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For what she had done to Heather Clyde-Halverson, Emerald was suspended for a week. It was the Sunday before she was to return to school. As Spearmint Sammy was heading out to the Clyde-Halverson place, he bumped into Eugene and Jasmine.
“Oh. Hi.” said Eugene.
“Hello, Sammy.” said Jasmine.
The younger Green siblings looked nervously at Spearmint Sammy.
“We’re very sorry about what Emerald had done.” said Eugene.
“Tell Heather we’re sorry.” said Jasmine.
“No hard feelings from you two.” smiled Spearmint Sammy. “Heather knows it wasn’t your fault. It was your bratty big sister’s doing. All she wanted was me for her, while Heather wants me for me.”
“Thank goodness for that.” said Eugene.
“Well, enjoy your day.” said Jasmine.
“You too, you two.” said Spearmint Sammy as he headed off. “At least Emerald’s siblings aren’t as nasty as her.”
At Sparkyville High School, Franklin was spreading the news.
“Did you hear about the new burger joint in town?” asked Franklin.
“Really, Frank?” said Peppermint Patty. “What’s the name of the burger joint?”
“It’s called Sparky Burger.” said Franklin. “Named in honour of our legendary Captain Sparky.”
“Wow!” said Peppermint Patty. “I can’t wait to feast on their burgers.”
“Easy on the burgers, Sir.” said Marcie. “Let’s just go through school first.”
“I guess you’re right, Marcie.” said Peppermint Patty. “Let’s focus on school.”
“Sparky Burger?” said Charlie Brown. “They sound delicious.”
“Burgers?” said Tommy. “I love burgers.”
“Burgers may sound tasty, but none can compare to my naturally curly hair.” said Frieda.
“Worry about them later.” said Heather Wold. “There’ll be time for the burgers later.”
“Burger joint?” said Lucy. “I’ll be all for one.”
“Burgers later, Lucy.” said Sebastian. “We have class first.”
For the rest of the day, Peppermint Patty was wondering what the burgers at Sparky Burger would be like.
“I hope their burgers are good.” thought Peppermint Patty.
“You have your own lunch, Sir.” said Marcie. “So worry about your burgers later.”
“Okay, Marcie.” said Peppermint Patty. “You’re right.”
So Peppermint Patty ate the hot dog she had bought from the cafeteria that day. as much as she enjoyed hot dogs, she still wondered what the burgers at Sparky Burger were like.
When Peppermint Patty had finished school for the day, she and Marcie went over to the Reichardt-Robbins house. There, walking by, was Snoopy, who was carrying a bunch of burgers with Sparky Burger labels over their paper wrappings.
“Look, Marcie!” said Peppermint Patty. “Old Snoop has all the burgers from Sparky Burger!”
“Maybe tell your family about it, Sir.” suggested Marcie.
When Peppermint Patty and Marcie arrived, there were Gordon and Kimmy, who had also arrived home.
“Hiya, Gord. Hi, Kim!” said Peppermint Patty.
“Hi, Gordon, and Kimberly.” said Marcie.
“How was school?” asked Gordon.
“It was fun.” said Marcie.
“It was nice, I guess.” said Peppermint Patty. “Frank told me all about a new burger joint downtown.”
“What’s the new joint called?” asked Kimmy.
“It’s called Sparky Burger.” Peppermint Patty answered.
“Sparky Burger?!” cried Gordon and Kimmy.
“What’s this about Sparky Burger?” asked Robert, Peppermint Patty’s father.
“Frank told me all about it.” said Peppermint Patty. “It’s a new burger joint downtown.”
“Sounds like a blast!” said Robert. “We should go there for dinner or lunch one day.”
“Will we?” asked Peppermint Patty. “Thanks, Pop!”
“Maybe on Friday as an end of week treat.” Robert decided. “Oh, hi, Marcie.”
“Hello, Robert.” said Marcie. “Patricia just invited me over to do homework with her.”
“Then be our guest, Marcie.” said Robert.
“Great.” said Peppermint Patty. “Come on, Marcie. We’ve got some homework to do.”
