(A/N: Just a little heads-up: The chapter after this one just may be the second-to-last. O,O Enjoy!)
High School Daze
Ch. 12
The gang's road trip went on for a few more days, as they traveled across the country. Phil joked about The Big Bang Theory while they were in Texas, and the kids danced in their seats to the jazz music playing in some areas of Louisiana. On the fourth day of riding the open road, in the late afternoon, Tommy made an exciting announcement; "Everyone, we are now in Florida!" The gang cheered at that.
"Finally!" Shenzi exclaimed with joy.
"That would explain why it's so warm all of a sudden," Chuckie remarked, holding out his shirt collar.
"Yep," She giggled, "I'm so excited!"
"I am too," He smiled at her.
"I'm going to call my parents, and tell them we're in Florida." Shenzi took out her phone, selected Felicia's cell phone number, and waited for an answer. "Hi, Mom! We're doing good. I'm just calling to tell you that we're in Florida."
"That's great!" Felicia exclaimed, "Is it really warm?"
"Yep, it is. We might be at Disney World the next day."
"That's good. Call us when you arrive."
"I will, or Frankie will. One of us will."
"Okay. Well, you kids have fun."
"Thanks, we will."
"Love you."
"Love you too."
"Bye."
"Bye." They both hung up. "This is the best vacation ever!" She exclaimed with joy.
"Yep," He nodded, "Which day should we reserve for small activities, though?" He opened a calendar for the current month on his phone, where the days of their trip were marked. "Hmm... how about the first day we arrive? And after that, we'll go to Hollywood Studios, then the Animal Kingdom in the same day."
"Sounds good. And um... how about Epcot next?"
"Okey-dokey." Chuckie marked the day for that park. "Then the next two days will offer us Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, in that order." He marked the said days for them. "And lastly, but not least, the Magic Kingdom."
"Awesome," She smiled, "You really plan ahead, don't you?"
"I guess," He shrugged modestly, "It's better than us running around willy-nilly, right?"
"Yeah," She giggled, "We were told by our parents to stick together, and I plan on doing just that. I'd hate for anyone to get lost."
"Same here," He agreed.
Later on, after stopping for food/bathroom breaks, the gang stopped at a gas station for the night, and did what became their new nightly routine; Chill in the recreational vehicle, with the porch out. But it started raining at one point, so they had it shrink back in. This time, Chuckie and Shenzi were relaxing on the large bed together, as their friends mingled elsewhere in the R.V. Bobby and Frankie sat on the spinning recliners, watching the rain patter on the windows. Tommy and Kimi lounged on the chairs close by, watching the rain as well. Phil and Lil were chilling on the smaller bed, entertaining each other with Disney World trivia. Dil was taking pictures of the vehicle interior, for sentimental reasons, and planned on sharing them with everyone else, so they could have memories as well. Frankie had already called hers and Shenzi's parents earlier, just after they changed into their pajamas and brushed their teeth.
"Can you believe that we'll be in Disney World tomorrow?" Shenzi asked Chuckie, while absentmindedly playing with his shirt collar.
"No, I can't," He shook his head, "The last few days really flew by. But I'm glad they did."
"As am I. They're going to be the best days of our lives."
"Yep," He agreed with her, "But these last few days have been the best of my life already. You know why?"
"Why?" She looked up at him.
"Because I've been with you 24/7." He kissed her forehead over her bangs, "Or should I say 24/4?" She laughed at his joke with him. "But seriously, being with you all day, literally, is the best part of this trip so far."
"Aww," She blushed timidly, "I feel the same way about you." She kissed his blushing cheek. "I love being with you all day and night like this."
Chuckie wondered how Shenzi would react at his big surprise; Because they just might do that for the rest of their lives. Possibly. Hopefully, if it goes well. When he looked down at her, he saw that she was out like a light. He smiled as he watched her sleep on his shoulder, with one hand on his chest; She looked so peaceful. After he kissed her head lovingly, she cuddled into his neck, so her soft, dark hair tickled his face. Deciding that it was time for at least him and his favorite girl to call it a night, he carefully shifted away from her, and gently laid her on the soft pillows. When she seemed undisturbed, he quietly walked out to where the others were at. "Hey guys; Um, Shenzi's out, so I'm going to sleep as well. G'night."
