Skills
Lauren's P.O.V.:
It's been a few days since Jess and I met Keith and so far he's been settling into the neighborhood and school nicely with Jess, Sean and I's help. Keith and his dad met Hector, mom and all of our pals when we had dinner with them after his first day of school with us. I have to admit, it was really awesome getting to know Leo and Keith. I didn't know and neither did Jess that Leo was on Broadway once! You would think he wouldn't; but something new you learn everyday. Anyway, Jess, and I were at the basketball court watching Hector and Keith play a game of horse after school. Right now, both were at different letters. Keith was at S while Hector had R since they already got h and o. I couldn't help but watch as Hector tried to struggle and get his mojo back. Yeah, he's going to hate me for saying that. Anyway my outfit for today was inspired by lavender so I had on a lavender T-shirt with my peridot butterfly necklace, my favorite American Eagle jeans of course, purple converse sneakers thanks to Jess, a purple beanie on my head with a low ponytail, and purple rose bracelet. I was also drawing a picture of Our Lady of Fatima as well for my art/ painting class. We have to do these like clay bell things pretty soon so I was excited to get started on a project idea. Oh, I have to mention since its been a few days, Leo actually opened up a restaurant here in town with Shock called the Electric Diner. I have to tell you guys it looks amazing and now its sort of became the hangout of the Electric Company. I know amazing right? Well, little did I know today would become more amazing for sure. "Oh yeah Hector! That's how you do it," a voice sounded. I looked up from my drawing to see Keith make a basket with the basketball. I smiled. "Nice shot Keith, you got in my friend," Jess smiled.
"Thanks Jess. I have to admit that one was easy as pie," he grinned. "That was luck Keith," Hector told him. "Come on, it wasn't luck just pure magic," he smiled. "Say what you want, but I'm going to win," Hector told him. I couldn't help but grin as I watched them play for a little bit. "Man he's doing good," I told Jess. "You bet Lauren. I'm telling you he seems to have it, I can't tell whose going to win," Jess agreed. "Sure is but Keith and Hector seem to have fun," I noticed. "They sure do sis," she smiled. "Yep. Hey, I'll see you in a bit. I'm going to the diner," I told her. "Alright, see you there sis," Jess waved as I packed up my sketchbook and began to walk to the diner. I soon saw Francine, peering time and time again from her book. What is she doing?
Hector's P.O.V.:
Okay question on my mind. How in the dang world does Keith make a basket before I do? God, I am bad at horse even though I brag saying I'm good and well, that's my bad luck. "Alright come on Keith. Let's get through this," I told Keith as I dribbled the basketball over to him. "Okay. You go eight here Hector," Keith said pointing to the spot. "Right here," I asked. "Yeah, yeah. Oh before I forget back up a little bit," Keith responded. "Come on dude no fair," I asked him. I heard Lauren laughing at me complaining and I couldn't help but smile and give her the I heard that eyes. So could Jess. "Those are the rules," he shrugged. "Alright fine," I said to him giving up. "Take a shot," Keith responded. I got all situated ready to go and I shot the ball only to realize I missed it. "Oh. No," I said not happily that I normally would. "Give yourself an S," Keith sang to me with glee. I looked to see Lauren had already left for the diner, so no need to worry about her right now. Honestly, our family's been through a lot; but that will be explained later on.
Keith's P.O.V.:
"Alright, alright. I'll pay up," he told me with admittance. I was wearing my gray colored striped T-shirt with orange pants and white sneakers for today because why not? A great color combo as well. Hector soon made the word ball as I sang, "Oh, yeah, oh yeah give yourself an s," and he placed it on the ground next to his name. I looked over for a second to see Lauren leaving. I guess she wanted to head to the diner for a bit. The place has been jamming since dad opened it a few days ago. I know, it's exciting. Now, back to the horse game. "Next guy to get a letter and that will be you Hector is the loser," I emphasized on the loser part. "Uh huh. Yeah right," Hector said agreeing with me.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Top of the key and here's a tip," he started to say. "Uh huh," I told Keith knowing I would agree with him. "Nothing but net," he said before making a basket with no net and leaving me speechless. Yeah, that just happened. "Oh yeah, oh yeah. Big old' Hector is going down to little old Keith who will be the new supreme best sports athlete in the hood," he said bragging in my face. I saw Jess laughing and chuckling already knowing I was going to fail besides, I never fail. Then again I do. "Okay Alright. Here you go Keith or should I say Mister supreme athlete best sports player in the hood, you watch and learn okay," I told him. "I will," he smiled before I took my shot and with no rim. "Oh. Yes! That's how it done Keith and I win," I exclaimed happily with victory on my face. My celebration lasted for a minute until Keith said, "I watched, I learned, I won. Game over Hector," "What are you talking about Keith? I won," I asked him with a grin on my face. "I called all net earlier," he told me. "I got all net," I shot back. "You caught some rim," he said. "Net and I won fair and square," I said back. "Un-huh I want an E right there. Plain and simple," he said pointing to where my name was and the letters I had left for horse. "You know, I will put an NET over there for N-ET cause I won," I told him. Guess he didn't buy it. "I want an E right there," he said before throwing a word ball that everyone gasped.
