Hey guys! Chater 28 is here! Only two more chapter left! Wow...it seems like only yesterday that I started this fanfic, and to be honest, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to finish it. Well, I hope you enjoy thischapter. kind of a calm chapter after all that happened to them. Plus, I think the title of the chapter suits the mood. I mean, after defeating an evil robot hat and her army, wouldn't you want to live a simple life for a while?

Also, two songs inspired this chapter. "Setting Things Right," By Danny Elfman and "Give Me The Simple Life', by Jamie Cullumn.

On to the reviews!

doodlegirll: YES! SHE'S GONE!WOOOO!!!!! VICTORYY!!!! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

On with the show!

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Chapter 28

Give Me the Simple Life

-

(song: "Setting Things Right" by Danny Elfman)

minus the whole "Keep Moving Foward Part" XD)

Half of the factory ceiling of Robinson Industries fell over, but al of them all right. Unfortunately, some did receive some harsh injuries:

Bud received a broken arm and Lucille was holding him close and helping him ease the pain.

Gaston had some bruises all over his head and arms, but otherwise, he was smiling like nothing had happened.

Fritz was softly crying as he held his wife Petunia, who now had a small tiny crak in her wooden head. Tallulah and Lazlo comforted their dad.

"Don't worry dad," said Lazlo.

"Mom's alright, it's just a concussion. We'll get her out of here right away," said Tallulah

Billie had fractured both her wrists and was wincing and pain, but still trying to act tough.

"Oh, it's nothing but a small fracture! I just need a day's rest and I'll be racing my trains in no time."

But when her husband Joe noticed that Billie had fractured her wrists, he did something that made everyone in the family gasp.

He got out of his chair, ran to Billie and quietly eased her pain, just by gazing at her softly.

Al the Invent Co. workers were fine, but dazed, unaware of what happened. Poor Mrs. Harlington, who was Doris' body host, received all the beating, so she was entirely bruised and moaning in pain. Uncle Art stayed with her to make sure she would be okay.

Wilbur was okay, but his hair was now a complete mess. Ted and Carl came over to him and gave the boy high-fives.

"Way to go buddy!" said Carl.

"Sweet moves, I have to admit,' said Ted.

"Thanks!"

Cornelius helped his wife out of the rubble. "Well…it'll take about a week to get this fixed. I'm sure my employees won't object to a week off…is everyone alright?"

Everyone yelled out, saying that they were fine. Franny ran to Wilbur and began bombarding him with kisses.

"Mom!" he whined. "Not in front of the guys!"

Carl and Ted snickered.

Mike was fine, with some bruises but he was frantically looking around for Al. She was the only one who did not respond.

"Lewis!" yelled Mike. "Have you seen Al?"

"MIKE!"

Mike turned to see Franny calling to him. He ran over and saw Franny with the very still body of Al.

"Oh no…"whispered Mike as he began to cry.

"She's alright," said Franny. "She's just unconscious."

Cornelius went over to take a look. "It looks like she may also have a broken leg. We'll get her out of here and get her some medical attention."

Mike sat next to Al's body and held her hand. Ted came over, looking very…well…caring.

"I'm so sorry," whispered Ted.

Mike simply looked at him and hugged him. Ted returned it, knowing it was hard for Mike, but he knew deep down that Al would be fine.

-

Over the course of the next few days, Cornelius insisted that Bud, Gaston, Billie, Petunia and even Al stay in bed at the house. He had a doctor come in and check them. Normally doctors don't make house calls, but when Cornelius Robinson asks for a favor, he usually gets it.

The award ceremony had been postponed because of Cornelius' family troubles and Mike's girlfriend's injuries. The two other nominees for the award wanted to go on with the ceremony without them, but the board in charge of the award said no. The ceremony would be held once the family felt able enough to go.

Cornelius Robinson's time machine had been found around the place by where Mike was held captive. Cornelius was very happy to have it back.

Each injured Robinson stayed in bed, including Al, who used the guest room. Cornelius even set up Billie's very small trains to come into their rooms, bringing soup, medicine and anything else they needed.

