Chapter 10: The Days of ‘Our’ Lives [Part 2]
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OUTSIDE the-Science Lab, he kept pace with the-peon, and asked…
“… err… Mr. Ganesan… w-why Mrs. Burn-In…Ba-Burnell WANT to-See Me-for…”
The Indian-man was ‘surprised’ ~ then-Replied…
“Don’t you know…? Congratulations Master Paul-Walker – you’ve about-To be presented the-Mayor’s Hero Award in-Mrs. Burnell’s office… Come Lets-Go… they’re Waiting for-you…”
“… huh…!!?”
He followed the-Indian peon… in-Thought-Mode ~ conflicted in-glee-&-anxiety…
In-Less than 24 hours, he ‘won’ an-Award since he foiled a-Robbery @theGlasshouse, yesterday evening. At-first, he WAS rapt by the Instant-Gratification in his 3rd-day in-RPL ~ and, WAS ‘glad’ that the award-Giving was-Behind CloseDoors ‘not’ In-PUBLIC @theGym like-In-the Other Perth-Earths (… where it Led to Bad-Publicity – in POST-TREETON when the-Hero @theZoo praises, turned ‘sour’ à once the ‘Tarzan-&-Jane’ YouTube Kissing-VDO immerged from No-Where) …
… Paul then-Felt he Doesn’t deserve the Hero-Award ~ cos’ he WAS ‘lucky’ TO-Be There at the-Wrong-Place, at the-Right Time (… as his-Intentions To-BE in Kane-Drive suburbs ~ WAS To-KNOW IF-the ‘existence’ of the-Walker-House in-RPL à that Led-to ‘events’ INSIDE the-House (… that WAS ‘erased’ From-his ‘mind’) … and, the-Boy ended-Up @theNeighboring GlassHouse, where the-Robbery Transpired…
… he WAS Lucky TO-BE Alive too from the Vile-MethHeads, ‘who’ wanted to Kill-To-Leave NO-Witness behind for Police-Investigation – it WAS Decided that the-Boy, John-See and-caretaker SHOULD Die… he WAS ‘saved’ by the Delaying-Intervention, by the Levelheaded Daniel Burnett ‘who’ prevented their Deaths – by deterring the Bloodthirsting Kirk-Kiperman who ‘wanted’ to-Lucielle them-Like Negan…
… Daniel TOO didn’t Escape (… he stayed-By Kirk, while Charlie-Horse ‘escaped’) when Corp-Smithy Arrived à HAD He-TOO ‘escaped’ à he Would-BE Dead… fished together, drowned with Horse in the flooded Quake’s SinkHole… INSTEAD, Daniel ‘was’ Alive-Now, in Custody with Kirk @Hill CourtsPD…
Technically, he SHOULD Be the-One ‘getting’ The-Hero’s Award from-Behind-Bar – for the-Intervention the 3 GAME-OVER Would-BE murders…
-O-
After a-long Walk, they WERE in the EastWing, where the-Admin office was. It WAS a familiar hallway, where Paul Had-Been yesterday ~ to the-Student Counselor’s Office. He peeked into the Square-glass-panel Opening-on the-Door… and, the Teen ‘was’ Surprised…
… to Peek-Inside, at Peter-&-Jane ~ with the Counselor Ms. Lavender Holyfield…
‘… Crazy-Janey Wasn’t in-Class for the-Past 2-Hours – what’s she Doing with-SAFFA in the Holiness-Holyfield’s Office? Did They FIGHT ‘again’…!?’
But-Paul Doesn’t give a-D***-About Their-Broken Relationship dramas-In-RPL anymore… FedUp, he Washed ‘his-hands,’ as he Had his-Own Baggage-of-Problems to Mend the-cracks in his-OWN Life… Caused by-Messi Of-RPL – and the-HOST Would soon-Kintsugi* himself into the Insp-Mom’s ‘good-books’…
*[…Kintsugi was the Japanese art-Of-putting broken pottery-pieces back together with-gold — a metaphor for embracing ONE’s flaws-&-imperfections…]
-O-
The peon pointed at a-Closed door in-The-end of-The-hallway, saying…
“… go-On-Over, THEY’RE Waiting for-You ‘behind’ the-Door ~ by-The-way, Congratulations-Again, Master-Walker ~ you’ve ‘made’ the-School proud with-your-Bravery…”
‘… here-We-go Again, Messi ~ unwanted-Attention in My-3rd-Day Of-Body-Snatching…!’
Paul flashed a-Fake grin, and nodded before Walking-Alone to-the door of Principal Burnell’s office in-RPL…
… it ‘used’ TO-BE Principal-Harris’ Office in the OTHER PERTHs ~ while Burnell WAS the VP (… occupying the Adjacent smaller-Office) …
He ‘paused,’ ~ took a Deep breath… to-Anticipate the slimy-&-crafty Mayor John-Blake* inside the-Office…
*[…Paul-&-Jane disliked the-Politician who ‘was’ profiteering-&-dirty (…and, friends Of-the Prime-Minister Of-Australia TOO) … monopolizing ‘major’ High-Yield contracts in His-PROPOSED building-Of Nuclear Infrastructures-&-Industries in the-OTHER PERTH] …
‘… that WAS my-Mission in-Plan-A à to BlowUp the-Omega Room in his-Blake Tower ~ that Nuclear-powered Generated the ‘portal’ à to Open The-Gateway to-the Underworld, where 20-Years from-Present à for Satan’s Legions-of-Armies to ‘surface’ from Downunder – During the DoomsDay War…’
With his-Head-close, Paul took-Another Deep-breath… that vapored on-the wooden door ply-surface…
‘… here ‘goes’ ‘our’ Plan-B, Messi à to meet ‘our’ Devil’s Advocate minion on-The-OtherSide of-The-door…’
… the-Boy knuckled-a Single-rap – while Opened-the Doorknob…
He WAS flabbergasted that the ‘curveball’ surprises the-RPL Threw at Him – Paul WAS Greeted by-8 Clapping WOMEN in-The-office (… but Mayor John-Blake Wasn’t there). Messi’s variant-Mom, Darth-Carol WAS Amongst them, dressed in her-Black uniform. He recognized the 3-Other women present THERE:
* Principal Burnell
* The Chief of-Police, Shazana Mitchell
* The Mayor’s Wife, Mrs. Eady Blake*
*[… Paul ‘knew’ her from the-Other Perth-Earths’ TV-newscasts ~ where the politician’s wife Advocated ‘women-&-children’ Foundations… and Head-Of-the Feminist Movement] …
He presumed the-Other 4 women WERE the-Mrs. Mayor’s staff – true-Enough… one-Who WAS the-PR Secretary… was giving instruction to a MakeUp artist, while 2-women of videographer-&-photographer WERE Checking their equipment… The PR-Secretary said…
“… Powder his-nose… we’re recording-In-10 seconds… chop-chop…”
The shy-&-amused, Paul ‘watched’ as the Blonde-young makeup-Artist Brush-dabbed foundation-powder to his oily-skin…
‘… whoa… guess-What, Messi-bruz? We’re In-Show-Biz*…!’
