Shaggy
It'd been around ten minutes since Velma had walked out the door, and I sprawled out on my bed. I was exhausted from my nerves overworking; I tried not to show it, but being around Velma made me nervous. I'm not afraid of her, but I just get this awfully strange feeling around her. I guess I'm just happy to have my best friend back.
Honestly, though, it had been weird seeing her in something besides that skirt of hers. Denim looked nice on Velma, though. I remember Daphne always trying to give Velma makeovers so that she could snag a guy. I chuckled as I shook my head; Velma didn't need a makeover, she's fine the way she is.
Maybe that's what always stood out to me about Velma. She's always been different. Where most girls were concerned about their makeup or even potential boyfriends, Velma was a woman of knowledge and science. She dressed her own way and never let any of the popular trends affect her. I'd always noticed that she never really cared to find a man. In a way, that overjoyed me because I didn't have the fear of never speaking to her again because of a man. Then Velma left, and I had a whole new reason to be afraid.
Something bothered me though, and I frowned. I had a gut feeling that there was something more to this than Velma was telling me. When you travel with someone for countless years, and they become your best friend, you learn to read a person. She may have kept her facts straight, but I could see the pain in those brown eyes of hers and I didn't like it. I won't pester her about it now, but eventually I need her to tell me. I need to know that I'm the best friend she says I am. I need to know she trusts me.
My mind drifted back to that night at that old, scary house. I think it was called Elanor Manor or something of the sort.
Scooby and I had fallen into yet another hole. It's what we were good at, so I didn't question it.
"Are you guys okay?", Velma called down to us, voice full of worry.
"Like, we're okay, Velms!", I shouted back, Scooby shouted, "Reah, rhere rood!"
"Okay," I watched as she loomed over us and she continued, "I'm going to try and find a rope or something that I can pull you guys out with."
Usually there's a tunnel or some way out of these holes. After all, a lot of times Scooby and I venture off on our own. Lately, though, Fred and Daphne have been wanting a bit of alone time, so Velma tags along with us. That's fine by me, though.
"Alright, Velms," I started to say, "we'll be right- Velma! Behind you!"
My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as I watched a being rise up behind her. It was a man, I could tell that much by looking at him. He wasn't just a man, though; he was a very large man in an old, bandaged face mask. Not a word was spoken as he loomed over Velma. She turned around and screamed as he raised up a knife.
"VELMA, FORGET THE ROPE! RUN!", I yelled at her. I have never yelled at Velma in my life, but in that state, I panicked. I began trying to look for a way out, but to no avail. I heard Velma's dress shoes as they smacked against the floor, followed by heavier foot steps, and then they died out all together. 'She left the room, and that guy's right behind her!'
"Scoob, we have to get out of here and help Velma!", I said while freaking out. Poor Scooby, he was afraid, yet he managed to try and sound intimidating. I was panicing to the point that I never heard the growl that ripped out of Scooby's throat. He'd been trying to scare the man, but what could we do? We're trapped in a hole.
"Daphne! Fred! Help us!", I yelled.
It felt like hours had passed before I heard footsteps, and Daphne's voice, "Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, where are you guys?"
"Like, down here, Daphne!", I shouted frantically.
When we found Velma, she was lying in a cage and she looked pretty beaten up. None of us had ever gotten hurt like that before, and my heart dropped. My mind tuned everyone out, and all I could see was Velma. I had found her glasses lying in a hallway, so I knew something bad had happened.
I ran to her and slid her glasses on her face. She looked up at me, and I had said, "Velma, like what happened to you?"
I never got an answer, because Velma passed out.
The police passed her injuries off as bruises from a struggle. She must have been dragged, because her stomach had carpet burn and splinters, as well as her arms. After getting her to wake up, and the police stating that she would be okay, we stayed at a local hotel.
We had caught the man in a trap built by Fred, but the man had refused to talk. We had no idea who he was, all we knew is he'd been terrorizing the building so they wouldn't burn it down to build a new home; there was treasure burried under the house. He'd just kept staring at Velma; something I didn't like too much.
Daphne managed to get Velma to eat some soup and drink some apple juice, but other than that, she was quiet. We all gathered around her, but I could tell she wanted her space, so I just cleared everyone out. As I got ready to leave, she whispered, "Shaggy,".
