JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 10: Mitternachts Walzer

Smash Mouth

*2 hours earlier*

Joan: Alright, kids, the plane is going to take off soon. You guys got everything you need for the trip?

Joey: Yep.

Joanne: I guess. Do we really have to go to New York?

Joan: Absolutely. Besides, it would do us some good to have a family trip! It has been quite some time since we were all together like this. Besides, this won't be for work this time.

Joanne: Every time you say that, it turns into work.

Joan: Not this time, I promise!

*Joan kissed Joanne on the forehead before sending her aboard the private jet that was preparing to take off. Behind Joan stood a man in a suit with a phone for her.*

Joan: Yes, hello? Cousin Alejandra? How are you? In Hawaii? On business I'm assuming? That's so nice. You know, we have family out there! You should go and visit! Oh of course, I was just thinking the same thing. Unfortunately, I'm on my way to New York so I wouldn't be able to come out there just yet, but a winter trip should do quite nicely. Yes, I've been watching the news very carefully and I don't think this virus thing will be as big as they're making it out to be. Yes, yes I know.

Joanne: Mama, we're about to take off.

Joan: Yes, darling I know. Anywho, how can I help you today, Ally? No, at least I don't think so. That sounds incredibly serious. I'll check on it immediately.

*Joanne turned her eyes toward the window where her mom spoke with the captain. The captain came back aboard and spoke with his co-pilot before heading back toward the cockpit.*

Joanne: Hmm..

*Joanne opened her backpack and released Cali who quickly ran to exit the plane to tail Joan.*

Joanne: I had a feeling something was going to happen.

Co-pilot: Hello! My name is Croco Astro, and I'll be your co-captain. Unfortunately, your mother couldn't join us, but she will meet with you in D.C. as that will be where the layover will occur. There are snacks toward the back. Just descend the ladder and enter the room below.

Joey: You think momma is gonna be ok? Why didn't she get on the plane?

Joanne: Who knows. Probably some work thing. I wish her job didn't take so much time away from us. I come home from school in need of just a little bit of motherly love and she's busy as always on that phone.

Joey: I've been trying to tell you that mom has been way too busy and it's gotten to the point that I think the man she's been seeing is trying to steal from her or kill her or something. He feels like bad news.

Joanne: I'm pretty sure mom can take care of herself. You know she has a nasty temper.

Joey: Mom has been a pacifist as long as I can remember.

Joanne: Trust me, she is NOT the lady made of sunshine and rainbows you think she is. Well, she is now, but mom used to be really...angry. All the time. Especially during her depressive episodes. She has this...air about her that just seems to melt everything away.

Joey: Really?

Joanne: Oh yeah. Uncle Joseph would tell me stories of how harsh mom used to be. She's a complete 180 from who she used to be.

Joey: Well I'm glad she's happy now.

Joanne: Yeah, if that's what you want to call it. Look, it's gonna be a long flight so I'm going to take a nap. Wake me up when we get there.

Joey: Uh, Joanne, actually I was wondering if you could tell me about how college went? I know you had some stuff happen, but surely it wasn't all bad.

Joanne: I really rather not talk about it, Joey. I can't think about the good without the bad. It's...things got extremely bad extremely quickly.