Group Story Project: School Daze

[Veritas]

I decided to start a group story project. Since school will be starting soon for some of us, or already starting for a few of us, I decided to do a school-themed story. For those who don't know the rules, one person begins a story (in this case, myself), then another person adds onto it, then another person adds onto it, and so on, until we all come up with a complete story. Have fun!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

School days! School days!
Good old golden-rule days!
Reading and 'riting and 'rithmetic;
Talk to the tune of a hickory stick!
You were my queen in calico;
I was your bashful, barefoot beau;
You wrote on your slate, "I love you so!"
We were a couple of kids!

Criss shut off the driveling song on his car radio as he drove to the Luxor. Here it was, the beginning of August, and already the retailers were launching their back-to-school shopping campaigns. Everywhere he looked, he saw stores displaying notebooks, lunch boxes, and the latest in school clothing lines. Electronic stores touted SmartPhones, laptops and other computerized paraphenalia to aid students in their studies, though Criss knew from experience they would be used more to aid students in updating their Facebook status or texting the cute girl or boy in the next seat if she or he was available for a date.

It was almost as bad as Christmas, he thought. It seemed stores were pushing everything ahead weeks if not months in advance--Valentine's Day right after New Year's, Easter in late February, Fourth of July right after Memorial Day, Halloween before the first week of September, and Christmas six weeks before Thanksgiving. There was nothing he could do about it, he conceded. It was all about the bottom line, the profit margin, getting ahead of the competition. The early bird gets the worm and all that. Couldn't everyone just relax and enjoy the present season without having the next one shoved in their faces?

He passed a local elementary school, its sign announcing the commencement of classes on August 29th at 8:30 AM. Memories of his own school days crept into his mind: the misery of ending eight weeks of summer fun; the ordeal of shopping for school clothes with his mother; the mixture of anticipation and dread upon the first day of school, wondering if his new teacher would be nice; then the long, dreary routine of rising, dressing, eating breakfast, going to school and coming home again would begin all over again until the end of the term when June once again rolled around, and he would look forward to that happy day when he and his classmates would clean out their desks and be free until September, which seemed a long ways away but came rushing up without warning as it usually did.

Those days were decades behind him now. Instead, his time was spent in a whirlwind of rehersals, tapings, performances, interviews, and endless meetings, broken up only by nights of partying at Las Vegas's various clubs and other hot spots. He was lucky to have a week off for vacation instead of two months.

The black pyramid came into view. Criss turned his sleek black Viper into the drive and parked in front of the main entrance. An attendant trotted over and opened the door for him. Criss tossed him the keys and walked into the hotel, heading straight for the production office, his home away from home away from home, it seemed at times. As he walked across the carpeted lobby, that driveling school days song kept replaying in his head. Should have bought my iPod, he thought.

The MindFreak production office was just off a side corridor. He slipped into the office unannounced so as not to disturb the staff at work. The first person to notice him was his eldest brother, JD, who was chuckling over a flyer he had been perusing at his desk. Curious, Criss walked over to him. "Hey, JD," he said casually, "what's up?"

JD looked up. "Oh, hi, Criss," he said. He held up the flyer. "I was just reading this ad for the new health store that's opening up here at the Luxor."

"What's so funny about a health store?" Criss asked.

"Well, it's not the store that's funny," JD said, "it's who's running it. I don't know if you remember him or not, but do you remember Sydney Krupermann? We used to go to school with him?"

Criss ran the name through the memory banks of his brain: Sydney? Sydney Krupermann? Suddenly, a connection was made. "Oh, yeah! Sydney Krupermann! Wimpy kid with the glasses, allergic to everything under the sun? Yeah, I remember him!" He began to laugh. "God! I haven't thought of him in years! What about him, anyway?"

JD gave him the flyer. "Well, he's no wimp anymore," he said. "Seems he's got into body building, and now he's got a chain of health and vitamin stores. Check out his picture on the back."

Criss flipped over the flyer. "Whoa!" he gasped. "My God!"

The name at the bottom of the photo read Syd Krupermann, but the bleached blond hulking mass of muscle and tanned flesh bore no resemblance to the frail, sickly schoolmate from East Meadow Elementary School. "This can't be Sydney," he said, shaking his head.

"People can change a lot in thirty years, you know," JD pointed out.

"Yeah, but this!" Criss exclaimed. "I mean, kids at school used to beat him up just about every day. I didn't, of course, but I know a lot of kids who did. I mean, like, this kid was like Milhouse from The Simpsons. Now he's, like, Mr. Universe!"

"Like I said, people can change," JD repeated. "If you want to meet him, his grand opening is in a week; you can meet him then."

Criss handed the flyer back to JD. As he did so, another brochure caught his eye, this one from UNLV. He picked it up and said, "Hey, what's the deal with this?"

"Oh, that?" JD shrugged. "That's where Dimi's going to this fall."

Criss broke out into a wide smile. "She got in?" he asked excitedly.

JD nodded proudly. "Yep, she got in. My daughter, the college freshman!"

The brochure went flying up as Criss cheered. "YESSS!!" he crowed. "Dimi's going to UNLV!" He held up his hand. "High five!"

JD slapped Criss' hand. "So," Criss said, calming down a little, "is she gonna live on campus or what?"

"Well, she's gonna stay in a dorm--excuse me, 'residence hall'--for a while," JD replied, "but I think she's planning to pledge a sorority."

The latter half of that statement was tinged with a certain uneasiness that Criss sensed immediatly. "You got something against that?" he asked.

"Oh, no!" JD demurred. "No, no, not at all. It's just that, well..."

"Well, what?" Criss pressed.

"Well, it's just that I hear so many stories about these organizations, you know. Like hazing rituals, and beer bashes, things like that."

"That's fraternities, JD, not sororities."

"Well, I just don't want Dimi to get hurt, that's all. And some of those sororities are a bit...snobbish, you know, very exclusive."

Criss shook his head. "Man, you've been watching way too many made-for-TV movies, you know that?" he laughed. "Sororities aren't the snooty, cliquish places you think they are; there are probably some very nice girls in them. And I know for a fact that hazing is against the law." He laid a hand on JD's shoulder. "Relax, Dimi will be fine," he assured him. "You're just anxious because your only daughter is leaving home and going off to college. Everything will be fine, really!"

