“Mom, what are you trying to say?” asked Strudel.

“You’re out of control lately” said Pearl. “And it needs to stop”

“I’m sorry, Mom” Strudel said sweetly.

“Honey, you’re messing with the law now” Pearl said seriously. “You also shoplifted that sweatshirt you’re wearing”

“Mom-” Strudel started to say.

“You’re gonna go and live with C.J.’s family for awhile” said Pearl.

“Why?” asked Strudel.

“Because I need time to think” said Pearl. “You can spend more time with Pancake this way, and I can really think this through”

“Think what through?” asked Strudel.

“You” said Pearl. “And how you’ve been acting”

“Alright” Strudel sadly said.     He got a few things, and went outside, but he turned the other way and went down the black path.

“Hey, Strudel” ChiChi called from the gazebo.  “How much trouble are you in?”

“A lot” said Strudel. “I’m going to stay at C.J.’s for awhile”

“That’s your punishment?” ChiChi asked.

“I guess so” said Strudel. “Even though that means I get to spend more time with Pan”

“So you’re like, kicked out?” asked ChiChi.

“I guess you could say that” said Strudel. “So, what are you doing here at the gazebo?”

“I don’t know” said ChiChi. “I was bored and decided to come down here”

“Cool” said Strudel, sitting down.

“Strudel, can I ask you something?” ChiChi asked.

“Sure, what?” asked Strudel.

“Who was your first kiss with?” ChiChi asked.

“Bertha” Strudel shuddered. “Why? Who was yours?”

“I haven’t had mine yet” ChiChi said, embarrassed.

“Really?” asked Strudel. “Garlic didn’t even kiss you before he moved?”

“Nope” said ChiChi. “I guess he didn’t really like me”

“Sure he did” said Strudel. “What’s there not to like? You’re beautiful.”

ChiChi smiled a bit and pushed a strand of hair out of her face.

“There’s a first time for everything” Strudel said, as he leaned in and kissed her.