Whew! This chapter took longer to write than I wanted it to. Originally, it was just going to be the bachelorette & bachelor parties. But for one, it would pretty much be a repeat of Pride & Justice. And two, I didn't want to make too big a time jump yet. So I worked on the homecoming part of the chapter in one place and the bachelor & bachelorette parties part in another. I finished both today, and so, here is chapter 44! Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons" nor "TMNT," nor do I own Christina Grimmie's "Feelin' Good." I only own Karena, Lilianna, Athena, Venus, James, Randy, & Ryan.
October 5, 2041 - New York City, New York, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
"Come on, Venus!" I shouted with a big smile. "We wanna see you!"
"I'm coming, your Royal Highness," Venus mocked me.
"Don't tell me you don't like the dress Lily made," Athena pleaded with a frown.
"It's beautiful, don't get me wrong. It's just... I'm not much of a girly girl."
"Says the member of the color guard who absolutely has to wear a dress because of her tail," Athena replied with sass. "Just come out already!"
Venus slowly emerged wearing a floor-length baby blue dress with long sleeves and a V-neckline. She wore a sapphire necklace to compliment the dress and she wore turquoise eyeshadow. My jaw was dropped, and so was Athena's.
"Geez, how did I ever get voted into the homecoming court this year?" Athena asked. "You look like a queen!"
"I'm with Athena on this one," I said in awe. "I may be the homecoming queen, but you wear it. How do you do it?"
"Shinigami gave me this necklace and my shoes for my sixteenth birthday," Venus explained. "As for the makeup, Aunt Karai gave me some pointers."
"What shoes?" I asked.
Venus lifted her dress to reveal a pair of baby blue heels.
"Shinigami thought these would come in handy someday," Venus explained again. "Who knew that someday would be two months after my birthday?"
Venus smirked.
"Athena, let's see what you're wearing."
Athena walked into her father's bedroom.
"How are you girls doing?" Ryan asked, approaching us.
His smile immediately disappeared upon seeing Venus.
"Whoa, Venus! You look amazing."
"Thank you, Ryan. I'm happy to be your 'date' tonight."
"I will always be thrilled to go to the dance with two women at my side," Ryan replied with a grin. "And what better way to do that than with your two younger cousins?"
Ryan turned to look at me.
"Congratulations on being the queen this year. It must be bittersweet knowing you won't be able to attend winter ball and prom in the spring."
I froze. Ryan was right. Because I was graduating early, I would not be able to attend prom. I felt saddened for only a moment, but then I shrugged.
"I had two amazing proms with James," I finally replied with a fond smile. "And this homecoming dance, my very last high school dance, will be a dance to remember. Though I never imagined I would win the homecoming crown."
"Come on, Lilianna," Venus replied with kindness. "From all the stories you and Uncle Donnie have told us, you gave the words high school a whole new meaning by being a positive influence. You've more than earned the title."
"Hey, you influenced me," I heard Athena say.
The three of us turned towards Uncle Mikey's room to gaze at our youngest cousin, wearing a sleeveless orange knee-length dress. She had an orange cloak to go with it in case it was cold in Todayland. She wore orange heels to go with it. Athena had put half of her blonde hair in a braided crown with the bottom half dangling down in curls.
"Orange is your color," Venus proudly complimented her.
"I was thinking of my dad when I told Lily to make it," Athena explained. "This is my way of thanking him. Now, Lily, get in there and wow us!"
I giggled as I entered my parents' bedroom to put on my dress. I stared at my sea-green long-sleeved dress. I couldn't help but go back to the homecoming football game last night...
FLASHBACK: October 4, 2041 - Todayland, North Montana, USA
I stood at the score post in my cheerleading uniform, nervous about the halftime experience tonight. This year was different for this year's homecoming. Instead of the king and queen being announced at the dance, it was going to be announced tonight. The student body had placed their votes on the homecoming court last week, and this week, the seniors had voted for the homecoming king and queen.
"Hey, Lily."
I smiled when I found Skyler standing next to me.
"Hey, Skyler. Are you excited?"
"Yeah! And you?"
"Extremely nervous," I answered without hesitance.
Skyler looked around before whispering in my ear.
"I know I'm not supposed to mention this, but I voted for you to be queen. I'm probably biased because I have a crush on Athena, but you really have made a difference here, and it shows. You deserve this honor."
"Thank you, Skyler," I replied with a smile. "That means a lot."
"I want to thank all of you for coming out," Wilbur announced into the microphone. "And I want to give a special kudos to our alumni for coming home tonight. As last year's homecoming king, I have the special privilege to announce this year's homecoming court."
Wilbur called out each name. Athena was once again nominated to be on the court, and she and her partner were the second set of names to be announced. Before we knew it, it was my turn to walk down the football field with Skyler.
"Skyler Hopkins and Lilianna Hamato."
Skyler and I walked with our arms linked down the football field as the other two couples were announced.
"And now, I'd like to annonce who the Todayland High School Class of 2042 voted to be their homecoming king and queen. Our homecoming king is..."
There was a loud silence.
"Skyler Hopkins!"
"Yeah!" Skyler yelled excitedly as the audience cheered.
"And now for our homecoming queen. And as last year's homecoming king, I have the greatest pleasure of announcing her. She is..."
I felt so anxious. I would not know how I would react if I was the one announced.
"Lilianna Hamato!"
I went down to my knees and covered my face in shock.
"Lily, get up!" Skyler yelled excitedly. "You did it!"
