Trapped in Time

Chapter 13: Jealousy

Stephanie won't admit it, but she is extremely jealous of Rottenella. Maybe it's because Robbie is being so nice to her. After all, he was never like that with the other children. She did think that she was his favorite before Rottenella came along, but she knows that these feelings are irrational. Her new friend is his daughter! She continues to think that maybe she just wishes she had a parent like him.

After Robbie leaves with his daughter, Sportacus stays back. He notices the small change in Stephanie's mood. All of the kids begin heading home for dinner, but the blue elf calls out to Steph.

"Stephanie, what's wrong? You seem kind of down." he asks.

"It's kind of dumb," Stephanie begins, but Sportacus urges her to continue. "I'm a bit jealous of Rottenella is all." The girl begins tearing up. "Come on, Steph, just tell me. It'll make you feel better." Stephanie finally gives in, "She's just so good at dancing! I made a complete fool of myself. I'm also used to Robbie being nicer to me. He's always been rude to us, but Rottenella is his favorite. I can't blame him. She's his kid, but I just wish that I had a parent like him." she finishes ranting.

Sportacus sits and thinks for a moment, "Stephanie, what do you mean "a parent like him?" Can you tell me about your parents?"

Stephanie sighs and looks down, her eyes fixated at the brick path beneath her. "They didn't want me anymore. They said I was too active and that I caused too much trouble. That's why I'm living with my Uncle Milford. I can only go back to my town during the school year - that's where I live with my aunt who I know wouldn't care if I came back or not. I want a dad like Robbie. He cares about his kid and would do anything to make her happy. She gets special treatment, and I know that I have my uncle but it's not the same. He cares and all but he isn't my dad. He's hardly capable of caring for me - he almost burned the house down five diferent times in one day! It was just a cake for Miss Busybody-" Sportacus interrupts her without thinking, "I could adopt you."

The pink girl's head shoots up with a shocked facial expression. "Really?"

Sportacus nods uneasily, "You would stay in Lazy Town all year long, and I would love to have a daughter as active as you!" Stephanie grins, "Please adopt me, Sportacus! I don't want to go back to that town."

The athletic elf looks at her, "What town are you from, if you don't mind me asking? I need to go there in order to legally adopt you."

Stephanie replies, "Play Town."

Sportacus freezes for a moment, "Okay, I just have to get things set up to adopt you... then wait. I just remember something." Stephanie pouts, "So you're not going to adopt me?"

Sportacus bites his lip in thought. "I'm going to let you in on a big secret. I want to adopt you, but I have to make sure that my b-boyfriend is okay with it." he says, stuttering a bit on the word 'boyfriend.' It was all new to him. "He would also be your caretaker, too, I just don't want to force him into a commitment without him knowing. I don't have a doubt that he'll want you, too." Sportacus assures the girl.

Stephanie gasps, "You have a boyfriend? Who!" Sportacus feels giddy inside just hearing that, "They're from Play Town, too. Ironic. They didn't like the town though. You'll... um... you'll meet him after I get things situated. For now I think I've held you up long enough. Your uncle must be worried. Let's talk more another time, okay, Stephanie?" Sportacus asks.

She nods and runs off.

"What did I just get myself into?" Sportacus questions himself.