Chapter 6
Homestar and Marzipan rested in their bed, as the moon seemed to rise, and seep outside the window. "Mm, quite a day, huh?". "Nothing really eventful about it". Marzipan said, as she rested underneath the sheets. "Nothing really eventful about a boring day either". "That makes going to bed all the more relaxing". Homestar said, as he rested underneath as well. "Somewhat…but perhaps…we could make life more interesting….it is a viable thing". "We could take a trip or something". Marzipan suggested. "Mmm, we can't afford it right now". "I spent all the money on certain things". Homestar said, grumbling. "Hmm, well that's pretty predictable…you spending all the money, losing all of our savings on Video Games". "Well, we can sit for a few years, on our savings, and see what we can gain back". "Far be it for us to be responsible". Marzipan said. "Right, right, responsible sounds boring". Homestar said, as he glanced around. "Responsible is what puts food on the table". "Responsible is what makes things work, and has things function". Marzipan said. "Right right, but I'm not too keen on being what you would call responsible". "Responsible is still boring and stupid". Homestar said. "Well, whatever you say". Marzipan said, as she glanced around. They snuggled in their bed, awaiting the next day.
Strong Bad got up from his bed, glancing around. The early morning seemed to dawn on him as he glanced around…preparing with a cigarette. He yawned, stumbling from his bed, as he seemed to pat his face, in an incandescent manner. "Wow…". He said to himself. The sky remained cloudy outside. Strong Bad glanced around, seeing the different houses that seemed to line the suburban street. "Mmm, damn". He muttered to himself, as he snuck away from a sleeping Linda. He picked up his wedding ring that sat on the nightstand beside him, putting it on his second to last finger. Strong Bad yawned a bit, as he snuck outside to the porch.
He coughed a bit, letting the smoker's mucus surround him in all of its fervor. Still, he coughed, and snarled a bit, bringing up grayish yellowish saliva that was eerie in its coloration. Strong Bad went outside to the porch, rummaging in his boxers for some cigarettes. When he found one, he lit the tip of it, smoking until the tip, orange in color, became ashen and white. "Mm, geez". He muttered to himself as he smoked, profusely. The tip did become ashen enough for him to tap some of the ash into the ashtray. There was someone that did come outside, in his innocent pajamas. Oskar came outside.
"Hey, mini man". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness. A trail of smoke weaved its way up from the cigarette…coinciding with the morning's mist. "Hi, dad". Oskar said, as he looked around. "What's happening this morning, dude?". "You sleep ok?". Strong Bad asked, gently with softness. "I slept alright". Oskar said, as he sat down. "That's good to hear, son". "No nightmares or nothin' like that?". Strong Bad asked, gently with softness. "No, none at all". Oskar said. "But I did have a nice dream…that you, me and mom…along with my late dad…were living in this big mansion with a slide, and a trampoline, and a huge observatory with the world's best telescope". "It was a nice dream".
"Hey, it definitely sounds like it, kiddo". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness. "It's cool you're having nice dreams". "I used to have nice dreams when I was your age, too". "They were about topless women, and Playboy". "But hey, everyone's dreams are different". Strong Bad chuckled a bit. "I've never looked at Playboy, or anything of that nature, but my friends have". Oskar said. "The women in there are pretty nice". "When I was your age, I used to have a secret subscription to Playboy that not even my parents knew about". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I remember taking those magazines, and hiding them in a secret room that led to the upstairs attic". "I read all of those magazines, and I even….well…pleasured myself with a few, which is quite pathetic when you hear about it, today". "But I was 13 years old then, I did what I could to occupy myself in the best way". Strong Bad said, kindly. "well…I guess…different people have different methods". Oskar said, as he and Strong Bad shared a laugh. "We do, but it's not for the faint of heart". Strong Bad said, gently. Strong Bad continued smoking his cigarette. "Well, hey man…how was that math assignment?". Strong Bad asked, gently. "It was easy for the most part…I got 10 questions right, and only one wrong, but I checked the answer key, and looked for various hints throughout the problems…it was fine". Oskar said. "Hey, that's excellent, kiddo". Strong Bad said, gently. "There's nothing better than an easy homework assignment". "I used to get those homework things, and they were easy….for the most part". "Some were so boring, I used to scribble in nonsense until someone checked it a 3rd time".
