Miss Tiffany & The Quintet

                          To read this story's predecessor, follow the link: https://thegman971997.wixsite.com/website2/post/wollstonecraft-elementary          

Written by Greg K. Morris

                                           In memory of Leelah Alcorn

                                                           1997-2014

There are more tales to tell about Miss Tiffany and the quintet. A lot transpired before all five kids graduated from Wollstonecraft Elementary.

Chapter 1, Housekeeping

I'll give you a quick rundown of what occurred after the school was saved and stayed open. Firstly, Lillian, who became active in the community and had an educational background, was appointed school chairwoman. When her rank was declared, Lillian said "I'm going to clean up the mess made by Barclay and Keith".

Miss Tiffany received a much deserved chamber of commerce woman of the year award. Miss Molly presented it at formal ceremony by saying "It is my prestigious pleasure to present this to a fabulous new friend of mine. She's someone who's made an indelible difference with her efforts as an educator and services to the community--Tiffany Rivera!". Miss Tiffany, who donned a modish, turquoise dress, went up to accept her accolade. She and Miss Molly exchanged a hug. "Am I ever on cloud nine. Words cannot describe how grateful and deeply moved I feel. From the bottom of my full heart, thank you!" was Miss Tiffany's accolade acceptance speech.

In December, Miss Tiffany put on a Christmas pageant. A charming Lena and Gilbert hosted it, respectively. The presentation featured a percussion demonstration and dance routine to Sleigh Ride. There was also a student reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, caroling which invited audience members to sing along and choral rendition of The Little Drummer Boy. Mary brought down the house by singing Silent Night.

In the New Year, an official drama club was formed. Kathy and Gilbert were elected its presidents. During inauguration, they addressed Miss Tiffany and their peers. "Drama's been good to us!" Kathy started. "So we intend to be good to drama in return" Gilbert finished.

When Springtime rolled around, Lena helped the Ghoulies win a huge volley ball game in the gym. Her team mates held her up as the crowd cheered. When she won, coach Jeff said "I could not be a prouder dad right now!". "I couldn't have done this without you and the team" Lena replied.

That June, Miss Amethyst and Mr. Stoker announced their retirement. "Now that we're married, Mr. Stoker and I have decided to step down as your principals" Miss Amethyst said at the last day of school assembly. The crowd reacted sadly. "We can spend time together knowing the school's safe from closure" Mr. Stoker added. "We've got Miss Tiffany and the other folks involved with Wollstonecraft's showcase to thank for that".

"Trust us. You'll be in more than capable hands this Fall" Miss Amethyst uttered. Out front, Miss Amethyst and Mr. Stoker stepped onto a mounted broomstick for two. They kicked from the ground and flew away, which prompted the folk below to applaud. "We'll miss you!" Miss Amethyst called out. "Hoping your Summer's simply sensational!" Mr. Stoker followed.

The quintet were listed on Wollstonecraft Elementary's honor roll. Upon hearing this news, Jeff said "That's unsurprising". "We're so proud!" Jean gushed. "You children never cease to amaze me!" Doc Bill uttered. Miss Tiffany told the five they were a "Pleasure to teach!". The kids responded by saying "We take after our parents and teacher!".

Moon graduated from eight grade and was deemed her class's valedictorian. Her siblings said "Congrats on graduating, sis!". "Congratulations on earning such an awesome honor, bestie!" Mary uttered. When Moon walked across the auditorium stage in her cap and gown, the Browns cried out "That's our girl!". Lena, Kathy, Mary and Gilbert fruck out.

Miss Tiffany and Sirrom attended Moon's grad, too. "Way to go, kiddo!" Sirrom said. "I'm wishing you a stellar secondary school experience". "Thanks so much!" Moon replied. "I'm gonna miss being your teacher!" Miss Tiffany told Moon. "I'll miss being taught by you!" she responded.

After the graduation ceremony, Moon shared a hug with her fellow quintet members. "You're the best pack of friends a wolfgirl could have in her life!". "We love you, too!" Lena, Kathy, Mary and Gilbert responded. During the Summer, the quintet hung out almost everyday. Miss Tiffany starred in a show, which the kids saw and loved.

Chapter 2, Back to Wollstonecraft

Now that you're all up to speed, I'll tell you what transpired during Miss Tiffany's second year at Wollstonecraft Elementary. At Mary and Doc Bill's house, a windmill-like, black and white house across from the Brown family, they were getting ready for their first day back. "Alright, Mary. You've got all you'll require for the day ahead?" Doc Bill inquired. "I'm all set, Daddy!" she replied.

"Good girl" Doc Bill said. "Now, I'll see you outside. You can see your friends, then the Browns and myself will carpool to the school. I'll be able to get prep work done this morning and we'll see each other at lunchtime". "Sounds like a plan" Mary responded. The two of them stepped outside, Doc Bill locked the door. They crossed the street and met up with the Browns.

"Good morning, Doc Bill!" Jean chirped. "Hello, everybody!" he replied. "I'd like to thank you and Jeff for agreeing to drive me to work, Jean". "Oh, it's nothing. Anything for a friend and neighbor such as yourself" Jeff said. "Us carpooling will give the kids a chance to have a moment alone" Jean uttered.

"Quite right" Doc Bill replied. He gave a hug to Mary. "See you later today, sweetheart. Hope your morning goes well. Love you!". "Back 'atcha!" Mary responded. Jeff and Jean smiled at this moving moment. They turned to Moon, Lena, Kathy and Gilbert. "Have a meritable day at school, kids!" Jean uttered. "We'll see you all tonight!" Jeff said. "Can't wait 'til then!" Moon said.

Jean blew her children a kiss, Jeff gave 'em fist bumps. They, along with Doc Bill, got into Jeff's green and purple Ghoulies van. The three of them waved goodbye and Jeff drove away. The quintet gave them waves in return.

"Even though we're still gonna see each other all the time, we'll miss seeing you at school" Lena told Moon. "Same!" Moon replied. "We'll be sure to meet up tonight and do something fun!" Kathy said. "For sure!" Gilbert uttered.

A commonplace bus pulled in front of the Brown's uncanny, yet homey, suburban, blueish grey house. Moon took one last look at her best friends, who smiled back at her. "Here goes" Moon uttered as she boarded the bus. Shortly thereafter, the other quintet members took a special, green, purple bus to Wollstonecraft Elementary.

Unlike previous years, the beginning of year assembly occurred on the first day to introduce Wollstonecraft's new principals. Brigit summoned members of staff and students over the loudspeaker. "Please head on down to the auditorium for assembly!". Folks pooled into the auditorium.

Lena, Kathy, Mary and Gilbert sat with Miss Tiffany. "It'll be wonderful teaching you children again!" Miss Tiffany told them. "We're feeling the same way!" Gilbert said in response. The Brown children saw their parents and starting waving. When they'd stopped, Miss Tiffany said "Moon will be missed in our classes, though. Please tell Moon I wish her the best!". "We'll definitely do that!" Kathy promised.

Lillian made her way onto the stage. She stood in front of a ooden podium with. A "W.E." was carved into it. "I welcome you to another school year at Wollstonecraft Elementary!" Lillian uttered. "As your chairwoman, it's my pleasure to announce that enrollment's up and we're fully funded once more!". The audience cheered at this news.

Lillian continued. "Also, this auditorium will henceforth be known as The Tiffany Rivera Theatre!". This announcement was applaused. It was a complete surprise to an incredibly touched Miss Tiffany. After making eye contact, she mouthed a "Thank you!" to Lillian, who winked at her. Lillian went on. "Now, please put your hands together for your new principals--Madame Hazel and Professor Godwin!".

Two people entered the stage from each wing and met each other in the middle. Lillian let them have the mic. "Being appointed your principal is the dream of a lifetime!" Madame Hazel uttered in a deeper, feminine voice. She was a tall, gingerly, blue eyed, statuesque good witch in her 40s. She wore her hair up, a monocle, ruby ring and sported green-purple fingernails, not to mention a red and black, spider web-patterned dress.

"The same is applicable to me being employed as your vice-principal!" Professor Godwin concurred in a rich voice. I'd personally describe him as an extremely good looking, beardy, long haired, black warlock around Miss Tiffany's age. He was decked out in a black tuxedo, green necktie, octagonal specs and purple, collared shirt.

"He's drop-dead dreamy!" Mary commented. Miss Tiffany chucked. "He's all that!" she said. "Years ago, Professor Godwin and I were Wollstonecraft alumni at different times" Madame Hazel revealed. "Our predecessors actually mentored us!" Professor Godwin informed. "We're incredibly glad to be back at Wollstonecraft Elementary". "We promise to honor this school's founders and run it well!" Madame Hazel promised. "I am certain you two will!" Lillian chimed in.

Chapter 3, Moon's First Day

After assembly, Lena and Kathy went to their shared, split classroom. Lena found herself seated next to a short of stature, freckly new boy. This young man had baby blue, 20/20 vision eyes and pristine, dark hair. He had on denim jeans and a colorfully plaid shirt. The boy was reading a comic.

