[Hyde POV]
At the autoshop.
I just finished buffing the 1967 Volvo P1800S and returned the faded light blue color to its original
glory.
The car was bought for 500 dollars at the auction. It was a non-starter in a good condition, but
the engine issue was quite difficult so the price dropped a lot.
The engine was seized, the carburetor gummed up, and the ignition wiring corroded from sitting so long. Thankfully, there wasn't rust on the body.
Normally, a non-starter in decent condition would go for 800 to 1,200 dollars, but all those issues
scared everyone else away.
With a few modern tools and a little finesse, the engine turned over smoothly, the electrical system
was flawless, and the fuel system ran like new.
I modified it a bit, installing a dual circuit braking system, a new shock, modern coolant and
engine oil, padded the foam a bit since it was soft, and repaired the leather.
The appraisal told me the car's value was around five thousand dollars now. It took me one week to get everything done since I have a lot of work in between restoration.
I brought the car to the library, just to test it out on the street. Brooke was waiting for me at
the curb when I pulled the car over.
I got out of the car and went to open the door for her.
"Hey, you changed your car… and your clothes." Brooke smiled slightly. I was wearing a simple Led
Zeppelin shirt before.
Now, I wore a cashmere blazer and a turtleneck, which made me look more sophisticated.
"It's the James Bond car, of course I'm going to wear something nice." I said playfully. "Also, I
need to go meet some rich old coots after this. If I don't wear something nice, they won't take me
seriously."
"Oh, that's understandable. So you get that this isn't a date, right?" Brooke was slightly bashful.
"I know. I have a girlfriend, and this is just for lunch."
This was the time where I missed being back in 2025. Having a normal lunch with some female friend and not turning it into a scandal.
A few people in front of the library saw Brooke entering the car and began whispering with each
other.
I closed the door and drove the car to a small, but classy restaurant nearby called The Vineyard.
As I parked the Volvo and stepped out, I opened the door for Brooke. She got in beside me, and a
few locals walked by glanced, whispering.
The waitress came to me and said, "Good Afternoon sir, may I interest you in a glass of our finest
Chardonnay before you begin your lunch?"
Brooke snorted and said, "He's a minor."
"Hey, don't expose me. I could've gotten away with it." I joked.
I scanned the menu quickly. "I'll get the Chicken Kiev with a baked potato and creamed spinach."
Creamed spinach instead of asparagus, because I didn't care for asparagus.
"And for the lady?" He asked me.
"Ask her?" I looked at him with confusion. "Sorry sir." He turned to Brooke. "Sorry Madam."
"I'll have a broiled trout almondine with rice pilaf." She was a little annoyed, her tone was quite
sharp.
Both of us had ice tea.
"What did your boss say?" I asked her casually as we waited for the food.
"He loved it because it was donated. I reminded him that I have the idea, but he said it was stupid
at that time. But since it's free, he loves it now." Brooke complained. "So I guess you're right."
I chuckled and said, "You're the new librarian, do you have people on your side yet?"
"Not really. The older ones don't really talk unless it's about books." Brooke's eyes flickered with
frustration. "They are only there for the books. In fact, they love it if there's no people
around."
"Well, that's you in a few years." I teased.
"Hey. I'm going to be the boss of the library. Just wait and see." Brooke vowed with a little pout.
"Do you, being a valedictorian, play a part in the salary?" I asked curiously.
"I'm not sure. I got 5 bucks an hour. That's already good enough for me to save up for college."
She sipped on her ice tea that the waitress just brought.
"Librarian degree?" I asked.
"That's right." She smiled slightly. "You do know your stuff." "A little bit." I said cheekily. "So
you're going this fall?"
"No, I'm going to wait one or two more years, till I have enough savings." Brooke replied. "My dad
didn't put aside money for my college because he wants me to get married and become a babymaker. So I have to work for college myself."
"That's admirable. Also if you want to become the boss, the librarian degree will help out a lot.
Maybe minor in management too."
She laughed and joked, "I am trying to do that."
We talked and she shared a lot about her family. How her mother and father didn't believe she could amount to anything. How they basically left her and moved out to Chicago since they didn't need to take care of her anymore.
"How about you? Your family's rich, so I guess you can get to anywhere you want after you
graduate."
"My family?" I was slightly taken aback.
"Yeah. Didn't your dad already put aside money for you? Maybe you have enough to take a year off and travel Europe?"
