Change Has Come - Chapter Eight: Everything You Know Is Wrong
Carver paced around in his room trying to figure out how to convince Lor and Tish to still and pursue Tino. Not only was it necessary for his own entertainment, but also he couldn't bare dealing with Tish and Lor in their moping states.
"Lies, lies, lies, I've got to think of some good lies. I can't let such an amusing situation die just yet, but what can I say to the girls that will rebuild their spirits?"
Carver hadn't thought this hard in the longest time and it gave him a slight headache. Slowly, but surely the gears in his head turned and after a few minutes of thinking the light bulb went on.
"I've got it! I'll tell both of them that I talked to Tino last night, and he was hoping he could get female advice about his date that wasn't his mom's. And to ensure it catches their interest I'll mention that he seemed a bit nervous when I brought up the girls' names. Man, I am a genius."
Carver felt proud of his plan and smiled to himself thinking of the humorous scenarios that could develop from this misguided love triangle.
"Ahh, times are good. I have the power and nothing can go wrong. Although I can't help but feel that what I'm doing is unethical. Oh well, I'll just take an ethics class later in life to straighten myself out. Actually, on second thought I don't need ethics."
He picked up the phone and dialed Tish's number as evil thoughts danced in his head.
"Hello?" came the familiar voice.
"Hey Tish. It's me, Carver."
"Hey, so what's up? Calling for some homework help?"
"Not this time. I'm calling about Tino."
"Oh? Tino, huh? What about him?"
Carver could hear the drop in Tish's voice, but he expected it to happen.
"Oh, don't sound all morose because I bring him up. Look, it's actually something that could be beneficial to you."
"Beneficial? Hmm, proceed, you have intrigued."
Carver told Tish the whole fake story and listened for her response. The silence after his lying made Carver a bit uneasy.
"How is this beneficial?" Tish asked.
"What? It's obvious! He got nervous when I mentioned your name. He probably feels awkward talking to you about going out with girls because he would rather be going out with you. He probably thinks that his feelings would get in the way of getting advice from you."
"I don't know. That seems a bit hard to fathom. He seemed pretty confident of himself yesterday."
"No, I must be right! I mean you don't know Tino the way I do. Trust me on this one. It's my male intuition."
"Your male intuition? That doesn't help any, Carver"
"Look, I know you are still falling for Tino, and you won't get him by sitting around at home. You have to take this opportunity. It could be a big breakthrough. You can't win if you don't play, right?"
Another period of silence followed when Carver's words of encouragement finished.
"You're right! I've got to play the game. I'll make sure to seize the opportunity! Thanks, Carver."
"Anytime, Tish. I just like to do my part."
"Alright then I'm off to Tino's. Later days!" Tish said as she hung up.
Carver rubbed his hands together pleased with his skills.
"Ahhh, how sweet it is. Well, that's one down and one to go, and Lor should easier to convince than Tish."
The wicked smile that seemed to be appearing all over the place once again emerged. It stretched itself from ear to ear on Carver's face.
Carver dialed Lor's number all the while thinking, "Carver Descartes, Holder of The Cards."
Tino and his mom sat around their kitchen table with some type of monstrosity that may or may not be food rested in the center.
"You know I can't say I've ever seen a tie-dyed meat before. You may have outdone yourself this time, mom," Tino said staring at 'lunch'.
"Oh honey, there are lots of different foods from all over the world, and some of them come in unusual colors. You shouldn't let colors deter you," his mom responded.
"Okay fine, but what part of the world did this come from and what is it?"
"That's a pretty good question. I'm not sure. I found it in a jar with no label in the back of one of the cabinets. I can't let it go to waste can I?"
Tino's eyes drifted from the food to his mom and back in a horrific state.
"Do you realize you just made the world's most unappetizing food even more unappetizing. It's no wonder I eat so much junk with the guys."
Ms. Tonitini simply shrugged her shoulders and switched topics.
"So I hear you're going out on a date on Sunday."
Tino's face reddened a bit.
"Who told-" he stopped mid-sentence noting the look on his mom's face.
"So when I become a father will I get the mind reading ability as well?"
"No, it's a mothers only power. Now that you have confirmed your date for me, mind telling me about it?"
"It goes like this, tomorrow I'm going to the movies with Dot. She asked me yesterday and I happily accepted."
Tino sat back and smiled just thinking about his date. His mom took note of Tino's dreamy look and decided to inquire a bit more.
"You seem to be quite taken with Dot now. I haven't heard you mention her too much before. What's made you so interested?"
