Zhane & Vitani Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Zhane and his friends made it to Pizza Palace to meet Vitani and the girls, but when they arrived things weren't smooth between the brother and sister.

You challenged Trayquel to what?!

A boxing match Vee. I know it sounds crazy, but it was the adrenaline talking and I'm tired of Trayquel's bullying it's been going on for two months now. So, on Halloween it's payback time.

Okay, exactly how many teeth do you plan on losing, asked Kimiko.

Ha-ha, real funny Kimiko. The only way to get Trayquel to lay off is to beat him in a fight.

Why do boys always think they can solve problems by fighting, said Ruby.

You don't get it Ruby, if wasn't for Zhane and Michael jumping in when they did. I'd be the one with no teeth right now, said Tommy.

Yeah, that's a good point. Hey wasn't Jose supposed to be here.

You're right the pizza is already here, said Michael.

Just then Jose dashed in the restaurant.

Sorry I'm late. I was in the library and got sidetracked with my Algebra homework.

Lucky for you the pizza just came. Trying to keep Zhane from eating it all, is like trying to keep a Lion from eating a Gazelle, said Vitani.

I wouldn't be making jokes if I were you sis. Especially you're going to help me train for this boxing match.

Yeah right. Why would I ever do that?

Because I hold your innocence in the palm of my hand.

Zhane pulled out a flash drive and showed it to Vitani and their friends.

Okay I'll bite. What's on the flash drive?

The video that shows you didn't steal from Forever 21.

What! Everyone yelled.

How did you get that? Kimiko asked.

Yeah, and how do I know you're not bluffing?

I went to mall security and begged them to give me the surveillance footage from last week. Plus, I threw in a box of donuts.

Good strategy, who can resist free donuts, said Tommy.

Okay before everyone gets excited let's see the video first, said Vitani.

Hold on a second Vee. You didn't want my help. Remember? You said I should worry about my own problems.

Yeah, but I -

He's got you there Vitani. You were all in Zhane's face when you said that, Ruby.

True, but Zhane I was already having a lousy day and-

Uh-uh, no way, I ain't showing anything. You don't wanna listen to me. Right? Right?

Zhane.

N0!

Okay, look. I'm sorry, all right?

Zhane rolled his eyes. Vitani sighed and softened her voice.

I'm sorry. I was wrong for being jerk and saying I didn't want your help. Even though I feel lame for needing it. Can you ever forgive me?

Hmm, of course. We are brother and sister, so we have to have each other's back even when we get on each other's nerves. I just wanted real apology, so we're cool.

Hey, I hate to break up the tender moment, can we watch the video now? I can't take the suspense, said Michael.

Mike's right. Play the video already, said Vitani.

Alright Boss lady. Jose, do you mind if we use your laptop, please?

Sure.

Zhane inserted his flash drive into the laptop the whole group gathered around to watch the video.

The video showed Rachel sneaking behind Vitani and planting the same perfume the store clerk confiscated into her purse.

The kids turned and looked at a shocked Vitani who stared daggers at the video with her fist balled up.

Now Vee, don't freak out, said Ruby.

That manipulative little snake. Tripping me and knocking food on me were the first two strikes. This is officially strike three, and now Rachel's gonna pay.

What are you gonna do? Kimiko asked.

The one thing that I can do. Prove Rachel is the thief.

How? You're banned from Forever 21, you'll be kicked out the minute you walk in, said Jose.

Right, I forgot about that.

I got it! Forever 21 is having a big sale, right? Zhane asked.

Yeah, so what?

So, Rachel is bound to show up. That's the only way mall security can detain her, so Tommy, Jose and I can get them to be on the lookout.

Oh, I get it! It's a stakeout. Michael can scout for Rachel upstairs; Ruby and Kimiko can watch from inside Forever 21, and I will be downstairs with my camera, said Vitani.

What do you need the camera for? Tommy asked.

I want to capture the whole thing on video. Plus, I want to see the look on Rachel's face when she gets caught.

Okay that's easier said than done. The question is how are we going to get Rachel to go to Forever 21, asked Kimiko.

That's where Ruby comes in. She's the one who's going to convince Rachel.

What!? Why me?

You're the only one Rachel hasn't been openly hostile too. So she will be more willing to hear you out, said Vitani. Please.

Ruby reluctantly shook her head yes.

Okay. I'll do it.

I can't wait to see how this plays out, said Michael.

Then it's settled. I have to get ready for the match with Trayquel, said Zhane.

Well, we're here to help you train bro, said Vitani.

All of us will help you train, said Tommy.

Yeah, I say it's time we teach the bullies a lesson. Don't you think? Kimiko asked.

Hear! Hear! Everyone screamed.

Cheers to standing up for ourselves and a lot of much needed payback, said Zhane.

The seven kids put their sodas together and toasted to their pact and pledge of friendship.