The Myopia of Hope (Bob Swarup presentation, Feb 2013)Bob Swarup
A presentation based on the first part of Till Debt Us Do Part, a new special report for Lombard Street Research by Dr Bob Swarup and Dario Perkins, which looks at the debt restructurings born of reparations that occurred in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, and examines the parallels to Europe today. These are striking: a fixed exchange rate (gold vs euro); a complex web of debt (reparations and inter-allied war debts vs inter-European loans today); an intractable debtor (US vs Germany) that slavishly believed all debts needed to be honoured; and a misplaced belief in crushing austerity as the answer. La plus ça change...
Aranel makes her bid to get into private school, while Anariel grows into childhood, the adults scheme, and the three musketeers do their own thing once more.
All precious things discovered late
To those that seek them issue forth,
For Love in sequel works with Fate,
And draws the veil from hidden worth.
—TENNYSON
Tom Selleck Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysisgreendigital
Over several decades, Tom Selleck, a name synonymous with charisma. From his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the television series "Magnum, P.I." to his enduring presence in "Blue Bloods," Selleck has captivated audiences with his versatility and charm. As a result, "Tom Selleck net worth" has become a topic of great interest among fans. and financial enthusiasts alike. This article delves deep into Tom Selleck's wealth, exploring his career, assets, endorsements. and business ventures that contribute to his impressive economic standing.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Foundation of Tom Selleck's Wealth
Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Tom Selleck grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. His journey towards building a large net worth began with humble origins. , Selleck pursued a business administration degree at the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. But, his interest shifted towards acting. leading him to study at the Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Minor roles in television and films marked Selleck's early career. He appeared in commercials and took on small parts in T.V. series such as "The Dating Game" and "Lancer." These initial steps, although modest. laid the groundwork for his future success and the growth of Tom Selleck net worth. Breakthrough with "Magnum, P.I."
The Role that Defined Tom Selleck's Career
Tom Selleck's breakthrough came with the role of Thomas Magnum in the CBS television series "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988). This role made him a household name and boosted his net worth. The series' popularity resulted in Selleck earning large salaries. leading to financial stability and increased recognition in Hollywood.
"Magnum P.I." garnered high ratings and critical acclaim during its run. Selleck's portrayal of the charming and resourceful private investigator resonated with audiences. making him one of the most beloved television actors of the 1980s. The success of "Magnum P.I." played a pivotal role in shaping Tom Selleck net worth, establishing him as a major star.
Film Career and Diversification
Expanding Tom Selleck's Financial Portfolio
While "Magnum, P.I." was a cornerstone of Selleck's career, he did not limit himself to television. He ventured into films, further enhancing Tom Selleck net worth. His filmography includes notable movies such as "Three Men and a Baby" (1987). which became the highest-grossing film of the year, and its sequel, "Three Men and a Little Lady" (1990). These box office successes contributed to his wealth.
Selleck's versatility allowed him to transition between genres. from comedies like "Mr. Baseball" (1992) to westerns such as "Quigley Down Under" (1990). This diversification showcased his acting range. and provided many income streams, reinforcing Tom Selleck net worth.
Television Resurgence with "Blue Bloods"
Sustaining Wealth through Consistent Success
In 2010, Tom Selleck began starring as Frank Reagan i
From the Editor's Desk: 115th Father's day Celebration - When we see Father's day in Hindu context, Nanda Baba is the most vivid figure which comes to the mind. Nanda Baba who was the foster father of Lord Krishna is known to provide love, care and affection to Lord Krishna and Balarama along with his wife Yashoda; Letter’s to the Editor: Mother's Day - Mother is a precious life for their children. Mother is life breath for her children. Mother's lap is the world happiness whose debt can never be paid.
Skeem Saam in June 2024 available on ForumIsaac More
Monday, June 3, 2024 - Episode 241: Sergeant Rathebe nabs a top scammer in Turfloop. Meikie is furious at her uncle's reaction to the truth about Ntswaki.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Episode 242: Babeile uncovers the truth behind Rathebe’s latest actions. Leeto's announcement shocks his employees, and Ntswaki’s ordeal haunts her family.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - Episode 243: Rathebe blocks Babeile from investigating further. Melita warns Eunice to stay clear of Mr. Kgomo.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 - Episode 244: Tbose surrenders to the police while an intruder meddles in his affairs. Rathebe's secret mission faces a setback.
Friday, June 7, 2024 - Episode 245: Rathebe’s antics reach Kganyago. Tbose dodges a bullet, but a nightmare looms. Mr. Kgomo accuses Melita of witchcraft.
Monday, June 10, 2024 - Episode 246: Ntswaki struggles on her first day back at school. Babeile is stunned by Rathebe’s romance with Bullet Mabuza.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - Episode 247: An unexpected turn halts Rathebe’s investigation. The press discovers Mr. Kgomo’s affair with a young employee.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - Episode 248: Rathebe chases a criminal, resorting to gunfire. Turf High is rife with tension and transfer threats.
Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Episode 249: Rathebe traps Kganyago. John warns Toby to stop harassing Ntswaki.
Friday, June 14, 2024 - Episode 250: Babeile is cleared to investigate Rathebe. Melita gains Mr. Kgomo’s trust, and Jacobeth devises a financial solution.
Monday, June 17, 2024 - Episode 251: Rathebe feels the pressure as Babeile closes in. Mr. Kgomo and Eunice clash. Jacobeth risks her safety in pursuit of Kganyago.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Episode 252: Bullet Mabuza retaliates against Jacobeth. Pitsi inadvertently reveals his parents’ plans. Nkosi is shocked by Khwezi’s decision on LJ’s future.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Episode 253: Jacobeth is ensnared in deceit. Evelyn is stressed over Toby’s case, and Letetswe reveals shocking academic results.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Episode 254: Elizabeth learns Jacobeth is in Mpumalanga. Kganyago's past is exposed, and Lehasa discovers his son is in KZN.
Friday, June 21, 2024 - Episode 255: Elizabeth confirms Jacobeth’s dubious activities in Mpumalanga. Rathebe lies about her relationship with Bullet, and Jacobeth faces theft accusations.
Monday, June 24, 2024 - Episode 256: Rathebe spies on Kganyago. Lehasa plans to retrieve his son from KZN, fearing what awaits.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Episode 257: MaNtuli fears for Kwaito’s safety in Mpumalanga. Mr. Kgomo and Melita reconcile.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - Episode 258: Kganyago makes a bold escape. Elizabeth receives a shocking message from Kwaito. Mrs. Khoza defends her husband against scam accusations.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Episode 259: Babeile's skillful arrest changes the game. Tbose and Kwaito face a hostage crisis.
Friday, June 28, 2024 - Episode 260: Two women face the reality of being scammed. Turf is rocked by breaking
_7 OTT App Builders to Support the Development of Your Video Applications_.pdfMega P
Due to their ability to produce engaging content more quickly, over-the-top (OTT) app builders have made the process of creating video applications more accessible. The invitation to explore these platforms emphasizes how over-the-top (OTT) applications hold the potential to transform digital entertainment.
