Disclaimer: I don't own the Fairly Oddparents. I also don't own any other copyrights or trademarks.
A/N Thank you for the reviews. I really appreciate it. Hope you like this chapter. Sorry it took a while, but writing a monster like this takes time. Please read and if it tickles your fancy, review. And don't forget about the poll on my profile page. Thank You!
Chapter 3: Dancing with the devil
As Timmy leaves the school building, he sees Tootie being picked up by her parents, who, from his vantage point, look pretty upset. From the distance he is at, he can't see the downcast, almost regretful look on Tootie's face. He sees her climb into the car, and after a second, he sees the car shoot out of the parking lot. As the car passes his way, Timmy sees Tootie's parents glaring at him out of the corner of his eye. Once the car is out of sight, Timmy lets out a breath he didn't realize he is holding.
Before he can even blink, Timmy sees and hears a loud explosion and a voice that booms out, "Timmy Turner!"
Grinding his teeth, Timmy turns his head to see Jorgen Von Strangle standing before him. In Timmy's younger days, Jorgen used to tower over Timmy, but after the growth spurt he had in the summer between 7th and 8th grade, Timmy now stands at eye level with Jorgen.
Otherwise bothered by Jorgen's presence, and sick of the day that doesn't want to end, Timmy lets out a loud scream and shouts, "Can this day get any worse? First I get stuck between a rock and a hard place, then I get detention, and now I get to deal with the world's toughest jarhead whose presence can only symbolize bad news. I just want this day to end already!"
Jorgen raises an eyebrow at the scene before him. He has never seen a godchild so rattled up before. Nonetheless, he has work to do. So Jorgen shakes his head to clear it of any thoughts and says, "Turner, your fairies must come with me. It seems that Foop has escaped Abracatraz, and your fairies are ordered to help find him and capture him. Once they do that, they will be returned to you."
Timmy looks at Jorgen with wide eyes, stunned. After a moment of frozenness, Timmy screeches out a, "WHAT?!"
Regaining his composer somewhat, Timmy says in a softer voice, "Why do you have to take them now, today of all days?"
Jorgen looks at Timmy with a serious look in his eyes and asks,"Would you rather wait until he takes over fairy world and then the earth? He needs to be stopped now."
Timmy, equally upset as Jorgen is, says, "You don't even know if he's done anything yet, or even if he will do anything. Besides, why can't the other fairies do it? Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof were assigned to me to protect me and help me, not help you."
Jorgen shakes his head and says, "First of all, Cosmo and Wanda were assigned to you, Poof was one of your wishes."
Timmy says with disinterest in his voice, "Whatever. You're right. You can move along now."
Jorgen get a miffed look on his face and says nothing for a few seconds. Then he gets right into Timmy's face and says, "Turner, you are making me angry. Watch it. I don't have to explain anything to you. I'm only doing so out of courteously, so watch your mouth."
Moving away from Timmy a bit, Jorgen continues by saying, "As I was saying, before I was interrupted, is that the other fairies are being assigned to this case. I issued a level one alert, so all fairies are on search for Foop. And besides, if Foop escaped Abracatraz that means that he must have an evil intention."
Timmy shakes his head and says, "Not necessarily. Maybe he just wanted to go home and be with his family."
Jorgen sighs and says, "Anti-fairies are not so kind. They don't think like that. Nonetheless, either way Foop must be found and captured. So Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof are coming with me, now!"
Before Timmy can protest further, Jorgen's wand glows and in a flash he, along with Timmy's three fairies, are gone. Disheartened, and angry, Timmy balls his hand up into fist and screams into the air. Once he does, he angry marches his way home, muttering even darker things than before, and kicking everything in front of him including a can, a rock, even a mailbox. After a 10 minute walk, Timmy makes it home. Unlocking and flinging his front door open, he calls out, "Mom, Dad, Sparky, anyone home."
Timmy's mom and dad don't answer, but Sparky races down the stairs. Timmy smiles for the first time today as he sees his pet fairy dog run down the stairs. After taking off his shoes and closing his front door, Timmy collapses face first on the couch as Sparky approaches him.
Being observant as he is, Sparky knows that something is wrong with Timmy. Normally, when Timmy comes home from school, he would walk into the kitchen, fix himself something to eat, and then heads up to his room. So to see Timmy collapse on the couch without doing either has Sparky worried. Plus, Timmy is usually flanked by Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof. Seeing nobody around Timmy has Sparky even more concerned. Sparky decides to see what was wrong with Timmy before he makes his next move.
"Hi Timmy. How was school?"
It is an innocent enough question to be sure, but all Timmy does is huff, concerning Sparky even more.
"School was horrible. Where's mom and dad?"
Sparky thinks for a moment before he remembers Timmy's Mom leaving a note for Timmy on the fridge.
"Your mom left a note for you on the fridge let me go get it for you."
As Timmy nods from his position, Sparky walks to the kitchen. Sensing his owner's distress, Sparky grabs the note from the fridge, and then poofs up a sandwich and some orange juice on a tray to give to Timmy along with the note. Again, being observant, he knows that this is Timmy's favorite afternoon snack.
As Sparky is fixing Timmy a snack to go along with his mother's note, Timmy turns on the couch, facing the ceiling, and begins to think.
Man, this day just won't end. First I come to find out that the love of my life wants nothing to do with me. Then I get punched for standing up for myself against Tootie. Then I accidently hit her with a volleyball, and get hammered for it. I get a detention that I didn't deserve, I still have a vicious headache, and now my godparents and godbrother are taken away from me because that spoiled, rotten anti-fairy has to escape to cause mischief. And on top of that, I still don't know where mom and dad are. This day officially sucks.
Timmy turns his head and when he does he jumps slightly. He sees Sparky staring at him, with the note in one paw and the tray of food in the other.
Seeing Timmy jump, Sparky says, "Sorry Timmy, I didn't mean to startle you. I saw that you were thinking and I didn't want to interrupt your thoughts."
Timmy sighs; gives Sparky a half smile, and pats him on the head.
"It's alright. I just had a long day, and I just want it to be over."
Sparky says, "I think I understand. Anyways, here's the note. I also poofed you up some food."
Timmy nods his head, and then looks at Sparky like he has a question, shakes his head as if to say forget it, and takes the note, as Sparky sets the food down on the end table by the couch. Timmy begins reading the note.
The note says:
Dear Timmy,
Your father is gonna be working late tonight. Apparently there is a big meeting happening tomorrow and your dad's boss, Mr. Ed Leadly, wants everything in order. I'm going to be taking care of your grandparents; both of them are still under the weather. I'm gonna be spending the night, so if you need me, call me.
We love you Timmy. I hope you had a good day at school. See you tomorrow.
Mom
After reading the note, Timmy groans.
Great, now I have to be here alone with no parents or godparents. Oh well, at least we have food in the house. Well, might as well eat this food Sparky gave me, which I'm not sure how he got for me. I'll have to ask him later.
Timmy sits up and turns on the TV while he eats the sandwich Sparky got him. He notices that the meal Sparky got him is his favorite afternoon snack. After channel surfing for a while, Timmy decides to turn off the TV and listen to some music. Timmy gets off the couch.
