STORIES
37 - I’m Not Staying
2005
Late Monday afternoon ...
DAPRIMA:
… Racolo this is Fin and his brother Karanthir.
KARANTHIR:
So you're the child's keeper? How wonderful.
Pleasant little fellow - that Li is.
RACOLO:
His name’s Lithium.
KARANTHIR:
Charming. Love your outfit, by the way. Does it come in red?
RACOLO:
Just give me the baby and I’ll be on my way.
DAPRIMA:
Cammeo's giving him a bath.
RACOLO:
He doesn’t need a bath, he had one this morning.
DAPRIMA:
I’ll let her know you’re here. Fin, could you
entertain our guest until I return?
FIN:
Don’t worry, Lithium couldn’t be in better hands. Please,
have a seat. Would you like a cool refreshment?
Karanthir, could you get Racolo something to drink?
KARANTHIR:
I’m curious Fin - just when did I become the hired help?
Honestly, if you want me to leave the room all
you need do is say so.
RACOLO:
That's OK, I'm not thirsty.
FIN:
Why is everything always an argument with you?
Just get us all something drink.
KARANTHIR:
He doesn't want a drink. Didn’t you hear him? But I can
take a hint, so I'm leaving. Now stop looking at me like that.
FIN:
Sorry about that. So, by the outfit - I guess you’re a mage?
A mage in charge of a baby elf - that’s a little unusual.
RACOLO:
It's a long story.
FIN:
I hope you're prepared to tell it.
RACOLO:
Why?
FIN:
A baby elf shows up at my doorstep and I’m not handing him
over to just anyone. Being an Elf myself, I'm curious
to know how you came to be his keeper and lost him.
Then ...
RACOLO:
I'm only telling you this because you've taken
such great care of Lith. And by the looks of it - you’re
not gonna let me leave without an explanation.
FIN:
That sounds about right.
RACOLO:
I was at Magick School working on teleportation, just
moving books from one side of the room to the other.
Lith must’ve gotten caught in my spell.
CAMMEO:
Oh my, how frightening!
RACOLO:
I’ve been searching everywhere for him. My professor was
able to trace some magical remnants to here. I’ve been
knocking on doors all over this building.
CAMMEO:
Oh my! You must’ve been worried sick. But sir, what was he
doing at Magic School? Surely his parents wouldn’t allow such a thing?
RACOLO:
He doesn’t have parents. I found him a few months ago - so it's just
the two of us. When the semester started, I took him with me
to class. It was never a problem ... until today.
FIN:
You’re a student, raising a baby on your own? That must be tough. And they allow you bring him to your classes? Do you live in the dorm with him too?
RACOLO:
I told you - it was a never a problem before. And, I’ve been staying with a friend
until I find a place off-campus.
KARANTHIR:
Interesting. So you're just an average homeless student
who found an abandoned baby elf, and decided to
raise him, all alone. How very noble of you.
DAPRIMA:
If you need a place to stay - why don’t you and Lithium move in here, with us?
CAMMEO:
That would be lovely, and I can mind Lithium
when you need to attend his classes.
RACOLO:
Hey wait a minute ...
KARANTHIR:
whispers
It seems we’re getting two new new house-mates.
FIN:
Maybe , but I’m not sure I’m buying his story.
KARANTHIR:
There are quite a few holes in it, aren’t there?
DAPRIMA:
The timing's just perfect too. Racolo can room
with Mez until Vanni returns.
CAMMEO:
Why Daprima, you’re brilliant!
RACOLO:
Hold on! I don’t know you people. Look, I’m grateful for
everything you’v done but I’m taking my kid and going.
DAPRIMA:
Your kid! Yes, I knew he was your son all along. What I can’t figure out is - why you felt the need to hide it from us.
RACOLO:
You knew - How?
KARANTHIR:
Eerie, isn't it? Our lovely Daprima can read minds,
invade our thoughts, sift through our emotions - that sort
of thing. I think it's downright rude of her, but I can see
now how it can be a useful little gift.
FIN:
Karanthir - she can’t read us, we’re Elves.
KARANTHIR:
Maybe, but she has tried to probe me. I’ve felt it. Anyway if you're Lithium's father, where's his mother?
RACOLO:
I don’t know.
KARANTHIR:
Oh? Did you misplace her too? Perhaps you teleported
her to a different time and she’ll be joining us shortly?
In other words - how many of you will be moving in?
RACOLO:
None of us because I’m going, now.
You people are nuts.
CAMMEO:
I’m sorry you feel that way sir, but please stay for dinner. You must be hungry and tired. Just look at the day you’ve had. Please reconsider and stay for the night - if only for your baby’s sake.
FIN:
And over dinner - you can explain why you didn't tell us, right
from the start, that Lithium is his son.
KARANTHIR:
Hear, hear. I wonder if it has anything
to do with the fact that Lithium is part-elf?
RACOLO:
That has nothing to do with anything. I’m tired of being judged. Everyone thinks I’m crazy to raise him on my own ‘cause I’m in school. He's my kid and I’ll do whatever I have to keep him safe and with me.
CAMMEO:
I admire what you’re doing, but sir, do let us help.
Stay, get some rest and then make your decision.
RACOLO:
Maybe just for one night.
CAMMEO;
Brilliant.
CAMMEO:
... Daprima, I think we ought to get some baby supplies.
Will you take me shopping?
DAPRIMA:
You know how I feel about shopping.
RACOLO:
That's not necessary. He has everything he needs in my bag.
CAMMEO:
This bag? You don’t mind if I have a look inside?
Now I can prepare a list starting with nappies, bottles, bibs, clothes …
RACOLO:
He has clothes.
CAMMEO:
Pajamas and a blanket or two …
DAPRIMA:
Maybe we should pick up a crib?
CAMMEO:
Perhaps a basinet. I adore basinets, oh and a stroller so I can take him for long walks in the park …
RACOLO:
Hey - we're not moving in. He doesn’t need any of that stuff …
RACOLO:
…What just happened?
FIN:
You just found yourself a new home, with a nanny.
RACOLO:
No. We're only staying one night, I mean it.
KARANTHIR:
Dream on magic boy. Seriously, I don’t see any way for you
to successfully get that baby out of this house.
