Chapter 5
"What on Earth were you thinking, Dad?!"scolded Angela as she reached for medical supplies in the storage closet of Town Hall.
Her father, who was standing just behind her sighed sadly. It was merely 5 minutes ago, when the Outdoor Sales ened and Beauvillage had said goodbye to their Cygnuville guests. The Tofu kids along with their friends exchanged spirited farewells with the celebrities and it looked like a small friendship was forged between them. The shop-owners also said goodye to their Beauvillage collagues and were excited at what they have wittnessed. Even all the praise his citizens had for Beauvillage made little effect on Mayor La Jolie however. Smirking and chortling along with his son, he bid goodbye to Mayor Haveitall saying that their bet is still on and he has one month to fufill the promise. Johnatan however flared once more and foolishly cut his time down to two weeks. The said mayor now bowed his head in shame.
"I know, Angie. But he..."he began.
"He goaded you, Dad. You know La Jolie only wants to prove that Cygnuville is better and if you – The Mayor of Beauvillage will be opening his town´s celebration in a clown costume and I do believe, he´ll openly announce who you are – that will be the best way to prove his point. After that it won´t matter what we do, or what we achieve but this will always stay in people´s mind. It´ll be everlasting shame upon Beauvillage."
Upon hearing his daughter´s reasoning, he felt even a deeper pang of shame for losing his temper. She was right of course.
"You know perfectly well, that we don´t have any contact with the NATMA or anything to present them with. AND you had to make this bet NOW, when we have a situation on our hands."Angie continued to rant.
Johnatan sighed deeply again, but thistime in annoyance rather than shame.
"Angie, we talked about this already..."
His daughter however turned towards him, a strong light in her eyes.
"Something HAS to be done about this, Dad! I´ve had a small chat with Lola and Lily and they reported, that the fangirl cat-fights are getting worse by the day. Rodney said as much too. Just now they´re only small fights in class that can be resolved by teachers, but mark my words pretty soon they´ll be turning into something, that will HAVE to be resolved by the police. In fact, I even heared that several girls were thinking of actually commiting some crime in order to be interrogated by the great Detective Wiseman."
Johnatan was a bit shocked to hear that. All the same he slapped his forehead and exhaled in a fatigued way.
"And just what do you propose I do, Angie? I can´t just order them to forget about those two..."he asked reffering to the two young "superheroes" of Beauvillage – fully aware of the problem.
"Three, Dad."
Now Johnatan was clueless.
"Three?"
Eventhough his daughter´s back was turned as she searched for more medical supplies, he could feel her flare up – instantly he was reminded of his late, beloved Katherin.
"I´m talking about Rodney too, Dad."
"Uh-oh. Here we go again."thought Johnatan, sighing once more.
"I swear I ´ve lost count of how many girls flirted with him today. And NOT just my former classmates. Younger then me as well. Looks like the fight for Miles and Fred has emboldened Rodney´s fan-club too."she growled.
"Angie... I realize that you´re trying to protect your life-long friend..."
Angie was greatfull that she was still turned, so that her father couldn´t see the crimson blush on her cheeks.
"Not just him, Dad. I´m talking about Fred and Miles too... neighter of them are very happy with the situation. And I´m almost certain, that the parents of those girls also aren´t."
Johnatan scratched his head.
"I just have no idea what to do, Angie. I mean there IS an obvious solution to this."
Angie turned her head and fixed him with a hopefull look.
"All three respective gentlemen must find someone to date. That would get the fan-club off their back, knowing they don´t have a chance."Johnatan explained as though that were the obvious solution.
Catching a glimpse of his daughter´s cold glare he flinched.
"What did I say...?"he asked quietly, almost shaking.
"You know as well as I do Dad, that neighter of the three are interested in dating. Miles is interested in making money, Fred in stopping crime and Rodney in teaching kids. If they were interested in dating, they would´ve already be dating someone."said Angie with a low growl at the thought of her Rodney dating one of those... fangirls.
"Then there´s nothing for me to do."said Johnatan in a defeated voice.
"There is – find a solution to it and fast. Before the situation gets any worse."she said in a definite voice, that once more reminded him of his late wife as she exited the storage closet – medical supplies in her arms.
"Yes, sweetheart."said Johnatan in a defeated voice – he never could win out with eighter Katherine or Angie.
"I think I´m going for a walk. A little fresh air would do me good."he said solemnly as Angie moved towards his office door.
"Take your time, Dad. Meanwhile I´ve got a sensible person to take care of."
The emphasis she put on the word sensible made Johnatan cringe again. He tried to say something, but his daughter already snapped the office door. In pure defeat, he turned the opposite way and left down the stairs.
On the opposite side of the Mayor´s office door, Angie sighed to herself in annoyance.
"What´s gotten you so angry?"came a voice from the couch, positioned near the window.
The mere sound of Rodney´s voice was enough to her cool down. She turned towards him and fixed him with a radiant smile.
"Nothing Rodney. Its just that Dad and I had a chat about the situation."