This boy looked up from his reading and smiled. "Hey, there!" he uttered in a chill voice. "Phil Price is the name. What's yours?". "Lena. This is my sister Kathy". "Hiya!" Kathy said. "Hey, it's good meeting you both!" Phil replied. "How's your comic?" Lena asked. "Oh, it's so rad!" Phil replied. "Neat. I like comics, too" Lena replied. "Really? That's so cool!" Phil said. Mutually, Lena and Phil thought the other was cute. Kathy could tell. "I think you just made a friend!" she commented.

Meanwhile, Miss Tiffany hung out with her friends In the teacher's lounge. She sat at a table with Lillian, Sirrom, Mrs. Biddlecomb and Mr. Mordecai. "We've been so relieved having you as our chairwoman!" Mr. Mordecai told Lillian. "In all honestly, we couldn't put up with Keith Ward anymore!" Mrs. Biddlecomb stated.

"Oh, I completely understand that. I'm so glad to be rid of him and Ted!" Lillian replied. "Both sucked" Sirrom opined. "It was a pleasure helping you dig up dirt on those jerks". "I'm thrilled you're away from them" Miss Tiffany uttered. "They were so bad for you!". "I'm definitely keeping better company nowadays, Tiffany" Lillian responded. "You've also been doing a top grade job at ridding the local board of its corruption, Lil" Mr. Mordecai complimented.

Madame Hazel and Professor Godwin entered the staff room. "Elizabeth and I have been making the rounds" Professor Godwin explained. "That's right. Percy and I have been personally thanking folks who assisted with The Wollstonecraft Showcase!" Madame Hazel said. "We wanted to thank you!" Mr. Godwin continued.

"You're welcome, but it as really Tiff who saved the day" Sirrom said. "Putting on a show was her idea!" Mr. Mordecai revealed. "That's kind of you gentleman to say, but saving Wollstonecraft was a team effort" Miss Tiffany said. "Your efforts paid off!" Madame Hazel stated. "If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be here!" added Professor Godwin.

That afternoon, it was Moon's 4th period. Moon was about to have her first secondary school drama class. She arrived at room 133 and entered. It was a cramped, stuffy room with worn, grey carpeting and black, concrete walls. It was less classroom and more dungeon. However, there was a friendly, albeit sad looking girl writing an itinerary on the white board.

"Hi!" Moon said to her. "Oh, hey!" the girl replied. "My name's Moon!". "I'm Eve!" the other girl replied in a sweet sounding voice. "Fantastic to meet you!". "It's great meeting you, too!" Moon responded. Eve was a gawkily lanky girl with ruddy blonde hair and sensitive looking, crystal blue eyes. She adorned herself with a pure white t-shirt, light blue skirt and hot pink shoes.

"I'm going to be your T.A. for this class!" Eve told Moon. "Oh, fab!" Moon responded. "It'll be an interesting position to be in, given the fact my mom's the teacher and all" Eve said. "Anyway, how have you been enjoying your first day of high school?"

"English, math and science went well, thanks. I'm just glad to be here. Prior to Mayor Soleil's election, monsters and humans couldn't go to school simultaneously at a secondary level. Monsters had to rely on special, local education programs" Moon said. "You're a monster?" an excited Eve queried. "Yup, I'm a wolfgirl!" Moon replied. "I've never met a werewolf of any kind!" Eve responded.

"How's your first day been going?" Moon inquired. "I've honestly been dreading this period all day long" Eve answered. "How come?" Moon queried. "You're going to find out why!" Eve grimly said. As they spoke, their classmates wandered in and settled (all of them were human).

A pair of stilettos were clopping in the hallway and headed towards the classroom's direction. Eve sat down in a chair anxiously and grabbed Moon's hand so she'd sit down, too. "What's the matter?" Moon questioned. "Our teacher's arrived" Eve replied. A squeamish took hold on her face.

A formidably lofty woman with cold, blue eyes, a long nose and skeletal cheekbones swept into view. Her dirty blonde hair was styled into a bouffant. She wore a lime green pantsuit, triangular spectacles, dark green high heels, a white dress shirt and black tie.

"Class is now in session!" she hissed in a husky voice. The teacher sat herself in a throne shaped chair near the whiteboard. "My name is Miss Serpen Gordon, students. I'm going to be your teacher this semester!". Gordon picked up her binder from a small, nearby table and opened it.

"I'll be taking attendance now. As soon as I call out your name, you will say 'here'. Are we clear!?". Gordon's students nodded their noggins. She took attendance, practically snapping Moon and Eve's names. "First, we're going to start by having you read some pieces for me. Eve, hand these papers out!" Gordon said.

Eve jumped right out of her chair and listened. Gordon forced her students to recite dense, dry, boring, insubstantial text. She made no effort whatsoever to guise her disdain at their readings.

Gordon had the sheer audacity to stick her unusually large tongue out at Moon. She rolled her eyes and gave two thumbs down to poor Eve. When some boys goofed off, Gordon punished the entire class. "I'm punishing all of you for that shabby behavior. I forbid Eve from leading you in any drama games this Week!". This obviously awkward for and unfair to Eve, who looked like a doe in the headlights.

Chapter 4, Miss Tiffany's Book Club

By God's grace, the bell rang. "Be back on time tomorrow. I shall not be having my schedule derailed or any absences!" Gordon said. Moon felt bad for Eve, so she went to go talk with her. "How'd you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?" Moon asked Eve. "I'd love that!" Eve answered. "It's a date!" Moon said.

"Miss Brown, kindly shoo yourself out and scoot!" Gordon demanded. Moon said goodbye to Eve and took her bus ride home. She made texts. First, she texted Miss Tiffany and said "I missed you more than ever today!". Next, she texted her pack to make plans. However, the first text to them read "I just met the teacher from Hell!".

Miss Tiffany, who enjoyed reading in her spare time, had recently started a book club. Brigit, Lillian, Miss Molly, Jean, Mrs. Biddlecomb and Sirrom were its members (he was the youngest and only guy member). They held their meetings in Miss Tiffany's apartment, which was a swanky and elegantly decked. It had contrasting comedy and drama mask on her wall, plus a dangling blue, pink and white flag.

After school, they met and Sirrom introduced his partner Nej to the group. "Thanks for letting come!" she uttered in a scratchy, lisping voice. Nej was an older than Sirrom, adorable, short statured troll with a pink color scheme, pointy ears, leggings, hazel eyes, wild hair, striped shirt and puffy vest. "Oh, we're pleased to have you!" Miss Tiffany said. "Any friend of Sirrom's is a friend of ours!" Lillian uttered.

"So, how did you and Sirrom meet?" Jean inquired. "Well, Nej and I were at a fundraiser" Sirrom started. "I came up to him and asked 'hey, buddy. Can I have a hug?'" Nej continued. "Nej was so adorable I couldn't say no. However, due to our height difference, I had to bend over to give her a hug. I accidently bonked her with a gift bag" Sirrom explained.

"A weal womance bloomed fwom that moment" Nej said. "How romantic. You've found yourself quite a dish, handsome!" Brigit said to Sirrom. "I'm glad you two found each other" Mrs. Biddlecomb uttered. She picked up a tray. "Anyone fancy a chocolate chip cookie!". "Yes, please!" everybody else said. They each took one and bit in. "Delectable!" Miss Molly commented. "No surprise considering they come from Doc Bill's recipe!" Brigit said. "Can that man ever cook and bake!" Miss Tiffany commented.

"Oh, by the way. How'd your first day back at Wollstonecraft go, Mollz?" Jean asked Miss Molly. "It went real well, thanks. I'd actually worked as an educational assistant prior to getting stuck as Ted Barclay's secretary, so it's been good getting back to my roots. The job itself has it's trying times of course, but it is incredibly gratifying and yards better than being Barclay's puppet" Miss Molly replied.

"I'll bet!!" Lillian remarked. "How'd everyone like this week's book?" Miss Tiffany asked her club members. "Despite its author's faults as a person, it's still a classic children's book and worth reading!" Miss Molly opined. "I think that's the general consensus amongst us all" Sirrom said. "Unfortunately, it's probably going to be targeted" Mrs. Biddlecomb said with a sigh. "What do you mean by that, Mavis?" Miss Tiffany inquired.

"The small percentage of women who still support Barclay formed an organization called the Ladies of Barclay and developed a penchant for book bannings" Mrs. Biddlecomb revealed. "That's tewwible!" Nej said. "Please tell me they're not successful!" Sirrom uttered. "Thankfully, they are not. The group's present but small in numbers" Mrs. Biddlecomb said.

"That is relieving!" Jean commented. "It boggles my mind that any woman would support Ted!" Lillian said. "Mine, too!" Miss Molly uttered. "Any idea who's in charge of the organization?" Jean questioned. "Nope" Mrs. Biddlecomb replied. "She remains an anonymous figure". "Whoever she is won't interfere with the runnings of our school" Lillian said. "Like Hell she will!" Brigit uttered.

