#rivervale_lodge

Later that night, Adam's dad came home, apologized for the late meeting, and dinner was...good. Adam, being a teenage guy, is a bit of a nightowl and stayed up for a bit. But after a shower and some sleep...

well.. .it was the sleep part that got him.

He had the weirdest dream. It was about that girl, and her dog.

Only in the dream, the girl was a giant....and she carried a blade. And the Dog glowed like the moon.... and they weren't LARPING, they were really fighting some scrabby alien zerg looking thing with a raisin face and red eyes.

Normally when he dreams of girls, it's a mishmash of their looks and what he's taken a peek of on the internet- but this time- nope, he doesn't recall seeing anything like that.

He wakes up, and the dreams threaten to leave his memory- as dreams do. He can fight for it, if he wants.

He does, although there are biological imperatives that also demand his attention and the bathroom light tends to wipe away cobwebs.

Well, the girl was huge, and in the 'cute amazon' way, not the chunky 'she might have a great personality but she's not doing it for me' way that you don't dare mention ...but the monster... something... did it bite the dog? Oh well. Bathroom needs wait for no man.

He ambled along after, getting used to the new house and new routines. Might buzz the school later, figure out the route. Cereal. Shower, dress.

Computer.

His dad's hogging the good computer, but should be done shortly. He also has his own lap top. THeir mother despairs, "Remember when families had breakfast together?"

from the big computer desk, Adam's father is no help as he says "Sure. I think it was a TV show yesterday"

Adam grins a little as he eats. "Hey, at least we're all here at the same time...."

"Uh huh. You two are the worst." But his mom smiles as she says it. "But yes, I suppose we are."

"Well, unfortunately, I have to go again." Adam's dad finishes his own breakfast, closing up the big comp and turning to his wife, "This regional coordination project is spiraling."

"Didn't you warn them it would spiral if they understaffed?" She raises a brow and takes the plate from him. He'll do the dishes later, she'll get them this morning.

"I did. Somehow being right and it not being my fault doesn't make it any less my problem" He kisses her.

"Figures," She returns the kiss, then checks his tie, "Scoot. And don't think just because my job is part time that you get out of the dishes later tonight."

"Isn't that why we have offspring?" He inquires, a glance to Adam.

Adam keeps his head down, avoiding the notice of chores.

"We had offspring because you're a sweet talker," Tie okay, she lets him go, "Good luck with the commute"

"Speaking of offspring, someone needs to get out of bed." He says with a glance to where Adam's sister lays.

But he has to go so he moves on, "Adam, your mom has her arms full with our dishes. GENTLY knock on your sister's door please."

He scarfs the last of the bowl and rinsing it in the sink before thundering upstairs and tapping at her door. "Dad says get up." He explains before thunder8mg back down to the computer.

Well, mission done, though who knows if she actually heard. Dad's off, so if he wants the GOOD computer (Better graphics, sound etc) it's available. Either way, he's got his wifi and free time.

His mom asks "So what are your plans today, Adam?"

Ah, the trap. "Oh, pretty busy. I should scout the school, figure out the best route, thought maybe look around and sniff out somewhere for an after school job, maybe?"

"An afterschool job?" Ah ha! This could be good. Lots of kids his age don't even try anymore for those so he's showing traits they approve of, AND possibly getting out of chores.

"Well, mmm" She ponders "What about your grades? After school might cut into study time."

"If it does, I'll quit. You know, resign."

"Mmm I'll think about it. " She says "But feel free to hunt. Other problem is I'll have to find a sitter for your sister."

The down side of mom and dad's 'begatting gap' , his sister is much younger than him, a kid. Guess who has been free baby sitter more than once? ugh.

"Maybe I can help find someone. Make some contacts?" Anything but do it myself?

"Sounds like it might be cheaper for the family just to keep you here since apparently you plan on having the spare time in the afternoon. I could extend my own work hours, and make bank." Oh she's cruel.

"I just said I was looking for a job!!" He protests, his voice no longer cracking like last year.

"Yes, spare time for the job." She notices his indignation, "FIne. I'm partly teasing, only partly mind you." She fusses with his hair, "You've rolled with these changes like a real trooper. Thank you. Go job hunting, but keep your cell phone charged so if you have trouble you can call me. Okay?"

"Of course, mom." He looks away when he rolls his eyes. "Ok, going now bye!" Rushed, and he bullets put the door.

He can hear her voice "And don't think this means I am cutting you slack on keeping your room clean"

But he's outside now, freedom!

He jumps in his car and heads out. Exploring!

The nearest place is probably this convenience store. He doesnt' recognize the chain, so maybe it isn't one. But will mom be okay with that? Or will she call it a 'stop and rob' ? Mmm

He makes a mental note but keeps looking. Not really into cleaning up spilled slushies if I can avoid it.....

He goes further into town, there's an Italian Restaurant.

Mmm yeah, theree's a shopping plaza not far from that Italian place. And there appears to be a place that sells games and electronic devices.

Hope in his eyes, he finds a parking spot and goes in.

It's open, so there are customers here. Two boys younger than him by a year or two are talking.

He looks around, gauging the quality of the place.

"I don't know, Jimmy. It's got good reviews, but some of the writing for the storyline sounds overdone. " One guy with an easy smile despite his concerns is talking. He's dressed casual, flip flops, shorts and tee. He has that hair that's so wavey i'ts almost curly. The boy next to him is less..noticable