Young Tom Selleck: A Journey Through His Early Years and Rise to Stardomgreendigital
Introduction
When one thinks of Hollywood legends, Tom Selleck is a name that comes to mind. Known for his charming smile, rugged good looks. and the iconic mustache that has become synonymous with his persona. Tom Selleck has had a prolific career spanning decades. But, the journey of young Tom Selleck, from his early years to becoming a household name. is a story filled with determination, talent, and a touch of luck. This article delves into young Tom Selleck's life, background, early struggles. and pivotal moments that led to his rise in Hollywood.
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Early Life and Background
Family Roots and Childhood
Thomas William Selleck was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 29, 1945. He was the second of four children in a close-knit family. His father, Robert Dean Selleck, was a real estate investor and executive. while his mother, Martha Selleck, was a homemaker. The Selleck family relocated to Sherman Oaks, California. when Tom was a child, setting the stage for his future in the entertainment industry.
Education and Early Interests
Growing up, young Tom Selleck was an active and athletic child. He attended Grant High School in Van Nuys, California. where he excelled in sports, particularly basketball. His tall and athletic build made him a standout player, and he earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Southern California (U.S.C.). While at U.S.C., Selleck studied business administration. but his interests shifted toward acting.
Discovery of Acting Passion
Tom Selleck's journey into acting was serendipitous. During his time at U.S.C., a drama coach encouraged him to try acting. This nudge led him to join the Hills Playhouse, where he began honing his craft. Transitioning from an aspiring athlete to an actor took time. but young Tom Selleck became drawn to the performance world.
Early Career Struggles
Breaking Into the Industry
The path to stardom was a challenging one for young Tom Selleck. Like many aspiring actors, he faced many rejections and struggled to find steady work. A series of minor roles and guest appearances on television shows marked his early career. In 1965, he debuted on the syndicated show "The Dating Game." which gave him some exposure but did not lead to immediate success.
The Commercial Breakthrough
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Selleck began appearing in television commercials. His rugged good looks and charismatic presence made him a popular brand choice. He starred in advertisements for Pepsi-Cola, Revlon, and Close-Up toothpaste. These commercials provided financial stability and helped him gain visibility in the industry.
Struggling Actor in Hollywood
Despite his success in commercials. breaking into large acting roles remained a challenge for young Tom Selleck. He auditioned and took on small parts in T.V. shows and movies. Some of his early television appearances included roles in popular series like Lancer, The F.B.I., and Bracken's World. But, it would take a
Modern Radio Frequency Access Control Systems: The Key to Efficiency and SafetyAITIX LLC
Today's fast-paced environment worries companies of all sizes about efficiency and security. Businesses are constantly looking for new and better solutions to solve their problems, whether it's data security or facility access. RFID for access control technologies have revolutionized this.
Matt Rife Cancels Shows Due to Health Concerns, Reschedules Tour Dates.pdfAzura Everhart
Matt Rife's comedy tour took an unexpected turn. He had to cancel his Bloomington show due to a last-minute medical emergency. Fans in Chicago will also have to wait a bit longer for their laughs, as his shows there are postponed. Rife apologized and assured fans he'd be back on stage soon.
https://www.theurbancrews.com/celeb/matt-rife-cancels-bloomington-show/
Meet Dinah Mattingly – Larry Bird’s Partner in Life and Loveget joys
Get an intimate look at Dinah Mattingly’s life alongside NBA icon Larry Bird. From their humble beginnings to their life today, discover the love and partnership that have defined their relationship.
Scandal! Teasers June 2024 on etv Forum.co.zaIsaac More
Monday, 3 June 2024
Episode 47
A friend is compelled to expose a manipulative scheme to prevent another from making a grave mistake. In a frantic bid to save Jojo, Phakamile agrees to a meeting that unbeknownst to her, will seal her fate.
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
Episode 48
A mother, with her son's best interests at heart, finds him unready to heed her advice. Motshabi finds herself in an unmanageable situation, sinking fast like in quicksand.
Wednesday, 5 June 2024
Episode 49
A woman fabricates a diabolical lie to cover up an indiscretion. Overwhelmed by guilt, she makes a spontaneous confession that could be devastating to another heart.
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Episode 50
Linda unwittingly discloses damning information. Nhlamulo and Vuvu try to guide their friend towards the right decision.
Friday, 7 June 2024
Episode 51
Jojo's life continues to spiral out of control. Dintle weaves a web of lies to conceal that she is not as successful as everyone believes.
Monday, 10 June 2024
Episode 52
A heated confrontation between lovers leads to a devastating admission of guilt. Dintle's desperation takes a new turn, leaving her with dwindling options.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Episode 53
Unable to resort to violence, Taps issues a verbal threat, leaving Mdala unsettled. A sister must explain her life choices to regain her brother's trust.
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Episode 54
Winnie makes a very troubling discovery. Taps follows through on his threat, leaving a woman reeling. Layla, oblivious to the truth, offers an incentive.
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Episode 55
A nosy relative arrives just in time to thwart a man's fatal decision. Dintle manipulates Khanyi to tug at Mo's heartstrings and get what she wants.
Friday, 14 June 2024
Episode 56
Tlhogi is shocked by Mdala's reaction following the revelation of their indiscretion. Jojo is in disbelief when the punishment for his crime is revealed.
Monday, 17 June 2024
Episode 57
A woman reprimands another to stay in her lane, leading to a damning revelation. A man decides to leave his broken life behind.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Episode 58
Nhlamulo learns that due to his actions, his worst fears have come true. Caiphus' extravagant promises to suppliers get him into trouble with Ndu.
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Episode 59
A woman manages to kill two birds with one stone. Business doom looms over Chillax. A sobering incident makes a woman realize how far she's fallen.
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Episode 60
Taps' offer to help Nhlamulo comes with hidden motives. Caiphus' new ideas for Chillax have MaHilda excited. A blast from the past recognizes Dintle, not for her newfound fame.
Friday, 21 June 2024
Episode 61
Taps is hungry for revenge and finds a rope to hang Mdala with. Chillax's new job opportunity elicits mixed reactions from the public. Roommates' initial meeting starts off on the wrong foot.
Monday, 24 June 2024
Episode 62
Taps seizes new information and recruits someone on the inside. Mary's new job
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2. Welcome back to Standing the Test of Time! From where I’ve
left off, Vlastimir settled down in life and married Selena, and
the two of them have twin daughters Ana and Jelena, who just
became children. However, something sinister against the
family is rising.
Let’s start this chapter now, shall we?
3. “Girls!” Selena called her daughters as loudly as possible. “The taxi’s about to arrive, so make sure you’re all packed up!”
“OK, mom!” they replied in unison.
4. “Ready for some adventure?” asked Vlastimir once the girls arrived at the hallway.
“What will we see there?” asked Jelena.
“And are there gonna be any exciting stuff there?” added Ana.