Rodney, laying on the couch fixed her with a look of understanding. He wasn´t finding the renewed interest of the female population any more pleasing than her. Though he always had the female population of Beauvillage going after him eversince he was 17 and Ezekiel left the town. Things were tamer than ussual lately, but indeed the fan-girl movement for Michael Miles and Frederick Wiseman had gotten his fan-girl movement out of its state of hybernation. And like any creature waking from its hybernation – this one was really, really hungry.
"And... have you reached some sort of a resolution?"he asked turning around to see her better.
She closed her eyes, sighed and started to walk with the medical supplies in her arms.
"No... Pop says, that there´s not much he can..."
"ANGIE, WATCH OUT FOR THAT..."exclaimed Rodney, but too late.
With her eyes closed, Angie failed to see, that she was walking into a small cofee-table, that was left there as La Jolie and her father exited the office. With a small yelp, Angie tripped over, knocking over the table and sending herself flying over it, medical supplies flying all across the room as she fell onto the floor in a heap with the coffee mugs falling all over the place and several of them hitting her.
"...coffee-table."finished Rodney sighing to himself as he got off the couch and hurried towards her.
"Ow... that sure hurt."moaned Angie as Rodney was trying to help her get back up.
"There, there... I´m sure its nothing – here... let me have a look."he said with a kind smile and gently picked her up into his arms and proceeded to carry her bridal-style to the couch he was occupying.
As he carried her, Angie fought the urge to sigh in absolute contentment not even registering the pain from the bumps and bruises she sustained in the fall. This was exactly the way, he always carried her since they were kids – whenever she got hurt, which was pretty often. From what both she and Rodney heared, her mother also used to have an extraordinary ammount of accidents and now she along with her cousin Frederick are carrying on that tradition. They were fairly swift healers though, which Rodney supposed was a good thing. He remembered too, the time when he was a 15 year old teenager and he carried the 5 year old girl in his arms in much the same way back in Mrs Longline´s garden straight after Angie had a nasty bike accident. In fact, he suspected that she cringed to him exactly then as she did now – seeking warmth and comfort from her pain. Laying her ever-so gently on the couch, Rodney looked her over up and down and registered numerous briuses and bumps along with coffee stains from the spilled mugs of coffee and wine from wine-glasses. Luckily no cuts were present. He sighed to himself and picked up the medical supplies she brought in and quickly proceeded to treat her bruised knee, applying ointment to it.
"Just a few bumps and bruises that´s all. I´ll have it fixed in no time."he said gently as she fixed her sight on him.
Sighing to herself, she allowed an affectionate and loving smile grace her lips.
"I wanted to be the one to nurse you to health for once."
Rodney chuckled to himself as he applied the bandage and proceeded to work on her other knee.
"You´re such a little klutz, you know that?"he asked the old and familiar question, affectionately as he reached over to carress her blushing cheek.
At the contact, Angie shuddered in obvious pleasure, wishing that hand would remain on its place for a bit longer. But Rodney apparently took no note of this and returned to his work.
"Don´t worry about me... I´ll be just fine. By the way... how does your Dad intend on solving that little bet, he had gotten himself into?"he asked as though nothing was happening.
"I have no idea. But he´d better think of something fast. Or its the clown-suit for him."replied Angie but decided to leave that lying for the moment.
Not when she felt Rodney´s soft hands on her injured knee, funnily enough she felt no pain from it whatsoever.
"Oh, if I have my way... those hands will take care of me forever."she thought dreamily as she allowed herself to get lost in pleasure.
...
The Mayor´s office was not the only place in Beauvillage where a healing process was going on. In the Tofu household, the girls were in separate rooms of the house taking care of the boys.
"Sheesh, Phil... how is it, that you and Chichi always get into trouble like that."commented Lily as she applied a cooling cream on the right side of his forehead in the living room of the Tofu house.
"At least you´ve got some new material for the sequel book."joked Phil, wincing a bit at the cream.
"Stop being a baby, Philip. Keep still."commanded Lily as she proceeded to rub the cream on the spot, where a hot frying pan from a food stand, that flew from one of the now broken stands and hit his in the head, burning the side of his forehead in the process. Phil remained absolutely still, but his cheeks were growing redder and a small content smile was growing on his face. He closed his eyes as he felt the sting from the burn go away thanks to Mom Tofu´s homemade cooling cream. But also, he had to surpress a moan – Lily´s gentle touch was being almost too good – once more, he felt the wierd feeling he was getting around his older friend.
"I swear, that you two would provide me with material for a hundred books. Anyway, I believe that girl from the ninth grade was really gratefull, that you took the blow for her."noted Lily.
Indeed the long-haired girl from a class above him, whom he knew by sight but not by aquaitance - since she moved to Beauvillage only a year ago, WAS in line of fire and Phil indeed threw himself into the frying pan´s way – something which earned him admiring looks from the ninth-grade girls.
Phil´s eyes snapped open and he blushed heavily at what he heared.
"I... I... didn´t notice."he said quietly, moving his blushing face away from Lily.
Lily however got a sly look and ruffled his hair.