"But the best part, was when we used to have this nerdy kid, Baron Von Hankoloo, do our homework for us, and we'd pay him". "He used to sit there, and do these problems, we'd check over them once or twice, he was a good kid for taking the initiative". "I hated that kid so much, because he always thought he was smarter than everyone else, but he really wasn't worth 2 shots". "Ah well…he did his thing, we did ours, he was a good kid through and through". "The real 5 pointer in our class was Jasmine Serrilious". "She was a looker….she had braids in her hair, she had cute earrings, carried her little sports sack, always scored higher than anyone else on those arcade games". "Now, she was cool". "I kind of wonder what she's up to, now". "I think she has a business someplace…or moved to the Cayman Islands…hmm, weird, huh?". Strong Bad said, gently with kindness as he smoked his cigarette.
"There's this girl who's kind of like Jasmine…she's in my Mandarin class, she's really smart, and pretty". Oskar said. "Mm, who is she?". "I'll bet if I knew her, or met her, I'd think she's cute, too". Strong Bad said, gently. "Her name is Elizabeth". Oskar said. "hmm…Oh yes, Elizabeth Hardy…the girl that offered you a ride home when we had that storm a while back". "Yes, she is cute". "This might sound a bit creepy, but I think she's cute, too". Strong Bad said, gently with kindness. "It's official, as of this moment, you sound creepy". Oskar said. He and Strong Bad laughed. "Yes, I might sound creepy, but it's for good measure". Strong Bad said, kindly.
"Well, I think perhaps today, you might have school or something of that nature". "Why don't you go get ready, and I'll see what kind of new cereal mom bought yesterday". "There might be frosted flakes in there for the mighty tiger, but he'll roar when he's ready". Strong Bad said, gently, boop-ing Oskar's nose. Oskar laughed, in a childlike, innocent manner. "I'm a tiger?". Oskar asked, laughing. "Yep, you're my mighty tiger". "Mighty and Sightly". "Rar!". Strong Bad said, kindly as he tickled Oskar's stomach. He and Oskar laughed.
"Ok, man, go get ready". "Let's go, let's go". "We're going to get in trouble with mom if we have too much fun". Strong Bad said, laughing, as Oskar scampered away to ready himself for school. Strong Bad smoked the rest of his cigarette, blowing out smoke, as he rubbed the remaining ash onto the ashtray. "Oh, man…I need a day off". Strong Bad muttered to himself as he finished his cigarette. He glanced around…seeing the morning mist, as it coincided with his cigarette smoke. He laid back, smoking the very last part of his cigarette. Even so, his cell phone decided to ring. "Hmm, I wonder who this could be so early". "Early enough for me, that's for sure". Strong Bad said in a mutter. He answered his phone, hearing the good ol' Cheerleader from "Teen Girl Squad" on the other end. "Hey, prima…what's good?". Strong Bad asked as he answered. "Oh, nothing….we're just taking the boat out for a spin". "We really had to get it out before the engine rusted". Cheerleader said. "We could really use a fisherman, though". "Maybe your amazing lil boy you adopted?".
"Hmm, sounds viable, even though he's not adopted…I could set something up". "I'm sure he can miss one day of school, or play hooky". "He's a good kid, my little boy…you'll find he makes an excellent fisherman". Strong Bad said, as he glanced down the hall at Oskar. "Mmm, yes, if he plays Hooky, he'll be one of those bad boys you often hear about". "We need ourselves a bad boy today, because the Gregs are coming with us…and…right, we just need a bad boy desperately". Cheerleader said. She grinned a mischievous grin behind her words.
