~ Volume II ~ Chapter 14 ~ Episode 14 ~

Three days later, Sage and Jayla’s furniture arrives from Windenburg. The Pickles family pitch in with the move carrying boxes upon boxes and numerous amounts of furniture  up several flights of stairs. “What’s next?” Wesley asks.

“Oh, hang on. That’s my phone.” Peter replies, feeling his phone vibrate from within the pocket of his athletic shorts. Looking at the caller ID. he smirks.

“It must be Ri-leeey” Wesly teases.

Peter answers. “Hello?”

“Hey Peter, it’s me Amelia. I hope I’m not bothering you. I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out later. I found a coin in one of the vending machines while I was at the laundry mat. I was thinking maybe we could meet up at Simario’s and try to beat our high score.”

“I’m helping my cousins move right now. But once I’m finished I’d love to. I’m already in Willow Creek. Why don’t I meet you at your house, we can walk together?” Peter suggests.

“Um. Uh. Okay I guess.” Amelia hesitates. “I live at thirty seven Walnut Street.”

“Thirty seven Walnut, got it.” Peter replies. “I’ll see you in a few hours then. Bye.” Wesley stands looking at Peter. “What?” Peter says.

“Teenagers!” Wesley rolls his eyes. “C’mon, help me get these boxes inside.”

***

Several hours later, Amelia is talking with her mother on the front porch when Peter begins to round the corner. “Now momma, I have a friend coming over. His name is Peter. Please try to be on your best behavior.”

“Hey!” Peter says as he nears the house. He makes his way up the creaky wooden step onto the porch. He can’t help but notice the woman’s disheveled look.

“Momma, this is Peter. Peter, this is my momma, Jane Lemons.” Amelia introduces the two.

“It’s nice to meet you ma’am.” Peter says.

Jane giggles excitedly. “It’s time for Mr. Bear’s medicine!” she says clapping her hands as she rushes inside. Peter looks to Amelia confused.

“Mr. Bear?” he questions.

“It’s her over-sized stuffed teddy. She thinks he’s real.” Amelia shrugs.

“Oh.” Peter replies. “So, this is where you live, huh?” He views the outside of the run down house with it’s boarded up window and graffiti.

“I know it’s not great but it’s all we can afford. I’m hoping to get a job soon so I can help momma with the bills. The utility company keeps shutting off our electricity and water. But hey, we’ve got a place to lay our head at night and a roof over our heads.”

“Do you mind if I use your bathroom before we go? I kept myself very hydrated carrying all those heavy boxes earlier if you know what I mean.” Peter chuckles.

“Sure.” Amelia replies opening the door. They both step inside.

“I know it’s not much to look at. I try to keep up with the cleaning and maintenance but I’m not much of a handy person. And with school and taking care of momma, it’s a lot of work.” Amelia says.

“Nice area rug.” Peter jokes pointing at the large piece of cardboard laying in the middle of the living room floor.  “You got good taste.”

Amelia frowns. “It’a not an area rug. The floor boards are weak and have holes. The mice like to try to get in through the holes. The cardboard prevents them from coming in.”

“Oh.” Peter replies feeling completely embarrassed. “Uh, bathroom?”

“Top of the stairs.” Amelia points. Peter is shocked to find a tiny bathroom with a dirt stained tub. He sighs with the thought of Amelia living there, sleeping there, bathing there.

Once back downstairs, Peter sees Jane knelt down playing with a child’s toy. “Ready to go?” Amelia asks.

***

At Simario’s Arcade and Pizzeria Peter and Amelia waste no time getting right into their gaming. Amelia pulls her coin from her pocket. “This is our lucky coin.” she says giving it a kiss before slipping it into the coin slot. As the levels climb, the teens become more and more excited.

“This is it Peter!” Amelia enthuses. “We beat this ship, we beat our high score!”

“Whoaaaaa!” Peter says trying to concentrate.

They both begin to fire rapidly. ‘PEW-PEW-PEW’ ‘PEW-PEW-PEW’ The mother ship begins to shake. “Keep firing!” Peter hollers excitedly. Seconds later, ‘KA-BOOM’! The mother ship explodes.

Ameila breaks out in laughter. “We did it! We actually did it!”

“Yes!” Peter cheers. “Look Amelia, we made it to the ‘High Scores of All Time’ list! We’re awesome!”

“We deserve a good reward for this one. How bout’ some pizza and a soda?” Peter asks.

Amelia pats the pockets of her shorts. “Sorry, fresh outta…..”

“I know I know.” Peter laughs. “I got it. C’mon”

“Table for two please.” Amelia tells the hostess.

“Ya know, you don’t have to keep spending your money on me. I’m used to having no money, remember?” Amelia giggles as she takes a bite of her pizza.

“Wait a second! You called me to come here if I do recall correctly.” Peter laughs.

“I’m just saying, there is other stuff around town to do.” Amelia explains. “How about a little sightseeing tomorrow? No simoleons needed.”

***

The next day, Peter wakes early to help his father get Elliot settled into his new place. Then he meets up with Amelia.

“Good morning. You ready for what I have planned?” Amelia says with a smile.

She hands Peter a few pieces of stale bread. “Uh, no thanks. I already ate breakfast.” Peter replies feeling awkward with the semi-hard bread in hand.

Amelia laughs. “It’s for the ducks silly.” she says as she climbs atop the giant boulders and sits with her legs crossed. “I like to come here and feed them. It’s so peaceful and quiet.” Peter joins her on the rock. They take turns tossing tiny pieces of bread into the water, watching as the ducks swim in circles. When the bread is gone Amelia stands up. “Wanna go to the park?” she asks.

The teens venture off to the Magnolia Blossom Park. There the find themselves picking apples together,

playing chess,

and they even go fishing. “Look, I caught us lunch!” Amelia calls out.

Amelia offers to fry the two small fish they caught.

As the sun begins to set, Peter and Amelia find a soft spot in the grass to lie down. “It’s been a fun day.” Peter says. “I really enjoy spending time with you. You’re not like my other friends back home.”

“Well you’re my only friend.” Amelia chuckles. “I really wish you weren’t leaving the day after tomorrow. ”