Meanwhile, Charlie Brown arrived home and told his family all about the new burger joint.
“What’s it called, Big Brother?” asked Sally.
“It’s called Sparky Burger.” said Charlie Brown. “Named in honour of our founder Captain Sparky.”
“I could do with some burgers, Big Brother.” said Sally.
“How about it?” suggested Joyce, their mother. “Why don’t we go to Sparky Burger for dinner?”
“Sounds like a great idea, Mom!” said Sally.
“Burgers?” said Wally. “Sparky Burger?”
“It’s our new burger joint.” said Charlie Brown.
“I’m back!” came a voice.
“Hey, Dad.” said Charlie Brown. “Mom just suggested we go to Sparky Burger.”
“Sparky Burger?” said Clarence, Charlie Brown’s father. “Now that you mentioned it, I did see it on my way to work.”
“For dinner.” said Sally.
“Then count me in.” said Clarence.
Later, the Browns had arrived at Sparky Burger for their dinner. The logo was a burger with a spark plug on it, and lightning bolts around it.
“Wow!” said Charlie Brown. “It’s already a cool-looking place.”
When they arrived, much to their surprise, there was Emerald Green.
“What’s she doing here?” thought Charlie Brown.
“Yes.” said Emerald. “I’d like to order…… one peppermint patty burger please. With extra pickles and…..”
“Peppermint Patty?” quizzed Charlie Brown. “Don’t tell me…..”
Emerald walked out with her burger after she’d received it. She took a bite out of it and….
“Oh yummers!” she exclaimed.
Later, Charlie Brown, Sally, Wally, Clarence and Joyce had received their burgers. Charlie Brown had a cheeseburger, Joyce had a chicken sandwich, Clarence received a Big Stack, Sally received a fish sandwich, and Wally received a fruit bag.
“These burgers are so delicious!” said Charlie Brown.
At Sparkyville High School, Peppermint Patty told her friends all about her family’s plan for dinner on Friday.
“So are you going to Sparky Burger, Patty?” asked Charlie Brown.
“We sure are, Chuck.” said Peppermint Patty.
“I’ve been to Sparky Burger too.” said Emerald. “And let me tell you something.”
“I don’t like where this is going.” said Peppermint Patty.
“They serve burgers.” said Emerald.
“We know they serve burgers.” said Charlie Brown. “I was there too.”
“You went to Sparky Burger, Chuck?” said Peppermint Patty.
“We sure did.” said Charlie Brown.
“And as I was saying,” continued Emerald. “they serve…. Peppermint patties.”
Peppermint Patty was aghast.
“They…. serve…. Me?!” exclaimed Peppermint Patty in shock. “Oh good grief!”
Peppermint Patty took off for her gym class for the day.
“What’s gotten into her?” asked Patty Swanson.
“The mention of serving peppermint patty burgers.” said Violet.
“When’s somebody going to explain to her?” asked Violet.
“She’ll learn soon enough.” said Janice.
Peppermint Patty didn’t want to eat at Sparky Burger anymore. She was so fearful all day, she didn’t even listen to the teachers. She hadn’t even touched her lunch that day.
“Can’t eat! Gonna turn into a burger! Can’t sleep! Gonna turn into a burger!” Peppermint Patty feared.
Charlie Brown and Heather Wold looked over towards Peppermint Patty.
“Is she okay?” Heather asked.
“She’s worried about being turned into a burger.” said Charlie Brown. “Especially when Emerald mentioned peppermint patty burgers.”
“Oh. Good grief.” Heather said worriedly.
When Peppermint Patty was on her way home that day, she eyed Snoopy carrying a large amount of Sparky Burgers. She saw him giving one each to himself, Fifi and their pups.
“AAUGH!!!!!” screamed Peppermint Patty as she ran for home.
“Huh?” quizzed Snoopy. “Eh.”
Snoopy, Fifi and their pups ate their burgers when Woodstock flew down.
“Ah!” said Woodstock.
Snoopy tossed a piece of burger into Woodstock’s mouth, and he ate it with no hesitation.
