Since yesterday's proposal, the news has spread to the rest of the family. Within a month from now the wedding will take place in the backyard of the Heelers home, and everyone seems to be getting excited. There has been careful planning, ensuring that the ceremony will be a success. Radley and Frisky decided to invite their closet friends and families since this won't be too formal; Lyon seems to be the most excited out of them all as this will be a huge change for both Rad and him.
The two went to the Glasshouse Primary School to drop off Lyon. Lyon said goodbye to his father as Radley wished his son a good day at school. Just as Lyon rushes inside the school, the red blue heeler looked through his messages, and read that message from his new boss. Apparently, he is still wondering what might have happened, but he would expect what is yet to come. "This better not be another one of his micromanaging lectures," muttered Radley, and drove off to work. At school, Lyon was looking for his cousin. He didn't see her where they're normally dropped off, and would have expected to see her since he and Bluey are dropped off at the entrances by their fathers. He decided to wait near the play area until he sees her come in the classroom.
Meanwhile, Bandit and Bluey were nearing the entrance, with a somewhat troubled Bluey. She didn't seem to be interested in attending school today. "Dad, I told you I don't want to," said Bluey. "Look, mate. We've been over this. I know this change is going to be hard on all of us, but look at it this way. This job will help give you kids a better life," said Bandit, reluctantly explaining to his seven year old daughter. "But I don't want a better life. I like this one just the way it is," answered Bluey with her arms crossed. Bandit kneeled to console his daughter's frustration. "I know. Listen, just try not to think too hard on this. I think I have an idea on how to help you feel better when we're back home, right-o?"
"Fine," sighed Bluey. Without hugging her father, she went straight inside; Bandit looked at his daughter with a somewhat weighing sadness. Though, he knows what he was getting into and thought it was for the best interest of his family. He immediately leaves the school, as he hope he tries to forget how upset Bluey was yesterday when he broke the news to Chilli, and how Bluey eavesdropped on the conversation. Lyon then saw his cousin, immediately rushing up to greet her. "Hi, Bluey," said Lyon.
"Hey," said Bluey with a depressed tone. Lyon sensed something was wrong with the Blue Heeler. "Is…everything okay? You look worried," said Lyon. "No, it's nothing. I'm okay," feigned Bluey. "You sure? If you want to talk maybe we can discuss it where no one can hear us," asked Lyon. Bluey knew this was going to be hard to break to her cousin, but she didn't want to hide anything from him as Lyon shared his past troubles as well. "Treehouse around noon," said Bluey. She then walked away from Lyon, not wanting to play this morning. Whatever it was, it sounded very serious; Bluey is usually the cheery, rambunctious girl who would bring Lyon a smile yet this was very unlike of her to be so sad. "This sounds bad," said Lyon to himself. He thought it was best to give his cousin space until then.
Meanwhile, at Rad's job, he was entering his boss's office. The stern looking Rottweiler was awaiting his worker's arrival. "You wanted to see me, Kent," asked Radley. "Yes, there is an important matter I need to discuss with you regarding about your contract," said Kent. "My..contract," asked Rad raising his brow. "Wait, hold up, what are you on about? Are you letting me go?"
"No. The opposite. Apparently, this oil refinery in this town is facing mass layoffs. We had to let go a number of workers due to cost cutting," explained the boss. "Though, you seem like one of the good workers that letting you go would be a shame. So, instead of laying you off, I have decided to reassign you back to the west coast oil rig where you once were before. This is the best I could do."
Rad was shocked by this outcome. Learning that this location had to let go many workers, and some being relocated to faraway refineries was something he wasn't aware of sooner. "Why didn't you tell me a lot sooner? I mean…this is not what I expected from you. And you telling me just now, I just-"
"Is there a problem," said Kent, giving a stern glare. "No, sir. Well, okay yes there is two. You see, I am expected to get married within a month. I can't just leave right away when I have things to settle in my personal life," explained Rad. "I didn't say the reassignment was right away, Heeler. You are still here but for one month away. You should still have time to settle with your marriage." Rad was relieved that was settled, but he still was reluctant about the move to West Australia. He didn't want to make this change as this would affect both Lyon and Frisky. He would have to move his whole family to this transition. "I am grateful for your leniency sir, but with all due respect, I do have a family. A son in fact. The idea of me having to take him away from his friends and family would be hard on him. He has been through a year, and I hate to enforce this change on him. Couldn't you find a way to keep me here in this refinery in Brisbane?"
