Gen 1 Chap 8 – 1+1+1+1+1=…. Oh God

Danny was learning all of his life lessons fast. Hanging out with Justin taught him how to talk.

Raven took the dirty job of potty training.

And I taught him how to walk.

And I must say he grew into a nice young lad. He always questions why his middle name is Boston but I think its because the kids at school question that. He never complains and he prefers to stay in his room all day instead of playing with the quads outside. Oh yes, we had quadruplets and our house has been a circus ever since.

First was River. He’s always laughing and smiling. He full name that of course, I named is River Aniston Xavier.

Then Setsuko came. She hardly ever cried unless she bumped her head or knee. Her full name is Setsuko Zarai Xavier.

Next came Adilyss Rin Xavier. She’s the “princess”. She doesn’t like dirt and hates when she’s next to the dogs. She always seem to be staring off into space too.

Finally Lyra came, screaming her head off. She can’t sit still for a second and is always getting into trouble. Her middle name is Octavia. The only thing wrong with this is that Danny hates being around them. He calls them–

“A nuisance.”

“Daniel, they are not a nuisance. They’re your siblings.”

“Of course they’re a nuisance! Look at how much time you never spend with me. It’s always Setsuko wants this or River needs that, Lyra yells and Adilyss cries all the time… It’s never about what Daniel needs or wants. Plus I have to share all my toys with them.”

“If you want new toys I can buy you some… Just don’t tell your mother.” I say.

“Trying to win me over with new toys won’t get rid of the nuisance called ‘siblings’. But it might take my mind off of them for a while.” He says and closes the book he was reading.

“Where are you going?”

“To talk to Sakuaya. She’s the only one that understands me around here.”

“Danny, Saku–” I start but close my mouth when I see him lower his head.

“She is real dad… you just can’t see her, neither can mom.” He says and walks to the backyard where his tree house was stationed.

I sigh and get up to find Raven peeking around the corner at me.

“Kodak..”

“Don’t say anything. I know what you’re going to say and I really don’t want to hear it. Danny has been in this stage for a while and it’s time for him to get out of it.” I say crossing my arms.

“I understand how you feel. A boy his age shouldn’t be playing with a doll… or alone all the time, but the only other kid he knows is Justin and you know how Mataya is with him.” She says to me.

“Yeah, surprisingly overprotective. I just wish he would be more social at school.”

“Well hey, cheer up. It’s Snowflake Day. Alistair, Thomas and his family are on their way over. It’s almost time to open gifts.”

“You’re right… I’ll address it tomorrow.” I smile at her and she smiles back.

It was winter here in Aurora Skies, and their winters were harsh but short.  Not that Danny minded, even though he says he hates outside, he would go to his tree house everyday for that doll Alistair got him. Why he keeps it there instead of in his room is a mystery too but I’ll dawdle on that later. By the time the party got started I was feeling cheery.

“Well hello, I don’t believe I ever met you before… who are you?” Raven asks the man that walked into our house.

“The name is Grimm. Genesis Grimm, it is a pleasure to meet you madame. I am Kodak’s… uhh manager I suppose you could say.”

“Suppose?”

“Alright, call me a scouter. I’m assuming he told you absolutely not a goddamn thing about me, yeah?” Genesis says to her.

“You got that right… What do you scout? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Musicians, singers…. talent. I seen Kodak in town doing those silly willy sing-a-grams and I just wanted to hand him my card. I kinda asked around town as to his living whereabouts and I wound up here. He does live here correct?”

“Yeah, he’s my husband. I’ll tell him that you stop by Mr. Grimm. Considering you walked into our home without warning and we are having a little party.”

“Please, call me Genesis, and sorry for the intrusion.” He says and gives her a card. Raven looks at it for a brief second before turning her attention back to Genesis.

“Thank you. Now good bye.”

The party was a success. Everyone went home happy with their presents. Even Daniel came around long enough to keep Justin company. And only that long. As soon as Justin put on his coat Danny darted upstairs, not even bothering to say goodbye.

“Sigh, parties are so unimportant right now. I need to find a way to make Sakuya real… Maybe Justin would know. Hmm.”

Daniel spent almost all night looking up ways to make that doll real. He even complied a list of things that might work but one stuck out to him.

“Imaginarium: The Friend Potion… the potion that’ll make even the most imaginary of friends become real. Interesting, I’ll email this to Justin to see what he thinks.” he says before turning off the computer, getting in the bed, and pretending to be asleep.

The next day after school I allowed him to go over Justin’s house. He seemed really eager to go and I was really happy he wanted to go.

“Hey Justin, you get my email last night?”

“Ya, and let me tell you. You are absolutely nuts. How can you afford that stuff man?”

“I’m not going to buy it. Your sister is going to make it for me.” Danny says looking around.

“What makes you think Annalise is going to make it?” Justin asks.

“She’s super smart and it’s not like she has a life anyway. She’s perfect for this, plus it’s the only time I’ll ever ask her for a favor again.”