"Well, your bad boy is making his delivery…he'll be there before you know it". "What do you say, drop him off around 12 ish?". "Pick him up, what's the plan?". Strong Bad asked.
"You can drop him off and we'll take him". "Just on your way, or something like that". "We'll enjoy ourselves on the boat". "Sci Fi Greg really wants to see him…he's been asking for his "Comrade" all day". Cheerleader said. "And I, myself, have been asking for my poochie poo all day, and it's not even 9 yet". Cheerleader let out a giggle.
"Don't worry, Poochie will be there before you know it". "Let me just get him ready and we'll see you at 9". "Thanks, goodbye". Strong Bad said, gently. Strong Bad saw Oskar come outside. "Hey, little man, change of plans….I think perhaps now, I have a proposal to make….shoot it down it you want". Strong Bad said, kindly. "What's the offer?". Oskar asked. "How would you like to spend a day on Cheerleader's boat, with the Gregs, and Cheerleader?". "Buffet included, as well as fishing, lemonade, and a chance to see an aquatic isopod up close". "All for a 5% stake…what do you say?". "Do we have a deal?". Strong Bad asked. "A deal is a deal however it's presented". "I'll take it". Oskar said. "Nice, man". Strong Bad said, kindly. He and Oskar smiled. "So, what, do I leave my school uniform on, or…go like this?". Oskar asked. "You have your bathing suit on underneath your clothes, you just look like we're going to school, and…when we get to the dock, you take it off". "Man, I've snuck you out before…you know how we roll". Strong Bad said, gently. "I do, fortunately…and for me, bathing suit untucked is the way to shine". Oskar said. "Man, I've taught you so well, you are like my son". Strong Bad said, kindly.
Linda gathered her coffee, and her papers as she headed out the door. "See you later, babe". "Have a good day". Linda said, kissing Strong Bad on the lips. "See you later, babe". Strong Bad said, as he and Oskar headed to the docks to see the Teen Girl Squad.
Cheerleader, as well as some members of TGS waited on the boat, as Oskar came aboard. "Poochie!". Cheerleader squealed in excitement as she hugged Oskar. "Oh, it is so good to see you, Poochie". "You look dapper today…what, going to school?". Cheerleader asked, seeing that Oskar still had his uniform on. "I was….until I was invited to come aboard". Oskar said. "Ooo, you were invited to come aboard….well, that's because we love ya, poochie". Cheerleader said, gently. Sci Fi Greg had a hard lemonade in his hand as he came over. "Well, well, well, well, it looks like my brotherman is back". "How are ya, slimcat?". Sci Fi Greg said, kindly as he greeted Oskar. "I'm doing well". "Ready for a day aboard". Oskar said. "Yeah, I'll bet you are, poochie poo". "You look like a million bucks…did you hit the lottery circuit, poochie?". "Hey guys, Poochie's loaded, and he's got pimp chalices for us all". Sci Fi Greg joked, as Oskar laughed. "Come here, poochie poo". "Look at my friend I brought with me". "El Navel". Sci Fi Greg said, laughing. He touched his belly button, making it whistle. "Try it, it's fun". Sci Fi Greg said, kindly. "I can make my belly button do that". Oskar said, laughing. Oskar played with his belly button, whistling as well.
"I can make my armpit hair whistle". "Lookie, I drew a face". The Ugly One said, as she laughed. "It's appalling how girls like you, can't shave their armpits". Oskar said. "Hey, I shaved". "I shave with a plastic butter knife, that's all". "Hey, you can't hit em, when you don't have the right arrow, huh?". The Ugly One said, laughing. "He's right, you've got so much stubble, chickadee". Sci Fi Greg said. "Eww, get that away from my tan lines". Cheerleader complained. Everyone shared a laugh. "Hey, hey, poochie, you got something on your face". "Hey man, look up". Sci Fi Greg said, kindly as he stifled laughter. Oskar did look up, as Sci Fi Greg went to pants him. Oskar turned around, quickly pulling Sci Fi Greg's pants down, instead. Everyone laughed, hard.