Kent gave out a hard nod. "I'm sorry. My hands are full. Besides, I am doing this for the best interest of this oil refinery establishment. There is nothing I can do except two things: reassign you or let you go if you choose against relocation." Rad was both angered and disappointed by this. He hates to break the bad news to Lyon, but he is also wondering how Frisky would react if he were to force her to the big move as well. After everything he's been through with Lyon, this move was the last thing he wanted. "I…understand. Thanks for telling me, although I wish you would have found a way for me to stay here. I do have a life with my family as well." Rad knew Kent had something against him; telling him at the last minute was uncalled for, and for Kent not being able to be flexible enough to let Rad stay at this jobsite spells out how much his boss hated him. The Heeler excused himself out of Kent's office, and walked away to the locker room with dismay. What am I going to do?
Back at school, both Bluey and Lyon climbed on top of the treehouse in the hill, ensuring their conversation was a private one with no one to hear. They both sat in front of each other with a bird's eye view of the school's field. "Okay, out with it. What's upsetting you," asked Lyon. Bluey, despite not wanting to cry in front of her cousin, was struggling to put into words her news. "I'm moving away," said Bluey. Lyon was shocked as his tail straighten up high, and his eyes widened. "What?! No," he exclaimed. "Why? Why now? You're leaving as well as your family?"
"My dad's got a new job in another city, and we're all leaving next month. I heard him talking to my mum last night about this, and I was upset when I found out." The seven year old heeler girl sat with her knees together, hands crossing them. "Oh….that sucks," said the wolf dog. "And Bingo? Does she know?"
"No. Not yet. Though I don't know if she should. She's younger, and well, she gets upset easily. I wouldn't' want her to be sad over this," explained Bluey. Both cousins felt an uncomforting silence. They're trying to process this unexpected news, and yet everything seems to be happening so fast. "But, you'll still come to my dad's wedding, right," asked Lyon. "Well, yes. We don't move away until a month or so. I dunno. All I know is the front yard has a big for sale sign put up," added Bluey. "Okay, well, that's good right? You still get to help at the wedding as the flower girl along with your sister. We have plenty of time to hang out until then," said Lyon with a reassuring grin. Lyon thought the two can play a quick game to keep her mind off of her problems. As the two climbed down from the tree house's later, Lyon grabbed Bluey's hand. "C'mon, I have an idea," said Lyon, dragging Bluey's hand. Lyon thought a game of treasure hunting would brighten the blue heeler's mood at the sandpit. He and Mackenize dug around the sandpit plenty of times only to find green plastic at the bottomless pit. Though in some cases, lost items can be found within the sand.
Even though Bluey was still sad about the move, the sandpit treasure game kept her mind preoccupied. Both dogs dug up the sand like scavengers finding lost treasure. They found a variety of items; coins, mini toy soldiers, marbles, squeaky toys, and more. The rest of the afternoon they've found plenty of lost items. "Goodness, who would have thought kids lost a lot of things in the sand pit," said Bluey. "Yeah, no kidding. Let's tell Calypso our findings," said Lyon. He grabs bucket, and puts everything in; both dogs rush to the teacher to show their treasure. "Look, Calypso, we found a ton of treasure today," said Bluey.
"My, that is interesting treasure you both salvaged," said Calypso, interested. "We thought maybe some kids lost these we can have a lost and found bin," explained. Lyon. "As a matter of fact, I think that is a good idea. Perhaps you two would like to set up our very first lost and found bin near the cubby area? I will get a box ready for you two." Calypso was please to see her two students' selfless act in returning their treasure instead of keeping it. She brought a blue box, with the writing Lost and Found on the center of the box.
She sets the box down, and Lyon fills the box with all their findings from the sandpit. Many students surrounded the lost and found area. Most of them found their lost belongings. "Oh, I thought I lost my ribbon." claimed Coco.
"That's my bookmark. I 've been looking for ages," said Honey, reaching out for her starry bookmark with a gold ribbon.
"My toy soldiers. I found them," said Jack in joy.
Both Bluey and Lyon smiled as they witnessed their classmates gathering their stuff. "Good job, kids," said Calypso, patting both the blue heeler and wolf dog's heads, praising them. They both felt proud of their accomplishment in creating the first lost and found bin at Glasshouse.
