Chapter 4
"A three stage challenge series" said Tommy
"I was going to suggest a wrestling match but that idea works" said Dil
"What's is the three challenges?" asked Didi
"Challenge one, you and Mr. Kilwolski will face off in a power walk race" said Dil
"I will wipe the floor with you Lou" said Pip
"I wouldn't get ahead of yourself Pip, I can power walk pretty fast when I have my bowl of oatmeal" said Lou
"We could ask Pangborn if we could use the school as the venue" said Beth
"I would highly doubt your Principle will agree to that" said Jackie
"There would be no harm in asking Mom..." said Alex
"I suppose so..." said Jackie
"Challenge 2, you will both face each other in a game of poker" said Tommy
"Now that's my territory" said Lou
"That's hardly fair, I don't even know how to play poker" said Pip
"Don't worry Grandpa, I will teach you" said Allie
"You know how to play poker?" asked Dave
"Yes" said Allie
"You and I are going to have a talk later on young lady..." said Dave
"Challenge three, the final to determine the winner" said Dil
"Go on Dil, what is the final challenge?" asked Lou
"An ancient game based on skill and wits..." said Dil
"What is it Dil?" asked Edna
"A game of chess!" said Dil
"I like the last challenge" said Beth
"It's good idea that's for sure" said Alex
"We still don't know what happens with the winner and loser" asked Stu
"Hold on Dad, we will get to it" said Tommy
"The winner gets the bragging rights..." said Dil
"The loser gets?..." asked Pip
"The loser has to spend twenty four hours as the winners butler, answering to their beck and call. Hand on foot" said Tommy
"Each challenge is worth one point, who ever gets the best out of three is the winner" said Dil
"You know what, I like the sound that idea" said Lou
They both shake hands, the first civil manner they have displayed since meeting each other again.
"Just because both our Grandpas are fighting, don't mean we have too" said Alex
"I agree, this has nothing to do with us" said Tommy
The following day
It's the beginning of the school day, Phil meets Allie and Dil in the hallway.
"I think it's so cool, both your Grandpas will try to compete against each other" said Phil
"Hey sis" said Allie
Beth passes by trying to avoid Phil,
"Beth wait!" said Phil
"What is it Phil, I need to get to class" said Beth
"I'm sorry for making you feel uncomfortable by staring at you the other day, it wasn't cool" said Phil
"It's okay, I accept your apology" said Beth
"I kinda like you Beth..." said Phil
"I better go, I'll see you around" said Beth
Without even responding to Phil, Beth swiftly goes the opposite direction.
"Phil is sure weird but in a cute way" thought Beth
Tommy meets Alex, Kimi and Chuckie at the lockers.
"What's up with you Chuck?" asked Tommy?
"I can't take this web of lies, we need to come clean" said Chuckie
Chuckie is in a erratic state, struggling to keep himself together.
"Chuckie control yourself, it's only one little white lie" said Kimi
"I need to get to class, I'll see you all later" said Chuckie
"See you around, Chuckie" said Tommy
"Every since I got him out of detention his behaviour has become so erratic" said Alex
"He's barely slept, I think the guilt is become overwhelming for him" said Kimi
"How are you so cool about this?" asked Alex
"Trust me, I'm barely keeping it together with his paranoia" said Kimi
"Anyway Tommy, we should go visit Pangborn before class starts" said Alex
"Bye Kimi" said Tommy
"Bye Tommy, Bye Alex" said Kimi
As they both leave for Pangborn's office, Tommy gives Kimi a wave and she in return waves back.
"I think you like her" said Alex
"No, we are just friends" said Tommy
"I see the way you look at each other" said Alex
"Well what about you and Lil, she kept looking at you the whole time at the Java Lava" said Tommy
"What can I say Tommy, it's the shades… girls dig shades" said Alex
"Do you ever take them off when your indoors?" asked Tommy
"Why should I?…" asked Alex
"Just asking..." asked Tommy
They both arrive at outside Pangborn's office, Tommy knocks on the door.
