Chapter 2: Good and bad news

Hugh and Jean dropped off the groceries before going to pick up their kids. Eventually, Taz, Molly, and Jake got picked up and were on their way home. "How could the 3 you get some kind of suspensions all in the same day?" asked Jean. "Taz got distracted," Taz sighed, "Taz then got kicked out." "It was Carla, she started it all," said Molly. "It was nothin, really," Jake said. Taz vocalized as if he was calling bullshit on what Jake was saying. "Okay, I tried to kiss Heather! Happy?" Jake replied to Taz in an annoyed tone. "Wouldn't be the first time," Taz murmered under his breath. "We're not going to or even try to point fingers," said Jean, "I just find this a really unusual, especially with your guy's good behavior." "With the exception of Taz? You gotta be kidding me," Molly said to herself.

They soon got home and were greeted by Dog the Turtle. Taz spoke in his gibberish to him. All they could do was just be thankful that they were home now and could just relax for now. As for Taz though, he went off to go do what he usually does. Molly and Jake went to their rooms.

Right as Hugh and Jean were gonna sit down and watch TV, the doorbell rang. Jean checked to see who it was, a random guy in a suit and tie. "Hello Mrs. Devil," he said, "The name's Mr. Wellington, I was called down here to stop by and explain some stuff to you and your husband. Mind if I come in?" "Uhh, sure?" Jean said, a little unsure. Mr. Wellington came over to Hugh and introduced himself. "You must be Drew's brother," he explained, "I'm actually his lawyer and he's told me a lot about you. Great fella he is." "Ah, so your the one my little brother is always talking about when he gets into some sorts of trouble at times," Hugh said, "What brings you here of all places?" "Drew called me, he said you guys were making headlines on the news and knew that you could use some help," replied Mr. Wellington. "What headlines?" asked Jean. Mr. Wellington grabbed the TV remote and turned it to one of the main news stations.

"Hundreds of folks down in Tazmania plan to sue a Tasmanian Devil family of 5, for multiple counts of destruction of property, disturbing the peace, and several other things." said the news reporter, "Many say it's been going on for far too long and hasn't been addressed for quite some time. Which has lead many to criticize the Tazmanian government." Then, multiple clips of some familiar faces were giving their thoughts. "These devil's have been ruining this island's reputation for years now!" said one random lady. "I've never had any issues with them, especially with the eldest child," said Willie Wombat. "These things should've been kicked off the island," said one random guy. "I am so glad to see them pay!" said the Chief Bushrat with an obvious voice over since he couldn't speak English. "I know [redacted] but not his family all that well, but I think they deserve another chance," said Constance. "They're all a bunch of wild beasts that I should have captur- I mean, taken action against, especially the one who wears nothing," said Francis X Bushlad. Unknown to Hugh, Jean, or Mr. Wellington; Jake and Molly had been watching and listening to the whole thing.

Mr. Wellington turned off the TV. Hugh and Jean looked so shocked and almost devastated by what they had just heard. "I do have some good news out of this though," he said, "The good news is none of you will be facing charges." This made Hugh and Jean a lot happier almost immediately. "I guess we'll be fine after all," said Hugh. "You guys will be fine, but financially you won't," Mr. Wellington explained as Hugh and Jean went right back to the expressions they had before, "You see, if the public wins, you'll most likely have to sell your home and everything else that means a lot to you guys. I really hate to say it but from what I could tell, most of Tazmania REALLY don't like you guys. They tried keeping this a secret and were gonna surprise you with this, but Drew caught it and delivered it to you guys earlier than everyone else would've. As far as you guys winning goes, I can't comment on that at the moment. There is no court date at the moment but I'm sure you'll know what it is soon enough. If you need the company I work for, here's a business card." He handed out his business card which said: Lawyers of Tazmania LLC. He then walked out the door.

Molly and Jake came over to their parents, with very clearly worried expressions on their faces. "What was that all about?" asked Molly. "It was nothing sweetie," replied Jean, "Just someone who was familiar with your Uncle Drew." "Is it true that everyone hates us?" asked Jake. "I wouldn't say hate, rather they have strong opinions about us son," said Hugh, "It's nothin to worry about, it's best you and your sister go back to doing whatever it was you were doing." Molly and Jake went back to their rooms, knowing the depressing truth. Hugh and Jean didn't want to admit it, but Jake's suspensions were pretty much true.

To be continued in the next chapter...

(Chapter 2 published 6/29/22)