Emma: Ok, everyone ready to enter the depths of Peter's imagination? ;)
Peter: Yeah!
Mike: Just don't stick me in a dress again. :p
Lauren: Yeah! ;-)
Micky: Awe, Mike, you looked cute in a dress. *winks*
Emma: You sure did! ;)
Davy: I'm going to dress all of those lovely ladies...(frowns)...but what about you, Petah? Are you still out of work?
Peter: (Grins) Well, let's go there and see! Ok, guys, close your eyes and think "Fairy Tale!"
(The group does. They're surrounded by the warm, blue light. When the light subsides, they're standing in, not cardboard on a plain soundstage, but a real cobblestone street with real horses and real knights in real chain mail. The buildings are real timber, Tyrolean-style with large wooden signs hanging outside. The buildings are in a circle that leads into a larger city, teaming with people in peasant outfits, chain mail, and fancy gowns and hose and costumes. A lovely fountain and tall trees sit in the middle of the circle. Micky's Inn is the largest building and dominates the square. Next to it are smaller buildings. "Mike's Cobbler Shop" has shoes of all kinds in the window; "Davy's Tailor Shop" has dresses and suits, "Emma's Book Store and Bakery" displays books and reading material, and "Peter's House of Music" displays musical instruments of all kinds, including an upright piano.)
Mike: (Opens his eyes - he wears his quite male peasant outfit from "Fairy Tale," complete with cobbler's hammer.) Hey, groovy! (Grins) Nice to see you expanded the budget on your dreams, Pete. ;)
Peter: (Grins - he's still in his peasant outfit and beads, complete with the Magic Locket) This is my imagination, Michael. I can go as overbudget as I please. ;)
Lauren: Cool! ;-)
Emma: (Looks herself over - she wears a knee-length red peasant gown over a yellow, lace-trimmed blouse, with a matching yellow-and-red apron and red low-heeled shoes, her hair back in a red ribbon) Oh, wow, awesome!
Micky: *wears his orange and white shirt, partially buttoned, and the long green apron over pants* And I thought we had fun before! *grins*
Davy: (He wears his peasant outfit and tailor paraphernalia. Three girls standing in the square - one tall with straight hair and glasses, one equally tall with short, fluffy reddish-gold curls, and one petite with short, dark brown hair - point and giggle at him) Not bad at all, I do say! ;)
Lauren: *wears a matching outfit to Micky's except her apron is purple, and the shirt is has red instead of orange* Davy's already got his groopies. *smirks*
Davy: I ain't complainin', luv. ;)
Peter: (Indicates the music shop) When I couldn't marry the Princess Gwen, she gave me my second fondest wish, to have a real job that I really love, and what I love most is music. I give lessons to all of the children in Avon-On-Calling, too! :D
Emma: (Grins) Hey, what about the married couple? Lauren, what are you supposed to be? ;)
Lauren: Well, I figured Micky could use some help with the Inn. *indicates the size of the building* We're co-innkeepers. ;-)
Emma: Oh, that's sweet! :x
Peter: I can't wait to eat there! I heard the food is the best in town!
Mike: Oh, boy, my favorite. Leftovers. ;)
Micky: *grins* It better be the best in town. *sticks his tongue out at Mike*
Davy: The way Mick eats, there won't be any leftovahs, Mike! ;)
Micky: Ha ha, guys. We've barely got here, and you're taking shots already. :-P
(Already people are joining the three girls in the square. Some are entering the Inn, some gaze into the shop windows. The three girls come up to Davy, giggling.)
Davy: And what can I do for you lovely ladies?
Julia: (The girl in the glasses grins and speaks with a Russian accent) We need uniforms. We just got jobs at the Cartwright Grocery (points at a large market across the square), and we have nothing to wear!
Peter: (Grins) Oh! Lady Valerie's father is the head of the grocery. I started seeing her when I gave up Princess Gwen. She's really a she!
Olga: (Nods) She is very nice. She knows how to work the scales, and has taught us little bit of English to talk to customers.
Peter: She's the most wonderful girl in the universe! :x
Micky: *wipes away a nonexistent tear* It's so sweet!
(The girl in question emerges from the grocery. The tall, elegant Valerie Cartwright wears a knee-length navy-blue silk gown trimmed with velvet ribbons and fine lace. Her hair is pulled back into a low ponytail with a navy ribbown. She runs to Peter and embraces him.)
Valerie: Hello, Peter! I'm glad I got to be in this story! I've missed you. I've been dying to play a duet with you!
Peter: (His sunshine smile could light up all of Avon-On-Calling) Valerie and I sometimes play piano duets, too. She's a fantastic piano player!
Valerie: (Blushes herself) I'm hoping to become a concert pianist someday. (Makes a face) Father would rather I take over the grocery, but I just don't have a head for figures. (As more people begin to gather around the music shop and Davy take the three giggling girls' arms) Why don't you play something for the crowd, Peter? It would be a good way to start the day! :D
*Micky cheers.*
Peter: Sure!
(Peter opens the door the music shop as Davy enters the tailor shop with the girls. He sits at the piano in the window, cracks his knuckles, and plays the first notes of his own "For Pete's Sake.")
(We get a full-blown musical number, with townspeople dancing in the square, Valerie dancing with Peter, Micky pulling Lauren into a short duet, Davy dancing with various girls, and Emma finally getting a reluctant Mike into a short dance together, all intercut with the guys playing the song in the window of Peter's shop. The number ends with everyone but Peter, who plays in the window, dancing happily to the music. As it finishes, we cut back to Peter, who sits in the window while the others surround him happily.)
Emma: Yeah! I love MGM-style musical numbers! :D
Davy: Now that was my idea of a romp. ;)
Micky: *nudges Lauren* Even got you to sing, babe. ;-)
Lauren: *nudges Micky back* Don't hold your breath for it to happen again, Mick.
Mike: That was embarrasin'. :p
Emma: (Elbows Mike) Oh, I don't think you did that badly.
Mike: (Shakes his head) These long legs weren't made for dancin'.
Emma: (Shakes her head) You can be such a stick-in-the-mud sometimes, Mike!
Peter: (Nods at the children and their parents standing at the music shop window) I think I have my first class for the day, guys. We're going to have to break up the party. ;)
Davy: Let's take it ovah to the Inn. I feel the need for a good tankard of milk. ;)
Micky: Great! I can show off the menu!
