The next morning Ginger and John instead of heading home first went to Sheltered Shrubs Police Station where they saw the lowest of the low waiting to be processed.
"Ginge let's hurry, get Noel and get out of here the criminals are staring at me like I'm going to get shanked or something" John said as Miranda walked into the processing room finding John and Ginger a big smirk on Miranda's face.
"You two follow me I think I broke her of her bad streak and if I haven't well she made a bully here so there's always room for her in the same cell as this bully of hers" Miranda said walking John and Ginger down a hall where we hear Noel begging Miranda to let her out.
"So what's the damage Miranda and money is no object so just throw out a number and I'll pay cash or a check whatever you like" Ginger said with Noel running up to her cell door screaming for Ginger to save her.
"It's free I just wanted to see Noel broken and look how I broke her in one night of solitary she's practically ready to become a nun and stop being so mean to everyone".
"I have to pay you something for the trouble Noel could have caused you last night. I mean I know what this little princess is like angered so she must have caused a bit of damage".
"Really it's fine we're friends so consider Noel getting out Scott free a freebie or a perk to having the police chief for a friend".
"Fine I'll just donate to the police ball when that comes up so just give me the date and a check would be in the mail and cash in hand as well".
Miranda smiled nodding and unlocking Noel's cell who ran into John and Ginger's arms crying and moaning that she never wanted to be mean again.
"Well Miranda I want to thank you for curing Noel and to thank you here take this check for bail and we'll be on our way" Ginger said as Miranda laughed ripping the check and looking at Ginger.
"Foutley we've been through a lot and I'm glad Noel's fixed but as I said seeing Noel broken is my payment. I mean it's only been five hours most people who come in spend a full twenty four hours here before they're set free".
"Well if most people stay here that long I suppose leaving Noel here for a full day couldn't hurt. I mean come on she's not getting off easily just because she thinks she learned her lesson" John said as Noel fell to her knees begging John and Ginger to take her home.
"Please I can't stay here another minute thanks to my cellmate threatening to hurt me by the end of the day. That's her the tattooed thug behind the bars over there she wants to hurt me just because I was sleeping on her side of the cell but apparently both sides are her side" Noel cried.
"Good now you know how Karen and Hope felt when you beat them up I mean at least Hope can get away Karen can't because you live with her".
Noel clung to John and Ginger knowing that if they left she would be going with them one way or another and they both laughed down at her.
"The last time you did this Karen was a newborn and you vowed to hate her because she was small, pretty, and precious. We were going to take her to the mall one day and you flung yourself at us begging us to take you too".
"Yea well I was scared I would lose your love that day and today I'm also scared I'm scared for my life and I don't want to be hurt by this girl who believes she can claim everything in the cell".
Ginger lifted Noel up and John was handed a paper bag containing her clothes, cell phone, jewelry, cash, purse, and shoes and Miranda led John and Ginger out the tattooed thug yelling back at Noel.
"Remember Princess if you ever come back here again I'll be waiting and FYI I've been in this cell longer so yes both sides are mine and there's nothing you can say to convince me otherwise" the thug said with Noel walking faster pulling John and Ginger with her.
"Well middle Foutley I hope you learned your lesson because if you haven't just know that Clara the tattooed thug is still going to be here if you do get caught in trouble again and she'll be glad to be your cell mate again". Miranda said as Noel raced to the van John and Ginger owned.
"Again Miranda thanks for your help I'm sure Noel has learned her lesson and I'll be in touch we certainly have to get together and hang out again I mean we don't do it nearly enough" Ginger said hopping in the front seat and John drove off leaving Sheltered Shrubs Police Station behind.
Noel was silent the whole way home which to Ginger meant she learned her lesson and was thinking about the consequences of her actions.
"Well here we are home sweet home and you young lady I'm sure have a whole bunch of cleaning to do so we'll leave you to it and if you don't complain maybe we'll all pitch in" John said as Noel unbuckled her seatbelt and ran to the front door kissing it while Ginger unlocked the door.
"Alright Noel go get a bucket of water, a sponge, a mop, take the garbage to the garage, help me make a grocery list, get some rug cleaner and get to work".
Noel didn't have to be told twice as she raced to the kitchen getting everything Ginger asked her to get and raced back to the living room to find it spotless as she rubbed her eyes looking to see if it was a dream.
