CHAPTER 2: A BIG OPPORTUNITY
Charlie Brown and Frieda were at the park watching the city workers put up Christmas decorations. Frieda was very excited because she was entered into a singing contest. And the big prize was a trip to New York for the finals. Charlie Brown was happy for his girlfriend and his parents gave him permission to join her in New York if she won.
"Competition is going to be stiff, hun," said Frieda. "I just hope I make an impression on the judges."
"I'm sure you'll do fine, Frieda," assured Charlie Brown. "You're one of the most talented singers I know, outside of my cousin Trevor, of course."
"Well no one can match Trevor B., not even yours truly," replied Frieda, "but I can at least try to do the best there."
"That's all any of us ask," agreed Charlie Brown. "Just do your best."
Frieda kissed her boyfriend and smiled. "You are so wonderful to me, Charlie Brown. Is it any wonder why I love you so much?" Charlie Brown smiled. It was great for them to have a break from all of the drama surrounding the Van Pelts and Mamba being with the Serpent Sisters, he thought. And he would be with Frieda all of the way for this contest.
Elsewhere at Joe's Café, Linus and Eudora were on a date. They both had Joe Burgers, which were large double cheeseburgers with bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions, and mushrooms. Linus looked over the meal intensely.
"Are you sure you can eat all of that?" asked Eudora.
"I'm not sure, myself," said Linus. "I don't usually order this, but I figured no time like the present. I do know who could, though. A certain beagle with a healthy appetite could probably polish that off in record time!" And sure enough, at that moment, Snoopy walked by carrying a tray of food which had three Joe Burgers, two large fries, and an extra-large root beer.
"How was he even able to get in here?" asked a bewildered Eudora.
"He has his ways," said Linus. They watched as Snoopy scarfed down those same three burgers, wolfed down the fries, and guzzled the root beer, in a span of only ten seconds! Eudora was amazed at that, but Linus seen it before, hanging out with Charlie Brown. After a slight burp and pat of the tummy, Snoopy got up and left for home.
"I've got to share this with Charles and Sally," said and amazed Eudora.
"Trust me, they already know," assured Linus. "Once Snoopy presented Charlie Brown with a 'New Dog-Feeding Schedule', which had on it a Pre-Breakfast Snack, Breakfast, Morning Coffee Break, Pre-Noon Snack, Lunch, Early Afternoon Snack, Afternoon Tea, Pre-Dinner Snack, Dinner, TV Snack, Bedtime Snack, and a Midnight Snack."
"Good grief!" said Eudora. "Did he follow through on that schedule?"
"No, he just sternly and loudly told Snoopy that he'll get one meal a day like every other dog. Though that doesn't stop Snoopy from getting extra meals and snacks. Case in point, what we just witnessed a moment ago." Both kids shared a laugh. Linus needed a good date with Eudora. It was the distraction he needed from all of the drama at home. He decided not to think about what his sister was doing anymore, but to focus on his own life and his budding romance with Eudora.
In another part of town, Peppermint Patty and Franco were walking in their neighborhood. She was doing much better from before. She finally decided to let go of the drama that had consumed her due to the Homecoming incident fiasco. Plus Marcie and Hans were at the movies, so it was just them.
"You know, Franco," she said, holding his hand, "I realize how lucky I am. To have a boyfriend like you who puts up with my impulses, that says a lot."
"What do you mean?" asked Franco.
"Well, I was a mess these past few weeks worrying about what Lucille, excuse me, MAMBA was up to and I was so caught up in the drama. I let her get to me and I'm sorry about that. Even after I got a good report card, I couldn't enjoy my success because I was wrapped up in dealing with her that you, Chuck, Marcie, and the others went looking for me concerned about my safety. I don't want to worry you anymore. As of now, I'm done with her. I will not let her get to me anymore."
"I'm glad to hear that, fraulein," said Franco, smiling. "You need break from drama." Peppermint Patty was happy. Franco was at her side and understanding. The whole Homecoming incident was finally becoming a distant memory. Now the two lovebirds could focus on themselves and what was to come.
NEXT CHAPTER: THE SINGING CONTEST