“Where?” asked Nancy.
“In the mountainous biome,” said Poppy.
“We have to go there,” said Nancy.
Queen Gail asked, “You’re going to leave us?”
“I’m sorry,” said Brett. “We have to get back home. But if you want to see us off, you should go to the mountainous biome with us, because you can mine for materials for brewing stands there.”
Queen Gail said, “It will be heartbreaking to say goodbye to you, but we know you need to leave and go home. Let’s go to the portal.”
The entire town hurried toward the mountainous biome and the cave where they had seen the portal. As they traveled there, Poppy hoped the portal was still active. She would be so disappointed if the portal wasn’t there. As they approached the cave, she felt the cold air, and her heart raced with excitement.
“We’re going home,” she said with a smile.
18
PRACTICAL JOKES
Poppy stood beside the portal. Brett looked over at her. “Now is the right time to go home.”
“I know,” said Poppy.
She was the first to jump in. Her glasses froze in the cold air, and she fell through the portal. Brett followed behind Poppy, and he could see the top of her head as he traveled through the portal. He could see her braids flying through the windy tunnel. It felt as if they were traveling forever when they landed in the middle of Meadow Mews.
“We’re home,” exclaimed Poppy as her friends landed around her. She looked at Joe. “So who won the contest?”
Joe laughed. “I don’t even know what pranks were pulled.”
“We must have a feast and go over all the pranks, and you can decide,” said Poppy.
The sun was shining, and Brett suggested they all pick food from the farm and hunt for chickens and meat so they could have the ultimate feast that night. Poppy suggested that she bake cakes and cookies.
“Let’s meet at my house before sunset,” said Poppy, “and we can start the feast.”
The gang spent the day preparing for the feast. They were all glad to be back in Meadow Mews and in their time period. They were also happy that Veronica had stopped trying to destroy Meadow Mews. When they had all gathered their supplies, they met at Poppy’s house and began the feast.
As they dined on this decadent meal, Brett suggested, “We should plan a trip to Sandy Vista. I wonder how everyone is doing there. I miss them all.”
“Yes,” said Helen. “We should plan a trip. Now that Sandy Vista isn’t a lost city anymore, it would be nice to visit and see our friends.”
“I wonder how Veronica is and if she has truly changed,” said Joe.
“I wonder,” said Poppy, “who won the practical joke competition.”
Joe laughed. “Okay, tell me your pranks. I have to say that the one Brett pulled on me was very funny.” Joe explained how Brett splashed a potion of invisibility on himself and then removed crops while Joe was farming.
“That is funny,” said Nancy.
“As you guys know, I was able to see it. I was cracking up,” said Poppy.
The group talked about all of their pranks, and Joe laughed when he heard about each of them. “Did you seriously fill her house with chickens?” He laughed.
“So who is the winner?” asked Poppy.
“Does it matter who won?” asked Joe. “Wasn’t the fun in planning the pranks and being pranked?”
Poppy thought about what Queen Gail said during the duel. It really didn’t matter who was the winner or loser. She knew that the practical joke competition was fun. Everyone enjoyed it, and that should be her reward. She was the one who came up with the idea for the competition, and she had made her friends happy.
Poppy said, “I want to declare that we are all winners. Can I do that, Joe?”
“Of course.” Joe smiled. “As you guys know, I am not a fan of being pranked, but I actually had a lot of fun during this competition. We should make this an annual tradition.”
“We should,” said Poppy.
The gang was ready for dessert, and Poppy handed out plates of cookies and cake. It was a well-earned dessert, and they enjoyed the cookies while they plotted the next year’s practical joke competition.
“Maybe we should host it in Sandy Vista,” suggested Callie.
“That sounds like a plan,” said Poppy.
The sun was beginning to set, and Poppy suggested that everyone stay over at her house. They didn’t want the party to end. They were busy talking about their upcoming trip to Sandy Vista.
“Thanks for talking me out of jumping down the portal before it was the right time,” Poppy said to Brett.
“I’m glad you stuck it out,” said Brett.
“Me too,” said Poppy.
Poppy thought about returning to Sandy Vista and smiled. It was going to be a great competition next year. She was glad to have a lot of time to plan it.
The End
Destruction in the Desert Page 7
