*Here's another chapter to this story, I hope you enjoy it. As I said before, The Simpsons is property of Matt Groening.
Chapter Four: Dinner with the Wiggums
That afternoon everyone got dressed into their normal clothing before they decided to do various activities before they went to dinner later that night. Lisa used the time to play her saxophone, Bart decided to play video games, and Allison had nothing to do, so she decided to just watch Bart play his game in the meantime. On the other hand, Ruth was sitting in her room watching TV, when the phone began to ring. Ruth picked up the phone at the side of her bed and answered it.
"Hello," Ruth answered, wondering who was calling.
"Hello, is this Ruth Powers?" asked an elderly voice on the other side of the line.
"Yes," answered Ruth, "Who is this?"
"Why, I'm Bart and Lisa's grandfather, Abraham Simpson," said Abe.
"Oh, hi Abe, Bart and Lisa have told me about you, even though we haven't met in person yet," said Ruth.
"We haven't? Well I was callin' ya to tell you that I heard about the trial you and my grandchildren were in," said Abe, "I heard my son had abused the kids and was sent to prison. I feel a shame that Homer would do that to his own children."
"Oh, I'm sorry Abe, but we had to do the right thing after what he and Marge did to Bart and Lisa," said Ruth.
"It's okay," Abe replied, "So, I heard you adopted my grandchildren after the incident. I was wondering if I could come down to your house to meet your family."
"Well Abe, that would be nice, however we are going out to dinner tonight with the Wiggums," said Ruth.
"Oh, you are? Well, could I join you at dinner tonight then?" Abe asked.
"Sure, I'll pick you up sometime before we leave," Ruth told Abe.
"Great, I'm at the Springfield Retirement Castle in case you're wondering, just notify the desk at the entrance to let me know when you've arrived," Abe said.
"Alright, bye Abe," Ruth said before hanging up the phone.
Ruth then walked into the living room to talk to Bart and Allison
"Hey mom, who was that on the phone?" Bart asked.
"Oh, that was your grandfather Bart," answered Ruth, "He's going to join us at dinner tonight with the Wiggums."
"Grandpa called huh," said Bart.
"Maybe he wants to meet your new family Bart," Allison told her step-brother.
"That's why he called Allison." Ruth told her daughter, "And he's also joining us for dinner tonight."
"It would be nice to meet your grandfather Bart," Allison told Bart, "What is he like?"
"Well, he can be a bit clumsy at times and he has a tendency of falling asleep a lot," Bart told Allison, "But at least he's not as harsh as Homer was."
"Well that's good news," said Allison, "Maybe he will get along with mom and me."
"I hope so too Allison," Ruth said to her daughter.
Suddenly the phone rang once again, and Ruth answered it.
"Hello?" Ruth asked.
"Hello, Ruth? It's me Helen Lovejoy," said Helen on the other side of the line, "My husband Tim was wondering if you were coming to church tomorrow, he wants to introduce your new family at the service tomorrow."
"That would be nice," said Ruth, "Though they have to agree with me about it first, I'll text you their answer later."
"Okay talk to you later," said Helen.
"Okay, bye" Ruth said before hanging up the phone.
"Who was that mom?" Bart asked.
"Oh, that was Helen, she wanted to know if we were coming to church tomorrow," Ruth told Bart, "Her husband, the reverend was going to introduce our family at church tomorrow. Does that seem fine to you guys?"
"I usually don't like going to church, but for once, why not?" Bart told his mother, "It would be nice to be recognized for once."
"Yeah, I agree with Bart," Allison replied, "It would be nice to be recognized by our own church."
"Well, since you two agree, I'll go ask Lisa and Laura the same question so that I can give Helen our decision later," said Ruth.
Ruth went to ask her other two daughters if they wanted to go to church the following day, when she learned that both of them agreed, she texted Helen the family's decision, that they were going to church the next day. Shortly after sending the message, Helen received it and sent back a reply, saying that she was happy about the decision Ruth and her family made, and hoped to see them at church the next day.
After a while, Ruth noticed that the time was 5:30 p.m., 30 minutes until her family had to meet the Wiggums for dinner at Luigi's. Ruth then told her children about it.
"Kids, dinner is in half an hour," said Ruth, "I want you guys to get ready and head on out to the minivan, we need to pick up Grandpa Simpson."
When all of the kids heard her, they started making their way outside into the minivan. Once everyone was inside the car, Ruth started the engine and back out of the driveway, she then began driving in the direction of Springfield Retirement Castle, where Grandpa was.
About five minutes had passed when Ruth spotted the retirement home and parked the car on the curb. She then entered the building and went straight for the service desk.
