SPOILERS!
Tessa-A Star Darling. Gemma's older sister. May talk to animals.
Gemma-A Star Darling. Tessa's younger sister. May talk to bugs in this story. Rewinds time in another chapter.
Olivia-Wants to be a waitress.
Isabel-Wants to be a cop.
Alice-Isabel and Olivia's mother.
Pete-Isabel and Olivia's father.
Big Rosie-Semi-Famous dead diner owner.
Penny-Works at the pet shelter.
Tiny-Penny's dog.
Cuddles-Penny's cat.
Ander-Zoo curator. Used to fear butterflies.
Lizzie-Travels the world.
Fiona-Lizzie's dog.
Donna 1-Works at the pet shelter.
Donna 2-Works at the diner.
Diane-Works at diner.
SL-D9-Female Bot-Bot. Dina is her nickname.
GR-D3-Male guard Bot-Bot.
RE-D7-Male guard Bot-Bot.
JR-Y6-Male Bot-Bot. Head Bot-Bot.
UPDATE!-August 4th 2024
UPDATE!-August 6th 2024
Tessa, the emerald-half-green-half-blue-haired, green-colored-dress with blue flowers on her was busy cooking over a stove in her room when Gemma, her orange-haired, yellow-white-stared-dressed younger sister walked in.
"What are you up to?" Gemma asked.
"Cooking Starland food," Tessa said. "Again."
"What do you mean?" Gemma said.
"I think we should head to Wishworld, again," Tessa as she said, continuing to stare at the pot. "I've been thinking about this for a while and I want to return there. I want to open a restaurant one day and I want to start here, at school. With Wishworld food."
"We both know we want to go!" said Gemma. "But if we traveled between worlds will-nilly people would forget and remember us all the time!"
She turned around. "That's a problem. But you ask Lady Stella and I'll ask a Bot-Bot waiter for permission with the food."
"We have to ask permission?" Gemma asked. "Why don't we continue the way we are? No one has complained!"
"Don't know. But let's check," Tessa said.
So, Tessa went to Lady Stella's office while Gemma went to the Celestial Cafe where the Bot-Bots served food.
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Gemma went to the Celestial Cafe and she found a Bot-Bot named SL-D9. She was a bot who identified as a lady.
The Bot-Bot stopped as soon as she saw the Starling.
"Gemma! Would you like a cup of Zing?"
"Not right now, SL-Dina!" Gemma refused, reciting the Bot-Bot's nickname. "I'm looking for a Bot-Bot who will help my sister and I. We want to work in the cafe."
"YOU want to talk to WHO?!" asked a voice behind the two.
And another who said another thing. "You're trying to snatch away our jobs!"
"GR-D3! RE-D7!" SL-D9's electronic faceplate grew angry. "Don't be rude! Gemma and Tessa are excellent cooks and I don't know about you but I'd like them to stay and work with the rest of us. I'm aware of their prowess from other Starlings who've sampled their food. They request their work, too. Now. Return to your guard positions."
The male Bot-Bots went away and left the two alone.
"Ready to see The Head Bot-Bot?" SL-D9 asked.
"There's a Head Bot-Bot?" Gemma asked.
"Yup!" the Bot-Bot said.
"Then you bet!" Gemma said.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"You sure you want to return to Wishworld again?" Lady Stellla asked Tessa in Lady Stella's office.
"Yes, Lady Stellla," Tessa say, tapping her fingers nervously.
"And I understand you've been cooking to the point when you've been giving your work to your friends? That you've been interrupting the Bot-Bots' work, too?"
Tessa stared straight down. "Well, yeah. But all my friends like them."
"Well, normally, one Star Darling would journey to see a Wisher there to grant a wish. But. I understand why you want to. Starlings have been granted their own wishes as of now. So, I have something to say to you and your sister when she gets here."
Then she got out her very own Star-Zap.
"I'm going to call The Head Bot-Bot. In the meantime, I suggest you call your sister," Lady Stella said.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"So! You've decided to work with us, Gemma?" asked The Head Bot-Bot, or JR-Y6, a male Bot-Bot.
"Well, mostly my sister, but I want to, also," Gemma said. "But we've also thought of running our own small restaurant business off campus."
"That sounds wonderful! I'll tell Lady Stella right now about the good news! If that's alright?" JR-Y6 asked.
"Sure! I'll ask Tessa, too!" Gemma explained.
Both got out Star Zaps. Including the Bot-Bot. He opened up a compartment and placed it near his faceplate.
"I didn't know Bot-Bots had Star Zaps!" Gemma said.
JR-Y6's electronic faceplate's eyes rolled. "Now you do!"
Then both Star Zaps ringed.
"At the same time?" Gemma asked aloud.
There wasn't any pictures or voice. Just text. Both said one thing-"REPORT TO LADY STELLA IMMEDIATELY!"
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All four were now in Lady Stella's office. The sisters and Bot-Bot were nervous.