"I'm not too sure myself actually. In fact, I used to find her kind of annoying to tell you the truth. I think over the past few years she has matured and got less irritating."
"Well, that's nice and all, honey, but that really doesn't explain why you like her. That explanation only tells me why you can tolerate her now."
"Well, like I said, I'm not too sure why I like her now. All I know is that ever since she asked me to the dance, I can't stop thinking about her. Is this what it feels like to be in love?"
"It sounds more like what it means to have a crush. Based on what you said it almost seems that the only reason you like Dot is because she likes you. I'm not too sure that that's a good thing."
Tino's face fell and his mother instantly regretted dashing his thoughts of love.
Quickly, she thought of something to say to raise his spirits again, "Of course I could be wrong. In high school there can be an awakening deep inside of the feeling of love, and changes come with it. Perhaps that's why you don't find her as irritating, her love for you has made her more mature and what could be love from you has made you more willing to accept her faults and all."
The light returned to Tino's eyes and his mother was happy, but she added one last piece of advice, "Just remember two things, dear. You're still young, if things don't work out, there will be another chance don't drag yourself down over one mess up. And no matter what you may think or others may say, self-worth isn't based on if a girl likes you or not. You don't need to love for acceptance, you should love because it's true."
"I understand, but c'mon mom, don't be so serious and deep. You know, I find these moments awkward."
"I know, but I have to do my mother's duty. If I don't the Council of Moms will punish me. Oh that reminds me, now that you are going out on dates I think it's time for THE talk."
Tino was suddenly seized with fear, he didn't want to hear this talk from his mom, it was so embarrassing.
"Oh you know I have a lot of stuff planned today, maybe we can schedule this talk some other time like never. I gotta run!"
Tino bolted off to his room and didn't bother to look back.
Lor ran the situation over and over again in her mind and it still didn't make too much sense.
"Why would Tino be looking for female advice about his date? He seemed like he was sure of himself yesterday. Oh well no use thinking about it, Carver is the one who talked with him not me. I'll make sure to take advantage of this opportunity."
She decided to focus on the positive things to build her confidence for meeting with Tino. As Lor turned onto Tino's street she found herself involuntarily taking deep breaths.
"I can do this. No problem, I just gotta be calm and smooth. If I just-"
Lor's thoughts were cut short as she caught sight of Tish walking down the street towards her.
"What is she doing here?! Is she here to see Tino too?! She has no idea how important of a situation this is for me, and it's ruined if she's here."
Tish caught sight of Lor and her eyes grew wide for a moment as similar thoughts passed through her mind as well.
"This is just fantastic Lor's here! Of all the inopportune timing, I can't believe this. I can't make myself seem suspicious though," Tish thought to herself.
She waved to Lor in order to get her attention and called out to her, "Hey there, I didn't realize you would be around here."
Lor answered once closer.
"Yeah, and I didn't know you would be out in this area either."
Tish nodded a little, "True, I'm just coming by to see how Tino's doing what with his first date tomorrow. You know how he worries and all."
"Yeah I know what you mean that's why I'm here too. Gotta make sure he isn't having a nervous breakdown or whatever."
The two nodded at each other trying hard not to show any emotions. All the meanwhile horribly profane language passed through their brains. They approached Tino's house and knocked on the door both now plastered with faux smiles that seemed much more disturbing than unassuming.
Tino answered his door and greeted the two, "Oh hey guys, er, girls. It's nice to see you."
"Hello, it is nice to see you as well," Tish said mechanically still suppressing her inner feelings.
"Yes, Tish is correct. It is nice to see you, especially on such a nice day," Lor added in a similar manner.
Tino looked back and forth at the two a bit freaked out.
"Uh-huh. Well, I'm not sure if it's aliens or spies that are behind your behavior but come on in."
Tino led the way to his room with Tish and Lor following close behind. The smiles plastered on their faces bothered Tino the most.
"Soo, what's up?" Tino asked.
"Oh you know just in the neighborhood and we thought we would see how you were doing. Just to make sure you aren't hyperventilating or obsessing or what have you," Tish commented with Lor nodding vigorously to agree.
"Well, I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" Tino asked curiously.
Both girls were a bit taken aback by his answer. They had been assured by Carver that Tino was looking for some female advice.
"Because of your date since it is your first date, and you might be having second thoughts," Lor offered.
"Second thoughts? This is one of the few times in my life that I'm sure of what I'm doing," Tino responded.
Those words practically ripped the girls' hearts out, threw them on the floor, and stomped on them till they died.
