Chapter 3: The Intervention
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THE NISSAN ALMERA STOPPED @Swethenham Grove residence, and Paul got-Out after his goodbyes with Francis. He saw the grey-Uber car driving-Off…
… Paul stood in the front Of-the quiet-&-green tranquil neighborhood, with his Me-Time moments-Of-thoughts…
‘… how is the-devil Paul-Messi, ‘even’ Living in this-Peaceful neighborhood…?’
He got into the front-door Of-his-Stepfather Tom’s house ~ and, realized he WAS Home-Alone, with the Adults @work. The house-WAS-quiet… he Looked around at the white walls in neat-&-tidy Living room ~ and, thought the adult-variants residing-In HAD taste for Minimalistic touch… as he Compare to MESSI’s cluttered bedroom…
His stomach growled in hunger-Of-Messi’s biological clock ~ he Looked at his hand holding the McDonald’s paper-bag. Paul walked to the kitchen dining Area… and WAS surprised that it LOOKED Identical to their-Walker’s house setting with the-IKEA table… Paul thought…
‘… weird? … but so-Is everything in-RPL…’
His stomach growled more, with internal churning Of-gastric-juices. Paul came to the marble-counter and put the paperbag on top Of-it, while sitting-On the high stool. He put his dirty black-Backpack on the next stool ~ an Embroider patch-sewn on the bag ‘caught’ his-Attention…
‘Rottnest Isle Skydiving Club’
Immediately his-Thoughts WERE transported TO-BE in a small aircraft flying ‘above’ blue sea. He WAS with Churros, as the 16-year-Old Nate-Xaviers was in the skydiving package to make a group-Jump. (… eventhough, he-&-Churros DIDN’T JUMP As ‘being’ Underaged ~ but it WAS a thrilling Experience seeing their Bullmastiff Centerback parachuting-Down) …
… Messi-&-Churros cheered-On in the plane…
His stomach growled the 3rd-Time (no-More lingering-&-delaying) ~ it WAS MESSI’s Feeding-Tym à Paul opened the paperbag, and took-Out a large wrapped burger ~ the ‘special’ Big-Mac was Made especially by-the Assistant-Mc-D’s-manager, George Morrison (a Bullmastiff-fan) ~ for Messi, with triple-meat patties, with Topped with a fried-egg…
… and, a Large Coke…
Although Paul preferred french-fries MORE than burgers ~ but it WASN’T included in Messi’s protein-based Diet-plan. Paul WAS glad-too…
‘… I ‘love’ my 6-packs-Abs… I don’t want TO-BE a-Fatty-Fats in this RPL-realm tooà enough-Of ‘being’ the Fat-Boy on-A-wheelchair Like-in POST-TREETON à but I ‘got’ my Foodie-bucket list though BACK-There, By-tasting-&-savoring Nana’s excellent cooking…’
He WAS reminiscing the lunches-&-dinners he HAD, with the South-African housekeeper serving them-at the IKEA Dining-table… Paul realized he had-Already EATEN his-burger ~ he licked his-fingers and crushed the burger wrapper, placing-It-in the paperbag…
… he noticed ‘something’ WAS in the paperbag à it was a Happy-Meal toy of Carl-Rocket Minion, with skateboard (… from the Despicable-Me movie-promotion) …
… MESSI Collected the-yellow figurines Of-the merch-Promo…
-O-
He entered his cluttered bedroom, and went to his desk ~ and above his study-desk WAS his yellow-Minions collection, on the window-sill ~ he put Carl-Rocket, the 7th toy-Of-8 with the rest of the-Miniature-figurines…
… He remembered his father SOLOMON’s words, explaining Gestalt-psychology when he ‘was’ 8-years-Old… something Like, ‘the-WHOLE-is-the-SUM-of-One’ à even till TODAY, he Doesn’t KNOW ‘what’ that-Meant, but he KNOW he needed à the 8th-Purple Minion to ‘compete’ his-Collections…
After that, he felt-Lonely. In his Full-SHS uniform ~ Paul walked to the Queen-sized bed, and SAT at the edge… to realize-That, he’s been-Fooling himself All-Day on his First-Day in-RPL realm, attending to MESSI’s Every whims-&-fancies à and, never Got to ‘grieve’ for his-Beloved Jane’s DEATH, who (… WAS shot by her-doctor mother) ~ but-before dying, she HAD delivered the Savior-Daughter baby…
‘… where Are you, my-Love…? That Laydettes-b**** just-now WASN’T you… where Are-you, Jane? You WERE ‘not’ On-the-boat to Purgatory yesterday…where Are you? ~ show me a-Sign, and I’ll ‘come’ running TO-you…’
From the sitting-Position, Paul laid-On the bed with his Legs dangling, as he WAS in tears, thinking of the-intimate Togetherness he felt with-Jane, sleeping on his single-Mattress in his-Windowless bedroom à their Wholeness-was-the-Sum-of-One…
… he cried himself to his-Afternoon nap sleep…
… and à the boy-Then HAD a-weird Dream…
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“PAULYyyy…” The Voice Called…
“… I’m Coming” The Boy-replied…
“PAULYyyy…” The Voice called-Again…
“…Jane, I’m Coming…” He Acknowledged…
It WAS night-time, Paul was riding his-BMX in A-pitch-Dark Old-road, Which-WAS closed for-Constructions to build a highway… (the-SAME deserted road was-Where, a-Chinese-Girl was-brutally attacked… when, they found-Her the next-Day in a coma, sprawled in a ditch) …
“PAULYyyy…” The Voice Called…
Paul was wearing a forehead LED torch, shining-Light into the Dark-path ~ Following Jane’s Hypnotic-singsong Voice, ‘calling’ Him…
“PAULYyyy…” The Voice called-Again…
… he Made-a-Left turn, and WAS TRANSPORTED into the suburbs, of his Old-neighborhood Ahead… the-Road Lane leading to the House-Of-Walker, which WAS foggy-&-deserted ~ but WELL-LITED with street lights posts… and, Finally Paul Could-See-Himself in the Light…
… he WAS horrified when he SAW ‘himself’ as a-100+ Kilo-ed obese Godzilla, riding-On a-Tiny BMX…
… but was-Glad, he Wasn’t a-Quadriplegic… and, Could-Ride a bike…
“PAULYyyy…” The Voice Called…
“… I’m Coming” The Boy-replied…
He wasn’t Conscious-Of-his physical Weight Anymore, BUT WAS-Drawn-To his Beloved Soulmate Calling Him Ahead… and, the Fat-Bottomed Boy peddled-On…
He neared the-Vicinity ~ and Looked-Up and chuckled To-SEE the House-Of-Walker Standing-Intact à which ‘only’ meant-That-JANE Was-Alive Inside…
“PAULYyyy…” The Voice Called…
“…Jane, I’m Coming…” He Acknowledged…
The electronic Front-gate-Then Opened automatically – and, he rode his bike to the Dark-&-Un-lited house. His LED head-Torch shone On-his-path…
“PAULYyyy…” The Voice Called Again…
He got-Off the bike, and ran to the-Porch…
“PAULYyyy…” The Voice Called…
He WAS SHOCKED that the singsong Voice-Came from an-Analogue Tape-Recorder, that Finally Said…
“Welcome To Reverse-Perthland, PAULYYYY, HaHaHa!”
