19th, August 2032.
It is Cory & Patricia's first day of 1st grade and they are still asleep. Cucumber walks in their room with a spoon and sauce pan and she bangs the pan with a spoon to wake them up so they won't be late.
Cucumber: (Bangs a spoon on a sauce pan to wake the children up) Cory, Patricia, Wake up! It's time for school!
Cory: (Waking up) Awww man..
Cucumber: Come on! Go get dressed for breakfast!
Patricia: Yes, mom.
Pickles: I made French toast dippers, your favourite!
Cory: Oh boy!
Cory and Patricia jump out of their beds, take their PJs off and put on normal clothes, and they race each other to the kitchen for some breakfast. They hurried as fast as they could so they wouldn't miss the school bus. Cucumber & Pickles are already dressed so they can head to work for an assignment. After Cory & Patricia eat their breakfast, they wait outside for the school bus to come. The school bus came, the bus door opens, the bus driver looks at Cory & Patricia joyfully and welcomes them. Cory and Patricia find a seat to sit in, Cory is sitting by his best friend from Kindergarten named Theo. Theo is a lion who gets along with Cory very well.
Theo: Hey, Cory! Ready for your first day of first grade?
Cory: You bet I am!
Theo: It's gonna be cool that we'll be in the same class again!
Cory: Right, especially Patricia.
Theo: Patricia is okay.
Cory: Uhh, yeah, she is.
Back at the Shepherd residence, Cucumber & Pickles hop into their car and drive to the Daily Veggie workplace. They parked their car of where they parked, walk out of the car and walk into Editor Eleanor's office. Editor Eleanor was glad to see them and called them "future retirees" as Cucumber & Pickles are planning to retire next year.
Editor Eleanor: Hey there, future retirees!
Cucumber: Hey, Eleanor! What's our mission today?
Editor Eleanor: Well, we gotta wait for Vinegar first. He should be here any minute now.
A motorcycle revving is heard, footsteps are heard, it was Vinegar in a rush. He runs in to the office nearly out of breath.
Vinegar: (Panting) Sorry I'm late, the damn traffic kept me there, my wife Sierra was getting Vicki ready for school. Vicki was a little nervous.
Editor Eleanor: Traffic jams can be overwhelming. Anyways, your mission is to photograph the Busytown aquarium.
Pickles: The Busytown aquarium? That sounds like an amazing mission.
Editor Eleanor: Glad to hear it.
Vinegar: When is it?
Editor Eleanor: Today at 4 PM.
Vinegar: 4 PM?? That's an hour when our kids get home!
Editor Eleanor: Maybe they wanna go to the aquarium too.
Pickles: You're right.
Editor Eleanor: Alright, head on home and wait for school to be over so you can pick up your kids, okay?
Cucumber: Will do.
During the final recess of the school day, Cory and playing with his best friend Theo by playing football, or soccer. Cory scored a shot and Theo was impressed along with his classmates. Patricia looks at Cory playing football with envy. She walks over to the field to see if she wants to play.
Patricia: Hey guys, can I play?
Theo: Nah, this team is for boys only, you're a girl.
Patricia: Pleeeeeease?
Theo: No, get lost, Patricia.
Patricia: I'm telling the teacher on you! You're not fair!
Theo: Go ahead! Tell him! I can't wait to hear what he says!
Cory: Wait, Theo! Aren't you jumping to conclusions?
Theo: How?
Cory: Well, you're judging my sister before you give her a chance.
Theo: How good at football is she?
Cory: She's good, but can you give her a chance? just this one time? please?
Theo: Okay. Patricia, you can join.
Patricia: Yippee!
Patricia was ecstatic in joining the game, so she starts kicking the ball into the net. Believe it or not, she made an amazing kick into the net, which made Cory and Theo along with the other teammates impressed.
Theo: Woah!
Cory: That's nice!
Theo: I misjudged you, Patricia. You're not just a girl, you're a natural!
Patricia: Thank you, Theo!
The school bell rings, it's time for the kids to head back to class. Cory, Theo, and Patricia are seated in their classroom. Mr. Blank is talking about patterns and shapes to the kids. Most of the kids were bored of the subject, expect for Cory and Theo. They seem intrigued in that subject. As Mr. Blank asked if any student knows what the shape is called, Cory raised his hand and answered the question. He got it right. Minutes later, the bell rings and class is dismissed. Cory and Patricia was going to take the bus until Cucumber & Pickles are in the car waiting for them. Cucumber honks the car horn for Cory & Patricia beckoning them to get in the car.