“She has a job you know. The bookstore makes her come in on Saturdays even.”

“That’s good she can read up on it. Come on, don’t be so boring. This’ll be great I promise.”

“Ugh fine. You are so lucky you’re my best friend.” Justin says.

“I’m your only friend.”

“Don’t remind me Danny… Don’t remind me.”

“After this, we’ll have another friend. It’s going to be awesome.”

They arrived at Justin’s house to find Annalise cooking something. She appeared to be engrossed deeply in it.

“Don’t burn it Anna.” Justin teased.

“Oh shut up twerp. Hey twerp number 2. What are you guys doing here anyway?” She asks.

“Danny here has something he wants to ask you.”

“If its a date then no.”

“Actually, it’s far from that. Anna, I need a really huge favor from you. And before you say no, I promise I will never ask of anything from you again.” Danny says.

“Well the offer seems good, whats the favor?”

And so Daniel told her everything she needed to know. When he was done Annalise sat in silence for a minute thinking it over. Finally she got up, walked over to the bookcase and said

“I’ll do it. But only because I want to see this outcome.”

Gen 1 Chap 7 – Oh The Sweet Pitter Patter of Feet Pt 2

Danny has more of his mom than me in him and I’m kinda sad about that. He’s still my little man though. At the “party” he kept laughing at Alistair when he was getting bitten by the puppies. Oh and now, he always cries. He never wants anything, he just cries. It’s driving me insane. I always ask if he wants anything; is it his bottle, does he want to be changed, to be burped, what? Nothing ever works. I finally gave up and Raven started taking over. Whenever she’s in the room he quiets down and lets me do what I need to do. I think its because she secretly gives him candy but I digress. What matters is that we love him to death.

“Ugggggh I’m so bored!” I sigh loudly hoping Raven would pay more attention to me.

“Bond with Danny, he misses you.”

“The only thing he misses is the candy you keep giving him.”

She giggled. “I don’t give him candy all the time. Just when he’s being unreasonable.”

“Uh huh, I bet you slip him some when I’m not looking. That’s why he never cries when you’re around.” I say.

“Look, Kodak, I have to send in this file for work so stop bugging me for like, 2 seconds. Play with Anubis or Zekra, Demi, Jojo, Tetra, and Wen.”

The one thing I hated most about her job was that they always contact her to fill out some fashion form. Or to send in a design for next year’s seasons. I guess its alright with the money she’s making but that means less time for me with her.

“Anubis is busy with his own thing with Zekra… Wen and Tetra always want to tackle the shit out of me, Demi is like an emo or something… he always stares out into space. I think  we need dog counseling for him and Jojo… Eh I guess I could play with him.” I say.

“See? You have something to do. Take Danny too, he’s probably bored with that doll Uncle Ally got him.”

“Heh yeah, that thing is like a demon Rollie Pollie Ollie. By the way Raven… marry me.”

“Don’t joke like that Kodak.” she says.

“I’m serious.” I say and she turns around to look at me.

“How serious?”

“Super cereal surreal serious.” I grin and she smiles back. I was deeply in love with her down to earth-ness and her beauty and I wanted to make Raven officially mine, and no one else’s.

“You know this isn’t the ideal way to propose or plan a wedding.”

“Did you want a big hoorah with your whole family here?” I ask.

“Hell no… but what about you? You never talk about your parents or family.”

“That’s because I don’t like them. Also my father wants me to become a doctor so there’s no way we’re going to get along.”

“I see.” she says and gets up. I meet her halfway and grab her by the waist.

“The hell are you–”

“I love you Raven. I never want to leave you.”

“You’re so lucky I love you too. Or else I would punched you in your face right now.” she says. I laugh and kiss her. Soon she would become an Xavier.

———————————————————————

“Alistair. I’m nervous.” I say with a worried smile on my face.

“It’s just me and… yeah. Just me. You have nothing to be nervous about. All you do is say ‘I do.’ and what not.”

“Yeah but what if she gets cold feet?”

“I think you’re more prone to that. Come on let’s go.” He says eyeing the street.

“What are you looking for…?”

“Nothing, just nothing.” he says and starts walking to the backyard. I followed wondering what he could be hiding.

“You think Snazzy Jacket saw us?”

“Stop calling him that Mataya, and no pretty sure he didn’t.”

“Then our plan is going according to… plan.”

“Sigh…”

From the corner of my eye I saw a red head and a blue head. Two blue heads, and there’s only one person I know who has blue hair.

“Yo, Kods! Guess who’s back?”

“Thomas?? And heyyyyy crazy chick…” I say. I never expected Thomas to come all the way from Bridgeport to here. And with his family too.

“Hi Thomas, Mataya, ….child.” Raven says.

“Her name is Annalise. Justin is at home with the baby sitter.” Mataya says.

“Child… But anyway, Kodak, let’s get started.”

“GO KODS!!!” Thomas and Alistair yell at the same time. That put a big smile on my face.