"I'm sure you all why you're here," the headmistress said. "And I agree with the three of you."
"Yeah!" yelled Gemna.
Tessa rolled her eyes. "Let her finish!"
Gemma slumped in a chair.
Lady Stella didn't seem to mind. She smiled.
"You two may go to Wishworld on your own. Together,"
Gemma's eyes lit up. Tessa looked at her. "Now you may celebrate." she said.
"YEAH!" Gemma yelled again.
"And the cafe?" Tessa asked.
"You're too young and haven't graduated, yet. You won't be able to cook on your own. You may train by cooking in The Celestial Cafe aside the Bot-Bots. The Bot-Bots may help you. Help each other. And I bet everyone will like your creations in due time,"
"Sounds cosmic!" Gemma said.
"Stellar!" said Tessa. "Oh! I almost forgot. May we receive some form of currency for our services?"
"Oh, Tessa!" Lady Stella said, somewhat offended. "Is money all you talk about?"
"And people say I talk too much!" said Gemma.
"I may want to cook, but I want a reason for it. Money." Tessa said.
"I see. But before that. You must talk to Piper. She may help,"
"Why Piper?" Gramma asked.
"THIS IS A REMINDER!" Lady Stella said. "Our Wishers only remember us as long as we stay on Wishworld. Once we leave, they forget us. Well, Violet's parents aren't like that. But that is probably because her mother never left. I think Violet's father forgot who Scarlet is. Your Wishers won't remember you two, either. And one more reminder: Lately each Star Darling are granting wishes for themselves. Now, continue this and gain your own!"
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"Why should Lady Stella want us to check in on Piper anyway, Tessa?" Gemma asked as they walked down the halls.
"I think it's because Piper may see the future. She'll be able to decide what is right." said Tessa.
"Should we approach her quietly in her room? The Meditation Club?" Gemma asked.
"Nah. I hear normally nobody steps foot in The Meditation Club. Too little people. I hear Cassie joined, but she hasn't been there in a while, I hear. Let's check her and her roommate, Vega's room," Tessa decided. "Together."
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Piper was in Vega and her in their joint room. Vega was somewhere else.
Vega's side of the room was decorated with a hanging bed and a ceiling for stargazing.
Piper's side of the room had sparce cushions and a circular bed. Mostly the floor was visible.
Then Gemma and Tessa walked in.
"Piper!" the two said.
Then she saw Piper on top of the floor. And she was floating.
"Um. What are you-"
"-Doing? What am I doing?"
"Uh."
"I learned long ago how to meditate while floating. I don't like to brag, so I never tell anybody. Secret, please?"
"Sure! I think you should tell me and Gemma something," Tessa said.
"Hmm?"
"First! Where's Veg-'" Gemma asked.
"At Puzzle Club," said Piper. "It's time for that, afterall."
"We're going to Wishworld again. The only thing is, we were told you may help us," Tessa said.
Piper stopped levitating. "It all works out!"
"What does?" Tessa asked.
"You like to eat yummy foods, right?" Piper asked.
"And cook them!" Gemma exclaimed.
Piper's eyes opened. I just had a vision! You need to go to Wishworld! And you'll go to visit Lizzie! And Arden! And Olivia!"
"Lizzie? Arden? Olivia?" Gemma asked. "Who are they?"
Tessa turned to her sister. "I may just've realize this, bit I should've told you Lizzie was my Wisher."
"You may visit a local pet shop in Wishworld that Lizzie works at. And Ander was Scarlet's, Wisher, if you remember! Now, Ander works at the zoo. Olivia is my old Wisher, by the way. Olivia works at a restaurant with her family. So, you may have fun working with animals and inventing food!"
Gemma and Tessa looked at each other.
"Should we start with the animals, first?" Tessa asked.
"Seems like our special-" Gemma admitted.
"Skills?" asked Piper.
Tessa rolled her eyes.
"One thing," said Gemma.
"Yes?" asked Tessa.
"Do you think we could be remembered?" Gemma asked Tessa.
"Maybe," Tessa said. "But let's focus on our missions first."
So, the girls went to Wishworld, looking for food and animals. Tessa went to see Lizzie and Gemma to Ander.
And soon, they would see Olivia.
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Tessa had landed on Wishworld. She had on emerald clothes, a lock of emerald in her brown hair and dark eyes.
She looked around, trying to find a place that was familiar from her last mission.
She passed by a billboard indicating the nearest farm was a long ways off, unfortunately. The rest of the neighborhood was a concrete jungle, also unfortunately.
She saw the old building. Tessa recognized it immediately. "HILLSBORO ANIMAL SHELTER".
"Welcome!" said a wavy-grey haired woman at the desk.
"Are you here to adopt?" asked another lady with similar hair.
"Hi, Penny! Hi, Donna! Where's Lizzie?" asked Tessa, right to business.
Both women were surprised.
"How do you know our names?" asked Penny.
"Um. Your nametags?" Tessa asked, nervously.