"Oh man, that was hilarious!". Open Source Greg laughed, as everyone joined in. "Dude, he pantsed me". "I've been dance pantsed". Sci Fi Greg laughed, as he began tickling Oskar. "Hey poochie….hey Poochie, come give me a kiss". "I'm gay for you". Sci Fi Greg said, in an effeminate manner as he came towards Oskar, making a kissing motion. "Dude, stop". Oskar said, in the midst of hard laughter. "I'm gay for you, my man". "My dirty man, come see me". Sci Fi Greg said, jokingly, as he scooped Oskar up in his arms, tickling him. They both laughed, as Oskar pantsed him again, only for Sci Fi Greg to pants him first. "Whoa!". "Revenge is a dish best served cold!". So and So said, as she laughed. "Nah, revenge is a dish best served with Udon". Japanese Culture Greg said, making a face. Oskar, as well as everyone, began laughing.
"Dudes, stop, I'm going to wet myself, totally!". What's her Face said, as she laughed. "Dudes, y'all totally wet yourselves after someone got pantsed". "This is so lame!". Cheerleader said, laughing. "Not as lame as the time we ran out of Melonade". So and So said, laughing. "You people are so lame, it's actually quite unbearable". Cheerleader said, as she laughed. "Yes, I think perhaps you people are so lame, it's unbearable". "Y'all need to chill". Sci Fi Greg said, as he laughed, sipping some hard lemonade. "Hey, it is what it is". The Ugly One said, laughing. "Alright, guys, we need to discuss the elephant on the boat….no literally, I brought Blue Elephant beer". D'n'D Greg said, as the others cheered. For all measures and aspects, it was a wonderful day. A day on the boat that was measured with so many assortments of great prospects. That was, if great prospects had anything to do with boating or partying.
Later that night, Oskar got home, putting on his normal school uniform, only taking it off to shower, and headed to a friend's house to study for a test. Strong Bad wallowed in the alone time that he did have. When Oskar came home, there was a different meal cooking on the stove. "Hey man, how was the boating excursion?". Strong Bad asked, kindly as he put some steak on a plate. "It was fine". Oskar said. "It was really a fun day though, and the Squad can really get into some shenanigans….if everyone knows what I mean".
"Hey, a fun day is what everyone needs at some point in their lives". "I remember having a fun day with my buddies when I was your age as well". "Fun days are crucial to anyone's flavor, of fervor". "I've had a glorious amount of fun days growing up, and it's the best possible thing for any old young person". "Whatever days we have, good ones are sure to follow". Strong Bad said, kindly. "That is a true statement". Oskar said.
"I'm glad you had a good day, my man". Strong Bad said, kindly. Strong Bad and Oskar ate their steaks outside, as the evening clouds made their motions. "My friends can be a little odd sometimes, but I'm happy that after all these years, you still have fun with them". "They're good for us, aren't they?". Strong Bad said, kindly. "They are really good for us…and I agree, being with friends really makes someone's day a good day". Oskar said. "Friends are the epitome of what makes life much more meaningful". "With friends such as these that we have, in the Teen Girl Squad, and pretty much, everyone else, there's no limit to how much thanks, and gratitude we have for the friends that we can call ours". "The world is an amazing place, full of love, laughter, and harmony that's met with all kinds of families". "To have harmony, is to have the kind of eloquence one has with their friends, or with their family". "It all depends". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness.
"We have harmony because our relationship is so special". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. "Our harmony is placated in the love that we share, and the belief that all things are good". "Our harmony is good, huh Oskar-oni?". Strong Bad smiled a kind smile.