"Aww... is our little-guy getting a crush?"she teased.
Phil´s blush intensified, but whether from the contact or embarressment he wasn´t sure.
"No way. Come on, Lil... I don´t even know her..."
"Why not get to know her then?"suggested Lily brightly as she applied the bandage to his forehead.
"I´m not sure, Lil... I mean..."Phil struggled with the words, but indeed wouldn´t mind to get to know her.
"Nonsence, Philip. Afterall you saved her life from an hot airborn frying-pan. I´m sure she´d very much like to get to know her hero."said Lily dramaticly, ending with a smile.
Phil quirked an eyebrow – a glint of hope in his light brown eyes.
"You really think I have a chance?"he asked in small wonder, as Lily proceeded to work on his bruised elbow.
Smiling ever-so gently at her friend, she gave him an affectionate kiss on his blushing cheek.
"I know you do, little-guy."
...
In Lola´s room, Billy was lying on her bed resting his aching head on her pillows. Though when he ussually lay there, he would feel great and inhaling Lola´s sweet smell that came from her sheets. Right now however, he was almost shaking in fear - almost afraid of the moment his girlfriend comes trough the door. He had a very good reason for it too. Over the course of the fight, he helped the policemen apprehand three burglars. Unfortunately he kinda underestimated one of them, the man being twice as large as he was and he threw him into one of the stands, where he bumped his head badly. Lola instantly let out a scream and dispite the ongoing fight rushed to him. Once relieved that he was alright and the situation calmed down, Lola gave him a "Wait ´till we get home" look, that brought chill to his bones. That meant only one thing, he was about to get a scolding of a lifetime. And coming from Lola, it was no laughing matter. He was sometimes at the recieving end of Lola´s scoldings and he was completly sure, that even his mother wasn´t able to scold him like that. Indeed Beth often times left the task to Lola, confident that his girlfriend´s anger had a deeper effect on him – sometimes he got the feeling that the two had agreed upon this. He was still thinking about what happened with Jaq La Jolie. He would´ve shook his head if it wasn´t throbbing so badly. The pompous, stuck-up and spoiled pretty-boy got on his every single nerve, yet he refrained from saying anything. Lily however wasn´t so generous. Though she blew her top, Billy was scarcely blaming her. And of course he supported her outburst whole-heartedly. On the other hand, he was a bit surprised that Mayor Haveitall blew his top – since his childhood he always seen the mayor as a calm, even a bit mischievous man at times – never once did he see such rage on his face. He wondered how in the world is he expecting to win the bet he made with his Cygnuvillian collague. His thoughts were interupted by the sound of Lola´s bedroom door opened and in came his girlfriend, medical supplies in one hand and a ice-bag in the other.
"Good thing, Buba always keeps ice in the freezer."she mumbled to herself as she used her leg to close the door.
Billy gulped as she turned to him and judged by the fierce look on her face, that her rage hadn´t subsided one bit.
"L...Lola, sweetheart..."he began, but cringed at the glare Lola shot him.
"Don´t "Lola sweetheart" me, William Hubbub! What in the world posessed you to run into a fight like that?!"she demanded now fully letting her rage out.
Billy gulped again. Lola only used his full name when she was completly furious with him and he was slowly getting the feeling, that she was never so angry with him ever before. He struggled to find a responce, even as Lola applied the ice-bag to his throbbing head.
"I... I only wanted to help, Lola. That´s all I swear. Phil and Chichi also went in there to do the same."
He instantly knew, the took the entire process of explaining himself completly the wrong way, for Lola´s eyes flashed dangerously.
"Don´t even speak of those two. Phil will get a get a scolding from his mother and I will deal with that knuckle-head once April is finished patching him up. But I´m surprised at you! I mean, I kinda expected those two idiots running into danger like that, but YOU?! Have you any idea, what those burglars could´ve done to you?! You saw that last one with the gun and others fought with whatever they had in their hands? What if something worse happened?! HAVE YOU ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I WAS?!"she finished, her voice rising to its very top, her eyes watering by tears which were a mixture of anger and worry.
Billy instantly rose up in bed, the ice-bag falling from his head. With the absence of the cool ice-bag, his head throbbed violently again, but he gave it no thought. He even had no time to feel sorry for Chichi and Phil as he proceeded to gather his girlfriend, who was shaking from anger into his arms. Lola was still in the embrace for a while, but soon enough brought her arms around him and melted into the embrace.
"I know what this is about, Billy... I chaught the look you flashed at Jaq when we got back from that damaged stand – you were jealous, William Hubbub and you can´t deny it."she mumbled in the embrace, but knew very well that Billy heared every single word judging by the heavy sigh she felt him take.
"All right. You´re right. That was definitely half of the reason, the other half was that I really wanted to help."he admitted.
"You wanted to prove, that you´re better than Jaq. How can you be so bull-headed?!"she asked, punching his chest lightly for emphasis.
"Look, Lola... I... I heared about him, then saw him speak to you and Lily... and when I saw him cuddle up to you... I... felt threatened."he admitted, knowing that the truth would be the only way to make this right.