*[… back in the OTHER-PERTHs à it WAS Mayor-Blake WHO-Stole the-SHOW in Wherever he Went… ‘creating’ political-Motivated spectacles-&-extravaganza à where he-GAVE the Heroes’ Award to-Paul-&-Jane in the-SHS’ Gymnasium in-The-morning à where his-Own PR Team Covering the-PLOTTED Events for his-UpComing Election-VOTERS à in the eyeballs of the-Media Consumers in-The-evening] …
… he WAS ‘ready’ in-8 Seconds ~ the Camera-Rolled… Principal Burnell made-The-announcement (… without a-Mic) …
“Good morning to-All… we are Gathered here on-This Auspicious day, where OUR-Mayor’s wife, the-Honorable Mrs. Eady-Blake’s visit to Our Stamford-High School to present the City’s Bravery-Award to One-of-Our students à Paul Walker, who HAD yesterday ~ bravely stopped murder-Crimes of a-dreadful Robbery… saving 2-Lives for His-Intervention ~ before the-Police Arrived…
“… Paul is No-other than the son-Of-our Beloved Inspector-of-Perth, Caroline-Walker…”
Both the PR-Secretary and the MakeUp artist cheered-&-clapped-loud with ‘mention’ Of-a-Woman’s Name…
Paul ‘was’ bashful when He Looked at the-Smiling-Caroline ‘who’ nodded to-Him…
The Principal Concluded-her speech…
“… here, to present the-Plaque of Perth’s Hero’s Award to our-Winner is, the Honorable Mrs. Eady-Blake…”
The PR Secretary gave a-plaque with a platted golden-seal – to-The-principal who gave it to-the mayor’s Wife ~ before she Presented the-Accolade to the-Teenager. The Only-person clapping-&-cheering WAS the MakeUp-artist (… in-The-closed door Award-Presentation). The camera flashed, as Paul WAS photographed with the-Mayor’s Wife…
… he overheard the-PR woman instructing the-photographer…
“… get some ‘good’ 2-shots ~ we Can ‘use’ for the-mayor’s Election-campaign…”
‘… HEY! You Can’t DO-That ~ I’m a-Minor…!’
Paul ‘felt’ they WON’T Listen To-him, as his protest Would-BE Waived-Aside, ‘unheard’ in-The-adult World. So, he-Complied and ‘modelled,’ as he posed for ‘more’ photos – some with the group-Shots of women (the-Chief-&-the-Insp) with Mrs. Mayor … before Individual-Shots of-Him holding the-Accolade…
His 15-Minutes-Of-Fame ‘was’ Over, after the-Brief presentation. He ‘was’ brushed-Aside ~ as, they WERE focused ‘with’ the prestigious VISITOR’s presence. The Boy ‘overheard’ the Police Chief Mitchell ‘was’ Recommending Caroline for-Promotion as #2 in Hill CourtsPD (… and Eady Who-Advocated Women-Empowerment ‘promised’ she’ll put-A-word to the Police-Commission Board of-Australia) …
… the-Boy ‘was’ happy for-Her that Messi’s mom ‘was’ promoted TOO (… a ‘2-Birds-with-One-stone’ situation) … where his-Bravery LED to Caroline’s Work-Promotion…
‘… good-For-you, Carol...’
… he Wasn’t ‘over’ by the-Trauma (…Of- chased by Kirk, with his LongStick ~ in Near-death of getting his-Brains bashed-In @theGlasshouse) à where Caroline ‘refused’ to Acknowledge his-Distress Last-Evening @theIKEA table… during the Mother-&-Son’s having Their Takeaway-dinner…
‘… yea, Messi is brave-&-tough ~ this-Carol ‘expects’ him TO-BE that-WAY cos’ Messi’s the-Son-Of the-Beloved Inspector-Of-Perth… he’s EXPECTED to-BE-So…All set-In-stone…
‘… but from ‘where’ I come-From ~ I’m a Quadriplegic on-A-wheelchair… and, my-Mom WAS Caring-&-Compassionate…’
He looked at the-HERO’s Plaque in his Hand…
… it Reminded the First-time He WON it, Along with His-GF Jane for Bravery @theSouth Perth-Zoo in the-Other-Perth à Mayor-Blake presented the ‘soulmates’ his-Award @theSHS’ Gym… later, Paul-&-Jane threw the-plaques in the Trash-bin (… as they BOTH didn’t Condoned that their-Containment Method-by-Using ‘superpowers’ HAD hurt the-Animals that ‘ran-Loose’ ~ in the path Of-the zoo’s patrons) …
… he ‘felt’ he Didn’t ‘deserve’ the-Award – by-OWNING it as-A-possession Made-him ‘guilty’…
‘… I’ll throw it-Away in-The-trash-Bin then…and Be-DONE with-it, but that Would-BE hash ~ since-That Daniel-Burnett is in-The-Big House… what Do I Do-with-It, then? … err… MayBe Give-It-away… but-Who…!?’
A ‘perfect’ candidate POP-Flashed-In-his mind à Solomon ‘Purefoy’ Walker… Messi’s estranged dad…
Paul ‘wanted’ To-MEND their ‘father-&-son’ Relationship…
‘… I’ll GIVE to it my-Hollywood Idol then ~ I’ve ‘promised’ him-Too that I would ‘change’ the Arrogant-bum Messi… I’ll Do-MY part of-Studying Hard, and-Graduating…
‘… if-I-give it to-Him, he-for Sure ~ Would-BE proud Of-His Son’s Bravery…
‘… and, Simone-TOO ~ Of-her Half-Brother who-IS-Brave… to-Protect her TOO…
‘… TOO-Bad… Messi’s Unborn Half-Sister Would-BE ‘dead,’ When Carol HAS her-Abortion-soon…’
Paul WAS sad that Messi’s mom WAS Having the-Abortion cos’ of her Promotion TO-BE a-Lieutenant (… where the pregnancy WAS unexcepted in the Line-Of Higher Responsible-Duties) …
His melancholy-&-heartrending thoughts ‘poofed’ when the PR-Secretary distracted him Standing with the-plaque in the room ~ where the-Women WERE Talking. The woman-In-charge directed the-Boy away to-the-Refreshment table…
Paul didn’t realize THAT that there were hot-tea and desserts at the Corner-of-the principal’s Office. When he ‘got’ there ~ he WAS disappointed that it WASN’T Catered from Blake-Country Club… but Last-minute Canteen’s matching Craft-service for the-Mayor’s wife impromptu visit to-SHS that-Morning…
…it WAS the ‘same’ 3 desserts served in the canteen, of – Lamingtons, Neenish-tarts, and Anzac-biscuits… it was sold-Wrapped in plastics, but NOW displayed ‘neatly’ in-plates for the-Award Occasion. Paul-the-foodie ‘doesn’t’ LIKE those pastries ‘sold’ in-The-canteen cos’ they weren’t up-To-his Taste (… the suppliers used inferior products to-Make the-Desserts at-Cost, so the prices-Were-Affordable to-Students…
‘… inedible-&-disgusting … I bet it’s ‘just’ a-ShowPiece… dumped soon in-Trash bin…’
He poured Himself a cup of Earl Grey (without milk) … and sat on-A-bench, and drank the hot-tea, and waited for the-women to-Finish ‘their’ adult-Conversations ~ so-That, he Would-Be ‘excused’ TO-GO back-to-class. The Moment ‘never’ came ‘when’ their-Exchanges prolonged … so, Paul WAS left Admiring Principal’s Burnell’s wallpaper…
… it WAS pinkish-pastel with-reflective Golden hexagons motifs – when camera lightbulbs flashed, the walls paper sparkled in-Golden illumination. The boy WAS awed by the ‘effect’ ~ and compared to Other-Perths… where it USED to to-Be Principal Harris’ office, with plain WhiteWashed walls – that ‘brought’ back-Memories…
He WAS ‘summoned’ TWICE to Principal-Harris Office before (… in-The-OTHER-Perths) ~ on-2 occasions:
* The First-Time WAS-when he ‘accidentally’ Electocuted Terry-Donovan, when he ‘modified’ his-Wheelchair (… with a-Dynamo that gave ‘speed’ via-His Gemini-Blue’s superpower) ~ but Terry touched the-metal plate, where the-dynamo Livewire-Was… and, WAS Shocked, and ~ went-To-the school’s Infirmary
[… Paul ‘got’ off the-Hook, without ANY-Punishments] …
* The 2nd-Time Paul WAS-Unlucky, with the Kissing-VDO – he WAS Berated by Dr. Shelley Wilson – and His-Insp mother TOO ‘slapped’ Him (… as she Thought he WAS Lying ~ when she ‘suspected’ he HAD sex-With-his GF Jane during the-SHS’ Family-Day @theBeach
Paul became depressed as he waited ~ he WAS Lonely in-RPL, without his bona-fied girlfriend – who-Didn’t ‘reincarnate’ Alongside with-Him in-The-realm (… and Crazy-Jane WASN’T her) … while the-Boy stayed-&-hung Around for the Women to Conclude their chitchats – looking-At his Timex watch to realize he HAD missed his-Mr. Harrison Ford’s Geography-class ~ and, in a-Few-minutes it WAS ‘recess’ Break…
… his stomach growled in-Hunger – further realizing that he Didn’t HAVE his-Breakfast That-Morning that Francis Gave-Him in the-Uber. He put his right-hand into his-Blazer pocket à the 3-hour-old grease-paper Big-Mac which he had ‘forgotten’ to-Eat was there à with the McD’s napkin soaked with seeping grease-juices Of-his burger… making his-fingers sticky by the Maillard proteins…
‘… yikes! I should get outta here TOO… before the-air-con STINKS of Big-Mac…’
He went back to the refreshment table, to wipe-&-clean his sticky-fingers ~ and used about 10-paper napkins to-wipe the-stickiness but failed… there wasn’t any-mineral water bottles to wash his-gumminess digits completely ~ he looked behind… no-One ‘was’ Looking, and dipped his fingers into his warm half-drunk Earl Grey to-Wash his-fingers. Satisfied, he then stuffed the-10 soiled paper napkins into the-cup…
He Approached the Talking women… Paul overheard Mrs. Mayor speaking-Of her husband’s reelection. She stopped talking and the-Women saw the-Boy ~ who excused himself, TO-GO back to Class…
… Eady-Blake complimented Paul ‘again’ for his-Bravery, and Shook his-Hand (… Paul WAS glad the stickiness (… like-Semen) WAS ‘gone’… but the teen ‘was’ self-conscious with Darth Carol watching him ~ he bashfully exchanged smiles… and the proud-mother of-Messi nodded to-Him…
He Walked-Out of the-Office, and the mayor’s wife complimented Caroline for Paul’s Decent-Upbringing… But both the Inspector-Mother and the-Principal exchanged nervous grins, as ~ they-Were the ONLY ones-Who ‘knew’ of-His-notoriety in-His Teen-Angst age.