I looked up to see Skyler holding his hand out for me. I took it and stood up.
PRESENT
I slipped on my hi-lo sea-green dress that had white sparkles butterflies embedded on it. Then I put my long red hair in a low bun, using a braid and some hair pins to hold it in place.
I heard a knock on the door.
"Lily Mae, it's me. May I come in?"
I smiled, recognizing my dad's voice from anywhere. I walked to the door and opened it. Once my dad saw me, he had let out a gasp. His mouth was opened slightly enough to show the gap in his teeth. After a few seconds of gazing upon me, he closed his mouth, forming a proud smile on his face.
"You are so beautiful, my queen," Dad complimented me ever so sweetly.
I giggled in response as he and Mom entered the room.
"I never imagined I would have a daughter to hear that she won homecoming queen," Mom said with excitement. "Heck, I wasn't even close to being the most popular."
"Mom, I didn't get voted because I was the most popular," I replied.
"Your classmates voted for you because you've changed their lives for the better," Dad finished for me.
My dad turned to my mom with a fond smile.
"And you've changed mine, April."
My mom blushed.
"Aww, Donnie."
"And you've brought the most precious gift to me over seventeen years ago. I love you, April."
It was my turn to blush, and not just because my dad called me a gift. My parents shared a fond, sweet kiss. Their kiss was interrupted by knocking on the door.
"Come on, Lily!" Athena yelled from the other side. "We wanna see you."
My parents blushed and giggled in embarrassment. I opened the door and revealed myself to my three cousins.
"Sorry, my parents were having a moment," I explained sheepishly.
"We're going to have more than a moment," Mom announced dreamily, gazing at my dad in admiration.
"Can I take a picture of you three before you go off on your date?" Athena asked.
"That's a smart idea," Dad answered.
I blew a sigh of relief, mouthing thank you to my youngest cousin. Athena took out her T-Phone and took a picture of the three of us. Suddenly, my dad picked up my mother, who let out a delight gasp, and started to carry her bridal-styled.
"Have fun at the dance tonight, Queen Lily!" Dad yelled happily.
I blushed again as my dad carried my mom into his lab.
"Let's ask my dad to take photos of us," Ryan suggested.
"Good idea," us girls replied.
The four of us walked into the dojo to find Uncle Leo and Aunt Karai sparring with each other.
"Hi, Mom!" Ryan yelled. "Hi, Dad!"
They stopped sparring and glanced at us.
"You four clean up real nicely," Aunt Karai complimented us with a smiled.
"Word's going around that you're the queen tonight, Lilianna," Uncle Leo complimented me. "Well done."
"Arrigato, sensei."
"Father, we were wondering if you could take some pictures for us?" Ryan asked. "Uncle Donnie and Aunt April are... busy."
"Of course. Let's have you all group together in front of the tree."
Uncle Leo looked at me with confusion.
"Do any of you have dates?" he asked.
"Just me," I answered. "James is meeting me there."
"I already promised her I'd take a picture of her and James," Venus replied.
Shortly after Uncle Leo took all our pictures, we took the portal straight to the high school in Todayland.
Todayland, North Montana, USA
KARENA'S POV
From now on, I was to be a chaperone at all the dances at Todayland High School, or at least the dances the high school would be hosting. Thankfully, Wilbur volunteered to be a chaperone with me. After all, he had to be at the dance to pass his crown off to the next homecoming king.
Thankfully, I didn't need to dress as fancy as I have in the past. So I simply wore a black and pink floral dress while Wilbur wore a pink skirt and black pants. We were there at seven-thirty to start greeting students and their dates. At some point before eight o'clock, I saw the Hamato cousins plus James approaching us.
"Welcome to your first dance as a family!" I greeted them.
"It's actually our only dance as a family," Lily corrected me with a smile. "I'm graduating early so I won't be able to attend the other two dances."
I let out a delighted gasp and clapped for her.
"That is wonderful news! What will you do in the meantime?"
Lily and James shared a glance before she answered.
"Right now, the plan is to spend as much time as my family as possible while helping you get ready for your wedding, which I am stoked about!"
"I am so thankful for your help, Lily," I thanked her. "And you too, James."
"Okay, this talk about the wedding makes me feel like the odd one out," Venus spoke up. "Let's go inside."
As Wilbur and I accepted the payment and allowed the Hamatos entry, we glanced at each other.
"Is Venus okay?" Wilbur asked with a concerned voice.
"I hope so," I replied. "But Venus is like her dad. She prefers going solo. Let me talk to her for a minute or two."
I looked around the gym until I found Venus, who easily stood out wearing what looked like a prom dress. I tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around.
"Hey, Miss Edwards," Venus greeted me with a smile.
"Outside of school hours, you may call me Karena," I assured her. "May we talk for a moment?"
"Of course."
I took Venus out into the hallway away from all the noise in the gym.
"Is everything okay, Venus? I'm concerned that something is wrong."
"Absolutely nothing is wrong," Venus replied with a firm tone, but something wasn't quite right.
"Are you jealous of Athena getting the nomination for homecoming court?"
"No, Athena earned the vote. I'm very much okay with just being known for my flag skills."
"Hmm..."
I pondered and replayed the conversation in my head.
"Venus, it just dawned on me that you're not involved in the wedding party. But your other three cousins are. Are you feeling left out?"
"Nah, I'll be fine."
"You will be fine?" I replied with a raised eyebrow. "You're not fine right now?"
Venus grunted.
"Okay, yes, I feel left out. Are you happy now?"