Mike: (Sighs) Think I'll join 'ya, Dave. I could use some milk myself, and maybe a full-blown breakfast. (Grins) And to catch up on the gossip 'round here. Inns always have the best gossip. :)
Lauren: Who do you think starts the gossip? *jerks a thumb at Micky*
Emma: I'm going to open the book shop. Feel free to drop by for my brownies or cinnamon rolls or some coffee! :)
(That gets a laugh from everybody.)
Davy: Yeah, Mistah Big Mouth Dolenz 'ere spreads news bettah than the Town Criah Baby! ;)
Mike: Whether it's accurate, semi-accurate, or nowhere close. ;)
Micky: I can't help it if I like to talk.
Davy: And talk, and talk, and talk... ;)
Micky: Okay, okay...
Mike: Normally, we have to stick a rag in your mouth to get you to shut up! ;)
Micky: You know that rag isn't necessary, Mike.
Emma: (Rolls her eyes and mutters) Guess who stuck his foot in his mouth again? :p
Mike: (Makes a face at Emma, then turns to Micky) Sorry, Mick. But you can go on forever.
Micky: At least you use a clean rag. ;-)
Emma: Frankly, there are times when I wish you'd talk at all! (Points at Micky) He won't stop (then makes a face at Mike) and we can't get you to start most of the time!
Mike: I say what I say through my music.
Emma: You know, we can't read your mind.
Mike: Maybe what's on my mind isn't anyone's business most of the time.
Davy: (Shakes his head) Could you two not start here?
Lauren: Oh, brother. C'mon, you two, neutral corners!
Emma: Fine! (She stomps off to the small store next to Peter's Music Shop that says "Emma's Book Shop and Bakery" on a large wooden sign shaped like a book hanging outside the building. She slams the door as hard as she can on the way in.)
Mike: Damn her! (Slams into the building between Davy's Tailor Shop and Peter's Music Shop, which says "Mike's Cobbler Shop" on a shoe-shaped wooden sign.)
Lauren: *scratches her head* I don't think that was quite what I meant.
(We see both in the windows. Emma sits angrily in the window of her store, flops down on a wooden stool, and reads a thick book. Mike grabs a shoe and bangs on it as hard as he can with his hammer.)
Micky: *sighs* And the war continues.
Davy: (Rolls his eyes) 'ere they go again! Won't those two evah call a truce?
(Davy, Lauren, and Micky make their way into the Inn. The main room has a receptionist's desk to one side, but it's mostly tables, chairs, and a polished wood bar. A tall, shapely blonde woman in a tight velvet peasants' dress with voluminous lace petticoats stands behind the bar, wiping up a spill. A dark yellow apron is wrapped around her shapely waist.)
Davy: (Immediately sits at the bar for a good look at the barmaid's considerable cleavage) Now this is the life. (To the barmaid) Give me a milk with nutmeg on the top, miss!
Barmaid: (Grins - Cockney accent) Well, if it ain't Davy Jones, God's gift to 'alf of womankind!
Davy: (Winks) What 'appened to the othah 'alf? ;)
Barmaid: They're probably standin' in front of your shop window as we speak. (Brings him a tankard of milk, then nods at Micky and Lauren) And will it be fresh orange juice for Mastah and Missus Dolenz? :)
Micky: *glances at Lauren, who nods* Line us up! *grins*
Barmaid: I always did like your ways of thinkin', Mastah Dolenz! (Starts squeezing oranges into two tankards as Lauren and Micky join Davy at the bar and other people start coming into the room.) So, 'ow's the romances goin' on? Rumor has it that the cobbler is stuck on the bookshop owner and the musician is chasin' the grocer's daughter. ;)
Davy: (Takes a big gulp of milk and wipes off his milk mustache) Petah and Valerie seem to be perfectly 'appy, but Em and Mike are at it again. :p
Micky: *grins* Same old, same old. ;-)
Barmaid: (Shakes her head) Not again! Those two go at it like bloody dragons in battle, they does! (Grins wickedly as a small man in a suit, tall hat, and cloak sits on the end of the bar) When they ain't stealin' romantic glances and kisses in the back of 'er shop, behind the bakery counter. ;)
Davy: (Sighs) What are we going to do with those two?
Lauren: Stick 'em in a room together and see what happens? *grins*
(The barmaid hands Micky and Lauren their tankards, then goes to attend to her new customer.)
Micky: *to Davy* See that, she is sadistic!
Davy: Aftah the last story, I could 'ave told you that, Mick. It must be women. They've all got bloody evil minds. :p
Lauren: *shrugs* What can I say? It's more fun. ;-)
Barmaid: (Over her shoulder to Davy) I wouldn't tell that to all the bloomin' women who 'ang about your shop all day, Jones! You'd lose 'alf your clientele! ;)
Micky: I think she's got you there, Dave.
Davy: Speaking of the shop (puts the tankard down) I have uniforms to make. (The three Russian girls tap on the big window in the front of the Inn and wave.) Have I evah said 'ow much I love a woman in uniform? (He puts a few coins on the bar and walks out. We see him throw his arms around the three girls and lead them away, presumably to his shop.)
Lauren: *smirks* And wonders never cease.
Barmaid: (Rolls her eyes) 'E's slippin'. 'E usually leaves with four or five girls on 'is arm. (Goes over to attend to a group of knights.)
Man: (The man on the other side of the bar finishes his drink and goes to Micky and Lauren) Hello, good innkeepers. Could the two of you possibly direct me to the cobbler shop and the grocery? I have pressing business with the owners of those establishments. (He is really quite familiar, especially to Micky. He twists his cape in his hands nervously.) It's really very pressing buisness, you see. I wish to discuss the marriage of my lovely daughter Margaret.
Barmaid: (Frowns) But the grocery 'as a daughter! She wouldn't be marryin' another daughter!
*Lauren and Micky exchange looks.*
Man: (Grins and contiunes to twist) I wish to court the grocer's daugher myself. I heard she is a lovely and strong maid, with a good head on her shoulders. I'm getting on, and I'd like to have someone pretty by my side when I go.
Micky: Really? Gee, that's nice. ;-)
*Lauren rolls her eyes.*
Man: It really is very pressing (sighs) and my daughter is waiting for me at home. We run an herb and potion shop in the woods. She makes most of the potions now, and I do most of the business.
Micky: *frowning* Both shops are just a ways out, on either sides of the music shop.
Man: (Smiles and shakes Micky's hand) Thank you, good Innkeeper! I shan't forget your generosity! (Puts a few coins in his hand) For the lovely drink. It really was lovely. You have a quite a staff, you know. (Eyes the barmaid's cleavage - she blushes) Quite a staff. (Hurries out)
Barmaid: What was that all 'bout?
