Lola vs Babs By Leloni Bunny (lbunny@wingsisp.com) The Acme Looniversity clock chimed twelve times. By the twelveth chime, the cafeteria was overflowing with students. Some students were chasing their sandwiches around the room, since the mystery meat wasn't always cooked very well. Others sat at tables or waited in lunch lines, eating or talking with friends. The lunch room doors swung open, abruptly announcing the entrance of Acme Loo's resident "Amazing Three": Babs Bunny, Shirley the Loon and Fifi LaFume. "I'm heeeeeerreeee!!" Babs sang out in her ever cheerful voice. She immediately went into a spin, reappearing in an Acme pep club outfit. With one leap, she landed directly in the center of a nearby table, scattering lunches as she did. "The clock on the wall, has struck noon. HEY! It's lunch time for each Tiny.......What?" she asked looking around at the bored, annoyed stares she was getting. Some of the toons, who were sitting at the table she'd hopped up on, walked out of the lunch room in mild disgust. "Ew, like, Babs, that is so _old_, or some junk," Shirley said, giving Babs a slightly annoyed glance. "Oui, We 'ave 'eard zat too many times," added Fifi. Babs looked at her friends, shocked. "You guys used to think it was a hoot." "Yeah, but they grew up," retorted Plucky Duck walking past the trio. "Like, I really hate to say this, but I totally agree with Plucky," said Shirley, "Your act is just a bit, like, immature." Babs' expression tuned from shock to dismay. She quickly spun back to her old blouse and skirt before following her friends to a table. Buster Bunny, Hamton Pig and Furrball Cat were already sitting there. "Hi guys," said Babs, setting down her lunchbox, "Can I ask you guys a serious question?" "You just did," quipped Buster. "I mean besides that," Babs scowled. "But, seriously, you guys don't think my acts are getting, well, 'old'. Do you?" The table got very quiet. Everyone looked down at their lunches, or over at other tables, not wanting to answer her. Everyone that is, except Furrball. Not having a voice did have its advantages. This was one of them. Laying her ears down on her shoulders, Babs turned to Fifi. "Feef, *you* don't think my acts are immature. Do you?" she asked in a "I want to hear the truth but not if it hurts" voice. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Fifi could tell that Babs wasn't going to let this go. Clearing her throat she answered, "Eet's not zat vous acting eez 'imature', eet's more zat, um, 'ow vous say eet? Um, zey are just 'oldtimers'." "I think what Fifi means is that your old acts are just, well, old," Hamton interpreted for the skunkette. She smiled at him, thankfully. "Oh really," Babs snapped in an annoyed tone, "and I suppose someone else does *better*? I mean, who could possibly have better acts then *I* do?" It was obvious to the others that Babs was having a hard time accepting what she was being told. For *any* performer it's hard to hear that perhaps you're getting to be an 'old hat'. Yet, for one who enjoyed the spotlight more then anything, as Babs did, this had to be especially rough. Again, Plucky made an entrance, demonstrating his uncanny ability to show up when not wanted. "Well, how about the pair of legs over there?" he quipped, plopping his lunch tray down on the table. Everyone looked in the direction Plucky was looking. Over at the faculty table, the staff was gathered for lunch. "You mean Penelope, right?" Babs said hopefully. "Nope, I think he means that gorgeous blonde sitting with Bugs," Buster caught himself, realizing what his former costar might do to him if he said anything else. "Oui, Lola eez zee intairesting sort of rabbeet. I wondair what her secret eez," mused Fifi. "Yeah," echoed Buster, Plucky and Hamton, dreamily, much to Babs' disappointment. "Now _there's_ someone that, like, keeps your attention, or some junk," Shirley said. Much to the delight of her teachers, (especially Elmer Fudd) Babs spent the rest of the day in silence. = = = = = = = = = = = Back at home, Babs stood before her bedroom full length mirror, taking a good long look at herself in it. 'Maybe my friends are right,' she thought. 