JD sighed. "Yeah, maybe you're right," he said. "Dimi's a levelheaded young lady. I'm sure she'll do the right thing."

"Of course she will," Criss said. "Now, let's get to work."

(anyone want to take it from here?)

[Veritas]

This is from Rachel:

After the meeting thoughts started to swirl in Criss's head about his niece going to college and seeing a guy who looked like he could be tackler for the New York Jets that he use to go to high school with. Criss got up and looked at himself in the mirror and remember what he looked like in high school. The only that changed in his mind were just some scars from many stunts and illusions he's done over the year and the tattoos he had on his hands. The door opened and Dimi came walking in with a book that he could use for a door stop. "What the heck is that?"Criss inquired as Dimi put it down. "It's a book of classes I can take I can take" showing the book to Criss. "Chemistry if I took that I'd probably blow up the place"Criss joked. "I'd probably make a stink bomb" Dimi remarked. "Here's one you're father would love Psychology". "Yea I can do a paper on why my uncle is adrenal junkie"she replied as Criss laugh. "What about business you're good with figures and numbers. You passed all your math classes including trig". "Yea that was a fun classes". "I got to tell you I looked at your trig book and I thought I was holding it upside down"Criss said as Dimi chuckled.

[Veritas]

Hm, no offers? Well, I'll just have to continue myself...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Well, you've got plenty of time to make up your mind about a major," Criss said. "I mean, classes don't start until...when?"

"August twenty-second," Dimi finished for him.

That startled Criss. "Whoa! That's next week! There's not much time to prepare."

Dimi laughed a little. "Uncle Criss, I've been preparing for the past three weeks now," she told him. "I've got all my stuff sorted out and packed, I've got whatever supplies I need for classes, and for my dorm, and, like you said, I've got plenty of time to choose a major."

"You gonna be living in a dorm?" Criss echoed. "I mean, with a bunch of other girls?"

"Well, duh!" Dimi sneered, laughing. "That's what a dorm is, right?"

"But what about privacy?" Criss wanted to know. "All your life you've had your own room, with your own bath and everything, and now you're going to be sharing one with a complete stranger in a building full of complete strangers. It's gonna be like a prison in there."

Dimi shrugged. "Yeah, well, maybe in the beginning of the first semester," she said, "but I'm hoping to pledge a sorority and move into their house. I'm sure I'll get my own room then. Meanwhile, it'll be a temporary inconvenience."

JD's words regarding sororities and fraternities replayed in Criss's mind, growing more convincing with every moment: ...it's just that I hear so many stories about these organizations, you know. Like hazing rituals, and beer bashes, things like that. I just don't want Dimi to get hurt, that's all. And some of those sororities are a bit...snobbish, you know, very exclusive. "Uh, say, Dimi, how's about I find you an apartment somewhere near campus," he quickly suggested. "I'll cover the rent, and you'll have your own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen--everything! You won't have to worry about your roommates borrowing your stuff, or making a mess in the john, or anything like that. A lot of these apartment complexes have really good security, and--"

Dimi held up her hand. "Uncle Criss," she said calmly, "I know what you're trying to do, and I really appreciate it, but it's already a done deal. I got my dorm room assignment last week, and I'm going to try and pledge a sorority. It's not that I'm ungrateful--I really am--but I need to live my own life on my own terms now. I've got to call the shots in my own life, just like you do. You understand, don't you?"

For that one instant, Criss looked at his niece with different eyes. No longer was she the cute, cuddly little girl he used to entertain with lollipops and coins pulled out of thin air. Before him stood a grown woman, confident in her own judgement regarding her life. It saddened him a little, but he stoically accepted reality and said with a brave smile, "Okay, Dimi, you obviously know what you're doing. You're right, you should make your own decisions about your life. You're and adult now, and you should do what you think is best."

Then the brave front crumbled. Criss swallowed hard. "Just promise me, and your dad, one thing, okay? If this sorority thing doesn't work out, or if you get in any sort of trouble, don't hesistate to call on your family for help. That's the one thing you can always count on when things go wrong--your family. We'll always be there for you, no matter what happens. I know you've got everything planned out, but, as they say, the best laid plans often go awry. I should know, I've had it happen to me hundreds of times. So, think carefully about what you'll be getting yourself into, whether it's a sorority or a relationship with some guy you've just met or whatever, and if it blows up in your face, let us know. Promise?"

Dimi sighed, half acknowledging her uncle's wisdom and half irritated at still being treated like a child. "Okay, I promise," she said.

"Good."

Criss reached over and hugged his niece. "You'll do great, Dimi," he said, beaming with pride. "I want your college years to be the best of your life."

"Hey!" a man's voice cried out. "What're you doing with my best girl?"

Dimi and Criss pulled apart and saw JD standing in the doorway with an indignant expression on his face but a twinkle in his eye.

(okay, your turn, whoever you are)

[Veritas]

Hey, come on here! This is a GROUP story project, meaning anyone can add their own post to it. It's open to everyone, so join in! Let's get some more contributors already!

[RACHEL02189]

I like these reminds me of Mad Libs

"Very funny dad I should get going need to pick up one more thing". She gave her father a kiss and left. "God where did the time go it seems only yesterday she was taking her first step,"JD stated. "Makes you want to have one Criss" looking at him. "I'm not ready for that just yet" Criss replied sitting down. "Come on Criss you're half way to fifty what are you waiting for?". "JD I would like to be married before kids if you don't mind"Criss replied. "How long have you and Sandra been dating?". "A year and just to let you know she's not ready either"Criss said knowing where his brother was going. "Well unless you want to be the oldest guy with a kid in high school-". Criss threw some paper balls at JD. "All right all right I'll shut up"JD stated. "God you're worse than mom she keep hinting that she wants more grandchildren. Maybe that's why Costa hasn't had a steady girlfriend since we were at The Alladdin" as Criss snickered.

[Veritas]

Thanks, Rachel. Now, let's get some fresh blood on this thread, okay?

[Veritas]

Bump!

