Everyone ready for fun in the pool? :)
Peter: Yeah!
Little Mike: Neat! :D
Davy: Sounds good to me. I'll be along a bit latah. :)
Lauren: Or outside the pool. ;) Yeah!
Micky: Should I be worried? ;) :P
(We begin at Lauren and Micky's house. Lauren has just come from changing Shelly and the little girls and Micky are playing with big Micky and Onyx the kitten when there's a knock on the door.)
Lauren: *calls out* I got it!
*Lauren goes over & opens the door.*
(Emma, Peter, and Valerie stand together. Little Mike holds Emma's hand. The adults carry towels and bathing suits.)
Valerie: Hi, guys. Peter called me and said there was a pool party here. ;)
Peter: I invited Val. :)
Lauren: You bet there is! ;)
Little Mike: Hi, Miss Lauren! Are the girls still here? :)
Emma: You can play with the girls after you get your bathing suit on.
Little Mike: Aw!
Peter: Come on, little cowboy. Let's go get you ready to swim. :)
Lauren: *chuckles* They'll be out there. ;)
Little Mike: (Waves as he and Peter pass the girls) Hi, guys. (Breaks from Peter's arms and runs over to the girls, baby boy, and cat) Oooh, you have a kitty! :)
Emma: Miiiiiikkkkeeee.....
Lauren: *follows after them* You can play with Onyx later, too. :)
Peter: (Tugs at his hand) Come on, Michael! You haven't seen upstairs yet. This is a great house! You can see the ocean and the beach and everything!
Little Mike: Wow! Really?
Peter: Really. :) (They run upstairs together. Emma sits down next to Lauren on the couch with Shelly and Valerie, watching Micky, the kids, and the cat.)
Emma: Hi, guys. How was your night?
Lauren: *sighs* Oh, fine, considering the reaming I gave Mick for not changing Mike back yet.
*Micky sticks his tongue out over his shoulder, then goes back to playing.*
Valerie: (Sighs) Peter gave me the general idea over the phone. :p
Emma: Micky, you know you'll have to change him back soon. A four-year-old can't lead a nightclub band. (Looks at her stomach) And he can't raise a child, either.
Micky: I will, I will... :P
Valerie: What possesed you to do it, anyway?
Micky: Mike was asking me about what it's like to be a father, which was fine, then he started going off about not knowing how to take care of a kid & having so much responsibility & how he didn't really have a childhood & he said he wanted a chance to be a kid again. I did it because he kept saying it & then would just revert right back to leader Mike. He was driving me NUTS! :P
Valerie: (Sighs) I can understand both your points of view. You want him to have fun, and lord only knows he could use that sometimes.
Emma: (Shakes her head) We have our own ways of having fun. I think he's almost scared of it. He's spent most of his life working at something or the other.
Micky: That's why I did it. I was just trying to help.
Emma: (Smiles) We DID have a nice time last night after the boys mopped up the mess in the bathroom. Peter sang him a lullaby on the banjo and I read him some fairy tales out of a very old book of my mothers', even if he did keep saying he was too old for them. (Sighs) Even as a child, he's trying to be a man.
Micky: But this time he doesn't have to be.
Emma: That's why I think the girls will be good for him. (Smiles at the girls) You see, ladies, Mike's mommy doesn't have a lot of money, and he doesn't get to do a lot of the things you guys get to do unless he's with his cousins.
Coco: Ohh. We get to help. *smiles*
Emma: (Nods) Right. You have to help Mike have fun. He doesn't have many toys, and he gets made fun of because his mommy is all alone and has no money.
Coco: We will! :)
Valerie: (Sighs) On the other hand, I can see Mike's side of things. You can't always throw your responsibilities to the wind. Lord only knows I have enough of them, and then there's my other new enterprise...(smiles quickly)...but the point is, you can have fun, but there are times when you really do have to work, too.
Lauren: *nods* Right. That's been my arguement.
Valerie: No, you don't have to be an adult ALL of the time. I've learned that from Chrissy. We have a great time together, sometimes even doing work. I'll help her with her homework, and we practice piano pieces together. :)
(Peter comes down with Mike. Both wear bathing suits and t-shirts. Peter's suit is paisley; Little Mike's is dark blue.)
