It's Your Future, Charlie Brown!
High School: Freshman
By Sean Mahoney
Chapter 5: Worst Day of the Year
Thankfully I passed all my mid-terms. I actually did fairly well; surprisingly so in Biology. I still could have probably done better in Math, but I suppose I can live with a C. Peppermint Patty passed everything too, although she barely scrapped by in history with her patented D minus. Even still I'm glad she was able to get that much; things were looking grim for a bit there.
December and January were fairly uneventful months. I of course hadn't been invited to Violet's Christmas party, which apparently was mostly a repeat of Halloween's (I'm surprised myself she allowed Pig-Pen back). Linus attended that party too, and apparently that was when he and Frieda officially became 'an item'.
As for the situation with Schroeder: things hadn't gotten any better. We made sure to keep our distance from him; he certainly didn't seem to want anything to do with us. Occasionally Linus or I would be forced to work with him on something in class; which was a very awkward and formal affair. Lucy refused to talk about him at all either; though it was very apparent that it was taking her toll on her. It's kind of odd, she was still crabby, but in a much different way. She didn't go out of her way to make fun of people or annoy them anymore, but she was really, really defensive over things. Despite his so called 'emancipation' from Lucy, he looked worse and worse by the day. He always looked like he hadn't slept for days and his complexion was getting paler and paler. Pig-Pen would joke that he had become a vampire or zombie or something, but the truth was that something seriously scary had to be going on.
…
"Three cheers for Peppermint Patty!" We all had a rowdy cheer for Patty, she certainly earned it. She had been a part of the baseball team since the year started and devoted a lot of her spare time to practice. It certainly paid off; she was to take over the position of pitcher once the current one graduated at the end of the year.
"Aw shucks guys, you didn't need to throw me a party or anything."
Pig-Pen, who had stuffed himself full of cake belched, "Hey, there's nothing that's too small for a party!" Pig-Pen got the small part right. It was a very modest party we threw for her. We decided to have it in Marcie's basement, which is fairly spacious. We got Patty some cake and bought some sodas. Attending were of course Peppermint Patty, myself, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Marcie, Pig-Pen, Franklin and Roy (who also had made the team), as well as another team member named Jose Peterson. I him once ages ago as a kid, I knew he was good at baseball, I never really spoke to him. He seemed pretty happy for Peppermint Patty so I guess he's okay in my book.
Roy grumbled, "Man, it's starting to get warmer, practice is going to go into overdrive soon."
Franklin rolled his eyes, "No one forced you on the team Roy…"
Peppermint Patty threw her arm around an annoyed Roy and laughed, "Don't you go quitting before the season starts Roy. If we lose any players then I think that toad Thibault is on deck to be next on the team and none of us want that happening." Most of the party gave a good laugh at that. Roy, blushing crept away to talk to Franklin while I watched Linus and Pig-Pen get into a debate on who would win: Captain Kirk or Han Solo for a bit. Eventually I made my way for some solo time with the lady of the evening: Peppermint Patty.
"Congratulations again Patty!" I smile. She suddenly gives me a big hug, surprising me.
"I couldn't have done it without you, Chuck!"
"What?"
"If I hadn't passed all my tests, I would have been kicked off the team! I really owe you one Chuck."
I laughed nervously, "Aw, well, anytime…"
"We've known each other for like 7 years now Chuck, you don't have to act all nervous around me anymore." She giggled.
"Oh…um…sorry..uh" My expertise with girls clearly is legendary.
"Oh good grief. Anyway Chuck, Valentine's Day is just 'round the corner. Got any special plans?"
"Oh heck no, I hate that stupid holiday." Valentine's Day is definitely the worst day of the year. Of all the days in the year, it truly emphasizes the fact that nobody likes me. I've gone years without getting a stinking Valentine (excluding that pathetic hand me down). I'm not sending any out, or getting my hopes up that I'm going to get any. "I'm just going to go to school and then come home."
She rolled her eyes at me, "Whatever you say, Chuck." I hung out with her for a little bit, before that Jose Peterson guy cut in. I watched as the two of them talked, they certainly seemed to have hit it off. I guess it makes sense; they are both baseball pros.
