CHAPTER 3: THE PRODIGAL SON REACHES OUT
The next few days, Peppermint Patty and Marcie avoided each other like the plague. Marcie opting to lay low, only seeing Franklin, and Charlie Brown and Frieda, while Patty continued to visit Zac. Everyone felt the rift between the two girls and were wondering if they should cut their own visit short and return home due to the trip being ruined by all the drama. Finally, it was up to Krissy and Red to have a "Come to Jesus" with everyone and find out what's happening.
"Okay, we are all shaken up by Franco's sudden departure," Krissy began. She looked over at Peppermint Patty, who was on her phone playing some games. "Well, almost everyone. But things are starting to get a little deep right now and I figured it's time to deal with everyone's issues. What's been going on lately?"
"Well, Krissy, aside from Franco's leaving, the rest of us are actually pretty good," said Charlie Brown.
"But there's two others that are having issues right now," added Linus.
"I think they're referring to my outburst the other day," said Marcie, now calmed down. "I'm sorry if I upset everyone, but I meant what I said." She glared at Patty, who only briefly looked up with annoyance, before returning to her game. "Until certain things are rectified, certain people will not be spoken to my me. I'm not going to revisit that awful day, as I said my peace then and there. The ball is in their court." Peppermint Patty immediately got up and left the room in a huff.
"Crikey!" sighed Jadan.
"But, while I can't speak for said party, I can speak for myself," Marcie continued. "I am sorry for my own actions and seemingly bringing down what's supposed to be a good time."
"You are not at fault, babe," said Franklin to his girlfriend. "While what happened between you and Patty sucks, I do get it. She does need to make things right with Franco, even if they break up as a result of this."
"We do hope you and Patty patch things up, though," added Charlie Brown. "I hate seeing our friends fight like this."
"I do t-too," Claudia chimed in. "Sure you two had arguments, but it never got this serious."
"Are you going to be okay, hun?" asked Frieda.
"Yeah, I'll be okay," assured Marcie. "As I said, the ball is in her court. I am willing to hear her out when she's ready, and IF she at least clear the air with Franco. I don't expect a miracle, but to at least hear each other out and try to fix things, even for a little while." Eudora then walked in with her laptop.
"Franco just sent all of us an email," she announced. "It's addressed to all of us. It reads 'Dear friends, I'm sorry for abruptly leaving you all behind, but after what had transpired, I couldn't stay in Australia. I have made it home safely and I'm okay. I'm not ready to talk about what happened with Patricia and Zac as of yet, but once I have calmed down and things have settled down, I will webchat with you soon. Enjoy the rest of the trip. And Jadan, good luck with the kangaroos. Dein Freund, Franco Schneider'."
The kids all thought about everything that had transpired in the past few days. Patty had peeked from behind the corner to hear what Eudora read from Franco, as well. She didn't say anything, but felt guilty about how she acted. She went back to Jadan's room and closed the door.
NEXT CHAPTER: CALM AFTER THE STORM