CHAPTER 10

The new day dawned as per usual. Well, almost as per usual. On board the school bus, things were different to the normal routine. The fact that Timmy was ignoring Trixie (or more accurately giving her a passing sneer) for a change while the other kids were doing their 'not worthy' routine, as well as sitting next to the new-image Tootie, which was resulting in Timmy getting more than a few glances of envy, made it rather different to the previous morning bus routine. For her part, Tootie was really enjoying at last having the attentions of Timmy, but one person was looking at them both with a far more jaundiced eye.

"What's the problem, Trixie?" Veronica asked (knowing full well what was bugging her), "surely you can find other persons to reject and humiliate".

Trixie glared at Veronica. She knew full well that Timmy had really hurt her yesterday and was feeling rather smug about it. Well, she'd show her.

"In my own way, in my own time", Trixie responded calmly. Trixie now knew that the only way to redeem her position as the supreme 'controller' of her classmates was to appropriately – and publicly - humiliate Timmy.

While Trixie was scheming in her mind, over at Juvenile Hall, Vicky was being led into a vehicle for transportation to Dimmsdale Municipal Court. After being pre-warned by the mayor regarding Vicky's background (blackmailing the mayor really was not a great move on Vicky's part), she had been kept in stocks in the basement since her remand. With guards giving her increasingly bad hair days with balloons, and Chompy the Goat coming in to inflict some wedgies, it was safe to say that she did have a very pleasant time in remand. Now, she was going to court as a result of the great parent battle a couple of days earlier.

For their part, Mr. and Mrs. Flannigan were driving to the same court hearing. After yesterday being released on their own recognizance – to the admiring glances of the local cops who knew just what Vicky was like, they definitely had the sympathy of the local authorities, and as such, had a good feeling about the hearing. Still, having to clean up the mess from the battle, and airing out the house from the tear gas kept them busy until late the previous night. Both were overjoyed at Tootie's makeover, and the fact that Timmy did not need to be made to keep her company any more. This was looking to be a bright day for them. Tootie did not need to attend the hearing as a sworn deposition was taken from her - when she returned home – by a social worker. Thus, she could still go to school.

Also, Cosmo and Wanda were relaxing some. Timmy had given them both the day off, and he left them saying that he hoped that they would relax some. Cosmo was taking that advice by trying (once again) to ram a square peg into a round hole, but Wanda was concerned about those vibes that she had been getting.

"Do you mind if you hold the fort for a while, Cosmo?" Wanda asked, "I'd like to go out for a while".

"No problem, Wanda", Cosmo replied, "That will give me time to finally win this game".

Shaking her head at Cosmo's stubbornness with the game, Wanda poofed out. She was going to do some detective work…

"This court finds that in regards to the Flannigan family, a convivial living environment for all family members cannot be maintained at this time. As the youngest daughter – Miss Tootie Flannigan – judging from her sworn deposition has made it clear who is fault in this matter, plus her desire to remain with her parents, this court hereby orders that Miss Vicky Flannigan from hereout reside away from the Flannigan Household, and stays at least 100 yards away from her parents and sister", the judge intoned.

Mr. and Mrs. Flannigan smiled at the decision. All that morning, evidence had been given as to Vicky's behavior and conduct towards her parents and sister. Vicky could not come up with an effective counter. Besides, this judge, she had no dirt on.

"So how am I going to live then, Your Honor?" she complained.

"As you are still officially a minor, your parents are required to see to your needs, so they will need to pay for an apartment, and your food and clothing. However, since you also make a large amount of money baby-sitting in this city, you are also able to meet costs", the Judge replied.

"We have no objection, and we will meet the necessary financial obligations towards Vicky", Mr. Turner said.

"In that case, so ordered", the Judge intoned, bringing down the gavel.

As the Flannigans left, Vicky snarled, "at least I won't have to put up with you two and the twerpette".

"Au contraire", Mrs. Flannigan replied, "We, and especially Tootie will not have to put up with you". Showing her a photo of Tootie's new style, she continued, "at least Tootie will grow up to be a beautiful woman. Now, Dad and I will find an apartment for you and will help you move. In addition, the rent, food, clothing, and power will be paid for by us, but extras will be your responsibility. At least you can have your apartment the way you want it, so consider yourself lucky".

Vicky looked at the photo with her eyes wide. Tootie looked like that?!!!

"Get used to the photo, because as soon as you're ensconced, you will stay away from her. She deserves better that what you ever gave her", Mrs. Flannigan concluded, her voice dripping with contempt.

Vicky didn't reply, but inside, that remark stung. Silently, she followed her parents out of the courthouse.

Wanda (disguised as a bird) had flown to Dimmsdale Elementary School. She looked through the window at Timmy's class, where she saw Timmy and Tootie sneaking glances at each other while Mr. Crocker ranted on. Satisfied, she decided to flap over to the lunch room, positioning herself close to the table where the popular kids would sit for their lunch. The roped-off area - along with the security guard – made looking for it unnecessary. Wanda however was very disquieted by the vibes she was getting. She was gambling that it was Trixie that was setting her off, so she decided to see what the lunch time chatter at her table would turn up…

About an hour later, the classes broke for lunch. Wanda noticed the children fill up the room and begin eating. Wanda noticed Timmy and Tootie sitting together, eating and chatting. Wanda did notice Francis moving in Timmy's direction, but Wanda poofed up on the floor in front of him a banana peel, which make him slip and fall. To the sounds of laughter emanating from the children watching, Francis stalked out of the lunch room. Breathing a sigh of relief, Wanda then turned his attention to the popular table.

Tad, Chad, Trixie, and Veronica were seated there. Trixie was doodling on a pad while the others were chatting. Wanda could see what Trixie was writing on the pad. It was a design for a poster. It read: SATURDAY AT TRIXIE'S HOUSE, OPEN VIDEO GAME COMPETITION. ALL WELCOME. Wanda knew that Timmy had a weakness for video games and was suspicious at the timing. She would have to see what Trixie had planned before going to Timmy…