Another busy day at The Krusty Krab. Squidward was sitting at the cash register unsuccessfully trying to read a fresh magazine or take a nap. Mr.Krabs was at his office counting his beloved money and listening to his favorite "Electric Zoo" song.
SpongeBob was upbeat as always making Krabby Patties and whistling a catchy tune when the phone suddenly rang.
"Hello?"
The familiar voice answered which made his heart jump and his guts twist
"Howdy, SpongeBob!" Sandy called out "Sorry to interrupt you, I was wondering if you'd like to have a picnic this weekend"
SpongeBob was on the edge of excitement to spend some time with her. "That's great! I'd be glad to go with you. How about going to Jellyfish fields?"
"Sounds mighty nice" Sandy was twirling telephone core around her finger "I'll come over at lunch then and we'll discuss the details"
"Can't wait. See ya!" SpongeBob hung up the phone and got back to cooking. He was shining from happiness and couldn't think of anything other than a lovely day with his third best friend. Warm sunset, cosy blanket and them, sitting side by side. Strong and rough as mountains yet so tender and elegant like the flower on her helmet.
SpongeBob was more than grateful to have such good friend as her and would never forget the day when giant furious clam had attacked Sandy.
SpongeBob, where in the ocean have you been? These animals are insufferable; I've been waiting for five minutes already," Squidward said angrily, waving order forms at him.
SpongeBob snapped back to reality and quickly gave him all the Patties. It was impossible something would distract him from his favorite job, even a trip to Glove World or his Grandma's cookies. At that moment he remembered Sandy's cookies and how delicious they tasted, just as good if not sometimes better than Grandma's. He hoped she would bring them to a picnic.
After a couple of minutes, the door opened.
"SpongeBob, I want you to do a delivery this Sunday" said Mr.Krabs.
"I'm sorry Mr.Krabs, but I already worked overtime this week" SpongeBob said hesitantly "I've been planning to spend this weekend with.."
"No excuses, me boy" Krabs interrupted him "We have a ton of customers and I can't trust this job anyone but my best worker" He glanced at Squidward
"Oh, Neptune, how will I ever live with that? I must fix my reputation" the octopus said sarcastically dramatically turning away waiting for lunch break.
SpongeBob became upset "Aye-Aye, sir. I won't let you down"
"Splendid. If you do a good job, I might pay you a bit more" Krabs was on his way to the office "Now, get to work before I changed my mind"
SpongeBob was left with his thoughts. Everything was ruined; he couldn't give up on his job. But now, all he could think of was how to tell Sandy about it. He felt bad for making her sad. The frycook continued working, not wanting lunch to come.
"Alright, you have five minutes!" Squidward smiled and laid back at his hidden place under the counter, enjoying the latest luxury furniture.
SpongeBob nervously stared at the clock waiting for five minutes to end. Suddenly, the front door opened. Sandy showed up and walked to the kitchen.
"Howdy, Squidward. Is SpongeBob at his place?"
"Unfortunately, yes. Now, leave me, creature. I'm enjoying my break" - Squidward responded as he turned on the fan.
"Your break, alright. As if napping all day is such a hard work" she thought to herself struggling not to drag him to the grill.
SpongeBob came out right before the knock.
"Hi, Sandy! Let's sit over there" said SpongeBob.
"Sure" smiled Sandy. They both sat at the corner of the restaurant.
SpongeBob couldn't find the right words. He understood she wouldn't be offended by the refusal, given his responsible nature, but something was holding him back from explaining the situation. He had waited the entire week, working extra hours and even calling out Jellyfishing with Patrick just to spend the day with Sandy. Unintentionally, he started staring at her. Her fluffy tail was wiggling energetically. Her suit was shining even in the dim light, though he much preferred seeing her without it. Her face was as captivating and inspiring as always: cute pink nose, snow-white buckteeth, and those deep brown eyes.
SpongeBob felt as if he were about to melt, but he got back to reality quickly. He had to deal with it like a man, a bubble-blowing, geeky, sometimes overly emotional man.
"So, what time do you want to have a picnic?" Sandy strated.
"Picnic? Ah, yes, a picnic, of course" SpongeBob nervously chuckled.
"SpongeBob, is everything OK? You look more worried than a cow in the barn during a heat in July" Sandy raised an eyebrow looking concerned.
Mr.Krabs was watching the two through the window the whole time. He waited for the boy to start working, but worried seeing him acting uncomfortably. This behavior reminded Krabs the time when he looked exactly the same the first time he met Mrs.Puff. Old man Krabs knew enough about love and noticed quite often how SpongeBob acted around his friend, one time even almost getting fired after goofing around doing karate with her.
The cheapskate was not ready to make the lad a manager, but more so he was not ready to admit his boy grew up.
At first meeting he mistook Sandy for SpongeBob's girlfriend and sometimes questioned how they were just friends. Even as friends, they looked more perfect than some couples in Bikini Bottom. After some thought, Krabs remembered that he still owned a guy for helping with his date and felt guilty for his selfishness.