Little Mike: I've got m'bathin' suit on. NOW, can I go in the pool? :D
Peter: Yeah, can we? :D
Lauren: *grins* Go ahead! :D
Little Mike: (Throws his arms in the air) Yeah! (To the girls) Are you going to come with me? :)
Coco: You bet we are! :)
*The other two cheer.* :D
Little Mike: Are you guys wearin' your bathin' suits? :)
Coco: *nods* We've got them on already. We put them on while changing this morning. :) ;)
Little Mike: Ok! Just tell me where the pool is! :D
Emma: Hey, cowboy, wait for us! :)
Coco: Come on, I'll show you! :D
(The kids go running to the back of the house and out the doors, followed by Emma, Peter, Valerie, and Lauren and Micky with the babies.)
Little Mike: (Gasps when the kids make their way through the doors outside) Wow! You've got this big yard all to yourself! It's so pretty!
Little Mike: (Eyes widen in delight) And a playground and sandbox, too, just like at the big kids' school! :D
Coco: That's why we like to visit a lot! :D ;)
Little Mike: I hope I can, too! :D
(Little Mike takes a running start and jumps right in the pool.)
Little Mike: (Grins as he comes up) That was fun! :D
Coco: Ooooh, I'm gonna do that, too! :D
Peter: Wait up, Mike, I'm comin' in! (Also jumps in...but he splashes everyone else, as he's bigger)
Valerie: Peter, YOU are NOT four! :p
*Coco also takes a running start & does a cannonball.*
Peter: (Sheepish as he comes up) Oops. :">
Micky: So? *runs & does a cannonball of his own, also splashing everyone* ;)
Valerie: He's also bigger than you or the kids. His splash is bigger. ;)
Peter: Thank you! :D
(Gina and Debbie jump in, too. :) )
Lauren: *sighs; settles on a lawn chair with the twins* I can only imagine when these two get old enough to get in the water. Especially this little guy... *tickles little Micky & he laughs*
(Emma chuckles as she and Valerie ease themselves into the pool.)
Emma: I wonder what it's going to be like when this little lady is jumping in with the rest of them. :)
Little Mike: Hey, Miss Lauren, aren't you and the babies gonna swim, too?
Lauren: *shakes her head* The twins are still too little, and I don't swim.
Micky: She doesn't like the water, but I'm not giving up on trying to get her to learn! ;) :P
Little Mike: That's ok, Miss Lauren. I feel funny when I go out on the water sometimes and it's all waves. :p
Emma: (Rolls her eyes) No kidding. He gets seasick LOOKING at the waves... :p
Lauren: I just don't like anything higher than three feet. :P
Peter: Watch out, Mike! Here I come! :) (Picks up Mike and throws him lightly into the pool)
(Little Mike comes up laughing; the girls laugh, too.)
Peter: Who's next? ;)
Coco: *waves a hand in the air* Ooooh, me! :D
Peter: Ok! Here we go! (Throws Coco next to Mike. :) )
Valerie: (Grins; calls over) Why don't you throw Micky next? ;)
Lauren: Yeah! ;)
Micky: Uh oh...
Coco: *cheers* Throw Micky! :D
Micky: Now, Pete... *tries to back away*
Peter: Don't worry, Micky! It won't hurt! The kids had fun, didn't they? :)
Micky: I'm afraid of this crowd cheering you on. :P
Emma: NOW who doesn't want to have fun? ;)
(Peter chases Micky around the pool, with the kids cheering and laughing and calling out.)
Micky: Come on, Pete! :P
Lauren: Get him, Peter! ;)
Valerie: Come on, honey! ;)
Emma: Go Pete! :D
Micky: You're all bloodthirsty! :P ;)
(The kids finally get a hold of Micky. Peter picks him up and gently tosses him across the pool. :) )
Peter: Now that didn't hurt a bit! :D
Micky: *comes up & spits water* No, but that's because it was you, Big Peter. If it was any of them, I'd be in the next timezone! :P ;)
Lauren: He's got a point there... ;)
(The kids are doubled over laughing. ;) :)) )
Peter: See? I'm nice, and I don't bite!
Valerie: That's not quite true. ;) :X
Micky: *eyebrows raise* Oooohh! ;) :D
(Peter blushes the color of his bathing suit. :">)
Little Mike: Mister Peter, are you a vampire?
Peter: Um, no....
Valerie: There's other kinds of biting, Mike. ;)
Micky: Kinds that you really don't need to hear about...
Lauren: Until you're older. ;) :P
Little Mike: Oh, a grown-up thing. I thought I saw Mommy and her boyfriend biting each other once. Is it like that?
Peter: (Mumbling) Uh, yeah...
*Micky snorts.* ;)
Peter: (Brightens) Why don't I give the young ladies a chance to be thrown? ;)
(Peter picks up Debbie and throws her, and then Gina. :) )
Little Mike: This sure is fun! :)
Coco: *cheers* I love this! :)
Peter: What do you guys want to do next?