I decided to talk to Roy, but quickly saw that he was fuming, "I can't believe that jerk is talking to Peppermint Patty."
"What's wrong with Peterson?"
"What isn't wrong with Peterson? He's a conceited asshole. I play on the team with him; he always thinks who the hell he is. What's Patty doing talking to a guy like him?"
I shrug, "Maybe they're talking strategy?" Jose Peterson said something to her, which caused her to start giggling a bit; honestly I could see why Roy was a little peeved. It certainly was odd seeing Peppermint Patty getting all goo-goo eyed over someone and it's no surprise that Roy sort of has a thing for her. But on the other hand, Roy's kind a jerk to her, so I don't feel too bad about him getting jealous. If Patty likes Jose Peterson, that's her decision.
"Hmph, baseball strategy, yeah right. I'm going to keep an eye on that creep. He better not lay a finger on her…"
"You do that Roy." I decided to leave him to himself. It's Peppermint Patty's big day, the last thing she needs is Roy making a scene.
…
Valentine's Day: such a sickening, gut wrenching, depression building day. The bus ride to school that day was miserable, seeing all the lovey-dovey couples kissing and hugging while all of us single losers had to watch. Even my best friend Linus was cuddling with Frieda the whole bus ride there. Most of my teachers at least didn't waste any time talking about the dreadful day; the exception being English class, where Ms. Othmar certainly was dressed for the day. She must have had a date with her boyfriend or something because she was wearing…well I suppose I need not get into that here.
I talked to Linus a bit in between classes; he seemed to hate the holiday as much as I did, albeit for much different reasons. "This is insane Charlie Brown! I can't stand this stupid day; Frieda won't give me a moment's peace! I have to buy her all of this stuff and take her everywhere; I'm going to go broke!"
I laughed, "Trouble in paradise, eh?"
"Paradise! You're the lucky one Charlie Brown, stay single as long as you can man! This is crazy: I have to hang out with her all the time, she gets jealous whenever I want to do anything else, and she-doesn't-stop-talking-ever!"
"Aren't you being a bit overdramatic here? Frieda's a nice girl; yeah a bit wordy but…"
"You have no idea how wordy! Cherish your freedom Charlie Brown! Once liberty is lost it cannot be reclaimed!" Linus could have been in theater.
"So are you going to break up with her?"
"Well yeah eventually; I'm not going to be a jerk and do it on Valentine's Day or something. But I do long for my days as a swinging single, with all the girls clamoring to be with me."
"Right…"
…
Lunch with Franklin, Pig-Pen, and Roy was as typical as ever. Roy seemed to be as glum as I was over the day and Franklin and Pig-Pen were bickering as per usual. "Oh show me your stinking Valentine Frankin! If I don't see it I'm not going to believe it!"
"I couldn't care less if you don't believe it. I don't want you ruining my chances with this girl! I'm not letting you know who she is Pig-Pen."
Pig-Pen smirked, "This the same chick who stood you up back during homecoming?"
Franklin went red in the face, "She didn't stand me up; she was just really busy; that's all!" Pig-Pen continued laughing while Franklin rolled his eyes.
"So what about you Charlie Brown? Got any Valentines, huh?"
"What do you think, Pig-Pen?" I reply curtly.
"Eh-heh, thought so. Don't take it too hard though Charlie Brown, it's not like either Roy or I got any." Roy grunted. "You'll have to excuse Grouchy over there; he's just afraid that Jose Peterson is going to ask out you-know-who."
Roy snaps, "You'd be pissed too if someone was going to make a move on your girl!"
Franklin then pointed out, "You can't really call someone your girl if you never talk to them. Plus since when did you even like her? As far back as I can remember you were celebrating when you first were able to 'dump her on Charlie Brown.'"
Dump her on me? I guess thinking back to when we were kids it made sense. When I first met Roy, he was quick to introduce Peppermint Patty; then after that I never saw him. She was especially assertive back then; so I guess she got on Roy's nerves. Roy muttered, "That was then, we've grown up now. Or at least all of us save you, Pig-Pen."
