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Sunday, November 25, 2018
Levi Cranston (The Magic Video Game) and his girlfriend, Mackenzie Burbanks, spent the whole afternoon in downtown Boston with their friends, Jack Andrews and Asad Prejesh. They all live in Allston, a neighborhood in Boston, so they took the green line into the downtown area. The four kids were there around noon, and they planned to stay out for as long as they wanted. At 7 pm, Levi and Mackenzie left to go back to their apartment. Jack and Asad decided to stay out for a little while longer. Levi and Mackenzie wanted some "alone time" for a while, at least until Jack and Asad came home. After taking off their coats and settling in for the night, Levi put on one of his favorite songs and softly sang it to Mackenzie. She was lying on her back on the couch in the common area, and Levi sat by her feet. A few minutes later, he moved on top of her and started kissing her. Mackenzie could feel his extremely fast heartbeat against the right side of her chest. Her magenta quarter zip was starting to make her feel hot. Mackenzie pulled Levi's shirt up and placed her hand against his chest. Something Levi absolutely loves when she does this. Once they decided to put on some classic rock music, Levi decided to lie next to Mackenzie. He pulled his shirt down, but the lower part of his belly button was exposed. Mackenzie put her ear against Levi's chest and listened intently to his heartbeat. Another thing Levi absolutely loves when she does this. His heart had slowed down a bit, but it was still pretty fast. While Mackenzie's head was still against Levi's chest, he slowly stroked her hair. Mackenzie closed her eyes, and she thought that she could possibly fall asleep to the sound of Levi's heart beating. Once Jack and Asad came back from downtown Boston, they noticed that Levi and Mackenzie were half-asleep on the couch in the common area. "Okay, lovebirds. We are home," Asad announced. "And we brought home some pizza," Jack added as he carried two large pizza boxes into the apartment. "Oh good. I thought I heard my stomach making some loud noises," Levi replied. Mackenzie's head was still on his chest. "So what do we owe you?" "Each of us pays $8," Jack said. "I've got myself and Mackenzie," Levi remarked. Mackenzie was still in her own little world.
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January 19, 2019
Kevin Maggliardi, Levi Cranston’s (The Magic Video Game) friend that he met in Boston, was just recently asked out by his girlfriend, Shanti Lee. They have known each other since the age of four, and Shanti just moved to Boston from Los Angeles. She found a hair stylist job out here. It was a normal Friday night, and Kevin was just getting over a bad cold. He was feeling well enough for Shanti to come over and watch their favorite TV cartoons. It was around 9 pm, and after a round or two of pizza and cartoons, they decided to turn the TV off, lie together on the couch, and think about nothing. They were perfectly alright with not saying a word for a while. As long as they were together, they didn’t always feel like they had to say anything. “Excited about our double date with Levi and Mackenzie tomorrow?” Shanti asked Kevin, with her right arm wrapped around him. “Of course,” Kevin replied with a smile. He drew in a deep breath. “I hope you know that you’re really cute when you smile.” “Thanks, mate.” “Any time,” Shanti remarked. “You’re cute when you obsess over sushi. I think we’re actually getting that tomorrow,” Kevin stated. “Can’t wait.” A few more minutes passed, and they both thought about nothing. Kevin was staring at the ceiling, and he could not stop smiling. Shanti noticed that Kevin’s armpits were pretty sweaty, even though he had a shirt on. She didn’t care, she actually thought this was pretty cute. Thirty minutes later, they still didn’t say a word. They just let this idea of a new relationship sink in, even though they have been best friends for practically their whole lives. Shanti looked over at Kevin, and she noticed that he was fighting to stay awake. She has seen him like this before, when his eyes were half open, but he would try to open them with no success. Kevin was lying on his back on the couch. Shanti decided to lie on her stomach on top of him. Her head was close enough to his chest that she could hear his steady heartbeat. Kevin wrapped his arms around her and ran his fingers through her hair. His eyes were closed, but he was still awake. “Your heart is beating really fast,” Shanti remarked rather dreamily. “Is it?” Kevin replied, drawing in a deep breath. “I think you like me.” “Well, this is kinda fun actually. We should do this more often.” “I think we should,” Shanti said. “Are you comfortable enough?” Kevin asked. “Couldn’t be more comfortable. You know what this reminds me of?” “What?” “I feel like I’m on a waterbed, but with a heartbeat.” From Rockybado: Robot King of the Island
It was eleven o'clock at night when the boys were dropped off at their houses. They were all tired and sad that they had to leave their new best friends, Rockybado, Jeremy, Johnny, and everyone else whom they had just met. When the Ingram's came home, their parents were already asleep. The boys quietly put on their pajamas and went to bed. The boys slept peacefully until the sun rose in the sky. Ten o’clock the next morning arrived quickly, and David and Brody were still sleeping. David woke up now, but Brody was still sleeping soundly. Dawson, their oldest brother, went upstairs to check on him, only to find that the only thing his younger brother did was stir. Brody was sleeping on his side. Completely mindless of everything going on around him. His eyes were closed. His chest was rising and falling steadily. His mouth was half open. His mood bracelet turned a dark blue, meaning he was calm. Their white cat, Honeybunny, and their white and grey-spotted cat, Felicia, climbed onto his bed and lay on top of him. And Brody was snoring quietly. It was thirty minutes later, the boy was still sleeping. He couldn’t help it since his sleep schedule was more messed up than it had been before the expedition to Texamilio. When Toby snuck into his older brother’s room, he brought with him a squirt gun. This ten-year-old was thinking about squirting Brody to the moon. Squirt! “TOBY!” was the first thing that came out of Brody’s mouth. Toby did nothing else but smile menacingly. He was really going to get it, wasn’t he? Toby was cruisin’ for a bruisin’. It was obvious that Brody was really not happy. His peaceful sleep had been interrupted by his younger brother. And Toby was sure going to get it some time. Probably now. Brody chased Toby around the house until they both grew winded. “You are such a nuisance,” Brody said to Toby once they both caught their breaths. “I just wanted to wake you up. That’s all,” Toby answered. “Well, you should have let me sleep in a little longer. My sleep schedule is destroyed.” “You can’t say that,” Toby said. “Why not?” Brody asked. “Weren’t we only in Texamilio for about a week?” “Good point, but I’m still tired.” Toby and Brody said nothing for a few minutes. They stood in the common area, with their arms crossed. The boys were thinking about what today would entail. Tonight, David and Brody wanted to have their friends over for a sleepover party at their house. It was now five o’clock in the afternoon, and Andrew, Adam, and John Garfield were at the Ingram's house. Dawson and Brett went to Merrillville to go bowling and have pizza with their friends. "Hey, David?" John asked later. "Yeah?" David asked. "Did you meet Rockybado?" "That's why we went to Texamilio." "So, did you keep a photo of him?" "We forgot the camera," Brody answered for David. "So, who is this Rockybado?" John questioned. "He's a robot who lives in Texamilio, an island just west of Hawaii," Andrew said. "How could you get to Hawaii and back in all but a little less than a week?!" John asked, surprised. "In his spaceship," said Toby. "How could you go all the way there in such little time?" “That has yet to be determined,” said Andrew. The Ingram’s ordered Chinese take-out for the kids while they watched a Sci-Fi movie. They then played board games. After that, they just felt like talking amongst themselves. It was nice being able to catch up with