Another Family Conference
Originally posted on December 21, 2008
Eli: Sheeesh, now what? Last time Asher called a family conference we found out there was more family than we thought. Wonder what boom he’s gonna lower this time?
Eron: Think of it this way, Eli. – it couldn’t be much worse than the last “surprise.”
Eli: Yeah, that was gruesome.
Eron: I always felt kinda bad, taking off like we did, and leaving him to face the fiasco with Gideon pretty much by himself.
Eli: I bet he didn’t care. You know the elder Bro – he likes to handle things by himself – likes to feel needed.
Eron: Still, a little solidarity would have been good, coming from us.
Eli: Yeah, whatever.
Eron: What are you going to get him for Christmas?
Eli: Me? Same as usual.
Eron: Nothing, huh? No presents?
Eli: Hey, he’s got my presence this year, isn’t that enough?
Eron: Do you really want me to answer that?
Eli: I could always spring for the pizza, I guess. All I know is, Cassandra wasn’t very happy to find out I was staying home. Why am I staying here, again?
Eron: Looking for work.
Eli: I don’t need to work.
Eron: Yes, you do. If for nothing but to keep you out of trouble. You’re also staying here so you don’t distract her and keep her from going back to classes.
Asher: And you’ll need that paycheck coming in to have my new seats cleaned, from putting your feet all over them.
Eli: Yo Bro, what’s with the official family summons?
Asher: I told you – I need to discuss something serious with you two.
Eli: Again???
Eron: Two serious discussions in less than a year? You know Eli can’t handle that much “serious.”
Asher: Yeah, I realize I’m pushing the envelope a bit here.
Eron: Seriously, you have any more news about the thing with Gideon?
Asher: No, he’s been quiet for months now. Wish I could trust that it would stay that way.
Eron: But you don’t think it will.
Asher: No, I don’t think it’s over yet. And I’m probably being foolish, ignoring the problem like I have been lately, but I’ve been too busy to mess with it. Anyway, that’s not what this is about.
Eli: Cut to the chase, would ya, Bro?
Asher: Right, Eli.
Asher: I want you two to do something for me.
Eli: Hoo boy, here it comes.
Eron: Put a sock in it, Eli. What do you need, Asher?
Asher: Here. Read. This explains everything.
Eron: *under his breath* Here we go again.
Eli: Nuh-uh. If I take that thing, I’ll have to do what it says.
Asher: Just take it, Eli, and don’t argue. Why does everything always have to be an argument with you?
Eron: What the……………?
Eli: What the……………?
Eron: An itinerary?
>Eli: What’s the catch?
Asher: No catch.
Eli: You’re flying me to Oregon? On you?
Eron: Us, Eli, he’s sending us.
>Asher: That’s right, I am. Merry Christmas.
…a little later…
Kohana: Well?
Asher: Well, what?
Kohana: Did your family conference go all right?
Asher: As well as can be expected, I guess.
Kohana: I’m glad.
Asher: Tell me again when your last exam is over.
Kohana: The twenty-second….
Asher: And Kaida flies out when?
Kohana: The same evening…. why?
Asher: Jeremiah goes to New York on the twenty-third. Looks like we’re both going to be by ourselves on Christmas…
Asher: You know, Kohana….I haven’t gotten a Christmas tree yet. How would you like to come with me to pick one out? I’m warning you, though….I’m real choosy about Christmas trees, and it’s a bit of a drive to where the best ones are. In fact……
