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Chapter Twenty Six: Another Ashley Confrontation...
Location: In Ms. Finster's classroom after lunch, the same day (Thursday)
Ms. Grotke was in the middle of lecturing about U.S. History when Spinelli raised her hand. Ms. Grotke was presenting, "…and that's why the United States became so nervous about the Cold War." She noticed Spinelli's hand raised, looked up from her notebook and asked, "Yes Spinelli?"
Spinelli quietly spoke, "Sorry Ms. Grotke for interrupting, but a....I gotta go to the bathroom."
Ms. Grotke warmly replied, "Sure Spinelli, just take this bathroom pass." She pointed toward her desk indicating where the girls' bathroom pass was.
In a few seconds, Spinelli took the pass and quickly ran out of the door. Ashley X did not pay attention to it much, but after a minute she realized being in the bathroom with Spinelli was the perfect time to speak with her privately. Ashley X raised her hand.
Ms. Grotke looked up from her notebook again and curiously asked, "Yes Ashley X?"
Ashley X put on a face of desperation and urgency. She hurriedly said, "I have to go to the bathroom. It's an emergency!"
Ms. Grotke was startled by Ashley X's situation, "But we only allow one student at a time to use the restroom."
Ashley X pleaded with Ms. Grotke, "Please Ms. Grotke....It's really bad!"
Ms. Grotke glanced over at the time and at Ashley X. She was worried about the pass dilemma and apprehensively replied, "Okay Ashley X! But hurry otherwise you'll get in trouble without a pass!"
Ashley X ran out of the door. Vince, Mikey, Gus, and Gretchen looked at each other in confusion. T.J. on the other hand, began to wonder what Ashley X was up to.
Ashley X ran to the girls' bathroom door and slowly walked in. Ashley X lied about having to go to the bathroom and she knew this was the time to speak with Spinelli, one-on-one. Ashley X slowly opened the door so that she would not be noticed. She observed that Spinelli was the only other girl in the bathroom besides herself. She silently waited for Spinelli. Spinelli opened the stall door and walked over to the sinks to wash her hands. Spinelli finally noticed Ashley X when she was trying to find paper towels to dry her hands.
Spinelli leaned back in surprise, "Whoa! What are you doing here Ashley X? How did Ms. Grotke let you go?"
Ashley X smugly responded, "I just told her it was an emergency."
Spinelli smirked, "Yeah, that one always works....But a what are you doing here?" Spinelli knew something was up because Ashley X wasn't going to the stalls or cleaning herself up…Ashley X was just looking at her.
Ashley X was ready to lay it on the line. In an uptight attitude she stated, "Look Spinelli, I don't know what T.J. has told you about us but right now we are working things out. I would appreciate it if you could give us some space."
Spinelli cocked an eyebrow at her in confusion, "What are you talkin' about? T.J. told me you two were never together." Spinelli knew that T.J. wouldn't lie about anything like that. The way how T.J. sincerely talked with her on Halloween night that Ashley X and him were never together, was more than enough proof for Spinelli.
Ashley X harshly answered, "Please Spinelli! I've noticed how you two have been much closer these past few days. What are you trying to do? Take T.J. away from me?" Ashley X saw in the past couple of days how T.J.'s and Spinelli's friendship were closer than ever after Tuesday. Her guilt traps on T.J. and Spinelli seemed to have failed and the last question she asked Spinelli resonated throughout Ashley X's mind as she reflected on that question.
Spinelli was now irritated and quickly moved to the side to walk away from Ashley X, "Ashley I don't know what you're talking about! T.J. just told me that things never happened between you two and knowing how honest T.J. is, I'm not changin' my mind!" Spinelli then thought about what happened on Tuesday and faced Ashley X. "Hey! What were you and Tyler doing on Tuesday anyways? If you really cared about him, as your mouth says, you would've helped him back at the playground!"
