DISCLAIMER: Rainbow Brite, Rainbowland, and all characters
contained therein are the property of Hallmark, Inc. I do not own
any of them and I am not making any profit. This story is intended
solely for the enjoyment of fans of this wonderful show. The
original version of "Happy Birthday, Buddy Blue" was written by Lyn
Calder.
Author's Note: This story takes place 3 "years" after "Forking
Paths." In the world of my RB fan fiction, the Color Kids and
Rainbow _do_ age. In this story, they are the equivalent of
Earthling ten-year-olds. Finally, some punctuational notes:
"speech," thoughts.
PROLOGUE
Patty O'Green and Rainbow Brite are still at odds, but their
feud has cooled somewhat, and, right now, they are speaking to each
other. Patty and Buddy Blue have been inseperable for the past
three years. It is the eve of Buddy's tenth birthday...
BUDDY'S BIRTHDAY
(an adaptation of "Happy Birthday, Buddy Blue" by Lyn Calder)
by Saturn Girl
Six of the seven Color Kids and Rainbow were gathered in the
meeting room, making plans for Buddy's surprise party the following
day. Rainbow had enlisted the help of the sprites to keep Buddy
temporarily away from the meeting room; and since he hadn't walked
in yet, they were apparently doing a good job.
The Color Kids and Rainbow stood in a circle in the center of
the room, chattering excitedly. Only Patty was silent. What a
joke she thought. They could have planned this without me. I'm
just here because Buddy's my best friend She sighed. I wonder
what he's doing.
"All right," said Red Butler, "we've got the balloon blowers,
the streamer-arrangers, and the cake-bakers. Now all we need is
someone to distract Buddy while we're setting up."
Everyone looked at Patty. "What?" she asked defensively.
"We need someone to distract Buddy while we set up for the
party," Canary repeated.
"Me?"
"Of course you." Lala's tone was amused. "You're his best
friend. He won't be suspicious at all."
"But what am I going to do?"
"You'll think of something," replied Lala, with a grin.
Patty shook her head in exasperation. "All right, all right,
I'll do it. How long to I have to keep him away?"
"Just till about three, okay?" said Violet.
Patty nodded. "Okay. Can I go now?"
"Go ahead if you want to," said Rainbow, with a sad look in
her eyes. "Remember to keep him away all day."
"I KNOW," Patty answered through teeth gritted in annoyance.
Sometimes Rainbow is so bossy!
* * *
The next morning, Patty surprised Buddy by asking if he would
like to jog around Rainbowland with her.
"You?" Buddy asked incredulously. "What do you want to jog
for? You hate jogging."
"I know, but it's your birthday. It's a present," she grinned.
"You get to enjoy my presence for a day. You don't mind, do you?"
"No," Buddy said. "Fine, let's go."
As they exited the Color Castle, Rainbow caught Lala winking
at her. Patty shot her a withering look. That Lala. I swear, she
gets more boy-crazy every day.
Their run began in Red Range, and wound down through Orange
Meadows. By the time they reached Yellow Plains, Patty was winded.
When they reached Green Grange, Patty could stand the strain
no longer. Her chest hurt, and she could only draw shallow breaths.
Darn Buddy, he wasn't even sweating!
"Buddy," she gasped, "I'm stopping." And she flopped down into
a patch of clover. "Let's rest for minute."
Buddy slowed, but continued jogging in place. "Rest? I feel
fine."
"Well, I don't!" snapped Patty irritably. "I need to rest."
Buddy could not help chuckling. "Told you so. Okay, you rest.
I'm going to take a quick spin through Blue Zone. I'll be back to
get you in five minutes."
Patty looked up at him suddenly, a weird feeling in her chest
that had nothing to do with her fatigue. "Promise?"
"I promise." He started to turn.
"Five minutes?" she called almost involuntarily.
Buddy turned back and looked her as if she'd grown a second
head. "I PROMISE, okay?" he said. He regarded her closely, then
laughed. "What, are you afraid something's going to happen to me?"
Patty felt her cheeks warm. "No, you idiot," she snapped
defensively. "Why would I worry about a dumb jock like you?" She
settled herself in the clover, waving him away. "Get going,
birthday boy."
"You are so weird sometimes." Buddy turned and began to jog
toward the Blue Zone.