Jess's P.O.V.:
Alright shut the front door what just happened? I'm speechless. Okay, since when did he get the power?
Hector's P.O.V.:
My mouth just dropped as did Jess and everyone in the court. When did he get the power?! Honestly, I don't know what to do. "Uh Hector, what just happened," Keith asked. Well, better late than never to tell him. "Uh, I think you just created a word ball all on your own," I told him. "I did," he asked curiously. "Yeah. You did dude; but it needs a little fine tuning," I told him. "How so," he asked. "Okay do me a favor visualize the letter and then twist your wrist," I told him. Keith followed my instructions and it was easy in my opinion. He soon started to freak out about what he was doing. "Oh my gosh! I'm doing it," he smiled. "Oh yeah! There you go dude Now throw it," I told him. Then he threw it at the wall which was right near Francine Carruthers that little meatball reading her book. Ugh, she always wants to meddle in our business. Not on our watch today for sure. Sorry. Okay it is time to freak out again. "Keith, I can't believe I'm saying this but you little man, you got the gift ," I told him. "I know. It feels amazing and, I feel the power," he said before yelling for the first time, "HEY YOU GUYS," then began to run while singing, "Guess who's got the power," constantly and it was off to the Electric Diner where Lauren was. Oh, I can't wait for her to hear what happened.
(At the diner)
Lauren's P.O.V.:
I have to admit, since I left the horse game a few hours ago, it felt nice coming to the Electric Diner for a rest and recharge. The diner was pretty huge and took up a lot of square feet, I think. Anyway, you should see the inside where I'm at now. The inside had a brick wall which felt like my apartment to me. It also had a wall lined with skateboards. I know, skateboards who would have thought?! Over where I was, there were bar stools like you would find the in the 50s almost around the counter where people can eat. Tables and chairs were in the same area but spaced out and a small little stage was towards the end near the kitchen back. I'll show you pics sometime. Anyway, I was sitting down on one of the bar stools where Shock was working. Shock is a good friend of mine and hangs out with Hector well pretty much all of us constantly. He's an amazing person and can actually beatbox! I'm telling you it's awesome. "So, how was the Horse game going," Shock asked. "Well, I think I can it say it really well but Hector gave Keith a nickname," I told him after drinking some juice. "What was it," he asked. "Mister supreme athlete best sports player in the hood," I replied with a giggle. Shock had to laugh and so did Leo who was listening in on the conversation. "That's Keith for you. He likes playing sports a lot," Leo admitted. "And not to mention fits him perfectly," Shock agreed on the nickname. We soon heard the echo of the familiar call for the Electric Company from the diner and I began to wonder what happened. "What happened," Shock and I both asked as we ran outside. "More importantly what was that," Leo wondered. "Oh. That's the hey you guys call. It's a signal to let the Electric Company know to come over," Shock told him. "Who what now," Leo asked as he went to grab a sign for the diner. "Guess who's got the power, guess who's got the power," I heard a voice sing and that could only mean one person. Keith. "Sounds like Keith just got the power dude," I told Shock. "I think he did," he replied. Our other good friend Lisa Heffenbaucher was outside with us after hearing the call and was confused as we were. I saw Hector, Keith, and Jess run across the corner and Keith was singing till his heart content.
Leo's P.O.V.:
I saw my son with excitement and he was singing something about the power. "Woah, whoa. Keith what's going on here," I asked Keith after putting up the sign. "Dad, dad. Your not going to believe this but I got the power," Keith told me bursting with joy. "Wait you got the power," Lisa asked before I can answer. "Yeah, I did," he smiled.
