These Bare Threads of Ours: Fort of Truths and of Cousins
By: M14Mouse
Disclaimer: Don't own them….;.; I have to make claims on Chip's cousins. .
((Madison's POV))
"We could be stuck in Xander's body." Chip said.
I couldn't help but laughed. I could feel the tension leave my body. Leave to Chip to cheer me up. I turned off the phone and head for Chip's closet. Uhh…well, it was cleaner than I thought it would be. Quickly, I picked out a yellow t-shirt and pants. I glance around the room to see where he could have put my chemistry book. How does Chip find anything in this mess? Legos, clothes, toys, swords, chess set in the corner, and models of forts and castles are everywhere. I hate to see what is under the bed. Well…it isn't entirely his fault. His cousins love to come to his room. I guess it is understandable but that doesn't tell me where my chemistry book is. Oh, there is it! I grabbed my chemistry book from Chip's dresser. Just in case, I need an excuse to get out of the house.
Slowly, I lower the stairs from the attic and then quickly ran down the stairs.
" 'ousin 'hip, 'ousin 'hip!" A voice said from behind me.
"Good morning, Marie." I said as I turned around to look at the little girl. She was one of the children that Chip's aunt and uncle adopted. She was probably cutest little girl I have ever seen and she adore Chip. She wore her brown hair in ponytail. She wore a white shirt and pair of pink overalls. It wasn't so long ago that Marie and V had a debate about the color pink. Times have really changed.
" 'ousin 'hip, me and Ivan want to make the biggest fort in the entire world! You help, right?" She said as she gave me a puppy dog look. I really don't think the look was needed. I know Chip would have said yes. I know him and his forts are well known. I almost laugh out loud when I remember what he did to our living room.
"Of course but I would have to see if mom and Uncle Danny have any chores for me after work." I said.
"Ok," She said and then she hugged me. I tried not to blush as I returned the hug.
"Bye Bye, 'ousin 'hip. Have fun at work." Marie said as she ran away.
Oh, yes, work is going to be fun and interesting today. I made it to the stairs before someone called my name. I turned around to see Justin running toward me. That reminded me to get a birthday present for him soon. He is turning nine. What in the world did he do the airplane? It looked like he ran it over.
"Cousin Chip! Man, I am so glad to you. My airplane is broken. Can you help me?" Justin said.
"Justin…I don't think that is possible. What did you do it?" I said as I looked at the airplane. He gave me this sheepish looking grin.
"Well, you see there was this dinosaur…no space alien…no zord…sort of stepped on my airplane," He said as he tried not to look at me.
"Okay, the dinosaur alien zord stepped on your airplane. I know for a fact that the power rangers don't have a dinosaur alien zord," I said with a grin.
"Yes…well, not really. It was Marie's fault! She wasn't busy following me around. It wouldn't have broken. Oh, man…I don't have enough allowance for a new one," He said sadly. Oh, boy…I know Chip. I know what he would say.
"Justin, after I finish helping Marie and Ivan built a fort. I take a look at your airplane," I said softly.
"Thank, Chip! You are the best!" He said as he ran off and nearly ran into Rose. Rose was the quiet one of the bunch. I could remember Chip being frustrate with Rose's lack of interest in anything. Chip finally found something to catch her interest, books and art. Would you believe they argue about books? I learn never get in between them and Harry Potter.
"Good morning, Chip," Rose said with a big smile.
"Good morning, Rose." I said with a smile.
"We are going to finish my art project, right? Marie is screaming about the fort down stairs." She said.
"Yes, we are going to finish your art project. It shouldn't take much longer." I said as I take a deep breath.
"Are you sure? You are awful busy today. I am sure I can finish it myself." She said with an unsure look.
"No…No…We will finish it today, Rose. I promise," I said. Her eyes lighted up and then she hugged me.
"Thank you…." She said before she ran into her room down the hall. Well, I think it is her room.