“You really ready for this?” Raven asks. I nod and not just because she looked more beautiful than usual. I was ecstatic to be marrying her.

“With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine.”

“I do.” Raven says softly.

Everyone cheered when we kissed. I didn’t want to let her go but we heard a grunt and pulled away slowly.

“We should be cutting the cake now,” Raven says. “I’ll do the honors.”

“Alright so everyone knows the bride gets the first slice right?”

We all laughed.

We all watched her cut the cake, mouths drooling.

Then we all sat down.

“You didn’t tell me you were in town Thomas. You could’ve met Danny.” I say.

“Danny? You have a kid now? That’s awesome man. I can’t wait to see him.”

“Can I also see your little bundle of joy Kodak?” Mataya asks.

“That’s the first time you called me Kodak… are you ok?”

“Of course I am. Thomas told me to stop calling you Snazzy Jacket so I’m trying to be more, how do you say, normal? After all I want to set a good example for Anna and Justin.” she says.

“Either that or you’re trying to make my sane child crazy but sure, you can see him. As long as I get to see Justin.” I smile.

“Will do, hey maybe they can have a play date one day.” Thomas says.

“Jeezum crow, I feel so left out with you two having kids and what not.” Alistair says.

“Oh don’t worry Mr. Stewart, I’m sure you’ll find a nice lady one day.” Mataya says.

“Don’t call me Mister. Makes me feel old. I’m not so sure I will find a a women that can keep up with me.”

“Maybe Annalise will when she gets older.”

“Mataya stop trying to marry off our kids. Plus Alistair would be dead by the time Anna is even old enough to date.” Thomas says.

Conversation went on like that for a few hours with Raven bringing out Danny and Annalise following behind her ending it. Thomas got to play with Danny and Annalise got to tell us all about her life and how she’s going to be a big girl soon. We said our good byes and soon Raven put Danny to sleep. I filled up the dog bowls before I went upstairs and when I got there, I was greeted by a surprise.

“Is there a reason for this?” Knowing good and damn well there was.

“Oh Kodak, how oblivious you are. You should know that what I want right now is what you want too.”

“Very true.”

“Good, now get your sexy ass out of that suit.” she said.

She didn’t have to tell me twice. We made love until the break of dawn.

———————————————————————

Le Author’s Note: Kudos to whoever gets the vows Kodak said. 😉

Gen 1 Chap 5 – He Went To College?!

Sing-A-Grams… That’s what got my singer career off the ground. After a few month’s of playing in bars and clubs with the band someone finally noticed me. They signed me to do mediocre work by delivering Sing-A-Grams to people. Cheer Up A Grams, Romati- Grams, etc. Demeaning but it was helping me rake in cash. 250 a week wasn’t bad at all.

“Ta da!” I say finishing up my little audition.

“Aww! So cute!”

“You got the gig kid.” the proprietor says to me.

“Sweet.”

That was easier than expected. Sunday night was my performance and I was happy. So happy in fact that I invited everyone to it. Even Thomas who has been acting weird lately. By weird I mean that he invited me to a party which he never does. As fun and carefree as he is, Thomas is also really secretive.

Arriving at the place that night and ignoring the weird ghosts outside, I get a strange feeling that I might regret this decision to actually bond with Thomas.

“I really hope I won’t regret this.” I say to myself. “10 floors is a really long way to go up… what if I need to jump out a window or something?”

Thomas was there to greet me. “Kods! You made it. Excellent, excellent.” he says.

“Yeah, hey Tom, who’s uh, house is this?” I ask.

“Oh it’s um… Mataya’s.”

“MATAYA’S??? Why did you invite me to come here?!” I yell.

“Well I wanted to tell you something…” he starts.

“My name was being yelled, I feel I must come to see– oh hello Kody. So nice of you to come to my P A R T Y.” Mataya says.

“Why did you spell it?” I ask.

“P stands for paradoxical  A is for artificial, R is for ratchet, T is for time, and Y stands for yacht.” she says.

“Paradoxical Artificial Ratchet Time Yacht? ……………. Mataya what the fuck is that? You know what, no, I don’t even want to know.” I say.

“Mataya, can you go away for a sec? I need to tell Kods something.” Thomas says.

“Oooh you sound serious. Ok, I shall depart for now. Good bye Kody and Kody’s snazztastic jacket.”

“Snazztastic… Thomas what the hell is going on here? Why did you ask me to come here when you knew she was stalking me?”

“Well she wasn’t stalking you FOR you.” He says.

“What? That’s doesn’t even make sense.”

“She was stalking you for me. You see I know her from my college days and I made a mistake.”

“Oh, well what was—- Let’s just stop this gravy train right now. You went to college?” I ask in shock.

“Yeah… is that surprising?”

“To be completely honest. Yes, yes it is.”

“I went, I studied, I graduated. I’m not a complete fuck up. Anyway Mataya was a girl that I took a liking to and one thing led to another and I found myself in a relationship a little to quickly for my liking.”

“So you left her?”