their old friends. "Adam?" John asked. "What?" Adam answered. "How did you fly back to Crown Point when you got home?" “We didn't actually do that, either. We went into Rockybado's spaceship." "What does Texamilio look like?" "Well, kind of like Crown Point," Andrew answered. "Not a chance! Texamilio must be a lush island that resembles Hawaii in many ways, since they’re so close.” "Go see for yourself," said Brody. "It is full of grass, water, blue sky, streets, houses, cities. You know, all that kind of stuff." The boys talked some more until they went to bed. The boys put on their pajamas and then fell asleep. Everyone was sleeping peacefully until Brody woke up. He couldn't fall back asleep. He went to the kitchen to get a drink of milk. On accident, as Brody tried to pour the milk into a glass, he dropped the glass, and it broke. The boys, of course, woke up to the sound of breaking glass. "What was that?" David asked once he woke up abruptly. They all tiptoed into the kitchen and saw a huge mess on the floor. There was a huge puddle of milk, and it was obvious that the glass was broken. Several big pieces and some small pieces on the floor. Splendid. “BRODY!" Brody gave everyone a blank stare after they all shouted his name. He was speechless. David, Toby, Andrew, Adam, and John kept staring at him. Brody suddenly grew embarrassed as he couldn’t help but freeze where he was. It didn’t help matters that everyone else also looked at him blankly. The room was filled with silence, like a milkshake filling a cup. What just happened here? At about two o’clock in the morning? “You spilled milk all over the floor, and you broke your favorite glass,” David said. “Oh, darn,” Brody answered in a seemingly nonchalant manner. “It was your favorite glass. It had robots and aliens all over it,” John replied. “Oh well. I got that glass from a fast food joint when I was four.” “There’s another one that you like, which should still be in your cupboard.” “That’s my second favorite glass.” “Can we help clean up the mess and then go back to bed? My sleep schedule is ruined,” Andrew questioned somewhat seriously, whereas everyone else took that as a joke. “No! We’re all up. We should play some video games,” Adam replied. “Good idea,” Brody answered. The boys were nice enough to help Brody clean up the mess that he made. Then, Brody got another glass of milk in his second favorite glass. He met the boys back in the basement, where they all returned when Brody was getting himself another glass of milk. All of the boys were setting up the game consoles so that they could pull an all-nighter and play their favorite video games. “We’re pulling an all-nighter,” David announced. “Wait. What time is it?” Adam questioned. “Only two o’clock.” “We have a lot of time on our hands. So we can play as many video games as we want!” Andrew exclaimed. “What are we playing?” Brody asked. The boys looked at each other. They hadn’t quite thought about what they wanted to play. They only thought about the fact that they were going to play video games. It was good that Brody had brought up what they were going to play, so that they could have some idea of what console needed to be plugged into the TV. Everyone looked through the games that the Ingram’s have, and they couldn’t quite make up their minds about what they had in mind. Car racing games. Epic maze games. Battle games. Classic games. The possibilities were endless. The boys had to make up their minds in a “short” amount of time, or otherwise they would have almost no time to play video games. They would be way too sleepy. “Is everyone in the mood for playing car racing games?” Toby asked. Everyone actually nodded or agreed otherwise. It was two o’clock in the morning, and they had about three and a half hours of sleep. They were now all wide awake, and they wanted some soda to keep it that way. David and Adam walked into the garage to get a whole case of grape soda, so the boys could have their sugar fix. When the two boys came back downstairs from their expedition in the garage, Brody, Andrew, John, and Toby were already playing some games. Once everyone started drinking grape soda, a sense of hype emanated through the entire basement like a breeze. And everyone knew it. They were going to be so wound up tonight, since they had sugar rushing through their systems. All of the boys were shouting loudly while trying to beat each other at the car racing game on the relatively old console. After a while, David and John stepped away from everyone else and decided to catch up. It has been about a week since they have seen each other, and John had moved to Valparaiso from Crown Point when school had just gotten out for the much-needed summer. “So, how was the move to Valpo?” David asked. “Very exhausting!” John answered. “Where exactly do you live now?” “We live on Jefferson Street.” “We used to live on the exact same street.” “Oh wow.” “And then we lived on Coolwood Drive before we moved to Crown Point.” “Oh, so the way south side.” “Definitely. I loved it there, but I love it here more. So, why did you move?” David had to ask. “My mom’s job has always been in Valpo, and the commute on Highway 30 was very hard in the winter. It wasn’t bad, but sometimes, the roads were not at their finest. So, we thought it would be easier to live in town,” John answered. “Do you like it so far?” “I love it.” “I have a friend who lives only a few blocks away from you.” “It’s a very small world, isn’t it?” “It’s a very small world. However, he lives a little west of your house.” After talking for a few more minutes, David and John eventually came back down into the basement to be with everybody else. The boys were still playing the same car racing game for the next five and a half hours. This game never got old. They could not help but try to win at least one round in the game. Toby was sprawled out on the recliner like a cat on a bed. Now, it was David, Brody, Andrew, Adam, and John who were still playing video games. At the end of three and a half hours of continuous gaming…. “What time is it, John?” Andrew questioned. “It is now 5:30 in the morning,” John answered as he looked at his wristwatch. “Should we call it a night?” “We should call it a night,” David answered for John. “I’m beyond exhausted.” “Do we have anything tomorrow?” Brody asked. “Thank God, no.” “Yeah, but Mom and Dad are going to wonder what we’ve been up to all night.” “Well, we’re growing boys. We need our sleep,” Andrew chimed in. At 5:31 in the morning, the boys just now got ready for bed. Well, Toby fell asleep at four in the morning. He was so sound asleep that he couldn’t hear any noises made by the other boys. David, Brody, Andrew, Adam, and John finished their last car race, and then they returned to their sleeping bags. All of the boys were trying to go back to sleep. It was, of course, very hard at first. They were all wound up after their exciting car races. But the truth was, they had to go back to bed now. It was so early in the morning, and Mr. and Mrs. Ingram would most likely wonder what the boys were up to all night long. Their first assumption would be that the boys played video games until the wee hours of the morning. Toby, of course, fell asleep at four this morning. After all the boys tried going back to sleep, John was the first boy to actually do so at 5:42. Then, Brody fell asleep at 5:48. Andrew then fell asleep at 5:56. David fell asleep at six o’clock in the morning. And Adam was the last boy to legitimately fall asleep at 6:05. At 6:30 in the morning, Dawson and Brett went downstairs to see what the boys were up to. All of the young boys in the basement were sleeping soundly by now. It was evident that David and Brody both forgot that they were doing something today, and it was going to be very exciting. If they had remembered, they probably would not have insisted on pulling an all-nighter. As a matter of fact, they would probably have been awake by now. No matter how much sleep the boys would have had, they would still be excited about what they were going to do. It was just all a matter of remembering what it was. “Goo monin, sleepyhead,” Brett said to David. “What do you want?” David answered feebly after slowly waking up. “It’s now 6:30! We are going to the amusement park at around ten o’clock, and John and his family are also coming with us.” “That’s nice. Just let us sleep.” “How long have you been up?” Dawson questioned. “We went to bed literally thirty minutes ago,” David answered feebly. “Well, you guys can sleep for a couple more hours.” “Yeah. That’s what we’re doing right now.” Spring 2019
