Everyone had arrived in their homerooms. Charlie Brown was the last one to arrive in his homeroom…. or so he thought. He looked around.
"Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Heather, Janice…. Good grief! Where's Janice?"
"Janice seems to be running late today." said Linus. "Must've slept in. This makes it easier to tell you all my idea."
"What idea?" wondered Charlie Brown.
"Come over and I'll explain." said Linus.
Charlie Brown did just that. Now, Linus was ready to tell everyone his idea.
"As you may or may not know," Linus said. "Janice's birthday is just around the corner."
"Wow!" cried Frieda.
"Janice's birthday is near?" said Lucy.
"This is where my idea comes into mind. Heather, if you may?" Linus said.
Heather stood out front to let everyone know her plan.
"This Saturday," Heather started. "I will be preparing a party for Janice's auspicious day."
"What's so suspicious about Janice's day?" asked Spearmint Sammy.
"Auspicious, Ma'am." said Marty. "It means important and special."
"Oh. Auspicious." Spearmint Sammy realised.
"Hence," Heather continued. "While we prepare the party, Linus will be taking Janice out. And she is not allowed in my house until it's time."
"You got it, Heather." said Linus.
"That's the plan!" Charlie Brown said.
"Mustn't let Janice know." added Violet.
"May I play some music at the party?" asked Schroeder.
"Of course." said Heather. "After all, what's a birthday party without music?"
Everyone continued their endless chatter when Janice walked in.
"Sorry I'm late!" Janice said. "Mom forgot to wake me up."
"Janice!" said Linus. "We…. were…. just…. talking about different subjects."
"Oh." said Janice. "I would like to know what it was."
Everyone looked at each other nervously. They didn't want Janice to know anything about the surprise she'd be getting.
"Well, maybe later?" Janice said.
Still, no reply.
"Nevertheless, let's get ourselves ready for class." Janice decided.
"Class? Good grief, you're right, Janice!" exclaimed Heather. "Let's go!"
"Yes! Let's party!" added Violet.
"Party?" quizzed Janice.
"Party? I meant Marty!" Violet fibbed. "Come on, Marty! We've got Information Technology to attend!"
"Right behind you, Violet." said Marty.
"Well, I'd best get to class too." Janice said. "Wait for me, Violet and Marty!"
So Violet, Marty and Janice went to the computer room to their I.T. class.
"So what about Marty were you discussing, Violet?" asked Janice.
"We were just discussing how he keeps calling Spearmint Sammy 'Ma'am'." Violet fibbed.
"Well," said Janice. "There's just one thing I want for my special day, but I'll reveal what it is on Saturday."
Violet sweated a bit. She was going to find out about the party Heather would be throwing.
"I….. have…. other plans." said Violet. "Just….. going to gossip with Patty about….. other things."
"Oh. Okay then." said Janice. "I'm just going to spend the day with my someone special."
"Phew." remarked Violet. "Anyway, we have to get to class now."
"Yes." said Janice. "We've got computer work to do."
Whilst Janice got to her computer station, ready to start the lesson, she thought and thought about the special day she would be having that weekend.
"I hope to spend it with Linus." she thought. "After all, that's all I want from him this year."
"Janice?" quizzed Evie, who also attended Janice's I.T. class.
"Oh. Yeah! Just thinking!" said Janice.
"Don't think too much." said Evie. "Let's focus on I.T."
So that was what Janice did.
"I know." Janice thought, as she opened up a blank word document. She started to type it up. She wanted one person to be the first to know. She made sure everyone else was too focused on their computers to pay attention to her.
"There. All ready." said Janice as she had finished. "Now, print."
At lunch time that day, Janice walked by Linus who was having his lunch. She slipped the printed note beside Linus so he could read it when he got the chance.
"Hope he reads it." Janice thought.
Janice went over to where Heather Wold the Little Red-Haired Girl was sitting. She was on a bench with Mary Stewart.
"Oh. Hi, Janice." said Heather Wold.
"Hello, Heather. Hello, Mary Stewart." said Janice.
"What were you doing just there, Janice?" asked Mary Stewart.
