Author's note:
Well, as much I wanted to reply all the reviewers, sadly I'm not going to do it since it's not an official chapter hahahahaha. But something I know you guys are going to love reading it. I'm going to edit most of the chapters since someone actually pointed out some grammar mistakes on where I should be editing.
But I also wanted to give you all a taste of the next year. So have fun reading to this chapter Hahahahahahahaha.
The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft golden hue over the quiet suburban streets. Jude stood at the edge of his neighborhood, skateboard underfoot and backpack slung over his shoulder. The weight of determination sat lightly on his usually carefree shoulders. He adjusted his hat, grinned to himself, and pushed off with one foot, the familiar hum of wheels against pavement filling the air.
Jude's journey had officially begun.
He did the perfect plan before leaving the mall on the last day, he placed a good substitute in emergency cases, and even leave a note he was sick on the day, making a good distraction for the public don't try to bother his idea of crossing around to his journey.
His objective? Take the kebab sticks with him, and ask his childhood friend is she was willing to accept the sticks as change instead of money.
He glided smoothly through streets and alleys, taking shortcuts wherever possible. Every so often, he kicked up his board into his hands and jogged across intersections, then hopped back on with practiced ease. When the roads opened up and the traffic thinned, he began showing off his skills—not to anyone in particular, but because skating was his thing.
Suddenly Jude got a call from his flip-phone.
"Hello, dude?" Jude asked as he was using the flip-phone while skateboarding. Doing his best to not be distracted from being hit or falling from his skateboard.
"Hey Jude, how are you?" Then Caitlin's voice had been instantly recognized as the blonde boy took another path in an alley as he was avoiding his problems and following into a single direction. Going to Ottawa, and he was doing his best to keep track with the conversation.
"I'm doing good," Jude said as he jumped from the sidewalk and went on the street again.
"Oh great, I'm glad that you are fine, did you happen to see Jonesy? It's because the manager really got angry this time and it seems that he fired Jonesy without him being here." Caitlin explained the situation as Jude seemed to be avoiding the car.
"I wish I could know where he is, but I'm not at the mall, I'm not going to be work today." Jude explained as he did an olie, which imediatelly had to flinch from the sudden shout of his friend.
"WHAT? WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DIDN'T COME TO WORK TODAY?" Caitlin sounded very upset and outraged, but Jude couldn't help, he had to continue his adventure.
"I'm in a mission dudette," Jude replied as he traveled across the streets, still going after the direction where he believes would be the perfect path for another city. "Courtney paid up for those sticks and I will give her the sticks as change for what she paid up."
"But Jude, you don't know where she lives," Caitlin had given a very good point, however, Jude was very stubborn and he knew how to reply such point.
"You are wrong, I know Courtney talked with her friends that she moved to Ottawa, so that's where I'm heading right now. And in case I get tired I could take the subway there, also tell Zeke, dude, thanks for the money, I'm using them to go to find her." Jude was grateful, he really was. Having the money to track down her friend, even as it would take hours or days, he was glad that he had something he could use to pay for him to stay somewhere at night or could pay for food when he's hungry.
"But what about your job? Aren't you going to be in trouble if your boss find out?" Caitlin asked as Jude simply was passing the streets and even giving a few tricks around.
"I called a sick day, left a note that I got a terrible case of diarrhea and a medical diagnostic from a doctor who was my neighborhood, also I gave a replacement to take my place." Jude said as he was passing towards the street.
"You mean the mop with a bucket on the top?" Caitlin asked as Jude hummed in agreement.
"Yeah, it helped me when I needed to get out for a service," Jude commented as he avoided the traffic even as the horns of the cars almost hit him, which he simply was chill from the dangers happening around. "I will keep in touch in case I get across the city,"
"Hey Jude, do you want me to call Courtney to ask her where she lives? I think that would help you in case you have to look around the entire city for her." Then Jude just heard Ezekiel's voice coming through the phone which made the skateboard blonde boy simply smiled in appreciation.
"That would be cool dude," Jude said as he almost got himself caught by a car. "Ops, sorry dude, anyway, call you guys later."
And with that Jude turned his flipphone and continued to skate around the streets, hoping to find the right location.