Sparky notices Timmy's movement and asks, "Where you going, Timmy?"
Timmy looks at Sparky and says, "Just putting on some music. Oh, by the way, that food was delicious, but I have to ask. How did you make it without opposable thumbs?"
Sparky smiles. After all these years, Timmy just thought to ask that question?
That is such typical Timmy; Ignorant to the simple things.
Laughing a little bit, Sparky says, "I'm surprised you didn't ask that earlier. Being a fairy dog, I can poof up things like Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof can. But I make it my own personal rule to do so only when I think it's necessary, and not on demands like Cosmo, Wanda, or Poof. You looked down, so I figured a snack would help boost you up."
Timmy nods his head and walks over to where his IPod dock is. Plugging in his IPod, he puts on his after school playlist, with the song Step Up by Drowning Pool kicking it off.
"Wow, you must have had a bad day. You only play this playlist when you've had a bad day" says Sparky.
Timmy sits back down on the couch.
"Sparky, you don't know the half of it."
Sparky looks at Timmy and says, "Well, can you please tell me? I'm a little concerned."
Timmy looks at Sparky and sighs.
Where do I even begin? This entire day has been crazy.
"Well, it all started this morning when I left the house. I was on my way to the bus stop when Tootie came out of her house. She saw me and started shouting my name. I got freaked out and started running from her. I eventually lost her by running behind a tree. Then I talked to Cosmo and Wanda, and they brought up some lost memories and I was contemplating their words when my alarm for school rang out. So I wished myself to school…"
Sparky interrupts by asking, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I must ask. Do you hate Tootie? Cause sometimes you're nice to her, and other times you want nothing to do with her."
Timmy sighs and says, "Well, I don't hate her, I know that much, but I can't say that I like her either. She's so damn creepy. She used to stalk me night and day, and she always wants to kiss me. Well, maybe not anymore, but she used to. And it's just too much to take sometimes."
Sparky thinks for a moment, then says, "So she wants to be more than friends with you, and you want her to stop expressing her feelings for you so strongly, right?"
Timmy nods his head, wondering where Sparky is going with this.
"Well, maybe you should tell her how you feel, and instead of avoiding her, you can start a friendship with her. It may not be what she wants, but having you in her life might calm her down, and she wouldn't express her feelings so strongly."
Timmy considers Sparky's words for a moment.
Maybe he's right. If I start a friendship with her, she might stop being so extreme with her feelings. Maybe part of the reason she's so extreme is because I never give her a chance to express her feelings in any other way. Besides, if she truly loves me the way she says she does, then she would accept a friendship with me even if it isn't what she wants. But, after what happened today, would I even get the chance to do it? Well, a one on one conversation has been a long time coming. Maybe I can bring it up when and if I apologize to her.
Timmy nods his head and says, "Sparky, you may be on to something. Maybe being friends with her wouldn't be so bad. Thanks Sparky."
"No problem Timmy, but I would like to hear about the rest of your day."
Timmy thinks for a moment, trying to remember where he left off. After a moment he continues.
"Okay, so after I wished myself to school, I entered the classroom. After saying hello to Chester and AJ, Trixie entered the classroom. I gave her my best smile, trying to charm her, but she didn't even give me a second glance…"
Sparky remains silent at Timmy's story, but inside he is rolling his eyes. He never did like Trixie. He encountered her a few years ago shortly after Timmy became his owner. He was walking down the street when he spotted a nice poodle. He was gonna make some dog conversation with her when he encountered the poodle's owner; none other than Trixie Tang herself. Sparky saw Trixie on her cell phone, so he was gonna engage the poodle. When Trixie finally took notice of Sparky, after Sparky was turning up the charm on her poodle, she yelled at him. Worse than that, she tried hitting Sparky with her purse. When Sparky crossed the street after almost getting hit, he heard Trixie say something about calling the pound to pick him up. Sparky ran up the street back to Timmy's house when he heard that. But, after night fell, Sparky followed the scent of the poodle to the Tang mansion and left a few gifts on Trixie's lawn. He would have charmed up the poodle again too, but unfortunately for him, the poodle was inside the mansion. The next morning when Trixie and Timmy were in school and Trixie's parents left for the day, Sparky left a few more gifts by Trixie's front door.
What sweet revenge that was.
Sparky tunes back into Timmy's story after taking his own stroll down memory lane. Fortunately for him, his thoughts were going a lot faster than Timmy is speaking, so he didn't miss a word that his owner was saying.
"…Once Trixie was in her seat, who should come in next but Tootie herself. After Tootie took her seat behind me, she looked like she wanted to say something to me, but before she could, our teacher walked in. Our teacher explained that it was experiment week so after passing out the packets for the experiments, she explained that the first experiment was an icebreaker in which all the boys, after learning of their partners, were to go up to said partners and introduce themselves. The experiment was to see how the opposite sex reacts to being forced into a situation that was unexpected. We were supposed to write down each of our partners' reactions. Well as it turned out, I got paired up with both Tootie and Trixie. And on top of exclaiming "what" at the top of my lungs, I may have inadvertently told the class that I love Trixie. The look on her face was one of pure embarrassment. So was the look on my face."
Even recalling the memory of that, Timmy can feel his face burning up. Sparky looks up at Timmy very interested in both the reason why he said that out loud to the class, and the reason why he would think that he loves her when he clearly said that she ignores him.
"If I may ask, why did you say that out loud and why would you think you're in love with someone who doesn't give you the time of day?" asks Sparky.
Timmy closes his eyes for a moment and thinks.
Why did I say that out loud? I can't even convince myself half the time that I'm in love with Trixie. So how did it just slip out? And Sparky and Tootie have a point. Why am I in love with a person that doesn't even give me the time of day?
Timmy looks at Sparky and says, "I have no idea why I said that out loud. I was in a state of shock and panic, so I guess it kind of slipped out. But here the thing; I really can't convince myself that I'm in love with her half the time, so I was just as surprised that I said it as she was. As for why I love her, I really don't know. She makes me feel special. Even if she ignores me, she does it with love, I think. I think deep down she has feelings for me, but something is preventing her from expressing them."
Sparky, after listening to his owner, collects his own thoughts.
Or maybe you're in denial, and she really doesn't like you. You could be right, but then again, if she hasn't given you a chance by now, it's unlikely she ever will. Maybe that's why you can't convince yourself that you love her; maybe you're tired of being rejected by her.
"I personally think you're tired of being rejected by her, so you can't convince yourself that you love her. As for making you feel special, with all the attention, or lack of as the case may be, maybe Trixie isn't make you feel special anymore. In fact, maybe the only reason you're questioning it is because someone else is making you feel more special, maybe someone like Tootie."
Timmy shakes his head violently, and valiantly denies Sparky's statement by saying, "I don't know why everyone's saying that today, but I'll say it again, I do not love Tootie! Period!"
"Ah, but I didn't hear you say that you love Trixie either. I think your priorities are shifting."
Timmy collapses onto the couch again and says, "Whatever."
Sparky shakes his head at Timmy's antics.
"Okay, why don't you tell me how the rest of your day went?"
