Billionaire Vlad Masters was incredibly taken aback when his wife Magdalene Masters informed him that the Ancients of the Ghost Zone wanted him to have a 'coffee date" with the 'cousins' of himself and Jack Fenton. Mag had previously explained to her husband about the multiverse emergency and how the Ancients intensely felt that developing strong bonds between individuals from various existences would significantly benefit them when the end game came.
She described how she'd become excellent friends with Kathleen Wells, Maddie's "Cousin," and Maddie from another realm. So, she informed her husband that he could utilize her indoor garden for his coffee date. Mag Masters adored gardening and knew the language of flowers, as well as she knew the Bible. Vlad still needed to figure out the whole thing. However, if God or the Ancients command you to do something, you always obey—no ifs and or buts.
He made sure to give the staff the day off so as not to arouse anything suspicious. Yet he ensured kitchen attendants prepared the most pleasing coffee and food for this impromptu coffee date. His wife had decided to spend the day with her best friend, Leta Morgenstern, and his three children, who were currently at school in the Ghost Zone. Consequently, there wasn't anyone to disturb them.
At half past nine, there was a knock on the front door. Vlad was dressed to impress, so he looked bewildered when Alexei and Robert were dressed rather casually compared to him. Alex was in a green turtleneck and jeans. Robert was in an orange PAC-Man shirt and black jeans. The three men stared awkwardly for a few minutes before Robert broke the ice. "Vlad, it's extremely nice to meet you. Or should I say the half-ghost version of you? Since the one we know isn't half-ghost."
"Yes, my other cousin is an ordinary human," Alex stated.
"Well, again, we are all from different realities but come in. My wife has organized a notable location for us to have coffee," Alex said as they entered the castle. Both other gentlemen glanced around before Alex stated the obvious.
"No matter what realm you call home, you're always going to be a major cheesehead, aren't you?" making a grand gesture to the foyer.
Vlad blushed but nodded. "Yes, I suppose that is something that will never change. Still come. We're heading to my wife Mag's indoor garden. She just planted some fresh flowers I'm sure you'll love to see," as they headed to the atrium.
"It's quite captivating here, I'll admit. Like something out of a fairy tale," Robert commented on Magdalene Masters' magical indoor garden. He frowned before asking, "Is that Beethoven playing over the loudspeakers?"
"Yes, it is. My darling Mag is a gifted pianist who loves to play classical music to help her garden thrive. She's attempting to crossbreed some Ghost Zone plants with Earth ones." He walked them over to the particular flowerbed. None of the men knew much concerning gardening, but all agreed everything here was exquisite. They quickly sat at the white patio table and enjoyed the freshly brewed coffee.
After a few minutes, Vlad suggested to the others that they tell him more about themselves. So his 'cousin' went first. "Well, I'll clarify a few things so you understand us thoroughly. Both Robert and I are indeed human. Along with Kathleen, we were given life by the Ancients, who also employed their abilities to back up the paperwork necessary for us. We're physically and mentally in our mid-thirties. However, our actual age is about six or seven months now. As Kathleen's house links Peace Valley with Amity Park, so does our apartment."
"Yes, my wife did thoroughly explain that to me. You're not clones of either Jack or myself but, truthfully, our cousins."
"Thank you for understanding. Now, as for myself? I work at a sporting goods store in Peace Valley called "Sports Champions." I'm a co-manager. The other is Ceci Masters's classmate Wendell Hilton's father, Cain Hilton."
"Hmm, are you happy working there? Does the store do profitable business?" questioned Vlad curiously.
"We do well enough. Half our proceeds go to organizations worldwide to help benefit the planet and human suffering." Alex answered as he enjoyed a piece of peanut butter toast.
"We also do excellent business at the electronic repair shop I work at in Amity Park. I've been the employee of the month for six months in a row," Robert stated proudly. He, too, took a piece of toast to enjoy.
"Well, you both live simpler lives then my family. However, it seems you both love your jobs."
"Yes, we do. We also love taking our dog for walks or to the dog park," Alex replied as he pulled up an image of their dog on his smartphone.
"Hmm, I can tell he's a ghostly pet. My wife has one, too. A cat named Eleanor."
"I'm delighted to know we all love our pets very much. So, what do you do to chill? Alex and I love playing old video games or watching TV. What do you like to do? Besides, watch the Packers?" Robert questioned the billionaire.
"I love spending time with my family and friends. Periodically, my mother and older sister and her family visit. Yet, I've been attempting to discover other things to do then watch football. My wife is a devoted Christian, yet she isn't toxic like some individuals are when it comes to their faith. After all, her best friend, who she considers her sister, is half-African American and half-Jewish. So we've been celebrating all our holidays together for years. Mag's best friend, Leta, is considered an Aunt to my three children."
"Amazing. We spend some time with the children, like having a huge picnic with them over the weekend. But not nearly enough alone time because we can't arouse suspicion," Alex confessed.
"Sad but true. We long to spend more time alone with the kids. But again, we're only their fathers, cousins. So its challenging. We both hope that after this crisis with the multiverse ends, we'll all be able to spend more time together as a family," Robert revealed their greatest wish.
'Yes, family is essential. It wasn't easy for me to figure that out at first, but I did it in the nick of time. Also, no offense to Kathleen's cousin. I'm sure you both understand why I'm happy I got over Maddie to be with my true love, Magdalene.'
"We don't take offense at all, Vlad. Again, every realm in the multiverse is different, so there is no reason to hold grudges from unrelated domains." Alex replied.
The men continued to get to know each other over the next several hours. When Magdalene returned at 1:45, she informed them that while they were having fun bonding, they should be getting back to their home. The multiverse, after all, was hanging by a thread. Therefore, they could only afford to linger here a bit longer. They nodded and agreed to meet again after the crisis was resolved.