Hey, everyone! I'm back! I know it's been several months, but I'm here now! I have been very busy lately, but I'm hoping to finish this story before the next school year starts. One thing that's happened lately, is that I got my Learner's Permit! So, now I can learn how to drive! Then after that I'll be allowed to get me license. :)

the song in this chapter was written by me. Maybe one of these days I'll record it and have a friend of mine post it online, but otherwise, you'll have to make up the tune yourself. I hope you enjoy it!

It was probably 7:00 before the Surfers and the other Rodents came to Big Momma's.

"Wow, Tessa! You's look great!" Struts said.

"Thanks."

"Alright, everyone! There are a couple things I need to tell you." Butchy said, nervously standing on the stage in Big Momma's.

"Is something wrong?" CheeChee asked.

"Yeah. Speed won last night."

Everyone gasped, and both Lela and Tessa began tearing up.

"However, I have some good news. One person in this room is going to be taking over as leader of the Rodents."

"Who? Lela?" Lugnut questioned, knowing full well that it wasn't him.

Lugnut knew that he wouldn't be ready to become leader for a long time. He was too nervous, and too quick to be angered.

"It's not me. I don't think I would be able to handle the pressure!" Lela answered.

"Any other guesses? Mack, Lela, you two aren't allowed to answer because..."

"Wati! It's Tessa ain't it?!" Tanya spoke up.

"Yes. Yes it is. Tessa, come on up."

As soon as Tessa was on the stage, everyone gasped. Some of them hadn't noticed how beautiful she was until now. Though her hair had been straightened, it still had a little bit of curl to it.

"Everyone, Tessa will be leading you during the time that I'm not here. I know she'll come up with a plan."

"Yes, that's true. I have already begun to formulate a plan to get exterminate the remaining snakes."

Everyone applauded, knowing that Tessa was fully capable to leading.

"Before Speed arrives here, there's something I want to say. But it'll be easier to say it in song." Tessa said, picking up an acoustic guitar, "Butchy, I wrote this for you."

Tessa began strumming the guitar strings, and the music flowed through the building.

I never thought that I'd see

the day when someone cared for me

I felt so alone

But then you came and picked me up

And put me right back on my feet

And that's when it became

Just you, and I

Sittin' here

Just you, and I

I never want this to end

Just you, and I

I always want it to be

Just you, and I

My life has always been

Full of disappointment

Leading me

Down a million roads

But that was before I met you

And now that it's

Just you, and I

Sittin' here

Just you, and I

I never want this to end

Just you, and I

I always want it to be

Just you, and I

I've never felt so alive

I never thought that

I'd be by your side

But you proved me wrong

And now that it's

Just you, and I

Sinttin' here tonight

Just you, and I

I never want this to end

Just you, and I

I always want it to be

Just you, and I

Everyone clapped, and Butchy gave Tessa a hug.

"Everyone, your new leader, Tessa Foxgrove!"

At that, everyone burst into whoops of joy and clapping.

"Also, you may call me Tess if you wish." Tessa spoke up, smiling.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Again, that song was written by me. It's called "Just You and I". I hope you liked it! I'll be posting another chapter in just a few moments, so it probably won't have any A/Ns. So I hope you enjoy it! ~Alyssa