New Friends & Old Enemies Part 3.
A/N: I apologize for the extended absence; I've been very busy with work and my personal life, and fanfiction writing comes last in my daily priorities lol, I try to fit in some time to write when I can. To briefly explain why I deleted my old stories and why I'm rewriting which was formerly 'All Grown Up: Season Six,' I was very pleased with positive reviews but I was still creatively frustrated because the finished product wasn't quite where I wanted it to be, with time my writing has improved and I wanted to add more depth into the stories, to create a visualisation of my narrative of what could have been Season 6 :-)
"Thank you very much," said the last customer grabbing his Cappuccino to go as he exited through the door, Betty seeing the customer out.
Chas wipes his brow as he cashes the day's taking at the till. "There's nothing like putting in an honest day's work."
Betty smiles and responds by flipping the open sign to closed, "Yep, Chazzy boy, nothing better than putting in a good day's work indeed."
Chas was jotting down the day's profits as he looked over the counter, watching the kids busy on the computers. Beth was slowly warming up to Phil, but she was still attempting to keep her distance without appearing to be obvious.
"Isn't it nice, the kids have made new friends," Betty commented as she wiped off the tables.
With the last stroke of his pen, he gently places it on the counter surface and nods in response to Betty's comment, "We raised some fine kids."
He hears his cell phone buzzing in his front apron pocket and pulls it out, thinking it was Kira but being astonished to realize it was Didi attempting to contact him.
Betty went to the back to do a final stock check while Chas answers his phone "Hello, Didi everything okay?"
"Charles, are the boys still hanging out at the Java Lava?" Didi inquired calmly, implying that she only wanted to know where Tommy and Dil were without exhibiting concern because she knew they would be with their friends.
"Yes, Tommy and Dil are here with Chuckie, Kimi and the twins, they made some new friends who go by Kev, Beth, and Allie," he responds, looking at the kids.
Didi moves her phone away from her ear to tell Kat, "Your kids are with my kids at the Java Lava."
"I'm glad they made friends with your kids, that's comforting to know considering we only recently moved here," Kat says with a smile.
"Me and Stu just met our new neighbours, and they are the parents of Kev, Beth, and Allie," Didi explained as she returned her cell phone to her ear.
"Isn't it a small world, me and Betty are closing up shop anyway, we can drop the kids off, am I correct in assuming you have plans?" Chas inquired
"Yes, their parents' names are Dave and Kat Kawalski" Didi inquired.
"Am I correct in thinking..." Chas asked.
Before he can say anything, Didi breaks him off and says, "That's right, Dave Kawalski from Trading Places, how exciting is it to have someone from a tv show as one of our neighbours!"
"I'll be sure to get some tips from him, Kira wants to redecorate the living room, we'll drop the boys and kids at the house then," Chas replied.
"It was just a one-time appearance, I don't think my Dave is a celebrity of any kind," Kat joked.
Betty overheard the conversation as she came out of the kitchen, and annoyed that Chas didn't think logically about Didi's request because there weren't enough seats in both of their automobiles.
"Thank you very much, Charles. goodbye," Did said.
"No problem at all Didi, bye for now," Chas responded, hanging up the phone and putting it back in his front apron pocket.
She abruptly pointed out without hesitation "Chas!" You are aware that there aren't enough seats in the cars for everyone!"
Chas, with a flushed face and a hint of embarrassment, adds nasally, "Oh... I didn't think about that..."
Betty sarcastically knocks his head and says, "Come on Chas, use your noggin next time before you speak!"
"Darn is that the time!" Betty glances at her watch and realizes Lil has late afternoon soccer practice at the local YMCA, "I completely forgotten!" she exclaims, taking her training bag from behind the counter and tossing it over to Lil.
Fast reflexes like a cat Lil snatches the bag and chuckles, saying, "It's a good thing you packed my bag ahead of time, Mom!"
"Great catch, Lil!" said Kimi, one palm on her hip, impressed by such a capture.
"Yeah, I'll say! If that were me, the bag would be right in my face!" Kev remarked sarcastically.
