The Orangachoke
Lauren's P.O.V.:
The weekend went by in a whirlwind for Sean, Keith and I as Narnia died down but I must admit it was fun doing the production and I'm glad everybody got to see it. Even on top of that, Sean and I had to altar serve at the mass the last day of the show. I didn't mind but I was pooped with a capital p. Anyway, Sean and I were walking with Lisa and her best friend Lottie over to her neighborhood on this chilly, somewhat cold fall day to see preparations being made for the solar eclipse this afternoon.
"Burr, I don't know what to tell you Sean it's freaking chilly today," I told Sean huddling to him for warmth. "You got that right Lauren, no wonder everyone in town is bundled up thinking winter is around the coroner," he told me. "It is Sean," Lottie told him. "I know that Lottie, but why are you so excited for today again," he asked. "It's the Skelician solar eclipse festival today that's why," Lottie squealed. "No wonder did I forget," I told them. "Not use to all of this attention Lottie," I asked her. "No not really guys, I mean it's crazy," she told us with a smile.
"I don't blame you Lottie," Lisa told her with a smile. "Yeah, thanks again for helping me with the invites," she told us. "No problem, I loved the way they turned out in the end, you guys are really creative," Lisa told us with a smile. "What can we say," Sean shrugged as we walked through the neighborhood. "Hey there Lottie Falingerwinkershoff, it's your big day! We are proud of you my dear," one of the neighbors told her. "Aww, I appreciate it Mr. Buster Bookinetinkerflam, you know how to make a girl feel loved," she blushed. "Anyone want to remind me why Skelicans have long last names," I asked. "Nope," Sean told me and we just continued to walk.
"Hey Lottie, eclipse in t minus 2 hours and 12 minutes, getting excited," one of the people asked. "Oh you bet, I can't wait," she squealed. "Any idea for a talent," someone asked. "No not really, whatever it is I'll be happy," Lottie answered. "I think Lauren's wisdom rolled off on ya," the woman told us. "I think it did and thanks Mrs. Skunkohferdelopticus," Lottie smiled and we continued to walk. "Okay Lottie, can you clarify with us one more time how this will go down because I'm still stumped," I asked. "Sure, I bet it's still confusing for you guys," she answered. "It is," Sean shrugged. "Okay, if you three recall that when Sklecians are born they are given an orangachoke right," Lottie asked. "Yep, we knew that part," Sean answered. "And we know there is an eclipse this afternoon," she continued.
Sean's P.O.V.:
"Oh I think I get it now, because the moon will cross the sun and cast a shadow right," I clarified. "Right Sean, and if you're like me, I can't honestly wait because that it is when I will get my special talent," Lottie answered. "Oh, now we get it," Lauren realized. "Yeah, when it opens it'll give my talent," she told us. "Who knew," I shrugged. "By the way, congrats to you guys on the show well done," Lottie told us. "Thanks Lottie, I'm telling you guys that was fun," Lauren admitted as we walked. "Yeah, but were proud of you Lottie, I can't wait to see what talent you'll get," Lisa told her.
"True guys, but one of my friends got music talent see," she told us as he played the trombone. "We see," Lauren told her. "Now I wonder what you will get Lottie, do you think singing or dancing or doing gymnastics," I said rattling off a list again. "Sean you're thinking about sports are you," Lisa asked. "A lot," I admitted. "Brother," Lauren muttered as we continued to walk through town. One of the townspeople who knew Lottie came up to her and gave her a big hug. "Lottie, I can by to give you a big good luck hug, and I knew you ever since you were little," she told her. "Thanks Ms. Linclienstufenson, I appreciate it," Lottie told her. "My pleasure Lottie, good to see you Lauren, you two Sean hi Lisa," she acknowledged us. "Hi," we waved with a smile. "I'm so proud of you this is a big day huh," Lisa asked. "It sure is Lisa," Lottie answered. She soon left and Lottie went to her bag to see if the organachoke was still there but she didn't feel it.
Lisa's P.O.V.:
"Uh guys, did you see my orangachoke," she asked us. 'No I didn't see it, did you Lauren," I asked. "Nope, you Sean," Lauren asked. "No it wasn't me, I didn't have it in my hands or take it out of the bag," Sean told us. "Well, we better find it otherwise I won't have my talent," Lottie panicked. "Okay Lottie, don't panic I bet it's hidden in there somewhere," I assured my best friend. "Hey there's something orange in the bag," Lauren pointed out and I picked it up only to see it was a piece of paper with code symbols on them. "What is this," I wondered reading the writing on the paper.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"I don't believe it," I realized looking at the paper after a few seconds. "You don't think," Sean started to wonder. "It could mean," I said out loud. "Danny Rebus," Lisa gritted. Sean and I looked at each other. "He's toast," we both said to each other. "Lisa, I think this is desperate measure," I told her. "Read my mind Lauren, HEY YOU GUYS," she shouted into the sky and began running to the diner with Lottie including Sean and I. I wanted to find out why he did this but were friends and I can't let the gang find out just yet, well who knows what will happen.