"Our harmony is good, dad". Oskar said, as he and Strong Bad shared a laugh. They headed outside to the porch to eat. Oskar cut up his steak, and his potato, as he ate the majority of it. "Mm, hey, there's nothing every once in a while, like a fine-cut, juicy market steak". "I love steak, it is so delicious". Strong Bad said, kindly. "When I was about 7 or 8, I couldn't wait for my parents to make prime rib every night". "I waited in school all day, I waited in Little League pretty much all day for that steak to come out, and get cooked". "Steak was perhaps my favorite thing to eat besides mashed potatoes, and drumsticks".
"Steak is really good". Oskar said. Strong Bad nodded, as he ate his piece. "Yes, it is a wonderful piece of meat". "What I like is that it's dark meat…dark meat is my favorite kind". "Or red meat…I love red meat". "It actually has much more protein than the actual meats people eat, which are commonly white meat". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I think both actually count as nutritious on the Food Pyramid". Oskar said. "The Food Pyramid tracks how much food you should eat, not necessarily how many calories should be consumed". Strong Bad said, gently. "Right, but the Food Pyramid is a good indicator of what types of meat should be consumed along with the serving size, which isn't bad….but then again, I know people who do count calories, and….they're….pretty weird with it". Oskar said. "The Food Pyramid is an excellent indicator". "I've loved the pyramid ever since I started watching my weight and calories". Strong Bad said, kindly. "It hasn't really been a big success, but it was something I liked doing". "For foodies everywhere, they should use the pyramid". Strong Bad took another bite of his steak.
"My mom is a pretty good cook". "She's made some good dishes, and some good soups for Autumn". Oskar said. "Yes, your mom is an excellent cook". "She's made beets, she's made Apple Crumble Pie, she's made French Onion Soup, she's made a lot". "I enjoy her food the most". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I enjoy her food, too". Oskar said. "Well, perhaps this is good steak….if it needs anything, it needs salt, or steak sauce….something". "It's pretty good for the most part". Strong Bad said, gently. "Hmm, but I am trying to watch….meh, I'll just skip it for now". Strong Bad said, as he glanced around.
"Mm, this is a delicious steak". "One for the history books". Strong Bad said, kindly. "Yes, it is pretty nice". Oskar said. They ate more of it, as they glanced around. "What was life like when you were little?". Oskar asked. "Life was pretty simple for the most part". "I did my thing, I played with those 70's toys, y'know, the 6 million dollar man, those Fat Albert toys, I did pretty much everything a kid did". "I was a 70's kid, through and through". Strong Bad said, gently. "Archie Bunker, Jim Croce, The Cure, pretty much everything of that sort". "I was big into the 70's". "I'd go back now, and relive those days if I could, to be honest". "They were the best decade". "I loved the 70's, and the 80's". "Those were certainly the days". Strong Bad laughed as he said this. "You're Gen. X, huh?". Oskar asked. "I am Gen. X, and I love being Gen. X no matter what anyone says". "Gen X while you're a Millennial, huh?". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I am a Millennial". Oskar said. "Still pretty awesome in my eyes, son". Strong Bad said, kindly. They finished their steak as Oskar looked up at Strong Bad. "Well, that was nice, dad". Oskar said. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, bud". Strong Bad said, gently. "Why don't you go rest for a while, kiddo". "You've had a long, busy day with those party animals".
"I guess I definitely will". Oskar said. "Thanks, son". "Y'know…I'm pretty happy that you and I are good enough to really listen to, and understand one another". "We're good in so many ways". Strong Bad said, kindly. "What's the word I need?". "Oh right, we're copesthetic". Strong Bad and Oskar laughed. "Well, you are my Earth dad". Oskar said, as he and Strong Bad hugged. "Alright, mini man, go take it easy, I'll make you some warm milk in the meantime". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness. "Thanks, dad". Oskar said, as he went to his bedroom to lay down. It had been a fun day, full of cheer, childlike innocence, and laughter. Tomorrow was boring old school. But for a boring time, it was equal to the fun and laughter that life itself was comprised of. It was fun that existed in Free Country USA.
