Chapter 2: an old friend

Narrator: After a long day it was finally time to close at the Pizza Cat.

Speedy walked over to talk to Polly: You think Guido is going to be okay, Kitten?

Polly looked over at Guido who was looking out of the window at the snow that was falling.

Polly: I don't know. He probably needs some time.

Speedy: Poor Guido, I knew how he took care of his cousin, send him money and all.

Francine finally done counting her money came out.

Polly decided to walk over to try to talk to Francine.

Polly: don't you think that Guido deserves something for his hard work? He is trying hard to save money for his sick cousin. I don't think that he'll last much longer with out the operation Guido's family is saving for.

Francine with her nose in her calculator: As far as I'm conserved, that little brat can die.

Polly was surprised to here Francine say that: Why would you say something that heartless?

Francine raised her head up from her calculator: That kid dying means that there will be more money, and a surplus.

Polly: Is that all you can think about is money?

Francine: Is there anything else?

Polly: What about friends, family and love?

Francine: I don't have time for that anymore. Now go. It's time for you and the others to punch out. Don't think I'm paying overtime either.

Polly: You know Francine, You might not have time for others but there are still others that care about you.

Before Polly left she handed Francine a little package.

Francine: Whatever, just be sure not to damage anything on your way out,

Guido, Speedy and Polly decided to spend the night away from the Pizza cat. They all met outside of the Pizza Cat.

Speedy: So are you going to head over To Princess Vi's Christmas party? Everyone in Little Tokyo is going to be there.

Narrator: Hey I wasn't invited!!

Speedy: Don't worry you can come with us!

Narrator: Thanks!

Guido: No I think I'll go and spend some time with my little cousin.

Speedy and Polly watched as Guido started trekking through the snow with his umbrella towards the hospital.

Speedy: I wish we could do something for Guido.

Polly holding Speedy's hand: Me too, but I'm sure Guido's family can do something.

Polly, and Speedy headed towards the Palace where Princess Vi was holding her Christmas party. They decided to take the long way around and go through the Little Tokyo Park. Speedy, and Polly walked close together holding hands as they looked at the beautiful scenery.

Polly: Isn't this just the most beautiful sight you've ever seen, Speedy?

Speedy: I can only think of one thing that's better.

Polly was puzzled by his answer: What is that?

Speedy: Looking at you Ms. Ester.

Polly blushed as Speedy leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. Speedy and Polly continued to walk down the snow path toward the Christmas Eve Party. Speedy puts his arm around her.

Speedy: We might have to leave early, Kitten, if Fran is gonna open tomorrow at regular time.

Polly (sighing): I know. God, what's with her? Nobody is gonna order a pizza on Christmas! Other businesses were closed, she'll have no one to do business with!

Speedy (drawing her close): I know, and knowing her she'll have us work until really late. (Sighs) I'm sorry it's not gonna be such a great Christmas this year. I know how much ya wanted to go to the mountains.

Polly (Leans against him): That's OK, Speedy. I got my boyfriend here, and tomorrow night we can sit by the fire after Guido's Christmas party and drink Hot Cocoa. That's all the Christmas I could want.

Speedy (kisses her tenderly): Well, Merry Christmas Eve anyway, Pumpkin. I love you.

Polly: I love you, Pussycat. Merry Christmas Eve.

Inside of the Pizza Cat Francine was looking at the package.

Francine: It's probably nothing.

Francine set the package down and walked away from it.

Francine: I think I'll count my money again.

Francine walked back into her office, and started a fire in her fireplace.

Francine: I never thought I'd get to use this thing.

She sat in front of the Roaring Fire and suddenly her eyes glanced up at a photo that she had hanging on top of the fireplace. She took it down to get a better look.

It was a picture of Francine, and another cat that looked just like her only her hair was black.

Francine: Jessica, you where the only real friend I had, we made a lot of money together. You where almost as rich as me…Almost!

Francine started to count her money again. She was up to 8,094,524.34 when she heard the clatter of what seemed to sound like chains.

Francine: What did Guido forget to turn off now?

Francine decided to go into the kitchen to take a look, but when she got there she saw that everything was put away and nothing was left on. Francine went back into her office, and locked the door.

Francine: Now where was I? 8,094,524.35…

The sound of Chains rattling sounded like it was coming from out her door.

Francine now scared: Wh-who's there?

Voice: Francine…Francine…Francine I've come to warn you!!!

Francine was scared: Who are you?

Then instantly in front of her face appeared a kitten that looked similar to Francine, only her hair was black. Francine backed up in fear as the ghost comes toward her. She's dressed in a blindingly white kimono...laden down with heavy chains.

Francine: W...who are you?!

Ghost: Ask me who I WAS.

Francine: OK, OK, who were you?

Ghost: In life I was your old business partner: Jessica Morley.

Francine (giving her a closer look): Oh my God Jess, is that really you? God, before you died in that car crash I always knew you had natural beauty, but now I can really see it.

Jessica: Do you believe?

Francine: Sure, right. Please. As far as I know you're just a dream I'm having right now in front of this fireplace. (JESSICA starts moaning as loud as she can, obviously in a lot of pain. Francine puts her hand over her ears) OK, OK, I believe, I believe!!

Jessica: Francine Manx, DO YOU BELIEVE IN ME OR NOT?!

Francine: I do, I do, I must. Ghost, why do you haunt me?!

Jessica: To warn you, Francine. Learn from me! I am condemned to walk this Earth forever, witnessing what I could have shared and turned to happiness. I wear chains I made in life. I made it link-by-link and yard-by-yard of my own free will when I ignored the poor and suffering and dedicated my every waking moment to being a greedy, self-centered jerk!! You wear such a chain yourself!

Francine: I..I do?! (Looks around)

Jessica: You cannot see it yourself, but I can...and it grows bigger and heavier each day. I have come to warn you that you have a chance of making it disappear.

Francine: Thank you, Jess. You always were a friend to me!

Jessica: Tonight, you will be haunted by three Spirits.

Francine: HAUNTED?!

Jessica: Without these visits you cannot hope to escape this fate yourself (indicates her chains) Expect the first one tonight when the bell tolls one. Look to see me no more. Remember me, Francine Manx. Remember me! (Slowly goes to window, which flies open. She goes slowly to window) Remember me. (Looks back sadly.) Remember me. (Flies out window and disappears Francine, in fright, puts out fire and runs to bed, throwing covers over her)