2020-11-30 November Rain

 2020-11-30 November Rain

Jasper was trying desperately to connect to his challenging teenage daughter Miranda. Since the move she had been up and down with emotions and hard to reach. Since before the move really but some of that had been beyond his control. Miranda had been close to her mother, looked like her mother and in some ways idolized her mother. Her mother seemed to eba  strong woman who spoke her mind. Miranda thought she was fearless. There was so much she didn’t know about her mother until she left them. Jasper and Bea had already separated and both come out as gay but Bea really left them to move to England with her girlfriend Jolene and she she cut off contact with both he and the kids entirely. Miranda was devastated and tried over and over again to reach out to her mother through texts and even a few emails. No response came to any of them. The sense of loss that hung over Miranda was quite enormous and Jasper was well aware of it. He was trying to find a way to get Miranda to talk about it more, even maybe to a counsellor. The boys too if he could, but Miranda’s struggle was so obvious. He also knew a childhood friend of Miranda’s had died by suicide before they left. She and this friend, Merlin, had been best friends growing up but had drifted. Miranda kept saying they weren’t that close anymore whenever it came up. She had attended the virtual funeral, even visited Merlin’s family before they moved, but her reaction seemed understated to Jasper. Of course it all coincided with Bea’s leaving so it was a messy pile that could not be untangled. She’s also been saying some things, angry sounding things about dating and guys that made Jasper wonder if she’d suffered a recent broken heart on top of everything else.

So on Monday November 30th, he tried to connect to Miranda again. She had shrugged off a few earlier tries and acted “fine” which she was good at for short periods of time lately. Jasper arranged his work schedule so he could go watch the basketball game after school that early evening. He even stopped at the office and bought one of the forest green Alexandra Otters hoodies so he could be a full on basketball dad. He had on a pair of old blue jeans and his usual hiking boots. The game was intramural since bussing a whole other school team during Covid was now outlawed. The girls team split into two halves and had exactly 10 players since Miranda mentioned one player had just quit on short notice. It meant no rotation and everyone on the court, which was doable but not ideal. But she did look happy to see her Dad in the bleachers and jogged over after the game ended and players had done the walk by conciliatory good game handshakes or high 5s.

“I didn’t think you could get off work this early.” Miranda said tiredly but happily.

Jasper grinned “I rearranged a bit. I wanted to see you play...it’s been awhile. You kicked ass as always.”

Miranda had to laugh “Gee thanks I try. I’m glad you’re here.” It did actually mean a lot to her to have her dad come watch her games when he could.

Jasper patiently waited as a bunch of the team exchanged goodbyes with Miranda. “Hey why don’t we grab an early dinner...just you and I. Mandy and Dad night?”

Miranda looked almost suspicious “You’re not bracing me for bad news are you? Levi’s ok? You guys are good? Neither of my brothers have a tumour do they? Grandma and Grandpa are ok? Aunt Patty...Uncle Roy….Lake and Skye…..Uncle Sheldon? Grandma and Grandpa Knight?” Then she stops kidding around and looks tense “Mom? Did you hear from Mom?”

Jasper stands up and hugs her. She’s barely shorter than him. “Nothing like that...I just miss you. Everyone is well and Levi and I are madly in love...don’t worry. I didn’t hear from your mother. I’m sorry. Just tell me what you want to eat?” Food is all he can offer her even though he knows her deep well of abandonment from Bea can never be filled even with all his love.

Miranda blows out a breath looking a little overwhelmed “Chili….let’s go to that chili place. What are the boys going to eat?”

Jasper feigns shock “Is that concern I hear...for your brothers?” He laughs “We’ll bring them home some chili and cornbread too. Although it won’t be as good as yours Mandy.”

Miranda looks suspicious “Now you’re really trying to butter me up aren’t you? Are you proposing to Levi?” She scrutinizes as she heads to the change room.

Jasper calls back “Not in the immediate future….and I hope they have butter for the cornbread….” He laughs and then walks out to the hallway to wait.

As they walked to the Ten Alarm Chili it began to drizzle on them. Jasper commented “November Rain…..just like the song….”

Miranda looked sideways at him. She had changed into very ripped jeans worn over patterned leggings and the same green Alexandra Otters hoodie as her father just bought sticking out from under a big baggy wooly brown mottled sweater. “I sense a 1980s or 90s music history conversation coming my way? Do we need the cassette tapes?”

Jasper grins and pulls out his phone, shielding it from the rain inside his open vest jacket he’s got on over his hoodie now “The year….was 1991...and the band was Guns N’ Roses. Be clear that it’s an N apostrophe, not the word and.

Miranda cringes and then laughs “Of course it is.” This was a thing she had with her father. They would try to bridge their generations and connect through music “Alright, let’s hear it then.” She took an earbud from him and walked closer to him as he listened in the other one. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxE

Miranda patiently gave the song a chance and then swayed her head back and forth to the music before shaking it “Nope….not my jam. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard it on the radio though….those oldies stations.”

“Oldies?” Jasper protested “It’s classic rock…..not oldies...there IS a difference. Alright Mandy….do you have a November song for us?” He unplugs the earbuds and stops walking while they switch to her phone. He loves these exchanges they had. He suspects and hopes she does too.

Miranda thinks about it as she taps her music apps and thinks “November….November…..oh! OK also not a new song but not as old as Guns N Roses…..Gorillaz..” She hands her father his earbud and clicks play, tucking her phone into her purse pocket so it’s a bit protected from the rain. It’s not a hard rain but still.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGc9mgpvtxU

Jasper subtly and rhythmically nods his head to the music looking like he’s into it. “I like it...and I’m shocked it’s not Avril or Billie…” He jokes.

Miranda sways her head side to side and smiles “I can have current favourites and diverse musical tastes. Golrillaz videos are amazing. They’re kind of a virtual band...like they’re cartoon characters. Now they have a web series called Sound Machine. It’s delightfully bizarre.”

Jasper chuckles “Delightfully bizarre is your jam.”

Miranda smirks “Always.” Her Dad had somehow picked up on the fact that she really needed this connection with him, as much as she’d been trying to deny it and brush it off. Miranda had been struggling. But this walk and music sharing, which they hadn’t done in ages, was really helping today. They got to the chili restaurant and went in and she unplugged the earbuds and gave them back to her father, looking around the small establishment.

Jasper put the earbuds and his phone into his jeans pocket and waited to see if they had to be seated or they could pick their own. They’d only ever gotten takeout or delivery from this place so far.

