As Lisa walked home, she noticed small drops of water hitting her head. Confused she looked up into the grey murky sky to notice that raindrops from above were slowly falling onto her clothes. Not wanting to get wet, Lisa quickly reached into her bag to pull out her red jacket. The red jacket she always puts in her bag to counter situations like this. She put the red jacket over herself covering her signature orange shirt.
Realizing that the longer she stayed outside in the rain the damper and dryer her clothes would become, she sprinted as fast as she could. But as Lisa ran, she couldn't help but think about Alex's return to Springfield. "She has enough money to get private education. It doesn't make sense," she thought to herself.
After a quick sprint from school, Lisa finally reached her house. She sighed and opened the door to be greeted by Bart who was watching the latest itchy and scratchy show episode on the family TV.
Bart heard the door open and turned to his left to see his sister completely wet through.
He smirked and said" Wow Lisa, mother nature sure wasn't pleasant to you today."
Lisa pouted" Mother nature is the least of my worries Bart." She said as she took off her jacket and sat next to Bart on the sofa.
Bart looked at his sister." What's bothering you, Lisa? Is someone bullying you? Because if they are, I will play the biggest prank on them, so they learn not to mess with my little sister."
Lisa knew that when Bart gets angry, he becomes a ruthless beast and quickly puts her hands up. "No, no Bart no one is bullying me, OK."
Hearing this Bart looked at his sister dumbfounded. "Oh, so what's bothering you then?
Lisa took a deep breath and with a serious expression, she said" It's Alex." She replied, " She is back in Springfield, and there is nothing that makes sense about her sudden return." She said that she moved back to Springfield because she wanted to make more friends and have a better childhood. But she had everything in LA. She could have easily had private lessons and been friends with the rich kids.
Bart looked at Lisa and narrowed his eyes intrigued by Lisa's story." So, you think she is not telling you the full story?"
Lisa nodded" Exactly Bart, when I asked her, she got defensive and told me to stay out of her personal life. But Bart, I just feel like she is hiding something from me you know?"
Bart scratched his head, pondering the story Lisa told him." All right, Lisa, you might be onto something. Alex being defensive about you asking her simple questions about her life is a bit of a red flag. However, Lisa, this could just be you being overly paranoid again.
Lisa took offense to what Bart said and retorted with" Paranoid? What do you mean I'm being overly paranoid again?" she asked as she crossed her arms" Wait a minute am I being paranoid?" she murmured to herself?
Bart nodded. "Yeah, maybe you're paranoid.". You remember the time Allison moved to Springfield, and you asked me to ruin her school presentation so you could be number one?"
Lisa put her hand on her chin and remembered the event again. "Yeah, I remember, but that was me just being jealous of Allison at the time. How does that event relate to this at all?
"Because Lisa I'm beginning to think that you're jealous of Alex," he said. "It makes sense, she's rich and has all the things you want. Maybe you're just overanalyzing her actions to find a fault in her. Maybe she wants a fresh new start in Springfield. Have you thought about that Lisa?
Lisa was surprised by Bart's response and began to ponder if he was right or not. She knew that she had a history of being jealous of others for their successes. Maybe she was portraying her jealousy to Alex, she knew that she felt overshadowed by other people's success, but she didn't want that to cloud her judgment.
I don't know Bart" she said as her voice wavered. "Maybe you're right, maybe I'm taking out my insecurities the wrong way by trying to make Alex look like a bad person." She said ashamed.
Bart feeling bad for his sister placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "That's ok Lisa, I sometimes get jealous of others too, but don't let that jealousy infect you deeply by making you hate Alex for the things that she has.
Lisa looked up at her brother surprised by his thoughtful words" Wow Bart, I didn't know you were so good at giving people advice."
Bart nodded" Yeah, I know Lisa, but because I'm a rebel who likes to play pranks doesn't mean I don't have a heart." He said and began to itch his back" But Lisa, I don't mind you still trying to find out about Alex's backstory moving to Springfield, but don't let it make you believe that she's hiding something evil, Lisa I don't think Alex's Whitney is in the same tier of dangerousness as Sideshow Bob.
Lisa smiled gratefully when she heard Bart's' words. "Yeah, that's true, I don't think she can possibly be that evil. "She said and turned to the television in front of her.