Lisa's P.O.V.:
"Keith, that's amazing. When did that happen" I asked Keith. "Okay here's what happened," Jess began to tell me. "Keith beat Hector in basketball," Jess was saying. "Did not sis," Hector replied. "Liar," Lauren coughed. Shock was laughing as well and let's just say Lauren does know how to do it. "Then all of a sudden,-"Jess was saying. "I got the power," Keith told us excitedly. Okay I am going to need some evidence that's for sure. "Look, I just visualize the word in my head," he started to demonstrate for us. "And then, that," he told us.
Leo's P.O.V.:
I just noticed the word dad instead of the specials for the diner today I wrote on the chalkboard. Oh my gosh he does have the gift! "Come over here," I told Keith and I gave him the biggest hug in my entire life. "This is some great news! I'm so happy for you Keith. Hey Shock-," I started to say. "Shock whatever anyone wants it's on the house," I told him. "You got it, I'm on it," he said and soon went back into the diner. "Wait for me Shock. I call dibs on orange juice," I heard Lauren follow after him. I'm telling you Lauren is so sweet. "Um, and if it's cool with you, Mr. Watson, I mean Leo," Hector said to me. "Yes Hector," I asked. "We would we like Keith to take the pledge and join the Electric Company," Hector told me. What the heck? I gasped and so did Keith. I honestly wish Christine was here to see this moment. She knew Keith would be part of the group one day. This is it. Okay I'm speechless for sure. "Dad can I," Keith asked me. "Well, it's more than cool with me but this is a big responsibility son," I told him. "I know and I can do it," he told me. "I know you can champ. I bet mom would be proud to," I smiled. "She would," Keith agreed. "Alright, what are we waiting for guys, lets get in there come on," Hector called as we walked back into the diner. "Free smoothie day and this is so exciting," Lisa grinned in excitement as she saw with Lauren. I can't blame her.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
I was already sitting in my chair at the bar seats while Shock got his apron on for work. "Hey, I'm kind of excited right now you guys. I can't believe it," Hector was saying as he walked in. "Oh me too," Jess added. "I don't blame you Hector. This has to be a new record for the Electric Company," I told them. "Wait, wait guys. Million dollar question time," Lisa smiled. "Million dollar answer," I replied. "What do you think his special skill is going to be," Lisa asked. "Oh. I don't know but whatever it is, is has to be good," I smiled. "Oh you bet Lauren," Hector agreed.
Leo's P.O.V.:
"Wait, wait. So how does all of this work? I know were new to it," I asked. I think it is still pretty confusing for me and I can't lie. "Well, we all have our basic word ball skill right Hector," Jess asked Hector. "That's right Jess. We think of the word and then throw it," Hector answered. "But when you take the pledge to be in the Electric Company, lets just say something incredible happens," Jess told me. Well I better listen to this.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
By the look of Jess's smile and I could tell it's time for a song. "Shock I think you know what this calls for," I told him. "Beatbox time," he asked. "Yes sir," I told him. "On it," he smiled before beatboxing.
(Shock starts to beatbox and Hector starts rapping)
It happened to us, now it's happening to you. All kinds of letters coming outta the blue!
(Jess raps next part)
See a word in your brain, then outcome the letters. Well, hold on a second man it only gets better
(Everyone sings)
We've got skills, we've got skills. We've got mad, mad super bad special skills.
(Jess raps)
Yo, the way that I hear is simply the best. I listen to a conversation, put my skill to the test cause whatever you say I can easily recall every word that was said I throw it up on the wall hey!
(Everyone sings)
We've got skills, we've got skills. We've got mad, mad super bad special skills.
(Hector raps next part)
Yo, skills must run in the family. Yeah, my eyes take pictures of everything I see. I can lay out for you whatever I've seen. Like fliipin through the pages of a magazine. Now you've got your skill, I've got mine. Lisa is next in line go!
(Everyone sings)
We've got skills, we've got skills. We've got mad, mad super bad special skills.
(Lisa sings next part)
Their skills are cute. But mine is cuter. Inside my head there's a word computer. The letters of your name go ahead throw 'em up on the spot son. OK Keith Watson I rearrange the letters I'm showing you how. To make Keith Watson take this now!
(Everyone sings)
We've got skills, we've got skills. We've got mad, mad super bad special skills.