“We’ll see once you get there,” assured Selena. “When we get home, there will be a surprise for you girls.”
“Cool!” they exclaimed. The mention of surprises made the girls excited, primarily because that meant getting something new.
5. As the taxi arrived, the entire family packed their suitcases and walked inside the vehicle. A vacation to Twikkii Island is what they needed to refresh
themselves before the parents go back to work and the kids start school.
6. Once they arrived at the resort, Vlastimir went to the receptionist’s desk to check in to a bungalow his family will stay in for the duration of their stay.
Twikkii Island’s warm weather made wearing outerwear unbearable, in stark contrast to the cold spring air back in Verdant Cliffs, so Vlastimir found
himself in desperate need to change clothes as soon as possible.
7. After checking in to one of the bungalows in the hotel, the entire family quickly took off their winter coats and changed to lighter clothing to prevent
themselves from overheating. They also felt relieved to enjoy the warm weather as a break from the cold weather back at home.
Vlastimir and Ana proceeded to play a little game together by throwing a ball to each other. Nothing could hurt more than a little time between a father
and his daughter.
8. “Excuse me,” interjected Selena as she walked towards her husband and daughter. “I don’t mean to interrupt you, but I have to ask you something.”
“What is it, mom?” asked Ana as she tossed the ball to her father.
“Has any of you seen Jelena?”
“Umm…”murmured Vlastimir.
9. “She’s at the beach combing for some seashells,” replied Ana. “I asked her to join us, but she refused, so I just let her do her own thing while dad and I play
catch the ball together.”
“Well, why don’t you go accompany her back there? I don’t want to see her all by herself.”
“But she seems content to just play all by herself.”
“I understand, but I also don’t want any one of you to feel lonely. And I need to talk to your dad about the places to go to around here.”
“Alright, fine. But don’t be long, OK?”
“I promise.”
10. Ana walked to the beach near their bungalow, where she spotted her twin scooping a bucket of sand and dumping them into a pile to make a sandcastle. It
looked like what she was doing might be fun, and hopefully it won’t hurt if they build it together.
“Hey, Jelena,” she walked towards her sister.
Jelena looked up to see her sister standing right beside her. “What is it?”
“Mind if I join you build the sandcastle?”
“I can do it all by myself.”
“But you look lonely, and mom doesn’t want you to feel lonely.”
“Okay, okay. Let’s do this together, then.”
11. As the two sisters built the sandcastle together, they shaped the sand into what looks like the foundation of a castle.
“I have an idea,” Jelena turned toward Ana. “How about we use the shells I found earlier in the beach?’
“That’s a good idea!” she replied. “That way, our sandcastle will be the prettiest we’ve ever seen!”
After a few minutes of building their sandcastle, they suddenly heard their mother calling them. They groaned in response because they hadn’t finished
building the sandcastle. Nevertheless, they still obeyed her and walked to the front of the resort. Perhaps an adventure awaits them.
12. The Vidić family went to a local marketplace, where they ate at a local food bar serving local cuisine. Selena ordered three pineapple surprises for her and
the girls to eat. Vlastimir, however, told them that he wasn’t very hungry at the moment, so he didn’t join them. Instead, he looked around the area to see
if there were any souvenirs for the journey.
“So we’re gonna eat some sort of fried pineapple?” exclaimed Ana. “That sounds gross! Who in their right mind would deep fry fruits?”
“I really don’t like the thought of eating fried fruit either,” added Jelena. “I can’t imagine having to eat those kind of stuff everyday.”
“Trust me, girls,” assured Selena. “These are some of the most delicious things I have ever tried when your dad and I went to our honeymoon.
13. When the pineapple surprises were finally served to them, Selena picked her fork up and started eating hers. Ana and Jelena slowly grabbed theirs and
looked at their meal. Judging by their texture, they looked crunchy enough for them to try one bite from them. They slowly chewed them and tasted them
in their tongues in order to capture its taste. When they were done, their eyes widened.
“Wow!” they cried as they promptly at their meal. “This has to be one of the tastiest foods we have ever eaten!”
Selena turned toward her daughters and smiled. She was glad that her daughters were staring to admire foreign customs and foods, yet she was also keen
to preserve their tastes on familiar surroundings.
14. Meanwhile, Vlastimir couldn’t find any souvenirs that catch his attention, but after seeing a tour guide calling for island tours, he found an opportunity for
him and his family to enjoy some of the local tours.
“Excuse me,” he said as he approached the tour guide, “Do you have any available tours at the moment by any chance?”
“That we do, sir,” answered the tour guide. “We have open space for four people to go on a tour to see tropical fish in a glass-bottomed tour, which costs
$100 per person. Do you want to try it out?”
“Sure. I’m bringing my wife and two daughters together, so that should be enough for us.”
“Excellent. I’ll make the reservations, and the taxi will arrive to pick you up shortly.”
“Thank you.”
15. A few minutes later, a honking sound could be heard from the front street of the marketplace, causing the Vidić family to turn around to see a taxicab.
This must be the taxi I just booked for our glass-bottomed boat tour, thought Vlastimir as he walked towards the car, with his wife and daughters following
suit. He stopped to let them in first before getting inside himself. The tour better be a fun and relaxing one, especially for the girls.
16. The glass-bottomed boat tour was initially fun until the bottom got scraped by coral, causing small holes to form. In desperation, everyone covered it with
gum, but the minnows chewed through it all, forcing the captain to ride back to shore, abruptly ending the tour with everyone’s legs and feet drenched in
sea water.
After that little incident, the Vidić family went back to their villa and promptly showered in order to get the itch off themselves.
“Girls,” Selena turned towards the girls after all three of them have finished showering, “Where do you want to go tomorrow? I know there are so many fun
things to do here, but I also want your opinion so that I can discuss with your father where we should go.”
“I’m thinking of going somewhere that feels like an adventure,” replied Ana. “Like, you know, facing some unknown tribe out to attack us.”
“Or maybe something like exploring another island,” added Jelena. “That should be fun.”
“Alright, girls,” Selena giggled. “I’ll tell daddy about that."
17. When Selena left, Ana immediately lied down on the sofa and lounged.
“Man, I feel so bored with nothing to do right now.” she groaned.
“Yeah, me too,” grumbled Jelena. “I think I’ll just lie down on that other sofa.”
18. A few minutes later, their father had arrived to see them lying down on the sofas out of boredom.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“We’re just bored and tired because of that stupid boat tour,” replied Jelena. “Stupid coral and stupid fish ruining our fun.”
“Well, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Whatever,” she stood up from the sofa. “Ana and I are going outside to play together.”
“Umm… sure. Just make sure you two go to bed soon.”
19. Excited at the permission their father gave to them, Ana and Jelena went outside their bungalow and near the receptionist bungalow to play catch
together.
20. Jelena loved to throw the ball with so much strength that Ana had a bit of trouble catch it. Nevertheless, she managed to grab on hold of it. Not to be
outdone by her sister, she in turn threw it with a lot of strength that Jelena also found it nearly hard to catch the ball. Fortunately, she caught the ball
before it hit the ground, even though she nearly fell backwards.
