And here we have Lily's first trials of adulthood... well, technically, second set of trials if you count her moving. I plan on the next chapter being full of firsts and of inspiration. Enjoy!

Also, if I don't post before Sunday, Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I will be posting a sweet tale about Lilianna and April to my story "Never for Nothing" that day. I pray you will enjoy it!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons," "TMNT," nor "Toy Story." I only own Lilianna, Justine, and Karena.

August 18, 2042 - Todayland, North Montana, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

I woke up to my alarm going off. I groggily snoozed it and went back to sleep, still feeling drained from moving into my dorm. I still felt very annoyed from this weekend.

I immediately shot myself awake when I heard another snore from my new roommate. I did not sleep at all Friday night and I had barely gotten any sleep Saturday night. I ended up talking to my dad both nights and he seemed to have the most pleasant time trying to cheer me up while he did some experiments. My dad ended up giving me advice on what to do if someone snored.

At first, I had used my ear plugs and turned on Christina Grimmie's music to go to sleep. Justine's snores ended up being louder. Then I had decided to use my strength to my advantage and pushed Justine into a more comfortable position. Unfortunately, I ended up awake just minutes later as she had shifted back to sleep on her back.

I groggily woke up again when my alarm went off a second time. This time, Justine woke up with me.

"What time is it?" Justine sleepily asked.

"It's seven-fifteen," I answered.

"Did you have a better night of sleep?"

"Eh, it was alright. We should get you some breakfast before you get to your first class."

"Shouldn't we get dressed first?" Justine asked.

"I can make us breakfast while you change," I offered. "No sweat! I learned from the best."

"Fine with me."

Justine retreated to the closet to grab a dress and then she went into the bathroom. Meanwhile, I took out some waffles from the freezer and put them in the toaster. While our waffles were heating up, I made some scrambled eggs for the two of us.

"May I finish?" Justine suddenly asked.

I turned to see Justine wearing a red dress, a blue denim jacket, and white cowgirl boots. I chuckled.

"You look beautiful," I told her with a smile.

"Thank you. So what do I need to do?"

The waffles popped out of the toaster.

"Just put butter, jam, and then syrup on these waffles," I explained. "Then all you gotta do is move these eggs to the plates with the waffles. I'll be right back."

I went into the closet and pulled out my favorite black outfit. I put it on in the bathroom, and I put on my socks and black boots as well. I brushed my hair and styled my short layers over my long red locks. I finally styled my bangs before heading back into the kitchen. Justine had just placed the plates on the table when she looked up at me.

"Whoa, Lily!" Justine exclaimed with her jaw dropped. "Is that how people dress in New York?"

"In general, yes."

I pointed to her dress.

"Is that how people normally dress in Oklahoma?"

"Nah. From what I have seen in the few times I've gone into Tulsa or Oklahoma City, they prefer to wear T-shirts and denim jeans. But Elkhorn was designed to have an 1850s vibe."

"So what inspired you to wear that?" I asked.

"After going to Wilbur and Karena's wedding, I had the general idea of what people wear here. I wanted to dress for the best of both worlds. It looks like you've accomplished that, too."

Justine paused.

"By the way, I do like the outfit. I was trying not to judge. My parents are way hung on modesty."

"My father and three uncles are humanoid turtles and very rarely have clothes on."

Justine chuckled.

"The only time I will ever imagine my parents in their underwear is when I have to give speeches. I always get so nervous when I present my topics!"

"You should ask Wilbur for advice," I suggested. "He is amazing at making speeches out of nothing."

"I'll take you up on that. How good are you at speeches anyway?"

I smiled.

"I get more nervous giving a speech than I am performing a song onstage."

"I've got to hear you sing one of these days," Justine replied. "You sang beautifully with your mom. I can see where you get your vocals from."

I swallowed a bite of my waffles.

"Actually, I got the voice from my mom and the talent from my dad."

"Dr. Donatello Hamato the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sings?"

"Believe it or not!" I answered with a laugh. "Every time one of us tells someone he sings, they doubt him. But you should hear him sing sometime. In fact, he was the one who helped me and my mom with that song."

"What I'd really like is to hear you and your dad sing a duet together."

My phone rang. I took out my T-Phone to find I received a text from Cornelius.

"Good morning, Lily! I hope you are enjoying your day before your first classes of the school year. When you are done with your last class, would you please stop by my office at Robinson Industries? I'd like to have a word with you."

"What would Cornelius want with you?" Justine asked with a puzzled expression.