"Oh!" said Penny. "That's how you know! Now! How is it you know Lizzie?"
There was no way Tessa would be able to pretend to still be friends with the young Wishling.
"I don't know who Lizzie is," Tessa said to both ladies. "You're mistaken."
"Also, like I asked, are you here to adopt?" asked Donna.
Tessa decided to work with the usual Starling power-mind control.
"I have never worked here before. I am, now," Tessa said.
"You've never worked here before. You are, now," Penny and Donna said at the same time.
Tessa's wish pendant, a green, star shaped brooch, was leading her further into the shelter. But where?
"You will show me where Lizzie is," she turned to Penny with more more mind control.
"I will show you where Lizzie is," said Penny.
"Hey!" said Donna.
Tessa panicked. "Um. You will stay here!"
"I will stay here," Donna said. "I'm hungry."
"Follow me!" Penny gestured to Tessa. "Hmm. I smell raison cinnamon buns!"
That was another thing Tessa remembered-how adult Wishlings responded from mind control by remembering their favorite food. She also recalled Penny's specific dessert from last time.
It seemed that things were already looking up.
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Gemma had also landed on Wishworld. She was in an orange dress, a lock of orange hair in a mess of black hair and dark eyes. Since Scarlet and Ophelia had been there first, she had no idea where to look.
She was in a field of fresh, green grass, yellow flowers and bright, blue sky.
Her wish pendant, an orange pair of star-shaped earings, was guiding her to a strange building.
"Is that what they call a zoo?" Gemma asked herself.
Gemma entered the door. Her pendant showed her various exhibits.
There was a "pride" of lions, which Gemma saw looked like glions. There was a small cave full of bats, which were like bit-bats. Then she entered a moonbug or firefly exhibit in a social insect exhibit.
Her pendant guided her to a specific room full of people.
The room appeared to have thousands of bugs all over the place in all shapes and colors!
Flutterfocusses!
A young lady, tall with black braids, was talking into a microphone sitting under her ear.
"...And this is the butterfly room!" she said.
Gemma raised her hand. "Don't you mean, 'flutterfocuses'?"
The girl stared at her. "Um. No. Butterflies,"
"Why?" asked Gemma. "Do they create butter?" Are they a type of fly?"
The crowd laughed.
"No laughing! She's obviously from somewhere else!" the girl
defended.
Gemma smiled. "It's okay! I like when people laugh!"
"Even at your own expense?" asked the girl.
Gemma thought. "Well, maybe not."
The girl cleared her throat.
"Now, butterflies are cute, but they may be very scary! At one time, I was afraid of them! Then, for some strange reason, I conquered my fear! Class, I hope you conquer fear! Believe in yourself and everything will work out!"
Gemma realized something. "She must be Ander!"
As if on cue, her earings flashed brightly.
Soon, the tour was over. Gemma walked over to her Wisher.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Tessa followed Penny to a back room.
It was filled with dogs and cats of all sizes.
Then they went even further.
"This is my personal office," said Penny. "Here's my laptop."
Tessa learned about laptops in school. Apparently, Wishlings searched for information on them.
Penny pressed some buttons on the object's screen. Then a picture of someone popped up.
It was Lizzie! She had straight reddish hair, tied back in a short ponytail.
"Hi, Penny!" Lizzie said.
"Hi, Lizzie!" said Penny.
'Who's your friend?" Lizzie asked.
More panic. Tessa needed a reason to be there.
"I am working over here for a few days. My name is Tessa," she whispered in Penny's ear.
"She's working here for a few days. Her name is Tessa," Penny said.
Tessa remembered that Lizzie had left town to travel the world the last time she was there. But. She couldn't just act like she had known her.
"Is this a holo-call?" she asked.
"I'm a computer, Tessa," Lizzie said.
"So, where are you right now?" Tessa asked.
"Where aren't I?" she smiled.
"Lizzie's family is traveling the world," said Penny.
"I just wish I would be able to visit my favorite home!"
Tessa realized Lizzie's wish! To return home!
"Why don't you?" Tessa asked.
Lizzie slumped in her shoulders. "If only. I just don't have the money."
Then Tessa heard a voice. Two voices.
"I want to go home!"
"Me, too!"
"Those two are Tiny the dog and Cuddles the cat," Penny said.
"Ooh! May I see them?" Lizzie asked excitedly.
"Sure thing!" Penny said before entering another room.
She returned with a dog with big, floppy ears and was very slobbery. The cat was bigger than a normal cat.
"Here's Fiona!" Lizzie said as she presented her own dog.
"She's so cute!" said Penny.
"I'm surprised how big Cuddles is!" said Lizzie. "And I'll never forget Tiny's ironic nickname!"
"I own them," Penny explained. "But they're here because my apartment is being fumigated."
"That sounds bad!" said Lizzie.
"What's 'fumigated'?' Tessa asked.
"It's when pests like cockroaches overrun someone's house, and then are rid of," Penny said.
