Author's note: Hey, readers, just a quick note. The last chapter mentioned that Once-ler is leaving home. As we know, from watching the movie and reading "The Old Hag of Thneedville" he does BUT for right now it's JUST talk. Just brought it up now to soften Ellen's feelings for Once-ler. Thank you.
Chapter 3: the aftermath
It had been several days since Ellen had made up with Norma but she was still feeling achy and numb and because of everything that had happened she couldn't sleep. She knew that Roger was a cheating jerk but part of her still missed him. It pained her to think of him with that… chocolate covered cherry! They had great times together like trips to movies, walks on the beach, going to sports events, going to theatre, and dancing. Of course the doubts Ellen had had during the relationship kept flooding back to her too. She couldn't stop thinking of all the called off dates and plans they had. All the gifts he got her to make up for everything which she realized now were to cover for his cheating. So, The night Roger broke up with her she started throwing everything he ever gave her out the window towards the Beanpole trailer. Elysia had been thrilled one day to find a pair of diamond studs and a pearl necklace on the door step. So at least someone was happy. This particular night Ellen was throwing CDs they had bought together and only stopped when she heard what sounded like hoof steps and creaky wheels come closer to the house. As far as she knew everyone in Villville rode cars and they lived nowhere near Amish country. As she watched and listened she saw a covered wagon with a tall lanky rider pass by the Beanpole trailer and turn into the backyard. She then saw who she assumed was the same lanky person come back around to the front of the trailer, stop,look up at her, stare for a minute, and then go inside . Ellen was confused but just went back to throwing CDs.
The next day at school Ellen was putting her books away and putting her morning books into her back pack. "Morning, Ellen." Said Norma from behind the locker
"Morning, Norma. How are you?" asked Ellen
"Fine. I'm worried about Once-ler though. He said he was thinking of buying a mule drawn carriage. " said Norma
"I think he did. I went on the internet after I saw someone riding a mule drawn wagon last night and read that mules take a long time to train because they are very stubborn and don't trust new owners for a while. So, if he does leave it won't be for several months even if that." Said Ellen
"By the way, here… an advanced copy of this week's copy of the Vill High News. " said Norma handing Ellen a copy of the paper. Ellen flipped to Norma's gossip column.
Ellen started to read:
News alert! News alert! No, it's not that Once-ler Beanpole is running away because that's last week's news and as an update it STILL hasn't happened yet. This writer is thinking it's all talk because let's be honest that boy's mother isn't going to let him step foot out of this town. This week's news : Roger Getset and Ellen Peach are over! Last Tuesday they went on a date where Roger broke it off. Why did he break it off ?Well this writer saw it with her own eyes folks; That same day the week before Roger Getset was locking lips with… Surprise, surprise! Judy Atling. That's right the black widow herself has stolen another boyfriend. When will that cherry get her fill of men? Am I right? On, a personal note my sincerest condolences and love to the best friend a girl could have, Ellen Peach, and the fondest wish that she will find someone much better and that she will get justice for the witch who stole her happiness.
"Thanks, Norma" said Ellen "That does make me feel a little better."
"I thought it would. Two days til the party." Said Norma
"Don't remind me. My aunt and cousins are coming in. I'm not looking forward to that. Every time my aunt comes we have to eat green eggs and ham because that's all my aunt Samantha eats. On top of that, My cousins each have their own annoying theories about the world and I'm telling you these theories are beyond crazy. My cousin Horton he's 11… he believes in these tiny creatures called Whos. He even tries to talk to them. Then there is Aloysius … he's 13 he has this idea for an invention. You bottle air like in one of those Poland Spring water dispenser bottles that rich people have in their homes and you attach them to this machine that spreads fresh air around the room like an air conditioner. " Said Ellen
"But trees produce fresh air for free." Said Norma
"That's what I said." Said Ellen
"Although, with the hole in the ozone layer just getting bigger and people generally being pretty wasteful. He might have a point. An alternative might be advisable." Said Norma
"No one is going to pay for air. " said Ellen "The only way they would even consider it is if some moron cuts down every tree in the state and puts out enough pollution to suffocate every man, woman, and child if we don't. "
"Still maybe I wouldn't dismiss your cousin so quickly." Said Norma
"They are the main reason I'm not looking forward to this party." Said Ellen " Not being with Roger is the other reason but I'm uninviting him during our first class."
