CHAPTER 4: REKINDLED FRIENDSHIP?

Linus and Sally were enjoying some ice cream cones while out walking around. The tension between them had been loosened, for the moment. They hadn't spoken since getting the ice cream, as they were thinking about what to say to one another. Sally had harbored a lot of animosity towards Linus for years for how he treated her, and he felt a lot of guilt over how he had treated her. He couldn't see the actual charm in her as she got older, mainly because he had still thought of her as the bratty kid sister of his best friend, and yes, she had been bratty, though not to the degree of Linus's own sister Lucy, but she had always treated Linus with respect, Great Pumpkin incidents aside. So, her being standoffish and curt with him was a result of her hurt over his constant rejection, until Gene entered her life and showed that someone could love her for her.

As they walked through town, Linus finally said, "So, how do you like living in Myrtle Beach?"

"I love it," Sally replied. "The weather's usually beautiful, even during the winter months. It doesn't get cold like here, and barely any snow falls on the ground other than a dusting or a few inches."

"Sounds like paradise."

"Almost. So how do you like the bookstore?"

"Pretty good. I've always loved reading, as you know, and what better place for me to work than a bookstore? Anyway, after school I did go to Harvard when I graduated."

"I remember Charlie saying you were accepted there."

"I graduated with a teaching degree."

"How come you never went into teaching?"

"I don't know. I thought bringing reading to the masses would be more my forte. So, the bookstore."

"Well, as you already knew, I followed my old man into the hair business by first working at a salon, then opening my own. While he always cut hair, I style it."

"Charlie told me you had a knack for it."

"He was always my biggest supporter, even if I didn't see it all the time."

"I know exactly what you mean. Listen, Sally, I'm sorry for rejecting you all the time when we were kids. I was an idiot. A complete blockhead. The kids always said your brother was completely hopeless, well it was really me who was completely hopeless. I never saw what a wonderful person you can be, and always shut down the thought of us dating. I know I missed out and you're with someone now, but I would like it if we can be friends again."

"Linus, I appreciate your apology. And while I can forgive you, it's going to take some time for me to warm up to you again after this long. So, I'm willing to try. So far, you're off to a good start."

"Thanks, Sally." And the two continued to walk the city, finishing up their ice cream.

Later in the day, Charlie Brown and Sally were both back at the hospital in the waiting room. The doctors were working on their father. Even though he was now on Hospice care, they still did routine checkups and to make sure he was comfortable. Only Maureen would be in there during these times.

"I had talked to Peppermint Patty's father," Charlie Brown told Sally. "He filled me in on what had happened after I left."

"Yeah, she was a wreck," Sally replied. "Her leaving was like a thief in the night. Anything else happened?"

"Marcie wants me to try to make peace with Violet if she ever returned here."

"Really?! Are you sure you're ready?"

"Well, I promised Marcie I would at least clear the air with her, and try to find out why she did what she did to me for all these years growing up."

"You know, besides Patty, she was the one girl who carried a torch for you."

"I'm starting to see that."

"Better late than never."

"Hey!"

"I call it as I see it, bro. Listen, Marcie still likes you, it's evident. I know with what's going on with dad and all is crazy, but consider doing something with her while you're here. It wouldn't hurt. Who knows? Maybe she'll go back to Anchorage with you."

Charlie Brown thought about what Sally had said. A possible relationship with Marcie. Could he do it? Could he finally find a romantic relationship with the one girl who always respected him, said good things about him, built him up rather than put him down? The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. While Peppermint Patty also had love and affection for him, Marcie was the only one who would shower him with love and affection, most often kissing him on the cheek. The siblings continued to talk as they waited to see what would happen with their father.

END OF PART 4