Patrick's Secret
Chapter Three
As Patrick sat in his living room chair, waiting for the time to head out and pick up his best friend for the hike, he got a call from his shellphone.
"Hello?" Patrick answered before hearing his mother's voice.
"Patrick, how are things going this week?" she asked. "Are you still doing okay with this life arrangement?"
"Yeah," Patrick answered. "Spongebob, Sandy, and I are going to the mountains this morning." He wasn't surprised at all to get this phone call, because it was something he received every week.
His parents liked to check in on a weekly basis to see how their living plan went out. Having their son live a life he never had was the key to their family's future.
"That Spongebob guy you're pretending to be friends with," his mother said, "it's still working for you?"
Patrick was silent when he heard his mother say the word, pretend. He hadn't told his parents, but he felt that there was no need to pretend to be Spongebob's friend. He really felt like he was his real friend.
Spongebob was kind, talented, and full of life, and it gave Patrick happiness and hope of something he wondered he would ever have. However, he wasn't sure of himself of how he wanted to live. He always did what his family did, and nothing else crossed his mind.
"Yeah, it's working for me," Patrick replied. "He likes to have fun."
His mother chuckled on the other line. "Well I'm glad you find this job fun. What about the others?"
Patrick didn't hold back to tell his mother about how annoying Sandy was, how mean Squidward was, and how pathetic Mr. Krabs was. There were a lot of other people in his false life that he still had yet to talk about. However, Spongebob was usually the topic of the week.
As Patrick attempted to finish his phone call, Spongebob dragged himself out of his house as Sandy made her way over with a hiking bag. "How, Spongebob," she said.
The squirrel was caught off guard when she suddenly saw her friend wearing his work hat. "Spongebob, what's going on? I thought we were going to the mountains."
Spongebob forced a smile. "Yeah, but Mr. Krabs needed me to come in today. More Krabby patties need to be made!" He looked eager, even if he didn't feel it.
Sandy wasn't pleased, and neither was Patrick when he made his way outside. There was no doubt to him that the cheap crab was making his best friend come in, but he pretended to be clueless.
"Spongebob, you're wearing your Krusty uniform," he said in confusion. "Are we bringing krabby patties to the mountains?"
Spongebob gave a sad smile. "Sorry buddy, but I gotta work today."
Patrick frowned, and felt his blood boiling up inside him as he grew angry. That stupid crab, I can't stand him, he thought.
The starfish forced tears. "But, we were supposed to go to the mountains today," he said in a blubbering voice.
"And today is your day off," Sandy said with a frown. "Can't you just tell the old cheap crab no?"
Spongebob laughed. "I could never. Don't worry, Patrick, we can play when I get home from work."
Patrick sniffled and his lips quivered. "Are you sure?"
"Of course! See ya all later!" He took off, leaving the two friends in distress.
"I can't believe it!" Sandy said. "Does he ever get a break? Spongebob needs more fun than just short playtime after work."
Yeah, Patrick thought, he does need more fun. He deserves it. I'll make it happen.
