"So, where is Alex?". Mr. Ross asked his wife, Diane. "She's been over Kuki's for quite awhile, I suppose it's time for her to come home". Diane said, putting her after dinner coffee mug in the dishwasher. "Yes, I'll call her". Mr. Ross said. "No, don't". Mrs. Ross said, urgently. "Oh, why not?". Mr. Ross asked. "Oh, um…. She's….. Coming, yes, yes, she is coming". "Back". Mrs. Ross said, nodding. "Hmmm, back?". He tapped his chin in thought. His appearance resembled that of Doktor Frogg's, (see League of Super Evil). Tall, bone skinny, glasses sat on his head, as dark blue hair, stuck straight up, in straw fashion.
His nervous, analytical, passive attitude also set off as well. He was a nervous, scheming professor like person, who did talk with a twang, although he did love his daughters dearly. Especially, Alex. he was always looking to spend time with her, whenever the moment presented itself. Alas, she felt closer and more comfortable with her mom. She even groaned, (jokingly of course) when her dad paped for her to sit on the couch with him. He and Nala were considerably close. Alex still did love her dad, and would always get excited when the two of them would spend time together. She even slept on his shoulder at times.
"Oh well, she'll be here soon". Mrs. Ross said. "I don't know". "Will she?". Mr. Ross said. Nala came walking by, holding her baby pink purse, walking toward the front. "Whoa, whoa whoa whoa, where are you going?". "... I told you, I'm going to Rachel's". Nala said. "On a school night, really?". "Her and i need to study and i'm staying until 9". She said. "Alright, be back at 10:00". Her mom said. "Be sure to look over your chem notes". Mom reminded. "I will". She called. "Hey, I know you might stay late to, get a jamba juice after, so,... be here at 10:30". Her dad winked.
"I heard that!". Mom called. Nala waved as Diane and Mark said goodbye. "Later!". "See you at 10!". They called back. It was pretty quiet there, as the two of them stuck up small talk about a show that was playing on T.V., "A million little things". The dog, goldie walked around, going through the motions, as he went by the T.V. he sat down with nothing else to do, and panted. "Huh". Mark said, looking up from his pamphlet. "He finally came downstairs, I didn't even notice". "Old boy". He said, looking up, with a thoughtful expression on his skinny face. The uneventful was imminent at this point, as the two parents kept occupied with other things. Goldie stood up quickly, alert, and ready to bark.
Running to the door, the barking started, predictably enough as a knock was heard. Even for as old as he was, Goldie still got excited about people at the door, he still spring in his step, as he always ran to see who it was. "Yep, he's excited he finally came downstairs". Mrs. Ross said, keeping a normal pace behind him. "Oh, come here now, buddy,". Mark muttered walking up. A quaint little, "stay down" was heard too, if you listened. The rarity of saying that to 14 -year- old Goldie, was as exact as finding a 4 leafed clover. Diane and Mark, were glad to see a blue button down shirt wearing Hoagie at their door. "Hey there dos amigos!". He said, winking.
Diane and Mark couldn't help but chuckle at his poor joke. "Hey there, Mark how long has it been?". "It's been too long, Hoagie, get in here!". The two of them, high fived, and booty, wiggle wiggle, wiggle all the way down. Mrs. Ross looked around, making sure no one could see them. "Hoagie,... " she said, a little more sanely, "I see you haven't changed a bit". "Neither have you, Mrs. Ross". "You look beautiful". He said, complimenting her. "Boy, you are wonderful, come on in". She motioned. The door was shut behind him, as he came in. Clicking excessively in his brown shoes he wore, he made his way to the kitchen. "This is a beautiful kitchen". He said, complimenting the area. "I love the finish". He said, in a gentle, eased tone.
"Did this come from "Lowe's?". He asked, brushing a finger against a granite countertop. "It did". Mrs. Ross said. "It also came when we renovated in 2003". She continued. "Mmmmm,". "It looks exquisite". He complimented. "Now did this piece come with the original architecture?". He asked, noticing the refinished wood cabinetry. "It did in fact, this, was established in 1964". Mr. Ross said, smiling confidently. "Ah, I thought it looked familiar". Hoagie replied. "Yes, and it doesn't look a day over 61, am I right?". They both suppressed a chuckle. "I would never take you for granite on that one". Hoagie said, now laughing. They both smiled quirkily and waved over to Diane. She shook her head, smiling as she did so. When the laughter subsided, Mark invited Hoagie to sit down at the wooden dinner table set at the tail end of the kitchen opening up to the suite style living room.
