Coop was once again sitting in Paula Hughes's office, though the woman still didn't seem to understand him. He had returned to her in the hope that this time his father would be more inclined to agree to let him meet his mother's younger brother, thus allowing him to learn more about his mother's family.
Coop: ...and then Mr. Kat built a gigantic laser cannon in the backyard to communicate with his home planet!
Coop concluded the story of one of their adventures, hoping that this time he would finally break through with Dr. Hughes.
Paula fiddled with her pen before responding.
Dr. Hughes: Coop, I understand that you have a great imagination, and that's wonderful. But sometimes the line between reality and imagination can blur. It's important that we find a way for you to face everyday challenges without escaping into these... adventures. Focus on the daily challenges, do things that make you happy. After all, you play soccer, skateboard, play hockey, and even sometimes basketball, as you said; I don't understand why you're looking for more excitement.
Coop sighed, knowing that Dr. Hughes still didn't believe the stories about Mr. Kat's extraterrestrial origins. Still, deep down, he was glad to have someone with whom he could share these stories, even if he didn't get the reaction he hoped for.
The conversation ended, and Coop stepped out of the office, his thoughts already turning to his next adventures. As he walked home, a mysterious, shiny flyer slapped against his face. He grabbed it out of the air and read: "Nighttime Skateboarding Competition in Bootsville Forest. The prize for the winner: a custom, glowing skateboard!" Coop's eyes lit up. This was exactly the excitement he needed!
In high spirits, Coop went home to retrieve his skateboard gear and call Dennis on his walkie-talkie. Burt was busy refurbishing an old radio in the shed, but Coop ran past him so quickly that he knocked him over.
Coop: Sorry, Dad.
Burt: It's alright, son. I was in the way. It's great to see you so excited and in such a good mood. So, did Dr. Hughes's therapy finally work?
Coop: No, Dad. Look! - he showed Burt the flier.
Burt: What? A skateboarding competition? At night in the forest? I don't know, Coop; it doesn't sound too appealing. It sounds dangerous.
Coop: But Dad, Dennis will be with me, and we'll be very careful, please!
Coop looked at his father with pleading eyes. Burt sighed.
Burt: Alright, but promise me you'll stay in touch and avoid any recklessness.
Coop jumped up in joy.
Coop: I promise, Dad, thank you. This is going to be amazing.
Coop dashed into his room, dropping the flyer in the process. The paper landed on the floor, spreading out with the image of the glowing skateboard facing up. Meanwhile, Mr. Kat, who had been lurking invisibly around the house, happened to notice it. The alien cat's eyes widened when he saw the glowing skateboard in the picture. This was exactly the kind of device he needed for his latest wicked plan, which involved transforming Earth's modes of transportation.
As Coop, still trembling with excitement, quickly pulled out his walkie-talkie, which he and Dennis used as usual.
Coop: Dennis, can you hear me? Turn it on! It's urgent!
Dennis: What's up?
Coop: There's going to be a nighttime skateboarding competition and the prize... a glowing skateboard.
Coop said enthusiastically as he retrieved the flier without noticing Mr. Kat's interest.
Dennis: Seriously? When is it?
Coop picked up the flier and quickly read the information on it.
Coop: In three days, in the evening, it looks like part of the course will be through the forest. Do you think we're ready for this?
Dennis: Absolutely! I'm already starting to work out the strategy, and it'd be even better if we could practice some new tricks before then!
Coop then flipped the flier over and was surprised to find a map on the back showing the route of the night time skateboarding competition. The route was winding, featuring numerous obstacles and turns, passing through the forest, parks, and a series of special marked points within Bootsville.
Coop: You need to check this out, Dennis. The map on the back of the flyer shows a lot of obstacles and challenges.
Dennis: Alright, bring over the map.
After carefully folding the flyer into a protective folder to prevent any damage, Coop grabbed his skateboard and excitedly headed towards Dennis's house. On the way, his mind was already racing with thoughts on how to best tackle each segment of the competition and avoid potential pitfalls.
