Chapter 39 - "I bought happiness."

The world had it wrong, everyone said money couldn't buy happiness. But that fact was actually incorrect because money could buy bagels and bagels were the equivalent to happiness, therefore through the transitive property, money could buy happiness.

That was as long as there was a bagel shop nearby and open. Otherwise, happiness would need to be found somewhere else. Possibly a doughnut shop. But it would be a slightly inferior happiness. Like happiness once removed.

A minor downside to this happiness, like an addendum in a contract, it was possible for the happiness to cause a bit of chaos. But everything came with a price, right?

"Buckets!" Courtney swore as she snatched the burning bagel from the toaster. "Ow! Stop hurting me!"

She manage to get the bagel onto the plate nearby and avoided an encounter with the floor. Which was the fate of some of the previous bagels.

"And what's going on here?" Courtney's mother said.

"Nothing much, only I keep burning my happiness," Courtney said.

"Ah, a life metaphor."

"No, literally I keep burning the bagels."

"A skill you inherited from your father. Allow me, you handle the bacon. I believe that's about to burn as well."

Courtney rushed to the griddle in time to snatch the bacon off. Everyone likes crispy bacon, right? A little flaky edges never hurt anyone. Though an excess of eating bacon could cause problems later on in life. That was an issue Courtney didn't think was relevant at this time.

"So," her mother said. "Is there an occasion for so much effort being put into brunch?"

"We always have brunch," Courtney said. "I can walk now and thought I should put in some hours. I don't want to always be known as the weakling of the family."

"I see. You should know we always just referred to you as the Pretty One."

"That is mildly better if not a little shallow."

Her mother laughed and expertly removed four perfectly toasted bagels. She was like Wonderwoman! Saving happiness one bagel at a time. What a legacy to have to live up to.

Courtney retrieved a bowl and began to crack eggs into it.

"More eggs than usual," her mother said. "Does this plus one have a name?"

The plus one did and Courtney hoped he'd keep it.

"Micah," Courtney said.

"I see," her mother said. "I'm guessing we should hold off on telling your father that this plus one is more than a plus one to you?"

Courtney spun around and found her mother smiling as she added more bagels to the toaster.

"The bagels gave me away, didn't they? Do you think dad will suspect anything when he notices the bagels?"

"We will have to wait and see."

Sighing, Courtney opened a drawer and picked out a fork. "I want Micah to keep his name."

"I'm sure Micah feels the same way."

"Why is dad like that? I mean we're only dating. It's not like we're engaged or planning to run away."

Her mother smiled softly. "You know that your father and I got married pretty young. I was close to my father. When I married George we moved to here for college, halfway across the country from my parents. I think your father worries that someday you might do the same."

"Then I tell him I don't plan to move away and that solves the problem, Micah keeps his name."

Her mother eyed Courtney. It was the type of eyeing that every mother seemed to possess as if she could see into Courtney's heart. One had to wonder if this was an ability given upon giving birth. Maybe the doctor handed it over along with the new baby. A satisfying way to level up to motherhood.

"Are you worried Micah would lose his name for good?"

Courtney turned away. "Who can ever predict the longevity of something and what dad will or won't stick to?"

"But you're thinking longevity?"

Longevity. End of the road. Rockers by the fire. No one used rockers anymore but that was beside the point.

"I don't know," she said. "But when I'm with him I don't have to work so hard to be...me."

Her mother hugged her. "Then let's wait on telling your father for now. Micah can win him over first and then we break the news."

"Sounds like a plan."

"What plan?" Courtney's father asked, striding into the kitchen.

"One that involves you setting the table," Courtney's mother said.

"I hardly think that requires planning when simply asking would produce the same results."

"Fine. George, will you set the table?"

Courtney's father kissed his wife. "Of course."

"Add an extra spot, Micah is coming," Courtney said, causally.

"Oh good, I wanted to run a new idea by him and get an outsider's view."

When her father left the kitchen with plates in hand, Courtney's mother looked at Courtney. "Might not have to work too hard to win him over."

"Yeah, now I'll simply have to struggle to steal him back."

With food made, the table set, confirmation from Micah that he was close, and her father none the wiser about the true significance of Micah's addition to the brunch, Courtney claimed the role of waking her siblings.

It was not a role to be taken lightly since the chance that they'd only fallen asleep a few hours before was high and therefore their reactions to her presence would be unwelcome, possibly violent in the form of a pillow thrown at her.

Courtney cracked open Miles' door and poked her head in. "Miles."

