Chapter 3: Pre-Race

Something moved, deep below the ground, unnoticed by anyone. Away from its home, and away from its kind, it knew only destruction. It began chewing up the ground beneath the second race zone, the Birthday Cake Mountain. Cracks appeared on the track, now extremely fragile and unstable…

Everyone was gathering at the Sugar Rush Speedway, waiting for the Random Roster Race to begin. The spectators were already making their presence felt, shouting out their favorite racers' names. The racers were psyching themselves up as they prepared to do battle for the nine spots on the roster for the arcade gamers to choose from.

The carts were lined up, but there were two conspicuous spots empty. One was at the back, prepared by order of the President. Rumors were spreading that there was a new racer entering. The other was in the front row, the spot usually occupied by Taffyta's Pink Lightning. And Taffyta herself was sitting quietly in the Racers' Lounge.

Candlehead, seeing her usually confident friend so downcast, bounced over to Taffyta, saying," Hey Taff, what's wrong? Aren't you excited about the race? There are even people saying there's gonna be a new racer! Oooh, I can't wait to see who it is! It would be so neat if it was a guy, and he- Taff, what's going on with you? Is there anything bothering you?"

Taffyta replied, "Oh, oh, I'm fine Can! Yeah, I just don't feel like racing today, that's all."

Snowanna and Jubileena both gasped. Rancis exclaimed, "That's ALL?! That's the biggest news since peanut butter met jelly!"

"Or since candles met fire! Are you feeling alright, Taff?" Candlehead asked in concern.

Taffyta quickly glanced around and said, "It's Vanellope. I keep trying to apologize to her, but she still hates me! I can see it in her eyes and behavior. I just don't think I'll race today, okay?"

Minty Zaki looked at her with determination. "Look Taffy, we're not going out there without you. You may not feel like it, but you're still one of the most popular racers. The game won't seem the same without you. Just give Vanellope a bit of time and she and you will be alright. Now, we've got a race to complete, okay?"

Taffyta smiled up at her. "Thanks Minty. You sure know how to cheer a girl up."

Minty returned the smile and walked away.

Just then, Jerry Berry drove up. The racers looked up and started toward him, curious. Jubileena took the lead and held out her hand. "I'm Jubileena. Nice to meet you! What's your name?"

Jerry grinned, shook her hand, and introduced himself to all the racers. "My name is Jerry Berry. I'll be racing with all of you from now on."

Candlehead looked puzzled. "But don't you need permission from the President?"

"Oh, I was just speaking to her and she was kind enough to let me race in this game."

Jubileena squealed," Oh, that's great news! Come, let me show you around!" She grasped his coat and dragged him into the lounge. Taffyta turned, startled from her thoughts. Jubileena said," That's Taffyta Muttonfudge. She's a great racer! Taffyta, this is Jerry Berry!"

Jerry smiled and said," Yes, I've met her before."

Before Taffyta could reply, Jubileena jumped in. "Before? Taffyta, where did you meet him? And why didn't you tell us about such a handsome racer?!"

Taffyta, smiling at Jerry, said," I met him at the train station this afternoon. But I didn't know that he was going to join us then."

Rancis interrupted and said, "Hi, I'm Rancis. I look forward to having another guy on the roster!

Jerry replied, "Yeah. Shall we head outside? It looks like the race is going to start! I can't wait!"

Jubileena giggled. "You mean you've never raced before? What a pity!"

Jerry nodded. "Well, I've raced non-competitively before, but I've never been part of a real race. Oh, let me help you with that Taffyta."

Taffyta was pushing Pink Lightning to her designated position and smiled her thanks as Jerry added his strength to hers. Rancis tapped him on the shoulder and said, "It's ok, Jerry. Taffy and I should be able to handle this."

Jerry seemed amused. "Taffy?"

Taffyta blushed and said, "It's what my friends call me."

"Oh. Well then, see you two later!" Jerry said, as he jogged back to his cart.

"Bye!" "See you around bro!"

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