Rolling The Dice

[Caspin]

On with the show!

A Winter of Parties

William turned into a charming kid. Being a loner, he was quite happy playing on his own most of the time, chewing the head off dolls that weirdly looked like him.




Vanessa thoroughly enjoyed having a child in the house again and did not miss ambrosia one bit.




When Veronica had returned from boarding school everyone had been nervous that her horrific personality and the fact that there were now three teenage girls under one roof would send the household into meltdown. Somehow, those fears proved unfounded. The three girls got along quite well (once Veronica had stopped flirting with Peggy at least) and were surprisingly studious.

Peggy: What is this English Lit question even asking?
Vicky: Like, I totally don't know.
Peggy: I know right?
Vicky: It's as though they, like, basically expect us to read the actual, like, book!
Veronica: Ridiculous. I've seen the movie. Why read the book?




Winter arrived and with it came an incredibly large amount of snow. Endless snow days were called, the local schools closed and the girls were spared more perplexing homework. Vanessa took a sabbatical from her job at the theatre so that she could stay in the warmth and play Simcity all day.




The whole family had fun in the snow, building the same type of snowman again and again using a seemingly endless supply of wonky top hats.







They visited the winter festival and learned how to skate, although observing the antics of the townies was actually more fun! Is that lady falling, singing, or dancing (or all of the above)? Her skating partner appears to be the supplier of the snowmen's hats.




William's next birthday rolled around and Peggy's and Vicky's also appeared on the horizon. They threw one almighty bash to celebrate this triple whammy of cake-eating excess.

Vanessa had been looking forward to seeing Police Chief Hank at his son's party. He turned up looking old, with a cane and a lack of regard for the invitation indicating formal attire. Vanessa immediately turned her attentions to a younger candidate.




Peggy helped William with his birthday, everyone leaning towards the cake as though they were going to take a massive bite!




Then it was Peggy's turn, along with Vicky's. That's three whole cakes that need eating now. Tuck in, please!




Immediately following the triple birthday, Christmas arrived. The family celebrated with traditional waffles for breakfast.




They spent the day decorating the house and then held yet another party, at which some of the guests behaved impeccably, enjoying the food and chatting to William about constellations....




.... somes guest behaved less well, farting like troopers right beside Vanessa's chair ....




.... and some guests became as weary of the party season as I do, choosing instead to go into the front yard and leap into Grim's arms rather than face one more festive tune or eat one more damned pretzel.




During the party the now all-grown-up Vicky and Peggy chatted about the future. Please note they are not slapping each other here, they are dancing!

Vicky: We could leave this place now, couldn't we? Start again somewhere else, with fewer freakish memories?
Peggy: We could move to Italy!
Vicky: What about your mob family?
Peggy: Oh don't worry about them.
Vicky: They put a horse head in Mum's bed!
Peggy: No, that was me. I thought it might be good to remind her of my .... connections.
Vicky: Why?! She loves you like family now!
Peggy: Just in case. I worried that she might fall back into old habits and cause trouble when we break Caspin out of jail. I thought this might cause her to pause.
Vicky: Oh yeah, I forgot Caspin was still in jail.




Vicky: So you do have a plan then?
Peggy: Oh yes, don't worry!
Vicky: Hey, it's nice now we're both adults and can actually share a bed isn't it!
Peggy: Lovely, although obviously we will remain fully clothed. This is a family show.
Vicky: Yes, we will even keep our coats on.




Peggy's Plan

The next day, Peggy and Vicky went to see Minty and Ollie. Vicky had not been convinced that they would even be allowed in the house, but Peggy had cunningly enlisted the support of Milo before attempting the meeting.

Peggy: Hello Milo. Would you like to sniff my hand.
Milo: Sure. Whatever floats your boat.




Peggy explained her plan to Minty, who listened attentively.




Peggy: What do you think?
Minty: It sounds perfectly plausible! I'm in!




Peggy: Great! I will make the majority of the arrangements, but you and Ollie and Vidkid will also need to play your parts.
Minty: No worries!
Peggy: One thing is a little difficult, though. We need somebody on the inside. Obviously Vicky and I cannot participate and you and Ollie are both too well know as visitors to the prison, as is Vidkid. Any thoughts?
Minty: Yes, you could ask our friend who currently works at city hall - she'll help out! Her name is Wanda.
Peggy: Great, I will contact her to see if she can help.




And so, after a quick discussion to get approval from his feline overlord, Minty agreed to Peggy's audacious scheme.




Enter Wanda, stage right

Peggy had already decided to join the politics career, so had no trouble finding Wanda at city hall. Wanda's job there was to provide training programmes and she was happy to hear from a bright new employee. They got chatting about acquaintances that they had in common and from there it was easy for charming Peggy to introduce the idea of Wanda helping to break Caspin out of prison.




Wanda: Yes, I'd be happy to help to overturn this gross injustice, but how?
Peggy: Well, we need someone on the inside. Someone not currently known to Governor Flora.
Wanda: Me?
Peggy: Sure. Fancy a change of job?




Wanda: Hmmmmm.