Courage and Spinel officially made it to Nowhere. The Gem could finally see what the town looked like.
"You like what you see?", Courage asked.
"Looks alright", Spinel shrugged, "Nothing too special. But at least it's something. You oughta call it 'Somewhere'!" They both briefly chuckled. That's when they noticed Shirley with her wagon parked on the sidewalk. She had a large basket full of face masks and bandanas.
"Hey, it's Shirley!", Courage exclaimed. He stopped the truck and parked it nearby. Courage and Spinel then got out of the truck and walked over to Shirley, who just noticed them.
"Oh, it's you", Shirley smiled, "And you brought the Gem girl with you."
"Hi, Shirley!", Spinel blushed, "Glad that I can see an old friend again!"
"Hello, Spinel!", Shirley greeted, "It's great to see you again! Though you look slightly different than before."
"It's my new style", Spinel grinned, "It's a reminder of what I went through. Back when I tried to destroy the Earth. Oh, that was so embarrassing!"
"That reminds me", Shirley wondered, "Are you feeling better since we last met?"
"Yeah, I was a total wreck back then!", Spinel exclaimed, "But I'm a whole lot better now!" Shaking her head, Shirley reached over to Spinel's face and cupped her cheeks with her paws. The green Chihuahua then looked into the Gem's eyes.
"Not entirely", Shirley soothed, "You have made great progress, but I still see that you are pained by the trauma that you faced." Spinel was initially taken aback by this, but she relented.
"It does still hurt", Spinel admitted, "I have tried to make myself better but sometimes I still let my emotions get the better of me. Being alone for so long has made me unable to control relationships properly. But I still do wanna change!" Spinel let a small tear fall down her face, but Shirley gently wiped the tear away before removing her paws from the Gem's face.
"My dear, you don't need to fret", Shirley assured, "It is apparent that you are in a loving environment. There is one exception though! I reckon you've already met the stupid one?!" Courage nodded.
"The stupid one?", Spinel asked.
"That's who she calls the farmer", Courage explained.
"Oh, I get it!", Spinel realized before chuckling, "Yeah, I already met Eustace. He kinda is a lousy man but he isn't that terrible. He doesn't like me much and the feeling is mutual. But at least he tells me the truth about how he feels."
"Indeed!", Shirley spat, "He is a cruel man who likely cares nothing for you! Do not let him mess with your emotions!"
"I can totally understand why you think that", Spinel reasoned, "But don't think that he is incapable of changing! Many Gems like myself have changed! And I still wanna change! He should at least be given a chance." Shirley initially frowned at this, but she then chuckled with a small smile.
"You really are a sweet person, Spinel", Shirley smiled, "As long as you stay with people who consistently show you affection when you need it, you always have solace. And to be honest, you're probably the best friend that someone could ask for."
"That's really nice, Shirley", Courage smiled, "But why are you out here?"
"I'm selling face masks and bandanas!", Shirley explained, "The virus is drawing closer to this town! And I'm selling my own handmade masks at a generous price, so people don't get sick! But this town, along with many others like it, have imbeciles who don't take this seriously!"
"You don't have to tell me twice!", Courage exclaimed, "I'll buy two!"
"I can always rely on you, Courage", Shirley smiled, "What about you, Spinel?"
"Can Gems even get sick from this virus?", Spinel asked.
"I doubt it", Shirley explained, "But you don't want to potentially spread the disease to people that you love, don't you? The elderly especially are susceptible to an early demise from this virus!"
"Oh my gosh!", Spinel gasped, "Of course not! I want two as well!"
"And don't forget about your elders either!", Shirley exclaimed, "They need to protect themselves too! Whether they'll accept it is out of my control." Courage and Spinel walked over to the basket, where they searched through which masks they buy. Courage decided to take a yellow bandana and a purple bandana for himself, and a red bandana and a blue bandana for Eustace. Spinel decided to take a face mask with squirrels on them and a face mask with hearts on them for herself, and a face mask with cute dogs on them and a face mask with roses on them for Muriel. Spinel was especially fond of the squirrels one, as she held it with delight.