"And proud of it!" Pig-Pen smiles. "So you don't have some crazy scheme to give the Little Red Haired Girl a Valentine? I'm a bit disappointed; that's always one of the highlights of the year."
I groan, "Well after last year's fiasco, I decided just to give it up." Last year I had written her a really nice Valentine but someone; let's just call her Ms. L, gave me the wrong locker to drop it off in; which lead me to dropping it off in the locker of Brutus; one of the biggest defensive linemen on our middle school team. Brutus also happened to have been the Little Red Haired Girl's boyfriend at the time: it really wasn't a good day for me.
"Didn't want to go up against old Bluto again huh?" Franklin snorts, "Can't say I blame you. It's a good thing Shermy was able to call off the fight."
"Yeah, forty minutes after it started." I mumbled. Truth be told, fear of Brutus isn't exactly why I'm not bothering with the Valentine. Every year I try, and something always messes it up. Even if I was to give her one; I'm sure she'd just laugh in my face anyway. I'd rather just spare myself the disappointment for once.
"Hello boys." I look up to see Violet and Patty staring at us. Violet smiles, "Of course I didn't forget you dregs this Valentine's Day. Lookie here: one for Franklin, one for Roy, and one for Pig-Pen…even if I'm still furious at you for your reprehensible behavior this Halloween!"
Roy rolled his eyes and didn't bother looking at his Valentine, Franklin looked annoyed while Pig-Pen smiled, "I knew you wanted me baby!"
Franklin grumbled, "They're just doing this to be cruel to Charlie Brown you idiot."
"It's fine. I'm used to not getting Valentines."
Violet giggles, "Well would you look at that; Charlie Brown actually can learn something! I'm surprised to see you didn't go after Heather this year. I suppose you are planning on following her home after school then?"
"Oh will you lay off him Violet!" Franklin yells. She shrugs and walks away, with Patty in tow. "I'm getting so sick of her treating everyone like crap! I wish more people would stand up to her." He looked at me and Pig-Pen in disgust. I can't blame him; I've let her pick on me for ages and still haven't done anything. Pig-Pen of course was so happy with his Valentine that Franklin's statement fell on deaf ears.
…
Once another awkward 8th period math class ended (this time with 5's father fainting from being overwhelmed by a problem he wrote on the board) I walked with Lucy to our lockers. She was acting odd; very nervous, like she was anxious about something: almost like how I act when I attempt to get up the nerve to talk to the Little Red Haired Girl. I had expected her to be crankier than she had ever been; which would have certainly been justified given the recent circumstances for her and this infernal 'holiday'.
As I approached our lockers she quickly blurted out, "I gotta do something quickly, I'll be right back Charlie Brown!" and then darted off before I could say anything. I turned my attention to trying to figure out what books I needed and what I don't. I tend to have a problem with bringing the wrong textbooks home and thus not being able to do my homework until first period the next day. I try to avoid that: I crack under pressure.
"YOU STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN THE HINT, HAVE YOU?" Everyone else and the hall way as well as I whip our heads around to the source of the commotion: an enraged Schroeder screaming at a shocked Lucy who is holding a pink Valentine in her hands. "I thought I got rid of you in November! I thought I made it perfectly clear that I DID NOT WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" Schroeder then makes a move towards Lucy and instinctually find myself running over to intercept. Lucy in fear backs away from Schroder's fist, dropping the card in progress. I don't really think through what I'm going to do; put myself in between them, push Lucy out of the way, try and constrain Schroder? It doesn't matter because before I can get there Schroeder is decked by none other than an incredibly angry Linus van Pelt! "What the hell…"
"Don't you ever go near my sister again, you creep!" Linus glared at Schroeder as he picked himself up off the floor. "I've kept quiet about you long enough; you're nothing but a scumbag!"
Schroeder flashed a really creepy smile, "Oh, I'm the scumbag am I Linus? Lucy sadistically torments you and your best friend for years. She bullies you, belittles you, badmouths you, and yet I'm the bad guy?"