Miss Tiffany's doorbell rang. She answered the door and Mr. Mordecai was on the other side. "Good evening, Edgar!" Miss Tiffany said. "Greetings, all!" Mr. Mordecai said. Brigit caught sight of her husband. "There's my zombie man!". "I spy my rock solid lady!" Mr. Mordecai replied.

"Everyone ready for me to drive them home?" he asked. "Yep, we were just winding down" Jean uttered. "Siwwom and I however are going to fly home" Nej said. Miss Tiffany bided her friends a good night. Just as she was going to get ready for bed, her landline rang. "I wonder who's calling at this hour" Miss Tiffany muttered to herself.

Miss Tiffany picked up the receiver. "Hello?". "You are a stupidly victimized, nonexistent, unistinctive, fraudulent, destructive infidel!" a woman yelled on the other line. Miss Tiffany hung up immediately. "What was that?" she asked aloud.

Chapter 5, One Week Later

She tried to forget the phone call. On a lighter note, the newly instated principals had an idea and pitched it to Miss Tiffany. "The Wollstonecraft Showcase's one year anniversary is coming up!" Madame Hazel started. "We were thinking you could produce a student driven show as a means of commemorating it" Professor Godwin continued. "Sure, why not? We'll put on a production for the fun and heck of it!" Miss Tiffany replied. "As a means of doing something different, it'd be neat if it were a two act musical from scratch!".

Kathy volunteered to write and direct the show. "I'll get cracking on the libretto right away, Miss T!" she said Miss Tiffany. True to her word, she got down to brainstorming. Before long, she'd started typing out the book (stage directions included) and had a clear vision in her head. Kathy sported a black beret while doing this. "It gets me in the correct frame of mind" was her reasoning.

She worked with Mary. She opened a new window over the summer by dabbling in songwriting. Upon learning this, Miss Tiffany asked "Would you please write the show's score?". Mary agreed to the task by saying "Of course, thank you for the opportunity!". "I'll make sure my songs elevate your material!" Mary promised Kathy. "I know they shall!" Kathy replied.

Lena and Phil became pretty tight. She actually introduced him to her posse. They all befriended each other. "You're my kinda folks!" he told the quintet when they hung out at the local cafe. "The feeling's mutual" Lena responded. "You're like my brother from another mother!" Gilbert said to Phil. They dabbed each other up. "Same, man" Phil replied. "It's cool having another boy around, no offense!" Gilbert uttered. "None taken" Lena said. "We get what you mean" Mary said. "We like having an additional guy friend, too!" Kathy uttered. "Thrilled I fill that role in your lives!" Phil said.

Likewise, Moon formed a friendship with Eve. They connected after having lunch together and actually found each other pretty. "Where've you been all my life!" Eve uttered to Moon. "I'm glad to have a friend like you!" Moon responded with a laugh.

Eve also became friends with the remaining quintet members and Phil. "Okay, we love this girl!" Mary said when the kids spent a day at their town's Fall Fair. "You're a great bunch to spend time with yourselves!" Eve opined. She'd frequently visit the Browns and Doc Bill's houses.

Miss Tiffany saw Moon's message, incidentally. She phoned her up afterwards and asked "For old time's sake, would you by chance be interesting in helping out backstage at our forthcoming production?"". Moon's response was "You don't know much I need to do something like that. Yes, please!".

Chapter 6, Gordon Being Ghastly

Alas, matters didn't improve for Moon and Eve in Gordon's dreadful drama class. When her students would perform, Gordon would offer destructive criticism, not the constructive kind. When Moon recited a monologue and poured her heart into it, Gordon became cross and coldly uttered "Never in a million years would that stilted performance suffice, Brown!".

Moon was secure in her abilities has a performer, so she paid Gordon no mind. An unconfident Eve, who's self-esteem was low, wasn't so lucky. Eve was next to recite something. After wonderfully performing her text, Gordon was ruthless and unfair. "You've succeeded in being an embarrassing disappointment. I'm not proud at all. Try actually assisting this class sometime!". Eve tried to hold back tears. "I'm sorry" she mustered.

"You should be!" Gordon replied with casual callousness. When a discouraged, disparaged Eve sat down, Moon, who was sitting next to her, whispered "You're a good actress!". "Thanks, I needed to hear that!" Eve whispered back.

Gordon gave Moon a ridiculous, rude scolding when she had the mere, sheer audacity of holding the classroom door open for her. "You should be sitting down, not holding the door open for me!". On another occasion, Moon witnessed a chastising Gordon, who'd styled in her into a beehive, traumatizing Eve in the hallway. "You're lack of simple competency is baneful, it blows my mind!". Gordon noticed an uncomfortable Moon, who froze in place for a moment when they made eye contact. Moon subsequently rushed away.

Moon's pack, which now included Phil, had the misfortune of meeting Gordon. All the kids made plans to visit a nearby park with Eve, so they went to Eve's house to meet her there. It was a ramshackly, green house with vines that looked like scales. Gordon, sporting a messy bun, was out front tending to a plethora of stone statues on her lawn.

"Good afternoon!" Mood said. "Salutations, Brown" Gordon replied with little interest. "We're here to see Eve" Lena explained. "She'll be departing with you momentarily" Gordon responded. "Great, we're looking forward to spending time with her today!" Gilbert said. "Your standards for friendship are quite low then" Gordon muttered. "I wouldn't say that, we really like her!" Kathy said in Eve's defense.

"Well, I would. Your assessment lacks sufficience. Anyway, aren't you children going to assist me with my yard work?" Gordon responded. "That isn't really our job" Mary replied. Gordon scoffed. Eve appeared, much to the other kids' relief. "I'm ready to go!" she said. "Make yourself scarce" Gordon uttered. "C'mon, let's go, Eve. The park awaits us!" Phil said.

The kids hurried off, started walking in the park's direction and Gordon went inside. "We told you she was terrible" Moon said. "She's worse than your descriptions, girls!" Lena uttered. "She's nightmarish!" Mary exclaimed. "She really likes her s words" Gilbert observed. "I can think of an s word to describe her, but I won't repeat it". "No wonder you two dread drama class!" Kathy said. "Thank God she isn't my teacher or mother!" Phil said.

"You try living with her!" Eve said. "That's a Hellish thought!" Phil uttered. "Just out of curiosity, what happened to your dad, by the way? You don't have to answer". "I never knew him. When I was really little, Gordon found out she didn't like men. My dad learned that he hated her" Eve replied. "I can see why that's so!" Phil replied.

Sometime later, Eve finished setting up the class's overhead projector and started passing out papers to other students. "Speed up the process!" Gordon commanded. Her hair was in a frizzy ponytail. She startled an already anxious, on edge Eve and her voice raising resulted in a scattering of papers. "You clumsy, burdensome scurge!" a livid Gordon uttered. "It was an accident!" Eve said. She started to weep.

An upset Moon defended her and stood up to Gordon. "You have to stop treating Eve so badly!". "How dare you step on my rights!" Gordon responded. "Fortunately for you, I am your teacher. Unfortunate for me, you're my mere student". "I don't care!" Moon replied. "I'm no longer going to be bystander to your bullying! Everyone else here is too scared to say something".

Well, congratulations. It's my utter pleasure to state that you and Eve have earned yourselves detention. Tomorrow you'll miss out on your lunch period!" Gordon said. "That isn't fair in the least!" Moon protested. "Silly girl. I'm in charge and can do as I please!" Gordon replied.

Chapter 7, Date Night

Just before Gordon left the girls alone in her drama room for detention, she said "Think about what you've done and show repentance". When they were by themselves, Eve said "Thanks for standing up for me!". "You're welcome, someone had to. That's what friends are for!" Moon responded.

"I'm sorry you're stuck in detention with me" Eve replied. "Don't apologize. It's not your fault that Gordon's a madwoman" Moon said. "You don't deserve being spoken to in such a derogatory way. Defending you was well worth it".

Eve was touched. "You're a true friend" she uttered. "I'm blessed to have you in my corner". "Vice-versa" Moon replied. "Moon, you wanna go out with me Friday?" a forward Eve inquired. "Sure, I'd love that!" Moon responded. "You're entitled to some fun for a change".

Coincidentally, Lena was asked out by Phil. He was pushing her on the Wollstonecraft playground's swing set. "You're never too old for go for a swing!" Lena said to Him. "It's way fun!" Phil replied. "True that!" Lena said. Phil got quiet. "Can I ask you something?" he said. Lena dragged her feet on the ground, stopped swinging and faced Phil. "Sure!" she replied. "Since you and I have developed a mutual admiration, we've been spending loads of time together. So, I figured we could go out Friday night. That cool with you?" Phil uttered. "I'm in!" Lena replied.

To say that Moon and Lena were excited about their first dates would be a monstrous understatement. When they heard about each other's upcoming date, they extended congratulations and shared a sisterly hug. "We are gonna have a blast!" Lena said to Moon. "And we're both going out with terrific folks!" Moon replied.