"Well I guess Lucas, Heather, Karen, and Merisel were busy last night so you're off the hook this time but remember to think before you throw another party" Ginger said as Noel wept hugging Ginger and John as they hugged her back knowing their daughter was finally cured.
Lucas' bedroom door opened and Karen bunny hopped downstairs giggling as Lucas, Heather, and Merisel sleepily shuffled downstairs finding Noel still hugging John and Ginger.
"Morning guys and Noel I hope you appreciate the cleaning job we did because it took us all night until the wee hours of the morning to clean up your mess" Heather said grumpily as Karen switched on the TV to watch Spongebob with Noel sitting next to her making Karen nervous.
"Karen I'm sorry I did all the things I did to you I should've treated you better but I will now I promise and you can tell me if anything I do bothers you from now on and I won't get mad" Noel said watching Spongebob as Karen smiled hugging Noel.
"I know you're sorry and all's I want you to know is that I want you to hang with me more because I really am a nice person once you get to know me" Karen said snuggling close to Noel as Noel patted her head hugging her with Karen giggling.
"Alright I don't know what they did to her in jail but she's like a robot reprogrammed and all that stuff. I mean she never hugged Karen before" Heather said sipping a can of Coke.
Noel stood up as Karen did the same being her shadow as they both walked up to Heather and she looked down at Noel.
"What if we went and got our nails and toes done today Heather? Mom and Karen can come too if they want".
"Now I know she's reprogrammed she actually wants to go get her nails done and if I'm lucky maybe she'll want to go clothes shopping too".
"I wouldn't mind getting my nails done and a new wardrobe and I'm sure the food court is calling Karen's name" Ginger said with Lucas and Merisel both studying Noel.
"Ooh I almost forgot Lucas and Merisel were kissing like Edward and Bella last night I caught them. I think Merisel being Lucas' girlfriend could be cool I mean she's one of the top ten coolest teen girl's I know".
"You're not too bad yourself Squirt I mean you stuck it out cleaning with us all night while other girl's your age would have been asleep" Merisel said ruffling Karen's hair.
"So girl's let's get dressed and maybe your dad, Merisel, and Lucas would like to come to the mall too".
John and Lucas raced upstairs to get dressed and Merisel called her mom telling her she was heading to the mall with Lucas and his family and an excited squeal was on the other end that Ginger knew as Dodie's.
"She'll meet us there she said something about getting Macie and getting a sitter for Bastion then she'll meet us at the nail salon for some girl bonding" Merisel said with Ginger nodding knowing her friend wouldn't pass up mani pedi day for anything.
John and Lucas came back dressed and ready to go as Noel tried getting a wrestling Karen ready to go with Ginger stepping in her frown saying it all.
"Sorry mama but you know how I am when people dress me I hate to be dressed and when they force me into clothes it just gets me angry and fidgety" Karen mumbled with Ginger helping Noel dress Karen and brush her hair.
"There all pretty now let's go get some breakfast and it's off to the mall for family day which I'm sure your dad and Lucas can find something to do while we get made over" Ginger said everybody piling into the van and it sped off to the nearest Mcdonald's for breakfast.
"Alright I need orders now because I'm not sitting at the drive thru forever waiting for everyone to tell me what they want" John said driving off to the nearest Mcdonald's with everyone giving their orders Karen ordering iced coffee which made everybody laugh.
"Kare sweetie you aren't getting coffee if you want caffeine you can have Coke or Pepsi but coffee will have you going all day and I just don't have the energy for that".
Karen giggled after Ginger said this and ordered Coke instead with John stopping at the drive thru getting everyone's food and then checking the bags before passing them to the kids who devoured their food.
"Alright let's get to the mall and then we can spend money on ourselves until we run out and decide to leave" Ginger said the whole gang screaming happily finally acting like a happy family.
At the mall Ginger, Heather, Noel, Merisel, Karen, and Dodie were getting pampered and Noel was frantically thinking on what to buy Karen for her upcoming birthday.
"What if I brought her a pony with a stable and everything? I mean she's all about ponies am I right?" Noel asked with Heather, Ginger, and Merisel laughing Karen getting her hair blow dried hearing nothing.
