by Glory Lennon

Created on: September 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 02, 2008

God's plan.

"I'm very glad you all came today," he said beaming around at his assembled family, a huge collection of brothers and sisters, all eighteen of them, all colors, creeds and nationalities. They were the United Nations of families and quite proud of it. "Before I explain why I brought you here I want to tell you how very much I love every single one of you," he said seriously.

"Even me?" Thomas said smirking.

"Yes, even you, smart ass," Noah said grinning back. "I know we've had our disagreements but that's just because we're the closest in age and also why you're my favorite of all."

Simon nudged Thomas in the ribs and in a stage whisper said, "Don't let that get to your head. He says that to all of us."

They mostly laughed except for Rachel. She looked unduly grave. "Noah, why do you feel the need to tell us you love us? We already know. Are you dying or something?" she asked anxiously.

"No, nothing like that, Rachel," he said bracing himself. He took a look around then said, "God told me the world's coming to an end and he wants our family to survive and to replenish the earth. We were planned from day one. He spoke to Mom and that's why she adopted kids from all over the world. He wanted a diverse group with many talents geared towards building a new world." He stopped and nervously awaited the reaction. When none came he told them the whole plan, from the yacht in which they were to escape the fires of hell to the animals they would need to gather and protect.

They gaped at him. Some of them looked as if he were dancing the Macarena while wearing a pink tutu, others like he'd just announced he would jump off the Brooklyn Bridge. He couldn't blame them. Thinking about it now, Noah could see that doing that absurd dance in a frilly tutu and jumping off a bridge were definitely more plausible than the tall tale he'd just told them. He wouldn't believe himself either if God hadn't actually appeared to him.

After waiting what felt like an interminable amount of time he raised his hands in an imploring sort of way. "Well," Noah said apprehensively looking around, "isn't anyone going to say anything?"

Maria was the first to speak. Her almond shaped eyes glistened with tears. "He's gone mad just like Mom," she whispered.

Simon ignored this, smirked and said, "I'm so proud of you, little brother. You finally learned how to pull a good prank."

"Not much of one," Joseph, said derisively, "if he got us on the yacht first and then said "Gotcha", then it would be a good

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