"Feelings Never Known That Existed For Each Other"

PG rating

Rated PG for:  Contains intense descriptive emotions and detailed violent fighting scenes

Author's Note:  I do not own the Recess characters.  These fanfiction stories are for simple non-profit reading enjoyment for all Recess fans.  No copyright infringement is intended or should be inferred.

Due to the length of this story, I made 'smaller' chapters within each 'posted' chapter to make the story easier to follow and in case you guys didn't get to read the entire posted chapter in one sitting.

I hope you guys all enjoy it!  This is my very first fanfiction story.

The story begins after October after T.J. and his friends enjoyed a fun filled Halloween (the story begins after the DVD, "Recess: Taking The Fifth Grade".)

Chapter One: An unstereotypical Ashley...

The location of the meeting was dark and eerie, in the shadows and blight of the city in Austin, Texas.  It was 2 AM in the late, darkening hours of night, the executive business men quietly met at an abandoned, old warehouse.  The only light was the midnight light penetrating though the broken glass warehouse windows and a single flashlight where the men have gathered.

Suddenly, a small girl of about 10 years walked to the men from the shadows with a large guy.  When she was seen the men instantly laughed at her since a child has come to the meeting.  The large guy soon grabbed one of the men and held him by his collar with his face right in front of his.  The men became suddenly quiet and scared for fear of being creamed by this huge, bodyguard-figured guy.

As the girl walked into the dim lights....she said, "Welcome gentlemen, I assume you all know why you are here. Right?"

One of the guys from the meeting sarcastically said, "Sure, little cutie pie to baby-sit you..."  The other guys chuckled but not as heavily as previously because of the huge bodyguard-figured guy.

The girl quietly and simply said, "Baby-sit?  Oh no,....I'll shall be baby-sitting...all of you."

Before the group of guys could question, the girl said, " If you had noticed I have discovered several actions from each one of you.  According to my records and evidence...." the girl threw a folder of several documents inside on a table while she took a seat on a nearby chair.  "....I know that all of you have committed several actions of fraud, insider trading, and other white-collar business crimes."   "With all of this evidence....", the girl smirked and said, "You make Martha Stewart, WorldCom, and Enron seem like honest, life-savings investing businesses...."

The group of business men immediately looked through the hundreds of documents with the flashlight.  They were completely baffled and shocked; this information could completely ruin and destroy their businesses.  These business men were high executives of huge corporations that were considered the most successful businesses in the country.

The girl was sly and said, "Oh yeah, this little girl has definitely done her homework..."  She continued by saying, " As you can see if you do not follow my wishes, you can be sure that the media receives all of this...."

The business men were completely disgusted with themselves having to obey a 10 year old girl; but they knew that not only would their jobs and business be ruined, but potentially the entire U.S. economy if they didn't.

The girl came up and was finally visible from the shadows.  "I don't think we formally met, my name is Ashley!" she said mockingly to the men.  "And this here.....", she was pointing to the huge, bodyguard-figured guy, "...is Big Rob.  If you don't listen to me, I'm sure you'll listen to him."  Big Rob was an African-American 320 lbs and 6'5" guy that completely over towered the business men.  This Ashley had completely black hair, and fair white skin and the figure similar to the rest of the Ashleys' back in Third Street.

The girl said, "Let's plan this thing out, boys..."  And the meeting continued well into the dawn of next day....

Chapter Two:  A New, Weird Student In Third Street

Location:  Third Street Elementary School, Miss Finster's class, 8 AM the Monday after Halloween in Early November

The gang was all sitting close together, in their student desks, waiting for Ms. Finster.  The gang was all nervous today since they were all expecting a big spelling test from Ms. Finster today.

Vince LaSalle commented to the gang, "Man!  I can't believe how much fun it was this Halloween!"

Gretchen Grundler thought back over their Halloween, "They say that time flies whenever you have fun, but I never noticed this behavior scientifically.  It was another great Halloween!  All thanks to Spinelli for setting up that clever trick!"

Vince faced Spinelli and said, "I guess you were right Spinelli.  You can enjoy Halloween no matter how old you are!"  T.J., Gus, Mikey, and Gretchen all smiled, looked at each other, and nodded in agreement.

Mikey Blumburg sighed, "Ahhh...How bittersweet....another Halloween that has passed like the sands of time, but how the memories live on."

Gus Griswald looked around the classroom and pointed out, "Well, it looks like Ms. Finster is going to be late….for the first time ever…"  The class bell rang soon after.

Ashley Spinelli remembered about the prank they pulled on the last day of school last year, "Hey Teej, did Principal Prickly ever punish you for that....".  Spinelli began snickering thinking about the event, "....saggy butt joke?"

T.J. Detweiler replied, "Yeah, but only a few days of detention..."

Miss Grotke ran enthusiastically into the classroom and said, "Hello children!"

T.J. Detweiler stood up from his chair in shock and questioned, "Ms. Grotke…what are you doing here?!?  What happened to Ms. Finster?"

Ms. Grotke assured the class, "Don't worry class, I know how you all miss her."  The class looked the classroom and sighed harshly disagreeing with her.  She continued, "Sadly Coach Kluge had pneumonia so Ms. Finster had to substitute for his class and I had to substitute for your class."

