Freaks: Year Two

Berries For Zippy's Birthday

"Hey," Jasper whispered, coming into Francis' and Edgar's room to see the two of them both in bed with a book open on Edgar's lap. "You reading?"

Edgar shook his head. "We are learning."

"Oh," Jasper gave a small smile and walked into the bedroom. "Whatcha two learning about?"

"Toby got us a book on Sign Language," Francis said.

Jasper smiled, feeling a little better that Toby had at least been able to go to the library to get one of the things he had wanted. Jasper had mentioned it was ASL. They both didn't think it mattered what Sign Language they would learn even though they were British, it was just a way for all of them to be able to communicate with their little brother. "That's great. What have you got so far?"

"We are trying to spell our names," Edgar said and he held up his hand trying to make the letter "E" and Jasper gave a thumbs up and looked over to Francis who was making the letter "F". "That's really good guys. Is Ethan going to learn some?"

"He was, but he is brushing his teeth now," Edgar said.

"Oh, good," Jasper said, glad he hadn't had to remind him like he sometimes had to. "Well, once he is back, can I talk to you about something? It is about something fun that's happening tomorrow."

"What is happening tomorrow?" Ethan asked, walking into the bedroom, overhearing him. "Why is it fun? What's happening?"

Jasper chuckled. "Take a seat beside one of your brothers and I will tell you."

Ethan bounded over to Francis' bed, jumping onto it and Francis started to protest and he smacked his older brother with a pillow and Ethan took a stuffed animal and launched it at Francis' face.

"MR. FOX!" Edgar shrieked as the lumpy, little fox smacked Francis in the face.

Jasper almost wanted to laugh at how much Edgar cared for that fox and he quickly grabbed it from the pillow fight and handed it to Edgar who took it, and hugged it protectively to his chest. "Mr Fox is saved from our villainous brothers who are starting a war..."

Edgar couldn't help but giggle. "You're villains!"

"We aren't villains!" Ethan protested and he let out a muffled shout as Francis slammed a pillow into his face.

"Okay, okay. That's enough," Jasper said, waving his hands, shushing them. "Quiet now...shhhhhhhh, I have something I want to tell you guys."

"What is it?" Ethan asked, about to grab another pillow to hit Francis with, but Jasper nabbed it away.

"If you stop your pillow fight I will tell you," Jasper told him, holding the pillow to his chest. Once he was sure both Francis and Ethan were calm, he continued, "Do you remember my friend Maryrose?"

"IS SHE YOUR GIRLFRIEND?!" Ethan asked in a shout.

"Shhhhhh!" Jasper hissed, bringing a finger to his lips. "Maryrose is not my girlfriend."

"Yeah, Ethan," Francis said, rolling his eyes. "He has a crush on Marley or...something, but that's who he has a crush on! Not Maryrose!"

"I don't have a crush on Marlene either," Jasper said in exasperation. "I thought I did, but I really didn't. I think I was just excited with the idea of dating and we went on a date and realised–"

"YOU WENT ON A DATE?!" Ethan, Francis and Edgar all asked in unison.

Jasper groaned regretting ever saying that. "Yes, but we both–"

The door opened and Jasper turned quickly, hoping it wasn't their Mum, but he sighed in relief when it was only Toby. He was staring at him in disbelief. "You went on a date?"