"Sometimes, I need to step in as a goalkeeper, if necessary," Lil explained.
"You are a lioness that can't be tamed!" exclaimed Kev, appreciating her soccer abilities.
"Kev, you're such a charmer, I'm sure it won't be long before you get yourself a girlfriend young man," Betty said as she blew steam on a glass and then polished it with a cloth.
"You never, know Betty..." murmured Kev, glancing at Lil as she twirled a piece of her hair, displaying her nervousness.
"It was lovely to meet you guys and of course you, Kev" with a deeper grin, "but I need to go to soccer practice at the YMCA, we are doing drills, and I will keep my winning streak going!" Lil said bound and determined.
Betty abruptly stops her and exclaims, "Hold it there, young lady!" I realize it's still daylight outside, but I don't feel safe with you walking alone at this time of day!"
"I agree, you shouldn't walk without someone, always follow the buddy rule!" remarked Chas
Kev quickly jumps up and says, "How about I accompany Lil to her soccer practice, Betty?"
Tommy and Chuckie sat at the table, talking about the day's events. Chuckie, who is watching this, nudges Tommy with his elbow and discreetly says, "Looks like someone is crushing on Lil."
Tommy doesn't care and responds without establishing eye contact with Chuckie, instead gazing across at Kimi, who notices him looking at her and grins at him, and he says, "You don't say Chuckie..."
Betty thought Kev's offer was brilliant, saying, "Great idea Kev, it would put my mind at ease, and I'll inform your parents of your whereabouts."
Lil is overjoyed that she will get to spend some time alone with Kev as they both leave the Java Lava, Kimi looks on, feeling a tinge of jealousy, attempting to work out an opportunity to speak to Tommy alone, which appears to be difficult as of late.
"Well, Chas, with Kev and Lil going to soccer practice, at least we can give everybody a ride back home," she replies, hands on her hips.
"At least that's one less problem to deal with," Chas laughs.
"Right, I'll get everything switched off and we can all return home" Betty replied.
While Betty was turning everything off, Chas handled the practicalities of who was going into whose car and mentally prepared himself in case there was an unfair game of shotgun called who gets the front seat.
"Everyone, we're leaving as soon as Betty turns everything off," Chas stated, taking his apron off and folding it neatly before storing it beneath the counter.
"Beth, Allie, Phil and Dil you can go into Betty's car and when I say go, I'll give you a chance to shout shot gun and whoever says it first gets to sit in the front seat... okay... ready..." Chas elaborated.
"Shotgun!" said Beth, who was still trying to figure out how she felt about Phil and wanted to avoid social discomfort.
"Beth, you didn't even give me time to say go..." replied Chas.
"It's fine, Chas, I don't like sitting in the front seat anyway, I get car sick..." Allie replied, patting her tummy.
"I'm fine to sit in the back, too," Dil replied with a smile to Allie.
"Man, you're fast, but since you're new, I'll let you sit in the front seat," Phil stated to Beth.
Beth was unsure what to say, so she said awkwardly, "Eh... thanks... Phil... I guess..."
Another nasally laughing Chas adds "Okay that's settled, Tommy, Kimi and Chuckie you can ride with me, and now can I trust you three to settle who gets the front seat in a fair and civilised manner?"
Kimi leaped at the chance and waived her claim to the front seat, saying to her brother, "Chuckie, I think since you did so well at school today, I think you should get the honour of sitting in the front seat this time."
"Kimi, you always call shot gun and win... my reactions are just too slow... no wonder I can't throw and catch at Football practice," Chuckie stated, squeezing his open fists and looked at the palms for a brief second.
"Emm... well, since you were top of the class today, I thought the top boy should get the front seat," Kimi remarked, placing one hand on Chuckie's shoulder.
Chas beamed at his daughter's nice gesture, resting one hand on each of their shoulders and saying, "That's very gracious of you sweetheart!" Looking at Tommy, he adds, "Tommy, you and Kimi can sit in the backseats"
"Right, everybody, let's skedaddle!" Betty exclaims as she beckons everyone out the door.
