders not to be disturbed for six hours, which should be up right about--"
*RRRRIIIINNNNNGGG!!!!*
"--now."
"Yes, Jonathan? Well, so what if things piled up? If you can't handle a little crisis or two by now..."
"Gotta run, bro."
"You take care of yourself going home."
"You too."
"Um, Drew?"
"Yes, Stu?"
"This is my home."
"Oh yeah."
They both had a good laugh over that.
"Nothing like the old stuff, eh, bro?"
"Yeah, nothing like classic Blocky & Oxwinkle."
"Can't improve on that. Well, like I said, better be going."
"You take care of yourself--"
"Let's not go through that again." More laughter. "Good night, bro."
"It was wonderful having you over, Edwin."
"I also immensely enjoyed the experience, Mrs. Pickles. The evening has been an amusing and stimulating diversion."
"You know you're welcome around here anytime."
"I just might take you up on that, Mrs. Pickles. I would relish an extended foray of recreation, but that must be for the future. What awaits me for the present is an extended noctambulation to the educational institution that is my place of employment."
"Pasadena's not that far from here; don't be a stranger, Edwin."
"Yes ma'am. Good night, Mrs. Pickles."
"Good night. ... Oh, Stu."
"Didi. How much of what he said did you understand?"
"Stu, I am a teacher, remember?"
"Oh yeah. By the way, why do we host all the neighborhood parties?"
"We don't. Betty & Howard hosted our anniversary, remember?"
"Oh yeah. Is it just me or are we talking in circles?"
"Now that you mention it..."
"...and so, even though I was on the fence originally, it turned out that I had a wonderful time getting to know my new sister-in-law."
"The age gap doesn't bother you anymore."
"Or the fact that she & I are in the same business, kind of?"
"It doesn't, neither of them. She asked you for an autograph, Dad, how bad can she be?"
"She got you there, Randy."
"Besides, you got used to Tom's dad."
"True. Alright, Susie, we'll give her a chance."
"Could I have everyone's attention?"
That was Tom Pickles, in his old role of group leader.
"Now that everyone else has left & it's just the six of us & our parents, we'd like to get started with the main attraction of the evening's entertainment. If you would please be seated,"
With that, the parents' children maneuvered them into position. A second couch had been brought in for the occasion, & the two couches were now side by side in front of the tv. Due to directions from their offspring, the four couples found themselves in the couches. From left to right, it was the Carmichaels & the Devilles in one couch, the Finsters & the Pickles in the other. Their children sat on the floor in front of them except when needed at the tv.
Such a need now existed, as Tom was standing beside the tv. As soon as everyone else was comfortable, he began.
"Ladies & gentlemen, moms & dads, we now come to our feature presentation. Those who have left didn't even know about this activity because we wanted for the eight of you to be the first to see this. Phil, Lil, it's your show; if you would?"
He then sat on the floor in front of his parents, his place soon supplanted by the twins, after a stop on either side of young Finster, which left him short two hairs & in a small amount of pain. Lil led off.
"Ladies & gentlemen,"
"moms & dads,"
"we proudly present,"
"for the first time anywhere,"
"the season finale,"
"of DareDevilles."
"Presented almost live & with no commecial interruptions."
"And since it's commercial-free, Tommy, would you like to bring us a word from our sponsor?"
Grinning ear to ear, Tom was on his feet again before the Devilles had moved. "I really don't think that's necessary, Phil. Why by now everyone is well acquainted with Pickles Toys & knows just what..."
As he went into his spiel, to the amusement of & not a little laughter from the others, Lil drew Phil to the side.
"Very crafty, Phillip!"
"Thanks, Lillian. But what are you talking about?"
"This is connected with your letting him borrow some of your CDs of old radio programs, isn't it?"
"It was just a few episodes of Fibber McGee & Molly. That Harlow Wilcox was a genius at slipping a commercial into any & every situation, & he was mighty stubborn about it too."
"Clever."
"Thank you very much."
"You ain't nothin' but a hound dog."
"Better not let Mrs. P. hear you."
"Remind me to kill you later."
"I think I hear him finishing. You're up."
"Asia."
"Yes."
"No."
"Was."
"Not was. Now if we're finished with that..."
Phil would have responded, but he would have been tlaking to his sister's back; so he followed her instead as they took their places again on either side of the tv, in the space now vacated for the second time by the junior toymaker.
"Thank you, Tommy. Someone remind me to kill Phillip for that later."
"Not going to happen, Lillian!"
"Would you please speak in complete sentences? We have a teacher in the audience." That brought chuckles, as well as a couple pats on the back for a beaming Didi Pickles.
Phil continued the introductory remarks. "Now folks, you're going to see some dangerous situations; such as are the norm on DareDevilles, and then some."
"Just remember, we survived all of the dangers and then some; otherwise we wouldn't be here."
"And now, with no further delay, for the first time anywhere, the season finale of DareDevilles."
It was an above average episode of the show. Considering that it was the season finale, it had better be. The audience of eight 'ooh'ed & 'aah'ed, thrilled & feared, as the twins & their friend Tom & Kimi braved the dangers of the Andes mountain range, climbing the Bolivian mountains of Cerro Nuevo Mundo, and V. Ollague & Tocorpuri, both on the Bolivian-Chilean border. More than one parent grabbed onto their offspring in fright as the hazards they underwent played out on the screen.
In due course of time the show came to an end, a little early.
"Hey, isn't it ending a bit soon?" asked Stu.
"He's right. I know tv & I can tell you you guys are going short here." Randy confirmed.
"But I don't play football anymore, Mr. C." Tom wisecracked.
"Thanks for that, Tommy. Dad, it's the season finale; something special's planned." Susie said. With that information, the group sat in anticipation; eight of how it would end, six of how the eight would react.
Lil: "And so we come to the end of another episode of DareDevilles."
Phil: "It's also the end of this season. But we will be back next season."
Lil: "And starting next season you'll be able to tune us in no matter where you go in the world."
Phil: "But that's not the only change ahead for us."
Lil: "In line with this being the season finale, some even more important changes are on the horizon."
Phil: "The best part is that these changes were kind of unexpected."
Lil: "That's right. We didn't know they were going to happen; they just did, last week."
Phil: "But despite them being unexpected, we wouldn't wish any one of them away."
Lil: "So right you are. Because these changes will not only affect this show, they'll change our lives forever."
By now the attention of the elders was riveted to the set.
"That's quite a buildup." Stu commented.
Betty wasn't quite so patient. "Yeah, enough of this; are you pups gonna drop the big news any time soon?"
An appropriate response came from the two day old versions of her children.
Phil: "We heard that, Mom."
Lil: "And we're getting to it." That silenced her, a rare occasion.
Phil: "But this news is so big we're going to need help in announcing it."
