Chapter 7: "Patience, Dear"

"What about now? Do you have everything yet?"

I swear, if he asks me that one more time...

"Sandy, you forgot your guitar! You're not going to go to Texas without your guitar, are you?"

It was Sunday night. SpongeBob and Sandy were loading up Sandy's boatmobile in an attempt to be somewhat ready for the following day. SpongeBob had evidently worked everything out with his boss and his boating teacher, and now, the incessant questions were driving Sandy to madness.

"No, I won't forget it, SpongeBob." She said, softly. Manage your temper, Sandy. Manage it. Deep breath. She reached for her guitar case and gently set it in the back seat. "Well, that should about cover it!"

"Great!" SpongeBob was giddy as a hamster, and doing a terrible job of hiding it—if he was trying to hide it at all. "So, tell me what the plan is again? I forgot."

"Alright, tomorrow mornin' we get up bright and early, and we drive up to San Diego, where my old friend Sharon lives. We'll stay the night at her house, and the rest of the drive will be straight-on to Missouri City."

"But I thought we were going to Texas!"

Another deep breath. "Missouri City is IN Texas, SpongeBob."

"Oohhh. Is that by the Alamo?"

Sandy wanted to knock herself unconscious. "You know what, SpongeBob, why don't we talk about this in the mornin', kay? We'll have plenty of free time then!"

"Okay!" SpongeBob seemed to be magically in his pajamas and in a sleeping bag on the floor.

Sandy climbed up into bed and flicked off the lights. "Good night, SpongeBob."

"Good night, Sandy! Sweet dreams!"

"Sweet dreams." She smiled to herself. His voice could work two ways; five minutes ago, it had been annoying. Just now, it sounded like a heavenly melody...

--

"Mr. Krabs, if you don't hire her, who WILL you hire?"

"Mr. Squidward, this conversation is over!"

"You didn't even interview her! She's a good worker!"

Three hours. This discussion had been going on for three hours, and Squidward wasn't gaining any leeway with his cheap boss. 'I can do it meself!' He'd insisted. 'We don't need a replacement, the boy will only be gone a couple of weeks!' Squidward had suggested that Meg take his place—temporarily, but Mr. Krabs would have nothing to do with it.

"Having a woman aboard is bad luck!" He'd said. It was times like this that Mr. Krabs' strange superstitions tested Squidward's patience to the max.

"I don't need to interview her! Me answer is NO!"

Ding!

The Krusty Krab door opened. Who would be here at this hour? Squidward turned around.

"Hey Squiddy! Hello sir!" It was Meg. Just in time to hear their argument; great.

"Look, there's a decent lass for the job, if ye were to have a woman on ship! Well-built, smartly-dressed, and pretty, too!" Mr. Krabs said, pointing.

"Sir?" Meg seemed confused.

Squidward's eyelids drooped. "Mr. Krabs, that's what I've been trying to say for the past THREE HOURS!"

"Eh?" Now it was Krabs who was confused.

"This is the girl who wanted the job."

"Oh, why didn't you just say that, then? What's yer name, lass?"

"Meg Treez!" She extended a hand.

"Mister Eugene Krabs, founder and owner of the Krusty Krab! Welcome aboard!" He shook her hand gently with a giant claw, and Squidward smiled with relief.

--

Meg didn't need the job. She had money, and plenty of it. In fact, it was one of the few things she had. When her family passed away in the big storm that destroyed her house, her mother's, father's, and grandmother's insurance money had supported her. She'd invested it carefully in one of the best banks under the sea, and now, at age 23, she led a healthy, wealthy life.

But she wanted the job. She was bored, and constantly desperate for company. With SpongeBob out of town, now was the perfect opportunity to get to know and understand the citizens of Bikini Bottom, while helping out some friends.

There was still that craving, though...that craving for adventure...

--

Whaddya think, hmm? Like it so far? I hope so! Chapter 8 will come...uh...whenever chapter 8 decides to come. Heehee! Don't forget to read and review! That's what I live for! Reviews, that is. LUVYAKTHXBAI!