Ashley X knew another way to back this tough girl down. She knew that Spinelli may have been physically tough, but when it came to emotions Spinelli was just another sap.
Spinelli was now upset and demanding answers, "Besides, what is going on between you and Tyler?!? Well, c'mon open that mouth up!"
Ashley X gave an evil stare to Spinelli and quietly said, "Okay....Spinelli.....you really want to know? Let me tell you this! Tyler is my big brother..."
Spinelli could not believe it. The friend (Tyler) she admired, looked up to, and spent so much time with during recess had turned out to be a deceitful worm; far lower than Randall could ever be. In a rush of emotions, Spinelli felt her skin crawl in self-loathing for even associating herself with Tyler. In a quick thought, she thought about what happened on Tuesday. She was mortified and ashamed for being so supportive and open to Tyler while he was beating up her most supportive and closest friend,....T.J.
Ashley X continued, "...If you continue to get closer with T.J. I'll make sure Tyler beats him up again! Stay out of my way Spinelli!"
Spinelli was hit with another blow, seeing Ashley X's other darker side. Spinelli could not understand why Ashley X was like that but she wanted to fight Ashley X right then and there for threatening to harm T.J. Spinelli just could not allow that to happen. T.J. was one of the kindest and sweetest guys she ever met at school; how he would sacrifice himself for his friends, offer his lunch money to others who forgot theirs, include everyone in a game, and always cheer people up. She knew that T.J. was a friend that never backed down and so she knew she could not back down on T.J. Spinelli was beginning to see the pieces of the puzzle fit together, just as T.J. explained in the past to the gang, about Ashley X's sinister plans. Despite Spinelli's mind filled with anger and frustration of not being able to beat Ashley X up, Spinelli just stood there with her teeth grinding.
Ashley X slowly walked out and finished the discussion, "I always knew you were a sucker for emotions Spinelli!" Ashley X continued to snicker off down the hallway.
Chapter Twenty Seven: Moments Before The Unpredictable…
Location: Just Before The 2nd Recess of the Day (Thursday), the gang is walking down the hallway to the playground
T.J. slowly and carefully walked toward the doors that would lead him to the battle of a playground rebellion. He tried to focus his mind on the plan, he knew that he had one shot to do this....and to do it right. Spinelli crossed her arms together having to meet up with Ashley X again and tried to distance herself from T.J. somewhat because of Ashley X's threat. Gretchen and Vince pondered over what T.J. was up to while Mikey did not have a clue of what was to come. (Gus was already outside.) The Ashleys suddenly joined T.J. and his gang as they were walking.
Spinelli rolled her eyes having to deal with their annoyance, "What do you Ashleys want?"
Ashley B snapped back, "Like we need to talk with Detweiler! Don't worry we won't waste our breath on your hideous self!"
Spinelli was about to yell at Ashley B when T.J. told Spinelli, "Spinelli, don't worry I'll deal with them." The rest of the gang continued to walk off while T.J. and the Ashleys stayed behind.
T.J. whispered to the Ashleys, "So what's the deal with the plan?" Vince overheard T.J.'s question from a distance and he was reminded of Ashley X's discussion with him last night. He stayed afar somewhat to listen in so that he would not be noticed by them while the crowds of students were silently walking outside.
Ashley A bubbly and excitedly said, "We got like great news T.J.! We were all able to convince the students to go out to the blacktop for the rebellion."
Ashley Q finished Ashley A hesitantly, "...But the kids of the playground are not like totally convinced that Ashley X is completely horrible. They needed something more than what our gossip could carry..."
Vince throughout the day was trying not to believe that T.J. was as mean as Ashley X described. He couldn't believe that T.J. was dealing with the Ashleys…again and that this time it was to destroy Ashley X.
T.J. was feeling even more at edge now. T.J. knew that not only would this be the only time for SAL 4000 being offline, but that it could also be the only time to have a majority of students to support his cause. This was a one time opportunity where Ashley X would be powerless to stop him and the kids of playground.