Tessa yelped. She didn't care what cockroaches where. It was the "rid of" she was worried about.
Lizzie was equally worried. "But-but!"
"I told them not to harm them, by the way. They're being dropped off at the local zoo." Penny said.
"The zoo!"' Tessa thought. The same zoo? She would be able to see Gemma!
But before she would be able to see her sister, an idea popped up for her.
"May you please allow me to see them?" Lizzie asked.
"Okay!" said Penny. "But let me leave the laptop here. It's hard to carry. I'll bring my phone!"
"Mind if I work here while you're away?" asked Tessa.
"I'll ask Donna to help you," Penny said. "You'll watch Tiny and Cuddles and Donna may watch the rest. We'll close early."
Penny put her pets in the same room as Tessa then left.
Tessa tried something. On the laptop.
"'How to get money in a short amount of time.'"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Gemma went to Ander.
"Um. Hi?" Gemma asked, not sure what else to say. "I liked your presentation!"
"Thank you!" Ander said.
"I'm Gemma. Who are you?"
"Ander!" the guide said.
"Do you like your job?" Gemma asked.
"I love my job!" Ander said.
Wrong wish.
"Is there somewhere else you'd rather be?"
Ander frowned. "Well. I wish I could volunteer with other exhibits. But because I'm so familiar with butterflies, they only let me work with them! Ander went red on the face. "I'm sorry! I shouldn't be telling you all this!"
"It's fine!" Gemma said. "I'll help you!"
"But how?" Ander asked.
"Let me talk to your boss!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Tessa had found what she was looking for. She had left Tiny and Cuddles with Donna. Her pendant guided her. She found the town zoo and walked in.
She saw the very first exhibit filled with cockroaches! It said so on a description right next to it.
Tessa saw Penny and her phone on looking towards another exhibit.
"'Butterflies'," Tessa read.
"Aren't they called, 'flutterfocuses' on Starland?" she asked herself.
"Tessa!" yelled somebody.
Tessa discovered her sister!
"What are you here for?" Gemma asked.
"I'm here to check on the cockroaches. And grant Lizzie's wish," Tessa said.
"You mean that new exhibit?" Gemma asked. "The workers here were so busy with it! I'm surprised they were so fast! They're cute, aren't they? The cockroaches?"
"Um,"
"Anyhow, I'm just about to grant my Wisher's wish!" Gemma said. "Or would you rather be ahead of me?"
Tessa glanced at her Wisher.
"My Wisher is right over there," she said. "I'll be the first one."
Tessa walked over to Penny and to the phone-Lizzie.
"Excuse me?"
Penny was surprised. "Where's Tiny and Cuddles?"
"I left them with Donna. I wanted you to know I started a money pool For Lizzie. I saw on an 'online address book' on Penny's desk of names. You also talk to Lizzie's friends, right, Penny?"
"Yes," said Penny. "In case they want to visit our kennel one day."
"Well, the money pool is money from all across the world. And all of Lizzie's friends are paying for her to travel to her favorite town again!"
"That's amazing!" said Lizzie. "Where you are, Penny! I want to be where you are!"
Energy flowed from Lizzie to Tessa. The usual energy.
Gemma walked over to the cockroach exhibit.
"I like you, too!" she said.
Tessa was alarmed. The others stared at her.
"This is my sister!" Tessa said. "Always cracking jokes!"
"The cockroaches are speaking to me!" Gemma whispered to Tessa.
Tessa was thrilled! Gemma had animal-speaking powers, just like she did!
"Okay!" said Ander, followed by another elderly lady. "Here's my boss, Gemma! Work your magic!"
"I'm not magic!" Gemma said.
"Just kidding!" the Tessa smiled nervously.
Gemma began. "You will allow Ander to work on all the exhibits. Not just one."
"I will allow Ander to work on all the exhibits. Not just one."
Energy flowed from Ander to Gemma.
Both wishes were granted!
Only, what would the Star Darlings' wishes be?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The girls had excused themselves so they may end up at the final Wisher's place or residence or work Tessa told Penny and Lizzie she was quitting. Gemma added they were traveling to a new home. Each Wishling was disappointed, Lizzie the most because she understood traveling.
They locked arms as they walked.
"Why haven't we erased their memories, Tessa?" Gemma asked.
Tessa frowned. "I want to hold off for as long as possible, Gemma. We'll erase them when we're done."
Both girls' pendants lit up.
"Ready?" asked Tessa.
"Ready!" said Gemma.
Then something happened.
Tessa's brooch lit up! Gemma's earings lit up!
Each pendant guided them in opposite directions!
"Looks we'll be apart again," Tessa said.
Gemma smiled. "Don't worry! We'll see each other soon!"
"Oh!" Tessa realized something. "Let's split our Starling foods for later! I bet Wishlings will like them!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The brooch lead Tessa to a building with the words, "BIG ROSIE'S DINER," on.
A lady in black and white approached her. "Hello, my name is, 'Diane', and I'll escort you to your seat!"