Lauren: All I know is I don't like it. He looked vaguely familiar.
Barmaid: 'H was more jittery than a cat with its tail caught in a rocking chair, 'e was!
Micky: *shakes his head* I don't like this one bit.
Barmaid: 'Eard 'im mumblin' somethin' 'bout "separte checks please," an' 'e was alone!
Micky: I think I have an idea of what's going on. *makes a face*
Barmaid: I guess 'e ain't marryin' the cobbler. 'E's aftah Lady Valerie. (Makes a face) Petah the Musician will be terrible put-out, 'e will!
Lauren: Not if we have something to say about it!
Barmaid: Maybe you ought to warn the poor bloke someone's aftah 'is bloomin' girl. Little ol' Melody will watch the Inn for yas.
(Melody's attention is distracted by the knights, who call for more raspberry and chocolate milk.)
Micky: We'd better go warn Peter. This is not going to sit well at all.
Lauren: We'll break it to him gently. *nods*
(As Lauren and Micky run across the square, they hear a familiar squawk coming from the cobbler's shop.)
Mike: (From in the shop) Man, what part of "no" don't you understand?
Man: I assure you, your...
Mike: (Quickly) Unless you're buying shoes, I want you outta here!
Man: Very well, (sniffs) cobbler, I will take my leave. But I will be back! (Sound of door crashing open) I promise you that! (The man emerges and hurries to the grocery. Lauren and Micky see Mike in the window, staring after the man in angry disbelief. Nails and shoe leather are scattered around him.)
Micky: Uh oh.
Mike: (Emerges from the shop roaring angry. He slams his fist into the door, leaving a gaping hole.) Damn that jerk! (Holds his fist) Ouch! Oh, man, my damn temper...
Lauren: Big uh oh. Oh, Mike...
Micky: That door won't be bothering him again. ;-)
(Micky and Lauren hurry to the door of the cobbler's shop. Mike nods at the pair as he rubs his bruised fist.)
Mike: (Weary) Hi, guys.
Micky: Hi. What happened, man?
Mike: (Nods at the small man retreating into the grocery) Some guy named Mr. Potts came in, tryin' to get me to marry his girl. I tried to tell him I wasn't interested, but he was damn persistant. I was on the verge of throwin' him out when he finally got the message. :p
Lauren: He was lucky. *frowns*
Mike: Yeah, (indicates the door) that coulda been his head.
Micky: And no one wants that.
Mike: He kept goin' on about how sweet and pretty his daughter was, but I ain't just up and marryin' someone I ain't even seen yet.
Lauren: This is really weird.
Mike: This is Pete's imagination. What do you expect? ;)
(Peter emerges at that point, all smiles.)
Micky: Well, someone's happy.
Peter: My first class was wonderful! The kids are so cute when they practice their scales. (Nods at Mike) Maybe you could give classes, too. You play the organ well, and you play the guitar and the bass.
Mike: I like kids, but I don't know what kind of a teacher I'd be.
Peter: (Sees Mike's bruised hand and the expressions on Micky and Lauren's face) Guys, what's wrong?
Micky: Mike punched the door instead of some guy's head.
Mike: (Rubs his sore fist again) Some idiot came around here, askin' me to marry a girl I never even met.
Peter: (Puts his hand on Mike's shoulder) Oh, Michael! You know you have to be more careful. You could really hurt yourself or someone else with that temper some day!
Mike: He was practically blackmailin' me, Pete! (Looks at the book shop, where Emma still sits in the window, engrossed in her book) And I don't need to lose Em 'causa that.
Micky: There's gotta be something we can do.
Peter: (Rubs his shoulder) Michael, how could he blackmail you? You have nothing to hide! You're just a peasant, like the rest of us!
Mike: (Sighs; distant, thoughtful) Yeah, Pete...
Micky: (Gulps) Oh, man, Pete, I just remembered something else.
Peter: (Sees the worried expression on his normally happy-go-lucky friend's face) What's wrong, Micky?
Micky: Mike's not the only person that guy is after. He wants Valerie for himself.
Peter: (Gasps) Oh, no! She wouldn't go out with him, would she?
Lauren: Not exactly a match made in Heaven. *makes a face*
Mike: Of course not, Pete! (Pats his friend on the back with his good hand) She adores you, Pete.
Lauren: Don't suppose he'd try blackmail on her, too, do you?
Mike: Possibly. That guy strikes me as nasty, mean, evil, and really nervous.
Peter: (Gulps) I don't like that!
(There's a fracas in front of the grocery store. Valerie comes running in front of the cobbler's shop and into Peter's arms. Mr. Potts follows her, watching her comely figure. She's annoyed.)
Valerie: Mr. Potts, I don't care if my father is interested, my answer remains the same.
Micky: *groans* Not again!
Mr. Potts: But my shop is very profitable, Lady Valerie! I could give you all kinds of pretty things! (Clutches his cape with one hand and indicates Peter with the other) What can a poor musician give you?
Valerie: (Takes Peter in her arms) He can give me his whole heart, and the soul he puts into every song he writes and every piece he teaches a child.
Peter: (Nods with a defiant look on his face) So there!
Lauren: That's telling him, Peter. *smirks*
Mr. Potts: (Throws his cape over his shoulder - accidentally hits Lauren's face, the closest one to him - she glares, he sniffs again) Well, I pity your poor taste in men. (Sticks his nose in the air) You haven't heard the last of me, Lady Cartwright! (Sniffs even harder at Mike) Nor have you (narrows his eyes in a look that's meant to be menacing but really comes off more comic), cobbler.
(He's got his nose so far in the air, he can't see where he's going...and promptly walks into the fountain in the square.)
Lauren: Serves him right. *smirks*
(Everyone laughs. He emerges dripping wet with a goldfish hanging off his hat.)
Micky: Nice fashion statement!
Mr. Potts: (Muttering as he takes off the goldfish and climbs as well as he can out of the fountain) Stupid kids, don't know nothin', Margaret's not going be happy, what am I supposed to do? I'm just her father. No, she has to have royalty, can't do anything with that girl, separate checks, please... (he's still muttering in that vein as he disappears out of the circle and into the main town)
Valerie: (Shakes her head) Well, that was the strangest fellow I've ever met!
Mike: (Grins) Oh, we've met stranger, Val.
Peter: (Also grins) Much stranger. ;)
Micky: Yeah, that guy doesn't even come close.
Valerie: (Takes Peter's hand) Would you like have breakfast at the inn, Peter? My treat, since I know you're still getting the music shop started.