"Just gave a little note to Linus." said Janice. "It's the one thing I want for my birthday."
"What do you want Linus to get you, Janice?" asked Heather.
"Don't tell Linus." said Janice. "But….."
Janice whispered into Heather Wold's ear. Then, she whispered into Mary Stewart's ear.
"Oh!" exclaimed Mary Stewart.
"We shall keep our mouths zipped up about it." said Heather Wold.
"Good." said Janice as she hugged her red-haired friend and her blonde friend. Then, she walked off. Heather looked at Mary and smirked.
"Ha ha!" Heather cried as she high-fived Mary Stewart.
Meanwhile, Linus had picked up the note that Janice had left him, and then started to read it.
"Dear Linus.
The one thing I want for my birthday
is to spend time with you.
I don't need a physical gift, just
one special outing with my
sweet babboo.
Yours truly,
Janice Emmons."
Linus looked to one side, and smiled. This was the one opportunity he had to keep Janice away from the party Heather would be throwing her until it was time.
Janice was on her way home later that day, thinking all about what would happen on her special weekend.
"I hope Linus agrees to spend this Saturday with me." Janice said to herself. "We'll do all kinds of activities together, like a special lunch, maybe a movie, a trip to Sparkyworld, and of course, a push on the swings."
Janice thought about this when she heard a beautiful singing voice in the distance.
"That voice sounds pretty familiar." thought Janice as she followed it.
"O mio babbino caaaaaro…" the voice continued to sing.
Janice followed it, and finally, there it was. The singing voice belonged to Mimi.
"Oh. Hello, Mimi." said Janice. "I was just walking by and…."
"Oh. Hello, Janice!" said Mimi. "What brings you to my fine garden?"
"Just walking by on my way home." said Janice. "But then I heard your beautiful voice."
"Oh, thank you." said Mimi. "I'm just planting some flowers. Especially with Spring."
"Anyway," said Janice. "It was nice passing by. I have to get home."
"Farewell, Janice." said Mimi.
As Janice left for home, Mimi continued to hum her song. But what Mimi didn't notice was that there was a boy lurking in the bushes, admiring her voice.
Janice had finally arrived home, where her sisters, Britney and Lindsey had already made it.
"You took your time, Janice." said Lindsey.
"Sorry about that." said Janice. "Just stopped over at Mimi's. Couldn't resist her beautiful singing voice. I guess that's why any guy would go near her."
"Anyway," said Britney. "Do you know what you'd like for your birthday this year?"
"All I want," began Janice. "is to spend the day with my one and only Linus van Pelt."
"Didn't you spend it with him on one of your previous birthdays?" asked Lindsey.
"Yes." said Janice. "But I'd forgotten it was that day, as we were in France before then."
"Oh yes. I remember." said Lindsey. "France has some beautiful sights."
"And besides," continued Janice. "I'd like no disturbances on my special day. Especially while spending it with Linus."
Lindsey and Britney looked at each other and smirked.
"Well, it was nice speaking to both of you, my sisters." said Janice as she headed to her room.
Lindsey looked to the stairs where Janice went up, and then whispered what Heather had told her that day at school.
"Wow! That sounds amazing!" exclaimed Britney.
"Shh!" said Lindsey.
"Oh. Sorry."
Saturday had soon arrived, and Heather Wold was at her house decorating it. Fifi pitched in to help.
"Good girl, Fifi." said Heather. "I don't understand why Charlie Brown would rather have a normal dog when Snoopy helps out a lot."
Fifi was puzzled by what Heather had said.
"Nah." Fifi said.
Snoopy was laying on top of his doghouse when Charlie Brown walked up.
"Snoopy." said Charlie Brown. "Are you ready?"
"Huh?" quizzed Snoopy.
"You need to go over to Heather's house." said Charlie Brown. "She could use some help."
"Yay!" Snoopy cheered as he got off his doghouse. He whistled, and his many bird friends, Woodstock, Bill, Harriet, Firdo, Tammy, Olivier, Roy, Wilson, Conrad, Fred and Raymond. Snoopy explained what was happening that day, and all the birds cheered.
