After George's dad had gotten home, the Beards and Ruth had sat down to eat dinner. Darren and Jennifer Beard were delighted to have a guest, even if it was their son's friend. Of course, they did seem to catch onto the not so subtle hints about George discussing siblings. They merely brushed it off.
As soon as dinner was over, George became annoyed when Ruth offered to help wash the dishes. Mr. Beard politely refused, allowing the kids to grab sleeping bags and sleep in the treehouse.
The adults noticed her bruises. They would discuss it when the children were out of sight.
George grabbed his and Harold's sleeping bags out of the closet; it was 9:20. Harold must not be coming. They climbed up the ladder and settled in, taking a brief moment to look at the star filled sky.
"It's so quiet", said Ruth. "It's never quiet at my house. Except when my dad isn't around of course."
"You needed a break", said George. "Do you think he'll notice you're gone?"
Ruth scolded before rolling on her back, twiddling her fingers. "Doubt it. He only sees me when he's angry. Your parents are cool, George."
"I guess. They can be real goofs sometimes."
"Well, I like them", she said, smiling.
"You know, it wouldn't hurt if you could stay here a while... maybe forever... maybe as my sister", said George plopping down next to her.
She took a minute to realize what he said and rolled on her side. "Really?"
"Why not?", asked George.
"It's not that simple, George. Your parents can't just adopt me", she said, her voice shaky. She started tearing up. "It's not that simple."
"Hey! I've read Matilda! Her parents practically gave her away."
"Yes, but that's just a book. This is real life." Tears rolled down her face.
"Don't ever say never! You don't know, it could happen", said George.
Silence.
"We should go to sleep. At least there isn't an Invention Convention tomorrow", said Ruth.
"Too bad. Cuz then we'd see your boyfriend showing off more toaster ovens", joked George.
Ruth wiped away some tears and smiled. "Shut up", she said, laughing. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
The two instantly fell asleep to the sounds of the crickets.
George suddenly woke up. The sun was shining. He got up and stretched. It was 1 p.m. "Geez", he said, noticing Ruth was gone. He figured she went home.
Sliding down the ladder, still in his pajamas, George walked into the kitchen, but it was completely empty. He tried the living room.
His mother and father were glued to the television. George was about to pass to use the bathroom until he saw Ruth's house on tv.
"Wow!", he thought as he continued to watch.
It was a news report.
The caption read: Father Found Guilty of Strangling 9 year old Daughter to Death.
"No!"
I know this is dark especially for a Captain Underpants fanfic, but I decided in order for the kids to truly grow up, something like this had to happen.
I didn't plan on this exactly, but it was my decision.