Nico Kato had been in the back of his establishment, preparing orders.  Even though he had opened to the public, he did not give up delivery options. It was a no lose situation, except that the bowls were recycled and recyclable.  He preferred the reusable and returnable bucket option and had been trying a sort of double delivery.  Call in your order and place your old, washed bucket outside your closed door.  It would be picked up and brought to Nico who would wash it again, fill it with Chili and have it delivered to the customer.  That seemed to work, and he had seven buckets of chili ready for delivery on a tray.  “That’s enough for this trip, Kevin.”  he told the delivery boy, who worked for “Save The Dishes”.  Once Kevin was gone, Nico heard someone coming into the restaurant.  Unsurprising, as it was after a basketball game and raining outside as well.  Well, drizzling, but Nico praised and encouraged it.  Nothing like hot chili on a rainy night.  Good for business.  He came out of the kitchen and motioned to the chili bar set up as well as the chairs.  “Just have a seat folks.  Menu is on the wall.”  He noticed it was the doctor and a very tall girl that resembled him a bit.  He didn’t know if the doctor had kids or not.

Jasper walked up to the bar and took a seat “Hi Nico. We didn’t bring our bucket. And I do want to get some takeout after we have two bowls here to eat in the restaurant. But with three teenagers…” He looks at Miranda “Having two buckets wouldn’t be a bad thing. Otherwise they just inhale it all like it’s going to run away from them.” He chuckles.

Miranda takes the seat beside her father and laughs “Well if I don’t inhale my food it might actually run away with my brothers.” She looks at the menu on the wall. “I’ll take a bowl of number 3 please. I like Serrano peppers. And cornbread please.”

Jasper follows Miranda’s gaze to the menu and nods “The same for me please….and two glasses of water as well please.”

Nico nods at them both.  “Evening Doctor and Doctor’s daughter.”  he guesses by how old she looks, even though she is tall for a woman.  “Well, you don’t have to, but if you try and remember to wash it out and bring it back, you get a discount.”  he reminds him.  He chuckles.  “Never underestimate the male appetite?  Especially teenage males?”  he nods and repeats their order without bothering to write it down.  “Two three alarms … Do you want them with beef, pork, chicken, seafood or just plain … vegetarian, I should say?”  he asks.  The menu on the wall is old and only mentions beef, chicken and pork.  It’s changed since the fog.

Miranda sort of raises a hand to introduce herself “Miranda…..evening to you too Nico?” Some adults were good with first names. He looked young enough that she thought she’d try it out. Miranda was not a huge fan of formality. “Yes teenage boys times two…..I will take the beef chili please.”

Jasper chuckles “The chicken for me please. We’ll definitely bring the buckets back next time or do the trade off if we order in. Although I’m curious about the seafood for another time. What type of fish do you use? That’s a pretty wide range of options.”

Nico nods.  “Miranda.”  he makes a mental note.  “And yes.  I’m Nico, unless you want to drown yourself in formality, in which case I am Nicodemus.”  he smiles and nods.  “Beef for the lady, and we’ll worry about the teenaged boys later.”  he looks at Jasper.  “Chicken for you.  Good healthy choice.”  he shrugs when asked about the seafood.  “A lot depends on what gets brought in by the fishermen, but I usually have some shrimp handy.  Salmon also.”

Miranda looks intrigued “Nicodemus...well that’s such a cool name I might just have to call you that. It’s almost superhero-ish...or supervillainous……” She ponders. “Do you have a very small ridiculous dog? Because I think you should…”

Jasper cracks up at Miranda and looks apologetically at Nico “I suspect the boys will want beef too later. And Mandy I do believe it’s from the bible? We’re not religious...but I’ve seen a few bibles….”

Nico laughs.  “I am Greek.”  he explains.  “So it’s ‘victorious people’ or something.  Now the hero or villain … depends on who you talk to.”  he shakes his head.  “No small dogs for me.  The closest I’ve ever come is Henry at the firehouse and he’s not small.”  he looks at Jasper.  “I do believe there was some Greek Jew named Nicodemus who saved Christ or something.  I am not the most religious man in town.”  he turns towards his kitchen.  “Let me get your food and I’ll get those Zippo Beefs out when you’re done.”  and he leaves them be to get their food.

Miranda makes a face “Greek is better than biblical. I avoid that book…” She smiles a bit and then watches Nico walk to the kitchen “He’s cool.”

Jasper had nodded at Nico as he spoke and then chuckled at the hero or villain thing. “We are all often one or the other in someone’s story. I don’t think I’ve met the fire station dog...there’s a police dog I’ve seen walking with some of the officers.” He smiles at Miranda as Nico goes “He is. Hey...how are things going for you?”

Miranda looks a bit confronted by the question “OK I guess…..”

Jasper looks cautiously at Miranda “I feel like it’s been another tough month for you….you can talk to me you know.”

Miranda looks down at her hands on the chili bar and picks at her nails “I know Dad. I’m just working some stuff out...and things keep piling up.”

Jasper leans on his hand so he’s twisted to look at her “What kinda things?”

Miranda sighs “School…..kids…...just bullshit teenager stuff. I think I made a few enemies this month without really trying to. I’m hoping that stuff just blows over. And I got an email from Shaylene….”

Jasper frowns and then looks curious “Shaylene? Shaylene Miller? Merlin’s mom?”

Miranda nods “Sort of checking on me but just their stuff...without him. I don’t really know what to write back…..”

Jasper’s frown deepens “You’ve barely talked about Merlin since the online service. Maybe I should be checking in...I know you and he didn’t hang out much in the last few years. Did you guys have a falling out?”

Miranda sort of laughs and slightly sobs at the same time “No….not exactly. He pushed me away. I kept trying to talk to him. We had started talking again just before Covid...just before he…..Dad he wrote me a letter before he did it. He told me he stopped talking to me because he was in love with me and he knew it was one sided.” She blows out a breath as tears spill down her face.

Jasper deflates and then takes Miranda’s hand “You never told me….did you just get this letter?”

Miranda shakes her head and wipes at her face, realizing Nico could walk out with their food any moment “No…..but you and Mom…..everything happened at the same time. I just….I just kind of shoved it all somewhere….”

“Oh fuck Mandy….I’m so sorry. No wonder you’ve seemed off. I know now how you and your brothers have been feeling about your Mom...and Merlin…..that’s a lot. Please don’t feel like you have to deal with it all by yourself anymore ok?” He switched the hand holding hers and rubbed her shoulder. “Were you also in love with Merlin?”