"So, Pennywhistle, Jr," Diane started, "what would you like to drink?". "I have water, or tea". "Tea's good for me". Hoagie replied, gently. "I like tea". He continued nodding to Mr. Ross. "it actually is good". "I like blueberry in my tea". He said, smiling a quirky, bubbly smile. "Oh, well, I prefer lemon in mine". Mr. Ross said. "When I get sick, or…. At…. her mother's, usually". Diane gave him a look, (as a joke). "Right, like you don't sneak off, and sit outside with Lenny". She said. "To be honest, he's the only one that's entertaining at those parties". He said back. "Yeah, you're a real card". She retorted, coming to sit down. "So,... Hoagie, yes, hmm, peculiar nickname". Mark said. "What can we do you for?". "Oh, nothing special". He said, leaning back, in his seat. "I just wanted to drop by, see how things were, hmmm, look at the house…". "It is beautiful by the way". "Yes". he said, grinning, mischievously, winking at the parents. "I'll bet the girls love it here, don't they?". "Yes, yes they do". Mark said, a little uncomfortable. "They both have their own rooms upstairs, and while, they aren't exactly the biggest, they are spacious, elegant, charming rooms". Diane said.
"Wonderful". Before he could get out what he was about to say next, he noticed a large mirror in the dining room. A center mirror, with two outer side mirrors on the wall across from the glass table. "(sigh)". "That is a beautiful dining room". He put his hand behind his head, embarrassed. "Oh". he chuckled. "I tend to get a little, la la loopsy, here and there". A wide smile, as fit the format for his mouth appeared on his face. Very cartoonish. Ha ha! "Oh, I see". Mark smiled kindly back. "It is, very nice, indeed, if you would like to see it". He motioned invitingly. "I would be flattered, belantoch". He said, as his round, classic, expression, with the round eyes, and curved mouth, bundled with joy, and he clapped his hands delightfully. "Go right ahead". Mark said. "Oh, this will be good". Hoagie said, in a lovemaking, showish manner. From the dimly lit kitchen, he took out a stout wine glass, from the glass cabinet, filling it with, Blueberry pop! soda.
He then made his way to the glass dining room. Diane and Mark followed behind at a normal pace. "Oh my". Hoagie said, in a relaxed, gleeful tone. "This is stunning". "When did this get remodeled?". "We've had this for a long time". Diane replied. "Although, the glass cabinetry is new". "I love it". Hoagie said, deeply and sonorously. "These seats are perfect". He ran the back of his hand against the leather on the chair. "Wow, good dining room, Mr. and Mrs. Ross, It's very nice". He hoisted himself up in his grand chair. Positioning to sit upright. "This is very good, what you've done". "I admire it". He complimented kindly. Knowing Hoagie was always optimistic, Diane and Mark smiled a gentle smile. "Oh, what is that?". Hoagie noticed a diamond necklace sitting around Mrs. Ross's neck. "It's a 7 karat diamond necklace Alex, and Nala were kind enough to give me". She said, kindly. "It looks perfect on you". Hoagie said, gleefully clapping his hands into a fold. "Oh, Thank you, thank you". "I am admiring all of the compliments". Diane said. "Well, when you're pretty, you're witty". Hoagie said, smiling goofily.
Looking at each other, then back again, Diane and Mark couldn't help but laugh. Hoagie was amazing. The perfect antidote for any hard surface they'd encountered that week. "It does look very nice". Hoagie said in a friendly manner. "Thanks, Hoages". Mr. Ross said, holding back a chuckle. "Please, call me Pennywhistle". Hoagie said, sipping his drink. "Pennywhistle huh?". "Yes". he said, amiably. "That, believe it or not, is, or was, my father's surname". "Oh, was it?". Mr. Ross asked. "Yes, although, he…. Is in much better hands today, but, onto another," he quickly bounced to another subject. "Wait…. Out of curiosity, don't mind me asking, what happened to your father?". Mark asked, softly, yet concerned. "Oh, well, he, unfortunately passed away a few years ago". Hoagie took a full swig of his soda, in a wine glass. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that", Mr. Ross doubled back. "Oh, look, now you've beaten the funk right out of him". Diane joked, harshly to her husband. "Yes, but if you ever need anything, please, just let me know, you are a close friend of mine". Mark said, gently. "Thank you, Mark, I'm pleased to hear that, although, it hasn't been particularly easy for mom, Tommy, and I". "each day, however, I am pleased as punch to know there are good people to lean onto that will make life exceptional". He said, happily. "You know, I've had to pull my weight, be the man of the house, and just, oh yes, yes, pick up". He said, as muttering began amongst themselves. "Since Tommy's not willing to do his part, at any length". "Mm, I think Tommy's pretty mature". Diane piped in.