Cucumber: Time to get in the car!
Cory: You're picking us up?
Cucumber: Yes, we are.
Patricia: But, why?
Pickles: Because, since you two survived your first day of school, we're going somewhere.
Cory: Where?
Cucumber: The aquarium.
Patricia: (Surprised) The aquarium??
Cucumber: Yes!
Cory: Awesome!!
Cucumber: I'm sure you'll like it there.
Patricia: Thanks, mom!
Cucumber: Anytime, Patricia.
The Shepherd family are driving to the Busytown aquarium for the photographer's assignment. Editor Eleanor even said it was okay for their children to come along. Cucumber parked her car in a parking space, but too close to a pole. As Cucumber opened her car door, it hit the pole and scratched the paint. Cucumber felt concerned and stepped out of the car and was so shocked about the scratch on her car door that she dropped a swear.
Cucumber: Awww, FUCK!!!
Cory: (Gasp) Oooooo... mama just swore.
Cucumber: Why is there a scratch on my car?!
Pickles: How did that happen, honey?
Cucumber: I don't know!
Pickles: Let me look. (Looks at the scratch and was shocked) Jesus H. Christ!
Patricia: (Gasp) Dad just used the J word!
Cucumber: We gotta buff it out.
Cory: Can we go inside now?
Cucumber: Alright.
Pickles: We'll worry about the scratch later.
Patricia: We're in trouble, aren't we?
Pickles: No no no, it ain't your fault. And sorry you had to hear us use bad language.
Patricia: It's okay, dad. We won't repeat it.
Pickles: Attagirl. Let's go in that aquarium and have a good time.
Cucumber: You heard your father.
The family all walk into the Busytown aquarium, Vinegar, Sierra and their adopted daughter Vicki are already there.
Sierra: Hey guys! What's the hold up?
Pickles: Oh, a scratch on the car.
Vinegar: A scratch? How did that happen?
Cucumber: Well, the car was parked close enough, but too close because of a pole.
Sierra: Ouch. That sucks.
Cucumber: Hi, Vicki!
Vicki: Hi, auntie Cucumber.
Patricia: Hi, Vicki!
Vicki: Hi, Patricia, and hello Cory.
Cory: Hey.
The family walk to the front for tickets, but they don't need tickets, because they are photographers, and the children come in for free. They walk in the lobby to figure out where to take photos. They do a little meeting to tell who goes with who.
Pickles: Alright, everybody. Patricia, you stay with mommy. Cory, you're coming with me.
Cory: Alrighty.
Vicki: What about me, pickled garlic?
Pickles: Vicki, don't call me that.
Vicki: Pickled garlic.
Pickles: That's not my name, it's Pickles.
Vicki: Pickle... Pickled garlic!
Pickles: Oh, for crying out loud!
Sierra: Vicki, you stay with me and daddy.
Vicki: Fine. See you later, Pickled Garlic. We're gonna see the most amazing fishes and you're gonna be so jealous!
Pickles: (Mimicking Vicki) Meh meh meh meh meh! Meh meh meh meh meh meh!
Vicki: (Kicks Pickles in the leg)
Pickles: Owwwwwww!! Why you little.. Argh!
Sierra: Come on, Vicki.
Cory: Are you okay, dad?
Pickles: I'm fine. What a little stinker!
Cory: Hahaha! She stinks!
Pickles: Alright, son, let's go.
Cucumber and Patricia went separate ways from Pickles and Cory. So they walk to the penguins first to watch them get fed.
Patricia: Mom! Look at those penguins!
Cucumber: Wow!
Patricia: Look! One of them is gonna jump in the water! Take a picture!
Cucumber: Okay! (Takes a picture of the penguins)
Patricia: (Laughs about the penguins diving in the water and swimming)
Cucumber: You like the penguins doing that?
Patricia: They're funny creatures!
Cucumber: (Chuckles) Yeah!
Patricia: Awww! Looks like that penguin is hugging its best friend!
Cucumber: Isn't that cute?
Patricia: Did you have a best friend?
Cucumber: (Thinks) Yeah, I have tons of best friends.
Patricia: Who?
Cucumber: Most friends here in Busytown.
Patricia: Wow! You must be a popular, mom!
Cucumber: I am.
