The Valentine
"Today's gonna be a good day…"
That's what Gumball Watterson would have said if he thought it were true.
"Yeah right, today's going to be awful…" he mumbled, half-asleep in bed. "I just know it…"
Morning had broken and the weather seemed just right; not too hot, not too cold and not a single rain cloud in sight. With plenty of sunshine and the soothing sounds of birdsong filling the air, it looked the ideal opportunity for outdoor activity.
Though the day's outlook might seem nice on the surface, Gumball knew that looks can be deceiving. Wonderful weather was worthless if you can't make the most of it. In Gumball's book, the forecast called for a storm. A hurricane of disappointment. He just knew it…
As such, he'd have been perfectly content to remain right where he was until the day was over. His happy-go-lucky brother on the other hand, didn't share his lack of enthusiasm.
Darwin excitedly hopped out of his fishbowl, giving himself a nice long stretch before giving his brother a little nudge.
"Dude wake up," said Darwin cheerfully. "It's 9:30 AM!"
His words only drove Gumball into protectively hiding himself underneath his bedsheets.
"Why?" he groaned, feigning ignorance. "What's so important that I have to get up before noon?"
"Today's the day," Darwin reminded him.
"What? Sunday?" replied Gumball.
How typical of him, thought Darwin. Even when half-asleep his brother manages to be snarky. Darwin had expected no less.
"No dude," said Darwin with a chuckle. "Today's Valentine's day!"
Ah yes, Valentine's Day. A festivity for couples and a trial for just about everybody else. That explained why Darwin was in such a good mood this morning. To pour more salt in his wound, Gumball wasn't exactly what you call single. He was in a relationship of sorts with a certain somebody… secretly.
Gumball wanted nothing more than to spend the whole day alone with that special someone. But given their circumstances, it would be a pipe dream at best. They would have to wait for each other, as always...
With his brother intentionally kept well in the dark, Gumball buried the bitter reply building in his mind.
"Whatever…" he yawned, rolling over in his bed.
"Come on buddy," said Darwin, nudging him again. "You promised to help."
"I said I'd think about it…" Gumball corrected him.
"So what'cha think?"
"...I think I'd prefer to stay in bed today."
"But Gumball, I need you!" said Darwin. "You know I get nervous around Carrie."
"Well she is a ghost, whad'ya expect?"
"That's not the point. I'm worried I'll mess up on our date."
"Relax dude, messing up is my specialty. Just be yourself and you'll be fine."
"Pleeease!" begged Darwin, pressing his fins together. "I need my big bro's help for this. I'd support you!"
That last statement was the one that finally caught Gumball's attention. Sitting up on his bed, he groggily rubbed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.
"That's just the thing Darwin. You probably wouldn't support me..."
'If you knew who I had feelings for…' Gumball finished the sentence in his head.
Oh no, what was he thinking? He'd let his angst get the better of him. He decided to quickly rephrase himself.
"I mean uh, you can be a little possessive..." explained Gumball. "Remember when you got jealous of Penny and started stalking her?"
Darwin felt himself blush red as a rose. He looked the other way while scratching his head in embarrassment. Thinking back to his past jealousy of Gumball's former girlfriend, he knew it hadn't exactly been one of his prouder moments.
Even so, Gumball didn't want to hold his brother's naivety against him. Sure Darwin's innocence could sometimes lead to ignorance but deep down his fishy friend always meant well. In fact, he probably deserved to be happy today. At least one of them deserved to enjoy themselves.
"But tell you what..." said Gumball, placing an assuring hand on his brother. "If it really means that much to you, I'll tag along."
"You will?" asked Darwin with an elated expression.
Gumball sincerely replied with a nod. Darwin thanked him with a big hug.
"Thanks Gumball, it would mean a lot…" said Darwin.
Better one of them happy than both melancholy, thought Gumball. Seeing Darwin so happy, made him happy too. Just a little bit...
Their brotherly moment was mildly disturbed by the sounds of heavy snoring, courtesy of their little sister who still lay sleeping in the top bunk.
"Ah, get a room you two…" Anais mumbled in her sleep.
…
Gumball insisted on showering first for three reasons.
Firstly, he knew Darwin would take extra time freshening up today. Secondly, it'd let Gumball take his time with his breakfast. And most importantly, Darwin owed him for this, big time.
And given how early it was in the day, time was hardly scarce.