"Why should I?"
Sparky looks Timmy right in the eyes and says, "Because it might make you feel better."
Timmy looks down and says, "Fine, but I'm gonna need an ice pack, and these aspirin to kick in first."
Sparky raises an eyebrow at that request but poofs up an icepack for Timmy, which Timmy gladly takes and puts on the left side of his forehead, which is where Tootie hit him with the volleyball. The next 15 minutes passes in silence, as Timmy waits for his headache to dull before continuing his story about his school day.
Finally, Timmy continues with, "Okay, where was I? Oh yeah, I remember now. So after I embarrassed myself and Trixie in front of the class, my teacher, Tootie, Trixie and myself walked out into the hallway. My teacher asked me what the problem was, so I told her about how I would have preferred to work with Trixie alone, and not with Tootie. Then I started listing off reasons why I couldn't work with Tootie. She got pissed and started yelling at me. And during her rant, she insulted and verbally attacked Trixie, who jumped into the argument to defend herself. That's where I learned that she knew how I felt about her all along, but wanted to wait until I was "with" Tootie before she approached me. Why I don't know. But I know this, hearing her say that pissed me off, so I then told both of them off. My teacher told us to basically suck it up, and so we all went back to class. Then…"
Sparky did his best to absorb this new information, but he is having trouble keeping up because 1) that was a lot to take in and 2) his master is talking really fast. So after processing this information for a moment, Sparky has to stop his owner's recap of his day to ask some questions.
Barking to get Timmy's attention, which Sparky has been getting better at doing, Sparky notices Timmy stop talking. Taking the opportunity, Sparky says, "Sorry about that, but you were talking really fast and I needed to stop you to let my brain catch up. So you, Tootie, and Trixie got into a big argument and feelings were hurt all around. Right?"
Timmy nods his head.
Seeing that, Sparky continues with, "Okay, so I have to know. What exactly did you say to each other?"
Timmy thinks for a moment, not that he needed too; the words from the argument are already augmented into his brain. He knows in his heart that he handled the situation wrong, and remembering what was said is bringing him pain for some reason, so he was talking fast to avoid said pain. Nonetheless, Sparky wants to know, and since Sparky is his only true friend as of late, he isn't going to deny the simple request, even if it is painful to remember. Sure, he has Chester and AJ, and even Elmer and Sanjay, but lately they have been teasing him more than normal and he is getting sick of it. His god family is too busy to really be a friend to him anymore, and his parents are always working. Sure, they are still always there for him when he needs them, but since he entered adolescence, he is seeing them less and less.
The price of growing up I guess. Maybe Tootie has it right. Maybe I have to find someone else to fill the void in my life now that Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof are too busy too anymore.
Taking a moment to take a deep breath, Timmy says, "Okay, so I told my teacher that I couldn't work with Tootie because she bugged my house at one point, stalks me night and day, tried to spy on me in the changing room, and tries to kiss me whenever I get near her. Oh and I also said that it got so bad at one point that I once had a restraining order against her. When I said the whole kiss thing, Tootie jumped in, most likely to defend herself. She said that she didn't know it was illegal to spy on me, so she disconnected the bug that she had on my phone line. She said that she couldn't stand listening to me on it half the time. She also said that she stopped stalking me night and day because she realized that if she wanted me to be with her, that she would have to give me my privacy and some space. She also said that the restraining order wasn't active in years."
BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T FREAKING NEED IT ANYMORE!
Timmy jumps upright on the couch as he can hear the voice of Tootie scream in his head. His heart hurts as he can still see the pure rage in her eyes when she said, no screamed, it at him. Clutching his head, Timmy notices the tears rolling down his checks as the whole argument plays in his head like a movie that doesn't want to end. Suddenly his whole body goes numb as everything fades into darkness.
Sparky notices Timmy's eyes go wide, then he notices tears stream down Timmy's checks, then he notices Timmy's eyes get that far away look, then finally he notices Timmy collapse to the side, almost completely off the couch. Immensely concerned, Sparky starts to shout Timmy's name as he tries to shake Timmy's body with his paws. Noticing that it wasn't working to wake Timmy up, Sparky poofs up some water and dumps it onto Timmy's face. He then sees Timmy stir and Timmy begins to cough up the little water that managed to find its way into his throat. Seeing Timmy wake up, Sparky steps back as Timmy sits upright, eyes wide, fully awake again.
"What happened?"
Sparky looks at Timmy and says, "We were talking. You suddenly stopped talking, then you started crying, then you must have blacked out. Maybe we should stop and you should rest upstairs for a while."
Even though Timmy is fully awake, his eyes still seem a little dazed. Sparky notices and tries to force his master into going to bed for a while, but Timmy raises his hand, and says, "I know your concerned, and some sleep sound good right about now, but if I don't get this off my chest now, I won't be able to sleep anyways. So please, let me finish."
Sparky doesn't like it, at all. Whatever Timmy is feeling, it is enough to cause him to blackout. What's to stop it from happening again? Nonetheless, it isn't Sparky's call, it is Timmy's, and so Sparky nods his head and waits for his master to continue.
"Okay, so Tootie says that the whole locker room thing was an accident. Apparently, some girls knocked her down and her glass got knocked off her. So when she found them they were dirty. When she went to clean them, she accidently walked into the male changing room, not the female one. And she also said that she was in love with me, so of course she wanted to kiss me. She said that I also probably want to do the same thing with Trixie, which is probably true. But then she said that Trixie was a slut who looked down on others who weren't in her social or financial group. That's when Trixie said that she wasn't a slut, and that she was in fact a virgin. Then, admittingly, she made the whole thing worse by saying that Tootie was just jealous over the fact that Trixie had me wrapped around her finger, ready to wait on her every beck and call, which is not true. Just because I'm in love with her doesn't mean I'd be her slave. In fact, that was probably the most insensitive thing I've ever heard her say, or heard anyone say for that matter."
Sparky looks at Timmy with interest as he notices Timmy ball his hands into fist with the most pissed off look Sparky has ever seen on him.
Maybe he's learning what most people probably already know. That Trixie is nothing but a stuck up bitch.
Letting this new fact and new found anger wash over him, Timmy takes a few minutes to think of all the times Trixie has been insensitive to him or his friends. There was the time Trixie wouldn't invite him or his friends to her birthday when she invited everyone else he knew to it. At said birthday party she didn't remember his friends' names, and she catapulted him out of it, even after he didn't spill her tomboy secret. She wouldn't talk to him after he got himself impeached as class president. She laughed at him when he lost his bathing suit at the pool, and she dated Chester in revenge when he ignored her when he wished he had no emotions. He even sung for her on Valentine's Day, which resulted in him getting catapulted from her lawn. His only saving grace that day was Tootie. Timmy's mind then wondered to all the times Tootie was nice to him. She did do him that favor when Poof was in his head while he was trying to win the soccer championship for his dad. She wished him luck in trying to climb mount Doomdale, and even offered to revive him with mouth to mouth resuscitation if he needed it. She even defended him against Francis when everyone else was sitting back and letting it happen, even laughing at him. His heart hurt again as the memories keep resurfacing. Her being nice when he shared his home with her and her family, defending him against Vicky when he was at her house twice, saving his godparents, the memories just kept coming. It is then that Timmy realizes something. He needed to apologize to Tootie and beg her for forgiveness, if he didn't he would never be able to live his shame down. Feeling the tears run down his checks again, Timmy quickly wipes them off before continuing.