"Noel I love the thought but do you have a clue on how much it is to board a pony? I mean Homer Simpson had to get two jobs to pay for one" Ginger said as Heather and Merisel nodded.
"Even if we could afford it our backyard isn't nearly big enough to fit a stable plus there's the price of hay, sugar cubes, and apples these days".
"Ok so a ponies out but there has to be something different she wants so throw some ideas out there and we can work with them".
"Well she's all about Frozen now so anything Frozen would be her best gift ever and there's a Disney Store right across from here".
"I got it why don't I pay for her riding lessons and she can be so surprised that her used to be mean big sister did this for her?"
"Nice thought and we'd let you do that if your dad and I haven't already done it. But there is another thing she really wants that only you can give her" Ginger said whispering in Noel's ear and she beamed liking Ginger's plan.
"It's a deal and I take it there will be a Frozen theme on her side. If there is I'll let her decorate it any way she wants" Noel said and Heather grinned playfully slugging Noel's arm.
"Looks like someone has a roommate and just let me tell you that you're going to make her whole year becoming her roommate because apparently Pixie's now afraid of the dark and Elsa is the only thing protecting her" Heather said hugging Noel.
"Noel you are going to give her the greatest present ever because riding lessons may be fun but they go away her roommate won't".
"Yea I think you're finally starting to realize that being a big sister to Karen could be pretty cool at times" Merisel said with Karen jumping down from her chair swishing her hair back and forth giggling.
"So we're done getting all pretty so where to next? I'm famished so how's about some lunch? Then we can discuss my September 25th Frozen themed birthday party" Karen said rushing for the food court the others following her.
"So Care Bear I have the greatest present for you but you'll have to wait for us to get home for me to give it to you littlest sib"
Karen grinned knowing how to make Noel crack because she did the same thing to make Lucas, Ginger, and Heather tell her what she was getting for Christmas.
"Noel sweet, cool, tough as nails, oldest sister how's about we talk about my birthday present over chicken nuggets and barbecue sauce?"
"Not a chance Karen because that sweet talk may have worked with mom, Lucas, and Heather but I'm much too strong for your sweet act" Noel said as Karen grinned slyly having a can't fail secret weapon.
"Please Noel you know how much I hate secrets and if you tell me now it'll make you feel better because I'll feel better and that hole in your tummy telling you to keep your secret from me will disappear".
Before Noel could say no she saw Karen's eyes grow as big as half dollars and her lip quivered this being Karen's weapon the puppy dog pout.
"Karen I've been using that weapon since before you were born I'm immune to it but you know nice try and if it's any conciliation you're much cuter than me at your age".
"Noel I need to let you know that if you keep saying no to me I'll go all Unikitty on your butt and trust me you don't want me going Unikitty".
"You'll just have to wait when you get home and we celebrate your birthday with all the trimmings Karen. Now where are dad and Lucas?"
John and Lucas ran to the food court overloaded with bags Lucas laughing as his dad fell into a chair dropping his bags.
"Lucas you're a good sibling so now's your chance to tell me what Noel's getting me for my birthday. I mean you know me and surprises" Karen said sipping a Coke.
"Care Bear even if I knew what Noel was getting you which I don't I wouldn't tell you because that's the point of a surprise to make sure the person getting it doesn't know their getting it" Lucas said Merisel and a Chinese feast greeting him.
"I didn't know what you liked so I got everything which really isn't half bad if you ask me. I mean the sweet and sour chicken could be sweeter but other than that amazing food all in all" Merisel said as Lucas grinned passing her a CD.
"You said no good would come from classical music and that masterpiece you hold in your hands proves your theory wrong S&M by Metallica proves classical music laced with rock and James Hetfield's amazing vocals makes this album a piece of history.
"Great I'll listen to it and see if I like it which I probably won't because classical music ruins everything in my eyes".
"At least you're giving it a chance Mare because this album is definitely in my top 10 and it wasn't an easy find. I'm glad I came across it for $1.99 in a thrift shop because my dad and this album made is what inspired me to pursue a career as a guitarist".
"So it says on Wikipedia that S&M is a completely live album which is another pet peeve of mine but again giving it a chance".
"Mare you must have seen Paramore live more times than I can count and you to this day still rock out to them".