"Uh huh." Snoopy nodded, and he, along with his bird buddies, were on their way to Heather Wold's place.
Over at the Halverson part of the neighbourhood, Tommy went across the street to meet his cousin. Not his favourite cousin, but the one who'd just moved in. Heather Clyde-Halverson opened the door and looked.
"Oh. Hey, Thomas." said Heather Clyde-Halverson.
"Hi, Heather." said Tommy. "Just came to let you know that a friend of mine is having a birthday party today, and I would like you to come over to where it's being thrown."
"Okay, Thomas." said Heather Clyde-Halverson. "I do like birthday parties."
As Heather Clyde-Halverson had said this, walking across the street was Katie Halverson.
"Come on, Cousins!" called Katie. "There's a party happening!"
"Coming, Katie!" said Tommy. "And on the way, you're going to meet my one and only."
"I can't wait!" smiled Heather C-H.
Janice was getting herself ready for her one special day.
"Are you ready, Janice?" called Britney.
"Almost!" called Janice.
"Linus will be here any minute now!" Lindsey added.
Janice had placed her headband into her hair, and was now ready.
"Alright! Here I come!" Janice called as she made her way downstairs.
"Looking fabulous as always, Sis." said Britney.
"Thanks, Britney." said Janice. "Now we wait for him."
But she didn't have to wait very long as the doorbell rang.
"Oh! That's him!" Janice cried excitedly as she went to the door. She opened it and…..
"Hi, Janice!" cried Linus.
"Hello, Linus." said Janice.
"Are you ready for your special birthday outing?" asked Linus.
"I sure am." smiled Janice. "I can't wait to see where you'll take me today."
And so both the middle children left the Emmons place and were out and about.
Tommy was showing his cousin Heather C-H the places his friends lived.
"Since there's still plenty of time before the party," said Tommy. "I think I've got just enough to show you."
The first place the Halverson cousins arrived at was the Riches' place. Tommy knocked on the door, and out stepped a redhead with rusty red curly hair, the one we know to be Frieda Rich.
"Hi, Tommy!" said Frieda. "Oh, and who might this be again?"
"Hey, Frieda." said Tommy. "This is Heather. She's my cousin."
"Oh. Hi, Heather!" said Frieda. "Looks like yet another Heather in town."
"Another Heather?" quizzed Heather C-H.
"Yeah." said Tommy. "I hear Charlie has met all kinds of Heathers in his life, or as he preferred to call them, the Little Red-Haired Girls."
"Charlie?" quizzed Heather C-H. "You mean Charlie Brown?"
"He does." said Frieda. "Anyway, what brings you here?"
"Just showing Heather around, Frieda." said Tommy. "And then we're going to another Heather's place."
"Who's this other Heather?" wondered Heather C-H.
"This other Heather," Frieda began. "is Charlie Brown's one and only, his one and true Little Red-Haired Girl."
"Aw." sighed Heather Clyde-Halverson sadly. "I was hoping to get him back."
One of the places Janice and Linus went to was the van Pelt place.
"I forgot something, Janice." said Linus. "Shan't be long."
Linus went inside while Janice remained outside.
"I wonder what he's up to." thought Janice.
"Linus? What are you doing back so soon?" asked Lucy. "Weren't you supposed to take Janice out?"
"I am." said Linus. "I'm just packing a special lunch for us."
"Okay." said Lucy. "But remember what Heather said. Janice is not allowed in her place until two."
"You got it." said Linus.
Linus came back outside with a basket and a blanket.
"Wow! And you even packed us a picnic!" Janice exclaimed.
"I sure have." said Linus. "And I know just the place to have it."
Linus brought Janice to the school despite it being closed for the weekend.
"School?" quizzed Janice.
"I hear Tommy and Frieda tried to have a picnic one day," said Linus. "But Snoopy's curiosity got the better of him, and he and his bird friends ate the whole lot."
"I guess this is why Charlie Brown keeps saying he'd rather have a normal dog." chuckled Janice.
"And I chose this place especially because no dogs are allowed." said Linus.
"Oh, Linus! You are a one!" smiled Janice.
And Linus set up the blanket, and spread out the food.