"Hi, I'm here to pick up Abe Simpson to take him to dinner with our family," Ruth told the man tending to the desk.
"Yes, are you Ruth Powers because Abe has been talking about a Ruth and her family all day," said the man.
"Why yes, I'm Ruth Powers," Ruth told the man.
"Well in that case, I'll go get Abe so that he can join you and your family," the man said before leaving to get Abe.
About a minute later, the man returned with an old man matching Bart and Lisa's description. Ruth walked up to the man and greeted him.
"Are you Abe Simpson?" Ruth asked.
"Are you Ruth, the woman I talked to on the phone earlier today?" Abe wondered.
"Yes, I'm Ruth," Ruth replied.
"And you are the woman who adopted my grandchildren right?" Abe asked.
"I am their new mother," Ruth answered.
"Well, then it's great to meet you Ruth," said Abe, "I'm ready to go to dinner with you and your family."
"Great, just follow me outside," said Ruth.
Ruth took Abe's arm and helped him walk outside into the minivan, where she helped him enter the passenger seat in the front. The first person Abe noticed in the car was his granddaughter Maggie.
"Why, isn't it little Maggie, how's Ruth been treating you?" Abe said to the infant girl.
Maggie just sucked on her pacifier and smiled.
"Well, that's great Maggie," Abe said to his granddaughter, as if she was actually speaking, "Now where are my other two grandchildren?"
"Back here Grandpa," said Lisa, sitting at the back seat of the minivan.
"Lisa! Bart! I didn't know cars have three rows of seats," said Abe, who was surprised.
"This is a minivan, Grandpa," said Lisa, "It's made to hold a large group of people."
"Well I'm amazed to see you Lisa, and you too Bart," said Grandpa.
"Me too, even after the incident with our parents," said Bart.
"Yeah, I feel ashamed that my boy would abuse his own children," said Grandpa, "But I'm also surprised that they have now invented cars with three rows of seats!"
Everyone in the car rolled their eyes. Ruth then spoke up again.
"Well, you've met your grandchildren, now would you like to meet my daughters?" asked Ruth.
"Are they these two ladies back here?" asked Grandpa, referring to Laura and Allison.
"Yes," answered Ruth, "This one here is Laura, she's my older daughter."
"Hi…Abe," Laura greeted.
"Oh come on, you can call me Grandpa," said Abe.
Laura rolled her eyes, "Okay, Grandpa."
"And that younger one sitting between Bart and Lisa is Allison" Ruth continued, "She's my long-lost daughter, which is a long story."
"Why, you look very pretty for a girl," Abe commented.
Allison giggled, "Thanks Grandpa, it's nice of you to say that."
Abe turned back to Ruth, who began to speak once again.
"Well, now that you've met the whole family, let's start our drive to Luigi's," said Ruth.
"Wait, I forgot," Abe interrupted, "Why are we going there again?"
Ruth rolled her eyes, "We're going there because the Wiggums invited us to join them for dinner."
"You mean the chief of the police department and his family?" asked Abe.
"Yes, exactly," answered Ruth.
And with the conversation over, Ruth start up the car and began driving to the Italian restaurant. The drive didn't take long, and they reached it in less than ten minutes. When they reached Luigi's, Ruth saw the Wiggums standing outside the restaurant, waiting for her family to arrive. Ruth parked the minivan and let everyone out of the vehicle, while she assisted Grandpa out of it. Once everyone was out, Ruth and her family walked to the front of the restaurant to meet up with the Wiggums.
"Hi Chief, it's good to see you again," said Ruth.
"Oh, hi Ruth, good to see that you and your family made it here alright," said Chief Wiggum, "And you can call me Clancy by the way."
"Thanks," Ruth replied.
"So Ruth, you never introduced me to your family," said Sarah, "Would you do that for me?"
"Sure," said Ruth, who began to show Sarah her children, "This is Laura, she's my oldest child, and the girl next to her is my adopted daughter Lisa,"
"My son Ralph talks about her all the time," Sarah commented before letting Ruth continue.
"The long haired girl next to Lisa is my other daughter Allison, whom I was reunited with recently, and the boy standing next to her is Bart, my adopted son. Oh, and this is Maggie, my other adopted daughter," Ruth said turning to Laura, who was holding Maggie.
"And what about him?" asked Sarah, who was talking about Abe.
"Oh, this is Abraham Simpson, he's Bart, Lisa, and Maggie's grandpa," said Ruth.
"Well, now that we've met each other, let's make our way into the restaurant," said Clancy.
Everyone entered the restaurant and walked up to the front podium to wait to be seated.