Miranda sniffs and nods “I won’t….and no I don’t think I was. I mean I don’t know. I’ve never been in love. Maybe I would have fallen for him over time if I had known and we had spent more years just figuring it all out…..I’ll never know now,......but I still love him as a friend.”

Jasper nods, looking sympathetic “Of course you will. You guys had a lot of great times together. Focus on the good memories.”

Nico comes out with the two chili buckets and sets them in front of them along with two smaller, shallower galvanized buckets with the cornbread in them.  “Beef and chicken.”  he grins.  “If you need anything, just yell at me.”  he smiles, a rather charming thing, and backs away, leaning against his counter and pulling out a phone, sending a message.

Miranda nodded, smiling sadly “I will and I do try…” Then Nico does come out with food and she smiles more fully “Nice…..it’s all buckets here…..so cool. Thank you.” She pulls out some corn bread and dips it in her chili and starts eating.

Jasper nods at Nico “Thank you...and yes it’s a unique presentation. I like it.” He does the same as his daughter and makes happy food noises as he eats. Miranda is finally opening up to him again. She just needed a one on one dinner with him. He’d have to make sure to do this for each of his boys too…..balance the proactive parenting, no matter how big and independent they all seemed now.

Miranda and Jasper go quiet while they both eat their suppers with joyful enthusiasm. The food is good and the rain outside gets a little more intense making the warmth of chili and cornbread all the more comforting. Finally they’ve eaten and Miranda heads to use the bathroom while Jasper waves at Nico “I’ll take two more beef and two more corn bread for my boys…...but do you have plastic bags?” He laughs and looks out “Or lids for the buckets?” He sighs “At least it’s not snow yet. And I’ll pay for all of them as soon as the take out is ready.”

Nico has noted very little beyond the happy eating of his customers.  He doesn’t eavesdrop, but what he overhears, he doesn’t share.  Once Miranda has used the restroom, he looks at Jasper.  “Good fitting plastic lids.  It’ll keep it all nice and hot … even in winter.”  he assures him.  He goes in the back to prepare the food and the additional cornbread, coming out in about 10 minutes, usually.

Jasper looks relieved and pays as soon as he’s given the chance. Then he and Miranda share the carrying of the takeout and start to get themselves ready to walk home “thank you for everything Nico…..it’s all been really good. And now we have more buckets so you’ll hear from the Rogers household again.” He laughs.

Miranda picks up her share to carry “Yes thank you Nicodemus….hero, villain...perhaps chaotic neutral. That was delicious. See ya.”

And after they hear his farewell they’ll be off towards 4th street, walking  little quicker than on the way there with their hands full and the rain coming down on them. As they get to the house, coming in the back Jasper calls out “Duncan? Romeo? We have food...chili and cornbread.”

“Food in buckets!” Miranda chimes in and they set things down and take off their shoes and soaked top layers. She hangs her wet wool sweater over a kitchen chair.

Romeo had just got back in the house himself and was coming back downstairs after a change of clothes.  “Food?”  he inquires as he frees Miranda of her buckets and peers inside.  “Oh my god .. my sister is an angel .. no … no ….  It must be my prince of a father.  Oh god, yes, yes, please yes!”  he gets himself a large spoon and sits at the island, taking the plastic lids off of a cornbread and a chili, scooping up cornbread with one hand and chili with the spoon in the other and eating.  Chili, cornbread, chili, cornbread.

Miranda just watches Romeo devour his feast “Don’t forget to breathe….you can’t eat if you faint you know….” She laughs and sits down next to him. “I’m no angel and Dad paid…...he may be a prince indeed. We had an early dinner in the chili place.”

Jasper chuckles “Mandy he’s a growing boy….they shovel...like wolves in the forest. And you’re welcome. When you reach the bottom, tell us about your day Romeo…” He smiles and leans on the counter watching the two of his three kids with love.

Romeo nods as he eats and manages a small short when she tells him to breathe.  “Muk u Mir.”  he curses her with his mouth full.  He points a wedge of cornbread at their father as he swallows.  “What he said.  And that chili place is incredible.  I’m trying to work my way u to at least a 5.”  he dunks his cornbread in the chili and gobbles with a primal moan of food happiness.  “Is that other one for me, too?”  he asks hopefully.

Miranda blocks the other buckets with her arm “That’s Dunk’s…..go find some fruit in the fridge….or eat a box of crackers to fill that wooden leg of yours.” She shakes her head. “Is he at Fernanda’s house?”

Jasper grins “I suspect so. Romeo did you see him after school. Miranda won by the way….the game...well her half of the team. Bet you miss playing other schools?”

Miranda sighs “Yes! We are down to 10 people...which means no rotations and if anyone gets an injury we don’t even have enough to play…...I was suggesting we play the boys team...hopefully this school’s basketball dudes have their egos in check about getting their asses handed to them by the girls team.” At Miranda’s last school, which Romeo hadn’t attended because he only would have been the right age this year, the boys team was so mortified when the girls beat them in a friendly game that the boy’s team captain who had at the time been dating Miranda broke up with her that night. His name was Dean and it was well known that he was not the best boyfriend.

Romeo rolls his eyes at his sister.  “Yes he’s at Fernandas, so he’s probably already eaten.”  he winces and corrects himself.  “Not that way, I mean her mother cooks so much food.  I love her.  Pity she’s married.”  he huffs.  Then he nods.  “Yea, I know they won.  I was only in the back trying not to die from embarrassment while Dad cheered.  Kiesha rocked, but man … where the hell was Gen?”  gossip wasn’t really what the school government was into, so he wasn’t up on everything happening in the upper grades.

Miranda swats Romeo “You had to make it weird….” She winces too and laughs. “I did see you back there with your entourage. Keisha’s really good.” She sighs “Gen quit…..part of why we’re a little stretched. I might have to beg her to come back at some point. Although I don’t know….maybe it’s an after school job or another extra curricular club or something. Why doesn’t everyone just want to play basketball all the time?” She jokingly laments. 

Jasper closes his eyes at Romeo’s eating comment and then opens then with a little head shake “Clearly you need to marry someone who cooks...closer to your age. And how is my cheering embarrassing? It’s not my fault if no one joins me in the wave….I’m a one man show! Maybe they should let teachers play?” Jasper offers as a solution to the lack of student basketball players.

Miranda makes a horrified face at her father “Ugh! Maybe for a joke…..some of our teachers are REALLY old…..”