"Anyways, Trixie said that she knows how Tootie feels about me, so she was gonna back off. She also said that she was waiting for me to get a clue about my feelings for Tootie before approaching me."
Sparky, after seeing Timmy wipe off the tears, and after hearing his last statement, asks, "So does that mean that she would only be interested in you if you are with Tootie?"
Timmy shakes his head and says, "I don't know. I just don't know."
Sparky nods his head.
Seeing Sparky nod his head, Timmy continues with, "So after saying that, Trixie said that she doesn't look down on the lower class, and that she never hurt Tootie in the past, so Tootie should back off. I don't know how true that statement is, but after hearing both girls defend themselves, I got mad. I got mad at Tootie for trying to destroy Trixie, and I got mad at Trixie for abusing my feelings. After I told them both that, that's when the teacher told us to suck it up and sent up back into class. So we went inside, finished our work, then when the bell rang, left class. I was steamed after class, especially when my locker wouldn't open and AJ had to open it for me, so when Tootie and Trixie's friends came over and told me to stay away from them, I informed them that that would be impossible, as I share all my classes with both Tootie and Trixie, and then I told their friends Molly and Veronica that if they saw Tootie and Trixie that they should tell them both to go to hell."
Sparky is wide eyed after hearing Timmy's latest update.
They really had a blowout didn't they? I understand that that was probably a long time coming, but still. I can see why they would all have hard feelings. This was all in Timmy's first class too. This can't end well.
"So in my next class Tootie kept sending me death threats, and when I tried to tell the teacher, Tootie punched me in the stomach, hard, completely knocking the breathe out of me."
Sparky eyes grow even wider.
Wow, I never thought that Tootie would resort to violence. I mean, I know that she's related to Vicky, so violence is probably in her blood by this point, but she's in love with Timmy. I never thought she would be angry enough to resort to it. And death threats? Man, she must have been steamed. All Timmy said was the truth. Course, Tootie could have been taking out her anger for Trixie out on Timmy too.
"After that class was over, I had to share a table with both Trixie and Tootie. To prevent them from killing each other, I choose to sit in the middle, between the two. Only it didn't work. They kept passing notes to each other, with looks to kill. And when I told them to knock it off, they turned those looks onto me. Worse than that, the teacher thought I was helping them pass the notes, so I got slammed with an after school detention."
"Just for being the good guy huh. Man that sucks, although that does explain why you came home an hour later than usual. Did anything happen to them?"
Timmy nods and says, "They got hit with a lunch detention cleaning the classroom for not paying attention. I don't know how they didn't rip each other apart in there."
"I'm not so sure they didn't, at least not verbally. That could explain the bump on your head and you blacking out."
Timmy smirks and says, "Who knew you were so smart. That's a pretty sharp deduction. That and possible lack of food."
"Yeah, hunger does make people crazy. So what happened at lunch?"
Timmy crosses his arms over his chest and says, "Well after Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof gave me a good lunch, the guys wanted a recap of my day, as we all share first period and they saw I was in a bad mood. So I recapped the day so far, and after I was done, they started laughing, and when I yelled at them, they basically called me an idiot for not seeing that I'm in love with both Trixie and Tootie, and that I couldn't decide which one I wanted, so I didn't defend either one. Which even if it was true, which it isn't, that's still a horrible way to say it. Granted, if they told me that anyway, I would've been pissed, but that doesn't mean they should make a crappy day even worse."
Sparky nods his head and says, "Yeah, that pretty insensitive of them too."
"Yeah, well, they've been doing that lately. More than normal, and more than I would've like too. Anyways, after lunch, I have math class. Instead of my normal teacher, guess you I get. My old enemy Mr. Crocker."
Sparky lets out a sound that sounds like a cross between a gulp and a yelp. He knows Mr. Crocker personally and he doesn't like the fact that he's back into his master's life in any category, much less as a substitute teacher.
"I know Sparky, I don't like it either. Apparently I'm stuck with him the next eight weeks because my normal teacher broke her legs water skiing. So he assigns some problems to judge where we are at. Well, he paired us up with the person next to us, so guess who I get as a partner. Tootie! Normally I would've appreciated the help, but I just wanted to get away from her. And after having yet another argument with her, over my study habits no less, I had to apologize to her and get her help on the assignment. It frustrated the hell out of me. And Mr. Crocker was hovering over our shoulder the entire time. God, you don't know how much I hated that. So I napped during the next class. And before you complain about that, my teacher was sick and gave us a free day."
To put that last comment into context, when Timmy said that he napped during the class, Sparky, who was following Timmy's story, started to give Timmy a look that said, "You shouldn't do that. You know you can't get behind in any of your classes." So Timmy put a stop to it. Speaking of Timmy, Timmy takes a breathe of air to refill himself before diving into the worse part of his school day.
"The last class of the day is gym, and my teacher likes to make it boys vs. girls, so he paired me with Chester, AJ, Elmer, and Sanjay while he paired our opponents up. And our opponents were Tootie, Trixie, Molly, Veronica, and a girl named Ashley. The game we were playing was volleyball. So while we were deciding strategy, the girls, namely Tootie and Trixie were arguing. From what I heard, they were arguing about who was to serve first. Our teacher put a stop to that though when he said that Ashley was to serve first and that if any of the other girls didn't start the game, they were getting detention. So we started playing. They got the point and when they did, Tootie and Trixie started arguing again about who got the point. So they served again, and I got the point by slamming the ball down by Trixie. Tootie started arguing about us getting the point, so when Chester served, he served it by Tootie, who missed the ball, giving us another point and getting us another argument between the two. So we served it next, and when they hit it back over, I hit the ball over, not aiming, and it hit Tootie in the head. Naturally, we all went over to where the girls were and I checked on Tootie. At first she seemed surprised and almost grateful that I was checking up on her, but then she got mad and accused me of doing it on purpose. I denied it, but she told us to start the game again. After seeing one final time if she was alright, we began the game again. This time after we served the ball again, Tootie slammed the ball into my head. It actually KO'ed me."
Sparky's eyes grow wide again.
Death threats and stomach punches I can understand, somewhat, but slamming a volleyball into someone's head, especially after they checked up on you after doing the same thing, I just don't understand why. Unless she really did think he did it on purpose. Even so, he checked up on her, it still doesn't excuse it. Of course, after arguing with Trixie and Timmy, such a misunderstanding would only seem natural. Still, violence twice in one day? That's not like her at all.
"Apparently, the teacher was making his rounds and saw the whole thing. He gave Tootie detention for all week, after school, and he was gonna talk to the principal after school for a possible suspension. He, Chester, and AJ took me to the nurse's offices. I heard bits and pieces of conversation, but I didn't really pay attention until my teacher said that Tootie was gonna have detention today, but he assured me of my safety, so I went to sleep after the nurse check that I wasn't concussed. Lucky, nothing happened at detention, so I got my math homework done, even the assignment that was supposed to be done today that Mr. Crocker said I could turn in tomorrow, and I got half my other homework done. "
Sparky nods his head and says, "That's good that nothing happened in detention, but then I must ask. If Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof were with you at lunch, where are they now?"