A man at a hotdog cart carefully layered ingredients onto a steaming bun, creating a masterpiece for an eager customer. The client's eyes lit up as the vendor wrapped the hotdog, ready to hand it over—only for it to vanish in a blur of motion. Startled, the vendor looked down to find a five-dollar bill in his hand instead.
"Hey, what the—?" the vendor stammered, whipping his head around.
Both he and his customer could only catch a glimpse of a figure on a skateboard, vanishing down the street with effortless speed, turning sharply at the next corner.
Jude glanced down at the hotdog in his hand, his expression brightening.
"Cool," he murmured, taking a big, satisfying bite.
As he cruised through the streets, he popped a small ollie over a fire hydrant and veered to the right, weaving through pedestrians with practiced ease. The day was a blur of movement and tricks as he navigated the unfamiliar city, the wheels of his skateboard humming beneath him.
After hours of skating, Jude's legs began to ache. He stomped on the tail of his board, catching it deftly in his hand as he slowed to a stop. Looking around, he sought some kind of subway station to continue his journey.
Instead, he found a sign pointing to the OC Transpo bus stop.
"Aw, no subway?" Jude groaned, his shoulders sagging. With no other option, he reached into his pocket, fished out enough money for a ticket, and waited for the bus.
As the bus pulled up, Jude climbed aboard and scanned his surroundings. Settling into a seat near the back, he placed his skateboard between his legs and leaned back with his hands clasped behind his head.
"Okay, if Ezekiel was right, Bridgette said Courtney lives a few streets away in Glebe," he muttered to himself, stretching his legs. His muscles protested after the long day, but the thought of delivering the kebabs in his backpack kept him motivated. "Easy peasy, dude. Just take this bus to the right stop, transfer to the next route, and bam—Courtney gets her sticks. Nothing to it!"
He grinned confidently, his eyes briefly scanning the passing scenery through the window.
Five minutes later…
"Zzzzzzzzz…"
Jude had succumbed to the gentle monotony of the bus ride, snoring lightly as he leaned back in his seat. Oblivious to the stops he was passing, he failed to notice that the bus was heading in the opposite direction of Glebe. Instead of transferring to Route 99, he remained blissfully unaware that Route 97 was carrying him farther and farther from his intended destination.
One Hour Later…
"Wha—what?" Jude jolted awake, blinking rapidly as he took in his surroundings. The bus had stopped, and a steady flow of passengers was filing out onto the platform.
He rubbed his eyes and stretched, groaning softly. "Ugh… how long was I out?"
Sliding his skateboard to the floor, he stood up and glanced around, noting that the interior of the bus was almost empty now. Stepping off, he squinted at a nearby sign.
"Hurdman?" Jude read aloud, tilting his head. "Wait a sec…" He stared at the map posted on the wall of the bus stop, his brain slowly piecing it together.
"Duuuude," he groaned, smacking his forehead lightly. "I totally took the wrong route!"
Checking his watch, his shoulders slumped further. It was nearly 7 p.m., and the dimming sunlight bathed the city in warm, golden hues. His legs still ached from hours of skating earlier in the day, and now he faced the realization that he was farther from his destination than ever.
After letting out a resigned sigh, he pocketed his hands and shuffled down the sidewalk, skateboard tucked under his arm. "Guess I'll have to call it a day," he muttered. "Find a place to crash tonight and figure this out tomorrow."
The streets were bustling with people heading home from work, couples strolling hand in hand, and the occasional street performer entertaining small crowds. Jude's stomach grumbled, and he briefly considered grabbing another hotdog—legitimately this time—but his focus quickly shifted back to finding a place to stay.
After a few blocks, he spotted a flickering neon sign that read VACANCY.
"Alright, that'll do," Jude said, his spirits lifting a little. He headed inside, ready to rest up and regroup for the next leg of his journey.
The next morning, Jude emerged from the motel, feeling somewhat refreshed and ready to tackle the new day. Slinging his backpack over one shoulder and gripping his skateboard tightly, he vowed to rely on his most trusted ally once more: the trusty board beneath his feet.
"I got this," Jude muttered to himself, determination glinting in his eyes. "No more distractions, no more wrong turns. It's just me, the road, and my sweet ride."