Lil: "To help us, let's bring out our guests again."
Phil: "Ladies & gentlemen, Tom Pickles of Pickles Toys,"
Lil: "And 'Kamikaze' Kimi Watanabe-Finster."
Phil: "Sorry, Mrs. F; she made us say it."
That last sentence was said for a good reason. Kira had never liked her daughter's choice of a nickname; she now renewed her criticism in whispers.
"Kimi-chan, when will you stop this trivializing of your heritage?"
"Mama-san, you know the love & respect I have for my heritage. I just like that nickname; I think it's cool."
"Hmph." They just disagreed.
Tom & Kimi now joined their friends on tape.
Lil: "Guys, unless we're mistaken we have three announcements to make."
Phil: "And the two of you are to make one of them."
Tom: "That's right, Phil & Lil. Last week, when we were exploring in the mountains, I asked Kimi to marry me."
Kimi: "And I accepted. We are now destined to be sweeties for life."
"WHAT?"
"Oh, my goodness!"
Didi fainted.
"Whoa, now that's an announcement!"
Lil: "That's wonderful, you two."
Phil: "It goes without saying that we know & hope you two will be very happy together."
Lil: "As earth-shattering as that is, there's something else we need to say, if you don't mind."
Kimi: "No, not at all."
Tom: "Go ahead."
Phil: "If you will, sis."
Lil (calling off to the side): "Chuck? Would you please come here?"
Seconds later, they were joined by Kimi's big brother.
Lil: "Ladies & gentlemen, I'd like you to meet our agent & producer, C.C. 'Chuck' Finster III, super agent to the stars including us. He's also Kimi's brother. Chuckie, would you tell the people watching us at home what was going on while Tom & Kimi were in the mountains last week?"
Chuck: "Sure, Lil. At the same time, I was asking you to be my wife."
Lil: "And did I say I would?"
Chuck: "Yes you did."
"GREAT EVONNE GOOLAGONG!!!"
Howard joined Didi in Lala-land; Chaz & Kira were speechless. More than one elder had hand over mouth, eyes wide open. As the final scene was initiated on tv, all of those who were still conscious were on the edges of their seats, especially Randy & Lucy Carmichael. They'd been putting the pieces together --- three big announcements, two engagements involving four of the six youngsters in the room, one announcement to go, two including their own still unattached for the moment --- and knew what was coming.
The two couples were hugging --- Tom & Chuck, Kimi & Lil. And Phil was hugging both couples. Then they moved to the side, leaving Phil alone, for the moment.
Lil: "Now Phillip, I think you have an announcement too?"
Phil: "That would make it three, Lillian. (calls to the other side) Doc? Would you please come out here?"
Susie did.
Phil: "Ladies & gentlemen, I'd like for you to meet our medical consultant, Dr. Susie Carmichael. Basically, she puts us back together after these accidents we get into. And we've gotten into so many that last week she was able to finish her residency early so she's now a full-fledged doctor ready for private practice; we had to give her a raise to keep her. Not that we mind; she's been looking out for us since we were babies. But that's not all she is; last week, at the same time that Tom & Kimi and Chuck & my sister were getting together, I proposed to her."
Susie: "A proposal I accepted."
By now everything was at sixes & sevens on both couches. Looks passed between the occupants, all conversation was hushed & in disbelief.
Lil: "What we're trying to say is, Chuckie, how would you put it?"
Chuckie: "We're ALL getting married!"
Phil: "That's right, future brother-in-law. By the time we return to the air in fall, the six of us --- who have been best friends with each other all of our lives, or pretty nearly that at least --- will have formed three happily married couples."
Lil: "Hopefully, we'll all still be on our honeymoons by then."
*smiles & laughter*
Phil: "So join us then, as we embark on the greatest adventure of them all: married life."
Lil: "See you next time, on..."
all: "DareDevilles!"
By then, Didi & Howard had revived. As the tape went blank, played on to the end, and automatically rewound; silence held sway in the Pickles living room. Someone had to break the silence; as head of the host household, Stu took it upon himself to do so.
"Wow. Well, I'd say it's a pretty safe guess that all of us need to have a little family talk about now. Let's see. Tommy, if you'd come upstairs with your mother & me. Chaz, Kira, you can talk in the kitchen. The rest of you pick a side of this room; I think it's big enough for two family talks."
As the respective families moved toward their corners, so to speak, Tom piped up.
"Um, before we disperse, you parents might want to consider that whatever you might say about the intended of your child, their parents are still in the house, probably saying something similar to their child about, us. Just, um, keep that in mind."
"Nice going, Tom." Chuck commented, trailing behind his parents. As they left the living room he was muttering, "We're doomed, we're doomed."
"Oh, Tommy, don't you think you're a bit young to be getting married?"
"Mom, I'm 26 years old! There's people my age who're halfway through with raising their own kids!"
"But still..."
"For crying out loud, we're out of high school, out of college, we have our own careers going, Mom, we're not babies anymore."
"He is wonderful, don't you agree?"
"Well..."
"And he thinks the world of the two of you."
"And we think the world of him."
"So you approve."
"Well..."
"Big brother? A little help here?"
"I've brought proof of how we're doing; we can well afford to do this; financially, emotionally--"
"We're all very mature now, even me."
"I wouldn't go that far."
"What's that?"
"Nothing. It's like my sister says..."
"Chuck & I are agreed; we can handle this."
"Are you going to keep your name when you get married?"
"I don't know; you didn't."
"She's got you there, Mom."
"Dad? Are you going to say anything?"
"Um..."
"Not now, Howard. Now let's get to your fiancee, Phil."
"What about her?"
"Darling, we wouldn't be your parents who care about you if we didn't mention this."
"And I appreciate that, Mom. What are you two talking about?"
"Have you considered what you might be letting yourself in for by marrying a--"
"A celebrity?"
"Well..."
"Right, a celebrity. Thanks for letting us off the hook."
"You're welcome. But I know what you're talking about. We've gone over this ourselves, a lot."
"We've no illusions about what might happen, but we've decided to face whatever comes together. And we'll be better able to handle it for being together; that makes sense, doesn't it?"
"Well, yes it does, I think..."
"I think they look adorable together."
"Look who's talking, miss kawai. That's what his mother calls her."
"Yes, Lil is very kawai. But you realize there's more to such a relationship as you are contemplating than looks."
"I know. I also know how high she is in your regard."
"You can't deny that you think the world of her, Mom. And it's mutual, and I know whereof I speak; she is my best friend after all. I've heard her go on about you two so many times..."
"We do think the world of her..."
"She reminds me a lot of you in a lot of ways."
"That's very flattering."
"Have I mentioned that Tom thinks the world of you, too?"
"Might part of the reason be that she just happens to be your best friend's sister?"