Mikey said, "But Ms. Grotke what about your class?"

Ms. Grotke explained, "Take a deep breath Mikey and relax your inner chi…there will be a substitute teacher for them."

T.J. commented to the gang, "I never thought I'd be so happy to see Ms. Grotke again."  The gang took a deep sigh and relaxed knowing at least for some time they wouldn't be under the torture of Ms. Finster's teaching.

Ashley Spinelli, commented with disgust, "Ms. Grotke, can I sit somewhere else instead of near these powder-puff girls again?"

Ashley B, (the Ashley that dresses in yellow and the meanest one in the Ashley group) said, "Like, we are they ones that have to sit next to your rat-coat, as you would call, your hair!"

Spinelli stood up on the chair, turned and yelled back, "Hey!  My hair is clean and not being poisoned by so many chemicals.  No wonder it explains your brain!"

Ashley Q (dressed in blue and the sassiest of the Ashley group) was about to yell at Spinelli when Ms. Grotke interrupted, "Now children! Children!  Settle down......oh, wait there seems to be a student I missed, a new one....her name is Ashley..."  Ms. Grotke was having troubling pronouncing her last name.

The four Ashleys (Ashley A, Ashley B, Ashley Q, and Ashley T) all gave their well known word, "Scandalous!"

Spinelli said, "Oh great, another one?!?  Another prissy, uptight girl?"

Vince LaSalle immediately tried to uplift Spinelli's spirits, "Hey Spinelli!  It's just another Ashley to prank on!"  Spinelli's face immediately turned to a sinister smile; the pranks were just flooding into her head now.

The class could hear a panting getting louder and finally, the panting was at the class door.

The ENTIRE class except Ms. Grotke was just completely stunned and shocked.  As if the class had seen a ghost or something.  Ms. Grotke was saying, "...ah ha!  You are Ashley Xxxchapw...?"  The girl who hosted the meetings in Austin was there.  She said, "You can just call me Ashley X. Ms. Grotke, right?"  Ms. Grotke replied and pointed, "Why yes!  You can have a seat right behind T.J."

Gretchen amazingly said, "Absolutely astounding!"

Gus said, "I've never seen a kid dress like that before in Third Street!"

Ashley X had the beauty of the Ashleys, but not as much as Spinelli even though Spinelli was dressed as a punk.  Ashley X had a gothish-like style, (all black clothes, ripped black jeans, no piercings, black make-up, and silver chain necklace and hot pink spiked hair [normally had black hair])  and the Ashleys and Spinelli were in such shock that it was like their mouths hit the floor.  The class was just staring at her for a full 3 minutes no one ever dressed that radically before in Third Street.

After about 4 FULL minutes of staring and Ms. Grotke introducing Ashley X to the names of the students in class, Randall silently delighted remarking, "This is going to very moist....just wait 'til I tell everyone in school!"

Ms. Grotke said, "Okay, Okay class we don't want to make our new student feel uncomfortable....I just have to say Ashley X that style is absolutely wicked!  Now on to Chapter 4 in Math...."

The class tried to continue back to the normal flow of class, but in the back of every student's mind was who and what this new Ashley girl is.

Chapter Three:  The First Contact With A New Ashley

Location:  The Playground, Recess Time at 10 AM

The gang hanged near the stairs to meet up with the new Ashley.

Gus said, "I can't believe it!  This Ashley is one I've never seen before!"

Spinelli said, "Yeah!  I though I looked the toughest, but with her next to me.....I almost look like an Ashley!"

The Ashleys were away from the gang and Ashley A said, "Can you believe this?  What is happening to the Ashley name?   I mean it didn't work with that catwalk collapsing Spinelli and now we have an Ashley who looks ten times worse than her."

Ashley T responded, "Well Spinelli, didn't actually collapse on the catwalk...do you remember that competition?"

Ashley A angrily responded, "Whatever!  You know what I mean....besides, that competition, was like, soooo  fashionably traumatic for me!"

Ashley B and Ashley Q responded, "Me too!"

Meanwhile, back with the gang they noticed the doors open and out came Ashley X.  The rest of the students on the playground who weren't in Ms. Grotke's class were now staring at Ashley X.  Even the new King, King Freddie, just sat in his throne with complete shock.  The playground was in total silence.

"What the heck?" said Ms. Finster not noticing the reason why the playground was silent.  "Ahhh! Now that's more like it...finally those rapscallions will shut their mouths!"

T.J. broke the silence and politely said, "Hey, how's it going Ashley?"

Ashley X replied quietly and shy, "Fine, I guess...." noticing everyone staring at her.  "This is getting really embarrassing...."

T.J. said, "Sorry about that, it's just so shocking that an Ashley, that we know of, dressing like you."

Ashley X calmly responded yet trying to think of some type of answer, "Well....back in Texas; my old school never.....had anything like that...." Ashley X mentally sighed.

Spinelli said, "Wow!  I never though makeup could actually make a girl look tougher!"

Gretchen added, "Indeed!....You're use of makeup, hair coloring, and more have completely revolutionized everyone's thoughts!"

Mikey then continued, "Your self-expression in thy own self be true made every girl think that makeup and fashion was an Ashley trait."

Ashley X looked around and smirked saying, "Woooowww!  Really?"