The bell rings "Speaking of which. I'll see you later."
Norma and Ellen walk off in separate directions. When Ellen got to her math class she saw Roger sitting in his usual chair and saw Judy occupying Ellen's usual chair. Ellen took out a note she wrote to Roger and left it on his desk as she passed by . She watched as Roger unfolded the note and started to read it. He got up and went over to her. "That's just fine with me. I made plans that night anyway. Judy and I are going to the Truffula Tree Appreciation Party at the dance hall. So, have fun wherever you're having your party." Said Roger
"Wait, the Truffula Tree Apreciation party? That was moved to Saturday. My birthday is on Friday." Said Ellen
"Friday is Earth Day this year." Said Roger
"I know that! I was born on Earth day!" Ellen yelled "But my mother talked to Mayor Vill two weeks ago. He said he'd be willing to move it this year."
"HA… well, apparently he lied. My parents just talked to Mayor Vill yesterday to confirm the date and time. Sorry, babe." Said Roger
"Don't you dare call me, Babe! And that can't right. You're just making up things to piss me off." Said Ellen
"That would be fun but I'm afraid I'm not." Said Roger
"I don't believe you. " Said Ellen
"Fine don' t believe me but it's the truth whether you want to believe it or not. By the way, I hope you have a happy birthday." Said Roger
Judy comes up to Roger "Come on, Roger. Class is going to start soon. " then she looks over at Ellen "By the way. I hope there are no hard feelings and you have a very happy birthday, Ellen."
Ellen slaps Judy right across the face "You bitch!" Judy yelled
"It takes one to know one and you and Roger deserve each other. So, no their no hard feelings. There are no feelings at all." Said Ellen
Roger looked shocked " No hard feelings? What do you call slapping my girlfriend?" asked Roger
"Justice but it doesn't quite feel right." Said Ellen who slapped Roger "Much better"
Roger and Judy went back to their seats.
That afternoon Ellen walked home thinking about everything life had been throwing at her. First, Roger cheats on her and then breaks up with her, she finds out her weird family was coming, and now she might not have a place to have her party. At this point she would be happy with no party at all. Even though slapping both Judy and Roger felt satisfying it was very temporary. She was so upset by the time she got home she didn't even bother going into the house but went around to the back yard. She went over to her favorite tree to think things over. The mule that Once-ler had gotten came over to her and stared at her for a moment "Hi." She said to it. The mule nayed back "It's nice to meet you. I'm Ellen. Ellen Peach. You're probably wondering why I'm sitting out here by myself well in a word. Life sucks. You're a mule who was purchased for a wagon so I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. It's nice to talk to someone who can't talk back though. No one to judge how you're feeling. I feel like I just want to curl up and die. My relationship is over. My party is over before it even began and 16 is going to be a nightmare. I know it's all ridiculous stuff and I'm probably overeacting but this is all important to me. I mean look at me; I'm so depressed talking to a mule. You're nice though even if I don't know your name. " said Ellen petting Melvin on the head.
"It's Melvin." A voice said from behind the mule
"Thank you." Said Ellen who suddenly realized someone else was outside. She looked behind the mule and saw Ubb sitting in a lounge chair on the grass.
"I didn't realize anyone else was out here." Said Ellen "I'm sorry. I just needed someone to talk to."
"You seem like a nice girl so I'm going to give you some advice. Never come near anyone in this family ever again. " said Ubb "You don't want to get mixed up with us. Trust me."
