With the finished salads in the fridge, Mei and Larry relaxed in the greenhouse while waiting for the reminder call from Frankie's CC. To while away the time, Mei listed all her favorite plants and what new plants or varieties she wanted to try next. Larry’s perspective on plants was more about which ones were good for holding webs or whether they attracted the right kind of insects, but he offered suggestions nonetheless.
“It looks like we have several plants that satisfy both our interests,” said Mei looking through their list.
NORA checked the seed bin listings and found that there were seeds stored for all the new plants on Mei and Larry’s list. Mei keyed in the command to start the automated growing process and move the seeds from storage to the seed crèche. No sooner had NORA confirmed activation than the reminder chime rang from Frankie's CC, RADAR.
Well that went quick, thought Mei. I hope Frankie is hungry!
Mei acknowledged the reminder and excused herself with Larry.
“I made a surprise meal for Frankie, potato and tuna and macaroni salads,” Mei told Larry.
Larry pinched what would have been his nose, if he had one, in mock disgust.
“Nothing I would put on my menu. Thanks,” he said.
“Well I promise not to leave any on your web then,” Mei reassured him. “From now on I’ll be able to keep in contact with you through our new link to RADAR and NORA's connection to the baby monitor that you are using.”
“I’ll be listening in and waiting for some real food to come my way.”
Mei recorded a message of where she was going and set the message tablet to activate should her father return before she did. She placed her salads and a thermos of iced tea from the fridge in a basket and covered it with napkins, plates and tableware for two. With everything in hand she nudged open the secret hallway door the rest of the way and this time didn’t wait to get used to the dark before proceeding down the hallway. She was at the shimmering door before she knew it and didn't hesitate as she walked through. As she emerged into the yellow-papered hallway of Frankie’s safe house she could see Maow and Poo in the far, main hallway. They were already jumping up from their naps on the fish tank table, prancing in excited circles on the narrow ledge.
“Okay, already,” said Mei to the cats. “Do you mind if I get Frankie and we eat our food first before we go exploring?”
The mention of food stopped the cats in their tracks and before you could say 'tuna salad' they were on the floor circling Mei's feet instead.
“Okay! Calm down,” laughed Mei as she reached down with her free hand to pat each of them on the head.
“You didn't take your bunnies with you on the trip this time?” asked Frankie who was standing in the doorway, smiling as Mei stood up.
“Um no, they achieved their goal of embarrassing me, so I gave them the afternoon off.” replied Mei sheepishly. “I made a surprise for you!”
Frankie gestured to the basket contents. “That looks great! Picnic food is my favorite! We can go up to the greenhouse to eat and you can check out all the leaves that have fallen.”
“Cool by me,” said Mei handing the basket to Frankie. "I'm glad you like picnic food. It's my favorite too."
They decided to use the bench as their table. They made sure to set up plates for Maow and Poo first to keep them from jumping straight into the picnic basket in anticipation.