Chapter 19: Troubled Final Day
It had been another bad day for Diddy. He was in his room all discouraged when he should be happy that classes were over, which by the way, the next day was the submit of the final schoolworks, but he didn't even want to think about that.
He took a look at his pyramid, which was already finished. But especially, he noticed the emerald that was at the top... the same one Dixie had given him a week earlier; as soon as he saw it, he felt a huge urge to cry in disappointment; he was still trying to process Dixie's attitude toward him that day. He could tolerate that she didn't choose him to be more than friends, but he never thought that she would get to the point of trampling her friendship with him for another boy, of whom he didn't even know when she chose him.
Later, Diddy just went back to his bed and went to bed early... even if his thoughts didn't leave him alone. He wondered at every moment what was happening to Dixie; she would never have treated him like that, and even wanted to think she wasn't the Dixie he knew...
The next morning, it was finally the last day of school. Normally, Diddy was very enthusiastic on that day, but this time it was different; he didn't even feel that it was the last day of school. He didn't even feel happy because he would no longer see the group of his bully classmates for a long time.
Diddy continued to have a very bad face and a terrible mood while he was getting ready. He was all quiet, until...
"DONKEY!" he cried with great desperation.
"What's going on, little buddy?!" Donkey asked, arriving almost immediately at Diddy's room.
"The pyramid! Haven't you seen my pyramid?!" asked Diddy, moving quickly around the house and rummaging around every corner. "I can't find it! I left it in my room, I saw it right in front of me last night, but it's gone!"
"Hey, wait, wait, calm down!" Donkey exclaimed, stopping and holding Diddy. "Are you sure you left it there?"
"Yes! I've already searched the whole house, and it's not there!" exclaimed Diddy, panicking. "And that's the final exam or the teacher will fail me!"
"But it's a wooden pyramid; it can't have been easily lost," Donkey added, confused. "Let's see, I'll help you find it better."
For some mysterious reason, Diddy's pyramid had disappeared. He, with the help of Donkey, began to search every corner of the house, even outside and even in the cave where the banana reserve was... But they found nothing. It was quite a moment of panic for Diddy, because if he didn't take it to school, Mr. Pinky would fail him mercilessly and without excuses.
It was already getting late for Diddy and he had to go to Kong Kollege. Although he was very desperate, Donkey suggested that he just leave and talk to the teacher. Besides, a few days ago, the teacher had already seen the progress of his pyramid and he received positive comments from him, so he would have some hope that he would forgive him or, in another case, that he would give him more time to search for it later.
Diddy had no choice and headed to school without the pyramid, a little late. He would try to talk to Mr. Pinky to see if he would forgive him, although he doubted it very much, because that teacher had no sign of being understanding in such a situation.
He entered the classroom with all the fear towards the teacher. Indeed, he had arrived late and everyone was already inside and, as usual, everyone in the classroom looked at him as if he were someone famous entering the scene. Mr. Pinky, frowning too much, gave the order to Diddy with the look to move to his respective seat. Diddy's desk was always next to Dixie's, but this time, he didn't even want to look at her and just passed by; just remembering the event of the previous day made him indignant. Dixie, for her part, also maintained an expression of absolute seriousness... as if she didn't want to look at anyone either.
Then, there was a long period of silence as Mr. Pinky flipped through some books on his desk. Diddy was afraid of what the teacher would tell him if he didn't see his schoolwork in his hands; he just wished that the last day of school would end as soon as possible.
"Right!" exclaimed the teacher, rising from his seat after a few minutes. "Now, I'm going to review your schoolworks!"
Mr. Pinky went through his list and began to call the students one by one. Unfortunately, Diddy was the first... He just got up and gathered his strength to inform the teacher about the disappearance, even if nerves consumed him.
"Mr. Diddy! Your work!" the teacher ordered, while Diddy instantly adopted a fearful expression.
Diddy was starting to tremble as Mr. Pinky stared at him and asked for his pyramid.