"Good-a evening, how many are in your party?" asked Luigi.
"We'd like a table for ten please," Clancy told Luigi.
"Right this way," Luigi instructed to everyone before he led them to the nearest table to fit the large party.
Everyone in the party sat down at a long table as Luigi handed each of them a menu. Allison, knowing that she liked Ralph, sat next to him, while Ruth sat next to Clancy so that they could talk during the time being.
"Now that you're all seated, what would you guys like to drink-a?" asked Luigi.
Everyone told Luigi what they wanted to drink before he went off to the kitchen to make them. When he left, everyone started talking amongst themselves.
"So Ruth, I heard from Clancy that your daughter Allison has a crush on Ralph," said Sarah.
"It's true, I learned that yesterday after Allison came home with Lisa to spend the night," said Ruth, "I also found out that she was actually my lost daughter."
"Well Ralph has been talking about Allison after we left the courthouse earlier today," said Sarah before turning to Allison, "So Allison, what do you think about my son?"
"He's very cute Mrs. Wiggum," said Allison, "Lisa, her friends and I like hanging out with him a lot at school."
"That's wonderful," Sarah replied.
"He also said at the Krusty 30th anniversary special last month that he plans on marrying me when he grows up," said Allison.
"Aw, how sweet of him," Sarah replied.
"I know," said Allison as she started holding Ralph's hand, "He's a very sweet boy."
"You really mean it Allison?" asked Ralph.
"I do Ralph," answered Allison.
"Well, I'm proud of my son for having you as a girlfriend," said Sarah.
"Well, now that we all know about Allison and Ralph's relationship, let's discuss about some other things that have been happening," said Ruth.
"Oh, that reminds me," said Sarah, "I got a text from Helen Lovejoy that you and your family are coming to church together for the first time tomorrow."
"It's true Sarah," said Ruth, "And Reverend Lovejoy is going to be introducing our family as well."
"Well, I can't wait for what he says as a way of welcoming the new family to our church," said Sarah.
Luigi walked over to the table that the Powers and Wiggums were sitting at, handed everyone the drinks they ordered, and then asked what they wanted to have for dinner. Everyone told Luigi what they wanted and then he collected everyone's menus. Afterwards, the party began making conversation once again.
"So, Bart, Lisa, how has Ruth been treating you since she took you up as your new guardian?" asked Clancy.
"She's much more caring and understandable than our former parents," Lisa answered.
"Yeah, and not as aggressive," Bart added.
"Well that's great," said Clancy, "It sounds like you're saying that she is a better parent than your former ones."
"Exactly chief," Lisa replied.
"And how's school going for you?" the Chief asked Lisa.
""Great, in fact, Ms. Hoover is starting to warm up to Ralph and me," answered Lisa.
"And when did this happen?" Clancy wondered.
"After Allison was bullied at school about a week ago and injured her leg," said Lisa.
"Oh, I'm sorry about that Allison," the Chief replied.
"Thanks Chief," Allison replied "Your son actually defended against me that day as well, he was very courageous."
"Wow, my little Ralphie did that? Why that's very sweet of him," said Sarah.
"I agree, by the way, how's your leg doing now Allison?" asked Clancy.
"It's feeling better, though I still have trouble walking occasionally," answered Allison.
"Well, I hope it gets better soon," said Clancy.
"Thanks Chief," Allison replied.
Clancy then turned to Ruth to speak to her.
"Hey Ruth, maybe our families could get together more often since your kids seem to get along well with Ralph," said Clancy.
"You know what," Ruth began, "That's actually a great idea Chief, and we could hang out more often."
Just then, Luigi approached the group with all the meals they ordered.
"Bon appetite," said Luigi.
The group continued to talk amongst themselves as they were eating their meals.
"So Laura, I haven't heard anything from you," said Sarah.
"Oh, well I'm a junior in high school, and I've been filling out applications for various colleges and universities around the area," said Laura, "I'm going to graduate next year."
"Wow, that's great Laura," said Sarah.
Meanwhile at another part of the restaurant, Lisa's friend Alex Whitney was eating dinner with her family, at the corner of her eye, she spotted Lisa and Allison, and decided to walk up to them and say hi. Alex got up out of her seat, and walked over to where the Powers and Wiggums were sitting.
"Hey Lisa, what's going on?" greeted Alex.
"Oh hi Alex, I wasn't expecting to see you here," said Lisa.
"Wait Lisa, do you know this girl?" asked Ruth.
"Yes mom, this is Alex Whitney, she's a friend and classmate of mine," said Lisa.
"Hi Ms. Powers, how are you?" asked Alex.