Romeo rolls his eyes at Miranda.  “Only to you can the realities of carnal pleasures of the flesh be boiled down to ‘weird.”  he teases.  “Sister Miranda.”  he  nods.  “Yea, her on the court made our group a little sadder.  Just one big sausage party.”  he looks at his father and nods.  “As long as she can cook, Dad.  Age is only a number, as you know.  I will, however, try to avoid dating anyone that is your age…”  he takes another bite innocently before adding.  “Levi’s age …  maybe … but not yours…” and he quickly finishes the food, taking the buckets immediately to the sink so he can wash and NOT look at his family.

Miranda rolls her eyes “I am all for carnal pleasures, just not discussing them with my brothers or about my brothers. Believe me… I am not a nun…” She snorts. But sadly it was Duncan who probably saw her name written on the bathroom wall in their old school after the rumours and the vengeance. And Duncan who more recently knew about the writing on her desk this year…..she was a little thankful it wasn’t both of her brothers. “My god…” Miranda gasps. “Romeo can you shoot us down any more...because I have faith in you…” she laughs.

Jasper blinks at both his children and then blushes as the age thing comes up. He can’t even argue. He was 15 years older than his beloved. But he does say one thing “Stage of life Romeo...maybe don’t start hitting on the 30 year olds while you’re in high school and living with a  parent?” He cringes at the idea a bit but then shrugs.

Romeo quickly washes out the buckets and glances over his shoulder with a mischievous grin on his face.  “I’m not coming on to any of my teachers.”  he assures them both.  “But I have to make my way in the world.  Duncan should have MY name … and Mira is a star sports personality.  Sure, I have politics … but that means my challenge is not go get caught up in any nasty sex scandals .. like … ever.”  he offers and moves towards the other bucket of chili.  “I only had a little snack at Zach’s before we all went home…”  he tells them, then he turns back towards the fridge.  “NO …  save it for Duncan … he will love you more then.”  He opens the fridge.  “OH!  Cauliflower!”  he pulls out half a head and a bottle of ranch dressing and begins to pull off florett bunches, pouring the ranch on them and eating it.

Miranda laughs “Well that’s good. I’d hate to think of that scandal.” She frowns “I don’t know if I have a sports personality….I play a  sport…” She shrugs “I was never jock enough for some people. Maybe here I am too much that for others. Can’t win either way.” She looks suspiciously at her brother “What do you and Zach determine is a little snack?” Then she watches him decimate a head of cauliflower and can’t help but smile “You’re like a large chatty rodent….”

Jasper looks relieved “I would NOT want to field that phone call with the administration.” He looks approving of the cauliflower choice “It’s healthy. It makes me happy when you kids eat the fresh fruits and veggies. And Miranda the pears are not all for you…” He chides at her.

Miranda huffs “Well then you better start buying more.”

Romeo grins.  “Well, you’re good at it, right?  And this place seems to be okay with girls who are great athletes.”  he nibbles a bit on the cauliflower.  “We split half a pizza.  That’s almost not…”  he stops short and looks at his father.  “We have pears?”  he looks at Miranda as if she has completely betrayed him.  “You would starve a large chatty rodent?”  and he makes his eyes big, then blinks them rapidly.

Miranda nods looking slightly evil older sister “I would but I would document your resulting behaviour for science. You may have one pear chatty rodent. We’ll start the deprivation cycle when I have my lab set up and you haven’t already eaten pizza, chili and cornbread and an entire cauliflower…..” She looks her brother over and then looks at their father “Did the ship that dropped him in the field behind our first house leave you with feeding instructions?”

Jasper can’t help but laugh “Chatty alien robot?” Then he gets serious “Miranda are you having a  tough time at the new school because of basketball?” She’s opened up but maybe there’s more.

Miranda shrinks a bit into herself “No…..just kids and bullshit …….someone graffiti’d my desk. I wasn’t gonna tell...someone else told. Now the guy who I thought it was….and his sister are mad at me.” She shrugs “Just dumb high school stuff.”

Romeo looks horrified, but goes to the fridge for the pear.  “A lovely desert before this Earthling tries to starve me to death.”  He considers saying more when his father asks Miranda if she’s having trouble and she mentions the graffiti.  “His sis … oh …  is THAT why Sparrow seems a little … cold the last couple of days.”  he looks at his father.  “Someone graffiti’d a desk, but I don’t know exactly what it says.  Levar and Sparrow wouldn’t tell me or Daphne.  But I thought everyone was cleared.  You and … Gene?  He’s Sparrow’s foster brother, right?”  he looks at Miranda and then back to their father.  “There was a flier going around school about him being a criminal who did time .. like that matters.  He did his time.  But someone spread it all over school.  Then he and Mir got called into the principal's office.”  he looks curiously at Miranda.  “They thought you wrote something shitty about him?”  he looks ready to get defensive, which is amusing as he’s only about 5’6.

Miranda deflates a bit as Romeo has lots of questions on something she’s been trying not to get into. “Yes Gene….and Sparrow is his foster sister. The flyer was one thing and that was awful that someone did that to him. But then….uh the stupid desk. He took my seat on the first day he was at school with us. I thought about saying something but then decided I could live with sitting elsewhere...because whatever...it’s a desk and chair right? And that flier went up and he yelled at me about the desk that day. At the time I thought he was reacting to the flier and I didn’t say anything back. Believe me….the guy’s justified in being angry about that. I don’t even really like him and I felt bad for him. And no it’s not because he yelled at me or because of the criminal stuff. I know criminals are often people who’ve just had shitty lives...and he’s my age so I’m guessing it’s been shitty if he already went to jail for what it turns out was attempted murder. But he was released right? God knows there are people I’ve considered murdering...I wouldn’t but….well you know. Something must have come up with someone else about my desk because he told me to have it back and called me an uppity bitch…” She sighs “anyhow that’s part of what was written on my desk….about me. Turns out it wasn’t Gene but since he had called me that to my face I accused him….and it all became a thing. I wasn’t actually going to tell the office but a sub did and then we both got called in and of course he made a valid point that a guy with a  record and likely the unsaid part...and Idigenous guy with a  record is going to get in more shit than...well me...so then I felt like a racist. Maybe he still thinks I am. Maybe Sparrow thinks I am too…she kinda came at me in gym after......and I’m sorry if it’s somehow extending to you through her Romeo. I was really hoping it would all just fade after that one day. I’ve been pretty much avoiding them both.”

Jasper frowns “The school didn’t call me about any of that…..I really wish you’d told me. Just like I wish you’d told me about Merlin. Miranda no more secrets...please. You don’t have to do all this alone. That’s a complicated situation for sure…..and yeah….was that all your desk said? That you were..” He makes hand quotes “an uppity bitch”.

Miranda shakes her head “No it said Miranda Rogers has great tits. Too bad she’s an uppity bitch.” She looked away after she said it and looked visibly uncomfortable.