I turned around, and without a smile, she said, "Thank you, Shaggy."
"You're welcome," I smiled at her, "get some sleep, Velma. Goodnight."
"Night," came her meek reply. I felt like punching something; what happened to her?!
An hour passed, and we checked in on her. She was curled up in the bed asleep, so Daphne went in and prepared her bed on the other side of the room. Velma may have wanted space, but we didn't want her to sleep alone.
Fred, Scooby, and I slept across the hall. None of us noticed Velma leaving until it was too late.
I sighed as the memories of that night faded out into nothing, and rolled over. I should have been stronger for her, and less of a klutz. If I weren't so immature, Scooby and I never would have fallen in that hole. I would have torn more than that man's face off if I would have been able to. I don't know if Velma has realized this or not, but I've grown up quite a bit in five years. A lot of it has to do with her being gone. I felt this crazed drive to man up, you know, just in case she ever came back. I have to protect her. Sure, I'm still the same, goofy, food loving guy, but I'm different.
A knock on my door brought me back into reality, and my mom walked in, my dad right behind her.
"Sweetie, is everything alright?", my mom asked me kindly, concern spread across her features.
"Like, everything's totally okay," I replied, smiling.
My dad nodded and continued, "We thought we heard Velma down here, so we came down to say hello."
"She was here," I said, "but she had to go home. I have convinced her to join Mystery Inc. again, guys. She's really coming back."
My parents both grinned at each other, and I scratched my head, "What?"
"Oh nothing," my mom smiled, "you two are so cute, that's all."
"Huh?"
"Cynthia," my dad laughed, "leave him be. When are you leaving, son?"
"Tomorrow around lunch," I smiled, "I'll call Velma later and have her come over for breakfast. Then we'll have the gang pick us up."
"Wonderful," my mom and dad said at the same time, and I smiled. They always loved Velma, and it's no wonder. She was always so good to them.
I pulled out my phone and gave a call to Fred.
Velma
So it was set. I'm finally going back with Shaggy, back to Mystery Inc.
I wonder if the gang is angry with me for leaving? Probably. Shaking the thought out of my head, I walked into my house, and went upstairs. Pulling out my new cell phone, I dialed the Dean of Coolsville University's number.
"Hello?", his voice came through the phone, a voice that demanded respect.
I gulped, "Hi, Mr. Edwards? This is Velma Dinkley."
"Oh, Velma!", he sounded surprised, "What can I do for you?"
"Well, er, you see," I studdered, "I'm afraid I can no longer hold my position as the Head of the Science Department. I know this is going to sound stupid, but I thought that's what I wanted to do with my life. A few drastic things happened, and I know where my true calling lies. Unfortunately, it isn't with Coolsville University. I know this is last minute, and I want to apologize. I'm sorry, sir."
"No need to apologize," he replied, "You see, before I became Dean, I thought I wanted to be an astronaut. Boy was I wrong; I didn't know until I tried, though. It's life, Velma. We all go through it. I'll send your month's pay through the mail, and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do. Have a good day."
"Thank you sir," I smiled, "you too."
-click-
It was my mother's voice that made me jump, I think. Honestly, though, I nearly jumped out of my chair. "Is it true, Velma? You're quitting?"
My father stood behind her, looking at me hard. "What on Earth, Velma? I thought you loved your job?"
"Mom, dad," I looked directly at them, my fears growing close to the surface, "I'm going back with Shaggy to Mystery Inc.."
I watched with uncertainty as the seconds passed by, feeling like an eternity had passed before my father spoke, "Is that all? I thought something had happened."
I couldn't believe it! I'd only been back for a month, and they were acting like it was no big deal that I was leaving! I'd been living upstate with my aunt in the country, visiting with my therapist. I had finally decided that it was time to come home, since I had recollected myself.
"Seriously?", I asked, bewildered, "You're not angry at me?"
"Why would we be?", my mom laughed, "Honey, you're an adult now. We trust your friends, and we love Shaggy. I know he'd protect you and keep you safe. Besides, you're happy when he's around."
"Mom," I rolled my eyes, "He's my best friend. Of course I'm happy when he's around. I'm happy when all of the gang is around."
