Changes Has Come - Chapter Fourteen: River Of Deceit
The noon sun hung over Tino like a solitary light in an interrogation room. Beating down on him, making him sweat. It only had one question on its mind and it desperately wanted an answer. Who do you choose? Who do you choose? Who do you choose?! It was enough to drive a man insane. However, Tino wasn't a man, he was a boy. Since that was the case he had already gone insane the night before as he lay awake pondering this question. Everything gnawed at him and every little thing seemed to be the biggest annoyance possible. The ticking of his watch was an unbearable reminder of time running thin, and the birds chirping mocked him for his situation.
"Damn birds. Like I don't know how bad this whole thing is already. They don't need to constantly remind me. God must have a sense of humor, that's for sure. Love, crushes, romance, relationships, it's all too much. I liked things better when I was younger, but now everything has changed. One day I'd like to- Shut up, you stupid birds!"
Tino looked at the birds. His gaze was a mixture of intrigue, anger, and sleeplessness, and it didn't sit well with his mother. She had been worrying about him since he came down for breakfast and ate what she had made without any remarks. Ms. Tonitini walked out onto the front steps where Tino was ranting and raving to the birds.
"Uh, honey, the neighbors can see you. Maybe you should leave those birds alone. I'm sure they've learned their lesson by now."
"Fine, fine. You birds are lucky that you've got my mom sticking up for you, or else it wouldn't have been too pretty out here."
Tino shambled back to the steps and flopped down onto them. Tino's mom put her hand on his shoulder ready to dispense some motherly advice.
"Dear, you should probably come inside and rest a bit. I understand that you are facing quite a problem, trying to choose among your friends, but yelling at birds out here isn't going to solve your problem."
"Yeah, I know, but it's a lot easier to yell at these birds then it is to figure out a solution to this problem," Tino responded.
"It might be easier, but you can't run from this problem. You have to face it head on. I know how hard this must be for you, but this is something you need to really put your heart and mind into. The more you put it off and just grumble about how hard it is, the harder it will become. You have to think long and hard about all the factors involved and then solve this dilemma."
"You're right. I have to get on top of this thing as soon as possible. This could take all day."
"Well, hopefully not because you still have your homework to do."
Tino let out the biggest sigh known to man.
"Right, homework. Ugh, I've never felt so horrible in all of my life. Why must we be tortured with so much homework?"
Tino buried his face in his hands.
His mother patted him gently on the back and said, "I'm sure there is a good reason behind all of the homework. Whoever is responsible for it all probably is doing it in your best interest."
"Best interest? Bah! Whoever is responsible is nothing more than a kid hater."
"I don't think so. I realize that the homework seems like a real pain to you, but if you were to find the person responsible for this I think you understand its purpose."
Tino rolled his eyes.
"Whatever. Anyway, I need to have some private time to mull over my situation so I'll be in my room."
"Okay, honey, just make sure to keep calm and take deep breaths."
Tino nodded and was off.
Ms. Tonitini sat on the steps a little longer and thought, "Maybe for Tino's sake, I should arrange a meeting to let him know the method to the madness. Yeah, I think that would be for the best."
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Carver walked along one of Bahia Bay's many side streets kicking a rock as he walked. He was meeting Tish and Lor at the Snack Shack to further discuss the Tino and homework issues. They had decided not to invite Tino to try and give him some space and some time. At the current time however, Carver was completely absorbed in kicking the rock around. He was imagining himself as a star soccer player dodging all incoming defenders.
"Descartes fakes left then right and another two defenders go down. Oh wow, what a beautiful move by Descartes easily swerving right around everyone opening up a clear shot. He shoots, and scores! Descartes has won the game for his team and the crowd goes wild!"
Carver jumped around a bit continuing to kick the rock around. His day dreaming was momentarily broken by someone calling his name. He glanced to the side to see Dot approaching him on a scooter.
"Oh, hey there," Carver said going right back to the rock.
"Hi, having fun?" Dot asked amused by Carver.