"It's just me and Janice for now." said Linus. "No one else with me. Just Janice."
Five of the kids who passed the schoolyard happened to be the five Goose Eggs; Leland, Milo, Ruby, Austin and Carlin.
"Look!" said Leland. "There's Linus!"
"And who's that with him?" wondered Carlin.
"That's Janice." said Milo. "Franklin told me all about her."
"They do make the cute couple." said Austin.
"But school is closed for the weekend." said Ruby. "Why are they picnicking here?"
"It's because dogs aren't allowed!" called Linus.
Soon, their picnic was over, and after eating their meal, Linus and Janice packed up their picnic, and were well on their way.
"It was a very nice picnic we had, Linus." said Janice. "If only those eggs weren't there to disturb us, then it would've been my only hint of peace."
"Eggs? Oh. Those were the Goose Eggs." said Linus. "They're hanging about town."
"So where are we going now?" asked Janice.
"First, I have to go home and take this basket back." Linus said.
Janice waited outside as Linus headed inside.
"I wonder what else he's got for me?" wondered Janice.
Linus came back out of his house, basket free.
"Now, I'm going to take you to another place. A place you know all too well." Linus explained.
"Oh, I can't wait!" smiled Janice.
Both Linus and Janice arrived at the park, and much to Janice's surprise….
"The swings! How I love the swings!"
"And it's one of my very special treats for you, Janice." said Linus. "Anyway, want me to push you?"
"First, you can push me." said Janice. "And then, I'll give you a push."
"You got it."
So Janice sat on the swing, and Linus pushed her a couple of times. Several more, and then, he gave her the ultimate push, sending her swaying back and forth, back and forth. Janice laughed as her long waist length blonde hair went along with the breeze. Linus admired her the whole time.
"Wow!" Linus smiled.
Whilst this was happening, Lila walked by with Belle.
"Oh. Hey, Lila." said Linus.
"Hey, Linus." said Lila. "Whatcha doin'?"
"Just giving Janice a great push on the swing." said Linus.
"May I watch?" asked Lila.
"Okay." said Linus.
And so Lila did. Janice was so busy enjoying the swings, she didn't even notice Lila and Belle.
"Well, it was fun watching you," Lila said. "But we've got to get somewhere now. See you later."
After Lila had left, Janice stopped swinging about.
"How was that, Janice?" asked Linus.
"It was fun!" said Janice. "Now it's your turn."
"Okay."
Linus got on the swing, and Janice pulled him back. She went a far enough distance, and she let go of Linus, sending him swinging back and forth, back and forth. Suddenly, Linus began to lose his grip, and started to fly off.
"Good grief! Linus!" cried Janice.
Janice could see that Linus was flying straight for the lake.
"I got you! I got you!" Janice cried.
Janice ran and dove near the lake, and Linus landed in the right place; in Janice's arms. Janice got up, and carried Linus bridal style.
"Phew! That was close!" cried Linus. "Thank you, Janice."
Linus looked down, and was must surprised to see how Janice was carrying him, and blushed bright red. Janice looked and blushed too.
"I'd like to be pushed on the swing again, Linus." said Janice.
"Anything for your special day, Janice." said Linus.
The two both headed back to the swings, and Janice sat down. She held the ropes as tightly as possible, and Linus pulled her back. He let go when he was far enough, allowing Janice to swing back and forth, back and forth.
"You really are the best swing pusher out there, Linus!" Janice laughed.
Linus said nothing. He was glad Janice was having a great time with him.
After Janice had finished swinging about, she decided to jump off the swing.
"I think I've had enough swinging for now." said Janice. "Is there anything else we can do?"
"Let's go to Sparkyworld." said Linus.
"Wow! I love Sparkyworld!" cried Janice.
So that was where the two went. Linus paid to get the two in, and they were pleased nobody was noticing them.
"Let's go on the roller coaster!" Janice said excitedly.
The two kids jumped onto the Sparky Coaster, and were having great fun, screaming until the ride was over.
"How about the pianos?" asked Janice. "They remind me of Schroeder's."
"I could do with playing these pianos too." said Linus.