"I see how you're including him, which is, great by my respects". She said. "Oh, well he's not mature by any stretch". "Oh really". Hoagie shook his head, quickly. "No". he said. "How're things going with your mom?". "Is she doing… well still?". Mark asked. "Or….". "She's doing fine". Hoagie said, setting his soda glass down. "She got a complex, recently". He rolled his eyes. "Oh yes". Diane replied, "I know what that's about". She cocked her head over to her husband. "He's not that sensitive though, so". She commented. "Hey, i'm sensitive". He cut in, softly, turning his head to face her. "Oh, last time we went to the juice bar, and you wanted a Orange Julius, and they gave you, what…." "rocky…." he started reluctantly. "Rocky Road Mountain Chill". He finished. "Rocky Road Mountain chill". She ranted quickly. "And he didn't even say anything, he lets the first person he sees, walk all over him". "It's ridiculous". "How about that time the girls arrived late, on the wrong bus, and you were at work…. Whew! I did put my foot down on that driver". He said, shaking his head. "Yes, yes, you were fired up, huh?". Diane asked, clutching his shoulders. "I was, and for good measure". He said. "See, he's…. Ok, well he's a little sensitive, but in any case, not really". She assured. "My mother's not that sensitive either". Hoagie stated. "Luckily". "I think that's a Gilligan thing". Diane commented. "Not being angry at anything, you all are talented at that". "It is". Hoagie said, in a friendly manner, waving and smiling. "I'm just like that". He said in a singsong manner. "So am I!". Mark replied in the same singsong manner. "Happy, and inherently optimistic!". They both shook hands jovially. The three of them burst into laughter.
"We both are nutty, aren't we?". Mr. Ross said, unable to keep his laughter down. "Yeah". Diane said, sighing. "That's why I'm lucky to have only one of you around". She looked over, cocking her arm slightly over the edge. The two continued laughing. "Well, that's just us, NUTTY BUDDIES!" Hoagie smiled, waving from across the table. "Nutty buddies!". "Nutty buddies!" "nutty, nutty, nutty, buddies!". They sang, continuing their laughter. "And I'm having dinner with Doktor Frogg and Red Menace, instead of watching "Bachelor in Paradise". Diane sighed. She still laughed, however. As Hoagie was optimistic, in nature. He had laughed, he had sang, he had even put on a clown nose and entertained the Ross's once for one of the girls' 4th birthday party.
Along with Abby's dad, who donned the persona, "Bonko", he joked, badly, still he burped, he even had an act where someone gave him an atomic wedgie, and he walked around with it the whole party, he even entertained the adults. They admired "Hoagie" as he liked to be called, for bringing a sense of enjoyment, humor, and good nature to their family. He also inspired a sense of optimism, and cultured intelligence, and strength within the family, as he always inspired the girls to do whatever they wanted, and to be, whomever they wanted to be. He was protective as well, shielding, in spirit, the girls from any dark forces, or any down feelings they would have just by being their "Numbuh 2". Abigail was a strong, independent, sassy force of strong feminine influence for the girls that would inspire them to do whatever it is they wanted, and to never let anything stop them. She had watched over Alex, and Nala, and had instilled in them, a sisterly bond that would never break.
While Abigail was the main power source, Hoagie remained the happy humorous fun 2nd half, that would inspire the girls to never stop enjoying life. "So, how are you and Abigail doing?". "How's dating going?". "Oh, it's been magnificent". Hoagie said. "Our relationship…. Has never been better". "Oh is that so?". "Oh, yeah. I'll take her out usually, for a nice bowl of spaghetti, and she usually pays, even though I always offer to foot the bill". The Ross parents laughed. "Yes, this one and I will almost always eat in". "Her meals are quite pleasing". Mr. Ross said. "Oh, the Hot Dog Mac N' Cheese is fantastic". Hoagie said. "She'll usually cook it on the stove for 14 minutes, although it'll get warm real quick". "She is an expert on that cooktop". Hoagie said. "She's even taught me a thing or two". He chuckled. "I'll bet". Mrs. Ross said. "So... um… Uh...". Desperately, Mark tried to find a way out of the awkward that had briefly surrounded them. "Uh… um... How's…. How's the other part of it?". Diane nearly spewed her drink all over the table. "Mark, honey, honey!". She said, looking over at him. "Oh, it is very passionate, indeed". Hoagie said, cracking a seductive grin.
