IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be continuing with this story. I don't like where it's going, and I feel it drags on too long. Drama is not my strength, and I've been having a hard time with this story, so I don't think I should continue. I'm really sorry for anyone who was reading it. I may change my mind, but it's not likely right now. Here's chapter eight anyways.

Chapter Eight: Fool Out of Me

"Okay, and then I want ALL the lights to turn out, and I'll start soft, and slowly get louder, chanting: Save our home, save our home, save our home, SAVE OUR HOME!" Maureen and Joanne were over at the lot, working on Maureen's newest protest when Becky, Aaron, Jason and Roxie dropped by after school.

"And then–oh, hey kiddies!"Maureen greeted as they walked in. "Uncle Roger and Mark were no fun today?"

"They wanted us out of the house for a bit,"Becky admitted.

"Yeah, and the library was closed,"Jason added.

"So we thought we'd come here,"Aaron finished.

"But if you're too busy, we'll leave!"Roxie added quickly, and hopefully.

"Of course you guys can stay! You can tell me what you think of the protest. I'm thinking of getting a huge banner that will say 'DON'T SUCCUMB TO CYBER-SCUM!'"Maureen explained. Joanne laughed as she walked over to the spotlight.

"I don't recall you running that one by me,"she said.

"Well, I don't recall you asking me to!"Maureen replied, pulling her pants down lower and rolling her shirt up higher...

"Mom, stop it!"Roxie moaned, as the kids all got a clear view of Maureen's bright red, lacy thong.

"Oh please, like you don't have one in your wardrobe,"Maureen replied.

"I'm fifteen!"Roxie snapped.

"Not yet you ain't,"Joanne suddenly interjected.

"Yeah, what did you want to do for your fifteenth birthday?"Maureen asked, strutting around the stage.

"Nothing that involves either of you..."Roxie muttered.

"What was that?"Joanne asked.

"I'm planning my own party,"Roxie answered.

"Well, if you need any help-"Joanne began.

"I won't,"Roxie insisted.

"Well, just in case-"

"I won't,"Roxie repeated sternly.

"Okay!"Maureen cried defensively. "I don't know where she gets such an attitude!" Joanne snorted.

"There's a mystery,"she teased. The kids had all begun to set up their homework, when suddenly there was a huge CRACK, and sparks flew from the spotlight. Joanne screamed a little, and Maureen gasped.

"Pookie!"she squealed, running over. Joanne walked away from the light, coughing and waving away the smoke that was now issuing from it.

"The light blew,"she explained through coughs.

"Do you need me to call Mark?"Maureen asked.

"No, no. I'll just run down to the hardware store and get a new bulb,"Joanne insisted.

"I'll come with you. I need some more paint anyways,"Maureen said, grabbing her coat.

"We'll be right back, kids,"Joanne assured the group.

"Sure thing Aunt Jo,"Aaron called, as Maureen and Joanne left.

About five minutes later, Sam Coffin came walking into the lot.

Jason immediately looked annoyed, but then caught Becky's stern look, and sighed. Aaron grinned, standing up.

"Hey man! You made it,"he cried.

"I told you not to come by today! You just missed my moms,"Roxie explained frantically. Sam grinned, shrugging.

"Ah well. They're not here now,"he pointed out. Aaron gave Sam a little hand-shake. Becky offered a wave from where she was sitting. Aaron looked at Jason, who took a deep breath, standing up and walking over to Sam, who looked nervous.

"Look...Sam, I was a jerk the other day. I'm sorry. Can we start over?"Jason asked. Sam grinned.

"Of course,"he said, holding out his hand. "Sam Coffin."

"Jason Davis. My parents were Roger and Mimi,"Jason explained, shaking Sam's hand.

"Right, right,"Sam said, nodding. "I admire you and your father's strength, Jason. I'm sorry about the loss of your mother."Jason grinned a little.

"Thanks, I appreciate that,"he said.

"Any time, man,"Sam assured him. "So, I'm assuming that it's the infamous Maureen Johnson who set this all up?"he guessed, looking around the decorated lot. Roxie rolled her eyes as Becky laughed.

"Don't even get me started on her..."Roxie groaned.

"Come on Rox, your mom's not that bad,"Aaron insisted.

"She's crazy!"Roxie shrieked, pulling at her beautiful dark curls. "And she's going to drive me crazy pretty soon. Every day is a fight, a competition, a...a dance to get her attention!"

"A tango of sorts?"Aaron teased, referring to Joanne and Mark's terminology for Maureen's antics.

"Come on, your parents can't be that bad. I mean, they're all bohemians. Rule-breakers,"Sam pointed out.

"Yeah, who shut themselves away from their emotions,"Becky mumbled.

"And expect you to be something you're not,"Jason added.

"And try to make you perfect,"Aaron sighed.

"And ruin your life!"Roxie groaned. Sam just laughed.

"I guess even the kids of la vie boheme can feel stifled."