Bernard 2: Round 20

Last round was an exciting one for the Bernard family. When the triplets got assigned a cultural awareness project, they ended up uncovering a strange mystery about the new part of town. At first, this seemed like a make-believe story to their parents, Pine and Leia. But when Leia visited the new bar with her brothers, she learned that it was very real. The older Bernard siblings began investigating the mystery, but once the triplets grew to teenagers there was no keeping the investigation from them any longer. Together with their mom, they were able to defeat the source of the strange behavior. Oh, and the kittens also aged up.

And apparently, since I've been gone they've also gone through a color change.

Finn: I think he's sick...

Great observation there, Finn...

Luckily there's not much going on this week so we have time for all these vet visits.

Man, you and Luke sure seem to have reconciled.

Leia: I know, it's great to have him to talk to with all this college stuff.

Leia: Did you have to pick the bar in the coldest part of town?

Luke: I know, I know. Come on, let's go inside...

Luke: So you got that letter too?

Leia: Oh, yeah...great timing too, right? I mean, why couldn't this have shown up after the triplets graduated? I'm in way over my head here.

Luke: I'm sure it will be fine, Leia.

Leia: Did you read any of this? The requirements for these degree things are insane! I mean, I know they're smart but are they really ready for this?

As long as they don't major in culinary arts, sure...

Pine: Rey, do you mind filling the cat feeder on your way out?

Padme: I'm Padme, Dad...

Pine: Oh...sorry, sweetie. You two just look so much alike that sometimes your old Dad gets confused.

Finn: Nice one, Dad...

Luckily I have a nice cat soap opera to distract me from the family drama...

Hey! 

Like I said...cat soap opera.

Oh, hi Madrid...

Madrid: Hi mysterious voice! So...how did yours go?

How did what go?

Madrid: There are these new people at school now called guidance counselors. We all had to meet with one to help us pick which college to go to.

Oh, I see.

Padme: It was ok. Basically my grades are good enough that I can go wherever. Right now I'm thinking history...

Rey: Wait...you are? I thought it was computer science?

Padme:  I don't know...maybe. But history seems pretty cool too...

Madrid: What about you, Rey? What did your guidance counselor say?

Rey: Uh...you know, the same. Um...I'm gonna go make some burgers...

Looks like you grabbed yours just in time. So, I can't help but notice that you didn't seem as excited about college as your sister.

Rey: It's not that...it's just...(sigh) you wouldn't understand.

Rey, I'm a disembodied omnipotent narrator. Try me.

Rey: Ok, well, I really want to study biology.

Makes sense with the freelance botany thing...

Rey: But Finn wants to go for drama...and now Padme wants to go for history.

Uh-huh...

Rey: But the biology program is better at this Foxbury place. Drama and history are better at Britechester. We've never been split up before.

Yeah, but even if this college thing wasn't happening you probably would be moving out to different houses.

Rey: I know, it's a stupid thing to worry about. But...what if everyone I know goes to Britechester and I'm the only one who ends up at Foxbury?

I can pretty much assure you that won't happen. You're not the only aspiring scientist in town, you know

Maybe talking to an older cousin would help...

Sprite: So, have the cats destroyed anything yet?

Rey: Not that we've noticed. What about the dogs?

Sprite: Nope, everything's still standing. So what do you think about all this college stuff? Pretty crazy, right?

Rey: Yeah, tell me about it. It's like...I didn't even know that this college thing existed a few weeks ago and now it's all anyone wants to talk to us about.

Sprite: Well, it is a pretty big decision.

Rey: That's what I'm worried about.

Sprite: You're worried? You three don't graduate for a while yet. I'm already out, remember? I don't have any of these guidance people to help me!

Rey: So...you're going all by yourself?

Sprite: Well, no...Hank's coming. And so is Flick-but he's going to Britechester, I think.

Rey: Wait...Hank and Flick are going to different schools?