The next day was a rainy, dull, dreary day as Strong Bad glanced out of the window. He sighed a bit as he breathed some strained breathing. The cigarettes led to this. "Hmm…nothing today". Strong Bad muttered as he fumbled with cigarettes in his pocket. Linda came outside as she saw Strong Bad. "How are you, honey?". Linda said, kindly.
"I'm doing well". "How are you, darling?". Strong Bad said, kindly with romantic gentleness. "I'm doing great". Linda said, as she kissed Strong Bad on the lips. "Same here". Strong Bad said, kindly. Linda felt Strong Bad's kiss upon her lips, as she felt much more calm, and serene with. "Darling, I have something for us that might cheer you up". Strong Bad said, kindly. "What is it?". Linda asked, as she looked up at Strong Bad. "It's just a 5 night, 6 day stay at a resort in Florida". "I think it'll be wonderful for us". Strong Bad said, gently. "I think it'd be wonderful, too". Linda said. "But what about Oskar?".
"He can come with us if he wants". "He's an amazing kid, and I wouldn't want him to feel left out". Strong Bad said, gently. "He'll be ok". Strong Bad smiled a kind smile as he kissed Linda on the lips. "He truly is". Linda said. "I love my Oskar so much…he truly is like a son to me". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I'm sure he is". Linda said, kindly. Linda and Strong Bad laughed as they embraced, kissing. Strong Bad smiled as he felt Linda lay her head across his chest. "Very cool, isn't it?". Strong Bad said, gently. "It definitely is". Linda said. Linda glanced around as she sighed a tired sigh.
"When do you want to go on this trip?". Linda asked, gently. "I was thinking today, perhaps". Strong Bad said, gently. "We could drive down the coast, see the sights, we could have a lovely time". "Just us, my darling". Strong Bad smiled a romantic smile. "That sounds good". Linda said, as she hugged Strong Bad. Strong Bad smiled a romantic smile as the gentleness in his voice came to call. "My darling…my beautiful love". Strong Bad whispered, kindly. "I love you, chantelle". Strong Bad kissed Linda's cheeks in kindness.
Linda felt the warmth in Strong Bad's hug as she looked around. "It's all good". Linda whispered.
Strong Bad nodded as he wiped the smoker's snot from his nose. "I'll go tell my boy, Oskar". Strong Bad said, gently. "Until then, we should perhaps pack something….if you want". "There's a couple topless beaches". A romantic, cunning grin came across Strong Bad as he winked at Linda.
Strong Bad walked across the hall into Oskar's room. Oskar was reading a book as he deciphered some ancient Egyptian equations. "Hey, big dude". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness as he leaned against Oskar's door. "What's the scene, jellybean?". "Having fun?". Strong Bad said, gently with softness. He chuckled a bit.
"I'm doing well". "I'm just deciphering the doubling method of 2's from this ancient Egyptian equation". Oskar said, as he wrote some things down in his notebook.
"It is an interesting thing to decipher". "Ancient Egypt is a nice civilization". "I've done a lot of good things with it". "Eh, you've got the Pharaohs, the priests, whomever". "It's a million dollar aspect". Strong Bad said, gently. "Ancient Egypt is pretty congruent with the Greek Civilization". "I love ancient Egypt". Oskar remarked. "But I admire the linguistics of numbers and their symbolic value to the scribes".
"I love that as well". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I've always loved ancient Macedonia". "It's a good civilization". Strong Bad yawned a bit. "So anyhow, your mom and I were thinking of driving down the coast to Florida". "I have this nice resort picked out by the beachline". "It is a beach house, but it's got its own hot tub, its own pool, it's got a bunch of good stuff". "Want to come with us?". "I've got school worked out, I'll just bribe the teachers, and get everything situated". "You'll be in good hands, my dude". Strong Bad said, kindly. "Ok". Oskar replied.
"Mm, you know you're my boy, huh?". "You're my amazing best bud, and I'm so lucky fate brought us together, my man". "You're the smartest, coolest, best kid I ever met". "I love spending time with you". "I love being your best friend…your life guru". Strong Bad said, gently with kindness. "Thank you". Oskar replied.