Romeo listens, his brows going from raised in surprise to lowered in anger.  “No, she hasn’t really said anything to me.”  he admits.  Then he finds out the specifics of the graffiti.  He moves to Miranda and pats her on the back, if he is allowed.  “Well, someone better damn well find out who wrote that.”  he declares.  “And I think me and Daph had better get together and start preparing our classes for when Dante gets out, or he might get targeted too.  But .. fuck Miranda I’m sorry anyone would write that about you.”

Jasper listens and then his jaw sets in anger about what someone wrote about Miranda “Little shits. I hope they find out who wrote that….because I’d like a word with them.” He sees Romeo being comforting and then afterwards he walks over and leans in and kisses Miranda’s temple “That’s not ok at all. And I’m sorry too.”

Miranda is comforted by Romeo’s pat on the back and her father’s kiss to her temple “I hope they don’t make a poster about Dante. I’ve heard why he did what he did…...people can be so stupid.” She sighs and then steps away from the comfort and pulls her laptop from her bag thinking she’ll at least start considering her homework. She often works right at the kitchen island because multitasking is actually something Miranda excels at. She opens up the laptop and turns it on, still engaged “Maybe it’ll give me shit to write about. We’re supposed to be coming up with some stupid poem over the next few weeks….”

Jasper stepped back as she moved and then exchanged a look with Romeo “Maybe something closer to the heart than a stranger writing on your desk?” He leans on the counter “Merlin?” He wasn’t sure if she’d told her brothers since he was just hearing about it today.

Miranda looks up from her computer between her father and Romeo. “Maybe.” She hadn’t told Romeo or Duncan “Merlin wrote me a letter before he took his life…..said he stopped talking to me...because he was in love with me.” She swallows hard “We had only just started talking again when he….” Then she frowns at her laptop “Why isn’t this thing…..twelve percent? I charged it last night….I haven’t even turned it on today.” She looks overwhelmed by emotions and the frustration of technology “Maybe it’s my cord. Dad can I try yours?”

Jasper nods “Yeah probably the cord…..hang on….” He walks over to the desk and grabs his cord, plugging it into the outlet on the island and then Miranda’s laptop. He looks at Romeo “Turns out your sister’s been struggling with a  lot of stuff on her own. I really want your kids to talk to me...and each other. We need to have each other’s backs. But we can’t if we don’t know what’s going on. So I extend that to you too Romeo. I love you guys more than anything.”

Romeo snorts a little as well.  Being the class president, it isn’t right for him to find this person and give them a piece of his mind, but he entertains the thought for a little bit anyway.  Then Miranda talks about writing and he smiles before she mentions Merlin and what happened when he sort of stopped talking to her.  “Oh fuck …”  he drags the word out and is shaking his head when the computer problems start and his dad turns to him.  “Of course you do, Dad.  Honestly.  I’m supposed to be the melodramatic one.”  He rolls his eyes but is smiling.  Then he looks at the computer.  “Sometimes I just keep mine plugged in .. or … you know … ever.  That's what it was like for my old one.”

Miranda nods sadly at her brother and father and then looks at the bar now that her laptop is plugged in with her father’s cord and frowns “Ugh nothing yet….but I’m watching it so like a watched pot.” She steps away from it and goes to get a glass of water “Let’s face it….we’re all melodramatic…” She laughs “OK maybe not Duncan…..” Then she looks serious “I might write about Merlin. It all feels too personal right now. Maybe I’ll just try to rhyme everything Romeo eats in one Saturday…..not that it needs to rhyme.” She takes a sip and slowly walks back to her laptop like she’s sneaking up on it to check it’s charging “Eleven percent! It’s going down…..what the hell?” She groans.

Jasper nods at Romeo “It’s supposed to be better for the battery to let it drain and then recharge…..but Mandy I think your laptop is the oldest of all of ours. Maybe the battery is done...or maybe the laptop is done…” He looks at it and sighs “Use mine tonight for homework”

Miranda grumbles “This is so inconvenient. It means I have to use the school computers until I figure this out…...I’ll put stuff on a thumb drive I guess. Good thing I did a backup last week in case the whole thing dies today.”

Romeo grins about  melodrama.  It was why he was the Rogers into acting, after all.  “If I were you, I’d write about.”  he points dramatically at the words in a banner headline.  “My brother Romeo, the Lothario.”  then he winces at the computer.  “There’s a computer place by the used bookstore.  Sort of tucked into that alley with the bookstore and the gym.”  he tells her.  “I saw it while heading for the bookstore.  If it’s too expensive … there’s always the mainland.”

Miranda knew of the computer shop. She also knew Gene worked there. She’d seen him going into it as it was in the same building as Carpenter’s Hardware. “I know….guess who works there?” She said cheekily and then sighed “Gene. Maybe I can take it in when he’s not on shift and deal with the older guy who I’m guessing is the owner…..whatever, I’ll deal. Small town.” Then she ponders poetry and Romeo “Romeo the Lothario…..or Harriet with her chariot?” She teases her brother.

Jasper sighs at Miranda’s quandary but she was right. It was a small town and she would have to deal. Gene Sinclair was in her class after all….and his patient now. Small town indeed. Jasper still felt a lot of compassion for Gene and what he had been through, but he could never share that with his kids. Then he cracks up when Miranda calls Romeo Harriet and finally holds up a finger “Hey I was thinking about family pictures this year before Christmas….not with Romeo in a  dress but with us….and maybe Levi if I can convince him?”

Romeo shakes his head at how small the town felt sometimes.  He opens his mouth, smiling when Miranda suggests Harriet the chariot, but then his father mentions family pictures.  “Dad .. I thought you loved Levi?” he feigns confusion.  Then he snorts.  “Well that's ONE good memory of … her … but can we give Levi the peeing bunny?  Or the dress?  He looks like he has good legs.”

Miranda almost glares at her father “Family pictures? I’m with Romeo…..why Dad why….and I swear if you want to recreate the hay bale scene I will hiss and spit like an angry feral cat….”

Jasper laughs “I do love Levi and not that it’s any of your business but he does have great legs…..” Jasper blushes a bit and then clears his throat “TMI….anyhoo….no we haven’t done pictures in so long. Grandma Gerry was asking for some new ones for her mantle….because guess what she has up there still….they haybale scene. Don’t you want to replace that for her and Grandpa Dale? And I’d love some pictures with us and Levi….not in a dress….any of us. Let’s keep it casual. How about plaid shirts and jeans?” He shrugs and then looks at Miranda carefully “And I have one more request….you can even make it my Christmas present…...would you consider brown hair….just for a picture….then you can dye it back….” He looks like he’s waiting for a huge objection.