So having showered and dressed himself, Gumball slowly trudged his way downstairs. A delicious aroma wafted itself towards him from the kitchen. How unusual...
Gumball made his way over there to investigate. Awaiting him inside was his mother Nicole.
She had surrounded herself with a plethora of raw ingredients, cutlery and utensils. It was obvious she had been busy preparing something. But at such an early time in the day? On a Sunday no less?
Gumball couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness over the fact his mother was working so hard even on her day off.
"Good morning Gumball," she greeted her son with the warmest of smiles.
Truly his mother was a paragon of virtue. Gumball wasn't exactly big on using flowery words like that, but for her, he'd gladly make an exception.
Nicole was the most positive influence in his life. Just thinking of all the moments she was there to comfort him when he needed her. Or times when she'd support his decisions even if they weren't the best ones, just to make him happy. Or sheer amount of selflessness she extended towards her family, him especially.
If Gumball was being totally honest, he would admit he'd always been somewhat of a mama's boy. And heck if he cared! In his opinion, his mother was the most wonderful person he'd ever known. If sharing a close bond with her made him any less of a man, he couldn't give a beaver's dam.
In fact, Gumball would argue that she was the real 'patriarch' of the household. Nicole was the strongest person he knew, mentally and physically. There were occasions where she'd put Gumball through hell and back again just to toughen him up. And she could be pretty scary when she got angry…
But deep down, all that anger stemmed from concern. If she got angry, it was because she cared. Nicole knew she couldn't protect her son forever, so sometimes she had to be cruel to be kind. Gumball understood that too…
So it was no wonder why he held his mother in such high regard. She was more than just a model parent. She was an ideal to aspire to. She was his best friend... His mentor... His hero... She was the one he…
"Gumball?" said Nicole, bringing him out of his little daydream.
"Morning Mom," he distantly replied.
In a motherly fashion, Nicole only needed to take one glance at her son's forlorn appearance to understand that something was bothering him. With his vision glued to the ground, Gumball walked up to her and fell into a bashful embrace. Nicole let him hold on to her for as long as he needed whilst tenderly stroking the back of his head.
"Is everything okay hun?" she asked him in a soothing manner.
Gumball didn't want his mother to be sad for his sake. In fact, that brief moment of getting to hold her close and feel her tender cosy embrace lifted his spirits substantially. It was such a small gesture from her but to him it made a huge difference.
"Oh yeah totally," he laughed it off. "I'm just a little tired because Darwin woke me up early. He wanted my help today. He's a bit nervous about his date…"
"Ah I see," replied Nicole, a little skeptically. "Well I think it's very kind of you, helping your brother out like that."
"I guess..."
"Hmm, I know what'll cheer you up…" said Nicole, making her way to the oven. "How would you like some cookies?"
"For breakfast?" he asked with his ears perking up. "Wow…"
Returning with a tray in her oven-mitts, Nicole presented to him a whole batch of freshly baked cookies. Warm red velvet cookies with a drizzle of white chocolate zigzagged on each of them. The shredded coconut shavings were an odd choice of garnish…
But Gumball didn't mind one bit. He thought they looked positively scrumptious and crafted to perfection.
"I've been busy baking this morning," she explained.
"Hehe, I hadn't noticed," joked Gumball.
He must be feeling better if he's back to making wisecracks, Nicole noted thankfully.
"A special occasion deserves a special treat," said Nicole. "So consider this my treat to you."
"Aw shucks Mom," replied Gumball. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble."
"I know but I wanted to make something special for us-I mean, all of us."
"I getcha…" he replied. "Well I think you did a great job. They look really tasty."
"Here," said Nicole handing him a cookie. "You can be the first to try one."
"Only on one condition," grinned Gumball mischievously.
"Which is?"
Gumball broke the cookie into two pieces.
"You have half with me," said Gumball, offering her the slightly bigger piece.
"Aww..." said Nicole, touched by his gesture of kindness.
They took a bite at the same time while watching each other's expression. While Gumball found himself enamored by the delightfully delectable taste of the cookie, it paled in comparison to the smile on his mother's face as she stared back at him. It was sweeter than a cat with syrup in its paws. Uh oh, perhaps a tad too sweet.
Suddenly Gumball broke into a cough, pounding his chest as he struggled to swallow his mouthful. Nicole responded immediately to his plight, patting him on the back before speedily pouring him a glass of milk.