“What-The-F…!!?”
Then An-Unusual phenomenon HAPPENED à the Night-time ‘turned’ into a Hot-blazing afternoon in-An-instance. He removed the-strapped LED-miner’s Torch from his forehead, as it WAS useless…
… the Big-Boy WAS wearing a tight-shorts, and Sweat-soaking t-Shirt, with the imprint-Of-Einstein sticking-Out his-Tongue. He noticed a Black BMW parked in-the-Porch à Solomon-Walker’s car…
… the SAME-CAR that ‘was’ involved with the-Tragic Road-Accident à where he RELIVED that ‘experience’ Of-the-Accident ~ he-WAS-in the backseat à when the Tantrum-ed Devil KICKED the driver’s seat à which caused the-Distracted Solomon to-CRASH On-an-Oncoming truck…
… he RELIVED (once-Again…) the split-seconds moment, when he WAS Thrown-Out By-the-BMW’s Impact… hitting hard on the tarred-Road – he-Screamed-in-Pain, as he Laid-bloodied with-A-severed Spine…
Back at the-Porch, he WAS screaming in-Fright to the fleeing Vivid-thoughts Of-the Vehicle-crash, which ‘was’ surreal to-Its-core. He WAS distracted by the Laughter of-Jane, in the Analogue tape-recorder Saying…
“… aren’t ‘we’ Having flashbacks from BOOK-1, PAULYYYY ~ Haha Haha…!”
“NOT FUNNY!”
He shouted –and came forward to ‘stop’ the-Maniacal Laughter ~ and jabbed his finger-On-the OFF-Button of the-Recorder ~ which automatically ‘opened’ the Front Door à he-Entered…
There WAS noise-Coming from the Living-room ~ he investigated… and WAS face-To-face with the 8-year-Olds Paul-&-Peter, watching ‘Rick-&-Morty’ cartoon on the big-LED-teevee (… the boys Couldn’t SEE-HIM cos he WAS an Invisible-Cosmic-Ghost) …
‘… I’m in-the wrong-Timeline ~ THIS-is-The-PAST ~ WHEN Dad ‘was’ Alive…’
Concurrently, He HEARD Solomon’s voice Calling from his home-Office, in the-SAME ground-floor…
“PETER! Get Me an-Apple from the-Kitchen!”
“Okay, Dad!”
He SAW Peter getting-Off from a sleeping-Position, on the couch ~ and the 8-year-Old boy went to the-Kitchen, leaving his-Twin Paul, engrossed with the humorous antics-Of-the Cartoon-characters…
… soon, he TOO ‘was’ engrossed with the-Cartoon, and stood-By with his 8-year-Old-Self … sitting On-the-floor à BOTH intrigued by the Time-travelling episode, with a Time-travelling snake, as Morty’s pet…
The Commercial-Break came –with a-Mc D’s Ad ~ promoting the-Happy Meal’s FINAL Purple-Minion toy, to Complete the Collection-Of-8 miniature-figurines. The 8-year-Old Paul WAS ‘curious’ of his Twin’s disappearance (‘missing-Out’ their favourite cartoon) à and, Peter WAS inside of Dad’s office, too-Long delivering the-Snack…
He saw skinny-Paul Getting-Up from the-Floor, and walking-Up to Solomon’s SOHO workspace – the fat, Invisible Cosmic-Ghost ‘followed the-Boy…
At the Open-door, THEY Both-SAW Peter mesmerized with Solomon’s skills of peeling the Apple. With expert precision, the RED-apple WAS skillfully peeled, unveiling its delicate White-flesh. The Red-thin-Rind of the fruit clung to the blade's edge, reminiscent of a snake shedding its old skin…
Solomon WAS telling young Peter of the Gestalt-Theory, that ~ the-Whole ‘was’ a-Part-Of-One…
… Peter then-SAW his-Twin’s presence à and had an-antagonist Outburst-Fit…
“DAD! Don’t ‘give’ Poe any-Apple slice ~ I ‘brought’ the-Apple to-You à Give-it-All to Me!”