"If that were even in the equation, we wouldn't be best friends for long. I realize what any sort of falling out could do to the whole group; it's almost happened a couple of times at least. I won't do anything to jeopardize that, I won't do anything to jeopardize
my love for her, and neither one is a threat to the other."
"She really means that much to you."
"Yes. I'm even willing to put up with the in-laws, and so is she, no offense."
"None taken."
"Her parents are such dears."
"I agree; he's told me he prefers you as a mother-in-law to the one I'm getting, Mom. Of course, I like the mother-in-law I'm getting."
"You know you like both of them, both of you. And Grandma & Grandpa liked Tom too."
"Well, of course my parents loved it when he was over & they were over & they took to him almost as much as they did to your brother, but that was before your time."
"I don't mean them; I mean my other grandparents."
"My mom & dad?"
"Yes; they told me to hold on to him & not let him get away."
"Wow! That's more than I got from them."
"Oh, koidi-do..."
"So if you're good enough, Dad, so is he. And you are definitely good enough."
"Thanks. Now, about Lil."
"What about her? Won't she make the perfect daughter-in-law? Could you possibly ask for anything more?"
"No, but--"
"There is the fact that you're her agent, Charlie."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"So you have no problem marrying your agent."
"Why should I? There's no one I'd trust more, with my career or with my life."
"And there's no one I'd trust more either. Susie's been looking out for all of us all our lives, & now she wants to concentrate on me; do you realize how lucky I am that she loves me?"
"It's like he said on tv, I've been saving their butts since those butts were in diapers."
"You did use to babysit them."
"They're not babies anymore, especially him."
"So the age difference doesn't bother you."
"Buster & Timberly have an age difference, eleven years, & I got used to that. You call two years an age difference? That's nothing! If you're looking for reasons for me not to marry him you'll have to try harder."
"No no, it's not that. It's just that..."
"Look, he's been there for me through some rough times in my life. I know I can trust him, with my heart, with my life."
"She's the best thing to ever happen to me. I was adrift before it occurred to me to think of her in that way, before she thought of me in that way. And without her I'd still be lost."
"I've heard him talk like this before, and I can tell you that he believes every word of it. He needs her, just like I need Chuck."
"I couldn't imagine life without Lil. We were there for each other at the lowest point in our lives; she needs me & I need her."
"And I need Tom."
"She's the only one who really understands me. She understands me better than even Dil does, better than Grandpa or Spike did & you know that for me that's saying a lot."
"*sigh* Oh, Tommy..."
"What? Haven't you run out of objections yet? Or is it that you have run out & you know there's nothing more you can say & you're just hoping I'll back down if you look & sound sufficiently upset? For no good reason, I might add."
"Tom, that's enough; there's no call for you to talk to your mother like that."
"And there's no cause for her to still be treating me like a child. Mom, I heard what you said before, how we'll always be babies to you; well that might be how you see us, but that's not reality. We are not babies; I am not a baby. And neither is Dil. It's time to let go."
"I don't know if I can."
"We'd rather do this with you than without you, and you know we can & will do this either way. I just want to know that you two approve, not because it's required, but because you're my parents & I want you to be there."
"You're well aware that we could do this ourselves, but we don't want to."
"Charlie, I've never seen you so forceful, guy."
"You've never seen him in action at work. He didn't come to be the super agent to the stars by playing softball; at work, he's a tiger. Also, when something means enough to him, like now."
"You know that we need nothing from you. We could go off somewhere, find a preacher or J.P. or notary or whatever, & get married. But we want your blessing. You know that we're mature enough & financially stable enough to enter into this, & we wouldn't be your children if we desired this with someone we didn't love with all our hearts."
"And in my case, you know that if there was any reason at all to doubt that Tom was perfect for me, big brother here would be the first to spot it & to do something about it."
"She's right; I would."
"You could search the whole world & not find two better matches for us than the two we have chosen. You do like Susie & Chuck, we know that. All we want is that you would accept them as your son- & daughter-in-law."
"Please, Mom & Dad?"
"Don't make us go this alone, without you. I want you in the bride room with me & in that second pew on the left, Mommy. Daddy, I want you to give me away as is only right for the father of the bride to do."
"There there, darling. Of course we'll be there."
"If this is your choice, then we're behind you all the way."
"You pups sound serious enough about this that we'll back you, right Howard?"
"Yes, dear."
"We only want what's best for you, we always have; and if you truly believe in your hearts of hearts that the best is Tom & Lil, we would be wrong to resist it."
"Of course we support your decision."
"How about it, Deed? Are we behind this?"
"*sob* *nod* *sniffle*"
"I think that's a yes."
"It's agreed, then. So as soon as I can pry her off of you we'll go down & talk with the others; I think they'll be winding up about now."
And so it was that everyone returned to the middle of the living room to share their decisions with the others. That all four families finished as exactly the same time could be taken as another sign for those who believe in such things.
The seniors came to a stop, but their young didn't. Each approached, then passed, their intended. When they stopped, each was facing their their intended parents-in-law.
Kimi: "Mr. & Mrs. Pickles, I love your son."
Tom: "And I love your daughter, Mr. & Mrs. Finster."
Lil: "We want to get married so much."
Chuck: "And we want your blessings."
Susie: "We want you to be there for us, all of you."
Phil: "What do you say, sirs, ma'ams, all of you?"
Once again, silence held sway. Looks passed between all eight parents, as though they were communicating telepathically.
Randy was the first to break the silence. "I'd say we're all of the same mind. While we're concerned, it's only because we want the best for our children, who are not children anymore & haven't been for years. They've made their decisions, and we also want to stay on their good sides."
"All of us have been best friends all these years." Betty seconded. "I guess we'd better get used to being in-laws."
The next few minutes were lost in a flurry of hugging; parents hugging offspring, parents hugging each other, future in-laws hugging, Pickles, Finster, Deville, Carmichael, all. Everyone hugged everyone, with a good deal of weeping in the bargain.
When the hugfest finally slowed somewhat, there was still a bit of a mystery, to which Howard gave voice.
"There's just one thing I don't get here."
"Well, for you that's doing pretty good, Howie."
"I'm serious."
"What is it, Dad?" asked Phil.
"You say we're the first to know of these engagements."
"Yes." Lil confirmed.
"So while the six of you were in the shot, who was holding the camera?"
As Tom broke away to move toward the front door, his peers smiled, especially the twins.
"He figured it out." Lil said to her brother.
Who responded, "He's smarter than we gave him credit for."
"Yeah, I'm smarter than-- Hey!"
Phil ignored that last word. "Alright. We did tell one other person, but only because we needed help to finish this episode."
Lil continued. "And that person is..." At this point, Tom opened the door to reveal...
"UNCLE FREDDY'S HERE!!!"
As the blond beardshell that was Betty's brother bounded into the house like the not-so-young noise he was.