Diane lead Tessa to a booth near a window.
Then another lady in black and white approached. "I'm, 'Donna', and I'll be your server!"
"Oh! I know a 'Donna'!" Tessa said.
"Hmm. Maybe that name is popular?" Donna asked out loud.
"Maybe," Tessa said.
"Would you like a chocolate egg cream? They're rather popular!"
From a farm on Starland, Tessa knew about eggs. "Are the eggs from chickadoodles?"
Donna blinked. "You mean 'chicken noodles'"?
Tessa slumped in her chair. She forgot about chickens. "Never mind! But I think I'll try one."
A girl with a round face and dark hair in a ponytail in black and white walked over to them.
"Your shift is over, Donna," she said.
Donna left, waving goodbye.
Then Tessa's pendant lit up!
"I'm Olivia! And I'm your server for now! Here's your chocolate egg creme!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The earings lead Gemma a long ways away. She walked across town until she stopped at a building with the words, "'BIG ROSIE'S TECHNICAL CAREER CENTER',"
Gemma walked in.
All at once, students poured forth from dozens of doors. She was stuck in the crowd!
She found herself grabbed by the collar and pulled into another room.
"You okay?" the person who helped her asked.
"Yes, I'm fine!" Gemma asked. "Are you?"
"Need help finding your classes?"
Gemma got a good look of her.
She had a round face and dark hair in a ponytail. She was in what appeared a uniform. She knew because it looked the others students' clothes.
Then her pendant lit up!
"I'm Isabel!" she said. "I'm in Protective Services!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Tessa had eaten her chocolate egg creme and it was delicious!
She met a another man and woman.
"I'm Alice and this is my husband, Pete! Our daughters are Olivia and Isabel!"
Tessa looked around. "So, Olivia works here?"
"Yes," said Alice. "And Isabel lives across town. She's training to be a chef. A chef with more skills than others chefs. She used to live a longer way away, but they recently added a tech school in town and named it after Rosie."
"Well, at least Olivia probably won't miss Isabel," Tessa thought.
"And where's Rosie?" Tessa asked.
Alice frowned. "She is no longer with us."
Tessa also frowned. "I'm sorry."
"But! She was so special to the town, we named buildings after her. She may never have been a student at the tech school, 'BIG ROSIE'S TECHNICAL CAREER CENTERED'. But. She worked at the diner all her life," Alice explained.
"Hmm. She sounds important!" Tessa said.
Alice wanted to say something, but then she noticed something. "Is that rhubarb pie with strawberry crumb on top?"
"I don't think so," said Pete, behind the counter. "But I smell coconut cake."
Tessa thought of something. Maybe she should ask for more food so she may ask Olivia questions?
"May I please order a piece of coconut cake?" Tessa asked.
Pete shrugged. "It's not on the menu, but I'll manage."
While she waited, Tessa noticed a girl in green braces, one rather short and one with short hair entirely. They were chattering on, but she couldn't hear them.
Olivia appeared to be talking to them.
Then the three girls got up to leave. They were closer to Tessa's table.
"Bye Chase, Morgan, Ruby," Olivia said.
"You really should tell your parents, Olivia," the girl with the braces said.
"I think so, too," said the short girl.
"You'll be happier when you tell your parents that you want to inherit the family business. Not Isabel," said the girl with the short-haired girl.
They left and Olivia went to Tessa's table again.
"Who were they?" asked Tessa.
'Oh! Those are my friends, Chase, Morgan and Ruby! Why? And here's your coconut cake!"
"Just wondering. Also, it looks good!" Tessa said.
"Anything else?" Olivia asked.
Tessa bit into the flaky goodness. "Actually, I overheard you and your friends. Now. Why is it you want to run the family business?"
Olivia looked scared. Then she relaxed. "I guess because you already know I should tell you. Because I enjoy it. Yes. I want to work as a waitress my entire life,"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"What's Protective Services?" Gemma asked Isabel as they walked through the halls.
Isabel grinned. "It's where teens get early training so they may be police officers! Where's your class?"
"Um. Is there a class for cooking?" Gemma asked.
"Are you new?" asked Isabel.
Gemma knew she had to say , "Yes,"
"You're looking for Culinary Arts!"
Before she could suggest seeing Isabel's class, Isabel dragged Gemma to the "Cafeteria".
"You're creating food for the entire school during lunchtime!" Isabel said.
Then she left.
A woman with gray hair and something on her head approached Gemma. "I overheard you're new," she said. "But you still have to wear a hair net. Until you're done with the food. Then you may celebrate Crazy Hat Day with the rest of the students."
"Yes. Um,"
"Oh! Where are my manners? I'm Mrs. Hayes. I run the Culinary Arts class. Oh! Is that cheese pizza I smell?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"You need to tell your parents!" Tessa said to Olivia.
"But I'm having trouble..." Olivia said, looking off into the distance.
"You should never lie unless you have to," Tessa said.