“Mmm!” Woodstock said.
“Ha ha!” said Snoopy.
And all dogs and bird ate their burgers.
When Peppermint Patty arrived home, she found her father and stepmother Lacey.
“Mom! Dad! I’ve changed my mind about Sparky Burger!” Peppermint Patty begged.
“Huh?” quizzed Robert.
“Sparky Burger?” said Lacey.
“They’re serving burgers out of me!” Peppermint Patty cried. “I don’t wanna go anymore in case they turn me into a burger!”
“Calm down, my Rare Gem.” said Robert. “We’ll worry about it on Friday.”
“I don’t think I’ll be around by then.” Peppermint Patty feared as she went upstairs to finish her homework.
Peppermint Patty had trouble sleeping that evening. In her sleep, she was wriggling about.
*Cut to dreamland*
Peppermint Patty was inside Sparky Burger, looking around. There were burger patties and burger buns everywhere.
“Wh-where am I?!” asked Peppermint Patty.
“You’re in Sparky Burger!” said Emerald. “And I’m here to….. serve you!”
“What kind of burger will you serve me?” asked Peppermint Patty.
“You!” Emerald cackled.
Peppermint Patty was lifted by a claw and onto a conveyor belt where she was placed on a giant bun, was covered in tomato ketchup and American mustard, her eyes were covered in pickles, and then her back was covered in shredded onion, and topped with another bun.
“Oh…..” Peppermint Patty groaned.
Peppermint Patty was served to Emerald.
“And now, Emerald smirked. “To give this burger a try.”
Emerald opened her mouth.
“AAAAAAAAUGH!!!!!!!” Peppermint Patty screamed.
*Cut back to reality*
“AAUGH!” Peppermint Patty screamed as she woke up. “Huh? Oh. It was all a dream. Okay. Back to sleep, Peppermint Patty.”
The following morning, Peppermint Patty was too shaken up to have her breakfast.
“Are you alright, Patricia?” asked Gordon.
“I had a vision of the end of my life!” Peppermint Patty said worriedly.
“Gordon, your stepsister has had a bad nightmare.” said Lacey.
“Yes, Mom.” said Peppermint Patty. “It was a nightmare I had. There I was in Sparky Burger, covered in buns, ketchup, mustard, onions and pickles, and Emerald was about to eat me!”
“Sounded like an awful dream.” said Lacey.
“I don’t wanna go to Sparky Burger anymore.” said Peppermint Patty.
“Whyever not?” asked Lacey.
“Because….. I might get turned into a burger!” Peppermint Patty feared as she ran upstairs to brush her teeth.
“Turn her into a burger?” said Lacey. “What is she talking about?”
“I don’t know either.” said Gordon.
Peppermint Patty decided to run to school that day in case she saw Emerald on the bus.
“Must get to school!” she panted. “Don’t wanna turn into a burger!”
Peppermint Patty arrived at Sparkyville High School and into her seat.
“Patricia. You’re early.” said Dena.
“I know.” said Peppermint Patty. “I’m worried about turning into a burger!”
“Patricia, you’re worrying yourself over nothing!” giggled Dena.
“But what if the employees at Sparky Burger turn me into a burger?”
“Don’t fret, Patricia! It’s just an old wife’s tale!”
As Peppermint Patty and Dena continued to converse, everybody else arrived.
“Sir?” said Marcie. “You’re early.”
“I know.” said Peppermint Patty. “I had an awful vision of my own demise! There I was in Sparky Burger when I was placed on a conveyor belt being turned into a burger, and….”
“Oh, Sir!” chuckled Marcie. “You must’ve been having a bad dream!”
“That’s what Mom told me this morning.” said Peppermint Patty. “But what if the dream becomes real?”
“That’s not going to happen, Sir.” said Marcie. “Who knows? Maybe the employees won’t turn you into a burger after all.”
But Peppermint Patty still wasn’t convinced. All that was on her mind was her turning into a burger at Sparky Burger.
“How can we convince Peppermint Patty that she has nothing to worry about?” pondered Marcie.