Tish looked for words to cover up her misery, "Are you positively sure that you're okay? You aren't worried that you will choke when talking, or spit up chug-a-freez if she says something funny-"
"Or fumble if she tries to kiss you on the lips, or trip over your own two feet and look like a klutz," Lor interjected.
Tino's eyes grew wider and wider with fear and worries as Lor and Tish continued with their laundry list of potential catastrophes.
"Or maybe...., uh, Tino, are you alright your eyes seem kind of gargantuan?" Tish asked.
"Eep," Tino squeaked.
The girls looked at each other then back at Tino.
"Is there something we can do for you, Tino?" Lor asked.
"Eep," he squeaked again.
"You know, I just remembered I have to get home to help my mom with dinner," Tish said excusing herself.
"Yeah, same goes for me. Uhh, good luck tomorrow, Tino," Lor added.
"Eep" he squeakily replied.
Once the girls were on their way out Tino's house Tish commented to Lor, "Well, I don't think that could have gone any worse."
"Totally. We just wrecked the only confidence Tino has ever had."
"So much for female advice, I guess," Tish commented aloud.
Lor's attention quickly turned to Tish.
"Did you just say female advice?"
Tish instantly remembered that she had wanted to keep that part to herself.
"Um, yes, I was, uh, referring to advice my mom gave me this morning. I'm just rambling thoughts together, no big deal. Haha ha ehh."
Lor gave her a bit of a look.
"I thought you were talking about giving female advice to Tino then I was gonna say hold on one second, you know."
"Yeah, well it has nothing to do with that and- hey wait a minute, is there a problem with giving female advice to Tino? You seem a bit uppity about it."
Lor panicked a bit about making herself seem suspicious.
"Oh nothing. I'm just rambling thoughts together as well. In fact, I don't even really remember what I just said a few moments ago."
The girls stared at each other in an awkward silence.
"I best be going," Tish said tersely.
"Me too," Lor responded quickly.
Both parted ways glad to be out of the awkwardness. However, neither went home without suspicions taking root in their heads.
End of Chapter Eight
Well, I took a bit longer updating than I thought I would. I guess I was wrong in my assumptions that break time would get this done faster. Gaming got me again for the most part. So I'm no longer gonna guess how long it will take me to update because I'll probably be wrong. I'll only say that I hope it doesn't take this long in the future. I just gotta hope lady luck is on my side. Stay tuned and read on.
Carver paced around in his room trying to figure out how to convince Lor and Tish to still and pursue Tino. Not only was it necessary for his own entertainment, but also he couldn't bare dealing with Tish and Lor in their moping states.
"Lies, lies, lies, I've got to think of some good lies. I can't let such an amusing situation die just yet, but what can I say to the girls that will rebuild their spirits?"
Carver hadn't thought this hard in the longest time and it gave him a slight headache. Slowly, but surely the gears in his head turned and after a few minutes of thinking the light bulb went on.
"I've got it! I'll tell both of them that I talked to Tino last night, and he was hoping he could get female advice about his date that wasn't his mom's. And to ensure it catches their interest I'll mention that he seemed a bit nervous when I brought up the girls' names. Man, I am a genius."
Carver felt proud of his plan and smiled to himself thinking of the humorous scenarios that could develop from this misguided love triangle.
"Ahh, times are good. I have the power and nothing can go wrong. Although I can't help but feel that what I'm doing is unethical. Oh well, I'll just take an ethics class later in life to straighten myself out. Actually, on second thought I don't need ethics."
He picked up the phone and dialed Tish's number as evil thoughts danced in his head.
"Hello?" came the familiar voice.
"Hey Tish. It's me, Carver."
"Hey, so what's up? Calling for some homework help?"
"Not this time. I'm calling about Tino."
"Oh? Tino, huh? What about him?"
Carver could hear the drop in Tish's voice, but he expected it to happen.
"Oh, don't sound all morose because I bring him up. Look, it's actually something that could be beneficial to you."
"Beneficial? Hmm, proceed, you have intrigued."
Carver told Tish the whole fake story and listened for her response. The silence after his lying made Carver a bit uneasy.
"How is this beneficial?" Tish asked.
"What? It's obvious! He got nervous when I mentioned your name. He probably feels awkward talking to you about going out with girls because he would rather be going out with you. He probably thinks that his feelings would get in the way of getting advice from you."
"I don't know. That seems a bit hard to fathom. He seemed pretty confident of himself yesterday."
"No, I must be right! I mean you don't know Tino the way I do. Trust me on this one. It's my male intuition."