"Oh honey, are you okay?" she asked with concern. "Sorry, I must've used too much sugar..."
"No-no-no, they taste great!" he assured her, before hurriedly gulping down his milk. "I guess I just wasn't ready for how good they'd be. You really outdid yourself Mom."
"Aw, you think so?" smiled Nicole.
"I know so," replied Gumball.
"Oh Gumball, you're such a sweetheart sometimes."
"Well Mom, you're a sweetheart all the time."
Nicole playfully ruffled his ears, causing him to blush a little.
"A sweetheart and a sweet talker," she added.
The duo burst into a fit of giggles. It felt so good to laugh!
Though Gumball's mirth quickly faded as he became aware of it. He pondered why that was. Was he doing something wrong? Was it a crime to laugh?
Even if it was, his rebellious nature would make sure he'd do it anyway.
No, the truth was… Gumball just couldn't quite enjoy himself knowing disappointment was still in store for him. Would it bother him less if he was already in miserable mood?
Bah, he was overthinking things! He knew it. If he wanted a disproportionate brainstorm to spoil his fun, he would've consulted his little sister. As Gumball's laughter faded, Nicole's followed suit.
Despite his best efforts to hide it, his mother had pretty good idea of what was bothering him. But before she could discuss it with him…
"Well, I guess I better go get dressed properly, huh?" said Gumball, referring to the fact he was still in his PJs.
Nicole had opened her mouth to say something but nothing would come to mind. She simply nodded and waved. Gumball prepared to leave though something made him pull back for a moment.
"Uh Mom, do you…" he began.
"Yes Gumball sweetie?" she replied, pressing her hands together with certain interest.
"Do you…" he trailed off, before letting out a sigh. "…Do you want me to bring you anything from the store?"
Oh. That wasn't the question she was expecting. Come to think of it, Nicole wasn't sure what she was expecting. Or even if she'd have a worthwhile answer. Still, it made her a little sad.
"No no, it's fine," said Nicole absently. "Just… have fun okay?"
"Okay. See you later Mom..."
Gumball began to make his way back to the living room. It pained his mother to see him look so gloomy. No, she wouldn't let him leave like this. She had to do something.
"Um Gumball?" Nicole called after him.
"Yeah Mom?" he said, briefly turning back.
Nicole approached him, saying nothing at first but then… She held both his shoulders in her hands and quickly kissed him on the forehead. It was such a short moment of contact between them. A mere drop in the ocean.
But it had the effect she intended. A single touch of her soft lips pressing against his skin did him a world of wonder. He did feel a lot better now. His content expression said it all.
"...You're a good kid," she told him with quiet pride.
"Thanks Mom," he smiled back at her. "You're the best."
"Thank you sweetie."
Gumball wasn't exactly sure what that last sudden exchange was all about or what it even really meant. But somehow, deep inside himself he just knew it felt right. Sort of.
What they had just told each other were things that went without saying, right? But perhaps it was nice to hear it said out loud for once. Gumball would have to admit, it certainly felt nice telling his mother just how much she meant to him.
Had he… actually wanted to say something else? Perhaps something in the same vein? They both had, hadn't they?
Gumball decided not to dwell on the matter any longer.
Having dressed into his usual attire, Gumball decided he'd skip breakfast as it would only spoil his appetite later. The weather was still nice and warm and since he had nothing better to do, he figured he might as well wait for Darwin on the outside porch.
Leaving his bedroom, Gumball emerged into the hallway just in time to see his father do the same.
"Good morning all!" announced Richard, with a big stretch.
The relationship between father and son was a complicated one.
Gumball loved his father dearly. But his dad wasn't exactly an ideal role model. Richard often caused as many problems as he solved. It all seemed so simple when Gumball was younger. He always used to find Richard's antics amusing and endearing. The two got along great.
But with age came maturity. No matter how slow and subtly it happened, Gumball had grown to be more jaded and cynical with time. As such, his dad became more like a troublesome best friend than a symbol of authority and power.
Despite that, Gumball didn't hold any resentment towards his father on that count. He knew Richard's own parents weren't exactly good role models themselves. Regardless of his shortcomings, Richard was still the man responsible for his birth. And Gumball was grateful for that.
Nicole's sentiments mirrored her son's. The rift between Gumball's parents got bigger with each passing day. Like a storm that grew stronger the longer it lingered. What happened between them?