Kevin Maggliardi, Levi Cranston’s (The Magic Video Game) friend, and Kevin's girlfriend, Shanti Lee, decided to spend a quiet evening at Kevin’s Cambridge apartment. No one else was home. Kevin had spent the afternoon with Jing Hao, Mike Wong, Levi, Jack Andrews, and Asad Prejesh. They went into downtown Boston to try an Italian restaurant that they had never been to before. That evening, Jing, Mike, Jack, and Asad were going to some bars. Levi and his girlfriend, Mackenzie, spent an evening together at their apartment in Allston. Kevin and Shanti decided to put on some goofy adult cartoons for a bit, while feasting on Indian food. Kevin was on the outer end of the couch, sitting sideways, while Shanti was nestled between him and where the pillows meet on the couch. Her head was on his shoulder, and his head lay on top of her head. He took a deep breath, and Shanti wrapped her left arm around his chest. Then, she put her ear between his left armpit and his left breast. While she could hear his deep breathing, she could also hear his quiet heartbeat. She looked up, and Kevin’s eyes were closed. He must have been a little too tired of watching cartoons for over two hours. Shanti got up and turned off the TV and returned to her place on the couch. “Hey, Kevin?” Shanti asked. “Yeah?” Kevin responded sleepily. “Can I hear your heartbeat?” “Yes.” Without hesitation, Kevin pulled up his shirt up to his collarbone. Shanti could see his ribs every time he took a breath, and she also thought she could see his heart beating through his skin. His belly button was exposed, and she wanted to poke it with a q-tip. Her ear was pressed firmly on the lower part of his left breast, and she just paid attention to the intense whooshing of blood through his mitral valve. “Your heart is so loud, fast, and strong. Are you nervous?” Shanti asked. “No,” Kevin replied quietly with a soft smile. He took a very deep breath, and Shanti noticed a couple skips in his heartbeat. She thought that was super cute. “What is your heart rate, if you don’t mind my asking?” Shanti questioned. Kevin checked his watch, which has that feature. “122,” Kevin stated. “Sounds way faster than that,” Shanti said. “I’m gonna get it to pound really hard for me. So get ready.” “Okay!” Shanti was wearing a white floral button-down shirt. She unbuttoned the top three buttons, so the top part of her chest and part of her bra were exposed. Her ear was still on his chest. She heard even louder and deeper heartbeats inside Kevin’s chest. He must have been getting really excited, so he checked his watch again. “134,” Kevin replied. “Good!” Shanti exclaimed. Kevin’s left arm was wrapped around Shanti. She took his right hand and placed it on the top part of her chest, so that he could feel her fast and strong heartbeat as well. He placed his left hand over Shanti’s left ear, so his heartbeat was all she could hear. He was starting to breathe really hard, as he was so excited. They were super happy with doing nothing other than this for at least ten minutes. “Shanti?” Kevin got his girlfriend’s attention, with his hand still on her chest. “Yeah?” Shanti replied. “You ready to find out how fast my heart is beating?” “Yes!” “142.” “Oh my God! You have a shit ton of adrenaline flowing through you.” Kevin let out a soft smile and then was quiet. His eyes were closed again, and Shanti thought he made a soft and cute noise through his mouth. His breathing was steady. His heart was racing, and chances were that it wouldn’t slow down any time soon. Brett Ingram (Rockybado) and his girlfriend, Olivia Cranston (The Magic Video Game), were spending a Friday evening at Brett’s Brooklyn apartment. It was just the two of them. Olivia’s friends and roommates spent the evening at one of the biggest parks in New York City. Brett’s friends and roommates decided to check out a blues fest. Brett and Olivia were invited to go, but they wanted to spend the evening at the apartment and watch movies.
It was around 11 o’clock in the evening, and Olivia noticed that Brett had somehow fallen asleep. They were halfway into one of their movies on the list for the night. Brett, normally a stomach sleeper, was lying on his back with his head turned to the right. He was on the outer end of the couch, and Olivia was nestled close to where the back of the couch and pillows meet. Not thinking Brett would really care, Olivia slowly placed her head against Brett’s chest. Before she had her head on his chest where she could feel his heartbeat against her head, but she never actually listened to it. Brett and Olivia knew they could make this relationship work, as they had both left their previous relationships of over ten years. Olivia had been with her long-time boyfriend, Cameron Sedley, for over nine years before he took a job in Colorado. He never let Olivia listen to his heartbeat, and Olivia didn’t mind that at all. Even though they are obviously no longer seeing each other, they are still friends. Brett had dated Olivera Slobodan for about the same time frame, and they had been incredibly serious. Olivera was ready to start a new life as she has gone back to school to get her PhD in biology. She is half Serbian and Asian Indian, and Brett has always thought that was the coolest mix ever. He planned to propose to her until one of their mutual friends brought up the subject without Brett’s consent. Even though the break-up was incredibly tough, especially for Brett, they still remain friends to this day. Brett’s heartbeat was very pure, a little bit on the fast side, but Olivia thought that was the cutest thing. She could hear his heart beating and his breathing in the background, and she knew she could easily fall asleep to this relaxing racket. She started crying tears of joy, for no apparent reason. From The Jazzy Island of Dinosaurs
It was the next morning, and the potential new name for the band was still fresh on Caleb’s mind. It was now 7:30 in the morning, and the boy just woke up. He took a fast shower, put on some everyday clothes, and walked down to the kitchen to eat breakfast with his siblings who were awake. Alyssa was now the only Grzedek kid who was still sleeping. While the four boys were eating a variety of different foods: cereal, toast and butter, fruit, basically all of the healthy choices, they thought about what their days would entail. The kids had a lot of different things that they were going to do on this fine day. Andrew was thinking about the exciting fact that he would be hanging out with his girlfriend, Eliza Colbert, this afternoon. Her family invited Andrew to come with them to Chicago to watch a baseball game. Caleb was considering the fact that he, of course, had band practice with his friends today. He was going to tell his friends the name that Adam had come up with last night. And, hopefully, everyone would agree on that name. Therefore, everything would be settled, making everyone’s life easier. Adam was going to hang out with his best friend today at around noon. He was also going with his friend’s family to Chicago today to browse the amazing city and what it has to offer. And perhaps get a deep dish pizza, as well as some ice cream. Cameron was going to spend time with their grandparents this afternoon. Not their grandparents that were here last night, but their other grandparents. The kids’ maternal grandparents live in Valparaiso, right by Highway 30, and they were planning on getting ice cream and walking around downtown today, and maybe doing some other things that would strike their fancy. Alyssa just woke up. As if that really meant anything. However, she was also going to visit their grandparents with Cameron. The real excitement for her? The ice cream. All five kids sat down at the table. The boys had finished eating about five minutes ago. However, Alyssa helped herself to some cereal and toast and butter. After Alyssa got her cereal and toast and butter, all five kids still sat at the table, continuing their thoughts about their plans for the day. “When do you guys have your band practice today?” Adam questioned