High School Odyssey
Chapter IV
Brick's Surprise
A. A Conversation With Buttercup
The City of Townsville, September 19, seven in the evening, Tuesday…
Blossom was pacing back and forth in her room in deep thought. She was mumbling some words that are only intelligible to her.
"Hey, Red, what's eating you?" said Buttercup, entering her room. Buttercup was wearing a huge floor-length green dress about three feet wide, supported by ten petticoats and a plastic hoop skirt, and tons of other underpinnings, such as a corset in her eighteen-inch waist, and a blouse and white leather gloves, and four-inch high heels, and blue jeans and pantyhose. She was wearing this because of a lost bet. Yet after five years, it is very easy moving while wearing this.
"Well, I'm thinking how to get back at Brick," said Blossom.
"Oh I told you shouldn't have told Joe to back down just like that! You should have told him to tell Brick that he can kiss his ass!" Buttercup replied.
"Oh wonderful! Then he would have lost," said Blossom. "No, I'm thinking in the long-term. Brick will get as much power as he wants, but how to nibble it away bit by bit from him? And more importantly, how to push those nibbled bits for me to pick up?"
"Still power-hungry, are you?" asked Buttercup.
"Yup!" said Blossom. "Nothing's changed."
"Except your feelings for Joe!" said Buttercup. "Admit it! You like him!"
"So? I can have both Joe and absolute power in my hands if I wanted to if I faced anybody but Brick as my adversary. Having Brick as my rival, however, only makes it more difficult, but it still achievable if I make the necessary right moves," said Blossom, in her scheming tone. "Brick's one bright fellow. He's smarter, more powerful and clever than Joe Anthony could ever be."
"How could you say that? I thought you like him!" Buttercup replied. "Aren't you supposed to defend his every foible?"
"I'm just being honest," said Blossom. "Joe is very intelligent, but Brick's even more intelligent. Brick is a far smarter politician than Joe, and if I won't be there to help him, Brick would chew him like a discarded bubble gum. Oh I can see it now. I like Joe. That's why I'm helping him. However, there's no denying that Joe is out of Brick's league, while I am very my much in his."
"Anyway, we both know that I, Blossom Utonium, am smarter than either of those two boys! Joe is an innocent among wolves, and Brick is a wolf in sheep's clothing. I'm the shepherdess, who will take care and protect Joe from being eaten by the wolf that's so cunning as to completely fool even a smart sheep like Joe."
"By the way, what do you see in Joe? I mean, for your first boyfriend, ever, he seemed kinda strange for you," said Buttercup. "I mean, no offense, but he seemed kinda like a pasty, and an ass-licker to me."
"Well, he's just kind, and likes to please others," said Blossom.
Buttercup then went and sat on Blossom bed.
"Well, it's your choice!" said Buttercup. "So, what are you planning to do?"
"I don't know yet," said Blossom. "If I am going to grab Brick and toss him back where he belongs, right behind be, I need to think of a plan that even Brick could not thwart! And no! Doing something so stupid that he wouldn't even think of it happening doesn't count."
"Well, Red, sorry. Can't help you," said Buttercup. "You're the planmaker."
"Oh yes! But I'd want to be the kingmaker! I want to control the politics of the school! Damn it! Why the heck does Brick have a organization that does whatever Brick tells them to do, and not blink about it, and I don't have one?"
"Well, why don't you form your own group?" Buttercup replied. "You're popular enough."
"Oh yes, but that doesn't answer the fact that I tried in the past and failed! Most of my close friends, like Robyn Schneider, is innocent about politics, and has principles that they wouldn't compromise if I asked her too. Brick's friends doesn't have qualms doing wrong things for Brick. And remember the last time? I finally found Peter Ray, who apparently adores me, and is totally loyal to me. Well, he turned out to be such an incompetent fool that Ned York and Pete Jenkins simply run circles around him while Peter Ray tried spying on them. And there was Emma Mitchell. She sure was competent and talented. Problem is, she wasn't that loyal, and betrayed my entire plan in exchange for a date with Butch for one night! Can you imagine that! Pricilla Lambertson is also a friend of mine for seven years, and would never betray me. But she was so horrified when I suggested that she try to bribe some boys to betray Brick that I dropped the matter. Brick's boys are not only excessively loyal, they are also ruthless, and competent. And you know what? The thing, Brick could just issue orders, and sit back and do nothing else, and everything would happen just as he would like it to be as if he himself did it! While I have to do everything myself!"
"Well, maybe you should blame yourself," said Buttercup. "I mean, stop trying to do everything yourself! Delegate some of what you do to others."
"Well, I'm doing fine as it is now! I have Joe, and soon, I'll be at the top laughing at Brick!" Blossom said with a smirk on her face. "Just because Brick has won a big victory, doesn't mean the battle is over!"
B. Brick's Surprise
It was Wednesday, September 20, about twelve-thirty. Brick and his brothers and closest friends had just finished eating lunch, and were at the forest just out of school.
"So, Brick, shall I schedule the meeting with Anthony and tell him that your votes are his?" asked DeLancey.