"M-mister Pinky... I-I can explain it…" Diddy replied tremblingly. "I already h-had made the pyramid, last night it was right in my room... But this morning, it disappeared and I don't know where it is."
Diddy just hoped that those words would be enough, even though he couldn't think of a better excuse. Mr. Pinky continued to keep his stern gaze, and then watched him as if he had told him that his pet ate his homework.
"And do you think I'm going to believe that?!" he said aloud, earning a fearful look from Diddy.
"B-But, sir, last week you saw that I have it done and-"
"You're failed!" he exclaimed without further ado, before proceeding to write down in his notebook. "You will have to take make-up exams then, Mr. Diddy!"
"Hey!" Diddy exclaimed indignantly, but he could no longer explain to the teacher.
"Next! Mr. Melenky!"
Then, Melenky followed and proceeded to submit his pyramid, although truth be told, he and others of the bully group had only made a few dirt mountains all poorly made with barely a shiny jewel on the tops. Then followed Dixie, who was able to submit her pyramid normally and be approved. Successively, the other students continued, each with their work with particular details.
Diddy, leaning on his table and trying to restrain himself while rolling his eyes all the time, was all irritated above all by Mr. Pinky's attitude; the only thing left was to wait for what activity he would have to do after being failed... But suddenly, his face immediately changed to one of full shock when... the orangutan boy in the class submitted the pyramid to the teacher... And that was Diddy's pyramid! It could not be possible, it was just as he had done it, with the same emerald at the top, although only with slight changes in color and small details. Diddy gasped at what he saw and didn't take long to react.
"Oh, but this pyramid is perfect!" exclaimed the teacher, astonished as he observed in detail the pyramid that the orangutan boy showed him. "You even placed an emerald on it. Excellent work, Mr. Jem-"
"Hey, Jemky!" exclaimed Diddy, rising from his seat firmly and running to the teacher's desk where Jemky was. "That's my pyramid!"
"What?! You're crazy, monkey!" Jemky replied, giving him a little push. "It's mine!"
"So, were you who stole it from me, burnt fur orangutan?!"
"MR. DIDDY!" the teacher shouted, rising from his seat in anger."WHAT IS THAT DISRESPECT TOWARDS YOURCLASSMATE?!"
"But that's my pyramid, mister! I did it! Don't you remember seeing it last week? Jemky must have changed some details for it," Diddy exclaimed desperately."And wait a minute," he said to Jemky, staring at him. "And how did you know where my pyramid was, Jemky?! How did you get into my house?!"
"But this pyramid is mine!" Jemky replied firmly. "You are insane, monkey!"
"This work is Mr. Jemky's!" Mr. Pinky replied. "You didn't even bring yours, Mr. Diddy!"
"Yeah, go make your own stupid pyramid, dwarf monkey fool!" exclaimed Jemky, slapping him on the head.
"MR. JEMKY!" the teacher shouted again."YOU TOO WITH THAT LACK OF RESPECT?!"
"Oh, I'm sorry, mister," Jemky replied with a forced smile.
Diddy was only being consumed by fury at Jemky's chutzpah at submitting that pyramid as if it were his.
"Mr. Pinky... there's something you should know" Diddy was too furious that he even came close to doing something he had never dared to do before. For a moment, he was not afraid of the four bullies and pointed at them. "Those four are rob-"
"Hey! What are you going to say, you idiot monkey?!" Jemky shouted, lunging at Diddy and giving him a few repetitive punches.
"STOP IT! OR I'LLFAILYOU BOTH!"exclaimed the teacher sternly and separated them immediately.
The whole class was anxious watching the discussion that had broken out in a few minutes, but no one said a single word, not even Dixie, who always used to defend Diddy; this time... she was just quiet watching everything. Suddenly, Diddy turned to see her; he remembered that she would be the best witness that the pyramid was his.
"I just have to tell you that this pyramid was made by me, Mr. Pinky!" reaffirmed Diddy earnestly before pointing to Dixie. "Ask to her!"