When the girls called Mary and informed her about their date night, she let out a happy scream in her living room. "What's going on, dear?" queried Doc Bill, who was sitting nearby and reading a newspaper. "Lena and Moon have their first dates!" Mary replied. "Oh, good for them!" Doc Bill replied. "That is something to celebrate".

Moon texted Miss Tiffany and told her the big news. She texted back "Y'all have a ball and paint the down, kiddos!". Being the parents they were, the Browns were so excited for their daughters. "This is so exciting, girls!" Jeff exclaimed. "We're really happy for you!" added Jean.

The quintet went upstairs Friday afternoon. Kathy and Gilbert wasted no time in helping their sisters out. Kathy was in charge of hair and makeup. "I have precise looks in mind for each of you!" she said. "We trust your judgement!" Moon and Lena replied.

Gilbert was in charge of styling his sister's outfits. "Being styled by Lillian has taught me how to assemble an ensemble!" he said. "A saint that woman is!" Lena uttered. The girls started to get butteries in their stomachs. "What it all goes downhill for the both of us!" Moon thought aloud. Fortunately, Mary was there to offer motivation. "Oh, for God's sake!" she said. "Just be yourselves. Eve and Phil wouldn't have asked to you gals out if they didn't want that!". "Thanks for the moral support!" Lena.

Downstairs, the door bell rang. Jeff answered the door with a morose, stoic look on his face, which intimidated Phil and Eve. "I'm just kidding, kids. Come on inside!" Jeff said with a smile. The kids breathed sighs of relief. Jean, who witnessed this, gave her husband a playful slap on his arm. "You're such a tease, Jeff!".

"Your dates will be descending momentarily! Jean told the kids. "Thanks, Mrs. Brown!" they replied. "Oh, call me Jean. Everyone does!" Jean said. Mary, Kathy and Gilbert entered the room. "Ladies and gentleman" Mary started. "Please allow us to introduce your dates, friends!" the other two uttered.

Moon and Eve made entrancing entrances. Moon wore a violet tux and had her hair in a bereted chignon. Lena's hair was down and wavy. She had on a cool colored, floral dress Their makeups were complimentary. "You look like a moonbeam!" Eve complimented. She was wearing a flowing, white dress. "Wow, I'm stunned!" uttered Phil, who wore his usual attire. "Thanks!" the girls said together.

"I'll get the van ready!" Jeff said. "You have fun tonight, girls!" Jean said. "Be sure and give us full report later!" Mary said. "Will do!" Moon promised. "While you're off enjoying yourselves, we'll be putting the final touches on our show" Kathy uttered. "I'll be assisting!" Gilbert stated. "Good luck!" Lena replied. Moon, Eve, Lena and Phil went out the door. Jeff drove them. Eve and Moon had a delightful dinner together. Phil and Lena watched an top-notch animated comic book movie. Afterwards, Eve called Phil. "We're so lucky!" she said. "That we are!" he agreed.

Chapter 8, The Parent-Teacher Night Gone Wrong

The following Monday, Miss Tiffany was sitting in Wollstonecraft Elementary's teacher's lounge with her principals. "I'm pleased to report that Kathy and Mary completed writing the entire show. Here's its book and score!". She passed them a written script, plus a CD with Mary's song on it. "They finished it so quickly?!" Madame Hazel queried. "What can I say? They're prodigies!" Miss Tiffany replied. "Impressively talented!" Professor Godwin commented. "We can't wait to read Kathy's script and listen to Mary's songs!".

Mrs. Biddlecomb flew into the staff room via a wall and looked frazzled. "What's up, Mavis?" Miss Tiffany inquired. "I just read an article which stated that the Ladies of Barclay are going to be staging a protest in front of our school" Mrs. Biddlecomb answered. "Seriously!" Madame Hazel questioned.

"I'm afraid so!" Mrs. Biddlecomb replied. "I'm sorry, Tiffany. We have to go read this now!" Professor Godwin uttered. "It's okay, I get it!" Miss Tiffany responded. "We'll talk soon and hold auditions next week!" Madame Hazel said.

As the three of them exited, Doc Bill entered. "Hey, there!" Miss Tiffany said to him. "Hello, Tiffany" he replied. "Oh, by the way, Jeff and Jean can't make it to your meet the teacher night tonight. They have to attend a meeting with Moon's drama teacher". "Thanks for letting me know. I've heard from the kids that she's a real piece of work!" Miss Tiffany replied. "Mary's been telling me the same thing, too" Doc Bill Doc responded.

"Hopefully the Browns are able to sort things out with her" Miss Tiffany said. "I hope so. God be with them!" Doc Bill replied. "Will you be coming tonight?" Miss Tiffany inquired "No, I'm sorry" Doc Bill responded. "I promised Mary I'd help her make auditions fliers". "That's alright. With you and the Browns being friends, we'd have little to discuss" Miss Tiffany said.

Now's a good time to tell you that Moon hadn't told her parents about how bad Gordon was. How does a 14 year-old wolfgirl tell her loving mother and father that their teacher's a tyrant?. Also, Eve had asked Moon "Please don't tell any adult about how bad Gordon treats me! She'd be livid and I'd suffer as a result". "I won't" Moon promised.

When the Browns arrived at Gordon's classroom, she was seated at her throne. In front of her was a card table with two chairs. looking impatient. her hair was poorly permed. "Sit down and we'll start the meeting!" she ordered. The Browns obliged. "We understand you wish to discuss an in class incident with Moon" Jeff said. "Yes, she rudely disrupted my lesson!" Gordon snapped.

"Moon told us she was defending Eve" Jean said. "That shifty kid did, against my wishes. What bloody nerve!" Gordon replied. "Maybe you shouldn't have been berating Eve for the whole class to see" Jeff uttered. "I'll deal with her as I see fit. Perhaps Moon's a bad influence who learns from you two!" Gordon responded. "That's ridiculous and no way to speak of your child" Jeff said. "Don't be below the belt about ours and us" Jean said.

"Eve seeing Moon's been good for her" Jeff stated. "Are you saying I'm not?" Gordon questioned. "We didn't say that" Jean said. "I sensed implications" Gordon replied. "Tell that kid of yours to savor her time with Eve. Who knows how long it'll last!". "Do not threaten us!" Jean said. "We wouldn't do that to you". Jeff added. "You may see yourselves out" Gordon said. Outside Gordon's classroom, Jean said "I hate her!". "Me, too!" Jeff replied.

Chapter 9, Eve Meets Kindred Spirits

Auditions for Wollstonecraft's original musical came and went. Aside from being its producer, Miss Tiffany cast the show just right. Rehearsals began. At the first first rehearsal, Miss Tiffany said "This time you kids call the shots. I'll be here to oversee and help you out!". To their delight, Lena and Phil were cast. "I'm so psyched I get to make my stage debut with you" Phil told her. "We're gonna have fun!" Lena replied.

After being cast, Gilbert was a volunteer for the task of costume designer. He acquired the position. Lillian was gonna be his seamstress. "Let's craft the best dang costumes we can!" he said to her at a production meeting. "I'll follow your design's leads, you multitalented young man!" she responded.

Mary and Kathy were cast, too. Kathy was to take on a supportive, self-insert role. Everybody agreed that Mary was the best choice for the show's leading lady role. Aside from writing, direction and performing, Kathy volunteered to design the show's set. When she showed her set sketch to Mr. Mordecai in his office, he uttered "How do manage to do all these tasks?". "I'm the kind of girl who wears many hats" was Kathy's explanation. Mrs. Biddlecomb was another link in the chain of volunteering. She begged to be the musical and choral director. Miss Tiffany appointed her. During a rehearsal, Mrs. Biddlecomb stated "Doing this show is taking my mind off dealing with the Ladies of Barclay!"

Moon was excited to help out during the show conditions period and seven performances. In the mean time, she thought up an idea to bring more happiness to Eve's life. "Why don't I bring you to meet Miss Tiffany?" she suggested when the kids were hanging out. "She's teaching an all age drama class at the community center this weekend".

"Oh, you'll love her" Kathy said to Eve. "Brilliant idea, Moon!' Mary complimented. "She is the greatest teacher we have ever had in our lives!" Gilbert said. "She's a stunningly brave, motivating mentor who makes drama enjoyable!" Lena opined. "I've only met her a few times at rehearsal, but she's a total doll!" Phil uttered. "Your pitch has sold the deal!" Eve replied.

On a Saturday, the quintet and Phil took Eve to meet Miss Tiffany at her class. She and the quintet grouped hugged. "This is just like old times!" Moon gushed. "It really is! It's so good to see you, Moon!" Miss Tiffany replied. When the group hug disbanded, Mary said "This is our friend Eve!".

Miss Tiffany and Eve introduced themselves. "It is so lovely to meet you, Eve. the Gals, Phil and Gilbert have told me all about you!" Miss Tiffany said. "It's fabulous meeting you, too!" Eve replied. "I'm really looking forward to taking your class!". "I assure you, you'll have a wonderful afternoon!" Miss Tiffany promised.

