Chapter 35: Week 10, Sunday Evening - Monday AfternoonIt's Sunday evening. The party guests have all departed, or should I say de-partied (ouch). Debbie's husband Mortimer drops in for a visit. Suddenly Marilyn starts grimacing and clutching her belly. She's in labour! Everyone panics. Well, all except the devoted husband and father-to-be, who's more interested in dinner.
Yes, Marilyn's baby is arriving right at dinner time. And it isn't just Christopher - everybody is hungry. Sebastian has prepared a special meal in honour of Mortimer's visit, and soon the family and guests are sitting round the dinner table, savouring lobster thermidor while the mother-to-be goes through her ordeal alone.
When the baby finally arrives, Marilyn is very hungry and tired. But she holds up her new baby triumphantly, showing him off to everyone. Meet baby Andrew, a friendly genius. Andrew is the first baby to be born in this household.
The next day is a momentous one in its own way for Pippa. Her boss is so impressed with Pippa's performance that she gives her a promotion. After seeing Tamara scarfing down slice after slice of Sebastian's key lime pie at the party, I think the pie deserves a lot of the credit for this promotion. Be that as it may, Pippa has met her commitment to Mr Payne - she has reached the top of her career. And with four whole days to go. The new leader of the free world stops outside City Hall for a photo-op before going home:
You may remember that Pippa chose Politics mainly because she thought she would get some decent clothes to wear. I'm not sure mossy green is really her colour, but there's no doubt the medal and crest are impressive. But Pippa as leader of the free world? Scary prospect. On second thought, maybe not any more scary than some of the politicians and leaders we keep hearing about. Now, Pippa's elevation to supreme leader is particularly significant today, as today we are having a national election here in Canada. I promise, this is just a coincidence - I honestly didn't plan for Pippa's promotion to coincide with election day! But maybe someone planned it (Mr Payne? Pippa herself?). Pippa for Prime Minister? Better than some that are running, in my opinion. But this is not the place for a political debate, so moving on ...
Soon Gregory and Gordon will grow up and leave home. There are no more orphans for Pippa and Sebastian to bring up. They are both at the top of their careers. On Friday they have their appointment with Mr Payne to review their progress and, hopefully, take possession of their parents' estate. Lonely and at loose ends, Pippa strolls across the street to the Consignment shop looking for diversion. She meets someone new:
Recognize him? Gobias Koffi. Pippa immediately wants to know what his sign is, as you see in the picture. Their signs aren't particularly compatible, but lonely Pippa doesn't care. Her next wish is to kiss Gobias. At that point, I send her home. The poor girl is obviously very ill.
Knowing all the doctors in town has its advantages. Geoffrey and Morgana are happy to come over and examine the patient. Geoffrey gives up and turns his back. Morgana thinks, "yes, a very serious case. She needs the right sort of medicine. What can be done?"
Right, that's all for now. Time for me to go and vote. Maybe I'll vote for Pippa, but I'm not telling. Secret ballot, you know!
