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redBoobergurl
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Author's Note:
This is a ripped from the headlines story for me, as it is based on a story that has plagued most of my life here in MN. I won't say much more about it before you read, but just know, this story won't end quite the same way the real life story does.
Chapter One:
Finally things were picking up again. Life was hectic but wonderful. Kermit and company were in the midst of a media blitz they hadn’t experienced since the golden days when they were first starting out. Thanks to their new movie finally starting production, it seems everyone wanted their presence in some shape or form.
Kermit wouldn’t trade it for the world. But, such busy times led to changes at home in many ways. It was rare everyone was home together at the Boarding House anymore. They still spent many days at the theatre, but now it was because it was part of where the new film was shooting.
Some folks, like Sweetums, spent long stretches down in Disney World entertaining the guests there.
Others were producing videos for YouTube. Some were doing the media circuit. All were involved in shooting the new movie in some shape or form, but not necessarily all at the same time.
While Kermit missed the days that they all gathered around the table at night for dinner and spent the majority of their time together, he had to admit, he loved being back in the spotlight where they belonged.
On this particular day, he was dressing for the Webby Awards, for which the gang was nominated for best video for their rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” While it wasn’t a red carpet event by any stretch, it was important to Kermit that as many of the gang as possible was in attendance. Plus, he loved giving Piggy a chance to dress up; he knew it made her happy.
Kermit smiled as he tied his tie in the mirror. Times sure were changing, but he couldn’t remember the last time he was this happy.
“Uncle Kermit? Are you sure I can’t go to the awards show with you?” asked Robin as he bounded into the room suddenly.
Kermit did feel bad for Robin with all of these changes. He was affected the most. With Sweetums spending a great deal of time in Florida and the others being more spread out, Robin was often bored. On more than one occasion Kermit had even considered sending him back to the swamp, but he loved his life in Hensonville. He still thrived in school. Even with as busy as everyone was there was still usually someone around who could keep an eye on him. And, he wanted to be in the new film, he still wanted to be an actor with his beloved uncle. So Kermit decided as long as it was still working, no reason to uproot him.
“I’m sorry Robin, there are going to be a lot of people there and we’re going to be out pretty late. Besides, Rowlf is staying here with you, that should be fun,” said Kermit.
“Rowlf has a bad cold though, he doesn’t really want to play with me,” said Robin.
Kermit frowned. Robin had a point. Rowlf was chosen as babysitter tonight simply because he wasn’t up to going out and doing anything having been hit with a rare summer head cold.
“I have an idea, why don’t you see if Teddy and Willie want to come over tonight. If their parents say it’s ok, they can even sleepover,” said Kermit having a brainstorm. Fortunately Robin had made some good friends in town, specifically with the two boys Kermit named, who were classmates of Robin’s. It didn’t hurt that Teddy was a turtle and Willie was a lizard. They at least had some common background to Robin.
“That’s a great idea Uncle Kermit!” exclaimed Robin and ran off to call his friends.
“Yeah, great idea Kermit,” said a stuffed up Rowlf coming into the room.
“I figured this way he’d be out of your hair, or well, fur. You just have to make sure they don’t burn the house down,” said Kermit smiling at his friend.
“Well, as long as they aren’t too loud. Might hit the sack early,” said Rowlf.
“Understandable. Sure hope you’re feeling better soon. We have some scenes to shoot with you in the next few days,” said Kermit referring to the movie.
“Believe me, I want to feel better too, ah- choo!” sniffled Rowlf.
“Well thanks again for keeping an eye on Robin tonight. His friends are well behaved, I’m sure you won’t have any problems,” said Kermit turning to leave the room.
“I know, they are good kids. Hope you guys bring home the award tonight,” said Rowlf heading down the hall to the family room.
Kermit went to grab Piggy so they could get going; they had a long ride into the city. He could hear the Electric Mayhem was already down on the bus playing music.
“Uncle Kermit, their parents said yes!” said Robin running up to Kermit and nearly knocking him over.