"Is that true, Miss Dixie?!" the teacher asked, looking up at her.
Dixie showed an expressionless face. She remained somewhat tense while being watched in all seriousness by Diddy, Jemky and Mr. Pinky; she could confirm the truth to end that argument once and for all.
"Actually," Dixie began by stuttering and looking in various directions. "That pyramid is Jemky's."
Everyone was astonished at that answer. The quartet of bad kids showed a malicious smile, Jemky one of victory, Mr. Pinky a serious... and as for Diddy, he was all disappointed and then consumed by a deep indignation that left him on the verge of exploding.
"Dixie?" Diddy whispered, showing himself all shocked and not knowing what was happening to Dixie in those days. "Hey, what are you saying, Dixie?! We made that pyramid togeth-"
"That is Jemky's!" Dixie replied firmly.
"Hey! What's wrong with you?!" Diddy exclaimed to her. "Why are you siding with that fool?! The pyramid was made it by-"
"No! What are you saying, Diddy?!" Dixie interrupted. "It's Jemky's! The pyramid is his!"
"No! What's wrong with you?!... And wait a minut-"
Mr. Pinky slammed his fist on the desk before ending the argument.
"Well, Mr. Diddy, it seems that things are clear! Now you will have to take on the extra recovery exam-"
Suddenly, Diddy couldn't take it anymore, snatched the pyramid from Jemky and threw it at him with all the force he had, hitting him straight in the face. He felt that he unloaded the hatred he had for the four of them for all the evils they had done to him.
"THAT'S ENOUGH, MR. DIDDY!"the teacher shouted."GO TO YOUR SEAT-"
Diddy walked to his seat, but took his backpack and walked to the door taking long steps.
"I HAVEN'T TOLD YOU YET THAT YOU CAN LEAVE, MR. DIDD-"
But Diddy had already reached the door, before exiting and slamming it shut.
Mr. Pinky, all angry at Diddy's attitude, didn't stop him anymore and sat down to calm himself. Jemky, on the other hand, was still rubbing his face from the hit he received from Diddy, but at the same time... he laughed mockingly in a low voice.
"Well! You can go back to your seat, Mr. Jemky," Mr. Pinky said, now reassured. "I think you saved your qualification to access the remedial classes," he finished before raising his voice. "Next one!"
Mr. Pinky continued to check a couple more pyramids, while the rest of the class just muttered about the scandal that had been made a few minutes ago.
Meanwhile, Diddy was heading home at a strong, fast pace, while grumbling. To say that he was just angry was too little for what he really was; he couldn't even think. He had been unfairly failed only because one of his annoying classmates, whom he hated most now, had just stolen his final project, but the worst thing was that Mr. Pinky could not believe him and, as if that were not enough, whom he considered his best friend and with whom he had worked together, preferred to defend the orangutan kid as if nothing. The last few days had been lousy for Diddy who just wanted to go away for a while and forget everything.
On the other hand, in the classroom, Mr. Pinky finished reviewing all the pyramids of the students. He gave a few final words until the class concluded.
"You can leave, sir students!" the teacher announced after a few minutes, rising from his seat. "And well, it was a pleasure to be your replacement teacher! Have a happy vacation... And don't fight anymore, please!" he added, looking sideways at the group of four bullies.
Everyone left the classroom, most happy to start the vacation. The group of four bully boys showed a face of malice as they left the classroom. Melenky carried in his hands the emerald of Diddy's pyramid after extracting it from it.
"We'll take this to our dads," Rocky said, pointing to the emerald.
"And finally, they will take us to hunt monsters!" Mandrew added excitedly.
"It turned out better than we expected!" added Jemky in the same way. Then, he turned to look at the entrance of the classroom. "You guys go on... I've reached you later," he told them as he looked sideways at Dixie, who was leaving the classroom.
"Huh? Hey, don't bother Dixie anymore," Rocky said, taking his arm. "We are in a hurry; our dads are waiting for us to leave."
