Guys I would like to apologize for taking nearly three months to update. I've had computer issues, job issues, fucking Union problems in New York. The neighborhood is going through major construction right now. I never completely forgot about this fic and it's been my most successful so far. I figured I'd continue with it now that I have time. So without further ado, here's the next chapter of my installment.

Chapter 12. Talking With An Old Friend

TJ still couldn't quite believe he was staring into the face of his favorite principal after all this time. The man he once tortured non-stop became his idol and an example to them all, was now smiling at him.

Today wasn't the exactly the choice day of having a reunion. A lot was on his mind.

"Mind if I sit with you?" the old man asked.

TJ could not turn down the old principal. "Sure Principal Prickly"

Prickly sat down in the booth opposite of TJ and looked at the menu. Before he could say anything else a voice called over.

"Pete! How are you? Haven't seen you in awhile around here" It was Mr. Kelso.

"Oh been busy Bob" Prickly replied with a smile. "Still remember my usual?"

"How could I forget? Triple fudge sundae comin right up!" he said with jolly enthusiasm.

TJ turned to his old mentor.

"I didn't know you came here sir or that you knew Mr. Kelso so well"

"Oh me and Bob go way back" Prickly replied. "I used to come here all the time, even as recent as two years ago"

"What's been stopping you?"

"Funny you should ask" Prickly said giving an even wider smile under his bushy mustache. "I've been so busy dealing with a pain in the neck kid I haven't had time for anything else. Let alone triple fudge sundaes"

"Who's giving you trouble sir?" TJ asked.

"Well he's a short and stocky brown haired little thing; about four foot five. He's ten years old and in the fourth grade and has a knack for pranks" he said giving a wink. "He's prince of the playground, excels in sports, is goofy, loud, and speaks his mind about anything. If he feels something is unfair or amiss he won't hesistate to say something to me about it..."

Just then Mr. Kelso came over and handed them their orders.

"One M&M milkshake. And one triple fudge sundae" he said placing the large ice cream dish in front of Prickly, who immediately dug in.

"Thanks Bob" thanked Prickly. "Anyway as I was saying, the most important thing about this kid though is that his heart is in the right place. The amout of times I've seem him stand up for his friends. All in all, a pain in the ass and one of my favorite students. Sound familiar?" he asked smiling widely.

TJ couldn't help but grin. "Gee sir, not sure who you're referring to"

"You sure you don't have a brother Detweiler?"

"Positive sir. Hahaha. What's the kid's name?"

"Robby Pettit. And though he bears no real resemblence to you, I'd say he's just like you in every other way"

"Haha" TJ laughed. "You know when I look back on it, some of those incidents seem pretty funny"

Prickly could not stifle a chuckle. "Remember the time you said I had a big saggy butt?"

"Last day of 4th grade. Scratched every hour on the hour" TJ laughed again. "How bout the time I said that you were a Chinese agent undercover trying to get American secrets?"

"Hey, don't forget the time you knocked over the statue of Thaddeus T. III, I stood up for you that time"

"That wasn't the only time" TJ said seriously. "You always helped us out whenever you could."

"As I recall it took a little kick in the ass from you TJ to remind me why I needed to" Prickly said equally as serious. "Every time I think about all the headaches and detention forms I have to go through every day, I think of kids like you and Robby. The ones that make a difference, the ones that make it all worthwhile being a teacher. And that's why I've been doing what I've been doing for the past forty years"

He savored his ice cream as TJ slurped his shake. "It's a nice thought to know that the kids haven't changed even now" Prickly said looking out the window of the store.

TJ looked down sadly. "That's the sad thing though. Those kids don't realize what's coming. In just a few years a whole new world will replace the old"

"It's part of growing up" Prickly explained. "Heartbreak, girls, sex, drama, sports, etc. Those are all normal things that teenagers go through Detweiler"

"You should've told us about it in 4th grade. Maybe I could've prepared better" TJ said half joking.