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HE WALKED-OUT OF THE-OFFICE, and WAS surprised when about-20 SHS’ staff clapping-&-cheering – the loudest WAS in-Them ~ was Muthoo-Ganesan, the-peon… The-Boy ‘froze’ a-Moment, before his-Senses kicked the-Butt-of his-Mind like-A-mule, for Him to React…
… nervously, he flashed his-Fake grin… kowtowing to-Them, as they applauded – and finally lifted the-Plaque…
Paul then Walked away fast, exiting the Glassdoor-Of-the admin-Dept. He was still pacing in the Hallway to ‘escape’ the UNWANTED Attention where he Wanted to stay Incognito-&-under the-Radar in-RPL without event-Of-Bad Luck POST-TREETON Repeating ‘itself’…
‘… over-There, when I WON IT à it-Turned Bad-Luck with the b*****-Conspiracy Theorist podcaster ‘hounding’ Me to proof-&-expose my-SupePowers to the-World à she-&-her Bionic-Woman partner Tried to-KILL ME TOO with Killer-Drones @TimexSquare…’
He HAD a PanicAttack – looking at-The-wooden plaque in his-hand (… deemed ‘disgusted’ holding-IT, and felt like flinging it-Away like a-Discus… as-Far-away Possible) – as he Sensed the-Hero’s Award WAS Cursed. He ‘then’ calmed his-panicky Mind with his TM Breathing-techniques ~ his Thoughts ‘stilled-&-quietened’ … and he Rationalized the-Situation…
‘… sheesh! I’m OverThinking à CalmDown, Poe… Nobody is Coming After-You cos’ you Don’t Have Super-powers in-RPL…’
He jolted ‘when’ the RECESS BELL Rang… he wanted TO-GO to the canteen but he HAD the-plaque in-hand… and WANTED to Dispose it in-The-nearest Trash Bin, in the admin-Hallway. Paul found One… and opened the lid, to-Throw the-plaque into-IT…
… there WAS an empty PizzaHut box in-Its-plastic bag BLOCKING the-bin chute…
‘… somebody HAD pizzas for-Brekkie ~ btw, PizzaHut sucks… you Should-TRY Marciano’s Napoletanna… it’s my-Favourite…’
… his stomach growled – Paul grabbed the dumped package… and, HAD a Change-of-Heart to throw-Away the-Accolade ~ as, he’d ‘promised’ Himself that he-WOULD give it-To Purefoy-Walker… so-That, he’ll BE Proud-Of-His Estranged-Son MESSI (… saving 2-LIVES) …
‘… it WAS a-Positive move-&-act To-Rekindle ‘relationship,’ Poe à throwing-IT Away is Harsh-B***** Negative… don’t-Be SELFISH and Self-Centered like-The-devil…’
He HAD an-Idea to BAG-&-HIDE the plaque in the PizzaHut Plastic-Bag à away from the-prying Busybody EYES noticing, that He WON the Mayor’s Hero’s Award (… which WASN’T Announced-in-Public in-SHS ~ to protect Messi’s Privacy-As-a Minor) …
Paul with the-Award concealed in the-Plastic bag, walked a-long Way-back to the-Canteen.
-O-
It took Paul 7-minutes to-come to the-venue ~ with long waiting-Line of hungry students-in-Queue. But Paul Had his-food of BigMac in-His-pocket (… although Outside food WAS ‘not’ Allowed ~ he ‘felt’ he could get-Away With-It). So, he Walked-over to-His-regular spot with Messi’s Bullmastiff teammates… something shifted in-Him when he SAW Maggi-Wong Sitting-Alone in a-Few-Tables away ~ and, Paul WAS drawn to sit with the visually-Impaired Chinese-girl instead…
… it WAS Like an-Invisible Cosmic-Aura… ‘similar’ in the OTHER EARTHs, his alter-ego girlfriend Jane, ‘glowed’ golden, only seen by BOTH Paul-&-Peter alone (… cos’ she’s StarGirl, ‘their’ member of the-Cursed-Trio) – she-Shone ~ to ‘draw’ BOTH the-Walker Brothers to-Her…
Terry Donovan Noticed Messi going with a package in his Hand ~ and, recognized the-PizzaHut branding. He Wasn’t pleased that Messi didn’t ‘join-Them, So, when his elder-Brother Raymond, came with the team’s 20-Beef-sangers ~ the polio-stricken younger twin-Brother ‘instilled’ resentment Cos’ Raymond ‘disliked’ Messi…
“… guess WHO Walked in, Ray…?”
“WHO-Hoot…!? What am-I ~ a-F***ing Owl like-You…!? The Elder Twin ‘berated’ (…upset, after ‘spending’ more than $100 in buying the team’s food, after LOSING ‘the’ Bet) … burning a-Hole in his-wallet…
“… Messi’s just Wasted-your Beef sandwich à he Ordered PizzaHut… and, he’s sharing it with BlindSchool Wong, of-All-people…! ‘Why’ Is-he ‘not’ HERE with-Us…!?”
Raymond Looked-up and SAW the Captain-Of-the SHS Bullmastiff Team ~ ‘not’ joining his-Teammates… just-Like their-Midfielder Nate-Xaviers, who Sat ‘separated’ from the-Team TOO… after a-Spat with-Raymond yesterday (… ‘about’ vaping in-The-LockerRoom) …
The Elder-twin shut the-Yapping mouth of his ADHD sibling… asking…
“… WHY you-Bothered!!? DO You Want-TO Snag a-Slice of-HIS Pizza…!? F***-You, Ter! My money is-Always ‘spent’ well, and it IS-NOT Wasted cos’ You’re gonna EAT his-Share – To Keep Your B*****-Mouth Shut!!!”
The surrounding tables of-Bullmatiff fans ‘noticed’ tensions in-The-team brewing ~ the 4 pillar-Players of-SHS ‘were’ fighting ‘among’ Each-other… the pillars Would ‘fall’ if they LOSE to-The upcoming St George’s Dragons match during the-scouting of-the Socceroo’s Junior Selection.