Both girls managed to have fun with the game without getting themselves hurt, though.
After a few throws, Ana let out a small yawn, followed by her sister’s yawn. They finally stopped playing catch together and walked back to the bungalow to
sleep. Besides, they didn’t want to miss out on anything their parents may be planning for the vacation.
21. The next day, the Vidić family had breakfast delivered to them due to how exhausted they feel as a result of the glass-bottomed boat incident. The burgers
the hotel chefs cooked tasted delicious and gave them a sense of familiarity with home.
“You know, I’ve been wondering about something lately,” Vlastimir turned to Selena as they ate their breakfast. Ana and Jelena turned to their parents to
listen to their conversation.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I got this map that leads to an unknown place in this island. Maybe we should check it out someday.”
22. “Honey, I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. What if it could be a trap used by frauds just to lure us away from safety? Think of the kids. I don’t want them to
get lost as well.”
“Right. Maybe that’s something we should reconsider. In that case, I’m thinking of relearning one of their local dances that I learned during our
honeymoon.”
“As long as the kids remain at a safe distance as they watch you, I think that sounds fine.”
23. As they talked to each other, however, they didn’t notice Ana and Jelena listening to their conversation attentively. The mention of a map leading to a
mysterious place meant adventure to them, and they felt determined to find that out in the end.
The question is, will their parents let them explore around the island? Jelena turned toward Ana, who was still listening to their parents.
“Hey, Ana,” whispered Jelena. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“If you’re talking about the map, then yes.”
“Let’s ask mommy and daddy about taking us to the place.”
24. “Mom, dad,” said Jelena, causing her parents to end their conversation and turn to the girls.
“Yes?” Selena replied.
“Can we go to whatever the map dad talked about just now?” pleaded Ana. “Pretty please?”
“Sweetie, I know somewhere better than following daddy’s map,” said Selena, trying to hide her surprise at the girls listening to their conversation.
“But we wanna follow daddy’s map! It’s like how they do it in stories and TV!”
25. “Selena,” interrupted Vlastimir, “You need to relax a bit. Let the girls have a little fun, as long as they stay safe.”
“But what about your plans to relearn the fire dance, hmmm? We can move the map date tomorrow if you want.”
“I’m not sure if the trainers will appreciate it if I bring the girls over. I don’t want those people to think that they’ll misbehave or something, though I’ll
definitely confront them if they ever do that to the girls.”
26. “We promise we’ll behave, daddy,” interjected Ana. “And then we can all follow the map tomorrow.”
27. Vlastimir sighed. There was no way he could resist the boundless energy the girls often express.
“OK, fine,” he said. “But as long as you behave in the beach when I try out the local fire dance, or else we won’t follow the map trail tomorrow.”
“Yay!” the girls shouted in unison.
28. After breakfast, Ana walked towards Jelena and leaned towards her ear.
“You know what,” whispered Ana, “What if we both wear identical clothes in front of other people? They’ll probably think that they’re seeing illusions or
something like that.”
“Heh, sounds like a good idea,” Jelena whispered back. “But mom and dad will say ‘no’ to identical clothing for us. I think they and other people already
have trouble telling which one of us is which whenever we go to school.”
“Well, that’s the thing. That way, we can play tricks on people.”
“Sounds like a good idea, though I’m not sure people will like it or not.”
29. Once they were ready, the Vidić family walked around an island until they came across a hut, followed by a large beach full of people.
30. Ana and Jelena walked towards the beach and started a pillow fight amongst themselves while Selena and the other beachgoers watched them in
amusement.
31. Meanwhile, Vlastimir spotted a fire dancer doing his performance on his mat and walked towards him.
“Excuse me, sir,” he said, causing the fire dancer to stop dancing and put the fires on his pole out before laying it down.
“Jeez!” groaned the dancer as he turned towards Vlastimir. “Can’t you see that I’m performing at high speed?”
“Sorry about that, but can you teach me more about the steps of the fire dance? I learned some of them before, but haven’t fully gotten the hang of it.”
The dancer grumbled softly. He hated having to deal with enthusiastic tourists wanting to learn the dance from him, considering the fact that he was
relatively new to the job. However, the fire dance job was his sole source of income, and he had to cater to other people even if he didn’t like it.
“OK, fine. At least I only have to teach one person.”
32. “Watch the master and learn,” the dancer grabbed his pole and lit its two edges on fire. A sly grin flashed on his once sour face as he slowly spun his pole at
first, but gradually became quicker in his movement. A minute later, he used his neck and shoulders to spin his pole without touching either tip.
Vlastimir watched in awe at what he had seen. The graceful way he twirled the pole throughout the entire duration of the show captured his entire
attention. If he were to practice it, he could possibly do the same thing in no time.
33. Once the dancer stopped dancing, he put out the fires on the pole and handed it over to Vlastimir.
“Now’s your turn,” he said. “Just do it slowly at first and remember the moves by heart. Also, imagine that the two edges are on fire even if they aren’t at
the moment. If you’ve memorized the moves, then try it with fire burning on the edges.”
Vlastimir slowly twirled the pole and made twirling moves with it. His right arm shook a bit as he tried to memorize the moves, but as he got the hang of
them, he twirled the pole as quickly and gracefully as possible while his confidence rose. He found it possible to do this thing someday in no time.
34. The girls eventually got tired of the pillow fight and did other activities. In Ana’s case, she went to Selena and slowly danced with her.
Jelena, on the other hand, opted to watch the fire dance performance after the sun had set. The fast moves of the dancer, coupled with the fires on both
ends of the pole, excited her as she wondered whether or not she could learn the same thing when she grew up. Only time will tell when she would get
around to learn such a thing.
35. After doing all the activities in the beach, it was finally time for the Vidić family to go back to the bungalow and rest. While the girls went to bed, Vlastimir
sat on the beach and looked at the sea. As the waves tossed around the sand and receded, causing the sandcastle near him to erode quickly, he let out a
deep sigh.
If I’m not careful, he thought, My future will end up like that sandcastle.
36. Soon afterwards, Selena joined him at the beach outside their bungalow.
“Hey,” she whispered as they cuddled on the sand and faced towards the sky. “What are you up to now?”
“Me? I’m just admiring the night scenery from the beach,” he pulled Selena closer to him. “And now I’m just admiring the beautiful night sky with my
darling wife.”
“Awww, that’s so sweet of you!”
“Gee, thanks!”
“No problem. Let’s get ready for tomorrow’s adventure. I think it’s gonna be a big day.”
“Right.”
37. Just as they predicted, tomorrow turned out to a big day. After talking to the locals about the map, the Vidić family learned that it leads to a certain hut in
a secluded part of the island, and the only way to get there is to navigate around on a helicopter to find its actual location. However, even riding on a
helicopter and finding its whereabouts is still hard because of how well-hidden it is.
