Chapter 239: From a Sitcom to Another

After Dylan’s 'wish' song, we all went to dinner and the mood calmed down a bit. Gramma finally took on the role of host.

Normally she would be irritated about being sidelined, even though she had organized the dinner, but the circus was so funny that she didn’t seem to care this time.

We made DeDe sit on one side, and Gloria on the opposite corner of the table. Claire did the same with Haley and Dylan. Poor dude looked clueless about why that was happening…

"Manny, what’s the story behind these scribbles?" I asked.

But it was Jay who answered, "Some kids planked him last night." He added exasperatedly, "And he set fire to the culprits’ bike."

I laughed and gave a thumbs up, making an approving face. Scarlett pinched me for the third time today.

"Jesus, Lettie, you are so physical today. Do you want me to sing a song like Dylan?" I joked.

She made a smile that wasn’t really a smile. "Do that and it won’t be just a pinch from me," she warned.

I shivered. "I’m joking, joking. I don’t have balls of steel like him…" I murmured the last part.

Scarlett just rolled her eyes.

"Haley, who’s going to Tomorrowland?" I asked.

Haley and Alex won the best costume award last year at my end‑year party (which included a PowerBook, iPods and some tickets to Tomorrowland).

They were dressed as Velma and Daphne (people voted even more because Phil showed up as Scooby‑Doo, to their dismay – Claire had only let them go because Phil had gone too). 

"Dad, Mom, Alex, and me. I wanted Dylan to go, but they’re not letting me," Haley said wronged. "Alex doesn’t even know Marshmello’s songs." 

This is another thing we changed at Tomorrowland: it is open to all ages (like Coachella), not just for those over 18. Minors must be accompanied by their guardians, and there are specific areas restricted to adults only.

I gasped at Alex, "You uncultured girl, how could you? Look at Paige, she listens to all of Marshmello’s songs, and part of her success comes from that."

Paige rolled her eyes, "Jake is not completely wrong. And I do love all his songs."

Alex was making a face like 'really?' at Paige

Dinner continued without any further incidents. After another round of conversation, people started leaving, until only my family remained.

"I need to say, Alan, you’re breaking the record for not embarrassing us," Uncle Charlie mocked Dad.

"Don’t jinx it, Uncle Charlie," I scolded. Dad was glaring first at Uncle Charlie, then at me.

We stayed a little longer until everyone went back to their own homes.

---

A few days later, on Thursday night, some special guests arrived at our Santa Monica house.

“Jake!” Rachel greeted me with a big hug. Aunt Monica did the same right after. Then I said hi to Chandler and Joey.

“Where are Phoebe and Ross?” I asked.

“Phoebe already had a trip planned, that was also the reason she was out of the running to be Joey’s Oscar companion,” Monica explained. “Ross is coming later with his girlfriend, but they’re going straight to Vegas.”

“He’s dating his student,” Chandler added, thinking the information was worth sharing.

“Noice!” I smirked, earning a glare from Rachel, Monica, and Scarlett.

I coughed, “Guys, this is Scarlett.” I introduced her and turned to her. “Lettie, they’re kind of like my uncles and aunts. Monica, Rachel, Chandler, and Joey.”

Both Joey and Chandler patted my back. Joey was giving a thumbs-up with his hand and face (not even trying to hide it).

“They’re all great-looking. Are you all actors and actresses? Joey, I know you’re competing with Bill (for Best Actor at the Oscars)” Scarlett asked after greeting everyone.

“Just Joey,” Monica replied with a wide smile, clearly flattered.

“I already like her,” Rachel murmured to me while nudging my arm.

After everyone came inside, I introduced Paige and Carly (she was walking Bella and brought her along to keep Loki and White company).

---

“Wow, look at you girls, how cute you are,” Rachel said while petting White and Bella.

“I wish I could do the same,” Monica admitted with a hint of envy. “But Chandler’s allergic.”

“Extremely allergic, okay?” Chandler added, uncomfortable. “If I’m anywhere near a dog for more than five minutes… my throat will just close up.”

“So you have an anaphylactic reaction to dogs?” Paige asked in surprise. “We might need to call an ambulance if it triggers fast, there are three dogs here, and two of them have already run through every part of the house” she warned.

We all looked at Chandler.

Seeing everyone starting to worry, he tried, “Okay, it’s…”

“Don’t do it!” Joey tried to stop him.

“I have to. Okay? It’s time. The truth is, I hate dogs.”

“What?!” we all shouted.

“That’s crazy! Why?” Monica asked, incredulously.

“Told you,” Joey muttered.

“They’re needy… jumpy… and you can’t tell what they’re thinking…” Chandler explained, “And that’s scares me”

Paige stomped on my foot.

“Hey, what was that for?” I looked at her.

“You definitely thought of me,” she accused.

“Fair point. That description is more like you. Loki’s not like that,” I said while patting Loki’s head. “He’s not needy or jumpy, and he basically thinks of two things: food and a good spot to rest.”

“So you’re not allergic? I mean, does that mean you’re not allergic to wool either?” Monica asked.

“You bought me a pink turtleneck sweater.” Chandler tried to defend himself

“Look, Chandler, I told you. Never tell anyone about this dog thing,” Joey reaffirmed.

"Okay, guys, can we change the subject?" Chandler said, "like how Jake is nominated for an Oscar? And..." he stopped.

"You can say it, everyone here knows about Marshmello," I finished.

"Oh yeah, I still can’t believe it," Rachel came closer to me. "You should have seen Ross’s reaction."

"On the other hand, Phoebe just said 'cool!', as if it were the most normal thing in the world," Monica pointed out

I chuckled, "That is so Phoebe!"