When he didn't stir, she crept in and whispered again. When no assault was given, she braved venturing further into the room. And anyone who had ever tried to wake up her brother took nerves of steel.

"Miles," Courtney said, poking the lump she assumed to be her brother and not a dead body that he left for his family to deal with while he went on the run.

If it is that, I'm leaving it for the next person to find and will say Miles was still asleep. It was Sunday and brunch day, no way am I dealing with that level of stress.

A vague mumble emanated from the pile of blankets. A solid sign it wasn't a dead body. That was relieving.

"Miles, brunch is ready," Courtney said. Another mumble. "I bought happiness."

"You can't buy happiness," Miles's sleepy voice said.

"Bagels."

A stillness that was different than the sleeping one of a minute before. "I take back what I said."

"Thought so. Get up. I burnt some of them so the pickings have decreased and you'll have to fight for your happiness."

With that parting motivation, Courtney went to Heather's room. Her tactic with Heather contrasted to Miles's. Instead of tiptoeing in, Courtney crossed to Heather's bed and laid herself across her sister.

"Heather, wake up," Courtney said.

The blankets didn't even shift. Courtney wiggled and slapped the covers.

"Heather, brunch. Bagels. Happiness. Family bonding."

Courtney continued to wiggle until Heather murmured something.

"She's alive!" Courtney said. "What a relief."

"Why are you laying on me?" Heather mumbled.

"Have you ever tried waking you up? It's like trying to bring someone back from the dead, except not as terrifying or easy."

"How can I wake myself up?"

"That's the question all dreamers ask themselves when they realize their dreams are not what they hoped them to be."

Ah, nothing to say to the poetry of my response. That's fine, my brilliance tends to go over people's heads. Especially if they happen to be the sister I'm laying on top over and the words literally pass overhead.

Courtney stood up and hit the covers again. "Come on, happiness is waiting downstairs."

"Bagels."

"That's right, bagels."

As Courtney descended the stairs, satisfied with the 45% chance of her siblings actually coming down, the doorbell rang. A smile sprouted on her face before her thoughts even registered the seeds being planted.

Oh look a cute boy is standing on my doorstep! Lucky me!

"Don't you look dapper!" Courtney said, admiring Micah's collared shirts and slacks.

"For church. Dapper?"

"A word from the 1920s that I believe should be revived today."

"What does dapper mean?"

"You know, fancy, stylish, puuurrity."

Micah reddened. Yes, definitely bringing dapper back for that reason alone.

"It should mean overdressed as well because I feel overdressed," Micah said.

In comparison to Courtney's cheer joggers, t-shirt, and messy bun, yeah it might fit as well.

"Yes, but we already flipped roles yesterday, remember? You're the Wise one, I'm the Idiot. We are simply embracing the change."

"Okay, but I don't have any wise things to share."

"Don't worry, I still have some left over. Today you will be imparted with the wisdom that happiness is given in the form of bagels."

"Doesn't everyone know that?"

"See, you're wise already."

A tromp of footsteps sounded behind Courtney. "Are we doing this or what?"

"And that is Miles," Courtney said. "He resembles a grumpy bear only 35% of the time. The other 65% he's a hermit."

Micah waved to Miles who grunted something vague and disappeared through the archway.

"Come on, coffee usually makes him into a more decent human being."

As they followed after Miles, Heather appeared at the top of the stairs. Both siblings making it to brunch, was there a better accomplishment in life? If so, Courtney didn't know what.

"Life updates," her father said as they all sat around the table with full plates. "Miles."

"I did stuff," he said. He poured himself a second cup of coffee. "I think I passed some tests."

"Truly motivating," their father said. "It would be more impressive though if every average American didn't do that as well."

Miles looked at his father over the rim of his coffee cup. "Are you egging me on so that I tell you something impressive?"

"Yes. Is it working?"

"I got contacted by Elliot McKenzie's publishers. They want to work with me again."

Yup, there it is. The Miles we all know and love casually throwing out an impressive accomplishment like he couldn't be bothered to say it. Ah, the shadow he has deigned to cast over the lives of his siblings. Who liked sunshine anyways?

"I knew you had something worthwhile in you," their father said.

"I'm sorry," Micah said, leaning in. "Are you talking about Elliot Mckenzie, the author?"

"Yeah, I designed her latest book cover," Miles said, stabbing some eggs with his fork.

"Wow. That's...that's really amazing. My sister, Destiny, loves her books."

At the genuine awe in Micah's voice, Miles paused in his attack on the defenseless eggs. "Oh. Thanks."

Sure, your family praises your accomplishments and you brush us off, but Micah says it and you give a response. Classic family life.

