Ladybug: The Adventures of Libby Walters
Season 1
Episode 2
"Discovery at Kiwanis"
Another chapter done. Special thanks to Liz The Sweet Writer for her kind review. Hope everybody likes this chapter!
"So can I go with Irka? Kiwanis Park is just around the corner."
"Not exactly. But, your grades are very satisfactory and that warrants our approval. Right, Sandra?"
"Yes Jack. Now Liberty, you be careful."
"Of course mom. Lemme go give her the good news."
In a matter of minutes, Libby was out the door.
"There she is." Irka said.
"Yeah, the folks said it was okay." Libby said. "Now, let's see if Charlie's opinion is up to snuff."
The two friends rounded a couple corners, and entered the park that their classmate seemed to speak highly of.
"Have we been to this place since we became friends?"
"I believe not."
"Weird how it's right here, yet I don't recall going into it." Libby observed. "Like I've been subconsciously avoiding it."
"Same here." Irka added.
"Let's see. Alrighty, I spy nothing of note so far. The trees are kinda nice I think."
"Libby, do you see that?"
"Hmmm?"
"That tree." Irka said.
"So descriptive." Libby said sarcastically.
"Perhaps my glasses would be helpful."
"Could you point at it?"
"Unnecessary." Irka said. "One is quite peculiar."
"That one on the left?" Libby asked. Irka shook her head.
"Look at one closely, and the next."
Libby took a moment to observe.
"A-ha! Hello Mr. Off Center!"
Libby and Irka got up close to the odd tree. They were all arranged in a perfect line, save for the one. It also seemed to have a kind of symbol, but they couldn't place what it was.
"Yeah, that was blatant." Libby said, tossing off her backpack. She took a photo before observing it.
"Irka, hand me that stick over there."
Irka complied.
"I suppose poking it with the stick is safe." She said.
"Poke." Libby said, lightly jabbing Irka.
"I knew that. Not me."
"I had to Irka. Okay now."
Libby prodded the tree, which had no effect.
"At least neither of us have much to do today." Libby said. A sudden chill blew through the air. Libby stood straight up.
"I felt it also." Irka said.
"That was unnerving. It kinda seemed, I dunno, like it was aimed at us."
"A good choice of words."
Irka stepped away from Libby.
"Hmm, let's see." Libby said, brushing herself off. "Irka, I...yo, Irka!"
"Libby!"
Libby did a 180 to see why Irka called to her.
"This tree here bears that symbol too." Irka motioned towards herself. The symbol was much more clearly defined, as an infinity sign inside a circle, with a vertical line running through it.
"This might be the weirdest thing I've ever seen."
Libby hesitated, and placed her hand over the symbol on the tree. She jumped back when it lit up.
"Not cool!" She yelled. "Hot in fact!"
A small beam of light came towards Libby, but she didn't feel frightened now. It circled around her hands before returning to the tree.
"Are you sure about not cool?" Irka asked.
"Hey, who's that person over there?" Libby asked. A man whose face wasn't discernable from their distance seemed to be staring at them. He was standing with his hands in his pockets.
"If he comes towards us, then run."
The stranger had no apparent intention to move closer. Libby was tensed up, and Irka stood in front and to the left of her.
"That had better be where he stays." She said. The man pointed right at Libby, who looked at Irka.
"Alright, I do not like it."
Irka took off running towards the man, and Libby unsuccessfully pulled at her shirt to stop her.
"What are you doing?" The brown haired girl asked. Irka either didn't hear her, or didn't care. The man fled much quicker than Irka could keep up with. She returned to Libby, now a little winded.
"Excuse me, my friends don't do crazy, dangerous crap like that."
"I apologize Libby." Irka said.
"Hey, it's good to know the lengths you'll go to." Libby responded. "But what on earth was that dude's damage? Creeper."
"And when he showed up too. Was that strange only to me?"
"How do you mean?"
"First the tree and its' symbol, and the breeze." Irka said.
"Uh huh. Hey, now that the weird guy has left, you wanna see if we can find anything else?" Libby suggested.
"Sure, but let us not linger. We could get more uninvited guests."
"Maybe he was just wrong in the head. We don't know for sure."
"Oh no, tell me those aren't storm clouds." Irka noticed that it was now overcast.
"Another coincidence I hope." Libby said.
