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

by Maureen Bartone

  “Maybe he’s back at the latch waiting for us right now,” she said. “Come on. Let’s go see.”

  He nodded, as she gently tugged his arm, turning him in the direction toward shore. They walked slowly at first. Patrick followed, impressed by Violet’s convincing words.

  Above them, the sky was darkening. Blue lightning blasted over their heads just as they felt more rumbling under their feet. When the thunder clapped above them, the rocks began rolling down from the hills faster and harder than before. They saw Cecilia soar overhead, as the storm threatened to explode all around them.

  Fear and instinct sent the three kids running from the water. Once on dry land, Patrick led the way. They continued running, as rocks and gumballs fell and rolled around them. The rumbling worsened as the lighted sky dimmed, and then−at once−they were plunged into darkness.

  Violet screamed and stopped running.

  “What’s happening? Patrick? Joe? Are you there?” She felt the panic rise in her throat.

  “I’m here. Take my hand,” Patrick said.

  Violet heard his voice. He was so close. She fumbled a bit for his hand. When she touched it, she grabbed and held on tight. In the darkness, Patrick’s breath caught in his throat. He raised his eyebrows and smiled−happy she was holding his hand−and happy no one could see him smiling.

  “Joe! Hang on to Violet’s hand,” Patrick said. “We need to stay together. Can you find us?”

  Joe fumbled a bit until he felt the warmth of Violet’s outstretched hand.

  “Okay. We’re ready Patrick,” Violet said. “Lead the way.”

  They walked across the beach heading in the direction that Patrick could only guess was the right way. They stopped to rest for a moment and then continued, stumbling through the darkness, uncertain of what was in front of them.

  Patrick stopped and let go of Violet’s hand. “I’m sorry you guys. It’s just too dark. We’ll never find the hill we need to climb unless it lightens.”

  “Well, what do we do now?” Joe said. There was no point in continuing.

  In the distance, a voice called out to them. “There you are! We’ve been looking all over for you!”

  “Gordy? Is that you?” Patrick asked. He giggled with relief. “Oh, thank goodness. Can you help us? Do you have a flashlight or something? We can’t see a thing and we need to get over the hill before it’s too late.”

  “What do you need a flashlight for?” Gordy asked.

  “Are you kidding?” Joe said. “We can’t see a thing. Did the clock strike midnight or something? Why is it so dark?”

  “Are you telling me you can’t see anything?” Vinnie asked.

  “No. Nothing. It’s like we’re blind. And we need to get going,” Violet said.

  As soon as she said that, another rumble sent them wobbling, losing their footing and nearly falling.

  “Interesting,” Vinnie said. “Did you hear that Gordy? They can’t see anything. That’s very strange. What do you make of it?”

  “I’m not sure,” Gordy said. “It must have something to do with the shake-down. I think Cecilia is angry. She wants these strangers out of here, so let’s help make that happen.”

  Turning to Vinnie he said, “You take hold of Joe’s hand, and I’ll take Patrick’s. Patrick, take Violet’s hand.” Patrick fumbled a bit until he once again held Violet’s hand in his.

  “Okay. We’ll guide you to the latch. Are you ready?” Gordy asked.

  “Ready,” Vinnie said, as he took Joe’s hand.

  Joe was not cool with a dude holding his hand−especially a gumball dude, but hey−it was pitch black. No one was going to see him. Heck, even Patrick and Violet won’t see this.

  Joe, Patrick, and Violet were indeed ready to get moving, so Gordy and Vinnie began guiding them through the falling rocks and rolling gumballs, holding them tight whenever the ground shook.

  Still unable to see anything, the kids felt the ground rise under their feet as they climbed the hill. They were hopeful they would get to the other side on time.

  As they neared the top, the sky began to lighten, just enough for them to finish the journey on their own.

  Gordy turned to the three children and said, “Thank you for everything. You saved my good friend Vinnie, and we will always be grateful to you for getting us back home. We will be with you in spirit, wherever you are. Think of us often. We will always remember the three of you, Daisy, and Michael. And we will especially remember our little Sammie.”