"G'night," They all replied.
He walked back in the room, crawled on the bed, and laid under Shenzi again. He smiled and laid a hand on her back when she cuddled back in his neck. After gingerly taking off her glasses, and his own, he started gently scratching her back over her pjs with one hand. He heard a sleepy moan out of her, and felt her embrace tighten a bit. After he pulled the covers over them, up to her shoulders, he drifted off to sleep with his head laying on hers.
The next morning, after everyone was awake, freshened up, and dressed, Dil took the driving shift like he did two days ago, so Tommy could relax some more with Kimi, while Phil sat in the passenger seat. Chuckie and Shenzi sat in the booth, researching Disney World trivia to quiz Tommy and Kimi with to pass the time. Lil agreed to not answer any questions, due to her and Phil researching some facts last night. She simply looked at the map of the entire park on her phone, and looked at certain shops, restaurants, and rides to entertain herself. Frankie and Bobby were on a couch, that had seat belts, across from the booth. Shenzi repeatedly showed excitement about getting to their destination, but Chuckie didn't mind it; He was very excited too. He hadn't been to any Disney park since he was little, so he was eager to spend his first time in the Florida resort with the love of his life, and all his friends. It truly was, and will be, the best vacation ever.
He couldn't believe that he and Shenzi re-met 6 whole years earlier. It seemed like only yesterday, he was on his way to history with Mr. Banks, and the prettiest girl he ever laid eyes on crashed into him, running late for the same class. He then found out that they met in New York City at around Christmas time when they were both only 2 years old. Did that make them babyhood friends, despite them not being in contact until middle school? He didn't know. All that mattered was that now, the girl he rescued from a criminal, danced with at every school party, survived a bad argument with, ditched school with, comforted during her first menstrual cycle, and rescued from a nasty pervert, was his forever; And a day. No doubt about it.
"WE'RE HERE!" Dil's surprise yell startled him out of his thoughts.
"Ya-a-ay!" Shenzi cheered.
"Yeah!" Frankie pumped her fists in the air, "We're here!"
"Hallelujah!" Phil and Lil cheered simultaneously, "Jinx!"
"This'll be the best vacation ever!" Kimi exclaimed.
Dil carefully parked the vehicle outside the Art of Animation Resort, turned it off, hopped out of his seat, and opened the door. "Okay, people; Pile out!" After extending the steps, he jumped out, with everyone else following and carrying their luggage. Tommy, Bobby, and Chuckie helped their respective girls carefully walk down the steps. "Well, here we are; The happiest place in the east coast!" The gang cheered. "Let's get in the lobby to check in."
When they walked in the lobby, the gang stared in awe. The wall to their right was white, and filled up with concept sketches of various Disney characters. To their left were reception desks with yellow, luminous lights behind them and the receptionists. "I'll go check us in," Chuckie headed for the desks.
"I'll go with you," Shenzi followed him. The others sat on small, white cushion chairs, admiring the sketches on the wall.
"Hello," The man behind the desk greeted the two when it was their turn. "How can I help you?"
"We're checking in," He replied, holding hands with his girlfriend.
"Your name?"
"It should be under Finster; We're in a group of 10."
The man looked through the reservations, and found the one for them. "Oh, I see now." He then provided 10 Magicbands in different designs. "Here are your Magicbands." Chuckie took the box with a "thanks." He had gathered his friends, Kimi, and Shenzi to let them pick their own designs. He planned on giving them out in the lobby. "Room 5816."
"Thanks," Chuckie nodded.
"You're quite welcome, Mr. Finster," The man nodded, before he smiled at Shenzi. "Mrs. Finster."
"Huh? Oh um, we're not married," Chuckie corrected him, "But... I hope we will be someday." His girlfriend blushed timidly. As the bellops started stashing their luggage in the bellman cart, Chuckie handed out the Magicbands to all their friends. Shenzi's had Jack Skellington on it, Chuckie's was plain green, Frankie's was red, Roxy's had the Cinderella castle with fireworks behind it, Bobby's had Mickey sketch designs, with a white Magicslider digital watch, Kimi had Stitch on hers, including a matching Magicslider, Tommy's had a design for the park's 45th anniversary, Dil's had Chewbacca and Han Solo, Lil's had Mickey Mouse and a matching Magicslider, and Phil had a 2016 design on his.