"Hey guys!" Matriel called to them.
"C'mere!" Libby called back. Matriel joined up with them.
"What do you make of that?"
"Huh. Kinda cool, but seems like it doesn't belong."
"Should I tell her what it did?" Libby asked.
"What the tree did?" Matriel also asked. "Did it bark at you?"
*Crickets*
"Some man also was eyeing us." Irka said.
"Wait, what?" Matriel asked.
"Yeah, he just hung out there." Libby explained. "Didn't say anything, but he pointed right at me."
"That had to scare you."
"Me, yes. Her on the other hand..."
"Hell and no." Irka said matter-of-factly.
"Her primal instincts kicked in, and she was after him in a flash." Libby said. Irka smiled at her. "It was something I wish you'd seen."
"I can picture it." Matriel said. "Sounds to me like you gals are having a day."
"You're free to stick around."
"I'll take that invitation, thanks Libbster."
"Haha, shut up Matriel." Libby scowled.
"Okay, wow. Are you mad at me?" Matriel replied.
"You, no."
"You're welcome." Irka said with a bit of sarcasm. Libby put her arms around both of them.
"I'm sorry you two." She admitted. "I've had a bit shorter fuse of late. And yes, Irka, I know it was obvious."
"Look Libby, another one."
A third symbol was on the spot they stood. A few raindrops started hitting the ground.
"Well Irka, gotta give you credit for getting me to come here."
"The credit belongs to Charlie."
"I should thank him." Libby said, and then stopped. "Though he might not even remember saying that, or that we heard him. Awkward conversation averted then."
"You think this is like a cult symbol?" Matriel asked.
"Or maybe an occult symbol?" Libby suggested. Irka stifled a laugh.
"But I wasn't making a joke that time. My comedic timing needs work."
Libby looked past Matriel, and again the mysterious man was nearby.
"Oh no no, my turn." Libby rolled up her sleeves. "Hey, what the hell are you staring at? Admiring the view?"
"Your friends need to leave."
"It speaks!" Irka exclaimed.
"And what if they don't, huh?"
"Come on Libby." Irka suggested.
"Not yet." Libby brushed her off. "You wanna make something of this?"
"Not particularly." The man said, taking slow steps towards the trio.
"Libby, aside." Irka pushed her, but Libby pushed back.
"I got this, appreciate it Irka."
The man brandished a switchblade, and Libby froze. He made a lunge towards Matriel, but Libby caught his arm, twisted it so he lost the grip on his blade, and kicked out his foot.
"You can thank my father for that." Libby spat on him.
"Very good. I'm impressed."
"You do that again and I'll be sure the switchblade ends up stuck in your back!"
"Libby, let's go." Irka encouraged.
"Gladly." Libby turned around and left in a huff. Irka gave the man a look that might kill him if such were possible.
"You sir, are lucky to a great degree." She said. "Next instance, I'll do more than run after you."
"Hmm, so they're both protective of each other." The man said when Irka was out of earshot. The three friends walked steadily away from him. The rain was falling harder now.
"Anybody wanna grab lunch?" Matriel suggested.
"You guys want pizza?" Libby grinned, regaining her calm demeanor.
"Nooo. You did that again."
"Hey, I gotta make sure you guys like me."
"And pizza is a good way to show it." Irka nodded.
"Lemme grab my sister before we get to your place." Matriel said. "She bawled her eyes out when I forget to bring her last time."
"So that's why her selfie that day was so depressing." Libby remarked. Once at Matriel's house, she went inside and returned with Mistral.
"Oh my gosh, you guys!" She exclaimed. Back at Libby's home, Jack was only a little surprised to see a small gathering outside the front door.
"Mistral, glad you made it this time." He smiled. "No dejected selfie today."
"Oh God, your dad is on Instagram?" Matriel asked in half serious shock. "I-I mean, thanks for the pizza."
"How was your walk in the park?" Sandrine asked.
"Oh, you know." Libby said, sitting down at the kitchen table.
"Maybe I might if you said a little more."
"I thought some dude was following us."
"What?" Sandrine's maternal instinct came to the surface. Irka sipped on her lemonade and wondered if Libby would give all the details.
"Don't worry mom, he wasn't."
"No reason to worry Mrs. Walters." Irka said. "I had pepper spray and the Swiss Army Knife."