“Not entirely. I hit it then quit it. She was still on my mind all the time but I avoided her a lot. Little did I know she got pregnant–”

“You’re a father??” I interrupt.

“Surprise… look Kods, the reason I’m telling you this now is because, well, I think I’m ready to settle down.”

“Your’re 21 Thomas. You cannot be ready to settle down now.” I say.

“It may be too soon for you but I’ve done all I wanted. Thinking about moving out to live wit her so I won’t be a burden on you guys.”

“Do you even love her or is she just trapping you with your kid?” I ask and with a tired smile Thomas says he does love her and marrying her would probably be the best thing for him now. I agree but still shocked by the fact that he’s a college graduate and a father I don’t think I even registered that. Thomas, smarter than he looks assures me that he’ll be fine and Mataya isn’t normally strange. She was only doing that to get his attention. I hardly believe that but if its what he wants then I can’t tell him otherwise.

That night as I laid in my bed thinking about what Thomas’s kid looked like something occurred to me. I wanted what he  has. A loving wife… a family…. a college degree. Thomas was, dare I say it, smarter than I was. Sure he made mistakes but everyone does. Sleeping on my thoughts, I hoped that the following week would go by fast.

***Later That Week***

“So did I tell you guys I have a gig today?”

“Yes Kodak. About a thousand times.” Alistair says.

“Did I tell you it’s going to be awesome?”

“Yes Kodak…” Raven says.

“Oh… did I tell you Thomas has a kid, is getting married and is moving out?” I ask.

“Yes Kod— wait wha? When did Thomas have time to do all that?” Alistair asks.

“When he was in college…” I say taking another bite of my waffles.

“Thomas went to college? You’ve got to be shitting me. He has a kid too?! What’s he been doing, leading a secret life?”

“Obviously he was Uncle Ally. I’m happy for him. But one can’t help but wonder why he would keep all that to himself.” Raven says.

“Maybe he hates us. Like I’m hating him right now… oh I am so hating his ass right now.”

“Actually he said that he didn’t want to be a burden to us. I mean once you think about it, Mataya is crazy as hell plus having a baby around here would be even more hectic with Raven–“

“You calling me dependent? ‘Cause I’m not.” She interrupts.

“I didn’t say that Raven.” I say. “I’m saying that having 6 people in this apartment would make me jump off the roof.”

“Why didn’t he tell all of us?” Alistair mumbles to himself.

“I’m obviously his best friend.” I joke but Alistair seemed really thoughtful on this. He finished his food and got up to leave.

“I’m going to look for him. He’s going to tell me what the hell is going on.” He says.

“I just told you.”

“I also need to see what he’s going to do about his band spot.” Alistair says and walks out the door.

“He left his damn plate again… I am not a maid.” Raven says.

“I’ll get it. They better not forget my gig tonight.” I say and get up, hoping that Alistair wouldn’t do anything drastic when he caught up with Thomas.

My first real performance and everyone was there. Well everyone important anyway.

I drank a glass of water…

Took out my mic…

And blew them away.

They were loving it and I don’t think it was just to make me feel better about my life.

Thomas and Raven were dancing.

Alistair was too and a strange man in his underwear holding a balloon was clapping.

When I glanced down at Anubis he was getting nuzzled by another dog. Female I’m guessing, and by the looks of it, Anubis tolerates her more than any other animal.

I finished the show with a bow and I swear my heart was about to jump out my chest. But I liked that feeling, it made me realize that my dream was finally coming true.

When I got off the stage and walked over to Thomas and Raven, I was pulled into a kiss from her surprising the life out of me.

“I uhhh…..” I start out.

“WOOO! Go Kods! Who would’ve thunk you could get a hot chick?” Thomas laughs.

“What? Cat got your tongue?” She asks me teasingly.

“Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…….”

But before I could say anything, she pulled me into another kiss with Thomas laughing in the background. I must admit, that was the best part of the night.

Le Author’s Note: Phew… finally got this chapter out. Some of you may ask why Thomas is moving out and not Alistair. It’s because Thomas actually did start dating Mataya and with Story Progression on it informed me that *bam* Mataya was preggers with Thomas’s kid. So what do I do? Kick Thomas out so he can marry her, which he did as soon as Kodak dismissed him as a roomie. He’s a really fun guy and I’m gonna miss him to death with his facial expressions but with him procreating and making eligible spouses for Kod’s kids, I guess I could let him go.

BYE THOMAS!!

I’m gonna miss that goofy son of a bitch.

Gen 1 Chap 3 – Why Me?

Our gig was just beginning but no one was showing up. Yeah I know we weren’t super famous yet but still, just one old lady? Not cool bro, not cool. I took the few minutes before our show to tune up the guitar Waylon’s Haunt provided for their un-famous bands. All the while that old woman was staring at me.

“Can I help you?” I say gritting my teeth.

“Nope, I don’t believe you can.” she said.

“Uh huh…” I say placing the guitar down. Hopefully she wouldn’t touch it while I went to go change.