'Maybe my act _is_ getting a little stale and immature.' Shirley's words about Lola echoed in Babs' mind, "Now _there's_ someone that, like, keeps your attention, or some junk." Lola was pretty popular around the Loo. She definitely seemed well liked, not to mention the fact that she _did_ keep people's attention. Maybe Lola knew something that Babs didn't. Perhaps the tan bunny had something that was more everlasting then she did. It might help explain why her mentor, Honey, as well as Honey's partner, Bosko , wasn't around anymore. The duo's seemingly big comeback had died out almost as quickly as it had started. Maybe... maybe, it was time for her to find a new mentor? Maybe... *Lola* would make a better mentor? No! The pink bunny shook her head harshly, trying to knock the thought from her mind. '*Honey* was her mentor. Even though Honey wasn't around anymore-- and Lola is. And, all of Babs' friends got to work with their mentors, who just happened to be the same species, save Gogo. Babs never really thought about it before. Now that she did think about it, though, it made her mad. Even Buster got to work with an older rabbit. Only *she* was alone. Yet, Lola didn't really do anything that Babs did. Still, that seemed to be what everyone liked.... Babs spent the entire afternoon trying to sort things out. Finally, she looked in the mirror again, a small smile creeping over her face. "Hmm...I wonder if my ears would look better in bows...or in a scrunchie." = = = = = = = = = = = The next morning, Buster woke up late, as usual. He rushed around his burrow, trying to be ready before Babs showed up and zoomed up the ladder, nearly conking his head on the ceiling. "Oh brother, Babs is gonna be mad if I'm late a.g..a..i-" Buster trailed off as he popped his head out of the tree stump. Babs was nowhere to be seen! Buster glanced at his watch. It was right on time. But, where was Babs? The blue bunny thought back over the past few weeks, trying to think of something that he might've done to make Babs mad. The only time the two bunnies didn't walk to school together, was when she was mad at him. Buster's conscience, however, was clear. He couldn't think of one thing he'd done recently that would upset her. A thought suddenly hit him. 'I bet, for once, SHE's late.' he grinned to himself. 'Well, Miss Barbara Anne Bunny, now I'll finally have one up on you!' Jogging towards Babs' burrow, Buster chucked to himself thinking how He'd rub her lateness in. When he got there, he just hopped right down the hole. He was there so often, he knew Babs' parents wouldn't mind. "Yoo-hoo! Babsie, I've got you this time! Rise 'n shine!" he called out. Looking around, he was a bit confused at the strange looks he was getting from some of Babs' siblings that were still too young for school. Mrs. Bunny had the same strange look on her face as she came out of the kitchen. "Buster? Now, what are you doing here, young man? You should be in school," she scolded. "I'm here for Babs," Buster replied, cheerfully. "Babs? Why, she left for school a long time ago," Mrs. Bunny explained. Buster's smile faded. "She what????" "Goodness, yes. She was in an awful hurry. Didn't even eat her breakfast. She just ran out the door like something was chasing her," she replied, seeming a bit bewildered. "But, but, but," Buster stuttered, "She didn't even stop by my burrow. She ALWAYS walks to school with me, unless she's mad. Are, are you SURE she really went to school? I mean, what if something's happened to her? What if, she got hit by a car on the way over? What if, what if, she's at the hospital right now??" Mrs. Bunny began to look scared, then angry. "How dare you come here and suggest such a thing!" She grabbed Buster by his ears, dragging him to the door. "Now get to school, mister and don't ever say something like that again! My word, coming down here and scaring the gosh 'n golly bejeebers out of me!" She tossed the young rabbit out of the burrow and went back to the kitchen. Sitting down at the table for a few minutes, she listened to the hollow sound her fingers made as she tapped them on it. Quickly making a beeline for the phone, she dialed the hospital as fast as her fingers could go. 'I know it isn't true, but, just in case.' She thought. = = = = = = = = = = = Since he was already twenty minutes late for his class, Buster went looking for Babs instead. Quietly opening one of the classroom doors, he peeked in and could see her busy studying. He tried desperately to get her attention without making his presence known. Unfortunately, he caught the attention of the wrong toon. Feeling a tap on his head, Buster looked up, coming face to face with a displeased Wile E. Coyote. Giving a timid chuckle, Buster quickly backed out of the doorway with the coyote slamming it shut behind him. "I think I'd better wait until lunch to catch her," Buster muttered to himself. As soon as the lunch bell rang, he streaked through the halls to the cafeteria in a blue blur. In fact, he almost crashed into a tall gray form that blocked his path into the cafeteria. Bugs