Linus and Janice got on the pianos and played them.
"It may not be quiet, but at least nobody's disturbing us here." said Janice.
Over at the Wolds' place, Heather Wold, the beagles and the birds were decorating the house with colourful decorations.
"Great work!" smiled Heather. "Janice will be most surprised when she comes here!"
Henry looked at all the presents that were piled up and was heading towards them.
"No, Henry." said Heather. "Those are for Janice."
"Oh. Sowy, Sis." said Henry.
Janice and Linus arrived at the ice cream parlour for a little ice cream treat.
"You wouldn't mind having a little sundae, would you, Janice?" asked Linus.
"Not at all, Linus." said Janice. "Hope nobody's there to bother us."
"I see no one else in there." said Linus. "So the coast is clear."
And Janice and Linus both headed into the ice cream parlour. Unbeknownst to either, Peppermint Patty and Marcie were both on their way.
"Do you think she'll like my present, Marcie?" asked Peppermint Patty.
"Only one way to find out, Sir." said Marcie.
Following behind them was Schroeder, who was piano-free.
"Heather has a piano at her place." said Schroeder. "So it wouldn't hurt to use someone else's piano this time."
Janice looked outside, and while she did see Peppermint Patty, Marcie and Schroeder, she breathed a sigh of relief.
"At least they won't disturb us." Janice said as she and Linus ate their sundae.
"And after our little frozen treat," said Linus. "I've got somewhere else to take you."
"Oh, I wonder where it is!" wondered Janice.
"You'll see." said Linus as he touched Janice's nose.
Janice giggled at this. She liked this kind of surprise.
Back at the Wold place, Shermy, Violet, Pig-Pen, Patty Swanson, Floyd and Polly had arrived.
"Hi, Violet. Hi, Shermy. Hi, Patty. Hi, Pig-Pen. Hi, Polly. Hi, Floyd." said Heather Wold.
"I can't wait until she sees my show." said Polly. "After all, I performed for my one and only lambcake here."
Floyd blushed at this. Polly had just called him her lambcake.
Mimi walked in too.
"Hi, Mimi." said Heather Wold. "Your singing will be perfect for when it's time for cake."
"Thanks, Heather." said Mimi. "I can't wait to sing."
At last, Frieda, Tommy, Katie and Heather C-H arrived.
"Hi, Tommy. Hi, Frieda. Hi, Katie. Hi….. who are you?" Heather wondered.
"I'm Heather." said Heather C-H. "Heather Clyde-Halverson."
"Another Heather?!" exclaimed Heather Wold.
Charlie Brown, who had overheard, looked towards the door and….
"Heather Clyde-Halverson?! The very same one I dreamt about once?" Charlie Brown thought.
Charlie Brown walked over and…..
"Oh! Hey, Charles." said Heather C-H.
"Hold on! You know Charlie Brown?" Heather Wold cried.
"I've known her before you came here." said Charlie Brown. "But she moved away some years later. I hit it up with Peggy Jean, and now, I've got my true Little Red-Haired Girl here."
"Oh, Charlie Brown!" swooned Heather Wold.
Sally looked outside.
"EVERYONE! HIDE!" shouted Sally. "JANICE AND LINUS ARE COMING!"
So Heather Wold turned out the lights and everyone ran to hide. Janice noticed the door was unlocked.
"That's strange." said Janice. "I'm sure Heather always locks the door before she leaves."
Janice snuck in and noticed how black the inside of the house was.
"Huh. There's no one here." Janice added.
Janice turned on the light and…
"SURPRISE!"
Janice was so surprised, her headband almost flew off.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANICE!"
"And I thought you'd all forgotten!" smiled Janice.
"It was my idea to keep this away from you until the time came." said Heather Wold.
"And it was my idea to get Linus to be alone with me for my special day." said Janice.
"Who wants cake?" asked Lindsey.
"Me! I'm starved!" said Spearmint Sammy.
"I could do with some cake." said Shermy.
Everyone sat at the table, ready to sing to Janice. Elizabeth, Janice's mother, brought out the cake containing 11 candles to show Janice had turned eleven that day.