"Oh, did I look like I came from a rich family? Maybe it's the jacket."
"You're not?" Brooke was confused. "You have three businesses. I assume your dad gave it to you."
"Nope, I earned that myself. My dad left when I was 8 years old."
"OH-" Brooke widened her eyes, and almost dropped her utensils. "I'm– I'm sorry."
"It's fine. To be safe, just know that my mom left too a few months ago. I was starving, homeless
and basically destitute." I muttered with self-deprecation.
"Rea-Really?" Brooke was flabbergasted. "You're lying." She said skeptically.
I shook my head and said, "100% real."
"So. You got adopted into a rich family?" She asked.
I shook my head again, "No. The dads in the family were laid off from the autoplant. You know, the
one that just closed up."
"So– So how?"
She was really confused, and intrigued at the same time.
"I guess some fortunate encounters and some skills let me become where I am." I replied vaguely,
not getting into any details.
"Oh that's not fair. I told you a lot about me." Brooke whined.
"Well, if you tell me why you kissed me last night, maybe I will tell you."
Her face blushed and she lowered her gaze, not daring to meet mine. Before she could respond, the restaurant door burst open.
"BROOKE!"
Her boyfriend stormed in, face red and fists clenched. Heads turned, and the whispers started almost immediately.
He wore a tweed jacket, glasses, and had neat hair. But his behavior was that of a ruffian.
"Who's this?!" he shouted, pointing at me. "Are you out cheating on me?!"
"What? Brian, we're just friends."
"Don't lie to me! You rejected my lunch offer, but you're out here, giggling with another guy!" He
whined. "So what?! Now you're done with me? You're out here, whoring yourself out for some rich dude?"
"Brian!" Brooke gasped. "I told you nothing is going on!"
"Man," He looked at me, "Be careful with this one. She'll spend all of your money, NEVER put out,
and ignore you at every turn."
"Maybe if you remembered my birthday, I would have put out!" She argued.
Brian was stunned. I chuckled awkwardly, expecting her to introduce me and make it awkward but
harmless. I didn't expect him to implode.
"Steven– I'm–" Brooke blushed as she realized she had blurted out something embarrassing.
Brian scoffed, trying to turn it back on her, "I know it's your birthday. That's why I'm asking you
out for lunch. To celebrate!"
"My birthday was last week!" Brooke said with a cold stare.
Brian shrunk back and stammered, "We–Well, I–uh… That doesn't mean you can go out with another guy!"
"'Can go out'?!" She fumed. "Let me make this clear. I'm not your property. I can do whatever I
want. It's the 70s now! So go away!"
"I– You slut." He cursed and she slapped him.
"We're over." She broke up with him. "I made a mistake in picking you. I thought you were a nice guy."
The waitress escorted the guy out while Brooke sat back down on the table. Tears fell down her eyes as she pretended to be okay.
I sighed and said, "You can cry. I'm not going to judge you."
She covered her face and sobbed mournfully. I called the waiter and said, "Can you bring us a slice
of cake with a candle on it? And some wine, since she's going to need it."
"Got it."
…
I picked up the check and told her it was her birthday present. She drank almost an entire bottle
of wine and I had to bring her to the autoshop since I didn't know where she lived.
If I wanted to make a move on her, it was the most suitable timing for it. She was vulnerable and a
bit drunk. But I didn't want to do that.
Mostly since she's vulnerable, and drunk, and also, I have a girlfriend.
After dropping her off, I went to the meeting with the rich people I talked about.
The council hall smelled like cheap cologne, cigar smoke, and slutty perfume worn by the trophy
wives.
Crystal glasses clinked. Someone laughed too loudly. Someone else laughed half a beat late, like
they were checking first if it was allowed.
A banner hung crookedly over the stage.
{WELCOME TO A NEW ERA FOR POINT PLACE}
I took a drink from the open bar. "Free Scotch huh?" "Steven!" a voice boomed.
Jackie's dad came toward me, arms wide, smile polished to a mirror shine. I've seen him before, but
he was really slimy.
"You are the most amazing gift Point Place has ever gotten," he said, clapping a hand on my
shoulder like we were old friends.
He hated my gut, but now he's kissing up to me. "I'm so happy, I'm not even going to stop you from
sneaking a drink."
"Invitation said open bar," I replied with a laugh.
He laughed a little too hard. Belly laughed, as if he wanted to show everyone we were close.