"Venus, this isn't about me. This is about you."
"First, I get left out of the concert my father and uncles went to last year," Venus ranted. "Now I'm left out of the wedding party. Sure, I'm in charge of flowers, but there's literally nothing I can do to help otherwise. I have to wait until May to do anything."
I let out a sigh and tried to hug Venus. She did not hug me back, as though she felt very uncomfortable with the idea of hugging.
"Venus, I'm very sorry you feel left out," I tried to reassure her. "If I had known you better, I would have totally asked you to be a junior bridesmaid."
"I guess that's fair," Venus replied with sadness. "I was never really one to want friends. With the way my parents speak to me, I have been growing up accepting that my family would be the only friends I would ever need. But then I started attending school. When I tried out for the color guard and made it, I thought this was actually my big chance to make a name for myself. But who am I kidding? I'll always be upstaged by my younger cousin because she's been here a year longer than I have and because she's not a freak like me."
I frowned.
"Oh Venus, both you and Ryan had your fears before coming here. But let me assure you that you are not a freak. In fact, you are even prettier then half the girls here. You are a mutant mixed turtle and salamander. So you have three fingers on each hand and three toes on each foot, and you're bald. But your dress... oh my goodness! I think your dress is going to be one of the things that will be talked about all night. You are absolutely gorgeous, Venus, and that is an amazing color on you."
I paused, now thinking of a way to help her.
"Venus, why don't you stick with Athena for the evening? This is a dance, after all. It's the perfect time for socializing and making new friends. Just remember a lesson that Lily learned when she first started going to school here: in Todayland, there is no such thing as a freak. Just be yourself. You are a confident young woman. You're strong, so own it."
Venus chuckled.
"You liked Christina Grimmie too, huh?" she asked me.
"Venus, I came from the past, remember? I came from a time Christina Grimmie was alive. I had no idea she was murdered until Lily told me."
"I've helped Lily perform a couple of songs by her, but maybe I should actually give her songs a listening to."
"I think the song you should listen to is Feeling Good. Maybe even ask Lily to sing it tonight."
"Knowing Lily, she probably has all of her songs memorized."
We laughed.
"Are you feeling a little better, Venus?" I asked.
"Yeah, a little bit. I'm sorry I blew up like that. I really am flattered that you asked me for help with the flowers. It's just that if something looked fun, I would be afraid of being left out."
"Well, you already did do something about it: trying out for the color guard. And I've watched you over the past month. You are amazing! Wilbur was even talking about having you try using a sword or a rifle. But that's a talk for another time."
"Thank you, Karena," Venus said with a genuine smile on her face. "I'll take your thoughts into consideration."
Venus walked away. I smiled, proud of the entire Hamato family for overcoming so much as mutants. Who knew that my meeting Donatello in 2013 would be the meeting of fate for myself and for him? The Turtles were just starting out their mission to save the world from the Kraang and the Foot Clan while staying in the shadows. Now each Turtle had a family and they would move about freely in the light.
I heard an upbeat song starting to play on the stage, and I saw Lily at the microphone.
"Good evening, Todayland High, are we feelin' good tonight?"
The entire school cheered. I smiled at her enthusiasm.
"Let's keep on dancing the night away!" Lily yelled excitedly before starting to sing. "Before last night I was down on my luck. There was nothing going my way. Before last night I wasn't feeling the love, no reason for a smile on my face. But I was always told you could turn it around. Do it for the light of day. So get yourself together. Head out on the town. The music gets you feeling okay. Now I'm on a roll and I'm losing control 'cause I got that sunshine! It's like the world is mine. I can't deny I'm feelin' good! Can't stop from smiling. I'm bottled lightning. But deep inside I'm feeling good."
"She's amazing, isn't she?"
I turned to my right to see Lily's brown-haired boyfriend standing next to me.
"James, hi!"
We hugged each other.
"It's good to see you!" I excitedly told him.
"You too. I'm Lily's date tonight. It's nice to be back here for one night. I've missed the energy here!"
"Lily's certainly bringing that here tonight," I replied.
"How's the wedding planning going?" James asked.
"Why don't you ask Wilbur?" I answered with a smile.
"I'm asking you tonight. I'm with Wilbur all the time."
"That's a good point. It's going really well. It's nice to have both families working together and everything's already planned out. It's just a waiting game for me. But hey, at least I'm not as stressed out here."
"I forgot you're an official teacher now. How's that going?"
"If last night's homecoming game is any indication, I'd say it's going very well," I answered with a smile. "I'm enjoying myself here."
"It must be different on the other side of the classroom, huh?"
"You better believe it. So how's school going? What's your major?"
"I'm majoring in chemistry," James answered. "Actually, I have Lily's dad as one of my teachers. You were right about him, Karena. He always looks like he was born for the job."
"You know, Donnie never imagined being a college professor. He wanted to be known for his inventions and his expertise."
"Well, he's known for that now. Just in a different way."
"Isn't it amazing he's been a professor at the same place for almost 25 years? That's two generations of students he taught."
"And now he's the head of the STEM department," James replied. "He deserves it. And from what he tells me, he loves his job."
"Donnie was my inspiration to be the teacher I am now."
"I hope he inspires me in a unique way. Actually, I think he and I are closer because of our teacher-student experience. I want to go into the pharmacy to make medicines."
"My dad did that," I replied, fondly remembering him. "Maybe you and Donnie can work together some day."
"He's already offered, actually. Some day, we will."
Before we knew it, Lily finished singing and she went outside along with the rest of the homecoming court. Venus and Ryan stayed inside.
