Chapter 4.21

The following day, Shayne and Ember check in on Jake in Evergreen Harbor.

(What the HECK is the matter with Jake’s eyes??? 👀 )

(And Shayne better hit the bathroom. FAST!)

“It’s soooo nice to meet the wife of Jakey…I mean, Jake,” Ember says in a weird, sarcastic voice.

(Are you…jealous, Ember? You have SHAYNE!)

Ember answers in her head, “I don’t know, Creator…it’s just that Jake’s wife is so…PRETTY!”

(Well…remember you have a wonderful family, great hubby–the best life. No jealousy allowed as we check in on your former boyfriends. 😡)

“It’s so nice to meet you. Come in and I’ll show you around,” Jake’s wife, Journey says.

Once they get inside, they’re greeted with this drunk teen.

(Omg! Is everyone here SMASHED??? 😱)

“Like…hiiiii,” Jake’s daughter, Frances slurs.

His other daughter, Alexandra asks, “Who’s the weird blue lady?”

Frances shrugs. “That’s a chick Dad knocked up a while ago.”

(Knocked up? That girl has been drinking too much juice. **crosses arms**)

Finding Jake at his computer, he muses, “Well, if it isn’t my old flame, Ember. Get it? Ember? Flame? I crack myself up.”

Ember chuckles. “Wow, Jake. You’ve gained more confidence since I saw you last.”

(He’s drunk. That’s why. And what’s with that dreamy stare? **hands on hips** You’re hungry. Go make yourself some lunch and CALM DOWN! 🤦‍♀️)

Eggs sizzling, Ember asks me, “What’re you worried about? Lingering feelings are normal, Creator. It’s not like I’m going to leave Shayne.”

(You better not even glance at Jake again. 😑)

Meanwhile, Shayne’s naiively looking around the house. “I wonder what it’d be like to woohoo with Ember in one of those pods?”

(Of course, Shayne’s thinking about woohoo…But come on, man! Your woman is having lingering feelings for Jake! Get back out there and remind her who’s her man!)

Once the eggs are finished, everyone sits down to enjoy their meal.

Jake smirks. “Ember, how could you pick such a loser like Shayne? Do you see what you could have had if you’d chosen me?”

Shayne bristles, staring Jake down.

He answers, “I believe you’re drunk so I’ll forget you said that. Come on, sweetheart, we need to go.”

(Awww…Shayne…you’re so nice. And true…Jakey is toasted so he doesn’t know what he’s saying. 😝)

****

Across town, Ember and Shayne check in on Michael.

Unfortunately, the neighborhood action plan is a juiced community.

(Sweet Michael is drunk, too??? OMG! What is this world coming to? 😱)

“Welcome to my home, Ember,” Michael says, trying to keep his eyes from crossing. “Meet my mother-in-law, Perla Shadowcast.”

The woman greets Ember, “Hello, there, dear. I’m so glad you didn’t choose Michael so my daughter, Daisy, could marry him. He’s a catch!”

“Isn’t that right, Jasmine?” Perla turns to the child next to her.

(Is that Michael’s daughter? She looks like she’s come straight out of the 1960’s! Omg!)

Instantly, Ember envelops Michael in a hug. “It’s so great to see you doing well, Michael.”

Inside, Ember meets Michael’s wife. “It’s nice to meet you, Jasmine. So…you’re a spellcaster?”

“Yes…a master, in fact.” Her eyes tighten. “I’m well versed in curses. Especially the curse of repulsiveness, sweaty stench, and punchable face.”

(Oh my, Ember! Let’s get out of here while you still have a face that’s not punched. Eek! 😱)