"In the words of his son Wilbur, that is an excellent question," I answered without the enthusiasm. "I don't believe he's asking me to go to his office to catch up."

I let out a sigh.

"Which also means I'd have to miss visiting my dad after school."

"Why not do both?" Justine suggested. "Explain to Cornelius that you're seeing your dad first. I hope Cornelius is a patient man."

"We're about to find out."

I texted a reply to Cornelius.

"Sure, but may I see my dad first? I promised to visit him at his office on campus every day. I hope you'll understand."

Justine and I finished our breakfast when my phone rang again. I took out my T-Phone to find Cornelius replied.

"Oh, of course! I know it's hard being away from your family again. Please take your time with him. I will wait for you."

I smiled.

"You were right, Justine. Cornelius is willing to wait."

I let out a sigh. We both got up from our seats and hugged each other.

"Good luck on your first day of college, Justine."

"Good luck with yours."

I finished my last class, which was an introduction to criminal justice, and I immediately went to the STEM building to see my dad. I did not have my dad in any of my classes this semester, so seeing him after school will be a highlight of my day every day.

I walked into the building that had a fountain in its lobby. After gazing at it, I went over to the elevator to go to the second floor. I walked around the corner and down the hall until I reached my dad's office, the last one on the right.

My dad was already working, his eyes gazed on the two computers on his desk with a folder in front of him. I smiled, and I knocked on the door. He glanced up to see me, and then he put a wide gap-toothed grin on his face.

"Lily!"

"Hey, Dad."

He got up, walked towards me, and hugged me. I hugged him back before he kissed me on the cheek.

"It is so good to see you, Lily Mae," Dad said, his lips closing to form a kind smile.

"Dad, I'm not a kid anymore, remember?"

"I know, but you'll always be my little girl. You know that. Come sit down!"

I sat on a chair across from his desk as my dad closed the door.

"How was your first day of classes, Dad?"

"I thought they went well. I am looking at all my students responses to my icebreaker questions, and then I am making a list to help me learn how to teach them."

"No wonder Wilbur and Karena loved you so much," I replied with laughter. "You actually make sure you reach your students using the things they like."

"Not just that, Lily, but also using their majors as a guide. Now teaching you will be easy, since I've taught you for many years."

"Just promise me to not show bias. I'd like that to be the only time I can call you Donnie and actually get away with it."

Dad laughed.

"That's fair. Alright, you've got a deal."

We firmly shook each other's hands.

"This reminds me. I do need to talk to you about something."

"Oh?" I replied. "What's up, Dad?"

My dad took a seat behind his desk.

"Well, I did some thinking this past year and suggested to the president I open a clinic here on campus. He unfortunately turned me down, but he did give me permission to hire an assistant. You were the first person to come to mind, so I'd like to offer you the job first."

"Oh! Dad, I'm honored, but I'm not sure that's going to be possible with my being your daughter."

"I promise to pay fairly. You will earn a fair wage by helping me grade papers, clean my office, make some errands around Todayland, maybe even give me a second opinion."

I had always dreamed of working with my dad, for both of us to be Dr. Hamato. But instead of smiling, I was frowning.

"That... sounds... great, Dad."

"But you're having second thoughts?" Dad asked, his smile fading away.

"No! Not at all! It's just..."

I let out a sigh. I felt my dad's strong three-fingered hand on my left shoulder.

"Please, tell me what's on your mind," I heard him say.

I gazed into his amber eyes, and there was a kind smile on his face. I let out a sigh.

"I'd love to work with you, Dad, someday. May I think about it?"

"Of course, you may," Dad assured me. "I'm not putting too much pressure on you, am I?"

"No! Not at all!"

"Lily, whatever decision you come to, I know you'll choose the right one."

I couldn't help but smile back at him. We finished our visit talking about the small things that happened around campus. Then I left the office.

I used a corner out of my dad's eyesight to transform into Aumanil. I used my powers to leave the building through a window and then flew over to Robinson Industries. I got in through a window at that building on the top floor, and then I spun myself back into my born identity and into my black clothes.

I walked to Cornelius's office and knocked.

"Who is it?"

"It's Lily!"

"Come in!"

I opened the door and found Cornelius smiling. He motioned me to sit down. I closed the door behind me, and I sat down on the chair.

"You said you wanted to talk to me about something?" I asked.

"Yes. I'm sure you are aware of it, but Robinson Industries has an entertainment club in the basement."