Once it was time to go home, Lyon and Bluey stood by the entrance waiting for their fathers. Bluey still felt down for her dad's new job requiring her whole family to possibly move away from her old life in Brisbane while her cousin is eyeing at her, worried about her feelings right now. They saw Bandit approaching the entrance. "Hey, kids. How was school," asked Bandit.
"Great Uncle Bandit. We dug in the sandpit today," said Lyon nonchalantly.
"Oh, wonderful. You enjoyed it, Bluey," said the adult heeler eyeing at his daughter. Bluey looked away from her father; she didn't have much to say to him. Bandit awkwardly rubbed his shoulder by his daughter's snubbing behavior. He decided to shrug it off. "Well, Lyon. Your dad told me he has an important work thing so he asked me to take you to our house until he sorts it out," said Bandit. "Oh, great! We'll have a playdate," said Lyon. "Won't it be fun, Bluey?"
"Um, yeah, playdate. Horary," said Bluey weakly. She races towards the car. Lyon looks at his uncle. "Uncle Bandit, is it true that you're all moving away in a month," asked Lyon. Bandit's eyes widened by how his nephew knew the news. "Wait, how did you-"
"Bluey already told me," said Lyon bluntly, looking half worried. Bandit let out a sigh. "Yes, it's true. I mean, I don't have the details right now, but I was considered for a promotion at my job, and the house is still on sale. Depending how long our house will be on sale, it may or may not be sold right away. Even so…" Bandit stopped before he became too verbose with his explanation. "And…does Bingo know," asked Lyon. "Well, not yet. I would prefer if you and your cousin don't tell her anything," said Bandit. Lyon nodded, and accepted to keep his lips seal for the four year old's sake. He follows his uncle to the family car. Bandit was strapping both his daughter and Lyon to their booster seats. On their way to the Heeler home, he saw through the driver's mirror of his daughter's disappointed grimace with Lyon looking worried at his cousin. Bingo singing to herself, with a carefree expression seems to blot out the silence.
"Say kids, I got an idea for a game when we get home," said Bandit.
"Really? For real life," asked Bingo.
Yes, for real life. I'm sure you'll like this game. It's called Ghostbasket."
Bluey looks at her father confused; she has never heard of this game before. "What's it about?"
"Well, you'll see when we get there," added Bandit eyeing at Bluey with a grin. He drives into the driveway; Lyon looks through the widnow, and sees a tall real estate sign with a For Sale. Once they got off, he races towards it. He sees the orange trim around the sign; the design seems modern. There were snapshots of the house's exterior, the living room, and the kitchen. Oh man, she was not lying, he thought with a saddened look. "You see," said Bluey. "We're going away for good."
"But your dad said it depends on whether someone will buy it, and besides, maybe if it's not sold, you might not go away after all," said Lyon, trying to look at the bright side. "It's not that simple, Lyon. He got a different job in another city, and after hearing him talk with mum about it, he's serious about it," explained Bluey. Lyon let out a dismayed look; he seems to understand Bluey's side of the story and based on Bandit's reluctance to fully disclose his plan, it seems likely they'll move away. The thought of not seeing his cousins again made him depressed.
"Hey, come now. Let's not think about it now. Why don't we go see your dad on what game he wants us to play," said Lyon, comforting his cousin. The two went inside to see Bandit; he was in the playroom with Bingo besides the costume bin. Bandit dug through outfies, and took out the granny towels, and glasses for Janet. "Oh, are we going to be grannies," asked Bingo exctingly. "Yup, so here's the idea. You two will be your alter egos. The house you live in is being sold by the real estate and his intern."
"And who's the real estate," asked Bluey.
"You're looking at him," added Bandit with a smug.
"Wait, so am I the intern," asked Lyon. "What's an intern?"
"Well, he's sort of like the assistant, and he is observing the agent on his first day," said Bandit. Bandit reaches out for two clipboards; he hands a clipboard to Lyon. "Wait, so who are we selling the house to," asked Lyon. Chilli walks in the room. "What's going on," asked Chilli. "Well, this lovely lady is on the market for a brand new house," said Bandit. "Wait, me," asked Chilli confused, raising her brow. Bingo wasn't sure what's going on, but she is surely excited for the game. Bluey, despite her reluctance, decides to play along since she loves being a granny. Lyon wasn't sure what's going on, but he is sure to play his role as the intern.
