Three Brood Instigators

14. Lower and Upper Grounds

"WALTER HUPH ADVISES INVESTORS TO INVEST ON TOY COMPANIES"

"RISING CRIMINAL ENTITIES LURKING IN THE SHADOWS"

"BICYCLE RACES ARE RISING IN POPULARITY FOR THE YOUTH"

"Alright, alright, alright," Clifford complied with charm, closing the principal's door with a smile. "Noted, sir. I just want to say..."

"Yeah, yeah, Kiddo, you have our approval. We will support you all the way. Now, close the door and leave with your... project," Principal Betch swayed him away.

Closing the door, CLIFFORD JUMPED WITH JOY, dancing and roaming the area of victory for a successful request until he bumped into the grumpy Pastuzo. "WATCH IT!"

"Sorry, bro," Clifford apologized just like that, continuing his dance of victory, ignoring and leaving Pastuzo.

"Man, if Cliff is as ratty as Harry is, I really wonder if Harry breeds rats in the library, a bunch of clever, sneaky rascals," Pastuzo wondered, speaking to himself.

"You tell me," Scent approached.

"Please stay away," Pastuzo said, not wanting to make his Thursday worse.

"Come on, Pastuzo," Scent begged, following him. "I thought I already said sorry."

"Scent, I just want some peace and quiet, leave me alone," Pastuzo demanded.

"No, look, man," Scent said, stopping Pastuzo's shoulders for movement. "I know I said sorry, well, Kevin sent my apologies to you, so I... I just want to say I didn't know that day was going to end like that."

"Yeah well, that wasn't only the first," Pastuzo responded.

"Ok, look, cheer up, alright, because I, I, I need company," Scent requested.

"For what exactly? A race?" Pastuzo questioned.

"Actually, yes," Scent spoke the truth.

"No," Pastuzo immediately rejected.

"Wait, wait, I really need this company, I need a partner. This is a partner race; I beg you," Scent begged.

"What? Against the What-the-fucks? Those poor slackers who stole Rude's bike? Some more lame kids, is that it?" Pastuzo questioned again seriously.

"Look, this race is going to be fun, and the winner gets $200. I can share half with you," Scent added.

"I'd rather go back home than pulling your teeth," Pastuzo rejected. "What? You boosting bikes now with that money?"

"Look, Pastuzo, I am a fast racer, and as a matter of fact, if you really don't want to race, I just want you to be there. Join the race, ride a bike with me as a partner, and then you are done," Scent described.

"Why don't you ask Rudy to do it?" Pastuzo wondered.

"Come on, Rudy is not the type for racing," Scent reasoned.

"Neither am I," Pastuzo agreed.

"No Pastuzo, you are. I see your wheel; you're fast, man," Scent cheered.

"Look, I am tired, alright?! Fhadey and all. What about Kevin?" Pastuzo questioned.

"Didn't you hear he was grounded?" Scent asked.

"That is nonsense; he could have just busted out of it easily from his grumpy uncle," Pastuzo misconceived.

"Well, he ain't here; there is nothing we can do about it."

Pastuzo moaned and wondered for the last time, "Quinn?"

"Screw you, Pastuzo!" Scent called. "Look, if you are lazy to pedal, you can stay behind, as long as you ride the bike. They know we are competing, and whoever's first wins for the team. Come on, pretty please?"