Hi guys, sorry I didn't update yesterday, I was out a lot longer then planned, and I must have eaten something dodgy when I was out, because I wound up being really sick last night (as was my friend, so food poisoning I guess!). I'm feeling a bit better today, but still pretty crap. I'm not thrilled with this chapter, I've tried working on this chapter to improve it, and seem to be getting nowhere, but didn't want to like you guys down!
Oh, and I know that was too much info on the fact I've been ill, but I feel guilty for not posting, so I seem to be making excuses!
Anyway, I'm so so gutted and sad, as there's only TWO CHAPTERS LEFT after this one! (on the bright side, with me not posting yesterday, you get an extra day of the fic!) lol anyway, Enjoy chapter 20!
I hope none of you guys are/have been/will be effected by that hurricane!
I used to write under the name 'big cliffy meanie' but couldn't remember my log in details! So here I am, with this new account!
A little key to my writing
"Speech"
'thoughts'
~*~ this means that its later on!
Chapter 20: Support and Kind words
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"I can't believe its Gretchen's funeral tomorrow" said Gus sadly "I just wish I could have apologised for the awful things I said to her"
"Gretchen wasn't the type to hold grudges Gus" said Vince, who still held a slight bit of resentment toward Gus, "I'm know she'd of forgiven you, even if she isn't able to tell you so"
The gang walked into school together; the halls were decorated with flowers, later that afternoon there was a memorial service which was being held in Gretchen's honour. Principle Smith had therefore insisted everyone wear bright colours, informing his students that these colours would indicate life, and that today was a celebration of the life Gretchen had led.
The morning went by slowly, the gang were all unable to concentrate; during their gym class, the boys played basket ball. Vince in particular, seemed unaware of what was going on around him, his classmates had thrown the ball to him on three occasions; once it had bounced straight past him; the second Vince had the ball for second, before it was taken by Randal (who was known as one of the worst sports players in the school); on the third occasion, Vince was completely oblivious that the ball was heading his way, until it hit him in the stomach and winded him. After that, the classmates avoided passing the ball to Vince and the rest of the gang.
After a slow morning and lunch, the memorial service arrived. The gang made their way to the sports hall and sat with the rest of the school which had now been decorated with flowers, and pictures of Gretchen and her many achievements.
"At this sad time, we remember the life of Gretchen Grundler..." Principle Smith gave a long speech, before drawing to a close "...In honour of Gretchen's life, I would like to announce that we are renaming our science block after her, it partnership with this, there will be a tree planted near the library, in remembrance of her life"
The school made their way outside, to view the tree which had been planted in Gretchen's honour. TJ stood behind Spinelli, his arms around her, Spinelli relaxed back into his arms, her hands on his. Despite how sad she felt, this simple touch seemed to make her feel safe, and with that, she felt strong. After yet another speech from Principle Smith, everyone began walk back to their next class. Before the gang could begin to walk away, they were approached by a number of students.
"Us Ashley's would just like to say how sorry we are" said Ashley A, as her fellow Ashleys stood behind her, holding tissues and nodding in agreement. The four of them clearly thought they were dressing in honour of Gretchen, all wearing clothes similar to what Gretchen did, and all wearing glasses (which of course they didn't need) "We're holding a beauty session in her honour tonight"
Spinelli tensed up and rolled her eyes as the Ashley's walked away, feeling slightly irritable; she knew they had the best of intentions, but still found their attempts to dress like Gretchen a little insulting. TJ tightened his grip around her supportively as he felt her tense up. Spinelli appreciated this support, not only did she feel she need it, but TJ seemed to support her in such subtle way that the unknowing eye wouldn't see this silent interaction between her and TJ. This meant only TJ alone knew how she was really feeling, while everyone else remained oblivious, this carried the added benefit in the fact her 'tough girl' rep remained intact. TJ seemed to know exactly what to do to support her, even when she didn't ask for the support; TJ seemed to know when Spinelli needed it. Next Randal approached the, looked more hunch-backed that usual.