(Repeat)
Leo's P.O.V.:
I applauded and I was impressed. Glad this helps me a lot about the Electric Company.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
I'm so glad this helps Keith out a lot. "Before we move on, I just have a question, how come Lauren didn't sing about her special skill," Keith asked. "Oh. I'm an honorary member of the group just like Shock and Sean. I don't have the power," I explained. "Home come," Mr. Watson wondered. "Well you see Lauren has a greater destiny far more imagined than any of us could expect. I'll explain it you guys when the time is right," Hector answered. Hector looked at me and I realized one day he would tell them the secret that has been part of my family for many years. I honestly don't know what it is, but since my vision I had when meeting Keith the puzzle pieces started to come forward and jumble all over the place. I looked down at my right shoulder where my birthmark was and gently touched it knowing someday it would happen soon.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Alright Keith you ready to take the oath," I asked him. "I was born ready Hector. You know an athlete like me is always ready," Keith replied. "Oh. Alright then Mr. born ready. Raise your right hand. Jess do the honors," I told her. "With pleasure Hector," she said as Keith stood in the middle and raised his right hand. "Do you understand the seriousness of what you're about to do," she asked Keith. "I do," he responded. I could see the blue orb containing the special skill growing and I couldn't be more excited. "Do you recognize the awesome power that lives inside of words," Lisa asked. "I do," Keith said. Then, it was my turn to give the final vow. "Do you accept this power and all the responsibility that comes with it no matter the cost," I asked. "I d," Keith started to say. "I do," another voice sounded and jumped right in front of Keith to get the power into her body. This can't be good.
Jess's P.O.V.:
"FRANCINE," we all shouted. "Hello Electric Company," she said with a smirk. "What are you of all the Pranksters' doing here? This is Keith's moment," I asked. "Oh I was following around town, heard little Keith was getting his special skill when really I, deserve it so here I am," she explained before clapping her hands and letting the magic come out like chalk on a chalkboard. "OHH. Oh, Oh, I love it and it's all for me because I just visualize something and I can make the picture perfect. Easy peasy. I love it," she said in her bragging voice. Most of us were shocked and were dumbfounded of what just happened. I can't believe it was Francine Carruthers out of all people who did that. "No. The power was supposed to be for me. You stole my special skill," Keith claimed. "I did not steal anything," she denied. "Well, you did. Give it back this instant," Lisa told her. "Oh. Ok, sure. HA! Never," she responded. "NEVER," we all asked. "Yeah. Never and don't even think about giving me the oh its for him because he's a new member speech, that won't change me either. Besides, your getting the picture now," she asked before laughing with glee. "Come on Francine, you had your fun now give the power back to Keith, or were telling your mother," Lauren told her. "Wrong. My mother wouldn't believe you when she would see me, her perfect angel unlike you honorary member," she taunted. "Hey! No talking to our sister like that," Hector defended her. "Yeah. She's more than you know. Show her some respect will you," I growled. "Sorry, sorry but I can't because I'm happy with this power," she sort of apologized. "Just give it back please," Hector asked. "Well, I would love to stay and continue this chat but I can't. I'm going to show the others what real work pays off like. See you later alligator's," she said before leaving and the alligators were going to chomp us but we wiped them away. "Oh, I love it," she said.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
Shock and I followed behind my brother, sister, Lisa, and Keith to the outside of the diner. She really is a turd that's for sure. "You'll never get away with this Francine," Lisa shouted. "She already got away with it Lisa," Jess told her. "She did, didn't she," Lisa asked. "Yeah, I can't believe I'm saying this and I say it since day 1, this is war," I told them and they looked at me. "Okay not really war but we have to do something," I admitted. "Lauren's right," Shock added. "But, what do we do to get it back," Keith asked. "The only way to get the power back is if she raises her right hand and swears to return it," Hector explained. "She'll never do that," Jess said. "JESS," I yelled. "What? It's the honest truth," she replied. "I was going to mention the loophole which is she can swear to trade skills," Lisa suggested. "Your serious on the loophole move," I asked. "Yep," she grinned. "But, I don't have a skill to trade," Keith told us. "Want to bet," Lisa smirked. Oh this is getting juicy that is for sure. "Uh yeah. What you got Lis," I asked her. "Well, we can "technically trade our skills to get Keith's back," she told us. "How are we going to pull that off before they notice it and backfires," Hector wondered. That's a when a lightbulb went off in my head. "I got it guys," I told them. "You do sis," Jess wondered. "Yeah. Keith can go up to the Pranksters and "pretend" he wants to join their side with your guy's skills, that way they can make a plan to meet at the same location later on and then Boom! Get the power back," I explained. "Lauren, you're a genius that can actually work," Hector told me.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Thanks. Okay guys Operation get Keith's special skill back is on," Lauren told us. "Yeah," we cheered before Keith and I walked over to the playground and spotted the pranksters and Francine with Keith's special skill. I scoffed at the sight when Keith and I came into view. "Look at that man, she's showing off for the rest of the Pranksters. How nice," I added. "With my special skill if I may add," Keith shot at them without noticing. "Alright Keith, now, look, you've got to make it appear as though you want to be on their side. Not ours," I told him. "I'll make it look that way Hector. You can count on me, "Keith told me. "Good. Oh and Keith one last tip. In the Electric Company we don't lie," I told him. "I'll just choose my words carefully then," Keith told me. "Yeah, and good luck Keith," I told him. "Thanks Hector," he told me before walking over to the Prankster territory.