The gig started and even though it was a super small crowd, 3 plus the bartender, I think it went well.

Hell, even Thomas got into it.

Alistair, being cool, calm and collected as usual had a serious look on his face, but I could tell there was a smile in the undertone. What in hell could he be happy about I wonder?

Like I said, small crowd. We weren’t famous and by doing small things in shitty places like this, we probably weren’t going to get any where fast. Alistair said he had connections but sometimes I wonder where those connections are from.

After the gig I found myself at the bar next to that girl who was ever oh so lucky to have a front row view of Sound Ultra’s playing. I refuse to call that thing a gig anymore but we got paid so what the hay.

“You play really well.” She said to me.

“Yeah, I guess. I taught myself. With my natural gift for music, it was really easy…” I say not really wanting to engage in anymore conversation.

“I have a natural gift for art. I could paint the Mona Lisa if I wanted to.” She laughed.

“That’s nice.” I say.

“I’m Raven, and you must be Kodak. Uncle Ally has told me all about you.”

“Uncle… Ally? You mean Alistair?”

“Yep. I prefer to call him Uncle Ally instead of Uncle Alistair… that’s a mouthful y’know?” She said looking over to where Alistair stood.

This girl cannot be Alistair’s niece… Her hair was red for crying out loud! There’s no way Alistair could have an attractive family member. That’d be like the cosmos taking a shit on me if I actually got to like this girl and she really was Uncle Ally’s niece.

“Yo Kod’s! I see you’ve met the hottie who’s going to be staying with us.” Thomas says from across the bar.

“Heh, you should stop flirting with me Thomas. Uncle Ally is going to kill you.” Raven says.

“Yeah I have. Don’t do any stupid shit Thomas.” I say while checking my phone. I had gotten a text from Mataya saying she wanted me at her pool party which is odd because I don’t remember giving her MY number… Please Lord Jesus Christ with a Platinum Potato in Heaven do NOT let this chick be a stalker. I think to myself. If she is, Thomas can have her. He likes the weird ones. I noticed that Alistair took that opportune moment to get out of dodge. He dropped me a wink when he saw me looking at him. I hope he didn’t plan on me getting to know her but the more drinks I had, the more I wanted to.

“Dance with me.” She said.

“Noooo…?” I say a little buzzed and she could tell.

“You’re not good with your alcohol are you?”

“I’m not a heavy drinker no.”

“That’s good, now take my hand.”

“You know, that’s a real snazzy jacket you got on.” She says.

“Custom made. My parents bought it for me when I moved out.”

“Interesting…” She smiled at me.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask.

“Uncle Ally was right, you are cute. Besides him promising me a better life here in Bridgeport, I’d say I got a 2 for 1 deal.” She says and she leans in closer to my face.

“Stop. No. NO. I-I don’t…. I can’t even– WE hardly know each other!” I yell.

“I know that.” She says matter-of-factly. “I just wanted to see what you would do.”

“You wha?”

“Just trying to make sure you nor Tommy tries to make a move on me. I’m not here for you, I’m here for me. I won’t or will ever have time for romance here.”

“I dun getit?” I say, my worlds slurring a bit.

“Maybe ’cause you’re buzzed. Learn how to handle your liquor and don’t fall for every pretty face you see. Got that?” She said before walking out the door.

I assumed she was going to the apartment but doubted she knew how to get there. Then again, she’s Alistair’s problem not mine. Assuming is wrong but I still assumed he gave her a detailed layout of the city since he’s been here longer than I have. I just let her go on her way, hoping she would make it to the apartment. After all, Alistair couldn’t blame it on me for his missing niece.

“Uncle Ally, why did you leave me alone with him? He’s an idiot.” Raven says.

“I thought you could use a friend… Thomas stop staring at her breasts.”

“But they’re perfect.”

“I will throw you out of this window if you don’t stop staring at her.” Alistair threatens.

“Fine fine, not fair Kodak gets to have all the fun. He  got to slow dance with her but I don’t get to look at her boobs? This is an outrage!”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“No no! You are too late. My feelings are hurt and I shall retire to my bed.” Thomas says in an accent. As lighthearted as he was he also couldn’t handle liquor too well and when he got drunk… Thomas got British… or Irish, or Scottish, or German, Russian, Indian and Australian. It’s fun to watch him actually show a little genius but also annoying.

“By the way Unc, look at this!”

“If I close my eyes, perhaps they won’t see me touching her boobies.”

“Thomas, I’m right here I can see AND feel you.” Raven says.

“And if you don’t move your hand I will remove it for you. You won’t find it for a while… I’ll make sure of that.” Alistair says.

“Jeebus! okay, okay.” Thomas says and walks away.

“He’s funny.” Raven says.

“He’s also a dumbass which is why I don’t want him around you.”

“You say that like you’re my dad, I’m 18 Uncle, I can handle myself.”

“You better.” Alistair says. “I’m going to bed, you have your sleeping bag don’t you?”