Peter: (Looks at a large sundial grandfather-style clock near the Inn) I think I have time before my next class, Valerie.
Mike: I'm goin' back to my shop. I've got tons of orders to work on.
(Davy emerges at that point with the three girls. They now wear simple white blouses with navy blue peasant dresses and white aprons with red ribbon trim.)
Svelanta: (The little one grins; she, too, is Russian) I cannot thank you enough, Mister Davy! You have done many miracles!
Julia: (She wears the same) We look very wonderful!
Davy: (Eyeing their trim bodies) Any time, ladies. Come again!
Micky: *grins, to Lauren* Real soon. *Lauren chuckles*
(All three girls giggle, give him kisses on the cheek, and take off for the grocery. Valierie shakes her head.)
Valerie: (Sighs) Those are the three new girls from Anastasovich-Onna-Petrovich that Papa hired. They're nice enough, but they do more giggling with each other and less stocking strawberries and apples than I'd like. :P
Davy: (Holds out a fistful of coins) I don't care if they come from the South Seas, luv, they pay very well. I think I 'ave enough now for more breakfast besides a tankard of milk!
Valerie: I'm treating Peter to breakfast. Would you like to join us?
Davy: Certainly, luv!
Peter: There's almost always room!
Valerie: Unless we're busy. ;)
Davy: I won't butt in. ;)
(Peter blushes as Valerie puts her arm around him.)
Micky: *puts his arm around Lauren* Interested in more breakfast, babe?
Lauren: Sure. Gotta keep an eye on the kiddies. *grins*
Peter: Oh, that's right, Valerie, I haven't told you. Lauren might be eating for two!
Valerie: (eyes widen) You mean...you might... :D
(She grins and takes Lauren's hands.)
Lauren: *nods* Should find out any day now.
Valerie: That's so exciting! (Takes Peter's hand and heads toward the inn) This will be a very special breakfast. We've got a lot to celebrate! :)
Micky: I love celebrating! ;-)
Peter: (As they enter the Inn, he gets on a small stage in the back and sits at the piano) Who's up for music?
(The groups of rowdy knights in the room all raise their hands.)
Lauren: You have to ask? ;-)
Melody: (She's rushing about with young girls who are almost as svevlte as she) Goodness, they're certainly feisty today! We got a 'hole group of knights just back from a mission to seek out an ogre!
Peter: Did they find him?
Melody: Yes, but 'e just told them to go 'ome and threw them offa 'is swamp. ;)
Micky: Typical.
Valerie: Sounds like a very sensible ogre. ;)
Peter: Davy, would you like to sing? All the girls love it when you sing.
Micky: *with a high voice* Yes, Davy, sing!
Davy: (Winks at the waitresses and barmaids, who all gaze at him rapturously) 'ow could I disappoint me public? (Davy elbows Micky as he gets on the stage and he and Peter launch into "Hard to Believe." The knights drink their ale. Micky puts his arms happily around Lauren and gazes into her eyes. Davy eyes Melody's bosum as she serves drinks. Valerie watches Peter happily from a table - he looks up and into her eyes and smiles, turning bright red. Davy gets on his knees rather hammily at one point. Peter just shakes his head and smile, Valerie giggles, the crowd roars their appreciation, and Micky and Lauren roll their eyes. (Davy and Peter join Micky, Lauren, and Valerie as the song ends.)
Valerie: (Claps her hands hard) Bravo! You play so well, Peter!
Peter: (Grins) Thank you, Valerie! (Takes a bouquet of flowers from the vase on the table behind him and hands them to Valerie.) Here, Valerie, these remind me of you - they're really pretty! :X
Valerie: (Smiles - she knows where Peter got the flowers, but she appreciates the thought) Why, thank you, Peter! That's so sweet. :)
Davy: (Sighs with a grin as he looks at the two happy couples between him) I'm feelin' a bit loved out 'ere. ;)
Micky: Awe! :-P
Valerie: (Nods at Melody, who is back at the bar, serving drinks to a crowd of brawny, rowdy knights) Why don't you talk to Melody? She's been looking at you ever since you came in here. I think she's sweet on you. ;)
Lauren: *grins* And vice versa. ;-)
Peter: She's sweet? (Brief clip of Melody and Davy dipping their fingers in an old-fashioned honey pot that looks like the one Micky used to lure the bear in "Camping Calamity")
Davy: (Shakes his head, even as he and Melody exchange looks) No, Petah.
Valerie: (Pats his arm) I'll explain it later, Peter. ;)
Davy: (The crowd at the bar is starting to jostle Melody; she starts yelling at them) I'd bettah go 'elp 'er. Those jerks are gettin' a bit to rough for me likin'. :p (Trots over to the bar, stands on the bar top in order to get eye-to-eye with the men who are twice his size, and does a bit of yelling himself)
Micky: *grins* That's Davy for ya. ;-)
Peter: (Joins them as one grabs Davy by his shirtfront) Now, come on man, let's have peace! That's no way to settle a dispute!
Knight: (Drops Davy abruptly on the bartop and grabs Peter) What is it to you, blondie?
Valerie: (Stands) Now, wait just a minute! You leave him alone!
Lauren: Uh, Mick, this is getting serious...
Peter: (Gulps) Well, I don't like to see people hurt, and you were picking on someone smaller than you!
Micky: Oh, man... *stands, calls out* All right, guys, knock it off!
Second Knight: (Grumbles; he was about to punch Davy. Davy scrambles behind the bar gratefully) Aw!
Third Knight: We was just lookin' at 'er!
Melody: You was pinchin' me rear and askin' me to show me boobs!
Fourth Knight: Like you ain't doin' enough of that anyway, baby cakes!
Davy: Now, look 'ere, you don't talk to a propah lady like that!
Micky: *shakes his head, walking towards the bar* This is not going to be pretty.
Peter: (He's still in the first knight's grasp) Could we settle this quietly? I get enough violence in everyone else's stories!
Third Knight: 'E's right, 'e is. Let's go 'ave fun somewhere's else.
Fourth Knight: Yeah, I've got the feeling we ain't welcome here anymore. Let's go find somewhere else to amuse ourselves.
(The first knight throws Peter into Micky. The two go crashing into several tables and chairs as people scatter. The second knight throws some coins at Lauren's feet.)
Lauren: *quirks an eyebrow* Can you really spare it?
Second Knight: (As his buddies push tables and chairs out of the way) What, you want more? (Spits on the coins as he knocks a chair over) Thanks for nothin', baby cakes.