(Meanwhile at the diner)
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Burr, I don't know what to say Keith but it is freezing out there," I told Keith sitting down at a chair. "I don't blame you Hector it's cold," he told me. "How cold is the question," I asked. "Cold enough for cows to give you ice cream," Leo said finishing the joke and the three of us just laughed. Okay, it is funny I have to admit but it was lame. Lauren, Sean, Keith, Lisa and Lottie soon came into the diner and Jess came out of the back with a couple of drinks. "Here's the hot chocolate guys," she told us with a smile. "Thanks sis, and thanks for texting us Lauren," I told my sister. "No problem," she answered. "So according to your text message, it sounds like we are looking for orangachoke," I asked. "Correct, its like an artichoke but different in color," Jess told me and I just looked at her. "What? Skelecian history," she told me.
Lauren's P.O.V.
"Um quick question, what's an artichoke," Lottie asked us. "You didn't tell her did you," Sean asked Lisa. "No I didn't sorry," Lisa told us. "Lisa," we groaned. "Sorry, I forgot again," she told us. "Don't worry we got this, yo Shock, Leo," I called to them. "Yo Lauren," Leo answered. "Do we have any artichokes in the diner we can use," I asked. "As a matter of fact, we do," he said pulling one out and throwing it to me. "Thanks Leo," I said catching it. "Okay Lottie, so right here is the artichoke and as you can see it's green," Sean told her. "Does it give you talents like mine," she asked. "No it doesn't sorry," I replied. "What we do is cook it up and eat the leaves which leads us to the heart of the artichoke, which not to brag is very good," Sean explained thinking of food. "Oh get food off the brain," I told him. "Sorry I didn't have much of breakfast this morning," he told the others. I honestly don't blame Sean because I know all too well when he doesn't have breakfast. "Well it's like an orangachoke," Lottie told us. "True and a scientist once told me No two things look alike," I said remembering a quote from science. "She's right you know," Keith agreed. "Yeah the plus is, it has no talent," Hector admitted.
"Hector David Ruiz, are you insane," I scolded him using his middle name. "Lauren, I told you not to use my middle name," Hector told me with a whine. "Sorry I had to do it, and besides it does have talent," I defended. "Yeah, little artichoke does have talent for sure," Lisa said agreeing with me. "Honestly that sounds kooky," Hector said to Lisa. "Well didn't we just discuss that artichokes have hearts," I asked Hector. "And do I not want to tell Lisa you have a crush on her," I whispered into his ear as well.
"No, not yet Lauren; but I will tell her," he told me. "Good, now let's get back to the problem at hand guys. So if I remember correctly, during the eclipse the choke will open and give Lottie her talent," Jess asked. "Exactly," I told her. "Okay, I'll draw an eclipse in the meantime," Keith said pulling out his special skill. "Okay, we got the moon and the sun including Earth. So the moon will cross over the sun casting a shadow on the Earth and it will get dark," Keith explained.
"Okay and if she doesn't have the choke, she won't get her talent," Hector asked. "Yes," I answered. "So we need to figure out where to find Danny with the clue he left us," Sean explained as Lisa pulled it out. "Good point Sean, okay let's decode this," I told them as we looked. "So I see a pan then it looks like a ram, wait it's panoramic view," I read decoding the clues. "Okay, so the next part is top of the cast+le," Lisa read. "Wait, the castle," Keith realized. "The panoramic view at the top of the castle," Hector realized. "Yeah which castle is this referring too," Lottie asked.
"The lambert castle in Central Park, they use it for medieval festivals every summer," I told them. "That's where we should go," Lisa told us and soon we all took off running. I put the artichoke back with Leo cause I had it in my hand throughout the time. "Thanks again," I told him running out of the diner and Sean followed behind. "Excited Lauren," he asked. "You bet, we can do this if we try hard," I told him as we ran. I liked having the wind in my face as we ran through the neighborhood over to the park. I'm still confused about my destiny and such but on top of that my secret with Sean of us being friends with Danny. I was still worried but I shook it off my mind as we ran over to the park.