"I know," Olivia said.
"Would you feel better if your sister helped you?" Tessa asked.
"Why her?" asked Olivia.
"Well. Sisters are better at these things than parents. At least that's the way it is with my sister. If she understands that you want what she has, she may agree," Tessa explained.
"There's an Open House tonight. That's when the parents meet the teachers and discuss our progress. I've been practicing my food-creating. Maybe if I help out in the Culinary Arts class and serve food for the ENTIRE SCHOOL and THE FACULTY and THEIR PARENTS, I'll be welcomed to join Culinary Arts!" Olivia said. "But there's a problem."
"Yes?" Tessa asked.
"I don't go to school there!" Olivia said.
"But your sister does!" Tessa said.
"Then maybe my sister will be able to help me!" Olivia said, elated. "But I have to prepare the food!"
"I'll help you!" said Tessa, getting out of her chair.
"Huh? You want to help? That's very kind of you!" Olivia said.
"I have special food from my home. Want to start with that?" Tessa realize asked.
"Foreign food? Sounds yummy!"
So, the girls got to work on food, together!
They made Druderwomps which was similar to burgers. Starcakes like pancakes. Finally, they finished off the ozziefruit muffins. They had everything except the last desert, the muffins.
"Are you ready?" Tessa asked Olivia.
"Yeah! Let's attend the school!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
After the school lunch was completed, the Culinary Arts students put on crazy hats. The rest of the students already wore them.
Isabel was wearing a green hat with a black buckle on it. She was also in a spiffy blue uniform.
Gemma went to the bathroom and changed clothes so that she had on an orange hat with yellow wind chimes on it. Then she put on a uniform that mirrored Isabel's.
She went out and waved at Isabel and Isabel waved back.
Gemma thought it was an invitation to sit next to her.
"Hello!" said Gemma as she sat down. "I like your hat!"
"I like yours, too! Mine is a St. Patrick's Day hat!" Isabel said.
"A what?" Gemma asked.
"You know, the holiday?" Isabel asked.
Gemma didn't know. "Ooh! St. Patrick's Day!"
"How'd you get a Protective Services uniform so quickly?" Isabel asked.
"Uh. I have all the uniforms! I'm a new student, after all." Gemma said.
"Hmm. In that case, want to see my class?" Isabel asked.
"Sure!" Gemma said.
"We usually star out with our studies before special training, but skipped that today because of Crazy Hat Day. But remove your hat. I should, too. Crazy Hat Day is over," Isabel said.
Isabel and Gemma walked over to the door Isabel went in before.
Then, a group of about 20 to 30 students in blue uniforms piled in. There was a pink head and shoulders of JR-Y6. The students also picked up pink objects.
"That is Mr. Punchy. He's the class dummy," Isabel pointed at the head. "And those kids over there are holding rubber guns. They can't actively harm anyone."
"'A dummy'? 'Guns'?" Gemma repeated.
"Dummy" was supposed to be a Wishling insult. A "gun"? Was that a weapon?
Isabel blinked.
"Just kidding!" Gemma said.
"Who is this?" asked a man approaching them. He had on a rainbow hat.
"Hey, Mr. Testa! This is Gemma! She. She. Uh." Isabel stammered.
Gemma didn't even have to use mind control.
"I'm from Culinary Arts. But I'm looking to transfer,"
"Excellent!" Mr. Testa said."Let's get started!"
He guided Gemma over to Mr. Punchy. "Now turn around. We'll start attacking from behind,"
Gemma elbowed Mr. Punchy in the face. "Now, here's a pair of handcuffs. Leave them on your belt."
Then both Isabel and Gemma were given rubber guns. Isabel was ahead.
"FREEZE, DIRT BAG!" Isabel yelled.
A boy in black and white stripes put up his hands. The girls cuffed him.
Mr. Testa walked over to the girls. "Excellent! Now, the day is almost over. Let's run the daily mile!"
Gemma didn't know what a mile was.
Outside was apparently a track just for running.
"Now, in case you're unaware, each day we run a mile. A mile is running around the track four times. Now, as you run, you may listen to music from your music devices. But hold onto your hat! We don't want it falling off!" Mr. Testa explained.
Isabel lined up, after she fished out a white rectangle and put two what appeared to be wires in her ears.
"Oh! Want to borrow mine?" Isabel asked.
"Is that a music device?" Gemma asked.
"Yes!" said Isabel.
"Then yes, please!" Gemma beamed.
Soon, they were running! Gemma listened to the music. It was different from Sparkle Rock, but still good.
The mile was ended with Isabel in front. Gemma was somewhere in the middle. Gemma was in awe of Isabel's speed! It reminded her of the fast Astra, who was a super-fast Star Darling.
The students were given towels to wipe the sweat off. Gemma returned the music device.
Well, she wanted to return it.
"You should keep it," said Isabel. "I have an extra I'm sharing with my sister. She has it right now. It also records things. Not just music. But any sound!"