“What’s wrong with Peppermint Patty?” Heather Wold asked Marcie.
“She had a bad dream about becoming a burger.” said Marcie. “But how can we convince her that she has nothing to worry about?”
“Perhaps we’ll take her to Sparky Burger after school.” suggested Heather. “Then we’ll show her she has nothing to worry about.”
“Good thinking, Heather.” said Marcie.
“Is she still worried about being turned into a burger?” asked Scarlet.
“That’s just an old wife’s tale!” scoffed Darcy.
“Besides,” said Tommy. “Me, my parents and Cora went there yesterday, and we all made it out fine.”
“Really, Tom?” said Spearmint Sammy.
“We sure did.” said Tommy. “And they’ve got amazing fries!”
“See, Sir?” said Marcie. “You have nothing to worry about. Thomas went to Sparky Burger and he made it out just fine.”
But Peppermint Patty still wasn’t convinced.
During lunch time, Heather and Marcie explained to Roy.
“She’s being so silly!” said Marcie. “She thinks she really is going to turn into a burger!”
“This is why we’re going to take her to Sparky Burger to show her she won’t even turn into a burger.” Heather added.
“I’ll go with her as well.” said Roy.
“Good thinking, Roy.” said Heather.
Charlie Brown came over to see the three.
“Hey, Heather.” said Charlie Brown. “Whatcha doin’?”
Heather sighed dreamily at this.
“We’re going to take Peppermint Patty to Sparky Burger and show her she has nothing to worry about.” said Marcie.
“I hope this goes well.” said Charlie Brown.
As Charlie Brown asked this, Mary Stewart and Schroeder came over.
“What’s this I here?” asked Schroeder.
“We’re planning to take Peppermint Patty to Sparky Burger and show her she has nothing to worry about.” said Heather.
“I’d love to go to Sparky Burger.” said Mary Stewart.
“Then you’d like to help us convince Peppermint Patty she has nothing to worry about.” suggested Marcie.
“We’ll be there.” said Mary Stewart.
“Awesome!” said Charlie Brown.
After school that day, Heather, Peppermint Patty, Roy, Mary Stewart, Marcie and Schroeder all were on their way to Sparky Burger.
“So where are we going again?” asked Peppermint Patty.
“To Sparky Burger, Silly!” giggled Mary Stewart.
“We’re going to show you that you have nothing to worry about.” explained Heather.
“They’re only burgers after all.” added Marcie.
Peppermint Patty still wasn’t so sure. She worried all the way.
“I hope there are no cranes.” she thought.
When the six arrived at Sparky Burger, Schroeder was amazed.
“Wow! This place looks awesome!” said Schroeder.
“I guess this is why it’s called Sparky Burger.” said Mary Stewart. “There’s burgers with sparks on them.”
“Burgers with sparks on them?!” exclaimed Peppermint Patty. “Ulp!”
As she gulped, Snoopy came out with multiple burger wrappers.
“Good grief!” thought Marcie, eyeing Snoopy. “He’s going to break his doghouse if he continues to eat all those burgers.”
Peppermint Patty eyed all the different customers coming out. There were Peggy Jean and Thibault, each coming out with a burger.
“I can’t wait to eat this peppermint patty burger.” said Thibault.
Peppermint Patty began to shiver.
“I’m glad I bought it for you, Tee Ree.” said Peggy Jean.
Peppermint Patty was even more scared.
Afterwards, Franklin, Shermy, Violet, Percy and Patty Swanson came out of Sparky Burger, and they were each eating a burger.
“This burger is so good!” said Patty Swanson. “At least it isn’t me.”
“Of course it isn’t you!” chuckled Violet.
“It may not be my girlfriend, and it may not have sprinkles, but it’ll be a good sandwich nonetheless.” said Percy.
“I could eat this all day.” said Shermy.
Soon, Lucy came out with Sebastian, Linus, Janice, Rerun and Katie.
“I’m glad I ordered this burger.” said Sebastian. “This peppermint patty should fill me up in no time.”
“Same with mine.” said Lucy.