Once he was out of sight, Patty began to study the clover bed,
frowning as her thoughts whirled. What a dumb thing to say she
thought. Why would I worry about Buddy? It's not like I--" she
started suddenly, shoving a peculiar thought out of her head. This
was no time for thoughts like _that_. But the notion wouldn't go
away. Sighing, Patty lay back in the clover bed, staring at the
cloudless blue sky above. Sheesh, I'm acting like Lala she
thought with disgust. Everyone in Rainbowland knew that Lala
thought Red was cute. Indigo had whispered to Patty during singing
practice the day before that she thought Buddy was cute, too. Patty
had laughed at her. Now she thought about what Indigo had said. No
way she decided at first, then bit her lip, and amended, Okay,
maybe he is a little cute, but that doesn't mean anything She
looked into the direction of the distant blue blur that was the
Blue Zone. Suddenly she found herself smiling.
Relishing the revelation, Patty rolled onto her stomach,
scrutinizing the clover patch, searching for the perfect four-leaf
clover. Five minutes later, she exclaimed happily. "I found one!"
She tucked it into her pocket. Buddy should be back any minute
she thought, and was surprised to feel a tiny thrill of excitement.
Another five minutes passed, and still Buddy had not appeared.
"Where is he?" Patty said to herself. Just then she heard a shout.
"Buddy!" she cried. "I'm over here!" She listened again, then
sucked in her breath. It sounded like he was shouting "help!" Then
she heard the unmistakable rumble and cough of Murky Dismal's
Grunge Buggy. Oh, no, thought Patty. Buddy was in danger! Patty,
her tiredness forgotten, took off at top speed back to the Color
Castle.
The Color Kids were laughing and decorating happily when Patty
burst into the room. Everyone looked up from what they were doing
and stared at Patty, standing in the doorway, breathless.
As soon as she had her breath, Patty blurted, "Buddy's in
trouble! Murky Dismal is chasing him in his Grunge Buggy!"
Everyone gasped. Immediately, Rainbow ran to the door and
began calling for Starlight. A few seconds later the gallant white
horse came galloping to Rainbow's side.
Patty stood back, scared and unsure of what to do. Suddenly
she remembered the four-leaf clover. Four-leaf clovers are good
luck she thought. "Rainbow! Wait!" she cried.
Rainbow turned, surprised. Patty handed her the four-leaf
clover. "It'll bring good luck," she said, avoiding Rainbow's
curious gaze.
When Rainbow and Starlight had taken off at top speed toward
the Blue Zone, Patty sat down on the floor next to the wall,
pulling her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around
them. She was close to tears. What if Murky got Buddy? What if
Rainbow couldn't save him in time and Buddy had to go and live in
the Pits forever? Patty felt a tear slide down her cheek.
"Patty?" It was Lala. "Are you crying?"
"No!" Patty exclaimed, avoiding her friend's eyes.
Lala sat down next to Patty. "Rainbow will save Buddy," she
consoled. "She always knows what to do."
Earlier that day, Patty might have angrily disagreed, but now
she kept silent. "I just want Buddy to be okay," she said.
"He will be," assured Lala. She leaned closer to Patty. "You
have a crush on him, don't you?"
Patty's head jerked up. "I do not!"
Lala nodded, smiling. "Yes, you do!"
"I do not have a crush on Buddy. He's my friend!"
Lala continued as if she hadn't heard. "It's so neat, me
liking Red and you liking Buddy. Maybe we can double-date when we
get older."
"Double-date?" Patty repeated incredulously. She shook her
head. "Don't be stupid, Lala. I don't want to go on a date with
Buddy."
"Of course you do." Lala sounded confident. "It'll be so fun,
Patty!" She lowered her voice. "Know what? I think he has a crush
on you, too."
Patty blushed furiously. "That's crazy," she answered
uncomfortably. She dared not think of what she had realized earlier
that afternoon. Buddy liked her? Again, she felt herself turn red
with embarassment.
Abruptly, she noticed Lala looking at her, smiling. "What?"
she asked crossly, shoving her previous thoughts out of her head.
"Patty and Buddy, sittin' in a tree," Lala began to sing
softly.
Patty jumped up as if she'd been stung. "Leave me alone!" she
exclaimed. She walked over to the window and looked out over
Rainbowland, hoping to see Starlight galloping towards them at any
moment.