"I should go back to them. It was nice talking to you, Karena."
"You too, James."
I stood and watched the homecoming coronation. After the freshmen attendants walked in, Athena walked in with her partner, waving at me as she went. After her came the junior attendants and the four senior attendants.
"And now, presenting our majesties, the homecoming king and queen, Skyler Hopkins and Lilianna Hamato."
I grinned from ear to ear as Lily walked in with Skyler. I watched Wilbur crowning Skyler, and then Betty, last year's queen, crowned Lily. I watched Lily dance with Skyler in the slow song picked out, and then homecoming had started to wind down with a happy note.
December 31, 2041 - Todavland, North Montana, USA
This year's New Year's Eve party was very different from the parties I celebrated in the past. Wilbur gave Carl and Laszlo the idea to hold his bachelor's party here at the house. So I called up Tallulah and April and they worked together to have a girls' night out in the city to celebrate my last months as a single woman. April also used the holiday to throw a party for Lily, who had graduated high school before Christmas and was going to attend Todayland University part-time for the rest of the school year.
What did we all accomplish this year? Well, 2041 started rough. Doris had returned from Frankie's trunk, injuring me and making me lose my memories. Wilbur, Lily, and Franny were also affected by Doris. Lily suffered a broken foot trying to pry Doris off me while Franny dislocated her shoulder. Wilbur was taken over by Doris but suffered no injuries to his brain. Just about the time I had all of my memories back, I made the biggest mistake of my life in attempting suicide. Thankfully, Wilbur was there to remind me that there was someone who loved me, no matter what all I had gone through. Wilbur took my place and almost lost his life. I would forever be thankful to Lily for saving his life and restoring the rest of my memories.
Wilbur graduated high school that May and started attending Todayland University this past August. He thrived this semester, earning all A's as well as quite the compliment from Donatello. I started my career as Todayland High School's music teacher. I guided the marching band to lots of awards during the fall and Wilbur was there to help me as the assistant color guard coach. Venus, Raphael's daughter, was a spotlight in all those competitions, helping the color guard win awards for the first time in Todayland history. Lily was recognized as a senior on her last home game of her fall cheerleading career and walked across the football field with her parents. We were all very thrilled Principal Jameson allowed Lily to participate in winter cheerleading despite her graduating high school early. Ever since the bullying incident in September, Ryan thrived as Todayland High School's new quarterback and gave us all a new definition of leadership. In fact, all four Hamato cousins are leaders in their own unique way. Lily ended up graduating to the next dan after displaying her courage. Venus had never felt so confident about her skills before and had also graduated to the next dan. Ryan and Athena, while their confidence was also built up, were told by Leonardo that they needed to hone their intuition.
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at my apartment door. I peeked through the peephole to find my bridesmaids outside. I opened the door with a big smile on my face.
"Hi, ladies!" I greeted them excitedly. "Come on in!"
All five ladies were wearing cerulean-blue dresses. Each woman walked in, receiving a hug and a kiss from me.
"Karena, why aren't you in your dress yet?" Tallulah asked me with her hands on her hips.
"Sorry, Tallie, I was doing some reflecting."
"Well, stop dawdling and get that dress on! We've got a party to go to!"
I went in the bedroom and put on the white long-sleeved tea dress Tallulah made for me. I also took the time to put half of my hair up in a hair tie and put on white eyeshadow. Afterwards, I had my picture taken with the girls, and then we left for the city.
WILBUR'S POV
I heard the doorbell ring, which meant my other three groomsmen had arrived. Carl and Laszlo were waiting with me. The three of us took the travel tube from my room to the living room to find that Lefty had already greeted Ryan, James, and Randy.
"Hey, guys!"
"Hi, Wilbur!" Ryan greeted me first. "So, what all is this bachelor party about?"
"We're celebrating Wilbur's last days as a single man," Laszlo explained.
"Usually it's spent going to a bar or something." Randy chimed in. "But Wilbur wanted to have his party here."
"And we've got food galore!" Grandma Lucille shouted from the dining room. "Whenever you boys are ready, please gather in the dining room. I have made the wedding menu tonight!"
"You can't say no to Grandma's cooking," I told the guys.
"No, you can't," James replied. "Let's eat!"
APRIL'S POV
Our first stop was the glow-in-the-dark bowling alley in the heart of Todayland. I texted Donnie, who was enjoying his New Year's celebration in the lair, where I was at before walking in. I was immediately impressed. Tallulah immediately went up to the reception desk to tell the robot of our reservation. We grabbed our bowling shoes and walked to the very last lane on the right side away from everyone else.
"Tallulah, I get that you are the maid of honor," Karena spoke. "But don't you think you're a little obsessed with the whole outfits thing?"
"Darling, I'm a dressmaker," Tallulah explained. "And we're your bridal party. What was I going to do? Let you guys clash colors against each other?"
"I think what Karena means is that you didn't have to give us literal matching dresses," I chimed in, reading Karena's mind.
"We're your bride squad!" Tallulah replied enthusiastically. "It has to be done right! Now, Karena, you're the bride, and April's the headwoman as the matron of honor. You two are the team captains."
"Alright, I pick Lindsey," Karena said.
"I'II take Lily," I replied.
"Sorry April, only one psychic per team," Karena said back with a smirk.
"She's got a point," Tallulah chimed in.
"I take it I'm on Team Karena, then?" Lily asked.
"Yep!" Karena answered.
