Author's Note: Sorry that this chapter is pretty short. I just thought it was a good place to end it. Enjoy!

WoRdLiFeCeNa4: I know. As soon as I sent the review I got out of it. Talk about irony, eh? Border lines are those long lines you see across the screen. Thanks for the review! (Getting a little out of hand with the P.S.'s are we?) lol.

flaming-1251: Thanks for the cliff-hanger comment. Yah, I watched it, and I totally loved it. Killer Krabby Patties! AHHH! Lol. Thanks for reviewing!

venusgal100: The reason why he needs no sleep is because his brain deleted it. Remember? Lol. Yah, I guess the world would come to an end if it closed down. You'll have to keep reading in order to find out what happens! Thanks for reviewing!

Lozzay: Lol. Don't worry! There is still plenty of sponginess to come! Thanks for reviewing!

A. Nonymous: I'm glad you think this is better than great. Yah, I tried to make Squilliam surprised and snobby at the same time. (It wasn't easy). Nobody is going to freak out. That's the reason why I included the whole name thing. In this chapter you get to see Squidward's reaction. (And the hooded stranger's (I don't have enough of him…)). Hope you enjoy and thanks for reviewing!

Chapter 8

"What?" questioned Squidward, through mild shock.

"It's true!" said Mr. Krabs. "The Krusty Krab hasn't had a customer in ten days."

Squidward gulped. That's how long the Shimmering Star had been open.

"Everyone is going to your namby-pamby restaurant instead of mine! You have to close down!"

"What!" exclaimed Squidward. He didn't want to hurt Mr. Krabs, but this was his one shot at living in the big time. "I'm sorry, Mr. Krabs, but I can't close down! I love this restaurant. Closing down is not an option."

"Well," said Mr. Krabs, discouraged. "It's either the Shimmering Star or the Krusty Krab. You decide." Mr. Krabs disappeared into the oncoming darkness of the night.

Squidward didn't know what to do. On one hand, he could close down and let the Krusty Krab live, but that would mean giving up his dream. On the other hand, he could stay open and live out his dream, but that would mean that the Krusty Krab would close. He knew that would kill Mr. Krabs and Spongebob. Squidward sighed.

"Maybe I should close down…" said Squidward out loud to the fresh night air.

"I thought you said that wasn't an option," said a voice in the darkness. It came from behind Squidward.

Squidward whirled around. "Who's there?" Squidward asked. "Show yourself!"

The hooded stranger emerged from behind one of the points on the building.

"Why are you following me?" asked Squidward.

"That's none of your business. But what is your business is to keep this restaurant open," replied the hooded stranger.

"I should close down," said Squidward. "I'd be greedy if I only kept the Shimmering Star open for myself."

"But you're not keeping it open for yourself," said the stranger. "Think if all of your employees. They would all be so disappointed if they were out of the job."

"Maybe you're right…" said Squidward.

"Of course I'm right. Besides, is it your fault that people prefer your magnificent restaurant instead of that prison of high cholesterol?" persuaded the stranger.

"No…I guess not…." replied Squidward.

"Of course it's not! You finally get a chance to live your dream, and you're going to let a crusty crustacean take it away from you?"

"Well, when you put it like that I guess you're right."

'Of course I'm right. Trust me; everyone will be a lot happier if you keep the Shimmering Star open." The hooded stranger then vanished into the night.

Squidward was alone with his thoughts. Should he really keep it open? The hooded stranger made it sound like it was the right choice. Then again Mr. Krabs sounded pretty broke up. Still, this was his only chance to live out his dream.

Squidward peered up at the building. He couldn't think about this now. He was too tired.

"Maybe a good night's sleep will help me think straight," Squidward said. He told Patrick what time to lock up and he gave him the keys. He then walked home and got ready for bed.

"Things will look better in the morning…" Squidward said as he fell asleep.