Chapter 12: Last day of school before the Christmas break and the visit to Daphne's place
December 20, 1968
In the weeks since the school's annual Halloween party, all was usual at Coolsville Central High School for Shaggy and his friends. However, that sense of normalcy was largely overshadowed by the startling discovery at Gary Bennett's locker made during the mystery-solving event at the party.
The following day after the Halloween party, Biff, April, Debbie, Augie, and Mark told Principal Spears of their discovery, and while he was not exactly pleased by the circumstances surrounding the discovery, he agreed with their assessment on the bad optics and seriousness of the questions raised stemming from the discovery.
While the principal didn't make any promises that the matter would be investigated, he has assured them that he would look into the matter discreetly.
It was under that backdrop that the last day of school came before the Christmas break, and with not much going on during chemistry class that afternoon, Shaggy was seated with his usual group.
"So what do you guys have planned for the Christmas break?" Tinker asked.
"Well, Linda, our parents, Too-Much and I are going to return to my grandparents' place in Vermont for Christmas." W.W. said. "Then, we're off to New York to visit my other cousins."
"Like, wow." Shaggy remarked. "Are you guys flying or taking the train?"
"We're taking the train." W.W. replied. "The train ride is just about what I've always looked forward to for Christmas."
"I'll say." Daphne agreed. "The railroad companies has always offered interesting packages for the holiday travels."
"I take it that you've taken the train across the country before, Daphne?" Henry asked.
"Sure did." Daphne nodded. "And as much it is convenient to travel by car on our own time, it just doesn't feel the same without the charm from the sleepers and enjoying the scenery without having to worry about the road conditions."
"You said it, Daph." Shaggy nodded as they turned towards Tinker and he added, "What about you, Tinker?"
"Well, my family and I are spending Christmas in Florida, where my grandparents lived." Tinker explained. "Though it sure feels weird celebrating Christmas there, since it doesn't snow in Florida during Christmas."
"Nor does it snow in Australia and New Zealand during Christmas." Henry pointed out. "In fact, they celebrate Christmas in the summer."
"Oh, never thought about that." Tinker nodded thoughtfully. "I'd imagine they must've had Christmas barbecues then."
"I imagine so." W.W. agreed.
"What about you, Henry?" Shaggy asked. "What's your plan for the winter break?"
"Well, my family and I are returning to San Francisco to celebrate Christmas with some old friends." Henry replied. "Then, we'll be flying back to Hong Kong and spend New Years with our extended family there."
"Sounds groovy, Henry." Daphne remarked. "Does your family celebrate Christmas?"
"Well, my family does, but not my relatives living in China or in Hong Kong." Henry replied. "Christmas is not recognized as a holiday there, though December 25th is recognized in China as the day the country's new constitution took effect."
"How about that." Tinker remarked. "So you've got relatives living back in Hong Kong and in China, eh?"
"Yes." Henry nodded. "They're mainly split between Hong Kong, Rampoo (蘭波), and Canton (Chinese name:廣州), all within the Pearl Delta region."
"I see." W.W. nodded understandingly before turning to Daphne and asked, "How about you, Daphne?"
"Well, my family and I are spending Christmas at my grandparents place at Beverly Hills." Daphne replied. "I have to admit, though, that it's not going to be as exciting as travelling out of the state like you guys are doing."
"Like, don't feel too bad about it, Daph." Shaggy said. "My grandparents are coming over to Coolsville from Plymouth this year, so Scoob and I are pretty much stuck here for the winter break."
"Oh, groovy, Shag!" Daphne smiled as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "Since Freddie and his family are going to be in New Hampshire at his paternal grandparents place for the Christmas break, I guess I've got you and Scooby and Sugie for company."
"And besides, Beverly Hills is only like a 30-minute train ride from here." Henry added.
"How about that." Shaggy remarked. "Guess our winter plans lined up well."
By the time the school day ended, the school building was just about as deserted as the museum after visiting hours.
"I sure am glad that school's over for Christmas and New Years, guys." Fred remarked as they walked down the sidewalk together.
"Yeah." Shaggy agreed. "Now for the Christmas celebrations, can't wait for that."
"Besides your paternal grandparents in New Hampshire, are you visiting anyone else during the holidays, Fred?" Daphne asked.
"My maternal grandparents lives in Newport Cove on Rhode Island, so we'll be dropping by there on the 26th." Fred responded.
"Like, whereabouts in New Hampshire does your paternal grandparents live, Fred?" Shaggy asked.
"Peterborough." Fred replied. "We'll be arriving at Boston first, then get to Manchester via interurban, where our grandparents will pick us up."
"I see." Shaggy nodded understandingly, which is when they heard someone honking the car horn from behind.
Turning to look, the quartet saw Fred's brother Geoff behind the wheel with Peggy, who was waving her hand, and Skip on the back passenger seats.
"Mom, Dad, Geoff." Fred said as they stopped. "I didn't know you guys were picking me up after school."
"It was kinda last minute change of plans, Fred." Geoff explained. "Originally, the plan was for you and I to head home first, but Dad's office party ended earlier than planned, so he and Mom first came by the university to pick me up, and then we decided to pick you up on the way home."
"Ah, that's good." Fred said as he opened the front passenger door.
As Fred got on the car, Daphne said to him, "So I guess if I don't see you again, Freddie, safe travels to New Hampshire."
"And an early Merry Christmas to you, Fred." Shaggy added.
