Chapter One: Penny Hears The Bells.
It's time for Gym Class, and Penny is waiting for Tracy. She was standing over with some of the boys. She hears Amber and her pack of friends laughing at one of them for having a similar hairstyle as Tracy does, calling it "The Tracy". Penny hates it when Amber makes fun of Tracy and she feels even terrible that she wants to tell her to stop, but can't. She wasn't as brave as Tracy was. Oh, how she wishes she could be just as brave. Penny still eavesdrops on Amber's crass words about Tracy.
Amber Von Tussle: You know, I actually heard that they put Tracy in SPECIAL ED!
The boys that Penny was around, one of them, in particular, being Link Larkin also were listening. Amber's friend next to her had the nerve to say that Tracy was caught in the back of a car making out with two boys at once, to which Amber proceeded to agree and add that Tracy is "fast and slow" at the same time.
Amber Von Tussle: Tracy Turnblad is a whore and a retard.
Amber and her band of harpies cackle and it drives Penny perturbed on the inside of herself. Amber then confronts Link about how he could kiss Tracy on TV which wasn't his fault. Tracy had been in love with Link since she first saw and met him. Oh, how Penny wishes she could attract a boy. Somebody that Penny could cherish and adore. Someone who her mother won't condemn. Before she could even imagine her possible future husband, one of Link's friends alerts everyone that Special Ed class has arrived which makes everyone except Penny and Link laugh.
From Penny's understanding, Special Ed was filled with all black students and here they are. Among them was unmistakably her long best friend, Tracy who along with her fellow Special Ed classmates was feeling a bit humiliated but if they felt that way now, they (Or at least Tracy) haven't experienced anything yet when it comes to the dreaded...Scatter Dodgeball. Penny was happy and relieved to see her friend was alright and felt terrible that she was there. She then begins to run to Tracy.
Penny Pingleton: Tracy! Tracy!
Tracy Turnblad: Penny!
They both hug each other tightly, happy to see each other.
Penny Pingleton: What happened? Are you okay?
Tracy Turnblad: I'm fine. But, they put me in Special Ed because of my hair. I was using it my hairspray to keep it nice, then the gym teacher yelled at me, sent me to detention-
Penny Pingleton: Oh no...
Tracy Turnblad: No, no, no. It was...actually kinda fun!
Penny Pingleton: Really?
Tracy Turnblad: Yes! I had a grand time in there dancing with these guys! I made some new friends.
Penny gets a good look at all of her new fellow friends. It was insane how many black students were held back for Lord knows what and why.
Penny Pingleton: Oh, Tracy. I'm sorry about your special Ed-ness.
Penny stops mid-sentence as she looks among the others and notices a very rather young and handsome black student. She feels herself in a trance not being able to look away from the African-American stud that was this man in front of her, and he was staring at Penny the same way. A feeling flutters in the pit of her stomach, the type of feeling where your nervous system is telling you another process than just grumbling for food or in pain for having to use the restroom. Was this...love? Was this what Tracy was feeling? Can Penny hear the bells as well?
Penny Pingleton: Oh...Hello.
Tracy Turnblad: Oh, Penny? This is Seaweed. Get this. His mother is Motormouth Maybelle from Corny Collins!
Penny Pingleton: Wow...! It's nice to meet somebody famous.
The young man named Seaweed gave her a perfect smile that made her all sorts of hot and bothered. Oh, if her mother ever heard or dived into her thoughts, she'd be locked away for sure.
Tracy Turnblad: Seaweed, this is my best friend, Penny Lou Pingleton.
Seaweed Stubbs: Oh yes, I've seen you before, Miss Penny. You're near the Gum and Lollipop machine, right?
Penny Pingleton: Oh...yes. I...uh, I mostly take two packs of gum a day. But, mostly I snack on Lolli's though.
Seaweed Stubbs: Ah, I see. So, do tell me...does all that uh, chewing and sucking make your mouth muscles stronger?
Penny, Tracy, and Seaweed's fellow company were shocked at what he had just asked! Well, by shocked, there were a lot of "Ohhhhs" from his friends in a laughing matter because of how easy it was for Seaweed to flirt. Tracy was grinning ear to ear for Penny who was still in a stunned silence and was blushing completely.
Penny Pingleton: I...Not really, maybe, just average. I guess...?
Penny was smiling the whole time. Realizing what that meant, she blushes even harder and looks back to the others, and sees Amber looking on. Worried, she takes Tracy's hands in hers.