Solomon Laughed behind the-mahogany desk, and LOOKED-UP at the Fat-Space-Ghost à his Head ‘busted’ into Flames (… Like-Of Marvel’s Ghost Rider) …
… into…
… the-Avatar of Purgatory’s Burning-Man à Laughing, as his mouth Munched-Off the snaky-long apple-Rind from-the 6”-Pocketknife Blade…
“Come FIND-Me, Poe! I ‘got’ a-Game for you, AH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!”
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The terrified Paul jumped-Out from the Queen-sized bed, and Fell-HARD on the floor (… with his-Legs WERE dangling out-Of-the bed When he Took-a-nap ~ that cut his-Blood circulation, to stand-Up…
‘… the-devil STABBED-ME with Dad’s Pocket-Knife in the-Jet, ‘when’ I WENT-To Rescue Him…’
… MESSI cried in-Pain, and Complained to-the ‘half-conscious’ Host (bumping his-Head in the fall…
‘AHRRRRR! It Hurts, you-A**hole à WHY are you-Torturing-Me, Intruder à Bl****-Get out of my-Head-&-Body! You locked-Me Blind in a Dark-Room, in my Mind ~ I ‘can’ Hear ONLY Voices à Where DID you Go Just-Now!!? I thought I HEARD that F***er Solomon’s Voice just now…?’
… sharing-the-pain, Paul was Lying-still, and didn’t Reply (… as he was ‘recovering’ gradually from ‘His-Legs-THAT-fell-Asleep’) ~ while listening to MESSI berating-MORE…
‘Hey! What’s with the SCARY Accident? I WAS thrown-Out from the-F***-re’s BMW ~ bleeding-&-hurt on the-Road… and Can’t Move à Hoi! You B*****d, WAS that Your-Nightmare you’re scaring me with!? TELL ME!’
Paul WAS quiet-To-Messi’s bombardment-Of-questions ~ he Can-Only feel 60%-Of-recovery of the Messi’s legs, to ‘stand-Up’ upright-Again. He ‘focused’ to-Levitate, before ‘realizing’ that Messi HAD-No ‘such’ supe-Powers, in RPL…
… he rolled-Over the floorboard, and his earlobe pressed-On-it…and heard Caroline’s voice, greeting ‘someone’ Downstairs, and he spoke a-SIMILAR voice Like ‘their’ Dad…
MESSI Corrected…
‘NO! You Fool à that is my SAFFA Apartheid-Brother!’
“… I THOUGHT it ‘was’ dad…” Paul mumbled…
‘Don’t Mention that F***-er’s Name TO-ME! Let him-Rot-in-Hell with his-Filipina wench-Of-a wife, with their B*****d-Spawns!
‘… I Curse That his-Church-Too, TO-BE ‘burnt’ to-the-Ground!”
Paul Didn’t respond – his Legs WERE 90% recovered (… when the blood-Circulation ‘came’ Back). His mind WAS Simultaneously ‘processing’ MESSI’s Angry-words:
* ‘… what Church-burn-Down…?’ à Messi WAS withholding Intel of Solomon (… whom, Messi loathed-&-despised ~ the father who WAS ‘unspoken-Of,’ since Caroline ‘divorced-Him’)
* ‘… cursing dad’s ‘new’ wife-&-kids…?’ à he ‘recalled’ in PERTHLAND, where he and the-devil (as 16-year-Olds) ~ visited to the House-Of-Walker (with a swimming pool) … where he MET dad’s ‘new’ wife Lola, and his-3 step-siblings ~ he remembered the eldest 8-Year-old ‘named’ Ryan
‘… I ‘need’ TO-GO there ~ to SEE If the House-is Still standing…’
‘What House? Where are You taking me, A**hole…!?’
“Shut-Up!”
Paul got-Up on his-feet, holding-On to his study-Desk chair… he was feeling the tingling in his-Legs with the blood-Circulation. He Looked-out of the window ~ seeing a RED Alpha5 electric-Sportscar parked at the-Main gate…
‘… whoa! Wilford HAD-Been ‘spoiling’ the-devil with-Prezzies ‘even’ in-RPL…’
‘… yea, a silver-spoon Up-his A** ‘since’ he was-Adopted, hahaha! But I’ll Buy the most Expensive sportscar, the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, ‘when’ I BECOME an-International player…’
“… yea, you ‘would,’ Messi, hehehe…”
Paul WAS humored with the ‘sibling-rivalry’ Of Paul MESSI-&-SAFFA Peter in RPL… where he Would-BE ‘seeing’ more-Of-it in hosting-In Paul-Messi’s mind-&-body ~ as a-Cosmic-Ghost ‘from’ the-4th-Dimension, Of-the-Consciousness realm…
Paul heard Caroline calling-From-downstairs…
“Poeee! Come-down for Tea ~ Peter Is-Here…”
… Messi’s Voice in his-Head protested…
‘… NO! Don’t-Go à say-You’re ‘not’ feeling-Well… ‘
‘… that’s ‘what’ the-devil WOULD say…’
‘Are you Calling me-A-Devil, you-A**-hole!!?’
Paul focused-his thoughts ~ and muted Messi’s voice-In-his head… and replied-Aloud…
“Okay-MOM!”
He WAS ‘aware’ of Monday’s Family-Intervention à and he WANTED to-GO to it (… in his FIRST-DAY of ‘coming’ to RPL from the 4th-Dimension) à to GAIN Intel for His Mission-Purpose…
… and, Also-DO Damage-Control à of-Paul Messi’s messes…
Paul realized that he WAS still in his-SHS’ uniform ~ and changed into a trackpants and slipped-On a Socceroo-jersey. In the-bathroom, He splashed cold-water on his face ~ looked-at the mirror…
… recalling his Bad-Dream from his-Nap ~ where the Burning-Man ‘told’ him… To-FIND him, for the-Game to-Begin…
‘… what-Game? Where are-You, Dad…!? Do you WANT me TO-GO to the-Walker House…!?’