In their younger days, they were inseparable. Like two halves of the same coin. Or like two peas in a pod. They got along like biscuits and gravy. They were tighter than bark on a tree. Richard was the sugar to Nicole's spice…
Just what happened?
Nicole once told her son that she chose Richard because he was different from everyone else she knew. Always so happy and carefree, he never demanded anything from her except a smile. And he could always make her laugh. Things started off so innocent and simple…
But things can change over time, and so can people.
A person's charm can only get them so far and after a few years everything 'just stopped being funny'. This was Richard's crux. Being serious was something he was never very good at. Nicole had initially thought she could be serious enough for the both of them. It had worked, for a time…
That time had long since passed. Naturally, the simple solution to Nicole's problem often came to mind.
But it was too late for that. They had a family now.
Even if the spark between them had gone, Nicole promised herself that she'd continue to hold things together. If not for herself, then for the sake of her children. Richard being what he was, remained blissfully unaware of his failing marriage or his wife's burden. Gumball however, knew more than he let on.
"Hey son," Richard greeted him in a jovial manner, patting Gumball on the head.
Coming face to face with his father, Gumball read him like a book. He was in a good mood about nothing in particular. Happy to enjoy the day for what it was. Ignorance truly was kind.
"Oh, hi Dad," said Gumball casually. "Uh, sleep well?"
"You bet'cha," he replied, sniffing the air. "Mmm, I smell cookies!"
"Yeah, Mom made some."
"Oh boy, I can't wait to try them..."
Richard immediately began to walk towards the kitchen. Knowing his father, he'd probably eat them all if left unattended. Gumball knew he had to do something, fast.
"Say uh Dad, do you know what today is?" asked Gumball.
"Haha, of course I do son," laughed Richard.
"You do?"
"Why today's Sunday," he replied. "In other words, laundry day! I'll be sure not to use the dishwasher this time."
"Well Dad, you're half right," said Gumball rolling his eyes.
"Which half?" asked Richard. "Sunday or laundry day?"
"No Dad, what I mean is, today's Valentine's Day."
"Huh? I thought that was on the fourteenth…"
"Which is today."
"Oh I see. But then it's also still Sunday and therefore laundry day too! So technically I was right."
Gumball mentally slapped himself due to his father missing the point, as per usual.
"Point is, today's Valentine's day and that's why Mom made us cookies. Maybe you oughta do something nice for her too."
"No problem son," replied Richard. "I already got your mother a present in advance to make up for last time."
Gumball was astounded. That reveal certainly took him by surprise.
"Oh wow… so uh, what'cha get her?" he asked.
"Here, I'll show you," said Richard reaching into his wallet. "It was expensive but the commercial said it relaxes the body and mind. Your mom will just love it."
Naturally Gumball felt a little conflicted. On the one hand it was nice to see his father learning from his mistakes. On the other hand, he couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of envy towards him. Just a teensy bit.
"So what is it?"
"Isn't it obvious? I bought her a Tropical Vacation…"
"What!?" exclaimed Gumball with shock.
"…Spa Day," Richard finished his sentence, holding up a coupon. "At the mall. See?"
"Oh, phew…" Gumball breathed a sigh of relief.
For a moment there, Gumball was scared his father had maxed out the credit card again. Nicole wouldn't exactly be thrilled about a vacation if it would require taking out a second mortgage.
Inspecting the coupon in his hands, Gumball noted that it looked promising enough. For once his dad had actually bought a gift that seemed worthwhile. But then Gumball frowned upon reading the fine print…
"Um Dad?" began Gumball. "Did you buy this coupon last year?"
"Yup, why'd you ask?"
"Because it kinda expired last year too…"
"Oh…"
Richard looked quite crestfallen upon hearing that. He didn't even bother to double check, simply taking his son's word for it. As if he'd come expect his own failure. He closed his eyes and let his ears droop with a heavy sigh.
"I messed up again…" he mumbled.
Great, so the gift was worthless now, Gumball thought to himself. As per usual, his father's incompetence had gotten the better of him.
So why didn't Gumball feel happy? He was feeling jealous moments before… Isn't this what he wanted?
Truthfully Gumball just wanted his mother to be happy even if he didn't get to be the gift giver. If it would make her happy, then he was happy. As such, Gumball felt no joy from watching his father screw things up again.
Why was Gumball even trying to compete with him? It was hardly a contest between them.
