Starco vs Parenthood Introduction - These chapters can be read separately but they are all connected. It's always the same Star & Marco, same kids, same world.

This starts 20 years after the Cleave, almost 21. Star & Marco are 36, their daughter is 13 and son is 11. Star and her oldest talk after dinner. Some days I wish I had been an exchange student.

Favs, reviews, and constructive feedback are all really helpful. Thanks!

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Chapter 5 - Exchange Planning

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In a condo outside of Echo Creek, a mother and daughter are just finishing up supper.

"You rocked making dinner tonight pumpkin, totally did a great job. It's things like this that reminding me that my thirteen year old is almost grow up! It also reminds me that I'm getting O-L-D."

"Mom, I made grilled cheese."

"Yeah but it was awe-some! I never would have thought of using three different types of cheeses like that. I might have to give up my number two cook in the family title if you are going to keep making food like that. Hey, if you want I'll clean up so you can take care of your homework."

"Mom, you are a good cook. Don't sell yourself short. As for online homework, I finished before dinner but I do have something important that I need to talk about. Should I wait for dad to get home?"

"It's Dragon Cycle Night so he and your brother might not be home for awhile, what's up?"

"I got this info from school on the Exchange Student program and...and I want to do it."

"Hun, you should TOTALLY do it! Being an exchange student changed my life!"

"Mom, I thought you were banished from your dimension. Isn't that a little different?"

"Banished-smamished, it is all the same. You're dad is going to be so super excited! So where are you thinking? France? Mexico? One of those island countries covered in beautiful beaches and sunsets?"

"Well...at first I was thinking about New Zealand if that is an option but then I decided where I really want to go. Pie Island."

*CRASH, BANG, CRASH *

"Oh...sorry the dishes just slipped. I'll...I'll clean it up. So...ah, Pie Island hun? Are you sure?"

"Yup. I figured it would be good for learning more about my Mewni heritage and they have beaches. Think about it mom, if I'm lucky maybe I can meet the Pie King!"

"I'm happy that you don't want to go somewhere on the other side of the world but, are you sure you want Pie Island for a whole school year?"

"I think so. Is there a problem with Pie Island?"

"So your dad and I have been there before and...well...the people there were not really the nicest. I mean there are some exceptions but overall...not the people I would want you to live with."

"Mom, aren't you and dad always talking about not judging people or monsters by their appearance and customs? Should I be judging the Pie Folk because of their heritage or because of their local beliefs?"

"Ah...well...no you shouldn't judge them but…"

"And wasn't some great-great-grandmother of ours from Pie Island?"

"Yeah but…"

"And wouldn't I learn a whole bunch about myself and the world visiting a place like that?"

"Yes. Maybe we should talk to your father about…"

"Mom, it seems like you are trying to saying no. Are you saying no?"

"Honey, everything you are saying about not judging is right, totally-totally right. But, your dad and I had some REALLY bad experiences there. I mean the Pie King held your grandmother hostage and forced her to make pies! If that is really where you want to go I'll talk to your dad about allowing it but, I really don't feel comfortable with that choice. Plus your grandpa River, he would SO flip out."

"Hmm...alright. I don't want to make you or dad feel uncomfortable and there are other choices. I mean, could I go to the Underworld then? It's not far away and we've visited there a few times. Pie Island is my first choice but the Underworld is a place that I'd like to learn more about it."

"I don't think your dad would like you choosing the Underworld but...hmm...compared to Pie Island I think he would be okay with it. I'll talk to him when he gets home tonight but that should be fine. Sorry to disappoint you on your first choice."

"It's alright mom, I trust your judgement. Thanks for at least letting me be an exchange student."

"You are welcome and I have to say, my little pumpkin is growing up so fast! I still remember when you were just kicking me from inside my little Baby Bounce House. Then when you were born you were such a itty-baby and so cute! Tiny-tiny cute!"

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Thirty minutes and a phone call later, Star's pumpkin is talking to Angle her half-demon Underworld friend.

"Hey, guess what?"

"..."

"They totally bought it! I'm going to the Underworld!"

"... ...!"

"Now your parents got the applications all in for hosting right?"

"..."

"Perfect. You know my Aunt Janna, total hacker. She promised that she can get us set up together."

"... ... ..."

"I know right! If this works out we are going to have the best school year ever! Hey, do they have some sort of demon prom or whatever down there? If so we are totally going as long as I don't need to be soul-bond to anyone or anything weird like that."

"... ..."

"No, it was easy. Just had to wait until it was just my mom around and be nice to her. She totally eats it up."

"..."

"Please, with a little planning I can get my mother to agree to anything. Plus she thinks that she is the number two cook in the family. As if!"

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