River - Gen 2 Ch 3

Do my eyes deceive me? Or are you actually doing your homework? You always wait to do it until you're on your way to school in the morning.

Yeah, yeah. I just remembered I graduate in a few days, and I need to get my grades up. Things are gonna be different from now on with me, you'll see.

Oh really? Different how?

Well, for one thing, I want to make friends with dad. You know we've never really gotten along, but I really want to change that.

MmHm... and that's why you look so bored you're about to fall asleep right now.

I didn't say it was gonna be easy. All right, it's gonna be nigh unto impossible, okay? I forgot how much I don't like to hear about the finer points of cat burgling.

It's much more fun to pillow fight with Peaches. I could pillow fight all day.

You do pillow fight all day. Which is why you end up doing your homework on the way to school every day.

Pillow fighting is fun! Even Ocean agrees with me on that point.

Too bad he hasn't found a rainbow gem yet for Fluffy. Or has he?

What? Do you know something? Tell me! Come on, it's my birthday.

I think I'll just let it be a little birthday surprise.

That's quite the party your mom threw for yours and Peaches birthday.

Yeah, she's the best. Let's go blow out the candles!

Just a sec. I wanna watch this first. You should watch it too.

Huh?

Ocean is turning Fluffy real.

What! Right now? At my party? Grr... always trying to steal my thunder.

I don't care. I'm gonna have my birthday anyway. He can just stay in the living room with Fluffy if he wants. At least my friends would rather watch me.

Oops! I missed watching you blow out your candles...

... too busy watching Ocean and Fluffy.

Fine. Be that way.

If it makes you feel better, I'll watch Peaches. Why are you all the way over there? And why the long face?

I don't like the way Ocean is looking at my Peaches.

Oh, come on. He has his Fluffy now. I'm sure he's not going to steal Peaches away from you.

I wouldn't be so sure. She's incredibly cute.

This is true. So maybe now that you've grown up, you should ask her on a date. Or at least flirt with her a little?

I don't think so. I still need more time.

Uh oh... she gave me a birthday present. What am I gonna do? I forgot to get her something!

Don't panic. Surely you must have something she'd like.

Okay... let me see...

I gave her that luminorous gem I found when I was out looking for rainbows. She likes it!

Of course she does. She likes you, you know.

Now what? Off to City Hall to register for a life in politics? Deja vu.

What?

Oh,  it just reminds me of doing this same thing with your mom not that long ago.

My mom? She's always worked at the theater.

Not always. I hope you have better luck in politics that she did.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing. Never mind. Forget I said anything. I don't want to jinx your life or anything.

Oh no! River! You need to get home from City Hall immediately! It's.... it's your mom.

Noooooo! What happened?

She.. she went quietly in her sleep.

I can't believe she's gone... just like that...

She seemed happy to go, if that's any consolation. She lived a full life, made a lot of people happy with her music, and raised three wonderful children.

I don't know about three. There's Ocean after all. Why does he look so fiendishly delighted?

I probably shouldn't tell you.

Tell me anyway.

Well, you know a few weeks ago, when your mom grounded him for the umpteenth time? Since then he's had this wish to.. well... see your mom's ghost.

You shouldn't have told me.

I told you so.

Just shut up.

Working out at the beach? You have a room full of exercise equipment at home.

You know why. I try to spend as little time at home as possible lately. And working out helps me forget how much I miss mom.

And before you say anything. No, it's not a date. We both just felt like getting out of the house for a while, so we thought we'd go out for a drink. You just don't know what it's like at home right now.

I know you still miss your mom, but it can't be that bad, can it?

Of course it's that bad. I've tried and tried, and still can't make friends with dad. He keeps saying stupid, annoying, inappropriate stuff that drives me nuts. Cloudy dotes on dad, and aspires to be just like him. And Ocean's even worse.  Without mom, there's nothing for me here. That's why I've come to a decision.

Peaches and I have talked it over, and we both agree. We want to move to a high rise. Just the two of us.

