The next morning Kuki and Wally were on their way out to surprise Madeline with a party she never saw coming and she needed John now more than ever.
"Right all the emergency numbers are on the fridge, money for pizza's in the coffee can on top of the fridge, Madeline is to be watched like a hawk not because she's bad but because she's gained three very evil, very mean, very disturbing bullies" Kuki said as John nodded and she kissed him.
"Alright guys you better go before all the good decorations are taken. We still have to discuss party place, food, favors, and presents because I'm going to spoil her rotten today and I think I have a better idea than pizza for the birthday girl" John said smiling secretively.
"Right I'm sure Madeline is in good hands so Wallykins, Mushi, and Sandy follow me to the party to end all parties while John gives Madeline a fun day before the party begins".
The adults followed Kuki out as Angelica shoved past them a Mcdonald's bag in her hand smiling up at John.
"All right A I know you said you didn't want breakfast B I can't imagine why because Mcdonald's is the best breakfast place like ever C I also know you said you were spending the day with Madeline today and D That means I also get to spend the day with Madeline" Angel said gleefully.
"Angel I'm not sure Madeline will want another person to join us I think she was hoping it'd just be the two of us".
"John I know you can handle her alone but maybe she'd like another girl to come along to you know help with makeovers, picking clothes out, and pigging out on junk".
Before John could answer a scream came from John's room as John and Angel took the stairs two at a time reaching Madeline in record time.
"My-my-my-my-my-my-my-hair-they-buzzed-off-all-my-hair-and-it-was-so-long-and-pretty. Mama's-going-to-kill-me-when-she-finds-out-because-she-was-growing-it-out-on-on-on-on-purpose" Madeline bawled finding her hair now littering the floor and bed.
"Maddie sweetie I have a solution now calm down and I'll be back with no wig, weave, or any other fake hair because Auntie Kuki has just the thing for this" John said dashing to the kitchen and finding a brown bottle labeled hair growth formula.
"All right Maddie sweetie calm down because I have just the thing for you and that's hair growth formula which I know for a fact works because she's used it on the three wicked triplets before".
Madeline sniffled as John poured liquid on Madeline's head and like magic her hair was back to the length it was at the night before.
"Thanks so much Cousin John I'm so happy to have you around for things like this and you're the only one of the kids who haven't tried hurting me".
Laureli, Lisa, and Lana tried running past John's room but he grabbed them being quicker, smarter, and older than them.
"Soooo who wants to be the first one to sell the other down the river? Because if you do then you can spend the day with Angelica, Madeline, and I ladies".
"It was all Laureli's fault she said that if we cut her hair it would look funny and I've got to admit it was pretty silly" Lisa said being the Kuki of the triplets.
"Yea well you want to know what else is silly? I conned you into telling on Laureli so now Laureli, Lana, and you Lisa are going to be stuck here all day with Lizzie or as you call her The Worst Babysitter Ever" John said with Madeline sticking her tongue out at the girl's.
"Thanks a-lot-Lisa-that's-the-last-time-Lana-and-I-let-you-in-on-our-pranks-I-mean-take-one-for-the-team-for-once" Laureli said her head lost in Diary Of A Wimpy Kid book 1.
"I'll be taking that and every other book from your room Laureli because you're the mastermind and I can't wait for mom and dad to hear about this".
"You can't prove a thing John because there's no hard evidence against me and no matter what you torture me with or who you hire to do it I will never crack" Laureli said as John pushed her aside and bombarded her room finding scissor's, a pair of clippers, a water bottle, and a comb under her bed.
"Laureli meet my camerawoman Angelica Melloni and by the look of things here we don't need a confession. Next time try not to carve your name into your bedpost and this may have been a little harder".
John dialed Kuki's number in his phone as Madeline skipped outside glad that she was no longer public enemy number 1 in the Sanban house as the girl's followed her not very happy with her at all.
"Yes mom I know that they had no right to do it but I used the hair growth formula and her hair is back to normal. No mom you coming home early is not the solution here I called Lizzie and she's on her way now".
"I'm just going to check on Madeline seeing the three bullies bolted when they saw her heading for the yard" Angelica said Mcgriddle hanging from her lip.
John nodded as a bloodcurdling scream erupted from the front yard and John knew at once who the scream belonged to.
