Generation 3- Chapter 4: Un clou chasse l'autre

Apparently I'm into French proverbs right now....

The plane ride home had been initially dreary but who can stay sad when your sisters give you the window seat and you were upgraded to first class? I'm not saying I felt any less heartbroken, just that I was able to fake it better for my sisters' sakes. As we pulled up to the drive, Dad was waiting at the door for us. He looked a little tired, but good. At least I had one reliable man in my life.

I unpacked my things and started getting ready for bed. I was extremely jet lagged from the long flight. I laid in bed but my mind wouldn't stop. The next morning I awoke, weary from tossing and turning and told my Dad the news...I had made a decision, I was leaving to go to school in Briocheport. They had a new unique learn-and-work medical program there. A change of scenery would do me good. However deep in my heart I knew that if Dad so much as acted upset about it that I would change my mind. The guilt of leaving him and my little sisters was a gnawing beast in my mind. Dad however was extremely agreeable. In fact, while we were gone, instead of wallowing in self-pity as we sort of expected him to, he had gotten in touch with some old friends. One of them, Luna Bitters, lived in Briocheport in a beautiful loft and was leaving to do some travel work in Western and Eastern Bruschettastone for a year or so. She had heard that I was considering going to school in Briocheport and offered her apartment and its amenities to me. All I would have to do is take care of things and pay utilities. I was over the moon!

******

 A few weeks later, I was in Briocheport. I was extremely nervous more than a bit excited. I could literally smell the possibilities in the cities...although they smelled a lot like motor oil and ocean.

The loft was beautiful. I spent several hours just marveling at the view from the balcony and thinking about the fact that across the sea was Chambrie...*Sigh* I just can't believe I....Oh Marg, get over it...we are starting over here!

I was excited to have such a nice place to stay but I wasn't really sure what to do with myself. I didn't really know anyone and I was still a little afraid of the big ole city outside my front door.

Before too long however, my growling stomach was demanding my attention and I couldn't ignore it any longer. I peered into the pantry and then the fridge. Never had I seen anything so clean and devoid of food or sustanence. Crap. I guessed it was time to put on my big girl panties and go to the store.

Despite several wrong turns, I arrived unscathed at the grocery store and bought more than enough food to last myself for the week...at least. (Never go to the grocery store hungry!) When I arrived back at the apartment, I headed upstairs and nearly dropped all of my bags when I ran into my new neighbor.

She apologized profusely, blaming it on coming off of a 24hr rotation at the station house. I must have looked confuzzled because she clarified that she was a firefighter. We exchanged introductions. Turns out her name is Butternut Nut. I couldn't help myself and  giggled a little because she said "I know, I know I don't know what my parents were thinking. I go by Bee though." She invited me to give her a call or pop over and she would show me around town once I got settled in. I must say I was a bit relieved to meet someone nice. I had heard rumors that folks in the city weren't the most sociable but so far I hadn't found that to be the case.

My attempt at cooking in the unfamiliar kitchen bombed horribly and I, starving, gave up the idea of cooking at home and headed to the Sports Pub around the corner for a bite.

I inhaled the food so quickly that the bartender gave me a strange look. I hiccuped and thanked him for the food, looking a bit sheepish. He handed me a drink and muttered "It's on the house" and walked away.

 

I must say I was enjoying the warm, full belly and the drink went quickly to my head. I decided I could play the piano even though the only song I knew what "A Whole New World" from some childhood cartoon movie.

I decided to join some guys for a game of darts and wiped the floor with them. Turns out I'm a natural and they invited me to join them weekly at the pub.

I headed home rather later that I would have liked that evening with my first day at the hospital tomorrow. But I crawled into the awesome bed in my new home and decided that I liked Briocheport so far even though I had a twinge of homesickness when I thought about my family. Maybe this was what I needed to get over the sadness I had been carrying with me since we left Chambrie....

Maybe....

Generation 3- Chapter 3: En tout pays, il y a une lieue de mauvais chemin

Lemon Drop Shadow had arrived in all of his beautiful manly glory minus the car. It was a bit of a junker, but I didn't mind too much.

He had told me we were going on a "surprise" date. We turned and headed into the country side. The conversation remained light and mostly small talk. We finally pulled up to the Chambrie Nectary. It was a beautiful brick building and I marveled at it for a moment before Lemon Drop ushered me inside. I was surprised to see that we weren't the only ones by far interested in the nectar tasting. Lemon Drop casually informed me that I was lucky to be in town at the time that the nectary was having its tri-annual international nectar tasting. What a yummy date!