Ashley A in a soft, worried voice asked T.J., "Like what are we gonna do T.J.? Most of the kids are uncertain if they will, like, rise up at all! "
The Ashleys and T.J. heard Randall running down the hallway toward them. The five of them looked at Randall curiously while he was out of breath. Randall met up with them and was panting, "Guys…I gotta tell you something…especially to you Detweiler."
T.J. believed he already knew what Randall was going to say. T.J. tried to calm Randall, "It's okay Randall….thanks for your help bringing the students outside."
Randall looked around himself nervously, he warned, "It's not that Detweiler….It's about Ashley X and Gus Griswald!"
The Ashleys gasped and T.J. replied in shock, "WHAT?!?"
Randall finally caught his breath and quietly said, "I caught Ashley X and Griswald talking to each other in hallways just before the first recess ended and while your class was going to the art room. I couldn't hear exactly what it was, but it was something important!"
T.J. couldn't believe that he had another problem on top of his already mountainous pile. T.J. sighed and with worry over everything that was happening; he commented to Randall, "I guess your snooping isn't too bad after all." Meanwhile, Vince, upon hearing this, felt deeply distraught being like Randall and listening in but seeing Ashley X's heartache appearance just couldn't escape his mind.
Ashley T asked the five, "So a….what do we like do now?"
T.J. looked at the Ashleys and Randall. The five of them eagerly looked into T.J. eyes for guidance, assurance, hope,…anything that could comfort them from the thought of doubt and uncertainty over their plan not working since the students were not completely convinced and that Ashley X had another surprise. T.J. glanced over to the doors to the playground (in an almost empty hallway) and with a determined strength from inside, he stated, "I'm not sure....but I know that it is time! One way or another Ashley X is going down today! We don't have a choice!"
The Ashleys and Randall looked at each other and sighed. The five of them each thought if they could have done something more to help out with the plan, but they knew it was too late now. The five of them slowly headed toward the doors outside and they slightly trembled in fear knowing how powerful and cruel Ashley X was.
Ashley A overwhelmed by it all said to T.J., "Like….wow! Um….good luck T.J.."
Randall feeling down, as if he was attending his own execution, mindlessly added, "Yeah good luck T.J."
The five of them didn't know what to say because Ashley X seemed so invincible to them and they couldn't believe that T.J. was this lone crusader fighting against her over incredible odds. They soon would join the unpredictable crowd of students that would determine an uncertain future for the playground.
After the Ashleys and Randall left, T.J. sighed and looked down on the hallway floor. He had no idea what to do. Outside was the forbidding, overbearing, and volatile situation he never dealt with before. He slowly was making his way outside when…he saw Vince in front of him.
Vince crossed his arms and was tapping his left foot. Vince finally believed what Ashley X had said about T.J. Vince was half-disappointed and half-disgusted with T.J. over what he just heard. Vince shook his head from side to side and sighed, "That's really low Teej. Real low."
T.J. tried to understand what Vince was saying since his mind was still thinking about the situation outside. T.J. squinted his eyes and in confusion questioned, "What do mean Vince?"
Vince looked up and back at T.J. He began, "Teej, I mean this whole thing about Ashley X being mean and everything….it's has got way too far." He tried to knock some sense into T.J., "I mean just look at you! You were plotting with THE ASHLEYS and RANDALL to bring Ashley X down!"
T.J. tried to stop Vince from continuing, "But…but…Vince!"
Vince defiantly continued because seeing how T.J. was working the Ashleys again and even now with Randall to bring down Ashley X was the final straw and he believed that T.J. had to be stopped. Vince went on, "I mean here Ashley X has done so much for the kids of the playground and for US too!.....AND YOU STILL ARE TRYING TO HURT HER?!? WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU TEEJ?!?"
T.J. pleaded to Vince, "I swear! I'm not making it up about everything that Ashley X has done! You gotta believe me Vince!"