With that, he pushed off, cruising smoothly along the streets of Ottawa. The morning sun was bright but gentle, casting long shadows as the city began to hum with life. Jude weaved effortlessly between pedestrians, hopping over curbs and dodging small obstacles. His focus was razor-sharp, his movements precise.
Nothing was going to stop him now.
That is, until he heard music.
A curious tune floated through the air, drawing his attention like a magnet. Unable to resist, he skidded to a stop and turned toward the source of the sound.
There, on the sidewalk, stood a man with a lively puppet dancing at his feet. The puppet moved as if alive, twisting, flipping, and grooving to the rhythm of the music. The man wasn't even touching it—just waving his hands in a way that seemed to command the little figure like a maestro conducting an orchestra.
"Duuuuuude," Jude said, his jaw dropping. He rolled closer, utterly mesmerized. "That's crazy! How does he even do that?"
Jude parked himself near the performer, his skateboard resting against his leg as he watched the puppet's moves with rapt attention. The little wooden figure seemed to defy gravity, performing intricate spins and even a backflip that earned a round of applause from the small crowd gathering nearby.
Time melted away as Jude's curiosity deepened. At one point, he approached the man, his face glowing with excitement.
"Hey dude, you gotta tell me—how are you making it move like that? Some kind of invisible strings? Magic? Telekinesis?" Jude asked, his tone brimming with enthusiasm.
The man chuckled, shaking his head with a mischievous grin. "A magician never reveals his secrets, my friend."
Jude frowned playfully, crossing his arms. "Aw, come on! Just one hint?"
But the man simply tipped his hat and continued the performance, leaving Jude more intrigued than ever.
And that's how Jude spent the next four hours—completely forgetting his mission as he became immersed in the puppet show. He even attempted to mimic the puppet's moves, clumsily spinning his skateboard around like it was part of the act. The crowd dispersed and re-formed over time, but Jude stayed firmly planted, fascinated by the man's skill and the puppet's impossible grace.
Eventually, the performer packed up, leaving Jude with no answers but plenty of admiration.
"That was gnarly," Jude said, watching the man stroll away. He glanced at the sky, noticing how much the sun had shifted. "Wait… what time is it?"
Checking his watch, he gasped. "Duuuuuude! Four hours?! I've been here four hours?"
Panicked, Jude jumped back onto his skateboard. "Okay, for real this time—no more distractions. I've got a mission to finish!"
Jude pushed forward, speeding down the streets with his skateboard, intent on sticking to his mission this time. The city buzzed around him—cars honking, people chatting, and vendors calling out to passersby. None of it distracted him. He was laser-focused.
That is, until he heard something completely unexpected.
"Hit me with your best shot! Fire awaaaay!"
Jude skidded to a stop, his eyes darting around for the source of the familiar song. To his surprise, he spotted a parrot perched on a street performer's arm, belting out the tune with impressive accuracy. A small crowd had gathered, clapping and cheering as the bird mimicked the singer's voice perfectly.
"Duuuuude!" Jude exclaimed, his focus evaporating in an instant. He rolled closer, his eyes wide with amazement. "Is that parrot actually singing?"
The performer, a man in a brightly colored vest and a fedora, grinned proudly. "Sure is! Meet Freddy, the city's most talented feathered vocalist."
Freddy squawked as if on cue, then launched into another verse. "Don't stop believin'! Hold on to that feelin'!"
Jude's jaw dropped. "This is insane! Where do you even find a parrot that can sing like that?"
The man chuckled. "Freddy's a natural. Picked it up listening to classic rock radio at my place."
Jude couldn't help but stick around, laughing and clapping along as the parrot transitioned to Bohemian Rhapsody. "Duuude, this bird's got pipes! How long did it take to train him?"
"About three years," the man replied, tossing Freddy a treat. "Worth every second, though. Freddy's got the moves, too—watch this!"
The performer whistled, and Freddy hopped down to the sidewalk, bobbing and flapping in rhythm with the music. Jude joined the growing crowd, cheering and pumping his fist in the air.
And just like that, another hour disappeared.
When the parrot finally wrapped up its set and the crowd began to disperse, Jude blinked and checked his watch.
"No way… an hour? AGAIN?" he groaned, running a hand through his hair. He stared at Freddy, who gave a triumphant squawk as if mocking him. "Man, these artists are everywhere! It's like the city's out to distract me or something."
