Fall 13

I unlocked the door of my hotel room and giggled at Jack's loud snores; his mouth gaped wide open. He was so tired that I decided to let him sleep for as long as I could let him while Barrett discussed his engagement plan to Dorothy more with Max, Julia, and myself. And since Jack already knew about the plan I didn't think it was worth it to wake him up for him to hear it again; although there wasn't really a plan, we were just there as a support group for Dorothy and Barrett.

"Jack." I said softly while shaking him; causing him to make a loud snort as he looked at me in a daze.

"Morning, beautiful." He said groggily, shutting his eyes for a second before snapping them open. Tumbling out of bed.

"Ah! W-what time is it? You're already ready!" He exclaimed as I giggled.

"It's eleven." I said as his face went white.

"E-ele…? Why didn't you wake me?!" He asked in a panic.

"I-I have to go buy an outfit for the day!" He exclaimed in a frenzy as I grabbed his hand, pulling his lips onto mine. He broke our kiss.

"I wish we had time for that! The reservation is at noon!" He exclaimed in such a panic as I giggled.

"We do have time! While you were still asleep I asked to have an outfit delivered. It should be here soon!" I exclaimed as a knock rang upon our door.

"Mrs. de Sainte-Coquille? I have the outfit you ordered for your husband!" I walked over to open the door.

"Thank you!" I exclaimed, giving the staff member a tip, and taking the package. He gave a bow as I closed the door.

"I believe this will look great on you!" I exclaimed as I opened the package, holding up a dressy cream colored button down shirt, a pair of walnut brown slacks, and a very nice sage green necktie. I shoved the clothes into Jack's arms.

"Hurry and get dressed, dear! Comb your hair as well! We'll be waiting for you downstairs!" I exclaimed, leaving our room, heading down to the lobby to meet the others.


Max, Julia, and Dorothy were huddled together, looking at some magazine as I made my way towards them. Max looked up in acknowledgment.

"Hello again, Rosalind!" Max exclaimed, looking back at the magazine Julia was holding. "I assume you woke Jack up and gave him the outfit?"

I nodded my head.

"Yes! I think it'll look great on him!" I exclaimed before looking around our group curiously.

"Ah, where's Barrett?" I asked as Julia pointed with her thumb towards the front desk. I looked up at Barrett talking with an older man.

"Getting directions to the restaurant." Julia said, not taking her eyes off of the magazine.

"Oh, I see. Uh, Julia? What kind of magazine are you reading?" I asked, noticing the cover was off looking from her typical magazines.

"Surprisingly, it's not a fashion magazine." Max said, "But some of the articles are interesting, nonetheless."

"It's a technology magazine. We're reading an article on the possibilities of flying! An institution in Norad is working on an airship, that they hope to have fully launched in eighteen years time. It's supposed to be a faster way of traveling than carriages!" Julia exclaimed.

"It says here that if the production succeeds, you'll be able make it to the furthest part from the Kingdom of Roland to the Republic of Eucraft in about five hours." Max said as my eyes widened.

"Wow, that quickly?" I asked as everyone nodded.

"Alright, I've got the directions to…what is everyone so fascinated about in that magazine?" Barrett asked.

"Airship." Max said nonchalantly as Barrett blinked.

"Air, what?" Barrett asked.

"Airship, the article is on the possibilities of flying in the future." Julia said as Barrett sighed.

"Sheesh. You have got to be kidding me." Barrett mumbled.

I looked up and gasped in delight at Jack approaching us. He was so very handsome! It made me swoon.

"Wow, you look great, Jack!" Max exclaimed as Jack blushed.

"Thanks! Uh, what is everyone reading about?" Jack asked as Barrett rolled his eyes.

"Ah! Let's worry about that later! We have to get to the restaurant by noon! Let's just go!" Barrett exclaimed, snatching the magazine from Julia's hands.

"Hey! I was reading that!" Julia exclaimed.

"You can read that ridiculous article later, Julia. But we gotta be at the restaurant at noon and I'd like to get a head start." Barrett said coolly, helping Dorothy up from the lounge chair.

"Ugh! Fine!" Julia said with a pout on her lips, lifting herself up from the couch.

"Don't worry, Julia! I'm sure I can find and buy this magazine for you from a stand." Max said as Julia's eyes sparkled and a blush rose upon her cheeks.

"You'll do that? For me?" Julia asked in a dreamy tone as Max nodded.