“Good Robin, I’m glad to hear it,” said Kermit smiling and glad that the parents of Robin’s friends trusted his group enough to let the kids come stay the night.
“We’re going to play lots of games, it will be so much fun!” said Robin excitedly.
“Just be sure you don’t bother Rowlf too much ok? You are right that he’s not feeling that great. So if he tells you guys to keep it down or take it outside you do that ok?” said Kermit.
“Sure thing Uncle Kermit!” said Robin. Kermit knelt down to his nephew’s level. He loved this kid so much, as much as he imagined he could love his own son if he ever had one.
“I love you Robin, have fun tonight,” said Kermit giving him a hug.
“I love you too Uncle Kermit! I’m going to go get my room ready!” said Robin running off quickly. Kermit shook his head and smiled, the boy was something else.
Soon he had the entire group going to the awards loaded onto the bus. They waved goodbye to Rowlf and Robin and started their trip to the city. Rowlf and Robin sat on the porch to wait for Robin’s friends.
Another car pulled up shortly after that and Teddy Turtle hopped out with his overnight bag. “Hi there, you must be Rowlf,” said Teddy’s father through the window.
“That’s me, Rowlf, Rowlf the Dog. I’d shake your hand but I’m afraid I’ve got a bit of a cold,” said Rowlf.
“No problem, thanks for letting Teddy stay over and be sure to thank Kermit for us as well,” said Teddy’s father.
“Sure thing,” said Rowlf.
“Hi Teddy! I’m so glad you could come, I’m so bored!” said Robin.
“I was bored too!” said Teddy laughing.
No sooner had Teddy’s dad pulled away but two lizards came walking up to the boarding house.
“Hi there, I’m Mrs. Lizard, this is my son Willie,” said Mrs. Lizard.
“Rowlf, Rowlf the Dog. I help look after Robin here for his Uncle,” said Rowlf.
“Oh yes, Willie’s told me all about you, well all of you. I know he’s in good hands,” said Mrs. Lizard.
“Come on Willie, let’s bring yours and Teddy’s stuff up to my room!” said Robin.
Rowlf exchanged a few more pleasantries with Mrs. Lizard and then retired to the family room again and the comfort of a recliner. He turned his humidifier back on hoping to break up the nasty stuffed up head feeling a bit more.
Robin, Willie and Teddy were running up and down the stairs playing cowboys and Indians and were getting pretty noisy. And Rowlf’s head was pounding. He sighed. He loved the kid as much as Kermit did, but tonight was just not a good night.
“Boys? How’s about you guys go down to the movie store and pick out a movie to watch,” said Rowlf handing Robin enough change for a movie.
“All by ourselves?” asked Robin?
“It’s not that far, I trust you. Go straight there and back though, you understand? And look both ways before you cross the street,” said Rowlf. Robin was getting older and Rowlf felt he could handle something this simple. The movie store was five minutes away with only one busy street to cross that usually was settled down pretty well by this time of day.
“We’d better hurry, they close pretty soon!” said Willie.
“Yeah, let’s go!” said Teddy.
“Ok, thanks Rowlf!” smiled Robin and quickly ran with his friends out the door.
Rowlf watched them walk down the block. The sun was starting to go down a bit, but it was pretty light out. He knew they’d be safe.
Rowlf smiled and relaxed back into his spot on the recliner. He hated to do it, but this way they’d come back, watch their movie quietly and probably fall asleep. He was happy to let Robin have some fun with his friends, but his head just couldn’t handle the rambunctious type of fun today. He closed his eyes while the evening news played in the background.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The next thing Rowlf knew he was being shaken awake.
“Rowlf? Rowlf?” came a young voice that sounded absolutely terrified. Rowlf was a little disoriented at first due to his cold, and was not sure why Robin sounded different. Did he have a bad dream?
He opened his eyes. It wasn’t Robin.
“Oh, hey Teddy. I must have fallen asleep. Did you guys get a movie? Did you fall asleep and have a bad dream?” asked Rowlf as the young turtle was actually shaking in his shell.
“No, we um, we,” stuttered Teddy.