"FREDDY!"
"Where are those pups? Lemme at'em!"
Phil & Lil squealed in delight as their uncle marched straight to & lifted both of them in a crushing hug as was his wont, to which they responded in kind. Their mother wasn't far behind.
"Ah, look at these pups. And now they're gonna start their own litters; who's the proudest uncle in the world?"
"Drew Pickles, as soon as he finds out." whispered Tom to Chuck.
Who whispered back: "Nah, he just has one relative getting hitched."
"True, but he's already married off his daughter."
"Doesn't count."
Five minutes later, the newcomer had been settled in the group's midst.
"So that's why we couldn't get in touch with you, you were already on the way!"
"That's right, Betts. Out of nowhere, I get a call from the executive producer of my favorite show, asking if I'd be interested in a short-term gig as a cameraman. Well, I told him I didn't have any experience, but he talked me into it & I'm glad he did. We had to do that two or three times I was shaking so hard at first, especially when they dropped the bombshell the first time. I could barely keep my hands steady."
"He insisted on us having a party to celebrate; I had to miss out on most of it." informed Chuck.
"But I made sure to get in his share of the partying. Boy, I'll tell you I couldn't be happier about all this, right, older sister?"
Betty's expression changed somewhat; this was familiar territory to her. "That's right, Freddy bear. Only I'm not your older sister; you're my big brother."
"Here we go again." Howard declared.
"No, you're the older sister."
"No, you're the big brother."
"You're older."
"No, you are."
"You are."
"You are."
"You are!"
"You are!"
"You are!"
"YOU ARE, FREDERICK!"
"YOU ARE, ELIZABETH!"
"Whoa! So that's where we get it from!" Phil interrupted.
Lil also cut in. "Wait, does that mean you two are twins?"
"With names like Betty & Freddy what did you expect? I'm surprised you pups didn't figure it out by now." said Betty.
Which her brother confirmed. "And we never have figured out who came first. Each of us is convinced the other is older. Of course, I'm right."
"In your dreams, Freddy bear."
"We can relate, kind of." Didi said. "Tom & Kimi happened to be born on the same day."
"And Didi & I have been trying to figure out which was born first ever since their second birthday." Kira continued.
"Oh, so that would make them twins?"
"Virtual twins!" came from both of the current subjects of conversation.
"There's absolutely no relationship between us." Tom assured Freddy.
"Not yet." Kimi finished.
"If I might ask," Kira interrupted, "I am happy to see you, Mr.--"
"Call me Freddy; everyone does."
"Alright. We are happy to see you, but why were you the one they told?"
"Doc, do you want to tell them?" Phil asked.
Heads turned in Susie's direction. "Alright. Actually, we got the idea from Aunt T."
"Aunt T?" her mother asked in puzzlement.
"Yes. Her Bible wasn't all she left me; there were a number of books, including one on African wedding traditions."
"You see," said Tom, "since all of us were getting married together we wanted all of our heritages to be represented: Jewish, Japanese, African, et cetera."
"We're the et cetera." chorused the Devilles.
"There's an Ashanti tradition that the groom's mother & her brother would go to the bride's family to propose." said Susie.
"Well, as a groom's mother I'm glad you finally told me about this." said Betty.
"So we put our own twist on things." Phil defended.
"We're going to bring in stuff from everywhere, but we're going to adapt them for us." Kimi explained.
"We're looking at the chupoe, saki, jumping the broom, you name it, it's under consideration." Chuck said.
"You know, it could just as easily have been Ben as Freddy." Didi realized.
"It could have been, if he hadn't been snowbound." came from her son.
That got Freddy's attention. "Wait, your brother's name is Ben?"
Didi nodded.
"That's my son's name." With that, his wallet came out. "There he is, with his sister Jeri. And that's their mother, my wife Maple. And here's a family picture."
"It looks like a beautiful family." Didi opined.
"I'd put them up against any family here, no offense anyone."
"None taken." several voices chorused.
"They'll be here in a few days, incidentally."
"Where have you been staying, Fred?"
"Fort DareDeville, gettin' to know the pups."
"Well, you just come home with us. The pups won't mind."
The party continued in this vein into the wee smalls. When the last of the guests had finally departed it was 2:00 in the morning, and Stu & Didi managed to grope their way to bed. Before she laid down, Didi picked up the phone.
"Long distance? I'll need to be put in touch with the international operator. -- Yes. -- Paris, France, please. -- Thank you.-- "
Well (am I using that word too much?), we're almost there; next chapter, Angelica finds out. Please continue to review. I'm Nftnat, on e-mail I'm nftnat@aol.com & on IM I'm Nftnat . That's it; cy'all.
Yes, Junior, I have put and continue to put a lot of time into this, more time than I have really. Kimmy Larisa, Lil Kimi, you figured it out. Cree Summer was also one of the voices for Mary Melody (Cindy McGee was the other); another cameo, another paycheck. And Joe Alaskey was Plucky, & Kath Soucie was Fifi. As a member in good standing of the TTA fanfic mailing list, I can vouch for her following. Nightw2, thank you too. Starry Nights, I thought you'd like that. I have more such in mind, but I won't be gratuitous about it; no doubt there'll be HA! fans who won't like it but what can you do. *shrug* Thanks for the reviews, y'all; please continue to read & review.
Rugrats is created, owned, & / or copyrighted by Klasky-Csupo & / or Nickelodeon, which in turn is owned by Viacom.
Time has passed; the footage of the press conference has long since ended. While the others talk as people at a party do, Didi is on the phone with her brother. A minute later, she returns to the party.
"That was Ben. The roads are finally thawed enough for them to get out of there; of course they won't get here for a couple of days yet."
"Whoever heard of a blizzard in April."
"They are in the Sierra Nevadas, Stu."
"Yeah, kind of the last blast of winter."
"Your brother's right, Mr. P. Late freezes happen in most places. There was this newspaper columnist in Little Rock, he referred to it as the frozen jonquil & snow tire festival."
"Oh, jonquils! Now there's a lovely flower."
"It can't beat good ol' Kentucky bluegrass."
"Oh, Stu, don't start that again."
"Hey, guys. What is this? A snow job? Hearts & flowers? Weren't you guys talking about something else?"
"Of course we were. My little brother."
"Bet you're proud, right, little brother?"
"Y'think?"
"Well, why wouldn't I be? Married for 30 years to the perfect woman--"
"Oh, Stu!"
"--and two wonderful sons, the first one succeeding me in the business & doing better than I've ever done..."
"Thanks, Dad."
"...and the second's getting paid a billion dollars to play ball. My life rocks."
"That second son also being an Olympic gold medallist, like my Kimi."
"Our Kimi, dear. And let's not forget who got him that contract, the executive producer and super agent to the stars."