His theory was confirmed when he felt Lola laugh slightly.
"You really are a hard-case, Billy. How could you feel threatened by someone like him?! Did you think, that I would throw away our relationship for some Cygnuvillian pretty-boy?"
Billy sighed and blushed heavily.
"Well... I... no, I didn´t. But still... I can´t help but worry about our relationship, Lola. I mean eversince I´ve got together with you, I´m the happiest dude in Beauvillage. I can´t even express how happy you make me, Lola sweetie. I never want to lose that... I never want to lose you... I..."he was cut off by Lola´s lips.
Lola was kissing him with as much passion as she could possibly muster. Closing his eyes, he returned the kiss with equal passion, his arms squeezing her closer. They proceeded to hold eachother close long after the kiss ended, Lola resting her head on his chest, her eyes closed as she savoured the feeling of Billy´s fingers running trough her hair – her anger completly subsiding from the moment Billy explained himself.
"You have nothing to worry about, my love."she said with a smile, though not bothering to move from the position they were in.
"I´ve wanted you since we were 12 years old. And now that I have you, I´ll never want to let you go. I love you... and I´ll never want anyone else."she confessed with the same passion that was present in their kiss.
"Lola..."breathed Billy and instantly started to assault the top of her head with loving kisses.
Suddenly however, his head gave a yet another painfull throbb. Lola felt him wince in pain and instantly broke the embrace.
"All right, that´s enough. You´re still injured and its time someone did something about it. On the bed, now."she commanded, pointing to her bed with her finger but with an affectionate smile.
Holding his throbbing head, he smiled back gently.
"Yes, my love."
Obediently he lay back on the bed and placed the ice-bag on his head. Lola at once took the medical supplies and started to work on Billy´s bruises. After applying the herb ointment made by Buba and Mom, she placed a bandage on each and on each treated place, she aded a loving kiss for "better healing".
"Please Lola, don´t be too hard on Chichi once we get downside. He meant well afterall."he pleaded, wanting to soften the blow Lola´s younger brother was very likely to recieve from her.
Lola rolled her eyes and sighed in exaspiration.
"Come on, Billy. That little idiot has to learn, that he´s no superhero. I think that since the summer he had in Megacity, he´s been getting way too active in things like that."
"He´s smart, Lola. He know´s what he can and can´t do."reasoned Billy fairly.
Lola sighed, but nodded – agreeing with that statement, though begrudgingly.
"All the same... I´m... scared for him. He´s my baby brother, Billy. I don´t want to see him end up somewhere in the hospital... or worse..."she said, remembering the time when Chichi fainted from exhaustion and ended up being treated at home by April´s father – remembering the chilling feeling of fear at the thought of something happening to him.
"Don´t worry. As I said, he´s smart. And always... he has us to help him whenever he needs."said Billy gently, placing his left hand on her cheek and carressing it with gentle care.
Lola giggled to herself as her hand covered Billy´s and she moved closer to him.
"Point taken."she agreed and lay on the bed next to her beloved boyfriend.
"But he´s still gonna get it for this."she added before once more locking her lips with Billy´s.
Little did they know, that Chichi was already getting his share of well chosen words.
...
Phil and Lily were just joking in the living room when a loud shriek ran trough the Tofu house.
"CHICHI TOFU, YOU GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT! I´M NOT TROUGH WITH YOU YET!"
The pair looked at eachother. That was definitely April´s voice.
"Wanna make a bet?!"rang Chichi´s voice, which was full of panic.
A few seconds later, Chichi Tofu ran into the living room as though running for his life, diving behind the sofa where Phil and Lily sat. The two looked over the sofa at him.
"Jeez... now I know, how grandpa Noah feels. Guys help me!"he asked desperately.
Lily was instantly overcome with a fit of giggles and even Phil was sporting a smug smile.
"What´s up, Chichi? Lady-troubles?"he asked slyly.
Chichi fixed his best friend a glare.
"Very funny! I´m in a situation here."he said before cringing in pain.
April wasn´t able to fully patch him up before he was unable to listen to her scolding anymore and did exactly what his grandfather always did in situations like this – run for dear life.
"CHICHI! WHERE ARE YOU?!"came April´s voice and a second later a very angry April entered the living room.
Her glaring eyes went trough the entire living room, settling on her other two friends.
"You haven´t seen Chichi, guys?"
Phil and Lily chanced a small look at eachother. Deciding at once, that they couldn´t do THAT to him, they shook their heads.
"No, April. We haven´t the slightest idea, where he could be."said Phil in a convincing voice.
"Yeah. We definitely didn´t see him."nodded Lily.
April gave out a snarl of exaspiration.
"When I get my hands on him...!"she said turning and making her way out of the living room.
Chichi quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Suddenly however something landed on his head. He tensed, knowing exactly what it is.
"Cracker, don´t..."he tried saying but too little, too late.
A loud crow made April turn around and fix her sight on the sofa. And another... and another.