Rowlf looked up to where Willie was standing by the door also looking terrified.
“Guys, what’s going on? Where’s Robin?” he asked.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
At the Webby Awards, Kermit and Piggy snuck off to have a quiet, private moment before the ceremony actually began. It was rare for them these days. They stood on a balcony outside of the auditorium just looking around at the people down below.
“You look so lovely tonight, best dressed out of everyone here,” said Kermit.
“Oh mon Cherie, you are too kind to moi,” said Piggy.
“Well it’s true. I knew this was a more casual affair, but you are putting everyone else here to shame,” said Kermit.
Piggy responded by kissing him on the cheek which Kermit did not object to. Things were going so well and he was so happy. He was even thinking maybe it was finally time to ask Piggy to marry him. That was the only thing that would make his life even greater at this time. But, he had no ring yet, so it would have to wait a bit.
“So Animal is down having a staring contest with the drummer from that group OK Go,” said Kermit changing the subject a bit so they wouldn’t get too carried away.
“I would imagine he would win, he can stare down a piece of wood,” said Piggy. Kermit laughed.
“That is true, he has pretty crazy eyes,” said Kermit.
Suddenly Scooter came running out to where Kermit and Piggy stood.
“Boss,” said Scooter.
“Oh is it time to go back in already? I thought we had about ten minutes,” said Kermit.
“No it’s not that, um, boss, I have to tell you something,” said Scooter looking nervous.
“What did Animal do now? Did he hurt the drummer from OK Go instead of just staring him down?” asked Kermit.
“No it’s not that. Um Rowlf just called,” said Scooter soberly.
Kermit noted his tone and suddenly felt a little sick.
“Is something wrong?” he asked but he guessed he already knew the answer. But nothing could’ve prepared him for what Scooter said next.
“Um, Robin’s, Robin’s been,” started Scooter barely able to get the words out.
“What is wrong with my nephew?” demanded Kermit starting to shake a little bit. Piggy grabbed his hand.
Scooter looked at the ground as he said, “He’s gone boss. Someone kidnapped him.”
This is a ripped from the headlines story for me, as it is based on a story that has plagued most of my life here in MN. I won't say much more about it before you read, but just know, this story won't end quite the same way the real life story does.
Chapter One:
Finally things were picking up again. Life was hectic but wonderful. Kermit and company were in the midst of a media blitz they hadn’t experienced since the golden days when they were first starting out. Thanks to their new movie finally starting production, it seems everyone wanted their presence in some shape or form.
Kermit wouldn’t trade it for the world. But, such busy times led to changes at home in many ways. It was rare everyone was home together at the Boarding House anymore. They still spent many days at the theatre, but now it was because it was part of where the new film was shooting.
Some folks, like Sweetums, spent long stretches down in Disney World entertaining the guests there.
Others were producing videos for YouTube. Some were doing the media circuit. All were involved in shooting the new movie in some shape or form, but not necessarily all at the same time.
While Kermit missed the days that they all gathered around the table at night for dinner and spent the majority of their time together, he had to admit, he loved being back in the spotlight where they belonged.
On this particular day, he was dressing for the Webby Awards, for which the gang was nominated for best video for their rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” While it wasn’t a red carpet event by any stretch, it was important to Kermit that as many of the gang as possible was in attendance. Plus, he loved giving Piggy a chance to dress up; he knew it made her happy.
Kermit smiled as he tied his tie in the mirror. Times sure were changing, but he couldn’t remember the last time he was this happy.
“Uncle Kermit? Are you sure I can’t go to the awards show with you?” asked Robin as he bounded into the room suddenly.
Kermit did feel bad for Robin with all of these changes. He was affected the most. With Sweetums spending a great deal of time in Florida and the others being more spread out, Robin was often bored. On more than one occasion Kermit had even considered sending him back to the swamp, but he loved his life in Hensonville. He still thrived in school. Even with as busy as everyone was there was still usually someone around who could keep an eye on him. And, he wanted to be in the new film, he still wanted to be an actor with his beloved uncle. So Kermit decided as long as it was still working, no reason to uproot him.