Bart noticed Lisa looking at the screen and joined in as they both watched Itchy and Scratchy together. While they were watching the violent cartoon Lisa felt a pair of hands on her leg. She jolted and looked down only to see that it was Maggie, her baby sister.
"Jesus Maggie, you scared me to death," she said as she tried to regain her composure.
Bart moved forward to see Maggie and said, "Would you like to join us, Maggie, to watch Itchy and Scratchy with us?"
Maggie nodded as she sat next to the recomposed Lisa. The three watched itchy and scratchy laughing at the overtop comedy in front of their eyes.
With his glasses on, Homer sat down in the kitchen. trying to finish the latest crossword puzzle he got from work.
Feeling like giving up Homer looked up to see Marge searching through the drawers. From Homer's perspective, it seems like she was trying to find something, but he had no idea what it could be.
Seeing the lack of food in the house, Marge turned to Homer and said, "Homer, have you eaten anything from the draw?" visibly annoyed.
Homer's eyes widened and he put his hands together. "Marge I'm sorry I couldn't resist the temptation of the delicious, succulous, juicy…" but before he could say another word he began to daydream about donuts, and with his mouth open he began to drull.
Shortly after the dream began, it ended just as quickly. As he was brought back to reality, an angry Marge appeared.
"Homie, that was all the food we could afford for the next couple of days." She said with panic in her voice.
Homer casually replied," Oh come, Marge, it's fine, the kids can live off school lunch, and besides I've got plenty of money, so we should be fine."
"And what are you planning to do with the money you have Homer?" she asked knowing what the answer would be.
"You know you spend most of the money at Moe's getting drunk, you know the usual." He said as he returned to his crossword puzzle" Marge do you know where the powerplant is on this crossword puzzle? It's the only word I haven't found."
Marge sighed and walked towards Homer. "Homer have you ever thought about getting a promotion at the power plant?"
Homer looked up and grinned" Of course not Marge, that requires work, and besides we're doing pretty well, aren't we? We are living just fine, just look around."
Marge sighed, she couldn't believe what he said. She knew the house's stability wouldn't last that long if Homer didn't make more money. Since they got married, they have been eating the same food, using the same knives and forks, and driving the same goddam car.
Marge tired of Homer's excuses sat down on the chair directly in front of Homer." Come on Homer, can you work harder to make more money? We're on a tight budget and I don't think we can last in this house much longer."
Homer looked confused. "What do you mean? We've been paying off the bills just fine for the last couple of months, haven't we?" he asked intrigued by what Marge is trying to get at.
"Well, I guess you are right about paying the bills, but look at Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. When was the last time you got Maggie a new toy, Lisa a new journal, or Bart a new game for his console? You might be living the good life, Homer, but we aren't."
"So, what do you want me to do about it?"
"I'm not sure, but don't do it for me, Homer," she said as she got up from her chair. "Don't do it for me Homer, do it for them. Instead of spending most of your money at Moe's, use it on our kids. Does getting drunk mean more than making your kids happy?" she said as she walked into the living room.
In the kitchen, Homer sat in deep reflection, contemplating Marge's words: "Do it for them." As he pondered on what he should do, he murmured to himself, "Do it for them." The words echoed in his head as he sat there in deep thought, planning his next move.
Homer knew deep down Marge was right, he needed to change, he knew that his own self-indulgences such as his alcohol problem weren't helping his family's future in the slightest. As he sat there, Marge's words came crashing down on him.
The hours passed in uncomfortable silence, the daylight dimmed over time and then became never-ending darkness as Homer sat down in his thoughts.
It was like time stood still as he looked down at his crossword puzzle. He was trying to find the answer he needed to come up with in his mind.
But finally, like a switch being turned on, he realized what he needed to do was not just for himself, but for his kid's future.
The crossword puzzle that he was so adamant about finishing earlier didn't look as appealing as it used to. He realized that he didn't have to change just for the sake of his children but for himself.
He pushed the crossword puzzle to the side and with determination in his eyes, he got up from his chair and began his journey into the living room.
Homer entered the living room to find Marge sitting on the couch. "Hmm, that's strange. I'm pretty sure Maggie, Lisa, and Bart were watching Itchy and Scratchy." He thought to himself.
Knowing that getting side-tracked is going to waste time he immediately began walking again and sat down next to Marge on the sofa. He took her hand and placed it on his.