"Robinson Industries has a basement?" I asked, feeling floored.

"Why, yes. You look like your world got bigger. But anyway, as I mentioned before, it's an entertainment club. It's mostly comedy acts. We have Danny and Benny doing their comedy acts and then Duke Kaboom has his stunt show."

Cornelius smiled again.

"I've been waiting for years for this, and I want to hire you to provide entertainment by singing for our citizens, having your own show. You can perform those Christina Grimmie covers you are known for or you can write your own songs. I promise to pay generously, and I will personally pay for your meals and dresses."

I felt even more floored. I received two job offers in one day. One to work with my dad in his office as his assistant and the other to be an entertainer, something I loved doing in high school.

"Lily, are you alright?"

I laughed sheepishly.

"I think so. This the second job offer I've gotten today."

"Really? Very impressive. Who was the first?"

"My dad. He wants me to be his assistant. He promised me a fair wage, though. It makes sense though after the gift he gave me for my birthday."

"Do you need to think about it?" Cornelius asked.

"May I, please?"

"Of course. Let me know by the end of the week."

North Hampton, New York, USA

APRIL'S POV

I was snuggling with my husband under the covers of our bed. It was the first time since Lily left home that we were truly content in our own home, just the two of us. Suddenly, the phone rang.

"Is that your phone, D?" I asked.

The phone continued to ring. Both of us scrambled out of the covers to find our phones. I found mine and discovered I was the one receiving the call.

"D, I found it," I said as I answered. "Hello?"

"Hey, Mom, it's me."

"Lily!" I squeaked excitedly. "Hi! How are you doing? How was school? How is life in general?"

I heard our daughter laughing on her line.

"Mom, I've only been away from home for three days. Nothing's changed THAT dramatically. But I'm..."

Lily suddenly fell silent. My smile went away.

"You're what? Are you okay?"

"Is Dad in the room with you? I need to talk to you alone."

"Give me a moment, sweetie."

I put my hand over the speaker and glanced at my husband.

"I'm sorry, Donnie. Lily wants to speak to me alone."

"Go ahead, April," Donnie assured me. "I understand."

We kissed, and then I left the room. I walked down the stairs and then out to Donnie's lab.

"Okay, Lily, we're alone now," I assured her. "Is everything okay with you and your dad?"

"Oh yeah! Don't worry about us. It's just that... Dad offered me a job as his assistant."

"Oh, he went through with it!" I replied excitedly. "I remember Dad talking to me about that some time ago. Are you going to take the job?"

"Things got a little more complicated. Cornelius offered me a job, too."

"Whoa! This is wonderful! What would you be doing with him?"

"I'd be singing at this underground club."

I immediately grew concerned.

"We're not talking about those kind of clubs, are we?" I asked.

"Speakeasies? No. It's a club for when his employees need a break. Adults outside of Robinson Industries go there too."

Lily let out a sigh.

"Cornelius said he'd pay a generous wage and Dad said he'd pay a fair wage. But the strange thing is, I wasn't happy when Dad offered me the job."

I frowned.

"Lily, I thought you've always wanted to work with your father."

"As Dr. Hamato and Dr. Hamato, Mom. Not as Dr. Hamato and his assistant daughter. I may as well still be ten years old."

"Lily, that's not true," I sternly replied. "College students usually start out at the bottom and work their way up."

"Mom."

Lily let out a sigh.

"I understand what you mean, I really do. But if I take the job with my dad, I will not be happy with myself. If anything, I'd stress myself out because I'd have to work to be the perfect assistant for my father."

"Oh, Lily-"

"Thank you, Mom, for listening. I'll tell Cornelius that I'm taking his job offer in the morning."

"Lily, I think your father deserves to know you're not taking his job offer."

"Mom, what is he going to do when he finds out what job I went for? He'll think I'm shirking off my studies!"

"No, he won't, Lily," I sternly replied. "Your dad will support you and love you no matter what. We're both confident that you know what you're doing."

There was silence in the air.

"Thanks, Mom. I'll talk to you both later. I love you."

"We love you too, Lily. Good night."

"Good night."

I hung up. I suddenly felt depressed. I put my T-Phone in my pocket, trotted back in the house, up the stairs, and into the bedroom. Donnie was smiling, but his smile completely faded when he saw my frown.

"April, what's the matter? Is Lily okay?"

"I think you need to talk to her, D, tomorrow."

Donatello placed one of his strong hands on my cheek and turned my face to face him.

"April, please tell me. What's wrong?"