"Oh, this one looks really cute!", Spinel cooed, "I'm gonna make these things popular on Homeworld!"
"You don't have to wear them now", Shirley smiled, "But they'll come in hand eventually. Normally, I'd charge you $200 for 8 masks. But because I hold you two dear to my heart, I'll give you a 50% discount. $100, please!" Courage nodded with a smile, and pulled out a $100 bill and gave it to Shirley. He grabbed the face masks and put them in the grocery bags. He and Spinel then made their way back into the truck.
"It's always a pleasure doing business with you!", Shirley smiled, "Take care, my friends!"
"You too, Shirley!", Courage waved.
"Goodbye, Shirley!", Spinel waved. Courage then drove the truck back onto the road, as Shirley waved back to them.
"Alright", Courage asked, "So is there more that you want to do around here or should we go home now?" Spinel messed with her pigtails for a bit.
"Maybe I should do something with my hair", Spinel wondered as she then noticed a barbershop, "Let's stop here!" Courage shrugged as he parked the truck nearby. They exited the truck and looked closer at what the place was called, which, in neon, read 'The Naughty Barbershop". Courage felt bad vibes from this, but Spinel thought nothing of it. They walked inside to find a largely empty barbershop. It was poorly lit, with only a few plug-in lights being on. Courage shook with fear, while Spinel was just confused. They then heard quiet footsteps walk towards them. The figure largely remained in the darkness, though his eyes could be seen. The figure then grinned, which made his smile appear through the darkness. Courage began to whimper loudly. And that's when the figure spoke.
"Welcome to my barber place!", the figure smiled, "Where everyone can see Fred's face! This is my special little space! And it's where I tend to get naughty!" The lights suddenly turned on, to reveal Freaky Fred with his shaver in one hand and a pull switch in the other. In response, Courage screamed until his eyebrows disintegrated into nothing. He then hid behind Spinel.
"Courage, what are ya so afraid of?", Spinel cooed, "Hello, good sir! I was wondering if you could give me a haircut!"
"Oh, is that so?", Fred grinned. He rubbed his hands with delight.
"Spinel, you can't trust him!", Courage pleaded.
"Courage, ya can't judge people based on how they look!", Spinel scolded, "So, Mr. Barber, what do ya have to offer?" She eagerly jumped onto a barber chair.
"Feel free to look up that wall", Fred soothed as he pointed to several pictures on the wall, "It shows plenty of customers who's problems were small. When I'm done with them, their head resembles a ball. Because I tend to get naughty!" Spinel looked at the pictures and it made her pupils shrink. Every single picture had a completely shaved head. Some of them looked indifferent, but others clearly were upset by this. Spinel was now freaked out.
"They're completely bald!", Spinel stammered, "You shave their heads completely bald?!"
"I told you!", Courage whispered.
"But are you even sure what haircut you specifically want?", Fred smiled.
"Not really!", Spinel spluttered, "But maybe something like some hearts or something. A small change! I don't wanna lose my hair!" Fred walked up closer to her and turned on his shaver.
"I can tell that you are disturbed", Fred soothed, "It's evident that you feeling quite perturbed. But consider your anxiety officially curbed! You'll feel far more free once you're naughty!" Spinel was terrified at the shaver drawing closer to her. Courage was prepared to intervene at any moment, but Spinel responded quicker than that. She angrily kicked the shaver away and held Fred in the air, who was still smiling.
"NO!", Spinel screamed as she threw Fred against the wall, "Don't you tell me what I am! I ain't shaving my head! And I'll never be as CREEPY AS YOU!"
"Don't hurt him, Spinel!", Courage pleaded.