"Yeah! It's as good as we could ever get under the circumstances," Butch argued. "We'd be the big dogs of the school!"
"Well, no," said Brick. "I have no intention of giving my votes to Anthony."
"Why? I mean he did promise to let Blossom fend for herself, and he promised more, in fact, much, much more than Pete Van Lamber Velt," York argued, stunned at Brick's decision.
"Yes, Brick, don't throw it all away!" Boomer argued. "I mean, we'll achieve such spectacular heights if you take on Anthony's offer!"
"No. I don't trust Anthony to keep his promises," said Brick. "Blossom and Anthony would find a way to screw us out of offices."
"Well okay," said Jenkins. "So I guess what you're going to tell Van Lamber Velt what Anthony told you, so you can even wring greater concessions from him, huh?"
"No," said Brick. "Listen, it's all good to be the king-maker, and puppet muster of the king, but wouldn't it be better if we were the big cheese? The king instead of those two?"
"Yeah, but we can be virtually the bosses of the student population! We hold the balance of power! So what's your choice?" Butch asked.
"Well, since you asked, well, I won't deal with Anthony or Van Lamber Velt. I'm going for something bigger! I'm going to run for the nomination of the party for president!" said Brick.
His brothers and his friends were dumbfounded by the announcement.
"Funny, Brick, real funny!" laughed DeLancey. "For the moment there, I really thought you'd actually run, but then I realized you're clever, and you won't do such a stupid thing."
The rest of them laughed.
"Yeah, so what's your real plan?" asked Boomer.
"That was the best damn joke ever!" York proclaimed.
"Who says it's a joke?" asked Brick. "I'm running. Seriously."
Suddenly, the rest of the gang realized that their leader wasn't joking, and was serious about it.
"But why?" asked Butch.
"Well, why should we settle for either of those two simpletons getting the top spot? No, I should be the one on the top! And we won't have to compromise or make deals with anybody once we win!" said Brick.
"But Brick, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!" argued DeLancey. "I mean, sure it would be nice to have absolute power, and all that, but right now, there is no chance in hell of you getting it! And at least we have Anthony and Van Lamber Velt's offer to consider!"
"Blah! I'm going to run!" said Brick, disregarding the reasoning of his friend. "And you will support me!"
"But if you run, then we lose all because then Anthony and Van Lamber Velt would lose all incentive to deal with you!" said York. "I mean, the only reason Anthony offered that much to you is because he knows you can put him over the top! If you do this, then he can ignore you, because he'll win. He'll have more votes than anyone else if you run. You're going to throw the election away for no good reason to Anthony if you do this, and we'll get nothing! Nothing I tell you!"
"And both of them will feel betrayed," said DeLancey. "I've spoken to both of them. I understand that you're bound to disappoint one of them, but you'd earn the eternal gratitude of the other, plus some real power to boot!"
"And Anthony we'll be free to elevate Blossom to higher positions and deny us any appointive positions because he hasn't made any promise to you, Brick!" said Jenkins. "Remember, Anthony, Van Lamber Velt, and DeLancey agreed that, you, Brick didn't know that those two will offer barring Blossom from office. If you decide to run on your own, not only would you lose, but they would have no obligation to you, or any of us for that matter!"
"Well, thank you for all your arguments," said Brick. "However, I assure you that I won't lose."
"With all due respect, Brick, the hell you won't!" said Jenkins. "Look, I know you are popular with the entire school, but you can't get on the ballot if you don't get the nomination of either the Black Stars, or the White Stars. We are members of the White Star Party, all of us. So are Anthony and Van Lamber Velt. The Party would meet the next Saturday to choose it's nominees for President and Vice-President. The delegates who will do the choosing are already pledged, and most of them are either pledged to Anthony or Van Lamber Velt. You have only fourteen sure votes, Brick, out of one-hundred. I can only pry seven. That's twenty-one, and that's the maximum we could have by bribes."
"Well, no, I'm still going to run," said Brick. "And no, don't say another word. I know what you're going to say, and I'm not going to change my mind. I'm running, and that's that. DeLancey, you go and tell Van Lamber Velt of my decision. York, you go inform the delegates about my decision to run. All of you, we meet tomorrow at lunch to plot strategy."
His friends and his brothers were extremely dumbfounded. "Brick, are you sure you haven't hit your head or something?" asked Boomer.
"Do you feel well?" asked DeLancey. "Because I think you're hallucinating."
"I'm perfectly fine," said Brick. "No, I'm not insane. Yes, I am in good health. No, I wasn't possessed by evil spirits."
"But how about me?" asked Butch. "You promised me the school treasury!"
"Oh I'll still appoint you to it," said Brick.
"But if you lose, then I'd get nothing!" Butch insisted.
"And I'm pretty much sure you're gonna lose!"
"Well, if that happens, then you won't have the treasury, will you?" Brick said in a mocking way.
The rest of the boys suddenly saw the promise land slip away as Brick remained stubborn.
'Brick's gone batty,' Edward York thought.
'Brick's out of his mind! He's out of touch with reality!' DeLancey thought.
'That brother of mine has lost his cleverness! How the hell did he become such an incompetent fool?' Boomer thought.