Caleb. “In a half hour,” Caleb said. “Will you mention my idea for the name of the band?” “Yes, I will.” “‘The Sound of a B Flat’ is definitely a name you should go with.” “I agree.” Caleb then went back into his room to get ready for practice. He had to gather up everything that he needed for his practice. The boy thought everything was together in one area of the room. But he wanted to double-check, just to make sure he did, in fact, have everything. Bass guitar. Check. Amplifier. Check. Instrument cable. Check. Guitar strap. Check. Bass case. Obvious check. Tuner. Check. Small screw driver. Check. Rag. Check. Metronome. Check. Bass pick. Check….oh, wait. Caleb could not find his guitar pick. He swore that he had it in his guitar case. But, alas, the small green pick was nowhere to be found. And he thought he would need it. Actually, he was pretty sure he would need it. So that he would not get blisters. And if he didn’t get these blisters, then he could still play baseball with his friends. And it would be fun. Seconds seemed like minutes, and minutes seemed like hours. The boy could still not find the blasted bass pick. It was only seventeen minutes later, and he gave up. How could he have lost such a valuable treasure such as a bass pick? It should have been in his case. Surely no one would have just opened up his case and stolen the pick. And surely a bass pick couldn’t have grown legs and walked away. At least that shouldn’t have happened. Oh well. Caleb decided to quit looking. He has some more picks around here somewhere, but he was not going to take the time to look for one. The one that went missing in action has always been his most favorite pick. But Alessandra has at least two bass picks that she could let him borrow for a day or two. Just leave it at that. When Caleb came back downstairs, he noticed that all of his siblings gave him a funny look. Sure, it probably didn’t mean anything. However, it could also have met something. It could have meant that something goofy was about to happen. Also, it could have meant that something good might have happened. And then it could have been the case that something bad would have happened. But, in all sincerity, how could anything bad happen on such a good day? “You got a call from Kathryn,” Adam said bluntly. “Oh yeah? Did she get an updated keyboard, like she thought she was going to?” Caleb asked. “No.” “Is it goofy?” “No.” “Is it good?” “No.” “Is it bad?” “Yes.” “Oh no.” “Oh yes.” “What happened?” Caleb asked, desperate for Adam’s words. Fifteen seconds later…. “She just said she feels under the weather,” Adam replied, somewhat apathetically. “Great. Is Mark coming?” “No. He said he didn’t want to spread whatever Kathryn has to anyone else.” “How very noble.” Well, great. In all honesty, how could anyone get sick on such a nice day? After all, it is summer. In fact, summer vacation just now started. There should be a law where no one is allowed to get sick over the summer. It just shouldn’t happen. It just shouldn’t happen that way. It just shouldn’t happen at all. However, Caleb, Alessandra, and Tad still had to practice. Andrew and Caleb walked over to Alessandra’s house to meet up with the kids who were going to be at their own band rehearsal today. Alessandra lives only a block away from the Grzedek’s street. Therefore, they live in the same neighborhood, but on different streets. After Andrew dropped his younger brother off, he was going to meet his girlfriend at the end of the neighborhood. Andrew was going with her family to Chicago this morning, and they thought that it would be much easier to pick him up there than it would be to pick him up at his house, especially since Andrew and Caleb were walking around the neighborhood to begin with. Within thirty minutes, everyone was out of the house. Band practice today was going to be very weird because they were missing some of their more important parts: the keyboard and the drums. However, Tad could play drums today, since Mark was not going to be there. Caleb was the last kid to arrive at Alessandra’s house. When he came in, he noticed Alessandra and Tad discussing the latest issue of their favorite gaming magazine. Caleb arrived, and they put the magazine away because they both knew that Caleb wanted to practice and then go home. Well, unless no one else was home by that time, he could hang out with his friends for a little while longer, instead of practice for the upcoming concert. “Hey, Caleb,” Tad greeted. “Hey, guys,” Caleb answered. “So, we both decided that it might be best to put the practicing off today,” Alessandra said. “Did you and Tad both talk about it before I came over?” “Yes. So, I think we should just play games and have fun.” “Okay. I’m up for that.” “Kathryn should be fine by tomorrow, so we might as well just postpone the practicing until then,” Tad said. And Caleb was okay with that. What would a band be without its important elements? A band would not really be considered a band without a keyboard or drums, according to them. Even though Tad can play drums, Mark is a little more experienced. The band today would be short the keyboarder and the more experienced drummer. And that would not be good. And, to a degree, the band without a keyboarder and a drummer is similar to a clarinet without a reed. How can a clarinet be remotely playable without the reed? Someone could conceivably blow into the clarinet, but no sound would come out. Instead, the “music” played would just be a simple blow through an instrument that does not serve its full purpose. Now, how about the flute? Someone could just blow into the flute. However, he or she has to blow into the flute in a certain way. Or it would not be playable. The embouchure is really what counts in this scenario. The embouchure is very crucial for the clarinet as well, but the reed is essential when playing the clarinet. There is no reed that is required for the flute. In the school band, the kids, of course, play much different instruments than they do in their own garage band. Caleb plays the alto saxophone. Alessandra plays the clarinet. Kathryn plays the flute. Tad plays the trombone. And Mark plays…. The drums. Of course. “Does Kathryn just have what we all get every once in a while?” Caleb asked. “Yep. At least she said that she will most likely be feeling better by tomorrow,” Alessandra said. “Let’s hope at least,” Tad chimed in. “What should we do?” Caleb questioned. “Video games,” Alessandra replied. “Agreed,” Tad concurred. “I also have to agree.” Caleb, Alessandra, and Tad played video games for a while. They had alternated between games, but they spent a lot of their time playing car racing games in the common area. The three kids were having too much fun trying to beat each other at several of the video games being played. Alessandra’s mom and aunt were at home today, and they decided to get pizza for everyone. As a matter of fact, everyone decided to go to the very good pizza parlor and have lunch there. They all, especially the three kids, had nothing else to do today besides play video games. And, at this pizza parlor, there was an arcade room. So, with that in mind, Caleb, Alessandra, and Tad spent a lot of time playing arcade games that date back to the ‘80’s. And these games are ones that they have always liked. The band still played today. But not like they had anticipated. From The Somewhat Perilous Plot of the Patriotic Mosquitoes