-O-
At the-table, Maggi had a-Tuna-salad… while Paul spread the grease-paper of-McD’s messy burger on the table surface ~ that was mushy-&-cold, with the triple-patties flattened, in a soggy-bun in-The-meat juices, after MORE-Than 3-hours in his blazer’s pocket…
… Paul don’t mind eating ‘cold’ burgers (… in the-OTHER-PERTH… he loved Overnight pizzas in the refrigerator… it tasted ‘better,’ with the toppings ‘marinated’ into the cheese-&-sauce on-The-cold slice-Of-dough…
They WERE having conversation ‘about’ studies… while Paul gobbled-Up his sloppy-BigMac as he WAS hungry… a ‘messy’ sight that the-Blind Chinese-girl Can’t SEE him indulging… but he WAS more ‘Interested’ in the-Bullmatiff’s Table ~ of WHAT they ‘were’ Thinking-of-him…
… the Actual REASON he sat with Maggi-Wong WAS he Doesn’t want his-Team to-KNOW that he WON the Mayor’s Hero’s Award. Even-When Paul sat with Maggi, the plaque Was-ON his-Lap, wrapped in PizzaHut Plastic-Bag (… even he Didn’t want Maggi’s Ai to KNOW-About it TOO…
The-Girl said…
“… back in Science-Class ~ you ‘stumped’ Mr. Stark with-Your Military Drone-Questions, hahaha ~ your explanations WERE ‘more’ sound… Like-you’re An-Expert ~ I’m impressed, hahaha…”
The-Teen grinned sheepishly that he DID-Ask Questions in the-Class (… as-Paul WANTED to know-Intel IF Killer-Drones ‘exist’ in-RPL à after the-Death defying battling with 5 US-Grade Military-Drones ‘set-To-kill,’ By-Lana-Lane and her-Bionic-Woman partner, WHO GeminiBlue faced in-POST-TREETON @TimexSquare…
The-Boy replied…
“Hahaha, ‘not’ at-All, Mags ~ I’m ‘not’ an-Expert… just-Curious…”
“… huh…!? Did you just-Call ME Mags!? That a-First Time ‘anyone’ Call Me-That, hahaha…!”
Paul WAS TongueTied with his Slip-Of-his tongue (… where in POST-TREETON, Jane Called her-BFF from-Malaysia, as-Mags) … so, he Apologized…
“… sorry…”
Boyyo the-Ai – Protested in-The-headphone Speaker…
“… what-MAGs!? It sounds Like-MAGGOTS! Are you ‘being’ racist!? Are you referring that Chinese-noodles LOOK Like Like-Maggots!? I KNOW-You, Paul Walker ~ you’ve hurled Insults at-US ~ whenever I ‘speak’ Mandarin to-Maggi à from-The-back of-The-class…you Would-Shout-OUT, ‘English-please, HuaWei ~ This isn’t Chinatown’ …”
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The-stumped-Paul WAS abashed Of-What a mortifying ‘person’ MESSI was-In the-A Class (… similar to-The-devil in the OTHER-EARTHs) …
Maggi Intervened…
“ShutUp, Boyyo! I Like-it! Messi, You CAN Call-me ~ ‘Mags’… sorry, don’t ‘worry’ About Boyyo ~ HE’S ‘sometimes’ Rude ~ Bad-Robot, hehehe!”
Paul HAD a-Nervous grin, when he Chuckled-&-Replied…
“… hahaha… OK-I’ll Call you-Mags ~ provided, You Don’t CALL-Me Messi yea…? Lionel-Messi is A LEGEND ~ I’m ‘not’ Even-a-Speck of dirt-From his-Boots…”
“… aww… you’re ‘being’ Modest ~ but you Can’t fool a-BlindBatGirl… I ‘got’ sharp-Hearings, you-Know…? I hear you-Paul Messi, ‘are’ the-Top scorer, to WIN the School-District Tournament… ‘not’ once-but TWICE, hahaha… yes, I Know-That… cos’ I’m your ‘fan’ for 3-Years à and I’ve ‘been’ a-Loyal Supporter-Of the-Bullmastiff, since the Time I Came to-SHS from my-former school, the Victoria-Institute, hahaha…”
Paul ‘was’ Overwhelmed to the Thought-Of her ‘sincere’ Comment ~ despite MESSI ‘was’ Racist-&-Disrespectful in Marginalizing the disabled in-SHS… but Maggi ‘still’ supported-Him à UNLIKE the-Crazy-Jane variant in-RPL – who Totally-Hated MESSI…
The Ai ‘was’ Observing-Them ‘interacting… it blurted-Out…
“Paul-Walker, ‘why’ are you Getting ‘chummy’ with Maggi? What is Your-Ulterior Motive…!? Why Aren’t you sitting with your-Bullmastiff-Team instead!?”
Paul WAS Stumped ~ but his-Mind ‘flashbacked’ to the-Other Perths… where Jane’s BOYYO Ai ‘was’ his friend à UNLIKE Maggi’s Boyyo-Ai in-RPL ‘was’ a-guard ‘dog’ cum-Gatekeeper – to-Protect its blind-Master, Maggi-Wong (… just Like-Piper, Jane’s dog) …
The embarrassed Girl ‘defended’ the-Boy from her-Gatekeeper Ai, as she-Ordered…
“SHUTUP-Boyyo! Don’t BE Rude, and Disrespect to-Paul-Here! SHUTDOWN à I Don’t Want to-Talk to-You!”
But the-Boy stopped-HER…
“NO-Maggi ~ Don’t ShutDown… I WANT him-&-you to-Know WHY I’m-Here…”
“HaiYah! No need Explanations – he’s just-Overprotective at-Times… but I’m a-Big Girl-Who can ‘take-care’ of-Myself, hahaha – sorry-Paul ~ if he’d Offended-You…”
… but the Boy-TOO insisted…
“… first-Of-all, I ‘want’ to Apologize for the Racial-remarks in class à Boyyo, sorry That-MESSI ‘called’ you HuaWei ~ ‘not’ Cool… err…”
‘… ‘why’ I’m talking in-3rd person…’
He self-Corrected…
“… err… sorry I Said That HuaWei thing Back-Then… but, the Point I ‘want’ to make is-That ~ I REALLY want-To ‘tell’ You-both the-Reason ‘why’ I’m-Here, and ‘not’ THERE at my-Teammates’ table…”
The-Boy WAS Lonely ~ and yearned for a-True Friend…
… he WAS Willing to ‘spill’ a-Little-of his InterGalactical ‘origin’ Secrets (… if-Necessary) à so that, to-Gain Maggi’s trust…
He Looked over his-Shoulder ~ before whispering to Maggi-&-Boyyo in a-Low-profiled voice…
… and ‘talked’ about Winning the Mayor’s Hero’s Award Just-Now… for his-Bravery in yesterday event Of-a-Robbery… by-Saving 2-PEOPLE from being ‘bludgeoned’ to-Death by Addict-thugs ~ But, he NEEDED to ‘make’ the-Narrative as-believable as-Possible… so-Some tweaks ‘were’ made:
* He told-The-story that the Robbery ‘happened’ in Swettenham-Grove à ‘not’ Kane-Drive… @theGlassHouse
‘… which ‘coincidentally’ was STRUCK by-Quake 30-Minutes later… if that-Boyyo ‘questions’ Me-On My-Whereabouts That-Evening – then, my-Mission-in RPL is f***ed…’
* He Race-Swapped the-Victims (… TO-BE-Whites) à ‘rescuing’ Kipperman and his-Son… ‘not’ John-See and his-Asian Caretaker
‘… what are the-Odds Chances of more than-2 billion Chinese-people in the Worldometer… and, the-Unlucky Lotto balls WERE dropped à ‘picking’ John-&-his Caretaker (… Asians-WHO were the-Victims-Names in-the Police-record of-RPL…?) Can’t Mention-that, Even Thought ~ that’s What f***ing Happened…!