'Brick is an idiot,' Butch thought.
'What happened? Why did Brick suddenly become suicidal?' Jenkins asked to himself.
'Brick, what's happening? You're supposed to be the smartest, the most clever guy in the school! Now you've just managed to tear down that pedestal!' York thought.
'Brick, you're letting a golden opportunity slip by!' Hook thought.
All of this his friends thought as they tried to digest the news, and overcome their shock. What had happened to the brilliant and devious leader of theirs who can run circles on anyone and can manipulate anyone to a T? Of course, they were still loyal to Brick, and would never desert him, but it left them quite unsure.
C. A Walk in the Afternoon
Later that afternoon…
"Hey Blossom, do you have time?" asked Brick when it's time to go home.
"Well, is it important?" asked Blossom.
"Would it matter if it's not?" asked Brick.
"Nope!" said Blossom. "Come on, let's walk home together."
"Ah, but wouldn't your boyfriend Joseph Anthony be jealous?" asked Brick.
Blossom suddenly stopped and dropped her books on the ground. "You know?" asked Blossom. "I mean, I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh please," said Brick. "I know! You met him when you bumped into him last Friday, then had a date on Saturday afternoon."
"You've been spying one me, you bastard!" Blossom said. "And aren't you going to help me pick up my books?"
"Well, for one thing, you've already finished picking it up," said Brick. "A bit silly to ask something of me that you've already done, don't you think?"
"Well, you still haven't answered my questions," said Blossom. "You still spied on me."
"Me, spy on you? Never! I just spied on Anthony," said Brick.
"Joe? Why would you? Oh yeah. He's your rival," said Blossom as they walked.
"Well, won't he feel jealous if he sees us?" asked Brick.
"Don't worry, he knows that we're like oil and water, never to mix," said Blossom.
"Well, I guess he isn't the jealous type, though I wonder, how a guy could ever like such an ugly creature like you, Blossom? I guess Joe has a taste for ugly girls, that's why he chose you," Brick teased, bursting into guffaws. "Or maybe he has some eye defect."
Blossom was by this time used to Brick's jokes about her being ugly. She smacked him in the back. "Well, no. Joe said that to him, the ugliest is the most beautiful, so guess what, I guess you're right, and that makes me the most beautiful girl in Townsville!"
"Well, Anthony won't have to worry," said Brick. "He can have you. I'd rather date a rabid dog first than go out with you?"
"Is that so? You'd rather date a bitch? Well, I know a certain rabid dog of a friend of mine, and that dog is a girl. She's called, Spink. Shall I arrange a date between the bitch and you?" Blossom replied, laughing. "Oh you'll just love it when she bites you, drooling, and you'd be driven stark raving mad! Literally!"
"Ah, still have your dull wit, eh?" Brick said, laughing.
"Oh, but for the dull part, I guess so," Blossom replied.
"Well, I'll take the female dog! As long as she doesn't have your face," said Brick. "How about Friday night?"
Blossom was by this time laughing hard, as was Brick, as they both enjoyed insulting and parrying each other's insults.
"Well, let's be serious," said Blossom. "So I wager you'd support Joseph R. Anthony for the presidency?"
"Well, you seem to read my mind," said Brick. "How can you be so sure?"
"Well, it's simply common sense. He offered you more, and he'll promise you that he won't appoint me to any position," Blossom said.
"Oh! I see. And I'd bet that he did it because you said so, because it'll further his chances of winning, right?" asked Brick.
"Oh yes," said Blossom. "So, when are you going to tell him he's in? Joe I mean. Really, the decision for you is so obvious that it practically writes itself!"
"Now where do I get the feeling that you're planning something devious?" Brick asked back.
"Well, because maybe I am! Ha, you and I know that I am one of the most brilliant plotters on the planet!" Blossom replied.
"Well, you're wrong," said Brick. "Very wrong indeed."
"Oh really? What then is your plan? You and I know that you aim to dominate the school body! So who are you going to throw your support to? Joe or Pete Van Lamber Velt?" asked Blossom.
"Oh me," said Brick.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" asked Blossom.
"I'm running myself!" Brick said.
"Oh stop joking!" said Blossom.
"Who says I am?" asked Brick.
"But you don't have a chance in hell to win, and you'll lose everything," Blossom replied.
"Oh I think you're mistaken!" said Brick.
"Well, come to think of it, I am," said Blossom.
Brick looked at Blossom surprised. "You think so?" he asked. "Well, why?"
"Oh female intuition. You wouldn't understand it," said Blossom, who suddenly took a light and happy air about her.
"For some reason, I believe that pathetic excuse," said Brick. "So, aren't you say, going to get peeved that your boyfriend Anthony would let's say, be defeated."
"Oh let's just say that Joe would be shocked and surprised at the news," said Blossom.
"Well, since we all know I'm going to win, then why don't you go and support me! I mean, if you want, you can have big nice spot at the top, of course, you're going to serve under me, not with me or above me, meaning you can have any position you crave, except that which I already promised my brothers and friends, as long as you take orders from me," said Brick. "Besides, we all know that Anthony is a loser and a cad. I'll assume that in the few days that you know him, you'd realize he's a poor hitch for your ambition. Really."