Miranda looks at her brother and then her father and then pulls a strand of her purple hair out from her face so she can see it and ponders quietly “Ok what about Fernanda? Duncan might want her in the pictures….”

Romeo looks more than a little afraid.  “No hay .. ever .. never.  But I’ll surprise kiss Miranda again .. no wait … thats creepy now.”  he nods to himself.  “Maybe something with a more Jewish theme.  I mean Christ was Jewish, right?  Those little roman skirts?  We can put the blood of Miranda’s enemies on the door …”  he seems to be considering options, and then his dad mentions Miranda dying her hair back and he smiles  “Yea! Do it Mir!  You color our beautiful brown hair ..”  he snaps his fingers …  We can be the UN!”

Jasper holds up a hand “No hay….no farm animals. That was your mother’s idea I swear. I don’t think we should bring any religion into it….just simple.” He looks at Romeo and laughs. He had the flare and imagination as always. Then he looked at Miranda who was still eyeing her hair.

Miranda rolls her eyes at Romeo “Blood of my enemies? You want to hear my name on the school PA AGAIN?” She cringes “No blood…..no Roman skirts…..because if we look like Romans, are we then adversaries or oppressors? That won’t make Levi want to do pictures. I mean hey we could all dye our hair?” She smirks and then sighs “OK I’ll go back to brown for the picture. For you Dad…..boring old brown...no offence.” She looks between them. It was actually a nice shade of brown if she was being honest. “Plaid shirts and jeans? Can we carry axes and sing lumberjack songs?”

Romeo seems happy his sister is going back to brown and smirks at the mention of axes.  “Sure .. that won’t threaten your enemies .. no way, no how!”  He seems to go back to thinking.  “Maybe the costumes can be colorful, then.  I mean me and Mir don’t have anyone to love us like Duncan, so we can dress boring .. maybe with those blow up dolls to mark the places of our future loves.”  he frowns in thought.  “What was it Duncan said … a guy fishing in a tux?  We’ll put yours in a tux!”  He seems a little excited about that idea.

Miranda starts laughing “Sure….that’s the only reason you want a blow up doll?” she snorts at her brother. “Can we call her Harriet? Your alter ego who will just cook for you and model all the pretty dresses?” She scoffs “Yes Duncan said my soulmate would be a guy fishing ina  tuxedo….which might be his funny way of saying I don’t get one. Fine by me….men have been mostly annoying so far….not you guys….but in the dating world….dismal, disappointing and ...sometimes just not nice at all.” She shrugs it off “whatever….like a fish needs a bicycle right?” She had a tshirt that said A Woman Needs a Man Like a Fish Needs a Bicycle which she had found in the thrift shop and worn mostly as pjs. “I can wear the shirt with my plaid shirt open and hold my ax.” 

Jasper face palms. Planning with these two was always...interesting. He sighed and Miranda’s words about men. There it was a gain, something she wasn’t saying, but maybe from long ago? Or maybe still about Merlin? He took a deep breath “We’ll consult Duncan….and I’ll ask Levi. Fernanda is welcome to join us….dolls…..maybe let’s just put a pause on that…..” He chuckles.

Romeo smirks.  “I don’t know … although there is something to be said about Harriet and I … you DO have a point…”  the sister Miranda had always wanted from her little brother HAD opened his mind to acting and make up.  “And with Duncan out all the time, Harriet and I could have some time to ourselves.”  he winks at his father and sister,  “And all Duncan meant is that it will take a very classy yet down to earth guy to win your heart.  Fortunately for me …  I have Harriet.  Or will because I swear she’s now on my Christmas wish.”  he snorts.  “Thanks for not wanting to kill us because our clitorouses are so large they’re more like penises.”  he tells her, dryly.  Then he looks at his father.  “You know … Maybe it would be best to leave the planning to Fernanda and Levi…  Just feels … safer somehow …”  he looks at his Dad when his doll is summarily rejected.  “Dad … really?  You’d keep me and Harriet apart?  You know how that worked out the LAST time a father tried to keep a Romeo away from his one true love…”

Jasper shakes his head “I will buy you condoms, even lubricant...but I draw the line at blow up dolls….or anything else that might be none of my business. Yes...Fernanda and Levi because clearly it all goes strange when we try to discuss it. I just want pictures….with my kids...and with the man I love this winter. No dolls, fish or genitals…..just family friendly photos I can send to your Aunt and Uncles and Grandparents….” He points a finger between them and then starts to walk off towards the stairs to go use the bathroom.

Miranda has to laugh at her brother “God you’re a weirdo….you and Harriet…..” She watches her father walk off and then goes to get his laptop. “I got what Duncan meant.” She shrugs and rolls her eyes. “I should have called the gender swapped you Juliet.” She smirks. “We had just read that book about that pig named Harriet and the name was in my head. And if I have to think about you in your room with a blow up doll I will move in with Winona...I don’t care how many kids the Carpenters have….”

Romeo smirks, almost in victory as his father goes upstairs.  Then he looks at Miranda.  “I did not create Harriet, YOU did.”  he reminds her.  “And you were 4, so I forgive your lousy choice of name.  However, it’s more realistic that she isn’t named Juliet.”  he grins at her.  “I’m your sweet darling baby brother … most innocent of the three of us.  And probably the least attractive, but that’s my own self esteem bullshit …  but you have never caught me so much as peeing … well that time while I was potty training an you called my name so I turned while peeing and got your feet … but that was different….”

Miranda starts out laughing and then looks worried for Romeo “You’re not the least attractive...what are you talking about? I’m mean you’re my brother so …..but objectively...you’re attractive. Besides have you missed the girls…..and some boys I might add….swooning at you or following you in packs? New to my eyes since we’re only at the same school again this year. I don’t know how you could not notice it's actually a bit sickening. Almost makes me glad to be a freakish alien giraffe girl.” Then she shudders “I was sure you wouldn’t remember that...I did and so do my feet….yuck. But I do appreciate your discretion…” She takes the thumb drive from her bag and plus it into her Dad’s laptop as she fires it up. “Stupid computers…..”