Spinelli responded, "Yeah definitely! " she soon laughed and said, "Wait 'til the Ashleys deal with this expression of fashion."

T.J soon invited the gang and Ashley X to all play kickball together.  They started to bond together and laugh, but at the last 15 minutes of recess Ashley X secretly went to the kindergarteners and 1st graders.  Ashley X started talking with all of them secretly and giving them all candy.   Randall soon noticed after 5 minutes of the meeting, and secretly spied on Ashley X's speeches and talks with the kindergarteners and 1st graders.  Randall took notes of how Ashley X was trying to influence them and telling them that they don't need to suppressed by the older schoolmates just because they are bigger and older.   Randall whispered, "Oh yeah!  Just what I need....the first bit of dirt on Ashley X."

Randall soon talked with Ms. Finster.  Ms. Finster rejected to take any action on it.

Randall replied, "But Ms. Finster how can you ignore this?  I've noticed how Ashley X is trying to influence them, who knows maybe even brainwash."

Ms. Finster stated, "Look Randall, it's not like there is damaged property to the school or she broke rules.  I can't simply give her a punishment for talking that....but believe me Randall, I wish I could....I really wish...."  She began to chuckle and laugh.

Randall soon and unknowingly walked into the gang.  Spinelli was bumped into by Randall, she angrily said, "Watch where you are going snitch! Otherwise, I'll fix the problem where you won't bump into people for some time, much less walk!"

Randall immediately replied in terror as he noticed Spinelli's fighting look, "Okay! Okay! I'm sorry...don't hurt me!"

Spinelli noticed his usual note pad.  "Let me have a look at this..." she started reading and ripping the pages one by one.  Then she finally noticed Ashley X's paper on the discussions with the kindergarteners and 1st graders, soon the gang and her read it.   Gretchen replied, "You can't be logical about this Randall, could you?"

Vince replied, "Honestly man!  This is pretty ridiculous, I mean Ashley X...brainwashing students...yeah, right Randall."

Randall responded, "But it's honestly true...I noticed something definitely suspicious with her and those 2 grades."

T.J. replied with disgust, "From you Randall.....anything is possible.  A snitch like you can't be trusted at all."

Randall loudly and trying to convince the gang, "But it's absolutely true!  I swear!"

Spinelli says, "True....like you lying and saying that T.J. and I liked that first kiss with each other?  Gimme me a break.  What a bunch of hooey!"

T.J. was shocked by Spinelli's choice to use that as an example, as was the rest of the gang.  T.J. was a really close friend with Spinelli because he had always defend her, a little more so than the rest of his friends, whenever she needed it especially when Spinelli accidentally called Ms. Grotke 'mama' last year in 4th grade.  T.J. though only about the kiss once and in a while, but he was realizing that somehow since then he became a little closer with Spinelli than the rest of the gang.

Randall quickly ran out of the scene.  Spinelli responded to it by saying, "Just like a weasel does.....runaway....."

Immediately Ms. Finster noticed Ashley X chewing on some gum and was walking fast toward her.  T.J. reacted to it and said, "Ashley!  Here take my prescription gum excuse quick! It works every time."

Ashley X was eager to take the fake prescription paper, but she said, "It's okay Teej, I can handle her...."

Vince immediately responded, "Are you crazy?!?  Ms. Finster's going to give you serious detention time if you don't take Teej's help..."   Gretchen added to it, "I concur, the probability of getting no detention time without T.J.'s help is low....very low, indeed..."

But before Ashley X could respond, Ms. Finster's shadow rose over her.  Ms. Finster with her overbearing presence asked, "....and what do you have missy?"  Ashley X defiantly said, "What do you think!  It's gum....I would of thought you being a teacher for so many years would have finally figured that out."  T.J. and Spinelli were both showing the cutting the head sign with their hands to advise Ashley not to continue provoking Ms. Finster.

Ms. Finster soon became infuriated by Ashley's response while Ashley remained cool and calm about it.  Ms. Finster yelled, "You little punk!  Get yourself to the corner right now!"  Ms. Finster grabbed Ashley X by the collar and took her to secluded area of the playground where only she and Ashley X were there.  After Ashley X faced against the wall and Ms. Finster was about leave, Ashley X interrupted and said, "And where do you think you are going?"  Ms. Finster become even more upset, "Going?!?  Let's get this straight...no hanky-panky business you scoundrel, I'm the teacher and what I do or say is FINAL!"  Ashley X responded, "If you continue to proceed with this punishment, and not stay out of my way....I can guarantee you Ms. Finster....you will be the one who will be punished!"

Ms. Finster shrugged it off by laughing lightly and walked away saying, "I would love to see you try.....you're just an insolent little brat...."

Chapter Four: More Than Just Friends?

Location:  In Front of Third Street School, 3 PM, School has ended for the day

The gang and Ashley X meet up after school.

"All right!  Time to get out of here!" Gus said.

"Hey guys!  Let's all go to Kelso's for some ice cream!  I can't wait to get Pistachio ice cream with peanut butter topping all over it!" said Mikey.

The others all "Ugh!" and "Ewww!" by simply them picturing it their mouths.

T.J. replied, "Well buddy, we may not get that type of ice cream but we'll definitely all go there!"