‘… but I Can’t Tell to Maggi-Wong, that à ‘I ‘rescued’ Chinese-men’ ~ it Would-Be Unbelievable… Boyyo Would-Think the ‘genuine’ COINCIDENCE as a-Lie… by-Messi buttering the-Story with a ‘phony’ Pro-Chinese narrative ~ to Get-Chummy with-Maggi (… quoting the Ai’s-words) …’
* He ‘stuck’ with the story-Of Kipperman, and his-son Marcos (… ‘not’ Mr.-&-Mrs. Kipperman) à the-wheelchaired Old-man from the-Other Earths ~ ‘was’ an-Abled bodied-man in-RPL (… of the same-Age, but married to-a Bombshell beauty-Of-a wife)
‘… okay ~ let the Oldman get ‘lucky’ in-RPL like the James-Bond’s old Roger-Moore – ‘banging’ actresses half-His-age… old enough TO-BE his-Granddaughters, in Each of-His Bond-movies…
‘… then Boyyo Would-Think I’m sexist if I mentioned Mrs. Bombshell-Kiperman ~ Maggi TOO Would-Think it’s Messi’s Oxytocin wet-dream Fantasy… to Rescue a-Mrs. Knockout Beauty-Kipperman ~ like-A-Bond Hero…
‘…anyways, I’m ‘not’ elevator-Pitching for a-Netflix-Movie with sex-Appeal ~ Keep-it-Simple (… and, Believable, Poe) à it’s Kipperman-&-Son… period…’
* He emphasized that the-Award (… given by the-Mayor’s wife) – was ‘held’ in the-principal’s office, ‘not’ in-The-gym ~ so to-Protect his-Privacy as a-Minor from Social-Media (… from Sensationalizing-IT)
‘… I just-Can’t handle-The-stress AFTER-of the-Whole of-Perth’s frenzy-Play up of the viral-porn of-The ‘Tarzan-&-Jane’ midget-sex VDO… let the-Media ‘know’ Messi ONLY-As a soccer-player in-RPL… nothing-More, nothing-Less of-FAKE-NEWS Blowing things out of all proportion à so, to protect Poe’s secret-ID – that ‘he’ reincarnated-In-RPL for a-Doomsday Mission…
‘… I hope that-Maggi Would ‘believe’ my Cringeworthy redacted-truth… OR-else, my Hope-WOULD Turn-to-Poop…’
The-Boy ranted for 2-minutes, looking-Away ‘mostly’ from the-Blind-Girl’s darkglasses… who ‘was’ smiling-Back the-Whole-time as-She-listened-&-nodded…
‘… why is-she smiling… is-My-story poop…!?
‘… less-Is-more… stop-Talking, Poe…’
The-Boy WAS Quiet-for his-Verdict ~ instantly the-Girl ‘sung’ Praises…
“WOW-Paul à You’re soo-Brave!”
Paul grinned that he-HAD ‘convinced’ her to TRUST Messi à but the goody-good feelings WERE ShortLived… when the Antagonistic-Ai Backlashed to-Counter ‘their’ Shared-Moment of-Positivity together…
He heard the Digital-voice Berating on Maggi’s Headset…
“Do you Blindly-BELIEVE Him, You-Silly-girl!!? He’s LYING through-His-teeth based-On his-Body-Language and, increased heart-Rate à my-Algorithm TOO indicates holes-In-his story… a-Mere Boy’s fantasy-play of Police-&-Thief heroic-story to Impress a-B-GIRL…”
Maggi protested…
“I Believe-HIM à Your Data-Analytic Outputs are ‘not’ required!”
Her Ai-Overrode her-voice…
“Paul-Walker, Make-us Believe-You à show-Us Scientific-PROOF that This-Fairytale Mayor’s Hero’s Award à of-Yours ‘actually’ EXIST!”
Maggi flushed with her bullying, Over-protective Ai’s Demands…
“BOYYO! You’re Out-of-Line! SHUTDOWN Now! You’re Embarrassing-Yourself… sorry-About ‘that,’ Paul…”
The-teen Replied…
“Don’t-Be, Mags à I GOT Proof … no-Need to add More worry-berries in your-skull bowl ~ I’ll gladly ‘show’ it-To-you…”
The Girl ‘flushed’ more, saying…
“Nah, no-Need for-That à I Believe-You… blindly, hehehe…”
But the-Boy insisted to Prove-his-Truth (… as he ‘felt-mocked’ by-A Jurisdiction-Court System Of-The-future, ‘with’ an Artificial-Intelligence Interrogating him) ~ and, he distrusted the-Ai… (after he WAS Gaslighted, tricked-&-betrayed by-A-similar model Ai-Pete2.0 in-POST-TREETON to-GO on-A-rogue Mission after the Jet-plane ‘escaping’ to South-Africa) …
‘… Let-Me ‘shove’ the-plaque up-Boyyo’s Digital butt-A**...’
“Mags, I’ll SHOW it-To-you, but Please don’t ‘mention’ It-to-anyone – I DON’T Like More-annoying-&-busybody Attention from what I Getting-NOW in-Bullmastiff…”
She Said…
“Paul, you Don’t Have to ‘prove’ Anything…”
“… but I ‘insist’ ~ why HIDE something ‘among’ Friends…”
Paul then-Looked over-His shoulder ~ when NO-eyeballs ‘were’ watching-Them… he took the plaque from-His-lap, and put-It-on the table, unwrapping the-Knot on the plastic PizzaHut Plastic-Bag – he slid the-package in-Front of-The-Chinese Girl. From the Darkglasses worn-By-Maggi ~ the Ai scanned the wooden plaque, which was gold-Platted. Paul crossed-His-arms and ‘observed’…
… he WAS ‘taken’ into the Tarantino’s PULP FICTION movie, where the hitman Vincent-Vega opened the shrouded-In-mystery McGuffin Briefcase, that shone a-Golden Light at-Him ~ Paul ‘imagined’ Boyyo’s scanning ‘had’ a similar-Effect of-Golden-light from gold-Platted-plaque … and, Expected the-Ai ‘getting’ an-Epiphany of-sorts à ‘proven’ Itself WRONG from Its-Accusation ~ and, ‘declare’ Poe WAS-RIGHT all-Along…
‘… up-Your-a**, Boyyo… I’m Right!’
Instead, the Ai’s volume ‘decreased’ ~ as it spoke-in Mandarin to-Its Master (… confirming its-Finding, that the Hero-Award ‘exist’) … Maggi-Scolded…
“See! I TOLD YOU! You made a-Fool-of Yourself, Boyyo ~ with your oversighted-Analytics… Bad-Robot!”
She turned-To Paul…
“WOW! Paul, your indeed Brave! You’re ‘such’ a-Hero, and Make-My-Day… Congratulations on your-Winning… the 2nd-Time around…ho-yea…”
… Paul chuckled ~ and-Caught ‘what’ she ‘meant’ à Losing the Sportsman-Award to-SAFFA 2-days-Ago…
The Chinese-Girl ‘reached-Out’ her-Hand across the table… Paul took her-Hand, and-Shook her small Palm…
… it mentally electrocuted his mind with doses-Of-Oxytocin ~ when he felt-In-contact with Her soft-&-tender hand ~ reminded of Alicia-Wong of the-OTHER PERTH à the-Quadriplegic Paul’s First-Girlfriend… who gave him his First-Kiss, in the dark-Cinema when they dated, and watched Disney’s Live-Animated DUMBO Remake…
He almost Had-a Dumbo-Boner under-The-table – but his-Reveries of Maggi’s Twin-Sister variant ‘poofed,’ when the Blind-girl said...
“… no-worries ~ your ‘secret’ is Safe with Me…”
“… huh… what secret, Mags…!?”
… his-Puzzled Mind ‘went’ 3-Ways:
* Did she KNOW that Poe Dated-her Twin-Sister à in the-OTHER PERTH?
