"What do you think of my new look? We started filming today finally!"
"It's.. uh... different..."
Brann had told me he was going to get his hair cut for his new series, 'The Simpranos', but I was not expecting such a difference. After many delays, the show he'd been working out for, and promoting endlessly, was finally getting off the ground.
He reached up and ran his fingers over the remains of his hair.
"It feels weird. I guess it'll take some getting used to. You don't like it, do you?"
Immediately I felt like kicking myself. Way to be supportive of Brann's first big break.
"I ..do like it.. I do. Like you said, it'll just take a little getting used to, that's all."
'You're sure?"
"Positive!"
"It's me, sweetheart. Remember I told you I was going to get a haircut so I could pretend to be a bad guy on TV?"
"I remember now. Show me again how you're gonna pretend to get shot!"
"Haha, okay sweetie."
Cindy pointed her finger at Brann and pulled the 'trigger'.
"Bang bang! Take that, bad guy!"
"Daddy, you have to come watch! We're playing bad guys again! Bang bang!"
It was a scene the two had played out dozens of times, but neither one ever seemed to tire of it. I turned back to watch.
"Uuuuughhh. You got me!"
Brann clutched dramatically at his chest as he fell to the floor.
"Goodbye cruel world!"
"Yay! Again! Let's do it again!"
"Haha. Okay. One more time. Then I have to go take a shower."
While Brann was busy with his filming, I turned my attention once again to my grandmother's time machine. Bennie and I spent hours back behind the barn trying to fix it, and kept coming up short.
We finally narrowed the problem down to a broken keypad. Now to just loosen these screws, and take a good look at the wiring.
As I re-tightened the last screw, a flash of sparks sprang from the keypad, followed by a puff of white smoke. A strong smell of ozone filled the air. I groaned in defeat, thinking I had really wrecked things now.
I was amazed to see the keypad spring to life, red symbols dancing across the surface. Suddenly the door to the machine slid silently open, exposing the maelstrom of the time stream to view. Bennie only nodded matter-of-factly.
"I knew you could do it, Brook."
The unknown beckoned to me; I had to investigate. I glanced back at Bennie.
"Please don't tell Brann. He'll just make himself sick worrying. I'll be right back."
"Yes, Brook. I won't mention it."
"Okay then, here I go!"
My heart fluttered excitedly as I stepped through the door and was pulled into the distant past. I can't begin to explain all the adventures I had - that is a story for another day. Suffice it to say, it was everything I'd hoped it would be, and more.
My calculations must have been slightly off when I set my return time, as it was dark when I returned, and Bennie was nowhere it sight. Fortunately, it was still the same day as I had left, and Bennie was off making dinner for Cindy. I was relieved to discover that Brann had to work late, and was still at work, so my secret was safe for now.
"Here's the popcorn."
"I'll grab some sodas."
"Is it time?""Sit down, it's about to start!"
I flipped the remote over to the movie channel, and the three of us waited with bated breath through the opening credits. The long awaited first episode of the 'Simpranos' was about to start!
Brann and I had debated whether to let Cindy stay up to watch such an adult themed show, but she is almost 13 now, and mature for her age. Also, I think neither one of us were willing to withstand the howls of protest that would have ensued, if she not been allowed to watch her Papa Brann's first real performance on TV.
"Okay, here it comes. I'm gonna be on in just a few minutes."
It was about half way through the hour, and we still hadn't seen Brann. He had warned us he only had a small part in the first episode.
"Wait for it... there!"
"Eeehehehe! I see you on TV! This is so cool! That's why you had to have that funny haircut?" Cindy was about to burst with excitement.
We all loved the show, of course. But better than that, it received rave reviews. Even Brann got a mention for his 'realistic portrayal' of a gang member. It's a shame his character will be killed off in the a few more episodes, but all in all, it's been an amazing boost for his career.
"Okay, Cindy. Show's over. Time for bed."
"Daddy. There is something I want to ask you first. About my birthday present. I've been thinking...."
It was a week before her birthday, and we had asked her to think of what she might want for her birthday.
"Sure, sweetheart. Have you thought of something?"
"I want to go to France and meet my mom."
I sighed inwardly. I knew it was time to face the issue.
"I don't think she'll remember you, sweetie."
"I know, you've told me all that before. I still want to go and at least meet her. Pleeaaase?"
"Okay then. We'll go after your birthday. Just don't expect too much, alright sweetheart?"
The candles were barely cool on her cake when Cindy reminded me of my promise.
"When are we leaving? Ohhhh, I hope it's soon!"
"You didn't think I'd forget, did you? We leave tomorrow. You'd better get packed!"
"Eeeeee! I can hardly wait!"
"Oh, thank you. Thank you thankyou! This is the best birthday present ever!"
I sighed as I watched her run upstairs to pack. I just hope she won't be too disappointed. I know my sister, after all.
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