Episode 4: Descent Into Darkness-The Serpent Sisters

CHAPTER 1: LUCY VAN PELT-SISTER, DAUGHTER, PUBLIC ENEMY NO. #1

In the wake of the revelation of Lucy sabotaging the previous Homecoming game just to humiliate Charlie Brown, she had become a social pariah. Nobody wanted to be anywhere near her. If it was her just humiliating Charlie Brown in private or not during an important game, folks would've let that slide, but because she seemingly didn't care about winning the game as much as making Charlie look like a fool in front of the girl he once had a crush on, that was unforgivable. But while he was mad about that, understandably, Charlie Brown was angrier because she threatened Snoopy into helping her because he was the official at that game. On top of that, she tried to pull the same stunt at the recent game, but was stopped by Molly Volley, who took over for Snoopy. What she didn't know was Heather, the little red-haired girl Charlie Brown had a crush on, was taping all of the events that let up to that incident. And she had help from Woodstock and Marcie, who wanted to clear Charlie Brown's good name for losing the game.

So after it was revealed what she did, Charlie Brown considered her dead to him, and vowed never to speak to her again, though he would still remain best friends with her brother Linus. Peppermint Patty also was upset with her because she was the main one who blamed Charlie Brown for losing the game. When she found out that Lucy did in fact pull the ball away from him during the game, she had no idea it was part of a bigger scheme. But when she found that part out, she promised that Lucy would never play pee-wee football again not only for her team, but for any other team because she was going to report Lucy to the league superintendent. So now, outside of her brothers Linus and Rerun, nobody was talking to Lucy, and the ones that were stayed wary of her. Lucy became the outcast Charlie Brown always was.

The Monday after the game, Charlie Brown, Sally, Frieda, and Schroeder were waiting for the school bus. Sally was complaining as always.

"Why does the bus driver always take their time getting here?" she moaned. "It's bad enough that we have to go to school; you'd think that the driver would try to at least get us there in time!"

"Translation: so she can play on the playground longer before school starts," joked Charlie Brown to Frieda, who chuckled softly.

"Plus, I got a big test today in Mr. Frumple's class," she continued. "I swear he gives more tests than any other teacher! What a grump!"

"Your life is hard, Sally," said Schroeder, sarcastically. Sally didn't catch that he was being sarcastic.

"I know, right?" Just then Linus, Lucy, and Rerun walked up. Lucy was unusually silent.

"Hey gang," said Rerun.

"Hi Rerun," said Frieda. "How are you, dear?"

"I'm okay. Still getting used to First Grade."

"Wait until Second," Sally said under her breath.

"Hey, Charlie Brown," said Linus.

"Hey, Linus," said Charlie Brown. "Did you get that answer to question 5 on our math homework?"

"Yeah. It was a tough one."

"All right. Maybe before class starts, you can help me get the answer."

"Sure, Charlie Brown. I can help you."

Lucy inched over to Schroeder. "How is he?" she asked him.

"Who?" Schroeder asked back.

"Who do you think, blockhead?" she asked trying to be quiet.

"Charlie Brown? He's okay as far as I can see. If you're ever going to get back in his good graces, give him space. Don't even acknowledge his presence, because he's not acknowledging yours right now. Just let time take its course."

"Probably a good idea. What happened doesn't change what you think of me, does it, Schroeder?"

"Lucy, even something as bad as that doesn't influence my feelings toward you at all."

"Thank goodness."

"I didn't like you even before the incident was revealed. So I don't despise you any more or any less than I already did before."

"Oh brother!"

Not too long after the bus showed up and everyone boarded to go to school. Later at the school, all of the kids were ignoring Lucy and avoiding her like the plague. Nobody wanted to be around her fearing that she would pull a stunt on them like she did on Charlie Brown. She sadly went to Mr. Garrett's class. A weird-looking girl was watching her from a distance. She then left for her class.

Meanwhile in Mrs. Edmonton's class, Charlie Brown and Linus were talking to each other.

"Nobody's talking to Lucy, Charlie Brown," said Linus. "I think, for the first time, everyone's on your side."

"I know, Linus," said Charlie Brown. "I never set out to be a hero for those who got the short end of the stick; it just happened that way. But I'd be lying if I said she didn't have it coming."

"She may be my sister," Linus stated, "but even I think she went too far this time. Even if I am her brother, I'm not defending her actions one bit!"

"I'm glad, Linus. I just feel sorry for you and Rerun, because you still have to deal with her."

"Pray for us, Charlie Brown." And Mrs. Edmonton walked in and greeted the class. Then she began the lesson for the day.

NEXT CHAPTER: LUNCHTIME IS THE LONELIEST HOUR…