"SpongeBob, come to my office, please" SpongeBob felt more scared thinking what the reason might be.
"Don't leave yet, Sandy. That'll take only a few minutes" said Mr.Krabs
"Don't ya worry, Mr.K" answered Sandy "I have some spare time and I will not leave before before saying goodbye to my buddy"
SpongeBob and Mr.Krabs sat in the chairs. Trembling, he was speechless waiting for reprimand.
"Look, SpongeBob. I looked at the schedule and decided to let you have your day off"
"But what about the orders?"
"Mr.Squidward will do the work, I'm not keeping him here for nothing"
"R-realy?" SpongeBob teared up a bit.
"Really. You can rest and have fun. I need my best frycook rested and cheerful" smiled Krabs "I'll take that out of your paycheck and we're even"
The sponge hugged him "Thank you so much, Mr.Krabs! You're the best boss ever!"
"Ok, ok" Krabs got flattered "Don't make you lass waiting and get back to work"
Before leaving, Krabs called SpongeBob "One more thing, thank you for helping me with Mrs.Puff"
"No need to" smiled SpongeBob "Mrs.Puff seems happier ever since she met you, even when I fail my driving test again"
"Oh, good luck with your date, me boy" Krabs smirked.
The frycook slightly blushed and stormed out back to Sandy. She was still sitting at the same table and smiled when she noticed him.
"Well, are you feeling better?"
"Yes, and I have the good news that I'm totally free to go with you" SpongeBob jumped in joy "I know one hill on Jellyfish fields we can settle with no Jellyfishes and enjoy the beautiful sight. I can bring some jelly"
"Great idea, I will bring sandwiches with peanet butter and cold tea"
"And I will take my special ice cream"
"In that case, I'll certainly bake my beacon pie"
SpongeBob's smile grew wider. Sandy's cookies were wonderful, but her family recipe pie was unique treasure like Krabby Patty
"Maybe you can give me a lesson how to..."
"Don't even try, only Cheeks members can know the recipe" Sandy said crossing her arms
"I can bake another one just for you. Nothing's too good for my best friend"
SpongeBob looked at his watch, five minutes were up.
"Excuse me, I need to get back to the kitchen"
"Sure. See you later for a match at my place"
Sandy was leaving "Give my compliments to a chef. Krabby Patties were perfect as always. Too bad a recipe is a secret" SpongeBob's cheeks became a little pink again and he returned to the kitchen.
After the last phrase, Mr.Krabs peeked at the hall. This time, however there were no signs of Plankton. He went to the cash counter:
"Mr.Squidward, slight change of plans..."
"Oh no,no,no,no, dont even try to make me do the delivery with SpongeBob on my day off"
"I won't. You do all the work yourself, I gave SpongeBob a day off instead" Krabs said "He worked all week without a rest and his day is already taken out of his paycheck. And you always sleep on the workplace!"
Halfway through the door, he added "One more thing... You're in charge this Saturday. I've got a hot date and can't be bothered the whole day" The door slammed.
Squidward looked with empty eyes the whole time: "Relax, Squidward. At least that stinkin snob Fancyson isn't here and your sweet clarinet waits at home"
The night came. SpongeBob and Squidward were already gone, and Mr. Krabs was about to close up the restaurant when suddenly someone called out to him.
"Good night, Mr.Krabs"
"Night, Sandy, dear. What are you doing here? SpongeBob went home ten minutes ago"
"I wanted to thank you for letting him have his day off. We haven't had a picnic in ages and he waited the whole week"
"Don't mention it. I may be the cheapest krab in this town, but he needs rest to keep working perfectly. If anything, it's me who should be thanking you. Every time the lad mentions you he looks happier and works harder."
"I'm glad to be helpful"
"I'm not sure to tell you about it" Krabs looked around and lowered his voice "But I think I heard him sighing dreamily when looking at his locker door"
"Oh" Sandy looked down. Her cheeks burned a little red.
She tried to find any words "Well.. Look at the time! I need to feed my pets. Thank you again" She rushed towards the Treedome.
"And still, despite her maturity, sharp mind and rebellious spirit, she's just as pure and inexperienced as SpongeBob" Krabs grinned.
A phone call interrupted him. He was shocked to hear his daughter Pearl had gonr to a party where the boys were and had run home.
It's Sunday morning. Gary woke up from the noise his owner was making. SpongeBob was at the bathroom window constantly checking himself and getting ready for the day.
"There. Finally done" SpongeBob signed with relief.
"Meow"(You do realize it's 6 a.m, right?) Gary said irritated.
"Yes, I told you about the picnic, remember?"
