Life In The Gumball Machine – Vinnie And Gordy’s Return

by Maureen Bartone

  Sammie stood up to examine his work. The sunglasses looked like they had a live eyeball stuck to the lens. Covering his mouth with his hand, Sammie giggled.

  “Vinnie! You look so funny!”

  Vinnie frowned. He was no longer enjoying this game and was worried about being trapped. He couldn’t see Gordy because he couldn’t turn his body, so he called out to him.

  “Ah, Gordy? I’m thinking this might not be such a good idea.”

  Before Gordy could respond, Sammie picked him up and taped him to the other lens, just as he did with Vinnie. Gordy could now see Vinnie out of the corner of his left eye, and Vinnie could see Gordy from the corner of his right eye. They wiggled their bodies, but the tape was doing its job. Except for their arms and feet, they couldn’t move.

  “I’m not sure what this is leading up to, but it can’t be good,” Gordy said.

  Sammie smiled. “Don’t worry, you guys. You’re going on a ride of a lifetime. You’ll love it.”

  Sammie then picked up the large yellow sunglasses, which now held Vinnie and Gordy by strips of tape, and he started humming a tune to keep them calm.

  “Now, I need Lola. Be right back you guys. Don’t go anywhere.”

  He shook his head and laughed at himself.

  “Ha ha! Where would you two go all tied up like that?”

  He left the room shouting Lola’s name, as he ran down the stairs.

  Gordy and Vinnie sat quietly on the bed, unable to move from their sticky situation.

  Gordy turned to Vinnie. “This should be interesting.”

  Vinnie crooked his mouth. “Very. Say, who’s Lola, anyway?”

  11

  I Lost Them!

  VIOLET CHECKED herself in her bedroom mirror. She loved her new room, but it was still full of boxes from the move. She had trouble finding something to wear, but finally found a pink t-shirt which complimented her brown skin and large brown eyes. Her jean shorts were loose and comfortable−perfect for a day of adventure. As usual, her long, dark hair was pulled back in a braid with a bow on the end. Today’s bow was pink−to match her t-shirt. All she needed now were her tennis shoes, which were near the front door where she left them last night.

  She ran downstairs to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. Her mom was busy unpacking dishes and putting them into the dishwasher. From the looks of all of the moving boxes, it would be a while before they were finally settled in their new house.

  “Morning Mom,” Violet said.

  “Good morning Violet. What’s on the agenda today?”

  Violet poured herself a bowl of cereal. “Oh, nothing much. I’m going back over to Daisy’s today to hang out with her, and Patrick and Michael.”

  Violet’s mom turned to her and smiled. “Oh honey, that’s great. I’m so happy you’ve already made such nice friends.”

  Violet nodded as she munched her cereal.

  “Me too. They’re so nice. I can’t wait!”

  She ate quickly, jumped up from the table and went to the sink to rinse out her bowl. She gave her mom a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “Bye Mom!” She headed for the front door to get her shoes.

  “Bye sweetheart. Be careful today, and check in once in a while so I don’t worry.”

  “I will! Bye!”

  She ran out the front door, her shoe strings still untied. She sat on the front stairs tying them as fast as she could. She looked up and saw Patrick and Michael riding their bikes down the street. She jogged down the stairs, anxious to meet them at Daisy’s driveway.

  Patrick and Michael slowed their bikes and turned into the driveway just as Violet crossed the street. She tried to look cool.

  “Hi guys!” she said.

  The boys waved and waited for her.

  As she approached, Violet said, “I don’t think I slept a wink all night. I was so excited for today. Do you think I could be one of the people to bring Vinnie and Gordy back into the gumball machine?”

  Patrick’s eyes narrowed and he rolled them toward Michael.

  “What?” Violet asked.

  “It’s just−well−it’s very dangerous, and super‑scary. And−you have no experience,” Patrick said.

  Violet’s smile flattened. “But I thought you said it was a beautiful place with nice gumball people.”

  Patrick’s hands flew out in front of him. “Yes, it’s nice once you get there. But it’s the ride up that I’m talking about.”

  Michael agreed. “Yeah, Violet. He’s not kidding. The ride up is really scary. And it feels pretty awful, too.”

  Patrick’s head bobbed in agreement. “And so does the ride down. It’s no easier than the ride up.”