"Well prepared I see. Smart girl."
"Yeah, smart." Jack said eagerly.
"Jack..."
"I heard that tone, Matchmaker." Libby looked back at him.
"Yes Mr. Walters, I am in on the joke."
"Oh."
"Irka and I will always have each other though."
Libby gave her a cheek kiss.
"Matriel, selfie!" Mistral exclaimed.
"Of course, little sis." Matriel obliged.
"Hashtag #sisters, hashtag #pizza."
"Shall we ban social media at the table?" Sandrine suggested.
"Let her enjoy it mom." Libby answered.
"Very well Liberty."
"It's not like she's hurting anyone."
"But aren't you really big on manners and politeness Bug?" Jack asked.
"Bug?" Mistral asked.
"Come on, what other reason could he have to call me that?" Libby asked. Mistral put her finger to her chin.
"You bought me the jacket. Which I adore by the way, thank you."
"Right. You're welcome!"
"Let's see, where was I." Libby said. "This conversation has been like a five way intersection. Manners are paramount to me, but I allow some leeway. I'm with my girls at home. This is as casual as it gets."
"Very well spoken, 'Bug'." Matriel remarked.
"That name is only reserved for my parents. Not even Irka is allowed to use it."
"Ah, you learn something new every day."
"I guess the pizza is good." Jack inferred. "Nobody is talking about it."
"Delish!" Mistral said cheerfully.
"And Instagram worthy." Irka added.
"But of course."
"You're a gem Mistral." Libby said, patting her head.
"Any other plans today Lib?" Irka asked.
"Between now and the game, no."
"You mean the football game, correct?" Sandrine asked.
"Yep." Libby responded. "I uh, I can go, right?"
"You may, Liberty. I see no reason to bar you from it."
"And I won't give you one."
"Matriel, could you grab me another slice please?" Mistral asked.
"Me too please." Libby chimed.
"Manners matter." Irka said.
"These are the moments we'll remember years from now. It's so simple, but really quite beautiful."
"Agreed Libbster."
"...And everything is ruined forever." Libby glowered. "That's it, get out, you've been banned."
"Wait, I don't get..." Irka stuttered.
"Even if I wanted to keep you out, there's no chance. You do have a copy of our house key."
"Can we have one too?" Matriel asked.
"Sure, one sec." Libby got up and moved toward the stairs. "Don't nobody go nowheres."
Irka raised an eyebrow, and Libby then arrived back in the kitchen with her trusty pencil and notebook.
"Ladybugs. Not surprised."
"I'm a ladybug."
Libby began writing.
"Get Mats and Misty house keys.
Remember to water plants tonight.
Kick Irka out of house..."
Irka got up and grabbed Libby's jacket hoodie. She pulled it up over her friend's head and they started play wrestling.
"Mr. W, aren't you planning on stopping them?" Mistral asked in disbelief.
"Relax Mistral." Jack waved her off. Libby and Irka continued for a few seconds, before calling it quits and sitting back down.
"We love each other." Irka shrugged.
"Kinda weird way of showing it, but whatevs." Matriel said, finishing her pizza. She threw away her plate and washed her hands. "Well mostly ladies, and gents, whenever the sister is done, we'll be out."
"I'm ready now." Mistral said, still with half a slice in hand. She pushed her chair in and met her sibling by the door.
"Later, Walters clan. Thanks for lunch."
"You girls are always welcome here." Sandrine said. "I'm glad my daughter is spending time with the right people."
"And I'm glad she has such kind parents." Mistral said. "Ciao for now."
The Fen sisters exited the premises.
"Would it be trouble for me to use the lavatory?" Irka asked.
"It's there to be used." Libby replied. Jack made sure Irka left before speaking.
"Bug, are you sure...?"
"Dad..."
"She's such a nice girl." Jack explained. "And we wouldn't need to worry about, you know, boy problems."
"I'm a straight shooter, pop." Libby said. "And regardless, Irka still comes first. She means more than any boy."
"Even Charlie DeNardo?"
"Yes. Geez Louise. It's like you want me to get married tomorrow."
"It's mostly him." Sandrine said.
"Truth. Any which way, I think a shower is in order." Libby said.
"What will you do to pass the time before nighttime?" Jack asked.