"Sure but Hayley Williams didn't go around saying let's make a completely live album just for the hell of it".
"Neither did Metallica see S&M was a concert they had and James Hetfield the lead singer liked the concert so much he made an album and a DVD of the concert which to this day are still selling".
Merisel smiled hearing the album before but liked busting Lucas' chops because even when he was angry he was still the cutest boy she ever met.
"Lou you're my boyfriend and best friend which means I know all about this album and your obsession with it" Merisel said kissing Lucas as he kissed her back.
"Somebody better tell me what the surprise is or I'm going to destroy everything I can in this place" Karen said kicking a plastic stool.
"Care Bear you've got to calm down and trust Noel when she says you'll love all the surprises coming to you when we get home" Ginger said leading everybody to the van for Karen's surprise.
Once home Noel grabbed a blindfold and tied it around Karen's eyes more excited than her of the surprise she planned.
"Keep following the sound of my voice and don't you dare take that blindfold off until I say Care Bear. Boy are you going to flip your lid when you see this surprise".
Noel led Karen upstairs where Noel's bedroom door opened revealing one side of her room dedicated solely to Frozen.
"I'm taking the blindfold off but keep your eyes closed until I say to open them Care Bear. This is going to be your wildest present ever" Noel said taking Karen's blindfold off who was jumping up and down excitedly.
Ginger's eyes welled up when she saw the hard work Noel put into making her room accommodating to Karen.
"Alright little sis open your eyes and marvel at your new room and roommate. Then we can go downstairs and order us up some Chinese while we watch Frozen and celebrate your birth in great detail".
Karen opened her eyes and saw Noel's room had an all Frozen side with the words Welcome Roomie written in different colored finger paints Karen's eyes welling with happy tears.
"Mike a dear friend of mine painted the characters and I made sure he got every Frozen character ever on the wall, then mom and dad brought Frozen bedding while Heather brought the stuffed animals".
"Look- mama- it's- Elsa- Anna- Olaf- in- his- In- Summer- hat- Sven- Kristoff- Hans- Westerguard- Of- The- Southern- Isles- I- hate- him- because- he's- mean- to- Elsa- and- Anna- the- trolls- and- my- ceiling- has- Anna- sleeping- and- drooling- my- favorite- part- in- the- movie" Karen said choked up.
"So what do you think would you like to be my roommate? I promise if Elsa can't fight the shadows I can and I'll never hurt you again Karen littlest sister" Noel said tears streaming down her face.
Karen ran into Noel's arms letting her hugging do the talking as she nodded John and Ginger moving Karen's stuff to her side of the room.
"There all settled Care Bear now let's get us some food and our Frozen on" Ginger said as everybody dashed downstairs laughing until Karen noticed a girl on the back porch with blue hair, a starched, black, skirt, a white blouse, knee high boots, a sneer on her face, and a box with a bow on it.
"Uhh maybe we should hide that's Lucy Marigold and she hates my guts or so she says and the last box she gave me hid a black eye".
"A bully huh? Stay inside Karen I'll show you how your big sis deals with bullies. I've had my fair share and I was one until recent events shaped my black heart into a red one" Noel said yanking open the back door.
"Alright Tinkerbell my sister tells me that you like bullying her and that doesn't fly with me. I'm giving you three seconds to apologize and their Mississippi's not regular seconds".
"Look back off bodyguard your sister walks around Kindergarten like she owns it and the teacher is her best friend. What the heck does that tell you?" Lucy asked as Noel grabbed the box from Lucy.
"That's not yours it's for the apple polishing, pencil sharpening, kiss up called Karen Foutley. I mean your names not on the box Karen's is".
"Yea well I'm the present checking department and I need to make sure this isn't going to implode, explode, or give my sister another black eye".
Noel ripped the paper off the present opening the box to find dog treats and a chew toy in the box.
"She's gained the name Lost Puppy in Kindergarten so I figured I'd get her started with treats and toys. This is me on a good day imagine me on a bad day I can make Karen hate Kindergarten".
"Noel just leave her alone she's just a big meanie because I have more friends than her. She's jealous because my friends aren't Facebook friends or Twitter followers" Karen said as Lucy growled trying to push her way into the house.
"Sorry Twerp I'm also the bouncer and nobody gets inside without an invite or their name on the party list".