The two shared a smile with one another, and for once, I sat there confused.
"Well," my dad said while straightening his tie, "just join us for dinner, and we'll be going-oh hold on the phone is ringing."
I sat there, smiling at nothing while my mom watched me. I felt lost in my own world, thinking aobut how wonderful being back with my friends would be.
"Velma, phone!", I heard my dad call, and I got up.
"Hello?"
"Velma, hey," It was Shaggy. I smiled.
"Hey, Shaggy."
"Like, I wanted to let you know that we'll be leaving around ten tomorrow," he said, "So I wanted to like, see if you wanted to crash at my place and join us for breakfast tomorrow. Then the gang is going to swing by and get us."
"Sounds wonderful, Shaggy," I said while smiling, "I'll be there around eight. I'm at least going to eat with my parents tonight."
"Cool," he said, "how are they taking you leaving?"
"They're actually cool with it," I said, "they said they trust you to protect me, so it's all good."
"Like, awesome!", he sounded ecstatic, but then became quiet, "And they're right, Velms; I'll always protect you. See you at eight!"
"Bye, Shaggy."
"See ya!"
..8..
Shaggy
When Velma knocked on my door, I opened it and smiled at her. She was wearing a pair of red pajama pants and an orange shirt. It amazed me how she could pull off something so simple, but then again, it is Velma. Her brown eyes glimmered behind her glasses.
"Like, hey," I smiled, "you're four minutes late. Tsk, tsk."
She laughed, and I just kept smiling. I'd missed that laugh so much. I'd missed her so much, almost to a breaking point. "Come on, I have the bed in the guest room set up for you."
"Okay," she smiled and followed me upstairs. Thankfully, my parents had already went to sleep for the night. It was early, but since they're both insomniacs, the earlier the better.
I led her to the guest room, and told her goodnight. We had to get up around eight thirty, so sleep was definitely a necesity.
Before I left the room, a stuffed animal in her arms caught my eye and I smiled, "Like, is that the same elephant I won you at the fair forever ago?"
"Yeah, it's Marty," she smiled, "I can't sleep without hugging him up at night."
"Night, Velms."
"Goodnight, Shaggy," she smiled. I knew tomorrow was going to be a good day by the way she smiled at me.
..8..
Shaggy
Breakfast with my family went rather well. As expected, they asked Velma a ton of questions, but Velma was okay with that. Whether she lied about anything when she answered, I don't know. All I know is Velma plus a hearty breakfast equals a good day for me. I left the room when my phone started to ring. It was Fred.
"Hey Shaggy, we're almost there," he said.
"Cool. Thanks a lot."
"Don't mention it. Did you take care of whatever it was you had to do?"
"Yeah, I sure did. Just come on in when you get here, my parents want to see you."
"Sure thing. See you in about three minutes."
-click-
"So they don't know I'm coming?", Velma asked as she walked up beside me.
I shook my head, "Nope. You're a surprise. Now get in the kitchen and eat, I'll bring them to you."
"Okay," she said, smiling at me.
I stood by the door waiting when a knock came from the other side of it. Upon opening it, I smiled as Fred, Daphne, and Scooby-Doo walked in.
Scooby practically jumped on me, and Fred and Daphne greeted me and hugged my parents.
"Guys, I have to show you something," I smiled, "follow me."
They all gave quizical looks at me, but followed me nonetheless. As we walked into the kitchen, I heard them all gasp.
Velma stood, and I watched the scene unfold. Daphne ran to her, and hugged her hard. Tears started streaming down both of the girls' faces. Fred couldn't hold back and he grabbed the two in a tight embrace. Scooby ran over to them and wrapped his paws around her waist. I felt left out, so I walked on over and threw my arms around Velma, and rested my head on her shoulder.
It felt like hours passed before we broke apart. I didn't let Velma go, even after everyone seperated. I couldn't help it, though. Reality struck me, and the fear of losing Velma rose again.
"Shaggy, you can let go now," she whispered and I apologized, brushing it off as thinking about food.
"Okay guys, we'll talk in the van. We have to be in Florencedale at five and that's quite a drive for us.
Velma ran to my room and grabbed her bags, and we headed out.
