Hi Mum it's Sammy (clone 59 - part 12)

Charlie woke up in a bit of a mood. Teenage hormones kicking in, I fear. He was stomping around, slamming doors and grumbling a lot.

Finally to the relief of everyone else, Charlie decided to use the water slide for awhile.  I had an idea for an even better way to distract him from his mood.

"Hey Charlie."

"Yeah, Dad?" The lack of enthusiasm in his voice was very perceptible.

"How would you like a driving lesson?"

Charlie's eyes lit up instantly. "Nice one Dad, that sounds great. And then I can borrow the car, right?" Now there was the enthusiasm I was hoping for.

"Maybe Charlie, first you have to learn to handle it."

"It's a piece of cake."

"Wait till you've tried it, boy."

Donna seems to spend a lot of time talking to herself. She's been telling me about her new imaginary friend and all the fun they have.

It's a bit of a worry. I hope she makes real friends at school.

"Now Charlie, today we're just going to drive around the block a few times."

"Dad!"

"Seriously Charlie. You have to stay on quiet streets until you get the hang of the pedals and steering. Now start applying pressure to the accelerator." The tires squealed in protest as the engine revved.

"Slowly Charlie!"

"Sorry Dad."

"Now brake." The car came to a screaming halt and we both bounced against the seat belts. "Don't stomp on the pedals, Charlie. Firm pressure but not hard."

This was going to be a long lesson.

While I was busy with Charlie, Sunny was tending to Merry. Two of the prettiest girls in town. Of course, all three pretty girls live in my house, it's just that Donna was outside.

Hard to believe how fast Merry is growing.

We had to stop the driving lesson after an hour. It was stressing Charlie out and I had a ceremony to attend.

I had been invited to city hall to celebrate my career as a Fire Fighter. A presentation by the mayor and everything.

I'd actually forgotten about the ceremony. With everything that's been happening lately, it had been completely pushed out of my mind. I received a text message that the ceremony was due to start in 10 minutes that reminded me.

Fortunately I wasn't far from city hall when the message came, so I made it with a few minutes to spare.

There was even a small group waiting for the ceremony. A few of them were people I had rescued in the past. Others were interested bystanders and a coworker.

One of them even made a sign for the occasion. That's was pretty thoughtful of them. Or it shows that there simply isn't enough to do in this town.

"Sam Grant, would you please step forward?" The mayor had arrived and it was time.

"First, on behalf of the people of Barnacle Bay, I'd like to award you with this Medal of Valor." The mayor made a small down gesture. I bowed and he placed a ribbon around my neck.

"Sam Grant, in honour of all the services you have given to this fine city; for saving the lives of citizens, for the protection of property, both personal and commercial. You have seen us through earthquakes and near catastrophes with two important civic buildings." An assistant handed the mayor a box and stepped aside.

"In recognition of all that you have done, I am pleased to present you with this Key to the City."

"Thank you Mr Mayor. It's gratifying to know that the fire fighters work is appreciated."

"Make sure you smile for the camera," the mayor quietly commented to me. "This will be in the paper tomorrow."

He grabbed my hand in a firm shake as we both smiled for the camera. 

The ceremony was over, so I turned my attention to the people who came to watch.

"Mr Grant?"

"Yes Ms?"

"I'm Macy Monroe. I wanted to say how much I appreciated what you did for us."

Memory failed me, I don't remember any fires at a Monroe house. "Umm, when?"

"Sorry, I forgot that you don't know me. I work at the Science Lab. I wasn't there the day you were called in but I heard all about it for weeks after."

"How did Moe's samples hold up? I remember he was in a state about them."

"Everything was fine. You had it under control before any serious damage happened."

I'm still worried about Donna and that imaginary friend she talks about. Now she says her friend can do favours, like bring her food or clean stuff.

I'm really hoping that she grows out of this phase soon.

Charlie spent some time hanging in the sand pit thinking.

Then he went into our bathroom for a few minutes. We didn't really notice at the time.

Merry can't decide if the toy xylophone is for playing or for munching.

Poor Sunny still freaks out a little if she notices the baby eating toys. But Charlie and Donna both did it and survived the experience, I'm sure that Merry will too.

Charlie found out that the school prom is the middle of next week. He decided he better get acquainted with someone he can take to the prom.

He meet with Tulip Tomasi. I hope that's not over reaching himself. While Thomas and Marta are good people, they are rich and their children have had every possible advantage in life. Tulip could be a rich stuck up brat. She could be a really nice girl.

I know, that's not really my problem. It's Charlie's problem.

Donna's been practicing at the toy oven. It seems far safer than the chemistry set. She hasn't blown anything up yet.

"Merry."

"Merry."

"I'm sorry sweety but it's time to go inside. Can't have you getting chills."

"No mama. No wanna. No."

"Sweety, you have to go in."

Sunny has an advantage with this argument. She just picked Merry up and took her in. Merry stayed sulky for a few minutes but she got over it quickly enough.

Donna finished her first painting. I think it's quite good, but I would have to say that, wouldn't I?



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Bonus pics

Girls, walking in someone else's shoes is not meant to be so literal.

Poor Charlie - he was in the middle of having a teen party because the 'rents had a holiday. The game froze and on the second time, no holiday offered to them yet. So no teen party for the boy.