Just like that? Driving off into the sunset?

Just like that. You better start looking for a nice place we can afford.

How about this? It has a nice balcony, and a pool. And it's even on the beach.

It's not bad. It's a little small.

Not bad? It's perfect! And it even has furniture!

Uh... why wouldn't it have furniture?

When you mom first arrived here, I found her a condo near the beach. It wasn't nearly as nice as this one, though. And there wasn't enough money left over for furniture. You just don't know how good you have it.

If you say so. It is a nice place. And it's nice to be able to cry without your whole family mocking you about it.

Were they really that bad?

I'm surprised you have to ask.

"Don't worry Peaches, everything's gonna be great from now on - you'll see."

River - Gen 2 Ch 2

Oh wonderful! You've decided to actually talk to Peaches? I guess that little episode with Ocean made you think twice about how you're treating her?

Okay, okay, you were right. I do need to talk to her more. I want to ask her to be my BFF. Do you think she'll agree?

There's only one way to find out. You gotta ask.

"Um.. Peaches.. Do you want... will you..."

Spit it out already!

I'm trying!

"WillyoubemyBFF?"

I hope she even understood that run-on mishmash.

She said yes!

Aww. Such a nice hug. Maybe followed by a nice romantic kiss?

It's not that kind of hug! She's just my friend, that's all.

You're as bad as your mom when it comes to romance, you know that?

I see Ocean hasn't changed his ways in the least.

Nope. But he's grounded for practically forever, after the police brought him home that one night. I'm just glad Peaches left before the cops arrived. What's he up to now?

Oh, he's just setting off one of this stink bombs in your parents' bedroom - while your dad is sleeping, no less.

I hope he gets caught.

It looks like he's getting worse than caught. He didn't get away fast enough, and he got sick from his own stink bomb. Your dad is looking none too happy about the whole affair.

Hahaha. He's never gonna get ungrounded at this rate.

Can you believe it? After all that, My brother had the guts to ask my dad to teach him to drive.

Let me guess - the answer was 'no'.

You should have heard him beg.

I did hear - I hear everything, you know.

Oh yeah. Then I guess you heard Ocean's reaction when he was denied.

I had to cover my ears. Such language! I guess he's not getting ungrounded any time soon.

Oh my, River! What's this? A new car? And a date?

Yup, yup. My mom finally bought me a car. For good behavior, she said. My favorite color too! And it's not a date.

Are you sure? You really should think about making it a date, if you ask me. Peaches would make a fantastic girlfriend.

It's not a date! I already told you, I don't like her like that. We just wanted to play hopscotch again, so I took her to the park.

Okay, okay. But at least think about finding a girlfriend, will you?

Forget it, I'm just not ready yet.

So I thought you were going to play hopscotch. Looks to me like Peaches is playing and you are sitting on the park bench watching her. And what's with the strained expression on your face? I thought you liked playing with Peaches.

I do.. I just have a ... slight problem right now.

Oh? Do tell.

There's no bathroom at the park.

Oh. I see. And unfortunately, so does Peaches.

Ugh. How embarrassing.

I'll say. Why the heck didn't you just go home?

Uh. I guess I should have. But Peaches was having so much fun, and.. well.. I.. Okay, it was stupid.

Not the most auspicious beginning for a relationship. But don't give up. You won't die of embarrassment.

That's what you think. I think I'll just go crawl in a hole and curl up and die, right now.

Oooo... Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Still upset about the park incident?

Just shut up. I'm sick of school, sick of Ocean ruining my life, sick of always making a fool of myself in front of Peaches. It's time I did something about it.

You really think insulting your brother is going to solve anything?

Maybe not, but it sure makes me feel better.

Okay, but I'd just be careful if I were you. I don't think Ocean's going to take this lying down.

Now what? Are you really booby trapping the shower?

Yes. I can't wait to see Ocean's hair turn bright neon aqua.

But... what if someone else uses it first?

I... hmm... I'll just watch and see that they don't, I guess. 