Vince shook his head again and softly confessed, "I wish I could T.J…..but from where I'm standing and everything I have seen… You don't know how much you really hurt Ashley X do you? DO YOU? I mean she was crying over what you were saying about her"
T.J. froze up and he was seeing how Ashley X was deceiving and manipulating Vince. He blinked to snap himself back to the discussion and stretched his arms out to Vince, "VINCE! I'M NOT LYING! REALLY!"
Vince was fed up hearing T.J.'s excuses and then he interrogated him, "What can you prove to me…RIGHT NOW…that what you have been saying all this time about her is true?"
T.J. tried to think of something that would prove to Vince about Ashley X's plans. T.J. thought about his bracelet…but he was not wearing it, he thought about the picture at the Olive Garden….but that wouldn't help out in proving his point, he thought about the oil wells…..but that would seem like a coincidence compared to what Vince had seen so far…he couldn't find anything and he began to see how Ashley X had built up her case against him. T.J. was speechless, and couldn't say a word. "A…"
Vince dismissed him, "Yeah…..uh huh, really. Teej this is really it…..I can't just stand back and watch Ashley X get hurt like that. If you really do something against her….I have to stop you Teej! I mean Ashley X has gone through too much…just too much…" Vince quickly turned around and walked fast toward the playground doors before T.J. could say anything.
T.J. sighed in dejection and he could hear the thunderous slam of the metal playground door as Vince shut it behind him. It was another burden on his already weak, crippled heart from everything that has happened. He thought back to when he first met Ashley X and how all this drama afterward, was overwhelming him. He sighed heavily again and noticed the playground doors again. It was waiting for him…..the formidable and daunting task he had planned for. He nervously took one step at a time toward those monstrous doors.
Chapter Twenty Eight: The Rebellion, Part 1
Location: At the blacktop outside during second recess on that same day (Thursday)
Ashley X, over the past few days, heard about more support for King Freddie. Furthermore, thanks to the Ashleys, the support for playground government change increased and Ashley X was faced with all different rumors. Ashley X knew that the students were losing their favor and respect for her and now decided that the only way to silence the voices of dissent and criticism was to rule with an iron fist. The kids of the playground gathered around the blacktop (since the lawn was completely covered with oil wells.) Ashley X stood on top of a bench to get the students' attention.
Ashley X yelled out to the masses, "Attention everyone! I have heard many criticisms and rumors about me. Even though I have tried to offer you, students of the playground, many luxuries such as new activity rooms and even an entertainment room…You all are still ungrateful to me!" T.J. finally walked out onto the blacktop. He could see the Ashleys and Randall at a distance; trying not to be noticed as the culprits for spreading the word against Ashley X.
Irwin Lawson yelled back from the mass of students to Ashley X in his usual snotty attitude, "Offer us what? You did not do anything! The school was the one who improved things around here!" The kids silently talked among themselves.
Ashley X sarcastically yelled back, "Really Lawson? You nitwit! If I didn't give student government support of the school district building oil wells here...none of you would be enjoying those activity rooms! And who do you think was able to persuade the principal for all of you to enjoy these activity rooms during recess? And to let all of you have the option to stay inside when the school normally could not handle it?"
Lawson shut himself up. The kids of the playground knew Ashley X was right, that being ruler of the playground, she had some leverage to make the kids enjoy the activity rooms during recess.
Ashley X then angrily addressed the masses, "I have heard about support for King Freddie and plans to overthrow me! You ungrateful betraying subjects! Because of this I have decided to impose a 50% candy tax! That 50% of any candy brought from home will be given to me! A 30% lunch money tax will be created! And furthermore, any voices of dissent will be taken to the dodge ball wall!"
All of the kids of the playground gasped in horror. The kind, quiet ruler they knew had become a dictator. Lawson was about to shout out against Ashley X, but Ashley X continued. She announced, "In addition, I have chosen a couple of students who I believe will be able to rule the playground efficiently and supervise anyone who goes against me. They will be second in command!" The students of the playground were looking at each other with worry.