He swirled his soda glass as well. Hoagie… Hoagie… Hoagie. While he was productive, and shimmy shiny, he was also a bit… ahead of his age. Having a mother who had courted one other man, after his dad died, but then broke up, upon realizing he wanted to pursue his passion of making Utonium, meant he knew a lot of things. Being as uniquely intelligent as all the other operatives in Sector V didn't help. "We've held hands,". He said in a soft tone, "we've been on mission together", "we've had luscious dates at "Napoli's" Italian Bistro, we've even kissed". He said in a whisper. Mark spewed his drink all over the table now. "You've…. WHAT?!". He exclaimed. "Well, we've kissed". "Her lips felt amazing". Hoagie swirled his soda in its glass. "Ok, ok, ok, well. Does your mother know….?". "Or…., buddy". He said, looking around nervously. He began biting his nails. "Not to worry…. She doesn't, but she'll be fine. Now, Mr. Ross felt hesitant. The decision lingered now, would he keep Hoagie's secret, and keep the Nutty buddy code to standard? Or would he risk throwing "Hoagie" under the bus, getting yelled at, possibly beaten by his mother, and lose his "nutty buddy?". Oh, what the matter, he was a kid. It was known as an adult he would have to squeal on him, at some point.
Although for his passive personality, it could go either way. "It is relieving". Hoagie began in a gentle, deep, sonorous voice, that matched the mood of the dim lights. "That Alex does accept me, as a second". "She is a very sharp girl, and she has the distinctive tactics that are unparalleled". Hoagie said softly. "She is very wise for her age, Mr. , Mrs. Ross". "Thank you, Hoagie". Mark said. "Always". He said in a low, voice. "I would be thrilled to establish a more concrete relationship with her". "If she would need anything, I will always be there for her". He said, softly. "We will let our friendship". He lingered, and snapped on the last letter, "p" of friendship, in his whisper.
"Blossom and reach new heights". "I would be glad to take care of her, whenever she would need Abigail and I to". "She is extraordinary". "I am very thankful and very happy to have her in mine, and well, oh yes, you!". He said, happily. Even in a loving, romantic speech, he always remained cheerful. "Your lives as well". He said, in a deep, romantic voice. "Thank you, Hoagie". Mr. and Mrs. Ross said. "Abigail is my first… well, yes,". He said, nervously. "And only true love". "Alex has done great accepting me, into her life, as well as Abigail's". "You know I would never try to come between their friendship". He said, swirling his soda in his glass, before sipping it. "Yes". "and we are proud of that". Diane said. "It's very nice that you and Abigail have looked after Alex all these years". "My pleasure", Mrs. Ross". He said, softly. "Yes, well, we're very thankful for you". Mark said, in a soft, yet serious tone. "Indoubatab… bub… bub". Hoagie was in his own relaxed, fantasy, luscious, silly, quirky world. In this world, the relaxing, yet loving, and quite seducing were occurring, with the company of his two favorite girls. Quite namely:
a large mansion, on a chique, dimly lit, relaxed night, where the infinity pool lights, and hot tub gave off a relaxing vibe, and inside the large, Spanish colonial, a flat screen 7'5 inch flat screen T.V. was off, yet remained dimly lit as little Alex sat criss cross applesauce on the couch. They had been out to dinner a couple hours before, and now Alex was laughing, playing, and bouncing happily. Then, as if to appear over, intercom, or… from wherever, Hoagie's deep, sonorous, suave voice, only with a quirky, playful dorky aura about it, that was uniquely his. "Indoubatab….bub….bub… bub". He said, dorkily, but with suave tenacity in his voice. "Indubitably". The suave tang in his voice, while saying some of the silliest things, made Alex laugh. "Heya there, partner". He said in a Southern Accent, still retaining his soothing demeanor. "You're one sharp shooter, I round here think, you're my dandelion flower". "Now round heah' we give em, a rootin' bath". "Ya like to com' take a bath with me darlin'?". "Nawh, seriously, come take a bath". "Seriously, someone needs to check this tub".
His normal voice returned, which only made Alex laugh even harder. "Hey there!". "Aye, now, my sidekick, we'll rue the very day Yipper came to, by snacking on his… sugar doodles, mwa haha ha!". "You are flap, gop, rop, ea top A-mah-zing, luau!" "Like my favorite P'o, Deo". "delightful". He resumed his suave, deep lovemaking voice. "Now, i've got a surprise for you, pretty babe". "Close...your...eyes… think about where i've hid your square. Somewhere around here, there's a square, with your name on it, and now…. Oooopeeen". His kooky silly, rambling continued, as Alex giggled happily. She was enjoying Hoagie's witty banter. "Haha!" "it's the parallelogram in front of you, it's the T.V.". Alex was having loads of fun, while Hoagie continued. "You betcha sweet baby….toots". He said in an even deeper, Barry White voice. His voice echoed, giving Alex the joy she needed, that she knew. She knew Abigail was going to return, and hate it, but as long as Hoagie and her were having a "sharp-shootin time", it didn't matter. He loved her, like a true family member would.