"I won't!", Spinel barked as she grabbed Fred's shaver, "But I'm gonna give this creep a taste of his own medicine! Let's see how he likes it when I get NAUGHTY!" She ran over to Fred and pinned him down with her legs. She then grabbed his head and began to shave off his hair. Courage was lost for words. Spinel was laughing through the whole ordeal. And Fred just withstood it without a fight, with his face in mild surprise. About a minute later, the shave was finished. Spinel blew on the shaver and chucked it to the other side of the room. She then held up Fred again and pushed him towards a mirror. He looked at himself with awe, holding his bald head with astonishment.
"Well then!", Spinel smirked, "How are you feeling there, Barber Man?!" But to her surprise, Fred was smiling again. In fact, he looked very jubilant.
"I've never felt so free!", Fred smiled, "My hairless head feels like a breath of fresh air! Thank you for liberating me!" Fred then hugged Spinel as tightly as she could.
"Glad to be of service?", Spinel responded confusedly. Now Courage was starting to lose patience.
"Can we go now?!", Courage groaned.
"There's something I want to give before you go", Fred smiled as he pulled a cassette player and gave it to Spinel, "Take this as a form of my gratitude! I'll stay here to feel my new baldness, waiting for my next customer. See you till next time, Courage!" Courage turned away from him indignantly. Spinel looked at the cassette player and then just shrugged. She quickly waved at Fred and then quickly exited the barbershop, with Courage bitterly following behind her. They got back into the truck and set off back towards the Bagge farmhouse. They continued to drive as the sun started to set. Spinel was feeling great about herself, while Courage was still in a foul mood.
"I actually helped someone!", Spinel smiled, "I thought I was gonna hurt him! But I helped him! I helped someone change!"
"Can we stop talking about him already?!", Courage spat, "Why did you even want a haircut anyway?!"
"I don't know!", Spinel frowned, "I was just wondering that if I did something a little different with myself, I'd feel kinda happier. That's all! Anyways, I don't see why you're so bitter, Courage! He didn't seem to be that bad!"
"What do you mean?!", Courage argued, "You were the one who threw him to the wall!"
"Yes, I did!", Spinel growled, "But that's because of me! Once again, I took my anger on someone I didn't even know. But this time, I inadvertently helped someone with my anger. You saw the joy on his face! He is capable of changing!"
"Whatever!", Courage huffed, "You believe whatever you want, Spinel!"
"Come on, Courage!", Spinel barked, "What did he ever do to you?!"
"I was locked in the bathroom with him once!", Courage snapped, "And he shaved my whole body, except for my tail!"
"Okay?!", Spinel spat, "You're acting like he did a whole lot worse to ya! You're so judgmental of people, Courage! You act so afraid of everything that you automatically greet new people as if they're monsters!"
"No I don't!", Courage growled. He blasted the truck horn out of frustration.
"Sure ya do!", Spinel barked, "When you first met me, all you did was whimper! If I hadn't attacked Muriel and Eustace, you would've ran away and the Earth would've been destroyed! And don't think I forgot when you laid those giant eggs when you first saw the Diamonds! I don't know how that's even possible, but that ain't the point! You can't just judge someone based on your own fears. Rational or not, that's a toxic way of living! That's your problem, Courage! You're too cowardly for your own good!" Courage was gritting his teeth, and tears were starting to form in his eyes. He clearly was hurt by these words.
"And you still trust people way too much!", Courage shouted. Spinel's eyes widened.
"And just how is that a problem?!", Spinel growled.
"How else could you have stayed in that garden for 6,000 YEARS?!", Courage yelled. Courage breathed deeply after that outburst. Spinel was appalled by this and almost lashed out at him. But she wasn't willing to argue with him any further. She began to unbuckle her seatbelt, while she looked at Courage coldly.
"No", Spinel spat quietly, "I'm not gonna do this with ya. Goodbye!" Spinel then opened the truck door and she jumped out, onto the ground. Courage gasped at this.
"SPINEL!", Courage shrieked. He immediately brought the truck to a halt and looked back. Spinel was back on her feet and was walking in the opposite direction. Courage quickly got out of the truck and ran after Spinel until she stopped walking.