Emma: And make sure it isn't too damaging to your brother. ;) :p
Micky: Thank you. ;) :P
Little Mike: Maybe we could play shark! :D
Coco: Yeah! :D
Debbie: Who gets to be the shark?
Peter: (Grins) How about Micky? ;)
Micky: *grins widely* Yeah! ;)
Lauren: Oh, geez... ;)
Little Mike: We've just gotta get outta Mister Shark's way! (Everyone scrambles as Micky chases after them. The older girls laugh.)
Valerie: They're having a blast...even Micky. :)
Lauren: Yeah, they are. :)
Valerie: I'm glad Peter talked me into coming here before we went to Dad's place to finalize the wedding plans. :)
Emma: Everything ready?
Valerie: Just about. Peter suggested your friend Millie to cater and make the cake, and she's great! Dad's even ordered a dozen of her cheesecakes to be sold in his stores. He's addicted! ;)
Lauren: Not awfully surprising. ;)
Emma: So's half of Malibu Beach. Tell your dad he's in good company. ;)
Valerie: Millie ought to hire more help. Her stuff really is good. :)
Lauren: She'll just have to make sure if she hires someone else they don't eat all the goodies on her. ;)
Emma: (Watches Micky pounce on Coco while Little Mike and the smaller girls chase Peter) I'm surprised we haven't cleared her out between the six of us and the babies yet. ;) :)
Lauren: Or just Mick alone. ;)
Valerie: She seems to be doing well. I heard her discussing expansion with her husband the last time Peter and I were there. :)
Emma: How's the Montgomery House coming?
Valerie: Should be done by the end of next month. You guys are invited to our housewarming party. We should be moving in before you have your baby, Emma. :)
Emma: Groovy! :D
Lauren: Cool! :D
Valerie: The party is just a few close friends and Chrissy and Sarah. :)
Emma: (Sighs) It's a pain in the rear - literally - carrying this kid around, but I know it's worth it. (Puts her hand on her stomach and sighs, then looks out to the pool, where Micky is now chasing Little Mike while Peter throws the girls again)
Lauren: Definitely. :)
Emma: (Sighs) How do you do it, Lauren? Mike kept insisting on staying up last night. He fights me even when he's four! I can only imagine what our child will be like! :p
Lauren: *sighs; gives both babies a tickle* It's tough, but... *glances out at Micky* It's teamwork. Otherwise, I'd probably go nuts. ;)
Emma: (Eyes tear again) You've got to make Micky turn him back. I'm glad he's having fun, and I hope they both learned something from this, but (gulps) I need him older. :(( (Emma rubs her stomach again, the tears spilling onto her bathing suit.)
Lauren: *nods* I think he's finally starting to come around. After lunch, I'll talk to Mick again.
Lauren: I'll get him while the rest of you finish eating. :)
Emma: (Nods; Valerie hands her a gauzy beach cover-up and she dabs at her eyes with it) Thanks, Val and Lauren. Mike's just nervous about being a father when he never had one, and I guess I am, too. I doubt he meant to make Micky angry.
Lauren: I doubt it, too. *shakes her head* Mick just got pushed too far. I know he isn't mad about it anymore, but he won't let it go. I think he finally feels bad about it, too.
Valerie: He probably cast a spell without realizing it.
Emma: Like the animal spell?
Lauren: I asked him about that last night when we got to the house. *sighs* He did it on purpose. :P
(Emma watches as Micky races the girls and Little Mike and Peter plays referee. She sobs)
Lauren: *puts an arm around Emma* It'll be okay, Em. I'm not gonna give up with Micky until he turns Mike back.
Emma: I know. I just...I don't know whether to strangle Micky or thank him for at least trying to help Mike. I've been acting like such a baby myself recently...
Valerie: It's probably the pregnancy.
Emma: (Sniffles; mutters) Like I don't cry enough...
Lauren: You have every right, Em. Listen, you can thank Micky, I'LL strangle him. ;)
Emma: Even Mike says I've been moodier and tearier than usual. (Gulps) Or said...
Lauren: Em, Mike will be back. I promise!
(The kids are now jumping on Micky. Peter shakes his head.)
Peter: Maybe we'd better get out for lunch.
Little Mike: Yeah! What's for lunch? :D
Micky: *climbs out from under the kids; laughing* Hot dogs, hamburgs, & a whole lot more!