“Yeah, yeah. Sleep on the couch or the floor but not in your room. I got it. I won’t do anything to cause them to get out of hand.”

“Good. And when Kodak comes back, tell him to take you out to see the city one day.”

“I will Uncle. Night” Raven says and sits down on the couch.

I avoided her for the last few days not wanting to embarrass myself any more than I need to. Unfortunately living in a 1 bedroom apartment didn’t leave much space for avoidance and eventually she caught up with me.

“You’re on my computer.” I say to her.

“Last time I checked, it was shared. Leave me alone I’m looking for a job.”

“A job? What are you going to do?”

“Stylist. I’m mediocre at it but it’s one of my passions. Fashion keeps me happy.”

“Couldn’t tell… judging by the way you dress.” I say to myself.

“Shut it Kodak. Besides what do you do? Nothing. You can’t even get a useless sing-a-gram.”

“How’d you know I was–”

“How could I not? All you do is sing in the shower, outside, in the living room, when you’re eating. Do I need to go on?” She says.

“Did you have to put it like that…?” I ask.

“Yeah I did. You may be cute Kodak but you lack ambition. You have a great voice and all you have to do is put it to use. Go out and sing for the city why don’t you? It’ll be nice.”

“You sound like an annoying girlfriend. Plus I’m not going out on my own in this city. The last time I did that this crazy chick tried to get me to go to a bar.”

“Then I’ll come with you. Plus Uncle Ally will get off my case.” she says.

“If you put it like that I guess I could… go out. I’ll bring Anubis too.”

“I’m sure he’ll like that. He’s a dog after all and being cooped up in this tiny apartment is probably taking a toll on him.”

And so we went out. I played my guitar while Raven was trying to teach Anubis how to sit. I never really trained him, I always assumed he knew everything I wanted him to do but I guess Raven decided he needed to be more “orderly”. There was someone else at the park and by the strange fashion I’m guessing it was Mataya. I think she is a stalker…

“Mataya…”

“Kody.”

“Are you stalking me?”

“Yep.”

“Well that was direct…”

“Why would I lie? I like you. Stalking was the only means I have to do. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Actually, I kind of do. You see stalking is–”

“That’s a groovy jacket you got there.”

“Thanks, custom made, but anyway stalking me is really weird so I would like you to NOT do that. Ok?”

“Uh huh.” she says.

“Are you sure? Or are you just saying ‘uh huh’ just because?”

“Uh huh!” 

“Oooh look there’s another girl coming over here. She’s pretty. Do you know her?” She asks looking over my shoulder.

“I don’t even– were you listening to me?”

“This the crazy chick you were telling me about? Matilda or something?” Raven says.

“Its Mataya but you can call me Matilda if you want. I’m his girlfriend.”

“GIRLFRIEND? No, oh HELL NO. We are NOT together!” I yell.

“I know that? Look Marylin or whatever, Kodak doesn’t like you. As a matter of fact, he says you give him nightmares.” Raven says to her.

“Oh that’s nice. I like to be in people’s dreams.” Mataya says almost dreamily.

“You bitch, are cray-cray! And who wears neon green with purple? That SO clashes with your hair!” Raven yells.

“I thought wearing neon would bring on the intergalactic space worms. Was I informed wrongly?”

“Oh my burgers, if I’ve been misinformed that means the Alliance of Platinum Pizzas have been too! I must stop this!” Mataya says.

“Da fuq kinda medicine you smoking?” Raven and I asks at the same time.

“I think she’s actually crazy.” Raven says to herself.

“The Czars of the Golden Banana Cult must be coming for me now! STAY BACK! BACK YE DEMONS!!”

“I think we should leave. NOW.” Raven says.

“Perhaps we should send her to a hospital?”

“Hospital? this woman needs an institute.”

“What are you talking about red headed one? Institutes are only for the mentally insane. I am perfectly competent.” Mataya says.

“Yeah, we’re leaving right now Kodak. Come on.” Raven says as she pulls my arm.

“Good bye my love with the interstellar jacket and the dame he now hangs out with!” Mataya calls after us. I never knew there were actual crazy people in this city. This is why I stayed indoors. I didn’t have to deal with people until I met Mataya. Now my life is going to be filled with randomness.

“Oh look a messenger of the APP. How are you today four legged friend?”

“You should stay away from my master human. I do not like you nor does he. I will make it my life’s mission to destroy you if you come near him again.”

“Daaw ok dog. If the APP says so I will leave him alone.”

Yeah that chick… is strange. Perfect for Thomas though. After we got back home Alistair was smiling at us when we walked through the door.

“I see you two had fun in the rain.” he says.

“Well… not exactly. Mataya came and–”

“Mataya? You had a girlfriend already? I didn’t know that.”

“She’s not my girlfriend. She’s a girl that I met one day that likes to stalk me and she came to the park and Raven here told her off.” I explain.

“All I said was stop stalking him and then she went on this crazy rant on intergalactic space worms and the FCC or something.” Raven says.