"Are you telling me to break with him?" asked Blossom.
"Oh please! No! You can marry him tomorrow at the old church for all I care! Heck, I'll even offer to be best man! No," said Brick. "I'm too busy to care for such things. We both know that you have much influence on the school population. You can be a threat to me if you publicly oppose me. So, what I'm asking you is this. Don't oppose me publicly. If possible, support me too! I'm sure, since you love Anthony and such, or at least you're trying to give me the impression that you like him, that you can do it. Besides, you can really tell if he really likes you if he doesn't break with you if you supported me for President."
D. The Attack on Anthony's Character
If Brick were any other boy, or if Blossom didn't know Brick for such a long time, she would have exploded, as she nearly did. If she was any other girl, she also would have exploded. As it was, she remained calmed, but she because angry and irritated at Brick. As it was, she checked her temper.
"Brick, what are you trying to tell me?" Blossom asked, gritting her teeth.
"I'll get straight to the point. Joseph R. Anthony is simply, an opportunistic cad. He is simply using you to gain advantage over Van Lamber Velt. Notice that he only tried to court you the day after Van Lamber Velt issued his challenge and he found out that I hold the balance of power? I'm guessing the real reason is that he either wants you to persuade me to vote for Anthony, or he simply wants to use your prestige and fame to pick up any waverers from Van Lamber Velt's camp. Yes, I've known Anthony and Van Lamber Velt every since the fifth grade, and I pretty much concluded, as did everyone who was ever close to him, that he is a scoundrel of the highest order. You're a smart girl. In fact, you're the smartest girl in the school, bar none. So you already know this, and the only reason you didn't immediately reject his advances is because you also thought that you can use him for your own purposes to gain on me, and make me lower than you in our struggle for leadership. Oh Blossom, I knew you were one of the most devious girls in the school, and it wouldn't be above you to try such things, as indeed, you have done in the past."
"What are you talking about?" Blossom asked, her temper straining to break out of the confines Blossom's self-control put it.
"You might think, well, why am I telling you this, even though you already know this? Well, first thing, is that, we've been friends for the longest time. I don't care if you and Anthony are an item or not, or if you love him much. It would ease my conscience to tell you what I think of him, and what I think of your relationship. Second, it would benefit me greatly if you break it off, because first, it would damage the reputation of Anthony irreparably. Imagine, a fellow like Joe Anthony breaking the heart of their hero, Blossom, a Powerpuff Girl. Oh, all the students who are your fans won't forgive him, ever! And that it would help me so, and I would be the one to benefit if that happens."
"So you're telling me to break with Anthony so that you can win?" asked Blossom.
"Yes," said Brick. "That's the main reason. I want to be President, and you publicly breaking with him will be a great deal of help."
Blossom suddenly slammed one of her books on Brick's head. Brick was surprised, but he immediately avoided the second book destined for his head. He immediately flew.
"You bastard! You don't know jack, you know that, Brick? You are wrong, wrong, wrong!" Blossom shouted.
"Really now? I'm wrong? Well, in that case, most of my informers, spies, and my own observations for five years is trumped by what you observed in three or four or five days?" Brick answered back. "I know you're not stupid. You know this. So you're obviously pretending that you don't know to me for your own reasons. Well, have fun deceiving me, but know that I already know your game, and I'm going to counter it!"
"Did it ever occurred to you that the reason I'm dating Joe is because I really liked him?" Blossom replied. "That I may even be in love with him?"
Brick looked incredulously at the red puff, and then suddenly, laughed. "You? Blossom? If Joe Anthony is someone who is a nobody, and who wouldn't give any advantages to you, I might have believed you! But it just makes sense that you were only using him, right? Because all the indications point that way! You, who was known as a cold fish just a week ago, who didn't date a single guy, nor even talk about such things! You, who told me that you are too busy for boyfriends and dating for over nine years, and who shunned every guy who tried to court you! The only reason we remained close is because we're childhood friends! You, who called them leeches, and parasites, and opportunistic gold-diggers? Then suddenly, you fell in love with a boy that is most descriptive of the word leech, parasite, and opportunist gold digger, and you know it too, because there is no way you wouldn't have known that about him! You would be an imbecile if you didn't know. Then, there is the fact that Joseph Anthony happened to be the veep of the student council last school year and is the favorite to win the school election before Peter G. Van Lamber Velt announced his candidacy. Plus the fact that right now, if the events of the past week didn't happen, then we both would be limited to a measly position of student council representative for the sophomores, as we both are utterly lacking in influence with the party structure. But it would tip the balance, and it would give you an undue influence on the council, if you would snare Anthony, and leave me in the dust in the process. Plus the fact that we've been rivals on leadership since we were recreated, and we would both do anything to stay ahead of one another. It wouldn't take an Einstein, who knowing your past history, to figure out what's happening."
Blossom gritted her teeth at Brick's reasoning. She nearly shouted and again nearly blew up at her counterpart's assault on her motives and assault's on Joe Anthony's character. But before a single word came out of her mouth, she suddenly grew calm, looked oddly at Brick, and laughed.