"You all never would've believed me anyway even if I did. You were kids for Christ sake. You had a hard enough time accepting kissing, let alone the other stuff"

"How'd you know about that?" TJ asked surprised by Prickly's sharpness.

"Never underestimate a mind that's been around longer than yours" the principal replied pointing a finger to his head. "I know more than you kids realize"

"Well one thing I never saw coming was this" Tj said expanding his arms. "This whole bullshit world I'm in right now. I hate high school. I never wanted things to end up the way they are now" He thought of Spinelli with sadness. How he had ruined their relationship.

Prickly's old eyes stared at TJ with concern. "Something the matter son?"

TJ wasn't sure he wanted to go personal with his old principal. But something inside of him said that it wouldn't be such a bad idea. Pete Prickly had never let him down, and he might be the only one who could help him now.

"Well sir, I think I just ruined a relationship with one of my best friends today"

Prickly mused for a split second. "One of your pals from Third Street?"

TJ nodded.

"Well if you don't mind me asking, which one?"

"Spinelli sir"

The old man's eyes widened in shock. "Well that certainly comes as a shock. I thought it might've been Griswald or LaSalle perhaps. But you and Miss Spinelli...well you were inseperable"

"So did I. But I really screwed it up. I've liked her for years sir, I've just never had the guts to tell her. She's my everything and well..I'm afraid I might've lost her"

"What happened? You got in a fight I assume?"

"Yupp" replied TJ grimply. "I said horrible things. I don't really wanna repeat them."

"Quite understandable" Prickly said eating his last scoop of ice cream. "You said horrible things. You're worried you'll never get a chance to say how you feel"

"Exactly!" TJ said. "It's all I ever wanted to do. To say how beautiful and smart and wonderful she is. I care so much"

"So what are you going to do?" Prickly asked putting his hands together.

"What can I do?" TJ cried. "I've got a busted hand" he indicated his right hand in a cast. "A cheating girlfriend, a bad temper and on top of it I lost everything I hold dear to me. I'm at loss sir. The changes that've happened. It's all too much"

The old prinicpal sighed. His mustache drooping for a second. He thought to himself. Thinking of the right words to say. "Look Theodore" he said emphasizing the use of his real name. "Change happens every day. It's all around us. You wouldn't believe the sort of things that have changed at Third Street in all my years. But it doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. People come and go, but don't frown upon it. Embrace it, embrace and evolve"

TJ was confused. "I'm not sure what you're getting at sir"

"It seems clear to me that you and Miss Spinelli have become fine young people over the years. It's clear to me you both harbor feelings for each other while at the same time are dealing with common teenage issues."

"..."

"Hey TJ, you were one of my brightest pupils. You had a good heart and a keen mind. You're a good kid. You just need to ask yourself- is Spinelli important to you?"

"Yes" TJ said without hesitation.

"Do you wish to see her after high school?"

"Of course"

"Are you ready to make amends?"

"Yes"

"Do you care for her with all your heart and soul?"

TJ knew the answer to this. He had known since Kindergarden: yes.

"Then go get her son. Do the right thing. Chase her down and once you do, never let her go"

There was soft twinkle now in the old man's eyes. His smile clearly evident.

"Yes sir" TJ said standing up. He looked at his watch- 6:30. There was still time. He knew what he needed to do.

"I need to go sir. Urgent business"

"Of course don't worry, I got everything here. It's about time I paid my tab anyway" he added with a sly smile.

TJ began running towards the door. He stopped for a second turned back and said,

"Thanks Pete"

Peter Prickley smiled in return.

"No problem, Teej"

And with that, the youth ran out the door and out of sight.

As he did Prickly reached over and began sipping the rest of TJ's unfinished milkshake, humming as he did so.

"Ahh, what I wouldn't give to be 17 again" he said with a smile.

YES! It's finally updated. Big chapter coming up. I won't say what though, no spoiler. Thanks for sticking with me guys. Rock on!