* … Cos’ in POST-TREETON ~ Jane ‘became’ Close to Maggi when she-Arrived from Malaysia… where BOTH the-Blind Girls ‘bonded’ as-BFFs (… Jane ‘trusted’ her) à and told-Maggi about the ‘Cursed-Trio’ ~ and, their Perth’s Accidental Superheroes’ superpowers-&-secrets-IDs
* Alicia-Wong WAS Jane-&-Poe’s Ally in the-OTHER PERTH à she ‘even’ WON the Mayor’s Hero’s Award On-Stage with them ~ after rescuing Jane’s baby-brother @theSouthPerthZoo from Asmodeus’ African demons (in the Battle-Of Aurora-Australis)
Maggi Replied…
“…yeesh-Paul! Didn’t you say just-NOW to ‘keep’ your-Hero’s Award a-Secret…!? Have you ‘forgotten’ you-Said-that, hahaha!”
Relieved, Paul facepalmed, chuckling-&-shaking his-Head in-Front of the visually-Impaired Chinese-girl… in-Embarrassment…
‘… hehehe, Poe, you’re in-Overthinking-mode Like-that-Ai-Boyyo ~ as Long you Don’t GO into Cryptic-Aphorisms-mode… and, ShortCircuit yourself ~ and Go-mental, hahaha!’
<>
It was 5-Minutes counting for the-Recess-End Bell To-Ring ~ more-than half-Of The-crowd of students Left the Canteen to-GO-back to their-Respective classes – Paul-&-Maggi joined-The-throng flocking-To the foyer…
… Paul WAS Self-Conscious ~ as he held the-plaque-Award, hidden ‘inside’ his-Blazer… yet, many eyeball ‘noticed’ him, as an-Odd Couple with his visually-impaired Chinese Classmate…
… some Bullmatiff fans greeted-Him along the-Way… Paul with a-Stoic look ‘nodded’ to-Them (… ‘not’ responding to-Their Hi-5s ~ and Left-them ‘hanging’) … to see ‘him’ Changing A LOT ~ as-A 180-Degrees ‘turn’ à‘since’ Losing the SHS’ Sportsman-Award to his ‘popular’ Robotic-armed Elder-Brother, 2 Days-Ago…
… it WAS ‘not’ the-Messi THEY-KNEW since ~ nevertheless, they ‘would’ support Him… TO-BE the-First Stamford High-School Student, Who-Makes it-To the Socceroo’s Junior-Squad…
…‘unless’ he Lost his-Focus:
* With Losing 2 years-Straight to-Peter ~ WOULD it ‘psychologically’ affect his-Performance during the Match-Of the-Mastiffs ‘against’ the-Dragons (… attended by-the-Socceroo-Scouts)?
* WHO ‘was’ That-Chinese-Girl? The Messi THEY-KNEW ‘wasn’t’ interested in-Girls ~ but ONLY his-Soccer
… tongues ‘wagged’ between the-Bullmastiff fans ~ who ‘witnessed’ a-School celebrity ‘sitting’ with a-Nobody-student @theCanteen (… where they-TOO Don’t ‘know’ her-Name) …
… by the-End of the-Day à they-Jokingly called-them ‘Paul-&-Yoko.’
-O-
At the-foyer, there WAS the staircase-Up to the 2nd-Floor – Paul decided to take the-Handicap elevator ‘instead’ with Blind-Maggi – but he ‘felt’ guilty-TOO, as an-Able bodied to take the-Lift instead Of-walking 50-steps up-The-stairs ~ but he in-POST-TREETON… he justified that the snail-Moving elevator WAS his-Mode to-GET to class in the-2nd Floor…
‘… it’s ‘not’ I HAD a-Mandalorian-jetpack strapped to-My-wheelchair to-GET-to class, duh… but I’m Grateful that I HAVEN’T ‘forgotten’ My Hardship Days as-A Quadriplegic either…’
They BOTH stepped in-The-cabin, when the elevator Door opened… they WERE Conversing On the-Topic-of ‘food’ – Paul ‘mentioned’ his favourite food WAS Italian, and Chinese food-WAS 2nd (… Indian food WAS ‘not’ in his Top10 List ~ cos’ he Can’t handle HOT-Spices) …
… his Favourite Chinese-Food ‘was’ Dim-Sums…
… he ‘baited’ Maggi, by telling her that his-Mom ‘Took’ him to a-Famous Dim-sum Restaurant in-ChinaTown Some-Years-Ago… but-In-fact, it WAS Alicia WHO Took him THERE on-Their-dates (… where, he fumbled to eat-With-chopsticks … made a Godzilla-Mess, in the-OTHER-PERTH) …
‘… but ~ I’ve learned to ‘eat’ with sticks since ~ by Regular-practice of Eating Korean-Takeaways...’
The Chinese-girl ‘exclaimed’ that he WAS Describing-To her Aunt’s Dim-sum Shop @Chinatown. Paul TOO Acted surprised of-The-coincidental that she WAS-Related to-The-Shop-owner (... playing her-All Along). Maggi then Offered to ‘take’ him-There ~ if he Craved Dim-Sums…
‘BINGO! My First-Date in-RPL!!!’
-O-
They BOTH stepped out-of The-cabin, when the elevator Door opened – and, at the-Corridor, Paul SAW ‘more’ prying eyeballs WERE on them when they walked to-Their-classroom… it irate him when one-Busybody-fan froze-With-his jawdropped…
‘… what you s***-A** Looking at!? We Would-BE holding hands-SOON ~ what you’re gonna Say-about-That…!?
‘… I’ve dated ‘blind-girls’ before… it’s ALL Connected – just-like Ol’ George-Lucas said, à ‘like Poetry It-Rhymes’…’
<><>
THE FINAL-BELL RANG ~ STUDENTS WENT-Away to their After-Curriculum activates… Maggi Didn’t have music-class, and went to-The-library. Paul followed his teammates to the soccer pitch for Tuesday-replacement training (… due-To-rain yesterday) …
… Coach-Metcalf taught them TOTAL FOOTBALL as the-Bullmastiff strategy to-Prep for the Dragons’ match ~ where the-Socceroo-Scouts Would-attend…
Paul ‘was’ Aware the fans WHO came-&-watch the-Training Were-Increasing in-Numbers as they played-The-strategy of Total-Football. The fans WERE supportive-&-cheered… after the-Hour-in pitch… Paul noticed there WERE more than 100+ fans in-The-sideline (… and the Cheerleader-girls WERE practicing-TOO) …
… he Look-At the-Gallery à and spotted Maggi sitting Alone (… who’d Came for the-First Time for the-Bullmastiff practice) …
… back in the-Other Earths, Paul ‘was’ a-Quadriplegic on-A-wheelchair… who Couldn’t PLAY sports à unlike the-devil TWIN, who Played-Tennis… and, got Blind-Jane as his-GF in-The-OTHER-PERTH…
Similarly, Paul WANTED Maggi-Wong as-His ‘future’ GF-in-RPL… so he Pushed himself ‘exceptionally’ well and scored 2-Brillant Hattricks (… of-6-Goals to-Impress her) à where he KNEW at the-Gallery, Boyyo Would-BE ‘narrating’ to the-visually Impaired Maggi of-Messi’s prowess-In-the field…
But he Felt ‘sad’ TOO…
‘… Mags Would-BE in LOVE with-Messi ~ and ‘not’ you, Poe… but it’s a-sacrifice, Bruz… we MUST Keep ‘our’ Secret-IDs in-Covert-Mode in-RPL…’
-O-
The training WAS over-Before-6 – Bullmastiff-fans swarmed the-pitch to interact with the-Players … Paul shook some-Of-the WellWishers’ hands-In-haste ~ with his-Eyes on-The-gallery… he ‘wanted’ to go-To-the BlindGirl – who he felt WAS ‘sending’ a-Magnetic Welcome-Aura to him… so, he Left the-field…
… running-Up 50-stone-Steps of-The-gallery TO-BE ‘with’ Maggi… the sweaty teen, pumped-Up with-After-game adrenaline… WAS Elated when sat Beside her ~ speaking in-High-pitch…
“Hey-Mags! You Came! Is the-Library Closed-yet?”