(They push their way out, leaving the door a bit wider than it originally was. Valerie and Lauren rush to Peter and Micky's sides while Davy, Melody, and the waitresses upright the furniture.)
Lauren: You guys okay?
Valerie: What assholes! (Helps Peter to a sitting posistion) You ok, Peter?
Peter: (Rubs his head and makes a face) I'm ok, but those guys weren't nice at all!
Micky: *groans* I knew this wouldn't be pretty. *sprawls out*
Lauren: They don't even tip well. :-P
Melody: (Makes a face as she and Davy join the others) They're just bloomin' bullies, they are! They come around every now and then and make trouble in the town. (Sighs sadly) It wouldn't be this way if King Michael were still at the Castle Lone Star where 'e belongs. :(
Micky: *sits up* Huh?
Melody: 'E was the king of our land, Princess Gwen's first cousin. 'E was a good king, too, but 'e went missin' about a year ago. Gwen is married to Prince Phillip, and she's been pressin' King Michael to get hitched, too, but 'e's a confirmed bachelor, 'e is. Said 'e was lookin' for the right girl.
Peter: (Frowns thoughtfully) Michael...
Lauren: I though this was starting to sound rather familiar.
Melody: Then one day, 'e up and disappears, only leavin' a note tellin' Gwen 'e found a girl 'e loves and 'e won't be back until 'e wins 'er. No one's seen 'im since. Gwen's given up on findin' 'im. Searched every nook and cranny, she 'as. She may be a bitch on wheels, but she does love that cousin of 'ers.
Davy: (Sighs) I think he found himself a bookshop owner.
Micky: It seems Gwen hasn't completely given up looking for him.
Peter: (Frowns) What's going on?
Valerie: (Sighs - she understands) I doubt Gwen sent Mr. Potts, Micky. (To Peter, whispered) Peter, we believe your friend Mike is King Michael in disguise.
Peter: (Frowns) Oh! He would make a very good king!
Micky: *shrugs* Never know.
Melody: (Gasps) I thought your friend seemed bloomin' familiar...and not really much of a cobbler, eitah!
Peter: (Gets up, dusting himself off) I want to talk to Michael.
Valerie: (Nods) Maybe we'd all better confront him, Peter.
Peter: (Frowns - he hears screaming from the square) What's that noise?
Micky: A b-flat?
Davy: (Also frowns) Sounds like Em!
Lauren: *swats her hand at Micky's head* We'd better go!
(There's the sound of Texas-accented shouts from Emma's book shop. The group hurries out and over to the little book store/bakery.)
Peter: (Points in the window - we can see Mike hurring into the building as Emma sobs, surrounded by the nasty knights who were in the Inn) Look! They're upsetting Emma! :(
Emma: (As Mike enters the shop and the others follow) Leave me alone!
First Knight: (Pulls over a shelf full of books) Fat girl, why should we?
Second Knight: What a plain thing you are! And a book shop! What a bore!
Emma: (Sobs) My books! Don't do that!
(Mike jumps in and grabs the first knight he can get his hands on and decks him.)
Micky: Those guys do not know when to quit!
(The others run into the book shop. The place is in tatters. Books are scattered everywhere. The glass bakery display case is broken, and the third knight greedily eats a plate of brownies. Emma has up her fists, but she's in tears.)
Mike: Why don't you just get off of her?
Fourth Knight: (Smirks) Well, if it isn't the skinny cobbler. What are you going to do to us, bony? Your hand don't move right, and your mouth don't, either.
Peter: Mike may not have muscles, (he and Valerie pull a rug out from under the knight and immediately sit on him) but we do!
Valerie: (Grins) Not the most comfortable seat (winks at Peter) but the most rewarding!
Emma: (Cries) Oh, my beautiful books...
Lauren: *groans* These guys need a new hobby.
(Mike stamps his foot on the first knight's boot. He starts hopping up and down.)
Mike: You forgot, my feet do work right. :p
Emma: My shop! (Screams) Get out of my shop, you ruffians!
Mike: You heard the girl! Get out of here!
Emma: My brownies and lemon squares! (The third knight tries to sneak out the door with the goodies, but Micky stops him.)
Micky: Oh no, you don't. *grins* The lady doesn't want you to have those.
Davy: (He blocks the door, also) Now, ain't there a law against takin' somethin' that don't belong to you?
Third Knight: (Between mouthfuls of brownie) We make our own laws, shrimp.
Davy: Oh, you asked for it. (Raises his knee into a sensitive spot - the man drops the plates of baked goods into Micky's waiting arms)
Micky: The food always comes to me! ;-)
Lauren: *calls from across the room* Just don't eat them!
Mike: (Takes the first knight by the ear) Ok, fellas, are you gonna come quietly, or are we gonna have to make this hurt?
First Knight: What can you do to us, cobbler? You're just a lowly peasant. You don't give orders.
Mike: Maybe I am (points at Peter) but he's a close, personal friend of the Princess Gwen. (Grins wickedly as he pulls hard at the knight's ear) And Princess Gwen will not take this as nicely as me. Her screechin' is worse than any punishment we'd dish out!
Peter: (Crosses his arms) I saved Gwen's life! She'd do anything for me!
Valierie: (Nods at Peter) And I'd do anything for him (grins wickedly) and my father would do anything for me. ;)
Micky: So there! :-P
(Mike drags the first knight out to the square, where several people have already gathered, including cops in old-fashioned London bobby uniforms.)
Mike: Officer (finally lets go of the knight, who rubs his sore ear), these jerks demolished Emma's Book Shop, callin' her names and wreckin' her property.
(The others emerge from the shop with the defeated knights, except for Emma, who sits on her stool in the window, bawling into her hands.)
Officer: Did they, now? I've been to Miss Emma's before meself. She's a nice girl, she is. Makes the finest apricot scones in Avon-On-Calling!
Knight: What do you want with some boring old bookshop run by a fat little kid?
Mike: (Grabs the man by his covering) Don't you ever call that woman a kid! She's the most beautiful girl in Avon-On-Calling, and a hell of a lot smarter than you assholes!
Valerie: (Nods) Officer Bobby, we want to report unlawful conduct by these men. They not only demolished Emma's shop, they started a brawl at Micky's Inn.
Micky: That's right! These jerks threw me and Peter the Musician into a couple of tables.
Officer Bobby: (Tips his hat) Hello, Lady Valerie. Nice to be seein' you. (Glares up at the knights, who now look at the ground) So, you've been goin' around hurting innocent innkeepers and bookshop owners?
Fourth Knight: We were just blowing off steam...