"Yeah, yeah," Carver responded almost mechanically.
"Is Tino at his house?"
"Yeah, yeah."
"Good, I want to talk to him."
"I wouldn't go if I were you," Carver warned.
"Why? Is something the matter?" Dot asked.
"Tino is just out of it right now. I think he needs some time to compose himself."
"What happened to him?"
Carver kicked the rock around a bit more before starting to answer and even as he answered he continued kicking the rock around.
"It's just been a crazy time is all. The tons of homework, his getting involved with you, Tish and Lor trying to break you two up because they each want him, and me mixing things up for amusement, it's come down hard on him."
Carver said all this without batting an eye. Apparently all of his brain was focused on kicking the rock around.
"What did you say?" Dot demanded with growing anger.
Carver stopped kicking the rock and looked at her. He was curious as to why she was getting mad.
"Was it something I said?" Carver asked.
Dot clenched her fists together at Carver's senselessness.
"Yes it was something you said! Tish and Lor have been trying to break us up because they want him? I can't believe this."
"I can't believe I said that and didn't realize it," Carver mused.
"Well realize it, buster! Were you just going to meet Lor and Tish?" Dot demanded in anger.
"Y-yeah I was actually," Carver responded.
"Where were you meeting them at?!"
"I'm not so sure that-"
"Where at!?"
"The Snack Shack!" Carver yelped.
He found himself afraid of Dot since he had learned just how destructive a girl's anger could be.
Dot pounded her fist. "When I get my hands on those two...," she grumbled.
With that she sped off on her scooter presumably going to the Snack Shack. Carver was left on the street corner still trembling. He looked around to make sure no one had seen him get intimidated by such a small girl. Carver couldn't help but feel that he should have been more mindful of who he was talking to and what he was saying.
"Hmmm, I probably could have handled that situation a bit better. I suppose this isn't going to go over well with anyone. Guess I should pray that no one gets killed once Dot reaches Lor and Tish. Wait a minute, Dot, Tish, and Lor are all girls that means if they fight... it's a catfight! I've gotta be there for this. It should be awesome!"
Overcome with testosterone Carver ran like the wind for the Snack Shack. His heart pounded and his mind raced, and the wind tugged at his face as he tore down the streets of Bahia Bay as Carver got close to the Snack Shack he noticed that there was no one fighting around it.
"Am I too late? Oh man, please don't tell me I'm too late."
Carver got to the Snack Shack and looked inside and there sitting calmly were Tish, Dot, and Lor. They were eating some chili cheese fries and appeared to be on quite friendly terms. Carver was perplexed by the situation and simply stared at them from the doorway. The three girls turned their eyes to Carver and stared at him with ice cold eyes. All of their eyes met and it was deathly silent ........................................................................................ silent ................................................................................................................... .........................................................................................silent............................................................................................................. .......silent ....................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................... silent ............................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................silent ....................................................................................................silent ...............................................................................................................................silent ..... ..................................................................................................................................................................silent ............................................................................................. silent ........... ....................................................................... silent......................................................................... silent .................................................... ................................................................................................................... silent ................ ................................. silent .
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"Have a seat Carver," Tish said coldly.
Carver swallowed hard, and approached the table with caution. He sat down slowly gazing at each of the girls.
After some awkward silence Carver spoke up, "It's good to see you girls aren't fighting. I was pretty sure you would be."
"Yes, that would be a reasonable assumption," Dot said.
"However, we talked it over and we have come to terms," Lor added.
"Really? What have you decided?" Carver asked.
All three girls spoke at once, "You're a jerk."
Carver looked a tad annoyed and grumbled something under his breath.
"You really need to try and learn how to keep that big mouth of yours shut more," Lor commented.
Carver grumbled a few more things.
"Honestly, though, now that I've heard the whole story, I can't believe you would stoop so low Carver," Dot said.