Fortunately for them, there was an opening for a helicopter tour today, and they promptly seized this opportunity to search around the island from the
sky. Additionally, the girls were excited at the opportunity to ride on a helicopter. Surely their classmates back at home will feel jealous of them for going
on such an exciting ride.
38. The helicopter ride was shorter than the family thought because the pilot forgot to fill the gas tank fully when the ride began. When it was discovered that
there were rocks inside, everyone dumped them down to a lake. However, that wasn’t enough to continue the ride, as the pilot had to stop by a gas station
and refill the gas tank, which will take too long for them to continue the ride. Everyone, especially the kids, were disappointed by it, but they managed to
get a glimpse of what looked like a small hut nestled on the base of a mountain. Perhaps that could be the place described by the map.
At nighttime, the Vidić family set out for the hut by following the map for the safest route. They finally reached it after about half an hour later. Thrilled
with adventure, the girls ran towards the entrance of the hut, where they could only find a variety of household items inside, but with no sight of anyone.
39. “Hello,” they hollered as they walked inside to see if there was anyone inside. While Jelena went inside the bathroom to search for signs of life, a shadow of
a man approached Ana as she walked around the main room. She turned around and gasped at what she saw: a masked man robed in a green robe.
“Siapa kau?!” he asked in a loud voice, scaring Ana as she flinched and tried to suppress a scream. Upon seeing this, the robed man realized that she meant
no harm and stretched her hand to her.
“Sorry about that,” he said in a much softer voice, causing Ana to stop trying to scream. It seemed that the man was just wary of outsiders, but wanted no
harm to her. She slowly stretched her right hand to shake his.
“There you go, little girl,” the man gently shook his hand in response as Ana laughed softly at his funny accent. “I am the local witch doctor of the island,
and I do not want to do you any harm at all. Are your father and mother here? If so, then tell them that I need them to repair all the broken objects in my
house because I do not know how to repair them by myself.”
“Okey dokey.”
40. Minutes later, Vlastimir and Selena finally reached the hut, where Ana was waiting for them.
“Ana,” Vlastimir said to his daughter while Selena went into the bathroom to find Jelena, “Remember what your mom and I told you before? Stay close to
us or else you’ll get lost.”
“But dad,” she replied, “There’s a guy in a mask who wants you and mom to fix his broken stuff.”
“Alright, fine. But remember what we said about staying close to us, okay?”
41. Vlastimir proceeded to repair any broken electronics in the hut while Ana helped by cleaning up a puddle. It took a lot of time and effort, but in the end he
succeeded in getting them done.
Meanwhile, Selena found Jelena in the bathroom, where she complained to her that the bathtub was broken. In response, Selena told Jelena to go to the
living room of the hut and play with Ana while she repaired the tub. It took her quite some time and effort to fix it, as she didn’t have a lot of experience
with fixing things, but she managed to succeed in the end.
After Vlastimir and Selena were done, they turned on the radio to test it out if it was properly fixed. To their delight, it played some relaxing music that
they danced to while the girls watched them with amusement.
42. There came a time when the witch doctor finally arrived to inspect all the repaired objects while the Vidićes watched in the hopes that they were all
properly fixed, just as he had requested.
After he was done inspecting, the witch doctor walked towards them with a smile on his face. “Congratulations! You have successfully completed your trial
by repairing my objects. As a reward for your perseverance and skill, I shall give you a little present in the form of a voodoo doll that will serve you well in
the future, provided that you use it wisely.”
He handed it over to Ana, who cheered along with Jelena while their parents kissed each other tenderly. All that team worked really paid off, especially
with the little souvenir they got for helping the local witch doctor. The girls couldn’t wait to tell this to their classmates back home.
43. On one bright and sunny day, while the kids were enjoying their time, Vlastimir’s phone suddenly rang.
“Hello?” he picked his phone up.
“Oh, thank goodness you’re here!” a familiar voice from the other line quickly replied. “I have something urgent to tell you.”
45. “When my family and I came back after visiting some relatives, we realized that our house got burnt to the ground! We tried salvaging anything from its
smoldering ruins, but with no such luck. I even went to the Swaggy Sari to investigate, only to find out that it got burnt to the ground as well. I think the
Jarring Jackals were behind this because there were so many paw-like markings around the rubble, so I thought it should be time that my family move to
Verdant Cliffs at once.”
46. After listening to Sanjay’s talking, Vlastimir stuck his finger out to ponder on those words. The mention of the Jarring Jackals alone made him nervous and
angry at the same time, especially when they threatened his friend. He also thought about his wife’s job at the real estate and whether or not there were
any new houses in Verdant Cliffs that the Ramaswamis could move into.
“You know what,” he said, “I’ll see what I can do. Hang in there, alright?”
“Alright, but please be quick.”
47. “Honey,” Selena’s voice startled Vlastimir, who immediately hung up his phone and turned towards her. “What’s going on?”
Vlastimir flinched. He didn’t want to upset his wife, but he also didn’t want to lie as well. Surely there must be some way to explain to her about what
happened to Sanjay.
“Ummm… Do you happen to have any spare houses for sale by any chance?”
“Well, yes. What about it?”
“You see, Sanjay just called me, and he needs a new house badly due to some freak incident. If possible, we might need to go back as soon as possible.”
“But what about the kids? They need to spend their time here as much as possible, though the thought of new neighbors is a nice thing to hear about.
Please tell me more about it.”
48. Before Vlastimir could say a word, however, the sound of the door swinging open interrupted him, followed by footsteps heading towards their direction.
“Mommy, daddy,” the call of their daughters rang in the room as they rushed towards them. “Guess what?”
“What is it, girls?” asked Selena.
“We found some shiny pebbles on the beach,” answered Jelena, “And we’re wondering whether or not we should bring them back home.”
“Well, that’s great, and you’re certainly welcome to bring them back home.”
“Besides, we’re gonna have new neighbors too,” interrupted Vlastimir. “It’s gonna be part of the surprise you were expecting back at home.”
The mention of new neighbors coming to Verdant Cliffs captured the girls’ attention. For years, it was a very quiet place, with nobody other than their own
family living in the place. With new neighbors coming into the place, their lives could never be the same again.
49. With enough vacation time spent, it was finally time for the Vidićes to go back home. Ana and Jelena moaned that they wanted to stay on Twikkii Island
for a little longer, but Selena reminded them of the surprise she promised back home. They mellowed afterwards, but that didn’t change their desire to
stay in Twikkii Island for a little longer, though.
“I hope you and your family enjoyed your stay here in Twikkii Island, sir,” said the receptionist as Vlastimir checked out of the resort.
50. At the same time, Selena and the girls packed their suitcases and put them on the trunk to get ready to go back. Despite the girls’ initial hesitation, the did
so without question. Besides, they couldn’t wait for the surprise back home.
“What kind of surprise would they give to us back home?” Jelena asked her sister.
“I dunno,” replied Ana, “But it better be cool.”