Marge" he softly said" You're right, I've been acting selfishly with my drinking habits. What you told me made me realize that I have been taking my kids for granted."
Marge looked at Homer with Skepitscm. Homer apologized to her many times in the past claiming he would change for the better, but he never did. Marge felt like she was wasting time listening to him apologize for the millionth time. However, she secretly hoped that this time would be a time when he becomes a better father.
I want to be the father the kids can look up to Marge" he continued. "I aspire to be the father that spends his time with his kids. I want to be the father who helps their kids overcome their own struggles, the father who could be looked upon as a good role model."
Her eyes caught the desperation and sincerity in his eyes, which allowed her to trust her husband with the next words he would say, as she looked into his eyes.
"I don't have all of the answers Marge" he admitted" but I will do anything to help my kids. I will even try to cut back on my drinking habits so I can spend more time with them."
Listening to Homer's apology Marge didn't know what to say. The only thing she could show was her smile.
"You really mean that Homie? Are you sure you're not going to break back on your promise the next day?" she said as the last part stung her. As much as she wanted to believe her husband, there was still some doubt in her mind.
Homer tightened his grip further" Of course Marge, anything for them."
Marge looked at Homer's eyes and felt a tear slide down their face. Homer's eyes widened when he saw the tear appear, feeling as though he had done something wrong, he put his hand on her shoulder.
"Marge, what's up? Did I say something I shouldn't have".
"Oh, no you didn't say anything wrong Homie," she said. "I just can't believe I'm such a lucky woman to have a guy like you." She said as more tears streamed out her eyes.
Homer put his other arm on Marge's other shoulder and said," and I can't believe I'm such a lucky man to have a woman like you." He pulled Marge into a hug.
As they hugged for a while, time seemed to have stopped. But after some time, they closed their inbrace and looked back at each other.
"Marge, to prove that I'm not just putting it on so that you can forgive me instantly, I'm planning to do something that I thought I would never do."
"And that is?" she said as she looked at him with so much hope.
Homer smiled and sighed." Marge, I'm going to the library."
Homer's words surprised Marge. She nether thought her husband would ever want to go to a library. However, with Homer saying he would do something that he would never do in a million years, it gave Marge the hope she needed to believe her husband.
The library?" she repeated trying to hide her excitement. "That's great Homer, what are you planning on doing there?
Homer took a deep breath and said" Well Marge, to improve my position at work, I'm going to start reading books about how power plants work, books about nuclear power, engineering, and all of that over-complicated stuff. Besides if you think that stuff is too complicated for me. I've got my own sidekick who can help me understand it easier.
Homer looked up and screamed" LISA! Can you come down stares"?
After a few seconds, Lisa replied, "YES, DAD!"
Soon after Homer called Lisa quickly rushed downstairs to be greeted by Homer and Marge.
"Hey Mum, hey Dad, what's going on?"
Homer got up from his sofa and knelt beside Lisa. "Daddy wants to go to the library, and he needs you to show me around."
Listening to Homer's words, Lisa's eyes lit up. "The library?" she asked. Am I dreaming? Dad, I'm proud of you for wanting to go to the library, but what is the reason for this? Are you being forced to go?" she asked, looking at her dad with skepticism. She wondered what his true intentions were.
Homer sighed, hating the fact that his own daughter thought he was only doing this to complete a challenge.
"No Lisa I'm not going to the library because I've been forced to, I'm going to the library so that I can improve my position at the power plant."
Lisa smiled when she heard Homer's words, but before she could say another word Homer stopped her.
"Less explaining, more reading, am I right?"
Lisa happily nodded, as they both put on their winter clothes to combat the freezing cold outside.
After putting on their winter clothes, Homer and Lisa walked to the front door. Lisa opened the door and walked out before Homer did, but before Homer stepped out the door he turned around and looked at Marge.
"See you later Margie".
Marge responded," See you later Homie".
With that Homer closed the door and followed Lisa to the garage where his car is located. He pressed the button at the side of the garage which opened it up, showing him the pink car he had had for so many years.
Homer and Lisa got into the car and Homer drove to the library. The drive was a quiet but pleasant journey. With it being late Homer didn't have to worry about busy traffic or incompetent drivers, so his journey to the library was smooth as butter.
After a long drive, they reached the parking lot, and Homer parked his car.
Homer and Lisa got out of the car and walked to the library. The building stood tall and imposing containing infinite knowledge that could be possessed.