He ‘got’ no-Answers ~ he wiped his face with a-Towel, and Left Messi’s bedroom.
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As Paul descended the stairs, a delightful aroma from the bakery wafted through the air, signaling that his mom had purchased pastries during her journey back home. The enticing smell made his stomach growl, prompting him to think…
"Ah, yes, Messi, I also adore meat empanadas...’
His-mood changed ‘when’ he SAW the 16-year-Old Peter sitting on the-chair ~ that Solomon-Sat when he WAS with them (Caroline-&-Paul à before the-divorce) …
He walked in a slower-pace à to ‘see’ the-devil wearing a-$6000 Gucci web-stripe Suede-Bomber jacket (…that had a-bold RED-stripe), that-Made Messi-Mock in his-Head…
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‘… dim-wit Himbo! It’s hot-Downunder…but the idiot wants to-Showoff with his-Fancy wear that matched his RED car…’
Paul ‘suppressed’ Messi’s Negative Animosity towards his-Elder-brother (… even-Though he knew, Peter wore-jackets to hide-His Robotic-Arm). Paul glanced at the inspector-mother sipping hot-tea ~ he sighed in relief…
… the-Though Of-the ‘Other’ variant-Of-the-POST-TREETON ‘was’ Quarantined in hospital, ‘after’ a-Zombie-Attack (… she ‘was’ TO-BE discharged on-Monday ~ but Paul-&-Peter BOTH-DIED in an-Aerial plane-tragedy in the Dawn-of-Sunday, in that realm…
‘… is THAT-Mom ‘mourning’ for Our-Deaths ‘over’ There…?’
The uniformed, Caroline Walker sat at the Ikea dining table, her tired eyes fixed on Paul Coming to join-Her, and Peter in the Dining-area. The evening light filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows on the scene…
… the pokerfaced, Paul sat at the Table-for-4… (missing was Tom at work, @Blake Country Club) ~ he saw a milked-tea with 2-empanadas, served-for-him…
He didn’t touch them…
The inspector-mother took a deep breath and mustered her thoughts for the-Family intervention à as she began her one-sided interrogation…
… by-Staring at Paul, saying…
“Poe, I hope you understand the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in. You've been engaging in some rather delinquent behavior lately. Manhandling a poor, senior-old Janitor and berating poor student-Counsellor Ms. Lavender Holifield. What's gotten into you?”
… Paul realized that in-RPL the student-Counsellor WAS Ms. Lavender Holifield – ‘not’ Ms. Diane King, Like in the-Other earths…
Paul shifted uncomfortably in his chair ~ his gaze fixed on the floor…
… he HAD-To ‘release’ the Djinn-in-the-Bottle ~ to Let Paul-Messi TO-DO his-Own Explaining…
“… come-On, Mom, it wasn't like that! You don't understand…” MESSI said…
… but Caroline Wasn’t Listening, and cut him-Off, Interrupting…
“Oh-Stop it ~ but I do, Poe! I'm a b*****-police inspector, remember? Hey, ‘did’ you incite THAT fight-in the gym’s Award-presentation just-Now ~ LOOKS Like-a-Repetition Of-the hoo-ha-Protest you Made last-year, ‘when’ Peter won… did-you DO-IT!!?”
‘… huh… Mom saw the-VID on Instagram like-Francis ~ did she WATCH it-to the-End…!?’
“No, Mom ~ I ‘was’ On-stage the Whole-time… when the fight-broke OUT… I-swear by-Jesus I-WAS…!” Messi yowled to her-Accusations…
The inspector-mother Looked at her Elder-son – Peter nodded-&-confirming ~ that Paul WAS telling the truth…
MESSI was-Quiet ~ watching his mother sipping tea… while Paul-Himself haven’t touched his tea-Nor-pastries. He saw Caroline ‘staring’ At-him-Again, saying…
“… then ‘what-About scuffle with the janitor? What happens if he ‘broke’ his-Hip ~ and sues-Me for-Thousands-of-Dollars… do you Think I have that kind-Of-money to pay for your-Crimes, Hah!!?”
Paul WAS Quiet à and LET his-mother vent her frustration On-Paul Messi à whose body, he HAD ‘Body-Snatched’ Since-coming into the-REVERSE-PERTHLAND realm yesterday…
Caroline continued…
“… And let's not forget your creative approach to homework by summoning the spirits of Chat GPT. Quite the imagination you have there, ‘fooling’ your-mother ~ of me paying top-Dollar for her son to ‘get’ a Good-Education in a-reputable Private-school à but the Lazy son, having a public-school mentality with his short-Cuts in his written-Assignments…
“… Copy-&-Paste, is-It!!?”
Paul Lowered his-head, for MESSI’s mistakes…
Peter, the observer of the evening, spoke up in an attempt to defend his younger brother ~ but he WAS a-topic too Late…
The antagonistic-MESSI hated his-older brother, with the Odd-&-Annoying SAFFA accent to an-Aussie’s ears ~ that was Like the voice-actor ‘speaking’ English, in Foreign-Films in Netflix…
… he WISHED the-devil would-Shut-Up ~ as he DOESN’T WANT Peter to-Stand-up For-Him…
But the Eldest-son spoke…
“Mom, maybe you're not seeing the whole picture. There's more to this than meets the eye. The janitor was the one who started it by manhandling one of Paul's teammates. Poe was only defending his friend…”
‘Oh-Shut-Up, a**-hole! Mom, had passed Ol’ Quigley à why ‘bring’ that-Up Again…!?’