51. Upon arriving back to their house, the girls were amazed to see how different it looked compared to how it looked before. Not only was it bigger, but it was
more spacious as well. It even has a garage, a bigger yard, and even specific rooms for various activities. They were so excited at the surprise that they
couldn’t wait to try them all at once.
Most of all, however, they couldn’t wait for the presence of new neighbors moving to Verdant Cliffs. They were told that the new neighbors were people
who’ve met their parents before and even have children as well. This means that they’ll make close friends.
52. The Vidić family went to visit their new neighbors’ home a few blocks across their house. It was a white house with a tan roof situated on a road called
Chalcedony Drive. Their new neighbors stood in front of their new home looking at them.
“Vlastimir!” greeted Sanjay as he shook his friend’s hand. “I’m so glad you and your family could make it here!”
“No problem,” replied Vlastimir. “Though it’s more thanks to my wife for arranging the house for you.”
53. Selena walked forward and shook his hand while their kids watched. “Thanks for the house you’ve provided for us. It looks nice and cozy as well.”
“No problem, sir,” she graciously replied. “After all, a friend in need is a friend indeed. I hope the house suits you and your family well.”
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54. In no time, the Vidićes got back to their regular routines. In Ana’s case, she even befriended the new neighbor’s kid Parvati. She even invited her friend
over after school.
“You know what?” Parvati said, “This house is so cool! I wish my house has a finished yard to play in with my brother Mowgli, just like my old house.”
“Well, what happened to your old house?”
Upon hearing those words, Parvati flinched and stopped smiling, causing a slight confusion for Ana.
“What’s the matter?”
“Ummm… Nothing, really. It’s just that I missed my old home at times, that’s all.”
55. In her spare time, Ana would play the violin or practice some ballet. She felt her energy and passion being put into good use whenever she did those
activities, and got membership card from Noelle Dennis from My Muse II as a result.
56. Jelena, on the other hand, often played in the playground, sometimes even when she felt unable to sleep at night. Her parents were understandably
frustrated at her tendency to stay awake overnight, often trying to put her to bed when it was past bedtime, but she would often tease that she’s too
“energetic” to be in bed whenever that happened.
57. Meanwhile, Selena regained her interest in music, as she can be often found playing the violin or the electric guitar from her husband’s victory over the
battle of the bands a few seasons ago.
58. However, that hasn’t diminished her love for her children. She would often take the time to hug her daughters whenever she goes home from work, as she
saw them as a nice relief from work.
Speaking of work, Selena couldn’t believe her eyes that her boss had to retire due to age issues, but not before choosing her as his successor. In other
words, she was put in charge of the real estate company from now on, and she would do anything in her position to finance the construction of new homes
and public buildings in Verdant Cliffs.
59. As a way to celebrate it, she played Don’t Wake the Llama with Ana, who asked her to play with her. Seeing this as an opportunity to bond with her
daughter, Selena gladly obliged. As they played, she realized that it was a tough game to play because you have to place the sticks in a way so that they
won’t fall down or else you lose.
60. As for Vlastimir, he and Sanjay continued to work together in the band by traveling around. Fortunately, their victory years ago managed to boost their
popularity to the point that Vlastimir became a rock god of sorts. To him, it was a dream come true, leaving him more time to devote to other things.
61. Like Selena, he couldn’t bear to neglect the kids. At one time, he listened to Jelena’s account on how she and her sister found some colorful stones during
the Twikkii Island vacation.
“When Ana and I were digging for some stuff for our sandcastle, we found a weird-looking stone. We kept digging and found a few more. Ana wanted to
put them on our sandcastle, but I told her that we should keep it for us all to serve as a reminder of the best vacation we’ve had.”
62. Speaking of other pastimes, Vlastimir bought a robotics workbench and started using it to build robots. He may not have any experience on robotics, but
thanks to some practice from the blueprints that came with it, he slowly improved his robot-making skill.
As he was building his first toy robot, he pondered about the entire meaning of being on top of his career. For years, he worked hard to get to the top, yet
once there he found himself feeling aimless in life despite the fame he got as a rock star. Was it really worth it to stay on top of his career, or should he find
another career?
Another thought that crossed his mind was Sanjay. Granted, he can’t possibly leave him all by himself, though talking to him about it might as well work.
As for his reputation, well, perhaps he could direct it to another career. It’s not like being a rock god is the only ticket to fame, and other career paths can
give him different kinds of it.
63. He subsequently found a job listing on the Internet, and one of its openings was for a tap dance club. It was something he couldn’t resist taking, especially
with the current sense of aimlessness he was subject to once he reached the top of his career. However, he also wanted to talk to Sanjay about his desire to
find another job now that he had become a rock star. If all goes well, the new job will be his.
64. “Hello?” he called Sanjay on the phone.
“Hi, Vlastimir,” replied Sanjay from the other line. ”How are you?”
“Can we talk about something right now, please?”
“Sure.”
“So, I know I haven’t told you about this, but I need you to remain as calm as possible, okay?”
“What do you mean?”
65. “Basically, I wanna get a new job.”
“You WHAT?! But what about the band? And isn’t this the life you’ve always wanted to have?”
“Listen carefully. Ever since I became a rock star, I found myself wondering what I should do next with my career. Sure I have a good house and plenty of
pastimes, but they don’t feel as satisfying as something I found myself missing.”
“Fine, then,” Sanjay sighed. “But we’re still friends, aren’t we?”
“Of course. After all, I can’t let it ruin our friendship.”
66. After the phone conversation, Vlastimir immediately took the job offer at the tap dance club. That proved to be much less tense than he expected, but it
still was something he remained cautious about.
As he walked to his daughters’ room, he found that sparks were flying from the toy robot’s mouth. Grabbing a screwdriver, he picked up the malfunctioned
toy and began fixing it.
“Well,” he said as he repaired the contraption, “Looks like I have to get used to the changing times.”
67. Later that night, Jelena cried out for joy that the toy robot her father had made for her and her sister was finally fixed. It was great to be able to play with it
again!
68. Vlastimir was slowly adjusting to his new career as a tap dancer, especially with the new work schedule and the loss of stardom he cherished in his former
career. Despite all this, however, it was comforting to know that his family still loved him no matter the changes.
69. As he sat down to eat the salmon the butler cooked for dinner, Selena, who had finished hers before Vlastimir came home, sat down to accompany him.
“Selena,” he turned towards her after chewing one piece of the salmon, “Have you ever thought of how far we’ve come?”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“I mean, look at all this stuff. I couldn’t believe my eyes at how things have changed in my life since I graduated from Académie Le Tour. When I first came
here, this house was a cabin in the middle of nowhere, but now it’s a villa fit for the wealthy. And just look at how much money we’ve made as well. We
have pretty much moved up in terms of our status in society.”
70. “Sounds interesting, and don’t forget the fact that we have two lovely daughters to raise as well. They’ve grown bigger as time passed, and it won’t be long
when they grow up to teens.”
“Yeah, and that too.”
“Let’s get ready to plan for the birthday party, shall we?”