Officer Bobby: I think you could blow off steam just as well in my jail house. (Takes the first knight by the arm - the other police officers take the other knights) We'll 'andle these bullies, Lady Valerie. You don't 'ave to worry about them anymore.
Valerie: Please do.
Peter: Maybe Princess Gwen can take the money for the damages to the Inn and the book shop out of their pay!
Officer Bobby: I think I'll suggest that to Her Highness, Peter. A public square is no place to be brawlin' and insultin' the baker of the best apricot scones in town! (The policemen lead the knights away.)
Peter: So there! (Sticks his tongue out at the now ashamed knights)
Valerie: What a bunch of creeps!
Micky: If we see those jerks again, it'll be too soon.
Mike: Blowin' off steam, my ass! They were practically harrassin' Em!
Emma: (From inside) Oh, my shop! What am I going to do now? My beautiful books!
(Mike goes back into the shop, followed by the others. Emma still sits in the window, crying into her hands. She's surrounded by the remains of the book shop. Shelves, books, magazines, tables, and chairs are scattered everywhere, some in pieces.)
Mike: Man, they really did a number on this place. (Puts his arms around Emma, who leans into his shoulder) Shh, darlin', shh. They're gone. The cops came and took them away.
Emma: (Whimpers) Mike, my shop...my books...
Peter: We'll fix it, Em! (Uprights a chair - Valerie starts piling books back on a shelf) It can't be that hard!
Lauren: That's right. *directs Micky in replacing a shelf*
Davy: I know the glass cuttah across the square. Nice girl. Dana will be more than willin' to replace your bakery display.
Micky: No problem! *pinches a finger, trying replace another shelf* Oww...
Emma: (Wipes her eyes on the back of her hand - Mike hands her his rough handkerchief) I...I can always make more brownies and things, but a lot of my books are ruined. :(
Mike: (Grins) Write more! You're a writer, right?
Peter: (As he and Valerie replace another shelf) You've been saying you want to sell your stories. What better place to sell them than your own store?
Lauren: That's right, Em. Pretty darn good idea. *smiles*
Emma: (Sniffles) I...I guess so...but who would buy them?
Mike: Everyone! You're a good writer, darlin! (Puts his arms gently around her - Peter and Valerie chuckle, then turn back to the shelf)
*Micky raises one hand. He's sucking on a knuckle on his other hand.*
Davy: (Grins) What did you do to yourself this time, Mick?
Micky: *looks around warily* Nothing...
Peter: (Goes to inspect Micky) Did you get a splinter, Mick?
Lauren: The shelves are a little too dangerous for him. ;-)
Micky: *pulls his hand away; pouts* No...
(Mike and Emma laugh, even as Emma dabs at her eyes with the handkerchief.)
Lauren: *snickers* Good luck, Peter. ;-)
Peter: Did the shelves bite you?
Valerie: (Grins) Probably. ;)
Micky: *frowns* Oh, just get the splinter out for me, Peter, geez! *holds out his hand, looking away*
Emma: (Goes to a wooden and metal desk and pulls out a pair of tweezers) Here, Pete, this should work. (Grins) Lauren, hold his hand. He may need support. ;)
Lauren: *nods* All the support he can get!
(Peter takes the tweezers and tugs at the splinter in Micky's hand.)
Micky: Oww...oww...
Mike: Aw, Mick, quit actin' like a baby!
Micky: *pouting* But it hurts, Mike!
Peter: (Pulls out a small, sharp, needle-thin piece of wood) Here you go, Mick! That's what bit your hand!
Mike: Gotta watch out for those little ones. They're the worst. ;)
Micky: *glares at the splinter* Evil rotten thing! *sticks his tongue out at it*
*Lauren looks around innocently.*
Mike: (Shakes his head) Oh, come on, guys! (Puts his arm around Emma) Let's help Em get the book shop back in order! :D
(And they do, to the tune of "I'll Be Back Up On My Feet." Emma goes behind the counter and into an old-fashioned kitchen and starts mixing the ingredients for more brownies and lemon squares.)
(Mike and Peter rebuild the shelves, while Lauren and Valerie fill them. Davy and Micky turn furniture right-side up.)
(Micky mischeviously slips into the empty kitchen and starts to stick his finger into the brownie batter, but Emma comes out of nowhere and smacks his good hand with a wooden spoon. He glares at her and rubs his hand while she shakes her finger at him.)
(Mike is so busy watching Emma stick brownies into the oven, he smacks his finger with the hammer. Peter chuckles at the look on his friend's face as he sucks on his sore finger)
(The romp comes to an end as a knock is heard on the door. The furniture is all back where it belongs, almost all of the shelves have been set back up, and a beaming Emma emerges from the kitchen with fresh plates of scones, brownies, and lemon squares, followed by a drooling Micky.)
Davy: I'll get it. (Davy goes to open the door, but it flings open on its own. A tall young woman with long brown spiral curls and a round face storms in. She carries sheets of glass under one arm and grabs Davy and gives him a big kiss with the other.)
Dana: Hey, cute stuff. What's the commotion?
Davy: (Gasps for air as the others snicker) We need you to replace the glass in Em's bakery display, Dana. The original was broken by some 'ungry, bullyin' knights.
Dana: (Grins and goes immediately to bakery shop) Not a problem! (Looks at the various men and grins) Not with this view!
Davy: (Shakes his head as certain ladies put their arms discreetly around their boys) This ain't the place to admire that kind of view, luv.
Dana: (Puts up one hand) I ain't sayin' touch, just look!
Lauren: *jerks a thumb at Davy, grins* Look that way. ;-)
Dana: (Eyes Davy and grins) Don't have to tell me twice, honey! ;)
Davy: (Blushes) Maybe I'd bettah 'elp you, luv. (Goes to help the big girl fit the glass to the broken display)
Micky: I don't think I've ever seen Dave turn that shade of red before. *grins*
Mike: (Elbows Peter) Hey, Pete, what color red would you say that is?
Peter: Somewhere between the sunset and one of Emma's Jersey tomatoes. ;)
Emma: (Brings a plate of brownies, scones, and lemon squares to the table, along with tankards of milk and orange juice) Here you go, folks! On the shop! My thanks to my virtuous rescuers for helping me out. :) ;)
Peter: (Frowns and looks up) On the shop? Shouldn't we be eating this on the roof, then?
Mike: (Shakes his head) No, Peter.
Valerie: (Smiles and takes Peter's arms) I think we'll be more comfortable at the table, Peter dear. ;)
Peter: (Smiles) I'd be comfortable anywhere with you, Valerie!