"It is amazing," Courtney's father said. "Now. Heather, can you top that?"

"It's not a competition," Courtney's mother said.

Thank goodness for that or Courtney would be the sad little driver in the back slowly puttering along deciding life was actually better when she could see the flowers and ignore the race.

"Of course," Courtney's father said. "Heather. Give us whatever information you want and we will be proud."

Heather sat back in her chair, holding a bagel. "I've found three apartments that I like and I'm talking with owners. If it works out I could move out by the end of the month."

"I take it back I'm not proud about that," their father said. "I don't see why you have to move out at all. Stay here. If you need a bigger office then we can figure something out."

"I feel like this should be put to a vote," Courtney said. "She steals my food."

"Yes but I also give you life advice, I feel like that should balance out."

"Depends on how good and useful the advice is."

"I gave you some last night and offered to hack into some computers for you."

Those computers possibly being that of Micah's friends. Maybe not the path to head down at that moment. Though Heather wouldn't do it, really. Okay, 27% sure she wouldn't do it.

"Fine, you can stay," Courtney said.

"I didn't say I wanted to, I was making the argument that your reasoning for me not staying was unfounded."

"But you should stay," their father said. "I'd miss you too much."

"You want me to live with you forever?"

"Yes. And if you ever get married then I'll build you a house in the backyard."

Courtney looked at her mother, who smiled as if they shared a secret. Though it wasn't much of a secret since her father was strongly trying to convince his daughter to stay.

"I'll think about it," Heather said.

"Okay," their father said. "Now that I've smothered you properly, let's go the extra mile. Tell us an accomplishment for the week so I can pour my love and pride on you that way."

If her father wasn't the strangest person on the planet, Courtney honestly would be surprised. A good strange, like a type of strange that made you nod along because you were amused and a little intrigued by it, but strange all the same.

She had a tiny fear that she'd inherited this strangeness.

"Because of my school app, I got contacted by San Diego State to design one for the university as well."

Under the combined shadows of both siblings, it's truly a miracle I'm as tan as I am. Thank goodness for the strength of the California sun.

"Look at my brilliant daughter!" Courtney's father said. "I'm so proud of you, you should never leave me."

Heather laughed and refilled her coffee mug.

"What's the school app?" Micah asked.

"Oh," Courtney said. "You know the app that we use for voting, announcements, and everything involving school?"

"Yeah."

"Heather created that her junior year of high school."

Micah stared at Heather with wide eyes. Yup, a sentiment that is used when this fact is discovered. The question that must internally be asked is: why do any of us try?

Answer: it's that or become a slug. And it's already been decided that slugs are a terrible insect to be. A butterfly is better. That means all of us are stuck in a cocoon waiting for life to improve us.

"You created that?" Micah asked.

Heather nodded and sipped her coffee. Why must her siblings be so impressively causal, it's embarrassing. At least act smug like any normal human being, please.

"That's really cool," Micah said.

Heather smiled. "Thanks."

"Next child, Courtney, life update," their father said. "Don't worry, Micah we are saving you for last since we will then dive into anything you say and you will become the topic of conversation for the rest of the meal."

Great, no pressure or anything on him especially after the lineup that's already come before him. Don't worry Micah, I will be the dam between you and the overwhelming flood.

Micah toyed with his fork and Courtney wanted to reassure him but didn't know how to without giving herself away and as a result having his name revoked.

Courtney stood. "I would like to announce that after seventeen years of life, I can walk again."

Her family happily applauded as Courtney bowed. Yeah, that strangeness might be hereditary.

"Thank you, thank you. I am proud that I will no longer be the Crippled Child. I can go back to being the Pretty One."

"Who said that was even your previous role?" Miles asked.

"You've been wearing the same shirt all week, I definitely have the pretty title." She sat back down. "On a less important note this next week I'll be getting Homecoming all ready."

"And that's just as impressive as you learning how to walk," her father said.

"Thank you."

"Now," her father shifted his gaze to Micah and Courtney noticed as Micah fidgeted. "The main event. Micah, what's something happening in your life you want to share?"

Why? Why did I think this was a good idea to invite him to brunch? It's as intimidating as standing up in court and defending your innocence. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration. But Micah looks like he's going to throw up, so maybe not that much of an exaggeration.

"Uh..." Micah said. "I'm not sure I have anything."

At the hesitancy in his voice, Courtney watched as her father shifted from playful to encouraging. The man knows people.

"Don't think about Miles and Heather, they are show-offs."

"I didn't even want to tell you," Miles said, slouching in his chair.