Besides, Richard was still his father, flaws withstanding. Gumball knew he had to make things right.
"Look dad," said Gumball. "A gift doesn't have to be expensive to be special. It's the thought behind it that counts."
"Son, I might not be the sharpest spoon in the silverware drawer but even I know that there's no brownie points for intentions. Otherwise I'd have enough to start a brownie factory."
Huh, that was actually pretty profound, noted Gumball. Truly Richard never ceased to surprise…
"Well look, I'm helping Darwin with his date today and I'm pretty sure Anais has plans of her own. So why don't you take Mom out for dinner or something? I'm sure she'd like that."
Richard pondered it over for a moment before coming to a conclusion. Unfortunately that was more than enough time for him to lose his train of thought. Especially since the thought of dinner was involved.
"Uh Dad?" said Gumball, snapping his fingers.
"Oh sorry son but that idea would never work…" said Richard. "But what if I took your mom out for dinner or something? I'm sure she'd like that. Yeah, that's what I'll do!"
"That's what I just said," groaned Gumball as he watched his father run back to his room.
…
By the time the clock struck 10:45, Gumball and Darwin finally made it out of the house. The duo barely spoke to each other during the bus ride. Gumball just sat there looking bored, staring out the window the whole time while Darwin hummed a happy tune to himself.
Gumball wondered what Carrie would be doing right now. Just how excited would the little ghost girl be in regards to her date with Darwin? Would she be coercing some poor soul into accompanying her today? Oh, what a thought that was…
Though Gumball wasn't exactly sure at what point he and Carrie became such close friends, he had a good idea why. They had a lot more in common than they initially thought. Both of them had an underlying sense of sophistication they liked to hide, coupled with a rebellious streak and a penchant for getting caught up in supernatural phenomena on a weekly basis.
It was funny, Gumball almost thought of Carrie as an amicable ex-girlfriend. They had never actually dated but they were still very close. Heck, Gumball was the one who sorta nudged her and Darwin together - even if he did a slightly botched up job of it.
If opposites really attract, then Darwin and Carrie were a textbook example. Someone as pure and innocent as Darwin perfectly complimented someone as sly and cunning as Carrie. It seemed they brought out the best in each other. They were certainly happy together, that was for sure.
Though the concept of opposites attracting got Gumball wondering. It was a strange comparison to make but he couldn't help but wonder...
His parents. Had their relationship started out like this?
He was overthinking things again…
"Mom…" Gumball mumbled to himself, pushing those thoughts aside.
It was going to be a long day…
By 11:00 AM, they had finally made it to the mall. As if Gumball needed anymore reminders as to what day it was, most of the mall had been decorated to fit the occasion.
All the clichéd elements were present: red heart shaped balloons, sappy romantic music playing through the speakers and all manner of Valentine themed merchandise on display everywhere to capitalize on the occasion.
Well, maybe Gumball could sneak away later and discreetly buy some flowers or something. The thought kept circling around his mind as the duo made their way inside.
"Okay dude, when and where did you make reservations?" asked Gumball.
"Yesterday after breakfast, we're having lunch at Dinner," replied Darwin.
"Uh… what?" said Gumball, looking quite confused.
Darwin simply pointed behind Gumball to a restaurant with a sign that stated Dinner.
"Oh I see..." nodded Gumball. "This place could do with a less confusing name."
"Come on, let's go in," said Darwin. "I hear they're having a special on drinks today."
"What, all drinks come with an extra straw?" Gumball guessed sarcastically.
"Bendy straws," Darwin happily corrected him.
As the two made their way over, Gumball was beginning to have second thoughts. Two more thoughts than he usually had when making a major decision. Gumball wasn't exactly impulsive but he didn't like to live with regrets either. He liked to follow his heart.
So it stood to reason that if his heart felt uncertain, then so would the rest of him.
Darwin sat down at a table marked Reserved and Gumball followed suit, taking the seat next to him. Two glasses and jug of water were already on the table. Typical, Carrie had yet to even arrive and Gumball was already starting to feel like a third wheel. Maybe he ought to leave while he still could…
"Actually Darwin," began Gumball. "It looks like you've got this under control. I think I'll just skip dinner and head home for dessert."
"Don't desert me Gumball," said Darwin. "Come on, this'll be fun."
"Besides, you wouldn't want me getting in the way would you?" grinned Gumball, helping himself to some water. "This is your date after all. Two's company but three's a crowd. I wouldn't wanna make things awkward for you."