Carver shifted a bit in his chair. "I know it sounds bad, but try and look at it from my vantage point. If you were just given some of the biggest news possible and you could use it for amusing purposes, wouldn't you do it?"
"No," Dot answered bluntly.
"Ehhhh, tough crowd," Carver thought.
"At any rate admonishing Carver anymore isn't important. He already received his just desserts," Tish said.
"Pffft. I wish I had already received some desserts."
Tish gave Carver a look, but refused to dignify that statement with a response.
"Um, I have a question," Carver said.
"Maybe we have an answer," Lor responded.
"How are you all handling the whole Tino issue?"
"Well, as you doubtless know, we are all rational people. Hey, don't roll your eyes! Like I was saying we are rational people so we are going to calmly wait to hear what Tino has to say," Tish said.
Carver sat there expecting to hear a bit more, but as nothing else was said he looked over the three girls.
"That's it? That's how you are dealing with this?"
"Yeah, what else can we do? This really isn't up to us," Lor added.
"I see. And Dot you are okay with all of this?"
"It's like Tish and Lor say, we have to wait for Tino. This is something he has to decide for himself. However, and I mean no offense to Tish and Lor, since I am Tino's girlfriend still I am confident that he will stay with me."
Carver shrugged his shoulders. "Well, whatever works for you. I never will understand women."
"I agree," the girls said in unison. Once again, Carver grumbled something.
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"I know what to do now. I can't ignore all of the good times we've had. It won't be easy, but this is the decision that I have made," Tino thought to himself.
It took a whole day of deliberation, but he had finally reached his answer. Tino couldn't help but smile. He was proud of the fact that he was actually able to make such an important decision with minimal outside help. Not only that, but he had to feel happy about the fact that he had not one, not two, but three girls looking to make him theirs.
"And Carver always thought he would be the ladies' man. Little did he know he should have been taking lessons from me," Tino thought with swelling pride.
"Tino! Come here for a minute!" his mother called.
Tino came down the steps and found his mom sitting on the couch.
"What's up?" he asked.
"Well, I had thought I heard someone at the door and when I went to answer it there was this envelope addressed to you in the mail slot."
Ms. Tonitini handed him the envelope which was completely unmarked aside from saying "Tino" on the front. Tino looked the envelope over carefully. Life had taught him to be skeptical of everything especially envelopes like this.
"Aren't you going to open it?" Tino's mom asked him.
"I have to make sure that this thing is safe before opening it, you know."
Ms. Tonitini rolled her eyes.
"Hey, better to be safe than sorry. God knows the first envelope I don't inspect will be the one with anthrax in it."
His mother rolled her eyes again. Carefully, Tino opened the envelope. Inside he found a brief letter. The handwriting looked very familiar but he couldn't place it.
"What does it say?" Ms. Tonitini asked.
"You aren't going to believe this. It's a letter from the principal. I'm being called into a meeting tomorrow to discuss the large amounts of homework. This is it. I'm going to find out what the story is with this whole homework mess."
"Fantastic. This should lift your spirits. Right?"
"I'll say. Boy, when I get there I am gonna tear into that principal. I'll be firing off questions left and right. There will be no safe ground, and-" Tino stopped.
He could feel his mother boring a hole into him with her stare.
"Or maybe I'll just talk politely and discuss this matter like a mature young adult," Tino said.
"That's what I thought. I'll have no son of mine being disrespectful especially to your principal. The principal is doing you a huge favor by talking about this homework problem with you so you must be courteous."
"Yeah, yeah I know. I think tomorrow is going to be a very interesting day."
"I'll second that," his mother said with a glint in her eye.
End of Chapter Fourteen
I apologize if any part of this story looks weird. In the actual document it looks right, but FFN likes to make things difficult with their poor formatting. In better news, now all that remains is one more chapter. It feels good to be so close to the end. All the mysteries will finally conclude and the end results may shock you! (Maybe.) It should be an exciting and satisfying conclusion. So then keep on reading and reviewing and keep your eyes peeled for The End of Change Has Come coming soon(er than later).