I let out a sigh.

"Cornelius offered Lily a job at a club to sing for the employees of Robinson Industries. And she's going to take it."

Donnie hung his head down, letting out a sigh.

"Did she know before I offered her the job as an assistant?" my husband asked.

"Come to think of it... I don't know which one of you asked first."

Donnie grunted in anger.

"What was she thinking? As an assistant, she'd be learning something. All she's doing as a singer is entertaining people. There's no hard work in that!"

"Donnie, whatever happened to supporting her no matter what?"

"That was assuming she'd make the right choice," my husband snapped in reply.

"Donatello! Lily is eighteen. She's an adult. Let her make her own choices and learn things on her own. I know you better than that! You promised the day she was born to listen to her no matter what."

Donnie took some deep breaths, taking his purple mask off as he breathed in and out. He eventually lied down, and I lied down with him. We kissed, and then we shut off the lights, going to sleep with our backs against each other's.

August 19, 2042 - Todayland, North Montana, USA

DONATELLO'S POV

I was done teaching classes for the day and was now grading the icebreaker questions for my Tuesday and Thursday classes. Justine Pride was a student in one of the morning classes and I was grading hers in that moment. Her personality very much intrigued me. I learned that she loves horses, wants to be a veterinarian, and loves the color blue. I immediately figured out that she had declared a zoology major while also attending nursing school. I smiled, knowing that Justine and Lily would get along just fine.

I shook my head when Lily first came into my mind. April revealed Cornelius also offered our daughter a job. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard knocking. Lily was standing at the door, wearing a pink sweater with a black skirt, black leggings, and black boots. I held a grim look on my face.

"Hey, Dad," Lily greeted me with a smile.

"Hi, Lily. Please close the door and sit down. We need to talk."

"Again?" Lily asked with a concerned expression as she closed the door. "What about?"

"Your job offers."

"So you know about the job Cornelius offered to me?"

"Your mother told me."

Lily scoffed.

"I can't believe this," she said. "I told her everything in confidence. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. She tells you everything. I just wanted her opinion so I could decide which job to take. But I figured that one out on my own."

Lily let out a sigh.

"Dad, I love you, and I'd love to work with you, but now's not the time."

"Now's not the time?" I repeated, now feeling angry. "So I suppose that now's the time to throw off your studies and sing for people instead?"

"Dad, that is not the point and you know it," Lily sternly replied. "I thought I had your back on this."

"I offer you a job as my assistant and you turn it down to be a performer?!" I yelled, standing up.

"This is MY choice, Dad!" Lily yelled in return. "Not yours! Why can't you understand that?"

"You are my DAUGHTER and I don't want to watch you make the biggest mistake of your life!"

"Well, at least it will be MY MISTAKE TO LEARN!"

"At least you would LEARN SOMETHING as my assistant!"

"I DON'T want to be your assistant, Dad!"

I froze, feeling like I was stabbed in the heart. I glanced at Lily who still glared at me.

"Dad, I realized last night that I'm still your teenage daughter, your little girl... at least according to you. I cannot stay in your shadow forever. I need to do this on my own. If I need help, I promise I'll ask. Just please give me space for me to grow up."

Lily turned around and left my office. I let out a long, weary sigh. I didn't know what to think as I sunk back into my chair.

LILIANNA'S POV

I sat in the living room in silence. I felt horrible for the way I spoke to my dad, but I did not feel horrible for turning down his job offer. I felt that I did the right thing. I felt angry at the feeling that my dad still needed to protect me somehow, and I was angry at my mom for telling him about Cornelius' offer. I had wanted to tell my dad on my own. Perhaps things would have gone better. Perhaps my dad would have understood why I had to turn him down.

"I got our Chinese food!" Justine suddenly announced.

I blew a sigh of relief. Chinese food was the perfect distraction from my dad.

"I can't wait to try this!" Justine said excitedly, taking off her denim jacket and cowgirl hat.

I could not help but chuckle at my roommate's enthusiasm.

"I cannot believe you've never had Chinese before."

"Hey, I'm living in the real world now!" Justine replied. "I wanna try everything! Now I believe, this is yours."

She handed me my container of beef and broccoli, a container of fried rice, and a bag of crab rangoon.

"And here is your Pepsi!" Justine announced. "And I've got my sweet and sour chicken, wild rice, and fried bread... and my Coke!"

I smiled. Justine bowed her head, clasped her hands, and prayed.