As they both entered the library, Homer was struck by the silence that enveloped the place. The quiet whispers and neatly tidy room were certainly a different environment for him.
Lisa took Homer's hand and led the way, navigating through the halls easily. Homer followed closely behind, scanning the books on the shelf as his daughter led him to his destination.
After a few minutes of walking, Homer and Lisa found the science and technology section and began looking for books.
As Lisa searched, a book caught her eye. She picked up the book and read the title.
"Power plant guide 101, the guide to becoming a Master of Science and Technology" she read out loud.
Homer listening to her daughter read the title got intrigued and looked closer at the book. The book was in good condition, without scratches or pieces falling off. As he scanned the book his eyes were drawn to the price tag at the top right
"25 dollars!" he said out loud forgetting the library's number 1 key rule.
Lisa shook her head. "Homer, you're not supposed to shout. That's what gets people kicked out" she whispered.
"D'oh! "Homer whispered, "Sorry, Lisa I forgot." He said and began checking the back of the book" Oh look at this Lisa, it also says that if the book gets badly damaged, we can return it and get our money back".
Lisa raised an eyebrow and looked at her dad worriedly. "Are you really going to damage a library book?
Homer scratched his head sheepishly and said, "Of course not Lisa, but accidents do happen sometimes. At least we won't be down by $25."
Lisa sighed, knowing that Homer's logic was right. "But let's focus on scanning through these shelves to find some more books that can help you achieve the greater knowledge that you want to possess."
Homer nodded and began looking through the science and technology shelves to find books that would suit his style. After a few minutes, Homer and Lisa found 2 more books that Homer liked.
"How to become a successful leader and master nuclear power. These two books look promising " he murmured as he read the books' titles. He looked down at Lisa and said" So where do we go to read these things, Lisa?
"Let me show you, Dad," she said and grabbed his hand to show him where he needed to go.
Lisa led Homer to a quiet corner of the library where chairs and tables were available. This was where they could sit and soak in the information on the pages in front of them.
After sitting down on the comfortable chairs at the table, they noticed how well-lit the room was, and with the window right next to them, a pleasant cold breeze flowed in.
But before they began to study Lisa turned to Homer and said" Just before we start this Homer, just remember that you can study at your own pace. You could always rent these books and take them home to read if you want. You have done me proud Dad by coming to the library, but we can take these books home and read them together if you want."
Homer listened to Lisa and pondered: "I see why people like it here Lisa. It's quiet and cozy. I don't mind staying here and reading books for the next couple of hours. If this is what it takes to become a better husband and father, then this is what I must endure." He said with confidence and determination.
Lisa nodded and both read through the first book Homer brought, Power Plant 101, the guide to becoming a Master of Science and Technology. The next 30 minutes Homer and Lisa spent together were bliss. With Homer only being a beginner, he should be able to understand certain words and what they mean. However, every time he struggled, his daughter helped him overcome the struggle and comprehend each word.
"I'm so lucky to have such an intelligent daughter by my side," he thought as he read his book.
As Lisa helped his father, she caught something out of the corner of her eye. She looked up to see a certain brown hair girl looking through something.
As it seemed like the girl already knew there were two pairs of eyes staring at her she quickly turned around to see Lisa.
"Oh… hey Allison what's up?" she said and began to awkwardly chuckle.
Allison scratched her head and said" Oh nothing much Lisa, just doing my usual business."
Her face was filled with confusion she said. "Usual business?" she asked. What does that mean?"
"Well, at 7.30 pm I always go to the library and read for an hour or two then walk back home."
Lisa looked at her friend worriedly" Allison I'm worried about you, walking home late at night and it being winter, especially not having your mum and dad around is really worrying, what if something bad happens to you?
Allison shrugged and responded. I've been doing this for a while and nothing terrible has happened to me. My house is a couple of blocks from the library, and the streetlights help to guide me back home.
Lisa persisted on trying to change her friend's mind. I understand that nothing terrible has happened to you so far, but Allison one wrong move and it could be game over. Maybe you should try to walk home with your friends or see if your family can pick you up from her.
Allison pondered for a moment, realizing that Lisa has a valid point. "You know what Lisa? I agree with you. All see if I can get my mum or dad to pick me up when I'm done reading at the library." She smiled at her friend and said" Thanks for caring about my safety Lisa. Can I join you guys?
