Chapter 3: Refusal

When Mikey got home he tried to avoid seeing his parents. Mikey was as tall as his mum now, he measured 5"10, much taller than his dad.

As he walked to his room, he suddenly reflected on the time when he used to be fat. In the 7th grade Spinelli did all she could to get him into shape. She had a little help from T.J, but Spinelli had done well. Although Mikey was still fatter than the average 9th grader, he was a lot thinner than before. He loved Spinelli for that.

"Mikey dear, dinner is ready,' called Mikey's mum.

Mikey remembered how hungry he was, in worrying he had eaten a very light lunch.

"Coming Mum," he replied.

He walked slowly down the stairs. The only thing visible to his parents he had to worry about was his badly bruised nose. His back was bruised badly, but they couldn't see that.

"Mikey sweetheart, what happened to your nose," mum asked.

"Nothing Mum, just fell off my bike," Mikey answered gloomily.

"Well you should be a lot more careful next time. It could've been more serious."

"O.K mum."

"You sound very miserable today son, what's up? Oh yeah and did you put that money in the bank like we asked you to?" his dad asked.

"Yes," Mikey replied.

"Good, good."

That was the last thing Mikey wanted. He'd already lied twice to his parents and now the shock of having worried about the money all day and actually losing it made him lose his appetite.

"I had a big lunch, may I be excused?" He asked.

Normally, Mikey's mum would be concerned about her son, but she knew he was growing up and now that he was a teenager going through puberty he would need time on his own.

"Yes you may," sighed mum.

Mikey felt sick, there was too much to think about. It was all coming to him now, because to him there would be a big fight, he never lies and today lied twice to his parents even. Thanks to him there was going to be a big fight that he wasn't even going to be in, and there was a chance he wouldn't get his money back.

It was two o'clock the next day, Saturday. Mikey and the gang had arranged to meet at Kelso's today. He got on his bike and cycled there. He was the first to get there but five minutes later the rest of the gang arrived except for T.J.

When T.J did arrive he was wearing his red cap. He rarely wore it and obviously something was unusual.

"Hi all, I've got good news everybody,' he said, smiling.

"What did you find $500 on the floor?"

Everyone turned around to see where the voice came from. They were facing Mundy and his seven other gang members.

"Give Mikey his money back Mundy, now!" Growled T.J.

"Um, no!" Said Mundy

"We'd rather keep it," said Skeens.

Mundy and his gang howled with laughter. T.J's face grew redder and redder with anger.

"O.K then. We'll just go to the police," snapped T.J.

"Oh, I don't think so Detweiler," said L.K. "You see, they won't believe because my dad knows we were 'studying' at the time Mikey was robbed.

He said studying while he clenched his index and middle finger twice. Their gang once again burst out laughing.

"Just watch your step Mundy!" Growled T.J.

He was well aware they were outnumbered but was burning in his anger. He just wanted to strike out at him, but he stayed calm.

"Maybe you should watch yours," said Mundy.

T.J and the gang were glad to see them leave. Spinelli seemed just as furious as T.J.

"You know, I think I'm going to be in this fight, " she said.

"Got that right," said Vince.

The gang walked inside. Gretchen bought them all milkshakes and they sat down while drinking them.

"After what just happened, I'd say there is proof enough my plan is the only way," stated T.J.

"No there are many other solutions, most involve telling an adult,' told Gretchen.

"Nah, lets just beat the snot out of them," said Spinelli.

"Sorry Spinelli, you won't be in this fight, you're a girl," said Gus.

"What did you call me," roared Spinelli as she clenched Gus' shirt.

"Sorry, I forgot," cried Gus.

"Calm down Spin. You can be in this fight, but you can't do that every time someone calls you that," T.J said pleadingly.

"Well I don't expect that from any of you five, got that?" Snapped Spinelli.

"So Teej, what was the good news you were talking about?" Asked Vince.

"Oh yeah. I got the big four to help us," replied T.J.

"Really. Wow," said Gus.

"But what about the time and destination, it's this evening isn't it?' Questioned Gretchen.

"Yeah, yeah I'll get Randal, but the plan is still on, besides, all I have to do is go to Randal's house when we've finished here."

"So it's settled then. I'll be prepared for it," said Vince.

"Great, I'll give you a call when I've got the arrangements."

"I still think its wrong," said Mikey.

"Once again I agree," Gretchen cut in.

"Sorry pals, there is no other way."

When they finished their milkshakes T.J set off for Randal's house. He thought he'd drop by Butch's house on the way back, just to clarify the details.