"Hey Lauren before I forget how much long till the eclipse," Jess asked running. "30 minutes in counting," Sean called back as we arrived at the castle. "Well, we found it that's for sure. Lottie welcome to Lambert Castle," I admitted. "Wow you guys this is huge," she breathed as we got to it. "Yep, come on guys," Hector called and we ran inside to see the castle view climbing stairs after flight which we found huge. Then we reached the top with that amazing view. Sean just whistled and I breathed taking in the view. "You guys, this view is amazing," Keith breathed as we looked out and about. "Yep, that's amazing about this for sure," Jess told us as we started to look for more clues. "I thought you guys were kidding," Lottie said surprised. "Nope, we weren't," I shrugged. "Lauren and I like to come here often when the medieval festival is in town for the weekend. There really fun," Hector told Lottie. "What's a medieval festival," she asked. "Well," I sort of started to say but not sure how to tell her.
Sean's P.O.V.:
"It's a festival the town does every year transporting people back in time to the Renaissance with period costumes, games, food even entertainment," I explained for Lauren and Hector. "Thanks dude," Lauren told me with a smile. "Don't mention it," I told her. She smiled and so did Hector as we looked trying to find clues. "Any luck on your side Jess," I called out to her. "No Sean, any luck," she asked. "Nope," I replied looking out and couldn't find anything. Where the heck is a puzzle when you need it?
Jess's P.O.V.:
We looked out the sides of the turrets looking for anymore rebus puzzels and we couldn't find one anywhere. "Guys, I found one," Lisa shouted and we walked over to where she was looking and sure enough it was there. "Way to go Lisa," I said hugging my friend. "Any idea what it says," Lauren asks coming over. "I'm not sure Lauren. All I see is a picture of a monster with a minus b," Lisa said looking out. "Hmm, seems to me it's not monster," Keith realized looking down at the code. "You're right so it has to be one or the other," I thought. "What do you mean sis," Hector asked. "Well, it could be either beast or ram," I explained. "Jess you got it, it's beast," Lauren told me.
"It is," Hector asked. "Yeah think Beauty and the Beast," I realized now connecting with Lauren's clue. "Your right sis, it is beast. So if we take away the b from it," I started to realize. "It becomes east," Lisa told us. "Okay, now that we got it figured out the next question is where's east," Lottie asked us. "I think it's the right," Hector said pointing over to the right and we went over there trying to find something but no avail as always.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
Sean and I looked around the turrets to find anything but we couldn't due to the trees. "I'm not seeing anything Lauren, you and Sean notice anythings," Hector asked. "No, I think the only way we can see on the ground is if we have a telescope," I told my brother. A mumble was heard and we turned around to find Paul, the Gorilla with a telescope. "Hey Paul," Sean greeted. Paul looked up and saw Sean then ran to give him the biggest hug ever. "It's good to see you pal, I hadn't seen you since I left for vacation," Sean told him. Paul mumbled yes and agreed with him. "Hey Paul, can we borrow your telescope for a second," I asked him. He mumbled yes and gave it to us. "Thanks man," I told him. He nodded and soon left as we looked through the lens. I aimed it down to the ground and saw Shock.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Guys, I've found Shock," Lauren called out and we looked. "Where do you see him Lauren cause I don't," I told my sister. "Look," she said handing me the telescope. I looked and saw him giving us a signal to look in his direction. "He's pointing at one of the bushes where the puzzle is re plus bush," I said looking at the clue. "I thought it was retree," Keith smirked. "I thought that made sense," I chuckled and so did Keith. I soon got the stare from Lauren, Sean, Jess, Lisa, and Lottie. "What," I asked holding my hands up and so did Keith. They rolled their eyes. "Everybody's a critic," I muttered. "You got that right," Keith told me. "Okay, so back to the problem, I think it's rebush and the person were looking for is Danny Rebush," Lottie told us.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Lottie, don't you mean Danny Rebus," I asked. "No I meant Danny Rebush," she told us. "Okay, that did it," Sean reacted. "It did," I agreed. "Why is it bad," Lottie asked. "Yeah apparently, Danny doesn't like it when people misspell his last name. Did you write it correct on the invites," Lisa asked. "No I thought I did," Lottie said looking back on the invites. "Well, that answers that question," Hector admitted. "Yeah, I guess that's why he took Lottie's oragnachoke in the first place," I told them. "Why Lauren," Jess asked. "Well, he's probably mad that Lottie misspelled his last name and had to take it," I explained. "Lauren does bring up a good point," Keith said to us. "She does," the others agreed. "Besides, he can be very touchy. I remember in kindergarten, I gave him a cookie and he said thank you yet I forgot to say you're welcome and it wasn't pretty afterwards," Lisa recalled.