The gang was all excited and leaving to follow Mikey, who was already bicycling toward Kelso's, but then in just a second he noticed Ashley X not going and stopped his bicycle.   "What's wrong Ashley?  Don't you wanna join us?" T.J. questioned.

Ashley X responded trying again to think of some other excuse so she won't expose them to her 'double-life', "I would really love to guys, but....Well.....my parents want me....to come immediately home......yeah, right home, because of something important....but they won't say what."

T.J. said, "Are you sure?  Is it really important?  We'll all definitely miss your company!"

Ashley X said, "Sorry Teej....it's just something I have to do....but have a good time."

T.J. reluctantly left, feeling kind of bad Ashley X couldn't join them and immediately caught up with the gang.  Ashley X soon waited for the students and parents to clear around and then quickly got her cell phone where a dark, black car picked her up about 2 blocks away which would take her to the closest big city.  Randall, quickly observed this when he quickly ran to some nearby bushes.  He mentioned, "If this information, doesn't convince the rest...who knows what will..."

Meanwhile, the gang arrived at Kelso's and lined up in front of the register.  As Gretchen, Vince, Mikey, and Gus excitedly asked Mr. Kelso their orders of ice cream. Spinelli went through her coat pockets and she realized that she did not have enough money for her favorite sundae.  After Gretchen, Vince, Mikey, and Gus found a booth for all of them to eat their ice cream, Spinelli arrived at the register and disappointingly said, "I'm sorry Mr. Kelso but it looks today I can't buy any ice cream today."

Gretchen immediately in shock said, "What?!?"

Mikey stopped eating his ice cream instantly and said, "Oh no!  What have we done where the gods of dairy foods can not bless Spinelli with the creamy delicacy of a wondrous ice cream treat?"

Vince added, "Awww man!   Spinelli you should of told us you didn't have enough money we could of gave some of our money instead of using it all for ourselves."

Spinelli replied, "It's okay guys....thanks for trying though..."

T.J. came to the rescue and asked, "Wait a sec Spinelli!" He faced Mr. Kelso and said, "What can both of us get for $4.20?"

Mr. Kelso hesitantly responded, "Well son, I may not be able to give you both sundaes but...." he began to smirk, "you two can share a large milkshake together...."

T.J. eagerly faced and asked Spinelli, "You don't mind if we share do you?"

Spinelli casually replied with a smile, "Sure, I don't mind....Teej, you're always there to the rescue."

T.J. happily assured, "Well what are friends for?"

When T.J. received the milk shake with two straws, both Spinelli and T.J sat opposite to each other at the end of booth. The gang began to talk about Ashley X's dilemma while Spinelli and T.J. began slowly sipping on each of their straws.

Gus began the discussion, "I can't believe that Ashley X was not even scared of Finster!"

Vince quickly added, "Yeah! There's no way any sane kid would do that..."

Mikey, Gus, Gretchen, Vince, and Spinelli continued the discussion.  T.J. on the other hand, was noticing Spinelli in a different light.  T.J. began think again about his behavior toward Spinelli, he knew that in the past he completely offered all of his ice cream to his friends if they didn't have enough, but he thought to himself  'Why was I so eager to share with Spinelli?  I don't normally do that...'  Then finally with a simple smile from Spinelli, it finally occurred to T.J....that he was having a crush on Spinelli.  After this revelation, he knew he had to keep it a secret despite his strong crush on Spinelli because he knew that Spinelli would be teased constantly at school especially after observing how Gretchen was teased when Jeffrey had a huge crush on her last year.  T.J. finally decided that he definitely had to keep his crush a secret because he knew that he wouldn't want to hurt Spinelli if the crush came out.

Soon a question was asked to T.J. about his opinion on Ashley X.  Spinelli talked louder and louder, "Hey T.J.! T.J.!"

T.J. immediately snapped himself out of the 'crush world' that was going on inside his head.  He quickly answered, "Yeah! Yeah!  What's happening?"

Spinelli calmly questioned, "Are you okay Teej?"  Spinelli was looking straight at T.J....the same way how that simple smile began the crush.

T.J. quickly replied, "Sure!  Yeah, sure guys!"  The rest of the gang looked at each other a bit confused.  T.J answered the question, but no matter how often he tried to watch his 'crush-like' behavior he seemed to fall easily back into it.  T.J. just began to simply enjoy sharing the ice cream with Spinelli, his mind was not focused on anything else.

Gretchen began to notice T.J.'s unusual behavior toward Spinelli now and then in the discussion.  By the end of the discussion, the gang was ready to go back to their homes, the gang again tried to get T.J.'s attention. T.J. quickly brought himself out of the crush he had on Spinelli and the gang left....except for Gretchen.  Gretchen approached Mr. Kelso and asked him, "Mr. Kelso....what type of milkshake was that?  I noticed you had a smirk about it."

Mr. Kelso replied, "Well Gretchen...." he began to laugh lightly "....usually most couples order that milkshake."

Gretchen answered, "Thanks Mr. Kelso......hmmm...very interesting....."  As Gretchen began leaving Kelso's, she started thinking about T.J. behavior and the milk shake but she didn't think much of it.  Gretchen thinking the T.J. having a crush was the last thing on her mind.....Gretchen knew that it just wasn't possible...especially since they were just kids...

Chapter Five: The School Transforms...

