CHAPTER 9: GOOD LUCK IN FLORIDA, HEIDI
As the week finished, it was time for the Browns to head back to Sparkyville. But Heidi and her father Reed would be staying as Reed now had a job there and a new house. Plus, Heidi had a budding relationship with Dex, who she had met that week. As Snoopy was packing his stuff to get back to town, some of his admirers came up wondering if he'd return.
"Will you be back soon, Great Houndini?" asked one teen boy. Snoopy just shrugged. Then, Charlie Brown came up.
"As the Great Houndini's 'manager', I say there may be a chance," he said.
"We'll miss you, Great Houndini," said the blonde who helped with the performances. Snoopy gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Come on, Great Houndini," said Charlie Brown to his dog. "We still need to get ready for the next stop on the 'tour'." And Snoopy complied and went back to packing up. Charlie Brown sighed.
"Never again in a million years!"
Silas and Maureen were saying their "goodbyes" to Reed and Heidi. Silas said, "So, everything's all set, Reed?"
"Sure is, big bro," Reed replied. "All loose ends back in Sparkyville have been taken care of. The apartment is empty, and cleaned out. I told my boss at the trucking company about the move and gave him notice. I still have a few deliveries to do, but he said I could do them from here."
"That's good, Reed," said Maureen. Charlie Brown and Frieda walked up, along with Sally and Michael.
"We're all packed up," said Sally.
"Okay kids," said Maureen. "Say 'goodbye' to Heidi and your uncle Reed."
"Well, I hope you and Dex work out, Heidi," said Charlie Brown.
"Thanks, Charlie," Heidi replied. "And don't worry. I'll stay in touch with you and let you know what's happening with me." And the two cousins hugged each other. "You are my best cousin, Charlie. I love you."
"I love you too, Heidi," Charlie Brown said.
"Good luck, Heidi," said Frieda.
"Thanks, Frieda," said Heidi, giving her a hug. "Take care of my cousin. He's one in a million."
"You're preaching to the choir, girl."
"Have a good time here, Heidi," said Sally.
"You too, Sally," said Heidi. The two cousins hugged each other. "Now where's my little cousin at?" And Wyatt walked up. Heidi picked him up and kissed him on the cheek.
"You be a good boy, Wyatt," she said to him. "I will see you soon, okay?"
"Okay, Heidi," said Wyatt. And she put Wyatt down.
"Well, it's about time to hit the road," said Silas.
"Okay, thanks for your help, Si," said Reed. We'll see you all soon."
"Okay, see you guys later."
Later on, the Browns, Frieda, and Michael were back on the road heading home for Sparkyville. Charlie Brown was on the phone with Linus.
"Apparently, there's an old friend back in town who's staying hidden from sight, according to Lucy," said Linus on the other end. "She wouldn't reveal more than that."
"I wonder who it is," said Charlie Brown.
"No telling. Anyway, so Heidi will be living in Florida now, eh?"
"Yep. It was a surprise from my uncle, as he got a job down there and he and Heidi will be living down there. Just as well, since she's found a potential boyfriend now."
"I'll have to meet this guy one day. Dex, is it?"
"Yeah. Despite looking like he could be one of Joe Agate's goons, he's actually a nice guy. I'll show you pictures when I get back. Plus, I'll tell you all about Snoopy's magic performances."
"I'm sure that will be a story all in itself. I'll see you guys when you get back, Charlie Brown."
"Okay, Linus. See you later." And Charlie Brown hung up his phone. Frieda, who was asleep, woke up.
"Who were you talking to, honey?" she asked, yawning.
"It was Linus," Charlie Brown replied. "He just told me that there's someone we know that's back in town back home, but is staying out of sight, for now."
"Really? I wonder why they're staying hidden."
"I said that to Linus. Lucy had met this person, so she knows who it is, but is not saying anything, for the moment."
"I have a feeling when we get back home, things are going to get interesting."
"Me too, Frieda. Me too." And they relaxed as Silas continued to drive back towards Sparkyville. They were nearing the Florida/Georgia border and would be in Tennessee by nightfall. From there it was onward to Sparkyville, where they would share their experience in Florida during Spring Break.
THE END
Regular episodes resume next time, as we get into the home stretch of Season 5. Stay tuned!