Penny Pingleton: Oh! I gotta go. Bye, Tracy! ...Bye, Seaweed.
Penny is still smiling at Seaweed who grins and gives her a wink which causes Penny to run back to her spot on the other side of this game that will soon start. After seeing Penny go away, Amber goes through her way to try and make trouble.
Amber Von Tussle: Well, well. Tracy Tugboat, you finally got a title you could win: Miss Special Ed!
Amber, her friends, and Link's friends laugh once again to the ire of both Penny and Link. Penny though knows how strong her friend is. Tracy's a fighter from the heart and feels confident she can handle herself. But what she didn't count on is who Amber would target next.
Amber Von Tussle: I can't believe you Turnblad would be that desperate to think that my boyfriend would go for a cow like you. Let's be honest, you're the Before, I'm the After. And to top it off...you have a Checkerboard Chick for a friend.
At this did everyone react much greater than before. Amber looked at Penny behind the others which would cause everyone to look at her. Penny was now more nervous and small than she usually felt. Penny was so confused like a poor helpless dear in headlights. Why was Amber now targeting her? And...what the heck is a "Checkerboard Chick"?
Tracy was in fear for her friend. Penny had never been a primary target of Amber even when Tracy went to audition for the Corny Collins Show. Unfortunately, now she was and Tracy wasn't liking it. Neither was Seaweed.
Penny Pingleton: A...what?
Amber Von Tussle: Checkboard Chick. Definition? You. So, tell us...Penny. When did you start to have a thing for minorities?
Tracy Turnblad: Amber leave her alone!
Amber and her pack tried to surround Penny but luckily she keeps moving around timidly, walking around. That however didn't stop them from following her.
Amber Von Tussle: I'm just curious as all. Little Penny Pingleton likes to bunk up with the cargo, does she?
That got under Seaweed and his fellow company's skins, Tracy's especially. The sounding unison of "CARGO!?" came from them and Tracy was upset and Penny was on the verge of having a nervous breakdown being put on the spot. The black female students were about to speed walk over and rip Amber's blonde hair from her scalp but their fellow black males held them from doing such and possibly getting in further trouble as Seaweed tells them to cool their heads. The only one not keeping it cool was Tracy. Penny was always there to support Tracy for anything and now it was her turn as she marches up to the center of the gym and met Amber's gaze face to face as Penny watches on along with Link who couldn't believe the bigotry that came out of Amber's mouth.
Tracy Turnblad: What is the deal with you? Why do have to be cruel? You are just as cruel when I came that day to audition.
Amber Von Tussle: My mother and I were just giving you the hard truth. Nobody wants to really see you on the show. They just feel sorry and embarrassed for a hair-hopper like you. Say, I guess it makes sense that you two are friends! Hair-Hopper and Chocolate-Dipper! Such a great friendship.
Link Larkin: Amber! That's enough, you're acting like a child!
Tracy lifts her hand looking to give Amber a hard slap to the face! Amber screams and backs away flinching! Everyone watching is surprised! Tracy was looking to get physical and against Amber! Penny herself was open-mouthed!
Amber Von Tussle: How dare you!? Mother will hear about this!
Tracy Turnblad: Oh, relax. I was just gonna smack the acne off your face. But, you know what? I realize that is impossible. Because Amber Von Tussle...you have acne of the soul!
A large gasp from Amber's side, not including from Link. And an uproarious collective "Ooooh", laughter, and praise from Seaweed's side all high-fiving at what Tracy just said to Amber. Penny and Link had gasped at the defiant gall from Tracy and they both looked at one another. And while Amber wasn't happy, glaring a hole at Tracy, the big girl wasn't backing down and not taking it anymore. They were now nearly nose to nose! Penny went to her friend's side looking to pry her away from the conflict. Now everyone, heck even the gym teacher's eyes were glued to the confrontation.
Penny Pingleton: Tracy it's okay. It's nothing.
Tracy Turnblad: Not to me it isn't.
Amber Von Tussle: It is for me. And that's exactly what you are, Turnblad. Nothing.
Tracy Turnblad: Better than being a snob like you!
Amber gasped!
Amber Von Tussle: Slob!
Tracy Turnblad: Brat!
Amber Von Tussle: Obese freak!
Tracy Turnblad: Drama queen!
Amber Von Tussle: Gargantuan peasant!