"How come," I asked. Lisa whispered in my ear that he didn't talk to her for a year. "Man, that hurts," I told her. "It did," Lisa told us. "I really messed up guys, I didn't mean to hurt his feelings," Lottie told us. "Well, we know you meant no harm Lottie; but I think saying your sorry to him is a good place to start off again," I told her. "Will he forgive me," she asked. "I think he will. Besides, you can't be dubious at one thing," Sean told her. "Dubious," Hector asked. "It means mad or peculiar," I told Hector. "Oh," he realized.
Keith's P.O.V:
"Yeah, so Jess and I will head over to Lottie's neighbors' and let them know she's on her way," I told the others. "Perfect, Sean, Lauren, Lisa and I will go find Danny and see if we can work this out. Good luck," Hector told us. We got out and hurried our separate ways before Hector gave the telescope to Paul. Jess and I ran faster than anyone as we made it to Lottie's neighborhood. "Hey Jess, Keith," one of her neighbors greeted us. "Hey," I said panting. "Where's Lottie the eclipse is starting in a few minutes,
Buster asked. "Let's just say it's a long story," Jess told him. "Okay, hope she comes soon," he told us and we waited for a bit sitting down. "Think she'll make it," I asked Jess. "Well, knowing her, she better and I don't want her to be left out with a talent," Jess told me. "Like you," I asked. "In a way," she shrugged. "I can imagine," I replied. We soon talked hoping for a good outcome on this.
(Meanwhile)
Lauren's P.O.V.:
Sean, Hector, Lisa, Lottie and I ran through the park trying to find Danny and we couldn't find him anywhere. "Danny," I called out hoping to get a response from him but I didn't hear anything. Yet, I saw him sitting down a bench with a paddle ball game. "Hector, I found him," I called out. "Great work Lauren," he told me and we went over to him. "Danny," I called out and he looked to see me and Sean. "Hello Lauren, Sean, others. I bet you're here for the orangachoke," he told us. "Yeah, give it back please, Lottie needs it for the eclipse in a little bit," Hector pleaded.
"I can't unless she gives it to Danny Rebush," he shot back. "Hey, may I remind you, you're the one who took it in the first place," Lisa told him hoping to get some sense in him. "Never, I'm still dubious about it you know," he told us. "Hang on guys, we got this," I told my brother and his friends. "Danny, look Lottie is very sorry about this. It was an honest mistake and everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Remember a few weeks ago in the production, you nearly forgot your line," Sean asked.
"Yeah, I do remember that and I almost felt embarrassed about it," he recalled laughing at the memory. "That's how Lottie feels. She's guilty for what she did yet are you willing to forgive just like Jesus forgave others," I asked Danny. "I think she doesn't mean it," he replied. "Why," Hector asked "Yeah and you are doubting that she's sorry," Lisa questioned. "Well, she inivited everyone in the whole school and misspelled my name which I wasn't happy at all," he explained. "Danny, I'm really sorry about this, it was an honest mistake please I ask you to accept my apology and forgive me," Lottie said sitting down next to him. He looked at us. "Do what you think is best," I told him. "Okay, Lottie, I know you mean your apology and I forgive you," he told her. We smiled and soon highfived. "Uh guys, I hate to break the touchy moment; but we got to get going if we want to make the eclipse in time," Sean told us looking at his watch. "He's right," Hector said looking over. "I got the choke in my backpack," Danny told us. "Perfect, let's go," Lottie told him and the four of us took off running while Lisa and Hector in the dust.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Hey Lisa, do you think Lauren and Sean could be friends with Danny or even Lottie sharing his talent with him, will make him a nice guy," I asked. "Hmm, I'm a little dubious about that Hector, but who knows," she answered. "Who knows," I shrugged and soon joined her in running to Lottie's neighborhood just in time. Lauren, Sean, Lottie and Danny were already getting set with their eclipse glasses on and holding the choke out for all to see. Jess and Keith noticed us. "Hey right on time bro, you made it," Jess greeted. "Sure did," I smiled getting my pair and so did Lisa. Here goes nothing.
Third's Person's P.O.V.:
"May we have everyone's attention please, the solar eclipse is about to commence momentarily. As a safety precaution please put on your solar eclipse glasses and don't take them off because looking into the sun can harm your eyes especially during the eclipse and best of luck Lottie," someone announced. She smiled and Danny looked for a second away from the sun but no one knew because they were focused on the sun at the moment. Everyone saw what was happening before them.