"Mom I have to go Madeline's definitely not having the best day ever but I can turn it around like a DJ spinning a record in no time" John said sending the pictures of Laureli's room to Kuki.
"John you are never going to believe this sweetie I mean I was bad as a kid but your three sisters are the worst human beings ever".
John ran past Angelica and bolted into the front yard to find Madeline caked in mud and blood steadily trickling down her nose with her bawling and bolting into the house.
"If you're looking for the culprits they ran across the street where there's quite possibly a candy store, a toy store, a playground, or maybe there friend's house" Angelica said while John tended to Madeline's bleeding nose.
"Tilt your head back Maddie it'll help the blood flow sweet, little, cousin. Take it from someone who knows Madeline keeping your head back will quickly stop the blood flow".
As John was nursing Madeline's cuts and nose the gate to the front yard creaked open and Anna walked in her jaw not wired anymore and tears streaming down her face.
"Cousin John I think you have a visitor and it looks like she's awfully sad so do what you do and make people happy" Madeline said tilting her head back and John saw Anna sitting on the stairs leading to the porch.
"I'm just going to get the culprits they couldn't have gone far and they are going to get it when I find them Jonny" Angelica said as Madeline ran after her.
"Sanders if this is a trick I'm not going to fall for it but if those tears are real then I'm going to sit here and hear what you have to say" John said sitting next to a bawling Anna.
"San-ban-I-just-want-to-say-I'm-sorry-for-everything-my-friends-and-I-did-to-you. If-it-means-anything-to-you-I-think-you'll-be-happy-to-know-that-Robert-left-me-and-my-parents-filed-for-divorce" Anna cried wiping her eyes with her sleeves.
"Anna you gotta admit that I had to ask if it was real due to our history together. I mean the last time I fell for your tears I was grabbed by the football team and swirlied into oblivion".
"I don't blame you for questioning me John I would have done the same if I were in your position kid. I just need a friend right now and I'll understand if you never want to be my friend again".
John slowly walked up to Anna still pessimistic about her sudden change to become a friend instead of an enemy as she patted next to her.
"Anna I would love to be friends but I need a promise, a solemn vow, iron clad that you aren't going to trick me anymore".
Anna's blue eyes were full of pain as she gazed into John's green ones and she nodded handing him an envelope.
"Open it I'm sure you'll find everything you need in there and then we can hang and bring the poor beaten girl and your girlfriend with us".
John opened the envelope and his hands flew to his face as he read the first honest thing Anna Beth Sanders ever wrote.
Dear John
I for one am very sorry we lost touch because we were great friends before Junior High then I found cheerleading and you found bullies. You made me a promise once that you'd always protect me and I should have made you the same promise but as a cheerleader I got dazzled by the lifestyle and you didn't fit in it. I'm sorry I never fought for you, I never said sorry for the mean things that were done to you, and I am extremely sorry that I may have caused depression to creep into your once happy heart. I will make a solemn vow as you did for me to protect you from any harm and this is a promise I don't ever want to break as long as I live. I remember we used to laugh and listen to Soul To Squeeze by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and you always used to make believe you were singing the lyrics which made me laugh harder. In short all's I want to say is I'm extremely, terribly, and truthfully sorry for hurting you for so long because you were a good friend and I want a good friend back signed Anna Beth Sanders.
"Anna this is the best letter I ever got and I know it's true because I see the jealousy in your eyes when you see me with new people. Then they get ran off by you".
"Sanban I'm sorry for that too I never should have run away all the people that just wanted to be friends with you".
"Listen Anna Junior High can get to a person I mean it's dog eat doggie and I guess I was a runty pup in the pound that is Madison Junior High" John said as Anna gently took John's chin in her fingers.
"Yea well being top dog isn't that fun Sanban there's a certain rep to keep and right now I don't want it. My friends if I can even call them that are fake they just nod and agree like yes men" Anna said seeing the pain she inflicted upon John in his eyes.
"Anna you have no idea how much I've longed to be top dog I mean the butter on the seats, the hot sauce in my sandwiches, the superglue on my locker door making it jammed those things make a puppy like me whimper".
"Geez Sanban I never thought of it that way I was really bad when all you needed was a friend. I mean we were friends once but as we both saw Junior High puts pressure on a person and it becomes a pound for misfit dogs.