Timmy balls his hands into fist again and says, "Jorgen took them. Apparently, Foop escaped from fairy prison and so he took them to go look for Foop. Jerk. Worse day of my life and I can't even have my fairies. Short of you of course."
Sparky nods his head. It all makes sense now. Now he can see why Timmy is so down, why he is so angry, and why he is crying today.
Now that I know, and now that he got that off his chest, maybe he should go get some rest. I don't want him to blackout again.
Sparky says to Timmy, "Now that you've got that off your chest, maybe you should get some sleep."
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea. I think I'll go take a nap. Can you wake me around dinnertime? With mom and dad out, and without Cosmo, Wanda, and Poof, I need time to cook some food, unless you want to poof something up."
Sparky shakes his head.
"Sorry Timmy, I would like too, but I can't poof up dinner. It not my specialty and the last person who ate it had to be hospitalized. I doubt you want that. But I can wake you up around dinnertime."
"Thanks."
Timmy heads to his room and collapses on his bed, face first. Turning onto his back, he tries his best to fall asleep, but between his earlier nap in class, the aspirin, and his racing thoughts, sleep was next to impossible to have. Instead, Timmy replays the memories of the day in his mind, going over what went right, and what went wrong. After about 20 minutes, Timmy receives a text on his new Smartphone. After not getting one when he was younger, and after the disaster with Chatty, Timmy decided to cut laws in the summer for extra money and after doing so for back-to-back summers, he earned enough money for a nice Smartphone and a year's worth of service. Timmy pulls the Smartphone out of his pocket and checks it. It says he has received one new text message. Looking at the number, Timmy realizes that the message is from his dad. Quickly looking at the message, Timmy groans in disappointment.
The message says:
Timmy, I have to stay overnight. Apparently, the meeting location got screwed up and so we have to pull an all-nighter getting the meeting fixed. Our boss is giving us one night hotel rooms. Don't tell your mother, but there is $40 in the bottom drawer of my dresser. Use it for some pizza and a movie if you want. Love you son.
Dad
Timmy sets his phone down on the dresser and groans again. His dad coming home was his one saving grace today. Not only could he give him some advice about the love triangle he is suddenly thrust into, but he could've given Timmy some much need company. Now that his dad is working overnight, that is no longer possible. Tears stream down Timmy's face for the third time today as he realizes how truly alone he is. His friends are being jerks, his god family is away finding Foop, the love of his life wants nothing to do with him, he is fighting with his potential friend in Tootie, and his parents are over his grandparents' house and working respectfully. Timmy is crying for five minutes before he hears a knock on the door. Thinking it is one of his friends Timmy is ignoring it.
Ignoring it until he hears a voice say, "Twer—I mean Timmy, open up. I want to talk to you."
Timmy lies in his bed, petrified. He just heard a voice that he never wanted to hear again. It is his worst enemy; worse than Mr. Crocker, worse than Foop, worse than Dark Laser. And hearing said voice makes Timmy's blood run cold, it makes his face turn pale, and it makes his body completely numb.
She found out. She found out! What do I do now? My fairies are gone, Sparky can only hold her off for so long, and after what happened between me and Tootie today, she probably has weapons. I need to bail, now!
Timmy races to his bedroom door, shuts it and then barricades it. Timmy then races to his window and judges how many feet it is between where he is standing and the ground.
Okay, it's about 20 ft. If I jump, I'll probably break my leg, but if I can make it to the garage, I can get my rocketboard and get out of here without dying. If I stay here or can't make it to the garage, I'm a deadman, so I got to do it.
Just as he gets his foot on the window ledge, Vicky rounds the corner and sees what Timmy is about to do.
"Oh my god, are you crazy? Don't do it."
Timmy, seeing Vicky in the flesh, standing right below the window, reassesses his situation. He can't jump, and by the time he unbarracades himself, she would be at the front door. He then looks up to the roof.
At this point, it's the only salvation I got. But can I get up there? I got to try.
Timmy puts his second foot on the windowsill as Vicky looks at him, terrified.
What's he doing? If he falls, he's gonna get himself killed. I'm not even here to hurt him. I just want to talk to him. I got to talk him down.
"Timmy, please get down. If you fall, you're dead."
"Why should I trust you? You hate me, and you would do anything to get rid of me. I'm getting to the roof and there nothing you can do to stop me."
Right when Timmy says that, his foot slips, leaving him hanging on to the window ledge. Vicky's eyes widen.
"Oh my god! Timmy! I'm going to get a ladder, hang on!"
"No, I'd rather let go and fall to my death than to have you hurt me."
Vicky's eyes grow even wider and in a panic, she says, "Timmy, don't say that. I care about you and your well being. I always have. Now don't let go!"
Before Timmy can say anything else, Vicky runs to the Turner's garage. Finding it locked, Vicky kicks the lock right off the garage, and manually opens the garage with strength never seen by her before. She doesn't find a ladder, nor does she find anything soft and sturdy for Timmy to land on. Running back to Timmy, Vicky sees one of his hands slipping. Running directly under him, Vicky says, "Timmy, let go. I couldn't find a ladder so I'll catch you. "
"WHAT! Are you crazy? I can't trust you!"
"You don't have a choice. It that or fall to your death."
Closing his eyes and muttering a prayer, Timmy lets go of the window ledge. Instead of plunging to his death, he instead finds himself in someone's arms safe and sound. Opening his eyes, he sees Vicky with a look of slight pain and determination in her eyes. Timmy, realizing suddenly how close to her he really is, rushes out of her arms and across the lawn, up to his front door and into his house, locking the door behind him and barricading himself in by pushing the couch in front of the door. Vicky, looking relived, wipes the sweat off her brow before suddenly realizing what Timmy just did. When she realizes that after she just saved his life, he ran into his house, barricaded himself in, didn't say thank you or show any appreciation, and still didn't trust her, Vicky gets a really miffed look on her face and marches to the Turner's front door.
"Hey, after I just saved your life, you don't say thank you and barricade yourself in your house. I did just want to talk, but now you're in for it. Open! This! Door! Now!"
Any other person would have done as the young lady commanded, but not Timmy. Instead, he turns to Sparky and says, "If she gets in here, rip her apart."
Now Sparky normally is afraid of the young redhead, but he senses sincerity when she said that she just wanted to talk. He also senses honesty when she said that she cared for Timmy and his well being. So instead of listening to Timmy, Sparky uses magic to move the couch and unlock the door. He then says in a voice that sounds perfectly like Timmy, "The door is unlocked, come on in", much to the real Timmy's wide eyed horror.
Vicky, hearing who sounded like Timmy unlocking the door and inviting her in, opens the door as the real Timmy darts upstairs, hoping to get into his room, only to be blocked by the barricade he himself setup.
Ahhh! Damn my fear and ingenuity.
