The small boy slipped into his house, eight o' clock at night. He didn't even know why he was there. Because I promised Jessica, he told himself, pushing himself on further. The truth was, he and his family were at odds, the only reason he was still living here was because the law required it. Technically he didn't have to live here. He was still legally emancipated. But there was something here that he had to do. Something to fix their broken relationship.

The small girl in the other room was still angry. He could hear her slamming drawers, muttering of her destroyed trophy. Bart sighed, sat down on the windowsill, feeling his intention dissolve. Could he really go through with this? It seemed impossible. He was never the good guy in these kinds of situations. That went to his sister, Lisa, the small girl in the other room. Bart felt a knotting in his chest, rethinking his actions. Maybe he did overreact by destroying Lisa's trophy and fighting with her.

This family seemed built on drama. His parents ran into marital problems daily. He and his sister were engaged in a brutal combat of sibling rivalry, reaching its peak at the moment. His relationship with his father was also strained, with his dad being borderline abusive and him being a troublemaker and delinquent. There was only one innocent person in this family. The only one who could not talk. Bart decided that he would see her first, before formulating a plan of action.

Homer and Marge were in their room. Lisa was in hers. Bart tiptoed throughout the hallway and into the baby Maggie's room. The little infant girl was tucked under the blankets, holding her teddy bear. Her pacifier was nestled between the baby's lips. She'd never let go of it. Bart reached down and stroked her head.

"You're so lucky Maggie," Bart told the baby. "You're a baby, you get all the attention by default. Let me give you some advice, don't ever grow up. Stay the way you are. That way, you don't have to worry about such things." The baby obliviously slept, without a care in the world. Bart smiled at her. "You can't do anything wrong 'cause you don't know any better. You break a priceless vase, or trophy, and you can't get in trouble. Mom and Dad would just laugh it off." Bart's features turned more serious. "Maggie, I know I'm not the best brother in the world. In fact, I'm one of the worst. Not just a brother, but a person. I pull mean pranks on kids like Martin, I disrespect my parents, at least Homer, and I break things that mean a lot to people, like Lisa's trophy. And I always feel sorry for it."

Bart stopped for a moment. Maggie turned over and settled down in peace. "I'm sorry for the trouble I may of caused you before Maggie," Bart said. "All of my pranks always end up costing the family in the end. I'm sure you remember when I pulled that little stunt on Christmas." Bart stepped back, composed himself. "And now, I've torn my relationship with everyone in this family apart: Lisa, Mom, Homer… They all hate me now, and I'm not too fond of them either. They wouldn't mind it if I just… left. Right now I might just do that. There's nothin' wrong with that, I'm still legally emancipated."

"Why is it that you always have to pay for the negative stuff that happens in this family?" Bart asked the sleeping Maggie. "You remember when Homer caused the town to be sealed in the giant dome? Or when Sideshow Bob forced us into the witness protection program, or chased us down in Italy? Well you weren't responsible for the dome. And you're not responsible for Sideshow Bob either. He is my enemy and it's too bad I've dragged you into this. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for every damn thing that happens in this hell-hole."

"Is there a God Maggie?" Bart asked, more to himself now. "I've prayed to him before but he couldn't possibly love me now. After all the bad things I've done and all the bad things I probably will do. Like Sideshow Bob. If I'd just left well enough alone then he wouldn't be stalking us every damn chance he gets. I hate that little prick." Bart finally stopped for a moment, watching the infant baby. "I'm getting off topic. Truth be told, I don't know what I'm trying to say. Y'know, I guess I'm just looking for a way out of all this. But I have no money to run away. But Fat Tony still has that offer. Maybe I should finally take him up on it. His son Michael and I are pretty good friends."

The infant girl let out a small yawn. She opened her eyes and stared up at Bart. He could see she'd been awake all this time, and listening to him. Bart smiled. "I wonder what you'd say if you could talk. You see things all the time and you're pretty smart too. Like that time you helped Lisa and I catch the Babysitter Bandit or when you shot down Fat Tony and those mobsters and yes, I know it was you." Maggie giggled a little. "Can you understand me Maggie?" Bart asked. "Because you act like you can understand a lot of things in this house. It's too bad you can't talk because you could've saved us a lot of trouble."

Bart looked both ways before talking again. "Y'know Maggie, I've had a lot of talks with people in the last few months. First, Alison Taylor, Lisa's friend, interviewed me for a story, but it never ran. I was happy she did. She told me to take my schoolwork more seriously and she wouldn't run the story. My rep was saved." Bart looked around again. "And I have a little girlfriend too. You know Jessica? We had this conversation. We got back together. She convinced me to come back here and talk to Lisa." Bart sighed. "But how am I going to talk to Lisa Maggie?" he pleaded. "She hates me. I've destroyed her trophy. Mom and Homer hate me too. You're my only friend here Maggie. I hope that doesn't change."