[Veritas]

Hm, no takers again? Well, I guess it's up to me once more to fill in the gap...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Criss and JD weren't the only ones musing about Dimi as a child. Her mother, Lyn, was feeling nostalgic as she went through her daughter's belongings stored in the attic. She sat on a rickety stool, sifting through a large box with DIMI'S STUFF scrawled on the top in black marker. Each item she picked up--a stuffed toy, a teen novel, a small photo album containing pictures of Dimi with friends and family--triggered a memory which filled her eyes with tears and her heart with longing.

There's a photo here of Dimi as a toddler, sitting on her Uncle Chris's lap next to her daddy. They're all wearing sunglasses and giving the thumbs up. She looks so cute! And here's Dimi's rubber duck, the one she always insisted on having with her for bath time. Here's her communion-confirmation certificate--I wondered what happened to it! Here's her old grade reports from elementary school--good grief, they're so smudged I can barely read them! Why did they have to switch to carbon copies instead of using paperboard like I had when I went to school?

She picked up a little white porcelain piggy bank and shook it. Dimi's baby bank! Hm! We were going to use it to save for her college education! She laughed to herself. It'll take several million of these to cover her tuition!

Tuition. College. Lyn set the piggy bank gently into the box. She had long accepted the fact that Dimi was growing up and would someday leave for college, but that day seemed so far off in the future that she had given it no thought. Now, that day was barely a week away, and she found herself totally unprepared for the changes to come. It seemed like only yesterday she was dressing her daughter for her first day of kindergarten; in a few days, she would helping her pack for college.

I'm going to be strong, she vowed. I'm not going to be clingy or weepy about it when she leaves. I'm going to show her how proud of her I am by smiling every step of the way there. When she moves into her dorm room, I'm going to leave and not look back! She's an adult now, not a child. Strong words, indeed, but they failed to lift her spirits. Lyn's maternal side still cried out My baby! My baby! I'm losing my baby!

The sharp sound of a door slam startled her out of her sorrowful mood.

[Veritas]

bump!

[RACHEL02189]

She turned around and saw Dimi. "I knew you were going to pull out the old stuff mom". Lynn got up as she wiped the tears from her face. "I just can't believe my little Dimi is off to col-". Tears started to fall down her face as she gave Dimi a hug. "Mom I'n not going to another state or country for that matter. I'll be here in Nevdad at NVU"she assured her mother. "I just can't believe this it felt like only yesterday me and your father were bringing you home from the hospital now you're off to college". The phone rang and Dimi picked it up. "Hello". "Ms. Sarantakos this is the dorm organizer we wanted to inform you that the college has decided to make the dorms coed but we will give you the opotion of either a man or a woman roommate". "Let me think about it I'll give you my answer tomorrow" and hung up.

"Who was that Dimi?"Lynn asked. "The school it seems the dorms are going to be coed and I have a choice of a man or a woman roommate" she replied. Lynn felt like her jaw was on the floor. "So what are you going to do?". "Easy see if Jordan wants to roommate" and went upstairs. At The Luxor Criss was looking over some stuff with JD when the phone rang. "Hello hey Lynn what are you serious we'll talk about this when I get home" and hung up. JD sat down and ran his fingers through his hair. "I know that look you had it when Dimi wanted to start dating"Criss stated. "Dimi's college decided to go coed and Lynn's ready to go postal". "Come on JD she's eighteen she knows how to deal with guys especially those guys who won't take no for an answer". "I can't let her have a male roommate I'll go crazy". "JD you went crazy when you found out you were having a girl eighteen years ago. Just trust Dimi will you". "I trust Dimi it's the bos I don't trust"JD replied as Criss started to muffle a laugh. That's probably what ever father said when we started dating their daughters Criss thought

[Veritas]

Wait! Whoa! Dorms do NOT allow mixed gender roommates!

[RACHEL02189]

Vertias it's a story not real life

[Veritas]

Real life or not, I know for a fact that colleges do not allow mixed gender roommates!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That evening JD and Lyn sat down with Dimi to talk to her about her choice of roommate. After much hedging, hemming and hawing on her elders' part, Dimi divined what their view was about having Jordan sharing the same dorm room with her, and she was not happy about it.

"Look, it's not like we're shacking up or anything!" she protested. "We're going to be so busy with our classes, we won't have time to get into anything, like, personal. I mean, don't you trust me?"

"Oh, we trust you, honey," Lyn said. "It's just that there's this thing called human nature which can override any plans for a platonic relationship between a man and a woman. No matter how busy you and Jordan will be with your studies, somewhere along the line the two of you will end up making time for getting 'personal', as you put it."

"Besides," JD added, "if your grandmother Dimitra ever found out that you were living with a man in a single room--'out of wedlock', so to speak--she'll have a stroke for sure. You know how she is about male-female relationships."

"But times have changed since then!" Dimi argued.

"Hate to tell you this, hon," JD said, "but they haven't changed that much. Guys and girls still want to get together and get it on, no matter what era they're living in. Besides, didn't you plan on pledging a sorority?"

"Well, yes, I am," Dimi replied. "That's still on. But I still have to choose a roommate for my dorm room until I'm accepted."

"Well, since you're going to be pledging into a sorority," JD said, "then it would make sense for you to choose a female roommate, since you'll be living in a house full of girls anyway. Might as well get used to it."

Dimi heaved a huge sigh that revealed her exasperation over her parents' point of view. Lyn put her arm around her daughter's shoulder. "Look, honey," she said tenderly, "please consider our feelings. It's hard enough for us to watch you leaving home for college. It would make us feel better if you chose a female roommate. We have only your welfare in mind. Jordan's a nice young man, but throwing you two into the same room...well, that's just not wise."

"And what if you and Jordan got into a fight?" JD chimed in. "It's not like you or he could just move out like you were in an apartment." He leaned closer, speaking softly. "And I'll let you in on something," he murmured conspiratorially. "A guy's bathroom habits are, well, not up to a woman's standards, you know. They leave towels and underwear all over the floor, you can't hang your stockings on the shower rod, and, well, I mean, after eating a supreme meat-lover's pizza or a batch of insanely spicy hot wings, they're not safe next to an open flame!"