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71. As Selena had predicted, it was only a matter of time when the girls grow up and transition to the next stage in life. Their parents had invited close friends
to attend the party to see them getting bigger. They also can’t wait to be big enough to try out some grown-up stuff, even though their ages meant that
they were limited to some things. Nevertheless, it was a time they had long anticipated.
72. Both girls grew up into beautiful teens like the way they and their parents had expected. Becoming taller was also something they loved as well, since it
meant that they could reach higher places than never before. On top of that, they also get to wear identical clothes, but with different colors to help others
identify them.
“You know, sis,” said Jelena as they ate some salad during the party, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“What is it?” asked Ana.
“Now that we’re older, that means we can go everywhere without having either mom or dad to accompany us. We can even have our own cell phones,
handheld games, and music players. This is gonna be a blast!”
“You said it. Let’s buy those someday.”
73. Getting older, however, didn’t mean that the girls no longer enjoyed the things they enjoyed when they were younger. In fact, they still enjoyed talking
about the funny things that happened at school and the top trends of the day. There were even times when the girls would occasionally give each other
noogies simply for fun, though it felt humiliating in the short run.
74. Meanwhile, Vlastimir worked hard in his new career to the point that he became a world class ballet dancer. This time, however, he felt fully satisfied with
his new job, especially with the fact that he could put his ballet skills to good use. Besides, he also managed to rise to stardom again.
75. Because of his new career, Vlastimir had to hone his ballet skills on a daily basis in order to get ready for upcoming performances. He didn’t want one
small mistake to ruin his entire performance, which could even put his career at stake.
76. As time went by, the Vidićes slowly accumulated enough wealth to buy more items. For instance, the bubble blower became a popular item for household
members and guests alike.
77. Another addition to the house was a bass guitar that both Vlastimir and Selena often played to spend much of their spare time on. It gradually replaced the
violin and electric guitar as their instrument of choice.
78. Additionally, Selena was rewarded a mini-golf course for her efforts in managing her company efficiently. Playing a relaxing game like golf nay not provide
the same amount of physical benefits as opposed to ballet, but it sill help improve the concentration of one’s mind.
79. Meanwhile, the girls are shown to have different interests and approaches in life. Ana had a fondness for cheese to the point that she would often grill
cheese sandwiches simply for the sake of eating them. The savory taste of cheese, coupled with its gooey goodness, was so irresistible to her that she
couldn’t help but serve it for everyone else.
80. Moreover, she was also dating Sanjay and Priya’s son Mowgli. At one point, he had taken her to The Hub on a date, which she considered one of the best
moments in her life. During the date, Mowgli pushed his lip up against Ana’s, marking the very first time she has ever kissed a person. It felt like a strong
part of her was finally out in the open, but in a calm and gradual way rather than a sudden one.
Their date continued to the night, where they danced to the DJ inside the club. Mowgli may be no dancer, but at least he had moments where he got some
moves.
81. Jelena, on the other hand, prioritized knowledge and learning, and can be seen reading various sorts of books to sate her appetite for learning.
82. Aside from studying and reading widely, she also took an interest in video games, and would take the time to play some of her favorite ones whenever she
has the time.
One particular game she enjoyed playing is Might and Magic: Heroes VI. She was thrilled by its ability to play with other players online, usually on some
sort of tournament. She also enjoyed playing the campaign mode, which also provided her with the opportunity to play an interactive story of sorts.
83. On one Friday night, she was invited by a group of online friends led by someone who goes by the username RJeeves. Thrilled at the prospect of playing a
tournament, especially with a lot of free time in her hands, Jelena couldn’t resist the offer. After all, it was much more fun playing together than alone.
84. The tournament took two to three hours, but it was so much fun to do that she felt like time went so quickly. The town management, combat tactics, and
level building was so engrossing that she could play the game for hours without taking a break, aside from having to go to the toilet.
In the end, she couldn’t believe her eyes that by beating the other players, she finally won against them. That was the first time she had ever done that.
Having a lot of experience with the game as well as some failures at first finally paid off. Thrilled at her victory, she couldn’t help but cheer at her
achievement.
85. On one night, Selena spotted Vlastimir sitting on the sofa with a seemingly solemn expression on his face.
“What’s the matter, honey?” she joined him at the sofa.
“I’ve been pondering about stuff lately,” he turned towards her.
“What is it?”
86. “I’ve been thinking about my life ever since I came to Académie Le Tour and my post-graduation life afterwards, what I’ve been through, and all the
changes I’ve witnessed in my life. One of the things I’m wondering about is how to keep the memory of our lives for future generations.”
“Wait, didn’t you mention that before?”
“Actually, this is a different one. Do you remember our wedding? Priya told me about how she sees a great future in our family and the legacy I might leave
behind. Looking at how much you’ve meant to me and what you’ve done as well as what I’ve done, I think it’s time for us to start planning for our family’s
future in earnest.”
87. “But how are we supposed to do that?” Selena looked at her husband with a questioning face. “This place is still in development, and I’ve managed to get
only two houses built and sold so far despite my efforts. I really need to get a more reliable construction firm to work with.”
“Ever since I quit working as a musician and switched to dancing in order to hone my ballet, I’ve been feeling how quickly time passes by and the changing
trends around us. I mean, even though I found satisfaction being a world class ballet dancer, I still wonder whether or not breaking up from my band was
for the best. Yet here I am alive and well. As for the legacy I’m bound to leave behind, I’m thinking of having one of the girls to continue living in this very
house for generations once she graduates from Académie Le Tour and tell her to do the same thing to one of her kids.”
“Would that mean that she’ll take over your role as something like a leader of sorts for this still-empty town?”
88. “I guess so. But just because she’ll take over my position when she grows up doesn’t mean that the other girl and her family has no say in what’s to be done
here. In fact, I want to see our legacy live on in all of our descendants regardless of whether or not they’re the one in charge of our town. The only
difference is that the direct heir after me has the added responsibility of keeping things in check and being the first to face against any kind of crisis that
might befall on us.”
“That sounds… rather extreme. Are you sure this is all necessary?”
“I know that this seems too early for any of us to face some sort of crisis, but I still think it’s better for us to plan ahead even if this means being looked
down by society in the process.”
“But people’s opinion matter on how they perceive us in the long run. If we make ourselves look bad to them, then they’ll hesitate seeing all of us in
positive light, and our reputation will be ruined over time. That is why we need to interact with them as much as possible.”
89. As they continued to talk to each other about their family’s future, the girls leaned downward from the second floor to listen to their parents’ conversation.
The continued mention of the family’s future and desire to maintain their reputation among other people captured their interest in the subject.
90. Once they felt that they had heard enough, they headed back to their room and sat on the floor.
“You know,” Ana started to talk, “From what we listened to just now, I think I probably won’t be moving back here after I graduate from college.”
“Why not?” asked Jelena. “You’ve always been the one who seems to care about all of us the most.”