Despite his exasperation, Jude couldn't help but grin as he hopped back onto his skateboard. "Alright, for real this time—no more stopping. Not even for a singing parrot. Glebe, here I come!"
Jude finally rolled into Glebe, the city streets beginning to feel familiar. He had made it, at least close enough to his destination. The thought filled him with pride—and hunger. His stomach growled loudly, and for a fleeting moment, he glanced at the kebab sticks in his backpack.
Those sticks would hit the spot right now… so juicy, so—
Jude shook his head furiously, snapping himself out of it. "No way, dude. These are for Courtney. I'm not eating them," he muttered, patting the bag as though reassuring the kebabs he wouldn't betray them.
With his resolve intact, Jude decided it was time to find something to eat. After scanning the area, he spotted a small diner nearby with a welcoming neon sign that read, "Home of the Best Burgers!" He locked his skateboard to a post and stepped inside.
The smell of sizzling meat and fresh fries hit him immediately, and his stomach growled even louder. "Oh, yeah, this is the place," he said to himself as he slid into a booth and ordered the biggest burger on the menu.
After his meal, with his hunger satisfied, Jude felt his energy return. As he walked out of the diner, his skateboard in hand, he began planning his next move. He didn't know Courtney's exact address—Ezekiel had rattled off some details that Jude definitely should've written down—but he figured he'd be able to piece it together eventually.
That's when he spotted Lansdowne Park. The open green space was buzzing with activity—kids and teens playing soccer, football, and even showing off tricks on their skateboards. The sound of laughter and the clattering of boards against pavement immediately drew Jude's attention.
"Duuuude, look at those moves," he muttered as he watched one skater nail a perfect kickflip. His feet began to itch for action, and he couldn't resist the pull.
"Okay, just a few tricks," Jude said, justifying the detour to himself. "You know, to keep my skills sharp. No harm in that, right?"
With a grin, he dropped his board onto the ground and hopped on. Within seconds, he was cruising toward the skate ramps, ready to show the locals what he was made of. His backpack bounced lightly as he rode, a constant reminder of his mission. But for now, the ramps called, and Jude couldn't help but answer.
.
.
.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and purple, Jude finally snapped out of his skating-induced trance. Wiping sweat off his forehead, he glanced at his watch and froze.
"Aw, man," he groaned, facepalming hard. "Jen is so right—I get distracted way too easily."
He looked around the now-dimming park, realizing he had spent the entire day skating and goofing off, completely forgetting about his mission. "Great, just great. Now it's getting dark, and I gotta spend more money on a place to crash…"
That's when something caught his eye—a dimly lit, dusty storefront with an old, flickering sign that read "Mattress Mania: Closed for Renovation." The place looked completely deserted, with patches of plywood covering parts of the windows and tools scattered inside. Jude tilted his head, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Hmmm… brain, you're actually giving me a good idea," he muttered.
The blonde skater made his way inside through a half-open door, careful not to make too much noise. The store was empty except for a few overturned shelves, paint cans, and, of course, old mattresses still scattered about. Dust floated in the air, catching the faint light from a cracked bulb above. Jude inspected the area and gave an approving nod.
"Not exactly a five-star hotel, but it'll do," he said, setting his skateboard down.
Jude got to work improvising a makeshift bed. He stacked a few sturdy paint buckets to serve as a bed frame and carefully laid an old mattress on top. It wasn't exactly fresh, but it beat sleeping on the floor. He even found some discarded sheets, which he used as a blanket, although their musty smell left much to be desired.
As he lay down, Jude gave himself a triumphant grin. "Who needs a motel when you've got creativity?"
That sentiment didn't last long. By morning, his body groaned in protest, every muscle aching as if exacting revenge for the lumpy, uncomfortable sleep. Jude sat up with a wince, rubbing his back.
"Ow… dude, bad idea. Never letting my brain come up with plans about improvising a bed again," he muttered, stretching stiffly before gathering his things.
After crossing the street once more, Jude decided it was time to refuel. He found a cozy diner that served a hearty breakfast and sat down to enjoy some eggs, toast, and a cup of orange juice. With his energy replenished, Jude checked his phone for the text message Ezekiel had sent him with Courtney's address.