At the car, Bandit was sitting in the driver's seat. His eyes are closed, and he is holding a clipboard. He exhales slowly, and then opens his eyes. He quietly mutters to himself. "Today's the day, Hugo. You're going to sell the house."
"Umm. Mr. Hugo," asked Lyon.
'Hugo' eyes at his young intern. "Oh, Ashe. You've got a question," asked Bandit.
Lyon, playing as Ashe the Intern, was new on his first day shadowing his senior colleague to sell a house. "Tell me again what am I suppose to be doing today?"
"Well, mate I am being your example on how to convince the buyer why she has the buy the house. We want to make sure this is the house she won't regret buying."
"Okay…so what do I do," asked Lyon. "All you need to do is observe carefully, and take notes. Trust me, it looks easier than it looks," said Bandit. The two spots Chilli, who played as Monique. The red heeler looked around the front yard. "Rule number one, always show warmth to your client. Observe."
Bandit smiles, and gets out of the car with Lyon following him along. "Hello, Monique. Lovely day, isn't it," said Bandit holding out his hand. Chilli looks at her real estate agent skeptically. "I guess so," she said shaking her hand. "So you're looking to buy a house?"
"Yes, I am. Are you the house-selling person?
"Yes. And have I got the perfect house for you! Ta-da!" Bandit spreads his hands theatrically, indicating the Heelers' house. Three dogs looked at the house in an awkward silence. "It's a bit small," pointed out Chilli.
"It's bigger inside," said Bandit, chuckling awkwardly. "And who's that you've got there," she said, pointing at Lyon.
"Oh, this is Ashe. He is a new intern at the agency, and I'm just showing him the ropes with his training," said Bandit. "Nice to meet you Ms. Monique. I'm just watching my colleague on my first day. Don't mind me as I'm taking notes," said Lyon. "Oh, okay," said Chilli, shrugging. The three went up into the front patio, with Bandit acting as the tour guide. Lyon carefully writes notes on every detail he observes. "Notice the lovely period floorboards," he asked.
"Hmm. Is anyone living here at the moment," she inquires.
"Yes, but they're not home."
"Are you sure? I thought I saw someone in the window," asked Lyon.
"Oh, don't be silly. Ashe. The house is empty," added Bandit, who was negligible with his intern's observant behavior. He opens the front door, noticing the two elderly owners of the house. Bluey and Bingo charge towards the door with Bandit slamming it. Chilli looks at the stressed out Hugo; "Is everything okay," she asked.
"Uh, I'll be right back. Ashe, please keep Monique company," said Bandit, slipping through the door sideways. Lyon looks at Monique, unaware of the situation at hand. "So….why do you want to buy this house," asked Lyon, keeping the client occupied. Meanwhile, Bandit confronts the grannies at the entrance. "What are you doing here? You said you'd be at lawn bowls," he whispered annoyed. "Phyllis had to cancel," said Bluey as Janet. "Yeah, she went water-skiing," said Bingo as Rita. "Well, beat it, ya old fossils! I'm trying to sell this place," insisted the real estate. "We don't want you to sell this place," said Bingo. "Yeah," agreed Bluey. A stressed-out Hugo face palms his muzzle. "Look, we've been through this. It's not up to me. Your kids are sticking you in an old codgers home, and they told me to sell it."
"Those cheeky kids," said Bluey with a grimace.
"If you've got a problem, take it up with them. But please, let me get on with my job," pleased Bandit.
"But we've lived in this house for fifty years," said Bluey sadly.
"No, you haven't! You won it in a raffle at the surf club last April."
"Did we," said both Janet and Rita.
"Yes, look just stay out of my way, okay?" Both grannies nodded okay, giggling mischievously.
At the front porch, Ashe kept on talking with Monique on many subjects; "Did you know this house is one of the oldest Queensland homes in Brisbane," said Lyon, keeping the client occupied.
"Ah, I see. Then I suppose this explains the ornate details of the exterior," added Chilli. While they both were sitting in the porch's chair, they saw Bandit coming out of the door. "Ahem. Please come it," he said opening the door again with no grannies at present. Bandit peeks in front of the front door, before opening it wide and leading Chilli inside. Lyon followed along, aware of his senior colleauge's stressed out behavior.
