The absolutely LAST thing.
I guess you're wondering what happened so, I might as well tell you. It has to be quick, the oxygen is running out.
It all started two weeks ago…
'Gretchen! Hurry up! We gotta get the best ball!' Spinelli shouted. Gretchen was staying after class to tell Ms Grotke about atomic particles. They all knew she was the smartest kid in school, but sometimes they wished that she would concentrate on her friend's needs.
'Don't worry Spin, she'll catch up with us later,' TJ said as he pulled her away from the window. Spinelli brushed her pigtail behind her and grinned at her best friend. TJ smiled back and they both ran to the ball cart where Randell was dishing out the best balls and rubber sacks. Vince and Mickey were already there, digging deep into the cart.
'Aw man, all the good balls are taken!' Vince said angrily. 'Come on Randell, give us a good ball for a change!' Randell just laughed and ignored them. Spinelli rolled up her sleeves and prepared to lunge at Randell.
'Don't Spin, he's not worth it,' TJ said, gently holding back her arm. She could never say no to TJ, she had always had a weakness for him even though she tried desperatly to cover it up with violence. The only time it had ever come close to coming free was when Gretchen did that experiment between them. She had never told anybody but Spinelli liked it, but knew that TJ didn't; TJ never likes that kind of thing.
Spinelli nodded and reluctantly shock away his hand from her arm.
'Hey you guys! Gordie let us use his ball! What are we gonna play?' Vince shouted.
'How about kickball?' TJ asked while practising his kicking technique.
'Oh ode to Kickball, whose boutiful enjoyment never falters,' Mickey recited.
'Well I say Kickball sounds good, lets ask Gretchen and Gus. Where is Gus anyway?' Spinelli asked them.
'He's home sick today; I ran him yesterday and he told me he had the flu,' TJ explained.
'Well, let's get on the field and we'll put Gretchen as a fielder so she can come later,' Vince told them. They all nodded and ran towards the field. Spinelli walked behind, saying that she was just going to the fountain first but instead stopped and ran to Gretchen's window.
Gretchen closed the door, not turning away but bowing her head.
'Ms Grotke, you promised me. Time is running out, I have people to answer to.'
'Gretchen, I told you, I can't at this time. I am seeing someone and all my accounts are being used. Please, give me some more time! I am sure yo-'
'Ms Grotke, I am not interested in your personal life. What I AM interested in, is when you are giving me the money!' Gretchen sighed and turned away from the door. 'I know where you live and work Ms Grotke. You have until noon tomorrow and then I will-' Gretchen stopped. She turned towards the window and smiled. 'Hey Spin!'
'Gretchen! Hurry up! We gotta get the best ball!' Spinelli shouted. Gretchen held a thumb up and mouthed 'two minutes'. Spinelli ran off with TJ, and with that, Gretchen turned back to Ms Grotke.
'Noon tomorrow, or I will get the boys with me,' she said, her eyes flickering.
'But-but Gretchen, that is impossible!'
'No it isn't Grotke, and you are in dangerous grounds. Especially when you are keeping hustlers waiting.'