"You aren't going to tell anyone about this are you?" asked Ellen
"I don't know what you're talking about… the only ones out here are me and Melvin here. " said Ubb
"Thank you." Said Ellen
When Ellen went inside Jerry was on the phone yelling "What do you mean he changed his mind! I don't care if he's the mayor! I'll sue… do you here me… I will sue him and the rest of the low down family for every cent they have and some! We spent 6 months trying to get that space. I'm not going to send another 6 months on awaitlist. My daughter's birthday is this Friday. It's going to happen that day and it is going to be flawless or I'll start a petition to have him impeached! And believe me I know a lot of people who are not happy with the way Mayor Vill runs things here!" Jerry continued "A meeting tomorrow? Fine. My wife and I will be there."
"So, it's true. We don't have a place to have the party." Said Ellen
"Don't worry we will." Said Jerry
"Well, maybe I don't want a party. Nothing is going the way it's supposed to so what's the point." Said Ellen
"Sweetie, it's just a few minor set backs." Said Jerry
"Be realistic, Dad. He's a Vill getting permission to do anything from him is like deciding to pet a baby sea lion. Seems like a nice idea til you realize sea lions are vicious by nature. We're in the middle of a feud with his family. Logically, they would stop us in any way they can. " said Ellen
"But, we're not giving up. Elysia might think she can manipulate a few things and control everyone's lives but I'll be damned to let that bitch is do it to us." Said Jerry
Ellen walks out of the Ellen is in her room she collaspes on her bed. "No one's life could be more miserable than mine is right now." Said Ellen staring at the ceiling of her room
Ellen was wrong in that regard because although he put up a tough front at school and around his family Once-ler was hanging on by the last few threads he had left. At the moment he was sitting on the couch eating a peach and looking at an invitation Norma had handed him to Ellen's party. Trying to figure out how to go without anyone finding out. When his mother walked in. He quickly hid the invite "Oncie, what exactly do you think you're doing?" asked Elysia
"Just sitting here waiting for the laundry to dry and eating some fruit. Is there a family rule against that now?" asked Once-ler
"What's the number one rule in this household?" asked Elysia
" What does that have to do with anything that's going on?" asked Once-ler
"WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE RULE IN THIS HOUSE, MISTER?" asked Elysia
" One pillow per person." Said Once-ler
"Don't get smart with me. What is it?" asked Elysia
Once-ler sighs "No talking to, thinking about, or generally associating with Peaches."
"That's right. Now, I ask again what do you think you are doing?" asked Elysia
"You're mad because I'm eating a peach? When did the rule extend to eating them?" asked Once-ler
"It's implied. Now throw that thing out. Now!" said Elysia. Once-ler tries to hide the invitation from his mother as he gets up but she snatches it away from him "What is this?! "
"Just found it." Said Once-ler
"An invitation to Ellen Peach's sweet sixteen party and you just found it?! You are so grounded! Get up to your room now!" yelled Elysia
" I'm 18. You can't ground me." Said Once-ler
"Watch me." Said Elysia "Room. Now. Or you'll wish you were never born."
" Too late"Once-ler says under his breath. He then throws out the peach and goes up to his room. He collaspes on the bed and then takes out a picture of him and his father. "This is ridiculous. I'm 18. She can't ground me. I didn't do anything wrong. I just wanted to go to a birthday party and eat some fruit. Suddenly, eating fruit is a crime. I wish you were here, Dad. I have a feeling this wouldn't be happening if you were. I just hope I can get through to Uncle Phil." Said Once-ler who picks up his cell phone. "Uncle Phil, it's Once-ler I need you to do me a HUGE favor. I know Mom told you to cancel the Peach sweet sixteen plans but I was thinking. What if we combined the parties. It is the only dance hall in town and I think it would mean a lot to Ellen. She's the birthday girl… I have my reasons. Please, do it for me." Said Once-ler who then hangs up the phone. He then goes to check on the laundry.