"Music, texting, probably Facebook. I am a teenager after all."
"I tell you Sandra, she definitely got your sharp wit."
"And your dashing good looks." Sandrine winked, sitting down next to Jack.
"I'm pretty sure you had something to do with that too, sugar pie." Jack said.
"You've been especially romantic lately. Are you sick Jack?"
"Lovesick."
Jack raised his eyebrows.
"Oh dear Heavens."
"Too much?" Jack wondered out loud.
"Way too much." Sandrine said. "Which is why I married you and not Clancy Jefferson."
"Ugh, I'd just about forgotten that rat bastard's name."
Jack and Sandrine looked at each other, then nodded in unison and said "Justified!"
Upstairs Libby was singing in the shower.
" Life is a Highway. I wanna ride it all night long . Appropriate singing fare, since I live so close to a highway."
Libby scrubbed her head, and picked up singing again.
" It's just another heartache, yeah! This is nothing new for me" She sang, drumming on the shower walks. "It might've been a mistake. Oh, you're cooking Libby! To the Moon and back, Oh yeah baby, that's where I want to go. "
Libby whistled and resumed her drum solo.
"I wonder if I should tell my folks what really happened today. Eh, maybe there was just something in the air. Yeah, nothing to bother about."
Libby tied her towel around her waist and fired up the hair dryer.
"All that I should focus on tonight is watching our team win." Libby said confidently. She decided to tie her hair up into a bun, and when she exited the bathroom, it surprised her mom.
"A bun?"
"What the heck."
"It looks very pretty Liberty." Sandrine smiled.
"Aw mom, you're making me blush." Libby said, putting her hands on her face. "Need any help with the laundry?"
"No dear. I'm on top of my game, remember?"
"Yes, and I'm on top of watering the flowers."
"Don't forget to feed the fish." Sandrine reminded her.
"As soon as I have ample clothing, I'll do both." Libby said entered her room.
"Bonne après-midi, Mrs. Ladybug."
Libby dug through her closet.
"What's that, you want a Mr. Ladybug in your life?" Libby asked. "I might be able to oblige. It could be our shared birthday present."
Libby pulled out some black sweatpants, which had a small hole in the left knee.
"These are comfy as hell, so they win. I guess the ladybug jacket can have a break. Tonight it's the ladybug sweater. Predictable, but stylish!"
She laid the sweater on her desk chair. After getting into the aforementioned pants and a plain white t-shirt, she strode out and down into the family room.
"Honies, I'm home!" Libby greeted the plants and fish. "How are you today Lily, Daisy and Rose?"
Libby grabbed the spray bottle and danced around the room.
"Hangin' in a room that's sunlit. Puttin' on the Spritz!"
Libby hummed as she then reached the fishtank.
"Hello Reel, hola Big." Libby said. "I still can't believe dad and I convinced mom to let us name you guys."
Libby heard her phone vibrate, and checked it.
2:10 PM
From: Irka
Hope your head is up. *Football emoji* game is at 6:30 now
2:12 PM
From: The Libbster
One less hour to wait. Thanks, love you.
2:13 PM
From: Irka
You too
Libby informed her parents, and at 5:20 got dressed.
"I'm meeting Irka there. Bye guys."
"Bye Liberty. Be safe."
"Goodbye my Bug."
Libby was out the door, and Jack gave Sandrine a sultry look.
"So honey, now that Libby is gone..." He began. Sandrine was intrigued.
"Hmm?"
"You wanna..."
"Yes?"
"...Watch a movie on Netflix?"
"JACK!"
Libby caught up with Belloehs, with her sister Trinity this time, on the way over to school."
"You're in good spirits Trin."
"Oh yeah. Being nursed back to health by my family is a wonderful thing." Trinity replied.
"You know what else would be wonderful?" Belloehs began. "Running Central High out of town!"
"Yeah, except, you know, playing in the same town as us." Libby reminded her.
"Thank you Literal Walters."
"Why do people love giving me nicknames so much?"
"You're charming Libby." Belloehs said. "At least, that's my guess why."
"Or they just like bugging me." Libby groaned.
"It's fun. In moderation of course." Trinity added.
"Hey, either of you know if Mr. Stringbean will be here tonight?"
"He will. Sorry Lib."
"Damn. Can't always win." Libby said.