Francine's P.O.V.:
I was finishing my version of Mount Rushmore with the Pranksters carved into the faces. "It is finished," I told my friends with a dramatic flair. I stepped back into my position to notice my handiwork. "And it is just as I had visualized," I also added. The rest were dumbfounded of what happened so can they blame me? I don't think so. "How did you," they said stunned and surprised. "Easy," I smiled. "I still can't believe you stole his special skill Francine. That was genius. genius," Danny Rebus told me as I bowed dramatically. "Uh Danny, may I remind you there is a huuuuge difference between sneaky and genius. Huge," Manny Spamboni told him. "How so," he asked. "Well, she is hugely sneaky and I'm a huge genius," he said bragging. "You're just jealous because you don't have any powers," Francine shot at him. "I'll take my superior intelligence thank you and it counts," he shot back at her. "Well, well, well gang look who's here," Annie Scrambler said as Keith approached us. "Hello Keith, "I sneered. "Hello Keith," th others chorused. "Hello Pranksters. Thought I find you here," he told us. "If you've come to try to get your skill back no chance. I'm loving it still," I answered. "I figured that as such," I replied.
Hector's P.O.V.:
I decided to creep up a little closer without being noticed by Keith or the Pranksters and ducked behind one of the playground equipment to listen on the conversation. "Don't you think it's perfect," Francine asked Keith. Honestly, Francine should not had this in the first place but that will soon change into something awesome for team Electric Company. "What," Keith slyly asked. "The picture, silly. Don't you think I captured their features perfectly," she answered showing him the picture. I have to admit, it is a nice drawing and she did a nice job, oh who am I thinking? i got to focus on the Electric Company now. "Enlighten me," Keith asked her. "Manny's feature, his strong, yet primitive brow," Francine said with dramatic flair. What does she think she is? A butler? God. "Danny's feature, his piercing yet shifty eyes," she continued. Well, I do have to admit Danny does have those creepy eyes for sure. "Annie's feature, her creative yet unsuccessful fashion sense," she was saying. Oh, burn! In your face Annie! "Oh and there's me," she added. "Which of my features is your favorite," she asked Keith. Honestly, I have to say none of them.
Keith's P.O.V.:
I was thinking in my head of what to tell Francine about her picture though it does look pretty through that's for sure. "To be quite honest, I can't decide which feature I like the most. Over all it is a nice work of art," I shrugged. She looked at me as to say okay true and beamed at the compliment. "Hey Keith, you ever think of joining the Pranksters," Danny asked me. Annie just started to laugh. "Him? Please Danny, he would never join the Pranksters," she smirked. "He's with the Electric Company but doesn't have a power like I do," Francine added. Okay time to put this in action. "Hey, hey, hey, hey. You see that rest room sign over there," I asked them. They do see it for sure. I created a wordball and soon changed the r to a p. "Pest room, huh not bad kid. And for a second, I thought you didn't have it within you," Annie complimented me. I have to admit I like my bad side. "What can I say except I'm full of surprises. That's one of my features," I told them.