“Intergala… you know what, I don’t even care. At least she doesn’t know where you live right?” Alistair asks.

“That, I’ve been lucky on that so far. But don’t jinx it.” I say walking to the fridge.

Just then Thomas comes in and yells that there’s a girl downstairs raving on about space and worms or some shit. Great Alistair… you jinxed me. Mataya the Cray-Cray now knows where I live. God why did this happen to me? Why me….?

Gen 1 Chap 2 – Don’t Blow This

The next morning I went downstairs to get the paper with Anubis following behind me.

“I don’t see why the kid just won’t come up the elevator… it’s not that hard.” I mumble.

Looking through the newspaper I didn’t find anything interesting that caught my eye. Test subjects wanted, clean up crew needed, babysitter… nothing that I wanted to put up with.

I was hoping to find something to do that day but I mostly practiced on my guitar late into the day. I needed to hone my skills.

Feeling defeated about what I was supposed to do today, I head back upstairs with Anubis.

I found Alistair staring blankly at the TV so I sat down with him.

“Alistair… what’s wrong with me?” I ask.

“Do you mean what’s wrong with you mentally or physically?”

“I think this would be emotionally… I don’t have the motivation to do anything.”

“Anything being finding a job and contributing to this living space or anything being getting off on your own?” He asks me. I can tell he wasn’t trying to annoy me but he was. I don’t see why he couldn’t just straight up tell me what I needed to do. I sigh and he let out a chuckle.

“Look, Kodak. You can’t just expect someone to come out of the blue and offer you a million dollar contract. I know a few people… stay with the band as our lead singer and I can guarantee you’ll get somewhere in life.” He says.

“You know, that’s an OK thought for me to dwell on… Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”

“I like annoying you.” He says.

“You’re an ass. I’m going off to bed.” I say getting up.

“But you didn’t do anything remotely productive.”

“I played guitar, that’s productive enough for me.”

Thomas being the lazy ass that he is was already in bed. Even though it was only 7 I could tell he wasn’t really deeply asleep. He was a horrible faker.

“There’s also this thing, it’s all the rage right now.” Thomas says through his covers.

“What?”

“It’s called…. THE INTERNET.” and he bursts out laughing.

“Thomas… you may be a bona-fied dumbass but that’s the smartest thing you said all day.” I say climbing up to my bunk.

“Yeah, also, Anubis seems bored. Not that I care, he’s your dog. But maybe you should take him for a walk somewhere. I’m tired of him staring at me.” he says turning over.

“Either that or he’s plotting to kill you. Maybe you should stop teasing him. After all, he does know what you’re saying.”

“And you call me a dumbass…” he said.

The next day I took Thomas’s advice and Anubis and I went off to a park. It was raining but neither of us minded since they had a place to get dry in. For being a big city the places around here were really empty…

We played fetch for a while and I could tell he was really enjoying it. Ever since I came here I’ve been sort of neglecting him looking for singing opportunities. Hell he even chased me around the park a few times.

Our fun stopped when I saw her. Not that I never seen a woman before but she caught my attention because it was late and she was just walking around. Then she spotted me and came towards us.

“You must be new. I haven’t seen anyone hang out here in ages.” She said to me.

“Yeah I uh.. don’t really get out much…” I say stupidly. What was wrong with me? I see a pretty face and I get flustered all of a sudden. Back in Sunset Valley this would have never happened.

“Heh… I can see you’re normally not shy. What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?”

“You um.. have your umbrella open…”

“Yeah so? Not like I believe in luck or anything. I’m Mataya, Mataya Smith. What’s your name?” She asks me.

“Kodak… Kodak Xavier.”

“Well Kodak… that’s an interesting name you got there. Mind if I call you Kody?”

“I do actually…” I say.

“Cool, Kody it is. Hey you wanna get a drink with me?”

I look across to where Anubis was sitting silently watching us.

“Oh wow! You have a dog! I love dogs. Um… I don’t think he can come along though…” Mataya says.

“Well I was actually on my way home, Anubis was getting worn out and plus it’s time to feed him…” I knew I was making an excuse but I couldn’t stop.

“Hey, no biggie. I totally understand. Here’s my number in case you want to hang out.” She said giving me a piece of paper. Did she have this planned?

Without a word I took it. I glanced down at Anubis and could tell he wasn’t entirely thrilled about my new acquaintance and in truth, neither was I.

“I’ll catch you later Kody. Oh and you too Nubie.” She said before walking off.

“I will never let her call you Nubie again.” I say to Anubis. He let out a whimper in response.

When we got home I decided to cook Anubis some food for the week. I also found Alistair eating some waffles I made earlier.

“Not eating pizza?” I ask.

“Pizza isn’t good for breakfast.” He says.

“It’s like 11 at night… speaking of.. where’s Thomas?”

“Like I know… Thomas goes where he wants to without telling anyone. For all I know or care, he’s out partying.” Alistair says.

“Oh… he’s never here once I think about it.” I say to myself.