Behind him, three councilmen stood in a loose half-circle, watching me like I was a stray dog that
wandered into a dinner party. One of them, tall, gray-haired, no mustache.
"This is the young man," Jackie's dad said, gesturing vaguely, "who runs that… auto place."
I raised my glass. "Shop."
The gray-haired councilman nodded once. "Yes. The shop." He looked me up and down. Deliberately.
"So," another old councilman said, voice smooth and oily, "We're all celebrating tonight. New
investment. New factory. Jobs are coming back."
"Aluminum processing," Jackie's dad added quickly. "It's very exciting."
"Congratulations," I said. "That was fast. Did they already sign the contract?"
"Um, no." Jackie's dad said with a nervous laugh. "But we are pretty sure."
"You threw a party on 'pretty sure'. Huh…" I mumbled to myself.
The oily one smiled. "Opportunities move quickly when the town presents itself properly."
I just smiled. They didn't seem interested before a few Ferraris started parking on the Main Street, but I wouldn't bring that up now.
They seemed embarrassed by my gaze. The gray-haired man cleared his throat. "We've been working on this for months."
"Sure sure."
Jackie's dad shifted. "Steven, we're not ignoring your contribution."
The oily one leaned closer. "But we have to be careful about credit. The town speaks with one
voice."
I nodded. "How did I contribute? I didn't do anything. It was all your hard work."
The oily one said, "You're a young man," he continued. "Running a… surprisingly successful
operation. That attracts attention."
Mr Burkhart coughed, whispering, "Not now."
Gray-hair took a sip of his drink. "Attention also brings scrutiny. Zoning. Environmental
inspections. Labor compliance."
Jackie's dad jumped in, tone fake-warm. "We just want to make sure Steven isn't… overwhelmed. A
shop like his, it could be a lot to manage...alone."
"I'm managing well," I said casually with a fake smile on my face.
"Well," the oily man said gently, "there are investors who'd be happy to take that burden off your
hands. Buy you out. Generously."
"Or partner," gray-hair added. "Majority partner."
I smiled. Not because it was funny. Because it was predictable.
"I like my shop," I said. "It keeps people coming to town."
Gray-hair's eyes hardened. "People come and go."
I let the silence stretch this time.
"Sell the shop, son. Or, I can close it down. It's your choice." The oily one stopped pretending.
"So, you're threatening me?" I asked with a gleeful smile.
Taken aback, the oily one got angry. "If you know what's good for you. I'm going to let you stay at
the shop and manage it. That's more than most kids in your situation ever get."
"Hmm," I swirled my drink casually, "So you want to steal my shop, but make me work for you? Am I a slave for the town? I guess… I'll take the risk of managing it alone."
"Once you know how stupid that is, you'll beg me." The oily one snorted and left.
The gray one said, "You're living with an adoptive family, right?"
"Yes. I am. I'm sure you already know that."
I almost broke my composure here.
"Think clearly about what we said. It would be unfortunate if social services started taking an
interest in your home situation."
"That family never abused me."
He laughed mockingly and said, "That's not what they are going to hear."
Jackie's dad smiled bitterly and said, "I'm sorry Steven–"
I finished my drink and left without saying anything. Since they decided to play dirty, well, that
excited me a lot. Since I have been wanting to destroy a government my entire life.
…
The same evening, various letters popped up in my auto shop.
Zoning violation notice, fire safety inspection, environmental complaint, temporary suspension
pending review.
"So they closed us down?" Megan was in disbelief.
"Yup," I said casually, leaning back on the couch with my leg on top of the coffee table.
"What are we going to do?" Megan whined. Tyrell exhaled tiredly and said, "I think we should move
town."
I smirked and said, "Let's move town. To Kenosha. Or Sheboygan. They are only an hour away."
"I'm fine with it. My family can move out anytime." Tyrell said firmly.
"Well, I can commute. So it's fine for me too." Megan replied.
Jeff, the new hire said, "I'm renting here anyway. I'd like to move to Sheboygan. They have a disco
there."
"Good, let's move away." I said casually. "If this doesn't work, we can all move."
"What doesn't work?" Megan titled her head in confusion.
I reached into my jacket and took out a tape recorder. "Those idiots." I laughed mockingly.
I called a few of my connections and began recording something with the camera.
"Hey system. This will cause a mess. But I'm not backing down, since they messed with me first." I
muttered.
