The Higgs - Ch. 1
It was a warm summer day when the Higgs moved into the old townhouse downtown. Hadron taught high school science nearby, but he had bigger plans, and the city was sure to provide plenty of opportunities to further his career in the world of science. His wife, Alice, worked part-time for the local newspaper, and was very excited to see what the city had to offer her as well. Let's face it, you can report just so many bake-offs before you start to go a little nuts yourself.
Not a moment passed after signing the lease, when the sky clouded over, and the day turned dreary. Hadron couldn't help but wonder if this was a sign of things to come, and if he had made a huge mistake.
Hadron tried to relax a little, and enjoy a quiet evening in their new place. He reminded himself that it wasn't a rational fear anyway, probably just anxiety.
Alice was a family Sim, and she felt this was the perfect time to try for another baby.
Alice: Ronnie, do you think I look bigger?
This sounded like a loaded question. Was she insinuating that she was pregnant, or getting fat?
Hadron played it safe and replied: No dear, I don't think so...
Let's meet the twins now. Atlas was the first born, headstrong, and generally the leader of the two.
Seamus is a little more reserved, and will go along with just about anything.
Today they brought home a friend from school, Katrina Hart. Her family lives around the block from them. Her father is a police officer and knows Hadron through the D.A.R.E. program at school.
Katrina didn't stay long, so Hadron joined the boys on the playground. Might as well enjoy the weather while it lasts, it's supposed to be a cold winter. Of course, they always say that.
They played long past sundown.
Seamus: Psst, Atlas! Wanna know what mom & dad do when they think we're asleep? Jump on the bed!
Atlas: Nuh uh, they're always getting on us about that.
Seamus: Uh huh, I heard them last night.
After supper, Hadron and Alice helped the boys study.
During the night, Alice awoke with a surprise.
Alice: See, I knew I wasn't imagining it.
Hadron: I just didn't want to get your hopes up, hun.
The following morning, the boys were called down a little earlier than usual.
Seamus: What can leap tall buildings in a single bound? It's atomic-charged, hyper powered, Super CMS!!!
His name was commonly mispronounced as SEE-mus, which somehow morphed into the nickname of CMS; or Super CMS if he was in his Underoos.
Hadron: Your mother and I wish to have a quick word with you before you go.
Alice: Soon, you're going to have a baby brother or sister to play with.
Seamus: Alright, I hope it's a boy!
Atlas just smiled politely.
Atlas: Geez mom, why do you have to meet me here?
All that studying paid off, Atlas received an A+ on his report card.
The twins must be on the same brainwave, because Seamus got an A+ too!
Atlas: Hey dad, lookit... lookit!
Hadron started to cry a little. Was he really that emotional?
Alice: What was that all about?
Hadron: I'm allergic to dogs.
Alice: Or, did that dog bite you? Dr. Sim P.E. found that I tested positive for Lycanthrope, I've never shown any signs though. You can't be so trusting, the dogs are not what they seem.
After finishing up his homework, Atlas decided to hide behind the flowers and laugh at his mom's condition.
That face!
Alice: Ronnie, I'm worried about Atlas. He seems so resentful. I'm afraid he might do something to the baby.
He couldn't have been too upset, afterall, he had a good appetite.
Hadron: Oh, Alice, and you want to have 10 kids?
Since Alice pooped out early, Hadron had a few of the guys over for 'Sports Center'. Chase Hart, a hotheaded cop with an anger problem, started arguing with Robert Kim over a football play. The shouting woke up Alice, and she kindly told them to both to leave before things escalated.
Since the boys' grades had improved, Hadron wanted to see about getting them enrolled into a private school. That Saturday, they set off to get the boys cleaned up before meeting with the headmaster.
Alice tried to get comfortable in the waiting room.
Vivian: You know, too much caffeine isn't good for the baby!
Alice (mumbled): Oh, shut up.
Atlas: Can you make me look like Davey Havok?
What a letdown.
Seamus had an appointment with another stylist. Atlas thought he should oversee.
She gelled it up a little, Seamus was delighted.
Atlas: Hey dad, can I get a new board?
Hadron: You already have one.
Atlas: Please, it's 40% off!
Hadron: No!
The living statue outside the coffee shop was causing quite a stir. Everyone tried in vain to make him flinch, laugh, etc. He was really good!
Towns-person: Watch very carefully, they move slowly when you're not paying attention.>
Atlas: Ohhhh... Hey, I want to be a street performer when I grow up.
Hadron: No, you don't.
Hadron: Well, we had better get a move on. We've got a big day tomorrow with the headmaster coming over and all.
Atlas hated it when his parents carried on like this, especially in public, and even more so with his mom's big belly. He thought he was going to vomit!
Hadron: Before we go inside, I want to warn you. My wife is pregnant, and one of the boys isn't adjusting to the idea very well. So, if they act up...
Headmaster Kim: Relax, with your standing in the field of education, you're practically a shoo-in. This visit is just a technicality.
Headmaster Kim: Hmmm, from the looks of it, I'd say it's a girl. And, she's due any minute. *wink*
Just as Hadron called him downstairs for dinner, Alice went into labor. Headmaster Kim was right, it was a girl. Alice named her, "Haddie", after her father.
The headmaster quickly ate his dinner, announced the boys' acceptance, and left.
Headmaster Kim: Sheesh, some of the things I go through for this job... they just don't pay me enough...
Atlas saw him to the door, laughing behind his back the entire time. But, the poor old headmaster was too traumatized to even notice.
Hadron filled Alice in with the details while cleaning up after dinner.
Hadron: Well, he acted kind of odd, but the boys got in.
Seamus: Can I talk to baby Haddie?
Atlas: I knew it. All you care about is the baby! Yoo-hoo, hello?
The boys decided to get back at their parents by sleeping in their room that night. That'll show 'em!