Romeo shrugs.  “I’m an actor in politics.”  he blinks.  “I’m Ronald Regan .. oh for fucks sake!”  he shakes that thought off.  “Anyway they all want something … and the acting groupies .. I’m pretty sure the girls are waiting until Rene gets over being gay and the guys are hoping to pick up the girls waiting on Rene to stop being gay.”  he rolls his eyes.  “Either way it goes ..”  he laughs.  “You sort of get it ..  you’re a tall girl and I’m a short guy.  Can't win.”  he grins.  “I was being potty trained.  I didn’t know then that you could move JUST the head and not the body.  I’ve gotten much better at it.”  he looks at the laptop.  “I’m sure that guy is professional.  It’s Monday so he probably isn’t even working during the week with studying and all, right?”

Miranda shakes her head “OK  very much doubt that Rene kid is going to stop being gay. I’ve seen him and his boyfriend...I mean that family...the Reinhardts...or one small part of them...they live diagonally across the street. Those guys are inseparable...like a young Dad and Levi….although without the big age gap or they’d be not cool at their age. Do you not think it’s possible that someone just likes you for you Romeo? Don’t sell yourself short….pun intended.” She grins “Glad you’re fully potty trained. Less to explain to future girlfriends made of flesh not plastic. Of course he’s not a professional...he’s my age. There’s an older guy who runs the shop. I’m sure Gene works part time like I do at Carpenter’s. So you’re right, not every day. I have a solution for tonight so maybe I’ll try and take my laptop in tomorrow...when it’s not raining. In fact...I’m going to check their hours…” She pulls out her phone and looks them up “Says they’re open until 9pm…..I’ll go tomorrow after school.” She says in confirmation to herself and in general.

Jasper’s feet start back down the stairs and then his phone rings in his pocket and he gets distracted by a call, walking back up to the top of the stairs to have his conversation “Ok well schedule him for another x-ray….yep yep….we’ll doa  follow up…..” He trails off but his feet can be heard creaking on the floor.

Romeo rolls his eyes and puts his hand over his heart, mock sooning.  “A girl can dream.”  he says in a high pitched voice.  Then he straightens and shrugs.  “You and Duncan have less famous Shakespearean names.”  he tells her.  “Girls .. guys … people … expect a lot from a guy named Romeo.”  he glances up the stairs at the sound of their fathers feet.  Then he nods about the hours.  “Nothing in there about who works when if you’re going to avoid him like a social disease?”  he teases.

Miranda giggles at her brother’s antics. He was definitely the actor in the family. She wasn’t shy in small groups or with people she knew but speaking in front of a group of strangers or on stage made her feel nauseous. She thinks about his name “You could go by Patrick if you really wanted to. I love Grandma Gerry but I guarantee I’ll never go by Geraldine.” She shakes her head “Nope just address, phone number and hours. And I’m not calling to ask for Gene’s schedule….awkward. I know he works on Thursdays….because I do too and it’s this bizarre sad dance of knowing we’re walking the same way. Thankfully he’s tall enough and fast enough not a slowpoke so I just let him get well enough ahead of me. I don’t think he even notices….which is fine by me.” She snarls “I know it’s stupid. Who thought I’d have enemies already in this sweet little town? I mean it took me a year and a half and two jerkish boyfriends at Batemen to wish we could move….and then we did. I don’t even think I told you all that shit…..but it’s behind me. Be glad you never had to go to school there and they love you here….even if they’re pining for Rene.” She laughs.

Romeo considers it.  “It’s a double edged sword.  Romeo gets me attention, which I love.  Just .. it would be nice if I didn’t feel like I have to be this incredible lover.  I mean …  I’ve read all about it, watched porn .. you know the drill, I’m sure.  But … well …  I just wish it didn’t feel like I have to live up to my name.”  he blows out a breath and then laughs at Miranda’s ways of avoiding Gene.  “He’s got you ready to leave town?  And he’s the one that just moved here?”  he winces.  “Do I want to know?  I mean I want to support you, but it feels too late to kill these ass holes now.”  he grins.  “I don’t know about LOVE … I have my little crew, or whatever you call them.”  he shrugs and goes to stick his head in the fridge.

Miranda listens to Romeo and looks mildly amused “Yes….I have seen porn. Doesn’t really call to me personally. But I know guys can be more...visual. Honestly I’d rather read something than watch terrible films with no plot but people arriving randomly at a party and fucking.” She points a warning finger “If that’s what you’re watching to train yourself to be some star crossed professional lover, let me send you some links of some stuff actually written by women…..letting you know what women actually want. Just helpful offerings. There’s this woman named Lacey who writes a good blog….I’m sure that’s not her real name. Been a while since she posted but the old ones are still good.” She shakes her head “No...not wanting to leave town over Gene. It’s hard to explain. I felt this instant something with him….but like uncomfortable….like an aversion. I’ve never had that before. And given all the shit...I don’t want to dislike the guy but it seems like that’s what fate is throwing at me. Maybe my energy about that is making the bad stuff happen…..I don’t mean spiritually….more scientifically...psychologically? Whatever. I can avoid the guy. And no I’m not going to drag out all the Dean Caleb crap. Some of it’s my fault. But I dated Dean and then I dated Caleb, who is his friend and the two of them...probably Caleb...wrote about me on one of the bathroom walls. I didn’t see it because it was in the guy’s bathroom…..anyhow they’re collectively assholes and Dean...I’m pretty sure he broke up with me in the first place because the girls team beat the boys team in a  friendly game. So fuck him and all his little posse of jock sluts. Short version, that’s all. No killing, just let them fester back where they stink.” She looks earnestly at Romeo “I don’t know about love either. Hasn’t happened yet. Just a series of disasters…..so far only Duncan seems to know what he’s doing.” She snorts “So maybe ask him for love advice and treat my example as a horrible warning. But your crew are solid and friends….friends always rank over dating…..because it seems more reliable...ya know?”

Romeo yanks his head out of the fridge when Miranda offers to send him links written by women.  “Yes, please.  Because if sex is like porn, I don’t want to lose my virginity.”  he winces when he realizes his admission.  Then he looks a little confused, but then nods.  “I think I get it.”  he blinks when she says she won’t mention the Dean Caleb thing and then does.  But he listens and tries to understand.  “I don’t need love advice.  I mean … I think I could love anyone … well … except for Zach, Kiesha and Jake.  And of course you guys.  I just .. want it to … mean something?  If that makes sense.  In my old school I got … offers … but it didn’t feel real?”  he shrugs.  “I’ll run everyone by both of you guys … or just marry Harriet, since Dad’s offering to keep me in lube.”