Rockybado, the Robot King of the Island of Texamilio, and the eight kids were sitting by an old oak tree, drinking some coffee or tea or whatever they really wanted. They went to a coffee shop today and decided to try new things, like the Calignobia. Some went with the Calignobia. Others went with the mint tea. And yet some others went with a hazelnut latte. Things seemed to be going alright for quite a while. Nothing was to be worried about. The Patriotic Mosquitoes had not made their appearance yet. Or at least for quite some time. Everyone seemed to enjoy their drink of choice for the time being, until they all heard a very familiar sound. The sound of a very familiar cowbell was faint at first. One may or may not be able to hear it at this point. But then, the sound of the cowbell grew louder and louder by the minute. “Weeeeeee’re heeeeeeere,” Sam announced after a cowbell solo, performed by DR. “Wonderful job,” Rockybado remarked. “Much obliged!” “And no. You still cannot have the three islands.” “Aw, come on! It’s Tuesday!” Sam exclaimed. “What does Tuesday have to do with anything?” Rockybado questioned the leader of the Patriotic Mosquitoes. “Tuesday is the best day of the week.” “I honestly thought that the best day of the week was Friday.” “No. I believe it’s Tuesday.” “Well, that could be your opinion, though.” “It is, and it’s right.” Since when would someone say that Tuesday is the best day of the week? For some, Tuesday's are typically pretty great. For others, Tuesday's are typically pretty horrible. In most cases, probably not horrible. Just annoying because it's Tuesday. This day may not be the absolute best for most, but it would probably not be the absolute worst either. This Tuesday was probably not going to be the absolute best for the Patriotic Mosquitoes. But then again, the Patriotic Mosquitoes might find a way to make their Tuesday pretty great. And they would try to do this by getting away with taking the three supposedly fictitious islands. This was about to get interesting. “Did you actually have a plan to take over the islands?” Rockybado asked. “We were just gonna come in and take them,” Lisa replied. “But….how?” “Well, we did have some plans, but they seem to have failed.” “Yes, they most certainly did,” Rockybado replied. “At least you recognize that,” Lisa said. “I recognized it from the very beginning. The point is, you didn’t really seem to have a plan. You were waltzing all around Texamilio, Galavanti Island, and Wakahakai asking to take the islands. That is not the best strategy in my book.” “Then, if that’s not it, then what is?” “You just need a bigger and better plan.” “Enlighten me.” “As long as you don’t take the three islands.” This didn't look amazing on the side of the Patriotic Mosquitoes. Rockybado, Dacston, and Marty had all concluded that the Patriotic Mosquitoes did not have the best motive possible to take over the islands. If the Patriotic Mosquitoes were not making any official plans, then what did they have to lose? Why did they have no motive? What were they going to prove when they just said they were going to take over the three islands? They couldn't just walk in and say they could take over the three islands. That would not have been cool. It was totally uncool for the Patriotic Mosquitoes to advertise who they were with absolutely no motive. And their name might have been a bit laughable as well. At least to those who haven't always associated mosquitoes with being patriotic. “So, why are you called the Patriotic Mosquitoes?” David questioned. “Because we care deeply for our land and our citizens. We all got power hungry, and we wanted more land,” Sam replied. “So that is why you wanted the three islands all along?” “Absolutely.” “I agree with Rockybado. You should have been more strategic,” David said. “Do we still have a chance at the three islands?” Sam questioned. “No, I don’t think you do.” “Well….bummer.” “You didn’t have a chance at the very get-go.” “I realized that.” “Sad, but true.” Sam and the fellow Patriotic Mosquitoes started feeling sorry for themselves. None of them would have gone for a coffee at the moment. They were not in good moods at all. Not now, especially since their so-called "motive," if they even had one, was unveiled. Even though coffee normally lightens the mood, it may not always. For about five minutes, no one said a word. Not even the word "it" was said. Rockybado didn't know what else to say to the Patriotic Mosquitoes. The kids didn't quite know what to say to the Patriotic Mosquitoes. Sam didn't know what to say to the Patriotic Mosquitoes. “What I find depressing is that you didn’t think you had enough power so you decided to take over these islands,” Levi remarked, shaking his head. “Yeah, I guess that is pretty depressing,” Sam replied. “Then, why did you think this was all a good idea?” “Well, it’s all better than playing the odds against some land, I suppose.” “What is that even supposed to mean?” Levi questioned. “I am rambling,” Sam commented. “You are kinda rambling.” “I do like speedbags, though.” “What are you talking about?” “They’re fun to play with.” “I don’t doubt that at all. I actually have a speedbag in my garage. My dad and I renovated it when I was in high school.” “Is that right?” “Absolutely.” It was definitely one of those moments when a drum roll would have been appropriate. Rockybado was waiting for the Patriotic Mosquitoes to make up their own mind about Texamilio, Galavanti Island, and Wakahakai. The sad looks on their faces gave Rockybado and the kids a somewhat obvious indicator. But it could have meant something else, too. They might have been sad because they missed their flight to London. That place is pretty cool, so many people would want to make a point to go there some time. But Rockybado still waited for the “drum roll” to subside and for Sam to tell him what his plans were going to be. A few minutes later…. “So, what are you going to do, Sam?” Rockybado asked the leader of the Patriotic Mosquitoes. It was the ultimatum of ultimatums. “I surrender,” Sam replied slowly, his head hanging down. “It’s a deal. You must not request to take the three islands.” “I accept the deal, even though it was not what I wanted.” “I’m sorry to be a bearer of bad news, but I think it will be for the better,” Rockybado remarked. “I understand,” Sam replied with a sigh. “So, what will you be doing now?” “I suppose we Patriotic Mosquitoes need to book a flight to Italy and eat our weight in pasta.” “You would definitely like Italy.” “I’ve always wanted to go there.” With a shrug of the shoulders and a shake of the head, Sam had surrendered to the rightful rulers of the three islands. Even though he had lost his bet with the three islands, Sam was going to make sure that his loss wasn't so bitter. If he won the three fictitious islands, he and the Patriotic Mosquitoes were going to travel somewhere. Even if he lost the three fictitious islands, which he did, he and the Patriotic Mosquitoes were still going to travel somewhere. The Patriotic Mosquitoes had a plan. “Rockybado,” Sam got the Robot King of the Island’s attention. “Yes, Sam?” Rockybado responded. “What did you enjoy most about Italy?” “What did I enjoy most about Italy?” “Yes,” Sam replied. “The spaghetti,” Rockybado replied. “Oh please. Of all things in Italy….the spaghetti?” “Yes, the spaghetti. What were you expecting me to say?” “The splendor of the Italian scenery, the warm fellowship of the citizens. You’re the Robot King of the Island, so I was thinking you’d say something a little more correct.” “Well, I like their spaghetti, so if that’s a little incorrect for you, I don’t know what could be more correct.” “Well, enough with the chit chat, I guess. My fellow comrades and I have a mission to accomplish. We are gonna go to Italy and take in the splendor of the Italian scenery, as well as the warm fellowship of the citizens because I like to be correct.” “Have fun in Italy!” Sam motioned Lisa, DR, Elly, and the other Patriotic Mosquitoes over to where he was. They had to book yet another flight, since their flight to London didn’t work out. As a matter of fact, the Patriotic Mosquitoes wanted to go to Italy, since they have been to England before. It took the Patriotic Mosquitoes to leave the island while Rockybado watched them leave. In a matter of fifteen minutes, the Patriotic Mosquitoes had finally left to go to Italy. And there was much rejoicing for Rockybado and the kids, as well as Dacston and Marty, and everyone else who rule these three islands. “So, that is over. Finally,” Rockybado said to everyone. “So, what are we gonna do now?” Andrew asked for everyone. “I think we should get everyone together for a fiesta. I hear the dinosaurs over at Galavanti Island are amazing fiesta planners.” “Yes, they are.” “And I’m also in the mood for some jazz music. I hear they are excellent musicians over there,” Rockybado said. “Absolutely,” Andrew replied. “Well, what are we waiting for?” “We should definitely reach out to them and see if they’re in the mood for a fiesta!” “That’s what I’m talking about!” “We’ll see what we can do!” From Rockybado 4: Running Up a Hill