Caroline WAS Rolling her eyes…
“Oh, Peter, spare me the details ~ I’ve Been-There, and Heard THAT ‘before’ … it’s ALL one-Excuse, Over-the-Other ~ I’ve had enough PAST troubles to deal with This-Fellow, you know…!?
… Paul saw Caroline Pointing Her-Finger at him…
“Besides, Paul's behavior at school reflects poorly on me. Do you know what it's like for a police inspector to have a son with anti-social tendencies? It's like Everyone in Perth HAD seen his-Behaviors posted on-Online videos à and everyone is Looking at-Me~ and saying in-the-Comments ~ that I’m ‘protecting’ My-Son, while Arresting their-Sons, and locking-Them-Up for petty crimes…”
Paul HAD access to MESSI’s mind, and got-Intel of ‘what’ Caroline WAS-implying à that the influence Nate-Xaviers HAD on Messi-&-Churros… where he taught them BMX Bicycle-stunts (executing flips, spins, and jumps on ramps, etc.) …
… Nate and his-classmate buddy Steve Halifax, both 16 (and Peter’s classmates) ~ WERE both parkour enthusiasts, in their Free-Running sports (perform acrobatic movements and flips while navigating through obstacles and urban environments). Both the 13-year-Old Messi-&-Churros LEARNED parkour from those-Peers…
… recently, they Attempted to climb ON-TO the roof-Top-of the school, after one-Of-their soccer training sessions. All the 4-Boys attempted scaling the 50-metre Tall red-bricked Building ~ while Terry videoed-&-posted online…
Peter chuckled…
“I saw THAT video, hehehe ~ Poe ‘quit’ after climbing Half-way-there… probably ‘afraid’ Of-heights-Like me -- while Churros, Steve and Nate-made it to the-Top…”
Messi snapped…
“I didn’t QUIT cos I’m NOT-a Coward Like-you… I’m heavier than-Them by 10-kilos… and, I wasn’t agile Like-those guys, weighing about 50+ kilos…”
Caroline shouted…
“Oii! What happens if you FALL ~ I Don’t ‘mind’ you-Die ~ but if you severed your-Spine by-the Fall… and-BE crippled the Rest-Of-Your Life on-A-wheelchair à who is going To-Take Care of you, HAH? Have you ‘ever’ Thought of that ‘possibility’ before Joining THOSE CRAZY FOOLS!!?”
Defiantly, Messi argued…
“Come-On, you’re just trying to fit me into your neat little mold, Mom ~ Of-safe-And-dangerous!? Playing sports-On Ground-Levels Are-Safe, while Above the-Ground ‘are’ dangerous. But I want to be good-In soccer, and-Also I want the-Freedom to ‘try-Out’ extreme-Sports too, when I’m Older, Like Base-Jumping, by-Flying in a Wingsuit-&-sorts…
“… is That Dangerous? ~ Yes, I May-Die ~ it’s just Like-you ‘everyday’ putting-On your-Angie Dickinson Uniform à and, oopsie-whoopsie-daisies ~ there is a-Possibility You-Die Too-on the sidewalk, gunned-Down By-Comancheros Motorbike gang, yea…!?”
“Hey, don’t SAY that ‘about’ Mom…” The elder-Brother cautioned…
Paul saw MESSI ‘Was-about’ to Blow-Up à and he put the Djinn-Back into the-Bottle… by suppressing Messi’s Rage-Emotions à he-Soon WAS back-to-Quiet mode…
Caroline Leaned forward-&-exasperated…
“Paul, I'm tired. Tired of dealing with your rebellious antics. Tired of the whole town labeling me a bad mother because of you. And tired of your constant disregard for authority. If you can't abide by the law, both at school and in society, then maybe it's time for military school as the BEST OPTION. How does that sound!!?”
Paul’s jaw-Dropped at the table… and-gulped…
‘… yikes! This-mom-Variant HAD given-Up on ‘me’ ~ how ‘do’ I get-Out?’
Peter Quietly Spoke-Out…
“Mom, isn't that a bit extreme?”
Caroline With a touch of sarcasm… said…
“Oh, Pete, you're always the sensible one, aren't you? Maybe Paul needs a little discipline in his life, and if the military can give that to him, so BE-it…”
The room fell silent, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air. Caroline stared at her two sons, her expression a mix of frustration-&-concern…
Caroline Softened her tone, and-continuing…
“… Paul, Peter, I just want what's best for both of you. Sometimes it's hard being a mother and a police officer, but I'm trying my best. I don't want you to end up on the wrong path, like some of the troubled souls I've seen in my line of work…”
Paul and Peter exchanged a glance, their shared understanding evident in their eyes…
Paul then-Pleaded…
“… Mom, maybe we can find a compromise. I'll go back to anger management sessions, and I'll stay away from Jorge and Nate's crazy stunts. But please, don't send me away. I'll try harder, I promise…”
… but his-Appeal Wasn’t Good-Enough…
Caroline sighed, her heart torn between her duty as a mother, and her duty as a police inspector. She SAT-mum ~ in a-Dilemma of a rock-&-a-Hard place… wedged-In-between her decision-Making…
Something got-To-him that Caroline HAD Already-decided To ‘send’ Messi to Military-school (…Caroline HAD warned him before… and, he DID NOT heed-Nor-listen ~ but in ‘this’ family-Intervention à it WAS-Happening SOON…
‘… Yikes! … if Messi Goes à I GO too…’
Paul ‘had’ to-Say something CONVINCING to gain the trust of the Adult (… to ‘undo’ MESSI’s F***-ed-UP-ness DILEMMA ~ but in a tone of ‘not’ angry-Nor-whiny) …
He noticed the inspector-Mother-variant Looking-away ~ Paul reached across the table and held her Hand, saying-in a Firm-&-Ascertained tone-Of-Voice…
… to speak-in ‘behalf’ Of-Messi’s Bad-Misbehaviors à ‘who’ he HAD ‘imprisoned’ in his-MIND, since Yesterday…
“… Mom, I promise that I’ll behave this Entire 2nd-Term in Class. I’ll Focus on my-Studies in Class-Too à No-More Fooling-Around with the-Irish chumps, doing Their-dangerous Stunts! I’ll GO-TO Mr. Quigley and Apologize-to-Him… and, Ms. Holifield too ~ I’ll GO-FOR my-Anger Management sessions à please, Mom ~ don’t send-Me-away… I’ll BE-GOOD…”
The-silent Caroline breathe-out ~ Paul saw that the-Variant wasn’t convinced… with his-Promises (that Messi Broken ‘before.’ Time-after-Time à Paul gently squeezed her-hand, Saying…
“… Okay-Mom ~ here’s my deal, and a BETà if ‘ever’ Principal Ayn Burnell Called-You in the-Future To-Complain ‘about’ Messi… err-Me… err… I’ll personally pack my-Bags, and head-To Malcolm-Perry Military-School cos’ I Lost my-Bet… you KNOW I Don’t ‘Like’ to-Lose and Be-a-Loser… so, I’ll Work-Harder to WIN your-Trust in-ME ~ is it a-Good Deal?”
