AN: Thank you all who have been reading and kept with the story, I really apologize for the lack of chapters between finishing school, my computer crashing,work, and finally moving I was able to afford a new computer and finally access my files. I appreciate those of you that stuck around. Enjoy the newest chapter. Much Love

- PrincessGlitch

Chapter 21

In the morning Tafftya made some strawberry pancakes for her and her guest. Vanellope could smell something sweet in her sleep as her nose wiggled and eyes fluttered open...

was that...strawberry?

Vanellope slowly got up off the makeshift sleeping arrangement on the couch as she practically floated into the kitchen with the scent of the pancakes. She took in the scent as Taffyta was setting the table.

"Oh you're awake! I made some breakfast," Taffyta motioned to the strawberry pancakes on the plates "but by the look on your face, I think your nose already figured that out." Taffyta laughed.

Vanellope smiled and sat down at the table, still a bit drowsy.

"THAaaaaanks for letting me spend the night here." She yawned as she stretched out her arms.

"That's what good neighbors are for right? And since we don't know where exactly you are supposed to go, I figure I might as well help you out."

Vanellope smiled as the two finished breakfast and continued to discuss everything about Sugar Rush.

Tafftya had been so helpful, she was lucky that her code told her to go find her, she would have to thank whoever programmed her.

Vanellope felt really comfortable around the girl, it felt like she knew her really well...maybe it was in her code to be her new best friend! Yeah that would make sense!

"Well if we don't hurry up we won't be able to make it to the castle to ask King Candy about your house before we all have to meet up for the race." Taffyta mentioned

Vanellope nodded and stuffed her face with the last of the pancakes as Taffyta took the plate from her. She really did love Strawberries...luckily her new friend was a strawberry themed racer, she would probably get to eat strawberries all the time now!

The two walked outside to Taffyta's kart.

"Wow, it's super pretty...and look at those Hard Candy Tires! Those definitely would help with speed, durability and...I bet you could make insane jumps with how light your kart must be." Vanellope said

"Haha, yeah someone told me that once, I can't remember who but they were right. I somehow busted my old taffy tires and I got these ones now. It will probably help tons." Taffyta shrugged

"I don't know how I knew that...but maybe that just means I'll be a great racer someday!" Vanellope laughed

"With time, but you're going to have to work on racing for a while before you get to my level." Taffyta laughed.

It took her forever to master her moves, she had to practice so many hour to remember her special moves and some of the other racers moves if any of the players were adventurous enough to plug in a cheat code...but which racer taught her those moves? It seemed like such a distant memory.

Vanellope wiped her face with her sleeve and jumped from her chair, unable to contain her excitement.

"You should teach me how to race! Let's go right now!" She grabbed Taffyta's hand and dragged her towards the front door

Falling behind Taffyta pipped up, "Woah cool your engine, we don't even have your kart yet!"

"I don't have my kart yet? I don't just have one?" Vanellope looked at her confused

"Well the original racers have their own karts already, but since you must be part of an update, you might not have one yet." Taffyta thought about this, did Vanellope already have a kart? "did you see a kart when you showed up in the game?"

Vanellope shook her head.

"So you don't then...you probably have to make one. There is a customizable Kart Bakery up the hill if you want to go later. I think you have to get permission to use it first...it's still kinda early so if you really are eager..." she couldn't believe she was about to say this,

"You can use my kart to practice"

Vanellope's eyes lit up as she hugged Taffyta tightly

"Oh you mean it? Thank you Taffyta!"

Taffyta wasn't the type who would typically share anything with anyone, but...something about Vanellope felt so familiar and trustworthy, she couldn't help but say yes to anything she asked.

Taffyta could feel the heat in her cheeks as she was held by Vanellope.

"Okay, okay...what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

The two walked out of the cottage and hopped into Taffyta's kart and were a bit snug, which Taffyta didn't mind...but off to the speedway.