"Let me in there stupid, big, bully because your sister has apologizing to do seeing I have more than Facebook friends and Twitter followers".
"I suppose that's why all the kids in Kindergarten cringe when they see you and would prefer to hang with me at school?"
Lucy got red in the face then ran off bawling leaving a letter behind that Noel picked up.
Dear Karen
I'm writing this letter to apologize for all the mean things I said to you, all the punches and slaps I caused you, and lastly all the things I did to make you feel bad. I suppose the reason I tease you is because you're so much better than me. I mean you dress better than me, you have an Iphone, and you have all the kids in our class as your friend. I know I hurt you on the outside but I'm hurting on the inside which to me feels worse. My parents fight all the time, my brother and sister push me around all the time because their older than me. I suppose I bully you because you remind me of my big sister Melody who thinks she's queen of the universe. Seeing you cry every time I bully you reminds me of myself when Melody laughs because all my friends are imaginary or from Facebook and Twitter. I know it seems pathetic but I just want one real friend in this world. I bully you because I want you to be my friend and I don't know any other way to show that. One day I hope you read this letter and see I'm a good person in a bad situation. Sincerely
Hopeful new friend
Lucy
Karen wiped her eyes of tears then had a great idea grabbing an invitation, confetti, a party horn, a party hat, and a cupcake skipping down the block the family following her.
"There it is this is Lucy's house now I'm going to do what mommy and daddy say I do best and kill Lucy with kindness" Karen said stray cats and dogs bolting from a rundown shack as Karen rang the doorbell and a girl looking like Karen to a T opened it looking down at Karen.
"You must be Melody Lucy's big sister. So is Lucy home or did she take off somewhere by herself like the stray animals?"
"Alright one brilliant observation Sherlock where's Watson? And two my bratty, ratty, unkempt sister went to some party then she came home bawling and bolting upstairs screaming her life was over" Melody said a sneer creeping over her face.
"Great thanks for all those nice words I can see where Lucy learned to be a bully. Now which room is hers and if you don't tell me I'll search every room until I find her".
"First door at the top of the stairs you can't miss it her name's on the door in hot fudge but why you'd want to see her is beyond me".
Karen climbed the stairs finding Lucy's door decorated in hot fudge and she knocked only getting Lucy's sobs as an answer.
"Karen maybe we should go it doesn't sound like she wants company and it seems like she's used to crying her problems away" Heather said as Karen knocked again a little louder.
"Melody just go away I want to be alone if even for ten more minutes. My day has been really bad and I just want some alone time" Lucy moaned as Karen gently opened the door to a cat and dog Karen believed to be more strays run from Lucy's room.
"Well it isn't Melody but I can see how you can make that mistake I mean we look alike and everything almost as if she were my twin just meaner".
Lucy quickly wiped her eyes and fixed her wild hair stuck to her face and her blue eyes met Karen's green ones.
"Foutley-what-are-you-doing-here? I-mean-don't-you-have-a-party-in-your-honor-going-on-somewhere?"
"Well sure I do but I wanted to come by and tell you I got your letter and I would like it if you came to my house for Chinese and Frozen watching".
Lucy got a quizzical look in her eyes scanning Karen's eyes and finding nothing but innocence in them as Karen smiled hugging Lucy.
"Oh I almost forgot since you're my guest I have a present just for you. Now stand back and be dazzled by Karen Foutley's party extravaganza" Karen said popping the confetti, handing Lucy the party horn, putting the hat on her head, and putting a candle in the cupcake as Ginger lit it.
"Well go on make a wish it's not every day a birthday invitee gets to make a wish on a birthday cake and by the looks of things in your life no offense but you could really use it".
Lucy laughed through her tears blowing out the candle and Karen grabbed her hand leading her downstairs where a young woman and man met them.
"Howdy Karen Foutley at your service and I would like for your daughter to spend the night at my house tonight".
"Well isn't this nice Lucy made a friend who has really good manners and we would love for Lucy to spend the night you just may rub off on her" Lucy's mom said as Lucy kissed her mom and dad's cheeks then followed the Foutley's down the block to Karen's birthday party.
At the Foutley's Karen on pins and needles that she had a guest finally come and see her showed Lucy to her new Frozen room.
