That night Deidra, Mouse Emma the yellow pigtailed girl, Sandra a girl with straight brown hair and Madeline giggled a popcorn bowl in front of them watching Raya And The Last Dragon.
"See I knew there was a fun time girl inside of all that loneliness you just needed a nudge in the right direction" Mouse squeaked as the other girls nodded and Madeline loved Raya because she was Chinese like Madeline.
"OK Maddie so we said we had to initiate you and to do that you have to drink our blood and we'll be blood sisters" Deidra said as Madeline gulped and all the girl's nodded confirming she had to do it.
"Alright welp here goes nothing and if I die I can honestly say this is the best sleepover ever and I've been to two in my life including this one".
A goblet was handed to Madeline and she drank what she thought was blood and smacked her lips together tasting fruit punch.
"Mmmmmmmmmmm I had no idea blood tasted like Hawaiian Punch but I never tasted blood before so maybe it does".
"Girl you are so gullible I mean as gullible as Mouse she believed it was real blood too but it's just fruit punch".
"Hey I may be gullible but at least I look on the sunny side of life. Mads be like me you'll be a lot happier" Mouse chirped as Maddie smiled plopping down in front of the TV.
"Raya is so great I mean look how brave she is and the little boy that runs the boat is soooooo funny. I love this movie" Maddie says as Mushi dropped bowls of candy, chocolate bars, graham crackers, marshmallows, and soda to the girls seeing red on Maddie's lips.
"What are you girls up to wearing makeup? If so Mads reds not your color maybe try periwinkle that's more your color" Mushi said as Madeline giggled showing Mushi the goblet and the girls grinned.
"Actually Mommy it's blood see the girls all drank it and to initiate me into the club I needed to drink blood like they did and now we're blood sisters".
Mushi had a scared look on her face and sniffed the cup shooting Madeline a grin and Madeline chuckled back.
"Hawaiian punch blood huh? we used to do that at sleepovers back in my day. Aunt Kuki and I are having a girls night in but if you need anything just ask we're going to act like the living rooms a spa/bar".
Madeline saluted Mushi as Lisa, Laureli and Lauren stood in front of Madeline's room Raya ending and Madeline letting someone else chose a movie.
"Let's watch Boss Baby 1&2 next their my fave and we can do each other's hair and nails. And uhh BTDUBBS this is sleepover gang business so invite only" Emma said as Deidra, Mouse Madeline, and Sandra nodded Deidra stretching and walking to the door.
"OK we all know how this plays out so names, I check the list, tell you you're not on it and you stay out there wishing you were in here".
"Actually we're here to tell you guys that we're having a triplet sister sleepover and it's going to be better than any sleepover you five can dream up" Laureli said as Deidra nodded a sarcastic smile on her face.
"Yea sure FYI they don't call us the sleepover gang because we love to sleep. We're called the sleepover gang because our sleepover's are stuff of legend just ask around the neighborhood they all know".
"OMG no way my Uncle Wally put a screen in the yard with pizza, soda, Chinese food, KFC, and Taco Bell and he put the pool lights on so we can night swim. So Ladies all's I can ask is who's in? Madeline asked as all the girls including the triplets dressed into bikini's and dashed outside.
"OK ladies let's start the Boss Baby and go over the rules but for three girls in particular. And numero uno is do not I repeat DO NOT ruin your cousins sleepover. There's more than enough room in the yard and the pool for everyone" Wally said setting food on tables for the girls.
"So which two do you think are included in the don't ruin your cousins sleepover?" Lisa asked pointing at Madeline as the other two did the same thing.
"Don't be stupid he said three not five and I only see three party poopers here and there names all begin with an L".
Deidra, Emma, Sandra, Mouse, and Madeline pointed at Lisa, Laureli, and Lana and they had to admit there was only one group with three girls.
"OK fine you stick to your sleepover and we'll stick to ours Gigantaur and other dinos. I mean why you would pal around with our needy, spoiled, rotten, cousin is beyond us" Lana said dipping her toe into the pool.