Location: In the playground of Third Street School, Tuesday 5:30 AM, Only A Few Faculty Are Present

As Ashley X looks at the playground from the stairs, she says to herself, "Now this is more like it!"

An oil well taking up one-forth the size of the playground has been constructed.  With a 9 foot barbed wire fence around the oil well, it constantly pumps oil from within the earth.  The 70 foot height of this oil well dwarfs the surrounding houses and Third Street School.  This oil well gave the presence of forbidding, intolerant, militant appearance that seemed to somewhat destroy the happy innocence of the playground even though the rest of the playground remained untouched.  Ashley X then went to the girls' bathroom where she was ready to make a transformation.

Meanwhile, 2 hours pass, and the gang begins to walk to Third Street School.

"Man!  I couldn't sleep a wink last night!  It seemed like there was construction throughout the whole neighborhood.", said Vince.

Gus replied with curiosity, "Yeah! Me too! I haven't heard so much noise in one night since my family lived near the test grounds of an army base."

T.J. then spoke to them all, "Well,...I guess we'll all find..." Suddenly they saw their school and its transformation.  They were surprised just as if they have seen the huge satellite dish from last summer's adventure. T.J. continued slowly while he and the rest of the gang were shocked, "......oooouuuut..."

As the gang approached the front of Third Street School, their heads were still looking toward the gigantic oil well.  As the gang began to arrive for class, they continued to discuss about the oil well that seemed to have taken over their playground yet they did not notice the clocks and time.  The gang and the rest of Ms. Finster's class arrived just in time before the 8 AM bell rang, but just before Ms. Grotke could close the door....Ashley X arrived.  The class again was completely floored at how she looked.

Ms. Grotke began by saying, "Well...Good morning Ashley X!  You appear to be very different today?  Is something wrong?"

Ashley X simply responded back, "Oh nothing's wrong....I just wanted to dress a...little....different today."

Yet Ashley X did not dress a little differently this time.  Her dressing style was completely the opposite of what she wore yesterday.  She was dressed similar to the Britney Spears' school outfit in the '...Baby One More Time' music video and furthermore she 'pushed the envelope' by wearing a micro-skirt than a mini-skirt.  The Ashleys and Spinelli were completely mind frozen in shock.  In a few moments, the Ashleys began to look at their dressing styles and started crying and uncontrollably sobbing because they realized that Ashley X had a greater fashion style and that their outfits, in comparison with Ashley X's, just looked hideous.

Ashley A slowly began speaking while still continuing to sob, "I....just like can't... believe....it!  How dare she humiliate us!"

Ashley Q responded with the same immense sobbing, "She makes...us....seem...like.....fashion rejects!" and suddenly whaled with tears.

Spinelli slowly began to stutter speaking toward Ashley X, "What....happened....to...you....Ashley X?  Who....forced...you...to...go through this, this?"

Ashley X began walking toward her desk and speaking to the gang and said, "Well I wanted to try something different this time.  I think I may have gotten off on the wrong foot dressing too rebellious...I thought this would counter-act it for now."

The gang and class now began to arrive back to their senses.  Soon talking and whispering began to flood the classroom.

T. J. turned around to face Ashley X and said, "But....you looked so cool and...."

Spinelli continued T.J.'s sentence, "...tough looking!  Now, no offense, but you look like one of those powder-puff girls..."

The Ashleys continued to sob.  Spinelli yelled back at the Ashleys, "Could you put on a lid on it already!  It's not the end of the world!  Sheesh!  Gimme a Break!"

Ashley X smiled and said, "Okay, okay.  I'll try to find something else..." Ashley X suddenly turned around and faced where the wall clock used to be and said, "Hi Sal!"

The class froze again and looked toward the clock.  The clock had been changed to a digital appearance and instead of the red circular light the SAL computer looked through...the color was a light teal color.  The SAL computer began to speak, "It's now 8 AM....it's time to start class Ms. Grotke."

Gretchen stared infinitely at SAL through the teal light.  Gretchen finally screamed, "NOOO!  NOT AGAIN!!!  There is no way we are going through that again especially after SAL 3000!"

Ashley X quickly responded to Gretchen, "Don't worry Gretch....this is the SAL 4000.  Principal Prickly says that this time the computer is much more obedient than the last one and that the company has made many improvements!"

Gus replied, "Gee...I don't know....I mean how can we trust it again?  I mean last time the SAL 3000 tried to do everything to stop us."

Ashley X answered, "Well...all I know is that Principal Prickly said that this time there is a manual override to operate the SAL 4000 in case something goes out of control."

The gang began to look at SAL 4000 suspiciously, it was definitely hard for them to believe that this time it was going to be much better.

Ms. Grotke soon interrupted the class, "Okay class!  Let's get back to learning!  Let's all open our minds to...."

Chapter Six:  The Disappearance of Ms. Finster

Location:  Ms. Finster's Classroom, just after 10 AM, the class and the rest of the students have left for recess...the gang and Ashley X slowly walk toward outside down the hallway

Mikey began to speak, "Where are thou things that comfort us?  Why has recess changed?"

Vince spoke to the gang, "Can you believe it guys?  I mean, man, a huge oil well taking up one-fourth of the playground and SAL 4000 back in Third Street in one day?"