When Cucumber & Pickles are done looking at the penguins, they head to the other room where there's an abundance of colourful fish. Pickles and Cory head to where the penguins are so they can watch them get fed with food, but it was too late.
Cory: I wonder when the penguins are gonna get some food? I wanna watch them get fed!
Pickles: I think they're already fed.
Cory: Aw, darn!
Pickles: Oh well, at least we get to see the cute penguins in general. (Takes a picture)
Cory: And I least I get to see this one swimming.
Pickles: That one sure is a good swimmer.
After Pickles & Cory get done looking at the penguins, Cory begins to feel curious about him and his mother.
Cory: Dad?
Pickles: Yes, son?
Cory: When did you first meet mom?
Pickles: (Chuckles) Long before you were born.
Cory: When?
Pickles: I first met your mom in the year 1994.
Cory: Where?
Pickles: Well, she was starting her job as a photographer. The mission took place in Africa. I was a photographer before she was. When your mother came in the office, I was amazed on how she looked, but she was just neutral towards me. We became colleagues of photography, we do our best to work together and get along with each other. Years have past, and since the year 2009, our relationship improved and received my first kiss from your mother. She even did it in front of the whole town.
Cory: Were they grossed out?
Pickles: I-I wouldn't say grossed out, they were all amazed, including Eddie.
Cory: Eddie?
Pickles: Eddie was mine and your mother's old boss. He retired many years ago.
Cory: Was he nice?
Pickles: You bet he was. Me and your mom, including uncle Vin were close. When Eddie was walking out of his office as he's retiring, Vin was crying his eyes out and hugging Eddie like he's never going to see him again.
Cory: Wow.
Pickles: Yeah, and who knows what Eddie is doing now. He pretty much.. moved out of Busytown to enjoy his retirement.
Cory: Tell me more about your story! It's already getting good!
Pickles: Okay, years after 2009, mine and your mother's relationship grew bigger and better all these years of getting along. Ever since the 2020s decade came, mom and I grew closer and loved each other more. In the year 2025, we got married.
Cory: What about me?
Pickles: (Chuckles) You and your sister were in mommy's belly at that time.
Cory: Oh, right.
Pickles: Alright, let's go in another area.
Cory: Alright.
Cucumber & Patricia were amazed at the colourful fish. Patricia was excited about that big fish and asks Cucumber to take a picture of it.
Patricia: Mom! Mom! Look at that big fish! Take a picture!
Cucumber: Will do! (Takes a picture of the big fish)
Patricia: Sweet!
Cucumber: I will be taking as many pictures as I can, I'm sure daddy is taking pictures as well.
Patricia: What about Vicki?
Cucumber: Uncle Vin has in under control.
After Cucumber and Patricia get done looking at the colourful fish, Patricia starts to get all curious and asks Cucumber something.
Patricia: Mom?
Cucumber: Yes, sweetie?
Patricia: have you ever had people who hated you before?
Cucumber: Even though "hate" is a strong word, but yeah.
Patricia: Who?
Cucumber: I would like to name those, but I don't remember.
Patricia: What do they look like?
Cucumber: (Thinking) Well, one of them was a big, brown fatty bear, one was a fat and greedy beaver, one was a grey cat who wants to hurt me and your dad, one was a dingo, one was a yellow dog who says mean stuff to us.
Patricia: Oh my goodness! They sure don't like you.
Cucumber: Yeah, but hey, at least we handled it all well.
Patricia: And did you say.. fat and greedy beaver?
Cucumber: Yeah. He was a no good beaver who built a dam in a waterfall all because of maple syrup.
Patricia: So, we blocked the waterfall so he can eat syrup?
Cucumber: Yeah..
Patricia: If he tries to take my syrup, I'd kick his butt!
Cucumber: (Laughs) Alright, Patricia.
At the Hollingsworth's end, Vicki is not very amused of the sculptures of the fishes in some areas. Vinegar wonders why Vicki isn't amused.
Vinegar: What's wrong, Vicki?
Vicki: This is stupid. Why are you taking photos of the sculptures?
Vinegar: Why not? I'm a photographer?
Vicki: Who the heck gets a job that involves taking pictures of stuff?
Vinegar: I do! My cousin and his wife does!
Vicki: Sounds lame.
Vinegar: No, it's not lame!
Sierra: Both of you, cut it out. Vicki, there's people who enjoy doing things. People love having their job as a painter, driver, baker, and even photographers. Do you like taking pictures of things?