"Thanks, guys, and same to you." Fred smiled as he closed the door and buckled up.
"Best that we be on our way." Skip said to Geoff once Fred was buckled up.
Facing Shaggy, Scooby, and Daphne, Peggy said. "And an early Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you kids, too."
"Thanks, Mrs. Jones." Daphne smiled as Geoff shifted the car into drive.
After waving their goodbyes to the Jones, Shaggy, Scooby and Daphne turned to each other as the car disappeared into the distance.
"So I guess it's now just you, Scooby and me, Shag." Daphne said as they carried on walking down the sidewalk.
"Yeah." Shaggy nodded as they walked by a stopped streetcar while crossing the street. "So is it just your paternal grandparents in Beverly Hills that you'll be visiting this Christmas, Daph?"
"Yes." Daphne nodded. "I've never met my maternal grandparents, as they both passed before I was born."
"Sorry to hear." Shaggy said. "Guess Scoob and I are fortunate that our grandparents from both sides are still around and kicking."
"That's good." Daphne said. "Out of curiosity, when you said that your grandparents are visiting from Plymouth, which side are they from?"
"Dad's side." Shaggy explained. "They are also the owners of Scooby's paternal grandparents. Both our maternal grandparents are in Michigan, specifically Belleville, just outside Detroit."
"I see." Daphne said. It was at the tip of her tongue to say more when Shaggy's stomach started growling.
"Hungry, Shag?" Daphne asked.
"Yeah, you can say that, Daph." Shaggy said as he felt his stomach. "Felt like forever since we've had lunch."
"It's only 3, Shag." Daphne said as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "But I'll whip up some cookies for you and Scooby when we stop by my place."
"Like, sounds groovy, Daph." Shaggy smiled. "Perhaps you'll like me and Scooby to help you out in the kitchen."
"Appreciate it, Shag." Daphne smiled back. "Just don't sample all the dough."
"Don't worry, Daph." Shaggy said. "Even our stomachs don't do well with raw dough, and besides, cookies taste better after they're baked and are fresh out of the oven."
"Uh, guys, mind if I ask you something?" Daphne asked.
"Like, sure, Daph." Shaggy said. "I take it whatever you're gonna ask us about is to remain between the three of us?"
"That's right." Daphne nodded. "It's about Freddie. Many of my friends have been suggesting that I should go out with him, and I wonder if you guys are alright with the idea."
Shaggy and Scooby turned to each other and thought for a while. Then, Shaggy spoke.
"Well, Freddie is really a nice guy, Daph." Shaggy replied. "Besides, the two of you look perfect together, you know, the handsome-looking football player with an attractive redhead like you, Daph. It's just like in those Disney works where the handsome prince and a beautiful lady or princess fall in love."
"Reah." Scooby nodded in agreement. "Rou could give rim a chance."
Daphne nodded understandingly. "Maybe a few dates with him then I'll decide."
"Like, you'd better be quick, Daph." Shaggy commented. "I can tell that several other girls are probably trying to ask him out, and as far as I can tell, Fred's got a quick decision to make, because you've got plenty of guys who're trying to ask you out."
"Yeah." Daphne agreed, although she still doesn't feel quite sure.
As if knowing her doubts, Shaggy added, "Well, even if you and Fred decide to go out together, Daph, as always, you can count on Scoob, I, and Mags any time you need to discuss something."
Daphne nodded thoughtfully as they arrived in their neighbourhood.
"Very well, Norville." Wendy nodded as her son told her about Daphne's invitation of him and Scooby to her place to hang out. "Just make sure you and Scooby arrive home for supper, unless the Blakes decides to invite us for dinner."
"Like, sure thing, Mom." Shaggy nodded before he, Scooby and Daphne made their way out of the house.
After crossing Easy Street and entering the gate, the trio arrived at the front door to the Blake Mansion.
A knock on the door led to the Blake family butler opening the door.
"Ah, Master Blake, Master Rogers and Master Doo." The butler said in greeting.
"Good day, Jenkins." Shaggy replied as he and Scooby nodded at the butler. "Nice day outside, isn't it?"
"It sure is, Master Rogers." Jenkins nodded as he let the trio in. "Is there anything you young masters request?"
"Uh, not at the moment, Jenkins." Daphne replied.
"Any refreshments, Master Rogers, Master Doo?" Jenkins asked as he turned to Shaggy and Scooby.
"Like, no, thank you." Shaggy replied. "We're good."
"Reah." Scooby nodded in agreement.
"Very well." Jenkins nodded. "Master Rogers, Master Doo and Master Blake."
After the butler closed the door and took his leave, the trio made their way to the kitchen, running into Daphne's father George in the process.
"Hello, my dear Daphne." George smiled. "And hello, Norville and Scooby."
"Like, good afternoon, Mr. Blake." Shaggy smiled as he and Scooby shook hands with George. "How are you?"
"I'm doing good, boys." George replied. "Nice day outside, isn't it?"
"It sure is, Dad." Daphne agreed. "And school's out."
"I can see that." George nodded. "So what's the occasion for inviting Norville and Scooby over, Daphne?"
"Oh, I just figured they'll like to help me out in making some after-school snacks, Dad." Daphne replied.
"Ah, okay." George smiled. "Just make sure you three clean up after you're finished. I don't want Charles to work his head off in cleaning up the kitchen."
"No worries, Mr. Blake." Shaggy replied as Scooby mock-saluted him.
"Very well." George nodded before taking his leave.
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