Keith's P.O.V.:
"It's getting darker you guys," I told my friends whispering a little bit and I was right. "And starting to get a little cold," Lauren pointed out though she and Sean were shivering just a little. "Wow," Lisa breathed as we watched. I couldn't believe I was noticing my first one in Brooklyn which I have to admit is pretty cool and I love it so far. "This is it guys, the moon's crossing over the sun," Hector gasped and I couldn't agree more looking at what was happening.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
The sky was almost dark and Keith just stood there speechless as Sean and I looked. I smiled and soon the sun started to poke through again. "Sound the alarm, it's happening guys, moment of truth," I whispered "It is Lauren," Hector told me. Soon we all looked at Lottie's oragnachoke opening up and glowing like a star. The magic glowed around her and she gasped with joy. "My special talent is dancing," she squealed and everyone applauded and soon music flowed around us as the eclipse ended. "Sean, you know what time it is," I asked my friend taking the glasses off. "Dancing time," he said to me. I knew it was time to dance.
Lottie singing
Open up that choke, time to let talent shine. Yep I have talent, now I got mine.
I have felt through me in the midst of the eclipse, it started in my feet, now it's moving through me.
I can dance the orangachoke, come on and join in the fun, right now, do the oragnachoke dance with me.
Come on now. Move it to the right( Come on Danny you can do it)
Shake it to left( You got Danny jiggle your body)
Now you will be the moon, I am now the sun and we can eclipse around go Danny!
Danny: Hey, I have to admit this is fun!
(Everyone dancing and joining Danny in the fun)
Everybody singing: Were going to do the oragnachoke! Do the oragnachoke, Do the dance come on join in everybody! DO the oragnachoke oh yeah!
End song
Lauren's P.O.V.:
Everyone cheered as Lottie celeberated her special talent, and I couldn't blame her. "Well, this was fun, I got to go," Danny told us and soon left. "Man that was fun," I said panting after dancing up a storm. "You got that right Lauren," Sean agreed panting. "Congrats Lottie," Lisa said hugging her best friend. "Oh thanks Lisa, and you too guys, I could have not done it without you," she told us. Her neighbors' agreed and applauded as we smiled. "Aw, thanks guys, it's what we do," I told them. "Hey, who wants to go to the diner for some artichokes," Keith asked. "Oh I do," Sean called out and took off running. "Hey wait for me cheater," I called out following Sean. "I'm not cheating you are," he shot back. "Brother," I muttered and soon ran after him.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Come on Lottie join in, thanks guys," I called out and soon followed my sister and her best friend. We ran over to the diner and I have to admit Lauren and Sean are fast. "Their fast," I admitted as we walked into the diner. "Hey, I heard the news, way to go Lottie," Shock cheered. "Thanks Shock, now where's that artichoke," Lottie asked. "Got it here," Keith called with one already cooked and made to perfection. "You know I want to eat right now," I told them. "You mean, I want to, want to, eat," Keith sang out loud causing me to laugh along with the others as we just sat around eating. The door opened and Danny Rebus soon popped his head in. "Hey, are you guys eating without me," he asked.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Yeah we are, wanting to join in," I asked. "No invite, I'm dubious about that," he told us not happy. "Come on Danny, no invite necessary," Sean told him. "No thanks," he told us. "Your loss," Lottie told him. "Okay, yet know this Electric Company, I will be back mark my words," he told us. "Oh we will, by the way your touchy," Hector pointed out. "Well, what can I say," he told us and soon slammed the door causing the open and close sign to fall down. "Sorry," Danny said poking his head out and closing the door again. "You know, I learned a lesson today," Lottie told us. "What's that," Sean asked. "People are just too touchy," she told us. "Well, I know Keith will be putting the sign back on," Leo told us. "Really dad," Keith asked. "Tough luck," Hector teased. "Yeah, hey how did that song go again," Sean asked. "Want to, want to eat," Keith sang outloud and we just laughed enjoying that artichoke. In the end, the mission was a success.
There you have it everyone! Here is another chapter, I tried an original idea but it didn't work out as I hoped so stay tuned for more of Lauren's story because this is going to be awesome. Yes, Hector thinks Lauren and Sean are friends with Danny but wait until the compromise episode when it will be revealed. Stay tuned for the next chapter and to everyone I wish you a happy new year!
Of Dancing and Gravity: Shock and Lisa enter a dance competition that a local radio station is sponsoring. Lauren and Sean are participating as well. When Francine and Carl, arrive to join in and spray Shock with a gravity spray can they win the competition or will lose to Francine. Find out!