As Linus and Schroeder stare each other down, I walk towards Lucy, whose eyes are swelled with tears and put my arm on her shoulder. "Don't listen to him Lucy." I say to her. She sniffles a little bit and gives me a forced smile.
"Anyone who would consider hitting a girl is a bad guy in my book Schroeder! I don't care what she's done to you; it's unacceptable!"
"Who the hell are you to judge me! I've dealt your sister long enough! I've had to put up with her sh-"
Linus cut him off, "Put up with her what; her patience with you and your stupid piano? Her constant attention and affection that you can never bother to return, not even a little! You haven't been putting up with her these nine years Schroeder! She's been putting up with you! She's gone to every concert of yours, listened to every piece you've played, hell she celebrated every one of Beethoven's stupid birthdays with you for Christ's sake!"
"Plus the year that you forgot his birthday!"; Pig-Pen (who was attracted to the scene at around the same time I was) "helpfully" added. After a quick glare from Linus and Schroeder the two of them went right back to trying to kill each other with their thoughts.
Linus shouted, "My sister is an idiot Schroeder. An idiot for being devoted to a scumbag like you! I can't stop her from loving her though; but I will stop you from ever laying one of your dirty fingers on her!"
Schroeder's gaze was absolutely poisonous. There was intense hatred, yet he was flashing an eerie smile, "It's amazing how you are condemning me for all of this; but don't you do the same thing to Charlie Brown's little whore of a sister!" I clench my fists, is this asshole trying to piss off the entire school? "You ignore her all the time; stop acting like a freaking saint!"
That was enough to bring pause to Linus's righteous fury. I could see the pang of guilt on his face. It was true; Linus certainly did like avoiding Sally; in fact he made of point of not being anywhere near her since he started dating Frieda (which was probably a wise move). I can't say I really ever thought about how Linus treated my sister; I'd always be quick to take his side since Sally can get really annoying. Plus it's not like I really want my best friend going out with my baby sister. But was Linus just as cold to Sally as Schroeder was to Lucy?
No, there's no way. Linus always liked to crack jokes and denounce any affection he has for her; but I know he at least has some respect for her. He genuinely doesn't want to be embarrassed in front of her and back in middle school I've seen him stand up to bullies for her far more than I ever did.
Schroeder sneered, "You're no better than I am and you know it!"
I step up, "You're wrong Schroeder; Linus would never attack a girl."
Schroeder's face went red, "Who asked you Charlie Brown! No one cares what you have to say!" He charged at me, which I recoiled from. "Hah, you're such a wimp!" When he charged at me I got a good look at his face; his eyes were completely bloodshot. He looked like he hadn't slept in ages. Something was seriously wrong.
"…Schroeder; what's wrong with you? We've been trying to help you all this time. You look really sick. You haven't been acting like yourself at all! What's going on?"
Schroder gritted his teeth, "Oh, you think something is wrong with me Charlie Brown? You of all people think that there's something wrong with me? You're all a bunch of babysitting bastards! There's nothing wrong with me! You're all the crazy ones; I'm perfectly normal! You don't like who I am, well tough luck boys cause this is the real me! I don't need to hold back who I am just so I don't hurt Lucy's feelings! Screw you all!" Schroeder went from being angry to absolutely insane. I didn't know how it could be; but any trace of the Schroeder we knew was consumed by whoever this was in his place. Linus and I both stared him down; though we hadn't spoken to each other we both knew we would defend Lucy from him should he do anything.
"Hey just what in the heck is going on here!" Luckily, hall monitor Molly Volley had finally gotten around to our neck of the school to break up the situation. "No fighting on school grounds! You all should be well aware of this! Now all of you break it up before I have to bust some heads myself." Some kids like 'Bad Call' Benny moaned in disappointment; they had been spoiling for a good fight. "I said break it up, all of you; or the lot of you'll be spending the next month in detention!" While some were disappointed, I would have to think that most of the people there shared my intense feeling of relief. Schroeder was absolutely dangerous. I don't know if Linus and myself could stand up to him in this state. He was never a physically imposing guy or anything, but he definitely had an adrenaline rush; and while I was fairly pumped myself when I saw my friend in danger I don't know if it could stand anywhere near the rage he had. Linus put his arm around his sister's shoulder and lead her away from the scene. She was still sobbing as he gave Schroeder the dirtiest look I've ever seen.
