More than a Bromance: Big Nate's Awkward Affections

Chapter 7: The Rumor Mill

Word spread like wildfire at P.S. 38, and it didn't take long for the latest gossip to reach Gina Hemphill-Toms, the school's resident overachiever and reporter for the school newspaper. Whispers of Nate's crush on Blade and their epic Thursday afternoon escapades became the talk of the school.

Gina, always on the lookout for a juicy story, couldn't resist the allure of such intriguing gossip. Armed with her notebook and an insatiable curiosity, she set out to investigate the rumors swirling around Nate and Blade.

One day, as Nate and his friends gathered at their usual lunch spot, Gina approached with a determined glint in her eye.

"Nate," Gina began, her voice carrying the no-nonsense tone that had earned her the nickname "Gina the Menace," "I've been hearing some interesting things. Care to comment on the rumors about you and Blade?"

Nate exchanged a knowing glance with Teddy, Francis, and Deedee. This was the perfect opportunity for a prank.

"Well, Gina," Nate said, feigning innocence, "you know how rumors go. People love to talk. But what if I told you there's a grain of truth to the stories?"

Gina's eyes widened, her reporter instincts kicking into high gear. "A grain of truth? Do tell!"

Nate leaned in, his friends joining the charade. "Blade and I have been secretly training for the world thumb wrestling championship. We're aiming to bring home the gold for P.S. 38."

Gina blinked, clearly taken aback by the unexpected revelation. "Thumb wrestling championship? Really?"

Teddy, playing along, held up his hand with a serious expression. "It's a highly competitive sport, Gina. Requires precision, strategy, and a killer thumb grip."

Francis chimed in, "And we've enlisted Blade's expertise. He's the undefeated champion in his neighborhood."

Gina raised an eyebrow, skepticism written all over her face. "Thumb wrestling? Are you guys serious?"

Nate and his friends burst into laughter, revealing the prank. "Gotcha, Gina! We were just messing with you," Nate exclaimed, wiping away fake tears of laughter.

Gina, though momentarily flustered, couldn't help but join in the laughter. "Well played, Nate. You got me there. But mark my words, I'll get to the bottom of this Blade mystery eventually."

As Gina walked away, shaking her head in amusement, Nate and his friends exchanged triumphant glances. The rumor mill might keep churning, but for now, they had successfully thrown Gina off the scent with a well-executed prank.

And so, the middle school escapades continued, with Nate and his friends reveling in the absurdity of it all, thumb wrestling championships and all. The rumor mill might have its twists and turns, but in the end, laughter proved to be the best antidote to the chaos of middle school gossip.