The mother ‘finally’ Nodded, and Paul squeezed her palm-Again, as a-Thank-you…
… he WAS confident that ‘it’ WAS-A promise he Could-Make ~ as he HAD been-there-&-done ‘that’ (behaved-&-studied in SHS) BEFORE in the other-earths (as a-Crippled student, in a wheelchair) …
Seeing Caroline-&-Paul ‘holding’ hands, he put-Out his right non-Robotic Hand-to Hold their-Hands ‘too,’ Saying…
“… don’t Worry, Mom ~ I’ll Look-out for-Poe, from today-Onwards…”
Immediately à Paul ‘withdrew’ his hand…
“Whoa! I Don’t NEED a SAFFA-Brother’s Keeper services à I’m capable in-Handing my-own s*** ~ Back-OFF – while you Handle into your-OWN Millionaire-Foreign-student s****y-End, yea!?”
Paul LET MESSI diss him … cos’ he Didn’t ‘trust’ the-devil variant(s) à on-Any-earth(s) …
… cos’ as Asmodeus’ lackey Chosen-One, ‘who’ Betrays…
“Poe, language!” Caroline ticked him-Off…
… he realized saying s*** at the dining table wasn’t finesse ~ he WAS-back silent, NOW that he WAS Left of the-Hook from-BEING shipping-Off to military school. He drank his warm tea, and ate his empanadas, while Listening ~ about the-devil’s stepfather, Jeyrd Wilford on his business-Trip in Europe…
Then the mood Shifted in IKEA table, when the inspector-Mother Said…
“… Pete, the reason I ‘invited’ you over for the family-intervention WAS ~ I NEED to talk to you too…”
… Paul’s eyes gleamed…
‘… whoa! What’s going-On with the-devil that I don’t know in-RPL?à MESSI-has ‘been’ messing-Me with curiosity By-NOT sharing Intel-OR-His memories ~ unless I’m Face-To-Face with a person-Or-object… shush… I’m Listening, Mom…’
Caroline's gaze shifted from Paul to Peter, her piercing eyes fixated on her estranged son. She leaned forward – her voice laced with a mix of concern-&-authority…
“Peter, tell me, are you still seeing Jane Winston? Don't be tongue-tied now… I need to know.”
Paul ‘was’ Confused…
‘... why-Is ‘everyone’ calling her Jane-Winston? Even the-SHS school notice-board ‘stated’ that too…’
Peter stumbled over his words, caught off guard by his mother's direct question. He glanced at Paul, who was quietly observing the conversation, and then turned his attention back to Caroline…
“Uh... yeah, we're still dating, Mom.”
“Yes, you WERE ~ I saw that Instagram video that your fans-Posted online, of the Award presentation à they ‘lifted’ you and the-girl-Up ~ and you WERE both-Kissing…” The inspector-mother sighed…
Sighing-Too WAS Paul, remembered the ‘kiss’ ~ cos’ he-Too WAS ‘there’…
Caroline's expression hardened… her disappointment palpable…
“Why, Peter? Why are you attracted to her? Have you learned nothing from what I've told you about Solomon, your biological father… when he ‘was’ around? He was an incorrigible flirt, always drawn to the allure of bad-girl personas!”
She Looked at Paul, and continued speaking to Peter…
“Look where that got us. I divorced him because he couldn't resist his wandering eye… Thank-God! I’m glad-that he’s Out-of-Lives ~ and we should ‘never’ speak-of him again…”
… Paul nodded slowly ~ and he ‘remembered’ Messi TOLD-HIM ‘that’ too à as he-Too HATED SOLOMON…
Caroline leaned in-closer, her voice lowering to a stern whisper…
“Break up with Jane, Peter… she’s a bad-Apple. Find a decent girl in school, someone who won't lead you down a dangerous path…”
Caroline proceeded to reveal her investigations into Jane's background, her words dripping with concern-&-warning…
“Jane… as you know is part of an all-girls gang, the Laydettes-Of-Perth. The older gang-Members in the-streets have a record of prostitution, drug dealing, cyberbullying, and petty crimes like Larceny-&-Theft… Jane-herself ~ She's been arrested multiple times for violent behavior while intoxicated. Did she tell you any of this, Pete…?”
Peter remained silent, his thoughts swirling as he absorbed his mother's revelations…
… The observing, Paul who had finished his tea-&-pastries, WAS ‘waiting’ for the-devil to-Respond…
‘… tell her, you-A-hole ~ you know ‘about’ it, yea…!?’