"She shouldn't tell the monkey about this," Jemky replied, letting go. "We have to stop her or those two will rat us out."
"We just needed this emerald and that's all," Rocky replied. "Not Dixie; she doesn't even love you and she's not going to stop loving that monkey."
"That's not why, but she's going to rat us out with Diddy and with everyone. We have to scare her with another threat so that she doesn't tell them."
"And that doesn't matter!" Mandrew replied. "We aren't going to come here for a long time."
"But as soon as we get back, we'll get into trouble, and our dads could get to know," Jemky exclaimed, letting go of them. "Later I'll reach out to you."
"You're so stubborn!" Rocky replied. "Beware you lose out."
Dixie, who was ahead, was walking home as if trying to speed up her pace, as if she wanted to flee... and as if he wanted to head towards Diddy's house at speed. When suddenly, Jemky stopped her later.
"Wait a minute, Dixie!" said Jemky to Dixie, taking her arm by surprise. "Where do you think you're going right now?"
"Huh?! Hey, leave me now!" Dixie replied, trying to pull herself away. "I already gave you the emerald and even the pyramid!"
"You don't have to tell Diddy any of this, do you understand?" he said with a fixed and serious look as he took something out of the pockets of his vest...
Diddy was lying on his tire, all discouraged. He didn't want to know or think about anything, just rest for a while after a bad day. Donkey was close to him to accompany him as he always used to do when his nephew was unwell. Diddy had told him about Mr. Pinky didn't believe in his word and failed him, however, he didn't tell him about the discord he had had with Jemky and that it was he who had his pyramid.
"Don't be sad, buddy," Donkey said, appearing to cheer him up. "We can talk to Wrinkly when she comes and she'll approve of you and believe that your pyramid was really lost. She knows you very well and knows perfectly well that you do fulfill your schoolworks. And rejoice! This week we'll go on vacation."
"I don't want to think about it now, Donkey," Diddy replied in a low voice.
"Oh, little buddy," Donkey said, pitied by Diddy's mood. "You're also sad about Dixie, right?"
"I don't want to remember that either," Diddy said in indignation. "She doesn't even want us to be friends anymore, I don't know what's wrong with her."
"Do you know? I think that kid Jemky is manipulating her," Donkey speculated. "Dixie is not like that; something is wrong with all this. I don't think she really meant that to you."
"Yes, of course, and how do you explain that she told the teacher that my pyramid was Jemky's and not mine?" But instantly, he realized that that detail hadn't told Donkey. "Uhh, I mean-"
"Wait a minute, Diddy," Donkey interrupted, staring at him and changing his expression. "What did you say?"
"Uh, no, it's that…" Diddy didn't know what to say now. "I meant that Jemky-"
"Diddy... so it's true that... you had a fight with Jemky because he supposedly had your pyramid?"
Diddy was paralyzed to hear Donkey say that, because it was the only detail he had not told him so as not to reveal about the topic of getting along badly with that bully quartet.
"Uhh, no, Donkey!... What are you talking about?" Diddy stuttered, not knowing what excuse to make.
"Diddy, just now I was waiting for you to tell me and explain this," Donkey said in a tone and a look of seriousness. "This afternoon when I went out, Mr. Pinky handed me a report about you."
Donkey left for a while and then returned to show a report from Kong Kollege that clearly described what had happened that morning, about the discord with the pyramid.
Diddy froze and didn't know what to say to Donkey; he was always like his older brother and all, but even so, he was the one who had taken care of him all his life, and as such, he could take action with him if there was a disagreement.
"I thought it was a lie, but now that you tell me that about Dixie, so… was it true?" Donkey asked him while Diddy still didn't know what explanation to give. "Tell me, Diddy."
"Uhh, n-no, no! What are you talking about?" Diddy replied.
"Diddy, I won't tell you anything, but I do want you to tell me if you've ever had any problems with those kids at school."
"No, Donkey, I've always told you I'm no longer friends with them because they took distance, that's all," Diddy excused.