"I'm fine," said Ruth, who then caught sight of Alex's green platform shoes, "By the way, I like your shoes."
"Oh thanks, these are my favorite pair," Alex replied.
"Do you go shopping a lot?" Ruth wondered.
"Yes, I do it often each week," answered Alex.
"Well, I'm Ruth Powers, I'm Lisa and her siblings' adopted mother," Ruth introduced herself.
Alex took a look around the table and noticed her friend Allison sitting with Lisa's family.
"Hey Allison," said Alex, "Are you apart of Lisa's family."
"Yes Alex, I am," Allison answered, "I just found that out yesterday after school."
"Wait a second, if Ms. Powers is your mother, and she is Lisa's mother as well, then does that mean you two are sisters?" asked Alex.
"That's right Alex," said Lisa, "Step-sisters actually."
"Wow," said Alex.
See then turned her attention towards Bart.
"And is this your brother Lisa?" asked Alex.
"Yep, said Lisa.
"Name's Bart, my sister has told me about you," said Bart, causing Alex to blush.
"Hi Bart," said Alex, who developed a crush on her friends' brother.
"So, why are you here Alex?" asked Lisa.
"I'm eating out with my family, we do it almost every Saturday," said Alex.
"Okay," Lisa replied.
"Well I was wanting to ask you two a question," Alex said to both Lisa and Allison, "Would you two like to go shopping with me next weekend?"
"That would be nice," said Allison, "I would like to get some new clothes to wear." She then turned to her mother, "Mom, could I go clothes shopping next week with my friend Alex?"
"Sure Allison," answered Ruth, "Just don't spend all of your money."
"I won't," said Allison.
Alex then turned to Lisa, "So Lisa, would you like to come shopping with me and Allison next week?"
"I would love to, but I have a Green Expo to go to that week, and you know how much I'm concerned about the environment," said Lisa, "Sorry."
"Okay, I understand," said Alex, "Well, I got to go, I'll see you two at school on Monday."
"Bye Alex," said Lisa, "See you then."
"Oh and Bart, are you single?" asked Alex.
"Yeah, why?" Bart wondered.
"If you'd like to hang out some time, you can always call me, I'm single as well," Alex smiled.
Alex then left and joined her family back at the table they were sitting at. The Powers and the Wiggums continued talking amongst each other.
"I think someone likes you Bart," Lisa teased her brother.
"Okay Lisa, I have to admit, Alex was pretty," Bart confessed.
"Well now that that's over, why don't we finish dinner," Clancy asked.
"Yes, I agree," replied Ruth.
The two families continued to eat their meals as well as continuing to talk among themselves. After about twenty minutes, everyone had finished their meals. Chief Wiggum told Luigi the next time he checked up on the group that he wanted the bill and that he would be paying for everyone's meals. Luigi left and returned a moment later with the check. Clancy filled out the receipt and gave it to Luigi, who charge the transaction onto Clancy's credit card. Luigi then handed the Chief's credit card back and then everyone got up to leave.
"Well, thanks for inviting us to join you for dinner," said Ruth.
"You're welcome Ruth," said Clancy, "It was a pleasure meeting you and your family."
"Well, we need to get back home now so that we don't sleep late for church in the morning," said Ruth, "Do you kids have anything to say to the Wiggums before we leave?"
"I do," said Allison, who then walked up to Ralph, "Ralph, I had a great time talking with you and your family for dinner, I'll see you tomorrow."
Allison then gave Ralph a kiss on the cheek, and waved goodbye with the rest of her family, Grandpa then told Ruth if he could spend the night at her house, and she agreed. Everyone then got into the minivan so that they could head home, which only took about ten minutes to reach. Once they arrived, everyone got out of the vehicle with Abe being assisted by Ruth. The kids made their way inside the house while Ruth showed Abe around the place before they came to the living room. There, Abe laid down on the couch and fell asleep almost immediately. Ruth then decided to watch TV in her room before she went to bed. The rest of the family did other things throughout the night: Lisa worked on her homework for school, Laura use her computer to fill out a college application, and Allison wanted to join Bart in one of his video games, so they went to Bart's room, turned on his TV and gaming console, and grabbed the controllers.
After a few hours, everyone got tired and decided to go to sleep. It had been one busy day with the trial, Allison moving in, and dinner with the Wiggums. Everyone got a good night's sleep, for tomorrow, they were going to church for the first time as a new family.
That's it for this chapter, I apologize if it took me longer than usual to upload, I was busy with school work and I used my spare time to write the story. Thank you all for reading my story, and as I at the end of each chapter, review, favorite, or follow, and I will post the next chapter up in the future.