Yeah, that sounds like a fail safe plan...

Okay, I'm done with the booby trap, now to find Peaches... I feel like hanging out with her for a while.

I can't find her. She didn't come home from school. Do you see her anywhere?

Um, yeah. I see her. She's hanging out with some friends in front of the theater.

Some friends? Who exactly?

Uh... just friends.

Names, please. I can tell you're hiding something.

Okay, okay. I just don't want you to get into trouble. It's Ocean and his friend Wallace. Hey, where are you going? I really don't think this is a good idea. I thought you were going to keep an eye on the shower....

I swear, I'm so angry right now, I just wanna punch him in the face!

I don't think Peaches is real happy about you being so possessive, River. River?

"Leave Peaches alone, Ocean. She's my friend!"

"Ohhhh, I'm sooooo scared. Whatcha gonna do, you little pansy? Hit me? Go on, I dare ya!"

Grrrrr, I'm so gonna hit him. I've been wanting to beat him up all day.

I really really don't think that's a good idea. I don't think he's the one that going to end up getting beat up, if you do that.

Just try and stop me.

I won't stop you. But at least listen to Peaches. She is so upset with the both of you right now.

"Goodbye, you guys. I've had enough of this. You stay there and fight if you want to, but I'm going to Cloudy's ballet recital."

Oh great. I totally forgot it was Cloudy's recital tonight. I guess Ocean is let off the hook for now. I can't miss my sister's big night. I'll get him later.

Whew. That was a close one. Hopefully after a nice performance, you'll have cooled down some.

I doubt it.

She still looks pretty upset, doesn't she? At least you two put your differences on hold for now.

I don't wanna talk about it.

Fine. Have it your way. I bet by the time this recital is over, you'll be having second thoughts.

Fat chance.

Awww. Cloudy looks so sweet in her ballet outfit.

Yeah, she does. Don't let that sweet smile fool you though. She takes after dad, and will pinch anything that's not nailed down. She wants to be a Master Thief just like him. Hmm... speaking of dad, I wonder where he and mom are? It looks like Cloudy took the subway here.

Ahem. It appears your mom is late because she is having to wash some neon aqua hair dye out of her hair. I told you you should have stayed to watch the bathroom.

Oh no! I hope she doesn't figure out that it was me.

She'll probably blame it on Ocean. Is that what you really want? He didn't even do it, this time.

Yeah, this time. If he gets in trouble, it'll be payback for all the times he didn't get caught.

Such rancor! Come on, just let it go, and watch the recital.

Well, how was it? It sounded beautiful.

It was great. Cloudy was so cute up on the stage. She stole the show! Hehe...stole... I think she only stole a few props, actually. And she got a trophy!

You certainly seem in a better mood. What did I tell you? Still want to beat up your brother?

Nah, I can't believe I almost did that. I musta been crazy or something. He'd have beat me up for sure.

Now the only thing I'd suggest is being extra nice to Peaches. And try not to be so possessive!

Time for Cloudy's birthday? Where's your mom and Ocean?

Mom's at work. She's a band manager now, so she works a lot of nights. And who knows where Ocean is... probably hanging out with his no good friend Wallace.

So you get Peaches all to yourself tonight? Maybe you can try... you know.. a few romantic actions?

Arghh! Stop it!

Happy Birthday, Cloudy!

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Notes

Poor River! I forgot to watch his need bars at the park, and since there's no bathroom there, he never queued up the 'toilet' action.

I was so surprised when River woke up the next day with the rebellious moodlet. The first thing he did was wish to insult Ocean. Then after he did that he wished to beat him up. He autonomously set the shower trap, which he's never even thought of doing before, and he only has a few more days of teens left.

He had to wait until after school for the fight wish, so I sent him to where Ocean and Peaches had autonomously ended up after school. He didn't get the fight option before the recital started, though, and the rebellious moodlet and the fight wish were gone when the recital was done. So all in all, a pretty eventful day for River.