"Alright, dude, game on," he said to himself, determination flickering in his eyes.
With the address in hand, Jude began asking locals for directions. It wasn't the smoothest process—some people didn't recognize the address, and others gave vague instructions—but Jude pressed on, street by street, piecing together clues from everyone he talked to. Slowly but surely, he was mapping out a path to Courtney's house.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of wandering and questioning, Jude felt a burst of triumph as the directions started to make sense.
"Dude, I'm so close now," he muttered with a grin. "No more distractions, no more sidetracks. This time, nothing's gonna—"
He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening as he spotted a Gigantoplex theater across the street. Its neon lights beckoned like a siren's call, and a large sign advertised free sessions for a limited time.
"Whoa… that's so cool," Jude said, practically mesmerized by the sight. "Well, I mean… one movie wouldn't hurt, right? I've been working hard. Gotta take a little break!"
Convincing himself it was a well-earned reward, Jude entered the theater, excitedly grabbing a seat for one of the free showings. The larger-than-life screen and booming surround sound engulfed him, and for a moment, all thoughts of his journey melted away.
"One movie," he whispered to himself.
But one movie turned into two. Then three. By the time Jude realized what he was doing, he had sat through five different movie sessions, each one more entertaining than the last. He emerged from the Gigantoplex hours later, blinking at the late afternoon sun as it began to sink toward the horizon.
"Aw, man," he groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I totally lost track of time… again!"
Still, as he grabbed his skateboard and prepared to get back on track, he chuckled to himself. "Gotta admit, though… those movies were pretty sweet. The guys are gonna love hearing about this."
As Jude cruised down the street, his flip phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket. He fumbled with it for a moment before flipping it open and answering.
"Hello?" Jude said casually, only to hear a familiar, exasperated voice on the other end.
"Jude, are you okay? It's been two days!" Jen's worried tone immediately brought a grin to Jude's face.
"Jen! How's it going, dudette?" he said cheerfully. "Don't worry, I'm in Ottawa now, and I've got Courtney's address. I'm heading there right now!"
There was a heavy sigh on the other end, followed by a distinct sound that could only be Jen facepalming.
"Jude, it's 8 p.m.," she scolded. "She probably doesn't want someone showing up at her door this late. Just call it a day and go home."
But Jude shook his head, his determination unwavering. "No can do, Jen. I'm so close, and I'll head back tomorrow after I've delivered the sticks. My mission is not accomplished yet!"
"Jude…" Jen began, but he cut her off, his voice suddenly filled with fiery resolve.
"FOR THE FREEDOM! FOR THE RIGHT OF WHAT IS RIGHT! AND FOR THE STICKS! I'M GOING TO DELIVER THIS ORDER, OR MY NAME IS NOT JUDE LIZOWSKI!"
With that, he dramatically ended the call, snapping his flip phone shut with a decisive click.
Now fueled by a mix of enthusiasm and sheer determination, Jude concocted a last-minute plan. He wasn't going to sleep in some abandoned building tonight—oh no. This time, he was going to camp. On the very street where Courtney's house was located.
Jude made his way to the nearest store, where he spent what little money he had left on a small camping tent, a couple of bottles of water, and some snacks. It took him an hour of navigating the streets, lugging his newly acquired supplies, but at long last, he arrived at his destination.
"Finally," Jude said, setting his skateboard down and looking at the street sign. "This is it. The street I've been searching for."
He glanced around until he spotted a quiet stretch of sidewalk near what he hoped was Courtney's house.
"This is perfect," he said to himself, setting his backpack down and pulling out the tent. "I'll camp right here, and tomorrow morning, I'll finally give her the kebabs. No distractions. No delays. Mission accomplished."
Jude began setting up his tent under the glow of a nearby streetlamp. It wasn't the most glamorous camping spot, but to him, it was perfect for completing his epic journey. As he worked, he hummed a tune, satisfied with how things were finally coming together.
Little did he know, his impromptu camping plan might not go unnoticed by the neighborhood…
"What was that?" Kate asked, peeking out the window as the family gathered around. The faint outline of a figure setting up camp on the neighbor's property caught their attention.
Victoria sighed, rubbing her temple as if the sight itself gave her a headache. "Traveling teenagers," she muttered, her tone dripping with irritation. "I hate when they wander into our neighborhood."