* * *
When at last Starlight came into view, Patty eagerly looked
for Buddy. There he was, sitting behind Rainbow! He was okay! "Hey,
everyone!" she shouted happily. "Rainbow and Buddy are coming
back!"
"Yay!" cheered the Color Kids.
Patty was about to run outside to greet them, when she had a
wonderful idea. "Everyone, hide! Let's surprise him!"
The Color Kids seemed to like the idea. They scrambled for
hiding places.
When Buddy walked through the castle door, everyone jumped out
and yelled "Surprise! Happy Birthday, Buddy!"
Buddy's jaw dropped, but almost immediately he was grinning.
"Gee, thanks everyone!"
Patty, standing off to the side, suddenly felt very warm
inside. As she watched Buddy smile as the kids gathered around him,
singing "Happy Birthday" and offering presents, she had an idea--a
daring idea. I shouldn't she thought, I can't. Suddenly she
grinned devilishly. But I will!
After the party was over, and the rest of the kids and Rainbow
had wandered away, Patty approached Buddy. "Hi."
Buddy smiled when he saw her. "Hi, Patty. Where were you
during the party? I didn't see you."
"I was around," Patty said. "Here's a birthday present." She
held out the four-leaf clover she had gotten back from Rainbow. "I
think it brought you luck today."
Buddy took the clover and studied it. "Hey, this is cool!
Thanks, Patty."
It's now or never Patty thought, her heart beginning to
pound. While Buddy was examining the clover, she stepped a little
closer, so nervous she could hardly breathe.
Buddy looked up from the clover. Before she could lose her
nerve, Patty leaned forward and brushed her lips lightly against
his.
Buddy turned bright pink.
"Happy Birthday, Buddy Blue," Patty said, unable to hide her
grin. She hurried away, one thought chiming loudly over the sudden
flurry of emotions she felt: I hope Lala _never_ finds out about
this!
* * *
Buddy stared after Patty in stupefaction. I don't believe it!
She _kissed_ me! His face felt warm, and he felt funny all over.
What the heck made her do that? he wondered, dazed. It wasn't
like Patty at all. Buddy shook his head. I don't care what Red
says, girls are weird he thought. He put his hand to his lips,
wondering why he felt like smiling. And then suddenly, he _was_
smiling.
THE END
contained therein are the property of Hallmark, Inc. I do not own
any of them and I am not making any profit. This story is intended
solely for the enjoyment of fans of this wonderful show. The
original version of "Happy Birthday, Buddy Blue" was written by Lyn
Calder.
Author's Note: This story takes place 3 "years" after "Forking
Paths." In the world of my RB fan fiction, the Color Kids and
Rainbow _do_ age. In this story, they are the equivalent of
Earthling ten-year-olds. Finally, some punctuational notes:
"speech," thoughts.
PROLOGUE
Patty O'Green and Rainbow Brite are still at odds, but their
feud has cooled somewhat, and, right now, they are speaking to each
other. Patty and Buddy Blue have been inseperable for the past
three years. It is the eve of Buddy's tenth birthday...
BUDDY'S BIRTHDAY
(an adaptation of "Happy Birthday, Buddy Blue" by Lyn Calder)
by Saturn Girl
Six of the seven Color Kids and Rainbow were gathered in the
meeting room, making plans for Buddy's surprise party the following
day. Rainbow had enlisted the help of the sprites to keep Buddy
temporarily away from the meeting room; and since he hadn't walked
in yet, they were apparently doing a good job.
The Color Kids and Rainbow stood in a circle in the center of
the room, chattering excitedly. Only Patty was silent. What a
joke she thought. They could have planned this without me. I'm
just here because Buddy's my best friend She sighed. I wonder
what he's doing.
"All right," said Red Butler, "we've got the balloon blowers,
the streamer-arrangers, and the cake-bakers. Now all we need is
someone to distract Buddy while we're setting up."
Everyone looked at Patty. "What?" she asked defensively.
"We need someone to distract Buddy while we set up for the
party," Canary repeated.
"Me?"
"Of course you." Lala's tone was amused. "You're his best
friend. He won't be suspicious at all."
"But what am I going to do?"
"You'll think of something," replied Lala, with a grin.
Patty shook her head in exasperation. "All right, all right,
I'll do it. How long to I have to keep him away?"
"Just till about three, okay?" said Violet.
Patty nodded. "Okay. Can I go now?"