The infant sucked her pacifier, watching her older brother with wide eyes. Bart saw this as an opportunity to continue. "… I don't know why I'm this way Maggie, the irresponsible, delinquent, stupid kid. But I try. I try my hardest to be good, but in the end I always fail. I'm Bart Simpson and that's all I'll ever be. Maybe things would be better if I'd never been here, if I could just leave. I should leave. But before I can, I've got to fix things with Lisa here. I've got to put an end to our feud." Maggie cocked her head to the side, as if she didn't understand. "Maggie, you are the best person here, and don't forget that. You could learn a few things from Lisa Maggie. Like, always try your hardest, even when the odds are stacked against you. And always stand up for your beliefs."

Maggie sucked for a moment longer. And then, she pulled the pacifier out of her mouth. Bart watched her curiously, as she uttered her only known word: "Sequel?" Bart chuckled. She'd begun saying that word ever since they saw a movie. It was her first, and only, word so far. It was funny because it was so innocent, so insignificant. That she could say the word now. There she was, Maggie Simpson, who'd seen all of what went on in the Simpson household. She'd heard bad words, she'd seen violence, and she'd even witnessed death. She was smarter and more mature than most babies. Despite her size, Bart had witnessed her handle a gun and shoot mobsters. Bart had seen her play the saxophone with a skill that greatly surpassed Lisa's. In other words, Maggie was beyond a child prodigy. But no one had ever noticed. And thus, Maggie was considered to be a 'normal' baby.

"Maggie," Bart said. "You're pretty funny. You act like an adult, but you're just a baby. I'm surprised you can't talk yet. But, still, I wonder what you'd say…" He took a minute, trying to picture it. "… You'd probably talk about what I'm saying here. You'd probably give me some advice. Maggie, what advice would you give me? What should I do here?" Maggie didn't respond. "Please Maggie, I KNOW you know what to do here. And really, I need your help. Please Maggie, I-I can't do it alone."

Maggie crawled over to the side of the crib, and began undoing the latch holding the side door up. Bart watched as the infant Simpson climbed out of her crib and began crawling over to the door to her room. She began pointing to the hallway. Bart followed her finger, trying to make out the girl's pointing. "You want me to go to Lisa's room? He asked. "You want me to talk to Lisa." Maggie turned, pointed to her parents' room. "You want me to talk to Mom and Dad too, huh?" Maggie nodded at her brother. Bart bowed his head. "This won't be easy Maggie. We're all pretty mad at one another. They might not listen to me…"

Maggie stared down her brother. Bart began to wonder what she might say. A sudden conversation quickly passed through his head:

--

Maggie would say, "Bart, this is something you have to do if you want to make up with your family. Mommy, Daddy, and Lisa aren't gonna do it. They've been doing it for ten years! It's your turn now.

Bart would say, "But Maggie, I've never done this before. I don't know how. I know I have to talk with them but…"

"… Isn't it about time you faced up to your responsibility Bart? You did this. You started the fight. Not Lisa, you. You've destroyed your relationship with your family. And now you're feeling sorry for yourself!? Bart, this is your fault. YOU must own up to your responsibilities. You wanted my advice, this is it…"

"… I just wish there was another way…"

"… Well there isn't. You must face your faults. Bartholomew Jo-Jo Simpson, you must talk to Lisa and end your feud…"

"… I'll do it Maggie. I just wish there was an easier way…"

"… And the whole family wishes Daddy wasn't an alcoholic…"

--

Lisa had been angry these past few days with no sign of letting up. In the corner of her room lay the destroyed trophy, her pride and accomplishments, gone with one stroke of the hammer. Bart had done it, all of it, and just left. He'd taken no responsibility. Now her mother and father were out of their minds worried about him. Bart had returned home, but had said nothing to his family for days. They'd said nothing to him. He was an outcast now. But Lisa would not rest until she had vindication, an apology from her brother.

As she was thinking, she heard a thump coming from the room opposite hers. Bart had arrived. Probably just to go to sleep, she thought, fuming. But she wouldn't just let this go unanswered. She would get an apology from Bart, even if she had to beat it out of him. She and Bart had battled once, but Marge and Homer broke it up, just as Bart got the last fist in. Lisa felt incomplete, she would always feel that way, until she'd beaten her brother to the floor. And she was feeling very vindictive tonight…

Lisa waited until the noises in Bart's room had stopped. And then, she slipped out. She saw Bart creep into Maggie's room. In order to not wake the baby, Lisa waited outside. But she listen in… "… You're so lucky Maggie…" Bart began by saying. "… You get all the attention by default…" Lisa stopped, calming down a bit. Did Bart just say 'attention'? But was it about the incident? She had to hear more. And so, Lisa Simpson heard all of it. Bart's monologue to Maggie. His taking responsibility. His sadness. His regret. Lisa had no idea Bart was capable of such a thought process. It seemed unbelievable.

