Chapter Twenty-Eight

Harriet pulled her Green Mercedes up to the sidewalk in the same fashion as when she stopped in front of "Meat is Happiness". This time however, she had pulled up to the Veterinarian's office.

Danny appeared to be fine. He had slipped into a state of unconsciousness that seemed to be a regular nap. It appeared the factors of sleep-deprivation and a shock had been sufficient in putting him to sleep.

Tucker had agreed to watch Danny while Sam and Harriet entered Dr. Marble's office. They had called in advance while in the car, and he was prepared for their arrival.

After examining, he concluded that the pup had no broken bones, but had bruising in multiple areas. As long as he was calm and relaxed, he should recover soon.

The vet did insist on giving him his shots. Harriet and Sam waited outside during this. Both had a fear of needles.

That's the only thing we have in common, Sam thought negatively to herself. Or is it? She studied the pacing form of her cousin. All she knew about Harriet was that she was an unfeeling human being who would do anything for a story. But she seemed genuinely concerned about the pup...

"Ms. Chin?" The secretary inquired, peaking out from behind the office door. Harriet went to confer with the nurse and left Sam with her own thoughts.

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It was an awkward ride home. Sam occupied herself with staring out the window, but stopped when they were forced to drive by the "Pink" neighborhood.

Why was this world so disturbed?

Sam hesitated when Harriet stopped in front of her house. She really didn't want to be bombarded with questions by her parents, but she had missed her French test today and she had to study SOME of it before dinner.

She waved at the receding figure of the car and turned to the looming figure that was her house. She probably wouldn't make a mad dash inside and up to her room, but her Grandmother was blocking her way.

Mary Clair, as her friends called her, was, like Sam, very different from the rest of the Manson Family. She was at one point a Goth, A Karate Teacher, and a Star Cheerleader. Sure, they were very different things, but it was said there was nothing she couldn't do.

That ended two years back when she lost her ability to walk, and moved in with her son and his family. They had cut off her communication with her friends in hopes that she would become a normal elderly woman.

That failed miserably, because their neighbors, the St. James', had a certain Mother-in-law who just happened to be her best friend. Peggy had moved in with her daughter a few months later.

The St. James' Sam thought to herself, What a tragedy.

The St. James' were a picture perfect family. They had two kids: Portia, Age 16; and Rob, Age 9. The husband and wife were active in the town and were well-liked by most.

That ended with their trip to New York City.

Multiple witnesses saw their car swerve and go into the Hudson River. Including Peggy and Rob, who had minutes before, exited the car to get ice-cream.

It took them a while to find the car. Everyone assumed all the cars occupants has perished from drowning. But when the car was finally removed from the bay, Portia was missing.

All sensible people think that she was somehow forced out of the car by the collision. But conspiracy buffs think that she was saved by the US government for genetic testing.

Either way, the disappearance of Portia St. James was all over the media. Until it was replaced by a more interesting Story.

The Death of Jasmine Fenton.

As you could probably imagine, Peggy was miserable when Sam spotted her sitting in her rocker on the small front porch, her grandmother trying to comfort her in vain.

"Peggy? Why don't we go to the school play?" Mary Clair asked hopefully, "The Theater always cheers you up."

Peggy gave her a skeptical look, "I don't like musicals. Everyone's either larger than life, or miserable." She rolled her eyes, "But when it comes down to that one you did Three years back, everyone was just miserable."

"Oh no you didn't" Mary Clair responded, making Sam groan. Her grandmother had picked up a book on "Modern lingo" and had been using phrases ever since, "I brought the Jams to the roof! They don't call me MC Manson for nothin'!"

"Gag Me." Peggy said before spotting Sam watching in on their conversation.

"Hello Sam," She said forcing a smile, "How was your day?"

"Fine," Sam responded, pity and a love for the old woman overpowering her usually sour nature.