"I never thought I'd actually see one," Courtney remarked, her brow furrowing in surprise as she gazed out the window. "I've only ever heard your stories about them. Shouldn't we call the police or something?"
Her father shook his head, offering a calm explanation. "Only if they stay more than two days on the street. Usually, they're just passing through for the night."
Victoria, however, wasn't taking any chances. She grabbed a camera from the nearby table and started snapping pictures of the figure outside. "Just in case," she said briskly. "If he stays more than three days, the neighbors and I can press charges. It's an easy case to make against a trespasser."
Courtney and Kate exchanged glances before returning their focus to the window. The silhouette moved about in the dim light, setting up what appeared to be a small tent. Despite their mother's frustration, Courtney couldn't help but feel a tinge of curiosity.
"What do you think they're doing out there?" she asked.
Victoria shrugged dismissively. "Probably heading to Vancouver or some other distant city. They always think it's a great adventure, even if it takes forty days to get there."
Her father nodded in agreement. "It's possible. But it's still a nuisance to have them loitering here."
Victoria turned away from the window, clearly finished with the topic. "I'm going to take a shower and then head to bed. Courtney, are your bags packed for tomorrow?"
"Yes, Mom," Courtney replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "Everything's ready. I'm heading to bed, too. Gwen's birthday was fun, but it's been a long day. Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad. Good night, Kate."
"Good night," her family responded in unison as Courtney made her way upstairs.
As the family began to settle in for the night, the figure outside adjusted their makeshift campsite, oblivious to the quiet chatter happening just beyond the window.
At the first sound of the car horn, Jude jolted awake, his heart pounding. He scrambled to unzip his tent and peeked outside, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. His confusion quickly gave way to panic as he saw Courtney loading her luggage into a sleek black SUV. Her family stood nearby, waving and exchanging goodbyes.
"Oh no, I woke up too late!" Jude exclaimed, frantically grabbing his belongings. He stuffed his backpack, soda cans, and snacks into a plastic bag, abandoning the tent entirely. Without wasting another second, he hopped on his skateboard and took off after the car.
"I'm not going to let her go this time," he vowed, his voice resolute as he weaved through the morning streets.
The chase was grueling. The SUV maneuvered effortlessly through Ottawa's traffic, and Jude found himself dodging pedestrians and cutting through narrow alleys just to keep up. The hours blurred together as the pursuit stretched out of Ottawa and back toward Toronto. The journey tested Jude's stamina, his skateboard wheels screeching over pavement that seemed endless.
Every so often, the red lights gave him a chance to catch his breath as the SUV came to a halt. But as soon as the light turned green, the car roared forward, leaving him struggling to keep up.
"Dude, Toronto's way bigger than I remember," Jude muttered to himself, realizing he'd underestimated the city's sprawling streets. Sweat dripped from his brow, his legs ached, but his resolve remained unshaken.
Jude wiped the sweat from his brow as he stared at the interphone embedded in the wall beside the heavy metal gate. The quiet neighborhood felt strangely intimidating, but he had come too far to give up now. Swallowing his nerves, he pressed the button and waited.
A scratchy, tired voice crackled through the interphone. "What is it?"
Jude hesitated, still catching his breath. "Dude, you gotta let me inside becau—"
Before he could finish his explanation, the gate creaked open with an eerie groan. The interphone buzzed faintly, and the voice from earlier muttered, "Yes, Chris, sir."
Jude blinked in confusion, the words not quite registering. "My name isn't Chris..." he mumbled, shrugging off the misunderstanding. He hopped on his skateboard and pushed forward, entering the private area as the metal gate clanged shut behind him.
The long driveway stretched ahead, flanked by well-manicured bushes and a towering fountain in the distance. He glanced over his shoulder, noticing the SUV still idling outside the gate. It puzzled him why the vehicle hadn't followed, but he didn't have time to dwell on it.
As Jude skateboarded through the eerily quiet neighborhood, a strange unease settled over him. The pristine white houses, all eerily similar, lined the streets with an unsettling uniformity. It felt almost unnatural, like the place was designed to discourage life. "Man, why would anyone live here?" Jude muttered, shaking off the thought. He focused on the hill ahead, grateful for the downward slope that made his ride easier.