T.J. replied, "It's crazy Vince....I know real crazy...  I mean just last month I stood up to the school district about them removing the lockers and paving over the playground…and now….NOW THIS?!?"  T.J. couldn't believe it that after locking himself in his bedroom and standing up against the school board last month…the school changed….again!

Soon they were interrupted by Miss Finster.  She had become upset over seeing Ashley X wearing a micro-skirt to school which was not allowed in Third Street.  She yelled to Ashley X, "What in tar nation are you doing Ashley X?"

Ashley X carelessly responded, "Going to recess...of course"

Ms. Finster continued with her anger, "You maybe new around here, but you definitely know that micro-skirts are not acceptable clothes for Third Street Elementary!"

Spinelli whispered to Ashley X's ear, "Hey!  Run with us and Gretchen can give you one of her full-length skirts to wear....that way you won't be forced to stay in the Principal's office all day."

Ashley X then whispered back to the gang, "Its fine...I can deal with her...."   The gang glanced over at Ashley X slowly as if she was crazy.

Ms. Finster yelled and said, "Ashley X come with me right now to the cafeteria where you will miss out on recess.  Ah ha ha!"

Ashley X slowly but confidently followed Ms. Finster.  She whispered back to gang, "Don't worry...enjoy recess with out me.....you guys, don't have to save me like you did for T.J.....I'll be okay....really..."  Ashley X smirked while going to the cafeteria.

Suddenly Randall running toward Ms. Finster to catch her attention when Spinelli got in his way.  Spinelli asked, "Where do you think you are going weasel?"

Randall instantly snapped back saying, "It's none of your beeswax Spinelli, now out of my way I have an important message for Ms. Finster."  Randall tried to walk out of the way again but Spinelli was still blocking him.

Spinelli angrily demanded, "Now tell us what it is or get ready for your eye to look like your pen color!"  Spinelli was forming a fist in her right hand while holding Randall's shirt collar with the left.

Randall quickly responded, "Okay! Okay!  I saw Ashley X got into a mysterious dark black car about 2 blocks from here heading toward downtown!  Please don't hurt me!"

Vince quickly replied, "What?!?  Are you crazy Randall?"

T.J quickly also added, "Yeah! What kind of information is that?.....it's so ridiculous!"

Randall was squirming, "It's really, honestly true!   The car had some mysterious 3 letter license plate and there were 3 guys in suits picking her up!"  Randall finally got free and ran away from the gang and toward the doors that led to the playground.

Vince commented, "That's really lame guys!  I never heard Randall make up such a huge lie before...."

Gretchen replied, "Well Randall had a really slow week snitching on students.....it explains it."

Gus said enthusiastically, "Let's go outside and play guys!"

T.J. asked, "But what about Ashley X?   Shouldn't we try to help her out though?....I mean even though she didn't tell us to, no kid deserves to miss out on recess."

Spinelli replied, "Look here Teej....she told us specifically not to help her out.   But she really is one tough kid!"

The gang replied one by one, "Yeah...she sure is...." and began heading outside to the playground.

Finally Ms. Finster brought Ashley X into the cafeteria.  The lights were turned off and the shades were all pulled down allowing very little sunlight to enter into the cafeteria.  The lunch ladies (Irma and Harriet) were too busy preparing and cooking food in the kitchen (a different room not in the serving area) that they had no idea if anyone was at the cafeteria.  Ashley X was causally sitting on the lunch table bench while Ms. Finster was pacing back and forth in front of her.

Ms. Finster began, "You little insubordinate brat!  I have never dealt with a student like you before, not even T.J. Detweiler behaves like this!  You seem to wantingly try to defy me while T.J. seems to do whatever he pleases." Ms. Finster notices Ashley X's posture of sitting.  "You better keep your legs crossed missy, wearing that!  There is no way I'm gonna tolerate Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera attire in this school!  That style may have seeped into middle school, but I will not let it infect this elementary school as long as my regularity is going strong!"

Ashley X slyly and sarcastically responded, "So.....and your point...Ms..um, Ms. Fishstick?"

Ms. Finster became infuriated and shoved her face in front of Ashley X's where only a couple of inches separated them.  "You insolent annoying maggot!  You can be guaranteed that your parents will hear from this and that you'll have detention for hour for two weeks! Ah ha!"

Ashley X calmly replied, "Oh no....I told you not to stand in my way, but you didn't listen...."

Ms. Finster stopped her snickering instantly, "What?!?"

Ashley X continued, "Now you shall be the disciplined student.....Boys!"  Ashley X yelled the word 'Boys' on her cell phone and suddenly Big Rob and the other men from the meeting burst through the cafeteria doors as if they working for the CIA.  Ms. Finster looked around and before she could gasp the men and Big Rob restrained her arms and forced duct tape around her mouth and put a metal bracelet around her left wrist, which, appeared to be a watch but had a more sinister purpose.

While the men and Big Rob restrained Ms. Finster, Ashley X began to quietly tease Ms. Finster, "You see Ms. Finster....you said that I need discipline but I think you are the one that needs it.  I forewarned you, but you wouldn't listen."   Ms. Finster was angrily trying to get out of restrained situation like an animal.  "And now you shall learn.......and how you might say?  You remember those restraining bracelets you were so enthusiastic to get with the SAL 4000...well you have one right now on your wrist.  If you defy me or speak of this incident or about the bracelet you can bet that you'll receive a painful shock from the bracelet.....  Here's a little demo..."  Ashley X pressed a few buttons for a certain code on her cell phone that gave Ms. Finster a painful shock, her yell of pain was silenced by the duct tape.