"Don't worry Gumball," smiled Darwin. "Carrie said she might bring a friend along for support too. And besides, if things get too awkward I'll just ask her to possess you."
A wild spit-take ensued. Gumball instinctively spat out his drink while trying to process what his brother just said.
"What the what!?" exclaimed Gumball. "How's that supposed to help?"
"Well she'd have a physical body to work with so the meal would go to waste-"
"That's not what I mean!" interrupted Gumball. "I'm asking how Carrie possessing my body would make things less awkward for me."
"Uh… you wouldn't be left out?" Darwin innocently suggested.
"How? Carrie would be in control of everything I do. From my perspective, I'd be stuck watching myself go on a date with my brother."
"Hmm, well when you put it that way…" replied Darwin, the implications slowly dawning upon him.
"Seriously, what are you even suggesting?" said Gumball, throwing his hands up.
"I dunno!" shrugged Darwin. "I was just trying to think proactively!"
"This sounds all kinds of messed up-wait…"
Gumball stopped mid-rant to think to himself, holding his chin and furrowing his brow. Morbid curiosity had got the better of him.
"Hypothetically speaking..." Gumball began. "If Carrie was to possess somebody and go on a date with you… Would you be dating Carrie or the person she's possessing?"
"Uh… I'm not… really sure," replied Darwin in an honest fashion. "I guess technically it would be a double date."
"But there's only three people involved."
"Um, a three way date then?"
"Is there even such a thing?" Gumball inquired skeptically.
"Sure there is," nodded Darwin. "It's where one person dates an established couple."
"But technically you and Carrie are the couple. So who's the possessor-I mean possess-see?"
"The person getting possessed, duh."
"No, I mean if they're not doing anything throughout the date aren't they just a glorified costume for Carrie?"
"I guess…" admitted Darwin. "But what if they took it in turns?"
"What?" scoffed Gumball. "You mean Carrie switches back and forth between who she's possessing?"
"I was thinking more of a Jekyll and Hyde scenario but your idea sounds more interesting…"
"Wow dude," said Gumball crossing his arms. "I knew you had some strange kinks but this is something else."
"Hey! You're the one who brought it up…" argued Darwin.
That trivial conversation had essentially gone nowhere. But neither had Gumball as a result. On the other hand, Carrie had finally arrived and like Darwin, she too had brought an escort with her today.
"Hi Carrie!" said Darwin, waving as she approached.
"Darwin, good to see you!" replied Carrie, arriving at their table. "Hey Gumball."
"Hi Carrie, hi…"
Gumball stuttered for a bit upon noticing Carrie's partner in crime. It was the last person he expected to see today. A certain shapeshifting orange fairy whom he had once convinced to break out of her shell.
"P-P-Penny?" stuttered Gumball.
"Gumball?" replied Penny.
"Penny?" gasped Gumball.
"Carrie?" Penny asked her in confusion.
"Darwin…" Gumball glared at his brother.
"Gumball?" said Darwin sheepishly.
"Penny!" said Carrie joining the fun.
"Uh Carrie?" began Darwin.
"Darwin!" repeated Gumball.
"Gumball!" giggled Carrie.
"Carrie!" Gumball groaned in response.
"Karen!" announced a new voice in a thick New York accent.
"Karen!?" the four friends exclaimed in unison.
They collectively turned their heads to notice their waitress Karen, standing next to the table waiting to take their order.
"Oh s'cuse me, I thought this was a game!" she laughed, pulling out a notepad and pen. "What'll it be fellas?"
Darwin opened his mouth to speak but Gumball immediately clasped his mouth shut before he could utter a single syllable.
"Sorry, we're uh… still deciding," said Gumball.
"No problem, take yer time…" shrugged Karen, casually whistling as she walked off.
With a nervous laugh Gumball turned his attention to Carrie and Penny who hesitantly took their seats. Well Penny did, Carrie just sort of hovered above hers.
"Um, c-could you girls excuse us for a second?" requested Gumball. "We'll be right back."
"We will? I mean, we will!" Darwin quickly changed his tune as Gumball dragged him off.
Unsure of how exactly they should respond, Carrie and Penny just collectively nodded with an assortment of words such as "yeah", "sure", "okay" and "do you how do?"
As if this day hadn't been stressful enough, Gumball knew it was about to get a whole lot worse…
End of Part One