Hector's P.O.V.:
I have to admit Keith is doing amazing with this plan. I still can't believe this is happening. "Hey, I was thinking this but, if he was one of us, then he could be a spy," Manny said while thinking of an idea. "He'd had to prove himself first. Manny. There must be a way he can prove he could be one of us," Francine said I think agreeing with Manny. "Actually there is a way," he smirked. "Come again," they asked surprised. "Yep. What if I were to steal all the special skills of the Electric Company," Keith said mysteriously. Okay, I did feel hurt but it's for a good cause. "What are you talking about," she sneered. "You heard me. If I steal all of the special skills of the Electric Company for you guys then I can join the Pranksters," Keith replied. "If you did that, then we could run wild in the neighborhood," Manny said getting the picture. "Dude, we would be kings," Danny said agreeing. "Chaos would rule," Annie added. "All would bow to us," Francine exclaimed. Then, they soon started laughing and I think this is perfect. "Yo, yo, yo. I gotta go do my homework. I'll meet you all back here at 4:00," Keith told them. Perfect. Everyone was soon leaving as Keith came up. "Man, that was awesome. How did you do that," I asked him on the way back to the diner. "I took acting classes back in Chicago. I hope to do acting here in New York," he responded. "Dude, I didn't know that and you're in luck. Lauren is into acting to," I told him. "Yeah. She told me about it on my first day at school," Keith grinned and we soon arrived back at the Electric Diner to find my sister waiting along with the others.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Well," I asked when Hector and Keith came in. "We got a meetup. Were getting my skill back," Keith said happily. "Good thank God," I said relieved. I was so happy the plan worked and I hope it continues that way. "Well, we got some time to kill before 4 so, what do we do," Hector asked. "We wait and sing," I sung the last part. "Lauren," Jess chuckled. "I'm kidding but I'm glad this is working out for us," I smiled. "Sure is Lauren so, hopefully this goes off without a hitch," Keith agreed as we waited for like 3:50 and soon moved out with the plan. We got to the playground almost secret agent style and we could see the pranksters doing wait. Tai chi are you kidding me? "Are they seriously doing Tai chi in the middle of the playground," I whispered to the others. "Yeah, looks like it," they agreed. "Okay when did they learn that," Jess wondered. "Don't know sis but let's do this. Lauren get the camcorder ready," Hector whispered. "On it," I said turning it on as Hector gave the silent directions to everyone as they got into position. Oh, here we go. "Hey, everybody," Keith greeted them.
Francine's P.O.V.:
Oh good Keith's here. I hope he has the skills I wanted. "Well," I asked him. "What," Keith asked me. I looked around to see if anyone was looking but guess not. "Did you get the skills," I muttered. "You tell me Francine," he replied. Then, I saw Jess's skill and heard Hector's voice saying, "I got net," 'That's Jessica's skill," I realized. "That's the way it appears," Keith responded. The others and I were speechless and can't believe this is happening. Soon, Hector's skill came up and Keith zoomed in on the picture. "See, he caught some rim," Keith said slyly. Okay, I am not dreaming at all this is happening. "You've got Hector's skill," I told Keith. "It does appear that way doesn't it," Keith asked me. Okay, I am impresses I think this is going perfect if I say so myself. Keith then threw a wordball and I read the sentence, "Shot clear to others," I asked. "Hold on,"" Keith told me. Then, right before my eyes and other pranksters it changed to, "Hector lost at horse," I read. OMG! This is happening! I can't believe it!
Hector's P.O.V.:
Okay, did Keith really have to brag saying he won horse and I lost. Man do I feel hurt now. Okay I think we are done inducting him into the Electric Company I demand a rematch and I will win. Period. The others and I were hiding and listened to the conversation that followed. "You made a new sentence out of those letters. That's Lisa's skill. You got them all," Francine exclaimed to Keith. I figured she would be speechless. "It does appear that way doesn't it. So, the other part of the deal," Keith asked her. Okay phase one is complete and I think we are right near the moment of trap.