When the gang walked through the hall, following the bellhops, they saw portraits for the movie along the walls, and an aqua blue/green carpet that had white blank circles for bubbles. Dil and Phil were hitching a ride on the cart, of course. When they arrived at Room 5816, the number looked to be in a starfish outline by the door. A pink shell light was next to it as well. When Chuckie unlocked the door with his Magicband, and opened it, the gang stared in awe at the sight before them, as they walked in. It looked like a mini house! On the left was one of the bedrooms, and to the right was what they guessed was a lounge room. Outside another bedroom was a table with 4 orange chairs, and the lounge room had a sink with a refrigerator next to and under it, and a microwave above. There was a pink anemone-like lamp with 3 bulbs next to the red-ish orange futon couch, two small, round, green tables in front of the latter, and a re spinning chair at the right table. There was a dresser with a TV in front of the couch and chairs, with a hanger rack and clothes drawer to its right.
The bathroom was to the lounge room's right; It had a round, porthole-like mirror over a faucet, with a soap dispenser, and a paper towel holder. A trash can was under the faucet. There was a simple, white toilet in a different section of the room, with a themed shower curtain, and red-ish brown tiles in the stall.
Lastly, the bedrooms. There was simple, white sheets with themed comforters, and a TV in front of it, purple nightstands to its right and left, long, purple curtains on the window, and a themed headboard. Three white towels were on it, forming a Mickey head. All the rooms, except the bathroom, had a window for an amazing view.
"Oh my God," They all breathed in awe.
"Well, we're glad the suite's to your liking, kids," One of the bellhops smiled at them.
"It sure is," Chuckie nodded; He went to give each bellhop a dollar for tips, but he saw them winking at Kimi flirtatiously. "Hey!" He exclaimed, making them jump and look at him. "That's my little sister you're eyeballing there!" Tommy raised an eyebrow suspiciously at that. "For hitting on her, you're not getting tips." He stuffed the bills back in his pocket, so the bellhops left. "The nerve of some people," He sighed.
"Forget about them," Kimi suggested, "I'm faithful to Tommy. Let's get settled in."
"Alright," He nodded.
Before long, the gang had everything where they needed them to be. Shenzi and Chuckie noticed that the compartment at the table folded out into a bed, but Kimi called it, so they decided on the full-on bed. Bobby and Frankie took the futon couch, so Phil and Lil improvised; Lil decided on the chair, while Phil used his suitcase, ith it zipped open, and a spare pillow. His clothes made a good mattress anyway, he told everyone. He set it up by the chair, before Lil insisted that he use more pillows over his clothes for more comfort, and he gave in. He requested more pillows, and they were delivered by a bellhop who, thankfully, didn't hit on any of the girls.
When Chuckie walked in the bedroom after using the bathroom, he smiled at the sight; Shenzi as jumping on the bed with her shoes taken off. "Shen, be careful there. You don't want to hurt yourself, or damage the bed."
"Okay then," She continued jumping, "Catch me!" He was alarmed when she jumped higher, and didn't look like she was going to land on the bed. In a panic, he ran to where she was heading, and caught her in his arms, with one hand supporting her legs, and the other on her back. Her arms were around his neck. "Good catch," She giggled. She rested her forehead on his, as she smiled down at him. Yep, down.
"Thanks Shen," He smiled back up at her. His arms were quickly getting tired, so he set her on the bed. "So, what do you think of the suite?"
"It's amazing," She replied excitedly, "It's almost like we're really in the ocean."
"Yep," He nodded, "It's um, almost 7. You want to explore the resort for those small activities, or just hang out here?"
"Well," She hesitated, "I'm kind of tired; I'd rather stay here."
"Okay then," Chuckie kissed her forehead, "What're you in the mood to have for dinner?"
"Mmm... pizza sounds good."