Strong Bad hugged Oskar, kindly, giving him a kiss on his forehead. "I love you, bud". "I love you so much". Strong Bad said, gently with kindness. "I love you too". Oskar said. Oskar and Strong Bad hugged as Strong Bad kissed Oskar on the cheeks, kindly. "Let's get you packed for that trip, dude". Strong Bad said, gently. "You might need a short sleeved shirt, some shorts, maybe some bathing suits". "It's up to you…and it is Florida…so the climate is definitely different". "I might bring some bathing suits as well". "I might bring a speedo just to razzle your mom".
He and Oskar shared a laugh. "That sounds good". Oskar said. Strong Bad kissed Oskar's cheeks, gently. "Man, you're my favorite". Strong Bad said, gently. Strong Bad hugged Oskar. "Doin ok today, bud?". "I know you're doing some deciphering for a bit". Strong Bad said, gently. Strong Bad ruffled Oskar's hair, kindly. "I'm doing well". Oskar said. "The beach will be nice".
"Yeah of course". "The beach is my favorite place". "I've had some fun times at the beach…some good spring breaks". Strong Bad said, kindly. Strong Bad smiled a kind smile, as he hugged Oskar. "I love your smile, little dude". "You have the best smile". Strong Bad said, gently. "Thanks". Oskar said. "You're my favorite person ever". "You're so smart, and cool". "That was a nice math competition you had the other day". "I'm really happy you were a part of it". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness.
"I like mathematics…and exploring the aspects of mathematics". "Counting is a really fun thing to do". Oskar said. "Counting is nice in its aspects". Strong Bad said, gently. "Yep, I was pretty good at math, myself".
Strong Bad smiled a kind smile. "But I like what you've done with it". "You're a cool kid, my Oskar". Strong Bad said, gently. "Thank you". Oskar said, hiding the sullen aspect of his emotions. Oskar kept his head down as he read his book. Strong Bad heard a sniffle coming from Oskar as he read his book.
"Hey man, you doing ok?". Strong Bad asked softly with kindness. "You don't seem like yourself this morning…is everything ok?". Strong Bad smiled a kind smile.
"I'm kind of ok". Oskar said, as he looked up at Strong Bad. "You seem kind of sad, dude". "I'm just making sure you're alright". Strong Bad said, softly as he held Oskar's hands, gently. "Well….I don't know…I guess….I guess I kind of feel like…like I've always had difficulty relating to people….difficulty having certain conversations with people….because I'm not smart enough". "I kind of was weird "I try my best to be smart, but I always…I don't know….I don't….I have to work a lot harder to be the smartest I can possibly be". "I wish I had natural skill…I wish I could do it…but I feel like I'm not like everybody else…and I just want to be normal". Oskar said, as he sniffled. "I don't know…I have my hard days".
Oskar sniffled as he glanced around…thinking about crying. "Hey, it's alright, man". Strong Bad said, softly with gentleness. "Everybody feels that way at some point or another". "I think perhaps things for you may be a bit different, because you were in the orphanage for the first few years of life". "You had a harder time than most people….and with that, you might feel a bit different later on". "Sometimes, babies that aren't really nurtured, or taken care of, feel different later in life". "They go through some things other babies don't". "But everyone has their own definition of normal". "Everyone has their own point of what normal could be". "You are your own version of normal, and with that, you have a lot of amazing gifts that you have yet to open".
"You are a normal kid". "You are a very gifted person with a lot of cool qualities and traits". "I know that in time, you'll grow to influence and inspire the world with your amazing abilities". "Usually, amazing people always do". "It's ok to feel different sometimes, and sometimes, we feel like we're odd, or outside of the box". "But I do guarantee you, that in time, you'll grow to be someone who makes the world a better place with your talents, and gifts". "You can do anything, bud". "I know you can because I've seen you do it". "You can do anything you wish, and anything you place your mind to". "I love seeing your mind work". "I love seeing you at your happiest, and at your best". "Everything will be alright, my Oskar". "I promise you". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness.