"Of course! Anything for my little sister's best friend!" Max exclaimed, walking away as I noticed Julia gave a look of disappointment.

Max is usually very observant, but it doesn't seem that he notices Julia's feelings for him! Or maybe he does notice but he doesn't feel the same, and instead of telling her his lack of feelings, he's showing it through actions?

I didn't have time to ponder any more as Jack placed his arm around my shoulders.

"Are you ready? Barrett said it wasn't that far of a walk; but if you get tired, let me know and I'll carry you!" Jack exclaimed as I smiled and blushed.

"Thank you, Jack." I replied as the six (and a half) of us followed Barrett out of the hotel and down a few streets.


The restaurant we entered was empty but very nice looking.

"Wow, this is nostalgia." Barrett said as Dorothy turned her head towards him.

"Y-you've been here b-before, Barrett?" Dorothy asked as Barrett placed a hand on his chin.

"Well, not here, per se, but the family had a restaurant in a different area. Uh, it was a long time ago, so I don't remember it super well. But the atmosphere here reminds me of the original." Barrett admitted as a young, awkward looking boy of about twelve or thirteen came towards us from a side door.

"Hi! Welcome to The Posh Palate! Do you have a reservation?" The boy asked as Barrett nodded.

"Yeah, Barrett. Uh, but it might be under my dad's name, Byron." As the boy smiled.

"Ah! Great! We've been expecting you! I'll get my dad to seat you, since he wants you to have the best seats in the restaurant!" The boy left for the side doors as a few moments later, a finely dressed middle-aged gentleman walked out. A smile across his face.

"Barrett! My, how you have grown!" The man exclaimed.

"Ah! Hey, Andrew!" Barrett exclaimed as the man laughed, tears of elation coming out of his ducts.

"I'm glad you remembered me! It's been so long."

"Yeah! How could I forget you and Anthony! By the way, how is Anthony?" Barrett asked.

"He and his wife just had a baby!" The man exclaimed as Barrett's eyes widened.

"No way! Anthony's a dad? Uh, we're still talking about your son, right?" Barrett asked.

"Yep! They had my little granddaughter about a week ago! Anthony has changed a lot since he got married and had the baby!"

"And that boy that greeted us…I know this isn't possible, but was that Cedric?" Barrett asked.

"Sure was!" The man exclaimed.

"Wow! Talk about growing up! He was a baby the last time I saw him!" Barrett exclaimed.

Jack leaned in towards me while Barrett and the man continued chatting.

"This is interesting. Do you think Barrett is from the capital?" He asked in a whisper as I shrugged.

"Maybe?" I whispered back.

"Anyway, enough chit-chat! There's a private room that's only reserved for my elite guests! Today, you six are my elite guests!" The man took out a key, locking the main doors, putting up a closed sign.

"The restaurant is closed in celebration for our reunion! At least until it's time for you to leave! By the way, Barrett, Byron told me you have a girlfriend now! which one is she?" He asked as Barrett grabbed Dorothy's hand.

"The most amazing and beautiful one in the room, obviously." Barrett said, pulling Dorothy closer to him. Her cheeks blazed a red color as her eyes shifted to the side in fluster.

"Oh! She really is beautiful, Barrett! I hope you six enjoy your stay and meal! Follow me, please!"


The private room was a round room that was dimly lit and a very dark blue in color, it almost looked somber.

"Also, Barrett. Let Nell know when you're ready, okay?" The owner said as Barrett nodded, a smile across his face.

"Yeah, I'll let her know."

"Well then, Nell will bring your Hors D'Oeuvres, water, and menu in a bit!" And with that, the owner left. A few moments later a young, lovely looking woman with long, luscious, curled golden hair walked into the room, a tray of crostini, tapenade, and fritters; along with some menus and a pitcher of water.

"Hey, Barrett! Long time no see!" She greeted, giving Barrett a hug with her free arm as he hugged her back.

"Nell! How is everything?" Barrett asked as she sat the Hors D'Oeuvres on the table, giving everyone a menu and pouring water into the glasses.

"Going great! I'll give everyone a chance to look at the menu and I'll be back to take everyone's orders! This is a twelve course meal, by the way guys! But you only really have to focus on seven of the courses to order, the other five are just random food items on a platter that you can pick off."

Nell paused for a second.