"Spinel, where are you going?!", Courage cried.
"Away from ya, Courage", Spinel lamented, "I'll find another place to stay until the Diamonds come back. I don't need to causing ya any grief." She began to continue walking.
"Spinel, please!", Courage pleaded, "I'm sorry!"
"You don't have to apologize for anything, Courage", Spinel frowned, "You're right. I still do trust people way too much. But it's in my nature to show kindness to everyone. Clearly, we disagree on that. But it ain't worth a bloody argument. I'll see you around, buddy." As she continued to walk, Courage was writhing in anguish. He had rarely ever felt this terrible. Tears were streaming down his cheeks and he could not hold his emotions anymore.
"No, please!", Courage teared up, "Don't leave me here! I already had my loved ones taken away forever once! I can't lose you too!" Spinel immediately stopped walking, and she turned back to the crying dog. She was now concerned about Courage's well-being.
"Courage, what do you mean?", Spinel asked solemnly.
"I did have parents when I was just a little pup", Courage sobbed, "I was happy back then and I loved them so much! But one day, I was taken to a veterinarian. And he took my parents! He sent them on a rocket ship, and they flew off into space! Just like that, they were gone forever! So yes, sometimes I do judge people based on selfish reasons. And I am a coward. But what scares far more is the possibility of losing my new family too! But I can get better! Spinel, don't leave me! Please!" Courage fell on his knees, while sobbing uncontrollably. Spinel now felt terrible. Her best friend was bawling his eyes out, and she felt entirely at fault for it. She ran over to Courage with tears in her eyes. She then tackled him to the ground and wrapped her arms around him.
"Oh, Courage!", Spinel teared up, "I had no idea you went through all that! Your own parents got taken away from you? You do know what it's like to be abandoned. But you didn't lash out at people like I did. You protect the people you love. I tend to hurt the people I love. I just hurt you with my words! But at least you always find me entertaining. You actually like me, don't you?! What I am doing?! Why do I want to argue with you so much?! I'm supposed to be your friend! I just wanna be your friend!" Spinel and Courage cried together for a little while, letting all of their emotions out. Courage was the first to calm down, as he then wiped Spinel's tears away.
"It's okay, Spinel", Courage soothed, "You didn't know. We see things differently, but that's okay. We'll get past this. I promise! Now, let's get in the car and go home." Courage got up on his feet and he helped Spinel back on her feet. She stopped crying, but she was exhausted.
"Okay", Spinel smiled sadly, "I love you, Courage."
"I love you too, Spinel", Courage smiled back. They slowly made their way back to the truck and they set off towards the Bagge farmhouse. Unbeknownst to them, Katz and Le Quack were sitting at a nearby bus stop. They had seen everything.
"Oh, that was brilliant!", Katz cackled, "So much drama between the dog and the Gem. We didn't even have to instigate this one. Both of them seem to be emotionally fragile!"
"And the dog just gave us plenty of ample material!", Le Quack grinned, "Once we put that house in my bubble, the family will certainly destroy itself!"
"So, when do we strike?!", Katz smiled.
"We'll do it at the right time tomorrow!", Le Quack explained, "Best let them relax before we trap them!" They both laughed sinisterly. Meanwhile at the Bagge farmhouse, Muriel and Eustace were situated in the living. Muriel had practiced singing a bunch of songs and tried to tell a lot of jokes. But she wasn't every good at them, yet she had practicing for a while. And she was looking exhausted. Eustace was looking impatient.
"Come on, Muriel!", Eustace groaned, "You can't be tiring out already!"
"Eustace, we've been practicing for 3 hours straight!", Muriel scolded, "I need a wee break."
"They won't hand you $500,000 to have a break!", Eustace barked.
"Eustace, I'm not sure if I want to pursue this anymore", Muriel cried, "I'm getting too old for this."
