A/N: Sorry that chapter was so short and kind of bad. I promise things will pick up again here. I hate filler chapters, and that's what the previous one felt like. (I was writing while my parents were around, so I was distracted.) Happy reading!

Meddling

I am always wondering the what-ifs of life. What if it had been me instead of Robbie? Would my death have really ruined Lazytown to the point of insanity? What if I hadn't come back for the summer? Would Robbie's machine still blow up, leaving me guilty for never getting to really know him? I'm sure there are countless possibilities and outcomes in life. Yet here I am, outside, staring at Robbie's billboard on a beautiful day. I look all around me and notice that the time machine is gone.

"Excuse me, Pinky, is there a reason you are staring at my home?" Robbie's voice is angry behind me.

It is so good to hear him.

I turn to face my villain. He has his normal blue and purple garb on. I smirk, but try to hide my joy. I say, "Sorry, I completely forgot where I was headed. Just went for a good old walk is all."

"Well, walk somewhere else. Besides, aren't you a little early this summer? What happened, did you quit school?" His arms fold in his condescending fashion.

I reply, "No, I graduated this year. Though, I will probably have to wait a bit to attend college if things don't . . . fix themselves. Robbie, would you mind if I grabbed a glass of water from you?"

Outraged, Robbie says, "Of course I mind. Pinky, asking me to fetch some water? Do you think I am your butler?"

I was relieved to know Robbie was not quite warm to me yet. The machine must have worked. Sighing, I feel the laughter build up like a geyser. I want to kiss him on the spot, but that would be of no use. Instead, I smile from ear to ear to confuse him. I decided meddling with his emotions is not smart yet.

"I'm so glad I amuse you," Robbie remarks. "Fine, you may have one glass of water. Come on, Pinky. If you so much as breathe on anything in my place, I will banish you from my woods forever."

I nod. We ascend the ladder together and slowly enter Robbie's house. A sharp breath attacks my lungs as I absorbed my surroundings. Everything is normal again; the costumes displayed in back are illuminated and the orange chair sits undisturbed. While I stand in shock, Robbie grabs me a water from his kitchen.

"Here," he says, "Now go away."

"You don't have to be so rude, Robbie." I sip the water and add, "I'm not doing any harm, am I?"

Taken aback, Robbie answers, "No, but I have a lot of work to do today. Besides, there's some attraction in town. Something about a fortune teller and some acrobats. You'd be better of watching them."

"Fortune teller?" My heart drops. "Where?"

He replies, "I think they set up in the baseball field. There's a big show tonight and then the fortune teller will be open until the cows come home. I think it is rubbish."

My breath quickens. I must interfere. The time machine must have sent me back much farther than anticipated. Not by much, but enough to land me in the perfect spot to stop any evil. With the few moments I have, I let my mind race with ideas to stop this fortune teller from doing any damage.

Lightning strikes me. I have a plan.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Pinky? I've given you ample time to leave me alone, now leave me alone." Robbie turns on his heel and heads for his orange chair.

"Robbie," I begin, "I am actually wondering if you might help me with something."

He chuckles, "I don't help anyone."

"But it involves a costume and ridding Lazytown of someone. No – not Sportacus. But . . . it will ruin everyone's night."

Staring square in my eyes, Robbie folds his arms once more. His gaze causes firecrackers to explode in my stomach. If done right, I will convince him to get rid of this weird lady with me. Whoever the fortune teller is, she must be powerful. As Robbie's gaze deepens, I feel my cheeks redden. Shaking off these feelings, I wait for his response.

Robbie steps closer to me and drops his arms. "Alright, I might be interested."

It takes every ounce of my willpower not to lean in and brush his cheek with my lips. Instead, I quickly explain my plan. At first, he is not sure I'm being honest with him. I use some bullshit excuse that 'the gang' won't give me the time of day and that I want to get even. I can't lie to Robbie; I also throw in that Sportacus is nothing but a pervert and needs a few bad nights. Surprised by my language and bluntness, Robbie accepts my mischievous side.

And already I must be getting on his good side.