We walked to Pixel's, and Ziggy was telling me about his and Sportacus's Sports Candy ™ business. Apparently, it had really taken off, and they were shipping to all corners of the globe. "We've made a lot of money," Ziggy said, kicking a small stone into the road. "And I guess things have really looked up for me - I'm much richer. If Sportacus and I carry on the way we are, I could make millions." I was flabbergasted. I had never expected this of Ziggy - not in a horrible way, just in a 'Ziggy couldn't count to thirty by the time he was eight" way. But now, well, he was a normal girl's dream - that chiseled face, perfectly-styled hair, those muscles bursting through his t-shirt, his moody yet tender personality. But I was no normal girl. Ziggy and I caught up a bit more, and eventually arrived at Pixel's house - or at least that's what Ziggy told me. It was a low-key bungalow, with cream paint and a wooden door with a mock stained-glass design on it and a door-knocker."W-what happened to Pixel's old house - you know, the blue one with the huge satellite on it and all those antennas?" I said, confusedly.
"Pixel didn't want that clutter anymore and moved. Simple as that. His room has completely changed too - he has cupboards with all his electronics in and things. Only his computer and television and game consoles are on display." We walked up to the door and Ziggy knocked on the door-knocker. It opened after about twenty seconds of waiting, and Pixel was there. He looked pretty much the same, although gone was the red hair and the headset - his hair was a dark brown/black colour, and he had on a modest plain white t-shirt and blue jeans. He was taller, but still the same kind of shape - just a protruding Adam's Apple. "Oh, hey, Stephanie," Pixel said, a bit bemused. He was staring at me, and it was a bit awkward for me. "Hi, Pixel!" I exclaimed, "I haven't seen you in so long!"
"I know," Pixel said, still staring, "Time can change a lot, right?" I nodded. Pixel stared for a couple more awkward seconds and then waved us both in, with a nod to Ziggy. "Come on into my room. Stingy's there - he's currently using my computer to see whether he is in the Greek royal family tree." I laughed. That sounded like Stingy alright. I noticed there has been no mention of Trixie, though, which was strange because she was part of the gang. "Trixie?" I quizzed. Pixel shrugged. "I don't know anymore. No one does. She has Buster to look after now. I also think she's a little depressed. We've tried cheering her up but...well, it's a lost cause, really, isn't it, Ziggy?" Ziggy nodded. Pixel opened the door to his room, and a young, dapper man was sitting at the computer.
He turned around when the three entered the room. "Can you please be quiet? I am doing some research, and if I don't give it my full concentration, well, IT WILL NOT TURN OUT THE WAY I WANT IT TO! Oh. Stephanie." Stingy looked me up and down, and fixed his brown hair, and brushed down his Ralph Lauren jumper. "I do apologise for looking such a mess. I didn't know you were coming. If I did, I wouldn't look so - well - dirty." Stingy, apologising without being asked?! This was a rarity. I noticed some red slightly creeping onto his cheeks. Ziggy cleared his throat. "Drink, anyone?" Pixel shook his head. "No, we were just going out. You need to come too, Ziggy, remember?" Pixel gave him a look. Pixel nodded in realisation. "Ah, yes. Stephanie, this is a bit secretive, so is it okay if you give this a miss?" I nodded. I knew exactly what they were referring to - my 'secret' 18th birthday party. "I think I'll go and see Trixie. Does she still live in the same place?"
"Yes," Stingy said, "I'll walk you over. I'll meet you guys at the place later." Pixel looked annoyed, and Stingy gave him a triumphant look. So Stingy and I walked to Trixie's house, and Stingy informed me that he knew for certain he was part of a royal family. "You know, any girl would be lucky to be with a member of royalty," Stingy chuckled. I laughed at him.
"Stingy, do you seriously think you're royal?"
"I knew I was royal." He shrugged and smiled. "When I'm inheriting millions, you'll be sorry you didn't jump on the train while it was at the station."
"Oh, Stingy. If it makes you happy."
"It does. It's one of the only things I feel happy about. One of two." He fixtated me with a look. "One of two dreams I have." I felt slightly uncomfortable under Stingy's gaze.
"What's the other dream?" I asked. Stingy gave me that look again.
"You'll find out," he said. "Look, we're here!" I guess I'll see you soon. How long are you here for?"
"I'm not sure," I said, "I want to take a year off before college, get a bit more back on my feet. So I could be here for a while, I guess."
Stingy grinned. "Perfect," he said, and walked off.
A voice shouted "Buster! You're not having anymore candy!" as I approached the door. It was flung open, and a woman wearing a red checked flannel shirt and skinny blue jeans and flip-flops answered the door. She had long brown hair piled on top of her head, and she was tired but underneath all that tiredness she was beautiful. I knew it was Trixie in an instant. She stared at me. "Stephanie?" She said. It was a rare occasion for her to call me my actual name and not Pinky. "Hi, Trixie. How are you?" She stood, dazed.
"Sorry about me acting like this. I just haven't thought about you in ten years. No offence. I've just had so much to think about you haven't really entered my mind." I nodded in a friendly manner. "I've heard." She looked slightly panicked.
"You don't think any less of me, do you?" She said, ashamed.
"Of course not, Trixie! You're my friend! How could I?" She gave a watery smile.
"I'd invite you in, but Buster is being a menace. If I see you around, we'll go and have a drink or something?" I nodded. "And I guess I'll see you at your party...oh shit. Shouldn't have said that. And mind my swearing!" I giggled.
"It's fine, I already know. Let's just say Uncle's not the best at keeping secrets."
"Don't I know!" We laughed together, and it was just like old times. But then Buster started crying, and Trixie said "Sorry to kick you out, but I really must see to Buster. See you around, Stephanie." She grinned, and closed the door.