(Scene: Bad Parenting - Forest)
(In a flash of red light, VP and Brooke appeared in a very creepy and dark forest. The young narrator was unsure if this was a good idea, while VP was happily humming a tune while caring a cardboard box)
Brooke(Anxious): You still haven't told me where we are and why we are here.
VP: It'll be worth it, don't worry.
(Before Brooke could say anything, they arrived at their destination. There were an unusually empty few cars parked for some reason. And a small campfire not to mention a rectangular hole six feet under that seemed to be a grave with a shove, along with a random closet. What was the most strange out of this place was that there was a reception desk with A weird looking purple cat at the desk)
VP: Hey Cat! How's it going?
Cat(Skeptical): Oh. It's you.
VP: Yep! Was wondering where the kids were.
Cat: They're playing outside not too far from here.
VP(Enthusiastic): Thanks!
Cat: Just don't burn the forest down.
VP: (Fake hurt) Cat, how could you say that? Why on earth would I do that?
(Cat just rolled her eyes, leaving VP and Brooke to find the kids in a mysterious creepy forest)
Brooke(Nervous): Okay, where are we even going? And You still haven't told me why we're here.
VP: Don't worry so much. Trust me, you won't regret it!
(Before the young narrator could protest, she saw something)
(Four children playing in the woods, probably tag)
(One of them was full of energy and had orange curly hair with a green shirt with a yellow sun on the front. He had no shoes on and wore shorts. I don't know his name but we'll call him "Campfire Boy")
(Another had short black hair and a white shirt with red spots scattered. We'll call her "Grave Girl")
(Another kid seems to be a blonde baby or toddler considering that he was only wearing diapers. We'll call him "Trunk Kid")
(The final child black hair with a red and white striped shirt with black sleeves. He also had long black pants and shoes. His name is Ron)
Campfire Boy: (Notices VP and Brooke and points excitedly) Look! The Dragon Lady is back!
The rest of the kids(Excited): (Shouts) Yay!
VP(Amused): (Chuckles) That's right. And guess what I have.
The kids: Books!
VP: Exactly! So let's go back so that I can tell a great story to you kiddos!
(The kids cheered with happiness as they went back. Brooke looks at the dragon girl, confused)
VP: What? I have an interesting soft spot for kids. And I brought you here to help me out.
(Brooke honestly didn't know what to say to that. VP walks back with Brooke following behind her)
(Later)
(The kids were sitting closely in a semi circle to VP as she sat on the ground and Brooke standing next to her. The kids were eager as the cat nearby stops what she was doing to see the scene)
VP: Okay kids! Ready to dive into another wonderful tale?
The kids(Enthusiastic): Yeah!
VP: That's the spirit! Now, today we're reading "In a Glass Grimmly".
Ron: (raises his hand) Does that one have to do with the last book we read?
VP: "A Tale Dark and Grimm?"
(Ron nods)
VP: (Smirks) There is a reason for that. And guess what, this one might be even more gruesome!
(Instead of backing away in fear of that statement, they leaned in full of anticipation)
VP: You all ready?
(They all nod)
VP: Not scared?
(They all shook their heads)
VP: I'm warning you.
(The just stared at her, wanting her to start the story)
VP: Alright. (She takes out a yellow book with an interesting cover, opens it, and reads) "Once Upon a time, fairy tales were horrible…"
(Brooke watches in interest as the kids watched with great interest and adoration. The book mentions many things such as death and bloodiness, but also nice moments and can make you laugh in a fun and humorous way. Brooke noticed that even though VP scares the kids for a moment in the book, they still want her to continue. They laugh, gasp, yucked, and cheer)
VP: (Closes the book when it was on chapter 5) And that's all for now.
(The kids groan in disappointment)
Grave Girl: But we want to hear what's next! Will they get to the goblin village?
Campfire Boy: Yeah! Would they find the Looking Glass?
Ron: We all want to know what happens next!
Trunk Kid: Yah!
VP(Sympathetic): Sorry, kiddos. But I need to get back to the theater. Lots of work for someone like me.
Grave Girl: But we want to listen to more stories!
The rest of them: Yeah!
VP: (Smirks and looks at Brooke) How about Brooke reads you a different story?
(Brooke looked startled as all four kids turned their heads to her direction)
Brooke(Confused): (Points at herself) Me?
VP: You have nothing to do, right?
Brooke: I don't but-
VP: Great! (Stands up and held out her hand to snap) I'll see ya in 2 hours. Bye!
The Kids: (Waves) Bye!
Brooke: Wait-
(Too late. With a snap of her fingers, VP was already gone, leaving Brooke with four kids who want more stories)
Brooke: *Sigh* Guess I have no choice, huh?
(the kids stare at her)
Brooke: (Smiles) Alright. (Looks at the box full of books. She rummages through some of them and takes out a book) Want me to read "Cat in the Hat?"
(They all shook their head)
Brooke(Confused): Okay… (Rummages some more) How about "Captain Underpants"?
(They nodded their heads eagerly full of excitement)
Brooke(Glad): Captain Underpants it is!
(Later)
(VP reappears and smiles when she sees Brooke and the kids having fun with the story as they laughed and lean into the plot more)
Brooke: (Laughing until she notices VP was back) Oh! VP!
(The kids cheer as they see the dragon girl)
VP: I'm back! (Ruffles some of their heads in an attempt in affection) But unfortunately, we both need to get back.
(The kids immediately protest in disappointment)
Ron: But we don't want you both to leave yet!
The rest of the kids: Yeah!
VP: You have to. I have other things I need to do and Brooke probably needs to get back home to her parents. You four know that right.
(They looked down very sad)
VP: (Smiles sadly) Chin up. We'll be back next week. And we'll have just as much fun and probably a lot more. Kay?
(They eagerly nod. And they all had a group hug to say goodbye)
(Scene: The Fandom Theater - Main Theater)
(In a flash of light, VP and Brooke appeared)
VP: Home sweet home!
Brooke: I'm gonna miss those kids.
VP: Yeah, me too. But we'll see them next week!
Brooke: (Thought for a moment) … Those kids are dead, aren't they?
VP: (trying to figure out what to say) … Yeah…
Brooke: (Gives her a funny look) What is with you and dead children?*
VP: C'mon, you can't help but feel bad. They had years to live but it was all wasted. (Smiles fondly) I just come visit them to read them stories because I enjoy telling kids stories. A narrator's job is a wonderful experience, isn't it? You of all people know that better than me.
Brooke(Understanding): Yeah, that makes sense… (Serious as she looked at VP) This might be a touchy subject, but whatever happened to them?
VP: (Silent) … There's a quote I came across a few times… (Sad, almost felt like crying) "Every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child."
Note:
From the game "Bad Parenting".
Read "FT: 12 Days of the Theater"*
The books I read to the children:
"In a Glass Grimmly" by Adam Gidwitz
"Captain Underpants" books by Dave Pilkey
Have a great day!