"Thank you". Mr. Ross said, softly. Snapping out of his trance, Hoagie looked at him, puzzled. "Oh, hmmmm?". "What?". He asked. "For helping Alexandria along the way". "She is lucky to have you". "Oh, I understand". He said. "She's been great since the beginning, hasn't she?". Hoagie said, sighing, in happy thought, proud of Alex. "well, not quite". The parents looked at each other". "At the beginning, she's had it very rough". "I'm quite aware". He bored stared at his glass. "Weren't you her 5th family, I'd like to say". "We're her 10th". Mr. Ross said, looking directly at him. "Hmmmmm". Hoagie nodded understandingly.
"Yes, and we were the first, and only ones to notice her health issues coinciding with malnutrition, starvation, and… physical abuse". Mrs. Ross said, solemnly. "Right, right". Pennywhistle Jr. Peter's demeanor became professional, and very stoic at that point. He no longer seemed silly, or joking. Leaning in, and folding his hands, he listened closely. "We were concerned about everything at that point. This includes IQ level, immune irregularity, any other mental, or physical problems… including delayed speech, or a minor or absent speech pattern, delayed walking, and trouble sleeping".
"We were originally excited to adopt, and we knew right away, that Alex was perfect". Diane said, softly. "We saw her sickly, small, deprived shape, and we immediately knew we had to rescue her". "She just looked so small, and bruised, and as if she had beared so much pain". "For nothing, she didn't do anything wrong". Mrs. Ross said, holding back tears. "She was a completely innocent girl". "Hmm, well, was it true she was born to...Kick, and Reefer, Madness?". Hoagie asked observantly. "Kick and Reefer, those.. Are…". "Weird names". "We know".
Mark laughed a bit, as did everyone else, adding humor to the situation. "She had gone through 5 families before those two". "Her original mother… died shortly after giving birth to her". "Mmmmm". Hoagie said, nodding. "She then had gone through 3 others before Kick and Reefer". "We currently don't have any information on them, as of now". Mark stated. "Kick and Reefer….however have had a long history of abuse, and violence". "They both were paroled for death of a neighbor's child, and for drug use". He continued. "They both got up to 10 years in Prison for assault, and murder of their neighbor". "Do they have history of mental health issues?". Hoagie asked, softly, yet chiquely. "Nope". "All due to drugs". Mr. Ross said. "Hmmmm, Alex had reported having nightmares of Kick and Reefer". "She has also been observed to have anxiety during the night hours as well". Hoagie stated. "She's had that for years, now". Mark said in a whisper. "Right". Hoagie said, softly, sympathetically.
"She's also underwent egregious mood swings, she's been a little down lately, but it might be due to her lack of sleep". He spoke softly. Placing emphasis on the "p" of sleep. "Has she been good over at Kuki's?". "Do you know?". "I haven't heard anything recently". "I would hope". Whispering amongst themselves, it again grew quiet for 3 minutes. "You know, she is lucky you adopted her". "I see it, in her expressions a lot". Hoagie said, softly. "She needed someone to rescue her". "We did, and we knew it was the best thing to do for her". Mark whispered.
"Right, yes". Hoagie said, in a low tone. "You know, Abigail has been looking to rescue her, as well". "In fact, we both will". He said, sipping his soda. "Well, every supergirl needs a power team to back her up". "She'll have a delight". He said, smiling hopefully. "Yes, and we're thankful for it". Diane said. "We were immediately having her IQ tested, a short time after the surgeries". Diane said, gently. "We also had a line of early intervention specialists come in, and monitor her eating, swallowing, and chewing progress". "Mmmm, how was she with that?".
Hoagie asked, concentrating. "She did well". "In fact, the specialists had noticed she'd blossomed". Mark said. "She was speaking before 10 months, had already memorized the entire periodic table". Diane said. "She was phenomenal". "She had surpassed every child her age, and soon began doing mathematics, and science, and literature at an alarming rate". "She was ahead of her time". "We're having her start high school in the fall, which will be nice". Mark said. "Mmmm, she always has impressed you, hasn't she?". Hoagie said, in a whisper.
Due to his wet, soft lips, emphasis was placed on, "press". "Yes, here I thought at the beginning, she would have a low IQ, and while her health would be stable, the proper nutrition is essential in feeding the brain as well". "She would suffer in that respect, and have to be taken care of, and monitored, all of her life". "We didn't want that for her, and we certainly don't want that now". "But she's become amazing!". "She has wowed us, in every single way, and has made us proud to be her parents, and most importantly, she's a happy girl, with a lot of ambitions".
"I don't think there's ever been a day where I've seen her cry". Diane said. "Well, there was this one time she wasn't able to go on a field trip to Washington D.C. and she had a fit". "Namely because she couldn't go with Kuki". "Kuki stayed behind, Mrs. Sanban felt bad, so… she took the girls to "Jumpin Joey's", where they had a Rainbow Monkey care and share fair planned". She chuckled smiling. She liked Rainbow Monkeys as well. "Lovely". Hoagie said.