Lemon Drop was showing me around the sampling room when I saw a familiar face walk through the door.

Apparently Thyme had mysteriously disappeared again and Dew Drop was bored. She seemed non-too-surprised to see us there, having saw a flyer boasting the nectar-tasting. I was surprised and a little anxious to see her there, however, hoping that Lemon Drop wouldn't think that I condoned this interruption by my little sister. Lemon Drop rose to the occasion, greeting Dew Drop and inviting her to join us.
"I'd love to" she said, "As long as I'm not being a third-wheel."

"Non, non mon amie, you and your sister should shop around while I add another onto our reservation for le diner."
As Lemon walked away, Dew Drop whispered in my ear "How's it going sis, is he has nice as he is to look at?"

I couldn't help but giggle and nodded. "Why don't we see if we can find Dad a bottle of nectar while we are here?"

"I was thinking the same thing" she said as she selected one.

"Well I'll just go pay for this beings that cutie patotie French fellow of yours is making his way back over here." Dew Drop said as she walked by.

Lemon Drop and I walked outside to wait for Dew Drop who was standing in a long line of nectar enthusiast so that he and I could have a moment alone.

"I'm sorry that my sister showed up." I said appoligetically to Lemon. He just nodded faintly and smiled. My word, a girl could just loose her self in those eyes...before I knew it he leaned in closer and put his arms around me.

"Margie (it came out Maahrjee) I have been wanting to hold you like zis since ze moment I bumped into you in ze museum. May I kiss you?"

I was a little drunk by the smell of him, I nodded slowly.

His lips were velvet smooth. It was a bit of heaven. I think Dew Drop must have seen us as she walked up because I heard her clear her throat and say "Well I am actually not feeling well...all that nectar you know? I think I'll head back to the hostel. Love you sis!"

I'm not normally the type to kiss and tell so I will just say that there was a lot more ummm...kissing and such that evening and that it was a magical one. As Lemon Drop dropped me off that night (or rather...early morning) my head was swimming. We made a date for the next night and he asked me to meet him in the market place by the street lamp.

Of course Dew Drop was waiting up for me, playing chess, to hear all about me date. I was more than a little unforthcoming with details for my baby sister.

We went to bed and spent the next day, our last day in Chambrie, trying to figure out what Thyme had been up to. I was sad as we walked the city together, I loved it here, but on the other hand I missed home and my father. I also had a big decision to make about school. I was leaning towards Briocheport more and more. I could always come home for the weekends... I was lost in thought and Dew Drop was rambling in my ear when all of a sudden I caught a glimpse of a black beret. I motioned for Dew to hush and peeped around the corner.

Seems I wasn't the only one having a foreign affair...hmm. I talked Dew Drop into turning around and heading back. It was a long plane ride home. Thyme would have plenty of time to explain then. As we arrived back in the square I hugged Dew Drop bye and told her to make sure that all of her things were packed so that we would be ready to leave first thing in the morning. "Yeah, yeah...quit worrying about me and worry about that French hunk of yours". I grinned, I couldn't help it, I had seriously fallen for the guy.

I waited as the sun started to set and the street lamp flickered on. It was a little cool outside and I was regretting not bring a jacket or sweater with me. I checked my watch, where was Lemon? He said he would meet me here at 7, it's 7:30. 

I waited and waited, finally sitting on a park bench for awhile.

Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep on the bench. I woke up freezing. I checked my watch. 9:30. I realized that I had been stood-up. I straightened my dress and hailed a Vespa back to the hostel. I warmed myself up by the fire before pulling out my cell phone.

I dialed Lemon's number, the phone rang and rang. Pick up, pick up please have a damn good excuse for leaving me waiting so long... No answer. I almost hung up but something made me stay on the phone for the answering machine.

An electric shock went through me when I heard a sexy female voice on the maching, "Hallo dahlins' you 'ave reached Lemon Drop and Briochette's leave your messages pour us after ze beep" I hung up the phone. I didn't need an explaination. I was one of THOSE vacationer's that a local had used as a fling. I hung my head and tear welled in my eyes. His girlfriend must have come back home and he couldn't leave or something. I can't believe I fell for him... I headed to my room and crawled into bed. I pretended to be asleep when Dew Drop whispered my name, I couldn't bear to think about it anymore just yet. They'd hear enough on the plan. I cried quietly over my broken heart until I fell asleep.

Generation 3- Chapter 2: Viva La Chambrie!

Well I finally got everything worked out for the surprise I had been planning for the family. As soon as Thyme had celebrated her birthday and school was out, we three Tea girls would be on our way......to Chambrie, France! I rushed home with passports in my hand.