Miranda looks sympathetic at his wince “Romeo...don’t be embarrassed if you haven’t done it with anyone. Honestly it can be pretty disappointing a lot of the time. Maybe that’s harsh….but sadly true. Or maybe it’s better for guys. Wait for someone you care about…..Duncan and Fernanda seem pretty happy. Do you really think you could love anyone? Still a weird idea to me…..but maybe I’ve just met too many jerks so far. I’m not even sure I know what I idealize would be a good person or a good match anymore….someone honest...who doesn’t play games. And definitely someone with a  sense of humour to survive being introduced to our family. Someone who’s never going to judge me or make me feel horrible….at least not on purpose.” She laughs “Although sometimes I think that fictional dude fishing in a  tuxedo is probably more accurate…..because it would have to be a guy who’s at least as weird as me. You just want someone who cooks and doesn’t want Rene?” She jokes.

Romeo shrugs.  “Maybe it is better for guys.”  he sighs.  “I know I could love.  I think my problem might be in believing I can be loved.  I mean … if my own mother couldn't be bothered to stick around...”  he shrugs and then grins.  “I need someone to feed me.  Oh my god … maybe your tuxedo clad fisherman has a sister who can cook ….  “  he looks a little dreamy.

Miranda looks pained about the believing he could be loved comment “I get that one Romeo….I’ve been all over the place on that too...about mom and how I feel about myself and if I’m enough. You can self destruct on it if you’re not careful.” She knows that’s where she was at earlier in the fall when she slept with Spencer Newcastles and got into the mess over the pictures. She wills the universe to offer better for her brother. “ But you are worth love….she’s just...she just doesn’t know how maybe.” Then she rolls her eyes “In theory...if the guy fishes, shouldn’t HE be able to cook the fish too? Why are we assuming cooking by gender? Dad cooks…..Levi’s learning. Duncan’s not bad at it. Maybe you need to work on your own cooking and draw the lady love to you. Maybe she’s hungry too. I just hope she has a good job to support the grocery bills if you still eat like this your whole life. But now you’re making me hungry again...let’s bake brownies.” Miranda jumps up, preheats the oven and grabs a bag of flour and starts the process. Of course she can bake them from memory. Baking is science after all.

Romeo nods, slowly.  “I talk to Dr Singh sometimes.”  he admits.  “But .. in my opinion .. she made her choice.  Levi’s already a better mom than she is and he hasn’t even baked me cookies yet.” he chuckles.  “He loves Dad .. that’s enough for me.”  he considers.  “He can steam your salmon anyway you like.  I just don’t want pictures.”  he quips and then he shrugs.  “Male or female … gender doesn’t mean a lot to me .. maybe because I spent so many years as your beloved sister.”  he winks.  Then she mentions brownies and he nods.  “Teach me .. so I can cook for my chef .. or grocery store owner … “  he nearly begs.  He has been a bit spoiled.

Miranda looks at her brother with admiration “I’m glad you go see Dr. Singh…..Dad’s been trying to get me to go see Dr. Henry….maybe I should actually do it. I see the lady physician anyhow…..she could refer me.” Miranda was so thankful for Dr. McKinney after how high risk she realized her little incident with Spencer was. Considering the guy had slept with Brooke, and what Winona then told her about Brooke….she had asked to be tested for every STI known to humanity and even considered asking for a rabies test. When Romeo says he doesn’t want pictures after his little salmon joke she looks more uncomfortable than she should over a joke and says quickly “Don’t worry...no pictures.” Then she shifts into baking mode and teaching mode and takes a deep breath “Ok the first rule of good brownies...is you need a shit ton of butter. Get the butter please Romeo….cut the brick right in half and yes we’re using that much…..” She starts grabbing vanilla and cocoa.

Romeo doesn’t even notice Miranda’s discomfort over the picture joke.  He goes to get the butter and as he turns back, he says.  “Can you write it down?  I want family recipes …  I know I’m a sentimental little troll.”  he cuts the brick in half and  awaits more instructions.

Miranda looks apologetic “I kinda just have it in my head….but let’s call that a cup of butter….cause it is….” She grumbles and grabs a pad of paper from the island and a pen and starts estimating her measurements where she normally just scoops and dumps on autopilot. “We’re going to call the flour a cup and a let’s say that’s maybe a third….” Then she keeps going like this. “Ok go get 4 eggs and crack them and beat them.” She’s loading up the big mixer bowl and jotting notes.

Romeo grins as she starts writing it down.  “These are Miranda’s Magnificent Brownies.  I’m going to make these for my kids … and maybe even yours and Duncan’s.”  he declares.  He moves t the fridge and takes out the four eggs, cracking them into a bowl and beating them.

Miranda smiles at the praise “Wow...I hope it’s a good batch today then. K dump that into this stuff….then you get to turn on the mixer.” She steps away to let him do it and then digs for a square baking pan. “See you do like cooking…” She smirks “You’ll make someone a lovely wife Harriet…”

Romeo is smiling as they work.  “I guess I do like it.”  he agrees and laughs about Harriet.  “Yes it is the girl in me cooking because Iam such a manly man.”  he dee[ens his voice for those last two words and rolls his eyes.

Miranda chuckles “Hey the world is full of hot male chefs….work it either way.” She does him a  favour and greases the pan with coconut oil “OK once it looks smooth scrape that batter into this pan and make it as even as possible.”

Jasper comes back downstairs and sees Romeo...cooking and does a double take “Is Romeo baking?” He says with jovial surprise.

Romeo follows the directions and, when his dad comes downstairs teasing, he smirks.  “Just preparing myself to be Harriet … naturally.”  he teases.

Jasper shakes his head “Alright, Harriet, Romeo ...Miranda whoever...have fun. Miranda if you’re not currently writing anything I’m going to peek at a document on here.” He moves to the laptop and minimizes her stuff to access his own.

“Yeah that’s fine Dad and I’m taking my laptop to that computer place tomorrow.” She taps Romeo’s elbow “Bang it on the stove to totally flatten it...then bake and put the timer on for 30 minutes.”

Jasper looks over the laptop at Miranda “Let me know what it costs…”

Miranda turns, looking stubborn “Dad...I have a job. I will pay for the computer stuff. I can do this.”

Romeo looks pleased.  “The senseless violence pleases Harriet…”  he bangs, catching some of the conversation.  Miranda paying for her own computer stuff.  Typical Miranda.  Stubborn Miranda.  But she’s his sister and he loves her.

The brownies were baked and several had to be hidden and saved for Duncan because Romeo’s voracious appetite set Harriet on a chocolate rampage. But there was food and love, and the beginnings of poetry, baking lessons and blog sharing. Jasper and Miranda had bonded. Miranda and Romeo had bonded. And they all hugged a confused Duncan when he finally came home, but there was still chocolate and love for all.