"Cool can I be a Tyrannosaurus Rex their awesome and meat eaters including evil cousin eaters num, num, num no more bullies" Madison said as Deidra, Mouse, Emma, and Sandra giggled Lisa, Laureli and Lana scoffing saying very funny.
Deidra cannonballed into the water getting Lana, Laureli and Lisa wet and just held a smile on her face as Madeline, Mouse, Sandra, and Emma followed her in.
"FYI calling me Gigantaur is funny I love being called Gigantaur by small fries such as yourselves" Deidra said munching on a drumstick and a chicken quesadilla.
"Well at least we have friends not people wishing to be protected by you. I mean geez you're the most vocal one in the sleepover gang" Laureli said as Madeline got a brave look in her eyes that Wally knew as John's brave look.
"Nuh uh I'm vocal I've been telling you to leave me alone since I moved back in and you still think of me as bully bait. I am sick and tired of being scared of three girls who couldn't get friends like mine if they tried".
"Uhh Kooks have 911 on speed dial Madison's had enough and the last time a Sanban had enough a girl left here with scrapes, bruises, a fat lip, and their jaw wired shut" Wally said as John, Angelica, Anna, Kuki, and Mushi in green exfoliating masks holding margheritas ran out.
"O-K uhh Madeline take it easy we're sorry we'll just go inside with no bruises. I mean we can be friends right?"
After Lisa asked this John and Anna shook their heads knowing it was a trick as Deidra walked up thinking Madeline might need her strength.
"No we can't be friends because I'd never be friends with bullies. I mean geez the neighborhood cringes when they see-".
Maddie didn't finish as Lisa, Laureli, and Lana rushed up and pushed her catching Maddie off guard and she fell in the pool Sandy and Mushi rushing up screaming you brats she can't swim.
"I'll save her everyone just calm down and she won't die" Deidra said diving into the pool and grabbing Madeline who sank to the bottom of the pool.
"You three upstairs now and I don't want to hear another word. Maddie has done a complete 360 attitude wise and you three want to hurt her for it" Kuki said as Wally opened the door Deidra giving Maddie mouth to mouth as Maddie spit water out and coughed.
"Welcome back to the land of the living Maddie S. that's your new nickname and you are now an official Sleepover Gang girl".
Maddie wept and hugged Deidra moaning you are the best friend ever as the three girls watched the pool party from their rooms.
"I'm going upstairs and giving them a piece of my mind I mean they knew she couldn't swim. And Kooks this changes nothing we will get our spa day after I ream your daughters out".
Kuki stared surprised as Sandy took his belt off and Wally and Kuki knew that capital punishment was about to be introduced to their daughters.
"Mushi I have to say I'm proud of you for learning how to punish kids. I mean there was a time you wouldn't lay a hand on Madeline" Wally said quickly following behind Mushi.
"This is just a taste of what's in store for them. See Kuki and I were tortured by our parents the belt included. My dad was a drill sergeant and my mom allowed him to do what he wanted to Kuki and I".
Kuki nodded making a phone call that would change her daughter's tune and this person was in between jobs giggled as Kuki did the same.
Mushi, Sandy, Kuki, and Wally stood behind the triplets door and it clicked meaning they locked it and John knowing Kuki and old sitcoms knew what to do.
"Mom it's like the Roseanne episode where Becky stopped talking to Roseanne and locked her door. Now what did Roseanne do?" John asked as Wally seeing where John was coming from produced a screwdriver and Kuki unscrewed the bolts the door falling off.
"Now you three bullies line up and the first in line goes over my knee. You three are going to learn why we were so well behaved as kids and that's the spanking or whooping as your mom and I called it" Mushi said as the girls shrank against the wall gulping.
"OK if this is how we're going to play it then we can play like this. Kuki step on up and choose the order and we can get this punishment underway".
Kuki a stout on her face grabbed Lana the smart one and threw her over Mushi's lap as the belt was heard and Lana screeched in pain Laureli and Lisa gulping.
