Up in Smoke

Ch 8

Later that day, when Timmy had Crocker's class, the pink hatted boy saw Principal Waxelplax there with Darla herself. Timmy was confused, sending a confused look towards his hidden fairies. They were just as confused as he was.

Principal Waxelplax addressed the class, "Alright kids, settle down. As you all know, Mr. Crocker is in the hospital from yesterday's unfortunate incident." She looked at Darla and added, "So this lovely young lady has agreed to be our teacher until Crocker is out of the - er - hospital. So be nice, children." She whispered, "Good luck."

The principal had said that as she went out the door. Darla turned to the class.

She introduced, "Hello kids. My name is Darla Cortex." As soon as she said that, Timmy tried to suppress a gasp. Instead, he turned it into a fake cough. She added, "Many of you might know my cousin, Nina. Or you may know my aunt Nacey. But if not, that's okay too. Cause I would love to get to know everyone one of you. Unlike Crocker, I don't teach English. My love, my passion is with my art." A.J. raised his hand and Darla pointed to him, "Yes you there. Please tell me your name."

A.J. introduced, "I'm A.J. Johnson, Ms. Cortex."

Darla smiled, "Ah, yes. The smartest kid in class and I believe your folks were trying to buy one of my paintings."

A.J. confirmed, "Yes so why are you here? I mean why are you teaching?"

Darla admitted, "Well what better way to share your love of art with kids?"

A.J. was impressed as Chester raised his hand. Darla pointed at him next.

Chester introduced, "My name is Chester McBadbat. Are you famous?"

Darla laughed, "No, hardly famous. Nor do I want to be. I just want to be me."

Tootie raised her hand next. Darla pointed at her.

Tootie introduced, "Tootie Delise, so how are you going to show us about this?"

Darla explained, "Quite simple. We're going to work on an overall art project. If you want to work with someone or alone, it is fine. But I at least want you to make some art - explaining and showing who you are."

Timmy raised his hand. Darla pointed to him.

Timmy introduced, "Timmy Turner. So how are we going to do that?"

Darla told the class, "Like I said, in any way you wish. Crayons, colored markers, paintings, whatever floats your boat. Be free with it. Just tell me before you start how you plan to make your art." The class was really excited at the idea. She instructed, "You each have until next Friday to decide on what you want to do. The final project will be turned in at the end of class at the end of the semester."

Everyone cheered as the lunch bell rang. Everyone headed out as Darla decided to stay behind. She checked her phone.

She texted, "Mission accomplished aunt Nacey."

Nacey texted back, "Ah thanks Darla."

Darla replied, "Anytime."

...

As Timmy was chatting to his friends and Tootie on the way to lunch, he noticed that the popular kids were being really mean as of late. Chad and Tad were slowly taking over the school - and it was showing. Timmy saw that the halls were slowly getting new paint jobs. Timmy was wondering what that was for.

"Hey Turner! You are walking in the space of Chad and Tad!" Tad said to him.

"Yeah, turn around now!" Chad added.

Timmy raised a brow as he sarcastically replied, "I didn't realize that we were walking in front of such an important space."

Tad snapped, "Hey, is that talking back to your kings?!"

A.J. was confused, "You two are kings now?"

Chester asked, "Since when?"

Chad answered, "Since Trixie lost her mansion. We've been waiting for a chance to be the most popular in this school."

Tootie whispered to Chester, "Poor reason to burn down her house."

Chester realized, "Hey yeah where were you two on the day of the fire?"

Tad huffed, "We don't have to answer that!"

Veronica came over to them and hissed, "C'mon you two, they aren't even worth it. Let's just get lunch and continue our takeover tomorrow!"

Chad and Tad both nodded in agreement. They both up ahead with the blonde girl and Remy was a little bit behind them. It was obvious that the Buxaplenty boy didn't approve of what was going on. Chloe was with him, waving at Timmy. Timmy waved back.

A.J. admitted, "If those two and Veronica are going to be the top of the pyramid, we are so screwed."

Chester asked, "And why is Chloe even with them? She's not even popular or rich!"

Timmy answered, "No - but she likes Remy a lot. Apparently she sees good in him."

Tootie teased, "Now that's a first."

Timmy chuckled as the group got their lunch. A.J. had a tuna sandwich with apple slices, Chester had a grilled cheese sandwich with a bag of chips, Timmy had a peanut butter sandwich with milk, and Tootie had a ham sandwich with soda.

...

While the kids were in school, Nacey had gone to the island to see her brother. To her surprise, he was no longer at Crash's house. She couldn't help but wonder if it was a good idea for him to leave right now. Before she left, she could've sworn that she heard a voice. She perked up, looking around. That's when she saw Cortex there.

"Neo!" She breathed.

He replied weakly, "Hey sis..."

She raised an eyebrow, "Should you really be leaving while you are still sick?"

Neo shortly informed her, "N. Gin said that I could rest at Iceberg Lair."

She crossed her arms in her chest, "Are you doing this so you can avoid talking to me?"

Neo shrugged, "It's up to you to prefer it however."

Nacey was furious, "You can talk to Nina but why aren't you talking to me?!" Neo's face fell for a little. Nacey didn't see it but he decided to walk pass her. She added, "Are you planning to avoid this conversation forever?! Are you planning to avoid me forever?! I'm your sister! We used to be closer than glue! And now look at you! Not even looking at me!"

Cortex couldn't really argue. She was right. The bald scientist had his back turned to her to go to the lab. He knew that this conversation would come up sooner or later - but right now... He decided now was the time to go.

Cortex told her, "Good luck in Dimmsdale."

With that, he left, leaving Nacey furious and tears rolling down her face.

She asked aloud, "What just happened...?"

...

Wishmaker1028: What just happened indeed. All I can say is please read and review! And always think outside of the box!