… Paul too felt-Sad, that his sweet-&-lovable girlfriend ‘who’ Died in POST-TREETON had’ Reincarnated into a-Despicable She-monster in RPL…
Caroline continued in His-silence, divulging the extent of her Police-investigations à and the involvement of the notorious terrorist feminist group known as the Laydettes.
Taking-Out her i-Phone, Caroline ‘wanted’ to-SHOW something to her-Eldest-son…
“We're working with Special Agent Joe Dickson, of the Counter-Terrorism Unit…”
Paul chuckled softly to-Himself ~ Hearing a FIMILIAR name of the ‘other-earths’ realms… Caroline stopped to-Look at her younger-Son (… thinking Paul ‘found the Agent’s name-FUNNY) ~ that interrupted the conversation…
“Poe, is THAT funny?”
“… no-Sorry… go-On…”
… he chuckled-WAS ‘not’ of the agent’s name that sounded LIKE a-Male genitalia ~ but to the FACT that PERTHLAND’s Caroline-Variant ~ WAS Mrs. Dickson herself…
“Listen Poe, I’m sharing classified intel, cos you’re in the ‘same’ class with Jane-Winston… don’t Leak-nor-blabber ‘about’ this with your-Friends ~ use the info as a Cautionary measure, in knowing-Of this dangerous group of individuals of this-Gang, cos’ we don’t have Concrete ‘evidence’ to put-Them-away for-Good yet, Understood…!?”
Paul nodded-&-gestured with his fingers ‘zipping’ his-Mouth, as Caroline continued showing Peter photos in her iPhone…
“Agent Dickson HAD identified the Laydettes as a dangerous organization in the CTU’s WHO-is-WHO List. Their ringleader is Renee Osbourne, an American residing in Perth for 10 years... and she operates a-Tattoo parlor downtown…”
Paul peeked at the iPhone ~ and WAS Shocked-&-Gulped, that he ‘recognized’ the RED-Mohawk-haired woman…
‘… huh… I KNOW her! She and that reporter Lana b****-Lane, tried to KILL-ME with missile-Drones in TIMEX SQUARE… but that-American Bionic-Woman DIED à when the Zombies ‘ripped’ her ROBOTIC-LIMBS Apart… but…
‘… she’s Alive NOW in-RPL…’
The Inspector-mother Continued…
“In her modus operandi, She recruits wayward rich girls from schools-&-hangouts à and indoctrinates them with radical, ultra-feminist misandry beliefs. They're filled with hatred and contempt for men!”
Paul’s heart-Sank and his stomach-turned with the-Urge of throwing up, in the-Thoughts… that his Beloved-Soulmate WAS ‘now’ the-Reverse ~ being a-Retch-ful individual (… a personality, Paul hadn’t ‘encountered’ with-ANY OTHER Jane-variants from the ‘other’ Earths…
Caroline Then-emphasized a crucial piece of information, her voice WAS filled with concern…
“Most of these girls are lesbians, Peter. Jane's interest in you stems from your connection to Jeyrd Wilford, your stepfather, and-soon-to-be member of Perth's FORBES billionaire group. Jane is a gold-digger, and you need to be careful, Understand!”
Caroline's hand reached out, gently clasping Peter's, a gesture of both reassurance-&-warning…
“Break up with her, my-dear-Peter… For the sake of your stepfather, Jeyrd. Don't get tangled up in trouble in Perth, especially while he's away on his-Europe business trip. It's for the good of the-Wilford family, and your future-Too ~ do-you Get-me-love…?”
Paul was sick in-the-Stomach ‘again’ WHEN he Heard-of Jared-Wilford’s name Again à where he Last ‘met’ à WAS-the Super-valiant RED-GEMINI… abducting the-devil in an-M2 jet-Plane ~ Escaping-to-South-Africa…
‘… and now in RPL ~ I HAVE to-Deal with MESSI’s elder-BROTHER à who WAS Adopted by Jared-Wilford…his-STEPFATHER…’
Clasping each-other hands, Caroline-&-Peter Locked-Eyes…
Peter finally nodded, but his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. He knew deep down that his mother's words held truth-&-wisdom, despite the turmoil in his ‘personal’ BLACKMAILED-Heart…
Caroline tightened her grip on Peter's hand, a mother's silent plea for understanding-&-compliance…
“Trust me, Peter. It's for the good.”
The family-Intervention ended, with Caroline’s remaining good-advices to her-Estranged son…
“… your-Grades are ‘failing,’ and you HAD poor-scores in your First-Term… go-Study-&-Do your classroom assignment… and Don’t ‘use’ Chat-GPT Like-Poe ‘here’… and, Get-Caught…”
… the inspector-Mother-&-her sons HAD a good-Laugh at the-Ikea table. The later Conversation led-To the topic of the morning’s SHS’ Award-Ceremony, where Caroline congratulated him. Peter beamed and responded…
“I thought of bringing the trophy-Over to show-You… but-On 2nd-Though, I ‘felt’ it WAS NOT a-Good-idea…”
… Paul noticed both his-Mom, and the-devil LOOKING at him ~ he HAD-TO put-On a Messi’s ‘face,’ as He-rejoindered…
“Congrats-Pete ~ you GOT me twice… and, you WON’T BE Lucky Next-Year, hahaha ~ MESSI’s is gonna Win it!”
Peter too-Laughed as he brought over his Non-robotic Hand ~ to high-5 Paul…
“… that’s the Sportsman-Spirit, My Brother!”