did not look happy as his narrowed eyes glared down at his youthful counterpart. "I hope ya've got a good excuse for not bein' in class dis mornin'," he said patiently, keeping a cold look straight on Buster. "Not now, Bugs," pleaded Buster, "I've got to find Babs." Bugs raised an eyebrow, "Why, what's goin' on wit' youse two _dis_ time?" "I don't know! She didn't walk to school with me, and I don't know why!" Buster explained quickly, pushing past Bugs. "I'll take the detention later," he called over his shoulder. Buster streaked into the cafeteria, zipping past, or running over, other students. He spotted Babs sitting at her usual table with her friends. Buster rushed over to the table, but couldn't hit his brakes in time. Crashing into the table, he went flying across it, stopping right in front of Babs, covered in everyone elses' food he'd crashed through. The other girls gave him a disgusted look, but the pink bunny didn't even seem to notice him. "Ew, like, thanks a LOT, Blue Boy," muttered Shirley, taking her tofu salad bowl off Buster's ear. = = = = = = = = = = Over at the faculty table, a nervous Lola Bunny kept glancing around the cafeteria. "Hey, Doll!" someone called from somewhere behind her. The tan bunny jumped two feet. She looked in the direction the voice came from. "Oh, Bugs, I'm sorry," she said, trying to catch her breath. "What did you say?" "I said 'hey, Do-' er," he caught himself and rephrased quickly, "I mean I was just sayin' dat I'm beginnin' to wonda about my protogee.. Are yas expectin' someone?" Bugs asked, seeing her gaze drifting again. "No, I'm not expecting anyone," she replied, glancing around again. "It's just that... Do you ever get the feeling you're being watched?" Bugs took on a serious look, "Oh, all da time. Do ya know how many people watch my cartoons every day?" "Ha ha, very funny," said Lola, playfully tossing a lettuce leaf at him, "I meant I feel like someone's been spying on me off and on all day," "Could that thomeone be a pink rabbit with purple ear bowth?" asked Daffy, who was sitting with the bunnies. He nodded in Lola's direction. Both rabbits exchanged glances. Lola risked a glance over her shoulder. Sure enough, Babs Bunny was watching her. Lola sighed, putting her head in her paws. "I just don't get it," she muttered, "Ever since I came here, she's been giving me the evil eyes, or staring at me, or ignoring me. She acts like I came here just to take her place or something!" "Well, in a way, ya sorta did," replied Bugs. Lola looked at him, wide eyed. "I mean, before youse showed up, she was da most popular goil rabbit in school. She had no competition at all. But now yer here 'n ya have to admit, ya do get a lot of attention," the gray rabbit grinned. "'n she hasn't figured out how to compete wit' dat yet." "But, I'm not 'competing' with anyone! I never wanted to be her rival," "Yah, I know dat, but Babs doesn't seem to." Lola was about to say something, when the bell rang. "Well, at least she's not spying on me during class," she said, with a sigh. = = = = = = = = = = Babs watched Lola leave the cafeteria, a bit disheartened. She'd been watching the elder bunny all day, and still knew nothing more about her than she did this morning. "BABS!" someone yelled in her ear. "WHAT?" she snapped, completely surprised. She looked around at Buster, who was trying to get her attention. "Didn't you hear me at all???? What's going on?? Why are you ignoring me?" he demanded. Babs looked at him, "I'm not ignoring you. I'm just.. busy right now. That's all." She tried to slip past him. He wasn't moving. "Yes you are! You didn't walk to school with me. You didn't call me. And, now, you're not answering me! What's going on?" he was really frustrated. "I'm not ignoring you, Buster, I've just had to do some 'research'. That's all. Now, please excuse me, I've got a class," she managed to brush him aside, "And, Buster? I'm not going be able to walk home with you today. I've got some things to do," Babs called over her shoulder. Buster just stood there, jaw lying on the ground. Had..had she just _snubbed_ him??!?!? = = = = = = = = = = Babs had honestly forgotten about Buster this morning. She didn't mean to, but she needed to get to school while it was still mostly empty. She'd tried yesterday to get a hold of the movie Lola was in. For some reason, it was under lock and key. The vault keeper told her that no one was allowed to watch that movie. Bugs had left strict orders to keep it locked up tight. Of course, being Babs Bunny, she turned on her charm. All it got her was booted out of the vault. She still had the