Lyn nodded. "Believe me, hon," she said, "I know about sharing a bathroom with a man. That's why when we moved here, we made sure we had separate bathrooms. It makes for a happier marriage, I can tell you!"

"You won't have the luxury of having a separate bathroom if you room with Jordan," JD said. "You won't have any privacy in that department like you do at home. It may sound like fun to take a shower together--and I'm not hinting in any way that you do, mind you!--but take it from me: his toilet habits will make you gag!"

Dimi recalled the last party she attended with Jordan. He had made a bet with some of his buddies how many stuffed jalapenos he could down without self-combusting. The stench from the aftereffects created by those delectable little hand grenades lingered in the car all the way home. If she had to endure that for an entire semester...

With visions of male gastrointestinal vapors swirling around in her head, Dimi yielded to her parents' wishes. "Fine," she said, "I'll ask Maddie if she'll room with me. She's gonna pledge, too, so we might as well stick together."

JD and Lyn hugged their daughter, pleased and relieved she had made the right decision. "We're so glad, honey," they said. "We knew we could trust you."

Dimi was not so happy about it, but she realized she had no choice in the matter anymore. "Let me call Jordan and tell him the deal's off, okay?" she said. "He'll be disappointed, but..."

"He'll understand, dear," Lyn assured her. "Trust me, it's all for the best."

Dimi nodded, but she could not help asking Best for whom?



Brisbane Hall at UNLV was a hive of activity as the new residents moved their belongings into their dorm rooms. Trunks, suitcases, duffel bags, potted plants, cardboard boxes of various sizes, portable TVs, rugs, blankets and pillows shuffled from backs of cars and vans into their owners' assigned twelve-by-twelve-foot cinderblock cells. Those assigned to the upper floors had to wait their turn to use the only freight elevator so as to spare themselves and their parents the strain of hauling their luggage up two or three flights of stairs.

The incessant chatter between parents and their children competed with the thumping and bumping of boxes and baggage: Did they remember to pack their toothbrushes? Did they have enough money for laundry? Did they have Grandma's or Aunt So-and-so's email address? Did they have their father's or their mother's cell phone number in case of an emergency?Did they have their laptops and smartphones? Did they remember this or forget that? And on and on and on, until their exasperated offspring loudly protested that they were fine, and to stop making such a fuss and go already!

JD set a large cardboard carton onto a small, twin sized bed. "Well, that's the last of it," he said to Dimi. "You're all settled in."

"Thanks, Dad," Dimi said.

Lyn looked around. "Where's Maddie?" she asked. "I see her things here, but where is she?"

"She probably had to go to the bathroom or something," Dimi replied. "I dunno."

"Well, we got to get going," JD said. "Oh, just one more thing before we leave."

He pulled out a shiny blue Chase credit card. "This is from your Uncle Criss," he said. "It's for emergencies only, so don't go hyper with it at the mall or something, okay? He'll be the one footing the bill for it, and he'll be pretty upset if you go squandering it on clothes and stuff."

Dimi took the card eagerly. "Oh, I promise!" she said. "I'll take real good care of it, don't you worry. And thank Uncle Criss for me, willya?"

"You can thank him yourself by email," her father reminded her.

There was a moment of awkward silence, then, "I guess this is it," JD murmured. He wrapped his arms around Dimi. "So long, honey," he said.

Dimi hugged her father. "Bye, Dad."

Then it was Lyn's turn. "Take care of yourself, baby," she sniffled, choking back tears. "We'll see you around Thanksgiving."

"Bye, Mom."

JD and Lyn turned and walked out of the room, joining the sorrowful, retreating line of other parents whose children had also left the nest to begin their lives as college students, as adults.

[LoyalLee]

Boy does this bring back memories of when my daughter went to college! I remember getting her settled in an off campus apartment 3 hours from home then sitting in the car crying when it was time for me to leave her! My son thought it was hilarious! :(

[RACHEL02189]

I guess it's just you and me Veritas


That morning when Criss got to work he saw that they were getting ready to open up the store that Sydney-Excuse me Syd owned. I wonder if he'll reconginze me Criss thought. All of a sudden Criss was knocked over by someone. "Sorry I didn't see you there"a voice said as he helped Criss up. Criss saw it was Syd. "Krupermann nice running into you"Criss stated rubbing his shoulder. "Do I know you?". "Criss Angel". "Doesn't ring a bell"he replied. "Sorry force of habit Sarantakos"Criss said. "Oh my god Christopher dam I can't believe you finally became that magician you always wanted to be" he stated. "What about you if JD didn't tell me I wouldn't of recongized you" Criss replied. "I got sick of being a punching bag so my mom signed me up for weight training before I knew I was bench pressing five hundred pounds and looking like this I've got girls hanging off of me". Know the feeling Criss thought. "Why don't we go get a cup of coffee and talk for a while or do you need to be somewhere". Criss looked at his watch. "I've got time come on" and they left.

At college Dimi was getting ready to go to her first class of the seminister. "So Dimi what's your first class of the day?"her roommate inquired as she put on her sneakers. "Business 101 you?". "Art history and I heard this guy is cute". "Is that why you took the class because he's cute" Dimi stated. "Why not half the teachers here could be my grandfather but I'll say this if your Uncle Criss had a class here I'd take it". "You and the whole female students in this place incuding the teachers. I'll see you for lunch" amd Dimi left

[Veritas]

Sorry for the delay, but I've been preoccupied with painting my room and getting my brakes fixed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
At the Luxor Deli Cafe, Criss and Syd sat talking about their lives, past and present, while sipping on foamy cappucinos. It was early and the place was all but deserted, so they could converse without the worry of being interrupted by Criss' overzealous fans. Syd had listened in stunned disbelief to Criss' retelling of his colorful career as a magician and escape artist, still unable to connect him with the scrawny kid he remembered from East Meadow, Long Island. Criss' simple inquiry, "So, what's your story?", jolted him back to his senses. Syd drew a deep breath and began to open up. From the heaviness of it, Criss could tell it wasn't going to be too pleasant.

"Well, my real mom died when I was, oh, eight or nine," Syd began. "You remember how I had been when I was a kid--weak, sick, had a ton of allergies."