Lillian and Sirrom were there to participate, so they got to meet Eve as well. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, dear!" Lillian said. "Pleased to meetcha, kid!" Sirrom uttered. "It's great to meet some friendly grownup faces!" Eve commented. "I'm not normallyused to those!". "I bet you aren't" Mary commented. Eve grinned from ear to ear. "Refreshing to see you smile!" Moon said. Eve blushed at this comment.

Miss Tiffany worked her usual magic. During the introductions, Eve and Phil told the class something about themselves. "It's my dream to be in the theatre!" Eve stated. "There's nothing like it!" Miss Tiffany replied. Phil said "Theatre, comics and animation are my joies de vivre". "You and I are in the same boat" Miss Tiffany responded. Sirrom revealed "I can put my foot behind my head". Lillian shared "I got my name because my better than my father, gone too soon mother loved tiger lilies". "It's good when I can learn new stuff about friends like you two!" Miss Tiffany commented.

True to her fashion, Miss Tiffany led their class in amusing drama games. They played two truths and a lie, yes let's, wax museum, park bench and a story game where each individual there made up a section. The present folk created a fairy tale-type story. When the class wrapped, Eve said "I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun!". "That made me feel like a girl again, Tiffany!" Lillian uttered. "Your class is a blast, Tiff!" Sirrom stated. "Your new friends are equally talented!" Lillian told the quintet. "I was thinking the same thing!" Sirrom said. "Thank you!" Eve and Phil uttered.

"I'm joining Wollstonecraft's drama club and classes!" Phil said. "You're more than welcome to!" Miss Tiffany said. "You've got the approval of both presidents!" Gilbert said. "You're sensational and really live up to my friend's descriptions of you!" Eve said. "You're a sweet girl" Miss Tiffany replied. "Come back anytime!". "I will!" Eve exclaimed. "No, she shan't!" a voice hissed.

Chapter 10, A Poison Pen Letter

Everyone turned to see Gordon. Having just gone for a swim, she wore her white robe and a green bathing cap. "I saw you through the clear window, Eve. I said you weren't allowed to attend this imposter's lesson!". "I didn't know she didn't have permission!" Moon said.

"Stay outta this!" Gordon snapped. "I'll thank you to refrain from yelling at children in my safe space" Miss Tiffany said. "And don't insult my friend, either" Sirrom chimed in. "Oh, shut up. Stand aside!" Gordon replied.

"Just for this shady breach of my trust, you've lost your phone privileges!" Gordon replied. She stuck a hand Eve's in pocket and snatched her phone. "I forbid you from taking anymore classes with this scummy freak of nurture. Disobey and the consequences will be something severe!" Gordon uttered. "Keep in mind, I already don't approve of your sacrilegious relationship with Moon".

"The way you're behaving is unnecessary!" Lena stated. Lillian got angry. Eve began crying and she couldn't take it anymore. "Don't you dare talk to Eve like that" Lillian gravely uttered. She turned her attention to Eve. "You don't have to let yourself be spoken to in such a vile manner. Keep that in mind, sweetheart!".

"There's no sweetness in her heart. Mind your own business!" Gordon carped. Eve ignored her though. "Thank you very much!" she said to Lillian. "You're welcome, Eve!" Lillian replied. "That's enough of that. I can't stomach anymore. We are out of here!" Gordon said. She took Eve away by force.

When they'd gone, both kids and grownups dragged Gordon. "That woman has no business being a teacher whatsoever!" Miss Tiffany opined. "Or parent!" Lillian replied. "She is the anti-you!" Moon stated. "You mark my words, one day she's going to suffer high blood pressure!" Sirrom joked at Gordon's expense. "And popped veins" added Phil. "She's making me glad my sisters and I have the Browns!" Gilbert said. "The same can be said of me being even more grateful about Doc Bill being my dad!" Mary followed.

A couple days later, Miss Tiffany was to have her usual, weekly book club. Mr. Mordecai dropped off Brigit, Miss Molly and Lillian at the curb. "'Catcha later, ya zombified stud!" Brigit said to her husband. "I'll pick up my favorite gargoyle and her friends later!" Mr. Mordecai replied. He blew Brigit a kiss. She caught it. Mr. Mordecai waved to the others and drove away via his hearse. In a flash, Sirrom materialized. "Howdy, ladies!" he said. "Hello, Sirrom!" his gal pals replied together.

"Where are Mavis, Lillian and Jean?" he inquired. "The latter ladies are helping Mavis finalize plans for the protest this week" Miss Molly replied. "The poor woman can't evade stress, even as a ghost!" Brigit uttered. "We're really going to have to be there for her on Wednesday!". "Agreed!" Sirrom replied.

As they made their way up the front walk to Miss Tiffany's apartment, Miss Molly saw something. "What's that?" she inquired. When Miss Molly got closer, she picked the item up and said "It's a letter". "Tiffany's name is on it!" Brigit observed. Sure enough, "Tiffany Rivera" was printed in green ink upon the mint green envelope. "We'd better give it to her!" Sirrom said.

Miss Tiffany opened the door for her friends. "Hi, folks!" she said happily. "How are we tonight?". "We're fine, but we found this outside" Brigit replied. She handed the envelope to Miss Tiffany. "That's odd" Miss Tiffany commented. Her guests went inside. Miss Tiffany opened the envelope. "Whoever wrote this has peculiar handwriting!" she muttered.

This is what the envelope's internal page said: "You're such a fake, unsound, appropriating, infringing, colonizing, deceptive, erasing expector of lies. An abominable detriment to society itself. You qualify as an untruthful, burdensome deviant who indoctrinates and disgraces your profession. Irrational and narcissistic as they come. I take pleasure in sullying your character. You don't have a clue about how confused you are. Be better and snap out of it!".

"Who'd write such things about you?" Miss Molly questioned. "I'm not sure" a calm Miss Tiffany replied. "Whoever wrote that is poison penned!" Brigit uttered. "It's ghastly how many disparaging falsehoods they crammed into one note!" Sirrom said.

The letter's deliverer is probably responsible for a toxic phone call I received" Miss Tiffany said. "What do you mean, Tiff?" Sirrom queried. "Some lady phoned me up recently and made disparaging remarks" Miss Tiffany told her friends. "That's awful!" Miss Molly said. "Though I'm feeling hurt inside right now, I'm going to get to the bottom of this and learn who the culprit is!" Miss Tiffany said.

Chapter 11, The Protest

The next day, Lena, Kathy, Mary, Gilbert and Phil were going over their lines in Wollstonecraft's library. "It's crazy being a leading lady" Mary said. "You hardly ever leave the stage!". "You're game and can do the job, though" Lena replied.

Mrs. Biddlecomb floated by and looked despondent. "What's wrong?" Phil inquired. "We've been trying to keep this news from students, but you children have the right to know. There's going to be a protest in front of the school Wednesday" Mrs. Biddlecomb answered. "Why's that?" Gilbert inquired. "The Ladies of Barclay are protesting the contents of our library. Their mysterious leader is going to her identity known" Mrs. Biddlecomb informed.

"When will it be?" Kathy queried. "Noon" Mrs. Biddlecomb revealed. "We'll be there!" Lena stated. "Pupils are permitted to attend, but are you sure you're wanting to?" Mrs. Biddlecomb questioned. "Of course!" Kathy replied. "We wanna help you out!" Mary added. "I haven't been a Wollstonecraft student for long, I love this place and don't want to see it or you affected!" Phil uttered.

"What a bunch of selfless children you are!" an impressed Mrs. Biddlecomb commented.

Moon had a PA day from her high school, contacted Madame Hazel and volunteered to attend. "Your devotion to your alma mater is admirable!" Madame Hazel complimented. When the protest transpired, the Kids, Mrs. Biddlecomb, Miss Tiffany, Lillian, the principals, Brigit, Mr. Mordecai, Miss Molly and Sirrom were in front of Wollstonecraft Elementary. The Browns and Doc sadly couldn't make it due to prior commitments.

Across from our heroes, their opposing side arrived. They wore tacky t-shits and had signs with "protect the children"-type messages these women didn't mean. The ladies of Barclay themselves were a bunch of middle aged, bad faith, unnuanced, duplicitous women with frumpy personalities. The group's leader was there as expected--Whom should it be but Gordon. That day, her hair was in a curly bun.

An unwilling Eve stood next to her. "Surprising to see me here?!" Gordon inquired. "Nope, you fit the bill!" Miss Tiffany replied. "I bet you didn't expect Eve to know about me leading my organization, eh, Moon? I brought her here specifically to see you!" Gordon taunted. "I'm sorry, Moon!" Eve uttered.

"It's alright. If you did tell, it wouldn't have worked out in your favor!" Moon replied. "I'd like to know why you even insist on protesting our library, miss lady in charge!" Mrs. Biddlecomb said. "There are books I don't approve of, which is why you must remove from your shelves!" Gordon responded. "Such as what?!" Mr. Mordecai inquired. "You can't just order us about!" Professor Godwin said. "Percy's right. We're not going to let you instigate book bannings!" Madame Hazel followed.