Angel came back with the three girls including her doused head to toe in mud and Angel did not look happy with John's sisters.
"I'll tell you something John sweetie I've been hog tying and chasing a greased pig is a lot easier than chasing three" Angel said grabbing a hose to hose herself off.
"Angel meet the new Anna Sanders and she'll be part of my friendship triangle. So hose off while I get the girl of the day ready and we can hit the road seeing the sitters arrived".
A 1980 red Ford Escort squealed into the driveway and an adult Lizzie stepped out looking at her three clients sneering.
"Now we get to play everyone's favorite game The Bathing Game and that includes steel wool so I can get deep into the germs killing them" Lizzie said carrying three struggling girls into the house.
"I think she can take it from here so Maddie lets go I have the best day planned for us but I'm also taking suggestions birthday girl" John said as Madeline saw steel wool and the girls being forced into the tub.
"Anything to get me away from the queen of clean over there Cousin John. I mean steel wool that must really sting" Madeline said following Anna and Angel out as John walked into the bathroom.
"Make sure their sparkling we have a b day party for Cousin Maddie later and the neighborhood kids are going to think we're filthy if their filthy".
"Oh yea you'll love the neighborhood kids Madeline Frozen obsessed three year old girls and Avenger obsessed boys" Lisa said wincing as the steel wool scrubbed her.
"Well lucky me just so happens to love both of those things. I'm the best of both worlds like Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus" Madeline said being led downstairs.
"Great I hope you like stuck ups too because all the girls in the neighborhood are stuck ups and their not afraid to show it" Laureli said red marks all over her body from the steel wool.
"There Laureli's done now to finish Lisa and then clean Lana and the three of you will spend the rest of the afternoon figuring out where your mother went wrong with you three" Lizzie said scrubbing Lisa hard until there was no more dirt.
"I also hope you like Brownies because all the girls in the neighborhood are a part of them and there's no way to get in without knowing someone who knows somebody, who knows somebody else!" Lana yelled loud enough for Madeline to hear her.
Angel and Anna led Madison to John's SUV and he walked back upstairs with paper and pens for the girls and they gulped knowing what he had planned.
"Since you love hurting her you can all write Madeline apologies and before any fun is to be had that is if you're not grounded into chalky white dust those apologies will have to be examined with a fine tooth comb by Lizzie".
All the girls moaned knowing what Lizzie was like analyzing writing seeing she was also their English teacher and she grinned leading the girls to the kitchen table.
"Now as John put it these apologies will be top notch before you can have fun that is if your mother doesn't call or come home grounding all of you" Lizzie said sitting across from the girls.
"John you can get us out of this brother of ours I mean Madeline's not your sister. Why should you care what happens to a girl that isn't your sister?" Lisa asked.
"Because I know how it feels to be bullied by people bigger, older, and angrier than me Lice. I know what it can do to a person and a girl Madeline's age should be thinking about dolls, tea parties, Frozen, and other cartoon movies not who's going to bully her next" John said grabbing his car keys.
"Yea but I bet you never had to sit and write an apology to a person you knew was so bad that their heart beats black blood instead of red blood" Lana moaned as John grinned.
"Smell that Madeline sweetest little cousin smells like sour grapes to me and Auntie Kuki has a great saying for them. You can't make a boysenberry pie with sour grapes because they spoil the bushel".
Madeline giggled bunny hopping down the stairs keeping up with John who laughed seeing a lot of his young self in Madeline.
"Yea well-well-well-well-well it takes one to know one and if you want to talk bullying calling Lizzie wasn't exactly being a good friend".
After Lana said this Lisa moaned rubbing her wrist and Lizzie slapped her hands with a ruler with Lisa shrieking and the other two gulping going back to their apologies.
"Well looks like you have everything covered Lizzie so Madeline, Angel, Anna, and I be out for the day getting Madeline whatever she wants for her big day".
Madeline, Angel, Anna and John piled into his SUV and they sped off for their first stop the mall where Madeline was going to shop till she dropped and get food court food to fuel her.
At the mall Madeline's eyes lit up at all the stores and John smiled secretively because their first stop was going to be a place Madeline was never going to want to leave.
"Alright Maddie follow me because our first stop is lunch seeing we're all hungry and I know the perfect place. A place where you can let your hair down and we can also let our hair down" John said walking into Lime Ricky's and it was a Zootopia theme Madeline's favorite movie.