"Dear God, thank you so much for this food. I ask you to bless our bodies and for us to enjoy each other's company. I want to pray for my parents back home in Oklahoma. Please continue to watch over them, Lord. And please watch over Lily's family in New York. Her dad is a wonderful teacher and I pray that you'll bless him. And lastly, I pray for the things that I've probably forgotten and you have remembered. I praise you forever in Jesus' name. Amen."

I suddenly started crying.

"Lily, what's wrong?" Justine asked, immediately wrapping her arms around me.

"My dad and I had a fight in his office," I explained while sniffing. "I decided to take Cornelius's job offer and my dad was angry that I didn't take his. Just hearing you pray for him... it means a lot. Thank you for doing that. Maybe I made a mistake after all."

"Lily, listen. I'm going to give you some tough love here. Why did you accept Cornelius's offer? Was it because you thought it was best for you?"

I let out a sigh and blew my nose with a napkin.

"Yes, exactly that. My dad has trouble letting me go. He's always seen me as his little girl. I was scared that he was still going to treat me like I'm ten years old. And besides, he's a biology and physics professor. I'm going to school for psychology and criminal justice."

"So tell him that!" Justine sternly replied. "Also, you get paid more at Robinson Industries. As far as I'm concerned, your dad's done enough for you."

Once again, I felt floored. I wiped my tears away.

"Justine, that is my father you are talking about. He's always supported me and given me just about everything I need. He listened to me. He cared for me. I'll be damned if he refused to help me because he's done enough. As long as he's on this green earth, he will continue to fight for my life even if he has to sacrifice his own."

Justine gapped her mouth open, realizing what all she said.

"Oh, Lily, I am so sorry. I... oh, gosh."

"Let me guess: your fights with your dad don't end well?"

"Not usually. He always feels that he's right. The past couple years have really been hard because I had started to go to school and I had a job that required me to go to the next town. I don't feel heard enough from him."

I frowned.

"And that's why you're here in Todayland?" I asked. "To get out of your dad's shadow?"

"Yes. You are very perceptive, Lily. I'm so sorry for what I said about your dad. Maybe I need to give him a second chance."

"Hey, you have my dad as one of your professors. And my dad loves talking to his students after class."

"Huh. I'll have to take you up on that."

"Wilbur and Karena have spoken highly of him. I can't say anything because then it'd show bias because he's my dad."

"Lily, please say it. What was it like having your dad for a teacher?"

"My dad looked very much in his environment," I explained. "He's been teaching for Todayland University for almost 25 years, and he can't see himself anywhere else. He loves teaching his students. At first, they were around his age so it was like they were in the journey together. But now that my dad has gotten older and wiser, he has a sense of compassion for his students and would do anything to ensure they passed his classes."

"I wish my dad had that sense of compassion. My mom has that."

I let out a sigh.

"Your father's a sheriff. It's his job to catch criminals. His job does not require compassion. I understand that. But if you do feel the need for a second family, feel free to ask me or Wilbur. Our families will be your family. The Robinsons were mine when I stepped foot in Todayland. I have no doubt they'd treat you like one of their own."

Justine laughed.

"I'm not that smart, Lily."

"You don't have to be! Just be yourself. Franny, Wilbur's mom, has a genetically-enhanced frog band. Gaston, his uncle, shoots meatballs out of a cannon. Art's an intergalactic pizza delivery guy. Bud always wears his clothes backwards and always misplaces his teeth."

"Lily, I think I understand. They all sound wonderful."

I smiled.

"Well, this food is getting cold."

"Let's dig in!" Justine said excitedly.

We started eating our dinner. Justine immediately took a liking to her Chinese.

"Is your beef and broccoli any good?" she asked me.

"Oh yeah! Broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables. This combination is just perfect."

"I hated broccoli when I was a kid," Justine explained. "I was all about the sweets. I always wanted apple pie, ice cream, candy. I always got excited when it was my birthday because it meant cake and ice cream."

We laughed together.

"I always got excited for cake and ice cream too," I replied. "In fact, if there was anyone in my family who would be the most excited, it'd be Venus and Athena. Venus was born in August. My father and uncles celebrate Mutation Day every September 29 and then Athena's birthday is the day after. Uncle Mikey would make three cakes for celebrate all of that on Mutation Day."

"Now wait, is Mutation Day like the Turtles' birthdays?"