"Cracker! I´m gonna strangle you!"exclaimed Chichi, exposing himself from his hiding place as he tried to grab the jumping rooster, which was evading capture while announcing Chichi´s position.
As Chichi chaught Cracker in both of his arms, he exposed himself fully – lying on the floor besides the sofa. From the ground he fixed his sights on the living-room enterance and cringed at the devious look on April´s face.
"Good boy, Cracker. I´ll take it from here."she said in an extremely sweet voice.
"Cracker, you traitor!"exclaimed Chichi as he picked himself up, threw Cracker aside and made another dash towards the garden door as April followed in a dash of her own.
Cracker flew between Phil and Lily and looking very proud of himself watched the ongoing chase, even as Lily was once more overcome by giggles.
"Cracker, you little Judas."said Phil shaking his head – now feeling sorry for his best friend.
"Chichi! Get back here!"yelled April hot on his heels.
"Forget it, April!"Chichi yelled back determined to get as far away from her as possible.
Chichi reached the door leading to the yard. Smirking to himself he opened them. However, that smirk once more turned into terror. Standing there were Buba, Mom, Curly and Suzie – all four of them glaring him.
"I think its time we had a little talk, little seedling."said Mom a rare - stern note in her voice.
Gulping, Chichi turned and dashed back into the house, using his agility to evade April, who barely registered him changing direction. Coming to a stop by the two women, she turned sharply.
"I´m not giving up that easily!"she exclaimed before dashing back into the house, Curly and Suzie on her heels.
Chichi made his way to the kitchen and was determined to make his way into his room, where he could lock himself in. However the staircase was occupied by Billy and Lola, who were just coming down.
"Sis... you gotta help me... April, Mom and Buba are..."he tried to explain, before he chaught the look on Lola´s face.
"Oh, no you don´t brother dearest. You´re so eager to play the hero, face THIS like one."she said sternly and advanced on him.
"Sorry Chichi."mouthed Billy giving him an apologetic look.
Just then the kitchen door was passed by April, Mom, Buba and the three animals.
"I´m not trough with you yet, Chichi Tofu!"exclaimed April.
"Running is pointless, Chichi."nodded Buba, crossing her arms.
"She´s right, my stray sage-leaf."said Mom in a very stern voice of her own.
Turning towards the door, he dashed again thistime for the front door, knowing one place where he could hide and have some peace – the Hidehole.
"Suzie, Curly – CATCH!"commanded Lola savagely and without hesitation the goat and sheep started after the youngest Tofu as he ran out the front door.
The entire ordeal was watched by Lily and Phil who made no attampt to move from their places.
"Woah, Chichi´s really getting it. Judging by Billy´s meek look, he must´ve got it too. Am I the only one who didn´t get a scolding?"wondered Phil as he watched the ordeal sitting close to Lily, since Cracker also started after Chichi.
"Guess so."shrugged Lily.
Phil fixed her with a thankfull smile.
"I´m so happy you didn´t give me one, Lil."
Lily smiled back sweetly.
"Oh, there was no need to, Philip. You´ll get one as soon as you get home."she said in a sugary voice.
Phil instantly looked horrified, knowing exactly whom she meant.
"Oh no! Mom!"he moaned in painfull realization, already picturing his mother´s scolding.
Instinctivelly he threw his arms around Lily and snuggled towards her for comfort, shaking like mad even as Lily smiled, brought her arms around him and started to stroke his hair to calm him down, though in fact she was greatly enjoying this.
"Ca... can I sleep over at your place tonight, Lil?"he asked childishly, sending her into a yet another fit of giggles.
"I´m afraid, you´ll only make things worse for yourself if you do, Phil. I wouldn´t be surprised if your Mom would come to our house and drag you back home by the ear. I think you should just face it and be done with it."
Phil shook his head in the embrace.
"No! You can´t send me there... I´m too young to die..."he whined like a 5 year old kid.
Finding this highly humorous and adorable, Lily giggled again.
"Awww... my little chicken."she teased affectionately.
Meanwhile Chichi made his way out of the house, the animals gaining on him.
"I´d better lock myself in the Hole, ´till the heat´s off."he mumbled to himself as he ran, his sights over his back on the pursuing animals.
However he wasn´t looking where he was going and as he made his way out of the main gate, he hit into something hard. Or rather someone, sending both himself and the person to the ground. As he tried to pull himself from the person, Curly and Suzie jumped on his back and pinned him to the ground. Cracker landing on the two, started to crow loudly for the entire street to hear. Soon enough, came the footsteps of April, Lola, Mom and Buba.
"Damn it, get them off me!"exclaimed Chichi.
"Only if you accept your punishment."said Lola sternly.
"No..."moaned Chichi, but the three animals were getting too heavy.
"You have no other choice."said Buba.
"They´re right, little trapped chimpmunk."nodded Mom calmly.
"Come on... it won´t hurt, Chichi honey-bun."said April in a sugar-sweet voice.
Chichi gritted his teeth, knowing that defeat is inevitable.
"Alright... fine... I give... just get them off me... and April... when are you going to stop calling me that?!"