Schroeder himself was still fuming and looked me straight in the eye, "If you ever speak to me like that again Charlie Brown I'll kill you, you worthless pussy!" before walking off. I sighed watching the crowd disperse. Most of the other kids were talking amongst themselves in whispers. Molly Volley was writing up a detention slip for Benny due to his 'insubordination' or in other words: complaining about how she broke up the fight of the century.
The bell rang, reminding me that I still had a bus to catch! I rushed towards my locker, holding in the sick feeling I had in my stomach because of what just happened and opened it, rushing through all my stuff to sort out what I needed and what I didn't.
It wasn't until I was about to close my locker that I noticed something sticking out of it. It was an envelope adorned with little heart stickers that was addressed to "Charlie Brown". My eyes lit up with excitement, I tore the envelope to reveal a homemade card peppered with some more stickers which read:
Dear Charlie Brown,
Just wanted you to know that somebody's thinking about you this Valentine's Day.
Love,
A Special Friend
I won't lie; my heart skipped a few beats when I read that. Someone was thinking of me on Valentine's Day? Someone thought of me as their special friend? I wondered who it could be: maybe it was from the Little Red Haired Girl? Oh who am I kidding? It was probably just some pity card from Violet and her friends in order to ease their guilt. Or even more likely: somebody trying to set me up only to crush my hopes. Even still though, if that were the case I'd think that they would be a little less subtle about it. Maybe this was an actual genuine Valentine?
….
Around the corner, Peppermint Patty watched Charlie Brown's excited reaction to the parchment found in his locker with content. She could tell that he was happy; he's so rarely happy that it really shows the few times he is. He deserved it, she saw how he rushed to Lucy's defense before: without any regard for his own safety, he was prepared to take on Schroeder. She was of course glad Linus did the same, but she very much expected that out of him. She was glad to see that deep down; Charlie Brown did have a spine.
Even still, Patty did feel a little disappointed. She knew that Charlie Brown wasn't giving out any Valentine's this year, for good reason given how much he's been hurt in the past. Still, she too was a little bitter about the prospect of being alone on Valentine's Day.
"Hello Peppermint Patty, perhaps you'd care to join me after school?" She looked around and saw her fellow teammate: Jose Peterson grinning at her, a bouquet of three roses in his hand.
"Aw, geeze Jose, these are for me?"
He nodded, "But of course. We can't have a girl like you single on Valentine's Day, can we?" Peppermint Patty hesitated for a moment, looking back at Chuck. She sighed; he'd probably never know the difference anyway. Besides, Peterson was considered one of the best catches in the school.
"Alright kid, I guess you can buy me some food: I'm pretty hungry." She laughed. Peterson grinned his toothy smile and led her to the school's entrance. Luckily for him, when the passed the school store manned by 5 and Peggy Jean; Peppermint Patty's attention was focused on one last guilty glance towards Charlie Brown, instead of the sign advertising "The Cheapest Roses Money Can Buy!"
….
Good grief, I missed my bus. I got involved in that Schroeder incident, but pausing over that Valentine was what really held me up. Maybe that's what whoever sent me the card had intended…. That's too paranoid even for me!
I resign myself to walking home, usually about a forty five minute to an hour walk. The main issue I have with doing so is that it takes you through not exactly a great part of town. Not that there's any murders or gang wars or whatnot, but there still are a lot of unsavory characters and certainly a lot of drug dealing. Alas, it's not like I had much of a choice.
…...
I walked down the street at quite a fast pace; there were a couple of vagrants sitting around and I didn't want to give them a reason to harass me. I only needed to cut through two more blocks; then things would get a little better. Unfortunately as I passed the abandoned florist shop, something caught my eye.
Somebody had darted behind a back alleyway. Of course given this street that wouldn't be much of a big deal, but I could have sworn it was Schroeder. Despite going completely against my better judgment, I had to see what he was up to. It was insane on my part! Any alleyway in this area is bad enough and Schroeder in his current state may be just as dangerous!