"Next is Lisa the outgoing and very vocal triplet and young lady you are so not going to talk yourself out of this one".
Lisa made to run but Kuki grabbed her and threw her over Mushi's lap as more whips were heard with Lisa bawling and rubbing her butt.
Laureli was last and she kicked and screamed she'll call the police as Kuki growled go ahead we're not committing a crime punishing you as a police cruiser drove up Kuki and Wally's driveway and Laureli sneered saying what now mama?"
Kuki pulled Laureli over Mushi's lap and the whips were heard as Laureli screeched with Fanny walking upstairs Kuki pulling Laureli's underwear and pants up the three girls moaning about abuse.
"Sorry I can't help you three she's the mom and can get away with murder. Now Kooks I can do both jobs I just need to know if their in my complete control and not yours or Wally's" Fanny said and the three girls gulped at the three fatigues Fanny had with her.
"Their all yours Fan they almost killed their cousin tonight and I think a little discipline is just what these three need. They are out of my hands and in drill sergeant Fullbright and Sanban AKA Grandpa and Auntie Mushi wasn't kidding he's not to be messed with".
The doorbell rang as Kuki ran to answer it and Mrs. Sanban walked in clutching Kuki and Mushi in a hug and they hugged her back Mr. Sanban in fatigues hugged his daughters then marched upstairs where Fanny was forcing the fatigues she brought on the girls.
"Ah hem you three are in for it now. Did you have any idea that she couldn't swim, that now she's afraid of water, or that she's getting presents up the butt for being bullied?" Mr. Sanban asked as Mrs. Sanban now donning a green exfoliating mask and a glass of wine stood outside the girls bedroom Kuki and Mushi joining her.
"Well maybe instead of drinking with mama Auntie Mushi should teach Madeline to swim or punish her for attacking us with her words" Lisa said as Mr. Sanban was eyeball to eyeball with her.
"I can't even believe you would mention name calling. You three have made fun of Madeline since she was born and I for one am happy she found a group she can hang with".
Lana started scratching herself hating the feel of the uniform on her as Laureli just moaned about the colors clashing.
"Maggot Laureli this is an army not a fashion show. Maggot Lana quit scratching it'll make your skin blotchy, and maggot Lisa I think we can leave the peanut gallery behind don't you?" Kahn Sanban asked as Lisa shook her head no and the two girls gulped seeing Fanny's shadow cover Lisa.
"OK Peanut gallery fine speak all you want in fact I'm like you I love to talk I mean yak, yak, yakity, yak am I right?" Fanny asked finding a periwinkle book with Lisa's name on the front.
"Well what have we here Lisa's diary where she hides her inner most secrets. I wonder what she has in here as I'm sure Auntie Mushi, mama, grandpa, and your two sisters do too".
Lisa jumped in front of Fanny as she held the book out of Lisa's reach a sneer going across Fanny's face.
"Sorry Peanut gallery but this is off limits you have to earn it back along with the rest of you things you love will be taken away until you earn them back".
The girls screeched as books Lana's favorite thing and stuffed animals Laureli's favorite thing were tossed into garbage bags.
"OK now that I have your attention you will follow the rules or the bag with your name on it gets blazed if you know what I mean and I think you do".
The three girls nodded and their beds were disassembled three army cots taking their place and Lisa opened her mouth to say something but squeaked as she saw gasoline and a match under her bag.
"Questions and complaints can be fielded by you to either your grandpa or me leave I repeat LEAVE your parents out of this" Fanny said as the girls moaned seeing no sheets and itchy blankets meeting them.
"Lights out future felons you've had enough fun for one night tomorrow the real fun can begin I hope you like lumpy oatmeal smothered in milk AKA grool as they call it at boot camp" Mr. Sanban said turning the girls light off and the sun blazed through their window.
"That tears it Grandpa and red headed stranger it's 5:00 in the Summer and we are not going to bed so deal with it" Lisa said as Laura and Laureli nodded moving to the hallway with their arms crossed.
