CHAPTER 5: REHEARSING FOR THE SHOW & LOVE ADVICE
The next day, the kids rehearsed for their performance on the 4th to save the theater. Schroeder was able to get his hands on a keyboard from a neighbor of his aunt and uncle to use for practice. Also part of the band was Sadie on vocals, Tate on acoustic guitar, Buck on banjo, and Ophelia on washboard. Lucy would also join with them on a jug she borrowed from Snoopy's brother Olaf before they left Sparkyville. Sadie had some songs that she wanted to do for the show and the kids practiced them all day.
During a break, Tate had a chat with Schroeder and Lucy about his feelings for Sadie again. Schroeder figured that Lucy would be good at giving him some advice.
"And that's how I feel 'bout her, Lucy," said Tate, looking over at Sadie, who was enjoying an orange soda. "She's probably th' most purty girl in town."
"Well, Tate," Lucy began, "you've been friends with Stretch since kids. Just be honest about your feelings for her. I'm sure she will understand. If she just want to remain friends, it's okay. It won't be the end of the world or anything."
"You really think I should?" asked Tate.
"Go for it, Tate," said Schroeder.
Tate looked over at Sadie. He started to walk over where she was at. She saw her friend coming over and smiled.
"Hey, Tater-Gator," she greeted, using a pet name that she always used for him.
"Uh, hey, Stretch," said Tate, nervously. "I wanted t' ask y' somethin'."
"And what's that?"
"Would ya like t' go to th' movies one of these nights?"
"Sure we can, Tate. I always like goin' to th' movie with ya." Tate looked over at Lucy and Schroeder, who motioned for him to continue.
"There's somethin' else I wanted t' tell ya, Stretch," Tate continued.
"That is?"
"I likes ya."
"I likes ya too, Tate."
"No I REALLY likes ya." It was then that Sadie finally caught wind of what he was trying to do. She smirked and raised an eyebrow.
"Why Tate Gruber, you askin' me out on a date?"
"Well, uh, yeah. If ya don't wanna date me, I understand and…"
"Well it's 'bout time you came t' askin' me!" Tate's jaw flew open. She was expecting him to ask her out. "I always likes ya too, Tater. And I hope ya came 'round t' askin' me sooner or later. We'll have t' wait 'til m' cousin Schroeder goes back t' Sparkyville, but we can go out on a date."
Tate smiled from ear to ear. He finally said, "I 'preciate that, Stretch." She walked over, leaned down and kissed him on the cheek, making him blush.
"I cannot wait for our date, Tatey," said Sadie, "but f' now, let's get back t' rehearsin'." And after a pat on the back from Schroeder and Lucy, and approval from Buck and Ophelia, the kids stated back up with rehearsal. Tate was on Cloud 9. He had finally scored a date with Sadie Klimt, his childhood friend, and now potential girlfriend.
NEXT CHAPTER: DIRTY TRICKS FROM DIRTY SLICK