“I’m sorry Robin, there are going to be a lot of people there and we’re going to be out pretty late. Besides, Rowlf is staying here with you, that should be fun,” said Kermit.
“Rowlf has a bad cold though, he doesn’t really want to play with me,” said Robin.
Kermit frowned. Robin had a point. Rowlf was chosen as babysitter tonight simply because he wasn’t up to going out and doing anything having been hit with a rare summer head cold.
“I have an idea, why don’t you see if Teddy and Willie want to come over tonight. If their parents say it’s ok, they can even sleepover,” said Kermit having a brainstorm. Fortunately Robin had made some good friends in town, specifically with the two boys Kermit named, who were classmates of Robin’s. It didn’t hurt that Teddy was a turtle and Willie was a lizard. They at least had some common background to Robin.
“That’s a great idea Uncle Kermit!” exclaimed Robin and ran off to call his friends.
“Yeah, great idea Kermit,” said a stuffed up Rowlf coming into the room.
“I figured this way he’d be out of your hair, or well, fur. You just have to make sure they don’t burn the house down,” said Kermit smiling at his friend.
“Well, as long as they aren’t too loud. Might hit the sack early,” said Rowlf.
“Understandable. Sure hope you’re feeling better soon. We have some scenes to shoot with you in the next few days,” said Kermit referring to the movie.
“Believe me, I want to feel better too, ah- choo!” sniffled Rowlf.
“Well thanks again for keeping an eye on Robin tonight. His friends are well behaved, I’m sure you won’t have any problems,” said Kermit turning to leave the room.
“I know, they are good kids. Hope you guys bring home the award tonight,” said Rowlf heading down the hall to the family room.
Kermit went to grab Piggy so they could get going; they had a long ride into the city. He could hear the Electric Mayhem was already down on the bus playing music.
“Uncle Kermit, their parents said yes!” said Robin running up to Kermit and nearly knocking him over.
“Good Robin, I’m glad to hear it,” said Kermit smiling and glad that the parents of Robin’s friends trusted his group enough to let the kids come stay the night.
“We’re going to play lots of games, it will be so much fun!” said Robin excitedly.
“Just be sure you don’t bother Rowlf too much ok? You are right that he’s not feeling that great. So if he tells you guys to keep it down or take it outside you do that ok?” said Kermit.
“Sure thing Uncle Kermit!” said Robin. Kermit knelt down to his nephew’s level. He loved this kid so much, as much as he imagined he could love his own son if he ever had one.
“I love you Robin, have fun tonight,” said Kermit giving him a hug.
“I love you too Uncle Kermit! I’m going to go get my room ready!” said Robin running off quickly. Kermit shook his head and smiled, the boy was something else.
Soon he had the entire group going to the awards loaded onto the bus. They waved goodbye to Rowlf and Robin and started their trip to the city. Rowlf and Robin sat on the porch to wait for Robin’s friends.
Another car pulled up shortly after that and Teddy Turtle hopped out with his overnight bag. “Hi there, you must be Rowlf,” said Teddy’s father through the window.
“That’s me, Rowlf, Rowlf the Dog. I’d shake your hand but I’m afraid I’ve got a bit of a cold,” said Rowlf.
“No problem, thanks for letting Teddy stay over and be sure to thank Kermit for us as well,” said Teddy’s father.
“Sure thing,” said Rowlf.
“Hi Teddy! I’m so glad you could come, I’m so bored!” said Robin.
“I was bored too!” said Teddy laughing.
No sooner had Teddy’s dad pulled away but two lizards came walking up to the boarding house.
“Hi there, I’m Mrs. Lizard, this is my son Willie,” said Mrs. Lizard.
“Rowlf, Rowlf the Dog. I help look after Robin here for his Uncle,” said Rowlf.
“Oh yes, Willie’s told me all about you, well all of you. I know he’s in good hands,” said Mrs. Lizard.
“Come on Willie, let’s bring yours and Teddy’s stuff up to my room!” said Robin.