Gemma was delighted! "I have a sister, too!" Maybe her sister had to do with Isabel's wish?
"Yes. She works at the local diner," Isabel said.
"Do you work there?" Gemma asked.
Isabel frowned. "No. Not anymore. You see, the tech school's get half day students from ROSIE'S HIGH. Or full-day students. I work at the tech school full-time. But I never told my family what they want-for me to be in Culinary Arts. To run the family business. What I really want is to be a cop. So, I'm in Protective Services. Without telling them."
"Isn't there a way to let them know?" asked Gemma.
"I've thought about it. There's an Open House tonight. The teachers and students meet and show off their skills," said Isabel.
"You should show off your cop skills!" Gemma said.
"Exactly! Here we go!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Tessa, Gemma, Isabel and Olivia all gathered backstage. It was dark. Tessa and Olivia were in black and white waitress outfits. Gemma was a crook and Isabel was a cop.
Then Mrs. Hayes turned up. She had on a. Cowboy hat?
"You're the new girl, right?" she asked Gemma.
"Yes. Why?" Gemma asked.
Mrs. Hayes grabbed her arm, rather gently. "The Culinary Arts students don't show talents. They give out treats in the aisles. And don't let me catch you in a criminal outfit! You're supposed to leave your cooking outfit on!"
"But-But-I was checking out different classes!"
Olivia called out from the curtains. "I'm new, too! I brought my own treat."
Olivia decided to help the Wishlings involving food because, after all, she was meant to help and she had leftovers from the beginning of her visit to Wishworld.
The girls each were lead into the audience.
Gemma passed out Starling food from Starland. She was surprised Olivia followed suit.
Olivia passed out food and Gemma dished out drinks.
Gemma dished out Puckerup Juice, a juice, Twinkle Tea, a tea and Zing, a popular breakfast drink.
"That was my sister!" said Tessa.
"And my sister!" said Isabel.
"I'm Tessa, by the way," Tessa told Isabel. "My sister is called, 'Gemma'."
"Isabel," Isabel told Tessa. "She's called, 'Olivia'. Apparently my sister has been attending school here! Without telling any of our family. Maybe I just never noticed because she was in another class? Because she's new?"
"I may say for certain that my sister isn't attending," Tessa said. "I'm sure of it,"
"My family knows that I'm attending. They just don't know what class I'm in: Protective Services. I want to be a cop," Isabel told her. "Gemma was just looking about a class to join. She was supposed to help me with my studies today, but she's too busy giving out food right now. Apparently."
"What about me? Want me to help you?"
Isabel smiled. "Of course! But you'll have to follow me exactly!"
The girls peeked behind the curtain.
Gemma and Olivia were indeed giving out food. The parents were nowhere to be seen. Their assigned seats were empty.
"If Mom and Dad aren't here, than it won't matter," said Isabel.
"They'll arrive soon," said Tessa.
A man nearby with a suit and a microphone spoke: "Next up, Gemma and Isabel!"
Isabel went on stage and whispered in his ear.
"TESSA and Isabel!"
Isabel gestured to Tessa. She put a rubber gun to her head.
"Now, elbow me!" Isabel said.
Tessa had trouble elbowing Isabel the right way, but eventually got it.
"Now, run!" said Isabel.
Tessa ran around and around until Isabel tackled her to the floor. Then she put her in handcuffs.
"Now bow!" Isabel.
"Already?" asked Tessa.
Tessa and Isabel bowed. Tessa did bow, a little awkwardly in the cuffs, but managed.
Then something happened.
Alice and Pete arrived! They were in their seats watching the whole thing!
Oliva dropped her goodies and ran.
Isabel hid behind the curtain.
Alice and Pete exchanged looks. Then Alice chased after Olivia and Pete climbed on stage after Isabel.
"Let me help!" Gemma said as she followed Alice.
"I'll help, too!" Tessa said, following Pete.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Olivia found the gymnasium by accident. There was sport equipment and stairs and tall nets on either side. Probably to allow participants in Wishling sports and fans.
She was busy slumped over in a seat when Isabel went in.
"So! You go to school here, too?" Isabel asked.
Olivia looked over her shoulder. "No. But I want to."
Isabel sat next to her. "Really?! Because I don't!"
"I saw you with that girl on stage. Do you want to be a police officer?" Olivia asked.
"I prefer, 'cop'," said Isabel. "And yes. How about you? You still want to waitress?"
"Yes. But we-myself and a friend of mine-worked all day in the diner so I may show off my talents here, tonight. So I may be excepted into the tech school," said Olivia.
"I just don't know how to tell our parents!" said Isabel.
"Me, either!" Olivia said.
Then Isabel thought of something. "Fist bump!"
"What a weird time for childish things!" Olivia said.
"Hey! Who's the older sister, here?" Isabel asked rhetorically.
"Okay. Fist bump!" said Olivia.
Isabel fist bumped her sister, but found something in her pocket.
