Disclaimer : This licence isn't mine. The opinions express by the characters are not mine. I do not support nor encourage the illegal or dangerous acts or words present here. I can make a distinction between fiction and reality and I trust in my readership's ability in doing the same.
Chapter thirty: Huckleberry Pie expresses himself
Life was peaceful again in Strawberryland. Berrykin Bloom had recovered the entire use of his wounded arm, and the Princess Berrykin hadn't alluded again her intention of punishing his abuser. Apple Dumplin' almost showed good will when she left the Café for going to the high school. Orange Blossom's construction work was progressing, bit by bit. Orange was split between the supervision of the worksite and her own work at the Mart. Blueberry Muffin did her best to assist her, but she was now five months pregnant, and her strength shriveled up. Angel Cake had the whole control of the Café, anyway Strawberry Shortcake still used to deliver meals to the people who hadn't the opportunity of having lunch at the restaurant. This day, she had to bring sandwiches to Orange Blossom's Berrykins, but she had to see her two human friends for another reason.
-I get a letter from Huckleberry Pie, she announced.
-What does he want? Blueberry Muffin suspiciously asked, skimming her stomach.
-Don't worry Bluebeery, he didn't talk about you. He told me he had debts… He had difficulties in selling his pets. Well, he asks me if I could lend him the money which will get him out of this tricky situation, and he swears me he will repay me as soon as possible.
-We can't abandon our friend! Orange Blossom cried.
-Help him as you wish, but remember I don't want to see him, Blueberry Muffin firmly declared.
-For the moment, all that we will do is send him some money, Strawberry Shortcake declared. "We're not talking about inviting him here."
-Why do you still refuse to see him? Orange Blossom asked. "Are you mad at him? Don't forget it was your fault, too."
Blueberry Muffin frowned. Feeling that an argument was coming, Strawberry interrupted them.
-Listen at me, girls! We don't need to judge Blueberry's relationship with Huckleberry Pie, but to find how to help him. If I'm not mistaken, Orange, you still need funds for your school?
-Yes, indeed.
-And I can hardly pay my bills with what I earn with the Café, Strawberry Shortcake muttered. "We must find another way to help Huckleberry."
-What if we sell him food and supplies for the pets? Blueberry purposed.
-It would be a great idea, Orange answered, "But with which money will we buy them? I think we should organize a collection for him."
Strawberry Shortcake totally agreed with Orange, but there was a tiny detail left.
-Uh… Orange? We are the only humans in Strawberryland, and neither the bugs nor the Berrykins have money… except the Princess Berrykin herself, of course.
Orange Blossom stayed dreamy for a long time.
-The Princess Berrykin… she repeated. "Of course, … Why won't we directly asked her to lend money for Huckleberry Pie?"
-Do you think she will be alright? Blueberry asked.
-Berrykins have the reputation of having a purely utilitarian spirit, but I can tell you they are big-hearted. I bet my life she won't refuse him the assistance he needs… And especially if I personally request her to do so. You know she has a special affection for me…
-Would it be honest?
-It will, and after all Huckleberry promised he will repay her.
Unlike what Strabwerry Shortcake has guessed, the Berrykin Princess agreed in giving an advance to Huckleberry Pie.
-She said that Huckleberry is an honest young man and she trusted him, Orange Blossom told. "She's sure he won't be late repaying us."
-Finally, all's well that ends wells! Strawberry concluded.
-Another solution was to let him manage by himself, as an adult would do, Blueberry added, but the three girls settled for laughing at this last remark. Blueberry was certainly joking!
But Huckleberry Pie wasn't joking when he sent them a second letter, two weeks later.
-Is he sending the money he owes to the Princess? Angel Cake asked.
-Not really, Strawberry Shortcake muttered, worried.
-So, what does he said? Orange Blossom nervously asked.
-His troubles had gotten worse and… (Orange and Blueberry let out a cry) "And… he's coming in Strawberryland."
To be continued…