"Fine, then I'll take Tallulah," I answered firmly. "We're going to whoop your butts!"
"Say it, girl!" Tallulah replied, giving me a high-five.
"Which means I'm on your team, Aunt April," Athena said.
"Good enough for me," I replied with a grin.
"The bride against her two maids of honor?" Lily asked with a smug grin. "This is gonna be fun!"
"Okay, I've entered our teams in," Tallulah announced. "Now we all need to pick a color. Karena has been given the color green since it's her favorite color. April, which color would you like?"
"Yellow, please."
"Lindsey?"
"Pink."
"Lily?"
"Purple, please," Lily answered.
"Athena?"
"Blue."
"It looks like I'm stuck with orange. Karena, you're the bride. You go first!"
"Hi, everybody!"
We turned around to see our waitress, a young woman with brown hair up in a messy bun.
"I'm Kelly, and l'II be your host for the evening. Congratulations to the bride!"
We all cheered just as Karena bowled a strike.
"Very impressive!" Kelly complimented her. "I will be starting you all off with some drinks. We do serve wines and beers, but we also do mock cocktails for the younger ladies. Miss Bride, what would you like?"
"Could I have a Long Island Tea, please?" Karena asked when she returned.
"Sure thing!"
"You know what, make that four of those," Tallulah chimed in. "That is, if that's okay with you, ladies?"
"I'm actually going to have a peach margarita, please," I replied.
"Okay, and for you two young ladies?" Kelly asked.
"We'd both like Shirley Temples, please," Lily ordered for herself and Athena.
"April, it's your turn!" Tallulah shouted.
"I will be back with your drinks!" Kelly announced happily.
I walked up to the lane with my glowing yellow bowling ball. I focused on where to roll the ball, and I let it go. I had also bowled a strike.
"Go, April!" Tallulah yelled excitedly. "Okay, it's my turn!"
RYAN'S POV
We had the entire wedding menu for dinner and I was stuffed. There were two different kinds of pasta with two different sauces and two different meats. There was salad and there was soup. We also had homemade breadsticks. Thankfully, it was announced that dessert would come later.
"I am finding it hilarious how James and Randy are all dressed up," Wilbur spoke up after he finished eating. "You know we don't dress for New Year's Eve."
"You only get to celebrate your bachelor party once, mister!" Randy replied enthusiastically. "And look who's talking. Ryan's not wearing anything."
"I'm a mutant turtle with belts and a mask," I replied. "I didn't think I needed to dress up."
"Hmm... I wonder if my dad has some old clothes he could give you," Wilbur pondered. "Come with me."
I followed my best friend up the travel tube onto the second floor. I followed Wilbur to a bedroom where he knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Franny asked.
"It's me, Mom."
"Oh, Wilbur!"
Franny opened the door with a smirk on her face.
"Aren't you supposed to be at your bachelor party, mister?" Franny asked mischievously.
"The guys were talking about how Ryan wasn't dressed," Wilbur explained. "After everything he's been through this fall, I feel kind of bad for him. Dad, do you have any old clothes that may fit him?"
"I just might have the thing," Cornelius answered.
After a few minutes of waiting, Cornelius walked out of the room with a pair of brown pants and a black T-shirt.
"I know it isn't much, but it's definitely better than being undressed and cold."
"I took the portal straight inside," I explained. "I didn't think about how cold it would be. Thank you, Cornelius. I'II put this on now."
The pants had fit me perfectly. The shirt, on the other hand, was tight.
"I think I have an idea," Franny spoke up.
Franny returned a few minutes later with a larger black T-shirt.
"When I was pregnant with Wilbur, there were days when wearing dresses was uncomfortable," Franny explained. "So I ordered T-shirts and yoga pants. See if this shirt will do the trick."
I slipped on the shirt, which fit me perfectly.
"Thank you so much, Franny!" I replied enthusiastically.
"You're very welcome, Ryan. And please, keep the pants and shirt for us. They'll just sit in the closet forever."
I laughed.
"I appreciate that."
"Come on, Ryan," Wilbur gestured me. "Let's go back to the party."
We walked back to the travel tube that took us to the dining room.
"So, we could play some billiards," Laszlo suggested. "Anyone up for some 8-ball?"
"I haven't played that in a while," James replied. "Let's go!"
The six of us went to the travel tube back up to the second floor and into the billiard room.
"Carl, you and Laszlo go first," Wilbur suggested. "You're the best men in the party."
"Are you sure about that?" Carl asked. "You know I have an advantage with being a robot."
"I have a better idea," Laszlo proposed. "Why don't you play against me, Wilbur? The groom against his cousin."
"You're on!" Wilbur replied.
Carl set up the pool table. After he lifted the triangle off the table, Wilbur made his break, knocking two balls into separate pockets.
ATHENA'S POV
I could not believe my eyes every single time Lily went up to bowl. My oldest cousin had bowled a strike in every... single... frame so far. Aunt April, on the other hand, was just as good, but she had three strikes and three spares after her sixth frame.
"Lily, stop using your powers!" I teased her as she bowled her sixth strike.
"I'm not using them, I swear!" Lily defended herself while laughing. "Your dad taught me a few tricks in bowling when he and Uncle Raph used to take me bowling.'
"You must have had really good teachers," Karena complimented her. "Then again, they're two of the Ninja Turtles. April, have you ever bowled before tonight?"
"Casey introduced me to bowling when we first met," Aunt April explained. "We always went with Irma. Irma was really good."
