CHAPTER 7: GOODBYE, THIBAULT
The next day, Peppermint Patty and Franco went to the bus station to see Thibault off as he left for military school. For his part Thibault was optimistic. This was the chance for him to change his life and possibly become a better person. He didn't want to think like his uncle Max anymore. He wanted to be able to treat girls with the respect they deserved.
"Well," he began, "this is it, I guess. Thanks for coming to see me off."
"Forget about it, Thibault," said Peppermint Patty. "That reminds me. Patty wanted me to give you this." She had a note in an envelope. Thibault opened it and read it.
Dear Thibault,
It pretty much goes without saying that you messed up big time with me. That being said, I do hope that you get the help you need. Peppermint Patty told me how sorry you were for your actions and that you regret what you did. Well I want you to know while we will never get back together as boyfriend and girlfriend, I do forgive you. And hopefully when you get back from military school, we can start over as good friends. And when you do get back, the restraining order may be lifted by that time so it wouldn't be a problem. Take care of yourself and have a safe trip.
Sincerely,
Patty Swanson
This meant the world to Thibault. All he ever wanted was Patty's forgiveness and he received it. Now he could go to military school with a clear conscience.
"Tell Patty I said 'Thank you'," said Thibault, fighting back tears.
"I'll do that, kid," said Peppermint Patty. "Don't become a stranger, you hear?"
And then Thibault boarded his bus and took his seat. The bus then took off and Patty and Franco waved at Thibault as he left for military school.
Meanwhile at the wall, Charlie Brown and Linus were discussing the night before and what transpired. Charlie Brown was determined to free himself of Lucy's influence once and for all.
"You know, Linus," he began, "I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm not worrying about what your sister has planned for me. No more dreading every year of kicking that dumb football. And Ox has agreed to join the team, so I already have a replacement for her."
"Lucy has had it coming for a long time," Linus said. "All of the things she's done are finally catching up with her. I guess better late than never. And the Homecoming game revelation was just the beginning."
"You said it," agreed Charlie Brown. "And how about the little red-haired girl? Who would've thought she would be the one to take her down?"
"With the help of Marcie and Woodstock, of course," added Linus.
"I think about all those times I dealt with her; taunting me, calling me a failure like it was a normal conversation, all of that wasted money at the psychiatric booth, and don't get me started with her baseball playing. I may not be the greatest player on earth, but I could go pro compared to her! And that football! At least I'm free of all of that."
"You are a lucky guy, Charlie Brown," said Linus. "I still have to deal with her at home."
"Yeah. I feel sorry for you and Rerun. She's done a lot to you as well. It may not be to the severity of my abuse, but it's no better, either. All I know is a new start is beginning. Let's go to Joe's, my treat." And Charlie Brown and Linus headed for Joe's Café for a bite to eat.
THE END