Chapter 9: From Bachelor to Engaged
Sparkyville, USA, 7:00
Schroeder, now 21-almost-22, was closing up his music store, which he named Schroeder's Symphonies. After leaving high school, he went to work at the music store. His employer eventually suggested Schroeder open his own music store. A couple of years later, Schroeder had opened his store. He would still play his piano whenever he finished work for the day. Even though Heather the Little Red-Haired Girl had moved away, Schroeder's girlfriend since middle school, Mary Stewart, remained in Sparkyville. Right after Beethoven's last birthday, Schroeder had asked for Mary's hand in marriage, to which she happily obliged.
When Schroeder got home, there, standing at the front door, was Mary Stewart, now also 21-nearly-22. She looked rather worried.
"Hey there, Mary." said Schroeder.
"Hey, Schroederkins." said Mary Stewart.
Schroeder noticed the look on Mary's face.
"What's wrong, Mary?" asked Schroeder. "Usually you're happy, but now, you're being quite contrary."
"Schroeder." said Mary. "Something shocking happened a couple of hours ago!"
"What's that?"
"It's Emerald Green!"
"Haven't heard that name in a long time. What about Emerald?"
"Emerald drowned herself."
"GOOD GRIEF!" exclaimed Schroeder.
"I know!" said Mary. "Mary Jo sent me the news via phone call."
"I never knew Emerald was so unhappy with her life." sighed Schroeder. "I thought, with all her belittling of everyone, especially Tommy, she enjoyed her life."
"There's still no word on when the funeral is, but Mary Jo will let me know when it is."
"I'll think about it too." said Schroeder. "Hope to get some closure on the Emerald issue. Anyway, let's not think about it now, it's dinner time."
"And after dinner, I'll spread the news to someone else I know." Mary Stewart thought.
Next Chapter: Naturally Curly Hairdresser finds out