The noon sun hung over Tino like a solitary light in an interrogation room. Beating down on him, making him sweat. It only had one question on its mind and it desperately wanted an answer. Who do you choose? Who do you choose? Who do you choose?! It was enough to drive a man insane. However, Tino wasn't a man, he was a boy. Since that was the case he had already gone insane the night before as he lay awake pondering this question. Everything gnawed at him and every little thing seemed to be the biggest annoyance possible. The ticking of his watch was an unbearable reminder of time running thin, and the birds chirping mocked him for his situation.
"Damn birds. Like I don't know how bad this whole thing is already. They don't need to constantly remind me. God must have a sense of humor, that's for sure. Love, crushes, romance, relationships, it's all too much. I liked things better when I was younger, but now everything has changed. One day I'd like to- Shut up, you stupid birds!"
Tino looked at the birds. His gaze was a mixture of intrigue, anger, and sleeplessness, and it didn't sit well with his mother. She had been worrying about him since he came down for breakfast and ate what she had made without any remarks. Ms. Tonitini walked out onto the front steps where Tino was ranting and raving to the birds.
"Uh, honey, the neighbors can see you. Maybe you should leave those birds alone. I'm sure they've learned their lesson by now."
"Fine, fine. You birds are lucky that you've got my mom sticking up for you, or else it wouldn't have been too pretty out here."
Tino shambled back to the steps and flopped down onto them. Tino's mom put her hand on his shoulder ready to dispense some motherly advice.
"Dear, you should probably come inside and rest a bit. I understand that you are facing quite a problem, trying to choose among your friends, but yelling at birds out here isn't going to solve your problem."
"Yeah, I know, but it's a lot easier to yell at these birds then it is to figure out a solution to this problem," Tino responded.
"It might be easier, but you can't run from this problem. You have to face it head on. I know how hard this must be for you, but this is something you need to really put your heart and mind into. The more you put it off and just grumble about how hard it is, the harder it will become. You have to think long and hard about all the factors involved and then solve this dilemma."
"You're right. I have to get on top of this thing as soon as possible. This could take all day."
"Well, hopefully not because you still have your homework to do."
Tino let out the biggest sigh known to man.
"Right, homework. Ugh, I've never felt so horrible in all of my life. Why must we be tortured with so much homework?"
Tino buried his face in his hands.
His mother patted him gently on the back and said, "I'm sure there is a good reason behind all of the homework. Whoever is responsible for it all probably is doing it in your best interest."
"Best interest? Bah! Whoever is responsible is nothing more than a kid hater."
"I don't think so. I realize that the homework seems like a real pain to you, but if you were to find the person responsible for this I think you understand its purpose."
Tino rolled his eyes.
"Whatever. Anyway, I need to have some private time to mull over my situation so I'll be in my room."
"Okay, honey, just make sure to keep calm and take deep breaths."
Tino nodded and was off.
Ms. Tonitini sat on the steps a little longer and thought, "Maybe for Tino's sake, I should arrange a meeting to let him know the method to the madness. Yeah, I think that would be for the best."
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Carver walked along one of Bahia Bay's many side streets kicking a rock as he walked. He was meeting Tish and Lor at the Snack Shack to further discuss the Tino and homework issues. They had decided not to invite Tino to try and give him some space and some time. At the current time however, Carver was completely absorbed in kicking the rock around. He was imagining himself as a star soccer player dodging all incoming defenders.
"Descartes fakes left then right and another two defenders go down. Oh wow, what a beautiful move by Descartes easily swerving right around everyone opening up a clear shot. He shoots, and scores! Descartes has won the game for his team and the crowd goes wild!"
Carver jumped around a bit continuing to kick the rock around. His day dreaming was momentarily broken by someone calling his name. He glanced to the side to see Dot approaching him on a scooter.
"Oh, hey there," Carver said going right back to the rock.
"Hi, having fun?" Dot asked amused by Carver.