"See my sister Noel made this room for me and I will be thanking her for a lifetime. I mean it has all the characters and everything".
"Yea that is pretty cool maybe she can make my room into a Rio theme I just love those movies to death. So where can I get changed Foutley?" Lucy asked as other girls started to come for Karen's Frozen sleepover.
"Right across from my room there's a bathroom Lucy friend of mine. Also I heard you were the most amazing artist at Kool Aid hair coloring and I was wondering if you would do everyone's hair" Karen asked with Lucy beaming.
"Sure just as long as I have signed wavers telling me the parents won't freak because Kool Aid stains hair as well as skin and clothes".
Karen handed over a bunch of papers signed by the kids parents with Karen beaming and Lucy dumping Kool Aid packet after Kool Aid packet onto Karen's bed.
"I never go anywhere without Kool Aid because I believe Kool Aid hair coloring is making a huge splash and Melody disagrees with me but you've proven her wrong".
Lucy skipped into the bathroom as the girls stared at Karen's room in awe of all the Frozen characters on her walls and ceiling.
"What's with all the Kool Aid Care? I mean are we amping up on sugar tonight?" A girl asked with Karen shaking her head no.
"I invited a girl tonight and I want you all to keep an open mind before you freak out because this girl has made a few enemies including me until recently".
Lucy walked back into the room in a Frozen ensemble all the girls cringing at the site of her.
"Now remember I said keep an open mind ladies she's really not as bad as you might think. She said she would color our hair tonight and she's joined many a Karen Foutley best friend".
"Thanks Foutley so since it's your birthday I'm going to let you pick your Kool Aid color first and we can start coloring hair" Lucy said as Ginger walked into Karen's room handing out goodie bags.
"I want blue raspberry hair I think my hair will look cool in blue and my mama says blue was her color in College" Karen said as Lucy led Karen to the bathroom Ginger close behind.
"Alright Karen keep your hair in the water for about 10 minutes let it get soaked then I'll use blue raspberry Kool Aid to color your hair".
The girls were amazed at seeing Lucy act so nice as Lucy jostled Karen's hair until it was all wet.
"Perfect now stay perfectly still while I pour the Kool Aid into your hair making it blue raspberry and making you look cooler in my opinion".
Karen liked being called cool as Lucy dumped the blue packet into Karen's hair changing it from red to blue in an instant.
"Alright first customer take a look and tell me what you think. If I can do better let me know and I can try making it lighter or darker".
Karen squealed excitedly seeing herself in the mirror and Ginger couldn't help but smile for her daughter finding her first best friend in Lucy.
"Perfect Lucy I'm going to show my sister's and daddy my new hair then get refreshments, music, and party games going" Karen squealed happily running downstairs with Ginger close behind her as if she was Karen's shadow.
"Daddy check out my hair it's blue raspberry Kool Aid which I'm told is hard to wash out but looks extremely cool".
"Oh my God Care Bear what were you thinking? I thought you were kidding when you said you were changing your hair color blue" John said dropping a glass shattering it.
"Daddy we're just having harmless fun I mean there were waivers signed, Kool Aid brought, you knew what you were getting into today Papa" Karen said swishing her shoulder length blue hair back and forth.
"I think it looks cool very punk rock chick Care Bear and I will show you the music to match your new personality" Noel said as Heather nodded smirking at Karen.
"I totally see punk rocker in you Karen and Noel will definitely help music wise seeing she rocks punk music every day" Heather said ruffling Karen's blue hair.
"Yep The Ramones, The Clash, Violent Femmes, Rise Against, The Offspring, Blink 182, and of course Green Day".
Karen giggled skipping back upstairs to find colorful hair greeting her from every direction with all the girls giggling at each other.
"Alright Lucy you're the last Mama would you like to do the honors if you don't mind? After Lucy's finished we'll eat Chinese food and watch Frozen while playing party games and getting a sugar high".
The girls shrieked in glee as Ginger a master at hair coloring made Lucy's hair cherry red Kool Aid beaming.
"Alright girlies downstairs for present opening, Chinese Food feasting, party games, and Frozen viewing to cap the night off" Ginger said gathering all the girls into the living room.
Wow this turned out long so the next chapter will end Karen's party so R&R all.
