Rupert and the Wooden Airplanes
CHAPTER 2
Following the singing of the national anthem, Dr. Chimp gave the class an unusual surprise.
"Class, I'm sure that many of you were really concerned with the test. That's why I thought I would help get your brains working." Dr. Chimp pulled out a picnic basket.
"Do I smell blueberry muffins?" asked Podgy eagerly.
"Podgy, with you around I would never be able to keep a treat a secret. I asked Mrs. Chimp to bake them fresh." The teacher went over to Podgy and grabbed his arm. "Everyone line up and take a muffin, only one to a student."
The children get up and do just that. Once everyone else took a muffin, Dr. Chimp allowed Podgy proceed to the basket.
"Oh boy, I get to have three!" said Podgy happily.
"Three?" wondered Dr. Chimp, "My wife only baked the exact number as we have in this schoolhouse. Did everyone get one?" He then saw that Freddy and Ferdy were not eating, additionally they were very sad looking.
"Freddy, Ferdy, don't you two want to have a muffin?" asked Dr. Chimp, "Next to Podgy, you're always second and third in grabbing any treat that I bring."
"Not hungry," they both said in unison.
"Come on, you must try them while they are still warm," pleaded Dr. Chimp.
"Not hungry!" the Fox brothers both said louder.
"You are not behaving like yourselves," said Dr. Chimp, "Come to think of it, we're nearly fifteen minutes into class and you haven't caused any trouble."
"Our house was destroyed this morning by a stove fire," said Freddy.
"Is that true Freddy?" asked Dr. Chimp.
"Of course it is, and our mum was trapped inside by a collapsed board. Her backbone is broken," said Ferdy.
"Oh dear, that's not good news," said Dr. Chimp, but remembering who he was talking to he became suspicious. "Promise me that you were not fibbing just to get out of today's arithmetic test, are you?"
Rupert knew that he had to intervene, "Freddy and Ferdy were telling the truth sir. Bill and I saw the smoke from a distance, and we even went over and saw their mother being pulled out of their house."
Bill buried his head, wishing that his friend did not mention his name as Rupert's words suddenly fueled anger in the Fox brothers. "So you thought it was entertaining to see us suffer, huh Bill?" exclaimed Ferdy.
"How would you feel if we laughed at your home getting destroyed?" added Freddy.
"In spite of the irony of your question, I actually was sad to see what happened," answered Bill, "I sure hope your mother's spine wasn't damaged."
"LIAR!" yelled Ferdy, "Yesterday you said you wanted our mum to break her back! You got what you wanted Badger, you should be pleased!"
"I didn't mean what I said, but I was angry about my ball which you still deflated," said Bill anxiously, "Look I know my words were irresponsible and I'm sorry, I really am."
"You can say you're sorry all you want, but it doesn't change anything. We Fox brothers NEVER forgive our enemies, and you Bill have dethroned Rupert today as Fox brother enemy number one!" Freddy's words put Bill into a cold sweat.
"All right, let's settle down," said Dr. Chimp, "In light of recent events today's test will be postponed for tomorrow. In its place, I want you all to take the blank sheet of paper I hand you and create a get well card for Mrs. Fox. And I will be checking each one for appropriate language." Dr. Chimp handed out the paper and the class took out crayons.
After school, Rupert and Bill walked together and Bill is nothing short of upset with his new title as the Fox brother's biggest enemy. "I can't thank you enough for nearly ruining my life Rupert," he said, "You wouldn't mind giving me some pointers about staying clear of those brats."
"Face it Bill, if I didn't reassure Dr. Chimp about what happened this morning, he would have not believed Freddy and Ferdy," said Rupert, "And besides, as much as you feel bad about what you said to them yesterday, the fact is your words came at a bad time. Their mother is really in the hospital because of a broken back."
"Well, can you at least tell me what I'm going to do about it?" asked Bill.
"The only thing you can do, make it up to them, in the best way that you can," said Rupert.
"All right, in fact I think I'll go into town, I know just what to do. Bye Rupert." Bill ran off in the other direction.
When Rupert arrived at his house, he saw that his mother has laid out sleeping bags in the sitting room. "Hello Mum, are we having a camp out by the fireplace?"
"Not so much of a camp out as it is where we will be sleeping for a while I'm afraid," replied hi mother, "Your father told me of terrible tragedy with the Fox family this morning that we couldn't help but allow them to stay with us until their life is back in order."
"Aww Mum, why do they have to stay here? Ottoline has a larger house," said Rupert.
"That may be true Rupert, but we were the first to offer help and regardless of how much we have to offer we must all make sacrifices now and then," said Mrs. Bear. "Now I need your help, I want you to change the bed sheets on your bed so that they were clean. Freddy and Ferdy will have your room as your father and I were giving up ours to Mr. Fox. I need to start cooking supper so I can have it ready when they arrive."
"Yes Mum," said Rupert in an unhappy tone of voice. He went to his bedroom to do as he was told, in some ways wondering what the point was since he figured that their bedroom was usually a mess anyway. Even more, he found it difficult to realize that he was going to host the Fox brothers, but had to remind himself that his mother is right especially since he was witness to the tragedy.
After making his bed up, Rupert decided to find ways to hide certain valuable items from getting into the hands of the Foxes. He finished as they arrived, and Freddy and Ferdy wasted no time in meeting with Rupert.
"Out of here Rupert, this is our bedroom now," said Freddy.
"Yeah, you mum said so," added Ferdy.
"All right, if you're going to be in this room, so be it," explained Rupert, "But you will do nothing more in here besides sleep and change your clothes, and furthermore if you touch anything that is mine-
Rupert stopped his words, again reminding himself of the situation. He took a deep breath and then softened his tone.