"Principle Pangborn can we come in?" asked Tommy
"This better be important Pickles, I'm very busy right now" said Pangborn
"Both our Grandpas are competing against each other in a three series challenge" said Alex
"Just cut too the chase" said Pangborn
"Can we use school as the venue for the power walking race?" asked Tommy
"That is one of the most insane ideas I've ever heard in all my years of being a principle" said Pangborn
"We could charge a dollar for each student to watch" said Alex
"Hmm… well the school could use the funds for the soccer team…." said Pangborn
"Will you let us?" asked Tommy
"Sure, I think it's great to showcase the athletic endeavours of senior citizens. It will give the kids something to be inspire from " said Pangborn
"I have made some flyers last night, I'll get Dil and Allie to spread the word across campus" said Alex
Morning recess has taken place, Dil and Allie go across the school handing out flyers to everyone. Angelica, Susie and Harold pass by in their direction.
"Hey Dil, who's this with you?" asked Susie
"Oh Hi Susie, this is my new friend Allie" said Dil
"Great another weird kid..." said Angelica
Allie gives Angelica a flyer.
"Grandpa Lou is taking part in a power walking race here?" asked Angelica
"That's right, he's will be competing against my Grandpa" said Allie
"I don't know about this, someone could get hurt..." said Harold
"Shut it, Harold" said Angelica
"My Grandpa will beat your Grandpa very easily"
"Don't be so sure, he was a trained fitness instructor in the army" said Allie
"Both your Grandpas thought in the same unit in WW2?" asked Susie
"That's right, we all had dinner at Allies last night, they almost started fighting" said Dil
"It's one dollar for the entry fee, if you want to watch?" said Allie
"One dollar!" shouted Angelica
"Yes that's right" said Allie
"I'll pay one dollar to see that" said Susie
She hands a one dollar bill to Allie.
"Same here, this should be interesting" said Harold
Harold also hands over a one dollar bill.
"If you want watch cuz, you gotta pay up" said Dil
"Now why should I?" asked Angelica
Savannah passes by and sees them all talking, Allie gives her a flyer. She reads the information and is immediately drawn by it.
"This power walking race looks really cool, take my money" said Savannah
Before she hands over the money to Allie, Angelica steps in and offers to pay for her.
"Hi Savannah, I agree this race is going to be great. let's me pay for both of us" said Angelica
"Thanks, Angelica. The race is after school?" asked Savannah
"That's right" said Dil
"Okay then" said Savannah
Savannah puts the leaflet in her pocket and leaves without even saying goodbye.
"Goodbye, Savannah. Save me a seat in the canteen" said Angelica
"I can't believe your still trying to impress her" said Susie
"I thought she might need that money plus I like to show kindness" said Angelica
"You and kindness rarely go together" said Susie
"We need to hand out more flyers" said Allie
"Agreed, lets not waste any further time" said Dil.
Meanwhile Lil and Alex are hanging out during recess.
"Would you like to go to the beach with me this Saturday?" asked Lil
"Yes, I would love too" said Alex
"Great, I look forward to it" said Lil
"Let me put your stuff in your locker" said Alex
"Your such a gentleman" said Lil
Phil watches on from behind the corner of a locker nearby.
"Hmm I think Alex is getting a little bit too cosy with my sister" said Phil to himself
"Phil what are you doing?" asked Pangborn
"Nothing!..." said Phil
Phil rushes off before he can get further questioned.
Later on that day
The event takes place in the school gymnasium, it has a massive turn out, all the students and school faculty are in attendance. Pip and Lou are both warming up before the race begins.
"Good luck Grandpa" said Tommy
"Thanks, Scout but I don't need luck" said Lou
"I would take that back because you are going to need it said" Pip
"Quit your bellyaching and let your actions do the talking" said Lou
Pangborn grabs the mic and ushers everyone's attention
"Can I get everyone's attention?" said Pangborn
Everyone suddenly stops talking in order to let Pangborn speak.