Tommy pretended it wasn't a huge thing, but he was giddy inside, and it was the perfect opportunity to chat to Kimi alone because they both had the same mutual desire from it.
Chuckie was too naive to see the connection, a beautiful irony that Kimi longed for since it allowed her to draw closer to Tommy without her brother's unwanted meddling.
Alas everybody was buckled up, making the journey back to their respective homes, Chuckie tried to relax by listening to some to the Sulky Boy's latest album CD on his portable music player, which he got from Marvin and Sheila for his birthday and to give him an excuse to avoid the hassle of pretending to be interested in Chas's mundane choice of topics for their usual car journey conversations.
As Chas was too focused on the road, Kimi took advantage of the opportunity to chat with Tommy somewhat alone.
Kimi looks at Tommy and smiles as she takes a deep inhale and gently exhales, asking, "Are you looking forward to having dinner with Kev, Beth and Allie's family?"
Tommy says tentatively, "Yes, I am Kimi, I am looking forward to meeting their parents, Kev told me his dad's a handyman"
"Mr. Kawalski appeared recently in Trading Places, he gave a seminar on what to do and what not to do, and my favourite thing he did was show how to coordinate wallpaper according to your bed frame," Tommy continued.
"That's the man who did an amazing job in that episode, living in our neighbourhood?" said Kimi, as her smile deepened.
"Yep, the one and only" Tommy stated.
"Maybe, Mr. Kawalski could redecorate my room, just to give you an idea," Kimi suggested to her father.
Chas glances at Kimi while keeping his eyes on the road and says, "No way, Kimi. A handyman of his calibre will set us back a small fortune, you can certainly forget about that idea!" gesturing with his hand.
"Come on, Dad, I'll work some extra hours at the Java Lava," Kimi begged.
"Kimi your still in school, me and Betty can only let you and Chuckie work a certain number of hours, it's the law!" Chas stated firmly but fairly.
"Please, Dad!" pleaded Kimi, nestling her chin behind the driver's seat headrest and giving her father puppy dog eyes.
Chas caved in and murmured, "Okay, Sweetheart. I'll talk to your mother and see what she says; I suppose I could offer Dave some free coffee in exchange for a lower charge."
"Thanks, Dad, you're the best," she adds, rubbing his ear with the tip of her fingers.
"Don't get too excited Kimi, it's still a maybe and if me and your mom agree to it, then your other Dad and Wanda can make a contribution towards the costs'" stated Chas smiling.
"Don't worry Dad, I'll make sure it's known to my other Dad and Wanda too" added Kimi with a grin.
"But I think your brother and your friends did a great job redecorating your room, except for using my LPs as wall decor, which is just as well because they still work," Chas added, glancing across at Chuckie, who was too engrossed in his music head bobbing, to even look at him.
"Believe me, Chas it wasn't idea in the first place" Tommy chuckled.
Tommy elected to convey that it's been three months since he and Rachel split up, and of course Kimi was happy to listen.
Eyebrow raised and speaking calmly, he says to her, "You know it's been three months exactly to this day, since the breakup."
Kimi's smile broadens and she replies, "I know, I can see a difference in you, you seem so much happier and more focused on your film projects."
"Well, who needs a relationship, there's too much drama anyway," Tommy cynically stated as the two laughed lightly.
"I couldn't have said it better myself," Kimi exclaimed as she fists bumps Tommy, but instead of loosening their knuckles, their pinkies crossed, and both their faces flushed.
Kimi can feel her heart racing as she feels Tommy's hand, but instead of letting go, they unilaterally place both their hands against the seat while looking away from each other pretending that nothing has happened, but it's quite obvious they are both relishing the moment, after all, it was previously hinted that Tommy's more than friendly gaze at her suggested otherwise, an intrinsic action he was completely unaware of.
It wasn't long after they were about to arrive that Tommy and Kimi released their grasp before Chas or Chuckie could see them, which Kimi didn't want to think about what would happen if this happened.
