“That’s an open syllable, Molly,” Justin comments, pointing to a word in his sister’s report. Sighing, she scribbles the word out. “I’m never going to get this right.” “Sure you will, Moll,” He assures her. Tapping another word with his pencil he points out, “Here’s another one.” “The rule isn’t consistent!” She argues, scribbling out the second word in the same paragraph. “I’m never going to learn how to write in Dutch.” “You’re doing great, Molly, you really are,” Justin replies with a supportive smile. Spotting another mistake, he comments, “You need to switch the word order.” “Godverdomme!” Shaking her head, she tosses her pen across the desk. “I’m just going to turn in my report in English.” “Moll,” Justin begins, “It’s been a month. I think your teachers are going to start expecting you to at least attempt writing your assignments in Dutch.” “Tough shit: it’s pointless.” She states, leaning back against the chair. Walking into the kitchen, Brian glances at the two siblings, “How’s your report coming along?” Molly stretches her arms up in the air, “I’ve given up. I’ll never be able to write in Dutch. It’s pointless.” “Maybe you can ask Adriaan to help?” Justin suggests. The kid was actually starting to grow on him. “Adriaan is a pig and a pokkelijder.” She states matter-of-factly. “Oh.” Justin sighs. And he’s also taught her how to curse in Dutch. Wonderful.“So how about Sofie?” “Sofie is stupid.” She announces. “Um..okay, what about Abigail?” “She’s the sister of a pig and a pokkelijder.” “Joep?” Justin asks, wondering when his sister became so fickle. She shakes her head, “I can’t ask him. He’s Adriaan’s best friend, and Adriaan is a pig.” Closing his eyes, Justin exhales slowly. “I thought they were all your friends? What happened?” She shrugs her shoulders. “It doesn’t matter. I mean, there’s such a good chance that we might be able to go back to Pittsburgh sooner than we had originally thought… why do I need to be friends with those people?” “Molly,” Brian interjects, “Is it possible that you might be distancing yourself from them on purpose, and that they might actually not have suddenly turned into pigs and idiots?” Frowning, she eyes him suspiciously, “Have you been talking to Daan?” “No.” Tilting her head to one side, she studies him for a moment. “You sound like Daan.” “Ah, okay,” Brian replies, turning to the cabinet. He had learned very quickly that when Molly was comparing anyone to anyone else, it was best to stop talking. “How about we throw a Halloween party?” Justin suggests suddenly. “What? Here?” Molly and Brian ask simultaneously. Justin shrugs, “Why not?” “Well, Jus, I hate to break it to you, but they don’t really celebrate Halloween here. Abigail told me that they only have costume parties and stuff in the American restaurants.” Molly announces. “More reason to have one,” Justin replies with a grin, “Besides, it could be fun. You can invite Abigail, Sofie, Joep… and maybe even Adrian. Who knows, maybe after a party you might realize that they aren’t so bad to have as friends.” She’s silent for a moment. “It’s only the first week of October, Jus. I mean, anything can happen.” “True. So we should start planning, don’t you think? You can write up a guest list… what do you think, Brian? How many teenagers can we fit in this place?” Brian slowly lets his eyes track around the perimeter of their room. “Teenagers? How about we just rent a warehouse and hire a steam shovel to clean up when they’re done?” Laughing, Justin teases, “It won’t be that bad, Brian!” Smiling, Molly turns to her brother, “I like his idea! We can rent a big space and decorate it and… and even get a DJ! What do you think?” “It’s your party,” Justin replies with a smile. Brian grins, “As long as it’s not here, you can do whatever you want.”