“Because…”
91. “I find myself wondering how it would be like to just cook grilled cheese sandwiches without having the butler do all the cooking for most of the time. I
mean, you know that cheese is my favorite flavor, and I’ve gotten rather bored with the food the butler often serves us. Maybe it’s time for me to change
that once I graduate from college to start a new life with Mowgli.”
“Whoa! Ever since when did you start planning about your family? You two have been dating fairly recently.”
“Sorry, but I can’t help it. It’s just that with whatever responsibilities he and Parvati seem to face from their parents, maybe I should give them a little
helping hand. Parvati can move to a new house around here so that she’ll get some sort of break from her parents. She once complained to me about
having to take care of three younger siblings, leaving her with little free time, let alone find someone to date until a few days ago.”
92. “Right. So that leaves me with more post-college responsibility, then. Including whatever danger might happen to us.”
“Oh, come on! Mom, dad, and I will be with you for all times.”
“Alright, fine. Besides, Verdant Cliffs gives me the creeps at times because of its silence. I’m dreaming of becoming a city planner to make this town more
secure in the long run. Hopefully, that will minimize the danger of whatever freaky might happen to us all.”
93. “Will we tell mom and dad about this little conversation and our decisions?” asked Jelena as they stood up.
“Nah. Keep it zipped until we’re about to go to college. Or whenever they decide to tell us about it.”
“Sounds fine to me. Best not make them suspicious or anything.”
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94. On one evening, when Ana was composting an old newspaper at a compost bin, her phone suddenly rang.
“Hello?” she picked it up.
“Hey, Ana,” replied Mowgli from the other line. “Guess what?”
“Mowgli! What is it?”
“My friend Andy invited me to go to his house for a party, and he wanted more people to come, so I thought it would be a good idea if you and your sister come
with me and Parvati to his house. We’ll pick both of you up by taxi soon.”
“Sounds like a great idea! I’ll go talk to my parents and Jelena about it. Alright, see you later!”
95. Ana walked back inside after her conversation, where she spotted Jelena looking at her with a stern face.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Mowgli just called, and he invited both of us to a party his friend is holding at his house.”
“That sounds weird. We never knew nor saw this friend of his, and he decided to throw a party for us?”
96. “Oh, come on!” Ana nudged her sister. “Don’t be such a party pooper.”
“But we’ve never met this friend of his, so how are we supposed to know that we can trust that guy?”
“Just because we don’t know him doesn’t mean that he’s a naturally bad person. Besides, it’s been a while since we have a party of sorts, and it wouldn’t
hurt if we ask mom and dad for permission.”
Jelena nearly opened her mouth in response, but she was interrupted by the sound of footsteps walking towards their direction.
97. “What’s going on?” they turned around to see their parents walking towards them.
“Mowgli called,” answered Ana, “And he told me that his friend was throwing a party over at his house. Can Jelena and I go? We won’t be too long,
though.”
Jelena turned towards her sister confusedly. She never said that she wanted to go in the first place, but she found herself interrupted again.
“Sounds interesting,” said Selena. The mention of a party hosted by someone she didn’t know in the first place intrigued her. But judging from the person’s
supposed connection to someone her daughter knows, perhaps she may have less reason to worry.
“It better not involve various kinds of questionable stuff,” added Vlastimir. While he wanted his daughters to have some fun, he also wanted to make sure
that they play safe and not get into trouble from the authorities.
“Relax, dad!” replied Ana. “We’re old enough to know that kind of stuff.”
98. “Look,” Vlastimir walked towards Ana and Jelena with a stern look on his face, “Just because your mother and I have raised you to avoid questionable stuff
doesn’t mean that we want to restrict your freedom. In fact, we just want to protect you from harm. Also, young girls like you two should never
overestimate yourselves. This is the time you two should be prudent.”
“Dad, I never said that I wanted to go in the first place,” Jelena finally spoke out.
“I see,” Selena replied, turning towards Jelena, “But does that mean that you’ll go as well?”
“I… think so. I can’t go without Ana, and I thought it would be nice to keep her company throughout the time.”
Seeing his more cautious, less sociable daughter deciding to go shocked him. He knew that from her reserved attitude, he had found someone to take over
him as future head of the clan once she becomes an adult. Her decision to go somehow worried him, but seeing that she felt content even under certain
constraints, perhaps she could help remind her twin to get back as soon as possible.
99. Seconds later, a honking sound could be heard outside the house. This should be the taxi that’s taking the girls with their friends.
“Alright, you two,” he kissed them lightly on their cheeks. “I’m giving you permission to go, but don’t blame me when something goes wrong.”
“Take care of yourselves,” added Selena. “And please be back around 9:30 at the latest.”
“Alright, mom and dad,” the girls responded in unison as they walked outside and waved to their parents. “We promise we’ll be back soon.”
100. “This is it,” cried Mowgli after the four teens stepped out from the taxi. “Are you guys ready for the party?”
“Are you really sure this is the place?” asked Jelena skeptically.
“Oh, come on, Jelena. Don’t be a party pooper.”
101. “But what’s with the owl statues at the front? They don’t look welcoming, you know.”
“Who cares about them,” assured Ana. “They’re just statues that won’t move or hurt us at all. Besides, you have all of us by your side, so don’t fret.”
“Right,” Parvati spoke up. “Now with all that said, let’s step inside, shall we? We can’t miss out on this thing.”
102. As they stepped inside the house, they saw the decorations all decked out in the living room, yet there was no sight of any single person.
“Hello?” Mowgli cried out, hoping that Andy will come down to greet them. “We’re here now!”
“Great,” exclaimed Parvati. “Are you sure we’re not too early or too late?”
“Shut up! Who knows if he’s still upstairs doing something important.”
103. “I don’t like the feel of this place,” Jelena turned to her sister. “It feels so quiet, as if we’re being watched.”
“Don’t be scared. You still have all of us, and we’re here to watch one another’s backs in case something happens.”
“Are you sure on that?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. After all, we’re family, so we’re meant to look out for one another, right?”
104. After the twins finished the conversation, they smelled something funny and turned around to find themselves presented with an unexpected surprise.
105. Both Parvati and Mowgli were lying on the floor unconscious. Ana and Jelena tried to wake them up, but to no avail.
“How could this happen?” asked a panicked Ana. “I thought we’re gonna have fun in the first place!”
“I don’t know,” Jelena replied in between coughs, “But one thing that’s certain…”
108. So… that ends Chapter 3 of Standing the Test of Time. I know
it’s a cliffhanger, but I thought it would be exciting to leave it
there.
For those of you who are eager to know the girls’ aspirations
and LTWs, go ahead and proceed to the next slide.
109. Now that Ana and Jelena are teens, I’m revealing their aspirations and LTWs.
Ana Vidić
Aspiration: Grilled Cheese/Family (the Grilled Cheese part was rolled, I swear)
LTW: Eat 200 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Jelena Vidić
Aspiration: Knowledge/Pleasure
LTW: Become City Planner
I hope you enjoy the update, and I can’t wait to get Chapter 4 out as soon as possible!