CHAPTER 8: "Y'ALL COME BACK NOW, Y' HEAR?"
"What do you mean Franco came back from Australia?!" That was Lucy on webchat with Linus, who was updating her on the situation in Australia dealing with the fallout between Peppermint Patty, Franco, and Zac.
"After we caught Patty and Zac kissing on the couch, Franco kind of had enough," Linus explained. "Rerun told me when he got back, he was looking for you to talk about the situation, but you and Schroeder had just left for Oklahoma."
"Yeah, I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, other than that, how are things?"
"Well, Jadan and the rest of us are coming up with plans to stop the poachers from collecting more kangaroos for their illegal business. Aside from the drama between Patty and Franco, things have been good. You should have seen the punch Franco delivered Zac. It reminded me of how you would deck me without hesitation."
"Wow, really?!"
"Yeah. It took us guys to pry them apart. Anyway, how was your trip in Oklahoma?"
"Pretty good. We did find out that something, though. You remember Tiki Ted from Hawaii?"
"The man who tried to destroy Frieda's uncle's resort?"
"Well he has a brother who tried to do the same thing to an amphitheater here in town. I'll tell you about it when you get back. Right now I need to finish packing and getting ready to head back to Sparkyville. As far as Franco goes, I will talk with him and help sort this mess between him, Patty, and this Zac out.
"Okay, sis. I'll talk to you later."
"See ya, Linus."
Sometime later, Lucy and Schroeder had arrived at the airport. Schroeder's uncle Judd had driven them there. Sadie and Tate were along for the ride, as well, to see them off. They began to say their goodbyes.
"It was great seein' you again, cousin," said Sadie to Schroeder.
"It was good seeing you too, Stretch," Schroeder replied. "And I was glad we could help in saving the theater."
"I do 'preciate that," Sadie said. Turning to Lucy she said, "An' it was nice meetin' you too, Lucy. Y' a great gal for my cuz."
"Thanks, Stretch," said Lucy, who shook her hand. "You should come visit in Sparkyville sometime. We can show you around. You too, Tate."
"Much obliged, Lucy," said Tate. After hugs and goodbyes, Lucy and Schroeder began to head for their gate. Once on the plane, they started discussing the Peppermint Patty/Franco/Zac situation.
"I hope I can help in some way, babe," said Lucy, worried about their friends. "From what Linus told me, Franco is ready to throw in the towel."
"You should tell him not to give up," suggested Schroeder. "Tell him to take a page from Charlie Brown's book. Whenever he felt defeated, he always picked himself up and started all over. Maybe Franco could do the same."
"You know, you're right, Schroeder. When we get back, I think I'll run that by him." And the two teens relaxed on the flight back to Sparkyville. Once home, Lucy would help Franco in dealing with the situation.
THE END
Next time, Welcome to Australia, Charlie Brown! returns and we pick up where we left off.