"Well, Mr. Pickles, here is your stop," Chas said, looking over his shoulder.
Tommy pulls the button on his belt buckle to release it and says farewell to Chuckie first, having removed his headphones from his ears to do so.
"Goodbye Chuckie, see you tomorrow at school," Tommy remarked, offering him a backward handshake.
"Take it easy, Tommy," Chuckie urged, smiling.
To allay any suspicions, Kimi nonchalantly adds to him, "Goodbye, Tommy, give us an update on how your dinner went tomorrow."
Tommy says, "Will do, Kimi, see you later Chas" as he opens the car door and looks over his shoulder.
"Goodbye, Tommy!" replied Chas, who was ready to get home.
Betty appears from behind, and Dave hears the cars approaching and comes out to see them. Beth and Allie dashed up to hug their father, Dave said "Hey, girls, I understand you and your brother have some new friends today."
"Yes, we have; this town is really cool," Beth responded, raising her chin up to her father.
"The Java Lava is radical, Pop's," Allie added with a smile.
Dave then introduces himself, shaking Betty and Chas's hands via their car windows.
Betty was the first. "Hello, I'm guessing you're Betty Deville, I've heard so much about you," Dave remarked, shaking her hand.
"Ah, you must be Dave, and it's a pleasure to meet you!" "This is my son Phil sitting in the back," Betty pointed out.
Dave extends his arm and shakes his hand. "Well, nice to meet you Phil"
"Nice to meet you as well, Mr. Kawalski," Phil answered respectfully.
"Please, just call me Dave!" Dave exclaimed.
"All right, Dave," Phil says hastily.
"Just to let you know, Kev has accompanied my daughter Lil to her soccer practice, but they should return home shortly" stated Betty.
"That's fine, Betty thanks for letting me know" replied Dave.
He looks at Tommy and Dil and says, "You must be Stu and Didi's boys."
Giving Dave a military salute, stomping his feet and keeping his back straight, Dil said, "I'm Dil Pickles, Sir!"
Tommy was perplexed and asked Dil, "Dil, why are you doing that?" He shakes Dave's hand and says, "Hi, Dave, it's nice to meet you, I saw you on Trading Places and I will say you were awesome in it!"
Dave, who doesn't think much of his TV appearance, enjoys Tommy's recognition and replies, "Well, thank you very much Tommy, I'm glad you like my work and no need to apologize for your little brother."
Dave releases his handshake and returns Dil's salute, saying, "And a salute to you too, young fella."
While Allie laughs and Beth maintains a neutral expression, Dave proposes that they show the boys about. "Beth and Allie, why don't you introduce yourselves to Stu and Didi and show Tommy and Dil your rooms?"
"Sure thing, Dad," Beth replied.
"Come on, Dil, I'll show you everything I have," Allie said to Dil.
Dil smiles and exclaims, "Sweet!"
As the four of them walk towards the house, Beth discreetly says to Tommy, "She has an ant farm, it's pretty gross but it makes her happy..."
Tommy answers quickly. "Trust me, Beth, you need to see the strange and wonderful things my brother has in his room," he says, peeking back and waving to Kimi, who returns his wave.
Finally, Dave introduces himself to Chas, Kimi, and Chuckie, saying, "This must be the owner of the Java Lava I've been hearing about," and shakes his hand gently. Chas responds, "That's right Dave, I used to work as a bureaucrat, it's so much better having your business"
Dave smiles and says, "From one business owner to another, I completely agree with that statement."
Chas introduces Dave to Kimi and Chuckie. "Dave this is my son Chuckie".
"Hello, Dave," Chuckie remarked.
"Pleased to meet you, Chuckie, and who is this young lady in the backseat?" Dave questioned, with his attention focused on Kimi.
"This lovely young lady is my daughter Kimi, she's quite the fan of yours" stated Chas.
Kimi shakes his hand and exclaims, "Dave, I am a big fan of the work you've done!" and before giving Chas the opportunity to bring up the matter, she skips ahead and inquiries about the potential project for him.