"Yeah, since they were baby turtles and there's no known date of when they were actually born. From what I've been told, Master Splinter always had that day marked on his calendar to celebrate their mutations. Uncle Mikey made it a party when he started to learn how to cook. My mom chimed in the year after she meet the Turtles and actually bought a cake when she realized Uncle Mikey had been making cakes out of algae and worms."

"Eww!" Justine exclaimed and laughed at the same time. "You have the most interesting family ever. Maybe just as interesting as the Robinsons."

"My family does have their quirks too," I replied. "Uncle Mikey has an ice cream cat named Molly, but he calls her Ice Cream Kitty. Uncle Raph has been raising a turtle named Chompy Picasso that breathes fire. Venus and Auntie Mona have been helping him because Chompy is getting so big that he doesn't fit in the lair anymore. Uncle Leo is a sucker for Space Heroes. And my dad has his own science lab back home in our barn."

"And what about your aunts and cousins? And your mom?"

"My mom enjoys puzzles, probably more than my dad does. She does a Wordle puzzle every morning. Let's see... Auntie Karai and Athena share Uncle Mikey's love of cooking. Ryan has been throwing footballs around the lair to practice and to hone his skills as a quarterback. Venus has a greenhouse in my dad's lab in our lair in New York. Auntie Renet loves history and will read it whenever possible."

I paused, taking a bite of my fried rice.

"What about you and your family?" I asked. "What do they all do and what do they like to do?"

"As you know, my dad is the sheriff," Justine explained. "When he's not doing that, he loves to ride his horse. I actually share his love for horses and I love nursing our animals when they're injured."

"It sounds like being a veterinarian is your calling," I replied with a fond smile.

"Yeah. My mom loves to knit when she's not taking care of patients or tending to her sheep. I do have an aunt, Jessie, who owns the mercantile. She, too, loves to ride horses and to yodel. She isn't called Jessie the Yodelin' Cowgirl for nothing! Oh, and she loves animals as much as I do. In fact, she's my biggest supporter in my being a veterinarian. She's married to my uncle Buzz, who was formally a space ranger for Star Command and an astronaut for NASA. Now he volunteers at a space museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma, giving visitors tours and giving them some very interesting knowledge about life in space. He'll ride a horse once in a while."

"Now, where is Elkhorn compared to Tulsa and Oklahoma City? And where exactly is Weatherford?"

"Elkhorn is south of Tulsa but ten miles north of McAlester. It's southeastern Oklahoma. Weatherford is about an hour and a half ride west from Oklahoma City, which is west of us. So where is North Hampton compared to New York City?"

"It takes me and my family three hours to drive to New York City. North Hampton is about twenty minutes away from Saratoga Springs. The fall season by my house is absolutely beautiful! But like Elkhorn, North Hampton isn't on the map, which made it perfect for my family to hide all those years ago."

"Why did your family have to hide?" Justine asked. "Were their identities found out?"

"Yes, but not by humans. Their lair was kept secret until my mom unknowingly brought a Kraang spy into the lair. The lair was ransacked and the city was invaded. Uncle Leo ended up getting injured, so the six of them went into hiding until they could find a way to free New York City."

"Wait, six?"

"My mom and a family friend were with them."

"Ah."

We ate in silence for a few more minutes.

"I'd like you to see Elkhorn sometime," Justine spoke.

"And you should pay us a visit in New York," I replied with a smile. "New York City and North Hampton are two totally different environments."

"I believe it. Do you like horses?"

"I'd love to ride one someday," I replied. "But I've never seen one before."

"You've never seen a horse before?" Justine asked in astonishment. "Okay, we need to get you to Oklahoma as soon as possible."

"I'm not sure today's a good day, but I do know of a way we can get there without taking the plane."

"What? How? Do you have some sort of teleportation device?"

"It's funny you say that..."

I walked over to my purse on the kitchen counter and took out the portable portal. I brought it over to the couch and showed it to Justine.

"This was how the Kraang traveled from Dimension X to our world," I explained. "All I do is push a button and I can go wherever I need or want to go."

"Whoa!" Justine exclaimed. "That is some advanced technology. Is it more advanced than Cornelius's technology?"

"Way more advanced. Like, light years more advanced. But we'd need a good reason to go to Oklahoma."

"I can think of the perfect day to take you there. It's not until April, but the reason behind it is the best reason I can think of."

"Don't any of you have birthdays?" I asked. "Or holidays?"

"My birthday is easy to remember. I was born on Valentine's Day. But holidays are meant to be with our families. I'd still want to celebrate Christmas with my family, even if we aren't on the best of terms."