  Michael continued. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. It was probably the most exciting and fun thing we’ve done−”

  “−or ever will do,” Patrick interrupted. Michael looked up to the sky, took a deep breath, and continued.

  “Well, maybe one of you guys−or Daisy−could go up with me. I really, really, want to go!” Violet said.

  “Well, we do need at least two people,” Michael said.

  Patrick bent over, his hands on his thighs and his head hanging down. He took a couple of slow, deep breaths.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Michael asked.

  “Well−er−it’s just that−I just assumed you’d be the one to go back up and I could stay down here. The whole thing makes me so nervous. I−I don’t know if I can go back up there, Michael. I mean, yesterday, we were lucky to get out of there alive. I hate to chance it again.” He straightened up, ran his fingers through his thin hair and began to pace.

  Violet jumped up and down, clasping her hands. “I’ll go. I want to go. Can I go? P-l-e-a-s-e? Pretty-please?”

  Michael looked from Patrick to Violet. He put one hand out and looked at Patrick. “Hmm. You’re sick with worry.”

  And then, turning his head and hand toward Violet, he said, “And you’re super-excited.”

  He stepped back from them and placed his finger to his chin.

  “Hmm.”

  Then he reached out and shook hands with Violet. Smiling, Violet took his hand and shook it hard.

  “You’re in Violet. You’re my new co-pilot.”

  Violet made a fist and pulled her elbow back. “Yes! Whoo-hoo!”

  Patrick let out a small breath and relaxed as he watched Violet jump up and down, cheering. He’d never met anyone who loved adventure as much as this new girl. He was impressed by her bravery. She was cute, too. He smiled.

  As they walked up Daisy’s driveway, the three kids discussed their plans to return Vinnie and Gordy to the gumball machine. They climbed the stairs to the back porch and Michael knocked on the screen door. They walked into the kitchen and stopped short as they came upon Daisy’s parents sitting at the table drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Lola was sitting on the floor near the back door.

  “Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Lannon,” Patrick said.

  “Good morning kids,” Mrs. Lannon said. “Hey−didn’t we just see each other last night?”

  The kids giggled.

  Mr. Lannon said, “If you’re looking for Daisy, she’s down in the laundry room. I’m not sure what she’s doing, though. She’s been down there quite a while. Go ahead and keep her company.”

  “Okay. Thanks, Mr. Lannon,” Michael said.

  The boys and Violet lumbered down the steep wooden stairs leading to the basement and laundry room.

  Patrick shouted to her as they reached the bottom.

  “Daisy? Are you down here?”

  “I’m over here,” Daisy replied.

  Violet heard the tension in Daisy’s voice. Upon seeing her face, she ran to her.

  “What’s wrong, Daisy?”

  “I’ve lost them! Vinnie and Gordy−they’re gone. I can’t believe it happened again, but they’re gone.” She wiped a tear from her cheek. “Those little guys were counting on us to get them back home, and I’ve ruined everything. I’m so worried.”

&nb
sp; “Okay. Calm down, and tell us what happened,” Michael said.

  Daisy took a breath and explained how she’d left them in the blouse pocket, and how her mom must have come in and scooped up the blouse with the laundry while she showered.

  “I ran down here as soon as I realized what must have happened, but I’ve looked everywhere. I’ve called out for them−and nothing. They’re gone.” She put her hands to her face and started to cry.

  “Did you check the washing machine?” Violet asked.

  Sobbing, Daisy nodded. “Yes, that was the first place I looked because I knew they couldn’t get wet.” She cried even harder.

  “I’m sorry you guys. I think I’ve really lost them this time.”

  The two boys and Violet sat down next to Daisy, their heads hanging low. Violet put her arm around Daisy to comfort her.

  “Let’s go back up to your room,” Michael suggested. Maybe they fell out or crawled out of your pocket before your mom took the shirt.”

  Daisy’s eyes held no hope, but she nodded and picked herself off of the cold cement floor. There was no point staying down here. The other kids joined her as she climbed the stairs to the kitchen. Daisy’s dad was gone, but her mom was still sitting at the table. She glanced up at them and saw Daisy’s sad face.

  “Everything okay Daisy?”