Brick was perplexed at Blossom's sudden turn of mood. "Hey, what's so funny?"
"Oh Brick! You know so much, yet you know so little!" Blossom replied. "I was wrong to be so angry at you! I shouldn't have let my emotions get the better of me a while ago."
Blossom further laughed as she looked at the look of bewilderment at Brick's face.
"Let me explain. Most of what you said was right. And it makes sense. And most of the assumptions are correct. But it's still wrong! But it so perfectly fits both our stereotypes of each other, that it only would make sense!" said Blossom. "Yes, all of it would make sense to your point of view, as well as mine before I met Joe. But it's wrong! Joe Anthony is kind, sweet, and gentle, and so cute, I found out, and I don't have any hidden motives, in dating and liking him. You're wrong also about Joe's character."
"Oh am I now? Now tell me why I'm wrong?" asked Brick.
"Tell me why not?" Blossom replied. "How the hell did you know about Anthony?"
"Oh it's secret," said Brick.
"Why?"
"Because it would compromise my spies and their methods," replied Brick.
"No it won't!" said Blossom. "You don't have to tell me any names."
"No, I won't! You just have to take my word for it!" said Brick.
"Then all what you told me about Joe's character is simply hearsay with no basis on reality! I know that Joseph Anthony is the sweetest nicest guy in the school! You don't have proof on the contrary! I'll stick with him because I have no reason not to!" Blossom replied. "And I like him very much!"
"Oh you're good! For the moment there I thought you really like him!" said Brick. "But the point stands. I really don't care if you married him tomorrow and had ten kids as a result, but I do care about your riding piggy back on his back for power. If you really want power, you won't get anything out of a loser like him. I propose that you publicly declare for me as a candidate, and work for my election, and I promise you I'll appoint you to some high position you want except for the treasury. If Anthony is really sincere, or if you think he really likes you, then he would acquiesce, since it wouldn't matter as long as he loves you. Then we could all be happy. I get to have absolute power, and you get Anthony as your future husband."
"I would never ever do that! I will never ask somebody to give up their dreams just for me!" said Blossom. "I will support Joe Anthony not because of my ambitions, though if he offered me any post I will accept, but because I want to see him succeed."
"I knew it! I knew it! You really like Anthony for his ambitions and to make yourself more powerful. You just admitted it in front of me!"
"No I didn't—"
"Oh yes you did! It slipped off your mouth! Ha! I knew it all along!" said Brick. "Don't try to hide it! It's too obvious!"
"No! I just misspoke, or you misunderstood me, and I worded it poorly. What I meant was—"
"Oh twaddle and balderbash!" Brick replied. "You're not fooling me. You may fool my brothers and all my men, but I have been living at your side for the past nine years, and I know all your tricks!"
"Brick listen! You got this all wrong!" Blossom vainly tried to explain.
"No, you admitted it! Now, listen. I'll be blunt. You bet on the wrong horse. Anthony is going to lose, and I'm going to win," said Brick. "If you want power, and if you want to have any influence at all after this election, either you're not going to come out and show off to pretend to the world that you like Anthony, or you will still date him, but you will publicly declare for me in the election. Mark my words. One way or another, I will be superior in rank, power and influence over you, and you will be my subordinate. How much power you'd get will depend on my whim. You are very intelligent, very charismatic, and very capable. I would like you to be my second-in-command and my assistant and advisor. Think how much good you can do if you can wield power in my name. However, if you stick with Anthony, thinking that you will win, then you would prove to be an ignorant, naïve, and stupid girl."
Blossom again became angry at Brick's words, and only hardened her resolve to stick with Anthony.
"No Brick, you will lose. The numbers are against you!" said Blossom. "And I'm not asking for any position when Joe wins—that's not the reason I'm dating him. But I won't refuse either if he offers it."
"Oh we'll see," said Brick. "The offer is not yet closed. Bye now!"
"Brick, I will never submit to you nor would I consent to only be subordinate to you! You will be the one who be lower than me, and you will take orders from me, not vise versa! I'm better than you in every way possible, and as such, will be far more powerful than you could ever hope to be!" Blossom in defiance at the top of her voice shouted as Brick flew away.
Blossom looked at Brick as he flew home. Blossom shook her head. She knew Brick far too long to know that Brick is just being Brick, but it still made her mad. Yet she was calm. 'Brick is going to jump off a cliff. Oh it's sad how he threw away a golden opportunity to get as much as he wants when he decided to run instead of making the deal with Anthony. But on the bright side, I don't have to make any plans to get back at Brick. Brick is doing a fine job committing political suicide. But what if he's not? He must be planning something. But what? Brick is not stupid, and won't do something so recklessly idiotic unless there's a reason. But what?' Blossom mused as she slowly walked towards home. 'Brick may be brilliant, but he's naïve towards emotional romantic love. He just doesn't get it!'
E. Piano Lessons
Meanwhile…
"Play that again, Boomie," Bubbles insisted.