Ashley X continued, "Take Ms. Finster out of my sight boys....and make sure that when she returns to school on Friday she is well disciplined...."  Big Rob and the men took her out the cafeteria doors and quickly took her into a white van just outside the parking lot.  Big Rob and the men quickly sped off thinking that they were not noticed.....little did they know that Butch and Randall caught part of the incident.  Randall and Butch just quickly stared at each other and ran out of sight before the men or Big Rob would notice.

Meanwhile, back at the cafeteria, Ashley X turned on the lights and pulled the window shades back up.  Suddenly, Lunch Lady Irma asked, "Are you ready for some tomato surprise?"

Ashley X was quickly caught off guard and faced Lunch Lady Irma and simply said, "Sure....I can't wait."

Ashley X quickly walked out of the cafeteria doors and whispered, "It won't be long now..."

Chapter Seven: The Playground Revolution

Location: In the playground of Third Street School, just after 10AM Thursday, the gang and Ashley X just arrive outside on the playground

For the past couple days, Ashley X has always been speaking with the kindergarteners and 1st graders at the last 10 to 15 minutes of recess.  The gang did not really suspect anything suspicious about Ashley X speaking with the 1st graders and kindergarteners.  Ashley X was getting ready to launch another step of her plan.

While Ashley X was walking with the gang, she began to talk, "Doesn't it seem ridiculous that we have to answer to King Freddie whenever he wants to?  I mean how extreme his punishments are?  If it wasn't for old King Bob, you guys would have been tortured since you guys brought Hector and Tubby into the 5th and 6th grade club….And this playground Constitution is really unfair!"

Spinelli and Vince both replied, "Well....it does make sense...."

Gus added, "Yeah, it was completely unfair when I was labeled as the new kid and no one wanted to play with me."

Ashley X began walking toward King Freddie, "I'm going to formally protest to King Freddie immediately and this constitution."

Before Ashley X could turn around T.J. grabbed Ashley X's wrist, "Are you crazy?!?  Defying King Freddie and the Playground Constitution is just suicide!  I mean, yeah, the constitution and the king are not perfect, but who is?  This constitution has been in place for many years even back to when my parents were at school....but I'm sorry I just can't support you Ashley X on something like this!  Who knows what type of chaos could occur..."

"I'm sorry Ashley X but we can't either", said Gretchen referring to herself and Vince.

Spinelli quickly pointed out, "C'mon guys I mean who know this might be better for the school!  Go ahead Ashley X show them what ya got!"

Mikey showed his support for Ashley X as well, "Go forth Ashley X!  Do not let your ideas and views be hampered by the ominous powers of the monarchy."

Gus added while giving a salute, "Go on Ashley X!  I'm behind you too!"

Gretchen, T.J., and Vince were both surprised by the other half of the gang supporting Ashley X. Gretchen soon began the dispute to the other half, "How can agree with Ashley X?  I mean the foundation of playground is at stake...everything we know could be radically changed!"

All the others joined in and they became so involved with the dispute that they did not realize that Ashley X had already left to talk with King Freddie.

Soon Tubby (Mikey's toddler friend) interrupted Mikey and asked, "What is Mikey doing?"  Tubby may have been a 1st grader but his English still was not perfect.

Mikey looked back and instantly smiled when he noticed Tubby.  "Well, how are you?  I haven't seen you in a long time."

Tubby asked, "Why are all you 5th graders getting so upset about?"

The rest of the gang continued to talk back to one another while ignoring Mikey and Tubby.  Mikey responded, "Well my curious little friend.  We are all discussing about Ashley X's idea of changing the playground."

Tubby questioned, "You mean that girl who gives us lots of candy and money?"

Mikey was immediately confused and asked, "What do you mean?  Are you saying that girl is giving you lots of candy and money?"  Mikey pointed to Ashley X.

Tubby enthusiastically replied, "Yes, her!  She is such a nice gurl!"

Mikey pointed out, "Well...that's highly bizarre....."

Butch immediately approached the gang and said, "Well that's nothing compared to what I saw a few weeks ago!"

The gang stopped arguing among themselves and paid attention to what Butch had to say.  T.J. questioned him cautiously, "What are you talking about Butch?"

Butch simply answered, "Things are not always what they seem....like Ms. Finster for example."

Vince replied in disgust, "C'mon Butch we already heard your wild stories....like the 'yard of no return' and they turn out bogus!"

Butch said, "Say what you want LaSalle!  But this time I have student who witnessed an incident with me."  He quickly brought Randall with him.  Randall was extremely hesitant to meet up with the gang knowing how easily Spinelli could beat him up.

Spinelli sighed in disgust, "C'mon guys what a bunch of hooey!"

Gretchen immediately interrupted and said, "Well let's wait Spinelli!  Let's first hear what these two have to say...then we'll see if their accounts are really valid."

Spinelli with the same disgust and sighed, "Okay....spill it out guys..."

Butch began speaking with his usual eerie and creepy story telling voice, "It was a couple of days ago on a Tuesday if I recall...."