As the final words echoed out of Allison's mouth Lisa realized that Homer was right next to her engrossed in his book like it was predetermined. Homer suddenly rose up from looking at the book and glanced at Lisa's friend and looked straight at Lisa.
Lisa" he whispered," who's this brown hair girl, and why is she staring at us with a weird smile?"
Lisa giggled and said" Oh that's Allison. She asked if she could join us. Is she allowed, Dad?"
Homer thought about it, then replied, "Alight, Lisa."
Lisa nodded to Allison, causing her to grab a chair and join them at the table.
Allison extended her arm and said, "Hello Homer, it's nice to meet you. I've heard many things about you.
Homer chuckled and shook her hand. "Of course, you have heard countless things about me. I've been on the news many times, even Lisa has been on the news many times. She once debated if the skeleton she accidentally dug up was an angel or not.
Lisa shot Homer a playful glare and continued, "Oh and I'm Homer J Simpson and this is my daughter Lisa Simpson. Lisa, introduce yourself to Allison please."
Lisa face palmed. "Homer, I already know who Allison is. I was the one who asked you if she could join us," she said playfully.
Homer looked at his daughter blankly" Oh yeah, that makes sense." He says and turns to Allison" So because you are one of Lisa's friends does that mean you are too intelligent for your age too?
Allison chuckled appreciating his compliment. If you class me already knowing how to play a grand mixture of instruments and wanting to solve world peace, then yes."
Homer smiled and looked at Lisa. "Lisa, I didn't know cloning was possible. It's like I'm talking to 2 lisas right now.
Lisa laughed and shook her head. "No dad, Allison and I are not clones; we are just good friends who have similar interests.
Allison joined in the laughter. "That's true Mr Simpson. When Lisa and I rarely talked, we loved discussing music, animals, and other things.
"Nice music pun" Homer replied. "Well if you two are happily hanging around each other then that's fine by me" he said as he picked up his book "So are you two ready to start reading?"
The two nodded and began to read. Lisa helped Homer read out certain words and understand their meaning, compared to Allison who was so engrossed in her book that she forgot what time it was.
But as the hours passed by, the three knew they had to call it a wrap. The three got up from their chairs and followed Homer to the till as he asked to rent the books he picked out.
The librarian checked out the books Homer had picked up from the library. Homer picked the books up and thanked the librarian, and turned to Lisa and Allison" It's been fun reading with you two, but it's time for us to go home."
Lisa and Allison nodded in agreement and the three of them headed out of the library. Outside, they noticed that the sky was completely pitch black, only being able to see by the streetlights in front of them.
Lisa feeling worried about Allison's safety glanced at her and said" Hey Allison have you messaged your parents to see if they can pick you up from the library?"
Allison sighed" I tried Lisa, but they said that they were tired."
Lisa frowned" I don't think it is safe for you to walk out here on your own. How about I ask my dad if you can be dropped off at your house?"
Allison pondered for a moment and agreed with the idea. "Sure, that would be nice."
They both approached the car where Homer was waiting for them, Lisa walked up to Homer and explained the situation Allison was in, asking him if he could drop her off at hers, Homer nodded in agreement getting rid of Lisa's worries.
Lisa and Allison got into the back seat of the car and put their seat belts on. Homer pressed down the accelerator with his foot as the car moved. On their journey to Allison's house Lisa and Allison both talked about different kinds of books they were interested in and different kinds of musicians they loved to listen to. Homer in the front of the car smiled, happily that her introverted daughter had managed to make such a good friend.
As Homer parked outside Allison's house, Homer and Lisa said goodbye to Allison as she walked to her door safe and sound. After seeing her walk into her house, Homer pressed the accelerator and drove back to his house. The drive back was a quiet journey. Both Homer and Lisa could be alone with their thoughts for a while after the nonstop talking session they had for the last three hours.
They arrived home, carrying the books Homer had rented from the library, and opened the front door only to be greeted by darkness.
Homer turned to Lisa and asked, "Well, it's getting late now, are you ready to go to bed Lisa?"
Lisa nodded, giving the books she was holding to Homer, and walked up the stairs. This left Homer alone downstairs with himself.
Homer with the books in his hands walked into the kitchen and placed them on the table. Feeling too tired to walk up the stairs, Homer collapsed onto the sofa and began his journey into deep sleep.