"These two active seniors Lou Pickles on the left and on your right is Pip Kilwolski they will go against each in a power walk race from here and around the school and back here in the gym for one lap" said Pangborn
"Boys are you ready?!" said Pangborn
"Ready as I'll ever be conflab it" said Lou
"I was born ready" said Pip
"On your marks, get set… go!" shouted Pangborn
Pip and Lou start the race, over taking each other back and forth. Towards the finish line it's neck and neck. Both feeling the fatigue. Lou is heavily sweating and gasping for air while Pip is trying to fight off the soreness in his legs. The finishing line is within teasing distance, the crowd shouting and cheering them both on.
All of a sudden, Lou has a cramp on his foot and staggers to the floor. Tommy immediately pushes through the crowd to attend to his Grandfather.
"Grandpa, are you alright?" asked Tommy
"Conflab it, I think I got a cramp in my foot!" shouted Lou
Pip sees this as a golden opportunity, with the last ounce of his energy. He crosses over the finishing line.
"Mr. Kilwolski wins the first challenge so therefore he gets one point" said Pangborn
"Way to go Grandpa" said Alex
"Well done" said Beth
"You rock Grandpa" said Allie
While Grandpa Pip is celebrating his victory with them, Tommy consoles Lou.
"Don't worry Grandpa you will win the poker game" said Lou
"Here's an ice pack for your head" said Dil
"Dil he has a foot cramp, not a head injury" said Tommy
"Oh Right..." said Dil
Lou gets himself back up and approaches Pip.
"Tell you what instead waiting till tomorrow how about you come over to mine tonight for the poker game, unless your chicken" said Lou
"I'm not a chicken and your on!" said Pip.
Later that evening at the retirement home
Dave drives with Pip to the retirement home to accompany him for the poker game. They both arrive and meet Lou, Stu and a group of fellow residents watching in attendance. After spending several hours they come towards the end of the game to determine the winner.
"It's a good thing Allie gave me a crash course" said Pip
"I still can't get to the bottom of how she learned to player poker" said Dave
"Lighten up son, he probably picked it off your Mother" said Pip
"You want to fold?" asked Lou
"Nope" said Pip
They both lay their cards on the table.
"A full house" said Lou
"Curses, well I'll give it to you Lou you won fair and square" said Pip
"Winner of challenge two and the point goes to Lou" said Stu
"Looks like your both even now" said Dave
"I called Chas earlier on today, he has agreed to host the chess match at the Java Lava. He sounded very excited" said Stu
"You better get some practice in because I'm going to win" said Lou
"I will be several steps ahead of you" said Pip
"You would think after sixty years they would drop this feud" said Stu
"It's stubborn male pride" said Dave
"It sure is, you want to get some coffee?" said Stu
"Sure, I could do with a cup of Joe" said Dave
Meanwhile at the Finster's residence
The Finster's are having their dinner at the kitchen table, Kira can see Chuckie is sweating and has hardly eaten a single bite of his food.
"Are you not feeling well Chuckie?" asked Kira
"I'm just feeling hot" said Chuckie
Chas checks his temperature with a thermometer.
"Well your temperature seems normal" said Chas
"I got good news Kira, we will be hosting the chess match between Lou and their new friends Grandpa at the Java Lava" said Chas
Chuckie finally cracks as he has reached breaking point.
"I can't take this any more!" said Chuckie
"Chuckie don't do this..." said Kimi
"I'm really sorry but I have too" said Chuckie
"Is there something your not telling us?" said Chas
"We lied, I wasn't top of the class for my book report..." said Chuckie
"What did you do Chuckie? Asked Kira
"I got detention for putting ice cubes with the fake flies in Principle Pangborns glass of lemonade" said Chuckie
"You got detention for pulling a harmless prank?" said Chas
"Technically he didn't serve the full detention, he got out early as favour for Alex as he fixed Principle Pangborn's front tyre of his car" said Kimi
"We are very disappointed in both of you, not for the fact you got detention but for lieing to us" said Chas
"Sorry we didn't mean to lie, it just happened" said Kimi
"No TV, no phone calls and no visitors for the rest of the week" said Kira
"But Mom..." said Kimi
"No buts young lady, now consider yourself lucky your both not getting grounded" said Chas
"I feel like a massive weight has been taken off my shoulders" said Chuckie
"Thanks for sticking us in bro" said Kimi
End of Chapter 4