foot mark to prove it too! So, this morning, she got to school extra early. She managed to pick the lock on the movie's case and sneak it to a viewing room. Babs found out why Bugs would want it locked up. The movie; Space Jam, was awful! She actually felt sorry for Lola. The poor rabbit only had 27 lines! About the only personality she had was very one dimensional. There _had_ to be more to the blonde hare than 'Don't call me Doll'. Without much to study, Babs wasn't sure how to be more like Lola. She managed to relock the movie case and sneak out of the vault without being seen. She finally decided that the only way she'd ever get to know Lola was to approach her. Which meant that Babs was going to have to wait until after school to catch her. = = = = = = = = = = Since Lola was into basketball, Babs figured she'd better start with that. Making her way to the gym, she noticed there was a light on in the coach's office. A good sign that Lola was there. Not quite sure how to get the tan rabbit's attention, Babs picked up a basketball off of a nearby rack and started bouncing it. It worked. Lola peeked out of the office to see who was in the gym. "Babs? What are you doing here?" she asked, coming out into the gym. "Oh, um, well," Babs thought fast, "I'm, um, thinking about getting into sports more. Basketball sounded like a good place to start." Trying to make herself sound more believable, Babs tossed the ball at the hoop. It bounced off the backboard and landed in a trashcan next to the gym doors. "Wow! I got a basket!" Babs grinned. Lola's face filled with supressed laughter. "Um, Babs, that's _not_ quite the kind of basket you're supposed to get," Lola managed between giggles. "Here, let me show you." Lola grabbed another ball from the rack, aimed and shot the ball into the hoop. "See? That's the kind of basket you're supposed to get." Babs chuckled. "Oh, yeah, how silly of me. Um, could you show me that again?" Lola couldn't help but wonder why Babs was suddenly so interested in learning basketball, especially since the bunny used to play it a few years ago. But not wanting to be rude, she picked up another ball, aimed and sank another shot. "Oh," said Babs in a small voice. "Um, maybe you could teach me how to do that?" Feeling skeptical but not wanting to show it, Lola smiled, "Sure, it's pretty easy." She picked up another ball and handed it to Babs. Retrieving one of the balls that she'd already thrown, Lola took a stance next to the pink bunny. "Now, stand like this," she instructed. Babs matched the elder bunny's pose perfectly. "Now, turn your fingers inward a little. That'll put the right spin on the ball," Lola said, demonstrating what she meant. "Like this?" Babs asked. She had both hands cupped together, just barely holding the ball up. "No, not quite that far in," Lola said. She took Babs' paws, guiding them to the right spot. "Now, aim the ball at the basket." She got behind the pink bunny and angled her paws. "Now, throw." The ball went flying up in the air. It hit the basket rim and bounced off again. Babs frowned. "Don't worry," Lola said, putting a paw on the younger rabbit's shoulder. "That was pretty good for a beginner." "Really?" asked Babs. Lola nodded. She regarded her youthful counterpart for a moment. Babs seemed to look quite interested. "Babs," she began, after a moment of silence, "Call me a crackerjack, but I have a not so funny feeling you're not here for a basketball lesson. I've seen your records, I know you can play. So, what's _really_ going on?" The pink bunny gulped, but regained herself quickly. "I just, um, think it's about time I got back into stuff. That's all. You know, try to improve...." It was obvious that Lola wasn't buying it. Lola crossed her arms, giving Babs a bemused look. "Come on, Babs. This isn't Elmer Fudd or Yosemite Sam you're talking to. I may be a Looney Tune, but I'm not dimwitted." Really not knowing what to say, Babs scuffled at the floor. "Well... I've been thinking about how rotten I've been to you since you came here. And, and, I'm really sorry and, um, really didn't know how else to say, um, that I'd like to be friends." She risked a glance upward and got a strange shock! Lola had the strangest, oddest look on her face that Babs had only seen on one other bunny. Something almost... nah, that wasn't possible, the two didn't look anything alike. "Babs," Lola's voice broke and she began again. "Babs, I, I really don't know what to say." She put her paw on Babs' shoulder, "Yes, I'd like that." After an uncomfortable silence, Babs cleared her throat, "Um, now about that basketball thing..." "You