Valerie: Oh, Peter... (blushes) :X
Emma: (Sits down between Mike and Peter) Ok, folks, help yourselves! :)
Mike: Sounds like a good idea to me, darlin'! (Takes a scone and a dab of butter)
Lauren: Mick, wait until the rest of us get some. *grins as Micky pouts*
Davy: (As he joins them) Ahhh, old fashioned tea scones, just like Mum used ta make. :)
Peter: Oooh, Em makes the best brownies!
Valerie: (Takes a lemon square) Oh, these are quite good, Emma!
Emma: (Blushes at all the praise) Oh, guys...
Lauren: *takes a lemon square also* I love these. Maybe you could try making raspberry ones, too, sometime. ;-)
Micky: I'll just have one of each.
Emma: I'm just happy I got this kind right this time. They've been runny the last few times I've made them. :)
Peter: (Taps Mike on the shoulder) Hey, Mike, there's something I want to ask you.
Mike: (Between mouthfuls of scone) Yeah, Pete, what?
Peter: Michael, is it true that...(can't figure out how to ask)...I mean, are you really a...
Mike: (Frowns) Well?
Dana: (Stands and dusts off her hands - the glass is finished, the bakery display looks good as new, and Davy is still flaming red) Ok, I'm done.
Emma: How can I ever thank you? (Goes to her cash register to take out some money, but Dana stops her)
Dana: Officer Bobby said it's compliments of Princess Gwen, Em...and those obnoxious idiots who trashed your place and the Inn.
Emma: Well, let me give you something... (goes behind the display and removes a slice of chocolate cake that wasn't damaged) How about I pay with free food? ;)
Micky: Take it! ;-)
Dana: (Grins) Hell, that's better than money! (Takes the cake in a handkerchief and gives Davy a hug with the other arm) I'll see you later, kiddo. Keep your calendar open, ok? (Winks, takes a big bite of cake, and heads out. Davy is still red as he joins the others.)
Mike: (Grins at Dave) I think we finally found a girl who makes Dave nervous. ;)
Micky: Is that the same shade of red? *winks*
Emma: 'Bout time. ;)
Davy: Dana's a bit...forward...when it comes to men.
Lauren: And the difference between you and her is...
(Mike laughs, almost spitting out scone.)
Davy: (Grins) There's a lot more 'a 'er than there is of me! ;)
Micky: Tell us something we don't know, Dave. ;-)
(As the group chuckles and eats the goodies, a customer enters the shop. She is a tall, exotic-looking woman with long, straight black hair, full blood-red lips, and a slender figure. She wears a long, full black peasant gown over a white blouse and carries a basket.)
Woman: (Faintly exotic accent) Hello? Is anyone about?
Emma: (Goes to the woman) Yes? May I help you?
Woman: Yes. (Looks Emma up and down and smirks) I am looking for a book on rare herbs and potions, particuarly those pertaining to romantic desires.
Emma: (Points at one of the shelves) All my books on medicines were kept over there. (Sighs) God only knows where they are now. We had a bit of a row in here this morning. The shop got quite a working over.
Woman: I'm sure I'll be able to find them. I will be candid. I search for a book of love spells.
*Micky rolls his eyes and starts on another brownie.*
Emma: (Frowns) I don't really handle occult stuff, but there might be some among the medical texts or the fantasies...
*Lauren snorts, earning a glare from Micky.*
(The woman passes the table, making sure that her long, full dress and elbow brushes Mike as she goes to the shelves in question.)
Woman: (From the shelves, as she goes through books) Oh, and have you heard the latest about our dear, vanished monarch?
Emma: Dear, vanished...
(Mike nearly chokes on his brownie. Peter slaps his back.)
Woman: Gwen is promising his hand in marriage to the first person who can find him and return him safely.
(Mike's eyes widen angrily.)
Davy: (Watches Mike and Emma, concerned) Maybe she should 'ave asked 'im first.
*Lauren and Micky also look at them.*
Emma: Mike, what's wrong?
Mike: (Mutters) Oh, nothin'. I just don't think that's right, that's all. People want to make their own choices in love, not have them made for them.
Woman: Maybe that works for ordinary peasants, but Michael is our king. He needs someone who will give him an heir and the next ruler of Grenwicha.
Peter: I should talk to Gwen! She should let her cousin choose his own bride!
Valerie: (Quickly) Besides, no one knows where he is. He may have left the kingdom by now. He could be dead.
Woman: (Eyes Mike, who gives her his nastiest glare) Or he could be very, very close.
Emma: What do you mean?
Peter: Yeah, what do you mean?
Valerie: (Puts her hand on Peter's shoulder and says quietly) Peter, dear, don't overdo it.
Micky: Bad news, I'm sure.
Woman: They say he escaped to one of the smaller towns, such as this one.
Mike: How do you know that? It would be much easier to get lost in a big city!
Woman: (Takes a slender volume from the shelf, inspects it, then closes it with a snap) All of the royal knights would be searching the cities. They'd never think of looking for his royal highness in a small town like this one. (Goes to the cash register) I will take this one. It is closest to what I need.
Emma: (Takes the book) "Fruits and Vegetables: Their Enchanted Properties." (Raises her eyebrows) Not the most exciting reading, but decidedly original. :)
(The others just exchange puzzled looks, except for Mike, who continues to glare poisoned daggers at the woman.)
Woman: I plan on making a very...special...kind of candied apple for schoolchildren who come around to the shop. My father and I have a herb shop on the edge of the woods near Castle Lone Star.
Davy: (Eyes widen) Fathah...herb shop...
Peter: (Gasps as Valerie's eyes narrows) Oh!
Micky: *eyes widen also* Oh, geez!
Lauren: Crap.
Emma: That will be four ninety-five, please. (The woman hands her coins as she opens the register. She leaves with the book, gazing suspiciously at Mike the entire time. He gives her nasty looks)
Mike: (Stands quickly) Well, thanks for the goodies, Em, but I've gotta go back to the shop. Those shoes ain't gonna hammer themselves, you know. (Takes her hand) After I've finished all my orders and you've closed the shop, would you (softly) like to have dinner at the Inn with me?
Emma: (Kisses him gently on the cheek) Certainly! Anything for the hero who rescued my shop this morning! :) :X
Micky: *smiles* Anything in particular you two would like? I'll put in a good word with the cook. ;-)
Mike: (Wraps his arms around her) Give us the finest roast beef, the freashest bread with the sweetest butter, your famous broccoli in cheese, and your richest, most fattening dessert! ;)
Emma: (Nuzzles Mike's stomach) Yeah, you need it! ;)
Micky: You got it! *pauses* Hey, that sounds good. *turns to Lauren* How 'bout you, babe, care for the same?