"Your male intuition? That doesn't help any, Carver"
"Look, I know you are still falling for Tino, and you won't get him by sitting around at home. You have to take this opportunity. It could be a big breakthrough. You can't win if you don't play, right?"
Another period of silence followed when Carver's words of encouragement finished.
"You're right! I've got to play the game. I'll make sure to seize the opportunity! Thanks, Carver."
"Anytime, Tish. I just like to do my part."
"Alright then I'm off to Tino's. Later days!" Tish said as she hung up.
Carver rubbed his hands together pleased with his skills.
"Ahhh, how sweet it is. Well, that's one down and one to go, and Lor should easier to convince than Tish."
The wicked smile that seemed to be appearing all over the place once again emerged. It stretched itself from ear to ear on Carver's face.
Carver dialed Lor's number all the while thinking, "Carver Descartes, Holder of The Cards."
Tino and his mom sat around their kitchen table with some type of monstrosity that may or may not be food rested in the center.
"You know I can't say I've ever seen a tie-dyed meat before. You may have outdone yourself this time, mom," Tino said staring at 'lunch'.
"Oh honey, there are lots of different foods from all over the world, and some of them come in unusual colors. You shouldn't let colors deter you," his mom responded.
"Okay fine, but what part of the world did this come from and what is it?"
"That's a pretty good question. I'm not sure. I found it in a jar with no label in the back of one of the cabinets. I can't let it go to waste can I?"
Tino's eyes drifted from the food to his mom and back in a horrific state.
"Do you realize you just made the world's most unappetizing food even more unappetizing. It's no wonder I eat so much junk with the guys."
Ms. Tonitini simply shrugged her shoulders and switched topics.
"So I hear you're going out on a date on Sunday."
Tino's face reddened a bit.
"Who told-" he stopped mid-sentence noting the look on his mom's face.
"So when I become a father will I get the mind reading ability as well?"
"No, it's a mothers only power. Now that you have confirmed your date for me, mind telling me about it?"
"It goes like this, tomorrow I'm going to the movies with Dot. She asked me yesterday and I happily accepted."
Tino sat back and smiled just thinking about his date. His mom took note of Tino's dreamy look and decided to inquire a bit more.
"You seem to be quite taken with Dot now. I haven't heard you mention her too much before. What's made you so interested?"
"I'm not too sure myself actually. In fact, I used to find her kind of annoying to tell you the truth. I think over the past few years she has matured and got less irritating."
"Well, that's nice and all, honey, but that really doesn't explain why you like her. That explanation only tells me why you can tolerate her now."
"Well, like I said, I'm not too sure why I like her now. All I know is that ever since she asked me to the dance, I can't stop thinking about her. Is this what it feels like to be in love?"
"It sounds more like what it means to have a crush. Based on what you said it almost seems that the only reason you like Dot is because she likes you. I'm not too sure that that's a good thing."
Tino's face fell and his mother instantly regretted dashing his thoughts of love.
Quickly, she thought of something to say to raise his spirits again, "Of course I could be wrong. In high school there can be an awakening deep inside of the feeling of love, and changes come with it. Perhaps that's why you don't find her as irritating, her love for you has made her more mature and what could be love from you has made you more willing to accept her faults and all."
The light returned to Tino's eyes and his mother was happy, but she added one last piece of advice, "Just remember two things, dear. You're still young, if things don't work out, there will be another chance don't drag yourself down over one mess up. And no matter what you may think or others may say, self-worth isn't based on if a girl likes you or not. You don't need to love for acceptance, you should love because it's true."
"I understand, but c'mon mom, don't be so serious and deep. You know, I find these moments awkward."
"I know, but I have to do my mother's duty. If I don't the Council of Moms will punish me. Oh that reminds me, now that you are going out on dates I think it's time for THE talk."
Tino was suddenly seized with fear, he didn't want to hear this talk from his mom, it was so embarrassing.
"Oh you know I have a lot of stuff planned today, maybe we can schedule this talk some other time like never. I gotta run!"
Tino bolted off to his room and didn't bother to look back.
Lor ran the situation over and over again in her mind and it still didn't make too much sense.
"Why would Tino be looking for female advice about his date? He seemed like he was sure of himself yesterday. Oh well no use thinking about it, Carver is the one who talked with him not me. I'll make sure to take advantage of this opportunity."
She decided to focus on the positive things to build her confidence for meeting with Tino. As Lor turned onto Tino's street she found herself involuntarily taking deep breaths.
"I can do this. No problem, I just gotta be calm and smooth. If I just-"
Lor's thoughts were cut short as she caught sight of Tish walking down the street towards her.