Timmy darts over to his parents' room, only to find that locked as well. With nowhere to go but back downstairs, Timmy slowly goes down the stairs and sees Vicky with her arms crossed, standing in front of the now closed front door.
With an eyebrow raised, Vicky simply asks, "You done?"
Timmy is about to say yes, before he remembers that he can go through the backdoor. Timmy turns to run to the kitchen before he notices Sparky standing right in the doorway, eyeing Timmy, also with his eyebrow raised.
With a sigh Timmy turns back to face Vicky and says, "Yeah, I'm done."
Then realizing how that sounds, Timmy corrects himself by saying, "I'm done running. I'm not finished. If you try anything, I'll defend myself to the best of my ability."
Vicky simply sighs and motions to the couch. Timmy nods and sits on one end of the couch; Vicky does the same thing on the opposite side. Timmy and Vicky face each other.
"Okay, Timmy, I will try to remain calm. I would like to know why you viciously attacked Tootie today, not once but twice. I also want to know what you're going to do to make it up to her."
Timmy gives Vicky a "huh" look.
"What are you talking about?"
Vicky sighs again and shakes her head.
"I mean why did you verbally attack her in science class, and why did you argue with her in your Algebra 1 class."
Timmy has a look of comprehension dawn on his face.
"Oh, well…"
Oh man, how do I go about telling her about everything? I mean, she's Icky Vicky, I can't exactly tell her about Tootie bugging my phone lines or stalking me. She would get a kick out of the misery it caused me. And how about that whole locker room thing? Tootie claims that was an accident. Should I even bring that up? And how do I bring up the kissing thing? And is she gonna kill me if I bring up the volleyball thing? I mean, even if I didn't mean to, I hurt her sister. She isn't gonna go easy on me for that one.
Timmy gulps and looks down as he prepares for the talk of a lifetime, well one of them that is. Vicky on the other hand notices Timmy's hesitation, and while in her younger days it would have made her smile, she looks at Timmy now with concern and a little trepidation.
Maybe he still thinks I'm gonna hurt him. Years ago that might have been true, but now I just want the truth, nothing else. I think I put a little too much fear in him when he was younger. Tootie was hesitant to talk to me too, and we're sisters for god's sake. I think I need to get him to relax and calm him down before I can really talk to him. You know build a little trust with him. After all, after I saved his life, he still chooses to barricade himself from me. He still thinks of me as an enemy. I have to be friendly with him before he talks. After all, you don't spill secrets to someone you hate.
Before Timmy can speak again, Vicky asks, "Are you hungry?"
Timmy turns to face Vicky and says, "Huh?"
Vicky laughs a little to herself as she repeats the question.
"I asked if you are hungry."
Timmy gives her a look she can't identify. Before he can speak, his stomach lets out a loud grumble.
How can I still be hungry after I ate that sandwich Sparky made me? And how can I be hungry when my nerves are so shot?
Vicky laughs when she hears Timmy's stomach growl, and pulls out her cell phone. At seeing Vicky suddenly move Timmy jumps, puts his hands in the air to protect his face, and curls into a ball. Vicky, who sees Timmy's actions, says nothing as she shifts though her contacts.
Man, he's got it bad. This isn't gonna be easy is it. If I yell at him, he'll think I'm gonna attack him, and he'll just tell me what I want to hear, which may or may not be the truth. I got to get him to relax. I have to stay calm, let him control the conversation, and let him answer freely. Or I'm not gonna get anything useful from him. Just don't lose your temper. After all you did to him when he was younger, such a reaction is only gonna be natural at this point.
Finally finding the contact she was looking for, she hits the button to dial. Seeing Vicky put the phone to her head, Timmy puts his hands down and sits normally, but in a position to bail if he needs to.
I may have to get past Sparky, but being mauled by my own dog is a lot better than whatever pain Vicky can inflict on me.
Interested in seeing who Vicky is dialing; Timmy squashes any further thoughts and tries to concentrate on the impending conversation. Vicky meanwhile, is still dialing the phone and after the third ring is becoming impatient and as such, lets out a frustrated sigh, which puts Timmy on edge again.
Seeing Timmy on edge again, Vicky is about to hang up the phone when a voice rings out on the other side of the line.
"Hello, welcome to Shirley's Pizza, how may I help you?"
Vicky rolls her eyes and says, "It's about time you picked up the phone Shirley."
"Vicky, is that you? How are you?"
"Well, I would be better if you learned to pick up the phone sooner."
"Sorry about that, I didn't know it was you. You have a new number. I was dealing with a customer. What would you like?"
"I want twice the usual, add a large Hawaiian, and add two 2-liters of Mountain Fizz. And deliver it to the Turner residence."
Shirley seems surprised at the request.
"But I thought that Timmy is too old to be babysat anymore."
"He is, but I need to talk to him, and I thought that seeing a friendly face and some pizza would calm him down. He's so jumpy I would never be able to get a straight answer out of him."
Vicky looks over at Timmy as she says this, and she sees him gulp as a result.
Man, will he just relax already. I'm ordering pizza for him after all. Sheese.
"Hum, that so. Then I'll personally deliver it. In fact, maybe I'll let my assistant run the place for a while; he could use the practice anyway. Timmy's up for a visit isn't he."
"Hey, he's already got me here, I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
At this sentence, she sees Timmy's eyes grow wide. He hasn't seen Shirley since that whole transdimensional fiasco. He is too afraid to go talk to him. After all, there is no guarantee he still won't kill him.
"Okay, I'll see you in about 15 minutes."
"Fine and I want a free order of breadsticks for you not answering the phone right away."
"Okay, okay. I throw them on, free of charge. I'll see you in 15. Bye."
"Bye."
Vicky looks at Timmy and says, "Pizza should be here in 15 minutes. If it isn't there will be hell to pay."
Timmy gulps and goes into the fetal position again.
Vicky, realizing what she said, immediately corrects herself by saying, "There would be hell to pay on Shirley, not you."
Still noticing Timmy in the fetal position, Vicky sighs and says, "Would you please relax? Look, I'm not gonna hurt you. Scouts honor."
Timmy gets out of the fetal position and says, "Hey, you were never in the scouts!"
Vicky smiles and says, "Oh yes I was. I was just in it before it was renamed the cream puffs. Stupid name if you ask me. Wilderness Hunters' was much better."
"Oh yeah, why don't you prove it?"
Vicky shakes her head and says, "Okay, if you insist."
Vicky stands up off the couch, and in the same position as the cream puffs, recites the version of the credo that she knows. Timmy laughs when Vicky finishes.
Well, I don't like being laughed at, but at least he's relaxing a little bit.
With a small curtsy, Vicky returns to her spot on the couch as Timmy finishes laughing.
"Man, I never imagined that you would be in the scouts. You don't seem the type. At least your credo didn't have anything about being smarter or better that the squirrely scouts."
Vicky smiles at she says, "Yeah, I know I don't seem the type, but I was. And as for the squirrely scouts, that wasn't the name for them back then either. Back then they were called the Wilderness Masters'. We used to team up to learn about survival in the wilderness and we also learned about the opposite sex too, but that a story for another time."