… BUT-he knew that-She-didn’t GO to-The-library… and, WAS ‘here’ all-Along… ‘watching’ Messi … Paul ‘pretended’…
The bashful-&-blushing Chinese-girl, looked-Away from-Paul…chuckled-shy and-Replied…
“… hehehe, I Didn’t GO-TO the-Library Just-Now à I ‘came’ over-To-support You…”
The-Boy WAS Overwhelmed by Maggi’s Honest-Reply… and, of her ‘commitment’ To-MESSI … he choked-&-whopping Coughed ~ that panicked the-BlindGirl…
“PAUL! Are YOU-OK!!?” She said, and held his wrist…
…her-Ai Boyyo said something in-Mandarin… Maggi responded by tapping-Hard on his-Back to-Ease-up his-Cough… then she-Offered Her-Water-bottle…
The sweat-pouring Boy Grabbed the Water-bottle and-Drank-hurried with his After-game Dried-esophagus causing to Coughing-ease à but Paul Choked-on the water instead… coughing-Even MORE with the trapped-liquid gushing in his repelled-oropharynx… spouting water from-his nostrils, like-Disney’s Dumbo…
“Drink it-Slow!” The Blind-girl Said…
Paul WAS coughing-&-nodding to her-Voice… but a S*** tragic-Day Memory ‘coincidence’ of Bad-Luck in-POST TREETON Flashed…
‘…. It’s All-Connected…’
… where Alicia ‘offered’ to the parched-Paul HER Bottle-OF-Water à outside the-Matahari hair-saloon… when he flew-Over à to ChinaTown from the bombarded Walker-House Disaster-Area à after ‘delivering’ APO from the dying ‘surrogated’ mother-Jane…
The boy WAS relieved his-Coughing Was-Ceasing – and, noticed that Maggi Was-Rubbing his back with her-Left hard… while her her-Right hand ‘still’ held HIS-wrist ~ he reversed it, and held her small palm… while, catching his breath from the cough-&-nasal regurgitation…
The gasping, Paul said…
“… Mags… I need a-Favor… can I ‘follow’ you… to the-Library after-School tomorrow? Seriously-Mags… I’m struggling with my-Math-&-Science… Can you tutor-Me…?”
… in POST-TREETON, Jane’s Boyyo-Variant ‘homeschooled’ him During Suspension-Week from-SHS ~ where the Ai-Explained it ‘better’ than the-SHS’s teachers…
… even-though he ‘had’ CHAT-GPT ~ but he wanted Maggi (… wink-wink, nudge-nudge) … and, when Maggi TOO graciously Agreed to-Help… the sweaty Paul ‘was’ Overjoyed, and Hugged Maggi ~ and thanking Her-repeatedly…
The Kodak-Moment WAS ‘captured’ by a-Bullmastiff Fan – turning it into a ‘Paul-&-Yoko’ meme, ‘for’ the-Next-Gossip, on the-social media…
<><>
HE WOKE-UP ON-THURSDAY morning with another terrifying nightmare – that made-Him ‘almost’ pee-Himself in the-Queen bed. Paul sprung-Up to go to the-dunny to urinate – while his-blurry mind WAS recalling the-NightTerror as he ‘sat’ on-The-toilet bowl to-wee (… he ‘sat’ to take-a-leak habit was developed from his-Quadriplegic ‘years’ in the other-Earths) …
… it WAS Simone ‘again’ terrorizing-His-sleep ~ like ‘how’ the-devil Twin DONE-Before…
In the Bad-Dream, he WAS in the school’s Dark hallway at the-Foyer ~ his bladder-was full-To-urinate, so he Went to the-BoysRoom… approaching the-rectangle light outlining Of-the door in-Interior lit-washroom. He pushed the door, and ran-To-the urinals…
… something morbid-Caught his-Eyes à finding the-dead Body of-The-janitor, Mr. Quigley sprawled on-The-floor beside-The-stalls… his face WAS Bloodied… his eye-sockets WERE hollow… ‘missing’ both-Eyeballs…
… the-Boy heard giggling in his-Rear – turning His-Head to SEE Simone behind the-Main door … in Linda-Blair’s The-Exorcist’s Rick-Baker’s ‘Makeup-&-wearing a White-gown’ – he shouted at-Her…
“OH-MY-GOD, Simone! What Have You-DONE!”
“That’s Much-Too Vulgar a-Display of-Power, Karass!”
“Oii! Stop ‘quoting’ the-Movie’s dialogues!” Paul said to the 3-year-Old, as he Walked-to-Her…
“You Cannot Catch-Me, HaHaHa!”
Paul’s jaw dropped ‘when’ the-Little-girl reprised the Spider-Walk ~ that the ‘possessed’ Regan Did in-The-movie ~ but DEFIED-Gravity as she Crawled-Up the high ceiling… Paul couldn’t ‘grab’ her, as he shouted…
“COME-DOWN Here, you-Little-s***!”
Simone WAS teasing him, with-Her 8” serpentine-Flicking tongue ~ saying in a-Demonic-Voice…
“Your-Mother’s in-HERE, Karass!”
“F***-U! My Mother’s ‘not’ Dead!”
There WAS a-Janitor cart close-By – Paul ‘grabbed’ a-Mop-stick… and used the wood to hit the-girl… but she WAS fast-&-nimble – and-Left the-Boy poked ‘some’ holes in the asbestos-Ceiling… while Simone escaped from the-BoysRoom…
… ‘something’ grabbed Paul’s shoulders from behind – he gasped in-Fear ‘when’ realizing Mr. Quigley HAD turned into-a-zombie ~ wanting to BITE him. Messi POKED him straight on-His-forehead with the-Mop-stick… and staking the eyeball-Less-Undead that-fell down…
Paul ran-Out from the BoysRoom with the-broken Mop-stick… spotting the girl in-Her-4s running Like-a-dog in the Corridor… he Heard a Woman’s voice Shouting…
“Paul-Walker HAD Killed the-Janitor in-The Act-Of-Vengeance!”
It WAS Principal Burnell – and the Indian-peon ‘was’ with-Her… dressed in a RED Tracksuit… the Woman Ordered…
“Muthoo-Ganesan, Go GET HIM!”
… before Paul COULD Explain-himself to the-Adults ~ he SAW the peon Closing-In fast, and he bolted-Away. He WAS Surprised at-The-speed the bulky-&-obese man WAS traversing-In (… defying gravity ~ Like Usain-Bolt in-A-FatSuit) …
… Messi Couldn’t Keep-Up when he heard the-Man ‘speaking’ from-Behind clearly-In-breath (… without huffing-&-puffing) …
“Master Paul-Walker à you’re NOT Getting-Away from-ME… Indian Bullet-Train COMING-GGG!”
Before the-Man ‘tackled’ him ~ Messi Tripped him with the broken-Mop-stick… and the-Godzilla-sized peon fell-&-crashing ~ on-a few standing SHS Deco-displays…
“… Sorry… ‘not’ Today. Mr. G!”
Simone Wasn’t Far-Away, and He Chased her into the-Hallway ~ and he Heard a-Familiar Male-Voice… it was Corporal Frank-Smithy with his service revolver-Drawn out…
“STOP-IN THE-Name of-Law! I’ll Shoot-You if you-RUN, Paul Walker!”
“NO! You WON’T Shoot ~ Imma Minor!”
… hollered in-Fright, while the-OldMan shot a few-Rounds him… BUT lost him at-The-bent, and Paul pursued the 3-year-Old ‘running’ on-Her-4s… Laughing-&-Teasing…
“HaHaHa! You Cannot Catch Me!”
He realized that he RAN a-Loop chasing-After the demonic-Child, as they WERE Back in-The-foyer ~ and the-Laughing Simone dashed-Into the Girls’ Washroom. Paul ‘hesitated,’ before Entering-the ‘forbidden’ out-Of-bound area… it was HIS ‘first’ time entering-The-space…
… it HAD No-urinal section, with ‘more’ stalls – but it was No-Cleaner than-The-BoysRoom. He searched the Closed-stalls for Messi’s Half-sister….