"How cute three cherubs who think they run the joint. Let me tell you Maggot Lisa I'm just getting warmed up. My kids fear me and hate getting grounded thanks to my madness and there is a method to my madness and that method is listening".
"I don't care how scared your kids are I'm not scared I have no fear and neither do my sisters. So get back on the horse you rode in on and torture your kids".
"Well, well, well, well we have a backtalker on our hands Mr. Sanban. What do we do with backtalkers? I mean I have my own methods but what would you like to do?"
Mr. Sanban picked Lisa up as Fanny snatched Laureli and Laura's hands and led them to a dark basement and shoved her in locking the door knowing in 3 seconds fear would take away her ability to talk.
"Fears dark, dark, more dark, needles, and the bogeyman hmm Mrs. Peanut gallery does feel fear after all" Fanny said as Mr. Sanban sipped a Coke and nodded.
"Everyone does fear makes a person normal even you and I have fears. The girls unfortunately used Maddie's and scared the hell out of the poor girl".
"OK I lied I have fears lots of fears and the dark is the main one and it's not exactly bright down here" Lisa said fear showing in her voice.
"Too bad you shouldn't have drowned Madeline just because she has new friends to care about her" Kuki said seeing Mushi go for the door.
"Don't you dare they deserve to be scared Madeline lives in fear every day and she drowned and is petrified of water".
Mushi nodded backing away from the door as Fanny and Mr. Sanban guarded the door with their lives not making it easy for the girls to sneak out.
Meanwhile outside Maddie gulped as all the girls were in the pool splashing each other and Deidra climbed out seeing Maddie with a look of fear on her face.
Hey Maddie S. M Dawg what's the haps? Why aren't you swimming with the rest of us girl?" Deidra asked plopping down next to her.
That- thing- is- a deathtrap- it- almost- killed- me- and- all- because- I'm- a- rotten- cousin" Maddie wept as Deidra bear hugged her and then picked her up.
"You are not a rotten cousin and I'll prove it. Cousin John is your cousin and he still loves you. So why don't we ask him if you're a rotten cousin?" Deidra asked.
Deidra walked up to John who was laughing with Anna and Angelica and John saw Maddie's face and he knew she needed him now more than ever.
"She's all your three's so bring her smile back and inform her that swimming starts tomorrow morning 8:00 on the nose".
"OK youngest cousin what's the problem? And go into it with the long story please because us three have all night. It's not even sunset yet" John said as Maddie mumbled I'm a rotten cousin and tears fell from her blue eyes as John hugged her and she moaned I'm a rotten cousin.
"Maddie you are not a rotten cousin you're a great cousin, a stupendous cousin, a fantastical cousin and I'm pretty sure fantastical isn't even a word".
Angelica and Anna joined in the hug fest Maddie hiccupping and crying as John walked her into the house to wash her up not knowing just how scared Maddie was of water.
"Ok sit down on the toilet and I'll run you a bubble bath then we can binge on junk food and talk about why you think you're a rotten cousin".
Madeline shrieked in fear and ran off naked screaming no water and bolting into her room locking the door.
"OK the bath was a bad idea I should have been thinking I mean you did drown. Now since the bath is out what would you like to do?"
A light surrounded Maddie's room and daydream her was in front of her wearing goggles, water wings, a tube, flippers, sandals, and a towel.
"OK girl make this quick I'm having a pool party/ sleepover and I really don't want to be late. So just tell me what's wrong and I'll make you right" Daydream Madeline said as Madeline wept and looked into Daydream Madeline's eyes.
"Ohh nothing just that I almost drowned, I won't go near water, and you the brave me was nowhere to be found" Maddie said looking out her window at her friends having fun.
"Is that all talk to your cousin John about being scared of water he'll help. Until recently he was also scared of water".
Madeline sniffled and nodded then had an idea seeing Daydream Madeline's outfit and walked to her door and opened it John still there hoping she would open the door.