“He doesn’t need to be. I have good news by the way.”

“What? Spill it!” I say enthusiastically.

“First, what are you cooking? It smells.”

“Dog food.”

“Oh that’s— *cough* WHAT? Why are you cooking dog food?? I use that pot!” He yells.

“One, Anubis needs something different and two I’ve never seen you touch this pot since I’ve been here. Now what’s the news?”

“I got us a gig… It’s tomorrow night.” He says.

” WAHOO!” I yell. A gig, that was my ticket out of here. I just needed to get some publicity in my life and then I could get out of this small apartment.

“Also, my niece is staying with us for a while.”

“Wait wha? What? WHAT?!”

“My niece… is staying… with us.” he reiterates.

“The hell is she going to sleep? The hell is she going to eat? The hell is she coming here? THE HELL??” I ask sounding more pissed than I intended.

“Shut up and roll with it. I got this all planned out. Plus her mother kicked her out with her being 18 and all that. I said she could stay with me. It’s only temporarily.” He assures me. Temporarily my ass. The last time he said something was temporary I had to buy a whole new wardrobe.

“Fine… when is she coming?” I ask.

“Tomorrow. She’ll be meeting us at our gig. Be nice. She’s a nice girl and doesn’t need anymore drama in her life.” Alistair said quietly.

Drama what did he mean by that? I shrugged it off and finished cooking Anubis’s food. Tomorrow is another day and I’ll ask him then.

“Bleach that pot why don’t you? I don’t want to eat dog food.”

I laugh. I’ve been using this pot for Anubis’s dog food ever since I got here but he didn’t need to know that. I say goodnight to him and head off to bed with mixed feelings. I’m excited for tomorrow yet I’m dreading it at the same time. All I know is, I can’t blow this.

Gen 1 Chap 1 – Here We Are… I Guess

Bridgeport… a “big city” so to speak. I moved here with my dog to get away from life and to find my true calling. Well I already found it but I guess I mean to get a head start on it. I’m only 21 you see, skipped college because come on let’s face it, who goes to college to get a degree in singing? I live in that tiny apartment you see there and let me tell you, it’s swank.

It’s so swank, I have to share it with two other guys. Alistair and Thomas. They’re cool guys.. we’ve been friends since I moved away from Sunset Valley, but 3 dudes sharing one bedroom is kinda… bleh You know? We even made a band: Sound Ultra. Ultrasound is taken by a notorious group of thieves in a place called Esterdale. Funny how they’re notorious yet no one knows what they look like.

Thomas is the fun one of our group. He always laughs and smiles even when Alistair punches the shit out of him. He’s the same age as me and plays drums. His motto in life is don’t sweat the small stuff. He lives up to that like a pro.

Alistair on the other hand is the serious one. Being the eldest of us three by 11 years, he’s constantly being put in charge of our affairs. He’s pretty much the band manager without any of us caring. He gets our gigs, gets us out of trouble when Thomas gets us in it, and provides counseling for us. Why a 32 year old is hanging out with a bunch of kids he won’t say.

Then there’s me, Kodak. I’m a normal guy, nothing extraordinary about me except my voice. Back home I made girls swoon and guys jealous. I didn’t mind the attention after all I do plan to be famous. Moving to Bridgeport is either going to be the best thing that ever happened to me or the biggest mistake of my life.

And silly me, I almost forgot my best buddy. Anubis is the very first dog I owned since he was a puppy. He stuck by me trough thick and thin, comforted me when I was sad, made me laugh even harder when I was happy, licked my tears away when I cried, and hell he even found my favorite stuffed toy when my mom couldn’t. He’s smarter than most dogs and I swear one day he’ll start talking.

“What do you guys want to eat?” I ask them knowing I’ll get the answer.

“You know what. Pizza.” Thomas says.

“We can’t have pizza everyday… it’s been six months.” I say back.

“You say that all the time yet you never do anything.” Thomas says jokingly.

“I’ll make macaroni.. its quick and easy.” I say.

“Don’t burn the apartment down” Alistair says walking past me.

“Oh har har.” I say pulling out the ingredients. “Where are you going anyway?”

“Pizza. I’m not eating that.”

“Whoa Alistair, take me with you! You can’t make me eat Kod’s food.”

“You haven’t even tasted any of my cooking.” I say knowing that it was futile, once they get pizza on their mind there’s no stopping them.

“Sorry Kodak, maybe next time. You coming or not Thomas?” Alistair said with his hand on the doorknob.

“Yeah yeah stop rushing me.” Thomas says. “See ya later Kodak! You should really come with us.”

“I’ll eat what I cook… I’m tired of spending money.” I say.

“Suit yerself.” Thomas says, and with that they left out the door.

“Looks like its just you and me tonight Anubis.” I say to him.

He just continued to chow down on his food. I figured I needed something to do so starting tomorrow I was going to look for a singing gig or something. If not that then maybe I could do something else… but tomorrow’s another another day. Here we are… I guess… my life 6 months into nothing.