Wait a minute, did I just agree to four different things when I got back to the house.
At least, I won't be bored when I get back.
If I get back…
I ran down the stairs and head into the kitchen to grab something to eat. I am going to leave a note for Mrs. Thorn, his aunt, or his uncle. Quickly, I write down a note and place it on the fridge. As I turn around to get some cereal bars from the cabinet, I ran right into a wheelchair.
"He…Hey, Mr…Mom! What are you doing up so early?" I said. Mrs. Thorn tilted her head slightly at me and chuckled.
"Good morning, Chip. A little bit in a rush, I see." She said as she rolled her wheelchair to the sink.
"I have to return Maddie's chemistry book and get to work early," I said.
"I see. How are Madison and Vida? I haven't seen them around lately," She said.
"They are good. They have been quite busy with the shop and stuff," I said.
"That is good to hear," She said.
"Uhh…I have to be going, mom. Seeya this afternoon." I said.
"Are you forgetting something?" She said as she looked at me.
Oh, dear…what is it? Uhh…homework? Chores? Picking up something from the store? Cleaning? Birthday? Chip didn't say anything. Oh…Oh…I just don't know. I just do what my mom asked that question. I just threw my arms around her and hugged her.
She laughed and she smiled at me. She patted my shoulder.
"Don't forget to ask Toby for the day off next Saturday." She said.
"No problem, mom." I said as I removed my arms around her. Suddenly, she grabbed my hand and she looked at me. Her blue eyes just stare me. Quickly, I turn my head away. Gently, she turned my head toward her.
"You have been awful tired lately. Is everything alright?" She said.
"Fine, mom…Just fine. I am really sorry, mom. I have to go." I said softly as I pulled away from her. I like Mrs. Thorn and I didn't want to upset her. How do you explain the whole we are power rangers and I have to save the world thing? It was impossible.
"Alright…Have a good day at work." She said. I could almost hear the sadness in her voice. I just don't know what to say. I know Chip and his mom are close ever since Chip's dad died. He said even with the whole secret identity thing is cool. He doesn't like to keep secrets from his mom. I bit my lip and ran out of the kitchen. I wanted to get of the house as quickly as possible before something else happened.
Quickly, I ran down the driveway and toward the nearest tree. I place my hand on the tree and I was suck into the tree. I still can't quite get over how we travel to Rootcore. No words can really describe it. It is like traveling through a very odd straw. A few seconds later, I fell out of the tree and right beside me…I mean, Chip.
"Maddie….are you okay?" Chip said as he helped me off the ground.
"Your cousins are crazy, Chip. How do you get out of the house in the morning?" I said.
"They aren't that bad." He said as he laughed.
"Okay, this afternoon I promised Marie and Ivan that I would build a fort. Rose asked for help with an art project. Justin needed help fixing his airplane. Chip…how do you do it? Do you have time to breath?" I said.
"It is nothing. Come on, Maddie, let's get our bodies back." He said. Nothing? How could he think that was nothing? Maybe…that is what Mrs. Thorn meant. I talk to him about that later…after we get our bodies back.
We walked into Rootcore with no trouble. I am so glad that Undonna and Claire was still asleep. I would have no clue how to explain why we were there.
"Jenji…Jenji…where are you?" Chip said softly as he started to look for the genie. I went in the opposite direction to start looking. I pull away some books on one of the tables. There was the lamp.
"Chip…I found him. Let's go outside to talk him. I don't want to wake everyone up." I said as I picked up the lamp. The dragon door opened as we stepped outside again. I rub the lamp and Jenji's head popped out of the top.
"Uhh….good…Uh oh…hey…Madison and Chip, what brings you here this fine morning?" Jenji said.
"Why do you think we are here, Jenji?" Chip said.
"Uhh…A morning stroll with your favorite cat." Jenji said
"Hardly…Why in the world did you switch our bodies?" I said.
"That is what you wished…didn't you?" Jenji said.