"Do you feel different, and somehow, lost because you were adopted?". "Because sometimes, certain people feel that way when they are adopted, and they come from a hard place". Strong Bad said, gently with softness. "Kind of". Oskar replied. "I feel like somehow, someway, I just….I just kind of want my mom". "I don't know". "My negative thoughts are there….but I'm really insecure because I want to be smart enough for you…and my mom". "I want to know that my family loves me". Oskar glanced upwards.
"Your family loves you, bud". Strong Bad said, gently with softness. "Your family adores you…and we're glad…we're so proud of the intelligent, curious, happy, excitable, kind person you are". "I'm very proud of you….my friends are as well". "They say so many good things about you, and each day, wake up and wonder how you are". "We are all family, and I know things have been kind of hard since….well…you know, with your old man….but…I'm always proud to be there for you in every way, and I'm not here to replace your dad in any way". "We're friends….best friends, and my initiative is to help you and your mom a bit". "I love you both, and it would make me so upset if you weren't doing well, emotionally". "You know I love you very much…and with that, I think every aspect of our friendship, of our tutelage is based around the miracles you've shown me that you make happen everyday". "You are everything to me, and I will always love you…so much". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I know your birth family has a history of depression that seems to run through the bloodline". "That's ok, too". "We'll get everything worked out, we'll get everything situated, everything will be ok, my Oskar". "I can promise you that, for sure". "Everything is ok…and everything will be ok….because you truly are my best friend….and I'm happy we're so close". Strong Bad smiled a kind smile.
"It's ok, son". "Everything is ok…I promise you". "Don't be too sad, we'll get everything worked out…I promise you". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. Oskar nodded, as he began to cry. He wiped his eyes, but he still cried a lot.
"Hey, everything is all good, bud". "Everything is good…shh, it's ok". "You'll be alright". "I promise not to let anything happen to you". Strong Bad whispered, kindly. "Everything is good, my man". Strong Bad smiled a kind smile. "Hey, it's ok". "I understand, bud". "We'll be fine, I promise you". Strong Bad whispered, gently. Oskar still cried.
"I know right now is hard, and I understand you're feeling sad, and anxious". "Is there anything I can do to help?". Strong Bad whispered, kindly with gentleness. "No, I'm fine". Oskar said. "Alright, that's good". Strong Bad said, gently. "Everything will be fine, bud". "I promise you, mom and I will protect you from anything". "Everything will be alright". "I definitely promise you". Strong Bad smiled a kind smile.
"Thank you". Oskar replied. Oskar sniffled as he looked up at Strong Bad. "I'm going to be fine". Oskar replied. "You definitely will be fine, son". "Everything will be ok". Strong Bad assured, kindly. "I definitely hope so". Oskar said.
"I think it will be, bud". Strong Bad said, gently. "Everything will be ok…and I'll make sure of it". Strong Bad rubbed Oskar's back, gently. "I love you very much, son". "You know I do, and I always will". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I know". Oskar said. Strong Bad hugged Oskar, kindly. "You know you're my boy, huh?". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I know". Oskar replied.
"Let's go get some stuff to eat on our road trip". "That definitely sounds like fun, huh?". Strong Bad said, kindly. "It does". Oskar replied as he walked out of the room with Strong Bad. Strong Bad smiled a kind smile as he walked hand in hand with Oskar.
"We might see different things on the coastline…it might be a long drive, but it's definitely well worth it". "You'll like it a lot". Strong Bad said, gently as he walked out with Oskar.
"It will be a long drive, but it is nice". Oskar replied. Strong Bad snuck a kiss on Oskar's forehead, kindly. "Let's go brave the trip to be there". "Being there is the most important thing". Strong Bad reminded, kindly. "That is definitely true". Oskar replied. He and Strong Bad shared a laugh.