"By the way, Barrett? Is this woman next to you Dorothy?" She asked, motioning her hand towards Dorothy.

"Yeah! This is my girlfriend, Dorothy!" Barrett exclaimed proudly.

"Wow! She's beautiful! I'm super jealous!" She said with a giggle as I noticed Dorothy looking a little nervous.

"Anyway, I'll be back in a moment to take everyone's orders." And with that, Nell left.


Our soup course arrived as Nell placed the bowls in their respective place.

"Ah, R-Rosalind? C-could you accompany me t-to the bathroom?" Dorothy asked as I nodded.

"Are you alright, love?" Barrett asked in concern as Dorothy smiled an off smile.

"Ye-yes…I-I just need some help with reapplying m-my make-up." Dorothy said.

"Oh? Alright, Dorothy!" I exclaimed as we went into the ladies' room. Dorothy burst out sobbing.

"D-Dorothy? What's wrong? Why are you crying?" I asked worriedly.

"Sh-she's so beautiful. I-I don't w-want to lose B-Barrett." She said.

"Dorothy, I don't think you're going to lose Barrett that easily." I said.

"B-but, they kn-know each other!" Dorothy exclaimed loudly, that was unusual from her quiet tone of voice, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"A-and the owner…h-he said to let N-Nell know when Barrett was r-ready! But ready for w-what? A-and she said she was j-jealous because I'm b-beautiful? B-but she's ten t-times more beautiful!" Dorothy began to sniffle and sob.

"I-I love him s-so m-much…I can't imagine l-losing him." She wiped her eyes with her fingers.

"I don't w-want to i-imagine losing him." I pulled her into a hug. The plan was to be a support system for the engagement, I didn't know what the deal with Nell and being ready was supposed to entail.

"I'm not sure what is going on with the situation on letting Nell know about being ready, but…just have faith, Dorothy! Everything will go fine!" I pulled some nearby tissues from the box, handing them to Dorothy.

"And you are beautiful, Dorothy! So, dry your tears, I'll reapply your make-up! Everything will be okay!" I reassured her.


We had finished the final course, mignardise.

"Nell." Barrett said motioning his head for her to come towards him. He whispered something in her ear as she smiled and nodded, whispering something in his ear as well. I noticed Dorothy shaking as I grabbed her hand, giving it a quick squeeze. This was strange.

"What exactly is going on?" Jack asked me in a whisper.

"I'm not sure…" I replied, as we both looked at Max who shook his head.

"Beats me. I thought Jack knew more than me."

"I'm not sure what is going on anymore." Jack admitted as I released Dorothy's hand. Nell left the room and the room suddenly became…darker?

"Uh, okay, what is going on?" Max asked nervously as suddenly, the walls and ceiling projected stars! Twinkling stars, and a few shooting stars!

"Dorothy?" Barrett asked, as he grabbed her hands, lifting her out of her seat. Her face became rosy.

"T-this is s-so beautiful, Barrett!" Dorothy said in awe as Barrett smiled sheepishly.

"They're not as beautiful and vibrant as you…" He got down on one knee, still holding Dorothy's hands. Her face's color deepened.

"Dorothy, I know I've had my rough edges, and…I know we had a bad start but…" He pulled out an engagement ring from his pocket as Dorothy made an audible gasp.

"I know that I love you! Do you…want to spend the rest of your life with me? That is, will you marry me, Dorothy?" Dorothy began to sob, nodding her head. Barrett's face lit up as he slipped the ring on her finger.

"You j-jerk! I was w-worried!" She exclaimed, pulling Barrett to his feet, planting her lips onto his.

"Worried? Why were you worried?" Barrett asked, his hands cupped Dorothy's face, wiping her tears with his thumbs as she blushed.

"B-because of N-Nell…" Dorothy admitted as Barrett furrowed his brows.

"Uh? Nell? Why were you worried about Nell?" Barrett asked; however before Dorothy could reply, Nell, Andrew, Cedric, an older woman, and another younger woman entered the room.

"I'm hoping we have good news, Barrett!" Andrew exclaimed as Barrett nodded.

"She said yes!" Barrett exclaimed, intertwining his fingers with his fiancée's; holding Dorothy's hand up, showing the ring. The restaurant staff clapped as Barrett turned his attention to the older woman.

"Nice to see you again, Frieda! Your cooking is still as amazing as I remembered!"