Criss nodded. Sydney Krupermann had spent more time with the school nurse than he did in class, it seemed, whether it was for some allergic reaction or after an attack by school bullies. It was a wonder he made it through an entire school year without expiring.

"She was always taking me to the doctor for some reason or other, even on those rare days when I felt fine," Syd went on. "Well, about a week or two after Mom's funeral, Dad took me to some specialist to find out just what it was that was making me sick all the time. You know what he found out?"

"What?"

"I didn't have any allergies--none whatsoever!"

Criss was taken aback. "You didn't?"

"Nope. It turned out I wasn' the one who was sick--it was Mom. You ever hear of Munchausen syndrome?"

"No."

"It's a form of mental illness where the person makes himself or herself sick on purpose so they could be the center of attention. Sometimes they make their kids sick for the same reason. Mom had been faking my illnesses all the time, just to get attention from all the doctors and nurses. She even went so far as to spike my food with drugs to make me sick so she would have an excuse to take me to the hospital! It's a wonder I'm still alive," Syd sniffed.

"True that," Criss said, "but how'd they find out about it? Your mom's syndrome, I mean."

"It was that last checkup after the funeral that clinched it," Syd explained. "That specialist Dad took me to knew about it, so he managed to figure it out. Smart guy."

"That's pretty sad."

Syd nodded. "It is. Took me two years to recover after that, but I was still pretty weak, though. I was still picked on, but at least I was a bit healthier, healthy enough to run away at least." He drained his coffee mug in one swallow. "Dad remarried when I was ten--wonderful woman, a nutritionist if you can believe my luck. She teaches yoga to boot. Anyway, she was the one who got me into the healthy lifestyle, first by signing me up for sports, then body building." Syd smiled. "Man, I can't tell you how much I'm indebted to her--she literally saved my life, dude! By the time I was sixteen, I was bulking up enough to make varsity. Anyway, the rest is history--I joined the Marines after high school, then went to college to study physical fitness, then I started opening my own chain of health stores. This is my first one out here in the Southwest, by the way."

"Why not out in LA?" Criss asked. "They go for the healthy lifestyle out there big time."

Syd shook his head. "Too much competition," he replied. "I got to go where it's needed most. And with all those mile-long buffets you got out here in Sin City, I figured you folks could use a little help," he chuckled.

Criss held up his hands. "Hey, man, I keep a sensible diet," he protested. "And I even got my own gym at Serenity."

"Serenity?"

"That's my crib, out in Henderson, about forty miles from here. Nice place, if you wanna come and visit."

"Well, it's tempting, but I'm not going to be here very long. I got to get back to the main office in New York in a few days. Business, you know, plus the wife and kids."

"Oh, you're married?"

"Twenty-six years," Syd replied proudly, "with two teenage boys. Matter of fact, my oldest son, Quay, is going to NYU this year. He's gonna be a dietician or something. Anyway, his interest is food safety, especially food contamination."

"Sounds interesting."

"Yeah. I think it had something to do with Mom--my real mom--trying to poison me when I was a kid." Syd shrugged. "Who knows? He just might be called in to some sort of CSI situation--wife slipping some arsenic in her husband's meatloaf to get the insurance money, something like that."

Criss laughed at that. "You know, my niece, Dimi, is going to UNLV this year. Don't know what she's going to major in, though. Business, probably."

"What's UNLV?"

"University of Nevada, Las Vegas."

Now it was Syd's turn to laugh. "Going to college in Las Vegas! Boy, I bet they got an interesting curriculum! What do they got there? Blackjack 101? Introductory roulette? Booking odds in math class?"

"Ha, ha, Syd, very funny," Criss sneered. "Actually, I don't know a lot about it, but I know they have a great business college there."

"Not surprising, with all the billions of dollars passing through here," Syd retorted.

"Yeah, well, it's still a business," Criss said with a shrug. "Speaking of which," he added, rising from his chair, "I got my own to attend to."

Syd also rose. "Yeah, I gotta get back to mine, too," he said. He extended a beefy hand. "It's been nice talking to you, Christopher."

Criss took Syd's hand and shook it. "Back at you, Syd, and call me Criss. Hey, swing by the production office sometime before you leave--I'm pretty sure JD and Costa would like to see you again."

"Might just do that," Syd said. "See ya."

"See ya, Syd."

The two men parted ways, Syd to his new store, Criss to the office, each amazed at the changes in the other's life after so many years. The scrawny kid who annoyed everyone with card tricks becomes the biggest draw in Vegas, and the sickly waif bullied throughout grade school beefs up to Mr. Universe proportions. True, a lot can happen in over four decades, but still!

[RACHEL02189]

When Criss got back he was the only one there which left Criss to think about the future. Was he ready to take that next step with Sandra. Even thou his first marriage started out good but ended with a dragged out divorce. MAYBE I'M JUST NERVOUS THAT IF I DO THIS AGAIN WILL IT KEEP GOING OR AM I GOING TO END UP IN DIVORCE COURT AGAIN. There was another reason Criss wanted this he wanted to start a family like JD did. As JD said he was half way towards turning fifty and he wanted to be around to see his future children graduate high school before it was time to meet his father at the pearly gates. Another thing that popped into his mind was if Sandra was ready for this. Would she say no and leave Criss feeling like an idiot. Criss turned his head and saw a crowd near one of the water foundations.

He went out and walked to the crowd to see a guy proposing to a woman which she happily accepted with tears falling down her face. For some reason Criss saw himself proposing to Sandra. Criss rubbed his eyes as the guy put the ring on his girl's finger. I'm going to ask Sandra to marry me and Criss left. When JD and Costa got back they saw Criss was typing on the computer. "What are you doing?" as they spooked Criss who spilled his hot coffee in his lap. ":mad:!!!"Criss exclaimed as he got up. "Sorry I guess that was hot coffee". "Thanks if I can't have kids I'm blaming you guys. I'm going to Believe and see if I have any pants in my dressing room". After Criss made sure nobody was around or cameras he jogged over to Believe. Not realizing he left his computer on Costa looked at what Criss was doing. "I don't believe it" he stated. "What Criss playing on-line poker and winning for once"JD inquired. "No Criss is looking at engagement rings for women". JD looked over Costa's shoulder. "I don't believe Criss is ready to take the plunge again"

[Veritas]

Twilight was creeping over the horizon, but a small side street just off the UNLV campus was alive with the sound of thumping hip-hop music and shrieking, cheering revellers. It was the annual beginning-of-term street-party mixer, the first social event held on the first weekend of the new semester. For new students, it was their official introduction to college life with all the freedom that came with it, a celebration of their newfound independence, while for upper classmen, it was the time to get reaquainted with old friends. It was also the time when fraternities and sororities covertly sized up the new crop of freshies for potential pledging before Rush Week. In any case, it was the place to be that Saturday night.

