Chapter 3: Will I Always Be Alone?

After what just happened with Charlie Brown, Heather is still wondering about her friend. What is with him? How come he wants to be alone? Why is he ignoring everyone else? Thoughts like these as she gets on the bus.

"Heather, over here."

Heather hears her name from her best friend, Janice. Heather takes the seat next to her.

"Hi, Janice."

"Is something the matter? You look confused."

"I am and it's about Charlie Brown. He's been acting weird all day."

Janice nods. "Oh yeah, Linus and I have been meaning to ask him about his new antics. Unfortunately, Linus told me Charlie Brown walked off after he called him."

"I saw him do that today in the cafeteria." Heather recalls. "Not to mention he ignored all of us when we arrived in our home room."

"Really?"

"And he completely ignored me when I was trying to ask him if he wanted to be my partner for the book assignment. It was as if I didn't make a sound."

Janice looks confused, "That doesn't sound like the Charlie Brown we know. He's always so friendly."

"Exactly, I also told Charlie that if there's a problem, he can tell any of us so we can try to help him." Heather sighs. "I hope it's nothing too personal."

Janice gives a light smile, "Whatever is wrong with Charlie Brown, we'll be there to help him out. That way, he won't be on his own."

Heather smiles back, "You're right, Janice. I suppose he wants to be alone at the moment to think about it. But now, who's gonna be my partner?"

"I would like to be your partner." Janice replies.

"Oh really? What about Linus? I thought you and him were gonna work together."

"Well, I was meaning to ask Linus later." Janice admits. "But I do have other friends I like to hang out with, including you."

"Oh, thanks." Heather grins. "So, what should our project be about?"

The bus stops at the gang's usual spot. Hopping off the vehicle, the two girls head to Janice's house.

Heading to the park, Linus, Schroeder, Franklin, and Pigpen are also wondering about Charlie Brown's new behavior.

"I don't get it. How could Charlie Brown not have heard you calling him?" Franklin asks.

"It is strange but again, I'm sure good ol' Charlie Brown didn't quite hear me." Linus says. "He must've been thinking about something."

"Like what? He just took off to eat lunch outside. Patty and I saw him all alone." Pigpen recalls. "And I saw that he looked a little bit upset."

"Oh, he's upset? I guess he must still feel down for losing the baseball game." Linus states. "Maybe that's why he wants to be alone at the moment, to clear out his mind."

"So how long do you think he'll cool off?" Schroeder asks.

"Normally, since it was last week, I'd say he should have gotten over it." Linus replies. "But maybe he still needs like a day or two."

"That must also be why he's making these changes. Walking to school on foot and studying before class begins. It makes a little sense." Franklin adds.

Linus thinks of something, "Perhaps we should check on him tomorrow. After all, I wanna ask him if he wants to join the baseball team at school."

"After what happened at the last game?" Schroeder asks. "I don't know. That's why he's mad right now."

"But again," Linus begins, "you can't let just one loss affect you for a long time. It's bad for you."

"Yeah, one loss." Pigpen says. "Or a bunch of more losses."

"Well, there are limits and everybody does know when enough is enough." Linus points out. "But I'm sure Charlie Brown is a-okay."

XOXOXO

Speaking of Charlie Brown, he's currently making his way on foot. His feet are a bit sore from all the walking he's done so far but he'll have to get used to it from now on.

"Good grief. The sun isn't doing me a favor, either." He wipes off his sweat. "I'll need to remind myself to pack two bottles of water for each day."

Twelve minutes later, Charlie reaches his house and heads inside. Going to the kitchen, he grabs a cup, pours in some water, and takes a sip.

"That's better. It was pretty hot today. But I rather walk home than take the bus with those guys who aren't my friends."

Taking another sip of water, Charlie sighs sadly. "Will I always be alone?"

Eavesdropping from the hallway, a certain beagle couldn't help but feel awful for his companion. Then he has an idea to help him know there's at least someone who is a friend. He hides as Charlie Brown exits the kitchen, making his move inside the same room.

To be continued…