Ruby was listening to gem music in her new bedroom. Their race used different crystals to make music. Humans couldn't hear it, but Ruby enjoyed listening to the magical melody of topaz, kyanite, onyx, and smokey quartz. The alien preteen was in her normal body while listening to her gem music. However, she had decided to check out some magazines that human teens read. She figured she should find out how human kids' brains worked.
Meanwhile, Shaggy and Crystal (also in her alien form) were cleaning the apartment. They knew they'd eventually have to talk to Ruby about doing her fair share of the chores. Crystal had convinced Shaggy to give her sister till the end of the month before they figured out her chore list. He agreed, knowing Ruby needed some time to adjust. So he was more then willing to give her that.
Surprisingly even Scooby and Amber did their fair share of the chores, given they weren't normal dogs by any means. While Shaggy and Scooby worked to clean the kitchen, Crystal and Amber were handling the living room. Some 60s music was playing on their Alexa, so things were groovy for them. "Its harder then I thought to keep the walls clean. How they got so dirty, I don't know," Crystal said softly.
"Well, at least we already complete the chores in the bathroom. Also, thankfully the apartment has its own space to do laundry. How are you adjusting to wearing clothes?" Amber asked curiously.
"Well, I can see why so many people find them delightful. Yet, fashion doesn't have to be whatever is trending. It's whatever you feel comfortable in and makes you feel good."
"Hmm, well, if that's how you feel. I'll finish dusting the furniture. It amazes me how much dust accumulates in here."
Crystal laughed, "Good point! I will get some fresh hot water to finish scrubbing the walls with. Plus, flip the laundry. The washer should be done by now."
Amber nodded and went to clean the coffee table. Crystal paused in front of the closet where the washer and dryer were kept. It had taken a few tries to learn how to properly wash clothes, again, since they didn't wear them back home. So a few things ended up pink or shrunk before she knew how to do it properly. Once she flipped the laundry, she got fresh water to finish the living room.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Shaggy was scrubbing the inside of the fridge. It had taken them much self-control to not eat everything in sight anymore. "Ugh, I can't believe how much gunk builds up here!" Shaggy moaned.
"Sorry, Raggy," Scooby replied as he handled the trash and recycling.
"It's okay, bud. Be thankful none of our food has gone bad! We won't get paid till the end of the week! It's difficult juggling college, a part-time job, and caring for Ruby!"
Every young adult's first taste of independence was full of challenges. From Mystery Inc.'s last Skype chat, everyone struggled to handle college and regular jobs. Shaggy did work as a server at a nearby restaurant. Meanwhile, Fred worked part-time as a car salesman while attending Berkeley. Daphne worked at a high-end fashion boutique while going to New York Fashion Institution. Velma worked at an IT call center near MIT. Life had dramatically changed for the gang now that they'd chosen to live everyday lives instead of solving mysteries anymore.
Finally, an hour later, the chores were complete for the day. Crystal and Amber resumed their Earth disguises. Shaggy served them healthy snacks he'd whipped up after cleaning the fridge. "Well, I do value hard work. I hope Ruby doesn't whine when given her chore list at the end of the month. Human or alien kids don't like doing chores," chuckled Crystal as she sipped her drink.
"Well, now that gang has become true adults instead of 'meddling kids, ' we've had to face new realities, which means maintaining and managing a home and budget. I wish we'd done this sooner rather than later," Shaggy replied as he sipped his milkshake.
"True. So we could take my sister to some of the local attractions shortly. She'd like to go to Navy Pier or the Shedd Aquarium. We could even scope out a few museums. I know I've been dying to find time to visit them myself. But I've not had time between college, being an event photographer, and my liaison work."
"Well, at least you've enough sass to put people in their place when you're doing photos. What is with people thinking they can get away with wearing white to a wedding? You're asking someone to destroy the dress or humiliate you if you're stupid enough to propose at someone's wedding."
"Yes, we don't have as crazy people back home. Yet we do have a few entitled people. Entitlement is a universal thing. Still, I found it funny the first time I saw someone take down a mother wearing a wedding dress to her daughter's wedding," Crystal couldn't help but laugh up a storm.
"Well, thank goodness, you've got that cooperation clause in your contract. I find that amazing."
"Yep, it is. I only wish my other job as a liaison was going better since America is currently having such turmoil involving politics, its not been easy to do my job, particularly with what the DOJ is doing right now. I agree with countless Americans that people should fear what happens in next year's election. Again, everyone back home witnessed the January 6th insurrection, and we're beyond flabbergasted."
"Yep, so was the rest of the gang. But how about we get off that topic? Are you worried about your sister starting school soon?"
Crystal sighed, "Yes, Shaggy, I am. I understand being the new kid is never fun. I also wonder if she can fit in with her new classmates. Again, Mom told me how Ruby had been hanging out with the wrong crowd back home."
"Well, I hope she'll be able to find some good friends that won't try to lead her astray. I think I'd be more worried if she lets something slip."
"I'm not worried about that. Ruby might have caused some issues back home. But even she knows the penalty of what could happen if she spills the beans. I'm lucky I wasn't reprimanded for revealing myself to you!"
"I'm also glad about that. You did mention you could've lost your job for revealing your true self to humans. I'm glad they understood you didn't have a choice since it was a matter of life and death."
"Yes, I'm fortunate. Again, let's plan a weekend field trip shortly."
"Sounds like a groovy idea to me. However, how about we go for a walk? I'm sure Ruby would enjoy a walk through the park before we have dinner. What do you think?"
"Sounds good to me. I'll go see if she'd like that." Crystal then got up and knocked on her sister's door. "Hey, Ruby? We're going for a walk. Is that okay with you?"
Ruby sighed as she answered the door. "You and your boyfriend aren't going to be all lovely-dovey while we walk? You'll act normal?" she questioned.
Crystal sighed. Her species reached puberty later then humans. So it wasn't surprising to her that her sister, despite being a preteen by human standers, wasn't ready for romance. Some people take longer to figure out who they're attracted to.
"I promise, Shaggy, and I won't do anything mushy. We're just taking the dogs for a walk and then returning for dinner. That's all."
"Okay, I don't have to listen to any sickly sweet romantic crap. I've already had my brain overloaded by these strange magazines that give you advice on that!" as she held up the magazines.
Crystal chuckled, "Shaggy warned me not to take anything in a magazine too seriously. They are out to make money and usually give unhelpful advice. So you shouldn't take it to heart."
"Okay, because from what I read? Being a human female is so bewildering! Like, I don't even understand this human body yet! I'm not ready to deal with that crap!"
"Mind your language, sis. So please change so we can go for a walk," Crystal kindly requested. Sighing, Ruby transformed back into her human form. Shortly afterward, the five of them enjoyed a walk through Lincoln Park. Everyone did enjoy taking in the sights found within the famous park. The temperature was ideal, and there weren't any clouds in the sky. So it was a nice walk. When they got home, Shaggy decided to whip up some crab rangoon and other foods found in Chinese restaurants.
Ruby quickly exclaimed she was starting to enjoy Earth food. The crab rangoon was beyond mouthwatering, and so were the various types of chicken! Crystal only smiled, seeing her sister's happiness. Hopefully, her sister wouldn't have to challenge a time fitting in when she started school next week. Again, a few positive experiences might help her out of her rebellious state. One could only hope.