Bassie's World - Chapter Twelve

Instructions

[ Rodger, 4:12 PM, Toon Rooms Floor 2 ] I was rummaging through my suitcase, trying to find my notebook. I had already pulled out my red yarn and my spare suit... Wherever could it be?! I looked over to Toodles, who was eating from a yellow bag of chips. "Toodles, did you take my notebook?" "Ummn- noh!" she said, her voice muffled and slurred by her aggressive chip-eating. "Goodness, I must have left it at Connie's room..." I began pacing around the room, frustrated by this. "It'll be locked, and she's down in the lobby greeting the Easter Toons." Toodles looked over at me. "Uh, don't you still have the key she gave you?" "Right!" I nodded, now searching through my pockets until I pulled out a shiny silver key with a tag on it that said 'Connie Extra' with a little smiley face. "Isn't it rude to just go into her room without asking, though?" "Why would she care?" Toodles stood up. "It's not like there's anything to hide in there. Plus, she's still out there in the lobby!!" "Hm." "If you really care so much, I'll go get it for you." Toodles offered. I looked down at her kindly. "I suppose, if you wish to go. Thank you." "Yep!" As Toodles left, I turned around to look at my corkboard. It was the most noticeable thing in my room, decorated with red yarn and many pictures and files of Toons and events in Gardenview. I do consider myself the most skeptical person in this place, and rightfully so. Most of the things on the board were pictures of important Toons, such as Bassie or Shelly. I had many theories about the true happenings of this place, though I cannot be certain it's correct. I still have little proof, and no way to get it. Thinking about it, Toodles has taken a long time. Connie's room is right across the hallway, and she has barely any furniture in that room. The notebook couldn't be that hard to find... I stepped out of my room and saw Toodles in the hallway right in front of Connie's door. My black-and-white notebook was open in her hands, being read. I padded over to her and snatched it. I scowled at her and proceeded to close it. "Do not read my things. It isn't for you." I snapped at her. "You hide so much from me!" she growled. "It's so annoying and selfish. I like working with you, Rodger, but..." "You're calling me selfish while you get mad at me for not wanting you to read my notebook, which belongs to me?" I raised my eyebrow. She sniffled. "I- Well, uh- I just wanted..." she folded her arms and stared at the floor. Tears welled up in her eyes. I knelt down, feeling a bit ashamed. "I'm sorry, Toodles. I didn't mean to make you this upset... If you want to say, what did you... read?" "I... I didn't know a lot of the words..." Toodles said with a wobbly voice. Of course. Toodles is a child, she wouldn't be good at reading. What was I thinking? I relaxed a bit, hoping my secrets would be safe. No matter who it is, they can't know. "I'm hungry..." Toodles said. "Let's go downstairs to the kitchen, okay?" "...Okay." As we walked, relief set in more and more. Even just a kid like Toodles possibly knowing about my theories and such could make them think I'm insane... ...Maybe Toodles already thinks so.