One new student walked tentatively, nervously, among the partygoers, feeling like a sheep among wolves. Dimi had come along with Maddie and a few friends who had emphatically insisted she attend this bash. "It's tradition," they had told her, "and it's a great way to meet guys. Come on, it'll be fun! You don't want to wimp out on us, do you?"

Dimi had certainly not wanted to wimp out, so she gamely went along, half-heartedly reassuring herself that there was no harm in attending this event. Five minutes after arriving, however, she began to feel some misgivings about it. Even by Sin City standards, it was louder, more raucous, and more drunken than any club she had been in, with or without her Uncle Criss. A deejay booth, flanked by a wall of giant Jackhammer speakers on either side, thundered out the latest hip-hop and rap tunes, the vibrations from which registered eight on the Richter scale. Beer flowed like water at the Bellagio fountains, consumed with gusto by the partiers via anything that could hold liquid: bottles, cans, plastic cups, pitchers, beer steins, boots, even through funnels hooked up to hoses poured straight into people's mouths! The very air reeked of cheap beer and urine from those who relieved themselves behind the trees and in the bushes when they couldn't wait in line long enough to use the portapotties.

When they weren't drinking themselves into a stupor, the revellers were dancing wildly in the street. Some had stripped themselves to the waist--even the women!--as they gyrated to the beat of the nonstop music. A few couples slipped away from the party and ducked into whatever shelter offered privacy, only to return a long while later, hand in hand and smiling, for a few more beers and some more socializing.

Dimi felt overwhelmed by this youthful bacchanal. All the dire warnings her parents had given her about college, augmented by her strict Greek Orthodox upbringing, echoed in the back of her mind. Her first instinct was to run away, go back to the safety of her dorm room before the police showed up and arrested everybody, but Maddie and company kept urging her on, telling her not to be such a wallflower, to go and have fun. It was college, for God's sake, not a kiddie party! You're free! You're an adult! You can do anything you want! Enjoy yourself! Spurred on by peer pressure, Dimi drew a deep breath and plunged into the drunken melee.

Anyone want to take it from here?

[Veritas]

Hellooooooo! Any takers here? Come on, join in! It can't be just Rachel and myself doing this!

[RACHEL02189]

When Dimi woke up the next day her head was pounding. "Dimi you up"a voice called out. Dimi pulled the covers over her head. "Stop talking"she replied as her friend giggled. "I told you to go easy with those jello shots" sitting on Dimi's bed with some aspirian and Water. Dimi pulled the covers back and took the asprian . "Did I do anything that might end up on youtube or ruin my uncle's reputation?"she asked. "You came close my friend Niel took you back to the dorms before you did". "God I need to take a shower I smell like puke and Grey goose"she remarked. Back at the Luxor Criss was having some breakfast when Costa and JD came in. "What is that smell?"Costa asked. "Good did you leave your shoes in here again"JD said to Costa trying not to gag. "You guys are so funny I'm just having some breakfast"Criss stated finishing it. "Not that you're done go brush your teeth and get some mints or gums while your at it" JD said.

Criss was about to leave when the phone rang. "Hello hey Sandra I was wondering if maybe we could go somewhere to gether like maybe Mexico. Really yea I'll make the plans I'll call you with more details bye" and hung up. "So you and Sandra are going to Mexico interesting"Costa remarked. "Yea"JD replied. "What are you getting at?"Criss asked. "All right when you went to change your pants we saw you were looking at engagement rings"JD admitted. "So you're going to ask Sandra to marry you". "Yes but don't tell mom I want to see if Sandra will say yes before mom tells everyone in the tri state area"Criss remarked as JD snicked. "Well don't worry we won't say a word to mom"Costa said and gave Criss a hug.

[Veritas]

Dear Dimi:

Hope this letter finds you well in college. How are your classes going? Are your professors nice? Did you decide on a major, or are you still undeclared? Are you eating well? We know dorm food is not the greatest, but it's no excuse to pig out on junk food from the vending machines. Do you have enough money? We trust you didn't already max out the credit card your Uncle Christopher gave you.

Did you pledge a sorority as you had planned yet? Please say you didn't go to any wild frat parties during your first week! We don't want anything bad to happen to our sweet girl, you know. We want you to make friends at college, but be careful--there are too many predatory types out there!

Believe it or not, your Uncle Christopher is contemplating marriage to Sandra. He was out looking at engagement rings just yesterday at the jewelry store at the Luxor. Don't spread the word around just yet, as nothing is official--your famous uncle's celebrity makes him a target for the rumor mill, and even a hint of marriage will send the paparazzi after him like a pack of wolves.

Your grandmother is doing well back in New York. She may be coming to LV for the winter--the cold has become too much for her to handle, plus the danger of slipping on the ice could result in a broken hip at her age. If you're lucky, she could come up to see you on campus! Wouldn't that be nice?

Remember, if you need anything, just call. We're here to help you any way we can. No matter what happens, you can always count on your family.

Write back soon. Love ya, sweetie!

Mom and Dad

PS: Are you coming home for Thanksgiving? Let us know soon.

[Veritas]

bump!

[RACHEL02189]

At the house Criss was looking at some stuff on-line when JD came in. "I thought I'd find you here what are you looking at". "Just thinking"he replied. "Well power it down you have a meeting". Criss turned off his computer but JD noticed as Criss got up he looked like he is in some discomfort. "You all right Criss?"JD asked. "I'm not sure I've just been uncomfortable when I'm standing"he replied. "You probably pulled something when you helped Costa move his furniture out of his apartment". "Also I've got heartburn"Criss replied. "How bad?"JD inquired. "You can have a cook-out in my chest" as Criss burped. "Have you noticed any lumps on yourself?"JD asked. "Why?". "Because some of the symptoms you're talking about means you could have a Herina". Criss pulled up his shirt and JD saw one on his abdomen.

