CHAPTER 9

It was the night of the debates...Clay was extremely anxious for the days coming up. Bloberta would at times try to support Clay, and others try to deliberately to be cold to Clay. She was trying to find a healthy balance of what made her happy and what would get Clay excited. It was hard to live this double life...But the night of the debate she was sure to be a subdued sort of supportive. She didn't want to upset him on this very important night. Clay and Bloberta walked to City hall for the debates. There were many people on the streets asking Clay questions, Clay was feeling really trapped now. Bloberta tried her best to comfort Clay without being too loving. This was really irritating to her if she was being honest with herself. But Clay seemingly was appreciative of her at the very least.

Reverend Putty and Ms. Censordoll met the couple outside of city hall with paparazzi were taking photos. The group went inside to a closed off room inside of city hall. Finally the group could begin to talk. Ms. Censordoll was the first to speak.

"Mrs. Puppington...What a strange twist of fate to meet you again."

Bloberta just squinted her eyes and spoke: "I'm not really the person you need to pay attention to at the moment."

Ms. Censordoll smirked and stated: "Lets not get ahead of ourselves...Have to keep an eye on all of the pieces on the board..." She said cryptically. Bloberta put on a miffed expression. "Mr. Puppington I trust you studied the questions well enough?"

"Yes, Ms. Censordoll." Clay said with utmost confidence he needed to get this over with and become mayor. He was really through with all of this election nonsense.

"Mrs. Puppington shall we sit next to each other during the debate?" Ms. Censordoll weirdly offered to Bloberta.

"Um...uh of course Ms. Censordoll it would be my pleasure." Bloberta said lying through her teeth.

A knock at the door was heard by the group and Putty opened the door. The City Hall employee had informed them that the debate was about to start, Clay gulped, Reverend Putty made his way to the stage. Clay slowly followed behind Putty. Ms. Censordoll made her way out the door.

"Coming Mrs. Puppington?" Ms. Censordoll queried to Bloberta who was in a stupor.

"Oh...yes I'm coming..."

Ms. Censordoll chose a seat in the back row, Bloberta sat next to her. Bloberta looked intently at Clay on the stage and Ms. Censordoll was more relaxed and knowing. Bloberta briefly looked at Clay's opponent and mindlessly commented:

"You know I never even knew the mayor's name until a couple days ago, this is the first time I've ever even seen him..." Censordoll chuckled and said:

"Yes he is quite forgettable. No matter how competent, he can't possibly compare to that husband of yours."

Clay, Putty and Mayor Forghetty all at the stage. Putty opened the debate.

"Welcome citizens of Moralton, its been awhile since a debate hasn't it? Tonight we have your esteemed old mayor Forghetty, and the prince of Moralton himself, Clay Puppington."

The crowd cheered on Clay, the newspapers were entirely pro Puppington, the Figurellis being bought out by the Censordoll and Putty name.

"Alright enough fun lets get on with the debate. Ahem. Citizens and fellow colleagues alike have been a bit put off by the idea of multiple religious sects being introduced to Moralton. What are each candidates opinion surrounding the matter? Mayor Forghetty you first, 30 seconds go."

Mayor Forghetty looked over some papers and drank a glass of water and opened:

"Ahem. I understand the controversy about opening up a new demographic within the Moralton walls as we have been historically Protestant, I am not advocating new groups out of maliciousness. This will be good for our towns business and growth. It is my duty to bring our town into a new age of-"

*DING*

Putty cut the mayor off and scoffed audibly at his response. "Alright mayor time out, Mr. Puppington your turn. 1 minute go."

Clay just about tuned out most of the mayor's response. Sounded like a bunch of liberal trash to him...Always out using inclusiveness for profit. He was beginning to understand why Putty and Censordoll wanted to oust this guy. Clay thought back to his reviews and spoke up:

"Friends and families of Moralton...Mayor Forghetty says one correct thing. We are indeed 'historically Protestant' a community built upon the ideals and morals employed in the Bible. Imagine if we actually advertised different beliefs in Moralton. Generational decay. Your very own child having a choice to choose another religion. All that moral influence gone. All those teachings useless to them..." Clay smirked he may have gone a little offscript but he felt proud in his statement.

Applause followed after Clay ended his statement. Other questions were asked regarding all the current issues in Moralton. Clay came out on top most every time being applauded, where as Forghetty was mostly ignored. Now came the moment of the debate where each candidate could say whatever they wanted to say for a brief moment. Putty opened this discussion.

"Mayor Forghetty do you have anything to add to the debate?"

"Why yes I do. I wanted to bring something to light about my opponent."

Putty seemingly interested prodded at Forghetty. "What is it?" Clay felt a cold sweat out of body moment.

"My opponent is emotionally unstable. When they were a boy they accidentally caused the death of their mother."

Bloberta eyes widened and was afraid for Clay with how he could possibly react. Censordoll was amused and taken aback, Forghetty had somehow known more about Puppington than she had...

Audible gasps in the crowd could be heard, Clay's soul left his body for a brief moment. He could see his mother in angelic form. Quickly he got out of the trance and found his confidence to get past all of it.

"Hoho what an easy target that was!" Clay yelled with sarcasm and hate.

"I beg your pardon?" Forghetty asked.

"You are the worst of the worst Forghetty. Going after childhood trauma to discredit me of all things? That's a new low buddy. You are laughably desperate. Next thing you know this guy will be saying rape victims are crazy because they have ptsd."

Forghetty was at a loss for words. Maybe he'd spoken too soon, he thought Puppington had no back bone but suddenly he was fighting him with such confidence and wit. Before Forghetty could respond Clay spoke up again.

"This guy is out to supersede all of your heartfelt beliefs for profit and recognition. He should be looking out for loyalty and love. Meanwhile here he's attacking me, a citizen of Moralton with my own past. Is that a leader you want?"

The crowd grew visibly angry and shouted "NO!"

"The kind of leader you want is a man who respects that you have horrible lives. And not exploit them for personal gain."

The crowd yelled "YES!"

"I am that man you want as mayor. A respectable, and a respecting mayor."

The crowd roared in approval. Putty was taken aback how well Clay had actually responded to Forghetty he was silent and dumbstruck. Bloberta couldn't believe her ears or eyes, her husband just stuck up for the people of Moralton, he actually stuck up for someone other than had gotten into him? She felt fear and pride in Clay. Upon further analysis she could see he was still a sad little boy trying to be something he wasn't...It saddened her. But she felt something inside her growing. There was definitely a fetus inside her needing her attention. No matter how depressed she was she would ensure this fetus was fed. Clay was a side project at best at this point.