"I'm glad you think so, Barrett!" The older woman exclaimed as Barrett looked at the other young woman.

"Uh, I don't remember you? Wait..." Barrett began, turning his attention towards Nell. "Is this your girlfriend, Gaby?"

"I am! Nice to meet you!" The woman exclaimed, extending her arm out, Barrett took her hand, giving it a shake.

"Nell's talked about you a lot in her letters! It's great to finally meet you!" Barrett exclaimed as Gaby's face flushed.

"Likewise!" She exclaimed as I leaned towards Dorothy.

"See? Everything worked out in the end." I whispered as she blushed, tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks.

"Well, we'd better get going if we want to make it home at a decent ti-…" I began, but was cut off by another man's voice.

"Is he still here? We're not too late, are we?" A young man and woman with a small baby in her arms entered the room in a frenzy.

"Anthony…" Barrett began, his tears streaming down his face as the two men embraced.

"It's great to see you, Barrett! When dad said you'd be coming, I had to come by." Anthony said, tears of joy streaming down his face as well.

"Ich habe dich vermisst." Barrett whispered.

"Ich habe dich auch vermisst." Anthony whispered back, I looked over at my brother whose face was quivering, tears were rolling down his cheeks. Julia noticed this as well.

"Max? Are you crying?" Julia asked in shock as Max's head snapped towards her, a disappointed look on his face.

"What? No! You're crying!" Max exclaimed as he sniffled, turning back towards Barrett and the family.

"Even though I have no idea what Barrett and Anthony just said to each other; this is the most heartwarming reunion I've been to." Max finished as I rolled my eyes.


We left the restaurant with Barrett promising to send the family wedding invitations and stopped by the hotel to retrieve our luggage and check out, the carriage to take us home was waiting at the entrance. The same man who took us here yesterday was our driver again today. I pondered for a second, turning my attention towards Dorothy.

"Dorothy? Could I talk to you for a second outside?" I asked as Dorothy nodded.

"O-okay." She said, as I looked at Julia.

"Julia, come with us too?" I asked as Julia nodded, my two friends followed me outside of the hotel. I looked behind them at the guys who were still checking out, looking back at Dorothy.

"Dorothy? Would you be interested in getting your bridal dress today?" I asked as Dorothy blushed.

"W-what? But…w-we don't know m-much about t-the capital. P-plus Barrett is still h-here…It's b-bad luck t-to see the b-bride in her d-dress before the w-wedding." She said.

"Not to mention the trip back home is super long. Plus the fact that we just ate is probably going to make the trip longer, given Rosalind's situation." Julia said with a sigh.

"I wasn't talking about getting it at the capital, Dorothy. I have a relative in Sharance that can make clothes! I'm sure she'll be happy to commission your dress to your liking! As for the trip home…I'm sure we can stay at the inn in Sharance tonight and take a carriage to Alvarna tomorrow morning." I said with a shrug.

"Well, what about the guys? They'll have to be for it as well." Julia said as I sighed.

"Hm, yes, I suppose your right. I should ask them as well, but only if Dorothy is interested in seeing what Evelyn can do." I said as Julia and I turned our attention towards Dorothy.

"I-I guess we can s-see what she can d-do." Dorothy said as the guys walked towards us.

"What are you three gossiping about?" Max asked as I smiled.

"How would you three gentlemen like to take a detour?" I asked.

"A detour? To where?" Barrett asked.

"To Sharance to see if a certain someone is willing to make a wedding dress for our bride-to-be." I said as Max's eyes widened.

"Oh! Are you talking about our cousin, Evelyn?" Max asked as I nodded.

"I most certainly am talking about Evelyn!" I exclaimed.

"Then my vote is yes! Do you think she'll make me another robe?" Max asked as I rolled my eyes.

"Let's focus on the bride for now, Max." I replied as my brother blushed.

"Well, what do you wanna do, Dorothy?" Barrett asked as Dorothy smiled.

"I'd l-like to see what she can d-do." She answered as Max squealed in delight.

"Well, in that case! I'll talk to our driver!" Max exclaimed excitedly, rushing towards our carriage to discuss the plan with the driver. I saw them conversing, and laughing. The driver nodded his head as Max waved us down. We walked towards the carriage.

"Good news! Our driver is from Sharance, so he's willing to make the stop to visit his family!" Max exclaimed.