"So, here we have a lovely period—," said Bandit, but abruptly the grannies tackled both Lyon and Chilli to the ground. "Get out! Get out," demanded the grannies. "Get em' off me," cried out Chilli. Lyon struggled against Bingo as she kept pinning him to the ground. Bandit took out a bag of biscuits, and jiggles them around in front of the rambunctious grannies. "Oh, biscuts," said both Bluey and Bingo. Lyon stood up, patting himself off, and took deep breaths from the ambush. "What was that," asked Lyon.
"Nothing, Uh, let's check out the kitchen, shall we? Intern, keep taking notes," said Bandit. Lyon nodded, and kept observing his superior example on selling a home. They entered the kitchen with Bandit shoving Chilli and Lyon. The two explored the kitchen area with Bandit continuing to tour the features. "Uh, oven. Stove. Fridge. Uh, you got some drawers. They can open and shut," he explained while demonstrating the features. Chilli feels the countertop appreciatively. Lyon simply kept taking notes, keeping the details in check on wowing the buyer such as demonstrating the house's features. They immediately moved onto the living room. "Alrighty. On to the living room," said Bandit.
"Well, hey, hang on, I like these worktops. Is this silky oak?," asked Chilli, before she seek out her answer from realtor Bandit.
"Here comes the grannies," said Bingo.
"NO," shouted Bandit, getting Chilli away from the grannies. The girls charge into the room, driving the pedal car. Bandit jumps in the way, blocking them from getting to Chilli. Lyon simply observed in shock seeing his first day as an intern. "Is this how you do on a day to day basis, sir?"
"Umm, no. This is definitely not done on a daily basis I assure you," said Bandit, struggling to block the pedal car from hitting Chilli. "What do you think you're doing," asked Bandit to both grannies.
"We told you," insisted Bingo.
"You're not selling our house," demanded Bluey, both using their granny voices.
"Look, relax. I don't think she's interested anyway," lied Bandit.
"Um, did you just lied, sir," asked Lyon.
Chilli enters the room "I'm interested," she stated bluntly.
"Aaaah," screamed the grannies. They shriek and charge at Chilli in the pedal car. Bandit holds them back. Lyon helped as well. "No! Bad grannies," said Lyon and Bandit. "Oh, and who is this," asked Chilli, squatting down to observe these two old ladies.
"Oh, uh this is," explained Bandit, struggling to provide a legitimate explanation. "Rita and Janet. And this is our house," said both Bingo and Bluey. "Not for long. I think I want to buy it," said Chilli gleefully.
Both Bluey and Bingo were in shock to hear the news. "Really," asked Bandit. "Truly," questioned Lyon. Suddenly, Bluey had an excellent idea to ward off the buyer. "Well, dearie, has he told you about the—"
But Bluey was cut off by realtor Bandit, hiding the truth behind this house. He covered Bluey's mouth before she finishes her sentence. "Custom fittings in the ensuite? No, but I can if you like."
"Don't worry about it. I'm ready to buy it. I haven't seen a single thing that would put me off," added Chilli, confident in her decision. But then, a mysterious moan in the room was heard by everyone. Lyon too was caught off guard by that sound. "What was that," he asked, tightening his clipboard to his chest. "Yeah, what was that sound," asked Chilli suspiciously.
A flustered Bandit insisted on hiding the truth. "Nothing," he bluntly added. He releases Bluey, and pushed Chilli away from the living room. "Um, let's go and see the bedrooms. Come Ashe. "No, I definitely heard something," said Chilli, denying Bandit's answer. "Yes, I'd like to know what that something is," said Lyon. "That's just Ghostbasket," added Bluey.
"I'm sorry, what," asked Lyon.
"Ghost…What," inquired Chilli.
"Ghost nothing!" Suddenly, a laundry basket creeps up behind the group; Bingo makes involuntary spooky noises. She scoots closer to the buyer. "Aah! Come on, let's go check out the sunroom," he added, shoving both Chilli and Lyon to the sunroom. "Uh, this is the sunroom. Here's the room. And, uh, there's the sun."
"Hugo, I really think you should tell us what's going on," insisted Lyon, nervously tapping his foot on the floor. The moaning kept going on, and the Ghostbasket kept creeping closer to the group. "Argh! Bathroom," shouted Bandit. Within the hallways, Bandit shoves both Lyon and Chilli through each room, evading the mysterious Ghostbasket stalking them from behind. They went from the girls' bedroom, to the parents' bedroom, to Bandit's office, the spare room, and right back into the same rooms in a linear fashion.