"Meow meow"(I remember you saying about having it after lunch)
"That's why I got up this early today to prepare everything"
"Meow meow?"(Why did you dressed up like for a ball if it's just for a friendly picnic, hmm, SmoothPants?) Gary glanced at him
"What are you talking about? I always try to look my best when seeing my friends"
"Meow meow meow"(You never wore "special attire", as you call it. Not even your duplicate during that prom night with Pearl)
"Why is it suddenly so interesting to you?"
"Meow meow meow"(At the very least, it's your best friend and first female friend we're talking about)
"I have other friends who are girls, you know. Pearl, for example"
"Meow meow. Meow meow meow?"(Yeah-yeah, the same Pearl who gets scared of you like the hooks. Maybe you're gonna mention Mrs.Puff and Karen too?)
"Anyways, I'm glad to have such friend like Sandy and I'll make sure a picnic goes wonderfully"
Gary was too sleepy to tease his owner or help him with his crush.
SpongeBob went to the stairs "Watch your step, Gare-Bear, or you gonna fa-a-a" multiple ows were heard before the crash. Gary crawled close.
"Well, there will be one more responsible adult to look after you when you settle things with Mama Sandy" The snail thought shaking his head.
SpongeBob stood up, shook the dust off his clothes and was ready to cook. Gary was worried the sponge would ruin his date with his nasty ice cream, but felt a relief seeing a normal ingredients.
In less than an hour the food was ready.
"I'm ready. For a picnic. With Sandy. On the hill." SpongeBob headed through the town. He met Squidward on the way, which caused a migraine for a cashier from that voice.
He appeared at the Treedome in a flash. Inside, he ran the bell.
"Who's there?" the voice came from speaker.
"It's me, SpongeBob. I've brought everything as promised"
"Hold on, I'll let ya in" Sirens went off and the water went down the drain. SpongeBob sat at the picnic table.
Sandy walked out the tree carrying the basket. She was wearing red flannel shirt, a pair of jeans and boots instead of her regular bikini. SpongeBob assured himself she looked beautiful in everything, except for that one time her fur got stolen. He overcame himself not to get lost in his thoughts again.
"Howdy SpongeBob" Sandy smiled
"Hi, Sandy"
"I got everything too. I just have to finish the second pie. It's almost done"
Sandy took out the pie and wrapped it up in foil. The next thing she saw was the bouquet of daisies .
"I know we're gonna spend the day outside, but I couldn't pay you a visit without them"
SpongeBob handed over the flowers.
"Thanks, you're never stop being so thoughtful" Sandy pressed the flowers to her face and smiled wider from their scent. "Daisies, my favorite ones"
"Are you ready for a picnic?"
"You betcha, partner"
The two headed out to the fields. They talked for a while about everything: Gary, Krusty Krab, martial arts, science and cooking. They finally reached the hill.
Time has passed quickly. SpongeBob was delighted Sandy got along with Jellyfishes so they didn't sting her at all. She was laughing the whole time from SpongeBob's jokes not being able to take another bite, the little critter always found ways to make her cry out in laughter. He could listen to it forever. The only thing better than her laughter was the singing, he didn't get to meet any other squirrel to compare, but her singing was astonishing. Too bad she didn't brought her guitar.
As if reading his thoughts, Sandy grabbed it and began to tune it. "Don't mind if I play a little? This sight brings the memories of my home in Texas"
"I would be honored to listen to it"
Slow tune played. SpongeBob was watching his friend lost looking at the sunset. He thanked Neptune for sending this girl to Bikini Bottom. She definitely made his life more exciting and memorable. He would've never thought he would go to the surface and even reach up the infinite space.
Between the lines he suddenly heard about handsome cowboy who's always there by her side ready to take her away around the world.
For a second SpongeBob imagined him in cowboy clothes riding the horse with Sandy hiding him tight from behind.
"You've got quite a wild imagination, SquarePants. A sea sponge and a squirrel together?! That's just nonsense, it feels so wrong. It's so hilarious: going on dates, flirting, being gifted with hugs and kisses from a loved one.."
It wasn't right, no matter how nice it sounded.
"Sandy's my friend. I can't ruin our friendship. Such miracles don't happen in real life."
Sandy finished playing and turned to SpongeBob "Did you like it?"
"It was one of the best things I've heard in my life" SpongeBob wiped off the tear.
"Thank you for the perfect day and for making me feel special. I couldn't wish for a better friend"
"What do you mean? You're the most special person in Bikini Bottom and you feel like a family. To this day no other land creature has settled in here... not to mention, um, the prettiest" SpongeBob said the last part quieter turning away.
Sandy's eyes widened
"What I mean, you said yourself that we're tighter than..."
"A bark on a tree" squirrel teared up and blushed.
A shooting star shined in the distance
"Quick, make a wish!" Sandy pointed at the light. She noticed SpongeBob shivering from the cold and covered him and herself with the blanket.
"Perhaps, even such miracles do happen after all"
He looked at the star and made his wish.
It was a perfect day spent on a perfect picnic at the perfect sunset and ended with the perfect stars. Everything for the perfect friends.