Little Mike: All RIGHT! (Runs to the ladder on the side, scrambles out, and makes a dash for the house)
Peter: Hey little cowboy, not while you're dripping!
Emma: (Gingerly climbs out of the pool) You'll soak Miss Lauren's nice carpets!
*Micky laughs.*
Lauren: That's okay. Mick does that all the time! ;)
(Emma pulls a towel around herself and starts rubbing Mike off with another towel.)
(Peter hands the girls towels and starts drying Debbie. Valerie climbs out and does Gina. :) )
Little Mike: Aw, Miss Emma...
*Coco climbs out & takes a towel offered by Lauren.*
Emma: I don't want you to have swimmer's ear. (Sticks the towel gently in each ear)
*Micky sidles up next to Lauren & shakes out his curls in her face.* ;)
Little Mike: I don't have a swimmer's ear. I have MY ears! :D
Lauren: *laughs* Mick!
(The others chuckle at Micky's antics. ;) )
Emma: You have nice ears, too. I've always thought that. :)
Little Mike: You do, too! :)
Emma: Thank you, honey.
(Emma is starting to tear again. Peter gently takes the boy's hand)
Peter: Why don't we get that food Micky mentioned?
Valerie: Hey, why don't we have a picnic? :)
Little Mike: Oooh, eat outside? :D
Micky: Yeah! :D
Peter: Groovy! :D
Emma: (Smiles and wipes her eyes again) Sounds like fun!
Lauren: Good idea! :)
Lauren: Come on, Mick, you're giving me a hand with the food.
Emma: Is that a good idea? ;)
Micky: *smiles* Anything you say, babe! :)
Peter: Don't forget, WE want to have some food, too! ;)
Little Mike: I'm hungry!
Lauren: *rolls her eyes* I'll keep an eye on him. *pokes Micky* You're such a suck up. ;) *they go back in the house*
(The doorbell rings as Lauren and Micky go into the house.)
Micky: You get it. I'll start the food. ;)
Lauren: Okay, Mick. *starts for the door* Just don't snitch! :P ;)
Micky: Of course, I wouldn't snitch! (To himself) Much. ;)
*Lauren goes to the door & opens it.*
Davy: (Grins) 'ullo, luv. 'Ow's the pahty comin'? ;)
Lauren: Hey, Dave, just in time for the food! :)
Davy: Great, I could use some eats. I'm stahved! I've been dancin' and workin' on blockin' since six this mornin'! 'Ow's the kids, big and small? :)
Lauren: About as fine as they can be, considering. I'm gonna talk to Mick again after lunch. Speaking of which, you wanna give me & Mick a hand? *makes a face* I kinda left him unsupervised in the kitchen when you rang the doorbell. ;) :P
Davy: (Eyes widen) Oh, lord. Want me to go buy more food? :p
Lauren: If we hurry, we shouldn't have to. ;)
(The two make their way to the kitchen, where Micky is slathering hot dogs and hamburgers with some brownish-red sauce.)
Lauren: At least there's some food left. ;)
(Bowls of salad and cole slaw sit on the counter; bags of chips and pretzels are open on a table.)
Davy: (Leans over the sauce) Wot's the red stuff, mate?
Micky: That's my own special barbecue sauce, m'boy. Home made right in this very kitchen. :D
Davy: (Dips his finger in; his eyes water and he runs over to the sink, grabs a glass from the cabinet, fills it, and drinks as fast as he can) My GOD, Mick, wot did you PUT in that, whole tamales? :o
Micky: (Snaps his fingers) Darn, too much hot sauce. :p
Lauren: *groans* Mick... :P
Micky: (Kisses Lauren) It'll clear the sinuses, babe. ;)
Lauren: I'm sure it will. ;)
Davy: Clear the SINUSES? It cleared me bloody BODY! I'm surprised I don't 'ave fiah comin' outta me mouth like a dragon! :p
Lauren: Don't do it, Mick. ;) :P
Lauren: Shouldn't give him ideas like that, Dave. ;)
Micky: I'll only put it on my burgers and hot dogs. ;)
Davy: In that case, put it on the whole darn batch. ;)
Lauren: Just don't forget the mints. ;)
Davy: You'd need a mint the size of London to cleah that out! :p ;)
Micky: (Takes a swipe of barbecue sauce and grins) I don't know what you're fussing over, Davy. It tastes fine to me. ;) :D
(Micky holds the bowl out to Lauren.)
