Chapter 3-10: Don't Bring That Up!
Sometime later, Deuce, Briar, and the others at the White Rabbit Deliveries stall where Deuce's mother works.
"Oh, there's the White Rabbit Deliveries stall," Deuce says, and sees his mother. Deuce calls out, "Hey Mom, we're here."
Dylla spots them and says, "Ah, just who I've been waiting for!"
Everyone is amazed and shocked to see how big the stall is.
"Whoa, this stall's ginormous," Grim replies.
"It's really busy too," Sereia says.
"And it's in a good location to get lots of foot traffic, too," Dylla says.
"White Rabbit Deliveries is an official sponsor of White Rabbit Fest. I guess that's why we get such prime real estate. Lucky us, right?" Dylla says.
Epel then asks, "ls White Rabbit Fest an old tradition?"
"Not really," Dylla answers, "The first one was held the year Deuce was born, and it was a pretty small affair. But I still brought Deuce and took pictures of him, that year and every year since. That is...until all of a sudden he decided he was too big to come with me. Kinda took all the fun out of it."
"It's perfectly normal to age out of hanging out with your mom," Deuce says.
"Yeah, yeah. I know. I was the same way when I was a teenager," Dylla says, "Anyway, since White Rabbit Deliveries is a sponsor, they decided one of the festival events should be a foot race."
"Oh yeah, the Rabbit Run. That's always a blast," Deuce says.
"A running race, huh," Briar says.
Jasper says, "Deuce, that sounds perfect for you
"Jasper is right, Deuce. You should sign up!" Epel says, "Sounds perfect for someone in the Track and Field Club."
"We'd be happy to cheer you on," Silver says.
"No, I'd rather just enjoy the festival with you guys," Deuce says, "Besides, even if l felt like signing up, it's a team thing, so—"
But then, one of the delivery staff spots him, "Ooh! No way—Deuce! Is that you?!"
"Uh…" Deuce says, sheepishly.
A second staff member says, "It IS!"
Deuce sheepishly says, "H-hello. Good to see you…"
"Friends of yours, Deuce?" Silver asks.
"Friends of mine, actually, from the company," Dylla says, "I'd sometimes bring Deuce to work with me when he was little, so that's how they know each other. He loved them because they always spoiled him with juice and snacks."
"He seems more reserved around them now though," Ortho says.
"Yeah... He hasn't seen them in a long time," Dylla says.
The first staff member walks to Deuce and says, "Look what a fine young man you've become! SO different from that middle schooler we remember!"
The second staff says, "Totally! At THAT age you were so scary looking, we all kept a safe distance."
"H-hey, d-don't provoke him!" The first staff says.
The second staff member says, "S-sorry, sorry! Forget I opened my big mouth…"
The group looks a bit confused to see how the delivery people are acting.
Grim then says, "They seem really scared of Deuce."
Deuce quickly says, "P-please, there's no need to apologize. I'm the one who should be sorry."
The delivery staff looks surprised.
The first staff member says, "You've really mellowed out... Reminds me of how you were as a kid, back when you were all smiles and friendly waves."
"And your look's all different, too. Remember those frosted tips you had in middle school?" The second staff member says.
Deuce is stunned.
Everyone reacts, confused, "FROSTED TIPS?"
Deuce gets flustered, "Shh! D-don't bring that up!
"Your natural hair color suits you much better," The second delivery staff says.
The first delivery staff says, "It really does! Oh, yeah—you're at Night Raven College now, aren't you? Dylla was so proud when you got in!"
"She's lucky to have a fine son like you," The second delivery staff says.
"And now they're showerin' him in praise," Grim says.
"Th-that's very kind of you to say," Deuce says, flustered.
The second delivery staff says, "Make sure you keep your grades up!"
"I will!" The first delivery staff says.