"Whoa guys, left turn." Trinity said, as Libby and Belloehs almost walked past it.
"Really glad you're feeling better." Belloehs chuckled. As the school got closer, they saw London Kerry and Edison Carswell apparently waiting for them.
"Oh God."
"Edison is nice at least."
"Yes, but the Blonde One isn't." Libby sulked.
"She really could be worse." Belloehs said. Libby was very surprised to receive a hug from London.
"Who are you and what have you done with London Kerry?"
"Hmph, I do something nice and *cough*" London stopped herself. "I know that the Stringbean has it out for you anymore."
"Dude, you call him that too?" Libby asked.
"I think half the school does. Anyway, see you later."
London walked off, and before Edison followed, Libby got his attention.
"Did you tell her to be nice, or what?"
"She's trying really hard to be more friendly." Edison answered.
"Good. I commend your work." Libby said. "Irka!"
"Hello my Ladybug friend." The Czech girl said.
"Guess what? London Kerry hugged me."
"The London Kerry? Is it time for the apocalypse already?"
"Hope not." Edison shivered. "Central High needs an ass kicking first."
"Yeah, especially that stuck up quarterback Jerry Floyd." Trinity said. "Yuck, and might I add, gross."
I'm gonna grab a drink. See you after the game Ed." Libby said.
"Bye Libby, be sure to cheer loud for me." Edison winked.
"I will!"
As Edison walked away, Trinity shook her head.
"The wink. That smile. It's worse than I thought."
"What?"
"You have the hots for Edison Carswell."
"No no no, you're wrong." Libby wagged her finger in Trinity's face. "The dude is tremendously handsome, but that is as far as my feelings go."
"Whatever Libbster." Trinity said.
"Irka, smack her."
"Why?"
"Because friggin' London Kerry has made me happier than her tonight." Libby sulked. Irka delivered an inconsequential smack to Trinity's forehead.
"Good enough. Now, you guys have kept me from getting my Mountain Dew on for far too long."
Libby strolled over to the concession stand and bought the largest size of Dew available.
"Oh my Lord you will have so much regret." Irka said.
"Worth it." Libby beamed. "Want a sip?"
"Sure."
The friends walked with their arms linked into the stadium. It was roughly 30 minutes until kickoff.
"Ooh, cold night."
"Canadian night."
* The White Stripes, Seven Nation Army *
Libby's phone rang and, not recognizing the number, she refrained from answering. After the caller left a voicemail, Libby listened.
"I apologize for my behavior, and threatening you and your friends. It was the wrong way of approaching the matter; Your friends being there this afternoon was not pertinent, and now I must ask you to..."
Libby cut off the message and slammed the phone into her palm.
"Bad news?" Irka inquired.
"Excuse me." Libby said, going out of the stadium and re-dialing the number.
"Alright man, I don't know who in the hell you are, or what exactly is wrong with your head, but you stay away from my friends and I, or I'll call the authorities."
"I'm sorry, you've misunderstood me." The man said. "You must return to Kiwanis Park."
"Oh, ha ha, that's good." Libby was growing more incensed every second. "An adult being completely alone with a 14-year old girl in a park after nightfall. If you need to get your jollies that badly, find someone who's a little older."
"This is important! I have to show you-" *click*
"What a mega creep. How in the bloody hell did he get my number?"
Irka came looking for Libby, who was now on the phone with 911.
"Libby, are you alright?"
"Hello, 911, please state the nature of-"
"Hi, this is Libby Walters" Libby began. "I'm at the Comprehensive High School stadium, and just received a phone call from a man in Kiwanis Park saying he wanted me to come alone to see him. I'm fourteen, and he's an adult."
"911?" Irka was baffled.
"Ma'am, would you like us to dispatch patrol car?" The woman asked.
"Please do. My friends and I saw him acting strangely this morning, and I can't fathom how he got ahold of my number."
"We'll take care of everything Ma'am."
"I appreciate it." Libby hung up.
"You good Lib?"
"Do you have the Army Knife and pepper spray?"
"Always." Irka reassured her.
"Then yes." Libby exhaled. They went back to the bleachers and started cheering as the game got closer. Libby had an uneasy feeling in her stomach, and was sure that wasn't the last she'd see or hear of the man in Kiwanis Park...
End of Episode 2
Until next time, Bug Out!