Lauren: *shakes her head* No way! Mick, you're mouth is practically lined with lead! I'm surprised you can actually taste anything...especially after THAT sauce. :P ;)
Micky: It isn't THAT hot! I didn't use the industrial-strengh hot sauce, just the regular stuff! ;)
Davy: You'd nevah know it from the sauce. :p
Lauren: Oh, Lordy... :P
Davy: Lauren, I 'ope you do all the grocery shoppin'. ;)
Lauren: I TRY to, anyway... :P ;)
Micky: So I picked up a few things here and there. :p
(The sound of a banjo playing "Cripple Creek" and laughing children drifts in from outside. :) )
Davy: (Grins and peeks out a window) Pete and Valerie are amusin' the kids while they play musical blankets. :)
Micky: (Also peeks outside as he starts to fill a bowl with pretzels) They sure look like they're having a good time, especially Mike. He's doing the most running around! :D
Lauren: Seems like he's enjoyed his time as a kid again. ;)
Davy: (Sighs) Mick, when are you going to change him back? We 'ad a good time wit' 'im last night, but 'e was stubborn 'bout goin' to bed, and 'e can't stay that way forevah.
Lauren: And Em misses him dearly. :P
Micky: (Sighs as he fills the other bowl with chips) I just wanted to help him and Em be better parents. Mom is picking the girls up around 1. I'll change him back after they leave.
Davy: I think you're just 'appy one of your spells actually worked wit'out backfirin', too.
Micky: (Smirks) Well, there's that, too... ;)
Lauren: As long s he'll be back to normal. That's what matters. He has had fun as a kid again, at least. :)
Davy: 'E 'ad a GREAT time in the tub last night. Petah and I ended up wettah than 'e did! :p
Micky: Should have worn bathing suits. ;)
*Lauren chuckles.* :)
Davy: (Grins) 'e were so cute, the way 'e made boat noises and pretended to 'ave a bubble beard. Daph's gonna be 'appy to know I finally used that bubble bath stuff she gave me for me birthday last yeah. ;)
Lauren: Alright, Davy. ;)
Davy: I even got to get 'im dressed while Petah mopped up the bathroom. Emma was sore when she saw the mess, but I think she liked readin' to 'im out of 'er mum's old book, even if 'e was stubborn 'bout sleepin'. :)
(Peter's now playing an improvised instrumental banjo tune as the kids chase each other around and Valerie scolds them for getting muddy. ;) )
Micky: (Lifts the burgers and hot dogs) I think it's time to fire up the grill and feed the hungry masses.
Davy: Before the 'ungry masses get nasty. ;)
Lauren: Or you two eat all the food. ;)
Davy: (Picks up the bowls of pretzels and salad) 'Ey, we wouldn't eat ALL of it!
Micky: Nahhh. Just a bowl or two. ;)
Lauren: Uh huh, sure. ;)
(Lauren picks up the bowl of cole slaw. Micky knocks his head on the French doors. Peter stops playing and opens the door, beaming.)
Peter: Hi, guys! Is lunch ready? :)
Micky: Yeah, and we'd REALLY appreciate some help here. ;) :p
Peter: (Puts his banjo inside) Ok! (He heads inside as Micky goes out)
Lauren: I thought we were just taking the food for a walk. ;) :P
(Valerie is shooing the kids to the blankets.)
(Davy chuckles as he and Lauren follow Mick outside. The kids see the food and cheer. :) :D )
Micky: Geez, you'd think you kids have never eaten before! ;)
(Peter emerges with the bowl of salad, salad tongs, forks, spoons, napkins, and hot dog rolls as Valerie goes in.)
Little Mike: Well, I've never eaten HERE before, by a nice pool in a great big house! :D
Davy: 'Ullo, gang! (Sets down the bowls) Dig in!
Little Mike: Wow, look at all the food! I've never seen so much food!
(Valerie comes out with cups, plates, and a bottle of soda.)
Valerie: (Hands the plates out to everyone as Micky starts to fire up the grill) Here you go, everyone. Happy eating! :)
Little Mike: This is great! (Emma gives him cole slaw and salad) It's like having a real family, with a mommy and a daddy and sisters and brothers and everything! :)
(Micky grins, rubs his hands, and starts to stoke up the grill. Davy and Lauren join him as Peter and Valerie bring the babies to join the kids. :) )
Micky: This is going to be FUN! ;) :D
Lauren: Mick, just remember to take it easy with the grill, okay? Last time you used it, the flame was two feet high! :P
Micky: I was just experimenting with my new kind of coal! I'll be fine this time! :p
Lauren: Suuuure... ;)
Davy: WOT kind of new coal? (Micky starts to flip patties and hot dogs onto the grill)
Micky: (Grins) Self-starting! I soaked them lighter fluid, THEN put them in! (Makes a face) I guess I overdid the lighter fluid. :p
Lauren: No kidding. :P
(Micky closes the grill, grinning.)