Keith's P.O.V.:
I have to admit this is going great as planned and I think this may work. "Actually Keith," Francine told me. "Yes Francine," I asked. "While you were gone, I thought about the little deal we made and decided to tweak it a bit," she explained. "Okay. What's the deal," I wondered. "Here's my new deal, I am more than willing to trade your special skill back to you, if you trade with me all of the skills of the Electric Company," she told me. "Well if you put it that way, I say deal," I smirked. "Great. Now, raise your right hand and repeat after me, I do solemnly promise to trade special skills," she said then I repeated her words. The blue orb of the power surrounded us and soon the orb with the skill I would have received back at the diner was placed into my body. I felt it go through me like a big rush of water and I couldn't help but smile on the inside as Francine looked at me with glee. "Oh, oh, oh. OOH. Ha, ha. You little fool. That's 3 skills for one. Now I have all of the powers of the Electric Company! We did it guys," she laughed. Did Francine think of that? Now, to reveal the ruse.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
The five of us came out of our hiding spots to hear the Pranksters singing they got the power we had and in our face so to say. "Wait a second. uh guys. The letters aren't moving, the picture's not coming through, no sound. What's going on here? I thought the trade worked. "Francine, I know it appeared as though I had everyone's skills but I didn't and neither do you. It was all a ruse," Keith told them. "And I got it all on camera," I said walking up to Keith with video camera in hand. " So you mean to say, that you earlier," she asked before Keith nodded. "You little trickster," Francine realized. "Wow, you sure blew that one Francine," Annie told her. "You got schooled," Danny Rebus added. "Nice job genius," Manny told her. She looked at us before yelling, "I will get you for this Electric Company! I-," she stuttered before leaving. We waited a few minutes then Hector did his handshake with Keith and we celebrated.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Yeah, yeah," I said to Keith giving him a high five as we celebrated. "Man that was awesome," I told him. "Yes it was," Keith agreed. "That was great dude," I added. "Yo! Check this out and by the way news flash," Keith told him and performed his skill for the first time. "Oh no," Lauren said realizing what was going to happen. He drew a horse while singing, "Hector lost at Horse," "OK, ok Keith. Tell you what? How about after we get you inducted into the Electric Company, we have a rematch and maybe this time I'll try to win deal," I proposed to him. "What are you talking about buddy? I won fair and square. Done deal," Keith told me. "Well, I'm the Supreme Athlete and I still won; but, I'll see on the court though," I told him. "I beg to differ. That's not what the horse says. I guess we forgot him," Keith told me. "Oh really? Really now? We forgot the horse? Let's talk to the horse. Oh horse who's the supreme athlete? Hector's supreme athlete, yeah that's right. I'll race you to the court," I told Keith while we ran to catch up with Lauren, Lisa and Jess.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
While Hector and Keith were arguing I was doing the bla motion to Jess and Lisa while they laughed out loud walking walking away from the argument. Yeah, they love competing that's for sure. Mr. Watson and Shock were already at the Diner waiting for us. "Hey, how did it go," Shock asked. "We got his skill back. He's getting in today guys," I told them happily. "Ah, good for you guys," Mr. Watson told us as he and Hector came from behind us happy and ready to go. "Keith, I'm so proud of you," Mr. Watson smiled. "Thanks dad. I did have some help but honestly, I can't believe this is is happening," he smiled. "Me to buddy. I know mom is proud of you too," he grinned. "Okay, I hate to break up the family moment; but let's get you sworn in properly Keith," Lisa told Keith. "Alright, lets do this," he said facing Hector. "Okay then. Where were we," Hector asked. I nodded to Shock as he began to beatbox.
Hector soon speaks
Keith, do you accept this power and all the responsibility that goes with it?
Keith starts to sing
Yes I do.
Got new friends all around me and my hand in the air.
I got this brand new power that I solemnly do swear.
To use this power only for the good of all the people in the neighborhood.
(Everyone soon joins in to sing)
I know what I've seen, I know what I've heard.
There's a whole lotta power in every little word.
As we use our power we guarantee to honor the name of the Electric Company!
After we sang that song, everyone started to applaud. "Hold on guys. Wait, wait," I smiled. "Wait for what Lauren," Hector asked. "We didn't say the last part yet to make it official," I told everybody. "Oh Lauren's right. Continue Jess, want to do the honors," Hector smiled. "Actually, I'll let Lauren do it," Jess told him. " No. All three of you do it ," I smiled. "Okay then," Hector told me before looking at Keith as Jess and Lisa came over as well. " Keith Jamel Watson, by the power vested in all of us, we hereby proclaim and welcome you officially into the Electric Company. Congratulations Keith," they told him as everyone cheered for him and he soon did a handspring cartwheel to celebrate. "Yeah, go Keith," Jess cheered. "Thanks guys," he smiled. "Now, let's get this party started," Hector smiled as we started to dance to the music that was still playing in celebration. All I can think was all is well in the neighborhood and hopefully the Electric Company continues to thrive. I'm really excited to see how this continues now and forever.
There you have it everybody, Skills is officially done and I apologize for the long update, I have been busy anyway please continue to follow my stories and I am working on my Cinderella one as we speak so please stay tuned for that and look for more chapters to come in Big Time Golden Age. Until then, this is Lucy the Valiant 89. Peace!