Today was one of those days that could go by without ever getting out of bed. Well, that could basically be any day during the summer. Especially today for some reason. Today was the day that Dawson Ingram and Daniela Cardis were going to get married, and the Ingram’s had to have gotten ready for the wedding yesterday. So, of course, everyone would be in a rush this morning. It was ten o’clock in the morning, and David and Brody Ingram were the only boys still sleeping. Toby Ingram was doing what he would normally do on a morning: play video games after breakfast. Mr. and Mrs. Ingram were most likely sitting at the dining room table conversing about what today was going to bring. Too bad Brett Ingram wasn’t here to pull a wake-up prank on the two sleepyheads. He was at his place with his friends. It had to be their mom who would have to give them the wake-up call. After realizing how late it already was, she walked up to the boys’ room and noticed that the ceiling fan was on full blast. She also saw David, who was lying on his back with his arms wrapped over a pillow, which happened to be over his face. His comforter, as always on a nice summer morning, was thrown to the side. She watched his chest rise and fall with his breathing, and his shirt was pulled up to just below his belly button. Then, she saw Brody, who was sleeping on his stomach. He was wrapped in his comforter, probably because the fan was directly above him, and he must have gotten a little cold last night. His face was buried in a pillow, and his arms were wrapped around his body pillow (which he needs because he is mostly a stomach sleeper). Even though the two boys looked very calm when sleeping, they needed to wake up. Now. “Wake up, boys,” Mrs. Ingram said to David and Brody, who were obviously still sleeping. “Do we have to?” Brody mumbled in his sleep. He was still sleeping comfortably on his stomach with his arms wrapped around a body pillow. “You should start waking up soon. We have to be at the church at one o’clock. It’s already ten.” “Not happening.” “Brody,” their mom said, sounding relatively cross. “Today is Dawson’s wedding.” “It is?” Brody replied, still as sleepily. “Yes, it is. Would you and David like another thirty minutes?” Brody nodded in his pillow. “Okay. But you guys have to be awake by then.” “Whatever.” Mrs. Ingram returned to the dining room to be with her husband. Toby was still playing video games with Felicia sitting by his side. Honeybunny was probably somewhere in the kitchen eating cat food. Felicia got up and moved onto Toby’s lap, causing him to quit everything he was doing and pet the cat. Of course, to some, cats come before video games. “They’re not waking up yet?” Mr. Ingram asked his wife, once she returned to the dining room table. Felicia then ran off to be with Honeybunny. “Nope. You know how they are,” Mrs. Ingram replied. “Yes, I know how they are. David and Brody have always been that way, though.” “I know. We’ve got two cute boys who can’t seem to have the motivation to wake up for anything.” “All of our boys are handsome,” Mr. Ingram remarked. “Yes, they all are. However, Dawson, Brett, and Toby are more morning people than David and Brody. When those two boys were younger, you never saw them up before noon. Ten years later, same thing,” Mrs. Ingram said. “That’s true. They just need more sleep than the other boys.” “I guess that’s true. I just find it hilarious that it probably won’t ever change.” “Oh well!” “Yes, definitely.” Twenty-five minutes later, Mrs. Ingram got up from her chair in the dining room, and she walked back up to the boys’ room. She was expecting that David and Brody would still be sleeping soundly, and that they would be even less willing to wake up if anyone pulled a prank on them. But, because their mom isn’t nearly as rough around the edges as Brett, she was going to wake them up gently. “Wake up, sleepyhead,” Mrs. Ingram said to David, who was still sleeping soundly. “No,” David said in his pillow. “Well, your thirty minutes are up.” “Are they really?” “Yes, I gave you an extra half hour,” their mom said. “No, you didn’t,” David remarked sleepily. “I actually did. I guess you didn’t hear me when I was trying to wake you guys up?” “No.” “Well, today is Dawson’s wedding.” “I’m up.” David wasn’t nearly as irritable as their mom would have thought. He wasn’t in a bad mood, but he wasn’t in an amazing mood either. David was excited about his brother getting married today, but why couldn’t everything be pushed back a few hours? Ah well. He’d get through this day pretty easily, or so he would think. Time to get ready for the day. From Rockybado: Robot King of the Island
It was eleven o'clock at night when the boys were dropped off at their houses. They were all tired and sad that they had to leave their new best friends, Rockybado, Jeremy, Johnny, and everyone else whom they had just met. When the Ingram's came home, their parents were already asleep. The boys quietly put on their pajamas and went to bed. The boys slept peacefully until the sun rose in the sky. Ten o’clock the next morning arrived quickly, and David and Brody were still sleeping. David woke up now, but Brody was still sleeping soundly. Dawson, their oldest brother, went upstairs to check on him, only to find that the only thing his younger brother did was stir. Brody was sleeping on his side. Completely mindless of everything going on around him. His eyes were closed. His chest was rising and falling steadily. His mouth was half open. His mood bracelet turned a dark blue, meaning he was calm. Their white cat, Honeybunny, and their white and grey-spotted cat, Felicia, climbed onto his bed and lay on top of him. And Brody was snoring quietly. It was thirty minutes later, the boy was still sleeping. He couldn’t help it since his sleep schedule was more messed up than it had been before the expedition to Texamilio. When Toby snuck into his older brother’s room, he brought with him a squirt gun. This ten-year-old was thinking about squirting Brody to the moon. Squirt! “TOBY!” was the first thing that came out of Brody’s mouth. Toby did nothing else but smile menacingly. He was really going to get it, wasn’t he? Toby was cruisin’ for a bruisin’. It was obvious that Brody was really not happy. His peaceful sleep had been interrupted by his younger brother. And Toby was sure going to get it some time. Probably now. Brody chased Toby around the house until they both grew winded. “You are such a nuisance,” Brody said to Toby once they both caught their breaths. “I just wanted to wake you up. That’s all,” Toby answered. “Well, you should have let me sleep in a little longer. My sleep schedule is destroyed.” “You can’t say that,” Toby said. “Why not?” Brody asked. “Weren’t we only in Texamilio for about a week?” “Good point, but I’m still tired.” Toby and Brody said nothing for a few minutes. They stood in the common area, with their arms crossed. The boys were thinking about what today would entail. Tonight, David and Brody wanted to have their friends over for a sleepover party at their house. It was now five o’clock in the afternoon, and Andrew, Adam, and John Garfield were at the Ingram's house. Dawson and Brett went to Merrillville to go bowling and have pizza with their friends. "Hey, David?" John asked later. "Yeah?" David asked. "Did you meet Rockybado?" "That's why we went to Texamilio." "So, did you keep a photo of him?" "We forgot the camera," Brody answered for David. "So, who is this Rockybado?" John questioned. "He's a robot who lives in Texamilio, an island just west of Hawaii," Andrew said. "How could you get to Hawaii and back in all but a little less than a week?!" John asked, surprised. "In his spaceship," said Toby. "How could you go all the way there in such little time?" “That has yet to be determined,” said Andrew. The Ingram’s ordered Chinese take-out for the kids while they watched a Sci-Fi movie. They then played board games. After that, they just felt like talking amongst themselves. It was nice being able to catch up with their old friends. "Adam?" John asked. "What?" Adam answered. "How did you fly back to Crown Point when you got home?" “We didn't actually do that, either. We went into Rockybado's spaceship." "What does Texamilio look like?" "Well, kind of like Crown Point," Andrew answered. "Not a chance! Texamilio must be a lush island that resembles Hawaii in many ways, since they’re so close.” "Go see for