CHAPTER 4: TRYING AGAIN

As the Grays were gearing up for a battle in Divorce Court, Frieda and Pig Pen were trying to mend their relationship. They went out to eat dinner at a fancy restaurant and even went to the movies. Later they found themselves at the park, walking in the brisk winter weather. They were bundled up and dressed warm.

"So how did you enjoy the movie?" asked Frieda.

"It was good," said Pig Pen. "The food was pretty good at the restaurant, as well."

"Yes it was. Listen, Matt, I am sorry for everything I put you through. I do love you and only you. Sometimes I get carried away with my flirty attitude when I'm dancing with guys. I know you don't mind it when I'm dancing with others because you're not much for dancing, but I tell all of them that I have a boyfriend. If it'll make you feel better, I won't dance with them anymore."

"Frieda, I know you are sorry. And I want to believe nothing happened with you and that guy at the Beagle. It was more him than you."

"Exactly!"

"And I am willing to try again. We do need to work on our relationship and build up trust in each other. As far as I go, a pretty woman may come my way. And though I may check her out, I'd never try to pick her up, not while I have you. And I don't want to lose you."

"And I don't want to lose you, either, baby! I love you!"

"I love you, too!" And Pig Pen and Frieda kissed each other and hugged. Frieda was crying, as was Pig Pen. They wanted their relationship to work out the best it could.

Back at the Brown household, Charlie was coming in with groceries. He looked out in the backyard at Snoopy's old doghouse. It sat empty for years after his passing. He sighed at the memory of his beloved beagle.

"I really miss you, old pal," he said. Snapping out of his brief melancholy, he put away the groceries. Pat walked in and greeted her boyfriend.

"Hey, Chuck baby," she cooed, kissing him. "Was hoping you'd get back soon. Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, Pat," said Charlie. "Was looking out at the Snoopy's old house. I miss him some days and wish he was still here. Though I know he's in a better place now, it still hurts from time to time."

"I understand, babe. We all miss Snoopy. And though no other dog will replace him by a long shot, have you thought about getting another dog?"

"Not really. Was never ready to deal with that again. Bur maybe, now is time."

"One of these days we should go out looking for another beagle. What do you say, Chuck?"

"I think we should, Patty. It would be great to have a dog around here again, even if he isn't Snoopy. And with Violet locked away in prison not causing any more trouble, I can focus on important stuff, as well as finding a new dog."

"Did you say getting a new dog?" Sally walked in and joined them.

"Pat and I were talking about how I miss Snoopy and everything," said Charlie to his sister.

"I understand, bro," said Sally. "It would be nice to have another dog around the house."

"We were thinking about that too, now that the drama with Violet is finished," said Charlie. "Incidentally, how are you getting along with the new COO at Gray Industries?"

"Mason is great!" doted Sally. "Far nicer than Violet, though to be fair, ANYONE, even Lucy when she used to be crabby all the time, would be nicer than Violet."

"Good point, Sally," laughed Pat. And the folks all went into the living room to watch some TV. Pat had ordered pizza for everyone and they were going to enjoy a night at home. With Violet gone for a long time, they could now enjoy life and relax.

THE END