Chapter 3: Friendship mended forever

Aladdin Turkish Restaurant, Downtown Sparkyville, 12:00 PM, one day before the funeral.

Spearmint Sammy was at Aladdin Restaurant ordering a doner kebab. Given the kebab outlets in Canberra, he thought he would try one from Aladdin, near the corner, a few outlets from Tango Mango.

"Thank you, Good Sir." said Spearmint Sammy.

Spearmint Sammy went to the restaurant part to eat, but much to his surprise…..

"Marty?!"

There was Marty with a banana milkshake.

"Sammy." said Marty.

"What brings you here?" asked Spearmint Sammy.

"I'm on my lunch break." said Marty. "Have a seat."

Spearmint Sammy got a chair and sat down with Marty.

"Sammy. Let's clear the air once and for all." said Marty.

"Yeah. I tried to get a hold of you after I got my job at the gym in Belconnen." said Spearmint Sammy. "You never even told me you were dating Frieda. Tommy informed me given he and I kept in touch as I'm engaged to his cousin Heather Clyde-Halverson. Did I really hurt you that badly?"

"Yes." said Marty. "I felt like I failed you. I thought if I ended our friendship, I didn't want to feel any guilt for messing you up. I didn't know if you were going to hate me."
"Marty. I never hated you. You didn't let me down." said Spearmint Sammy. "I thought I let you down. You never know how much I missed you."
Marty broke down crying. Spearmint Sammy's words really touched him. Marty hugged Spearmint Sammy.

"I missed you so much, Marty." said Spearmint Sammy, hugging back.

"I missed you too….. Ma'am." Marty said.

Yes. With Marty calling Spearmint Sammy "Ma'am" again, their friendship had been repaired.

Peppermint Patty and Marcie, who were passing by, were most surprised by what they saw.

"Did you see that, Sir?" asked Marcie.

"I did. Sam and Mart are best friends again." said Peppermint Patty.

"Anyway, we'd best fetch some lunch for ourselves." said Marcie.

"How does Tango Mango sound?" asked Peppermint Patty.

"Sounds like a blast, Sir." said Marcie.

"Come along!" said Peppermint Patty.

And the two girls were on their way.

Meanwhile, Shermy was at Sparkyville Mall, searching for a little something special. Charlie Brown and Percy were by his side.

"So what are your plans, Shermy?" asked Charlie Brown.

"I'll show you when we reach the store." said Shermy. "It'll be a big surprise."

"I bet I know what it is." Percy whispered to Charlie Brown.

As soon as the three men arrived at a store, Shermy was amazed.

"Here it is." said Shermy. "Just the store I need. Hope I find the right one."

Shermy looked around, and then…..

"Ah! The perfect gift." smiled Shermy.

"Beautiful!" said Charlie Brown.

Next chapter: Emerald's funeral