“I may not have a peppermint patty in my burger,” said Rerun. “but at least it’s a cheeseburger.”
“This patty sounds enticing.” said Lucy.
“It may not be a peppermint patty,” said Linus, but it has a patty regardless.”
Peppermint Patty couldn’t take it anymore. She growled until…..
“AAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUGH!!!!!!!!”
Peppermint Patty’s scream was so loud that it caused Sebastian’s burger to fly into the air. Marcie, Heather, Schroeder and Mary Stewart gasped. Suddenly, the burger landed in Lucy’s hair. Ketchup flew everywhere.
“Aaugh! My headband!” cried Lucy. “Look what you did, Patty!”
Peppermint Patty blushed.
“Oh….. I’m very sorry, Lucille.” said Peppermint Patty. “Bastian, Linus, Jan, Rerun, Kate. I……”
Peppermint Patty ran away with guilt.
“What’s up with her?” asked Linus.
“Captain Sir must not like burgers.” said Katie.
“Maybe it’s these burgers she doesn’t like.” said Rerun.
“But how could she not like these burgers if she hasn’t even tried them?” asked Lucy.
“She did agree to come here with her family.” said Marcie.
“Where did she go?” asked Marcie.
“Must be going home, I guess.” said Heather.
Peppermint Patty was running home in tears. Not only was she afraid of being turned into a burger, but she was guilty of ruining Lucy’s headband. Peppermint Patty got home, ran up to her room and landed face first onto her bed, crying.
“What’s up with her?” asked Gordon.
“Let’s go up and check.” said Robert.
Robert went into Peppermint Patty’s room and he found her crying.
“Are you alright, my rare gem?” asked Robert.
“I ruined Lucy’s headband.” said Peppermint Patty.
“Why would you do that?” asked Robert.
“I didn’t mean to. I was too terrified of Sparky Burger and feared I would be turned into a burger.”
“Turn into a burger? Why would you be turned into a burger?”
“Long story, Pop.”
“Is Patty being turned into a burger?” asked Gordon.
“Patty’s not being turned into a burger.” said Robert. “She’s just scared of being turned into a burger!”
Back at Sparky Burger, Marcie, Schroeder, Heather, Roy and Mary Stewart went inside to see why Peppermint Patty would be scared of being turned into a burger.
“Let’s see.” said Mary Stewart. “Marcie, could you read all this?”
“Hmm….. Hamburger, cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, fish sandwich. Nope.” said Marcie. “Can’t see why Peppermint Patty would be scared of being turned into a burger.”
“Except….” said Roy. “take a look at the desserts!”
“Hmm….” pondered Schroeder. “Thickshakes, sundaes, peppermint patties, apple pi….”
“Peppermint patties?!” they all exclaimed.
“I think we’ve found out why Peppermint Patty is scared of this place.” said Heather.
“We should go to Peppermint Patty’s place right now.” said Marcie.
And that was what they all did.
“Turns out Peppermint Patty was scared over nothing.” said Mary Stewart.
“Peppermint patties are just dessert burgers.” said Heather.
“Can’t wait to tell her.” said Schroeder.
When they arrived, there stood Lacey.
“Hello, Lacey.” said Marcie. “We’d like to see Patricia.”
“Is it about why she’s scared of peppermint patties?” asked Lacey.
“Yes.” said Heather.
“Come right in.” said Lacey.
So all five friends came in.
“Sir?” said Marcie as they went into Peppermint Patty’s room. “Are you okay?”
“Did you have any burgers?” asked Peppermint Patty. “Was there a crane in there?”
“Not at all.” said Heather. “But we found out that you had nothing to be afraid of.”
“Of course I do!” Peppermint Patty retorted. “Emerald said she had a peppermint patty from Sparky Burger.”
“About that.” said Roy. “As it turns out, it turns out peppermint patties are just a dessert burger.”
“Oh!” said Peppermint Patty. “So I was worried over nothing!”
That’s right, Sir.” said Marcie. “So are you willing to go to Sparky Burger after all?”
“I am now.” said Peppermint Patty with relief.
Peppermint Patty went downstairs to tell her family.