"We think this intelligence may be the result of genetics". Mark said. "Looking at our data, it could be evident, that in there somewhere, her birth mother had a realm of endearing intellect, although her intelligence was suppressed due to drugs, or other family trauma". "Hoagie pursed his cherry red lips". His lipstick he put on for his date with Abigail. "Not exactly". His expression became flat. "Remember, her gift is a result of brain damage, and erequin shifting in the distinct regions". He said, scandalously. "Now, I've seen certain cases where people have gone through this same experience, have went through quite a bit of pain". Hoagie continued, in a very adult manner. "Young people who have experienced this, often have significantly lower IQ levels". "She has been very lucky, and her parabolic rate for IQ has a positive curve". He said. "Usually, what I would do," he leaned in, speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Ross. "is give her every nutrient she needs to keep her region corresponding to warmth active, and to open the realm for prenatal familiarity, and feeling". "We've been doing that for years".
Mr. Ross said. "She's been doing very well". "That's good to hear". Hoagie said, smiling sympathetically. "We've been drinking milk, I don't know if milk will….". Mr. Ross turned to Hoagie looking, hesitantly. "It will, for sure". Hoagie said, drinking more of his soda. "If you introduce milk to her immune system, it will develop bonds with other nutrient layers in the amygdala". "This will assist her in the growth process". "Her height will increase, her weight, with definite, and her ability to automatically recognize any nature, nurture situation".
"Oh, so she'll be able to… protect her child, with automatic innate bond, and recognition control thanks to that… hormone or mentality?". "Mentality", Hoagie continued gently, "is often influenced by the growth of that region in the brain". "If she notices a person on the street, or an old lady, no offense Mrs. Ross," Hoagie joked. "Oh, none taken". She said, chuckling. "Go on". "Or even her own little girl one day, she'll protect her by instinct". "Not because it's been trained?". Mrs. Ross asked. "Nope, and she'll feel it, within as well that and why she did it".
Hoagie ensured, smiling. "I'd give her that". He said, in a soft, sympathetic, yet happy voice. "Is there anything we should change for her…. Diet wise?". Mark asked, leaning in, with a concerned, thoughtful, solving-a difficult math equation, look on his face. He always looked like that. "No, she'll be fine, I know it". Hoagie said, finishing his glass. "I understand this is pretty difficult to absorb". He said, in a calm voice. "Shhh, are you ok?". He asked Diane, seeing that she stood up. "Yes, yes, yes I'm fine". She said. "In fact, I do feel kind of bad for Alexandria, but, I know she'll do great things". She said. "She's very intelligent!".
"Half of the things she does and says, I could never do". Diane said. "I'm so proud that we have our amazing, funny, talented daughters, who are always there to make life interesting". "Now, ok, Alexandria is a little weird at times, and she does get wound up a lot". Diane said. "Although, I would take her over some ordinary girl, any day". "I love my Alex". She said, sighing. "She is a magnificent girl, with many talents". Mark agreed. "I know my girl will go far one day, and change the world. She is my sunbeam". He said in a tired, calm, yet deep voice. "She definitely will" Hoagie agreed smiling. "She already has". His voice dropped to it's lowerregister. "Yes, and she will, for certain continue to make us proud". "Our baby girl". "I know she's a very independent woman with her own strengths, and her own skills, who will go onto be a Physicist,".
"Mm, where?". Hoagie asked. "At Harvard, or Yale". Diane said. "Oh, how about Caltech?". Hoagie asked, cracking a smile. "Well, she doesn't think she's that smart". Diane replied. "She also said, "if I indeed do feign attraction to the opposite gender, I'd want whoever this significant other to be 6"3 inches tall, and have to shave". Diane impersonated Alex, for fun. The three of them laughed, hysterically. Diane especially, seeing as she was a girl too, who had been there, and she understood completely. "Alex is amazing, she can do anything". Diane said."yep, she's made us proud, as peaches". Mark said, suppressing his chuckle. "Hee hee he!". "Get it?". "Peaches?". He said, chuckling even louder. "Jess". Hoagie joined in the fun by going with his own accent. "She is one-of-a-kind". He said in a German accent. Mark chuckled even more. "one-of-a -kind, Fraulein!" He said, with building volume and drama. "One-of-a-kind, Fraulein". He winked. He then gave the ok gesture to Mark. the two of them began laughing again, as Diane smiled a knowing smile.