Al, unfortunately, was still unconscious. The doctor said that she would be fine, but that her leg would take a while to heal, as would Bud's broken arm. This gave Cornelius an idea. Using the limited tools he had, he created a makeshift flexi-cast. It was a cast, made out of thick rubbery material on the outside, but on the inside, there was a small cold layer that Cornelius put in, that had the specific nutrients that would help Bud's broken arm and Al's broken leg heal faster. He wrapped it around them and in two days, Bud was feeling fine. Al no longer had a broken leg, but was still out.

Mike visited Al everyday, making sure she was all right. He knew that she didn't even know that he was there, but he just wanted to be there with her. He loved her too much to be away. He would always hold her hand, never letting go until he had to leave. And every time he left, h would always say:

"Bye Al. I'll come back tomorrow. I promise. I love you."

He would then kiss her on the forehead and leave, ready to tell Ted how she was doing. Ted stayed at home, saying he didn't want anymore "adventures" for awhile. He still cared for the Robinsons and Al, so he made sure Mike told him how they were all doing, otherwise, he would let him have it!

-

A week later, the entire Robinson family, Mike and Ted were all at the Robinson house, getting ready for the big award ceremony. They were all waiting on Franny, who was getting her Frog band ready and someone else as well. When she came in, she had her frogs with her, carrying their instruments. She also helped Al come in, who was still a bit woozy, but all right nonetheless. She wore a brown dress with a belt around her waist, black tights and her hair was actually neat and tidy for once.

"Ready for action!" said Franny as Cornelius came over to give his wife a kiss.

Mike went over to where Al was, Al didn't look at him, because she was somewhat embarrassed for the way she treated him a few days ago. Mike tapped her on the shoulder lightly to get her attention.

"You look beautiful Al," he said as he gave her a small kiss on the cheek. She smiled shyly.

"Thanks Mike," she said hoarsly. She looked away quickly, still a bit ashamed of herself.

"Let's go everyone!" yelled Bud.

The Robinsons, Ted, Mike and Al all headed out the door for the award ceremony.

-

"Ladies and gentleman," said an announcer.

The award ceremony was taking place at a small dance hall that was painted dark blue. There was a stage, where Mike, Cornelius and the two other nominated scientists were. The family sat at different tables, awaiting anxiously for the results.

"…it is my pleasure to introduce to you our nominees for the 'Scientist of the Year' award; Cornelius Robinson, Henry Yenlt, Frank Fleming and Mike Yagoobian."

Everyone clapped.

"Now," continued the announcer. "The winner of the "Scientist of the Year' award is…"

Everyone hesitated….The announcer was given an envelope. He opened it up slowly, and read the results. He smiled.

"Cornelius Robinson!"

The entire family went crazy as they cheered and applauded as Cornelius went up to accept his award. Wilbur clapped the hardest, elbowing someone next to him saying, "that's my dad", very proudly. Cornelius approached the podium, laughing as he heard his parents yell "speech! Speech!" repeatedly.

"Well," said Cornelius with a smile. "This is a nice surprise. I'm deeply honored that you find me all worthy of this award. I'd like to thank my entire wacky family, including my parents; I love you guys so much. My beautiful wife Franny, who never got mad when I had to work late nights. My son Wilbur, whose great interest in my inventions are what kept me going to make more. Also, a big thanks to all my employees at Robinson Industries. Um…Mike…"

Mike looked up when he heard his name.

Cornelius smiled at his friend. "I'm very proud of you. You let go of the past and you were able to invent some pretty neat and useful things. You look like you have a bright future ahead of you…"

Cornelius then smiled at Al, who blushed.

"..and I'm sure you'll win this award someday…thank you!"

Everyone clapped as Cornelius stepped off the podium. He went over and gave Mike a big hug and a high five. Franny then went up the stage, and her frog band followed; preparing themselves.

"I'd jut like to say," she began. "Than you for honoring my husband which such a prestigious award. I'd like to have my frog band sing a song in honor of him. After all the hardships wee endured, and after that little battle against an old nemesis of is, I think this song expresses what we all what now."

Franny got ready to conduct as Frankie the frog stepped up to his microphone. Franny then waved her conducting stick and Frankie began to sing.