Lauren: *grins* Sure, why not? :-)
Davy: I wonder when Melody's off? ;)
Valerie: We'll take it over here, too!
Peter: I'd love a rich dessert! I'll even take a poor one! ;)
Micky: I'm taking hourly reservations, then! *chuckles*
Mike: (Looks over his shoulder) Later, darlin'. (Gives her a gentle kiss on the lips, then takes off for his shop)
Emma: (Touches her lips dazedly) Golly...
Davy: Good, you two are on each othah's nice sides again. ;)
Emma: (Returns to the table and starts cleaning up the mess) I wonder what got into Mike? He looked like he was about ready to kill that lady.
Peter: (Whispers to Micky) Should we tell Em about Mike, Micky? She doesn't know!
Micky: *frowns* Maybe we should.
Peter: (Goes to Emma as she rounds up the dishes and takes them to the kitchen - his voice cracks) Em...(controls voice) Um, Emma?
Emma: (Fills the sink with soapy water) Yes, Peter?
Peter: We need to tell you something about Mike.
Emma: (Shrugs) What is it?
Peter: (Looks down and fiddles with his beads and Magic Locket) Well, he's not what he seems to be.
Emma: (Sighs) No, he isn't. He can be the most exasperating man sometimes (more gently), but there are times when he can be the gentlest, sweetest creature on earth. Like today, for instance.
Peter: Em, it's like this. He's...well, he's...different than you or me.
Emma: (Frowns) What is it, Peter? You can tell me.
(The others joins Peter in the kitchen. Valerie puts her hands around Peter)
Peter: (Finally, quietly) Emma, Mike is the king of Grenwicha.
Emma: (Her gray eyes widen under the thick spectacles) What? You're kidding me!
Peter: (Shakes his head) No, we're not. King Michael disappeared a year ago in search of true love. We think he found you.
Emma: (Drops a dish into the soapy water - thankfully, the sink is full enough that it doesn't break) Me?
Micky: *softly* Yes, Em, you.
Emma: He left his throne and his responsibilities for a peasant girl who runs a book shop?
Peter: Emma, you're more than that, especially to him.
Lauren: That's right. *nods*
Emma: Why wouldn't he tell me?
Valerie: He wanted you to love him for him, not for his status or wealth. (Sighs) I know that feeling all too well.
Peter: Besides, you don't like royalty. You're always saying that money and fancy things don't impress you.
Emma: (Shrugs) They don't. I don't care about money or luxury. My books and my friends and my stove and Mike are all I need.
Davy: I don't know 'ow 'e saw you, but 'e fell for you and took off.
Valerie: According to local gossip, he left Princess Gwen, his cousin, a note one day, saying he found the girl he wanted to marry and he wasn't going to return until he won her.
Emma: (Stares at the sink, her face unreadable) I....I don't know what to think. I never thought anyone would find me so important they'd run out on a whole country.
Lauren: *smiles* I think it's sweet. :-)
Peter: That's how much to mean to Michael, Em. He abandoned everything just to be with you.
Davy: Come now, Em, if you'd known 'e was a king straight off, would you 'ave taken 'im?
Emma: (Looks down at her dishes) I don't know. (Finally sighs) Probably not. I'm just (shakes her head) not a royal type. I'm pure peasant, straight through.
Peter: (Puts his hand on Emma's shoulder) Mike thinks you are, Em. (City-lighting grin) I do, too.
Micky: We think you're the royal type, too. *puts an arm around Lauren, who nods*
Valerie: You seem to be a nice girl (nods at the shop) and you know so much about these books!
Peter: No, she's a nice woman. ;)
Davy: (Notices Valerie's puzzled expression as the others chuckle) Long story, Val.
Emma: (Smiles) I prefer being called a woman to a child, since I'm not one. :)
Lauren: And she makes that well known. ;-)
Emma: (Returns to her dishes) Well, this is all good, but how do I go about confronting him? Part of me is ready to kill him, and the other part just wants answers.
Micky: Well, you've got your dinner later...
Emma: How will I bring it up? It's not exactly commenting on the weather!
Valerie: (Smiles) Carefully.
Lauren: You can do it, Em. :-)
Emma: (Sighs) This is too much.
Valerie: (Whispers to Lauren) I wonder if we should bring up the connection between Mr. Potts and the woman who came in the bookstore. I have the feeling I know who she is. :p
Lauren: *nods* We've already told her about Mike.
Emma: (Looks up at the women) More news?
Peter: We met this weird guy earlier, and we think he might be the father of the girl who came in the shop today!
Valerie: He asked my father for permission to court me. Dad was actually interested, but I said I was already seeing someone I loved. (Puts her arms around Peter) He wasn't happy about it. :-S
Davy: And 'e was nosin' around Mike's place, too, but Mike almost literally threw 'im out on 'is backside.
Emma: (Growls) I understand his interest in Valerie, but why Mike?
Micky: He wants Mike to marry his daughter.
Emma: (Turns, fire in her gray eyes, dropping a plate on the floor as she does - it smashes) WHAT?
Peter: And now we know why. If his daughter marries Mike, that will make her the queen.
Emma: Over my dead body!
Lauren: Hopefully it won't come to that.
Emma: Why, that bitch! No wonder Mike kept giving her his killer stares!
Peter: Yeah, he was ready to kill her.
(Emma leans over and starts sweeping the broken plate up. Peter goes to help.)
Emma: The next time I see that woman, so help me God, I will put my claws into her...and her father, too, if he goes after Valerie or Mike again!
Peter: (As he tosses the broken plate into a wastebasket) Peace, Em. There's got to be another way out of the situation besides unleashing your mother bear side.
Davy: Besides, she may not be back.
Micky: Mike's a big boy. He can take care of himself. *grins and winks*
Peter: Yeah, he's got claws too, Em! Remember, he's the Wolf! ;)
Valerie: (Smiles) Wolf. I rather like that name on him. It suits him very well. ;)
Micky: I know about his wolf-side first hand, remember. ;-)
Davy: Yeah. Mike pried a lady who tried to get a little too friendly with ol' Mick 'ere offa 'im the 'ard way. ;)
Valerie: Peter did say something about the factory. (Shakes her head) Pure insanity!
Emma: (Looks at the clock in her kitchen) Maybe we ought to get ready for dinner. We've got a few hours. I've got to talk to him. There's so many things I want to know...