Sprite: You've...met Hank and Flick, right? They couldn't be more different...

Rey: I guess you're right...

Sprite: Are you worried about going to a different school than Padme and Finn?

Rey: No! I mean...I'm more worried about them. I mean, what would Finn do without us?

Somehow I think Finn will have a harder time leaving the cats behind than his sisters.

Oh, right. Mom and Dad are still here. Nice going, Pine.

Pine: Um...thanks?

And it's Love Day...

I thought Leia was the artist.

Pine: She is...but I thought I'd paint her something for Love Day.

And she hasn't noticed you standing at her easel for hours?

Pine: No, she's been pretty busy mediating the cats.

Rey: Here, I got you something.

Padme: Um...I didn't know Love Day was a sibling thing....

Rey: Just open it!

Padme: Um...it's a book.

Rey: It's a history book I found. I figured, you know, you might need it soon.

Aww, that's sweet. Now let's see how Pine's art project goes over.

Leia: Happy Love Day! I know it's not much, but...

Pine: No, I love it. Wait...let me get yours...

Leia: A painting! Wow...I...was not expecting that!

Pine: I know it's not as nice as the ones you make, but...

Leia: Oh, um...it's beautiful! I'll just try and find the perfect place to hang it...

So, any more thoughts on picking your degree?

Padme: Not really. It's kind of hard to commit when I don't even know which ones I'm going to get into, you know?

Yeah, I know. But let's say you did get into both of them.

Padme: (sigh) I don't know. Why is this so hard? We haven't even gotten there yet and already this is the hardest thing we've ever had to do!

Harder than taking out the giant plant?

Padme: ...Ok, second hardest.

Nice going, Leia!

Leia: Thanks!

Well, as much fun as all this college preparation has been I think it's time I go check in with the next house. I'll catch up with all of you next round...

Or, you know, I could just stay and watch the cats for awhile...

Ok, ok. It really is time for me to move on. See you in round 21, everyone!

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: Much less eventful for these guys this round, I know. I honestly haven't really decided how I'm going to split up the triplets. Judging by their aspirations, Finn does make a perfect fit for drama and Rey for biology, but Padme could really go either way. And I know we didn't see much of the family interacting with the cats, but they made up for it by interacting with each other. These cats are hilarious. (I'm also trying to figure out how to split them up once the triplets are out of college, since having 3 generations plus 3 cats in one house won't really work.)

Palmer 3: Round 20

Last round, Starburst continued to baffle her family with her eccentric behavior-this time by wearing a bear costume in the heat of summer, much to the embarrassment of her older sister, Nestle. Meanwhile, Riley and Candy prepared to host a party for Splash Fest. By the end of the week, Starburst had joined her sister in high school.

Hi, Riley!

Riley: Oh, um...hi mysterious voice. Didn't see you there.

Yeah, the whole disembodied thing will do that. Were you practicing for some kind of cooking show?

Riley: No, just practicing some tricks for the New Year's party tomorrow night.

Hey, a week with no birthdays. We haven't seen that around here lately.

Looks like Riley's not the only one practicing her cooking...um, Nestle? Most people tend to grill outside during the summer.

Nestle: I know, but this is the last thing I have to do before I'm finally done...

Done with what?

Nestle: Done with Scouts! That was my last badge.

Oh, well congratulations!

Looks like Madison came by to congratulate you...

Madison: Um, no...I mean, sure, congratulations, but I'm actually here to see if you got these same weird letters that we did...

Nestle: What letter?

Madison: This one...

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To Our Distinguished Neighbors:

               We at the University of Britechester and the Foxbury Institute would like to formally announce that we are approaching the registration season for the upcoming academic year. We are excited to be extending this opportunity to Tranquility Creek residents for the first time. Enclosed is a brochure for each institution, as well as an enrollment application for each.

               Enrollment is open to all high school graduates. We encourage parents of current high school students to review the enclosed materials with them to help them decide which school is right for their aspirations and interests. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid are also available. Those with previous employment should contact their employers to learn about any education incentives they may offer.