April smiled in a radiant way.
"Neveeeer."she sing-songed as Chichi moaned under the weight.
With a simple clap of Mom´s hands the three animals jumped off Chichi and took their place at her side obediently.
"Good work you three."said April scratching both Curly and Suzie.
However Chichi was getting up from the ground with a stream of apologies to the person he ran into. Everyone gasped as they saw, just who did Chichi run into.
"Mayor Haveitall!"
...
Half an hour later, the run-over mayor had recovered with some help from the Tofus and Buba´s Nettle tea. With the small distraction behind them, Mom and Buba could return to the original plan. As soon as the Outdoor Sales were officially over, the neighbours were invited to a small garden party in the Tofu´s yard, hosted by Mom and Beth who took up to organizing parties in the light of just such occasions. The mayor also agreed on staying, since he desperately needed some way to get his mind off his troubles. In no time at all the Spocks, Robinses, Bee and several others came in.
"PHILIP CONNERS! WAIT TILL I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!"
Phil went into a state of panic the moment he heared his mother´s voice as he and his friends were bringing the various food into the yard. Chichi and Billy shot him a sorry look, knowing that the scoldings they recieved were nothing to what Phil was about to get.
Knowing that his mother would be near them seconds later, Phil quickly passed the plate of food onto Curly and hid himself behind Lily.
"Hiding behind a girl´s skirt, Phil? Some hero you are."teased April with a giggle.
Before any of the three boys could retort, Natalie Conners came from the house into the yard, ice-cold rage visible on her face and her husband standing behind her, the look on his face a mixture of fright at his wife´s rage and worry for his son´s continued existence. Her eyes flashing, she wasted no time in covering the distance between them even as Matthew Conners started to apologize to Buba. The teens all froze, knowing that an angry Mrs Conners was not something to be messed with. She scanned all of them and instantly moved towards Lily, who was the only one not intimidated by Phil´s angry mother.
"Do you mind, Lily?"she asked calmly before she reached behind her.
With a loud yelp Phil was dragged from behind Lily by his ear.
"Owww! Moooom!"he yelped as she dragged him painfully to her.
"I knew you´d be hiding there, Philip. Now... yould you care explaining to me WHAT IN THE WORLD WERE YOU DOING DOWNTOWN?!"
"Moooom! I... I was trying to help... that´s all I swear..."exclaimed Phil in pure pain as she pulled on his ear again.
"Natalie, sweetie... Phil´s right. He was doing an admirable thing..."said his father, coming to his son´s rescue.
"BY PLACING HIS SAFETY AT RISK LIKE THAT?! WHAT´S ADMIRABLE ABOUT THAT?!"yelled Natalie, her glare shifting between her husband and son, both of whom cringed in fear.
"No it was admirable, Mrs Conners."piped up Lily.
Everyone turned towards her, but Lily just stood there calmly looking Mrs Conners straight in the eye, even the mayor who came up to them.
"He saved several people from the objects the burglars threw around. One of the girls in the crowd would´ve gotten hit by a hot frying-pan if he hadn´t been there. Also he helped the police capture two burglars. He acted much braver than any of the boys older than him did. Please don´t be so hard on him."
Natalie raised an eyebrow at her as though measuring her up, but Lily stood her ground quietly as Buba, Mom and Beth came closer.
"She´s absolutely right. Dear mothers... I also ask you not to be so hard on the boys. They presented something that even our guests from Cygnuville were admiring. You should instead be proud to have such bright and brave sons."said Mayor Haveitall in earnestness.
Beth, Mom and Natalie shared a look and for a few seconds they pondered about it.
"What d´you think?"asked Natalie uncertainly.
"I guess."nodded Beth.
"Agreed."smiled Mom.
Though agreeing they kept their gazes at eachother for a while longer as though coming to a silent agreement. They even nodded to eachother.
"Ouch! Mooom!"whined Phil attracting attention to himself.
The three spun their heads toward him and instantly realized, that Natalie was still holding her son´s ear.
"Oh... sorry, sweetie."she said in a honeyed voice, as she released his ear and he instantly grasped it moving closer to Lily.
"See, Phil. That wasn´t so bad."she said as she rubbed his back in a comforting way.
"I beg to differ, Lil."he said still in pain.
"You should be gratefull to have such a friend, Philip."said Natalie looking at the pair, flashing Lily an aprooving look.
"Believe me, Mom. I am."said Phil looking up at Lily with a smile, as she flashed him a wink.
The mayor´s plea indeed seemed to be the boys´ saving grace. From that moment it looked like everything was forgotten and the party has started. Even the mayor was having fun, laughing at the recounted tale he shared with Matthew Conners about Balthazar Bunglewood. The party gained on a few more digrees as Miles came around, overjoyed completly as he went to set his stuff down in Chichi´s room.
"Wow... he must´ve made a lot."breathed Chichi under his breath.
"You´re not kidding. I haven´t seen him so happy in weeks."nodded Lola as she took some fruit and put it in her mouth.