"So! How do you think we may tell our parents?" Isabel asked.
"Well, we already showed off our talents to them tonight. It'll be no big problem from here on in. Now they'll know I plan on waitressing and you will be fighting crime for a long time!"
Then the Star Darlings and Alice and Pete walked in.
"Why did you two run away?" Alice asked her children.
"Did you hear our conversation?" Olivia asked.
"No,"
All at once, a recorded voice was from Isabel's sleeve. "Well, we already showed off our talents to them tonight. It'll be no big problem from here on in. Now they'll know I plan on waitressing and you will be fighting crime for a long time!"
"My music!" Olivia exclaimed.
"It's also a voice recorder, Olivia!" Isabel said. "I borrowed yours, remember?"
A silence filled the room.
"What now?" asked Gemma.
"I think that we have no choice," said Alice. "It's time to follow your dreams, girls! Be a cook! Be a cop, whatever give you happiness!"
All art once, energy flew forth from Olivia and Isabel.
More wishes were granted!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Soon, it was time to leave for Starland.
But they wanted to say, "Goodbye".
So, they invited all their Wishling friends for a party!
"Libby would enjoy this!" Gemma mentioned to Tessa.
First arrived Penny and Lizzie. Lizzie, no longer to deal with money problems, brought her dog, Fiona. Penny's dog, Tiny, and her cat, Cuddles, also attended. Then Ander. Then Olivia and Isabel as well as their parents, Alice and Pete, the four of which didn't need to travel, because the party was held at the diner.
The tables were covered in white, linen table clothes. There was spices with strange names instead of just, "Salt", "Pepper" or "Sugar".
Everyone ordered the quesadilla when a knock was heard on the door.
"I'll get it!" said Olivia.
Olivia went to the door. "Is this a vacuum cleaner?" she asked aloud.
Tessa and Gemma exchanged looks, then went over to see what she was talking about.
It was SL-D9!
"Um. Yes, Olivia!" said Gemma said. "We ordered a vacuum cleaner! The place is kinda dirty, you know?"
Isabel rolled her eyes. "No arguing with that!"
"We'll bring it outside to get a good look of it! Until then, carry on!" Tessa said.
"What is it, Dina?" Tessa asked the Bot-Bot.
"I'm telling you two to go home," SL-D9 said.
"But why are you here? Shouldn't another girl be sent over here to help?" Tessa asked.
"That's just the thing! I'm only here to fetch you two! You don't have to go home if you don't want to!" SL-D9 said.
Tessa and Gemma exchanged frowns.
"Do you want to stay?" Tessa asked.
"Don't you?" Gemma asked. "I thought you wanted to work with Starland AND Wishworld?"
Tessa frowned as well. "Yes. But we may only work with one at a time. I mean, just as people remind us, if we travel to both planets, our new friends will forget and remember us and forget us all the time!"
"Not anymore!" SL-D9 said. "Because I and other Bot-Bots will help you!"
"How?" asked Tessa.
"We aren't bound by Wishling issues. They always remember us, being created of metal and wires! So! I'm going to bring Starland food to you and Wishland food to your friends!"
The girls were elated!
They each others' hands and jumped in glee.
"Now, you should know that the situation with Scarlet and Violet's father has been fixed the same way-as long as she stays on Wishworld like you two. You are able to send gifts and letters and other things across the stars, as well! Now, what do you have for me?" SL-D9 explained.
"A chocolate egg creme!" Gemma jumped. "Piper once told me about them!"
"Is that a Wishworld or a Starland dish?" Tessa asked Gemma.
"I don't know, but our other friends may like it!" Gemma grinned.
"Then let's send that first!" said the Bot-Bot. "Anything you want from Starland?"
"How about ozziefruit muffin mix?" Tessa asked. "I ran out.
"Me, too!" said Gemma.
"We should be able to turn it into something even better!"
SL-D9 was about to jet out of there, when she almost forgot something. "Before I go, I should tell you the reason I'm here is that Piper had another vision: a big apartment building and a school! Here's a map!"
A fin piece of paper trickled out from a small compartment in SL-D9.
"BIG ROSIE'S TECHNICAL CAREER CENTER".
"You may study Wishling food here. Now, I shall leave!"
Then two energy orbs poured from both girls.
"It seems you've granted wishes involving staying here," SL-D9 said.
"So we have!" said Tessa.
Then the Bot-Bot zoomed towards the stars.
"Let's go, Gemma," said Tessa.
"To our new home?" Gemma asked.
"To our new friends!" Tessa said.
"Oh!" Gemma stopped in her tracks. "Where will we work?"
"Where won't we work?" Tessa grinned. "I still have leftover Starland food from before!"
"Me, too!" Gemma said.
"We'll start with those foods! We'll serve them outside of our new apartment," Tessa said. "And we'll ask to partner at ROSIE'S!"
And so, the two Star Darlings were able to be remembered by their new friends. And they might. Just might. In the future, find a way to be with all of their friends!