"Please take in this colonial-style bathroom," said Bandit exhaustingly. Immediately, Bingo kept making ghost noises, stalking the group. Bandit slams the door before she enters the room. "What keeps making those noises," insisted Lyon. "Ghostbasket," said Bluey.
"Janet!" Bandit waves at her hand, signaling stop. "Huh," asked Chilli confused.
"Ghostbasket comes with the house, and I should warn you, he does not like people," added Bluey.
"Hugo," said both Lyon and Chilli.
"Look, it's true, the house is haunted by a Ghostbasket. I'm sorry. I should have told you earlier, I just really wanted to sell this place," admitted Bandit in defeat.
"Liar, liar. Pants on fire," admonished Bluey. "Let's get to the bottom of this. Ashe, would you mind opening the door," asked Chilli. "Yes, Monqiue," said Lyon. "No," pleaded Bandit. Lyon opens the door, with Ghostbasket in front of them. Chilli goes to pick up the laundry basket; it was reveal that Bingo was the one pretending to be the house's Ghostbasket. She makes a mysterious ghost sound.
"Here's your Ghostbasket," she pointed out. "Oh. Hello, love," added Bingo.
"Huh," questioned Bandit. "Oh, Rita, how could you," said Bluey with dismay. "So the Ghostbasket was Rita this whole time? Wonders never cease," said Lyon. Bandit grabs Bluey by the waist and holds her upside down, shaking aher around while she laughs. "Come here! This is your doing, wasn't it," said Bandit angrily. Bingo then shoots Bandit in the back with her bubble launcher. "We don't want to leave!"
"You won't sell this house!" Both grannies stand their ground against Hugo and Ashe. "I'll take it," said Chilli. All four dogs said huh in unison by that random answer. They are equally surprised. "Really," asked Bandit.
"Yep." Both Bluey and Bingo moaned as their efforts were in vain. Lyon couldn't help but watch with pity that the grannies will no longer have their home. "Just get those grannies out and we've got a deal." At a moment's glance, the two grannies were booted out of the house by Hugo with Ashe following along. They both fell on their bottms.
"Ow, my bottom," said Bluey in pain.
"Oh, dear," sighed Bingo.
"And here's your money. Thanks," said Chilli pantomimes handing money to Bandit. Bandit pumps his arms in celebration. "I did it. I sold it! Whoo-hoo-hoo! I'm the be-"
"Umm, Hugo. I hate to rain on your parade, but look," said Lyon, directing Bandit's attention to the depressed grannies. He freezes his celebration, suddenly feeling guilty for kicking the grannies out of their home. "I think we should check up on them," advised Lyon. The two went up to check up on Janet and Rita.
"Look, it's nothing personal," said Bandit.
"Oh, yes, we know. It's just your job," said Bluey eyeing away from Bandit.
"She seems like a nice lady," said Bandit.
"Nice," asked Lyon confusedly. Chilli leans out of the bay window. "Get those grannies off my lawn," she angrily shouts before slamming the window. Lyon gave Bandit a half closed annoyed face, noticing the contrary demeanor of Monique. "Upsy-daisy, Rita," said Bluey. "Thanks Janet," said Bingo, grabbing her older sister's hand. The two huddle together, making their way back to the grannies home. "Come on. I guess we'll have to walk to the old grannies home," said Bluey.
"Pardon," asked Bingo, pretending to be deaf.
"I SAID we'll have to WALK," shouted Bluey.
"Oh, just some baked beans love," added Bingo, pretending to misunderstand the sentence.
"Bye-bye," bid Bluey farewell to the real estate agents. Both grannies walk down the lawn with Bandit watching them sadly. Lyon crossed his arms looking at his mentor. "Well, I hope you feel good about yourself, Hugo. You just kicked out two elderly ladies out their own home," said Lyon, guilt tripping Bandit. "That wasn't my intention, Ashe. I just wanted to sell this house to impress my buyer, and to show you how to be a great real estate agent," explained Bandit. "Seems like you never understood the old ladies' feelings about their home sold," added Lyon. Suddenly, Bandit had a change of heart. "Oh, biscuts," he muttered in frustration.
"Wait," he halted the grannies, and sighed. "For once in your life, do exactly what I say. Ashe, watch and learn," he said eyeing at Lyon.