  Hearing his brother’s name made Joe’s heart sink. “Gordy,” he said. “Do you know where Sammie is? He disappeared under the waterfall. I mean he literally disappeared−into thin air. I can’t leave here without him. He’s my little brother. My parents and my sister will never forgive me if I don’t bring him back. I’ll never forgive myself. I need to find him. Can you help me?”

  “My dear boy, Sammie is in a safe place. Rest assured. You don’t need to look for him here. You won’t find him. But I promise you, he’s okay.” Gordy smiled as he put his hand on Joe’s.

  Joe wasn’t satisfied with this answer and jerked his hand away. “No! I have to find him. I can’t leave without him. Your answer is not okay. How am I supposed to explain this to my parents? Huh? ‘Oh, I’m sorry Mom and Dad. I couldn’t find your youngest son and bring him home to you, but don’t worry. He’s fine. A little gumball dude told me.’ How do you think that will go over? Huh?”

  Gordy opened his mouth to speak, but Joe wasn’t finished.

  “Bad! That’s how. I’m telling you, I can’t go home without him.”

  Gordy smiled at him. “Son, I understand your concern, but you won’t find him here. He is no longer in our gumball world. I’m sorry. You must believe me. He is fine. Now, it’s time for you to go home.”

  Joe’s shoulders slumped as he fell to the ground. Those words−they were too much. His eyes brimmed with tears and the lump returned in his throat. He missed his little brother so much.

  Where is he?

  He would give anything to see him, give him a great big bear hug, take him out of this place, and get back home. But now, that would never happen. He had to accept that, but it was the hardest thing he’d ever done. He choked back his tears.

  Violet stooped down to look into Joe’s eyes. She spoke softly. “Come on Joe. Let’s go home.”

  She took his hands as he picked himself up. Violet never felt so sorry for anyone in her life. His whole body looked beaten and defeated.

  Patrick came and joined them. “Joe. We have to believe Gordy. Sammie is fine. I just know it. Come on. Let’s go home.”

  Joe let out a quick sob and caught it. “Okay, Patrick. If you believe them, then I will too. I mean−what choice do I have?”

  Patrick nodded. “Come on, Joe. Let’s get out of here.”

  Patrick and Violet turned to embrace Gordy and Vinnie, thanking them for everything. Gordy and Vinnie thanked them, as well. “It was quite an adventure, wasn’t it?” Gordy said.

  “It sure was,” Patrick said. “I hope we have a chance to see you again someday.”

  “We hope so too,” Vinnie said. “And again, I can’t thank you enough for saving my life. You will always be in my heart−all of you.”

  The three kids, still soaking wet, turned and started down the hill toward the latch. When they reached the bottom, they looked up and waved one last time to their gumball friends. Vinnie and Gordy waved back and then, turned and disappeared as they crossed over the hill.

  40

  What’s Taking So Long?

  SAMMIE, DAISY, AND MICHAEL stared at the gumball machine. It had been fifteen minutes since Sammie inserted the nickel, but nothing was happening.

  “I don’t understand,” Daisy said. “It was shaking like crazy. Just like it’s supposed to. What’s taking so long?”

  Michael shook his head. “I don’t know. But we still have three more nickels, and, it’s only been fifteen minutes. We said we’d wait for a half-hour before we put
in the next one. Let’s wait fifteen more minutes, and then Sammie can put in another nickel.”

  Daisy sighed. “Fine. I’m not sure how much more of this I can take, though, so no more than fifteen minutes. As long as Sammie is okay, I trust Gordy and Vinnie. I know they’ll get them back home.”

  41

  It’s Time To Go

  WHEN THEY REACHED THE LATCH, Patrick took charge. He was, after all, the most experienced at this.

  “We have to hurry because the shake-down only lasts for about fifteen minutes−and that’s a guess. I’m also guessing we’ve already used up about ten minutes from the start of the shake-down at the waterfall, so we’ll need to act fast. Violet, you’ll go down first. Are you ready?”

  Violet nodded.

  “Joe, help me open the latch.”