"Hey, while we're at it, how 'bout them stars themselves?"
"Not to forget the people behind the stars. To the newest doctor in the family."
"And how about my Angelica. You just wait & see if she doesn't have my job in a decade or three."
That particular knot of party talkers had grown by the minute; by now every parent in the place was singing the praises of their respective offspring. Finally Drew called for attention.
"Yes, ladies & gentlemen, all of us have every reason to be proud. I'd defy the world to find another group of parents so blessed as we are. Allow me to sum it up. Ladies & gentlemen, our children!"
"Our children!"
"Hear hear!"
"Ladies & gentlemen!" Heads turned to the other side of the room, where Drew's nephew now took his turn in the spotlight. By now the younger generation had gathered around him & stood facing their parents. "I think that in accepting this toast, we should acknowledge those who made it possible: Stu, Didi, Drew & Charlotte Pickles, Chaz & Kira Finster, Betty & Howard Deville, Randy & Lucy Carmichael. Ladies & gentlemen, our parents!"
"Our parents!"
"Hear hear!"
The wine had barely left his throat --- and convincing Didi Pickles they were old enough to partake was a story in itself --- when Phil started the singalong again.
"I want you to know I know the truth,"
And the other young people, seeing where he was going, joined in:
"I would be nothing without you.
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings."
The song finished, the young adults held their empty glasses aloft and out, a silent tribute to their parents.
The latter had somewhat mixed reactions; clapping, smiles, tears --- silent & otherwise, eventually culminating in advancing toward their offspring. And a good time was hugged by all.
That was the highlight of the evening, or at the least the highlight of the portion of the evening at the Pickles available to a general audience. At the door, good-nights were being said.
"Now, don't stay up too late, little brother."
"You're one to talk. At least I'm still in my '50's."
"For the moment."
"Another wonderful party, Didi."
"Thanks, Charlotte."
"Um, Drew?"
"Yes, Stu?"
"Is it just my imagination or has Charlotte gone the whole evening without taking one business call?"
"She has. Even without Angelica here, this was a big occasion for her, somewhere between Ben & Elaine's wedding and Pop's funeral. She left orders not to be disturbed for six hours, which should be up right about--"
*RRRRIIIINNNNNGGG!!!!*
"--now."
"Yes, Jonathan? Well, so what if things piled up? If you can't handle a little crisis or two by now..."
"Gotta run, bro."
"You take care of yourself going home."
"You too."
"Um, Drew?"
"Yes, Stu?"
"This is my home."
"Oh yeah."
They both had a good laugh over that.
"Nothing like the old stuff, eh, bro?"
"Yeah, nothing like classic Blocky & Oxwinkle."
"Can't improve on that. Well, like I said, better be going."
"You take care of yourself--"
"Let's not go through that again." More laughter. "Good night, bro."
"It was wonderful having you over, Edwin."
"I also immensely enjoyed the experience, Mrs. Pickles. The evening has been an amusing and stimulating diversion."
"You know you're welcome around here anytime."
"I just might take you up on that, Mrs. Pickles. I would relish an extended foray of recreation, but that must be for the future. What awaits me for the present is an extended noctambulation to the educational institution that is my place of employment."
"Pasadena's not that far from here; don't be a stranger, Edwin."
"Yes ma'am. Good night, Mrs. Pickles."
"Good night. ... Oh, Stu."
"Didi. How much of what he said did you understand?"
"Stu, I am a teacher, remember?"
"Oh yeah. By the way, why do we host all the neighborhood parties?"
"We don't. Betty & Howard hosted our anniversary, remember?"
"Oh yeah. Is it just me or are we talking in circles?"
"Now that you mention it..."
"...and so, even though I was on the fence originally, it turned out that I had a wonderful time getting to know my new sister-in-law."
"The age gap doesn't bother you anymore."
"Or the fact that she & I are in the same business, kind of?"
"It doesn't, neither of them. She asked you for an autograph, Dad, how bad can she be?"
"She got you there, Randy."
"Besides, you got used to Tom's dad."
"True. Alright, Susie, we'll give her a chance."
"Could I have everyone's attention?"
That was Tom Pickles, in his old role of group leader.
"Now that everyone else has left & it's just the six of us & our parents, we'd like to get started with the main attraction of the evening's entertainment. If you would please be seated,"
With that, the parents' children maneuvered them into position. A second couch had been brought in for the occasion, & the two couches were now side by side in front of the tv. Due to directions from their offspring, the four couples found themselves in the couches. From left to right, it was the Carmichaels & the Devilles in one couch, the Finsters & the Pickles in the other. Their children sat on the floor in front of them except when needed at the tv.
Such a need now existed, as Tom was standing beside the tv. As soon as everyone else was comfortable, he began.
"Ladies & gentlemen, moms & dads, we now come to our feature presentation. Those who have left didn't even know about this activity because we wanted for the eight of you to be the first to see this. Phil, Lil, it's your show; if you would?"
He then sat on the floor in front of his parents, his place soon supplanted by the twins, after a stop on either side of young Finster, which left him short two hairs & in a small amount of pain. Lil led off.
"Ladies & gentlemen,"
"moms & dads,"
"we proudly present,"
"for the first time anywhere,"
"the season finale,"
"of DareDevilles."
"Presented almost live & with no commecial interruptions."
"And since it's commercial-free, Tommy, would you like to bring us a word from our sponsor?"
Grinning ear to ear, Tom was on his feet again before the Devilles had moved. "I really don't think that's necessary, Phil. Why by now everyone is well acquainted with Pickles Toys & knows just what..."
As he went into his spiel, to the amusement of & not a little laughter from the others, Lil drew Phil to the side.
"Very crafty, Phillip!"
"Thanks, Lillian. But what are you talking about?"
"This is connected with your letting him borrow some of your CDs of old radio programs, isn't it?"
"It was just a few episodes of Fibber McGee & Molly. That Harlow Wilcox was a genius at slipping a commercial into any & every situation, & he was mighty stubborn about it too."
"Clever."
"Thank you very much."
"You ain't nothin' but a hound dog."
"Better not let Mrs. P. hear you."
"Remind me to kill you later."
"I think I hear him finishing. You're up."
"Asia."
"Yes."
"No."
"Was."
"Not was. Now if we're finished with that..."
Phil would have responded, but he would have been tlaking to his sister's back; so he followed her instead as they took their places again on either side of the tv, in the space now vacated for the second time by the junior toymaker.
"Thank you, Tommy. Someone remind me to kill Phillip for that later."
"Not going to happen, Lillian!"
"Would you please speak in complete sentences? We have a teacher in the audience." That brought chuckles, as well as a couple pats on the back for a beaming Didi Pickles.
Phil continued the introductory remarks. "Now folks, you're going to see some dangerous situations; such as are the norm on DareDevilles, and then some."