"Madeline welcome to Lime Ricky's and todays Zootopia day so go nuts and once you're done we'll Zootopia shop or do any other kind of shopping you want".
Madeline's eyes lit up when she saw a Judy Hopps mascot and a tiny elephant like from the movie and she giggled knowing the lines from the movie by heart.
"Are your customers aware they're getting snot and mucus in their cookies and cream? Madeline mimicked Judy word for word.
"Well hey little Hopps so what brings you around here today and do you know every word of the movie? The Hopps Mascot asked as Madeline giggled nodding her head liking her new nickname little Hopps.
"Well my cousin John brought me here because it's my birthday and my three wicked cousins hurt me all the time. Anyhow I'm here and I'm glad I came because Zootopia is my favoritest movie like ever".
John felt a tug on his heart strings seeing Madeline happy for the first time since she moved back in with the Sanbans and she was handed a rabbit outfit equipped with a police uniform and a plastic badge.
"There and if your three wicked cousins give you any trouble you can tell them that Judy Hopps says that you have potential as A Hopps and a police officer.
"Mrs. Hopps can you say one thing for me pretty please? It's my favorite line and it would make my birthday really extra special".
"Sure anything for my biggest fans birthday and once I get that address I'll even show up with all of Zootopia behind me" The Judy Hopps Mascot said.
"Can you say I popped the weasel please? I love that part especially when the weasel's in the donut that was just genius" Madeline said bouncing on the heels of her feet.
Judy smiled at Madeline and screamed I popped the weasel with Madeline giggling and running back to John showing off her new costume.
"Look it looks just like hers when she was a police officer everything right down to the bunny shoes and I can't wait to try this on".
"Well Maddie it's your birthday so go ahead and find a bathroom then suit up as your favorite Disney character" John said hugging her.
Madeline ran into the bathroom and five minutes later she came out dressed as a tiny rabbit officer.
"Now I can be the hall monitor of the Sanban household I have the costume and everything. Cool idea come on Cousin John we're going to snapchat this to all your sisters".
John stood next to Madeline as Anna grabbed Madeline' phone and opened the snapchat app with Madeline smiling into the camera.
"Stop one Lime Ricky' which just so happens to be Zootopia day. Watch it Laura, Lorelai, and Lisa because I'm the Sanban house hall monitor now and there's nothing you can do about it".
John smiled throwing his arm around Madeline's shoulders and she giggled indicating she was done.
"And we send that to all my snapchat friends including your sisters and now they'll have something to be afraid of".
"They sure will I mean you give me the willies and I'm older than you. It's just so scary seeing you in Judy Hopps mode".
"Yea and since I'm there now I'm actually feeling very brave just like Judy when she stood up to Gideon Grey and she got claw marks on her face".
"Yea that was when we learned that she doesn't know when to quit and she became a police officer at the top of her class" John said also knowing the movie well watching it with Madeline a million times it being her favorite movie.
"Exactly and I don't know when to quit either even if your sisters are taller than me I have heart and my heart will triumph over super tallness any day of the week" Madeline said hopping off to the arcade.
"John I have to say you've really got a way with kids dude. I mean in one day you turned this poor, whimpering, puppy into a social butterfly" Anna said hugging John an action he wasn't expecting.
"Yes well I've been there before and I suffered through it for years I know what being the whimpering puppy can do to a person before they become social butterflies" John said hugging Anna back as Angel walked up with chicken finger baskets, onion rings, fries, and Cokes.
"Well would you look at that Anna Sanders does have a heart and I bet it's as big as her wallet is" Angel joked as Anna laughed along with her.
"Yea well my wallets not so big since I told my parents off for fighting in front of my brother and I. I mean yea their getting a divorce but don't play tug of war with your kids it's just not fair".
"Great John and I can show you how to make money by earning it not by just having it handed to you and I agree with Anna John Maddie has definitely taken a turn for the better with your guidance".
Madeline hopped up to the table seeing the food and licking her lips as a basket and onion rings mixed with French Fries was slid to her.
"MMMMMMMMM this looks amazing but rabbits don't eat this do they I mean where's the carrots Cousin John?"