"It'd be nice ta see meh dad 'n' nieces!" He exclaimed. "I haven't seen them in a whilst! And then we'll continue our journey ta Alvarna the next mornin'!"

"Sounds great!" Max exclaimed.

"Sharance is a lil closer, so…if we leave now, the estimated time o' arrival'll be aroun' six or seven PM!"

"That'll be perfect! It'll give us some time to discuss with Evelyn!" I exclaimed as we boarded the carriage, allowing the city's silhouette to grow smaller.


I groaned as I felt my stomach churn, Jack squeezed my hand.

"Do you need to stop?" He asked; I nodded.

"Yes, sorry. Stop the carriage, please." I said, as the man halted the horses. I bounded out of the carriage, Jack following behind me to pull back my hair. I made the most grotesque noise, allowing my stomach to discharge the foul smelling substances.

"I hate this." I admitted as Jack began rubbing my back.

"I can imagine." He answered, as I stood up.

"Are you okay to go back in?" He asked as I nodded; allowing him to help me into the carriage.

"Huh, this actually is better than our arrival to the capital. Better than I thought it would be." Julia said as I looked at her in confusion.

"How so, Julia?" I asked.

Well, according to our driver, we don't have much longer until we arrive at Sharance! And unlike our way to the capital, we've only stopped the carriage three times as opposed to seven!" Max exclaimed as I blushed.

"H-have you been counting?" I asked, mortified. Tears began to form in my eyes. Max gave a look of shock.

"Ah! R-Rosalind's crying! Why is my sister crying?" Max asked, freaking out.

"I think this is on you, buddy." Barrett said, giving Max a pat on the shoulder.

"B-but Julia was in on it too! Julia! How dare you make my sister cry!" Max exclaimed as Julia's eye twitched.

"What the-? You're the one who told me the numbers!" Julia exclaimed.

"Julia's got a point, Max." Barrett said in a nonchalant, sing-song way.

"Y-you're supposed to be my friend, Barrett!" Max exclaimed in horror.

"And as your friend I'm supposed to let you know when you're in the wrong." Barrett gave Max a sly smirk as my brother groaned.

I knew my brother meant well, and I blamed my outburst on my hormones. I pulled my handkerchief from my sleeve's pocket, wiping my eyes.

"You're causing your mother a lot of distress, Clara." Jack said to my abdomen in a slightly joking manner.

"Uh, Clara?" Barrett asked as I felt everyone's eyes on us.

"Ah, yes! As you all know, Alicia predicted the baby to be a girl. So last night, Jack and I discussed names for her. Well, she liked the name Clara!" I explained as Max's eyes welled with tears.

"Oh! The name our mother wished for herself! It's perfect!" Max exclaimed.

"Wait…that was actually a true story?" Jack asked.

"Of course! I'm not sure how much of the story Rosalind told you. But our mother did say if she had a choice, she would have named herself Clara instead of Gwendolyn. Mother hated her name!"

"S-so…uhm…w-why didn't she n-name Rosalind Clara?" Dorothy asked.

"Eh, honestly…our mother couldn't see Rosalind with the name Clara when she was born. As much as she loved it, it didn't fit!" Max placed a hand to his chin.

"And if I'm remembering, Rosalind didn't have a name for three days."

"Rosalind didn't have a name for three days?" Jack asked in shock.

"Eh, give or take." Max said nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.

"I'm starting to get nervous. What if the name Clara doesn't fit her either?" Jack asked.

"And if that's the case, you two are clever. I'm sure you'll find a different name that'll fit my niece! Though, I won't lie…even though we haven't seen her physically yet; I think the name Clara will be perfect for her!" Max exclaimed as I blushed.


The carriage stopped in front of a mansion as a girl about my age with long purple hair looked up from watching a caterpillar. Her face beamed with delight when we all walked out of the carriage.

"This is the worst day of my life!" She exclaimed, rushing over towards us.

"How horrible to see you two! You look absolutely disgusting, Rosalind!" She exclaimed with such a delightful expression.

"Wait! How dare yo…" Jack began as I cut him off.

"Thank you, Sofia! It's great to see you as well!" I exclaimed as Sofia's eyes widened.

"Are you not having a baby, Rosalind?" She asked.

"I am!" I exclaimed.

"Oh? Why did you invite me to the wedding? I thought we weren't close." She asked in hurt as I blushed.

"Ah, to be honest, Sofia…there hasn't been a wedding yet." I replied.