"Just remember, we survived all of the dangers and then some; otherwise we wouldn't be here."
"And now, with no further delay, for the first time anywhere, the season finale of DareDevilles."
It was an above average episode of the show. Considering that it was the season finale, it had better be. The audience of eight 'ooh'ed & 'aah'ed, thrilled & feared, as the twins & their friend Tom & Kimi braved the dangers of the Andes mountain range, climbing the Bolivian mountains of Cerro Nuevo Mundo, and V. Ollague & Tocorpuri, both on the Bolivian-Chilean border. More than one parent grabbed onto their offspring in fright as the hazards they underwent played out on the screen.
In due course of time the show came to an end, a little early.
"Hey, isn't it ending a bit soon?" asked Stu.
"He's right. I know tv & I can tell you you guys are going short here." Randy confirmed.
"But I don't play football anymore, Mr. C." Tom wisecracked.
"Thanks for that, Tommy. Dad, it's the season finale; something special's planned." Susie said. With that information, the group sat in anticipation; eight of how it would end, six of how the eight would react.
Lil: "And so we come to the end of another episode of DareDevilles."
Phil: "It's also the end of this season. But we will be back next season."
Lil: "And starting next season you'll be able to tune us in no matter where you go in the world."
Phil: "But that's not the only change ahead for us."
Lil: "In line with this being the season finale, some even more important changes are on the horizon."
Phil: "The best part is that these changes were kind of unexpected."
Lil: "That's right. We didn't know they were going to happen; they just did, last week."
Phil: "But despite them being unexpected, we wouldn't wish any one of them away."
Lil: "So right you are. Because these changes will not only affect this show, they'll change our lives forever."
By now the attention of the elders was riveted to the set.
"That's quite a buildup." Stu commented.
Betty wasn't quite so patient. "Yeah, enough of this; are you pups gonna drop the big news any time soon?"
An appropriate response came from the two day old versions of her children.
Phil: "We heard that, Mom."
Lil: "And we're getting to it." That silenced her, a rare occasion.
Phil: "But this news is so big we're going to need help in announcing it."
Lil: "To help us, let's bring out our guests again."
Phil: "Ladies & gentlemen, Tom Pickles of Pickles Toys,"
Lil: "And 'Kamikaze' Kimi Watanabe-Finster."
Phil: "Sorry, Mrs. F; she made us say it."
That last sentence was said for a good reason. Kira had never liked her daughter's choice of a nickname; she now renewed her criticism in whispers.
"Kimi-chan, when will you stop this trivializing of your heritage?"
"Mama-san, you know the love & respect I have for my heritage. I just like that nickname; I think it's cool."
"Hmph." They just disagreed.
Tom & Kimi now joined their friends on tape.
Lil: "Guys, unless we're mistaken we have three announcements to make."
Phil: "And the two of you are to make one of them."
Tom: "That's right, Phil & Lil. Last week, when we were exploring in the mountains, I asked Kimi to marry me."
Kimi: "And I accepted. We are now destined to be sweeties for life."
"WHAT?"
"Oh, my goodness!"
Didi fainted.
"Whoa, now that's an announcement!"
Lil: "That's wonderful, you two."
Phil: "It goes without saying that we know & hope you two will be very happy together."
Lil: "As earth-shattering as that is, there's something else we need to say, if you don't mind."
Kimi: "No, not at all."
Tom: "Go ahead."
Phil: "If you will, sis."
Lil (calling off to the side): "Chuck? Would you please come here?"
Seconds later, they were joined by Kimi's big brother.
Lil: "Ladies & gentlemen, I'd like you to meet our agent & producer, C.C. 'Chuck' Finster III, super agent to the stars including us. He's also Kimi's brother. Chuckie, would you tell the people watching us at home what was going on while Tom & Kimi were in the mountains last week?"
Chuck: "Sure, Lil. At the same time, I was asking you to be my wife."
Lil: "And did I say I would?"
Chuck: "Yes you did."
"GREAT EVONNE GOOLAGONG!!!"
Howard joined Didi in Lala-land; Chaz & Kira were speechless. More than one elder had hand over mouth, eyes wide open. As the final scene was initiated on tv, all of those who were still conscious were on the edges of their seats, especially Randy & Lucy Carmichael. They'd been putting the pieces together --- three big announcements, two engagements involving four of the six youngsters in the room, one announcement to go, two including their own still unattached for the moment --- and knew what was coming.
The two couples were hugging --- Tom & Chuck, Kimi & Lil. And Phil was hugging both couples. Then they moved to the side, leaving Phil alone, for the moment.
Lil: "Now Phillip, I think you have an announcement too?"
Phil: "That would make it three, Lillian. (calls to the other side) Doc? Would you please come out here?"
Susie did.
Phil: "Ladies & gentlemen, I'd like for you to meet our medical consultant, Dr. Susie Carmichael. Basically, she puts us back together after these accidents we get into. And we've gotten into so many that last week she was able to finish her residency early so she's now a full-fledged doctor ready for private practice; we had to give her a raise to keep her. Not that we mind; she's been looking out for us since we were babies. But that's not all she is; last week, at the same time that Tom & Kimi and Chuck & my sister were getting together, I proposed to her."
Susie: "A proposal I accepted."
By now everything was at sixes & sevens on both couches. Looks passed between the occupants, all conversation was hushed & in disbelief.
Lil: "What we're trying to say is, Chuckie, how would you put it?"
Chuckie: "We're ALL getting married!"
Phil: "That's right, future brother-in-law. By the time we return to the air in fall, the six of us --- who have been best friends with each other all of our lives, or pretty nearly that at least --- will have formed three happily married couples."
Lil: "Hopefully, we'll all still be on our honeymoons by then."
*smiles & laughter*
Phil: "So join us then, as we embark on the greatest adventure of them all: married life."
Lil: "See you next time, on..."
all: "DareDevilles!"
By then, Didi & Howard had revived. As the tape went blank, played on to the end, and automatically rewound; silence held sway in the Pickles living room. Someone had to break the silence; as head of the host household, Stu took it upon himself to do so.
"Wow. Well, I'd say it's a pretty safe guess that all of us need to have a little family talk about now. Let's see. Tommy, if you'd come upstairs with your mother & me. Chaz, Kira, you can talk in the kitchen. The rest of you pick a side of this room; I think it's big enough for two family talks."
As the respective families moved toward their corners, so to speak, Tom piped up.
"Um, before we disperse, you parents might want to consider that whatever you might say about the intended of your child, their parents are still in the house, probably saying something similar to their child about, us. Just, um, keep that in mind."
"Nice going, Tom." Chuck commented, trailing behind his parents. As they left the living room he was muttering, "We're doomed, we're doomed."