Meanwhile, in the lawn, Chilli lets out a sigh of relief and contentment. "Ahhhh. Home ownership," she said with a smile. Then, she heard a mysterious ghost noise. She looks over to a shed, and notices Bandit is hidning under an overturned wheelbarrow, crawling forward. He moans, and makes mysterious ghost noises. "Oh, no! It's a ghost wheelbarrow. Whatever shall I do," said Chilli sarcastically. "Whooo-oooo! Get out," warned the wheelbarrow Bandit. "Oh, yes. Of couse. I best get out of this house and never come back because that's definitely a ghost wheelbarrow and not just a couple of old…"
But just as Chilli was about to flip the wheelbarrow, the grannies appear behind her. "Hello, love," said both grannies.
"Grannies," said Chilli all perplexed. Lyon too was with the grannies. "They were just here to pick up the gnome, ma'am," said Lyon.
"We would never leave Jeremy behind. We'll be out of your hair now," said Bluey. Chilli, feeling a cold air in her spine, was feeling anxious. "But if you're there, then that means this is actually a…"
Bandit jostles the wheelbarrow, attempting to scare off his client. "Whoooo-ooo!"
"If I were you, I would make myself scarce," said Lyon with a mischievous grin.
"GHOST WHEELBARROW! Waaaaaahhh!"
The red adult heeler runs out of the backyard frantically. Bluey, Lyon, Bingo thow their arms in celebration. They shouted hoorary in unison. "Well, I hope she doesn't come back," said Lyon.
"Did it work," asked Bandit, crawling out of the wheelbarrow.
"Yes," said Bluey.
"Thank you, young man," said the grannies, hugging Bandit.
"No worries," said Bandit. Lyon was touched to see Bandit giving up on the notion of selling their home. "So, do you think you did the right thing, Hugo," asked Lyon.
"Yes, I think so. Let this be a lesson that this is highly unprecedented for real estate agents don't often do this for home sellers." Bandit felt a sensation of happiness that things ended well for Janet and Rita. "But look, I can't do this every time," said Bandit honestly to his daughters. Bluey, despite their game ending well, was feeling sad in the process this won't be a for real life situation when the real home seller tries to sell their home. "I know," she said silently. Bingo was unfazed by that comment, not understanding what was truly going on. Lyon stood their silently, not wanting to intervene this emotional moment.
Later in the late afternoon, the wolf dog sat at the front entrance of the Heeler home. He had both hands together with a serious look. It still hasn't hit him the home is actually going for sale and with Bluey's entire family no longer living in Brisbane. Bandit saw Lyon at the entrance, noticing him isolating himself from the rest of the family. He went outside to check on his nephew. "Mind if I sit down, mate," asked Bandit. "Sure, uncle," said Lyon. The adult blue heeler sat next to Lyon, extending his arm to his shoulder. "Uncle Bandit, please don't leave. It won't be the same without you guys." Bandit let out a sad look. "Look, kid. These things aren't simple. I wish I could undo it, but I have to do this," explained Bandit. "You can always visit us. It doesn't mean we'll forget you guys."
"Yeah, I understand. I just won't see Bluey and Bingo anymore. And all of Bluey's friends will miss her terribly so," said Lyon. Bandit tries to think of a way to console Lyon. He can tell he's not taking the news lightly. "Where will you guys move," asked Lyon.
"Sydney. I accepted a new offer at another university. This offer pays a little more," explained Bandit. "That's too far," said Lyon. "Yeah, but I think this will be a change for us all. A good change. I just want what is best for us. Even if it means long distance between the rest of the family. You still have your Uncle Stripe, and your other cousins."
"Yeah," muttered Lyon. He leans against his uncle, trying to accept the change. "And Bluey? How is she?"
"She's still not happy with it too," said Bandit scratching his neck. Just then, Rad's ute pulls over to the driveway in front of the family car. Rad came out of the truck, greeting his son. "Hey, mate. I'm back," he said with a nonchalant expression. "Oh, hi dad," waved Lyon. "How was work?"
"Pretty well," said Rad. "Are you ready to head home?" Lyon nodded yes without saying a word. "Let me have a quick word with your uncle. We just need to talk about something."
"Okay, let me go get my things, and say bye to Bluey and Bingo." The wolf dog rushes inside to get his belongings ready with Chilli watching her nephew racing inside. She went to see both her husband and brother in law having a conversation. "Hello, Radley," said Chilli.
