Trixie took her seat in the lecture hall, waiting for class to start. She was staring out the window and daydreaming when she became aware of a slight rustling sound behind her. A fellow student tapped Trixie on the shoulder and asked, "Do you want a piece?"

Trixie looked down and saw a piece of Bazooka bubblegum being held out to her.

Trixie shook her head, "No thanks."

She heard the student pop the gum into her mouth and the scent of the pink concoction filled Trixie’s nostrils. At once, a memory of Mart and a six year old Trixie, chewing the forbidden treat, filled her mind.

 

"Bet you can’t blow a big bubble," Mart challenged.

"I can so. Watch this," replied Trixie.

She worked the gum around in her mouth and began to blow a bubble. Trixie’s eyes grew as the bubble grew. She continued to blow when suddenly, the bubble popped and collapsed into her wild curls. The gooey mass looped through her hair and across her cheeks. Mart began to laugh hysterically, pointing to Trixie’s face.

"You’re gonna get in trouble," Mart chortled. "Moms, come look at Trixie."

Moms came in and took one look at Trixie and ordered her into the kitchen. Mart followed and asked eagerly,

"What are you gonna do Moms? Will you shave her head?"

Moms got out a jar of peanut butter and began slathering it through Trixie’s curls.

"Moms! Moms! What are you doing to me?" Trixie cried.

"Well Trixie, I can either get this gum out with peanut butter or we can cut your hair," answered Moms.

"Cut her hair, Moms. Cut it all off," yelled Mart, thoroughly enjoying Trixie’s predicament.

Moms put down the jar of peanut butter and turned to face Mart.

"Mart, go sit in the chair in the family room and do not move. I know you gave Trixie the gum even though I told you not to. No dessert for you tonight."

 

A smile formed on Trixie’s face as she recalled eating the cherry pie that night and watching a glum Mart sit across from her at the dinner table, his plate void of any dessert.

"No wonder the smell of that gum always makes me feel good," theorized Trixie.