Timmy laughs again and Vicky's smile increases.
Yes, he's relaxing, good. Maybe opening up to him would get him to open up to me too. Worth a shot.
"You know, it was that same training that kept you inline as a kid. And, believe it or not, it kept you safe too."
Timmy's head shoots towards Vicky when she says that.
"What! How was attacking me with flamethrowers, axes, lasers, and whatever else you have in your evil arsenal keeping me safe?"
Vicky sighs and looks down.
Confession Time.
"Part of the reason I used to use weapons was to keep you in line. The other part of the reason was because I was in a bad place in my life, and I wanted to take it out on anyone I could. So I saw an opportunity to do both when I babysat you. By using weapons I could instill a fear in you, and you would listen to me, preventing you from doing something stupid that was dangerous that I would have had no control over. Yes, the weapons were dangerous, but I was trained to use them, so I could instill the fear in you without actually hurting you. It was only when I met my boyfriend that I realized that while that method was effective, it was cruel as well. If I was nice to children and attentive, they would listen to me anyways, and they wouldn't get hurt because I would be right there with them. My boyfriend not only saved my business, but me as well. And I have you to thank for it. So thank you. And I'm sorry. I never should have tortured you when you were younger. You know, you're not the only relationship I ruined. I ruined my relationship with my own sister. You know, I was there when the principal called and said that Tootie was involved in an altercation at school. I never would have imagined that she would be in an altercation, especially with you. I think that the abuse she suffered over the years by me has rubbed off on her. So, even if she doesn't say it, I'll say it for her. She's sorry too. We both are. You want to know something. When she came home, she was pissed. She wouldn't talk to our parents, and she especially wouldn't talk to me. Do you know how much that hurt knowing that my own sister wouldn't talk to me, and knowing that I was the cause of it? It killed me inside. Eventually, she told me the whole story. I felt for her, but I realized that some of the things you said were true. So I came here to get your side of the story, but more than that, I want to know what your true feelings are. I want to help you. Will you let me help you?"
Vicky has tears rolling down her checks when she finishes. For years she has tormented both the boy, now young man, next to her, and her own sister. She was vicious and cruel to everyone, and it was killing her inside to know that the perfect life that she always desired was no longer possible to have because of her own selfishness, greed, jealousy, anger and evilness.
Next to her is the young man that she has always tortured. He himself is torn. On the one hand, here was Icky Vicky, the one who tormented and tortured him for so long, the one who would take pleasure in making his life a living hell on a daily basis. On the other hand, he saw a young woman who is so struck with grief that she is crying, profusely, in front of who he always thought was her one true enemy; himself.
Oh man, I have never seen her so torn up and sad. And crying in front of me, and telling me all that stuff. It must have taken courage, and dare I say it, heart to say all that. Maybe she's not so bad after all. Just a little lost…and misguided.
Taking a deep breath, and mustering all the courage he has, Timmy slides over and gives Vicky a nice, warm, inviting hug. Confused by Timmy's actions, Vicky stops her crying momentarily and asks, "What are you doing?"
Timmy doesn't look her in the eyes as he says, "Giving you a hug, and more importantly, a shoulder to cry on."
Sniffling a little bit, Vicky asks, "So…then…do you forgive me?"
Sighing deeply, Timmy says something he never thought he would say, he looks Vicky in the eyes and says, "Yes, Vicky, I forgive you."
Vicky lays her head on Timmy shoulders and hugs him, as she cries out, "Thank You!"
Timmy slowly pats her back as her tears flow from her eyes again. The next few minutes passes in silence, except for the small sounds of Vicky's crying. Eventually, Vicky lets go of her hug and Timmy moves backs a few inches. Timmy sees a box of tissues on his end table, and he grabs a few and hands them to Vicky.
Vicky says, "Thank You" as she dots around her eyes and dries her few remaining tears. As she does, she hears the doorbell ring. Timmy silently gulps, and after seeing that Vicky is in no condition to answer the door, gets off the couch and slowly walks towards the door. He slowly opens it and notices a normal delivery guy standing on the porch, carefully holding the pizza and stuff in his hands.
"Is this the Turner residence?"
Timmy looks around for any signs of Shirley, but he doesn't see him anywhere.
Timmy turns back to the delivery man and says, "Yes, this is the Turner residence. I'm Timmy Turner."
"Okay good. Here you go 2 cheese pizzas, 2 supreme pizzas, 1 Hawaiian pizza, 2 cheesy breads, and two 2-liters of mountain Fizz. Is there a Vicky in the house, she needs to sign for it."
Timmy looks to Vicky, who is still in no shape to be seen. Vicky, not facing either guy, says, "Timmy can sign for it."
The delivery guy shrugs his shoulders and hands Timmy the paper. Timmy puts the food on a nearby table and signs the paper. He hands the paper to the delivery guy and after making sure the paper is signed, the delivery guy leaves, and Timmy closes the door.
"Bring the food over here. And thanks for signing for it."
Timmy grabs the food and begins walking towards the couch. As he does so, he says, "No problem. I didn't think you wanted to be seen just yet."
Timmy sets the food down on the end table. As he does, he says, "I'll be right back. I'll go get some plates and some cups. "
Vicky gives a half smile and nods. As Timmy walks into the kitchen, Vicky begins to think.
Man, I can't believe it. Timmy gave me, his worst enemy, a hug and a shoulder to cry on. On top of that, he actually forgave me. That must have been hard for him, comforting me like that. It took a lot of courage and heart. He's not so bad after all. And now that he's perfectly relaxed maybe I can get him to open up a little. Still, I can't thank him enough.
Vicky waits for Timmy to get back from the kitchen. Timmy inside the kitchen is having a conversation with Sparky, quiet enough so Vicky can't hear.
"Sparky, I can't believe you let her in here. I should punish you, severely. She could have killed me!"
Sparky looks down and says, "I know Timmy, but I sensed sincerity in her voice when she said that she cared about you and your wellbeing. I also sense honesty when she said that she wouldn't hurt you. Besides, she scares me too, so I wouldn't have let her in here if I thought she was going to hurt you. Besides, I wouldn't have let her hurt you, I would have protected you. Plus, all's well that ends well, Right?"
Timmy sighs as he grabs some paper plates and some plastic cups.
"Well, maybe you're right, but still, you should have consulted with me first. You don't know how scared I was when you let her in."
Sparky nods his head. Timmy sighs again as he heads back to the living room. Timmy stops at the doorway and looks at Vicky. Vicky was looking into the distance waiting for Timmy to come in with the place ware.
Well, Sparky's probably right. A one on one talk with Vicky was as long time coming as a one on one talk between me and Tootie. I just hope when that talk happens that things will go as smoothly. Still, this was great practice, if nothing else.
Timmy finally walks into the living room. Vicky turns her head at the noise, and upon seeing Timmy says, "What took so long, get lost in your own house?"
Timmy would have normally tensed at this remark, but he can sense that she is joking, so instead, he just smiles and shakes his head. Finally returning with the plates and cups, Vicky and Timmy dig into the food and after a few minutes Vicky and Timmy have torn through a pizza each. Pouring themselves a drink, Vicky and Timmy finally start the conversation they were both dreading, each for various reasons.