"Congratulation Criss you've got a herina you need to see a doctor". "Sometimes I wonder if you went to medical school JD" asCriss looked up a number. "No I've got a nurse for a wife so I learn a few things from her"he stated as Criss dialed a number. "Well if I need surgery will leave to professional"Criss said as JD chuckled.

[RACHEL02189]

I'LL ADD ANOTHER

Back in the dorms Dimi was reading the letter her mother sent her. "Holy smokes"she said as her friend looked up. "What's up Dimi your uncle cutting himself into thirds this time". "No he's thinking of taking the plunge again"she replied with a smile on her face. Her friend walked over. "Wow antidepressant will sky rocket when your uncle's fans find out this" as Dimi snickered. Back at Serenity Criss was on the phone as Sandra walked in. "Thanks I'll see you tomorrow" and hung up. Sandra saw Criss was in a bit of pain as he got up. "Christopher you all right?". "I've got a herina"Criss replied. "Is it bad?"she inquired. "Nothing a few hours under anesthesia won't cure"he replied. "When are you having surgery?". "Tomorrow I'm flying to Los Angeles to have it"Criss remarked. "Why Los Angeles and not here". "The doctor can't make it out here so I'm flying to him. (burp) Excuse me"Criss replied. "Anyone coming with you". "Costa don't worry it's just a hiatal hernia". Sandra softly gave Criss a hug and a kiss.

[Veritas]

Whew! It's been eight months since anyone updated this story. Better get it going again! Anyone reading this can add onto it.
*********
Dear Dimi:

Hello, it's us again, your loving parents. Hope all your classes are going well. Have you decided on joining a sorority yet?

We got some bad news on this side: your Uncle Christopher has developed a hiatial hernia and has to have an operation in LA. They say it's not too serious, but anything requiring surgery is not to be taken lightly. Please pray for his recovery. Still no official word about his engagement to Sandra (remember: don't go spreading it around.)

How are you doing on cash? Did you find a part-time job yet? Don't let it interfere with your schoolwork--that's why you're there in the first place. We are all proud of you and want you to succeed in your chosen field.

Love,

Mom and Dad.



"So, Quay tells me he's got to take a course in nutrition," Syd Krupermann told JD as he leaned over the counter of the Luxor's new health store. "I asked him why bother since he pratically grew up in a vitamin store and his mother's a nutritionist herself. But, they said it was required, so..."

JD had stopped in Syd's store to pick up some Omega-3 for his mother that morning. Being old schoolmates, they had fallen to chatting about this and that: their marriages, their careers, their families, and now their kids in college.

"Well, he'll ace that class for sure, then," JD said.

"Ace it?" Syd echoed. "Hell, he could teach it! He knows every vitamin from A to zinc and what it does!"

JD chuckled. "So, how's everything on your end?" Syd asked.

"Well, Dimi's planning to join a sorority--didn't say which one. I'm sure she'll be okay."

Syd smiled. "I know what you're thinking. You're afraid she'll end up in some snobbish clique or the female version of Animal House, right? Don't sweat it, dude! My wife's niece belongs to Delta Gamma, and they're the most civic-minded group of girls you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting--not a snob or a slob in the bunch! These Greek organizations have a lot of fun, sure, but they do have high standards of conduct. Oh, sure, the frats have the occasional beer bash, but they're Boy Scouts compared to the stereotypes shown in the movies or on TV. Trust me, joining a sorority will be the best thing your daughter will ever do. The connections will help her even after graduation. Anyway, it looks damn good on a resume, let me tell you!"

JD smiled. "Thanks for the pep talk, Syd,"

Suddenly, he remembered why he had stopped in the store in the first place. "Oh, I'm gonna need some Omega-3 for Mom."

Syd pointed down an aisle. "First shelf to your right."

JD walked to the shelf where the Omega-3 was kept. "So, how's that crazy brother of yours doing?" Syd asked.

JD walked back to the counter, "Christopher came down with a hiatial hernia a few days ago--"

Syd whistled. "That's bad."

"Yeah, he was pretty sick for a while," JD concurred. "He flew to LA for the operation--came through with flying colors, as always. He'll be home by this weekend to rest up." He sniffed in derision. "If we can get him to rest up, that is."

"A real workaholic, huh?"

"Oh, yeah."

Syd straighted up. "Well, I can't prescribe anything since I'm not a licensed pharmacist," he said, "but I can suggest a few good vitamin supplements that'll help him get back on his feet."

JD's ears pricked up. "Oh, yeah? Like what?"

Syd turned around and selected a few large bottles from the shelf behind him. He held up one, its label stating it was a men's vitamin supplement. "This is really good for metabolism," he said. "It's got extra iron for blood rejuvination, which is what your brother's gonna need after surgery."

He held up another. "Now this one's good for tissue repair. After a hernia operation, he's gonna need a boost to repair the damage. And this one's an energy booster. It's kinda strong for someone who just had surgery, so it's best to hold off on it after a few days' recovery."

JD reviewed each bottle, reading their labels carefully. "I'll take all of them," he said. "Christopher's gonna need all the help he can get."

Syd rang up the sale, bagged the bottles of vitamins, and handed JD the receipt to sign. "There you go," he said cheerfully. "Just make sure to follow the directions on the label. These aren't your everyday over-the-counter drugstore variety. They're pretty potent."

"Thanks a whole lot, Syd." JD said.

He had just turned to leave when he saw a formidably familiar presence striding toward the store. Even Syd was startled. He leaned toward JD. "Who is that?" he murmured.

"That," said JD, "is Big Luke Macaffey, chief of security, the Luxor's top cop. He used to be a prison guard at a supermax before he came here."

"Pretty tough customer, huh?"

JD nodded. "The toughest."

Syd watched as Big Luke strode into the store. "He doesn't look happy," he said.

