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"Press The Button"
A Fun Family Fantasy
By Kathy Thompson
Billy, Cathy, and Rob find an alien device that grants their every wish.  Keeping it a secret gets them all in trouble, including their father and neighbor, wheelchair bound Nancy.  Then the aliens return for the device.

​Chapter 1
     Sprawled across the sofa in the living room, Rob dominated the room.  A couple books lay on his lap and the television was on. 
     A college man at 19, small agile Rob was nice looking with soft hazel eyes.  He wanted to be a man, but didn’t know how.  And he kept rubbing his chin checking for whiskers. The cluttered living room looked lived in.  Papers and books covered the floor.  Cartoon drawings were scattered on the floor and under the sofa.
     With cell phone in hand Rob talked fast to his girlfriend. “I know Molly.  Ya, I wish I could move out.  But---- “He nodded gripping his cell phone. “I know I know.  Okay. Well--Chuck.”
     Then he heard his Father come in.  In his late forties with a sensitive stern face, Don was a slender agile jock.  He covered his feelings about his wife, who walked out on them.  Don’s hands were on his hips.    
     Rob looked up at him. “Aaaaah.  Gotta go, Molly.”  He hung up the phone.
     “Where are Cathy and Billy?”  Don asked softly.
     Rob shrugged. “Next door.”
     “At Nancy’s again?”  Immediately he got upset and looked at his watch. “It’s passed ten thirty.  A school night.”
     The front door opened and Cathy and Billy walked in. They both wore glasses and made faces at each other.  A tomboy at 15, heavyset Cathy was cute. She sniffled a lot because of allergies.
Curious, but quiet and shy, Billy was a small 11-year old with braces on his teeth.  He hated them and slurred as he spoke.    
“You two out together?”  Don’s sarcastic remark had a snicker on his big mouth.
     “We were at Nancy’s.”  Yawning, Billy started up the stairs. “She helped me with my geography.”
    “You’re over there all the time.  I’m gettin’ tired of it.” Don always talked loudly.  Going up stairs Cathy and Billy weren’t listening to him. Don kept at them. “You’re supposed to be keeping this place neat and clean, Cathy. And do the washing and ironing.”  His blue eyes narrowed.
     “I’m tired.  Going to bed.”  Cathy mumbled under a yawn.
     “She’s influencing you kids.  I don’t like----” Don stepped up on the first step. 
     “She’s cool, Dad.”  Rob butted in defending their neighbor.
     “She’s butting in where she doesn’t belong.”  His voice got harsh and impatient.
     “She helps me with my math.”  Cathy’s blue eyes were heavy and tired.
     “I’m getting tired of you three talking back to me. You didn’t do that when your Mother was here.”  Don snapped.
     “She’s gone.”  Rob snapped bitter. “At least Nancy talks to us.”
     Becoming infuriated and tensing Don turned on Rob. His fists clenched. “Stay away from her.”
     “She’s a better teacher than you, too.”  Cathy then ran up the stairs.  Billy chased after her.

                                                                      TO BE CONTINUED    HERE

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