Maddie Fenton was waiting patiently at a coffee shop. She and her cousin Kathleen had arranged to meet up for coffee. To her surprise, Kathleen informed her that her ex-husband Alexei Petrov was in town. According to her cousin, her ex-husband had come to Amity Park to discuss their eldest child, Ceci's college fund, in person. She only went into a bit of detail other than there had been some error on the bank's part. Furthermore, it would be easier to resolve this in person then over the phone.
Maddie couldn't help but wonder how it was conceivable to have an amicable divorce. That hadn't been the case with her older sister Alicia's ex. Maddie attempted to push it to the back of her mind. She noticed her cousin and a good-looking gentleman, presumably Alexei, enter the coffee shop. Today, she wore a raspberry-belted tunic, jeggings, and tan boots with amethyst accessories. It was quite a captivating look.
Her ex-husband reminded Maddie of her old college mate, Vlad Masters. Alexei was the same height and build and had an identical shape for their head. However, that is where the resemblances ended. He had long dark hair and glasses and wore a casual light blue polo shirt, black trousers, and brown loafers.
"Hello, Maddie! It's so lovely to see you again! How have you been?" Kathleen greeted her cousin with a hug.
"I'm doing wonderfully! By some miracle, there hasn't been any ghostly activity this week! Which is a good thing, as I was about on the edge of burnout from combating them so much."
Kathleen chuckled. "I know the feeling, Maddie. I've been overtaken with burnout myself a few times. I regard myself fortunate even to have posted my blog last night."
"Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Is this your ex-husband?" Maddie questioned carefully.
"Yes, my name is Alexei Petrov. You may call me Alex. Kathleen informed you I'd be joining you today."
"Yes, she did. Please sit, and let us appreciate some coffee and coffee cake," as the trio sat. Alex sipped his coffee and took a single bite of the cake before his face twisted in disgust.
"Alex, is something the matter?" Maddie asked, concerned.
"It's nothing, really, Maddie. I am just used to Kathleen's excellent cooking. So trying meals she's not made herself still tastes funny," the bespectacled man clarified.
"Oh, well, I'm not a cook myself. I've tried a few things my cousin's made. So I do agree she makes damn mouthwatering meals."
Kathleen blushed a little, "I don't need that much praise. So, Maddie? What's going on with your family?"
"Well, like yourself, I'm anxious about Jazz's future. Jack and I don't doubt she'll get a scholarship to an Ivy League school with her smartness. I'm more nervous regarding the social aspect of being on her own."
"Yes, I noticed she doesn't seem to have companions. We're both quite delighted that Danny and Jazz supported our son Charlie when he went to the state spelling bee."
"If we had to be honest, Jazz and Charlie seem similar in personality and temperament," Alex confessed.
"Well, when your daughter Ceci came a few weeks ago for a quick visit, the girls went to the library together. Jazz said she enjoyed spending time with her cousin. That she wanted to go with her to the library again," Maddie informed them.
"Well, let's hope that occurs sometime in the future," Kathleen replied as she sipped her coffee.
"We're also fairly confident that Ceci will also earn a scholarship. She's got both the brains and the work ethic, without a doubt. Did Kathleen inform you about her summer internship?" Alex questioned excitedly.
"No, I'm afraid she didn't. That must be exhilarating, though. You're daughter already going to work!"
"Well, its an unpaid internship that she's taking more for experience then money. However, Ceci does possess a great work ethic. We merely don't desire her to have burnout herself," Kathleen replied as she replenished their mugs.
"So, what transpired with your bank, if I'm not prying too much?" Maddie asked carefully.
"Everyone makes mistakes, Maddie. We only know they mixed up where a few hundred dollars should go. Not to mention a mix-up with each of our debt cards. We'll have it straightened up soon enough. It's nothing to worry about. So, how is Danny doing?" Kathleen asked kindly.
"Yesterday and this morning, he slept till nearly noon. Thank God its the weekend. I've only started to notice he seems exhausted. I've been trying to persuade Jack to take Danny to the doctor. I want to make sure there isn't anything medically wrong. I've been worried about everything from anemia to sleep apnea! I'm even worried it might be diabetes or something!" Maddie replied in hysteria.
"Okay, Maddie! Take a deep breath, inhale, and then exhale. Take a few more deep breaths. There," Alex calmly instructed her.
"Thanks, Alex. I've been a bundle of nerves, worried about my son's health and my husband's refusal to take him to the doctor."
"Tell me, is Jack one of the individuals who doesn't believe in vaccines or doctors?"
"To be honest, Alex? Jack is too absent-minded at times even to realize these things. He continuously overlooks our anniversary or gives our kids their allowance. I've to do that. So he periodically lacks critical thinking, is all.
"Isn't that what they designed smart apps and devices for? So people wouldn't forget? And be prepared?" Kathleen questioned with an eyebrow raised.
"We don't have an Alexa or a Siri, I'm afraid. If we did, Jack would immediately take it apart to utilize in one of his outlandish contraptions," her cousin replied, irritated.
"We don't have that back home. Everything was impeccable and orderly. Particularly our son's room. He's very much a neat freak." Alex informed Maddie.
"Hmm, didn't you mention you had three kids? What's your last kid's name?"
"Oh, Felicity! She's a remarkably adorable nine-year-old girl. She gets good grades, and everyone smiles when she's around," Kathleen replied happily.
Alex pulled up some photos of the children on his smartphone. Maddie said they looked adorable. They spent another half-hour talking before Alex and Kathleen had to fix their bank mess. Maddie waved goodbye and said she'd have a good time. Everyone smiled as they left the coffee shop.
Alexei Petrov: Kelsey Grammer: Multiple roles.
Kathleen Wells: Halle Bailey: Live Action Ariel.