I like Jenji…I really do. But…I just want to scream!
"I did…It was just not like this." I said.
"Oh, yes, it was. You wanted to know what Nick felt about you. So, I arranged it." Jenji said.
"Yes, but Chip didn't need to be involved. So, switch us back!" I said.
"Sorry…I cannot. Not until tonight at least." Jenji said.
"Why?" I said.
"You have to be asleep that is why. So, think of walking someone else's shoes for a day. Good-bye…" Jeniji said. He popped his head into lamp and flew off.
"Jenji, come back and fix this!" He shouted after him.
"Don't worry, carrot top. Everything will alright tomorrow." Jenji said as he flew into the forest.
"That is positive thinking for you." I said.
"Well…since we are stuck for today. You might as well teach me how to use the cash register." He said. I can tell he isn't too happy about that.
"You might as well teach me about the comic books since I know a shipment comes in today." I said.
I flipped through another comic book. You know…some of these comic books aren't too bad. Sure, some of them are too bloody and violence for my tastes. Sometimes, I have no clue what they are talking about. They are very interesting and the pictures are pretty. I keep glancing over at Chip and then Nick. Xander was busy sleeping in his favorite chair. I tried not to laugh at Chip who was staring at the cash register like it was going to bite him. Well, Nick was stocking cds. He was looking cute doing it too.
Those are bad thoughts, Maddie. Very Bad.
"Maddie." Vida said.
I looked up from the comic book to see Vida trying to Chip's attention. It took a few moments before Chip answered her. Whatever Chip and Vida were talking about made him very uncomfortable. The door rang and a girl entered the store. She looked familiar. Probably, she goes to our school.
"Hey, Chip….I need help with something in the back room. Would you mind helping me? I will be right back, sis." Chip said with a shout. Chip walk into the back room. I wonder what is going on. I set the comic book on the chair and headed into the back room.
"Hey, what is it?" I said as closed the door behind me.
"Okay…The girl that just came in is part of the archery team. Her name is Frannie. She probably just was going to talk about general things like how are you and stuff. So, hopefully, you have no problems. If you get involve in one of those conversations like archery and videogames, try to bring her toward the counter. I try my best to help you." Chip said with a smile.
"I can't wait when this is over." I said with a sigh.
"Me too. I miss all of the good comic book reading today." He said sadly.
"You aren't missing much." I said.
"That is what you say. But I know I wouldn't miss the cash register after this." He said.
"It isn't that bad." I said.
"Uh…huh…whatever you say, Maddie." He said with a grin. I hit his shoulder and he started to laugh.
"Help me get the receipt paper down. At least you are being useful." He said.
"I am always useful. You just don't realize it." I said as I got down the box of receipt paper. He grabbed the box and walked out toward the cash register. .
Quickly, I followed him out and head back to the comic books. Frannie was busy browsing the magazines when I came back.
"Hey, Chip!" Frannie said with a wave.
"Hey, Frannie. How are you?" I said with a smile.
"I am good. I can't wait until the season starts. Been practicing? I haven't seen you at the archery range lately." She said.
"I have been really busy at the shop. Uncle Danny set up target for me at home. So, I don't have drag myself to range every week," I said. Oh, yes…Chip has really been practicing. Just not at the range.
"Lucky dog. I wish I had a target at home. Price of gas and shooting time has been killing me." She said with a groan. Funny thing, I remember Chip saying the same thing when he first started. I think the whole not buying comic books and videogames for a month effected Chip badly.
"Why don't you ask Jonathan? I know he has a target," I said. She made a face.
"He is a jerk. I would rather ask a tiger to eat me than ask him." She said.
"He isn't that bad." I said. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see V walking up to us.
"Maybe not to you." She said.
"Give him a shot, Fran. You may be surprise. You could always say it is for the good of the team." I said as Vida threw her arm around my shoulder.
Sis…This is so ridiculous. Sometimes, I just wish you would tell him.