yourself," said Brody. "It is full of grass, water, blue sky, streets, houses, cities. You know, all that kind of stuff." The boys talked some more until they went to bed. The boys put on their pajamas and then fell asleep. Everyone was sleeping peacefully until Brody woke up. He couldn't fall back asleep. He went to the kitchen to get a drink of milk. On accident, as Brody tried to pour the milk into a glass, he dropped the glass, and it broke. The boys, of course, woke up to the sound of breaking glass. "What was that?" David asked once he woke up abruptly. They all tiptoed into the kitchen and saw a huge mess on the floor. There was a huge puddle of milk, and it was obvious that the glass was broken. Several big pieces and some small pieces on the floor. Splendid. “BRODY!" Brody gave everyone a blank stare after they all shouted his name. He was speechless. David, Toby, Andrew, Adam, and John kept staring at him. Brody suddenly grew embarrassed as he couldn’t help but freeze where he was. It didn’t help matters that everyone else also looked at him blankly. The room was filled with silence, like a milkshake filling a cup. What just happened here? At about two o’clock in the morning? “You spilled milk all over the floor, and you broke your favorite glass,” David said. “Oh, darn,” Brody answered in a seemingly nonchalant manner. “It was your favorite glass. It had robots and aliens all over it,” John replied. “Oh well. I got that glass from a fast food joint when I was four.” “There’s another one that you like, which should still be in your cupboard.” “That’s my second favorite glass.” “Can we help clean up the mess and then go back to bed? My sleep schedule is ruined,” Andrew questioned somewhat seriously, whereas everyone else took that as a joke. “No! We’re all up. We should play some video games,” Adam replied. “Good idea,” Brody answered. The boys were nice enough to help Brody clean up the mess that he made. Then, Brody got another glass of milk in his second favorite glass. He met the boys back in the basement, where they all returned when Brody was getting himself another glass of milk. All of the boys were setting up the game consoles so that they could pull an all-nighter and play their favorite video games. “We’re pulling an all-nighter,” David announced. “Wait. What time is it?” Adam questioned. “Only two o’clock.” “We have a lot of time on our hands. So we can play as many video games as we want!” Andrew exclaimed. “What are we playing?” Brody asked. The boys looked at each other. They hadn’t quite thought about what they wanted to play. They only thought about the fact that they were going to play video games. It was good that Brody had brought up what they were going to play, so that they could have some idea of what console needed to be plugged into the TV. Everyone looked through the games that the Ingram’s have, and they couldn’t quite make up their minds about what they had in mind. Car racing games. Epic maze games. Battle games. Classic games. The possibilities were endless. The boys had to make up their minds in a “short” amount of time, or otherwise they would have almost no time to play video games. They would be way too sleepy. “Is everyone in the mood for playing car racing games?” Toby asked. Everyone actually nodded or agreed otherwise. It was two o’clock in the morning, and they had about three and a half hours of sleep. They were now all wide awake, and they wanted some soda to keep it that way. David and Adam walked into the garage to get a whole case of grape soda, so the boys could have their sugar fix. When the two boys came back downstairs from their expedition in the garage, Brody, Andrew, John, and Toby were already playing some games. Once everyone started drinking grape soda, a sense of hype emanated through the entire basement like a breeze. And everyone knew it. They were going to be so wound up tonight, since they had sugar rushing through their systems. All of the boys were shouting loudly while trying to beat each other at the car racing game on the relatively old console. After a while, David and John stepped away from everyone else and decided to catch up. It has been about a week since they have seen each other, and John had moved to Valparaiso from Crown Point when school had just gotten out for the much-needed summer. “So, how was the move to Valpo?” David asked. “Very exhausting!” John answered. “Where exactly do you live now?” “We live on Jefferson Street.” “We used to live on the exact same street.” “Oh wow.” “And then we lived on Coolwood Drive before we moved to Crown Point.” “Oh, so the way south side.” “Definitely. I loved it there, but I love it here more. So, why did you move?” David had to ask. “My mom’s job has always been in Valpo, and the commute on Highway 30 was very hard in the winter. It wasn’t bad, but sometimes, the roads were not at their finest. So, we thought it would be easier to live in town,” John answered. “Do you like it so far?” “I love it.” “I have a friend who lives only a few blocks away from you.” “It’s a very small world, isn’t it?” “It’s a very small world. However, he lives a little west of your house.” After talking for a few more minutes, David and John eventually came back down into the basement to be with everybody else. The boys were still playing the same car racing game for the next five and a half hours. This game never got old. They could not help but try to win at least one round in the game. Toby was sprawled out on the recliner like a cat on a bed. Now, it was David, Brody, Andrew, Adam, and John who were still playing video games. At the end of three and a half hours of continuous gaming…. “What time is it, John?” Andrew questioned. “It is now 5:30 in the morning,” John answered as he looked at his wristwatch. “Should we call it a night?” “We should call it a night,” David answered for John. “I’m beyond exhausted.” “Do we have anything tomorrow?” Brody asked. “Thank God, no.” “Yeah, but Mom and Dad are going to wonder what we’ve been up to all night.” “Well, we’re growing boys. We need our sleep,” Andrew chimed in. At 5:31 in the morning, the boys just now got ready for bed. Well, Toby fell asleep at four in the morning. He was so sound asleep that he couldn’t hear any noises made by the other boys. David, Brody, Andrew, Adam, and John finished their last car race, and then they returned to their sleeping bags. All of the boys were trying to go back to sleep. It was, of course, very hard at first. They were all wound up after their exciting car races. But the truth was, they had to go back to bed now. It was so early in the morning, and Mr. and Mrs. Ingram would most likely wonder what the boys were up to all night long. Their first assumption would be that the boys played video games until the wee hours of the morning. Toby, of course, fell asleep at four this morning. After all the boys tried going back to sleep, John was the first boy to actually do so at 5:42. Then, Brody fell asleep at 5:48. Andrew then fell asleep at 5:56. David fell asleep at six o’clock in the morning. And Adam was the last boy to legitimately fall asleep at 6:05. At 6:30 in the morning, Dawson and Brett went downstairs to see what the boys were up to. All of the young boys in the basement were sleeping soundly by now. It was evident that David and Brody both forgot that they were doing something today, and it was going to be very exciting. If they had remembered, they probably would not have insisted on pulling an all-nighter. As a matter of fact, they would probably have been awake by now. No matter how much sleep the boys would have had, they would still be excited about what they were going to do. It was just all a matter of remembering what it was. “Goo monin, sleepyhead,” Brett said to David. “What do you want?” David answered feebly after slowly waking up. “It’s now 6:30! We are going to the amusement park at around ten o’clock, and John and his family are also coming with us.” “That’s nice. Just let us sleep.” “How long have you been up?” Dawson questioned. “We went to bed literally thirty minutes ago,” David answered feebly. “Well, you guys can sleep for a couple more hours.” “Yeah. That’s what we’re doing right now.” From The Magic Video Game 2: Time for Tennis