"Go ahead if you want to," said Rainbow, with a sad look in
her eyes. "Remember to keep him away all day."
"I KNOW," Patty answered through teeth gritted in annoyance.
Sometimes Rainbow is so bossy!
* * *
The next morning, Patty surprised Buddy by asking if he would
like to jog around Rainbowland with her.
"You?" Buddy asked incredulously. "What do you want to jog
for? You hate jogging."
"I know, but it's your birthday. It's a present," she grinned.
"You get to enjoy my presence for a day. You don't mind, do you?"
"No," Buddy said. "Fine, let's go."
As they exited the Color Castle, Rainbow caught Lala winking
at her. Patty shot her a withering look. That Lala. I swear, she
gets more boy-crazy every day.
Their run began in Red Range, and wound down through Orange
Meadows. By the time they reached Yellow Plains, Patty was winded.
When they reached Green Grange, Patty could stand the strain
no longer. Her chest hurt, and she could only draw shallow breaths.
Darn Buddy, he wasn't even sweating!
"Buddy," she gasped, "I'm stopping." And she flopped down into
a patch of clover. "Let's rest for minute."
Buddy slowed, but continued jogging in place. "Rest? I feel
fine."
"Well, I don't!" snapped Patty irritably. "I need to rest."
Buddy could not help chuckling. "Told you so. Okay, you rest.
I'm going to take a quick spin through Blue Zone. I'll be back to
get you in five minutes."
Patty looked up at him suddenly, a weird feeling in her chest
that had nothing to do with her fatigue. "Promise?"
"I promise." He started to turn.
"Five minutes?" she called almost involuntarily.
Buddy turned back and looked her as if she'd grown a second
head. "I PROMISE, okay?" he said. He regarded her closely, then
laughed. "What, are you afraid something's going to happen to me?"
Patty felt her cheeks warm. "No, you idiot," she snapped
defensively. "Why would I worry about a dumb jock like you?" She
settled herself in the clover, waving him away. "Get going,
birthday boy."
"You are so weird sometimes." Buddy turned and began to jog
toward the Blue Zone.
Once he was out of sight, Patty began to study the clover bed,
frowning as her thoughts whirled. What a dumb thing to say she
thought. Why would I worry about Buddy? It's not like I--" she
started suddenly, shoving a peculiar thought out of her head. This
was no time for thoughts like _that_. But the notion wouldn't go
away. Sighing, Patty lay back in the clover bed, staring at the
cloudless blue sky above. Sheesh, I'm acting like Lala she
thought with disgust. Everyone in Rainbowland knew that Lala
thought Red was cute. Indigo had whispered to Patty during singing
practice the day before that she thought Buddy was cute, too. Patty
had laughed at her. Now she thought about what Indigo had said. No
way she decided at first, then bit her lip, and amended, Okay,
maybe he is a little cute, but that doesn't mean anything She
looked into the direction of the distant blue blur that was the
Blue Zone. Suddenly she found herself smiling.
Relishing the revelation, Patty rolled onto her stomach,
scrutinizing the clover patch, searching for the perfect four-leaf
clover. Five minutes later, she exclaimed happily. "I found one!"
She tucked it into her pocket. Buddy should be back any minute
she thought, and was surprised to feel a tiny thrill of excitement.
Another five minutes passed, and still Buddy had not appeared.
"Where is he?" Patty said to herself. Just then she heard a shout.
"Buddy!" she cried. "I'm over here!" She listened again, then
sucked in her breath. It sounded like he was shouting "help!" Then
she heard the unmistakable rumble and cough of Murky Dismal's
Grunge Buggy. Oh, no, thought Patty. Buddy was in danger! Patty,
her tiredness forgotten, took off at top speed back to the Color
Castle.
The Color Kids were laughing and decorating happily when Patty
burst into the room. Everyone looked up from what they were doing
and stared at Patty, standing in the doorway, breathless.
As soon as she had her breath, Patty blurted, "Buddy's in
trouble! Murky Dismal is chasing him in his Grunge Buggy!"
Everyone gasped. Immediately, Rainbow ran to the door and
began calling for Starlight. A few seconds later the gallant white
horse came galloping to Rainbow's side.
Patty stood back, scared and unsure of what to do. Suddenly
she remembered the four-leaf clover. Four-leaf clovers are good
luck she thought. "Rainbow! Wait!" she cried.