"Look, I know things have been difficult for all of us, and I'm certain that we will never be friends" said Rupert, "But just as long as we mean no harm to one another, we can make this work. Now go ahead and set down your things, I think my mum has supper ready." As Rupert left the bedroom, Freddy and Ferdy set down their luggage and then followed Rupert to the dining room.
At the table, Mr. Bear and Mr. Fox were having a chat and took interest in the emergence of their sons. "Hello Rupert, how was school today?" asked Mr. Bear.
"Well, it was alright I guess," said Rupert, "The math test was delayed for tomorrow. I guess I'll just have to study again tonight."
"Your father was telling me great things about you Rupert," said Mr. Fox, "Perhaps while we are here you could be a pal to my sons. They really could use a good influence in their lives."
"Oh come on Dad, Rupert has nothing in common with us," said Ferdy.
"Besides, he and his friends never want to do anything we like. They are such goody two-shoes," said Freddy.
"Both of you had better start showing some respect," said Mr. Fox sternly, "Rupert's family worked hard to make room for us and this is going to be our home for a while. We're in one of those times that we must put our differences aside, do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Dad," the two Foxes said reluctantly.
"Everyone take your seats. I have delicious food for all of you." As Mrs. Bear started serving the food the doorbell rang.
"Now who would that be at this time of the evening?" uttered Mr. Bear.
"I'll get it Dad," said Rupert as he took out of his seat.
"Tell whoever it is to come back later, we're about to eat," said his father.
As Rupert left the dining room, Mr. Fox said to his sons, "You see, that's one example of what I want to see out of you, someone that is willing to help out without being told to do it." Freddy and Ferdy rolled their eyes at that sentence.
Rupert answered the door to find that it's his friend Bill. "Hello Rupert," he said quietly, "is the coast clear?"
"I was just about to have supper Bill, what do you need?" asked Rupert.
"I understand the Foxes are staying with you, is that true?" asked Bill.
"Yes," answered Rupert.
"Here, I have something for Freddy and Ferdy, could you give them these for me? Tell them that it's my gift." Bill handed Rupert a couple of presents, one for each Fox brother.
"Well if you want to make amends, perhaps you should come in and give it to them yourself," suggested Rupert.
"No Rupert, my face will only create tension," replied Bill, "Besides, I don't want to be late for my own supper. I'll see you tomorrow." Bill ran off as Rupert closed the door.
Rupert returned to the dining room with the gifts in his hands. "Who was it son?" his father asked.
"Uh, just a salesman," said Rupert. "But don't worry; these are not anything I bought from him."
"What are they Rupert?" asked his mum.
"Just a couple of presents I meant to deliver, I didn't want to forget," he replied.
"Are they for us?!" asked Ferdy with a hopeful look.
"Well, yes actually, one for each of-
"PRESENTS!" Freddy and Ferdy leaped out of their chairs and grabbed the boxes out of Rupert's hands. They opened the boxes to see a couple of wooden airplanes.
"Wow, wooden airplanes!" said Freddy," Thanks so much Rupert, we didn't know you cared that much about us."
"Well I'm glad you like them," said Rupert, "You should know however-
"You know what Rupert, Freddy and I may not have much in common with you but no one else at school has ever been this nice to us," interruptedd Ferdy.
"Well I don't doubt that," said Rupert, "but what I want to tell you is-
"Ferdy and I have learned something today," said Freddy, "Even though you never showed it before, you always were the best friend we had and from now on we'll treat you as an honorary Fox brother."
"Me?" wondered Rupert, "But wait a minute, you guys weren't letting me tell you something!"
"You don't need to say it Rupert, we know we've had our hard times before today," Ferdy started.
"But it's all in the past now, plus for as long as you are our friend, Ferdy and I will never give you anymore grief. We promise."
Freddy and Ferdy's words sounded so honest that Rupert found himself in a tough position. He didn't want to take credit for Bill's present, but no matter what he tried to say the two Foxes didn't let him speak. At the same time, the events of the day made him realize that maybe the Fox brothers really did need a friend and turning down their words would seem wrong. After all, if they were going to be housemates for a while, there wasn't much getting around the need to be in good relations with them.
"Well, I really am glad that you want me for a friend' said Rupert uneasily, "You do realize though I still have other friends too right?"
"Yeah, of course we know," said Freddy, "We won't get in the way. In fact, Ferdy and I never knew until now how important friendship is. Even though we've always behaved like we're each other's friend, all we had other than ourselves was our mum and dad."
"And with our mum in the hospital, we won't see her for a long time," said Ferdy. "We can't begin to tell you how sweet she is to us, no matter what anyone else thinks of who we are." Ferdy's eyes filled with tears. "I, I miss her so much Freddy."
"I miss her too Ferdy," said Freddy, equally emotional. And then right in front of Rupert, Freddy and Ferdy Fox started crying for their mother. It was truly a sight to behold, never did Rupert think that he could see these tough mischievous kids with these feelings.
Mr. Fox got out of his seat to comfort them, "There there boys, now remember that your mother is going to be just fine. We're going to visit her on Saturday, you'll see." The Fox brothers hugged their father tight, as tears flowed from their eyes. Rupert's heart melted to the point that he was without a choice, he was becoming their friend.
But there remained one thing unresolved, what about Bill? After all, if the Fox brothers don't know that he was the one who brought the present, they will still look at him as an enemy. Problem is, can Rupert even have it in him to tell the Foxes the truth without ruining what he has gained? How was this going to work?