Caroline Gave-a wide-Smile at the-Siblings ‘diplomacy’…
Paul chuckled ‘seeing’ her ‘happy’ ~ as he too-High5ed… humored, finding the funny SA’s accent of the rolling-&-trilling “r” sounds, when the-devil Pronounced “brother” …
… Paul too-WANTED to ‘get’ into Caroline’s Good-Books ~ as he HAD ‘escaped’ from Being Send-Away to Military-school à where had-To put aside Paul-Messi’s animosity to his-Estranged Brother-Too à and, to Stay-Out of trouble in-RPL…
… but he didn’t trust the-devil one-bit either à as he WAS ‘prone’ to-BETRAYAL, cos’ he ‘was’ a Greedy-&-Self-Centered person à Paul ‘needed’ to PROTECT Caroline-&-Messi from ‘whatever’ The-Oscar worthy performance à that-The-devil WAS pulling in RPL…
* CAROLINE ~ who was Rekindled with her Estranged-Son ‘after’ 15-years, WAS the most-Vulnerable cos’ she trust-Him, her Eldest-Borne (more than Messi)
* MESSI ~ ‘was’ the Least vulnerable… cos’ of his-Dislike of his-Elder brother (… with the ‘goal-post’ shifted, where) Caroline ‘loving’ Peter-More than him
… Paul recalled the ‘wicked’ Thunderbolt-Pete variant-From POST-TREETON à WHO-WAS the-Worst ~ occasionally Cursed-MOM when there was-An-argument (… Of-HER controlled-HIM as a-13-year-Old Minor) à he ‘even’ HAD-TOLD the inspector-mother to Move-OUT from the Walker-House, cos’ the House-Deed WAS transferred to HIS-NAME by the-Wilford estates (on his-Birthday à but it WAS-THEM, who ‘technically’ OWNED the house, since they ‘expunged’ the Late-Solomon’s gambling-debt, from bankers) …
Peter WAS in a-Celebratory Mood over-winning his-SHS Sportsman’s Award ~ and proposed they should dine-Out… and, suggested the-Walkers’ favourite-Restaurant ~ Marciano…
… but Caroline declined, saying she WAS-tired (… and, would rather-Stay home, and eat-reheated Leftovers From-the-fridge). Peter-Too insisted, that he WAS Buying dinner…
“… fair-enough, Mom ~ but I’m ‘bringing’ the-Mountain to-You à we’ll have Marciano Takeaways, how-About-it, yea…?”
… Paul ‘knew’ that Wasn’t ‘possible’ ~ as the 2-Starred Michelin restaurant would never-DO Deliveroo takeaways, as it ‘spoiled’ and Image-&-Food ‘quality’ of the Fine-Dining establishment…
Caroline Told ‘what’ Paul HAD-on-mind – but Peter refuted by saying it’s ‘possible’ ~ Paul rolled his eyes to the-devil’s Billionaire Stepson-Of-Wilford’s money-Can-Buy attitude… that ‘turned’ his-Reality’s world to-Go-around … To ‘get’ Whatever he WANTED, at the tip-Of-his Fingers…
Peter laughed saying, “Ek kan dit-doen, hahaha!"
Paul WAS puzzled-Of-what it meant ~ he-Then heard-Peter continuing speaking to Caroline, at the-Ikea table…
“… no-Worries, Mom ~ you’ll Have Marciano-menu on this table SOON… I’ll ‘personally’ drive-Down and Get-the-Food ~ while You ‘take’ a shower… and, chill-&-relax Till-I-Get back, yea…!?”
Caroline ‘gave’ in-To his-Kind gestures, and nodded. The rapt-Estranged son stood-Up, and kissed her head, while massaged her tired-shoulders ~ and looked at Paul…
“Poe, you want to-Follow me…?”
Paul ‘was’ put-in a-Spot… and saw Caroline Looking-at him too, while Peter Was-Giving her a shoulder-massage…
“… err-Yea! Why ‘not’ ~ need To-Stretch my-Leg A-BIT…” The younger-Son, told and stood-Up TOO…
… in normal-Circumstances, MESSI Would-Say-NO à with the-Sibling-rivalry ‘contest’… but Paul-AS the-Middleperson CONTROLLED Messi à and ‘set’ NEW rules-Of-changes to Adopt to-RPL’s preexisting SITUATIONS…
The-rapt, Peter said, "uitstekend!"
… he put his metal-hand on-Paul’s shoulder…
“… it’s Already 6:30-ish, Brother… we ‘must’ hurry, before the restaurant crowd Arrive for dinner, yea…?”
Peter Led the-way to the Front-door… Paul-Messi followed to go-outside, in the dusk. Caroline too walked-over to the door… and saw Paul wearing a-pair-Of blue-Adidas flipflops going away. Before exiting the Front-gate Peter used his remote car-key to activate the EV DeLorean Alpha5 ~ and both the ‘gull-wing-doors’ OPEN-ed vertically-Up… and the LED-headlamps of the RED Sportscar flashed…
Paul heard his mother’s voice-Calling him, in the-Rear…
“… Poeee… don’t fight…”
Without turning his-head, he held his hand to-Show a-Thumbs-Up…
‘… yea, Mom ~ I get it… you’ll ‘send’ Messi away-To Military-School… and, I don’t want That-TOO…
‘… I’m GETTING into your-Good-Books-NOW ~ and also See-WHAT the-devil ‘has’ Up-his-Sleeves… in this Reverse-Perthland realm, that I’m-Thrown into à to-Play the B-Side of the Game-of-Humanity…’
-O-
There WAS a worried Look in the inspector-mother’s face when she saw the sportscar speeding-Away. Her Concerns WERE ‘not’ of-Paul…
… but of-Peter à involving in-Relationship with Jane-Winston…
… a member of the Laydettes Gang à one-Of-the Rising in Notoriety-GROUP in the CTU’s Wanted-List of Gangs-Of-the Greater Perth.