"Yeah, yeah," Carver responded almost mechanically.
"Is Tino at his house?"
"Yeah, yeah."
"Good, I want to talk to him."
"I wouldn't go if I were you," Carver warned.
"Why? Is something the matter?" Dot asked.
"Tino is just out of it right now. I think he needs some time to compose himself."
"What happened to him?"
Carver kicked the rock around a bit more before starting to answer and even as he answered he continued kicking the rock around.
"It's just been a crazy time is all. The tons of homework, his getting involved with you, Tish and Lor trying to break you two up because they each want him, and me mixing things up for amusement, it's come down hard on him."
Carver said all this without batting an eye. Apparently all of his brain was focused on kicking the rock around.
"What did you say?" Dot demanded with growing anger.
Carver stopped kicking the rock and looked at her. He was curious as to why she was getting mad.
"Was it something I said?" Carver asked.
Dot clenched her fists together at Carver's senselessness.
"Yes it was something you said! Tish and Lor have been trying to break us up because they want him? I can't believe this."
"I can't believe I said that and didn't realize it," Carver mused.
"Well realize it, buster! Were you just going to meet Lor and Tish?" Dot demanded in anger.
"Y-yeah I was actually," Carver responded.
"Where were you meeting them at?!"
"I'm not so sure that-"
"Where at!?"
"The Snack Shack!" Carver yelped.
He found himself afraid of Dot since he had learned just how destructive a girl's anger could be.
Dot pounded her fist. "When I get my hands on those two...," she grumbled.
With that she sped off on her scooter presumably going to the Snack Shack. Carver was left on the street corner still trembling. He looked around to make sure no one had seen him get intimidated by such a small girl. Carver couldn't help but feel that he should have been more mindful of who he was talking to and what he was saying.
"Hmmm, I probably could have handled that situation a bit better. I suppose this isn't going to go over well with anyone. Guess I should pray that no one gets killed once Dot reaches Lor and Tish. Wait a minute, Dot, Tish, and Lor are all girls that means if they fight... it's a catfight! I've gotta be there for this. It should be awesome!"
Overcome with testosterone Carver ran like the wind for the Snack Shack. His heart pounded and his mind raced, and the wind tugged at his face as he tore down the streets of Bahia Bay as Carver got close to the Snack Shack he noticed that there was no one fighting around it.
"Am I too late? Oh man, please don't tell me I'm too late."
Carver got to the Snack Shack and looked inside and there sitting calmly were Tish, Dot, and Lor. They were eating some chili cheese fries and appeared to be on quite friendly terms. Carver was perplexed by the situation and simply stared at them from the doorway. The three girls turned their eyes to Carver and stared at him with ice cold eyes. All of their eyes met and it was deathly silent ........................................................................................ silent ................................................................................................................... .........................................................................................silent............................................................................................................. .......silent ....................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................... silent ............................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................silent ....................................................................................................silent ...............................................................................................................................silent ..... ..................................................................................................................................................................silent ............................................................................................. silent ........... ....................................................................... silent......................................................................... silent .................................................... ................................................................................................................... silent ................ ................................. silent .
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silent ................................................................................ silent .
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"Have a seat Carver," Tish said coldly.
Carver swallowed hard, and approached the table with caution. He sat down slowly gazing at each of the girls.
After some awkward silence Carver spoke up, "It's good to see you girls aren't fighting. I was pretty sure you would be."
"Yes, that would be a reasonable assumption," Dot said.
"However, we talked it over and we have come to terms," Lor added.
"Really? What have you decided?" Carver asked.
All three girls spoke at once, "You're a jerk."
Carver looked a tad annoyed and grumbled something under his breath.
"You really need to try and learn how to keep that big mouth of yours shut more," Lor commented.
Carver grumbled a few more things.
"Honestly, though, now that I've heard the whole story, I can't believe you would stoop so low Carver," Dot said.
Carver shifted a bit in his chair. "I know it sounds bad, but try and look at it from my vantage point. If you were just given some of the biggest news possible and you could use it for amusing purposes, wouldn't you do it?"