Micky: See, babe? No sweat! :D (Nods at the group on the blanket) Now, let's go eat, before those rugrats gobble all the food! I'm starving!
Davy: Join the crowd. :p (The boys trot over to the blankets)
Lauren: *shakes her head, grinning* Save some for me! :D
Little Mike: (Smacks his lips) Oh, boy, this cole slaw is good! :)
Peter: I want more salad, and I went back while you guys were playing with the grill and brought out some cold bean casserole for Davy and me. :)
Davy: At least it ain't that green stuff Mick made. (Makes a face)
*Lauren chuckles.* ;)
Micky: Hey, I thought that fermented bean recipe came out pretty well!
Peter: Micky, it tasted terrible!
Little Mike: (Also makes a face) Fermented bean recipe? What's that?
Lauren: You don't wanna know. :P ;)
Micky: It's a recipe I got from a fellow named Shah-Ku. He said it was good for you.
Peter: If that's good for me, I'll eat red meat. :p
Little Mike: How come you and Mister Davy aren't having any hamburgers, Mister Peter?
Peter: Davy and I don't like meat. I don't like how the animals are treated, and Davy just doesn't like it at all.
Davy: Clogs me pores. :p
Little Mike: (Gulps) Um, Aunt Kate and Uncle Patrick raise cows. They say the cows get made into steaks. :(
Lauren: A great man once said, "if animals weren't meant to be eaten, then why are they made out of meat?" *grins* ;)
Peter: (Puts his hand on Little Mike's shoulder) That's ok, Mike. I know your Aunt Kate is good to her steers. (Goes and gets his banjo again) Hey, how about some more music? :)
Davy: I know a good one. (Looks at Mike) 'Ow 'bout "Daddy's Song?" ;) :)
Lauren: Yeah! :)
Little Mike: "Daddy's Song?" I've never heard of that!
Micky: Well, why don't we introduce you? ;)
Peter: I don't think we've ever played it for the girls, either. :)
Valerie: It's new to me, too. :)
*The girls shake their heads.*
Peter: Well, in that case... (he starts playing...but it's the older Mike's voice we hear as the full orchestra kicks in. We're treated to a montage of everyone laughing, joking, listening, and throwing food. Lauren and Micky cuddle the twins. Emma puts her arms around Little Mike, cuddling the small, thin boy. He gives her another kiss on the cheek. :X)
(Micky brings over the hot dogs and hamburgers as the music ends. :) )
Micky: Come and get 'em, oh natives of California!
Little Mike: And Texas! :D
Lauren: Because whatever isn't laid claim to will be Micky's! ;)
(Micky hands Lauren a hot dog on a bun.)
Micky: Just to show there's no hard feelings, babe, here's yours. ;)
Lauren: Thanks, Mick. :)
Little Mike: How come Mister Micky always calls Miss Lauren "babe?" ;)
Micky: (Takes hold of Lauren's shoulder with a BIG grin) 'Cause she's so CUTE! ;)
Lauren: *blushes* Okay, now you're starting to overdo it, Mick. ;) :">
Micky: Not from where I'm sitting. :X
(The babies burble in their seats. :) )
Micky: The kids agree. ;) :X
Lauren: Awe. :"> Alright, Mick. *swats him* Stop making me blush, so I can eat in peace.
(The kids, Emma, and Valerie dig into their hot dogs. Davy and Peter ladle more salad and bean casserole.)
Micky: (Bites into a hamburger with a sigh) Ahh, a hamburger with everything on it and then some. Just as I like it. (Watches Lauren over his burger)
*Lauren takes a bite of her hot dog, not noticing Micky watching her. She chews for two seconds before her eyes widen & she runs faster than she's EVER run back into the house.* ;)
(Micky drops his burger and doubles over laughing.)
Emma: (Makes a face) Ok, Micky, what did you do to your wife?
Little Mike: She looked awfully red.
Davy: Mick, you didn't.... :p
Peter: Didn't what?
*Lauren screams bloody murder from the kitchen.* ;) :P
Micky: I just wanted her to taste my new barbecue sauce! ;) :D
Davy: (Nods at the kitchen) Sounds like you may not live to perfect it.
(Emma puts her hands over Mike's ears; Peter does the same to Debbie.)