Fiona was busy cleaning Ms. Munson's house when her thoughts drifted to Coop and Mr. Kat, as well as Coop's mysterious, secret-agent mother, Monica. She was dusting a large shelf filled with various knick-knacks and old photographs. As she ran her hand over the spines of some dusty old books, her memories wandered.
Ms. Munson sat in the living room, knitting while occasionally casting disapproving glances at Fiona.
As Fiona wiped down a shelf, she noticed a family photo sent to Mrs. Munson from one of their vacations to the Bahamas. The picture showed her brother Scott and her twin, Ambrose, smiling cheerfully. Their parents, Janice and Dwight, stood behind them. Ambrose had blonde hair and light skin, his features very similar to Fiona's, though he had hazel eyes. Scott, with his angular face and light brown hair, resembled their father, but he had grown his hair to half length and had blue-green eyes, just like Fiona's. Their mother, Janice, looked like a more sophisticated, adult version of Fiona, dressed elegantly with her hair down in loose waves.
Looking at the photo, Fiona was reminded of how dull her life at home in Vancouver could be, and she had not lied to Coop about that. Her parents, both working in the entertainment industry, were often busy. Her father worked as an actor, and her mother was a makeup artist for various film studios. Though she was proud of her parents' success, especially her father's role as Captain Blasteroid, she often felt neglected because their work left them with little time for her and her siblings. At home, the only excitement she experienced was when her brother threw parties in their parents' absence and during family vacations. She didn't feel superior because she was the daughter of a famous sci-fi action hero.
But here in Bootsville, everything was different for her. Here, she wasn't Captain Blasteroid's daughter but simply Fiona, Ms. Munson's niece and an ordinary sports-loving girl. This simplicity and the adventures brought into her life by Coop and the others had opened new perspectives for her.
Despite this, she didn't want to talk about her parents' real jobs in Bootsville, not even to Coop or Dennis. Especially about her father, fearing that Coop might view her differently if he found out—perhaps he'd be intimidated by her wealth and see her as a spoiled rich girl like Phoebe, or worse, might only be friends with her because of it.
However, thinking of Coop brought a pleasant warmth to her. Although he might seem like a troublemaker to many, to Fiona, Coop represented joy and excitement. Despite Ms. Munson's prohibitions, Fiona was drawn to Coop's company and was willing to break her aunt's rules just to be with him.
Fiona continued her work, but her thoughts remained focused on Coop. The butterflies in her stomach, the rapid heartbeat—these feelings reaffirmed that Coop held a special place in her heart.
Ms. Munson brought a stack of papers over to Fiona.
Ms. Munson: Fiona, sort these out, please.
She placed the papers on the table.
Fiona nodded and began working. As she flipped through the papers, she noticed a colorful flier. It was advertising an upcoming nighttime skateboarding competition, and she paused for a moment to take a closer look.
Ms. Munson noticed the flier behind Fiona's back.
Ms. Munson: A nighttime skateboarding competition, hmm? Finally, here's another chance for a Munson to win a skateboarding contest.
Fiona was surprised by Ms. Munson's support.
Fiona: Do you really think I should enter?
Ms. Munson nodded.
Ms. Munson: Of course, Fiona! It's about time someone from our family won a skateboarding competition. You're quite good at skateboarding.
Once Fiona finished cleaning, she quickly headed toward the skatepark. She knew that Coop and Dennis would likely be there, preparing for the upcoming skateboarding competition. When she arrived, she found them practicing enthusiastically. Dennis was jotting down notes and sketching out ideas in a notebook, including plans for overcoming obstacles and possible detours. When Coop saw Fiona, his heart skipped a beat, and he stopped skating.
Fiona: Hi guys!
Coop: Hi Fiona! Did you hear about the nighttime skateboarding competition?
Fiona: Yes, I saw the flier at Ms. Munson's.
Dennis: We're already working on strategies to navigate the obstacles on the course.