"Alrighty," He nodded, "I'll go to Tommy, and we can pick up a pizza real quick. We won't be long." After kissing her lips, he left the room to find Tommy. Shenzi smiled as she watched him go. She couldn't believe that they had been dating for 2 years already, and had been friends for 6. She felt like she was the luckiest girl in the world, because she was dating the sweetest, not to mention cutest, boy in the world. They were going to be together forever, she knew it. Their relationship could survive anything; They had slight problems a bit after they started dating, and they still had a good thing going on. He was the greatest boyfriend any girl could ask for, and she always tried to be the best girlfriend for him. He deserved it. "Hey, Shen?" Chuckie walked in, his voice snapping her out of her thoughts, and stopped next to her, "How does Pizza Hut sound for you?"
"That sounds perfect," She smiled at him.
"Okay, that's good," He smiled back at her, "Because there's one nearby. Tommy and I will be right back." He playfully, and gently pinched her nose. "Stay cute." She blushed and giggled, as he kissed her cheek, brushed her chin affectionately, and walked away. "Okay Tommy, let's get to the Hut! I'll drive!" He received his license only months ago, but he felt that he had enough experience to drive on his own. And he never killed anyone, or came close to any accidents, so he had good feelings about his skills.
"Thanks, Chuck." As they talked, they walked out the door, with their Magicbands handy. They headed back to their vehicle, and Chuckie started driving to Pizza Hut, using his phone's GPS.
"So um, how's your relationship with Kimi?" He asked him after some silence.
"It's going great," Tommy replied, "We've been official for around 2 years, but... I think I've waited long enough."
"What're you talking about?"
"I... I hope you're okay with this, your parents are, but..." Tommy leaned over, and whispered it in his ear.
Chuckie suddenly screeched to a stop at a red traffic light, making himself and the slightly younger boy almost fly forward. "You're what?!" He exclaimed in shock.
"I know, I know," Tommy sighed, "It might be too soon, and you may not like it, but you can't prevent true love from happening."
"I-I wasn't saying that," Chuckie stammered, "I was just surprised."
"I kinda got that from you almost setting the air bags off."
"Sorry," He chuckled sheepishly, "I just acted on impulse. You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. So...?"
"So, what?"
"Do I have your blessing for... you know?"
Chuckie started driving again when the light turned green, as a warm smile grew. He sighed before he made his decision. "Yes," He nodded, "You have my blessing."
"Oh," Tommy sighed in relief, "Thanks, Chuck."
"You're welcome, T. Just take good care of my sister, okay?"
"I promise."
"Thanks. And um... I want to talk to you about something too. A... similar situation."
"You're not dating Dil right now, are you?" Tommy teased him.
"No!" Chuckie laughed, "It's... about Shenzi."
They talked about it in a booth as they waited for the pizza to come out. Tommy provided comfort when Chuckie was nervous, but he also boosted his confidence. He planned on making his move while they visit Magic Kingdom; He only hoped that nothing would go wrong.
As the girls and boys waited for Tommy and Chuckie to come back, the girls except Shenzi were trying to keep quiet about... you know what. They didn't want to ruin the amazing surprise that Chuckie had up his sleeve. But little did they know, especially Kimi, Tommy had a surprise as well. Shenzi laid in the bed, over the covers, as she gazed out the window, enjoying the breathtaking view. She was oblivious to the other girls walking by the room, and trying to keep quiet, for a reason that, to her, was unknown.
When she saw her phone on the left nightstand, she decided to call her parents, if Frankie hadn't already. She crawled up to the nightstand on her back, feeling too lazy to get up, grabbed her phone, crawled back to her former spot, and pressed the button for Felicia's cell phone number. She held her phone up to her ear, and waited for an answer as she looked out the window some more. "Hello, Shenzi?" She heard her mother's voice.
"Hi, Mom," She smiled.
"How are you?"
"I'm good. Everyone else is too."
"That's good. Where are you?"
"We're in our suite."
"You are? That's great! Can I Facetime you, so I can see it?"
"Sure thing; Just give me a minute." Shenzi hung up, turned on Facetime, and waited for an answer for it, while laying on her stomach with her bare feet up. Before long, she saw a familiar face on her phone screen. "Hi!" She smiled excitedly.
"Hi, honey!" Felicia greeted her back, "The bed you're in looks amazing."
"Oh, it is." Shenzi sat up, and pointed her phone at a better view of the bed, "The theme of our suite is Finding Nemo. It was Dil's idea."