1…2…a one, two three four…

I don't believe in frettin' and grievin';
Why mess around with strife?
I never was cut out to step and strut out.
Give me the simple life.

Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant.
Those things roll off my knife;
Just serve me tomatoes; and mashed potatoes;
Give me the simple life.

A cottage small is all I'm after,
Not one that's spacious and wide.
A house that rings with joy and laughter
With the ones you love inside.

You take the high road; I'll take the low road,
Free from the care and strife.
Sounds corny and seedy, oh yes, indeed-y;
Give me the simple life

Everyone got up to dance. Cornelius stood by his wife as she conducted, smiling and wrapping an arm around her waist. Ted convinced Mike to dance with a little bit of force. Wilbur was dancing smoothly until he noticed that someone was missing. He went over to the side of the room where an exit was. He smiled devilishly when he saw Al trying to sneak out.

'Where do you think you're going Al?"

Al froze. She turned around and gave Wilbur a soft smile.

"Hi Wilbur…I'm leaving…that's all…"

"But why?" asked Wilbur. "The party's not over! Your boyfriend's probably waiting for you and you owe me a dance!"

Al laughed. "He's not my boyfriend."

Wilbur giggled. "Of course he is!"

"No he's not."

Wilbur stopped laughing. Al had her hands on her hips, looking serious.

"But…" protested Wilbur.

"Wilbur, look at me!" she said. "I'm not worthy enough for Mike. I mean, you saw how I treated him! He deserves so much better…"

"But Al," continued Wilbur. "Mike likes you. I know he does."

Al nodded. "I know that…but he deserves so much better. His future lies with someone more deserving than I…and I totally accept it. I just want him to be happy…"

"But…"

"Wilbur, listen to this song," said Al. "I don't want a crazy life with someone who I don't deserve. I just want him to live a happy life…I want you to live a happy life too Wilbur, you and your family. As for me, I just want a simple life…"

Al sung out some of the words to Franny's song. It wasn't perfect, but Wilbur understood what she was getting at:

A cottage small is all I'm after,
Not one that's spacious and wide.
A house that rings with joy and laughter

Wilbur joined in:

With the ones you love in sight.

Al rolled her eyes and continued:

You take the high road; I'll take the low road,
Free from the care and strife.

Wilbur crossed his arms:

Sounds corny and seedy…

Al nodded:

Oh yes, indeed-y;
Give me the simple life

Al gave Wilbur a small smile, but Wilbur hung his head.

"Al, don't do this. Your throwing your future away," he said.

"Don't worry," she said. "I know what I'm doing."

She bent down and gave Wilbur a small kiss on the cheek. As she headed for the door she turned around.

"Bye Wilbur. I hope we meet again some day."

And with that, she open the door, which led to a beautiful grassy field, where a sunset could be seen. She took a deep breath and stepped out, letting the door close behind her.

Wilbur couldn't help but stare at the door, dumbfounded. How could Al throw away her future like that? She and Mike were definitely made for one another. If only he could prove it to her…

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. He ran over to where his mom and dad was. Franny had just finished the song and everyone was applauding.

"Hey dad!" yelled Wilbur as he ran toward him. Once he got there, he whispered in his dad's ear. Cornelius smiled.

"Okay Wilbur," he said. "But bring it back in one piece."

"You can count on me dad," said Wilbur with a soldier salute. He ran to find Mike, he was chatting with Ted.

"Hey Mike, can you come with me? It's really important…"

"Sure Wil…AAHH!!"

Mike didn't get a chance to finish as Wilbur dragged him off, running. Cornelius grinned and Franny cocked an eyebrow.

"What was that all about?" she asked.

Cornelius whispered in her ear what Wilbur told him. Franny smiled.

"Our Wilbur came up with that?" she asked.

"Yep," said Cornelius proudly. 'He takes after…"

"Me," said Franny with a laugh. Cornelius hugged her and gave her a small kiss on the lips. Once they parted, he told her what she told him to say when his past younger self came…

"You are absolutely right."

-

NOOO!!!! smacks Al upside the head WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!? And what is Wilbur up to? Hmm...the next chapter will feature one fo my favorite songs from the MTR soundtrack: "Little Wonders."

Thanks for reading!

-Kim