"Well... he deserves it for all the help he gave Beauvillage."said Mayor Haveitall, who was sitting between Lola and Matthew and smiled as Michael Miles came down into the yard.
Phil and Lily, who sat on the opposite side of the table, shared a look and snickered quietly knowing just what the Mayor had meant. Also both of them had their suspitions, that the help in making an attraction for the Cygnuvillan guests was somehow agreed upon by the two men. And knowing Miles, he had to gain something from it...
"Yo, guys. Wassup?"asked Miles appearing behind Phil and Lily, grinning warmly.
Lily felt a deep blush grace her cheeks as she felt Miles´ arm around her shoulders as he peeked from between her and Phil. Miles took no notice of this as he peered brightly at the little gathering.
"We were just talking about you Miles. That was a very brave thing you did downtown."commented Beth, who was sitting next to Natalie Conners, who nodded smilingly.
The other females both young and old nodded fervently and Miles blushed while grinning sheepishly.
"Cool, you praise Miles for playing the hero and we got a scolding."muttered Chichi shaking his head as April who was sitting next to him glowered at him.
"That´s different Chichi! He knows what he´s doing."replied April sternly, quietly enough for only him to hear.
Chichi snorted to himself as he rolled his eyes.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."he muttered but left it at that, not wanting to press his luck.
"Anyway, Mayor Have-man... Trashbin and Weedpatch send their thanks for your assistance with our little show."
The mayor blushed a bit as every face turned to him. Looks like the suspitions in the mayor having a hand with the Grand Show of the trio were correct.
"My pleasure, dear boy... afterall I´m always glad to help."Johnatan replied sheepishly.
"The plan to impress the Cygnuvillians along with Mayor La Jolie went very well then."commented Lola, eying the mayor slyly.
The mayor´s blush increased.
"I have no idea what you´re talking about, Lola dear..."he replied, but his still increacing blush suggested otherwise.
"And of course, you had done so without any thought of reward and gained nothing from this..."said Lola, narrowing her eyes at Miles, who kept his face completly neutral.
"Of course, Lola... I´m a thoughtfull and helpfull guy afterall."he said fairly.
Lily instantly fell into a fit of giggles and even the other occupants at the table snickered.
"By the way, Mayor... what about that bet you´ve made with Mayor La Jolie?"asked April in evident curiosity.
The mayor´s face now fell.
"Don´t mention that unfortunate thing to me, my dear."he said sadly.
The adults looked curiously, unknowing about this particular part of the day and even the other teens, who knew about it were looking at the Mayor in puzzlement.
"What have you planned for our town to make it to the National television program?"asked Phil in equal curiosity, that echoed troughout the table.
Mayor bowed his head in defeat and after a long sigh he replied.
"I have no idea. I´ve absolutely no idea what to do to top that pompous collague of mine. I try to think of some idea, but right now I´m drawing a blank."
A long wave of silence endured after the mayor finished recounting the entire tale to them. Many of the adults excluding Mom were outraged about some La Jolie´s comments about Beauvillage and in the light of the bet, all of them were feeling very sympathetic towards their mayor.
"There there, Johnatan... we´ll help you with this somehow..."said Buba, patting his hand in a consoling way – they have been on very good terms after Buba helped him after the Aquapark incident years ago, right after Chichi pulled him out of the polluted water – that was pretty much the start of the Mayor´s friendship with the Tofu family. Over the course of the following years, the mayor became very much aqquainted with each Tofu and is about the only person in Beauvillage, who adresses Buba by her first name.
Johnatan smiled.
"If only that were so easy, Suzan... However there´s several problems with it... a contest, sure... but what kind and most importaintly... how in the world would I be able to get it on National Television."
"That´s no problem, Mayor Have-man."exclaimed Miles and everyone turned a shocked look on him.
Chichi and Phil however brightened, knowing what Miles thoght.
"Trashbin!"exclaimed Chichi.
"That´s right, he´s the son of the NATMA director – there IS a way to get some show in the tube."nodded Phil.
"But what kind of a show? This is the National Television we´re talking about. They won´t accept anything just like that. It has to be good and interesting."said Lola, shaking her head in skepticism.
"Come on, Lola. Who doesn´t love a good contest?"defended Miles much to the nods of the adults.
"That´s right. A nice contest would cetrainly offer something that the National Television hadn´t seen in a while in the wake of all those reality-shows the public insists on looking at."nodded Alexander Robins, who was very critical of the nowaday National program on TV.
"Exactly. I´m sure that the people would welcome a nice little change."his wife Julia agreed.
The mayor was stricken aback by their encouragement, but was slowly gaining hope.
"But... but what kind of a contest?"he asked.
"A cooking contest!"exclaimed Beth.
"A quiz contest."suggested Matthew.
"A race."piped up Billy with enthusiasm.
"A talent contest."said April with a big smile.
"A beauty contest?"asked Miles and all the faces once more spun to him.
Blushing slightly he grinned.
"Come on, guys. Who doesn´t love a nice little beauty contest. Y´know like fashion models and all... d´you have any idea how much greed goes down on all those Miss contests?