"Well, if you say so, Bubbles," said Boomer, as he stretched his fingers and played the piano once more, his hands gliding across the keys as the instrument produced beautiful music. "Can you still guess the music?"
"Oh I get it! It's Radetzky's March!" Bubbles said, who was sitting besides Boomer as he played.
"You got it! I'm surprised you knew! I thought you had no interest in classical and marching music?" asked Boomer.
"I didn't, but I figured, if I'm going to be the future Mrs. James Boomer Edwards, then I'm going to have to like what you like. Besides, after listening to you play it in piano and flute and in tape and CDs to my ears for five years straight, I realized it wasn't as corny as I thought it was. In fact, it was very beautiful and some of it is really romantic, while some are exciting," Bubbles said before giving a peck on Boomer's cheeks, wrapping her arms around Boomer's waist, and resting her head on his shoulder.
"Well, how about this one? Can you guess this tune, Bubbles?" asked Boomer as he broke off and played another tune.
After listening a minute or so, Bubbles said, "That Verdi's Triumphal March, you know, the music they used on graduations," said Bubbles.
"Wow! You really did your homework!" said Boomer. "You're not only pretty, but intelligent as well! Why I bet you're even smarter than Blossom herself."
"Why thanks," said Bubbles at Boomer's complement, "but no girl can be smarter than Blossom. Not even her blond sister. By the way, can you play Pomp and Circumstance?"
"Pomp and Circumstance?" asked Boomer. "Why?"
"Well, because it would remind me of graduation, and when we graduate from High School, we can get married and start a family, and have lots of kids, and live happily ever after!" said Bubbles.
"Um, don't you think we should go to college first?" asked Boomer, laughing.
"Nope! I know many college students who are already married and have families, so why not us?" asked Bubbles.
"Well, okay," said Boomer as he continued playing.
"So you're going to marry me as soon as we graduate from High School?" asked Bubbles.
Boomer answered without thinking. "Sure, whatever, anything to make you happy," Boomer replied without a care in the world. He was happy with Bubbles' company.
"You promise?" asked Bubbles.
"If I said yes would that make you happy?" asked a naïve Boomer.
Bubbles happily nodded.
"Well, okay, then, I promise," said Boomer.
"Oh thanks. Now we're engaged!" said Bubbles happily.
"We are? I didn't know that!" said Boomer. "Well, can you guess this tune?" he asked as he again he played another piece.
"I know that! That's the opening of the Lone Ranger! What is it called again! I get it! It's the William Tell Overture, you know, the kind of music you hear when there's a horse chase or something!"
"Yup!" said Boomer as he finished playing the piece and played another. "How about this one?"
"That's easy," said Bubbles. "That's Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever. I hear it every time there's a parade."
"Yup!" said Boomer.
"Wow! I have said it before, and I'm going to say it again, it still amazes me that you can play so well," said Bubbles.
"Well, thanks. But thank Dad for it. He forced us to have piano lessons everyday since we were eight, and as a result Brick and I were really very good at this stuff," said Boomer.
"Well, can you teach me how?" asked Bubbles as she watched with envy his boyfriend make music.
"Well, it'd be not easy," he replied.
"Oh I can learn," said Bubbles.
"Okay then," said Boomer. "Just wait. I'll get some of my earlier pieces."
Boomer quickly went up his room, and got out his first book of piano pieces that featured simple to learn music like Yankee Doodle, Old MacDonald Has A Farm, and Mary Has a Little Lamb.
"Now, first, you must put your fingers on the piano like this," said Boomer, but before he could continue, he heard the door open and saw Brick come home.
"Hi Brick," said Boomer. "So, you've change your mind about running for the nomination of the Party for President?"
"Boomer, you too? Oh you of little faith! I will win, and nothing would dissuade me to the contrary!" said Brick. "Hi Bubbles. I see that my brother is giving you piano lessons! Well, you're in luck! For Boomer here is one of the country's master pianists, and you'd put George Gershwin to shame once you've learned the art of striking keys with your fingers from Boomer himself!"
"Well, I'm not that good, Brick," said Boomer, scratching his head.
"Oh it's not true! Boomer, you are very good at it," said Bubbles.
Suddenly, they heard a door open and slam close and footsteps come towards them. It was heavy, angry and agitated, and everyone's eyes were on the stairs when Butch emerged from it.
"Brick, we've got to talk. You've got to explain the madness of what you did! It's madness, I tell you, and I won't go along with it until you give me sufficient reason to do so," Butch demanded.
"Well then, I suppose I should," said Brick. "Boomer, come with me. The three of us are going to talk at my room."
"But how about my piano lesson?" Bubbles complained.
"Sorry, it would have to wait," said Boomer. "This is politics, and it's terribly important for us boys."
"Well, can I come too?" asked Bubbles.
"Sorry, this is a private meeting," said Boomer. "Don't worry. I'm going to come back at you as soon as possible."
"Boomer!" a shout from Brick from upstairs called impatiently.
"Hold your horses! I'm coming!" Boomer shouted up. "Well, wait for me, Bubbles."
Bubbles pouted, but nodded. "But don't take too long!"