"No," Dot answered bluntly.
"Ehhhh, tough crowd," Carver thought.
"At any rate admonishing Carver anymore isn't important. He already received his just desserts," Tish said.
"Pffft. I wish I had already received some desserts."
Tish gave Carver a look, but refused to dignify that statement with a response.
"Um, I have a question," Carver said.
"Maybe we have an answer," Lor responded.
"How are you all handling the whole Tino issue?"
"Well, as you doubtless know, we are all rational people. Hey, don't roll your eyes! Like I was saying we are rational people so we are going to calmly wait to hear what Tino has to say," Tish said.
Carver sat there expecting to hear a bit more, but as nothing else was said he looked over the three girls.
"That's it? That's how you are dealing with this?"
"Yeah, what else can we do? This really isn't up to us," Lor added.
"I see. And Dot you are okay with all of this?"
"It's like Tish and Lor say, we have to wait for Tino. This is something he has to decide for himself. However, and I mean no offense to Tish and Lor, since I am Tino's girlfriend still I am confident that he will stay with me."
Carver shrugged his shoulders. "Well, whatever works for you. I never will understand women."
"I agree," the girls said in unison. Once again, Carver grumbled something.
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"I know what to do now. I can't ignore all of the good times we've had. It won't be easy, but this is the decision that I have made," Tino thought to himself.
It took a whole day of deliberation, but he had finally reached his answer. Tino couldn't help but smile. He was proud of the fact that he was actually able to make such an important decision with minimal outside help. Not only that, but he had to feel happy about the fact that he had not one, not two, but three girls looking to make him theirs.
"And Carver always thought he would be the ladies' man. Little did he know he should have been taking lessons from me," Tino thought with swelling pride.
"Tino! Come here for a minute!" his mother called.
Tino came down the steps and found his mom sitting on the couch.
"What's up?" he asked.
"Well, I had thought I heard someone at the door and when I went to answer it there was this envelope addressed to you in the mail slot."
Ms. Tonitini handed him the envelope which was completely unmarked aside from saying "Tino" on the front. Tino looked the envelope over carefully. Life had taught him to be skeptical of everything especially envelopes like this.
"Aren't you going to open it?" Tino's mom asked him.
"I have to make sure that this thing is safe before opening it, you know."
Ms. Tonitini rolled her eyes.
"Hey, better to be safe than sorry. God knows the first envelope I don't inspect will be the one with anthrax in it."
His mother rolled her eyes again. Carefully, Tino opened the envelope. Inside he found a brief letter. The handwriting looked very familiar but he couldn't place it.
"What does it say?" Ms. Tonitini asked.
"You aren't going to believe this. It's a letter from the principal. I'm being called into a meeting tomorrow to discuss the large amounts of homework. This is it. I'm going to find out what the story is with this whole homework mess."
"Fantastic. This should lift your spirits. Right?"
"I'll say. Boy, when I get there I am gonna tear into that principal. I'll be firing off questions left and right. There will be no safe ground, and-" Tino stopped.
He could feel his mother boring a hole into him with her stare.
"Or maybe I'll just talk politely and discuss this matter like a mature young adult," Tino said.
"That's what I thought. I'll have no son of mine being disrespectful especially to your principal. The principal is doing you a huge favor by talking about this homework problem with you so you must be courteous."
"Yeah, yeah I know. I think tomorrow is going to be a very interesting day."
"I'll second that," his mother said with a glint in her eye.
End of Chapter Fourteen
I apologize if any part of this story looks weird. In the actual document it looks right, but FFN likes to make things difficult with their poor formatting. In better news, now all that remains is one more chapter. It feels good to be so close to the end. All the mysteries will finally conclude and the end results may shock you! (Maybe.) It should be an exciting and satisfying conclusion. So then keep on reading and reviewing and keep your eyes peeled for The End of Change Has Come coming soon(er than later).