"I like that about you, Justine. You're always willing to give people another chance to prove you wrong."

"So when will I visit New York?"

"How about my birthday? It's May 29th."

"Done!"

We finished eating our Chinese food before we did our homework.

August 20, 2042

Another day of classes came and went, and I was on my way to my dad's office for my daily visit. This time, I felt nervous. The last time I saw him, we had a fight. I had silently prayed that we would be able to forgive each other.

I knocked on the door before letting myself in. I took a seat across from my dad. At that moment, he glanced at me. He immediately frowned.

"Hey, Lily. Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Dad, we need to talk."

"I agree. You go first."

"I wanted to apologize for yelling at you the way I did. Yelling never solves anything. I was so worried that if I were to accept your job offer, you'd treat me like a little girl. Just Daddy's little helper. I wanted to work with you, not for you. That's why I was going to turn down your offer. At Robinson Industries, I can be myself, and I'd get my dinner and gowns paid for. And I promise to put half of my paychecks in the savings account you guys opened before I was born. And I also promise to be on top of my studies."

"Lily, shh, I believe you," Dad assured me with a kind smile. "I'm sorry too. I got so angry that you were going to turn me down that I only thought of myself. It wasn't cool of me. If anything, I should have talked with you first about your two offers instead of jumping to conclusions. I hope you can forgive me."

"Of course, I forgive you, Dad. Does that mean you're going to support me at Robinson Industries?"

"Yes. I may not attend every one of your performances because of our family in New York, but I promise to be at your opening show, at least."

"That already means so much to me," I replied with a smile on my face. "Thank you. And I hope you can forgive me for my temper."

"There's nothing to forgive, Lily Mae," Dad said, putting my hands in his. "You were right. You're an adult now. I need to talk with you, not push words down your throat."

We hugged each other.

"Oh!" Dad exclaimed happily. "Justine stopped by my office today. She told me you encouraged her to visit."

"Oh? What did you two talk about? Or is that all confidential?"

"All I can say is that Justine is headstrong and has a strong spirit, just like you. I knew you two would get along. But I will admit her life in Oklahoma is concerning. But that is something to talk about in New York, not here."

"I agree. Is there anything you need me to do?"

"Yes," Dad answered confidently. "You need to go to Cornelius's office and accept his job offer, and then you need to tell me when your debut is. I am already very excited to watch you perform."

I laughed, hugging my dad again. Then I left, transformed into Aumanil, and flew to Robinson Industries. I got in the same way as last time and transformed back into Lilianna Hamato.

I approached Cornelius's office and knocked on his door.

"Come in!"

I opened the door, closed it, and sat down on a chair.

"Lily, hello!" Cornelius said excitedly. "I take it you've thought of my offer?"

"I have, and I am taking it."

"Oh! Wonderful! Let me tell you, Danny and Benny are already looking forward to meeting you. Duke, too."

"So, what all can you tell me about the club and my schedule?"

"Everyone gets Sundays off to spend time with their families and friends," Cornelius explained. Right now, we have Danny and Benny doing their comedy hour and then switching it off with Duke Caboom every hour the other days. Now, when do your classes end, Lily?"

"Four o'clock every day."

"How would you feel about performing at six o'clock and then again at nine o'clock every night? Or we can switch things around every day. On some nights we'll have you sing at five and eight. And other nights, seven and ten."

"That all sounds good to me. So how much time do I get to sing?"

"One hour twice. Saturday morning and afternoon is our improv committee, so citizens will come up and entertain each other until the five o'clock show comes around."

"May I possibly sing earlier on Saturdays?" I asked.

"I can arrange that. How do you feel about singing late on Mondays?"

"Nah, not really," I answered, shaking my head.

"So here's what we'll do then: on Mondays and Thursdays, you'll sing at six and nine o'clock. On Tuesdays and Fridays, you'll sing at seven and ten o'clock. And lastly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, you'll sing at five and eight o'clock."

"But wait, I just remembered something," I said in a panic. "My cousins will be participating in the football games on Fridays. I want to see them."

"You'll still have to perform twice, but I can make those two days earlier: six and nine o'clock."

"No, it's okay," I replied. "I can find a way to get to the games and back to Robinson Industries."

"Are you sure?" Cornelius asked, and I can tell he was concerned. "I can easily provide transportation there and back."

"With all due respect, sir, I'm a kunoichi. I can get there and back faster than you can say Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

Cornelius laughed.

