Pleasantview, Season 2 (Autumn) - Goth
“Come on, Oliver! You can do it! Your Mama would be so proud.”
“Hello. Is that Mortimer Goth?”
“Speaking. How can I help?”
“It’s Loki Beaker. Remember, from Simcity Lab?”
“Of course! Why why are you calling?”
“I have some information for you. It’s about your wife.”
“Dina? I’m afraid to tell you, she recently passed away…”
“Bella.”
“Bella????”
“Yes. I know where she is. Can I explain in person? I’d rather not talk on the phone.”
“…Gracious. Well, listen. My son’s having a birthday party tomorrow night. We can discuss this then.”
It was just a small party, of Mortimer’s close friends. He would have liked Oliver’s aunt Nina to show up, but, well. He understood. Her sister had died here not long ago, it was bound to be full of painful associations for her.
Still, it was a pity.
Oliver Goth grew up to look a lot like his deceased mother, although he had his father’s dark eyes and hair.
“So… about Bella.”
“We’ve found her.”
“We…?”
“My wife and I. Her UFO crash-landed outside our house about a year ago.”
“What!!! Why didn’t you get in touch with me sooner?”
“Well… her memory was affected by the crash. I’m a scientist, and Circe’s a doctor. We hoped we could restore her memories.” And we hoped you’d raise the reward, but you’re not getting any younger and we want that money before you kick the bucket.
“How bad is it?”
“She doesn’t remember a thing about her life, only her name.”
“Not a thing? Not her husband, her family?”
“I’m sorry, Mortimer. Now, about that reward…”
“So, Bella. This is Mortimer. he was your husband, before your abduction. Ring any bells?”
“Your face is familiar, but… no. I’m not sure I can remember anything.”
“Nothing at all? Our first kiss, our wedding, our children…? We have two wonderful children, Bella. I know this must be overwhelming, but…”
“Hold on.”
“What?”
“Our first kiss… I think I might be remembering something. Could we maybe try recreating it?”
He’d known her for years, and kissed her a thousand times, but Mortimer blushed.
“Morty! Oh, Morty, my love!”
“Bella…?”
A thousand memories were hitting her at once. Meeting as children. That friendship growing into love, in their highschool years. A strong, steady devotion. Discovering she was pregnant. Supporting him through college, caring for their daughter. Their hasty, but joyful wedding. Mortimer Goth.
“I remember you. How could I have ever forgotten?”
“Oh, thank goodness. It’s good to have you back, Bella. What else do you remember?”
“Bits and pieces. There’s still stuff missing, but… oh, it feels so good to finally have some sense of who I am.”
“Not that I want to interrupt such a happy moment, but-”
“Oh, excuse us! I forgot you were there for a brief moment, Loki.”
“It’s fine. But I really would like to get out of your hair, so…”
“Right, the matter of payment. Take this.”
“What is it?”
“
§300,000.”
“Oh. Good.”
“Mom! Is it really you?”
“Alexander! My, how you’ve grown. You look so different!”
“And you… don’t look any different at all?”
“Hmmm, yes. I’ve been wondering about that.”
“Oh. Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“S’ok. I’m awake! Who’re you?”
“I’m Bella, Morty’s wife.”
“Daddy has another wife???”
“What???”
“Bella, you were gone for years. Years. Of course I loved others.”
“But Dina Caliente? Michael’s wife? What about Mike?”
“Mike died, years ago.”
“What? Exactly how long have I been gone?”
“Come on, Ollie, you don’t have to dance all by yourself like that!”
Alexander had never been sure about Dina as a stepmother, but he adored Oliver. He was so talkative and full of energy. He hoped Bella being back didn’t have him feeling too left out. Ollie was part of the family, too!
“Come on son, breakfast time.”
“Is that new lady my Mommy?”
“No, Oliver, I’m sorry. But she is Cassandra and Alexander’s mother.”
“Oh. His mommy that got taken by the aliens?”
“Yes, that’s the one. I love her, but that doesn’t mean I loved your mother any less, okay?”
“Okay. Can we eat now?”
At breakfast, Oliver was full of questions.
“So is red-lady going to have an alien baby???”
“Oliver! Where did you hear that?”
“The kids from Strangetown say when you get abducted by aliens you come back and have a weird green baby. Is she having a weird green baby? Is that why she’s late for dinner?”
“I don’t think so…”
“Hi, S’ander.”
“Hey, Ollie.”
“Did your mommy talk to you about her trip? Did she see anything cool? Rockets??? Stars???”
“Not yet. I’ll have to talk to her, though, it could make for some exciting-”
“I wouldn’t ask her about it just yet, kids. She’s probably traumatized.”
“Who’s traumatised?”
“Daddy says you’re probably traumagised from the space men taking you away.”
“Haha! I’m okay.”
“Oh! Good. So were you on a rocket, or a UFO? Or!!! Did you get to see the aliens’ planet?”
“Sorry, Mom. He’s just curious! I mean, I am too. The things you must have seen…”
“Honestly, Alex, I don’t really remember seeing anything. I remember Don’s telescope, then a bright light, then…”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing. But never mind me and my silly abduction! I am just dying to know what you’ve all been up to. Where’s Cassie?”
“Oh, boy. You won’t believe it, Mom, but she actually married Don. They live across the street now, and they have twins.”
“Whaaaaaaat? Oh, I always knew Cassie would do well for herself. We have to go over for dinner tomorrow!”
