More guests, more problems

About an hour into the meal, and I'm still not entirely sure of our purpose here. I don't know if we stumbled upon a secret society in which all will be revealed. I don't know if this is some bizarre self - help group and we're supposed to air out all our dirty laundry. Who knows? Maybe they do want to kill us. All I know is that I wish there was a T.V. around here somewhere. I really just want to zone out right now. Not think for a while. Get away from the family bickering between Yeti and Sasquatch. Apparently Sasquatch is upset because Yeti doesn't come to North America and visit the family more often. To which Yeti responds that they can always come up to the Himalayas. Then Sasquatch becomes irate shouting how he knows that he can't afford to come up there with his family and the only reason Yeti was bringing that up as an insult. I think the Sasquatch is jealous of Yeti's laid - back snowboarder life style. He just doesn't want to admit it. It's like he sees some sort of missed opportunity. Such a shame. But I should move on. There are more monsters to discuss. Though perhaps I shouldn't refer to them as monsters. It seems to be a tad offensive, and I don't know if they can read my thoughts. Anyways then there is the Hodag. It's like a cross between an amphibian and some sort of wild beast. It's a for legged creature with with a long lizard like body. It has sharp points that jut out of its back and tail. It also has these deep red eyes that seem to look into your soul. It mainly just stays in the corner and watches over the party silently. let's see ... then there's - "How are the mashed potatoes?" I hear a loud British voice interrupt my inner monologue. I look up dazed. "I said, how are the potatos?" The Octopus asks again. I give the thumbs up. " They're good." "Splendid." The Octopus raises his glass and tinks it with his fork as if to make a toast. "Everybody, may I have your attention?" He requests. We all look up at him. " Thank you, now you all may be wondering why you are here." Jersey Devil interrupts "Who cares, free food ." The Octopus glares at Jersey Devil. "Might I remind you that you were not invited.?"  Jersey Devil begrudgingly complies. The Fiji Mermaid, a gross half monkey half fish creature pats Jersey Devil on the back. "Don't worry, he's just jealous of his cousin Giant Squid, nobody cares about the Giant Octopus." The Fiji Mermaid smirks at Octopus. "Isn't that right?" Octopus does not acknowledge Fiji Mermaid's remark, he just sips his whine and then calls out to his dog, Cerberus. Cerberus playfully sits by the Octopus. The Octopus points to the Fiji Mermaid. "My guest over here, has been very disrespectful." Cerberus growls at Fiji Mermaid. "That's right. Now I want you to take my "guest" and escort him to the shore." Cerberus bites down on the Fiji Mermaid's monkey arm. The Fiji Mermaid shrieks a horrible monkey scream. "I'm sorry, it was just a joke." It begs. "You had your chance." The Octopus replies, coldly. "Now take him away." Cerberus drags the Fiji Mermaid away, and the terrible monkey screams can be heard down the hall.  The Octopus sighs and shakes his head. "It's a shame that had to happen. But I'll make a fortune off of P.T. Barnum."  "But the Fiji Mermaid was exposed as hoax along time ago." I say. The Octopus smiles slyly. "In your time P.T. Barnum is dead and the Fiji Mermaid is fake. But here, everybody's story begins and ends at the same time." It seemed as though everyone at the table knew exactly what the Octopus was talking about and gave somewhat worried knowing nods in agreement.  Except for Olivia and I that is. "Is this a dream?" Olivia asks. "Perhaps."  The Octopus sees our growing confusion. "I've decided I won't tell you why you are here. You have to figure that one out yourselves." A dark shadow fills the room. A moment later the darkness dissipates and Olivia and I are in a classroom. " Do you know what he was talking about?" Olivia asks me. "No, but this seems like a very apt metaphor." Olivia pushes her seat from her desk. "Come on, let's get out of here." I get out out my less than comfortable steel chair and stare at the linoleum floor as we walk away. " Yeah, maybe it'll just come to us later."