"I just want to say that I've always liked Gretchen. She tutored me when we were at Third Street, and showed me real kindness" he said, before scuttling away. Corn Chip Girl, (although she still loved corn chips, she no longer went by that name, but instead by her prober name –Theresa Laverne LaMaise) approached the gang.
"Gretchen once admired my collection of corn chips when we were in Third Street, she always liked this one" she said, holding out her hand to reveal a corn chip that showed an odd resemblance to a strand of DNA "I plan to leave it by her grave. I just wanted to tell you all how sorry I was, I didn't know Gretchen well, but she always seemed very kind." She smiled briefly, before begining to walk away; she blushed as her eyes lingered on one person "Hi Gus"
Lawson next approached them "I know we've never been friends, but I, uh, just want to say how sorry I am for Gretchen's death"
Behind Lawson, a line had formed, all of people who wanted to pay their respects. The majority of their fellow Third Street Classmates were in that line, the Diggers, Swinger Girl, Upside-Down Girl and Hustler Kid were amongst them.
Knarf and his fellow pale kids, next approached the group "We always admired Gretchen, she was in inspiration. She always made the most amazing science projects. The world of science won't be the same without her. We pale kids will be proud to work in the Gretchen Grundler science block"
"I think we're going to be late for class" observed Spinelli, as the Diggers approached them, everyone behind them in the line all looking equally determined to say their piece.
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I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I know it wasn't brill. I tried to fit a few more cute TJ/Spinelli moments in, I wasn't happy with how much I used the word 'support' but my brain is so frazzled, that I can't seem to improve it!
I really wanted to try and fit as many other recess characters in it as possible! I squeeze a few more in chapter 21!
Chapter 21 (the next chapter): this a long-ish chapter, and if (like me) you get tearful, I recommend you have some tissues, I cried when I wrote it!
Chapter 22: THE FINAL CHAPTER! *sob sob* i'm really going to miss posting this! Anyway, chapter 22 is a fairly short one, but I hope you guys will like it!
Burton's Disney Princess: Thank you! I need a TJ too, lets go hunt ourselves a TJ each! I'm ending this for before I go to back to university, as when im back, it'll be hell. Also I'm guessing i'm a day late publishing, that the final chapter will be posting when you leave for college –sorry about that :p I hope you liked this chapter!
RecessFantastic2011: It would be interesting to see what Vito and Joey look like! I pictured Joey as a 'cool dude' guy, and Vito as slightly dark/emo/gothy but being rather sensible! Dunno why! I hope you liked this chapter! Chapter 22 is the final one (i've explained all above).
Sonnii: Thank you! It is sad that Gretch died of leukaemia, I'm glad it was realistic! I'm dead pleased you liked the little interactions between TJ and Spinelli, I couldn't help but squeeze them in –I hope you liked the cute interactions in this chapter soon! I'm going to be so gutted when i've finished posting this, i've loved working really hard on the chapters, posting it and reading the reviews! I'm glad Rob is dead! But its sad Ryan has left! I'm seeing the TJ/Spinelli moments more and more between Fatboy and Whitney, she's so like Spinelli, a tough girl, but she has her soft side! I'm sure they will be matched up –lets hope so! I hope Andrew and Heather do make it work, bless her, she deserves a decent bloke!
Audrey_Salvatore_Northman: aww yay thank you! I wanted to try and make it as realistic as possible! I hope you liked this chapter, I really wanted to squeeze as many characters in as possible!
Chantaya: chapter 18: Thank you! I;m glad you do find it sweet, I wanted the gang to all support each other! Chapter 19: Aww, it made me sad writing it, and like I said about chapter 21, I cried writing it!
Annika: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the TJ/Spinelli bits, I had to put them in! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and its TJ/Spinelli moments!
Apologies for any bad gramar or spelling, I'm dyslexic, so although I've done my best to proof read, I may have missed something!
Please read and review! Constructive criticism welcome!
Big Cliffy Meanie x