Ashley X presented, "I give you Gus Griswald and Teresa LeMaize, or Cornchip Girl!"
The two of them stepped onto the bench and stood side-to-side with Ashley X. Gus and Teresa were both dressed up in military uniforms; similar to how Gus dressed up when he led the students into Third Street against Dr. Benedict during the summer.
The students of the playground were silenced in fear over what Gus would say because they remembered how bold he was when he took the leadership of going against Dr. Benedict. The students walked backwards a bit from the three of them. Gus and Cornchip Girl did not show their usually innocent and timid selves; their appearances were as stern as their military fathers.
Gus angrily projected his voice, "QUIET! ALL OF YOU! You pathetic kids sicken me! After all Ashley X has done for you..."
Teresa finished Gus' sentence, in a bitter fierce tone, "…you undisciplined and unthankful things!"
The students of the playground were mortified seeing Cornchip Girl so ferocious and it seemed so unconceivable knowing how sweet, small, and cute she normally was. T.J. met up with Spinelli, Mikey, and Gretchen while they were absorbed over hearing the changes in ruling the playground. Vince was off somewhere in the midst of the crowd of students.
Mikey cried out, "Oh no! Sheer madness! What has become of our beloved playground?"
Lawson shouted out, "C'mon Griswald! Like you can really enforce anything!" The students looked at him as if he was insane and Lawson's group of friends distanced themselves from him so they wouldn't appear to be supportive of Lawson.
Gus was about to snottily answer him, but Cornchip girl cleared her throat and slyly said, "Are you sure about that Irwin Lawson?" Lawson laughed to himself and crossed his arms showing that he would not back down from his comment. Cornchip Girl then gave a wink to Ashley X and Ashley X answered with a nod. Cornchip Girl roared, "GELMAN!!!"
The students snapped their heads to the left and saw the enormous, aggressive 6th grader that stomped his way out of the cafeteria doors and onto the blacktop.
Cornchip Girl alerted Gelman, "Gelman, take Lawson to the dodge ball wall! NOW!"
Lawson cowardly ran through the crowd to hide himself but the students near him would back away quickly so they wouldn't be in way of the terrorizing mammoth-sized Gelman. Lawson unknowingly bumped into Swinger Girl and both of them fell down.
Swinger Girl snapped at Lawson, "Hey watch what your doin', okay?!?" She saw Gelman closing in on them and she ran out of his way.
Lawson was knocked out a bit from the fall but after seeing Gelman approaching, he quickly squirmed crawling around the legs of the kids. Gelman picked him up by the shirt collar and Lawson was trying to push himself and shift his weight around to get out of Gelman's hard choking grip. Gelman snarled, "You're c'mon with me you little worm!"
Gelman dragged Lawson to the dodge ball wall while the students watched in horror. Gelman dropped Lawson off at the wall and caught a dodge ball given by Ashley X. Lawson was fidgeting around wondering if he should make a run for it but Gelman observed his panicky appearance. Gelman threatened Lawson, "STAY STILL! Otherwise ya want me to fight ya?"
Lawson shook his head side-to-side while trembling in fear. Gelman cockily replied, "Good! Just stand still you little shrimp and it'll be done in no time." The students held their breath and everyone stared deeply into Lawson's punishment.
Gelman took the ball and threw it hard from a distance of 15 feet and the ball slammed into Lawson's stomach. Lawson fell to the blacktop and rolled in moaning pain while holding his stomach. Gelman threw it so hard that it felt like a basketball was chugged right at him. Lawson yelled in agonizing pain. Gelman just walked back to Ashley X while Lawson's friends met up with Lawson.
Gus scornfully said, "Now all of you know that we're serious about this!" The three of them (Ashley X, Cornchip Girl, and Gus) all condescendingly looked upon the students. The kids were petrified thinking that Lawson's punishment could affect anyone of them.