"Please, Muriel!", Eustace whined, "Who else is gonna get that cash prize for me?!" At that moment, Courage and Spinel opened the front door. They looked emotionally drained, but they made sure the groceries were fully intact. Muriel was pleased to see them and she promptly hugged them before she picked up the groceries.
"Look who's back", Muriel smiled as she looked through the bags, "And you two come back just in time for dinner! Oh, you got a lot more than what I asked for! A lot of fish and meat! A ton of sweets! And look at these adorable little face masks! Looks like we'll be having a feast tonight!"
"Good!", Eustace barked, "I'm starving!" Soon afterwards, Spinel and the Bagges were enjoying themselves at the dining table. They all had a long day, so they were exceptionally hungry. After 20 minutes of feasting, they were completely stuffed. But Eustace was feeling concerned about Muriel's willingness to partake in the contest. He really wanted that $500,000, so he was determined to make Muriel feel better. He turned towards Spinel and Courage.
"You two still think Muriel can act, right?!", Eustace asked.
"Of course!", Spinel responded. Courage nodded to this.
"Don't pressure them, Eustace!", Muriel scolded, "If I don't feel like acting, I won't act!"
"Act for what?", Spinel asked.
"It's for a contest", Muriel explained, "The Nowhere Movie Theater is trying to find the best actress in town. I wanted to partake in this, but I don't feel like I have the strength for it anymore!"
"Oh, don't say that!", Spinel smiled, "I heard ya sing myself! You'd be a wonderful actress!"
"Thank you for the kindness, Spinel", Muriel smiled, "But do you know who would be even more fitting for the role?"
"Who?", Spinel asked.
"You!", Muriel cooed.
"Her?!", Eustace spluttered, "Are you crazy?!"
"Her singing is better than mine!", Muriel explained, "And she clearly has far more energy than I do! Spinel's perfect for this contest!"
"Gee, Muriel", Spinel blushed, "Are ya sure? You think those judges would be fine with seeing me like this!"
"You have no reason to be ashamed with your appearance!", Muriel soothed, "Surely you can at least try it out!" Spinel pondered for a while.
"Okay then", Spinel relented, "I guess I can try it out."
"Fine then!", Eustace barked, "We can practice while you help around the house!"
"I don't need to practice with anyone!", Spinel spat, "I'll get ready for it my own way! And I will help y'all, but only because I want to!" Spinel then got up from the table and stormed out of the room.
"Fine!", Eustace vented as he walked from the table, "Stupid Gem thinks she can yell at me anyway she wants!" He had left the room as well, leaving Courage and Muriel alone at the table.
"Oh, Courage", Muriel frowned, "I knew those two were gonna clash at some point. We really should find a way to help them get along with each other. I'll try and figure out something tomorrow. It's getting late." Courage could only nod in response, for he was exhausted. Shortly afterwards, the Bagge family was ready for bed. But Spinel was confused on where she'd be sleeping.
"Okay", Spinel yawned, "So where I am supposed to rest?"
"You can sleep in our bed, Spinel", Muriel smiled.
"What?!", Eustace yelled, "No way!"
"You wanna upset the Diamonds, Eustace?!", Muriel threatened, "Show some hospitality for our guest!" Eustace muttered to himself in response and moved to the edge of the bed, then Muriel preceded to move as well while motioning for Spinel. Spinel smiled as she made her way in the middle of the bed. She snuggled under the blankets, as Courage found his spot at the end of the bed.
"This does feel very comfy", Spinel smiled as she looked at the moon, "Hey, you think the moon is feeling loved right now?"
"That depends", Muriel smiled, "If you're feeling loved, then I'm sure the moon is feeling loved as well."
"Yeah, I guess you're right!", Spinel yawned, "Goodnight, guys!"
"Whatever!", Eustace muttered.
"Goodnight, Spinel!", Muriel yawned.
"Goodnight", Courage yawned. The Bagge family slept peacefully, unaware what was soon to be in store for them.