"No bubble bath yet I want to try swimming again. I need water wings, a tube, flippers, goggles, and anything else that will help me float".
John nodded dashing off finding a box and he placed it in front of Madeline all the things she wanted in the box.
"Truthfully I had a big fear of water for a long time and all the things in this box helped. Maddie I know most times you feel like you're all alone but all the things you're going through I went through too".
Madeline hugged John tight and dressed in her swimming outfit hoping she wasn't laughed at too much but also was happy she'd float.
"Ok come on Mads let's get you in the pool alright? Then we can get some food in you and the rest of the sleepover is for you to do what you want".
Maddie walked back into the backyard all eye's on her and she held her head high the Sleepover Gang still playing in the pool as Maddie feeling brave dipped her toe in and Deidra watched as Maddie carefully walked into the pool.
"OK good I'm not drowning I found a way to float on the water. Now for the real test let's go deeper and see if I can still float".
Maddie gulped and gave little kicks sticking close to the wall in case she started to sink all the while Deidra watching Maddie and she saw another Mouse in Maddie.
"Look Dee Maddie S is swimming like I learned thanks to a great teacher named Gigantaur to certain people" Mouse squeaked munching McDonald's fries and nuggets and slurping a Coke.
"Yea she's a total you Mouse now let's get a gameplan together because tomorrow starts swim class for Maddie S at 8:00 on the nose and since you're back to hugging walls you too" Deidra said as Maddie climbed out looking at the buffet table and also found a movie screen.
"So decent start bad middle and we're going to have a great end so pick a movie and we'll watch it any movie you want".
"What about Clifford The Big Red Dog my mommy read me those stories so much when I was little" Maddie said as it started on Paramount Plus and Deidra, Mouse, Sandra, and the rest of the sleepover gang grabbed food and joined her for the Clifford watch party.
The next morning Fanny and Mr. Sanban let the three maggots out and as promised grool met them with Maddie, Deidra, Mouse, Sandra, and the rest of The Sleepover Gang eating a big breakfast of pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, home fries, orange juice, milk, and as an added touch Coke if the gang wanted it the evil cousins looking on in jealousy.
"Ok well we had a big breakfast and as rules say we can't swim for a half hour we'll get cramps" Maddie said as Mouse nodded both of them still scared to start swim practice.
"Fine 8:30 and if I see either one of you eating so much as a piece of toast then we'll start immediately. I mean you two have to learn to swim sometime" Deidra said dressed in a red bikini that said lifeguard on it and a metal whistle hung around her neck.
"Maddie sweetheart what if Aunt Kuki and I went to the swimming lesson with you? Would that make you feel better?" Mushi asked as Maddie nodded and pointed to a weary John.
"Cousin John too I mean he was scared of water too and maybe he can give me pointers on how to tackle my fears".
"OK and I'll do what my mom did to me when I finally learned to swim get DQ and get you any toy or clothes you want" John said quickly eating and mention of DQ made Maddie rush outside in her bikini Mouse slowly following her Deidra a proud smile on her face for Maddie's family.
"OK minnows into the water and let's see what I'm working with and Mads follow Mouse's lead she's a graduate from my lessons but she's forgotten what she learned".
Madeline slowly walked into the pool shrieking at how cold the water was Mouse doing the same thing Deidra walking along the side of the pool.
"OK first lesson kicking so I want both of you to find a piece of wall and hold it" Once you do that just kick your legs".
Maddie floated to a part of the wall and grabbed it quickly kicking her legs and Deidra, Mushi, Kuki, Wally, Sandy, John and Mouse were impressed with Maddie's kicking.
"Come on Mouse you too you need to learn to swim just as much as Maddie does. I mean how you forgot is beyond me but I'll help you remember" Deidra said as Scrunchie bolted out barking happily jumping into the pool.
"See Mouse and Mads Scrunchie loves the water maybe you could take cues from her girls. OK next we'll work on our paddling so come to the stairs and I'll teach you how paddling can make you go so much faster".