"When you see Macaffey," JD said, "it's never a happy occasion."

Macaffey strode up to the counter, looming large over the two men. "Morning, gentlemen," he grunted.

"Hey, Macaffey," JD said. Syd just murmured hello.

Macaffey turned to Syd. "You the owner of this store?" he asked.

Syd nodded. "Uh, this is Syd Krupermann," JD said, leaping to his friend's rescue. "We used to go to school together."

Macaffey merely grunted and handed Syd a sheet of paper. "Post this in your window where everyone can see it," he ordered. He handed another sheet to JD. "Same with you," he said.

"What's the deal?" JD asked.

"City's cracking down on truancy," Macaffey explained bluntly. "Any school-age kid caught in your place of business during school hours, and you're slapped with a hundred-dollar fine. Get the picture?"

Syd read what was printed on the paper:

NO ONE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE
ALLOWED IN THIS ESTABLISHMENT
DURING THE HOURS OF 8:00 AM AND 4:00 PM
ON SCHEDULED SCHOOL DAYS
BY ORDER OF THE LAS VEGAS
METROPOLITAN BOARD OF EDUCATION.

"Okay," said Syd. "We'll get right on it."

Macaffey nodded once. "Good."

He turned and left. Both men breathed a huge sigh of relief after the chief vacated the store. "All of a sudden, I felt like I was back in grade school facing one of the bullies who used to beat me up!" Syd said.

JD shook his head. "Macaffey's not the bullying type," he assured him. "He's tough on crime, but he's fair. Stay on his good side, and you'll get along fine with him."

"Oh, yeah? Which is his good side?"

JD smiled. "The one farthest away from him!"

[Veritas]

Hey, c'mon people! This is a GROUP story project. Join in! Write something! It's no fun writing it all by myself!

[RACHEL02189]

After JD finished talking to Syd he left the store. As he was walking to his car the phone rang and saw it was Costa. "Hey Costa how's Criss?". "Pretty good but they're going to keep him over night for observation"Costa replied. "Why it was herina surgery not by-pass surgery". "Criss had a reaction to the anesthesia after he came out of it he started vomiting I mean he couldn't even keep down the medication they gave to stop the vomiting than he started shivering like he went outside butt naked in minus twenty degree weather" Costa remarked. "Costa calm down these things happen sometimes so just relax". "All right I'll call you later" and JD hung up. When JD walked into the house his mother was there with Lynn who looked shaken up. "What's wrong everything all right?".

"I just talked to Dimi Maddie was attacked last night when she was coming back from a date". "Is Maddie all right?". "Yea but the bad news is they didn't catch the person now I'm nervous that Dimi maybe the next one on that flithy creature hit list"Lynn stated. "How about this I'll go talk to Dimi and ask just to move back home untill this guy is caught"JD suggested. "I think that's a good idea"his mother replied. At the dorm Dimi was picking up a few things for Maddie when a knock came to the door. She opened the door and saw her boyfriend Jordan. The first thing she did was give him a big hug. "You all right Dimi Neil told me what happened to Maddie is she all right" he said. "For now she's in critical condition I'm just happy that the campus police heard her screaming before that sicko did anything worse" as chills went down her spine. "Well I'm just happy you're all right"he remarked.

[RACHEL02189]

After talking with her boyfriend she started to pack some stuff for Maddie when a knock came to the door. She opened the door and her father was there. "Daddy what are you doing here?" she inquired. "I want to talk to you for a minute" he said. She let her father in and they sat down. "So how's Uncle Criss I heard he had surgery for a herina". "He's all right he'll probably come home tomorrow but I heard from your mother what happened to your roommate"he stated. "Yea thankfully she wasn't force to do something she didn't want to do" she put nicely. "I know this is going tobe a tough answer for you considering but your mother is scared that this guy may come after you so to easy her fear she would like for you to come home temporarily untill this guy is caught".

"Dad I'm going to be fine I know how to defend myself and Uncle Costa gave me some mace,". Reminder kill Costa for giving my daughter mace JD thought. "So don't worry". "It's not me who's worried it's your mother but just think about it please for your mother". "All right dad I'll think about it". She gave her father a kiss and he left. When JD got back to the house Lynn had left for work and saw there was a message on the phone.

JD, it's Costa I just talked to the doctor about Criss and they said that Criss should take it easy but knowing Criss he'll want to go back to work however the doctor warned our baby brother that if he didn't take it easy Criss could injury himself more so maybe someone should be with him at Serenity so he doesn't push himself too hard and I know what you're going to say what about Sandra? Unfortunely she's in Arizonia for a wedding and mom has decided to go to Florida for the winter instead of Las Vegas. maybe you can talk Dimi into it. Call me

"Thank you dad"JD muttered and gave Dimi a call. "Hello daddy and no I haven't decided yet-". "No sweetie I need your help with your Uncle Criss. The doctor wants him to take it easy so I was thinking maybe you could stay at Serenity untill he's better for me and your grandmother". "Dad Uncle Criss's house is way far away from the campus"she stated. "How about this I'll rent you a car so when youhave to go to class you have a way of getting there". "All right dad I'll be there tomorrow"Dimi remarked. "Thank you sweetie this may make your mother very happy too" and JD hung up.

[Veritas]

You need to start using some commas; your sentences tend to run on.

[RACHEL02189]

sorry (blushing)

[Veritas]

It's okay. You just need to slow down a bit when you type.

[Veritas]

COLLEGE STUDENT ATTACKED ON UNLV CAMPUS

A nineteen-year-old female college student was attacked last night around eleven PM while returning to her dorm room after a date. The assailant struck her with a blunt object across the back of the head and dragged her behind the bushes of the student center. The victim was reported to have screamed for help when campus police came to her rescue. The assailant escaped, leaving the victim with severe head trauma and minor injuries. She is hospitalized in critical condition. No description of the suspect was given. The identity of the victim is being withheld by local police.

Criss slapped down the paper in disgust. A few days in the hospital for a lousy hernia operation, and he had to come home to this! Worse, he knew who the victim had been: Dima's roommate, Maddie. The thought of Dima almost being a victim herself made him shudder. Hope to God they catch that guy, whoever he is, he thought.