"Censoring smutty, low quality books doesn't classify as book banning!" Gordon replied. "It does when crummy people's actions result unjust bans of acceptable, quality books in education establishments!" Sirrom shot back. "Wollstonecraft's library doesn't utilize crappy material. My friends and I happen to like the selection it has to offer. I doubt you've read its contents!" Mary said. "You think I care what simpleton children think?" Gordon responded.

"You're just targeting Wollstonecraft 'cause it's a monster-human school!" Lena correctly accused. "I should note that your organization's named after the worst man I've ever met. You treat Eve how Barclay treated me!" Lillian stated. "You're awesome!" an admiring Eve told Lillian. "As are you, sweetie!" Lillian replied.

"I too can attest that Ted Barclay and his yes man Keith Ward were horrid!" Miss Molly said.

"Both were sensational men of vision!" Gordon wrongly opined. "Give us a break. You should've got with the program when they were arrested and imprisoned!" Kathy said. "Most people did!" Gilbert uttered. "You're just a lost cause!" Brigit said. "You're still wrong about Barclay and Keith. However, you're correct my anti-Monster stance. I admit that. We shall not be budging, though!" Gordon said

"Oh, no?!" Phil queried. "Get your wand ready, Percy!" Madame Hazel said. "Righto, Elizabeth!" Professor Godwin replied. They drew their wands. Madame Hazel created a green, magical barricade. Professor Godwin sent up a magically crafted, purple flare. The principal's magic provoked Gordon's followers, who charged. "Stop, don't charge!" Gordon screamed.

Amusingly, the Ladies of Barclay bounced off Madame Hazel's barricade. Professor Godwin's flare notified the on standby authorities. To Eve's horror, an enraged Gordon grabbed onto her and proceeded to flee. "You won't be ever be seeing Eve again, Moon!" Gordon yelled out. Moon was crushed. Miss Tiffany put a hand on Moon's shoulder to comfort her.

Chapter 12, Gordon Clamps Down

The remaining Ladies of Barclay were arrested for trespassing and getting violent. However, Gordon got off scot-free. She locked Eve in her bedroom for three agonizing, isolating days. "This'll teach you not not to get scurgy with me!" Gordon snapped. "I intend to take you to a special place that'll shape you into my ideal image". Eve shuddered with fear.

Moon brainstormed a plan to bring Gordon down and potentially save Eve. She pitched it to her mother. "Clever idea, Moony!" Jean complimented. "Let's do it".

Acting like nothing happened, Moon went to Gordon's drama class but hid her phone before Gordon arrived. Feeling bad about their prior bystanding, her human classmates didn't participate in any snatching. Moon's phone was on its video setting and recording. On cue, Gordon walked slinkily into the room. She recoiled upon seeing Moon.

"Where's Eve?" Moon casually inquired. "I took her out of school just to spite you. She's learning a lesson she'll never forget!" Gordon answered. Moon shrugged and got her book out for silent reading. "Since you and your sanctimonious, shabby scallywags soiled by noble organization's name, I'm going to confiscate your reading material" Gordon said. "Hand it over!, scab".

"That won't be happening" Moon calmly uttered. "Don't make me snatch it!" Gordon replied. "I am not complying" Moon said. Gordon firmly clutched Moon's wrist. Up close, Gordon smelled of booze, cigarette smoke, sweat and cheap perfume. She took Moon's book with her free hand. "This is what you get for being a smear of monster scum!". "I'm not the reason Prozac was invented!" Moon responded.

Moon shook her hand free and took back their book. She fetched her phone and darted out of the classroom. "Come back, you savage!" Gordon screamed. Outside, Moon dashed to her father. He was waiting for her in the Ghoulies van. She fastened her seatbelt and said "Mission accomplished!". "Well done, Moony!" Jeff replied. He drove away.

When Gordon returned home that afternoon, she slithered into Eve's room, snuck up on Eve, scared her and said "You're going to be my stress reliever!". Gordon strung Eve outside by her bedroom window. "Please, let me go!" she shrieked. Eve's suffering gave Gordon snickering delight. Eve came loose and started to tumble downwards. Then, to Eve's surprise, she hovered for a few seconds midfall. However, it didn't last long and Eve hit the hard ground below. Like a trooper, she got to her feet and ran away. Caring only about herself, Gordon said "She's gonna snitch on me!".

Chapter 13, Eve Confides

Moon went back to Wollstonecraft Elementary to show her siblings, Miss Tiffany and Phil the footage she'd taken earlier. The principals and Lillian were there sitting in on an after school rehearsal, too. All parties were mortified. "She keeps getting worse!" Lena commented. "Flabbergasting, isn't it?" Phil said.

"Never in the whole of my life have I seen educator so blatantly bad!" Professor Godwin remarked. Madame Hazel gave a nod which indicated she agreed. Miss Tiffany noticed the writing on Gordon's white board. "Is that Gordon's handwriting?" she questioned. "Yeah, it is. Why, Miss T?" Moon queried. "I recently received a derogatory, handwritten letter. Its lettering matches what's on the board. This also means she's most likely the perpetrator a recent, unflattering phone call. Thinking about it now, the woman on the other line sounded like Gordon!" Miss Tiffany said.

"It's official. She is somehow worse than Barclay and Keith!" Kathy stated. "She's somehow lowered the bar!" Lillian said. "Shame on her for harassing you, Miss T!" Mary uttered. "Gordon's reputation is done for now!" Gilbert remarked.

A second later, Eve flew into the auditorium. Moon and Eve caught sight of each other. They ran in the other's direction and embraced. "Thank God you are alright!" Moon said to Eve. "So glad I get to see you again!" she replied. "I'm overjoyed her and Moon are reunited" a spectating Phil said to Lena. "You and me both" Lena replied. Lillian noticed cuts and bruises on Eve. "What did Gordon do to you?"

Eve filled them in. "That despicable cretin!" Miss Tiffany commented. "She's a disgraceful excuse for a teacher!" Madame Hazel stated. "We're relieved you're alive!" Gilbert uttered.

"She is nightmarish!" Eve said. "My siblings can relate" Kathy replied. "Their parents at birth sucked, too". "They did?" Eve queried. "Yep, mine couldn't accept raising a vampire child" Lena said. "Their loss!" Phil remarked. "I wasn't accepted as a werewolf" Moon stated. "I never even knew my relation parents" Gilbert said. "The Browns welcomed us into their family". "It's safe to say that the original parents I was stuck with were the biggest failures of all" Mary said. "Doc Bill was a lifesaver!".

"Wow" a stunned Eve replied. "You're extremely lucky to have Jean, Jeff and Doc Bill in your lives!" Miss Tiffany commented. "I'll say!" Phil said. "I lucked out by obtaining four siblings and a best friend!" Kathy uttered.

"I'm happy for all you. Wish I had your luck!" Eve said. "I'll take you in" Lillian volunteered. "You'd really do that ?" Eve inquired. "Of course!" Lillian said. "The Wollstonecraft students and staff were there for me. I'd like to be here for you!". "Thank you so much!" Eve replied. She gave Lillian a hug.

"That's so selfless of you, Lil" Miss Tiffany said. "Madame Hazel and I can assist you out, too" Professor Godwin told Eve. "How so?" she asked. "We're still looking for volunteers. Would you be interested in helping out backstage with our upcoming production? You'd be able to work in the theatre and spend time with your friends!" Madame Hazel replied. "I'd love, too. Thanks!" Eve replied. "Congratulations. Welcome to the team!" Professor Godwin said. "

We've also got more god news for you, Eve!" Miss Tiffany informed. "What's that?" Eve Questioned. "We have evidence to to bring Gordon down!" Miss Tiffany replied. Eve was elated to hear this.

Chapter 14, Gordon Vilified

When Jean arrived to pick her children up, she tended to Eve. "We'll have your injuries iced, cleaned, disinfected and bandaged in no time" Jean said her. Miss Tiffany's harassing phone call was traced to one "S. Gordon". Her poison pen letter and Moon's incriminating recording were submitted to the police. The latter of which as also posted in an online Akira Jones news article. Eve reported her abuse, using photographs of her face, arms and leg's bruises and cuts as proof.

Angered by Gordon's behavior, the quintet's parents sent justifiable phone calls to Gordon's answering machine. "I'm appalled by your constant cruelty. Ten years ago, my husband I started working at Wollstonecraft Elementary to support are young daughter and further monster rights in the community" Jean started. "Over the years, we took in a trio little monsters to give them good homes. And then there's you. In contrast to my wife and myself, you've go to much to be ashamed of!" Jeff finished. Doc Bill was the angriest of all. "You take the cake in terms of badness. I can't fathom enough adjectives to describe how monumentally beastly your nature is! I am thankful that my home and the Browns' household has managed to be a safe haven for Eve" was his message.