Her smile instantly disappeared when she mentioned Irma's name. I had remembered the story she had told us of Irma's true nature, or nonexistent one. Irma was a cover Kraang Subprime had used to spy on my aunt, to get her to reveal the location of my family's lair. Before I went up to bowl, I walked up to my aunt.
"Are you okay, Aunt April? I know the memory hurts some."
My aunt smiled at me.
"I'll be fine, Athena. Go take your turn."
"Pizza's here!" Tallulah announced.
"Ah!" Aunt April exclaimed happily. "Saved by the pepperoni."
I bowled my frame, knocking down six pins on the first ball and three on the second. Then I joined the bridal party at the table and grabbed a slice of pepperoni pizza.
"Athena, you're one of the chefs of the family," Karena started to ask me. "How does this pizza compare?"
"It doesn't!" I answered happily. "But who cares? It's a party and I'm not cooking!"
"Cheers!" everyone shouted.
We lifted our drinks and clinked them together before taking a sip. I walked up to my cousin as Karena took her turn.
"Ordering Shirley Temples for us both was a stroke of genius, Lily," I complimented her. "These are so good!"
"I know, right?" Lily replied. "I hope the bartender at Robinson Industries will make these at the reception."
"Speaking of the Robinsons, I wonder how Wilbur and his gang are doing."
WILBUR'S POV
"Who is the next man to face me?" I asked after defeating Laszlo and Randy.
"I'll go," James replied.
Carl set up the table.
"Wilbur, it's your break," Carl told me.
I made my break, knocking down three striped balls and one solid ball.
"DANG!" the rest of the guys shouted.
Unfortunately for me, the cue ball was in a position where I had no chance of landing another striped ball in a pocket. So I knocked the two ball in the corner pocket. I knocked the four ball and three ball with no problems. Now, my cue ball was stuck right next to the ten ball. I had to do a trick to make a legal shot. But no balls made it in.
James took advantage of where the cue ball was. He knocked the ten ball in the corner pocket. Then he knocked the eleven ball in the side pocket. He lightly tapped the cue ball, but it was with enough force to knock the twelve ball in the corner pocket. He knocked the nine ball into another corner pocket. Last but not least, he hit the cue ball which hit the eight ball at an angle, knocking it into the diagonal pocket to win it.
"Congratulations, James," I complimented him. "You have bested me."
"Ryan, do you wanna try to play me?" James asked.
"Sure."
Carl set up the table again.
"James, it's your break," Carl announced.
James moved the ball to a different spot, closer to the cushion and broke the triangle, knocking the nine ball in. Despite his ball being next to the three ball, he was able to knock the fifteen ball into a corner pocket. With skill, he knocked the twelve ball into the diagonal corner pocket. He moved positions, knocking the thirteen ball with much force into the same pocket. He next knocked the ten ball into the diagonal corner pocket. He had tried to knock the eleven ball into the diagonal pocket, but to no avail. It was knocked into the one ball.
Ryan did not hesitate to knock his two ball into a corner pocket. He next hit the seven ball into the diagonal corner pocket. After doing much debating, he tried to knock the three ball into the straight corner pocket, but failed.
James had knocked the eleven ball into a corner pocket, but also hit the cue ball into another corner pocket, which meant Ryan could place the cue ball to any place of his choosing. Ryan placed it in a position to where he could knock the four ball in a corner pocket. He then knocked the one ball in the diagonal corner pocket. The six ball was knocked into another corner pocket. Ryan made it all look easy when he knocked the five ball into yet another corner pocket. He knocked the three ball into the same pocket as the four ball, and he only had the eight ball left. With the necessary force, he knocked the eight ball into the same pocket as his five ball and won the game.
"And I thought I was good at pool," James complimented the young ninja. "You're a natural, the king of the corners."
Ryan laughed at the compliment.
"Ryan, why don't you play me?" I suggested
Ryan pondered for a moment and then gave me a firm nod. Carl set up the table one last time.
"Ryan, it's your break," Carl told him.
Ryan left the cue ball right where it was and broke the triangle, knocking the one ball in a corner pocket. This time, he went for a side pocket, potting the two ball there. He knocked the four ball into a corner pocket. He easily knocked the five ball in the opposite corner pocket. The next ball to be knocked into a corner pocket was the three ball. He had no possible moves left, so he hit the seven ball at an angle, breaking up the eight ball and six ball from being next to each other.
It was my turn. Ryan had put me in a good spot. I had finally decided to aim the twelve ball in a corner pocket and knock it in. The nine ball went in a different corner pocket. I then knocked the ten ball into the same pocket. I decided to make things easier for me and knocked in the fourteen ball. The angle to knock in the eleven ball was easy enough for me. There was no easy solution at this point. I had tried to knock the thirteen ball into a side pocket and failed.
To my surprise, Ryan had failed to knock in the six ball at the corner pocket. It was sitting on the edge.
"What the shell?!" he yelled, and we all laughed.
Then I tried knocking my fourteen ball into the same pocket the six ball was positioned at. Instead, I ended up knocking the six ball and the cue ball in the pocket. After Ryan placed the cue ball in an easy spot, he knocked the seven ball in. The cue ball was right next to the fourteen ball with no way to hit the eight ball. Ryan tried to use geometry to hit the eight ball but the cue ball hit nothing. I moved the cue ball right next to the side pocket, giving me easy access to knock the thirteen ball into the side pocket across from me. I knocked the fourteen ball into a corner pocket, and I easily knocked the eight ball into the diagonal side pocket.
"I guess I still have a lot to learn," Ryan said, shaking my hand.
