Episode 83: Five Years Later
CHAPTER 1: PLANS FOR AN ANNIVERSARY
"Okay, is everything all set?" Charlie Brown was on the phone with someone going over something. "Great! We'll be there this Saturday! Thank you. You too." And he hung up the phone. Linus was over hanging out.
"So is everything set, Charlie Brown?" he asked.
"It is, Linus, Charlie Brown replied. "Rudy Ace reserved a seat for Frieda and I at Ace's for our anniversary date."
"So you and Frieda are recreating your first date then."
"Yep. First a trip to the movies, then Ace's for some ice cream and a dance, and then to Sparkyville Park. That was the day she told me that she had always had feelings for me."
"I remember. I was the one who brought you that valentine she made you."
"Yeah. Never in a million years would I had thought I'd receive a valentine. I still have it, too."
"Well, I know you two are going to have fun. In the meantime, I need to get to work with Sally. Even though she has improved with her schoolwork, I still work with her from time to time."
"I'll let you do your magic, Linus." And he went to see Sally and tutor her. Charlie Brown then called Frieda to let her know the plans for their anniversary date.
At Frieda's house, she was putting clothes away that had just got cleaned. She was singing to the radio when her phone ringed. She went to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Frieda, it's me," said Charlie Brown on the other end.
"Oh, hi, baby. How are you doing?"
"I'm great! You know our anniversary is coming up."
"Yeah. I'm so lucky to have a boyfriend who remembers important days like that."
"Well I figured we could recreate our first date. When we went to the movies, Ace's, and Sparkyville Park. I also got Snoopy to chauffer us like he did that day."
"You really did all that, Charlie Brown? I'm so happy!"
"This time, though, I'll be the one treating us."
"Wow! You know, it's been five years since we started dating, and we've known each other longer. You remember what I told you when you asked me why I had given you that valentine?"
"I do remember. It was like yesterday. I just told Linus that I still had that valentine you gave me. I will never get rid of that. Anyway, I do remember exactly what you told me…"
Five years earlier…
At that moment a black limo pulled up to the curb. When the driver got out, they saw a familiar white dog with long black ears dressed as a chauffeur going to hold the door for the two lovebirds.
"Snoopy?!" shouted Charlie Brown. That's what he's been up to today, he figured.
"Yep," Frieda said with a smile. "Snoopy and I made an agreement. If he served as our chauffer and limo driver for tonight, I wouldn't pester him to chase rabbits for a month."
"I see he took the deal," said Charlie Brown. He then remembered the roses he got for her. "Oh, I almost forgot. These are for you." He handed the bouquet to Frieda.
"Aw, thank you, sweetie," she said. "That's so nice of you. And in my favorite color, too!" She smelled the roses.
Linus then said, "You two better get going. Have fun."
"See ya, Linus," said Charlie Brown. And he and Frieda got in the limo. Snoopy closed the door behind them and got in the front to drive them to the movie theater; the first stop on the date. Woodstock was sitting with Snoopy up front.
As they were being driven to the theater, Charlie Brown asked Frieda, "So what possessed you to ask me out? Me of all people?"
"Well," she began, "I always hated seeing how Violet, Lucy, and the others were treating you. I was afraid to speak up about it because I wanted them to like me, too. But I always liked you, Charlie Brown. Ever since that day Linus introduced us, I liked you and thought you were one of the nicest guys around. And I always liked how you never gave up; even at times you wanted to. You may not be the best at everything, but you keep trying. And to see someone like Violet say you're not worth anything and put you down makes me sad. Well this year, when no one else wanted to give you a valentine, I decided I would be your valentine."
"I don't know what to say, Frieda," said Charlie Brown. "Thank you. Thank you for caring about my feelings. And thank you for the valentine. It was nice and I loved it."
"You're very welcome, Charlie Brown," said Frieda with a smile. "Just like you, I had my own insecurities as well. I always thought people expected more from me because I had naturally curly hair, but while I still love my hair, I now know that people can like you for being you. And that's why I like you, Charlie Brown. You are always yourself and never compromise your values, even if everyone's doing something different. Those other girls might not think anything of you, but I think you're one in a million."
That made Charlie Brown blush. It was something he longed to hear from anyone. In addition, it was different from going out with Peppermint Patty or Marcie, who, while they liked him, would put demands on him as well. It was what they wanted and not what he wanted. Frieda was putting HIM first and making him feel like he was worth something.
Back to present
"And I haven't forgotten those words, Frieda," Charlie Brown said, finishing the flashback. "You have made me feel special after all these years. And I hope you will continue to make me feel that way for five more and beyond.
"I will, sweetie," said Frieda. "I loved you then, I love you now, and I'll always love you. And I look forward to our date this Saturday."
"I'm glad, Frieda. Anyway, I better get started with my homework. I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, my love."
NEXT CHAPTER: PLAN OF ACTION