It was about 10:30 in the morning, and Levi was planning to go to Chicago with Mackenzie and her dad. They had a list of things that they had wanted to do, and Levi was very excited about this opportunity to be with them when walking around Chicago. Mackenzie’s three brothers, Brent, Jesse, and Andrew, and their mom went to downtown Valparaiso to visit the kids’ cousins. Mackenzie and their dad already had plans to explore downtown Chicago, and they were going to have a great day. It was now about 10:50 in the morning, ten minutes before they were leaving for Chicago, and Levi had told Mackenzie that he would be over at her house at around this time. However, when Levi did not show up, Mackenzie tried calling him several times. After at least six failed tries, the phone calls always went straight to Levi’s voicemail. “Snap,” she said after she hung up the phone. “Is he not answering?” her dad questioned. “No. And it’s 11:02!” “He could just be running late.” “He said he would come.” “Just relax, sweetie.” “Levi is usually on time when it comes to things like these, and I know we need to leave soon.” “Isn’t he a late sleeper?” Mackenzie didn’t say anything for a few moments. She could not remember whether Levi loved sleeping in late or not. Today, it seems that a lot of teenagers love to sleep in late. And Levi was probably one of them. It was evident that Levi’s love for sleeping in had yet to cross her mind. “Oh my God. That’s probably what he’s doing.” She started crying. Mackenzie was really looking forward to having her boyfriend come with them to Chicago. She would not have minded so much the fact that she and her dad were going on a day trip there, but she did not like the fact that Levi just didn’t call her. Mackenzie hung her head down and cried even harder. Her dad walked over to her and tried to make things a bit easier. Meanwhile, Levi was still sleeping. He was in the clothes he wore yesterday. He forgot to put his ankle brace on; he was so tired from a busy and fun day. It was now 11:06, and his mom came upstairs to check on him. She gently shook his arm so that she could at least try to get him to wake up. After about five minutes, the boy woke up very slowly. When he finally sat up on his bed, he could barely open his eyes. He brought his knees up to his face, and his head was on them. His arms were wrapped around his knees. Levi was trying to wake himself up by taking in a few deep breaths and exhaling slowly. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” she said. “Hello,” Levi quietly answered once he was more awake. “Did you remember that you were going to Chicago with Mackenzie today?” “….Yeah?” “They already left.” “What?!” “They were going to leave around 11.” “What time is it now?” “11:13.” “Oh no!” Levi quickly got out of bed and ran toward the kitchen. His heart was pounding so hard to the point that it could actually burst inside him. His stomach hurt to the point that there may, in fact, have been butterflies flying around in there. And his palms were sweaty from just being woken up, as well as being very upset about the whole situation. His phone was on the counter, next to some breakfast cereal, and he quickly dialed his girlfriend’s number in a matter of heartbeats. After a few rings…. “Hey, you finally decided to call,” Mackenzie answered. “Yeah. I’m really sorry,” Levi said. “What were you doing all this time?” “I literally just woke up.” “Ah.” “I saw that you called six times.” “I sure did.” “I’m a heavy sleeper.” “I’ve noticed.” “I’m sorry about today. I really didn’t mean to pull what I did,” Levi apologized. “It’s fine. We’ll just have to plan something else, I guess,” Mackenzie replied. “I know. I really have to make this up to you.” “Okay. What do you want to do?” “Question is….what do you want to do?” “Well, I’m partial to just playing video games.” “I’m cool with that.” “What day?” “Tomorrow?” “That should work.” “Alright. See you then.” “Bye!” Levi sat at the kitchen table feeling very bad about what he had done. Yet, he also thought it was pretty hilarious. Evelyn Maeve found her older brother and skipped in his general direction. She had her butterfly wings attached to her, and she was wearing a halo made out of garland from a previous Christmas pageant that her friend wanted her to be a part of, since she was also in it. Apparently, Evelyn Maeve’s intention was to be a fairy today. “Herro,” she said gleefully. “Herro,” Levi answered back. “Are you supposed to be somewhere?” “I was supposed to be in Chicago with my girlfriend.” “Oh?” “And I overslept, so I’m here.” “Yay!” “I know.” “Cartoons?” “Okay!” Levi went back up into his bedroom to put on some everyday clothes, and then he came back down to eat some leftover mostaccioli from the night before. He and Evelyn Maeve watched some cartoons for an hour. Soon after the next show was coming on, their mom found them on the couch. She was finished with some work that she had to do for her job. Victoria and Olivia were at their half-sister’s house; they visited Louise, who was not feeling very well today. “What doing, peeps?” she asked. “Watching TV,” Levi answered. “Watching TV,” Evelyn Maeve repeated softly. “Want to do Mexican food for lunch?” their mom asked. Levi’s and Evelyn Maeve’s mouths dropped. They ran to the closet by the door and hurriedly put on their shoes. Then, the three went to the nearest Mexican restaurant to eat….Mexican food. Not Chinese food. An hour and a half later, once they came home from their outing, Levi received a phone call from Jack. He missed the call at first because he basically did not hear his phone go off. Once he found out that Jack had tried to call him, he decided the best thing to do would be to call his best friend back. After dialing Jack’s number and a few rings…. “Herro, Sir Levi,” Jack answered his phone. “Hey. What’s up?” Levi answered. “Hey. I tried calling’ you, but you no get my call.” “Very funny, sir.” “Well….how was your….date?” “You want to know the truth, don’t you?” “Yes. Yes, I do.” “I overslept.” “What?! What is that supposed to mean?” Jack questioned his best friend. “I overslept. We were going to Chicago at 11, but I woke up at 11. So, we’re playing video games instead,” Levi replied. “You should make a cake. Simple as that.” “I never thought about that.” “Well. Now, I want you to meet two new amazing people who may join our posse.” “Great. Who are they?” “Benny Wickford and Nathaniel Linden. I made up some sweet names for them!” “Cool!” “Benny is Benny Bear. Nathaniel is Lindy,” Jack explained. “I like Lindy!” Levi exclaimed. “I know! Well, come over to the tree house in fifteen minutes….if you can.” “It’s on the ground.” “Right. It is a house made out of a tree.” “Well, bye!” “Bye!” Levi got ready to go over to Jack’s house. He was actually going to meet two new friends today, who were most likely tennis nerds, just like the whole posse. He ran upstairs to get his sandals, since he has always put them somewhere in his bedroom. Levi was fine when he put his flip-flops on. But, when he ran downstairs, he tripped on one of the stairs and fell the rest of the way down. “WEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!” Levi shouted at the top of his lungs. It was obvious that Levi somehow found a little bit of fun in falling down the stairs. His mom, however, heard the loud noise from the kitchen, where she was sitting. She was far from entertained. As a matter of fact, her post-traumatic stress disorder was definitely kicking in. “LEVI! ARE YOU OKAY?!” she shouted. “Yes, I’m fine. I just fell down the stairs.” “You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?” “No. It was actually quite fun. Jack wanted me to go over to his house made out of a tree.” Mrs. Cranston then drove her son to Jack’s house, which is literally five minutes away from their house. Only he doesn’t live in downtown Valparaiso. He lives on Shamrock Lane, which is on the west side. Once Levi and his mom exchanged their casual “I love you’s,” Levi went up to the house to meet up with his best friend, and then Mrs. Cranston and Evelyn Maeve were going grocery shopping. Victoria and Olivia were planning to come home in thirty minutes, as was their dad. |
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August 2019
About my BlogMy blog contains anything and everything one should know about my books. Aaaaand a lot more as well. |
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