As he neared the bottom, a burst of activity caught his eye. A group of people bustled around a collection of large boxes near a gated building. They moved like ants, hurrying up and down the incline with packages in their arms.
"ALRIGHT, EVERYONE!" a loud voice boomed from the center of the chaos. "CHRIS AND CHEF WILL BE HERE IN AN HOUR, AND SO WILL THE SECURITY GUARDS. WE NEED THESE BOXES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE ASAP!"
Intrigued, Jude kicked his skateboard to a stop. He watched for a moment before calling out, "Whoa, need some help, dude?"
The workers froze mid-step, their heads turning in unison toward Jude. One of them blinked and pointed. "Whoa, your voice sounds just like Chris."
Jude grinned. "Cool, huh?"
Without hesitation, one of the interns shoved a large box into his arms. "Great! We've got a ton to do. Take this to the admin office, pronto."
"Uh… what?" Jude asked, adjusting the weight of the box as he glanced around, trying to figure out where he'd just been conscripted.
"Wait a minute," another intern said, narrowing their eyes. "You're not an intern. Who are you?"
"Oh, me? I'm Jude," he said, setting the box down and pulling a bundle of wrapped-up kebabs from his backpack. "I'm here to ask my friend Courtney if she wants these kebabs instead of money for change."
The group collectively recoiled at the sight of the greasy, days-old kebabs. One intern, holding a clipboard and stack of papers, stepped forward with a grimace. "Listen, kid, this is a private area. You can't be here unless you're part of the crew—"
"Or," another intern interjected, smirking, "you've signed a contestant contract."
"Yeah, like that one," the first intern added, shoving the stack of papers toward Jude.
"Oh, cool. Let me see." Jude tilted his head. As he grabbed the bunch of papers imediatelly.
Before anyone could stop him, he grabbed a pen and started signing the top page.
"Hey, wait! What are you doing?!" the first intern shouted, trying to snatch the papers back.
"You said I needed to sign, right? No problem, dudes. Got this." Oblivious to the rising panic around him, Jude kept signing. He flipped to the next page and signed again.
The interns stood frozen in shock as Jude made his way through the entire stack, finishing with a triumphant flourish. He handed the papers back with a satisfied grin.
"All done! So, where do I drop these boxes?" Jude shrugged as he didn't realize that he was one of the people who signed the contract of participating on the show, as contestant. And for the bane of existence of many people. He also didn't read the contract.
.
.
.
"And that's how I got here…" Jude finished with a lopsided grin, leaning casually on his skateboard as if his story had been the most natural sequence of events.
Courtney's eye twitched, her jaw tightening with every word. "This is what I woke up to today?" she thought, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.
Chris stood motionless, his usual smug smirk replaced by a rare, vacant expression. For the first time in his life, the overconfident host appeared genuinely baffled. "How... how did someone so mind-bogglingly dumb manage to bypass security and legally sign a contract? Even as his voice was wonderful and perfect, there was no way someone would be fooled that easy." He shook his head, muttering, "I've got to raise the bar for security screenings. I'm going to complain a lot to the cadets today."
"Yep… that's something Jude would do." Ezekiel concluded, as he himself never thought to see a member of 6teen actually being officially part of Total Drama Cast, and the ironic part. He would fit well with the group of people just like he did in Dramarama. "What a crazy journey just for the first episode."
"Also Courtney do you want Kebabs for change? I forgot to bring the change." Jude asked, which imediatelly Courtney facepalmed her head strongly. "Oh, Jen also facepalms like that when she is very annoyed."
"Ughhhhh," Courtney moaned as she doesn't even know what to say to her childhood friend. "No Jude, I don't want Kebabs for change."
"Oh… okay, here's your money change." Jude decided to place the kebabs back to the backpack as he took a few notes from his pocket, remaining the money he used from his whole journey… "So… whats next?"
And that was the silence coming from Chris facepalming, while the whole group of contestants looking amused at both Courtney and Chris having a migraine, thankfully for one of them, the boyfriend came for the rescue and would find a way to make her more comfortable. While the other, nobody gives a damn on what Chris thinks.
That's how it starts a new season in the future. An episode that everyone will be surprised to see it.