CHAPTER 4: JOE'S LAST STAND

Charlie Brown and Frieda were at the hospital. They haven't been there since the night Python got shot and died after she, Lucy, and the other Serpent Sisters confronted the Lizard Ladies. This time they were visiting Joe Shlabotnik, Charlie Brown's favorite baseball player and hero, as Joe personally requested Charlie to visit him before he passed on. Charlie Brown had met Joe on a few occasions, like the time Joe was a manager for the Waffletown Waffles, and to get an autograph at a meet and greet. Plus Frieda's father ran into Joe on a business trip and just happened to have a baseball bat with him and got Joe to sign for him. And Mr. Rich gave it to his daughter to give to Charlie Brown for Christmas. And Charlie Brown was the only constant fan who wrote to him. So to say that this was special to Charlie Brown was an understatement.

As they approached Mr. Shlabotnik's room, Frieda said, "Do you want me to stay outside, sweetie?"

"No, Frieda," said Charlie Brown. "I want you with me. I don't know how he looks right now. If he has a bunch of hoses and monitors hooked up to him, or if he looks rather normal, I want you there for support."

"I'll always support you, dear," said Frieda with a smile. And the two kids went inside to see Joe.

Around that time, Schroeder was playing his piano. Lucy was there with him. They were discussing the win and Charlie Brown visiting Joe Shlabotnik.

"I still can't believe we actually won the game, dear," said Lucy.

"I know," Schroeder agreed. "I'm still getting used to the feeling of winning WITH Charlie Brown at the helm."

"I guess miracles never cease," Lucy stated. "And now his favorite baseball player sought him out."

"Well Charlie Brown has always been his biggest fan. It doesn't surprise me that he'd ask for him as he lays sick."

"I guess. Still, it's very surreal." And Schroeder continued to play as Lucy listened.

A few hours later, Charlie Brown and Frieda were walking back to Charlie Brown's house from the hospital. He was looking shocked from what they discussed with Joe.

"I don't believe it, Frieda," said a shell-shocked Charlie Brown. "Joe had set up a trust fund in my name for me to collect when I turn eighteen!"

"I know," said Frieda. "No one would believe it!"

"He said he had talked to my parents beforehand and he wanted to be the one to tell me. I guess this is parting gift to me before he passes. I wonder why he chose me, though."

"Because, Charlie Brown, you're his biggest fan. He figured since you always been supportive of him, and plus with no family of his own to leave anything to, he figured you were the best choice. And frankly, sweetheart, he couldn't have picked a better guy than you."

"Thanks, Frieda. I guess you're right. You are a wonderful girlfriend."

"And you are a great boyfriend. I love you." And Frieda kissed Charlie Brown.

"I love you, too." And the two of them continued walking.

The next day, the news came on and all of the kids were watching at their homes. The news report came on about Joe's passing. The news reporter began to speak.

"Earlier this morning, Joe Shlabotnik passed away after a lengthy illness. He was noted for being the worst baseball player in all of major league baseball. But many folks have noted his kindness and big heart and dedicated love for the game of baseball, even if he wasn't good at it. He mainly played on minor league teams where he fared better. Just the day before, he had finally got in contact with Charles Brown, who was considered his biggest fan. And he had set up a trust fund for young Charles. The amount was not disclosed to the press as it was between Mr. Shlabotnik and the Brown family. And Mr. Shlabotnik didn't have any other surviving family members. Outside of the trust for Charles Brown, the rest of his estate will be donated to a charity he always supported. Mr. Shlabotnik will be missed."

THE END