Coop: It'd be great if you joined us.
Fiona nodded with a smile.
Fiona: I'm in, thanks, guys.
As they talked, Coop's younger sister, Millie, appeared on the course, pushing her skateboard forward, though not as confidently as her brother. She rolled up to them.
Millie: Coop, I also want to join your team with Mr. Kat!
Coop: Millie, this might be too dangerous, and Mr. Kat could cause trouble.
Millie turned away sulkily.
Millie: Then I'll tell Dad.
Coop shrugged and replied calmly.
Coop: Feel free to, I almost didn't get to come either. This isn't a game.
Millie pouted, scooped up Mr. Kat into her lap, and angrily skated off. For a moment, everyone was silent, then Fiona spoke up.
Fiona: Well, let's get started with the preparations.
As Coop, Dennis, and Fiona were planning their practice routine in the corner of the park, the air suddenly filled with the screeching of wheels and the clattering of skateboards. Kyle Dustin, Coop's old rival, performed an impressive kickflip combined with a 360-degree turn before stopping right in front of the trio. A smug grin was plastered on his face. Coop watched disdainfully as Kyle elegantly rolled up to them.
Kyle: Burtonburger!
Coop: Dustin.
Coop replied with a furrowed brow.
Kyle: Do you think you have a chance in the competition? Whoever is on your team won't win! Fiona must find your little team amusing.
Coop: Well, I don't know, Kyle. I don't even understand why you're participating. You have nothing to do with Bootsville; you're from Timberlake.
Kyle snorted and then smirked.
Kyle: Wrong again, Burtonburger. My permanent address is in Bootsville; I just go to school in Timberlake, you know, where losers don't go.
Coop stepped forward, his eyes sparkling with anger.
Coop: At least I don't leave town just to show off somewhere else.
Kyle's eyebrows shot up, and he leaned forward to look Coop straight in the eye.
Kyle: Burtonburger, you're pathetic! Maybe it's time for you to grow up.
Coop: You might be better alone, but this is a team competition, and we have the best team.
Kyle: Oh, really? A troublemaker loser, a nerd, and a girl who's too good for you? That's truly terrifying.
Dennis stepped forward, clenching one fist.
Dennis: Who are you calling a nerd?
Kyle:If the shoe fits, then obviously I was talking about you.
Coop defended his friend.
Coop: At least we have brains, while your head's held together by hair gel.
Kyle: Better than your hairstyle, Burtonburger. Yours looks like a wire brush.
Fiona: Guys, this is ridiculous...
Kyle: Fiona, you're too good for this bunch. Why don't you join my team instead?
Coop felt anger boiling up inside him.
Coop: Leave Fiona alone! She's with us!
Kyle: How cute. Defending your little crush. Too bad she'll never be yours!
Coop clenched his fists but managed to control himself.
Coop: At least I have friends. Who did you bring from Timberlake? Your mirror image?
Kyle smirked self-satisfactorily.
Kyle: I never said I'm going alone; I just haven't gathered my team yet. But don't worry, Burtonburger, by the time the competition rolls around, I'll have a team that will make your amateur crew run home in tears.
Coop: The only one who'll be crying is you, Dustin! We're not just a team; we're friends, and that means more than any trick.
Kyle: You know what, I don't even care. While you're sweating, I'll be spending my time on much better things.
Then Kyle, with a sly smile, changed the subject.
Kyle: By the way Fiona, the last party at your place was great. Say hi to your brother and your parents for me.
Fiona's face twitched and flushed red, while Coop looked at her in shock. But before anyone could react, Kyle was already walking away.
Kyle: See you at the competition, losers!
Coop felt his heart clench. A thousand questions raced through his mind.
What was this party about? Why hadn't he known about it? And, most importantly, why did Fiona invite Kyle but not him?
Coop: (In his thougths) Maybe Kyle and Fiona are closer than I thought? But if that's the case, why is Fiona hanging out with us?