“Mom, Dad, Gordon, Kimmy.” said Peppermint Patty. “We’re going to Sparky Burger after all.”
“So now you want to go to Sparky Burger?” said Lacey.
“Of course.” said Peppermint Patty. “Tomorrow is the day. I can’t wait to see what those burgers are like!”
“Good on you, My Rare Gem!” said Robert.
The next day, Peppermint Patty conversed with her friends.
“So you’re all set to go to Sparky Burger tonight?” asked Charlie Brown.
“Indeed I am, Chuck.” said Peppermint Patty. “Turns out peppermint patties are just dessert burgers with peppermint flavour.”
“Roy found it out.” said Marcie. “And we all convinced her she had nothing to worry about.”
Peppermint Patty turned to Lucy, who was wearing a blue headband which matched her blue skivvy.
“Lucille?” said Peppermint Patty. “I like your new headband.”
“Thanks, I guess.” said Lucy.
“And…. I’m sorry I ruined your purple one yesterday.” said Peppermint Patty.
“That’s quite alright, Patty.” said Lucy. “It was made of plastic anyway, and it was easy to clean. But I’m wearing this blue one for a change, after all, it is my favourite colour.”
Peppermint Patty felt very satisfied.
“So you’re going to Sparky Burger after all, Patty?” asked Linus.
“Yes I am.” said Peppermint Patty. “Now I see that peppermint patties are just dessert patties.”
“So you found out when I said I ate peppermint patties,” Emerald said. “I was referring to dessert burgers.”
“That I did, Emerald.” said Peppermint Patty.
“I didn’t mean to make you scared.” said Emerald. “For once, I was not trying to be cruel.”
“That’s a relief.” Peppermint Patty said.
“At least they don’t serve spearmint sammies.” said Spearmint Sammy.
“There’s no such thing!” said Emerald.
That evening, Peppermint Patty, Lacey, Robert, Gordon and Kimmy went to Sparky Burger.
“I can’t wait to savour these burgers.” said Peppermint Patty.
When they arrived, Robert ordered a Chappy Meal for Gordon and Kimmy, and a special kind of meal for Peppermint Patty as well as a nostalgia meal for himself and Lacey.
“Thanks, Daddy.” said Peppermint Patty. “Let’s see what I got….”
Peppermint Patty opened her bag and saw…..
“You bought me a cheeseburger, a medium fries, a cola, and for dessert….”
Peppermint Patty opened her dessert wrapper, but….
“Hold it, Rare Gem.” said Robert. “You can’t open it until after your meal.”
“Sorry.” said Peppermint Patty.
Peppermint Patty finished her burger, fries and cola, and as she finished opening her wrapper, inside was a…..
“A peppermint patty!” she exclaimed.
Robert, Lacey, Gordon and Kimmy eyed Peppermint Patty with eagerness.
“Oh, Dad!”
And they all laughed, and Peppermint Patty ate her peppermint patty.
“So how is it?” asked Robert.
“It’s…..” Peppermint Patty paused. “It’s…..”
“Yes?” said Robert.
“The best dessert I’ve ever had!” Peppermint Patty squeed.
The next day, Peppermint Patty and Marcie walked to the library.
“So how was Sparky Burger, Sir?” asked Marcie.
“It was so good!” said Peppermint Patty. “I even had a peppermint patty for dessert!”
“See, Sir?” said Marcie. “You had nothing to worry about.”
“Yes.” said Peppermint Patty. “Silly me. Worrying about a wee little dessert!”
And so, from that day to this, Peppermint Patty didn’t fear going to Sparky Burger anymore. Every chance she got, she would go and order a peppermint patty for dessert.
Later at the library, while Marcie was reading about the human body, Peppermint Patty was reading a cook book.
“How to make peppermint patties.” Peppermint Patty said to herself.
Marcie eyed Peppermint Patty reading the cook book.
“Peppermint Patty? Interested in cooking?” quizzed Marcie. “That’s something you don’t see everyday.”
“I wish Pierre was here to see Sparky Burger.” Peppermint Patty said to herself.