Tracy Turnblad: Nepotistic dictator!
Amber Von Tussle: WHORE!
Everyone in the gym gasped once again!
Link Larkin: AMBER!
Gym Teacher: Alright, ladies! That's enough! Von Tussle! Turnblad!
Tracy Turnblad: You...YOU...
Amber smiles thinking Tracy can't find an insult to rebuttal her "whore" comment.
Tracy Turnblad: B-I-T-C-H!
Boy...was Amber wrong! And everyone is stunned. The gasp was a large collective sound that could wake the dead! Tracy's retort against Amber worked and it showed! Calling the daughter of Velma Von Tussle a sentence that means "Female Dog" certainly had her boiling in her shorts! Amber was NOT happy. But Tracy didn't care. And then, the sound of a whistle irked all ears present.
Gym Teacher: MISS TURNBLAD! VON TUSSLE! I LOVE THIS ATTITUDE! Now we're ready! LET'S PLAY DODGEBALL!
She sounds off the whistle again while holding the ball in between both girls who began to fight for it. And unfortunately, Amber is able to rip it out from Tracy's grasp and then the game of dodgeball now begins as Tracy and her fellow detention mates run back and forth! Penny was scared and proud of Tracy. Scared because no one has ever challenged Amber as Tracy did, and proud because she didn't allow herself to be afraid. Penny wishes to not be scared...someday...somehow.
Penny refocuses herself, but she can't do anything to help her friend except shout messages of encouragement. She hears Tracy and Amber give verbal jabs at one another as the heir Von Tussle tries to aim and nail Tracy with a dodgeball.
Amber Von Tussle: Dodge this, Thunder Thighs!
Amber throws it and Tracy is able to avoid it.
Tracy Turnblad: You throw like a girl! My mother throws better than you!
Penny watched as the dodgeball game became chaos and now watched the colored kids dodge and survive. She was keeping close eyes on Seaweed, worried about him to the point that she starts to stroke her left pigtail as Seaweed ducked three times from three attempts of someone looking to take his head off or ruin his gracious afro.
Never has Penny ever become so fixated on a boy before. A black boy even. But after meeting Seaweed, his face, his eyes, his smile. How could she resist? How could anyone hate him? While she's admiring the boy who's a gorgeous hunk to her, she looks over to Tracy and Amber as they are still at each other's throats, but Penny's eyes turn into fear as she gazes at her friend now in a vulnerable position!
Amber Von Tussle: EAT DODGEBALL YOU TRAMPY TON-O-LARD!
The next sounds that were heard were the echoing "PLOMP" from the ball, the "THUMP" from Tracy's body hitting the gym floor, the worried scream from Penny, and then the whistle!
Gym Teacher: GAME OVER! Alright everyone, hurry off to class!
Penny had her mouth covered standing still and trembling until Seaweed came to her.
Seaweed Stubbs: Hey, baby doll. Are you okay?
Penny looks up at Seaweed's gaze and the sudden worry she had was gone. There was comfort, relief, and easement when she was near him and she smiled.
Penny Pingleton: Oh...yes. Thank you, Seaweed.
Seaweed's smile only ensured her comfort as they then look at Link and Amber talking, and Link isn't happy while his girlfriend didn't seem phased.
Seaweed Stubbs: Seems like the happy couple is not a complete foundation.
Penny Pingleton: Link was singing to Tracy on the show and Tracy couldn't help but kiss Link. That's why Amber's so...Amber.
Amber begins to leave but then turns to Penny and Seaweed.
Amber Von Tussle: Poor Tracy. So tragic, I forgot to cry. Not really, no. When she wakes up, tell Turn-Lard to get the message. There's only one girl who's gonna be Miss Teenage Hairspray and that's me.
She pushes the dodgeball into Penny's chest forcing it into her hands. Penny plays off feeling the shove Amber gave her.
Amber Von Tussle: Till next time...Cocoa Pingleton.
Amber then skips out of the gym laughing. Penny feeling small again looks down at her feet as Seaweed gave a quick glare at the Von Tussle girl.
Seaweed Stubbs: That girl's mind is so done up she needs to stay out of the sun.
Penny quickly rushes to Tracy on the floor with Seaweed in tow and Link kneeling to join in.
Penny Pingleton: Tracy!? Are you dead?
Link Larkin: Hey Tracy, are you ok? That ball hit you pretty hard. Gee, you are beautiful when you are unconscious.