Rowlf exchanged a few more pleasantries with Mrs. Lizard and then retired to the family room again and the comfort of a recliner. He turned his humidifier back on hoping to break up the nasty stuffed up head feeling a bit more.
Robin, Willie and Teddy were running up and down the stairs playing cowboys and Indians and were getting pretty noisy. And Rowlf’s head was pounding. He sighed. He loved the kid as much as Kermit did, but tonight was just not a good night.
“Boys? How’s about you guys go down to the movie store and pick out a movie to watch,” said Rowlf handing Robin enough change for a movie.
“All by ourselves?” asked Robin?
“It’s not that far, I trust you. Go straight there and back though, you understand? And look both ways before you cross the street,” said Rowlf. Robin was getting older and Rowlf felt he could handle something this simple. The movie store was five minutes away with only one busy street to cross that usually was settled down pretty well by this time of day.
“We’d better hurry, they close pretty soon!” said Willie.
“Yeah, let’s go!” said Teddy.
“Ok, thanks Rowlf!” smiled Robin and quickly ran with his friends out the door.
Rowlf watched them walk down the block. The sun was starting to go down a bit, but it was pretty light out. He knew they’d be safe.
Rowlf smiled and relaxed back into his spot on the recliner. He hated to do it, but this way they’d come back, watch their movie quietly and probably fall asleep. He was happy to let Robin have some fun with his friends, but his head just couldn’t handle the rambunctious type of fun today. He closed his eyes while the evening news played in the background.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The next thing Rowlf knew he was being shaken awake.
“Rowlf? Rowlf?” came a young voice that sounded absolutely terrified. Rowlf was a little disoriented at first due to his cold, and was not sure why Robin sounded different. Did he have a bad dream?
He opened his eyes. It wasn’t Robin.
“Oh, hey Teddy. I must have fallen asleep. Did you guys get a movie? Did you fall asleep and have a bad dream?” asked Rowlf as the young turtle was actually shaking in his shell.
“No, we um, we,” stuttered Teddy.
Rowlf looked up to where Willie was standing by the door also looking terrified.
“Guys, what’s going on? Where’s Robin?” he asked.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
At the Webby Awards, Kermit and Piggy snuck off to have a quiet, private moment before the ceremony actually began. It was rare for them these days. They stood on a balcony outside of the auditorium just looking around at the people down below.
“You look so lovely tonight, best dressed out of everyone here,” said Kermit.
“Oh mon Cherie, you are too kind to moi,” said Piggy.
“Well it’s true. I knew this was a more casual affair, but you are putting everyone else here to shame,” said Kermit.
Piggy responded by kissing him on the cheek which Kermit did not object to. Things were going so well and he was so happy. He was even thinking maybe it was finally time to ask Piggy to marry him. That was the only thing that would make his life even greater at this time. But, he had no ring yet, so it would have to wait a bit.
“So Animal is down having a staring contest with the drummer from that group OK Go,” said Kermit changing the subject a bit so they wouldn’t get too carried away.
“I would imagine he would win, he can stare down a piece of wood,” said Piggy. Kermit laughed.
“That is true, he has pretty crazy eyes,” said Kermit.
Suddenly Scooter came running out to where Kermit and Piggy stood.
“Boss,” said Scooter.
“Oh is it time to go back in already? I thought we had about ten minutes,” said Kermit.
“No it’s not that, um, boss, I have to tell you something,” said Scooter looking nervous.
“What did Animal do now? Did he hurt the drummer from OK Go instead of just staring him down?” asked Kermit.
“No it’s not that. Um Rowlf just called,” said Scooter soberly.
Kermit noted his tone and suddenly felt a little sick.
“Is something wrong?” he asked but he guessed he already knew the answer. But nothing could’ve prepared him for what Scooter said next.
“Um, Robin’s, Robin’s been,” started Scooter barely able to get the words out.
“What is wrong with my nephew?” demanded Kermit starting to shake a little bit. Piggy grabbed his hand.
Scooter looked at the ground as he said, “He’s gone boss. Someone kidnapped him.”