were just joking?" Lola asked, with a chuckle. Babs blinked, "No, actually, I'm serious. Can you teach me to play basketball better?" The tan rabbit looked taken back, but then smiled. "Babsy, if I can teach Bugs Bunny to play basketball, I can certainly improve your skills!" "YOU taught Bugs to play basketball?" Babs stammered, pretending to be surprised even though she'd actually seen the movie. "But, but I thought Bugs already knew how to play." Lola burst out laughing. "Sweetie that he is, that rabbit couldn't play basketball to save his own fur! Quite frankly, the only sport he can play is Baseball. Even _that's_ a long shot!" The gym echoed with the sound of the two toonette's laughter. Babs suddenly remembered something. Slapping her paw on her head, she moaned, "Oh, no! Buster, I forgot about Buster!" "Buster?" Lola asked. "Yeah," Babs continued, "I completely forgot about him today. No wonder he was so frustrated at lunch!" Seeing her (possible) mentor's disapproving look, Babs added, "I know, I shouldn't have done that. But, sometimes I get so wrapped up in things...." The elder bunny put up a paw to quiet her. "Then you'd better go apologize to him. We can work on your shot tomorrow. 3pm sharp, ok?" Babs nodded and started to leave. "Oh, Lola?" she said. "Yeah?" "Thanks," Babs smiled and left, leaving a somewhat confused yet relieved Lola Bunny behind her. = = = = = = = = = = Lola was good to her word. In just a few weeks time, Babs was able to improve her skills in most of the positions, not to mention actually make a few baskets. Babs herself seemed to be changing. She did spin changes less frequently. Her impressions too, seemed to almost disappear. She was still her fun loving old self, but in a more adult way. She even exchanged her "Advanced Wacky Impressions" class for one of Lola's PhysEd classes. Buster wasn't sure whether to enjoy the change or hate it. On the up side, his old basketball hoop was getting some more usage. Plus his girlfriend wasn't driving him nuts half the time with her crazy impressions and spin changes. It was kind of nice to get through some serious conversations without her array of humorous impressions getting in a few words. Yet, on the down side, Babs wasn't spending as much time with him anymore. And, she wasn't driving him nuts half the time with her crazy impressions and spin changes. Half the time, all she talked about was Lola. How funny Lola really was. What razor wit and subtle intelligence the bunny had. Lola, Lola, Lola! "Can't you talk about anything else for change?" he finally snapped at her one day while the two of them were at Weenie Burgers with some of their friends. Plucky and Hamton agreed. "Well," she scowled, "Now you guys know how it feels to have to listen to you talk about your mentors all the time. Don't you think I get sick of hearing it?" "It's not *our* fault Honey's big comeback went flatter then a pancake and she faded back into oblivion," Plucky retorted from across the table. "Thank you Mr. Exposition," Babs said dryly. Reaching across the table she gave the duck's beak a yank and let go, sending him flying about two booths down. "Gosh, if it bothered you so much, why didn't you tell us?" Hamton quietly asked. Babs swallowed the last of her burger (veggie style of course). "It doesn't. Why would it bother me? Anyway, I've got to go. I told Lola I'd meet her for some practice." "On a Saturday?" Buster stated, raising an eyebrow. Babs nodded. "She's meeting me at Acme park. They've got some hoops there and she offered me a picnic lunch afterwards. Seeya guys!" She scootched her way out of the booth and headed out the door. Her friends weren't sure what to think. Hamton finally broke the silence. "Is it just me, or is Babs changing?" "Babs? Change? Now, there's a laugh. She's still the same smart alec scene stealing rabbit she always was," Plucky replied, finally getting back to the table. "We-ll..." Buster muttered, seemingly mulling it over. "Hamton's right. I mean, think about it. When's the last time anyone remembers seeing Babs do an impression?" Buster said. No one could remember. "How about the last time she heckled o'le Fuddy Duddy? Or did a spin change? Something about this whole Lola thing isn't right." "Oui," added Fifi thoughtfully, "I zink I know what's going on too. I'd bettair go find Shirley and 'ave a talk with Babs, before someone gets 'urt." Fifi got up and started to leave, suddenly hearing a yelp and howls of laughter. She looked back at her friends and gasped in embarrassment. Buster and Plucky were laughing and pointing at poor Hamton. The pig was wound in her