Lauren: *stops in the doorway; she's doing a great imitation of a mad bull* George Michael Dolenz, Jr. I'M GONNA KILL YOU! X-(
Micky: Uh oh. (He jumps up and runs as fast as he can; the adults are trying to hide their smiles, and the kids are laughing outright)
Debbie: Lookit him go! ;)
Lauren: COME BACK HERE! X-(
Gina: The last time I saw him run that fast, Mom just found a snake in the salad she made for some friends from work. ;)
Coco: *grins* I remember that! He almost broke a land speed record that day! ;)
Debbie: And boy, was Mom mad when she caught him! ;) :D
Little Mike: What made Miss Lauren all red?
*Lauren gives a savage yell right before tackling Micky & the two tumble on the grass. Lauren ends up sitting on him, holding him down.* ;)
Davy: Mistah Micky put hot barbecue sauce on Miss Lauren's hot dog, and she don't like spicy food. ;)
Valerie: Oh dear.
Emma: Gee, and I thought MICKY was supposed to be the Savage... ;)
Micky: Geez, babe! Uncle!
Peter: I hope she didn't hurt him.
Davy: Probably no worse than 'e 'urt 'er.
Lauren: *her angry expression melts into a grin* Sorry, huh? Just how sorry? *pauses* You know, this is quite the compromising position. *winks & plants a kiss on him* :x ;)
Micky: (Grins) I'll have to remember how to get you to do this from now on. (Groans) Just a little easier on the back.
(There's the sound of a doorbell inside.)
Lauren: Awe, man.. *grins* we'll finish this later. ;) *gets up*
Valerie: And I think we'd better start cleaning up.
Peter: Sounds like it's time for the girls to go home.
Lauren: I'll grab the door. :)
*Lauren heads back inside to the front door.*
Davy: That's right. Come on, ladies (nods at Little Mike) and gentlemen, 'elp ol' Mistah Davy clean up this mess. :)
(Micky and Peter take the babies. Davy and the kids clean up the remaining food and utensils, which Valerie brings inside. They all help shake and fold the blankets.)
(Emma goes inside and starts doing the dishes.)
*Lauren opens the front door.*
(Jannelle is there, smiling.)
Jannelle: Ready to turn the girls over to me? I hope they've been good. I know they like to tease Micky. :)
Lauren: *grins* Hi, mom. :) ;)
Lauren: They've been good... to me atleast. ;)
Janelle: Hello, dear. How's everyone? How's my dear little son? ;)
Janelle: In once piece, I hope? ;)
Lauren: I think he's still in one piece. I hope, atleast. ;)
(The two walk to the other side of the house. Micky brings the kids and Little Mike to Janelle while the others help Emma in the kitchen.)
Micky: Here's the rugrats, Mom. :)
Little Mike: Hi, Miss Micky's mom!
Lauren: This is Mike. :)
(Mike waves shyly.)
Janelle: Well, isn't he cute? He looks rather familiar.
Lauren: Uhh...
Micky: He's...the son of one of Mike Nesmith's cousins. We're watching him while they're out on the town. :)
Lauren: *nods, smiling* Yeah. :)
Little Mike: No I'm...(Micky nudges Little Mike)
Jannelle: Well, he's as handsome as his cousin. (Smiles) And I hope you girls have been nice to our visitor. :)
*The girls nod.* :) ;)
Little Mike: We've had a GREAT time! We swam in the pool and played shark, and we had a picnic, and we ate ice cream, and we got to be in this HUGE house, and Mister Peter played music for us that I never heard before, and we played cowboys and Indians and tied up Mister Micky and I was John Wayne! :D
(Micky makes a face. The girls giggle.)
Janelle: Oh, dear. I hope there wasn't TOO much damage.
Lauren: Only to an ego. ;)
(Janelle chuckles; Micky mutters.)
Janelle: Ok, girls, time to go home. Thanks for watching them for me, Micky. (Gives him a peck on the cheek) You're a lifesaver. :)
*Lauren grins.* :)
Janelle: Don't forget to call me the next time the babies need a sitter. We love having them. :)
Micky: *blushes* Of course, mom. :">
Janelle: Did you ladies thank you brother for having you over?
Debbie: (Grins) Thanks, Micky!
Gina: (Nods at Little Mike) Will we see you the next time you're in town?