"I like your spirit, Lily. But I can tell you what: if it's important to you, you only have to perform for fifty minutes so that you have time to get to the high school. It will help the next act get set up anyway."

"Thank you so much, sir. Then I'm set. When will my first show be?"

"I want you to take your time planning it, so your first show would be the first Monday in September."

"So... September 1st?"

"Yes."

"I won't let you down. Thank you so much!"

"Thank you, Lily, for making the world a brighter place to live."

August 24, 2042

"Thank you all for helping me plan my very first show!" I excitedly told my friends in Wilbur and Karena's room.

"It's our pleasure!" Wilbur replied, sharing the enthusiasm. "You're going to be a knockout down at the club!"

"So what are the rules?" Justine asked. "Does it have to be clean?"

"About 95-percent," I answered. "I do have to say one word in my opening act."

"What is your opening act?" Karena asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Shrug!" I answered excitedly. "It's about shrugging off the lies society gives you and feeling more confident about yourself in the long run. Since Danny and Benny are doing their comedy skit before my show, having them introduce me with this song would be perfect!"

"Did you say Danny and Benny?" Justine asked in astonishment.

"Yes. Why, do you know them?"

"No, but my mom does. They used to be Ducky and Bunny. From what she tells me, they are the funniest!"

"They were toys too?" Wilbur and I asked at the same time.

"And let me guess: so was Duke Kaboom?" Karena asked.

"Ding, ding, ding!" Justine replied happily.

"But how did they get to Todayland?" Karena asked with astonishment in her voice.

"Maybe Todayland's newest entertainer could ask them?" Wilbur suggested.

"Wait, why are you talking about them as if they're suspicious?" I asked.

"I promise, we're not," Wilbur assured me. "But we are curious."

"Come to think of it, so will my dad. He discovered not only the Toy Story world merging in with ours, but the Criminal Case world, too."

"Wait, what?" Karena exclaimed. "Grimsborough exists?"

"Actually, yes," Wilbur answered. "It's a major city in northern Virginia."

"As much as I love a good history lesson, could we get back to Lily's show please?" Justine asked.

"Thanks," I replied. "We'll worry about all the worlds merging later. So my show needs to be at least fifty minutes long. Cornelius set it up that way in case I need to be somewhere, such as the football games on Fridays."

"If it's your opening show, you should sing the songs that mean the most to you," Karena suggested. "Put yourself out there and have your audience get to know you."

"Shrug is a good start," Wilbur chimed in. "But you could also do some songs that are softer to bring out your compassionate side, and then have songs that show you are spirited."

"I've actually made a playlist of all the songs I could possibly sing and put my own spin on it," I replied, taking out my T-phone. "Let's see..."

I browsed through my phone until I found two songs by Sixpence None the Richer.

"These two would make sense for the end of my show," I said. "Tonight and then Waiting on the Sun. Tonight is about making choices and no matter which one you choose, tomorrow is a brand new day. Waiting on the Sun is pretty much waiting for God to give you the answers to your prayers and revealing Himself to you."

"Both sound good," Wilbur replied. "Let me write those down. I promised my mom I'd give your ideas to her since her frogs are accompanying you."

"Right... I have to practice with them."

"No, not necessarily. Her frogs catch things pretty quickly."

"Wilbur!" Justine and I both exclaimed, smacking our heads.

"Did you just make a frog joke?" Justine asked in disbelief.

"I didn't mean to! Honest!"

"One of us also needs to keep track of how long these songs are," Karena suggested. "So far, I'm two seconds shy of ten minutes."

"I'm definitely doing Try Everything by Shakira," I chimed in. "Rachael Lampa's Always Be My Home... I can do a couple of fun ones, like Pat Benatar's Heartbreaker and Scandal's The Warrior."

"You have excellent taste in music, Lily," Wilbur complimented me.

I had also chosen my favorites from Christina Grimmie: Liar, Liar; I Bet You Don't Curse God; Snow White; and Without Him. Justine offered to do a duet with me and I chose Rachael Lampa's Shaken. The last two songs I picked were Jaci Velasquez's On My Knees and Hilary Duff's Our Lips Are Sealed.

"So now that we got all of these songs, we gotta put them in the order that makes the most sense," Wilbur suggested. "So what would go best after Shrug?"

"But keep in mind that the two Sixpence None the Richer songs are last," Karena chimed in.

After we got all of these songs in order, we enjoyed a pizza for dinner before heading our separate ways for the night. I was already looking forward to practicing with Franny's frogs.