Eventually, she couldn't help it either, and burst into laughter right along with them. The three laughed, silly as they sat enjoying themselves. It was nice to see, that, in this miserable, night, where it rained heavily, and the flash flood warnings were out and about, and Goldie had a hard time walking, there was a little humor to lighten everyone's mood. "So,..." Mr. Ross asked, "how's school?". "It's going well". Hoagie said, yawning a bit. "Thump! Thump! Thump!". Was heard as a girl entered the dining room. "Hi mom, dad". It was Nala. "hey, did you just get back?". "Yeah, a couple minutes ago, oh, hi there, um… Hoagie!". "Hey!". She said, seeing Hoagie sitting next to her dad. Much like her dad, he put his elbows on the table. They both did look similar, as Mark wore round glasses, that served as goggles, in a way, hoagie wore full on Goggles. They both were very intelligent, served as "mad scientist" inventors of the crew. "Hey there, sweetheart". Her dad said, looking over at her. "Hi dad, so you're not going to believe what Rachel proposed for our chemistry project".
"Oh boy, what did she say?". Mark asked. "She said that I could use co2 for other bonds". She said, excitedly. "That sounds nice?". "Did she talk about the emissions any…?". "Sometimes". She said. "Although, this was mainly a C02 discussion". "Ah". Mark replied. It was clear to see, Mark and his other daughter, Nala were close. They would talk about Science together, they'd watch T.V., they would be seen doing many things in close quarters. "So, anyhow… what are we talking about?". She asked. They all looked at each other, before stating, "um.. Well, we were talking about atoms". "Yes, atoms". Mark said, nodding. "That's right, what he said". Diane played along. "Sure". Hoagie added. The four of them sat, awkwardly in some silence, before Hoagie checked his watch. "Well, I am going to hit it for today". He said, adorkably once again. They all laughed, as he took his glass to the other room, and washed it out. The three of them exited the main dining area, as the dimly lit lights were turned off.
Nala went upstairs, as Hoagie, clicked, clicked, clicked his way to the door. He didn't exactly need to wear his fancy shoes, but when the opportunity arose, why would he pass it up? "Well, that was a delicious cocktail". He said, smoothly. "I'm glad you liked it". Mrs. Ross said. "Even as all you drank was soda". She said, jokingly. "Well, Thank you for hosting". He said, getting his messenger bag. "It was delectable". "Oh, and, if you would like to do it again, at any point in time, let me know". I'll host". He winked. "Expect there to be caviar". He said, raising his eyebrows. "Yes, you could land caviar". "I don't know how well your mother will respond to that". Diane joked. "Wait and see". Hoagie wagged a finger. They laughed once again. The door opened, and he stepped out, putting his hands into his trench coat pocket. "Thank you, see you later, come again soon!". Diane called. "Thanks for having me! Talk to you later!". "Goodnight sweet pea!". Hoagie called out. "Goodnight Mark!". "See you later!" .
"goodbye!". Diane called back. "Bye Hoagie!". "Bye, Mark, sir!". "Don't keep me in the daark!". Hoagie said, stepping with his giant, toes pointing outward feet, into a light. "Hahaha! They're still funny!". Mark called back. "Ok, goodbye Mr. and Mrs. Ross!". Hoagie called. "Bye Hoagie!". "Bye". "bye". The door closed as Hoagie made his way back to the treehouse. Hopping in the S.C.A.M.P.E.R., he turned on the ignition, and made it go.
Skidding back, it seemed, (reader, it has been a while since i've seen this show, bear in mind) anyhow, it seemed as if the S.C.A.M.P.E.R. wasn't navigating right, it was raining out, and without a headlight to see anything, it was virtually impossible to make it back to the treehouse. With one hand on the steering wheel, he looked at the road, only reaching down to pick up, and eat the Matzah Ball. "mmm, that is so good". He said, taking another big bite. "Mm, delish". "Mm, That's mm, such, good bread!". He dropped a few crumbs. "Mm, such a good party". He ate heartily as he made his way to Sector V. he was pleased however, that it was a great party.
Back at the treehouse, it was dark, as he made his way in. he had luckily turned off the voice command as he quietly scanned in, and, taking off his shoes, tiptoed to the refrigerator. Getting a quick soda, he then made his way to his bedroom, ready for what Abigail had planned… o! A nice game of Yipper. Going in, he had seen Abigail in bed, laying on her back, sleeping, as her nose whistled. "Hmmm". He said, as he then saw an adorable Alex laying on her side, her head down on the pillow as her cute eyes were closed. An arm just blocked view of her pale white face, and her nose. Her once, pale, war addled, face that had been through a hell storm in her early years. Her once, wrinkled, pale bunched up, nose, and eyes, that had bags under them, riddled with constant fear, and energy, hyped up. Negative energy, that had translated to anxiety, as a 5 month old.