Vicki: Sorta.
Sierra: One day, you'll get the hang of photography.
Vicki: Sure.
A bit later, it's time for the family to go home. Their mission was over. The Shepherd's all get in the car along with the Hollingsworth's getting in their car. They are driving to the Daily Veggie so they can turn in the photos to Editor Eleanor. Cory and Patricia wait at the front of the building along with Vicki. Sierra finds a way to entertain the kids by playing a little game called "I Spy". Cory and Patricia were enjoying the game, except for Vicki. Vicki didn't play fair by saying that she spies Cory, by calling him a name.
Vicki: My turn. I spy with my eyes, a dog with a black, smelly hoodie.
Cory: Hey!
Vicki: Yup, it's you, Cory.
Cory: I'm not smelly, you are!
Vicki: No, you!
Cory: You! You smell like dirt!
Vicki: Well you smell like poop!
Sierra: Alright, alright, that's enough. Here comes the three.
Cucumber, Pickles & Vinegar walk out the building in a good mood after Editor Eleanor was impressed by the photos of the Busytown Aquarium until they see Cory and Vicki bickering at each other.
Vicki: You smell like poop so bad, that you scare everyone off!
Cory: You smell like sewer water, that you look like a mud monster!
Vicki: Do not!
Cory: Do too!
Vicki: Do not!!
Cory: Do too!!
Pickles: What is all this commotion?!
Vicki: He started it.
Cory: No, she did!
Vicki: He did!
Cory: Baby!
Vicki: Big baby!
Cory: Bigger baby!
Vicki: Giant baby!
Cory: Enormous baby!
Vicki: Tremendous baby!
Cory: Colossal baby!
Vinegar: Knock it off!!! Both of you are acting like a bunch of babies!
After Vinegar interjected Cory and Vicki from their fighting, they stick their tongues out at each other. They've been doing it over and over again until Vinegar does it too. He stuck his tongue out at Cory, and then Vicki. Sierra also stuck her tongue out at Vinegar, he even passed it onto Pickles and Cucumber. Cucumber & Pickles stuck their tongues out at Vinegar. Patricia giggled as she finds it amusing that they're sticking their tongues out.
Patricia: Hahaha! I didn't know you can stick your tongue out, Uncle Vin!
Vinegar: That's what happens when your brother and cousin fights.
Cory: Your tongue is purple.
Vinegar: Oh yeah, I was eating a ring lolly.
Vicki: That's MY ring lolly!
Vinegar: What? My blood sugar was down low!
Vicki: You should've asked first!
Vinegar: I'm sorry, it was an emergency!
Sierra: Would you two just SHUT UP!?! We're going home, it was a fun trip, I'll see you Shepherds later.
Vicki: Bye guys, Bye Patricia, Bye poop baby!
Cory: Shut up you.. you.. you.. poop monster!!
Cucumber: Cory, that's enough. Let's go.
After all the fighting was finished, the Shepherds get in their car, the Hollingsworth drive to Vinegar's house. Cory & Patricia were seated quietly until Patricia asked her father something.
Patricia: Dad?
Pickles: What is it, princess?
Patricia: Why does Vicki hate Cory?
Pickles: Hate is a strong word.
Patricia: That's what mommy said.
Pickles: She just, never knew how to get along with boys.
Patricia: And Cory's friend didn't get along with girls at recess.
Pickles: Theo didn't?
Patricia: Yeah, but until my brother talked him into it, he thought about letting me have a turn in kicking the ball into the net and was amazed by my skills.
Pickles: You see, some people judge others without giving them a chance.
Patricia: Does that mean Vicki is doing the same?
Pickles: I'm sure Vicki is, but I hope she changes her mind about Cory.
Cory: Yeah, like what the heck did I ever do to Vicki? She's 2 years older than me.
Pickles: I know, and you two need to stop fighting.
Cory: Okay.
Patricia: But what about the scratch?
Cucumber: The scratch? Oh, for Pete's sake! We got to get rid of that scratch. Pickles, what can we do?
Pickles: I hate to disappoint you, but the auto repair shop is closed for today.
Cucumber: Great! Now what?
Pickles: We know someone who can fix a scratch.
Cucumber: Who?
Pickles: Our old friend, Jonathan.
Cucumber: Are you sure?
Pickles: C'mon, honey, you know that guy. He's good at fixing things.
Next chapter coming..