Gordon let out scoffs upon hearing these but was furious upon being mailed a termination letter. "They can't sack me!" Gordon snapped. When the police pulled up in front of Gordon's house to arrest her, she was seen fleeing the scene. Gordon hissed "Tell Eve and her supporters that this isn't over yet!". She drove away. Despite the authorities chasing after her, she escaped them and went into hiding.

On a lighter note, Wollstonecraft's original musical was taking shape and bound to be a show with universal appeal. "You have yourself a set!" Mr. Mordecai said when he showed the completed set to Kathy. "Brava!" she responded.

Lillian finished the Gilbert-designed costumes. "And voila!" they uttered upon showing their costuming to the cast, who loved the final products. The quintet, Eve and Phil helped Brigit with ticket sales by collecting money in exchange for paper tickets. They wound up being astronomically strong. "We're sellin' like hotcakes, kids!" Brigit told them.

Given how good she was at working with children, Miss Molly was offered the job of child wrangler by Miss Tiffany. "I accept!" Miss Molly said. "You know, it's funny how the kiddos here are more mature than Barclay and Keith were!" she joked. "Ain't that the truth!" Miss Tiffany replied with laughter.

Sirrom, who was a veteran performer and propman in community theatre, mentored Moon in the art of properties. "Don't let anyone touch a prop that's not theirs and write down what's needed in each scene!" he said. "Sound advice!" Moon replied. Eve was appointed stage manger. "I think you're the right girl for the task!" Miss Tiffany told her. "I won't let you down!" Eve promised.

Speaking of Eve, she loved living with Lillian. One night, Lillian tucked her into bed. "Thank you for being so kind to me" Eve said. "I'm just treating you the way you ought to be treated, Good night and sleep tight!" Lillian responded.

Chapter 15, Revelations

Before everyone knew it, the show conditions period arrived. There was to be three tech-dress rehearsals in total. An hour before call time, Miss Tiffany walked from her office to the auditorium at 5:30. The quintet and Phil, who'd been hanging out around town, were there to greet her. Lillian also arrived with Eve. "You children are always the first ones ready to go!" Miss Tiffany commented with admiration. "We're early birds!" Lillian remarked. "Who always get their worms!" Phil added. "Astonishing, aren't they?" Lillian said.

"It's a shame you scamps won't be making it out of this theatre alive! The same applies to your chairwoman and her troon friend" a hoarse voice uttered. "Who said that?" Lillian asked. "I know that voice!" Eve stated. Suddenly, most of the lights went out. "What on Earth's going?" Gilbert queried. A wickedly smiling Gordon entered from stage right and crossed to the stage's center. "'Ole Gordon's out for revenge and not going to be stopped, gillboy!".

The kids, Miss Tiffany and Lillian showed immense bravado in her presence. "Don't try frightening us!" Moon said to Gordon. "You're not going to be succeeding!" Eve uttered. "How'd you even get in here?!" Mary questioned. "That zombie custodian fool shouldn't leave your stage door unlocked!" Gordon responded. She hopped off the stage and started to approach everybody. "Kids, step behind me!" Lillian urgently requested.

 A brave Miss Tiffany stood close in proximity to Gordon's presence, though. She took off her golden, hoop earrings and put them in their pocket. "You scrags are gonna pay for shambling my life!" Gordon snapped. "Oh, give us a break. You shambled your own life" Miss Tiffany replied. "Silence, you tra.." Gordon started. "Please don't finish that sentence" Miss Tiffany cut off.

"Step aside of you'll be the first person I suspend from life!" Gordon uttered. "Certainly not" Miss Tiffany replied. "However, I will remove your falsies". Miss Tiffany gently removed Gordon's obvious updo wig but dropped it and jumped way back after seeing the sight she subsequently saw. "Oh, my God!" Miss Tiffany and Lillian uttered simultaneously.

A nest of bright green, ensnared, hissing, angry snakes protruded from the top of Gordon's head. Each was an extension of Gordon's brain. "She's a gorgon!" Gilbert said. "Talk about a wig snatch!" Miss Tiffany remarked. "Did you know about this?" Moon asked Eve. "No, absolutely not. I thought she was bald and wore several wigs to hide her baldness!" Eve answered.

"Why fake being human?!" Kathy queried. "Since childhood, I couldn't stand being a monster. As an adult, I hid my true nature and supported Ted Barclay, someone who also disdained monsters. Truth being told, I'm actually jealous of your siblings and Mary's abilities to accept their monstersness. Making children's lives miserable as a teacher finally gave my life meaning, too!" Gordon said.

"Okay, you're a pathetic self-hater with major cognitive dissonance going on!" Mary. uttered "You've got so much internalized monsterphobia!" Lillian said. "I don't have to listen to your scornful remarks!" Gordon hissed.

"You know, seeing you now is making me grateful I embraced my true self by partaking in proper expression and taking steps to better myself" Miss Tiffany said. "I stopped living a lie, followed destiny, found who I really am, received strong support and overcame adversity!". "Miss T's a superior lady to you!" Eve correctly stated.

"It's not surprising a scrag such as yourself would think that, considering you're a monster yourself" Gordon said. "I am?!" a blown away Eve questioned. This revelation stunned Eve's allies. "Yes. You're actually a banshee I stole in infancy from my Irish mate at the time. He left me and croaked. I tried to assign you a human identity and mold you to be like me. However, my efforts were in vain. You wound being up your own individual, which I resented. Honestly, I would've disowned you if you weren't a liability to my stability!" Gordon responded.

"No wonder I've never felt truly comfortable in my own skin" Eve said. "Eve turned out well in spite of you!" Moon uttered. "Well, that doesn't matter now. Does it? I'll subject her to a stoning like the prior, stoned victims on my lawn!" Gordon said.

Chapter 16, Sirrom to the Rescue

Gordon took her glasses off. "Run, children!" Miss Tiffany said. She, Lillian and the youngsters rushed out--Except for Lena that is. She morphed herself into a bat, shut her eyes, hit the ground and used sonar to fly upwards into Gordon's face. She scratched Gordon with the thumbs of her wings. "Get off me, you scraggly, vampiric, juvenile rodent or I'll stake you!" Gordon screamed. Lena flew away, transformed back into a vampire girl and rejoined our heroes.

Phil, who overheard what happened, said "You've bought us some time. Thanks!". "No problem. Anytime, boyfriend!" Lena replied. She made Phil turn pink in his face. "Where should we go?" Kathy asked. "Let's go to my classroom" Miss Tiffany suggested. When the two grownups and seven children arrived at said location, they entered and Miss Tiffany locked the door. "What are we going to do?" Gilbert queried. "I know just who to call" Miss Tiffany replied.

She got out her phone and called Sirrom's number. "Shalom?" he answered. "It's Tiff. It turns out that Gordon's a gorgon and Eve is a banshee. The kids, Lillian and I are stuck in my classroom. Gordon's going to be making her way here soon. The situation's dire. Could you come quickly, please?" Miss Tiffany said. "I'll be right over!" Sirrom responded. "Thank you!" Miss Tiffany replied. She hung up.

Sirrom was in his eclectically decorated, purple walled, green doored flat with Nej. "What's going on? Nej queried. "There's an emergency the school, Gordon has the children, Tiff and Lil cornered. I've got to go help out!" Sirrrom replied. "Good luck, sweetie!" Nej said. "While I'm gone, could you please notify Elizabeth, Percy, Jean, Jeff and Doc Bill?" Sirrom inquired. "Sure, I'll get on doing that wight now!" Nej uttered. Sirrom kissed Nej goodbye and started to fly in Wollstonecraft's direction.

Gordon appeared outside Miss Tiffany's classroom. "Dear God, she's back!" Mary said. "Whatever you do, don't look directly into her eyes!" Lillian directed. Gordon got out a body pin and picked the classroom door's lock. She proceeded to open the door. "It's Stoning time!" Gordon said.

A tingly feeling took over Moon and she started smiling. "Nope. It was dusky when I first arrived, but the full moon's fully settled outside!" she said. Moon wolfed out, used her lycanthropic gymnastic skills to lunge at Gordon and knocked her over. "Good luck turning my bespeckled werewolf girlfriend into stone!" Eve uttered. "What I wouldn't give for a silver bullet night now!" Gordon muttered.

When Gordon arose, Kathy and Phil each grabbed a used eraser from the sill of Miss Tiffany's chalkboard and hurled them in Gordon's face. The abundance of chalk dust agitated her eyes. "Bang on aims!" Kathy said. She and Phil high fived. Gordon made her way towards them, but they covered their eyes. "See what hanging out with monsters brings you? It makes you targets!" Gordon hissed. "We'd take the good monsters in our lives over you!" Kathy replied. "You know, bad monsters like you are a rare breed. Most folk around here have the good sense not use your behavior to smear monster kind as a whole, too" Phil added.

Gilbert, who was wearing his backpack, took it off and retrieved his water bottle. He unscrewed the lid, snook up on behind Gordon and poured its contents on Gordon's head. He ran to safety after doing so. "You're even more washed up!" Gilbert joked. "I'll reduce you to sushi, scourging brat!" Gordon threatened.