"Okay Timmy, lets address the elephant in the room. I want to know how you truly feel about my sister."
Timmy sips on his drink and says, "Honestly, I don't know."
Vicky looks at him and points out, "You didn't have a problem giving your opinion of her this morning."
Timmy looks at Vicky, and for the first time ever, she can see a fire in him when he says, "I was angry when I said that, a little bit embarrassed and in shock too. Plus, I thought about the incident since it happened. In fact, it's like a never ending movie playing in my head, and the more I think about it, the more I realize that I was in the wrong when I said those things. And to my surprise, I realize that I don't really mean any of those things. If nothing else, I feel conflicted about her."
Vicky thinks for a moment.
He feels conflicted huh. Well, I did ask if I can help him, and he said yes, so I will help him. But how?
Suddenly, it hit Vicky like a pound of bricks.
Yes that could work.
Vicky turns to Timmy and says, "Okay, I think I know of a way to help you. How about I ask some questions and you answer them one at a time. This may help you unconflict your feelings. Okay."
Timmy nods and waits for the first question, interested in what she can come up with.
"Okay, let's start with the basics. Do you find Tootie annoying?"
Timmy really thinks for a moment and says, "Well, she's always trying to be around me, which is kind of annoying, but it's almost comforting because it feels like no matter what happens, I can always count on her to be there for me."
Vicky nods her head and says, "Okay, that's a start. So, next question; how do you feel about her spying on you night and day?"
Timmy doesn't even have to think about that question. So he says, "I hate it. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I mean if she wants to be in my life fine, but I need privacy and my own space every once and a while. I mean it's one thing for her to want to be with me; it's another thing for her to be obsessive about it. "
"That's true. I can see how that would make anyone uncomfortable. It's not fair to you, and it's not healthy for her wellbeing either."
Timmy nods. It really is an unhealthy obsession, and it was hurting both of them.
"Okay, next question; how do you feel about her always wanting to kiss you?"
Timmy blushes at this question as memories of that one Valentine's Day comes crashing back into his head. Vicky notices the deep blush on Timmy cheeks as well as the lovesick smile emerging on his face. It makes her wonder if something did happen between them that neither one of them are telling her about. Nonetheless, she looks at Timmy, waiting for his answer. It takes him a minute, but he does respond.
"Well, I can understand why she would want to. I mean, I wanted to kiss the girl I loved since kindergarten, nonetheless, it makes me feel special for having someone who wants to do that with me all the time, but it also makes me uncomfortable not only because pdas kinda freak me out, but because she's so damn obsessive about it. A kiss every once in a while is fine, but I want to talk every once in a while too."
Vicky nods, but says nothing about that. Instead she moves on to the next question.
"Do you find Tootie creepy?"
Naturally, Timmy wants to say yes, but the more he thinks about it, she's not so much creepy as she is obsessive. So he answers with, "No, I don't find her creepy. I think she's obsessive and love struck, but not creepy."
"Okay, so next question; do you think you can be friends with her?"
Timmy sighs and says, "Yes, I do. If she can be less obsessive and touchy-feely, then I think we can be great friends. In fact, when I apologize to her, I was gonna bring it up…"
Vicky suddenly exclaims, "Hold up! You were gonna tell a girl who loves you that your sorry for being honest and you were gonna tell her that you want to be friends with her, at the same time!"
Timmy looks at Vicky with an eyebrow raised and says, "Yes, I was. What's wrong with that?"
Vicky shakes her head and says, "You definitely need a lesson in love. You can't apologize from an argument then tell a girl who loves you that you want to be friends."
"Why not? I thought that women loved sensitivity."
"We do love sensitivity, but that's not being sensitive at all. You don't know the depths of her feelings for you. Besides, if you tell her that you want to be friends, it'll break her heart. After you apologize for breaking her heart once, you want to turn around and do it again; and in the same conversation nonetheless. That's just foolishness."
"Well, what do you want me to do? At least if I break her heart again at that moment, it can start healing, and she would have closure. I can't have her hoping that I'll ever return her feelings if I'm not going to. I don't want to be anything more than friends with her."
Vicky shakes her head, which is starting to get a headache, and says, "I get that. You want to be nothing more than friends with her. But you shouldn't drop that bombshell on her when she's in her most vulnerable state. You drop that on her and she would want nothing do with you, meaning that if you honestly want a friendship with her, you have to tell her later. I may not know a lot about love, but I am a female and if someone did that to me, I might just kill them. Or at least get pissed off and never bother with them again. Even if she does love you, she can still humanize you. You shouldn't count on her feelings being there forever, especially if you abuse them."
Suddenly, an alarm goes off on Vicky phone. Silencing it quickly, Vicky says, "Damn, not now. We were just getting to the heart of the matter. Dammit!"
Vicky gets off the couch and then turns towards Timmy.
"Well, I would really like to talk more, because I think we were making progress, but I got to go. I got some night class to go to, so I can't talk anymore. Since I want to talk more, and it looks like you need some more advice, how about I come back tomorrow when you get home from school? Does that sound acceptable?"
Timmy looks stunned.
She wants to come back tomorrow. To help me? I realize that this is as much for Tootie's sake as it is for mine, but still. Can I trust her? After all, she might go right to Tootie and tell her everything I say here.
"I'm all for you turning over a new leaf, but how do I know that you won't tell everything I say here to Tootie?"
Vicky looks down, thinks for a moment, and says, "Well, I was going to tell her some of the general stuff, nothing too personal, but if you want, I can swear to secrecy."
Timmy is still a little untrusting, but he says, "Okay, as long as you swear to secrecy, you can come back. I get out at 3, so how about you come around 4:30?"
"You got it Timmy."
Vicky sticks out her hand, and Timmy shakes it. He walks her to the door before he remembers something.
"Oh, Vicky, before I forget, thank for the pizza. It was delicious. I just wonder what happened to Shirley."
Vicky smiles and says, "Your welcome, squirt. I figured with all the money your family's given me over the years, it was the least I could do. Just don't expect it every time I'm over. I got college expenses to pay for. And I was wondering what happened to Shirley too. Oh well, I got to go, bye Timmy. Try to remember what I said. And try not to do anything stupid."
"Okay, okay, I get it. No dropping the friendship bombshell. Goodbye Vicky."
After closing the door, and after cleaning up the empty pizza boxes, plates, and cups, and after putting the Hawaiian and the two cheese pizzas and pops in the fridge, Timmy tells Sparky, "I'm gonna finally take my nap. Can you move the barricade out of the way? I don't want to climb up to my window. One near death experience is enough for one day."
"I already did while you and Vicky were talking."
Sighing, Timmy pats Sparky on the head and says, "Thanks boy."
Sparky gives his weird bark and Timmy heads to his room, Sparky in tow. As Timmy is climbing the stairs, he thinks back to the events of the day, most importantly the argument of the morning and the conversation he just had with Vicky. Only one thought circulates in his brain as he enters his room and hits the bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
That has to be the weirdest conversation I ever had. Now that I survived dancing with the devil, I got to deal with the devil's sister. Great.