As Bart talked on, Lisa began thinking to herself. She saw things from her brother's perspective. Bart? Jealous of her? Lisa chuckled, because she was jealous of him! He was popular, he was well-liked. And Lisa didn't agree with her getting all of the attention. In fact, Lisa had raised herself. Mom and Dad were always dealing with Bart and his crazy antics. That's why she strove so hard to be the best she could be. Because that was the only way she knew how to get attention. "This is ridiculous…" she muttered. It was ridiculous. All of this, all of their sibling rivalry, focused on one thing: attention. Was that why they always fought? It seemed unbelievable. It was, by all means, ridiculous.

A loud, sucking noise interrupted her thought process. Lisa stared back, towards Maggie, who was pointing at her. Bart was standing behind Maggie. Bart saw Lisa and Lisa saw Bart. Brother and sister, facing each other. Neither said a word. They waited for someone else to break the silence. They knew what had to be said. They just didn't want to say it. Everything was on the line here. Their pride, their self-respect, their confidence, everything could be gained or lost here, simply depending on who broke the thick silence and tension that surrounded them.

"Sequel?"

Maggie had spoken that word. Bart and Lisa snapped their gaze off each other, looking down at the year old infant. She gazed back at the both of them, wide-eyed, with the blank expression of a baby. The older siblings, Bart and Lisa, were so startled that they laughed, breaking the tension. Neither of them were brave enough to say anything, they had both been bested by this one-year old girl. They had a good laugh from it. So much so that the entire thing almost dropped! But their eyes met again and they knew that it could be dropped so flippantly. Bart and Lisa knew that if they didn't end this now, it would rise again, another day.

Bart sighed. "Lisa, I-I'm sorry…" The middle sibling cocked her head. "I was just jealous of you and I-"

"- I know all of that Bart," Lisa said. "I heard you talking to Maggie a while ago. Bart, I know you're sorry and I forgive you for the trophy. But that's not the issue anymore. The issue is, each other."

"Each other?" Bart asked, confused.

Lisa nodded. "Bart, I've heard of sibling rivalry, but we just take it to a whole new level. Our fights, they're more than a brother-sister fight should be. As what happened with the trophy, they are more personal than normal sibling fights. Bart, this is serious. We need to end it, right here, right now. Otherwise, it'll get worse and worse until … I shudder to think about where we could end up now."

"I know we have a problem Lisa," Bart said. "This has been going on since you were born. I've been jealous of you because you've been so smart. It's amazing, what a little jealousy can do to you…"

"The Bible warns against jealousy, Bart." Lisa looked her brother dead in the eye. "It can be a dangerous thing. And it's not only you who's been jealous. I've been jealous of you too. Bart, you're so popular and everything comes so easily to you. I had to work for my status in school. Bart, you've eased into yours. That's what makes me so arrogant in every chance I get."

"That's why I'm so arrogant," Bart admitted. "I've grown to be so jealous of you. Every chance I got, I just wanted… to get a little of the … good … attention of my own." Bart turned to Lisa. "But you shouldn't be jealous of me, Lisa. You're a much better person than me."

"It's not true Bart, what they say about you, what you say about yourself." Lisa turned to face Bart. "You're very smart, no matter what I've said about you. Have you seen some of your pranks, or what you do when you set your mind to it? Bart, Sideshow Bob's a genius, and you've single-handedly outwitted him several times." Lisa chuckled. "Remember the Babysitter Bandit?" she asked. Bart nodded. "You came up with the idea to beat her, not me."

"Yeah…" Bart said, drifting off into the past. "… I wonder where she went anyway?"

"Who knows?" Lisa shrugged. "I just hope someone's finally caught her. To be fair, she was better than Sideshow Bob, though."

Bart chuckled. "That's true. We would have been the ones to have caught her, had it not been for Homer."

"Dad's always doing stupid stuff," Lisa said. "I'm pretty sure you still remember the dome."

"How could I not?" Bart asked. "That mob was the one that almost killed us."

Their conversation was interrupted by a sucking sound. Maggie had wormed her way between her siblings. Lisa smiled, picked her up. "Thanks Maggie, you really helped us today."

"Yeah," Bart said, rubbing the baby's hair. "Had it not been for you, we would never have made up."

Lisa turned to Bart. "Bart, I know we'll fight again, I just hope it'll never be as bad as this one."

"I'm pretty sure it won't," Bart assured her. The two siblings hugged each other and Maggie became squeezed in the middle. The baby removed her pacifier:

"Ceasefire?"

--

Secretly, unbeknownst to the kids, Homer and Marge watched from the doorway to their own room. Homer smiled. "Y'know Marge," he said. "We're great parents…"

"We sure are Homer. We sure are…"

--

And that's the end of Ceasefire, the last chapter of the Bart and Lisa Series. READ AND REVIEW! And check my profile, as this story has come out far sooner that I'd thought it would. Still, I did put a lot of work into it, and I want to know what you think of it.

"… Read it… Read it… Read it… Review it… Read it…"