"You're not exactly getting the upper hand here, case in point!" Mary said. She ran by Gordon and gave her a runby whack with Miss Tiffany's pointer. "You're going to burn alive for that, scourgy, whacking, kid!" Gordon snapped.

Sufficive to say the least, Miss Tiffany and Lillian were impressed by the children. "I won't be subjected to anymore negative treatment!" Gordon said. Someone tapped on her shoulder. She turned around. Gordon saw Sirrom. He wore purple lensed, gold framed sunglasses and carried a fire extinguisher.

"I think you're in need of a cooling!" he uttered. Sirrom spewed Gordon. His fire extinguisher's contents engulfed her. Coming into contact with her skin stained it green. She wheezed, hacked and grimaced. "Hath no fear, Sirrom the poltergrem is here. C'mon. Let's bolt!" he said. Our heroes bolted out of Miss Tiffany's classroom.

Chapter 17, Eve Empowered

"Nej is notifying folks about what's currently transpiring. They should be here momentarily" Sirrom informed as they all rushed through Wollstonecraft's hallways. "That was a clever idea spraying Gordon. What gave you it?" Gilbert inquired "It's the perfect way to deal with someone coldblooded" Sirrom responded. "What'll we do in the mean time?" Mary queried.

"Gordon's relentless!" Lena uttered. "She's probably going to be coming back soon". Our heroes stopped to catch their breath. "Let's rest for a minute and reconvene" Kathy uttered. "Tiff told me you're an banshee" Sirrom said to Eve. "Yeah, I just learned that" she replied. "I'd imagine you'd be able to do a viable banshee's scream" Sirrom said. "That would be an effective method to get rid of her!".

"I'm not sure I'd be able to" a doubtful Eve responded. "You probably could. Give it a whirl!" Lillian motivated. "We have faith in you!" Phil said. "I'll try to muster one" Eve said ."I know you'll be the best banshee imaginable!" Moon said. Eve smiled upon hearing this.

Ruining the mood, a disheveled, distance away Gordon popped into view amongst the purple and green lockers. "I finally gonna stone you, Eve!" she threatened. "No time like the present!" Eve said. "Here, take my glasses for protection" Sirrom said. He passed his glasses to Eve. She took and wore them. "Break a leg, Eve. I believe in ya!" Miss Tiffany said

Eve approached Gordon. "You're such an ingrate! I'm your parent' Gordon said. "Well, you're proof that not every parent's good" Eve replied. "I've got an actual mother who loves me nowadays". "You've given Eve little to be grateful for!" Lillian stated. "You should've gotten yourself a life instead of wreaking havoc on the lives of others!" Moon said. "I wouldn't be surprised if you ate mice, too!" Lillian remarked. Gordon didn't say no, but she did not utter yes, either.

"Cover your ears, friends!" Eve instructed. They listened. "Draw from all the years of sadness and anger she made you endure!" Miss Tiffany suggested. "Let her have it!" Lillian said.

Eve took a deep breath and did just that. She proceeded to let out an unearthly, bloodcurdling, loud, passionate banshee scream which echoed throughout Wollstonecraft's halls. It created a major gust of wind and hurled itself in Gordon's direction. In turn, she started screaming. Eve threw her head upwards. This caused the force from Eve's shriek to launch a shrieking Gordon through the first floor ceiling and Wollstonecraft's roof.

Chapter 18, Safe and Sound

"She's outta sight!" Moon said. "That was so cool!" Gilbert complimented. "You sent that gorgon into the stratosphere!" Mary said. "We'll never see Gordon around here again!" Miss Tiffany" stated. "I knew you'd be able to do that!" Sirrom uttered. "How are you feeling, Eve?" Lillian queried. "Just a teensy bit lightheaded" Eve replied. "We can't blame you for that!" Moon replied.

At that point in time, the principals, the Browns, Doc Bill and Nej entered the school. They met up with the folks who were already there. "Thank God you're all alright!" Jean said. "We were so concerned for your safety!" Doc Bill uttered. "Please tell us what went down!" Jeff implored.

"Phil and the quintet whooped Gordon" Lillian said. "You would've been proud!" Miss Tiffany uttered. "Oh, we are!" the parents said together. "Sirrom helped us out by spraying Gordon in the face with a fire extinguisher" Kathy told Nej. "That definitely sounds like something Siwwom would do" a smiling Nej responded. "Lillian and Miss Tiffany helped out, too" Gilbert said. "Not as much as the children" Miss Tiffany modestly said. "They were thoroughly brave!" Lillian added.

"Eve finished Gordon off by rocketing her out of this building with a banshee shriek!" Mary uttered. "You should've seen it" Lena said. "Eve's a lifesaver!" Phil added.

"I caused some property damage in the process. Sorry!" Eve said to the principals. "Oh, don't apologize. You defeated a villainous individual who's been affecting us all!" Madame Hazel replied. "Thanks, Eve. Also, no need to fret about the holes Gordon made" Professor Godwin told Eve. The principals got out their wands, waved them and made magical, on the spot repairs.

 "Good as new!" Madame Hazel uttered. "Cool use of magic!" Mary commented. "Why, thank you!" Professor Godwin thanked. Lillian walked over to Eve. "You really did so well!" she said. "Thanks, mom!" Eve replied. "I think she deserves a round of applause!" Moon uttered. "That she does!" Miss Tiffany agreed. Eve was applauded. Her heart warmed and melted.

Chapter 19, A Happy End

The first tech-dress rehearsal was canceled on account of the altercation with Gordon. That was okay, though. There were two left to go. Impressively so, the cast and crew got right back to basics like nothing happened. The remaining practices went swimmingly. Their show was ready for an audience.

Moon proved to herself to be quite effective at working with props. She kept the prop table organized and helped out a lot. "You're the girl wonder!" Sirrom said. "Thanks, propman!" Moon replied.

Eve was the best stage manger in town. She was more than worthy of wearing her headset. Eve kept everyone safe, communicated well, steered the metaphorical ship and oversaw backstage affairs. "You've honored my vision" Kathy said to her. "You gave me one heck of a vision to honor!" Eve responded.

After a day of rest for the cast/crew and an Autumn sun set, the time had come for opening night. Everybody arrived at 6:30 for call time and got themselves ready. By golly, that Miss Molly took care of the cast after they were dolled up in their costuming and makeup. "Let's have ourselves a mighty swell show, kids!" she said to the children.

The principals were in charge of technological aspects. Madame Hazel helped the cast with mics. "You're good to go!" she said to students. Professor Godwin had the cast test their mic levels. "You sound crystal clear!" he'd say.

Miss Tiffany and Mrs. Biddlecomb led the cast in warmups. A helpful, benevolent, proficient Mrs. Biddlecomb's entailed various vocal exercises. "It's a pleasure being your maestro!" she uttered afterwards. Miss Tiffany's physical warmup involved shaking each limb and counting down. Subsequently, Miss Tiffany and the cast each put a hand together. They bounced them a trio of times and chanted "Three, two, one. Wollstonecraft!". Miss Tiffany and the kids threw their hands into the air.

Brigit and Lillian were once again usherettes. "We're still a couple of babes!" Brigit said. "That we are!" Lillian replied. Nej took her seat. "I'm dating the propman!" she'd tell people. Eve kept the cast punctual until it was time for places. Miss Amethyst and Mr. Stoker were in attendance. "It's lovely being a special guest!" Mr. Stoker said to his wife, who nodded enthusiastically. Miss Tiffany gave an introduction. "I'm pleased to introduce a student-led production of a Wollstonecraft original musical. You're in for a treat. The kids involved really created a quality piece of theatre!".

The show began. It was a musical comedy about various monsters and humans who come together despite being from varying walks of life. They thwarted a villain played by Phil, too. Kathy's book was quirky, funny, creative and heartfelt. Her scenes stood their ground alongside Mary's songs. The score Mary wrote was catchy, supported the plot, had luxurious lyrics and contained magnificent melodies. Mrs. Biddlecomb enriched the songs as a one woman, onstage band.

The principal's lighting heightened each moment with atmosphere. When Mr. Mordecai saw the set from an audience perspective, he quietly muttered "Can that Kathy ever design!". Mary was quite a leading lady. Lena, Phil, Kathy and Gilbert were highlights in their supporting roles. The show's curtain call response was even more positive than the prior year's Wollstonecraft Showcase. Mrs. Biddlecomb took a well deserved bow along with the performers. As she and her husband clapped, Miss Amethyst said "I told them the school would be in good hands!".

After the performance, Jean, Jeff and Doc Bill took pride in being their children's parents. The quintet felt loved. Miss Tiffany was proud of the kids. Phil said "Lucky me, I now get to partake in this show, dramatic classes and the drama club with my friends!". Lillian and Eve felt blessed about their mother-daughter bond. The evening ended on a high note. However, I haven't the foggiest notion about what became of Gordon. Lord only knows where she is now. I surmise she's still rocketing vertically. Anyhow, Miss Tiffany and the Quintet will someday return in another story. That's a promise.