"Dave, is there a chance you redecorate my bedroom?" Kimi responded.
Chas, slightly irritated, says to her, "Kimi! You didn't even give me a chance to say anything, but Dave, is there any chance we may discuss a potential project at the Java Lava? Chas inquired.
Chuckie couldn't help but be nosy and asked Kimi, "Wait, what is everyone discussing? I feel lost in this conversation..."
"Okay, Kimi, fair enough, please enlighten me," Chuckie remarked.
Dave, amused by the tiny sibling squabble, clarifies, "I was on an episode of Trading Places and your sister wants me to redecorate her room."
Chuckie is irritated since he was under the impression that he done a fantastic job redoing Kimi's room. He says to Dave, "I watch the show all the time, how did I miss the episode with you in it?"
"If you weren't busy in your room reading your books, you would have caught that episode," Kimi replied, crossing her arms.
"Anyway, Dave, what price are we roughly talking about?" Chas inquired.
Dave leans against the car windows and says, "A friend of Stu is a friend of mine, I'll redecorate Kimi's room for free, and I'll do Chuckies room for free as well."
Chuckie and Kimi both smile at the possibility of having both of their rooms redecorated, but Chas objects to a generous offer, "Oh Dave, that's a really nice gesture from you, but I couldn't simply pay you nothing"
Kimi mutter under her breath, gritting her teeth "Dad..."
"Tell you what, how about you and Betty give me and Kat a master class in how to brew coffee the way you do, and you can consider that a form of payment, how does that sound?" Dave suggested.
Betty peered her face through the front window and shouted, "Sounds like a good deal to me Chas, I would take it before he charges you money!" she laughed.
Chas laughed nasally and said "Okay, Dave, you got yourself a deal!" shaking their hands to seal the deal with Kimi and Chuckie smiling knowing their rooms are going to get refurbished.
"By the way, we are hosting a pool party this Saturday, a housewarming party if you will, there will be burgers on the grills and most of all great company, you and Betty and your families are all invited!" Dave says before Chas and Betty turn into their respective driveways.
"Thanks, Dave." I'm really looking forward to it! We're all invited to their house for a pool party at the end of the week, Phil!" Betty stated
"Sweet! "I love a pool party," Phil exclaimed, raising his arms in the air.
"We'll be there for sure I look forward to it!" Chas stated
Dinner will be ready at the Kawalskis' place very soon, but Kev and Lil arrived on time, escorting her back to her house before departing for his own. Tired but happy after a long day of school, spending time with her friends, soccer practice, and getting to know the new boy in her life, who she was growing fonder of by the minute.
"It's been such a perfect day, I'm glad to have met you today and you're such a gentleman for carrying my training bag back home" stated Lil with a grin, "my arms are so sore right now!" as she strokes her arm.
"Don't mention it, but after running around at soccer practice, I figured I could at least carry your bag," Kev explained as he handed the bag back to Lil.
"Your so much more mature than Nicholas..." Lil says as she puts her training bag around her shoulder.
Kev, with a raised brow and legitimate curiosity, asked Lil, "Who the heck is Nicholas?"
Lil laughs and quickly changes the subject, "Doesn't matter, how about we hang out soon, just you and me?" somewhere that doesn't exclusively contain me playing soccer?"
Their eyes locked on each other, Kev said smoothly to her "Masz piękny uśmiech".
Lil was curious about the language in which the statement was said, so she questioned, "What language is that?"
"It's Polish for you have a nice smile and yes that would be nice, I would like that" replied Kev with a smile.
He kisses Lil's hand softly as he takes her hand in his. She feels her heart beating because she wasn't expecting that, not on the first day they met, but she couldn't help but have no opposition to such a gesture, so she smirks and walks and waves to him halfway to the door. She offers him a slow wave as she opens the door slightly, and he returns the gesture.
Closing the door behind, Lil's back leans against the door, sliding down, sat, she takes a long breath and whispers gently in the third person, "I will never ever, ever wash this hand again..." adoring the back of her kissed hand.
End of Part 3