Now her pale face was relaxed, and no longer anxious, holding the old repetition, "breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, as you are not safe, and are in constant fear for your life". Her pale face, was resting quite nicely and tiredly on her pillow. Her troubles had subsided over the years, and tonight, it was especially absent as she may've been on her medication. Wally and Kuki gave it to her earlier, as a calm, after dinner thing. Abigail's arm swung itself over Alex's back. There it rested, as her hand opened out, to lay the back of it on Alex's shoulder. A thin, long, soft, woman's hand was there, complete with jewelry, as her nail brushed Alex's shirt. "Mm".
Abigail made a deep, feminine sound, as her hand went further back to Alex's face. "Dt". she could be heard, inaudibly saying, with emphasis on, "t". Hoagie stood there, watching Abigail toss and turn. He blushed, longingly, as he saw Abby then flop her hand back on the pillow. "Mm, mm". She noised again, before seeing Hoagie above her with folded hands. "Mm, hey". She pointed her, long painted nail at him. "Hi toots". He whispered. Waving. "Mm, I just got her to sleep". Abigail turned over. "Mmmm,". "Why not? Did she not want to sleep earlier…?". "Mm, she did…. Some…..mm". She opened her mouth. "She didn't want to what?". "Mm," Abigail said, sleepily. "She didn't sleep, she kept bein' afraid". Abby said, her voice came out a soft, raspy drowsy kind that wanted to go to sleep. "She kept… being…...afraid?". Hoagie cocked his head a bit. "What?". "Nothing, go to sleep". Abby said, muffled. "Ok".
Hoagie quietly snuck over, reading the information tab on the medicine. "Hmm, Peroxinin, Melantanol, what else?'. "What else?". He wondered. 'Hmm, "Dexlexionon, (gasp!). His face recoiled at the sight of what he just saw. "Delempenol". While this drug indeed made it easier for Alex to sleep, it didn't decrease the nightmares she had.
The amount stayed the same, although the things in her nightmares only got worse. "She was hot and bothered about that". He looked thoughtfully. "Hmm, perhaps Nigel gave her the wrong thing". "Hmmm". "Alright then", he nodded. He put the medicine in his pocket, while walking away. 'Prsss", the sound of him taking off his trench coat, could be heard as he put it in their closet. He then walked out silently with professionalism. The far reaches of the treehouse contained cheese curl crumbs, Oreo cookie boxes, and wet towels. "Hmm', he scowled as he placed his hand on the wood paneling of the wall. His hand pushed in, as the small patch of the wall twisted counter-clockwise as it opened, panels going out, to reveal a steel, high tech room. Clicking while walking down the hall, covered in steel grade walls, and a marble floor, yes he had put his fancy shoes back on, he truly did look to be an agent on a mission, testing highly powered material that could make or break the KND, Sector V, to be exact. "Ok, Circa Monom". He put the data into the module. Using some water from his bottle, and some dust extracted from a tiny white capsule, he swabbed it against his finger, putting it into the module.
The computer instantly showed data, chemical composition, and other statistics with Circa Monom. "Mmm k, mm k, mm k, alright". He then looked at the list displayed on each ingredient. With raised eyebrows, and a concerned look on his face hat looked pretty similar to Mark's, he read the small, holographic print there. "Oh, Galactic Kids Next Door, splinter cell, enactive". "Delempenol". "Oh, this is something…., hmmmm,". He then saw a tiny mailbox at the top right corner of the screen. "New Message", it read robotically. Staring at it, thoughtfully, squinting at it, he was about to click on it…. When….. "And Haulin' through the wood at a frightenin' speed, with a half a dozen deer with a rudy goody!". His stylish new cell phone went off. "Oh, oh, oh, hey hey!". The sound of this phone echoed off of the steel wall. "Hey, quiet! Quiet, you crummy piece a crap!". He hushed, viciously. Opening the flip phone, he began to talk on it, hearing a British accent on the other end.
Nigel was on the other end. "Numbuh 2,". His voice was heard loudly on the speaker. "Come immediately". "Alright, what can I help you with?". His expression became flat, as he listened in. "mmm hmm". "Mmm hmmm". "Yep". he said in a low tone. "Ok,... right, right". He said, nodding. He then put the cap back on the container, squeezing it shut. He then snuck it into his pocket. He then took out the small, what looked to be a recording device, and hit one of the buttons on it. Traditionally, it would replay the entire conversation between he, and Alex's family. No it did not.
Instead, it revealed a giant blue, netting, holographic material mapping out statistics on Alexandria. A 2d image of her as an infant was shown. Curled up the fetal position. 'Righty o!". Hoagie said, clicking the button again, as his thumb laid on it. Sliding the device in his pocket, Hoagie walked away, smiling deviously as he walked back down the hall.