Coco: Thank you, Micky! :)
Little Mike: Gee, I hope so! :)
Coco: Me, too! :)
Little Mike: I like you girls. You're a lot more fun than my little cousins! :D
Coco: Thanks! :D
Janelle: Ok, girls, let's let your brother and sister tend to their children. (Smiles) Thanks again, kids. (Ushers the girls out the door)
Little Mike: Will we see the girls again? I liked playing with them. They're fun! :)
Lauren: Sure, you will. ;) :)
Micky: Yeah, they'll be back. ;)
Little Mike: What do we do now?
(Emma walks in, wiping her hands on the back of her jean shorts.)
Lauren: Mick...?
Emma: Everyone else is putting the food away.
Little Mike: I've had a great time! I wish I could do this all the time, but Mommy says I have to be the man of the house.
Emma: (Puts her hands on Little Mike's narrow shoulders) Oh, honey, not ALL the time!
Micky: We're glad you had a great time. *sighs* I'll do it now.
Little Mike: (Lip trembles) But Mommy needs my help! I wanna be strong, like John Wayne.
Emma: You can do that, honey, and have fun, too. It's all a part of life.
Little Mike: Really, Miss Emma?
Emma: Really.
Little Mike: (Hugs her as well as he can) I like you, Miss Emma.
Emma: Me too, honey.
Lauren: And with that...
Micky: Right. Umm, Em, might wanna stand back a little. ;)
Emma: (Gulps) Ok. (Stands back towards the stairs)
Little Mike: Hey, what's goin' on?
*Micky concentrates on little Mike. The dark blue light surrounds him until he's completely enveloped by it. When it clears, Mike is back the way he should be.*
Mike: (Looks at himself...then blushes when he realizes he's wearing a pair of shorts that are now MUCH too small) Oh, man....
Emma: Mike! Oh, honey, you're back! (Hugs him)
Mike: Yeah, darlin', I'm back. (Smiles) Thanks, Mick.
Micky: No problem, Mike. *tries not to laugh* ;)
(The others run in to see what happened. Peter also embraces Mike. Valerie tries to cover her chuckles. Davy bursts into laughter.)
Mike: (Grins) I had a great time with the kids, Mick. I guess I spent so much time tryin' to hide from the bad parts of my childhood that I shut out the good parts, too.
Emma: Just don't give me any trouble when you go to bed tonight, ok honey? ;)
Micky: *whew* You're welcome, Mike. *pauses* Umm... you won't try to get me back for this, will you? ;)
Mike: I'm lookin' forward to it. ;) (Nuzzles her neck, then turns to Micky) Nahhh, Mick. (Winks) Not any time soon, anyway. You meant well, and it could have been worse. You could have turned me into a toad or blew me up. ;)
Lauren: *groans* Don't give him ideas, Mike. ;)
Micky: Hey! :P
Peter: (Squeezes Mike) Don't turn him into anything else! I like him just as plain old Mike, my best friend in the world!
Mike: (Gasps) Hey, Pete, I'm glad you're my friend, but there won't be any of me left if you don't let go. :p
Peter: Oops. (Lightens his hold on Mike)
Valerie: Why don't we celebrate by having some more fun? ;)
Lauren: Yeah!
Peter: Yeah! This IS our last week before we get married!
Davy: (Grins) Last one in the pool's a rotten egg! :D
Lauren: *sticks her tongue out* Awe! :P ;)
Mike: That sounds great, but (looks at his barely-covering shorts) um, could you get me some clothes?
*Micky laughs loudly.* ;)
Emma: Hey, Lauren, why don't you get Micky back for the hot sauce hot dog? The babies are inside and asleep in the crib in the Rainbow Room. ;)
Peter: We could bring the crib outside, too. :)
Lauren: Yeah... ;)
Mike: I'm gettin' a draft here! :p
Micky: Uh oh... :-O
Lauren: Oh, Mick... *chases after Micky again* ;)
Emma: Come on, honey. Let's cover you up. (Emma looks at his legs) Although I'm not sure WHY you want to be covered up... ;)
Micky: *calling out* Awe, babe, come on! :P
(Emma pulls Mike down on the couch.)
Peter: (Nudges Valerie) Last one in the pool is a broken banjo string!
Valerie: (As Peter starts dashing for the door) No fair, your legs are longer! :p
Davy: (Follows) Hey, wait for me!
Emma: (Nuzzles Mike) I kind of like you this way. ;)
Mike: Well, since I AM practically uncovered, (wicked grin) why don't we have some more..adult..fun?
Emma: (Grin is also wide) Sounds good to me!
(They press their lips together and disappear behind the couch as shouting is heard outside. We see Micky tackle Lauren and Peter and Valerie cannonball into the pool, splashing Davy, as the camera fades out. :) )