               We look forward to seeing you or your children among our student population at the start of the year. 

Sincerely,

Tranquility Creek Higher Education Commission

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Oh...well, that's certainly more formal than I was expecting...

Madison: Ha! I knew it! So you do know about this!

Well, kind of...

Nestle: Wait...I'm confused. Why would we sign up for another school after we finish school? Isn't the whole point to...you know, finish?

It's called college. It gives you a chance to learn more before you start in a career. 

Well, I guess now we know what the topic will be at the New Year's Party....

Nestle: Can you not blow that thing now? It's not even 8AM yet...

Starburst: But it's New Year's Eve...

Nestle: Yeah, but the party's not for another 10 hours!

Who's coming?

Nestle: Just our cousins and Aunt Jessie.

Nestle: So you guys got the same letter?

Moat: Yup. Are your moms freaking out too?

Nestle: Not really, but I don't think they really get this whole college thing any more than I do. What about you guys?

Moat: Well, my dad just kind of shrugged it off. But then my mom actually read the little pamphlet they sent around. Now she's been making us take all these personality tests and stuff to find out which one of these places we should go to. Plus, this college thing apparently costs a ton of money so she keeps bugging us to get our skills up so we can get something called a scholarship...

Nestle: Wait...so not only do we have to do more school, but we also have to pay for it?

Moat: Yeah, I know. This is crazy! But apparently, if you're like, a really good at something you don't have to pay as much.

Let's hope there's one for dancing...you'll be all set.

Or winter grilling...that could work too. Um, Starburst? You may not want to lean into the grill...

So now you're done with Scouts too?

Starburst: Yes! Hey, do you think that will get me one of those scholarship things?

Maybe, but I don't think you guys will really need it. Your moms are fine with money. But I guess that means you're more excited about college than your sister?

Starburst: I think it sounds like fun. I like school.

Ah, who is this?

Nestle: (sigh) This is Lucian. He's in my class at school.

I see...I take it he got the same letter, then?

Lucian: Yeah...I don't know. I mean, it sounds kind of cool, but...

Nestle: What? No it doesn't! I've already been in school since...well, since forever! Why should I do more?

There are some benefits to it. You can learn new skills, get a better job, and promotions will be much easier...

Speaking of promotions...

Um...what are you doing?

Candy:  Shoveling the snow...

In a random corner of the yard?

Candy: Yeah...this is where the pile is.

But now the pile is two feet to your left...

Starburst: Hey, so I was reading through that pamphlet last night and I think we should totally request a room in Beesley Hall.

Nestle: What are you talking about?

Starburst: You know, when we go to UBrite...we want to make sure we get one of the best rooms. 

Nestle: You're kidding, right? Even if I do go to this stupid college thing, there's no way I'm going with you! Besides, I bet they don't even let aliens into college.

Starburst: Why wouldn't they?

Nestle: You saw that stupid letter. They're all like, stuffy and formal. There's no way a place like that would let an alien in.

Starburst: Do you think Nestle is right?

I don't think so. In fact, there might be some benefit to being an alien at college.

Starburst: Really?

Maybe...but you know, Nestle was right about one thing-you two probably won't go at the same time. You've got a bit to get your skills up before you're ready to go...

Which is more than I can say for Nestle...

Riley: Nestle, did you take a look at that aptitude test I left on your desk?

Nestle: Ugh...no, Mom. I'll look at it later. I promise.

Well, I guess I'll come and check in on you guys next round. Good luck, Nestle...

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: And the lead-up to University begins! Just an FYI, it's going to be quite awhile before any university content shows up. Right now, I'm planning on playing uni students between the Newcrest lots and the Oasis Springs lots, so we've got a lot of ground to cover before we get there. I'll go more in-depth about my plans for handling the university posts once we get closer to them. Buckle up!