I peek my head around the corner of the alleyway to confirm my suspicions: it was indeed Schroeder who had business back there. He approached a group of guys: some around our age but many older; regardless they all looked incredibly dangerous. They must have been a gang; they all had matching green armbands. Most of the guys I had never seen before. All of them, in fact, except for the guy who was in charge.
I never liked the guy, but I wouldn't have thought Joe Agate would be involved in a gang; let alone lead one. I suppose it makes sense though, his father always had been involved in some really shady stuff which Joe always seemed proud of. When we were kids Joe gave me trouble a few times, but I hasn't bothered any of us in years. I suppose this is what he's been up to.
Joe grinned as Schroeder approached, "Aha! My best customer! Glad you agreed to meet us here again."
Schroeder did not seem nearly as happy as Joe though, he replied with a curt, "You got it or not Joe?"
"Do I have it? Of course I have it!" His eyes narrowed, "Of course this is all contingent on if you got the cash."
Schroeder reached into his pocket and shoved a wad of bills into Joe's face, "Here! Give it to me; now!" Schroeder sounded even worse than he did back in school about a half hour before. He was facing away from me and I certainly didn't want to risk getting closer so I couldn't see his face, but he was very tense and seemed to be trembling.
Joe chucked, "Chill out buddy, I'll hook you up, don't you worry. You know me man, I may be cheap but you'll still always get the highest quality stuff." One of Joe's cohorts handed Schroeder a small bag full of something white. I couldn't exactly make it out, but I don't think I really needed to. My stomach began to feel incredibly uneasy: I knew what was going on. I didn't want to believe it but I knew what was happening.
Schroeder looked at the bag and then growled, "There's less than last week! What the hell, you're trying to rip me off! I'm not going to be able to get by on this much!"
Agate sneered, "This stuff is premium my friend: really hard to come by. I need to raise the price every so often." Schroeder clenched his fists, something Joe took immediate notice of, "You really want to fight? My boys have no qualms about killing a pathetic junkie like you. Remember last time? We put you in the hospital for a week. Don't try anything that you're going to regret. We wouldn't want Lucy van Pelt to lose her man, would we?"
Schroeder shouted, "I told you before I have nothing to do with her! Today that crazy bitch tried to give me a Valentine, but I showed her! I swear!"
Joe smugly grinned, "I'm sure you did Schroeder, I'm sure you did. I'm glad you finally started listening to me man. I've been telling you for ages that Lucy and her friends are no good for you. You don't need them."
Schroeder faltered for a moment, "Y-yeah. I don't need them." I felt a surge of hatred rising up in me: not towards Schroeder but to Joe. I wasn't sure what exactly was happening, but it was entirely clear that Joe Agate was using Schroeder and his addiction to turn him against us. Why? I don't know, but scumbags like Joe Agates often don't have reasons that I can comprehend. Even still, what could I do? It isn't like I could take ANY of the guys in that alley by myself, not to mention all at once. Plus they are dangerous, probably armed. In frustration I kick the brick wall, an incredibly blockheadish movie on my part.
"Owch!" I try and hush myself but it catches the ear of one of the thugs. Without thinking I darted away; hoping that they don't bother investigating. As I ran down the lane I saw other passerby's staring at me like I was some weirdo, so I figured I was safe. Still; it wouldn't be wise to head back.
…
I brought up what I saw up to Linus that night. I asked him if I should tell Lucy. He didn't think it was the best idea; she still clearly had feelings for Schroeder and was incredibly upset over how he treated her earlier. Telling her he's a drug addict that also has ties to a gang would make things worse for her; she'd begin to worry. On the other hand, telling Lucy about it would maybe make her think that Schroeder doesn't really hate her: it's just the drugs talking. But doing that may cause her to try and reach out to him: and as noble as that may be, it could be very dangerous. It's a terrible choice to have to make, but Linus and I both thought that right now, keeping Lucy away from Schroeder is the best course of action. As to bringing our friend Schroeder back to normal? Neither of us have a clue on how to accomplish that. It seems hopeless.
To be continued…