"Hi, Chilli. How was today with Lyon," asked Radley.
"It went well. You don't look so good. Did something happen," asked Chilli noticing Radley's darken expression. Rad was quiet for ten seconds. "Well, considering you guys are planning to move away, I just wanted to know you're not the only ones." Both Bandit and Chilli's eyes widen by that remark. "Wait…you're moving away too? Why?," asked Bandit. "Apparently the oil rig here is laying off many workers, but instead of me being laid off, I am sent back to where I was from in West Australia. It's either that, or get fired. I…don't know how to break the news to Lyon."
"Yeesh, and here I thought these changes couldn't get any worse," said Bandit. "How do you feel about this," asked Bandit. "Kind of conflicted. Thinking how this move will affect Lyon greatly would be an issue. At the very least they'll give me a month due to the wedding taking place."
"Oh…the wedding. Have you told Frisky," asked Chilli. "I am not sure how she will take this. Considering how close she wants to be with family."
"Oh, man. I haven't thought about that," added Rad, facepalming in shame. "You'd best better break the news to her. She would prefer if she knows now," advised Bandit. "But now? Right when preparations for the wedding is underway soon. I mean, I want to at least wait till the timing is right. And Lyon as well. I need to have a proper talk with him over this."
It seems both brothers seem conflicted with their moving circumstances based on their careers, and how both families will be affected by the moves. Lyon pops out of nowhere with his bookbag. "Speaking of for sale signs, who did you contact to sell this place," asked Rad, noticing the for sale sign at the front yard. "Bucky Dunstan," said Bandit with a half annoyed face. "Wait, is he….," said Radley.
"The same kid who made fun of my drawings back them. He's a real estate agent," added Bandit. "I can send you his number if you want look him up."
"All set, dad. Let's go," said Lyon. "Right-o. Well, guys, hope to see you again," said Radley to both Heeler parents. Lyon wasn't sure what the adults were talking about, but it seem like a serious conversation. Unbeknownst to the reason, he was oblivious to the fact that he and Radley (and possibly Frisky) are moving west. The wolf dog waved farewell through the window at his uncle and aunt. Rad looked at Lyon with a somewhat sad smile. "Hey, mate. You like living here, dontcha," asked Rad. "Yeah. Why," asked Lyon. "Oh, no reason. You ready for the wedding," asked Rad. "Yes! I can't wait to be the ring boy that day!" Despite sensing his son's eagerness, Rad feels guilty about breaking the hard news.
Back at their home, Rad finished reading one of Lyon's books. Just recently, Lyon has moved on from picture books to chapter books. He seems to have advanced to chapter books with fewer to no pictures in books, which Rad admires his son's quick learning. He was reading the Chronicles of Asgard, a Norse mythological book. Lyon likes it when Rad impersonates the characters in the book. Rad closes the book, and strokes his son's fur. "Alright, mate. Bedtime," said Rad. "Okay, dad. Night," said Lyon with a smile. Rad kisses Lyon's forehead, and tucks him in. As the red blue heeler walks out of the bedroom, Lyon spoke. "Dad. I just want to let you know you're the best dad in the world." Rad turned around by the compliment. "Oh, really? I wouldn't go far as the best," said Rad.
"Oh, don't be modest. I know what I said. You are, and I am grateful you're there for me," grinned Lyon. Rad let out a soft smile. "Thanks, kiddo." He turns off the lights, and closes the door. Despite the heartwarming compliment, Rad feels a sense of guilt that his family is also moving away from the city. How would he be able to break it to both a seven year old and a prospective wife? Would they be able to stay a family if they move west?
Message: Sorry for another prolonged absence. This month has been a hard month. Dealing with work related issues, trying to transition to a better role, and dealing with mental health struggles. Early in the month I have dealt with a major depressive episode and thoughts I do not want to talk about here to not worry anyone. I am fine now that it's Christmas and I can take a breather from everything for a week and a half. I'm still feeling sad, and anxious for what 2025 will bring to me. Not to mention I have another interview with another employer in early January so I am trying to be kind to myself, and refresh my mind from my busy, lonely life. I constantly worry about finding a better opportunity, and that's all I can think about. I know this has been taking me away from this story and I do apologize. I am keeping my fingers crossed things will be better for me in the new year, and I hope to finish the last several chapters for this story. I am trying, but it is not easy so I thank you for everyone's understanding.