CHAPTER 5: IT WAS A GOOD ANNIVERSARY, CHARLIE BROWN

Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty were at the old oak talking about everything that had happened thus far in their lives. He was still on Cloud 9 from his successful anniversary date with Frieda, and was in a great mood. Patty, for a lack of a better term, was glad for him, but a little jealous, as well. Mainly because it would have been hers and Franco's 5th anniversary that year, as well, had it not been for their breakup.

"So, you two did the same things you did your first date?" asked Patty.

"We did," Charlie Brown replied. "It was a magical day, Patty."

"I am happy for you two, Chuck. I really am." Charlie Brown noticed Patty's sad demeanor. He turned to face her.

"Everything okay?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

"Well, it would have been mine and Franco's anniversary this year, as well," Patty started, "if it weren't for me screwing things up in Australia."

"Patty, you have to stop beating yourself up over this. We know what happened with you and Zac was just a heat of the moment thing."

"But I didn't stop after that, Chuck! I kept seeing him, leading him on, and breaking Franco's heart in the process. I just hope one day he can forgive me."

"He will, Patty. It takes time, but he will forgive you. It may not be today, tomorrow, or even a month from now, but he will get over this, and so will you."

Patty took in what Charlie Brown had to say. She knew he was right. Time was all Franco needed to heal. And while it didn't mean them ever dating again, hopefully they could work their way back to being friends.

"I meant to tell you this," said Charlie Brown, remembering something. "We saw you and Roy dancing at Violet's New Year's party. He looked like he was enjoying being with you."

"Really?" said Patty. "But, we've been friends for a long time. I never had those feelings for him, and I doubt he ever had them for me."

"Well, from what I saw, he looked like he enjoyed your company. Roy may have not had them before, but I think he's getting feelings for you. Don't ask him about it, though. Let him tell you. None of that 'You kinda like me' business you used to use on me."

"You were paying attention, Chuck?!"

"More than you know, Patty. More than you know. Anyway, don't do that, and don't act weird around him, either. You two are still good friends, and at least start out like that. Take things slow."

"Okay, I'll take your advice. Thanks, Chuck. I was wrong about you."

"How so?"

"You DO know what you're talking about!" And Charlie Brown smiled. He was happy to have been a help to one of his friends without them questioning his logic or sanity, for a change. It was like being with Frieda had turned his life around.

Later, Charlie Brown and Frieda were at his house watching some TV. Sally and Michael were on a date of their own. And his parents and Wyatt were out doing some shopping. Snoopy was in the backyard on his typewriter working on his next "best-seller". Frieda noticed that Charlie Brown was in deep thought.

"Whatcha thinking about, baby?" she asked, nuzzling him.

"Just how my life was five years ago before we were dating to now," he replied. "I was a wreck over Heather moving away, plus what Peggy Jean did to me at camp saying she had another boyfriend, forgetting we were dating, and just how low my self-esteem was. The day you gave me that valentine turned everything around. I wasn't down on myself as much as I usually was, plus I got better at sports with you teaching me to be patient and not expect things to just work out of nowhere. But the main thing is, you showed me true love. Not just having a crush on me and wanting me to be your conquest. You wanted me for me, flaws and all. Frieda, you became my rock."

Frieda looked at her boyfriend with love in her eyes. She said to him, "Charlie Brown, you were, and still are, the greatest boy in the entire world. I've always thought of you as a wonderful person. And I will continue to love you, no matter if you are a success or not. It's not the wins that makes the man; it's the heart." And she kissed him softly. He smiled and blushed. They had made it five years, and they looked to make it five more years. And with the love they had for each other, they knew they would make it.

THE END

Next time, Mallory declares her love for Wayne, and Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, and Charlie's father, Silas, while on a fishing trip, catches the elusive Goliath Fish! Plus more of the Scorpion mystery.