Paul heard puking-&-gagging sounds in ‘one’ of-The-stalls ~ as he carefully ‘approached’ closer… and finally SAW the Little demon on-Her-4s, retching-Her-guts OUT with a-Stream-of Pea-soup into-The-dunny à she then-Choked ~ Paul WAS horrified as he saw her tiny-Neck HAD ‘grown’ twice-The-size… before Simone Vomited 2-EYEBALLS… of the janitor Mr. Quigley (… the Eyeballs ‘had’ the SAME antagonistic looks of the janitor-Who hated-Messi) …
The Exorcist-Regan LOOKALIKE’s Neck turned-360-degrees à the-Grinning demonic-Child said…
“You’re Gonna Die UP-There, Karass – GAME-OVER, HaHaHa!”
… a-Projectile-of-Pea soup shot-Out ‘from’ her-MOUTH à mucking-Up Paul’s Face…
Paul SAT in his-Bathroom toilet-bowl peeing ~ he ‘was’ analyzing his-Nightmare that-Simone WAS-Giving him-in-RPL… he ‘was’ irate that he WAS deprived-Of-good Sleep with the-imp ‘coming’ at-Night to-Disturb Messi…
‘FU-Simone! You are ‘not’ even Original ~ ripping off-A-Warner Brothers movie like-A-Fan Fiction Made movie à They’ll SUE you… btw, ‘you-dying-up-there’ WAS ‘what’ the-Line Regan-Before she peed, and said to the-Astronaut ‘not’ to-Karass ~ you Dumb-A** brat!
‘HAH! You can’t JUMPSCARE Me ‘with’ your-Pea-soup vomiting-Act TOO, Kiddo… I’ve SEEN the-Movie!’
He heard a-Plopping sound, and his ‘entire’ body-Tingled ~ his-Bowel movements WAS-Good… as he-Pooped-more…
Paul brushed-Aside the-Nightmare… and, thought-Of-positive things to-Come on That-Thursday morning – his-Highlight ‘was’ one-On-one Study-Date @theLibrary with-MAGGI WONG after-School.
-O-
All-dressed, He ran Down the-Stairs of his-Stepdad’s House ~ he WAS 10-Minutes ‘early’ to wait for his-Uber (… normally, he drank Coffee in the Other-Perths), BUT in-RPL ~ he HAD his-VIP Service of McD’s Coffee-&-BigMac daily-On-school Days (… delivered by His-Uber driver-Francis) …
‘… Messi’s paying for the Geek-economist Francis’ Side-Gig-income – Of-providing FastFood protein for his Protein-intake as an-Athlete… I don’t want TO-GET’ middle’ into that-Arrangement by-Imposing my-Healty-Diet (… poor-Francis – he’s a-Sole ‘earner’ Family-man) ~ I’ll Can-save the-Burger for-Later in-Canteen, like I Did-yesterday… and, save-Me some Pocket Allowance too…’
He sighed as Messi ‘had’ Constipation-Problems ~ veggies-&-fruits ‘were’ Kryptonite… and, he-Blamed…
‘… what Am I TO-DO? The Inspector-Mother Carol-Variant is a-MeatEater too, Who Gorge-unhealthy with Takeaways ‘nightly’ with-Messi…
‘… and Drinks Wine-Too ~ EvenThough she PREGGO…’
Paul Looked-out at the window ~ his Stepdad’s Bentley ‘wasn’t’ there (… it ‘was’ the-3rd-Day, he Did SEE Tom-Harris ~ Last Seen on-Monday-morning) …
‘… where ‘are’ you, Daddy-O? Mom is HAVING an-Affair with Reedus-Dickson ‘behind’ Your-Back…! Come-Home… OR-you’re WalkingDead if you DON’T ‘fix’ your-3 years-Of Marriage…’
Paul sighed as it ‘was’ Adult affair is ‘not’ the-Territory for A-minor like-Him TO-BE meddling in… he decided to ‘stop’ worrying of-Things’ that he Couldn’t control-In-the Real-world…
… He saw the Living-room that WAS the ‘same’ setting Arrangements in the-Walker House in the-Other Perth-earths (…especially the-couch) ~ that brought him ‘fond’ memories of POST-TREETON where the-preggo Jane-&-Nana ‘would’ watch TV-seated on-The-Couch in-The-evenings…
He SAT on Jane’s spot on-The-couch… with-The-remote the-Boy Switched-On the 65” Teevee…
… there WAS an-Anchor, half-way ‘reporting’ the InternationalNews, of the-unrest CivilWar in South-East Asia ~ of the Rise-Of the Malay-Jihadists Movements, who WERE massacring Local-born Chinese citizens in Singapore, Kuala-Lumpur-& Jakarta… where the ‘other’ neighboring non-Muslim countries WERE on-High-Defense Alert of the fascist-radicals bordering their-Country with Islamization-agenda…
Paul sighed…
‘… there is-Always ‘unrest-In-Asia’ ~ back in POST-TREETON à North-Korea WAS ‘invading’ the-South… sheesh! This-is-Depressing…’
… he WANTED to switch-Off the teevee – but somehow the-Remote wasn’t working (… with old-batteries) – that prompted the-Teen to get-Off the-Couch to OFF-the-set Manually… then Something caught-His-eye, of-LocalNews… where an-Image of a-Familiar POST-TREETON’s face made-News in-RPL à it WAS Cardinal Albert-Beltran…
… the Last he SAW the big-&-bulky stature Local Religious figure WAS during his visit to St Michael’s Church for the Holy-Confirmation ceremony… where-Later, an-Oddball party-crasher (… Jimbo-the-Homeless) came to the wrong party-Of-prayers à to-Warn the-devil Twin ~ saying that he WOULD Die-in-a Plane-Crash…
‘… at-Least Jimbo WAS Nostradamus-Spot-On-Right… true-Enough, BOTH me-&-the devil DIED in Plane-Crash…’
Paul pressed the-Volume Button-Up… to Hear ‘what’ the Cardinal ‘was’ Saying @aPress Conference in City-Hall, accompanied by other Catholic bishops-&-priests, and-Also Mayor Mr.-&-Mrs. Blake and his-Government officials …
“The Eclispebane… also-Known-as The Sword-Of-Kerubiel is a-PROPERTY of-The Vatican à that WAS stolen centuries-AGO in the-CrusadeWars from the-VAULTs of-the Holy Church… but TODAY ‘had’ been-Recovered in-PERTHLAND, Western-Australia à during-A-Police Raid in the-residence of a-Chinese Mastermind BlackMarket criminal…”
‘… huh-what Effin’ Raid…!? What-Criminal Mastermind!?’
“… the Holy-Artifact is ‘now’ Heavily-Guarded in-The-Custody of the Hills-CourtsPD à and the-Perpetrator John See-Lum-Tat is in-Police Custody-TOO… he’s from-a-Rightwing Buddhist Secret Organization in-Taiwan… who’s-A-Wolf in-Sheep’s clothes, and lived ‘undetected’ for-Decades in-PERTHLAND ~ as a Clandestine Treacherous Spy-&-Threat to the-Sovereignty of-Our Peaceful Country… and-Also, HE a-BlackMarket Antique-Fencer in Auctions-of the DarkWeb…”
‘… what NONSENSE ‘are’ Y’All Accusing-Of!!? I KNOW John à he’s ‘not’ a-Thief – but a-TimeTraveler… and, IF-HE ‘was’ in-Possession of-The-Sword à he Would ‘have’ a-GOOD Reason-&-Purpose TOO… Cos’ He’s-Also an-End-of-Days TimeKeeper à so, who are you to ‘judge’ Him, Cardinal-Beltran…!?’
“I Hope the-Christian High-Court Would ‘give’ a-Severe Punishment to-The-enemy Of-the-STATE by Locking Him-Up Forever for his-Wrongdoings to OUR Christian Church…”
Paul panicked (… as-A-Minor in-An Adult’s World) …
‘… oh-my-God…what Am-I TO-DO…!? They’re Arresting him…!’
“I Would-BE Accompanying in the-DELIVERY of the Holy-Artifact sword to-Rome… and SOON, I Would Personally hand-IT-to the Holy-Father– the-Pope Sylvanus IV…”
‘… that is John’s sword… don’t TAKE it-Away…’