"Oh, Tommy, don't you think you're a bit young to be getting married?"
"Mom, I'm 26 years old! There's people my age who're halfway through with raising their own kids!"
"But still..."
"For crying out loud, we're out of high school, out of college, we have our own careers going, Mom, we're not babies anymore."
"He is wonderful, don't you agree?"
"Well..."
"And he thinks the world of the two of you."
"And we think the world of him."
"So you approve."
"Well..."
"Big brother? A little help here?"
"I've brought proof of how we're doing; we can well afford to do this; financially, emotionally--"
"We're all very mature now, even me."
"I wouldn't go that far."
"What's that?"
"Nothing. It's like my sister says..."
"Chuck & I are agreed; we can handle this."
"Are you going to keep your name when you get married?"
"I don't know; you didn't."
"She's got you there, Mom."
"Dad? Are you going to say anything?"
"Um..."
"Not now, Howard. Now let's get to your fiancee, Phil."
"What about her?"
"Darling, we wouldn't be your parents who care about you if we didn't mention this."
"And I appreciate that, Mom. What are you two talking about?"
"Have you considered what you might be letting yourself in for by marrying a--"
"A celebrity?"
"Well..."
"Right, a celebrity. Thanks for letting us off the hook."
"You're welcome. But I know what you're talking about. We've gone over this ourselves, a lot."
"We've no illusions about what might happen, but we've decided to face whatever comes together. And we'll be better able to handle it for being together; that makes sense, doesn't it?"
"Well, yes it does, I think..."
"I think they look adorable together."
"Look who's talking, miss kawai. That's what his mother calls her."
"Yes, Lil is very kawai. But you realize there's more to such a relationship as you are contemplating than looks."
"I know. I also know how high she is in your regard."
"You can't deny that you think the world of her, Mom. And it's mutual, and I know whereof I speak; she is my best friend after all. I've heard her go on about you two so many times..."
"We do think the world of her..."
"She reminds me a lot of you in a lot of ways."
"That's very flattering."
"Have I mentioned that Tom thinks the world of you, too?"
"Might part of the reason be that she just happens to be your best friend's sister?"
"If that were even in the equation, we wouldn't be best friends for long. I realize what any sort of falling out could do to the whole group; it's almost happened a couple of times at least. I won't do anything to jeopardize that, I won't do anything to jeopardize
my love for her, and neither one is a threat to the other."
"She really means that much to you."
"Yes. I'm even willing to put up with the in-laws, and so is she, no offense."
"None taken."
"Her parents are such dears."
"I agree; he's told me he prefers you as a mother-in-law to the one I'm getting, Mom. Of course, I like the mother-in-law I'm getting."
"You know you like both of them, both of you. And Grandma & Grandpa liked Tom too."
"Well, of course my parents loved it when he was over & they were over & they took to him almost as much as they did to your brother, but that was before your time."
"I don't mean them; I mean my other grandparents."
"My mom & dad?"
"Yes; they told me to hold on to him & not let him get away."
"Wow! That's more than I got from them."
"Oh, koidi-do..."
"So if you're good enough, Dad, so is he. And you are definitely good enough."
"Thanks. Now, about Lil."
"What about her? Won't she make the perfect daughter-in-law? Could you possibly ask for anything more?"
"No, but--"
"There is the fact that you're her agent, Charlie."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"So you have no problem marrying your agent."
"Why should I? There's no one I'd trust more, with my career or with my life."
"And there's no one I'd trust more either. Susie's been looking out for all of us all our lives, & now she wants to concentrate on me; do you realize how lucky I am that she loves me?"
"It's like he said on tv, I've been saving their butts since those butts were in diapers."
"You did use to babysit them."
"They're not babies anymore, especially him."
"So the age difference doesn't bother you."
"Buster & Timberly have an age difference, eleven years, & I got used to that. You call two years an age difference? That's nothing! If you're looking for reasons for me not to marry him you'll have to try harder."
"No no, it's not that. It's just that..."
"Look, he's been there for me through some rough times in my life. I know I can trust him, with my heart, with my life."
"She's the best thing to ever happen to me. I was adrift before it occurred to me to think of her in that way, before she thought of me in that way. And without her I'd still be lost."
"I've heard him talk like this before, and I can tell you that he believes every word of it. He needs her, just like I need Chuck."
"I couldn't imagine life without Lil. We were there for each other at the lowest point in our lives; she needs me & I need her."
"And I need Tom."
"She's the only one who really understands me. She understands me better than even Dil does, better than Grandpa or Spike did & you know that for me that's saying a lot."
"*sigh* Oh, Tommy..."
"What? Haven't you run out of objections yet? Or is it that you have run out & you know there's nothing more you can say & you're just hoping I'll back down if you look & sound sufficiently upset? For no good reason, I might add."
"Tom, that's enough; there's no call for you to talk to your mother like that."
"And there's no cause for her to still be treating me like a child. Mom, I heard what you said before, how we'll always be babies to you; well that might be how you see us, but that's not reality. We are not babies; I am not a baby. And neither is Dil. It's time to let go."
"I don't know if I can."
"We'd rather do this with you than without you, and you know we can & will do this either way. I just want to know that you two approve, not because it's required, but because you're my parents & I want you to be there."
"You're well aware that we could do this ourselves, but we don't want to."
"Charlie, I've never seen you so forceful, guy."
"You've never seen him in action at work. He didn't come to be the super agent to the stars by playing softball; at work, he's a tiger. Also, when something means enough to him, like now."
"You know that we need nothing from you. We could go off somewhere, find a preacher or J.P. or notary or whatever, & get married. But we want your blessing. You know that we're mature enough & financially stable enough to enter into this, & we wouldn't be your children if we desired this with someone we didn't love with all our hearts."
"And in my case, you know that if there was any reason at all to doubt that Tom was perfect for me, big brother here would be the first to spot it & to do something about it."
"She's right; I would."
"You could search the whole world & not find two better matches for us than the two we have chosen. You do like Susie & Chuck, we know that. All we want is that you would accept them as your son- & daughter-in-law."
"Please, Mom & Dad?"
"Don't make us go this alone, without you. I want you in the bride room with me & in that second pew on the left, Mommy. Daddy, I want you to give me away as is only right for the father of the bride to do."
"There there, darling. Of course we'll be there."
"If this is your choice, then we're behind you all the way."
"You pups sound serious enough about this that we'll back you, right Howard?"
"Yes, dear."
"We only want what's best for you, we always have; and if you truly believe in your hearts of hearts that the best is Tom & Lil, we would be wrong to resist it."
"Of course we support your decision."
"How about it, Deed? Are we behind this?"
"*sob* *nod* *sniffle*"
"I think that's a yes."
"It's agreed, then. So as soon as I can pry her off of you we'll go down & talk with the others; I think they'll be winding up about now."