Rainbow turned, surprised. Patty handed her the four-leaf
clover. "It'll bring good luck," she said, avoiding Rainbow's
curious gaze.
When Rainbow and Starlight had taken off at top speed toward
the Blue Zone, Patty sat down on the floor next to the wall,
pulling her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around
them. She was close to tears. What if Murky got Buddy? What if
Rainbow couldn't save him in time and Buddy had to go and live in
the Pits forever? Patty felt a tear slide down her cheek.
"Patty?" It was Lala. "Are you crying?"
"No!" Patty exclaimed, avoiding her friend's eyes.
Lala sat down next to Patty. "Rainbow will save Buddy," she
consoled. "She always knows what to do."
Earlier that day, Patty might have angrily disagreed, but now
she kept silent. "I just want Buddy to be okay," she said.
"He will be," assured Lala. She leaned closer to Patty. "You
have a crush on him, don't you?"
Patty's head jerked up. "I do not!"
Lala nodded, smiling. "Yes, you do!"
"I do not have a crush on Buddy. He's my friend!"
Lala continued as if she hadn't heard. "It's so neat, me
liking Red and you liking Buddy. Maybe we can double-date when we
get older."
"Double-date?" Patty repeated incredulously. She shook her
head. "Don't be stupid, Lala. I don't want to go on a date with
Buddy."
"Of course you do." Lala sounded confident. "It'll be so fun,
Patty!" She lowered her voice. "Know what? I think he has a crush
on you, too."
Patty blushed furiously. "That's crazy," she answered
uncomfortably. She dared not think of what she had realized earlier
that afternoon. Buddy liked her? Again, she felt herself turn red
with embarassment.
Abruptly, she noticed Lala looking at her, smiling. "What?"
she asked crossly, shoving her previous thoughts out of her head.
"Patty and Buddy, sittin' in a tree," Lala began to sing
softly.
Patty jumped up as if she'd been stung. "Leave me alone!" she
exclaimed. She walked over to the window and looked out over
Rainbowland, hoping to see Starlight galloping towards them at any
moment.
* * *
When at last Starlight came into view, Patty eagerly looked
for Buddy. There he was, sitting behind Rainbow! He was okay! "Hey,
everyone!" she shouted happily. "Rainbow and Buddy are coming
back!"
"Yay!" cheered the Color Kids.
Patty was about to run outside to greet them, when she had a
wonderful idea. "Everyone, hide! Let's surprise him!"
The Color Kids seemed to like the idea. They scrambled for
hiding places.
When Buddy walked through the castle door, everyone jumped out
and yelled "Surprise! Happy Birthday, Buddy!"
Buddy's jaw dropped, but almost immediately he was grinning.
"Gee, thanks everyone!"
Patty, standing off to the side, suddenly felt very warm
inside. As she watched Buddy smile as the kids gathered around him,
singing "Happy Birthday" and offering presents, she had an idea--a
daring idea. I shouldn't she thought, I can't. Suddenly she
grinned devilishly. But I will!
After the party was over, and the rest of the kids and Rainbow
had wandered away, Patty approached Buddy. "Hi."
Buddy smiled when he saw her. "Hi, Patty. Where were you
during the party? I didn't see you."
"I was around," Patty said. "Here's a birthday present." She
held out the four-leaf clover she had gotten back from Rainbow. "I
think it brought you luck today."
Buddy took the clover and studied it. "Hey, this is cool!
Thanks, Patty."
It's now or never Patty thought, her heart beginning to
pound. While Buddy was examining the clover, she stepped a little
closer, so nervous she could hardly breathe.
Buddy looked up from the clover. Before she could lose her
nerve, Patty leaned forward and brushed her lips lightly against
his.
Buddy turned bright pink.
"Happy Birthday, Buddy Blue," Patty said, unable to hide her
grin. She hurried away, one thought chiming loudly over the sudden
flurry of emotions she felt: I hope Lala _never_ finds out about
this!
* * *
Buddy stared after Patty in stupefaction. I don't believe it!
She _kissed_ me! His face felt warm, and he felt funny all over.
What the heck made her do that? he wondered, dazed. It wasn't
like Patty at all. Buddy shook his head. I don't care what Red
says, girls are weird he thought. He put his hand to his lips,
wondering why he felt like smiling. And then suddenly, he _was_
smiling.
THE END