"Dessert time!" Grandma announced over the intercom.
LILIANNA'S POV
We were now in our last frame as Karena got up to bowl. She knocked down seven of her green pins.
"You got this, Karena!" I yelled excitedly.
Karena grinned at me before throwing her ball down the alley, knocking down the other three pins. She retrieved her ball one last time for one last attempt to improve her score. She knocked down eight pins, bringing her score up to 232.
My mom was next. She ended up bowling a spare and a strike to achieve an even score of 210.
"Okay, I usually kick everybody's butt!" Mom said with laughter. "Karena, how did you beat me?"
"For one thing, there's alcohol," Karen answered, returning the laughter. "You may be off your game. Secondly, if anyone's beating us, it's your daughter."
Lindsey was next. Her score wasn't bad, bowling a total of 180. Then it was Tallulah's turn. She struck down all ten of her orange pins. She had bowled a spare and beat the first three bowlers with a score of 241.
"Lily, you're up next!" Tallulah encouraged me.
I took a deep breath and stood up, walking to the lane and picking up my ball on the way. With concentration and confidence, I released the ball. To my delight, all ten pins were knocked down.
"Holy crap!" Tallulah yelled with shock. "April, how is your daughter so good at this game?"
"She had good teachers," Mom explained. "And her intuition is near perfection."
I retrieved my ball and released it down the alley again. I was now one strike away from a perfect game.
"You can do this, Lily!" Lindsey encouraged me.
"One more!" Karena yelled excitedly.
I retrieved my ball one more time, took a deep breath, and released it. All ten pins were knocked down. I had scored a perfect game. I turned around to see everybody with their jaws dropped.
"Whelp, everyone take a shot!" Tallulah jokingly told everybody.
"A shot of what?" Athena asked.
"Jack Daniels whiskey," I answered sarcastically. "That reminds me."
I stopped at our table and took a sip of my Shirley Temple. I was very satisfied and let out a contented sigh.
"Perfect."
"Hold my beer," Athena said, handing her Shirley Temple to me.
"Uh, Athena, you know I was being sarcastic, right?" I asked.
"So was I!" Athena yelled back, releasing her ball only for it to go in the gutter.
"Ooh!" we all exclaimed at the same time.
"Shush!" Athena yelled. "I got this!"
This time, Athena bowled and knocked all ten pins down. She had one more chance to score. She knocked all ten pins down, scoring a strike. Her final total was 220. I had won the game.
"Girl, you need to teach me some pointers," Tallulah told me with a smirk.
"You did pretty well yourself," I replied with a wink. "You came in second. That's a very accomplished score. If there's anyone I need to teach here, it's Lindsey.
"Excuse me," I heard someone talk behind us as we jumped. "Which one of you is Lily?"
"That's me," I answered.
"That is a very impressive game you've bowled, Lily. I'm Dana. I'm the manager of the Todayland Glow Zone and I want to treat you to a free pass to this alley for all of 2042."
"This is very generous of you," I replied happily. "Thank you very much!"
Dana shook my hand with a grin and handed me my free pass.
"I'm looking forward to seeing you more often, Lily. See you next time."
We watched Dana walk away and just like that, all the ladies swarmed in to see my pass.
"Okay, this was worth it," I said with satisfaction.
"I'd frame this pass once you're done using it," Karena suggested with a smile.
"I'm totally going to," I replied. "And I'll be in Todayland more often anyway."
I turned around and explained my new life to the girls.
"I'll be taking classes part-time at Todayland University next semester and then I'm actually moving here for college full-time next fall."
"You got it figured out, already?" Karena asked with surprise in her voice.
"Oh yeah. My dad's actually one of my advisors. He helped me get set up with one of the psychology professors and helped me make the schedule for next semester. In fact, I'm going to be in his biology class next semester."
"Now that's going to be interesting," Lindsey replied. "I actually had no idea you are his daughter. But if I may say so, I absolutely loved having your dad as my teacher."
"It means a lot to hear you say that," I replied with a fond smile. "Thank you, Lindsey. My dad's helped quite a bit of students around the globe when he taught them and they've always asked him questions even after they graduated from Todayland."
"We're all very proud of you, Lily," Karena told me.
Just like that, I was in the middle of a group hug.
"If Venus was here, she would have hated this," I spoke up and we all laughed.
"Oh!" Karena exclaimed. "I almost forgot!"
Karena picked up little gift bags and handed them to the five of us. It was a celebratory wine glass to commemorate our part in Karena's wedding.
"That is very sweet of you, Karena," Mom told her with a fond smile. "Thank you so much!"
"Okay, now's the time for a prank!" Lindsey announced. "Anyone wanna give me Wilbur's number?"
"Uh-oh," I said, the smile quickly fading away.
RYAN'S POV
We were enjoying our dessert when Wilbur's phone started to ring. Wilbur got up from his chair and answered the phone.
"Wilbur here."
There were a few moments of silence.
"This is the most interesting phone call I have ever gotten. Alright, entertain me."
"Who is that?" I asked him, only to be met with a shh! from James.
"I'm a tote," Wilbur said.
"Huh?" I asked with confusion.
"All but. Wad. Say it together? I'm a total buttwad."
I spit out my Pepsi. Wilbur clasped his hand over his mouth after he let out a gasp. The rest of the guys cracked up laughing. Wilbur blushed in embarrassment and his faced turned red. It took me a moment to realize Wilbur received a prank call.
"Are you okay, Wilbur?" I asked him.