"What is she doing here?! Is she here to see Tino too?! She has no idea how important of a situation this is for me, and it's ruined if she's here."
Tish caught sight of Lor and her eyes grew wide for a moment as similar thoughts passed through her mind as well.
"This is just fantastic Lor's here! Of all the inopportune timing, I can't believe this. I can't make myself seem suspicious though," Tish thought to herself.
She waved to Lor in order to get her attention and called out to her, "Hey there, I didn't realize you would be around here."
Lor answered once closer.
"Yeah, and I didn't know you would be out in this area either."
Tish nodded a little, "True, I'm just coming by to see how Tino's doing what with his first date tomorrow. You know how he worries and all."
"Yeah I know what you mean that's why I'm here too. Gotta make sure he isn't having a nervous breakdown or whatever."
The two nodded at each other trying hard not to show any emotions. All the meanwhile horribly profane language passed through their brains. They approached Tino's house and knocked on the door both now plastered with faux smiles that seemed much more disturbing than unassuming.
Tino answered his door and greeted the two, "Oh hey guys, er, girls. It's nice to see you."
"Hello, it is nice to see you as well," Tish said mechanically still suppressing her inner feelings.
"Yes, Tish is correct. It is nice to see you, especially on such a nice day," Lor added in a similar manner.
Tino looked back and forth at the two a bit freaked out.
"Uh-huh. Well, I'm not sure if it's aliens or spies that are behind your behavior but come on in."
Tino led the way to his room with Tish and Lor following close behind. The smiles plastered on their faces bothered Tino the most.
"Soo, what's up?" Tino asked.
"Oh you know just in the neighborhood and we thought we would see how you were doing. Just to make sure you aren't hyperventilating or obsessing or what have you," Tish commented with Lor nodding vigorously to agree.
"Well, I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" Tino asked curiously.
Both girls were a bit taken aback by his answer. They had been assured by Carver that Tino was looking for some female advice.
"Because of your date since it is your first date, and you might be having second thoughts," Lor offered.
"Second thoughts? This is one of the few times in my life that I'm sure of what I'm doing," Tino responded.
Those words practically ripped the girls' hearts out, threw them on the floor, and stomped on them till they died.
Tish looked for words to cover up her misery, "Are you positively sure that you're okay? You aren't worried that you will choke when talking, or spit up chug-a-freez if she says something funny-"
"Or fumble if she tries to kiss you on the lips, or trip over your own two feet and look like a klutz," Lor interjected.
Tino's eyes grew wider and wider with fear and worries as Lor and Tish continued with their laundry list of potential catastrophes.
"Or maybe...., uh, Tino, are you alright your eyes seem kind of gargantuan?" Tish asked.
"Eep," Tino squeaked.
The girls looked at each other then back at Tino.
"Is there something we can do for you, Tino?" Lor asked.
"Eep," he squeaked again.
"You know, I just remembered I have to get home to help my mom with dinner," Tish said excusing herself.
"Yeah, same goes for me. Uhh, good luck tomorrow, Tino," Lor added.
"Eep" he squeakily replied.
Once the girls were on their way out Tino's house Tish commented to Lor, "Well, I don't think that could have gone any worse."
"Totally. We just wrecked the only confidence Tino has ever had."
"So much for female advice, I guess," Tish commented aloud.
Lor's attention quickly turned to Tish.
"Did you just say female advice?"
Tish instantly remembered that she had wanted to keep that part to herself.
"Um, yes, I was, uh, referring to advice my mom gave me this morning. I'm just rambling thoughts together, no big deal. Haha ha ehh."
Lor gave her a bit of a look.
"I thought you were talking about giving female advice to Tino then I was gonna say hold on one second, you know."
"Yeah, well it has nothing to do with that and- hey wait a minute, is there a problem with giving female advice to Tino? You seem a bit uppity about it."
Lor panicked a bit about making herself seem suspicious.
"Oh nothing. I'm just rambling thoughts together as well. In fact, I don't even really remember what I just said a few moments ago."
The girls stared at each other in an awkward silence.
"I best be going," Tish said tersely.
"Me too," Lor responded quickly.
Both parted ways glad to be out of the awkwardness. However, neither went home without suspicions taking root in their heads.
End of Chapter Eight
Well, I took a bit longer updating than I thought I would. I guess I was wrong in my assumptions that break time would get this done faster. Gaming got me again for the most part. So I'm no longer gonna guess how long it will take me to update because I'll probably be wrong. I'll only say that I hope it doesn't take this long in the future. I just gotta hope lady luck is on my side. Stay tuned and read on.