The system didn't reply, giving its tacit understanding.
…
Everyone was so excited for the next episode of "REV IT UP".
I sat in the basement casually with all of my friends. Jackie was there too.
The TV me said, "Hello Everyone. I'm Steven Hyde, the founder of REV IT UP. Before I say anything,
I want you to tell every single friend and neighbor of yours to tune in, since I have an important
thing to say."
TV: "Are you all here? Let's start. I have planned a contest. For people to have their cars touched
by me. I wanted to take 5 cars, junk cars, and turn it into a good car with their owner."
"Hyde! I want it!" Kelso said quickly. "I want to turn my shaggin wagon into a bitchin' shaggin
wagon!"
I chuckled and said, "Watch closely."
TV: *Slightly shaking head* "Well, I wanted to do that. However, I was just hit by the full force
of our local government."
I showed them all of the letters. Everyone was shocked by it.
TV: "Now, you might think I had done something wrong. I guess, I did."
The tv me put on the tape recording, and every threat the local politician said was clear as day.
Everyone in the basement turned silent. Jackie stood up and covered her mouth. She heard her dad's voice very clearly in the tape.
"Well. In this envelope, it has the bribery records of the town's officials, all being funneled by the town councilmen, Mr Jack Burthart."
"No! Hyde. That's my dad!" Jackie was shocked.
I ignored her.
The TV me was pissed off.
TV: "So, I guess you understand why I am hit with all of these papers to shut me down, huh? They
want to force me to sell." *Sighing* "But, luckily, the town of Kenosha wants me. Sheboygan also
wants me."
Two local councils from the places I mentioned came to the show. Bruce and another young guy who was Bruce's friend.
Bruce waved to the camera and said, "Hey everyone! This episode really is shocking. I'm pretty
honored to have Steven come to my town. We really need a guy who knows his stuff there."
TV: Well, so I guess this is farewell. I'll be moving base soon, and it's all thanks to our local
councilmen." *Smiling widely*
My face turned serious on the tv.
TV: "You threatened my family, the only people who accepted me when I was out on the streets. You crossed a line there. You could still do your worst, but so will I. I have submitted all of the
evidence to the State Inspector through this Kenosha councilman."
Bruce smiled and said, "Yeah man. It's definitely not cool, threatening a family like that. By the
way, I also connected the Wisconsin police headquarters and the State government too."
TV: The councilman may try to talk their way out of trouble by convincing you guys they have a new investor coming to town. An aluminum factory is going to set up a base here. I actually called the
investor to the show. He came to the town through my shop since he wanted to fix his car. So I could get him back here very easily."
The investor was slightly shy. "Hi everyone. I'm the investor. I'm the CEO of Harlan Aluminum
processing."
TV: "Mr Harlan, you told me that the councilman demanded something from you, right?"
The investor nodded and said, "I wanted to invest at first since the town has the auto plant that
can be refitted quickly into an aluminum processing plant. But the councilman told me they want 1
million dollars first before I could set up shop here. I told them I'd think about it, but I'm never
going to stay here with the government here being so corrupt."
Everyone in the basement turned to me.
"Hyde. Did you just nuke the whole town?" Eric asked in shock.
"Yep." I replied casually.
Jackie was horrified. "That's my dad," She repeated.
"Yep."
"That's my dad!"
"Yep again."
"STEVEN! THAT'S MY FREAKING DAD! YOU JUST RUINED HIS CAREER!" She shouted, alarmed.
I laughed menacingly and said, "I don't care. He threatened the Formans."
"You bastard!" Jackie wanted to lunge at me, but Donna stopped her.
The entire room suddenly froze. "What?" I was surprised.
[Detecting major plot changes. Uncontrollable change. Interference is needed.]
The system chimed in, the blue panel was red this time.
[Justifiable crash out. Ignoring the user's actions. Finding the thorn in the plot.]
[Found two massive variables.]
[Eliminating the variable]
[Reversing the plot to last safe checkpoint]
The entire event of the day reversed itself in my eyes. I suddenly found myself beside the parked
Volvo in front of the library.
Brooke was there, wearing the same clothes she wore when
I met her a few hours ago.
My shirt was a simple button down and jeans this time. I realized the town party wasn't happening.
"Hey, you changed your car… and your clothes." Brooke smiled slightly as she greeted me.
"Oh… Hi Brooke." I replied, feeling confused.