"Who is your friend, Chip?" Vida said.
"Uh…Frannie, this is Vida. Vida, this is Frannie. She is one of newest member of the archery team." I said.
"Nice to meet you, Vida. It was nice talking to you, Chip. I need to pick a cd and head off. Seeya later." Frannie said before she left for the new releases.
"Bye, Frannie," I said.
Sis, don't look so smug. Then I turned my attention to Chip who looked across between confused and annoyed.
I almost want to cheer. Maybe, this would sparkle the conversation that was needed between Chip and Vida.
Just not in my body, of course.
"Hey, Chip. Do you need a ride home?" Nick said as I looked up from my comic book.
"Uhh…sure." I said. Since we travel by trees now, Chip really doesn't need a ride home. But for appearances sake, Vida, Xander, or Nick take him home.
"Get your stuff and I meet you outside." Nick said. I nodded my head and grabbed some of the comic books that Chip insisted I buy for him and checked out. I waved good-bye to everyone and headed out to Nick's bike. I could Chip shaking head and put my hands over my face. I am not that bad!
Nick was starting the engine when I came out. I slipped the comic books in a side department on his motorcycle. I grabbed the helmet and slipped it on my head.
"Ready?" He said as he got on his bike. I nodded my head yes. My throat went dry when I got on the bike. I have never really been this close to Nick before. Oh, Chip is so going to kill me.
The drive was silent most of the way there.
"Chip…how long have you known Madison?" He asked suddenly.
"For about 10 years now." I said. I was curious on where this conversation was heading.
"You know pretty much everything about her…right?" He asked.
"I hope so. We don't like keeping secrets from each other," I said.
"I notice. Anyway…you know when she interest in someone, right?" He said as he seems to be slowing the bike down.
"Yes…" I said as my stomach started to twist into the knots. Is he saying what I think he is saying?
"Well…let's say that a friend of yours is interested in Madison. I mean…what I trying to say…Screw it. I like Madison, Chip. And I want to ask her out. How would be the best way to do it?" He said bluntly.
I felt the blood rush to my face. My heart went to my throat and I almost wanted scream and laugh at the same time.
Keep control, Maddie. You can do it. Just a little bit longer. Just tell him what you want to hear.
"Just tell her. I mean, I know she likes you back. But Maddie isn't the type of person to tell people that type of stuff." I said.
I am getting better at staying up for myself but telling you that I like you a lot isn't one of them.
"I notice. I guess I stop by after she is done with work and talk to her," Nick said.
Bad idea! Very bad idea!
"That may not be good idea. Vida looked upset about something. Maddie is probably going to drive her nuts to get it out of her. You might want to try it tomorrow. She is off and everything." I said.
And hopefully, back in my body.
"Good idea, Chip. I have an idea what is bugging her too," He said as he pulled down my driveway.
"Oh, what?" I said. I could tell he was smiling.
"Nothing…Nothing. I promise I wouldn't get involved." He said as he stopped the bike by the house. I slide off the bike and took off the helmet. I strapped it on bike and got the comic books out. So, he knows about Vida liking Chip too.
"Thanks for the ride, Nick," I said.
"No problem, Chip. Thanks for the talk." He said.
"Seeya tomorrow." I said as I waved good-bye to Nick as he took off.
Once he was out of sight, I jumped into the air and screamed yes!
"'ousin 'hip! Ready to build the fort?" Marie said as she came running from the house.
"Sure! Let's go." I said with a smile.
I cannot wait until tomorrow.
End of Forts of Truth and of Cousins
Next Chapter; Comparing Night and Day ((Daggeron's chapter))
A/N: My Maddie/Nick fans should be very please to note that I didn't throw up or running away screaming. And the mistakes are mine because my beta reader has disappeared. I know having a beta reader is important but I cannot seem to keep one. I think something eats them. . Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I thank everyone for their reviews. ::hands her reviewers cookies.:: And read and review if you wish.