As soon as Link said that, Tracy's eyes open up immediately! Her sight comes back to her as she looks up at Penny, Seaweed, and Link who flashes his signature smile that makes Tracy smile silly.
Link Larkin: You better? For a second it looked like "Teen Angel" time.
Tracy Turnblad: Wherever I am, please do not change the channel.
Penny, Seaweed, and Link all help her up off the ground and things for the most part are good again as they start to talk.
Tracy Turnblad: Link, this is my friend Seaweed from detention.
Penny Pingleton: Motormouth Maybelle from Negro Day is his mother.
Link Larkin: No kidding? How you doing?
Seaweed Stubbs: How you doing?
Penny Pingleton: Tracy, How are you doing?
Tracy Turnblad: How do you think? I just got creamed in front of the entire school. But what about you, Penny? Amber tried putting you on the spot cause of me.
Penny Pingleton: I'm okay. But... what is a Checkerboard Chick?
Seaweed Stubbs: Is that what they call their own these days?
Tracy Turnblad: It's just some label created by fools who don't like two different people coming together.
Penny Pingleton: Oh...
Tracy hugs Penny's side and rubs her back.
Seaweed Stubbs: Hey, hey. Don't feel down ladies. Listen up, I know what will make you feel better. My mom's pitching a platter party at our record shop up off North Avenue. Wanna come check it out?
Tracy Turnblad: I'd be honored to!
Penny greets Seaweed face to face, getting a better look at his beautiful face and gazing helplessly in his eyes while also mimicking his dance moves hopelessly average. But Seaweed doesn't seem to mind as she still has that smile she can't get enough of.
Penny Pingleton: I too feel...not good. May I also come "check it out"?
Seaweed Stubbs: Oh, you surely may!
Penny and Seaweed gaze for a while at one another. Penny couldn't help but give the boy a flirtatious look of her own which wasn't like her! Another side she never thought she could have! There was something about Seaweed that made her feel free and...loved.
Link Larkin: We should probably all head to class.
Tracy Turnblad: Right. Seaweed, we'll see you later?
Seaweed Stubbs: You betcha. See you guys later. And see you later, Miss Penny.
Penny Pingleton: Y-You too...Seaweed.
They all make their way out of the gym. Seaweed and Link are ahead and Tracy was looking to catch up but then saw Penny lingering behind with a daydream expression. Tracy shakes her head while smiling.
Tracy Turnblad: Penny, come on! What is it?
Penny Pingleton: Tracy...I think...I think I hear them...
Tracy Turnblad: Hear what?
Penny Pingleton: Them. Chiming. I think I too can...hear the bells.
Tracy's smile then grew bigger as her eyes did and she squealed with excitement, grabbing Penny's hands, and they both spin around with glee!
Tracy Turnblad: Oh, Penny I'm so happy for you! You just became another girl to be hit with "Love At First Sight!"
Penny Pingleton: Is this what it feels like? Genuine? Real? Existing? Oh, Tracy! I didn't think that it would ever happen to me. Seaweed is so gorgeous. I've known him for a minute or two and already I wish to rush into things like a fool.
Tracy Turnblad: Now you know I am and feel about Link.
But then Penny gained an unhappy thought.
Penny Pingleton: Oh no...I forgot. What would mother say? What would she do!? Imagine her reaction to me falling for a colored boy. She'll punish me indefinitely. And I'll never have a chance at happiness.
Tracy looks at Penny's sadness returning and it hurts her too. She feared that Penny would be right in terms of her mother. Mrs. Pingleton was a very strict, stern, and harsh individual when it came to Penny and always would punish her for just about anything like not coming home on time, not studying, and even watching the Corny Collins Show which she labels as "Race Music". All Penny wants to do his have a normal and good enough life and it felt as if her mother was punishing her for living without permission. Mrs. Pingleton would perhaps indeed have a canary if she saw her with a black teenage boy. Tracy hugs her friend tightly.
Tracy Turnblad: Things won't be that way forever, Penny. Don't worry. Things are slowly changing for us. And no matter what, never mind anything that Amber says. She's just jealous and malicious is all.
Penny Pingleton: Plastic little spastic.
Tracy Turnblad: What?
Penny Pingleton: Spastic. That means she's uncoordinated.
Tracy Turnblad: Oh.
They then have a little laugh from Penny's joke as the two friends now finally make their way to the next assigned classes.
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