"I won't," said Boomer. Boomer then went to Brick's room.
"Boys!" Bubbles muttered.
F. The Break
The next day, September 20, Wednesday…
It was about eight o'clock in the morning, and Brick, Boomer, and Butch, and their friends, was at the school campus, having arrived a few minutes earlier. They were on the middle of the campus, talking among themselves, though in whispers so others won't hear them.
"Look Brick, I'm telling you, back off your challenge! Withdraw from the race! We'll lose everything if we do! But if you remain in the sidelines, you know, the swing vote, then we could have everything we ever dreamt of!" said Butch.
"We've discussed this already, Butch," said Brick, "yesterday, and the answer is still the same."
"If you don't change course, I will bolt from you and join the others who'll give me a better prospect!" Butch threatened.
"You don't have the balls to do it!" Brick confidently replied as his friends looked uneasy towards the exchange. "No, I will not change course."
"Then in that case, I quit! Brother, I'm not going to work for you anymore, because I won't get anything. Besides, I'm sick and tired of your bossiness, and how you think you're always right, and how you don't listen to us! This is the final straw!" Butch shouted at the top of his voice, drawing attention to the rest of the students of the high school, who was shocked about what happened. All of them turned their heads to observe the exchange. "Hook, York, DeLancey, Jenkins, follow me and throw off Brick's influence! You're not going to get any rewards if you continue to follow him, but you will if you tag along with me!"
He moved away from Brick and stood a few feet away from him. "Well? Anybody wants to follow me?"
James Boomer Edwards, Edward York, Richard Hook, Lincoln DeLancey, and Peter Jenkins didn't move from William Bricker Edwards's side to join Wilbur "Butch" Edwards. They all were stunned, extremely surprised, bewildered, and shocked by the turn of events, but none of them wavered in their loyalty, and followed Butch.
"Oh, you are just a bunch of mindless, bleating sheep! All of you! Slaves of Brick!" said Butch as he left the group through the crowd of thoroughly astonished students.
Soon, the students were talking nothing but the break between Brick and Butch. It was so surprising, so unexpected, so unlike Butch, that all that heard it or seen it at first couldn't believe it.
"Ah at least we know who's really on our side," said Brick. "Butch will come around and see the folly of his ways. Meanwhile, Jenkins, you will be this group's treasurer. We'll meet a little later, at lunch, to plan our next moves."
"Yes Brick," said Jenkins.
I
G. Joseph Anthony and Blossom's Lunch
Later, at lunch…
"Have you heard the news, Blossom?" Joe Anthony asked to Blossom as they ate lunch together on a separate table on the school cafeteria. Because Brick already knew about them, they felt no need to hide their relationship.
"Yes. I was so surprised. Butch is one of the most loyal boys I've seen, and yet, I just can't explain what happened," said Blossom. "Anyway, I have some news, from Brick's mouth itself. First, Brick knew all this time about us, so I felt a bit silly about us trying to hide it all the time."
"Oh! Then he'll decide for Van Lamber Velt," said Anthony, groaning.
"No, he won't," said Blossom. "He decided to run for the nomination and the office himself."
"You mean he's going to run for president?" asked Anthony.
"Yup!" said Blossom.
"That's great!" said Anthony. "I mean, that means I win! I have already forty-five votes, to Van Lamber Velt's forty-one, to Brick's fourteen. You see, his decision to run guaranteed me winning. And you know what? I still haven't made any promises to Brick whatsoever, I can still appoint you, or promise positions when I win, and I am in no way obligated to put Brick, or that of his friends, in any position. So Brick, in running, eliminated any advantage he might have had. That was very stupid of him. But let's drink to it! Let us profit, and laugh, from his idiotic moves!"
"I don't know," said Blossom, with a look of concern in her face. "I have known him since we were six years old, and he is clever! It just isn't him to commit such mind-bogging stupidity. There are many times in the past that Brick committed seemingly stupid acts, only for me to find out that it is part of some well thought out plan or scheme. There's method to his seeming madness, Joe!"
"Or rather, there is madness to his methods, Blossom," said Joe. "Don't fret about it, Blossom. Even geniuses can commit great acts of stupidity not quite their nature. Napoleon lost Waterloo even though he's a military genius, and it's just possible that Brick just made one of those big blunders caused by those with big egos!"
"Well, I hope you're right," said Blossom. "Still, I'm worried he might be up to something. I feel it in my bones. The only problem is that I don't know what he's up to!"
"Well, if I were you, I wouldn't think too much about it. Think about it. The reason Butch broke with Brick is because, from rumors, Brick promised Butch the treasury that he expects to get as a result of a deal with either me, or Peter G. Van Lamber Velt, which is guaranteed to win if he throws his vote to either of us. However, by running, he guaranteed Butch would never get it because we all know Brick has no chance in hell of winning! Butch simply got pissed because of that and broke with Brick."
"But that's it. It's so shallow a reason for Butch to do that, and I know that he's one of the most loyal people I have ever met," said Blossom.
"Oh forget about it," said Anthony. "How about a date tonight? Are you available?"
