Episode 67: Back to Normal
CHAPTER 1: BABY STEPS
Morning had arrived in Sparkyville, and all the kids were going off to school. Many were talking about the weekend events that had happened to them, some had gone on dates to the movies, out to eat, or doing whatever. Some who didn't go on dates still went to hang out with friends and even played at the arcade at the mall. Those who had homework to do did so, begrudgingly.
For Thibault, it meant trying to get back out in the world again. He had ventured out a few times, for Rattler's sake, but was still in hiding due to what had happened to him involving his uncle Max. He was concerned that Max had people on the outside doing his bidding and keeping tabs on his nephew. Even with assurances from everyone, including a personal note from the warden of the prison Max was at, saying that wasn't the case, Thibault was still afraid. Even if Max himself wasn't involved, maybe someone else who had seen what had happened to him may get the idea to kidnap him, but for even more sinister reasons than his uncle.
So, as spring was around the corner, Thibault was determined to get back out in society and actually have fun, for once. After he got dressed and started to head for school, with Rattler, along with Cobra and Dominick, keeping him company, he was determined to not let his uncle win. He was sitting next to Rattler on the bus when he finally came up with an idea.
"Holly, would you want to go to the indoor mini-golf?" he asked. "I heard they fixed all the issues with the holes and everything, so it should be good now."
"Tee Wee!" she gasped. "Are you actually saying you want to go out?!"
"I am. I can't let Max rule my life forever. I have to take a chance and be outside again."
Rattler started crying a little. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say that, babe. Yes we can go to the mini-golf place. When would you want to go?"
"If I don't have any homework, how about tonight?"
"Tonight is great! I'm so happy for you, Tee Wee! I love you so much!"
"I love you too, Holly." And the two of them kissed each other. Cobra took notice.
"Dom, it looks like Thibault is back in the land of the living," she said.
"That's great, Sylvia," agreed Dominick. "I hoped he'd come around sooner or later."
"On another subject, Mallory hasn't been bothering you more, has she?"
"Actually, she's left me alone, as of late. Maybe she's finally gotten the message you and I are dating and there's no chance of me and her getting back together."
"I can only hope." And the bus continued to Sparkyville Middle School.
Later that day, Mallory was walking down the hallway. She noticed Cobra putting some books in her locker. She decided to walk up to her and seemingly clear the air.
"Hello, Sylvia," she said. Cobra looked over and had an annoyed look.
"The hell do you want?" she snapped.
"I wanted to apologize for my actions. I should have never tried to get between you and Dominick, because me and him had a history together. I was out of line."
"Understatement of the year! Look, thank you for apologizing. And forgive me for being a bit guarded, but when you tried to get with him knowing when he was with me, you did cross a line. And I will fend off any girl who try to take what's mine away, even if said girl had dated him in the past."
"Maybe we got off on the wrong foot. Can we start over?"
Cobra looked at Mallory with some trepidation. She didn't know if she could trust her or not. Finally she said, "I'll think about it. Right now I need to get to my next class. Talk to you later, Mallory." And Cobra left for her class. Mallory stood behind for a moment.
"It's as the old saying goes: keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
NEXT CHAPTER: THE NEXT BIG FLAVOR