Donkey kept doubting Diddy when he denied having any conflict with that group of children.
"Tell me the truth, Diddy!" asked Donkey, looking at him in all seriousness. "Weren't those kids mean to you or something?"
"No! I don't understand where you got those inventions of yours," Diddy replied, not knowing what else to say.
"It's not an invention of mine, I want to know what happens about those children!" Donkey exclaimed.
Then, another argument began between the two of them on the same topic about Diddy's classmates, those discussions that Diddy hated having with Donkey and wanted to end quickly.
"It doesn't matter, we're out on vacation!" Diddy exclaimed.
"But still, I need you to tell me!" Donkey replied, raising his voice. "If Jemky had your pyramid, it's clearly because he stole it from you and that's why you started that conflict with him!"
"Well, who wouldn't get angry having their final project stolen and presented as their own?!"
"And wait a minute! Did that kid come in here at night to steal your pyramid?!"
"I don't know, Donkey! I don't know what you're talking about!" Diddy didn't want to argue anymore and add another burden to his situation, so he got off the tire and ran to his room.
"Hey, Diddy, don't go!" exclaimed Donkey, trying to reach him. "You have to tell me this well at once! You've never wanted to tell me!"
"But I have nothing to tell you!"
"Just tell me the truth, Diddy, I command you! This is serious!"
"You don't have to order me!" he exclaimed loudly before slamming the door shut.
Donkey was angry at Diddy's attitude for the umpteenth time and knocked on his door.
"But just tell me, Diddy!"
It was the wee hours of the morning, and Diddy was sitting by the window of his room. He was wondering why he had been doing badly in the past few days. First, when he was about to confess to Dixie, she came out saying she would date Jemky; second, when she told him again to hang out, she stood him up along with Jemky again and told him that they would not be friends anymore; third, when he was going to submit the final schoolwork, Jemky stole it and Mr. Pinky failed him, and even Dixie, who was supposed to confirm that the pyramid was his, preferred to be on Jemky's side; and, to top it off, he had just had another argument with Donkey over the topic of his bad classmates.
Diddy came down from the window and was going to go to his bed. But suddenly, he came across a photo... it was the one Dixie had given him about the two of them. He immediately remembered that in low moments like that, it was Dixie who was there to accompany and cheer him on... But this time, she was the main reason for his low moment. On previous occasions, the two of them had had small disagreements or fights, but they had never been that way as it had happened. He just wondered why Dixie had been acting like this; he never expected it from her. Diddy couldn't handle the indignation anymore and tore the photo in half, followed by this, he threw the two pieces out the window.
He didn't know what else to do at that time anymore. To cheer up and calm down a little in bad situations, Diddy liked to go for a walk, either through the jungle or the beach, but this time, he wanted to go to the beach, and so he decided...
He left his house stealthily, no matter it was very late, and walked to the beach. When he got there, he sat for a while in the sand to think... although his thoughts were not the best at that time. So, he got up to walk a little towards the seashore.
Suddenly, feeling the water through his feet, transmitted a certain tranquility... So, he decided to do something else that would be entertaining. He looked around and, with some pieces of wood nearby, he prepared to assemble a small raft, small enough for him to enter.
After that, he went into the sea and got on the mini raft. Breathing fresh air, seeing the sea water and the night sky could relax him after some bad events. A cold wind was felt around, but Diddy didn't care about it and just enjoyed it too.
But that tranquility was interrupted when, as if by magic, a piece of the photo that he had recently torn landed right in front of him... and, precisely, it was the piece where Dixie appeared. He took it, looked at it for a few seconds and, remembering what happened, wanted to throw it again... But he just watched it for several more seconds.
"Dixie…" he said quietly.
He couldn't deny it, he missed Dixie so much and just wished she was there with him too. Diddy tried to restrain himself, but he couldn't and some tears and light sobs escaped him... But then, he continued with his mini walk by the sea, trying to cheer himself up a little until the discomfort could pass, so that later he could return home quietly...