I was enjoying my last summer before beginning school. I still had a big decision to make regarding which school I was going to go to for the medical program. I had been accepted to the local university as well as on in Briocheport. I hoped this trip would help me decide. The thought of leaving Dad and my sisters was a difficult one to bear, especially considering that I didn't have much of a relationship with Dew Drop.

Before long, Thyme's birthday rolled around and we celebrated it with just the four of us Teas.

 

 Thyme definitely takes after Dad but has a different look about her that either myself or Dew. She's excited about the whole idea of going to France although she's into the whole stereotype of what someone from France dresses like. Thyme has grown up to be interesting to say the least...not only is she a little "eco-friendly" or "eco-obsessive" as I'd like to call it, but she's a brilliant artist.

Before we girls, or Dad  realized it, it was time for us to head to France! We jumped into the car and headed to the airport with Dad looking us on from the door. Who knows what he'll do with the house all to himself!

We arrived at the travelers hostel that the travel agent had arranged for us. It was a beautiful city of stone and elegant design. I was beginning to understand culture shock. 

Thyme, as usual, in her own little world, told us "Bye ladies!" and headed off to who knows where. Strange girl. Dew and I decided to stick together. Our systems were thrown off a little from jet lag so even though it was breakfast time we were starving for a heartier meal. We headed to the cafe in the market square hoping they'd have something to offer our growling bellies.

Sure enough, with a little help from my two years of high school French, I was able to conjure up some grub from the locals.

 However, much to my dismay, the conversation with my sister was lacking. I had been hoping that this trip would strengthen the bond of our relationship but so far, she had been an unwilling participant. I asked her what she might like to do. Between mouthfuls she mumbled "museum" so I made arrangements while she quietly stuffed her face.

We arrived in front of a sprawling brick building. "It oozes culture" I joked with Dew Drop. She laughed and to my surprise grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door.

"Margarita, if I had to spend my first day in France with anyone, I'm glad it's you!" she said cheerfully. I couldn't help but beam. The day was getting better. We walked through the maze of velvet ropes and our jaws dropped at all the beautiful pieces of history housed together.

At first we saw no one else in the building with us except for a few fleeting glimpses of staff here and there but it wasn't long before we didn't care. We wondered from room to room in silence and awe. We moved in silence through the building. I was staring at a painting when I heard Dew Drop call my name from down the hallway. Without looking up, I stepped backwards and into a warm body.

I heard "Ooof!" followed by a stream of French including a few obscenities. "I am so sorry! I muttered, picking myself up. Pardonez-moi!" I guess in my trance-like state of museum browsing, I had not notice the increase in activity around me.

I looked up and saw that the victim of my mis-step was a very good looking French boy. "Ze fault is all mine, mademoiselle" I couldn't help but grin and blush looking into those very sexy eyes.

"Je m'appelle Margarita" I said, holding out my hand.

"Please mademoiselle Margarita, speak ze English for moi. It is that I am learning, I am Limon Drop Shadow but please call me Limon."

"Nice to meet you Limon. I'm sorry again about bumping into you."

"But mademoiselle, it is nothing to be sorry about. I am glad to have met such a beautiful woman."

I blushed, how is it that he has no problem with saying that part in English? But yet, he's very charming and good looking and I would like a guided tour from a local. "It's my first day here in Chambrie with my sisters. We are wondering where you locals like to hang out, we'd like to find the hot spots?"

"Margie, it would be my delight to take you and your sisters out on ze town! May I pick you up zis evening? Are you staying at ze hostel?"

"Why yes we are! How'd you know?" I must have looked a little puzzled.

"Do not worry Margie...ze hostel is ze only place in town for tourist unless you have family or friend here."

We parted ways and I head off to tell Dew Drop about my little adventure. She had been watching amused from down the hallway. Of course it was only natural that she teased me for the rest of the tour. When we arrived back in the hostel. I went upstairs to get ready but Dew Drop and Thyme met up in the kitchen. Apparently Thyme was elusive about where she'd been.

 

"I can not believe we are in France and you are eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!" Dew Drop exclaimed, "And are you going to tell us where you've been all day"

"It's good and my favorite!" Thyme replied indignantly. She took a huge bite and then stated with her mouth full, "Ihf bin ouw andh about".

"Fine! Don't tell us, but we'll find out anyway." Dew Drop said frustrated. "Oh look, Limon is here to take us to the Nectary! Do you want to come?"

"Mo fhanks!" Thyme replied, mouth still full and covered in jelly.

