Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons is the first chapter of the first volume of Sweet Strangeness.

It serves as an introduction to the Miedema family and Michael's PA, Charles.

Plot overview
Charles tells Michael that the neighbor's Rhododendrons are already in full bloom, while their's are not. Information that makes Michael so furious he goes into the garden to scream at the neighbor on the other side of the parting wall, only to discover that the neighbor doesn't even have Rhododendrons. Charles mistook the neighbor's rosebush for rhododendrons.

Connie scolds Charles for making her husband mad about nothing and tells him to fetch the children, since she has something to tell them. Charles goes upstairs to get them and discovers they're having a huge fight. He quickly stops them by yelling and takes them to the kitchen.

There, Connie tells them that about the letter that arrived that day. Johnny B. Goode, an old friend of Michael's is coming their way with Nicky Bergen, a child that studies Dai-Gyakusatsu under him. Goode, Connie and Michael have arranged for Nicky to stay at the Miedema house.

In order of appearance

 * 1) Michael Miedema
 * 2) Charles Devannes
 * 3) Unnamed Neighbor
 * 4) Connie Miedema
 * 5) Nikki Miedema
 * 6) Jasper Miedema
 * 7) Johnny B. Goode
 * 8) Nicky Bergen