"There has?" She asked.

"No, she said there hasn't been a wedding." Jack snapped. I could tell he was getting very angry.

"First off, how dare you call Rosalind disgusting! You're disgusting! Second…" Jack stopped when Max placed a hand on Jack's shoulder.

"Calm down, Jack. That's just how our cousin, Sofia, talks!" Max exclaimed.

"Wait, how she talks?" Jack asked confused.

"Yes! Sofia and her father both talk…in a unique way." I explained.

"Calling you disgusting sure is unique." Barrett stated nervously.

"I swear, Sofia…" Another voice said with a sigh, a woman, slightly older than us walked out of the mansion. Her hair was a more vibrant pink-purple, and much shorter than Sofia's, reaching her chin.

"Can you refrain from speaking in opposites when people we don't know make themselves present?" She scolded as Sofia blushed.

"It's quite alright, Evelyn! Sofia's way of speaking is delightful! I'm sure everyone can learn to appreciate her uniqueness." I exclaimed as Evelyn looked at me with wide eyes.

"Oh! Rosalind! Max! Great to see you two!" Evelyn exclaimed.

"Nice to see you as well, Evelyn! I do like your haircut!" Max exclaimed.

"Thanks! I was making an outfit with bubblegum and…well, let's just say most of the gum got on me and in my hair. Though I am delighted with the outfit! And my haircut is growing on me as well!" Evelyn exclaimed.

"D-did she just say she made an outfit with bubblegum?" I overheard Barrett whisper

"I think we misheard?" Jack replied back to him in a whisper. I glared over at them as they straightened their backs. I looked back over at Evelyn.

"Evelyn, I really hope you're not too busy…but, if you're not, would you be willing to make a wedding dress?" I asked as Evelyn's eyes danced in delight.

"Oh my gosh! A wedding dress?! I would be delighted!" She exclaimed before tilting her head to the side, placing her hand on her chin.

"But I must ask…why do you want a wedding dress, Rosalind? And why weren't we invited to the first wedding?" Evelyn asked in both anger and hurt.

"Evelyn, Rosalind is married!" Sofia exclaimed.

"Wait. She's not?" Evelyn asked as Sofia nodded.

"No." Sofia said as Evelyn's eyes widened.

"Yeah, I think I just had an aneurysm from this conversation." Barrett said with a sigh.

"Well then, don't think, Barrett." Max replied sharply. "And for the record I had an aneurysm from your conversation with Anthony earlier!"

"Uh, I thought that was dehydration from your crying." Julia said with a snark.

"I-I told you, you were crying!" Max exclaimed in defense.

"Oh, how the tables have turned." Barrett said with a smirk on his face. I sighed.

"Anyway!" I exclaimed sharply, everyone's mouths shut closed. "I should tell you, Evelyn, that I am not the bride. Not this time, at least."

I turned towards Dorothy, motioning for her to come over. I noticed her cheeks flushing as she stepped towards us.

"This is my good friend, Dorothy! She's the bride to be!" I exclaimed as Evelyn looked at Dorothy closely.

"Excuse me." Evelyn said, pushing Dorothy's bangs back to look at her eyes; she walked around Dorothy, examining her up and down.

"Yes, I can definitely work with this!" Evelyn exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Come into my workshop, Dorothy! I'll get your measurements, sketch out a few designs and let you pick which ones you like the most! I'll come by Alvarna the day before the wedding…uh…when is the wedding?" Evelyn began.

"Uhm, w-we don't h-have a date. Y-yet." Dorothy replied.

"Well, just have Rosalind write me when you do!" Evelyn exclaimed. Wrapping her arms around Dorothy, leading her into the mansion.

"Uh, sh-should Dorothy be going in there by herself?" Barrett asked nervously. Max glared at Barrett with a look of fury.

"Do you have a problem with Evelyn's genius?" Max asked, stomping towards Barrett.

"Oh my god! Please don't do like you did that one time and squawk at me like a damn cluckadoodle!" Barrett exclaimed.

"Ah! I remember that!" Julia exclaimed before laughing.

"That was one time!" Max retorted while crossing his arms. Jack blinked in confusion at the conversation.

"Wait. What?" Jack asked in concern.

"It's a long story, Jack. And I don't want to get into right now." Barrett sighed as I blushed in concern; silently praying that the story of my brother's outburst doesn't scare Jack too much.