"What's something fun you've done lately?" Courtney's father asked.

Well, your daughter has been helping him redesign his life and in the process he won her heart and is currently in a relationship with her that yes, involves kissing. Oh, definitely can't talk about that.

"I'm...I'm not sure," Micah said.

He tugged at his curls and Courtney had to resist the impulse to take his hand and hold it.

"You're a senior, right?" Courtney's father said, his voice softening even more.

Wow, going all in right now.

"Yeah, I'm a senior," Micah said.

Courtney's father smiled and she saw how Micah dropped his hand.

"I'm guessing dealing with applying to colleges is something you're looking forward to but also dreading."

"Kinda. I...I don't know where I want to go."

"You don't? That's okay. What do you like to do in your free time?"

"Nothing much. Hang out with friends. Watch movies. Play video games."

"Are you part of any extra school programs?"

"Uh...well, I do help out with the sound system."

"Really? That's a difficult job. Is that something you find you're interested in?"

"Yeah...sometimes."

"I know a lot of schools that offer that as a major and could help you look into them. Do you see that as being a career path you'd want to pursue?"

"I...Um... I hadn't thought about it...all that much."

Courtney sat back. It's like watching a nature documentary with a Wildlife Expert slowly approaching a wild animal. Only this wild animal was her boyfriend and looked like he planned to flee and never return. Better take down the Wildlife Expert before he gets too close.

"Dad," Courtney said. "I believe giving him the third degree at brunch is in violation of the Geneva convention."

"Sorry," her father said. "I didn't mean to overwhelm you. I understand how pinning down what you want to do can be daunting."

Said the man who knew what he wanted to do by the time he was nineteen and created his own company from it.

Her father gestured to her. "I know Courtney had some trouble but you know, she figured it out. Just know if you need to beef up your application we do take on interns. Courtney's been one every summer since her freshman year."

Micah looked at her. "Really?"

"Yeah, I have endless business tactics and quotes in my brain to prove it. He's not a half-bad boss either. Though moody and strange at times."

"Keeps life interesting," her father said.

"Or manic," Courtney countered.

"Tomato, potato."

The strangest of the strange.

"With those inspiring words," Courtney said, standing up. "We're going to leave you. Micah has offered to keep me company as I finish Lynn's dress."

"What about dishes?" Miles asked.

"I made breakfast, so dishes are on you."

As they pushed in their chairs, Courtney's father nodded at Micah. "I'm serious, if you need help nailing down career options or colleges, I'm happy to help."

Courtney glanced at her mother and received a wink. Already won over by her father, this is promising. I think it will be a June wedding, I've always wanted to be a June bride. Okay, no she never wanted to be that, she wanted to be a superhero but again, no abilities had manifested.

"Thank you," Micah said, shyly.

"Anytime."

Her father smiled and Micah returned it, but as Courtney walked with Micah to the sewing room, she saw his smile fade. She moved closer to him but didn't say anything. She'd grown up with the contrast between herself and her siblings, it was not an easy comparison to live with. And Micah came at it already with his own personal history.

So yeah, brunch hadn't been a the best idea. The happiness bagels had failed her.

**********************************************************************

Baking Butter Cookies!

("Why didn't you bring all the kookies?" Haha sorry, very specific reference that popped into my head)

There you have it! Micah has faced on the terror that is Courtney's Father and survived. Do we have thoughts? Do we feel like sharing them? You share, I share, Jack. 🗯💭💬🍪

Not going to lie, I would find that family extremely intimidating. Sure, at first they come off normal-ish and easy to get along with. But just as you think that you're safe, that you can jam with them...BAM! They hit you with hardcore accomplishments!

I mean how are you supposed to handle that? How is anyone supposed to walk away not feeling like they are the slackerest of all slackers.

Gosh just thinking about being at that table is making me... *flops to the floor and stares at the ceiling* What am I doing with my life? Am I really reaching my full potential? Am I striving to carve my mark in this world? What mark do I even want to mark? I don't like knives, can I carve a mark with a pointy stick instead?

Oh jeez I think I'm going into a life crisis spiral! NO! Must. Break. Out. *climbs onto hands and knees and spins in the opposite direction and flops back* Phew, I think that counteracted the spiral. Easy peasy.

That is a tactic you can use yourself if you need it.

(Hahaha sorry, I just imagined a bunch of you crawling around in circles on your bedroom floors and it was glorious!)

Anyway, if while you were escaping your life crisis cycle let me know if you found what you want to do in life! Or what mark you want to make!

I love you, Ducky! Share some love if you got it: vote, comment, follow