Bee stood up and whooped – completly overjoyed.
"What an idea, Miles. We can show the entire nation, that our girls are the prettiest in the universe."
The group shared a laugh – even the mayor included.
"Excellent idea, Bee. We can show everyone how pretty, healthy and natural beauty can be."nodded Mom, embracing her friend and doing a small happy-dance.
"No offence you two... but I´m not sure a show of beauty would do much to impress Mayor La Jolie."commented Lola with a small smile.
"Who cares, Lola? From what we´ve seen, nothing would impress him."countered Phil, scowling a bit at the thought of the pompous Cygnuville mayor.
"Yeah. The bet was only, that a Beauvillage show will appear on the National TV. Who cares whether it´ll impress him or not."said April folding her arms in complete support of the Beauvillage Mayor.
"No guys. There´s also the thing about raising Beauvillage´s profile. The biggest way to show La Jolie our Mayor´s victory would be making a show, that would surpass any other showed in the National TV."said Chichi before his eyes flew open and he went an all-familiar transe, that everyone at the table knew very well by now.
The adults save for Mom, who sighed in mild-exaspiration smiled brightly as the Beauvillage Genius-boy´s brain went into full mode.
"There he goes again. I can positively hear his brain working."muttered Dr Robert Spock happily.
"Is this what you see in him, April?"asked Olivia slyly, her gaze on her daughter.
April smiled broadly at her mom, while grasping Chichi´s arm with both her arms an snuggled closer to him – Chichi being too preoccupied by his thoughts to notice.
"ONE of those things, Mom."
Chichi took a few more moments before coming into focus once more.
"What d´you think of, Genius-boy?"asked Miles, heavily awaiting the answer.
Chichi took one grin before fixing his sights on the Mayor.
"How about having a contest in our own way? Y´know - Beauvillage style! A combination of all those you mentioned all grouped into one. In short a special contest of both beauty, style and talent."
Chichi´s suggestion lingered for a moment as the others went over it.
"You mean an activity contest, Chichi? But the budget for such things would be costly."remarked the mayor, shuddering a bit at the prospect.
"Not neccesarily, mayor. Afterall, if its gonna be a mix, the activities could be done by us – everyone puts in what they specialize in... that would reduce the costs."piped up Lola, catching on to her brother´s suggestion.
There was a wave of general agreement from most at the table. The mayor´s expression was brightening by the second. Already an idea coming to his head.
"My dear friends... I am gratefull beyond words that you agree on helping me... I am happy to know that I can count on you."
"Of course you can Mayor Have-man!"exclaimed Miles giving him a thumbs-up and all the others nodded fervently too.
All the others nodded smilingly. The mayor laughed in an all-happy way.
"In that case, I will immediately call a meeting at Town Hall."he said before standing up from the table much to the confusion of everyone.
"With your help, Mayor La Jolie will suffer an all-consuming defeat."
...
A few hours later, the sun was setting down upon Beauvillage and a massive ammount of people was present at Town Hall Square. In fact, nearly everyone in Beauvillage seemed to be present. Mayor Haveitall stepped up to his podium, happy that so many people came – more than he expected. Smiling to himself he cleared his throat.
"My dear Beauvillagers, as you well know the guests from Cygnuville have enjoyed themselfs greatly. And follwing a most spirited conversation with their mayor I have gotten the most incredible idea. Beauvillage will play host to its very own talent-beauty contest, which will be broadcasted by the National Television."
A large applause ran troughout the Square. Already, Lola, Lily and the others standing near the podium registered a number of teenage girls overjoying at the prospect as the mayor went on.
"This contest will be held for young ladies from the ages 17 to 25. This will be a contest of skill, beauty and talent. It will be judged by our humble town´s most eligible bachelours – Michael Miles, Frederick Wiseman and Rodney Philips."
An even larger wave of applause rang out – the teenage girls dominating on all scales.
"And before anyone asks for the prizes, I have the prize most of you happy little ladies would kill for."
The crowd all calmed down and scarcely breathed as they watched the mayor.
"The prize... since I understand there is a terrifying battle going on among you ladies, I have decided to make this battle official."
Everyone, the Tofus and their friends included looked confusedly at the mayor. Wiseman, the brotherhood, Angie, Rodney and even Miles himself looked positively puzzled.
"Only one can win. The lady will be crowned Miss Beauvillage."
Applause rang once more, but the mayor having a small mischievous spark in his eyes signalled for quiet.
"And Miss Beauvillage will win a most exclusive prize - A date... with the judge of her choosing."
The families standing to the podium fixed the mayor a shocked look while the three respective gentlemen looked ready to faint even as the girl´s applause ran at its peak – in fact the people in Megacity must´ve heared this collective squeal of transcendent joy.
Mayor Johnatan Haveitall took no note of this or even his daughter´s infuriated look – which looked very murderous indeed - and smiled broadly at the cheering girls in the crowd.
"The sighning in will be tommorow and the day after – the Miss Beauvillage Contest will begin."
...
