{You guys, I'm so. Very. SORRY! To sum up the reason for my long absence, school started. Without further interruptions, here is another chapter for you guys!}

[This part takes place right after the card game where Stella's breakup was brought up]

The Once-ler sat on the soft, off-white couch with posture slumped and his hands placed lazily beside his body. His eyes stared placidly at the Thneedville News, bored after the repeated weather report: 'Sunny! Perfect weather for enjoying the young Truffula forest!" Every time it came on, Once-ler felt worse, and worse about himself until he finally couldn't take it anymore. His eyes finally tore away from the screen and rested on the remote, which sat on the coffee table in front of him, just out of his reach. He moaned, not wanting to get up, and scooted the remote to the edge of the table with his foot. Not surprisingly, his hands still couldn't reach down to the length of his long legs. He was about to kick the table over, when Ted and Audrey burst into the room.

"Mr. Once-ler! We have set you up on a blind date!"

"No." He replied.

Audrey and Ted exchanged a glance. Audrey huffed and grabbed the Once-ler by his arms.

"Get up! This date might make you feel better! Doesn't that sound nice?" She added hopefully.

The Once-ler's expression lost some of its sadness as he pondered. Maybe the date would make him feel better. Stella seemed fine after she got with someone else. Reluctantly, he nodded and stood from the couch.

Ted held up one of the Once-ler's nice suits. It was green, yes, but a lot more discrete than the suit he wore in his Thneed making days. It looked more like a normal business outfit that he would wear to work.

"When is she coming over?" The Once-ler asked fiddling with the hanger of the suit.

"Oh, it's just for lunch, not like some dinner date thing."

"Well, ok. Where is it?"

"Here."

The Once-ler nodded slowly. "Ok, but it seems like a big step to invite someone I don't know over."

Audrey laughed. "She's my friend's older sister. She's really pretty!"

The Once-ler smiled with hope. "Ok, I'll give it a try!"

The Once-ler stood in front of the bathroom mirror combing his dark hair with an amazingly fur-less comb. The only good thing about being upset, it that no one picks on you. He had to smile at that one. He was feeling a little more like his old self with the excitement of getting a date. He strolled downstairs to find the table set. Granny Norma was arranging a flower vase on the table when she heard him come downstairs. She turned and smiled at him.

"Boy, I wish we were both the same age again."

The Once-ler grinned with embarrassment. He knew she didn't really mean it, or did she? He pushed the disturbing though out of his head and approached the table.

"Where are the others?" The Once-ler asked.

"Over at Audrey's. I'm about to join them."

She told him to wait by the door for his date, and left.

The Once-ler stood, nervously twisting his tie in his hands. His thoughts wandered to his time with Stella. Should he try to go through with another relationship with his big secret? Stupid Ted.

The doorbell rang making the Once-ler jump. He quickly smoothed his tie, cleared his throat, and opened the door.

The girl who stood in front of him was shocking. She had a too-perfect cascade of bleach-blonde hair, and makeup that, without it, would probably make the girl unrecognizable. Her dress was a little too vulgar for the Once-ler's taste. The dress was really tight and satin looking with one strap and a length that didn't go quite far enough to be allowed in a school.

She seemed to have a different opinion of him. She flipped her fake hair and smiled suggestively. "Oh wow, the posters don't lie do they?"

The date was already getting too weird for the Once-ler to handle. "Um, hello. I'm guessing you already know me-"

"You bet I do! You're the hot mayor! That Chandler guy used to be all the talk until you came along!"

The Once-ler chuckled uncomfortably. "Well, I've got lunch ready, do you want to come in?"

"Yeah!"

When the Once-ler turned to lead her to the dining table, his face twisted in disgust.

"Oh my gosh! Your house is so pretty!" She said in an annoying, pippy voice.

The Once-ler offered her a seat like the gentleman that she didn't really deserve, and then took his own. The girl had taken a bite out of some mashed potatoes before anyone asked questions.

"So," The Once-ler started. "What's your name?"

The girl wiped her mouth with her arm. "Shelby."

"Ah, Shelby. What is your favorite color?" He asked awkwardly.

Shelby didn't answer. She just cocked her head to the side. "Gosh, you're hot."

The Once-ler stared at his lap. Maybe this relationship will be easy and make me forget about Stella for good. He looked up. "You too." He lied. Yeah, she was attractive, but it was overdone, and didn't suit the Once-ler at all.

Shelby giggled and twirled her fake hair. Without warning, she leaned across the table, closed her eyes, and puckered her lips. The Once-ler was startled a little, but went along with it. I don't think it matters much anymore. He closed his eyes and leaned forward to Shelby. He imagined Stella's face and his eyes flung open before their lips touched. The Once-ler flung himself back into his chair. The relationship would only make him feel worse about Stella!

"What's wrong Roberto?" Shelby asked still leaning across the table.

Movement out the window caught the Once-ler's eye and he glanced out the window, but couldn't see anyone. He turned and faced Shelby again.

"I'm sorry, but this isn't working out."

Bummed, Shelby slumped back into her seat.

"Fine." She said quickly before snatching up her purse and stomping out the door.

The Once-ler covered his face with his hands in embarrassment. No one was watching, so the Once-ler allowed tears to creep into his palms.