"Suit yourself," Dew Drop said shaking her head. She turned to me as I came down the stairs, "You're sister is driving me crazy, and your date is here"

Generation 3-Chapter 1: Welcome to Margaritaville :D

Note from the Flutterby: Forgiveness for the cheesy title but I'm a Buffet fan. Also... didn't really want to break this chapter up after all so it is really long, bear with me. :)


A lot of time has passed slowly for the Tea clan since Mom's death. I've taken over the family more out of necessity than want. I know my mom, Candy, probably told you a lot of things about me but I don't know most of it because we don't know where exactly she hid her journals. Maybe they were lost in all of the renovations of Grandma and Grandpa's room, Dad redid it for me.

Well I'm sure you are a lot more interested in what's going on with everyone else.

Dad has been spending a lot of time both inventing and working around the house. I think he's going to scale back on the inventing now...

So as to prevent the whole spontaneous combustion thing. However, prior to this accident, Dad had invented something spectacular and even received the key to the city for it!

He's taken quite a few adventures and brought us some neat trinkets from both the past and future, however, he's disinclined to allow any of "his three girls" to use it due to the dangers involved with molecular reassembling and such. I think in all honesty he's just trying to keep busy to keep from thinking about Mom.

Dew Drop threw herself into a part-time job at the grocery store and into her high school social agenda--the one I had managed to awkwardly avoid at least so far. She pretty much lived at the beach on the weekends when she wasn't at work. I think it may have been hard for her to be at the house.

Poor Thyme was so young when it happened that the full force of Mom's death had alluded her. She was a happy go-lucky little girl who made friends very easily. Dew Drop and I looked at her with big-sisterly love and a little jealousy at she was able to avoid the pain that had shaken our worlds.

My graduation from high school and 18th birthday were coming within day of each other. Aunt Bubbles came over to check on us frequently (I think she felt lost without her twin in the world) and pulled me aside one day to ask me about having a small party with the family and maybe some friends.

I really didn't know if I was feeling up to it, but the look on Aunt Bubble face made me say yes. That and her murmuring something about her feeling an obligation to Mom to throw me the best graduation party ever.

So the day soon arrived and I was escorted to my cake in front of all my family and a few random friends Aunt Bubbles had decided to invite with Dew Drops help.

(I swear I don't know about my sister sometimes....hehehe.)

 I looked at the cake, wondering what I could realistically wish for and it came to me....for my family to be happy again.

Here goes nothing....

Other than the ugly dress, I think I look pretty good as young adult starting to make my way into . A lot like Mom but not bad. This dress had to go so I headed into the house to redo my hair and put on something a little more me.

I went to Mom and Dad's room to use her mirror to do my hair because I was feeling sentimental and for some reason, the picture on mom's nightstand seem to be saying something to me (not literally) so I decided to look to see if there were some of Mom's old clothes for me to wear. When tried to open the first drawer it was hung on something. I pulled and wriggled it and one final jerk opened the drawer but sent me reeling backwards. When I stood up to look in the drawer, there was one of Mom's journals lying on top of a beautiful red shift dress with a note pinned to it that said "For Margie's graduation". I picked it up rubbed the beautiful fabric between my fingers.

I tried it on and came out of the room to some "ooohs" that issued from my Aunts and cousins. I looked around the room for Dew Drop but she was no where to be found. I was grabbed by Dad and ushered up towards the stairs with nothing but a "Congratulations and Happy Birthday darling girl" from my dad.

When I opened my bedroom door I was shocked at what lie in front of my eyes. So that's what Dew had been up to.

My room had been completely transformed from a teenagers sweet to an adult room. I smiled at the thought that my family had forgotten their sadness at least for a day to make my day special. I'm a lucky girl!

The rest of the evening was spent visiting with family and entertaining friends. Some pics from the party for you to enjoy:

Aunt Bubbles and Uncle Blood Orange cutting a rug....

don't think Uncle B. Foster liked this much. hehe

 Cousin Shelton and Thyme hanging out talking about whatever it is 4th graders talk about :)

Dew Drop and I scoping out my high school crush on the unattainable (but somehow at my party( Tucker Pop.

Me getting the nerve to talk to Tucker (not that he was interested) and Rebecca getting furious at me for doing so.

We were cool again once she realized I was over him as a crush. Go for it girl!

 

Last but not least me and Uncle Pepper getting our groove things on after a little too much juice. 

 I had spoken with Dad about one other thing I'd like for graduation that involved the summer and my two sisters and he said he'd think about it and get back to me. Overall it was a fantastic party and I wearily, but happily crawled into my new bed that evening.

For the first time in many months I dreamt of the future instead of the past....