Madeline amazing everyone once again used her arms and made it to the stairs quickly as the three evil cousins escaping boot camp walked into the pool area laughing at a bundled up Maddie.
"OMG she looks like Baymax from Big Hero 6 swimming. Where's Hiro Baymax? Are you a healthcare companion Baymax?" Lisa asked as Mushi and Kuki growled and shoved the girls out of the pool area and Maddie took a breather waiting for Mouse to get to the stairs.
"Good now take it slow paddle with your hands and legs together then before you know it you'll find all that gear Maddie S. isn't needed".
Lisa got her phone out and videoed Madeline swimming giggling as the other two also laughed at her commentary.
"So I was waltzing into my backyard and came across Baymax from Big Hero 6 swimming in MY pool and she doesn't even know how to swim let's see her take her bubble suit off and swim" Lisa said as Deidra, Sandra, Emma, Mushi, Kuki, Wally, and John heard enough and John grabbed Lisa's phone.
"Howdy so Lisa my little sister who last night with the help of my other two little sisters who are as it looks in frame drowned my cousin Madeline who they are now calling Baymax because she resembles a friendly healthcare companion because of them have taken a slight turn for the worse" John said as Angelica with the help of Anna grabbed Laureli and Lana's phones.
"Time for a science lesson ladies and since John is the top of our class I think he should conduct it. FYI you three deserve what you have coming I mean geez she's just trying to be a good cousin" Anna said as Angelica and Anna handed Laureli and Lana's phones to John.
"Good idea and aren't my assistants beautiful ladies and gentlemen? I mean aren't they just lovely? Thank you assistants for all your help so let's conduct this mother fluffer. OK since the pools being used I think the hot tub would be a good point to do it in".
John climbed into the hot tub as Anna and Angelica joined him Wally, Kuki, Sandy, Deidra, Mouse, Sandra, Emma, Fanny superglued to Mr. Sanban and not looking too happy and Mrs. Sanban running up to see the experiment not noticing that A Maddie took her float suit off and B she stepped back into the pool but Mushi did and scared watched Maddie like a hawk not wanting her to drown.
"OK I'll make this quick because there are swimming lessons being taught. As every teen tween or pre teen girl knows phones plus water are a lethal combination and as luck would have it I have three working phones about to be doused in water".
Before the girls could stop him John doused the phones in water and they turned off and an orange light on the side of the phone indicated it was heating up and then they died Anna giggling and moaned forlornly how tragic throwing her head back laughing as Angelica and John did the same.
"Welp that all for science class today maybe tomorrow we can build a mentos rocket which not as fun as getting even with bullies is a lot more interesting so tune in next time".
"Hey Maddie S. righteous revenge your cousin did huh? Maddie S.? Maddie S.? Maddie S.? has anyone seen Maddie S." Deidra asked as Mushi camcorder in hand cheered her daughter on as she swam from one side of the pool to the other everyone crowding the side of the pool cheering for Maddie".
"OMG I'm a miracle worker last night bubble bath's scared her now she's attacking that water like it owes her money. I mean admit it Mouse I'm a total genius with an ooey gooey grey mattered brain".
"OK genius then how come I can't swim? I mean you taught me but you saw me the wall's my best friend and that's how we met at the town pool you were advanced and I was a minnow which only The Sleepover Gang can call me".
"Mouse you can swim it was just last night you were a wall hugger. Why was that I wonder? Oh yea it's because Maddie S. couldn't swim and you didn't want her to feel left out but that's not a bad thing".
"I guess I did that because I wanted Maddie to know she was accepted. I mean she was so sad last night that she almost and I mean by hairs became the Maddie we met at her birthday party the poor thing".
Maddie out of breath squealed I did it and Mushi tears running down her face bear hugged Maddie the whole family joining in and then The Sleepover Gang and for once Maddie was proud of herself and nothing could bring her down.
Well that's it for now so R&R and as always keep it real.