Vince remarked, "You recall?!?  It was just two days ago…."

Butch just continued anyways, "…that I was usually hanging around the corners of the playground where no other kid notices the subtle movements around the school..."

Spinelli harshly interrupted, "Just get to the point Butch..."

Randall continued the discussion, "I noticed a group of men holding a duct taped Ms. Finster to a white van where they sped off...and now look at Ms. Finster now, she's never been the same."  Randall begins to cry...

Gus nervously and shakingly responded, "Men who took Finster?  Who's to say they might get us?"

Spinelli boldly dismissed this story, "That's the biggest bunch of hooey I've ever heard!"

T.J. questioned Spinelli, "Are you certain about that Spinel?"

Gretchen agreed with T.J., "Let's add up the facts...shall we?  The same day Ashley X had to go with Ms. Finster, Ms. Finster according to Butch, was taken by a group of men....and now Ms. Finster never seems to punish Ashley X."

Vince commented slowly, "Well...it does make sense...."

Before the gang and the others could think about the issue at hand, there came a sudden yelling cry of kindergarteners and 1st graders.  Tubby immediately ran to join his 1st grade classmates.  Ashley X was seen yelling at the gates of the kindergarten's playground where the kindergarteners and 1st graders joined to meet with her.  Ashley X yelled with all of her being and said, "Kindergartners and 1st graders of Third Street!  The end of being oppressed by older kids has arrived!"

Vince immediately asked T.J., "What's going on Teej?"

T.J. confused as the rest of the other students who were not kindergartners or 1st graders simply said, "I don't know Vince man...I really don't know..."

Ashley X continued her yelling, "The time to overthrow King Freddie has arrived and to begin a revolution to help all student kind!  Attack!"

Suddenly the kindergartners and 1st graders began fighting with the guards and pillaging King Freddie's throne.  Ashley X casually and sarcastically continued, "And King don't you dare try to fight back with these younger kids or otherwise just wait 'til your parents hear you big 6th graders beating up these defenseless little children."

The rest of the students on the playground became mortified just simply watching the chaos ensuing between the younger grades and King Freddie's guards.  The gang immediately joined up with Ashley X.  Gus began to speak, "Are you crazy?!? Overthrowing King Freddie?"

Ashley X did not face the gang and was more interested in seeing the progress of the 'revolution.'  Ashley X responded, "Just think now you guys won't ever be disrespected by a 6th grader ever again!"  She yelled back to the 1st graders and kindergartners, "Remember little ones I have money and candy for all of you if you succeed!"

Mikey wailed, "Say it isn't so!  Our playground in the sheer madness of political playground chaos!"

Vince elbowed T.J. and whispered, "You gotta do something man....she's taken it too far!"

T.J. whispered back, "Don't worry Vince, my man....I'll try to speak with her one on one about this..."

The gang continued with their frozen faces of amazement of their playground which has become a war-zone.

After about 10 minutes into the fighting, Ms. Finster receives a glance from Ashley X and begins yelling at the 6th grade guards, "What in the devil is going on here?"

King Freddie tried to respond but began to stutter after realizing Ashley X's point on beating up little kids, "I...was....trying....I was..."

Ms. Finster harshly yelled back saying, "This type of animal behavior is inexcusable wait 'til your parents hear about this!"  The 6th grade guards and King Freddie were quickly sent to the principal's office with Ms. Finster.  The throne on top of the jungle gym was abandon.  As the school children sat in wonder of what would happen next...Ashley X climbed to the top of the jungle gym and grabbed the crown of King Freddie.

Ashley X yelled and announced to the entire playground, "Today my friends of Third Street School!  No longer will anyone be treated unfairly because they are simply younger or newer than everyone else!  Everyone will be treated with the same respect and therefore the former playground Constitution will be eliminated! " Ashley X begins to rip up the old playground constitution and the gang can hardly believe what they are seeing.  "I do not want you guys to consider me Queen because that would go against the equality of all students...but rather call me Comrade Ashley X!"  The students of the playground except the gang began to cheer and holler for Ashley X.  Gretchen immediately knew what government Ashley X was implying and she simply responded with, "uh oh..."

Ashley X threw King Freddie' crown to the top of Third Street's roof where even Vince was surprised by Ashley X's throwing ability.  As the gang continued to watch Ashley X above, Spinelli quietly asked, "Teej, is this for the best or not?"  T.J. simply responded, "I have no idea...but I'll talk to her..."

As Ashley X was continuing her speech and promises to improve the Third Street Playground... but she began to look at T.J. more differently.  It may have been the cute freckles alone, his cleverness, his kindness, or whatever it may be developed into a crush she knew she had for him.  Her eyes would move now and then to notice T.J., but T.J. never noticed it.  One thing for sure is that she definitely wanted to meet up with him and just him alone...

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Stay tuned for the next posted chapter!   (C'mon now.......I gotta keep you guys in suspense for sometime…LOL)

I look forward to all of your reviews (good and bad)!  I appreciate it, to everyone that has enjoyed the story so far.  Reading your reviews will definitely make my day and worth the time writing the story!  Thanks again for everyone who reviewed my earlier version of this story…I changed this story slightly to supplement the "Taking The Fifth Grade" DVD.