  Daisy tried to smile. “Yep. We’re just going up to my room for a little while.”

  “What were you doing down in the laundry room?”

  “Oh, I was just looking for something.”

  Her mom shrugged. “Okay. Try not to stay up in your room too long. It’s a beautiful day.”

  “Okay, Mom. We’ll go outside in a little bit.”

  The kids went through the swinging door, crossed through the living room, and climbed the stairs to Daisy’s bedroom.

  12

  The Ride

  SAMMIE HEARD VOICES and saw Daisy’s bedroom door close as he left his room. He shut his door and headed downstairs. In the kitchen, Mrs. Lannon was at the sink washing dishes, and Lola was near the back door eating from her bowl when they heard Sammie’s voice.

  “Lola!”

  “Sammie. Lola’s down here,” Mrs. Lannon called.

  “Coming, Mom.”

  Sammie swung open the kitchen door and smiled. He bent down with his hands on his knees.

  “Hi, Lola! Come here girl. Do you want to go outside and play?”

  Lola trotted over to Sammie and licked his face. “That’s a good girl. Come on. We’re going upstairs.”

  Mrs. Lannon turned to him. “I thought you said you were taking her outside.”

  “Oh. I am. I just have to get something upstairs. And then we’ll go out.”

  “Okay. But keep her in the yard. She’s acting weird. And don’t let her bark. The neighbors will have a fit if she keeps up that noise.”

  “Okay, Mom.”

  Sammie took Lola back through the kitchen door, and together, they ran to the top of the stairs.

  “Good girl, Lola! Come on. Let’s go meet your new friends.”

  They rounded the corner and Sammie opened the door to his room. As they entered, the big floppy dog bounced up onto Sammie’s bed and started walking around−just missing Vinnie and Gordy, who had nowhere to run because they were still stuck on the sunglasses.

  “No Lola! Down!”

  Sammie pushed her off of the bed.

  He knew he’d done an excellent job of taping Vinnie and Gordy to the glasses, but he double‑checked just to be safe. He picked up the glasses−the little gumball guys still strapped to the front−and gave them two good shakes.

  Vinnie and Gordy felt their stomachs jump and jerk.

  “Ugh. I think I’m going to be sick,” Vinnie said. But, as soon as his words left his lips, the shaking stopped.

  After Sammie was confident the two little gumball guys were securely in place, he needed something to hold the sunglasses onto Lola’s nose. He went back into his closet and dug around until he found a short, thin piece of white rope. He couldn’t remember why he had it, but it sure came in handy for this project.

  Lifting the pair of sunglasses and its guests, he held them over Lola’s head, and then brought the sunglasses onto her nose. It was a simple movement, but not to Vinnie and Gordy. They were whooshed high into the air and then swung down low. It felt like the scariest ride in the gumball world.

  “W‑h‑o‑a!”

  They’d barely caught their breath and the ride was over.

  Now, they were sitting on Lola’s head, looking straight out at Sammie’s large blue eyes. They watched as he worked to get the sunglasses securely fastened to the dog. He weaved some rope in and around the arms of the sunglasses and then around Lola’s head.

  Her fur felt soft under their tiny feet, and they swayed back and forth in time with her heavy breathing.

  Lola didn’t like it when Sammie put things on her head, and she barked at him to let him know she was upset. The sound of her bark left Gordy and Vinnie’s tiny ears ringing for quite a while.

  As their hearing slowly returned, Vinnie and Gordy were soothed by the sound of Sammie’s voice as he began humming a tune while he worked. After a few minutes, Sammie stepped back to survey his handiwork. He was certain that Vinnie and Gordy were now snug on Lola’s nose, but he gave the sunglasses a couple of tugs to be sure. He smiled and nodded, pleased to see his ingenious idea come to life.

  He leaned in and spoke quietly to Vinnie and Gordy. “Okay you guys, we’re going downstairs, and then out to the backyard. Lola is going to take you for a nice ride. Are you ready?”

  “We’re ready Sammie,” Gordy said.

  “Yep. Let’s do this,” Vinnie added. “This should be fun!”

  Sammie stood up and took Lola by her collar, keeping a close eye on her passengers as he guided her out of the bedroom.