"Rabbits eat that if they want dessert and trust me here you want dessert Hopps In Training. Dessert is the main reason most people come to Lime Ricky' and since it's your birthday a special dessert will be made especially for you".
Madeline nibbled on an onion ring and then devoured the rest chicken fingers and fries included with John smiling across at her.
"Time for dessert then I was thinking we could Zootopia shop because I want a Zootopia bedroom set, a Judy Hopps stuffed animal, Judy Hopps posters, Judy Hopps clothes, A Judy Hopps backpack, in fact Judy Hopps everything then we can go home and celebrate me in great detail".
A huge cheesecake Madeline's favorite was pushed in front of her as Lisa, Lorelei, and Lana dashed up to the table their noses twitching thanks to the good smells.
"Oh great how did you guys get here and when are you leaving? I mean I thought the worst babysitter in the world was watching you" Madeline said glumly as Lizzie walked up with a grim expression on her face and sweat pouring from her.
"Sorry- guys- they- ran- off- after- baths- and- I- chased- them- here- where- they- said- they- knew- you- were- here- because- of- your- Snapchat- it- was- like- ten- blocks- but- I- caught- up" Lizzie said out of breath.
"She was going to feed us fish sticks that's processed fish and we were mad because Madeline's here eating chicken fingers, onion rings, and a very tasty looking cheesecake" Lisa said panting at the smell of the food.
"Well this is Madeline's day so she gets to decide who stays and who goes and if I didn't mention it before she's a cop thanks to Judy Hopps over there handing her a badge" John said as Lizzie grabbed the three sister' hands not wanting them to run off.
"Come on Maddie we weren't that bad to you I mean Anna was much worse to Cousin John just be glad she's not your bully" Lana said trying to escape Lizzie's death grip.
"Yea once she put nacho cheese on Cousin John's seat in the lunch room and he sat on it having ooey gooey nacho cheese on his shorts all day until he got home and you never get rid of that smell" Laureli said trying to reach a piece of cheesecake.
"Yea but at least she's sorry for what she did you guys aren't. You may say you're sorry but then you turn around and bully me again".
"What you think living with you is easy I mean until recently Brother John as we call him hated you because you bullied him just like Anna".
"Because you guys were bullying her Lisa and she needed an outlet and unfortunately I became that outlet for both Anna and Madeline but I can forgive them".
Madeline and Anna wept and hugged John seeing his forgiving nature and they were glad that he was in their life.
"Right you're forgiving so why can't Madeline be forgiving too? I mean she's a Sanban and we're a very forgiving bunch".
"Well Lana Madeline can't be forgiving because you guys have been bullying her since she was a newborn. There was the tricycle incident, the ice cream eating contest where Madeline won but got brain freeze, and then today's mud puddle incident just to name a few".
"Yea but that's because she hogs the spotlight whenever she's in the room and that becomes murder to our hearts. All's she has to do is bat those baby blues, turn those dimples on, and brighten that halo over her head and adults come running to her.
"Only because you three have it in for her Laureli that's why they come running. I mean besides being born and the cutest thing on two legs what has she ever done to you?" John asked as Anna and Angelica hugged Madeline tight.
"She took our family away with her cuteness and now she's too big on cuteness and we have to fight for attention" Lisa said trying to force out tears.
"Take them home Lizzie we'll be home after dessert and a little present shopping. The Eagle And The Hawks should be in the henhouse by now" John said using Kuki, Wally, Mushi, and Sandy's codenames.
"Fine but this isn't over we're still going to ruin this day with all that is in us and we won't stop until we see tears falling from her eyes!" Lana screamed being led out by Lizzie.
"Done Cousin John so let's get the cake to go and do some Zootopia shopping then head home for more cake and presents" Madeline said as John put the cake in a box and they were off for The Disney Store.
After shopping John drove Madeline, Anna, and Angelica to the house where the lights were off and Madeline hid behind John scared of the dark.
"Well I guess it's a power failure so I'll check the fuses and you guys make sure Madeline isn't too scared".
John walked off as Madeline flicked the light switch flooding the room with light and everyone screamed surprise the three sisters with stouts on their faces at all the new girls Madeline was going to meet.
Well that's it for now so R&R and the rest of the party chapter will be in the next chapter and I appreciate all the reviews thanks for all the good things to say about my fic and I would also like to thank the author of Finding Happiness for inspiring this fic.