Travelogue too... The Emperor's New Groove

DAY THREE – Sentimental Street

One of the joys of travel is getting to see historic sites, and meeting up with old friends. These trips down Memory Lane, or occasional stops on Sentimental Street, though sometimes rare in the hustle and bustle of today are joyous to experience. Such was the case recently in our little trip.

Ethan and Nicholas have been best friends since Mrs. N’s First Grade class at Greenbrier Elementary. Beginning at a class Halloween dress up day, the two have been affectionately known as Woody (Nicholas) and Buzz (Ethan).  Every chance they would get at school they would spend their time quoting movies, each knowing his own part.

It became quite remarkable to watch. It was as if some unspoken communication would take place when they would first get together. Then, on cue, one would begin and the other follow. If left to themselves, the two would spend hours quoting movies back and forth, neither missing a line; their timing choreographed better then a chorus line of Radio City Rockettes.

Following promotion from middle school Ethan and Nicholas no longer attended the same school; each entered different high schools and started their journeys as freshman. Occasionally the stars align and occasions occur where they can get together again. Such was the case a few weeks ago.

The bus had dropped Ethan off at home and he jumped in the car with Evie and headed to a different school to pick up his cousin who needed a ride home. Heading to his home, Evie turned into the neighborhood to drop of the cousin. Ethan, who was in the front seat playing with his sticky tape, suddenly looked up and announced, “Mom, Nicholas.”

Sure enough, Nicholas had just gotten off the bus at the corner and was now walking with his back towards them. Nevertheless Ethan had spotted him.

The bus pulled away and Evie made the right turn into the neighborhood. As she continued down the street Nicholas emerged from the green-belt path and onto the street in front of them. Evie stopped and Ethan got out and yelled, “Hi Nicholas!” They walked towards each other, each sporting more smirk then smile, and stiffly shook hands (hugging isn’t aloud in school, so more acceptable forms of introduction and greeting are taught). And then, as if each had gotten the memo, it began . . .

Kuzco (Ethan): Don't tell me. We're about to go over a huge waterfall.
Pacha (Nicholas): Yep.

Kuzco: Sharp rocks at the bottom?
Pacha: Most likely.

Kuzco: Bring it on. Boo-yah! Whoo!

Pacha: Your Highness. Your Highness, can you hear me? Oh, boy. Come on, breathe, breathe! Ohh, why me? Ooh! All right.  Oh!

Kuzco: Aah!
Pacha & Kuzco: Ohh!. . . .

Pacha: For the last time, it was not a kiss.

Kuzco: Well, whatever you call it…it was disgusting…

They continued for ten more minutes, and then, as if the director had called cut, they quickly ended, said good-bye and parted. Nicholas walked to his house, and Ethan returned to his seat and they drove away.

This stop on Sentimental Street was over, but as Evie wiped tears from her eyes, it was clear the memory would last a lifetime!