Mikey wailed, "No! No! Say it's not happening! Say it is but a nightmare that I will awaken from!" Mikey couldn't comprehend the chaos around him. The peaceful, pleasant playground had turned into a menacing and terrifying prison for all of them. He was appalled seeing the most timid kids (Gus and Teresa) act so cruel and harsh to the students. He wallowed in sympathy and sadness for the kids of the playground.
Gretchen tried to analyze everything that occurred and she asked the three of them (T.J., Spinelli, and Mikey), "Did any of you know about this?" Her mind was boggled over Ashley X's new tyranny and pondered over any possible connection with SAL 4000. She was frustrated with herself that she wasn't able to figure out or understand what was happening all of a sudden and she felt completely clueless of what was really underlying below Ashley X's sudden changes.
Spinelli would have loved to beat the heck out of Ashley X even if Gelman was in her way, but Ashley X's threat of Tyler beating up T.J. again stopped her. The image of seeing T.J. all bloody and bruised up that Tuesday was inerasable from her mind. Spinelli just squeezed her fists tighter and tighter in silence as she was trying to calm herself down.
T.J. caught a brief glance of the Ashleys and Randall in a sea of students. The five of them all bulged their eyes out to T.J., implying the overwhelming difficultly of defeating Ashley X. T.J. looked again at Gus and Cornchip Girl, at Gelman, and then at Vince (who did not notice T.J.). To T.J., it seemed like every step he tried to make against Ashley X, she was already three or four steps ahead of him. It was extremely hard and painstakingly difficult to keep an optimistic attitude over everything now. He looked within himself again wondering how he was going to stop Ashley X now…
But then, in a moment of his despair….he glanced across the crowed and saw…the terror in the eyes of the kids…the fright of the younger grades. His breath was taken away over the reactions and emotions of the kids. Then finally what struck a chord with him…what made his heart stop and fall…was seeing the kindergarteners. Despite how wild and brave they were, for the first time he saw them either frozen or trembling in fear. He reflected over his kindergarten year and he knew that no kid deserved to be having their recess in fear.
T.J. knew this was the time…the only time to stop Ashley X. His mind was putting all the pieces together to get the big picture of how far Ashley X's deceit had spread…it had spread to Spinelli, Gretchen, Vince, the Ashleys, Randall, Ms. Finster, and now Gus, Cornchip Girl, Gelman, and Lawson. T.J. thought about all the experiences he had been through discovering who the real Ashley X was behind all of that deceit, and now he could see her trails of destruction that had spread onto other kids and adults of Third Street. He felt as if he was seeing, from a distance, Ashley X lead a blindfolded and naïve line of kids and adults to a Grand Canyon size cliff of destruction. It was a cliff he was all too experienced with since he was already 'pushed off' from it, and after constant struggle, he finally managed to climb back on top of this cliff to stop Ashley X. There was no way T.J. was going to allow anyone to experience the same heart-tearing emotions, betrayal, suffering, and drama that he had endured dealing with Ashley X. T.J. could tolerate Ashley X's threats about harming him, but he wouldn't stand for a possibility of Ashley X hurting his friends and her tyrannizing the playground.
His face clenched up in anger, his muscles constricted, and his blood boiled. The adrenaline and blood rushed all throughout his body getting ready for whatever could happen. This was a one time chance to end it all and save the playground and his friends from the deceitful claws of Ashley X. He loudly cleared his throat to get ready to violently yell at Ashley X. He tightened and fixed his red baseball cap. With help or no help from the kids of the playground, T.J. was going to stop Ashley X! T.J.'s body was completely tensed up and on edge ready for battle while his mind and emotions were spewing out wrath and rage like a volcano. THIS WAS IT! THERE WOULD BE NO TURNING BACK FOR T.J.…
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To Be Continued…