Palmer 2: Round 7

Last round, Addison and Ryan continued to struggle to make ends meet while supporting their daughter Azalea. Ryan tried his hardest at the science lab, but it was Addison who made the new discovery after she planted a strange seed in her backyard garden...

Hi there, Addison! Looks like you've got a good harvest there.

Addison: Well, it's something at least. This gardening for a living idea isn't panning out like I thought it would.

Seriously? You haven't fenced that thing in yet?

Addison: I don't know why you're so worried about it. It's just a plant.

Oh, hi Aruba.

Azalea: Come on, let's go upstairs. Is Jamaica sick again?

Aruba: No, she went next door to the Hannons. I think she has a crush on Trout...or Salmon. She won't tell me which.

Aruba: We just got our own rooms, too! It's awesome! You're so lucky you never had to share.

Azalea: Yeah...but I still kind of wish I had a brother or sister.

Azalea: Hi Uncle Noah!

Noah: Oh, hi there! Is your dad at home?

Azalea: No, he's looking around for crystals and stuff to bring to work.

Noah: Ah, ok. I just wanted to drop this off for him. Be sure not to touch it, ok? It's very dangerous.

Azalea: Ok...

Azalea: Mom, what's in that box uncle Noah dropped off for Dad?

Addison: I don't know-your father hasn't opened it yet.

Azalea: Aren't you ever going to be done weeding?

Addison: You know, I don't think so...

So what did your brother drop off?

Ryan: Well, he noticed we were still having some money issues, so...

Not you too...

Ryan: What? This thing's awesome!

Your brother has managed to set about 10 things on fire with it.

Ryan: That's why I'm practicing using it here. Industrial sprinkler system.

Uh-huh..

Addison: Welcome home...how was work?

Ryan: Great...but I'm starving, though...

Addison: Dinner's almost ready...hey, while you're waiting do you mind checking on the plant out back?

Ryan: Sure.

Ryan: Hey little buddy...oh, wow, a piece of cake...

Ryan, no!

Uh-oh....I knew this would happen!

What? You're alive?

Ryan: I...I think so...

Well that's a relief. Do you see now why I wanted you to stay away from that thing?

Ryan: Yeah...but do me a favor? Don't tell Addison. I don't want her to worry...

Um, ok...but this seems like something your wife should know about.

I guess being eaten by a plant makes you a superstar at the science lab, though.

Azalea: But mom, think about it. If you had another kid, then we both would be able to help you in the garden when we get big.

Addison: I know you want a little brother or sister...but trust me, it's not all its' cracked up to be. Especially when you're a lot older, like you are. 

Azalea: Why don't we ever see your little sisters, Mom?

Addison: They were born when I was almost out of high school...I didn't get to be around them much before I moved out. Besides, your father has enough siblings for the both of us.

Aww...looks like Azalea found a best friend.

Already? That was fast.

Um...you're birthday gift?

Ryan: No...I just turned one of those creepy little dolls buried everywhere into this. It's gotta be worth something.

Addison: Your birthday cake is almost done.

Ryan: Great...so, I was thinking now might be a good time to put a fence up around this guy...

Addison: Not you too...Ryan, it's just a plant! What has you so worked up about it all of a sudden?

Ryan: Nothing, nothing...I just think it would be safer.

Looks like it's a double birthday!

Addison: Honey, why don't you come inside? The cake is ready...

Ryan: Just one more time...I know I can get another one! 

Addison: Maybe you should quit while you're ahead.

Happy birthday, dear Azalea...

Well, the outfit needs work but otherwise not bad. Have you chosen an grown-up aspiration?

Azalea: Yup! I want to be super strong!

Well...I did not see that one coming.

Happy birthday dear Ryan...

Sorry yours doesn't have as much fanfare...

Ryan: That's ok.

And I see you're getting a head start on that bodybuilding thing...with yoga?

Azalea: Why not? Plus, the yoga mat was way cheaper than the weight machine.

Addison: Thanks for stopping by, Jenifer...but we already had the cake a few hours ago.

Jenifer: Actually, I wanted to check on Ryan...he's ok, isn't he?

Addison: Yeah...why?

Jenifer: Oh, well Noah told me what happened with that plant...

Addison: What are you talking about?

And once again I get to leave on a cliffhanger. Jenifer, why don't you go ahead and fill Addison in and I'll see you guys next round?

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: So, first things first. No, I did not tell Ryan to eat the cake from the cowplant. He did that all on his own. I was actually surprised that he lived-in TS2 being eaten was instant death, but I guess in TS4 they get a second chance. That wraps up round 7! Stand by for the scorecard.