Back to Dinner at Sashimi (Photostory)

"How are you doing in there?"  (Shantavia)

"I'm finished!"  (Jada)

"Okay, wipe really well.  (pause) No, no Jada, the seat cover goes in the toilet."  (Shantavia)

"Oooh.  I keep forgetting."  (Jada)

"Straighten up your skirt.  It's a little crooked."  (Shantavia)

"Come on over to the sink.  I'll hold you up while you wash your hands."  (Shantavia)

"Get all the soap off."  (Shantavia)

Meanwhile back in the restaurant, Darius, Nikki, and the Howards have arrived for dinner.  Lauren wasn't able to join them.

"How many?"  (Jaya)

"Four."  (Darius)

"So go ahead and tell your dad what happened."  (Karla)

"I told you nothing happened.  As usual you overreacted. "  (Tori)

"Take it down a notch, young lady."  (Noland)

"Right this way, please."  (Waitress)

"Is this table okay?"  (Waitress)

"This is perfect."  (Nikki)

The couples get seated and the waitress takes their drink order.

"Don't look, but I think that guy is staring at me."  (Martina)

"The service guy or the guy at the table behind us?"  (Polly)

"The cute service guy."  (Martina)

"This story about Andrew stopping by for a book just doesn't sound right.  Have you forgotten, I was a teenage boy.  Teenage boys have one thing on their mind."  (Noland)

"Andrew is not like that."  (Tori)

"Regardless of what Andrew is like, you have been told time and time again that boys are not allowed at my house when I'm not there." (Karla)

"Look at me Tori."  (Noland)

"Your mom and I have worked hard to make sure you have everything your little heart desires.  Your lack of respect shows me that you don't know how good you have it."  (Noland)

"I appreciate what you guys do, but I'm 17 and practically an adult and you guys need to trust me more."  (Tori)

Noland chuckles.

"Did you just say you are practically an adult?  Do you know what being an adult means?  Being an adult means paying bills, going to work, feeding yourself, and the list goes on.  Last time I checked, you weren't doing any of those things."  (Noland)

"Do you know how many pregnant teens gave their moms that same 'trust me more' speech, before they got pregnant?  I'm just not willing to take that chance with your future."  (Karla)

"We need you to use that great brain for something other than holding up your hair.  You are a very fortunate young lady and other kids would kill to have the opportunities you have."  (Noland)

"Trust me, Andrew is just one boy.  If he's pressuring you or encouraging you to disrespect us, then he isn't the right person for you."  (Noland)

"Dad, Andrew isn't pressuring me to do anything."  (Tori)

"Well, I'm glad to hear that.  I also think you have way too much time on your hands, so I've arranged for you to do some volunteer work at a few different places in the community."  (Noland)  

"Volunteer?  Does that mean I won't get paid?"  (Tori)

Epilogue

Teenagers!  Those years can certainly be challenging.  Tori is lucky to have two parents that can work together, even though they aren't married.  Hopefully volunteering will open her eyes to how fortunate she really is.  

Will Martina and Sargent Ryan do more than just exchange glances?

Where is Sweet in Switzerland Poppy?  Will she meet up with Martina and Polly, or will she venture off on her own?

So many unanswered questions.