"Oh sorry, I've got to finish my report for tomorrow's Geography class, and I've got to study for three quizzes too. How about tomorrow night? I'm not doing anything important the day after that?"
"Well okay," said Anthony. "Tomorrow at five-thirty?"
"It's a date!" Blossom replied.
H. Malevolent Alliance
Meanwhile…
Butch ate alone, away from Brick and his friends, and away from Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup, and anyone else he might have known, in the cafeteria, on a table, by himself. As he finished his lunch, he was approached by a slightly older boy of seventeen.
"Wilbur Edwards?" asked the boy.
"Yup! But call me Butch," said the Rowdyruff as he finished his lunch.
"Can I sit with you? I have a proposition for you," said the boy.
"Okay," said Butch.
The boy sat opposite Butch.
"I am Luke Turner, and I am a friend of Peter G. Van Lamber Velt. He wants to meet with you to make you an offer I imagine you can't refuse," said Luke.
"Really? Okay Turner, tell me when and where he wants to meet me," said Butch.
"Well Butch," said Turner. "The time is right now, and if you agree, he told me to lead you to him."
"Lead away," said Butch as he drank his soda in one gulp and followed the boy to the forest just outside the school boundaries.
"Pete, it's Butch Edwards," said Luke as he approached Van Lamber Velt.
"Turner, good work. Edwards, I am pleased to meet you," said Van Lamber Velt.
"Likewise, Van Lamber Velt. Now, what do I owe the pleasure of meeting you? You better make it worth my while," said Butch.
"Turner, can you please leave us alone for a few minutes? Thanks. Now Edwards, I'll be blunt. As you and everyone else know, I am Joseph Anthony's rival for the nomination of the White Star Party for President, and I am short of four votes to win. I approached Brick a few days ago in order to inquire about how he will throw his votes, and I tried making a deal with him through DeLancey to secure his votes. I thought I had him when I offered to deny Blossom Utonium any position, and a couple of important posts, but I was disappointed. Now I am desperate. However, I learned that you broke with Brick because you thought it was idiotic of him to run and because it would ruin your chances of getting the student treasury, right?"
"Yes. Brick made a stupid decision in running! Imagine! Having everything we ever wanted in our hands, and he threw it all away just for his big ego!" Butch replied.
"Okay. Here's my offer. You publicly declare for me, and aid me in my quest to crush Joseph Anthony to bits, and I will appoint you Secretary of the Treasury once I win," said Van Lamber Velt.
"Well, I might. It certainly is a tempting offer," said Butch, "but I must insist you allow me some conditions."
"Name it!" said Butch.
"First, is that you'll put me in charge of your campaign," said Butch, "and all my decisions will be followed in making you the top honcho of this school. Only you can overrule me, and if you do that too many times, I'd quit."
"Done," said Van Lamber Velt.
"Okay then," said Butch. "I understand that you control the student newspaper?"
"Yup! The editor, and all the writers, heck, even the cartoonist are my hacks," Van Lamber Velt boasted.
"Good. This is very good indeed. Second, how much do you dislike Anthony?" asked Butch.
"Oh I hate the son of a btch! I want to kill him! To drown him! To grind his head on the ground and make him eat dirt! He's a bastard! A cad! A scoundrel! A liar! A cheat! He has no honor, and is one of the most despicable and repulsive characters I've ever met! Trust me! I've known him since the second grade, and I know what I'm talking about," said Van Lamber Velt. "In fact, the only reason I'm running is to make sure that spawn of Satan, the thing you all call a human being, named Joe Anthony, will never sit on the Student council President's chair! I don't know what Blossom sees in him, but whatever it is, he's hidden it well! No, I'll take that bastard down if that is the last thing I do on this earth!"
"Ah! So we share the same feelings for that loathsome cad? So you wouldn't have qualms in say, slinging mud on him, and tearing down his character?" said Butch.
"Oh no. In fact, I'll enjoy it!" said Van Lamber Velt.
"Okay, then. First, we need to persuade the delegates already committed to Anthony to not vote for him. The way to do it is to tear him down so that they would revile him and that they wouldn't touch him with a fifty foot pole," said Butch. "Oh, we'll make it so that if God himself came to earth and argued on Anthony's behalf, they wouldn't even vote for him then! After we're through with him, he wouldn't have a reputation left to protect, and he'll be the object of ridicule and revulsion by the entire school! Best of all, I'll use my reputation as a Rowdyruff to make sure the entire school pays attention to Anthony's warts."
"Oh I like how you think," said Van Lamber Velt. "Destroy Anthony's reputation utterly? I wish I'd thought of that earlier. And the best thing is we don't have to invent things, or lie even. We'll just tell what we know of Anthony's dirt that the rest of the students don't know, and tear down his carefully crafted image. Oh I can't wait when the day arrives when Anthony can't come to school without most of the students laughing at him, spitting at him, shouting insults at him, or beating him up."
"Oh I suggested that to Brick before, but Brick was too timid," said Butch. "With my help, you'd be the Student Council President, and Anthony would be on the bottom of the heap, too ashamed to show his face on this school!"
The two boys shook hands with an evil smirk on both their faces.