"Hold on." said Heather. "Before we wish her a happy one, I'd like one person to sing." said Heather Wold. "Is there a Mimi Forsyth?"
Mimi stepped on out, took a deep breath, and sang in Blossom's voice;
"Happy Birthday tooooo yooooou!
Happy Birthday tooooo yooooou!
Happy Birthday dear Jaaaniiiice!
Haaaappy Biiirthdaaaay toooooooo yooooou!"
Everyone admired Mimi's singing, and Janice cried tears of joy.
"I don't need to make a wish." smiled Janice. "Because I have these wonderful friends."
Janice closed her eyes, thought her wish, and then blew out the candles, prompting everyone to cheer.
"Thank you, everyone." said Janice.
"Not everyday a young lady turns eleven, now is it?" said Linus.
"But before we eat any cake, are there any presents for me?" asked Janice.
"Right in the living room." said Heather Wold.
Everyone went to the living room, formed a circle, and were ready to give Janice her presents. Linus went to the presents, and picked one out.
"I picked this one out especially for you, Janice." said Linus.
"Oh, thank you, Linus!" said Janice.
Janice unwrapped the box, and out came…..
"A playset of Sparkyworld?!" Janice exclaimed.
"Do you like it, Janice?" asked Linus.
"Like it? I love it!" said Janice. "It's beautiful!"
"Reminds me of what I got for my birthday a few years ago." said Frieda.
After that, Janice opened more presents, including…..
A nurse hat from Rerun, a plush version of herself from Heather, an electric guitar from Schroeder, a toy piano from Mary Stewart, and many other gifts.
"Wow! This party's been a blast so far!" said Janice. "I got lots of gifts I never thought I'd even get! Now that all my gifts are open, let's have some cake!"
"Yay!"
Everyone gathered round to each get a slice of cake. Emerald wanted extras, but she remembered what had happened when she ate too much.
"No. I don't want to break anymore chairs." Emerald said to herself. "Only one this time."
"Emerald, moderating? I don't believe it." thought Scarlet.
"And also, come on out back as I have a special show I'd like to put on for you!" Polly announced.
"Come on, everyone!" said Floyd. "Let's see my lambcake perform!"
And everyone dashed out to the backyard to watch Polly's show. They brought their slice of cake along with them.
"And now," said Polly. "I need a volunteer to help me. May the birthday girl help me?"
"I'd love to!" said Janice. "Linus, you hold my cake slice for me."
Janice gave Linus her piece of cake, and she went to Polly.
"So what's this show you're performing?" asked Janice.
"Watch and see, Janice." said Polly. "Poodles!"
Polly held out her stick, and walking in were three poodles; Fifi, Bibi and Kiki. Fifi, Heather's dog, was surprised; Another Fifi had come to her place.
"Fifi, Bibi, Kiki!" Polly called.
Fifi was about to come when Heather Wold held her back.
"Not you." said Heather. "Her Fifi. Just imagine. More Heathers, and more Fifis."
"Janice, I want you to hold out your hoop to allow these poodles to jump through."
"You got it, Miss Polly." said Janice.
Janice held the hoop carefully, and as Polly commanded her dogs, all three jumped right through with no trouble at all. Everyone was amazed, and cheered.
That evening, Janice's party was finished, and everyone was leaving. Janice stopped to talk to Heather.
"Thank you for making this party just for me." said Janice.
"Anytime." said Heather. "Anyway, it's not everyday a young lady turns eleven."
"Oh you, Heather." giggled Janice.
Janice then turned to Linus, and hugged him.
"Thank you so much for giving me a peaceful birthday outing, Linus." Janice said. "Thank you so much for doing it all."
Heather Wold watched on, knowing where this was going.
"Thank you, Linus….. Sweet babboo."
And Janice kissed Linus' right cheek, causing Linus to blush bright red.
"I…" Linus stammered. "I am your sweet babboo!"
It looks like this wasn't the only love in the air. As Mimi was making her way home, she was singing beautifully. There was a boy sitting on a bench, listening, and swooning.
"Don't worry, Forest." The boy said to himself. "You'll get that lovely singer someday."