And so it was that everyone returned to the middle of the living room to share their decisions with the others. That all four families finished as exactly the same time could be taken as another sign for those who believe in such things.
The seniors came to a stop, but their young didn't. Each approached, then passed, their intended. When they stopped, each was facing their their intended parents-in-law.
Kimi: "Mr. & Mrs. Pickles, I love your son."
Tom: "And I love your daughter, Mr. & Mrs. Finster."
Lil: "We want to get married so much."
Chuck: "And we want your blessings."
Susie: "We want you to be there for us, all of you."
Phil: "What do you say, sirs, ma'ams, all of you?"
Once again, silence held sway. Looks passed between all eight parents, as though they were communicating telepathically.
Randy was the first to break the silence. "I'd say we're all of the same mind. While we're concerned, it's only because we want the best for our children, who are not children anymore & haven't been for years. They've made their decisions, and we also want to stay on their good sides."
"All of us have been best friends all these years." Betty seconded. "I guess we'd better get used to being in-laws."
The next few minutes were lost in a flurry of hugging; parents hugging offspring, parents hugging each other, future in-laws hugging, Pickles, Finster, Deville, Carmichael, all. Everyone hugged everyone, with a good deal of weeping in the bargain.
When the hugfest finally slowed somewhat, there was still a bit of a mystery, to which Howard gave voice.
"There's just one thing I don't get here."
"Well, for you that's doing pretty good, Howie."
"I'm serious."
"What is it, Dad?" asked Phil.
"You say we're the first to know of these engagements."
"Yes." Lil confirmed.
"So while the six of you were in the shot, who was holding the camera?"
As Tom broke away to move toward the front door, his peers smiled, especially the twins.
"He figured it out." Lil said to her brother.
Who responded, "He's smarter than we gave him credit for."
"Yeah, I'm smarter than-- Hey!"
Phil ignored that last word. "Alright. We did tell one other person, but only because we needed help to finish this episode."
Lil continued. "And that person is..." At this point, Tom opened the door to reveal...
"UNCLE FREDDY'S HERE!!!"
As the blond beardshell that was Betty's brother bounded into the house like the not-so-young noise he was.
"FREDDY!"
"Where are those pups? Lemme at'em!"
Phil & Lil squealed in delight as their uncle marched straight to & lifted both of them in a crushing hug as was his wont, to which they responded in kind. Their mother wasn't far behind.
"Ah, look at these pups. And now they're gonna start their own litters; who's the proudest uncle in the world?"
"Drew Pickles, as soon as he finds out." whispered Tom to Chuck.
Who whispered back: "Nah, he just has one relative getting hitched."
"True, but he's already married off his daughter."
"Doesn't count."
Five minutes later, the newcomer had been settled in the group's midst.
"So that's why we couldn't get in touch with you, you were already on the way!"
"That's right, Betts. Out of nowhere, I get a call from the executive producer of my favorite show, asking if I'd be interested in a short-term gig as a cameraman. Well, I told him I didn't have any experience, but he talked me into it & I'm glad he did. We had to do that two or three times I was shaking so hard at first, especially when they dropped the bombshell the first time. I could barely keep my hands steady."
"He insisted on us having a party to celebrate; I had to miss out on most of it." informed Chuck.
"But I made sure to get in his share of the partying. Boy, I'll tell you I couldn't be happier about all this, right, older sister?"
Betty's expression changed somewhat; this was familiar territory to her. "That's right, Freddy bear. Only I'm not your older sister; you're my big brother."
"Here we go again." Howard declared.
"No, you're the older sister."
"No, you're the big brother."
"You're older."
"No, you are."
"You are."
"You are."
"You are!"
"You are!"
"You are!"
"YOU ARE, FREDERICK!"
"YOU ARE, ELIZABETH!"
"Whoa! So that's where we get it from!" Phil interrupted.
Lil also cut in. "Wait, does that mean you two are twins?"
"With names like Betty & Freddy what did you expect? I'm surprised you pups didn't figure it out by now." said Betty.
Which her brother confirmed. "And we never have figured out who came first. Each of us is convinced the other is older. Of course, I'm right."
"In your dreams, Freddy bear."
"We can relate, kind of." Didi said. "Tom & Kimi happened to be born on the same day."
"And Didi & I have been trying to figure out which was born first ever since their second birthday." Kira continued.
"Oh, so that would make them twins?"
"Virtual twins!" came from both of the current subjects of conversation.
"There's absolutely no relationship between us." Tom assured Freddy.
"Not yet." Kimi finished.
"If I might ask," Kira interrupted, "I am happy to see you, Mr.--"
"Call me Freddy; everyone does."
"Alright. We are happy to see you, but why were you the one they told?"
"Doc, do you want to tell them?" Phil asked.
Heads turned in Susie's direction. "Alright. Actually, we got the idea from Aunt T."
"Aunt T?" her mother asked in puzzlement.
"Yes. Her Bible wasn't all she left me; there were a number of books, including one on African wedding traditions."
"You see," said Tom, "since all of us were getting married together we wanted all of our heritages to be represented: Jewish, Japanese, African, et cetera."
"We're the et cetera." chorused the Devilles.
"There's an Ashanti tradition that the groom's mother & her brother would go to the bride's family to propose." said Susie.
"Well, as a groom's mother I'm glad you finally told me about this." said Betty.
"So we put our own twist on things." Phil defended.
"We're going to bring in stuff from everywhere, but we're going to adapt them for us." Kimi explained.
"We're looking at the chupoe, saki, jumping the broom, you name it, it's under consideration." Chuck said.
"You know, it could just as easily have been Ben as Freddy." Didi realized.
"It could have been, if he hadn't been snowbound." came from her son.
That got Freddy's attention. "Wait, your brother's name is Ben?"
Didi nodded.
"That's my son's name." With that, his wallet came out. "There he is, with his sister Jeri. And that's their mother, my wife Maple. And here's a family picture."
"It looks like a beautiful family." Didi opined.
"I'd put them up against any family here, no offense anyone."
"None taken." several voices chorused.
"They'll be here in a few days, incidentally."
"Where have you been staying, Fred?"
"Fort DareDeville, gettin' to know the pups."
"Well, you just come home with us. The pups won't mind."
The party continued in this vein into the wee smalls. When the last of the guests had finally departed it was 2:00 in the morning, and Stu & Didi managed to grope their way to bed. Before she laid down, Didi picked up the phone.
"Long distance? I'll need to be put in touch with the international operator. -- Yes. -- Paris, France, please. -- Thank you.-- "
Well (am I using that word too much?), we're almost there; next chapter, Angelica finds out. Please continue to review. I'm Nftnat, on e-mail I'm nftnat@aol.com & on IM I'm Nftnat . That's it; cy'all.