  Now perched atop the nose of the enormous, fluffy dog, Vinnie and Gordy felt a breeze as Lola’s pace quickened. The stairway loomed just beyond her nose, and they tipped forward as Sammie walked her down.

  Vinnie felt his stomach jump. “Uh-boy.”

  He was nervous, but also a tiny bit excited. It was a spectacular view. For the first time, they could see this fascinating world without being trapped inside someone’s hand, or inside a cup or a blouse pocket.

  Lola bounced down the stairs while Sammie tried to keep her from going too fast. Her shaggy fur tickled Vinnie’s and Gordy’s feet. It felt wonderful! At the bottom of the stairs, they felt themselves straighten up.

  With a tight grip, Sammie led Lola through the living room, and into the kitchen where his dad was cooking some eggs at the stove.

  “Hi Dad,” Sammie said.

  “Morning, Sammie.” His dad didn’t look up. If he did, he might have noticed their dog wearing large, yellow sunglasses.

  Sammie led Lola through the back door, down the porch stairs, and into the backyard. He leaned in to speak to Vinnie and Gordy.

  “Are you guys ready for your ride?”

  “What do you mean? I thought that was our ride!” Gordy replied.

  “No, silly. That wasn’t the ride. We were just walking. So−are you ready?”

  Gordy and Vinnie had no idea what was about to happen, but they nodded and told Sammie they were ready for some fun. They tried to convince themselves this was true.

  Sammie released Lola’s collar, but she didn’t move. He frowned.

  “Lola. What are you doing? Go!”

  She didn’t move. She just looked at him.

  He put his hands on his hips. “Humpf.”

  After thinking for a minute, his eyes lit up. He ran to a box containing his mom’s gardening tools and dug around until he pulled out a yellow tennis ball.

  “This should do it.”

  He turned and threw it high over Lola’s head.

  “Go get it girl!”

  Lola obeyed, and Vinnie and Gordy’s ride began with a jolt. The force of her sprint pressed them back onto the l
enses of the sunglasses.

  The wind rushed over their bodies and roared in their ears. At times, it was so forceful it took their breath away.

  “Whoa! Gordy! I’m scared! I don’t like this!” Vinnie screamed.

  “Whoo-hoo!” Gordy shouted. “This is awesome! What a ride!”

  Sammie ran up to Lola as she bent down to put the tennis ball in her mouth. As she did, Vinnie and Gordy felt the pressure of their bodies against the tape as they plunged downward. They now saw nothing but green grass and the yellow tennis ball. But that was a brief encounter. Soon, Lola was back to running and chasing the ball. When she returned the ball to Sammie, he picked it up and again tossed it across the yard.

  Their wild ride continued for another ten minutes until Sammie noticed a look in their eyes that told him the two tiny gumballs were ready for the fun to be over.

  As Sammie called out to Lola to come back to him, the big fluffy dog spotted a cat just outside the yard and took off after it. Vinnie and Gordy felt a power in Lola’s run that they hadn’t felt before. They tightened their grip on the lenses, but the tape was starting to come loose. Sammie ran after them calling out to Lola, but she was too fast for him. There was no way he’d catch her.

  “Lola stop! Stop Lola!”

  But Lola ignored him. Vinnie and Gordy were bouncing−hard−and the tape that held them to the sunglasses began to pull apart. And now−the sunglasses were coming loose from the white rope, bouncing on Lola’s nose and flopping in the wind−with Vinnie and Gordy hanging on by a tiny shred of tape.

  After losing his grip on the tape, Vinnie grabbed some of Lola’s fur, his feet flying into the air as he held on tight.

  Gordy reached to his right to grab hold of the arm of the sunglasses, which was just about free of the rope.

  “Sammie! Help us!”

  Both Vinnie and Gordy strained their voices to be sure they were heard.

  Sammie shouted as he ran toward Lola. “Hang on! I’m coming!”

  In his whole life, Sammie had never run this fast. He felt his legs wobble underneath him, as his stomach twisted and turned, and flipped and flopped. He’d never forgive himself if anything happened to his new best friends.

  “Lola! Stop!”

  But Lola didn’t stop. She took a sharp right turn and Vinnie and Gordy lost their grip, flying off to the left. Gordy felt the rush of air across his face, but Vinnie was too frightened to notice anything.