"No, I'm embarrassed!" he answered angrily.
Wilbur held the phone up.
"Hey Siri, track this call."
"Are you planning on getting revenge?" I asked.
"It depends," Wilbur answered.
"This number belongs to Lindsey Rose. Your fiancée Karena Edwards is a mutual contact."
Wilbur set the phone down and held a grim look on his face.
"How would you all like to help me set up a prank of my own?" he asked.
"I'll help you," I answered with determination. "What do we need to do?
"We are going to give the girls a nice, sweet, tasty present," Wilbur answered sadistically. "Just give me a moment."
He took out his phone again. I peered over his shoulder to find that he was looking up a recipe for banana crème pie. All six of us retreated to the kitchen upstairs to make the pie.
"Combine the sugar, flour, and salt," I read out loud.
Wilbur added the three ingredients to the saucepan and stirred it.
"Add milk in gradually while stirring gently."
James added the milk as Wilbur continued to stir it.
"Keep on stirring for two more minutes and then remove the mixture from the burner."
Two minutes had passed.
"Stir a small quantity of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, and immediately add egg yolk mixture to the rest of the hot mixture."
Laszlo handled the eggs as Wilbur stirred again.
"Remove the mixture from the stove and add butter and vanilla."
Carl added the butter and vanilla as Wilbur kept on stirring the mixture.
"Slice bananas into the cooled baked pastry shell," I continued reading. "Top with the pudding mixture."
I sliced the bananas and followed the directions to a T. I picked up Wilbur's phone to continue reading.
"Bake at 350 degrees for 13 to 15 minutes. Chill for an hour."
Wilbur placed the pie in the oven and set the timer.
"Good," he said with confidence. "The girls should still be walking around the city. This is plenty of time."
"So, what's the plan after this?" I asked.
"Oh, you'll see," Wilbur answered with confidence.
LILIANNA'S POV
The six of us returned to the Robinson Mansion at around ten o'clock. We had decided we had enough walking around and wanted to check on the groom and his groomsmen. We walked around the house to the garage and got in the house through the outside door. Something wasn't right. It was totally dark inside, as if everyone had gone to bed. Suddenly, I sensed something being thrown our way.
"Lindsey, look out!" I yelled.
I quickly reacted and held my hands out, catching a pie mid-air in the dark. I hurled it back in the direction it was thrown.
"WILBUR!" I heard Ryan yell.
To my surprise, someone else had caught the pie in the air. It was thrown right back to us. I easily caught it in the air.
"Okay, you need to stop this now," I sternly told the guys. "This is very immature."
I roared, hurling the pie back at the guys with my powers. Wilbur, once again, caught the pie in the air as if he had already mastered his defensive power.
"No, what was immature was you all making that prank call to me!" Wilbur roared, hurling the pie back at me. "I know it was you, Lindsey!"
"Wilbur, Lily, STOP IT!" Karena screamed.
I watched in horror as Karena got in the middle.
SPLAT!
Karena was hit with the pie. I let out a gasp and I heard Wilbur's gasp escape as well.
"Karena, I...
Wilbur was speechless.
"I am so, so--"
"Don't. Even. Speak to me," Karena sternly told him.
I sensed Karena's anger fading away, and now I felt sadness inside her body. She started to cry.
"Come here, Karena," Mom said, approaching her and soothing her. "Let's go to the bathroom and clean up."
After my mom led Karena away, I marched up to Wilbur and gave him a hard slap in the face.
"What was that for?" Wilbur asked me angrily.
"Did you really need to act so childish as to throw that pie at Lindsey?" I angrily replied in question.
"I'm not the one who's childish here!" Wilbur roared. "Lindsey made the prank call."
"Who helped you with that pie?" Tallulah asked in anger. "Did all your groomsmen help you?"
"We agreed the prank was unnecessary," Ryan defended Wilbur. "So, yes, we helped him."
"You went along with this?" I asked my cousin angrily.
"Ryan, you know this was wrong!" Athena yelled.
"Whoa, okay, Athena, you're not my mother," Ryan angrily replied. "I can make my own choices if I want to."
"Oh, you made your choice, alright," I said icily.
"Okay, guys, please let me explain," Lindsey yelled above us. "It was just a harmless prank! I did not mean for anyone to get hurt."
"You embarrassed me, Lindsey," Wilbur roared. "In front of my groomsmen!"
"You cannot be serious about this!" Tallulah replied angrily.
"Wilbur, if I may, we went along with your prank because we thought it would be fun," Laszlo explained. "Not because of what Ryan said about the prank being unnecessary. I think Ryan went along with you because he's your age. I think Lindsey had the same idea in mind: fun."
I still felt Wilbur's anger in our presence. He let out a long sigh.
"Laszlo, I... I can't do this right now. Excuse me."
Wilbur ran over to the travel tube, and the rest of us stood here in confusion.
"Okay, let's talk about these pranks," Mom announced angrily while walking back into the living room.
"We had our talk, April," Lindsey sadly replied. "Wilbur ran off."
"I should go talk to him," Ryan said.
"No, I'll go," James cut him off.
"No one will be talking to Wilbur right now," Mom sternly replied. "Wilbur needs some space to process this. Ryan, Athena, Lily, let's go home. The party's over."
"Wait, Lily, Athena, may I speak with you?" Ryan asked.
"Stay away from us, Ryan," Athena angrily replied.
"Athena!" Mom yelled. "What would your parents say if they were here?"
"Mom, we all need to chill out," I sternly replied. "Let's just go."