Chapter 5

Chuck sat at a booth at Karen's Café reading a book entitled Building A Canoe. Mouth and Jimmy walked into the café. Mouth had a stroller with his baby daughter strapped in.

"Hey Chuck," Mouth said.

"Hey Mouth," Chuck said. "Here, have a seat."

Mouth and Jimmy sat down and Chuck looked at the baby.

"Oh wow," Chuck said. "You and Millie had the baby."

"Yes," Mouth said smiling. "Little Brenda."

"Hi there little Brenda," Chuck said in a silly voice. "Who's a jerk for not telling me you were born? That's right, your father."

"So how have you been?" Mouth asked.

"I've been great," Chuck said. "Congratulations on the baby."

"Thank you," Mouth said.

"Why are you reading a book on building canoes?" Jimmy asked.

"I forgot to tie Jamie and Sophia's boat they built and it floated across the creek," Chuck replied. "And the little brat who lives in that house won't give it back."

"Did you tell the kid's parents?" Mouth asked.

"The parents aren't home and he's being watched by his brother," Chuck said. "And I can't even get to his brother because that brat won't let me in. I guess I should just call Jamie and tell him the truth."

"I have an idea," Mouth said.

Chuck, Mouth, Jimmy, with Brenda in her car seat went to the house across the creek from Jamie and Sophia's house. Jimmy grabbed an old fundraiser brochure and knocked on the door while Chuck hid behind a tree and Mouth stayed in the car to look after his daughter. The 11-year-old boy answered the door.

"Can I help you?" the boy asked.

"Hello," Jimmy said. "I am selling cookie dough for my first grade class."

"What kind of cookie dough?" the boy asked.

"Chocolate chip, vanilla, cookies in cream," Jimmy said.

As Jimmy continued reading the brochure, Chuck snuck to the back yard and ran to the dock, where the boat was chained by a combination lock.

"Oh no," Chuck said.

"Hey!" a voice said. "What are you doing here?"

Chuck turned around to see Andrew Martin.

"Andrew Martin," Chuck said. "You've grown."

"Hello Chuck," Andrew said. "I'll be sure to call Donovan and tell him I saw you. He still hates you by the way."

"Look," Chuck said. "I forgot to tie Jamie and Sophia's boat and it floated over here. Your little brother won't give it back. So can you please unlock it so I can get it back to Jamie and Sophia's house."

"Let me see," Andrew said. "No."

"What?" Chuck asked.

"My brother really hates you and any enemy of my brother is an enemy of mine," Andrew said. "Plus Jamie's sister rejected me and is dating that Jonathan."

"I am not above hitting a 14-year-old!" Chuck shouted.

"I'll call the police," Andrew said.

"You haven't heard the last of me," Chuck said. "I'll be back."

"You're not taking Blake's boat," Andrew said.

"Is that what his name is?" Chuck asked.

Later, Beth and Lily knocked on the Martin's door and Blake answered.

"Okay," Beth said. "I'll kiss you."

"Okay," Blake said.

Blake pointed at Lily.

"But I want a kiss from her too," Blake said.

"In your dreams," Lily said.

Blake slammed the door and Beth looked at Lily.

"Good job Lily!" Beth shouted.