"Well, that suite looks very comfortable," Felicia remarked, "Can you show me the rest, if you're able to?"
"Sure thing," She nodded, "Just let me put my shoes back on." She laid her phone screen-up on the bed, and stepped into her flip-flops, before carefully grabbing her phone again. "Okay, let the tour begin." She started walking along in the suite, talking about anything interesting. She showed the compartment that folded out into a bed, the lounge room, where Felicia greeted the other kids, and the bathroom. Once they were done, she walked back in the bedroom, and laid on the bed again with her shoes off.
"Well sweetie, that is a very nice suite," Felicia smiled at her youngest daughter, "I'm glad that you, your friends, and Frankie are comfortable."
"We are," Shenzi nodded, "Um, wh-where's Dad at?"
"He's at a baseball game wih Goofy," She replied, "Again," She added with a friendly eye roll. "Those boys and their sports."
"I know," The teen giggled, "I've never been into sports, personally, other than basketball. Maybe I can call back later, or you can, when Dad comes back? I want to show him the suite."
"Don't worry, I'll call you back," Felicia assured her, "You just have fun with your friends."
"I will."
"Love you."
"Love you too."
"Bye," They both said at the same time, before they both turned off Facetime simultaneously. After setting her phone next to her, where it couldn't fall, Shenzi sighed in relaxation. She never wanted to leave this bed; It was just too comfortable. And she was laying on top of the covers! She could only imagine how wonderful she would feel under them with Chuckie, when bedtime should come.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the main door opening, and two certain boys entering. "We bring you a pie!" Chuckie announced. Everyone gathered in the lounge room, and ate the large, delicious sausage and pepperoni pizza, which had cheese stuffed inside the crust. The group of tight friends had contests with their crusts, to see how far they could stretch the cheese, using only their teeth. After everyone participated, Phil came out as the victor, with Dil at a close second. Once the pizza was gone, the box was thrown out, and the gang washed their hands clean, before Shenzi made a beeline for the bedroom. Chuckie was freshening up in the bathroom, so he didn't follow her right away.
When he walked in, he smiled at the sight of her laying face-up on the covers, as if she was in complete paradise. He sat next to her, so she smiled up at him. "I'm so glad Bobby and Frankie called the pull-out bed," She remarked.
"Me too," He chuckled; He laid next to her, and sighed in relaxation. "Wow, this is more comfortable than my own bed at home."
"Mine too." His smile grew when her eyes started drooping. "Getting sleepy?"
"Uh huh," She nodded, "Comfy beds have that effect on me."
"Well, don't go to sleep just yet; You're not done digesting." Chuckie gently patted her stomach over her dress, making her flinch and giggle.
"I know," She protected herself with her arms, and even her legs, somewhat, "I'm still tired, though."
"Why don't we brush our teeth, and hit it early?" He suggested, "Once your pie slices have been digested, we can sleep. We have a long few days ahead of us."
"Yep," She nodded. After putting their shoes on, the couple walked in the bathroom, and brushed their teeth together. After two minutes, and changing into their pajamas, they laid back on the bed. When a few minutes passed, the digestion process had finally taken its course; The couple crawled under the covers, and almost fell asleep right at the moment from the luxurious comfort. When Chuckie gently pulled her into his loving embrace, he smiled when he saw that she was already asleep. He gingerly took off her glasses, and set them on the right nightstand with his own.
"I love you, Shen," Chuckie whispered as he brushed her long bangs from her face, with his hand on her cheek. "Don't let anyone tell you different." He tenderly kissed her smiling lips. As his thumb brushed her cheek, he drifted off to sleep with his forehead on hers.
(A/N: Well, I hope you liked this chapter! You know the disclaimer. And once again, I'd appreciate that you keep your guesses of Chuckie's plans a surprise. You can say that you think you know what it is, though. I just don't want any spoilers. ^^; I know you readers were expecting to see them in the parks, and doing small activities in this chapter, but it was getting a bit long, so I decided to end it with them in the suite. I have a drawing of the scene where Shenzi's in Chuckie's arms after he catches her, but it's currently not colored. Just check my deviantart page, where I have the same username as I do here, for it. I used photos and videos of Disney World for references.)