  Joe walked over, and the two of them got down on their knees and struggled to pull open the latch. After a bit, it was fully opened, lying flat. They then found a large rock and placed it on top of it to keep it open.

  Patrick continued. “Remember−keep your hands above your head. This will come in handy when you get to the bottom. Trust me, and listen to me. You do not want to get stuck inside that tunnel when your body starts to grow back to its normal size. Oh−and remember−it’s going to get real cold. Just like it did on the way up.”

  Then, turning to Joe, he said, “Joe, you’ll go after Violet. I’ll go last.”

  Joe frowned and shook his head. “Who made you the boss, huh?”

  Pushing his body up to Patrick’s chest and looking down his nose, he said, “I’m in charge. Got it? I’ll go last. I want to wait a little longer for Sammie.”

  Patrick interrupted. “But−”

  “No ‘buts.’ Got it?” He shoved Patrick’s chest with his own.

  Patrick peered up at him sideways. Joe was so much bigger than he was. He swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded.

  “It’s cool, Joe. I got it. Yep. No problem. You can go last. I’ll go after Violet.”

  Joe clenched his teeth and looked down at his shoes. He felt bad about scaring Patrick and vowed to try harder once he was home. But for now, he needed to stay and wait for Sammie.

  Patrick inhaled as he tried to gather his nerves. For a minute there, he thought Joe was going to pound his face in. His legs were shaking as he walked over to Violet.

  “Are you ready?”

  Violet nodded and took a deep breath. “Ready.”

  Though her hair and clothes were no longer dripping wet, they were still damp, and she shivered. The ride up was worse than she’d thought, and now, she had to do it again. She took a breath and stepped toward the latch. She crouched, went to her knees and peered down the hole. She could see the narrow tunnel until the first turn. After that, it disappeared into blackness. She tilted her head and raised her eyebrows as she looked up at Patrick.

  Her voice just a whisper, she said, “S-c-a-a-r-y.”

  Patrick nodded and went to his knees to join her. “Don’t think about it. Sit down.”

  Another rumble caused them to lose their footing.

  She reached for his hand and again, Patrick felt that funny energy. Before she moved to sit down, she turned to him and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. He stared at her, stunned. Then he felt a flush of heat race up his face.

  He smiled and said, “What was that for?”

  Violet smiled and said, “Because I like you, that’s why.”

  She likes me!

  He wanted to shout it to the world, but instead he smiled and said, “Oh.” His cheeks burned.

  ‘Oh’? Was that all you could say? How embarrassing.

  He gave her an awkward smile. Still−she liked him! She didn’t like the handsome Michael, as most girls do. She liked him. Pretty cool!

  With his help, Violet sat down and swung her legs into the hole.

  “Okay. Now put your arms above your head−like this.” Patrick raised his hands above his head and Violet copied him.

  “Okay. Ready?”

  “Ready.”

  The rumbling started up again.

  “Good. Now−jump off. Go!”

  With her arms still above her head, Violet smiled at Patrick and said, “See you down there!”

  Patrick smiled and gave her a small wave. She shimmied off the ledge and let herself fall. Patrick and Joe peered down the hole, watching Violet disappear around the first curve of the tunnel. Her loud scream could be heard for a long time before it faded to silence.

  Joe and Patrick looked at each other, and then Joe walked away. Patrick watched him. He felt sorry for Joe. He knew Sammie wasn’t coming back, but Joe wouldn’t give up hope.

  AS SHE SPUN ROUND AND AROUND, Violet felt the sucking sensation pull her, just as it did on her ride up. The frosty air bit her skin.

  So cold!

  Her damp hair and clothes were the first to turn to ice. After that, her feet and legs turned numb as a thin layer of frost spread up and across her body, out to her arms, hands and fingers, and finishing with her face.

  She felt her whole body tighten until she couldn’t move. She felt like a skinny snowman. At last, she closed her eyes to block out the cold. When they froze shut, she could no longer open them to see where she was going. As she passed around each curve, the rushing and roaring sound in her ears grew louder and louder. By the time she was halfway down, it sounded like a freight train.

  So loud!

