Chapter 22: Looking For Friends, Not Having Much LuckAbi: And after that Mum's going to take me to meet our new neighbours, then I'm coming home and we're going swimming. Then mum said we could bake a cake together. What are you going to do today?
Beth: Work on my aspiration.
Abi: That doesn't sound like much fun. Do you want to come with us?
Beth: Yes. But I can't.
Abi: Oh.
Beth: Oh Dad <sob> everyone else has so much more fun than me. It's not fair... <sniffle, sob>
Dude: Oh darling, it's only for a short while and then it all changes. The trick is to learn how to have fun a long the way.
Beth: I gotta go do my extra credit homework. That's so unfair, I'm already an A student and I'm still doing extra credits... <big sniff>
Dude: You go get it done and We'll go to the park after. That way you get to play while you're making friends. See, having fun along the way squirt. Come on, Love you little darling, you can do this.
Beth: I just don't get why you can't split infinitives. It's a stupid rule.
Cassandra: Come on, only one more question and you're done for the day.
Dude: K, I can see two new friends for you to make over there, and Sabastian. Go get 'em tiger.
Beth: My name's squirt.
Beth: So Terrence, now that we're good friends do you want to come over to my house and play?
Terrence: Sure, that would be great... only I feel a little strange... maybe I ate too much, or maybe I'm hungry...
Beth: Woah!
Beth: I'm dreaming... I must be.
Terrence: Oh that's what I'm talking about. I look hot.
Beth: I've just lost a friend from my milestone requirements. I'm back to one.
So how's the chess going?Good, its so nice just sitting here doing basically nothing.
I think your daughters not going to make her aspiration milestones....Beth: Well, umm, happy birthday Terrence.
Terrence: Thanks squirt.
Beth, you ok? You're looking a bit stunned hun.Beth: I still need four more friends... and time's running out.
Yeah, I know. Go introduce yourself to that other wee kid... go get 'em tiger.Beth: My name's squirt.
Beth: Bye Terrence, see ya round.
Terrence: See ya squirt.
Beth: What? That's just mean.
Casey: Well, it was supposed to be funny.
Terrence: Do you need me to hang around for a bit squirt?
Beth: Arghh, I'm not going to be your friend if you say mean things.
Umm.. actually, we kinda need him...Dude: So how was your day Abi?
Abi: it was great....<long list of really fun things etc>
Beth: Mine sucked. I made a new friend only to have him grow up and become a teen. So I'm back to needing four more friends.
There's always Casey...Beth: He's annoying. And I'm already counting him.
Dude: You can do it. Remember if you don't succeed at first, just keep trying.
Beth: Thanks dad, that was really helpful.
<snort>Wow, Don! Still going for early morning jogs at your age?Don: Shut it Watcher.
I know I'm probably the 100th person to tell you this, but that itsy bitsy top ain't doing it for you grandma.Shut it Watcher.
<snort>Zest: Hey squirt, where you off to?
Beth: Morning Uncle Zest. I'm off to make 2 adult friends and 4 kid friends and I'm not quitting till I'm done.
Zest: Way to go squirt. Sing out if you want help.
Beth: Thanks Uncle Zest. Love you.
Zest: Love you to squirt.
Beth: So now that we're good friends I think we should celebrate with a selfie. K?
Malcolm: Sweet.
Well, nice choice of friends there Beth.Beth: I'm on a mission and I don't have time to be picky. Besides, he's actually got a nice side to him.
I think that's only 'cos you didn't let him get a word in edgewise!Beth: So your name is Terrence too?
Terrence Flood: Yep!
Beth: Sabastian? Is that you? ? ?
Sabastian: Yes, I'm so sad, noone remembered my birthday.
Terrence Flood: Oh, I feel strange.
Beth: Oh no...
Beth: Aaaahhhh. I can't do this.
Terrence Flood: Woah, calm down squirt.
Sabastian: Wow, that's freaky, It'll be ok squirt.
Casey: Typical girl.
Casey: Still got me as a friend. Right?
Beth: Yep, still got one friend for my aspiration milestone. Woo <nervous giggle bordering on hysteria>
Terrence F.: Wow, I look good.
Sabastian: I'm so sad.
Beth: So grandma, what's it like being old? And what am I going to do if I can't find anymore kids in the world? I've looked everywhere...
Bella: Well, being old is much like being young, only everything aches and for some reason your bladder .. well, never mind about that. As for making friends your own age. Well, I suppose you'll just need to accept that it has become as impossibility.
Beth: I hate losing. That sucks.
Bella: Least you won the game of chess. Right?
Quick, eat that Ambrosia now.Dude: I am, err, it tastes very strange.
Dude: What was the major hurry anyway?
Everyone was aging up all over town today. You know what that means?Dude: Grim starts reaping the elders?
Yep, and now nearly a quarter of your good friends are elders I'm not keen to take chances.
Dude: Why did nothing happen? Has it gone off?
I don't know...maybe it takes a moment.<long pause>
I guess that's that then. You're officially an immortal.