CHAPTER 2: REACTION AND ACTION
"You're kidding!" That was Charlie Brown's response to 5 and Quentin's experience at J.J.'s diner when the couple told the gang about what had happened.
"That's discrimination, plain and simple!" fumed an angry Frieda.
"We've heard nothing but negative things about that diner in recent years," said Schroeder. "Lucy and I never went there, as a result."
"We did go th-there once," said Claudia. "We never went b-back due to them not having any d-diabetic alternatives for Skylar, aside from d-diet cola."
"It looks like this place could use some exposure," said Lucy, "but not the exposure they want!"
"You're talking a protest, Mamba?" asked Cobra.
"That's exactly what I'm proposing, Cobra," Lucy responded. "Stick it to this jackass J.J. and his ugly waitress and staff."
"Well, the waitress aside, I don't know if the rest of the staff agrees with J.J.'s policies," said Quentin. "They may just keep their mouths shut so they don't get fired."
"When we were there, some of the other wait staff were looking at the one who was 'helping' us out with disdain," 5 added. "While she definitely shares the owner's views, I don't know about the others."
"Well, if the rest of the staff doesn't agree with him, that's good," said Peppermint Patty, "but unfortunately, they may get caught in the crosshairs of our protest because of their blockhead of an owner."
"I wonder if he's racist, too?" wondered Franklin. "I was talking about going there with Marcie on a date, but now I don't know."
"He did have some black staff on board, Franklin," said Quentin. "He might just have a problem with gay people, and not other races. But I wouldn't put it past him."
"Well, we should get things ready for the protest," said Linus. And the gang left Joe's to get signs and banners made to protest J.J.'s diners and their policies.
A while later, the gang was outside of J.J.'s with banners and signs in hand ready for their protest. They walked along the sidewalk in front of the diner. Customer's walking in and walking by noticed the teens in their protest. One adult walked up to 5.
"Young man," he began, "what is this all about?"
"J.J.'s openly discriminates against the LGBTQ+ community and we're making it known to the public!" 5 replied. "My boyfriend and I went in here the other day for a bite to eat and not only did we not get our food, but we were kicked out for being, in J.J.'s own words, faggots!"
"You're kidding!" said the man. "My name is Vernon George, and I am a reporter for the Sparkyville Ledger."
"You mean the newspaper?" asked Quentin.
"The very one," said Vernon. "I also have ties to SCLZ Eyewitness News, and I can get them involved in the story, as well."
"That's great!" said 5, smiling.
"All I ask is that you two do an interview with me, as well as SCLZ's Cindy Loveland," said Vernon.
"THE Cindy Loveland?!" asked Quentin.
"You got a deal!" added 5.
"Okay, I'll set everything up," said Vernon. "Leave me your numbers and I'll call you soon." And 5 and Quentin left Vernon their numbers so he could get in touch with them when it was time. After Vernon left, the rest of the gang walked up to the two boys.
"What did that guy want, 5?" asked Peppermint Patty.
"He was from the Ledger," said 5. "He wants to do our story about what happened to us here. "
"He's also getting SCLZ involved in the story," added Quentin. "It looks like everyone is going to know about what J.J.'s is doing and how they treat Sparkyville's LGBTQ+ citizens!" And as they continued to talk about the planned interview, J.J. and the waitress from before looked out the window.
"Doris," said J.J., "it looks like the fairies and their sympathizers are ready for a war."
NEXT CHAPTER: GERTIE'S ESCAPE