  She wished she could plug her ears, but her hands were above her head−and they felt like frozen sticks, so she couldn’t do that. She was so cold and uncomfortable. She tried to shut down her brain and escape. She thought of her new house and her mom and dad and hoped this trip would end soon.

  42

  Violet’s Frosty Return

  STILL SITTING IN FRONT of the gumball machine, Daisy twiddled her fingers and rocked back and forth.

  She looked at Michael. “How much longer before we put in another nickel?”

  “Five more minutes,” Michael said. “The second nickel should do it.”

  Daisy nodded. “Ugh!”

  Sammie turned to Daisy. “How many nickels do you have left?”

  “If I use the second one, we’ll have two left.”

  They looked at each other, and then at Michael.

  Michael nodded. “We’ll be fine. We have three more nickels. We’re good. Don’t worry.”

  Daisy was unconvinced. Her heart fluttered.

  Please come back. Please come back.

  They continued to wait. After a couple more minutes, they heard a loud bang.

  Daisy stood up. “Here they come!”

  They stared at the gumball machine, focusing on the tunnel.

  More waiting.

  “Look!” Michael said. “I see feet! There’s so much ice. I can’t tell who that is, can you?”

  Daisy looked closely. The rest of the tiny body came into view. “It’s Violet!”

  “How can you tell?”

  “I see her dark ponytail.”

  “Oh, yes. I see it!”

  Daisy leaned down and put her face close to the opening at the bottom of the gumball machine.

  “Thank goodness! Let’s get ready.”

  She and Michael crouched around the bottom of the gumball machine, waiting and listening, as the banging grew louder. Finally, the latch opened. They first saw Violet’s tiny feet as she rushed through the latch. They grabbed her stiff, frozen legs and pulled her out just as her body starting to shudder and shake.

  “H-i-c-c-u-p!”

  They put her in a sitting position and then watched as her body jerked and convulsed. Ice flew everywhere as it broke free from her growing body.

  Slowly, Violet opened her eyes. Other than that, she didn’t move. She just sat there, ice melting and dripping down her face, her eyes staring straight ahead.

  Daisy raised her hand to Violet’s face and snapped her fingers.

  “Violet? Are you okay?”

  Violet didn’t respond
. Her blank stare seemed to go right through Daisy.

  Michael frowned. “What’s wrong with her?”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe she’s still frozen.” Daisy clapped her hands near Violet’s face. “Violet!”

  Violet’s eyes blinked and she looked at Daisy, who pushed out a breath of air and looked at Michael. She was back.

  “Violet−are you okay?”

  Violet nodded and took in some air.

  “Who’s coming down next?” Michael asked.

  Violet was so tired. It was warm in the shed and it felt good. With little energy left, she whispered, “Patrick.”

  43

  Patrick’s Advice

  PATRICK KNEW he was no match for Joe. He had no choice but to go next, so he gave Joe some last-minute instructions.

  “Okay, Joe. Don’t wait too long. Remember−they’re moving this gumball machine soon. If they take it away with you still in it, we may never find you.”

  Patrick knelt down and then sat on the edge of the tunnel. He looked up at Joe and gave him the last of his advice.

  “Remember to keep your hands above your head.” Joe just stared at him, saying nothing.

  Patrick shrugged his shoulders as he shimmied to the edge. As soon as the rumbling started up again, he pushed himself off. As he felt himself drop, he raised his hands above his head, his baby-scream filling the gumball world. Spinning through the tunnel, he continued to shriek until his mouth froze shut. Not long after that, he felt his toes and fingers sting and then turn numb. The last things to freeze were his eyes. He was glad they were closed when that happened.

  As his frozen body zoomed down and around, he yearned for the moment when he would return to that glorious dusty old−and hot−shed. He still couldn’t believe this was his second time doing this in two days. He was glad this was the last time. He couldn’t take much more.

  44

  Joe’s Last Hope

  JOE WATCHED as Patrick disappeared. His scream was loud at first and then faded to silence. When he was gone, Joe paced back and forth near the latch. He started talking to his little brother, hoping he could somehow hear him.