tail and being pulled along for the ride! "Oops!" she blushed, unwinding her tail. She was so used to affectionately wrapping her tail around Hamton that she forgot he was still in it. Since the pig never complained, she assumed he enjoyed it. She helped him back up. "Sorry mon Cheri, I forgot about zat." Hamton turned a very dark shade of red, obviously embarrassed as well. "It's ok, Feef. It happens." he mumbled, almost in a whisper . She smiled and gave his cheek a light kiss before leaving. Hamton sat back down, trying not to notice the winks and kissy faces Plucky and Buster were teasing him with. = = = = = = = = = = After some hours of searching, Fifi finally found Shirley meditating in the park. She told Shirley what she thought was going on. The Loon had to agree that, she _had_ been getting some strange karma about the way Babs was acting. But, she didn't want to let herself be suspicious about one of her own best friends. Yet, if Fifi was feeling suspicious about their bunny buddy, then something must really be going on. Fifi usually had more faith in Babs then anyone. The two of them snuck over to the cemented area where a few basketball hoops were hung. The two bunnies were there, well sort of. A blue and yellow checkered blanket had been spread a little ways from the hoops. Enough carrot flavored goodies were spread on it to feed an entire army of rabbits, let alone just two. There they were, talking and laughing as if they were old friends. "Like, Interception time, Feef," whispered Shirley. The two girls stepped out of the bush they were hiding in, put on fake smiles and called out, "Hieeeeeeeeeee!" Both bunnies looked at them, startled. "What are you guys doing here?" Babs asked. "Babs," said Fifi, cheerfully, "Did vous forget about tonight?" "Tonight?" "Like, yeah, we were going shopping and then a slumber party at my place, or some junk. Remember?" grinned Shirley. Babs shook her head, having no idea what was going on. "Hmm, looks like you forgot some other plans again," Lola said, trying not to look hurt. "It's alright, you go with them. I'll be fine." Babs tried to protest, "But I didn't-" She was quickly pulled to her feet and led off by her friends before she even got to finish her sentence. "Like, thanks for understanding, Lola," Shirley called behind them as they dragged a confused pink rabbit off. "Oh well," Lola sighed, as she began to clean up the picnic remains, "Maybe I should get her a date planner or something." "OW! You guys are hurting me!" Babs yelped, trying to pull her arms out of her friends' grip. They finally let go a little ways from the park. "Just like vous are going to do to Lola?" Fifi snapped at her. "Do to Lola?" Babs' eyes widened in confusion as she checked to make sure her arms were still in their sockets. "Like, don't play dumb, rabbit. We totally know what you're up to and it like is really cruel," said Shirley, crossing her arms. Babs rubbed her sore arms. "I don't know what you two are talking about." she replied. The Loon's ice cold stare ripped through Babs like a chainsaw through butter. "Barbara Anne Bunny, we've, like, seen you do some pretty awful things. But like, THIS one takes the cake and the whole darn kitchen it was sitting in too, or some junk. You're totally using Lola and you know it." Babs' eyes narrowed at the mention of her full name and closed as she heard the rest. "Alright," she began, looking up at her friends. "Alright, I admit it. At first I _was_ just using Lola so I could be popular again. But, things are different now. Besides, you two can't deny that you're a little jealous of her." "No, I cannot deny zat I'm a little jealous of 'er looks. But, I would _nevair_ use 'er just to up mon status," the skunkette declared. "That like, is so totally low and so, so, something I'd expect from Perfecto Prep that, it's hideous!" Shirley scolded. "You should, like, be ashamed of yourself." "Look, I have my reasons for doing this," Babs snapped defiantly. "And, like, what might those be?" Shirley wanted to know. Her rabbit friend shook her head. "Nothing you'd understand." "Try us," urged Fifi.. The pink rabbit looked away and back at the two expectant girls. "Forget it. You wouldn't understand. You'll just have to wait and see, just like everyone else." "Then it's like, your funeral. Come on Feef," Shirley said, grabbing Fifi's paw. "Wait a sec! I thought we were going shopping," Babs protested. "Consider it a taste of what you're, like, doing to Lola," snapped the Loon as she and Fifi headed off down the sidewalk. Babs sighed, watching them go. 'If their mentors weren't around anymore, they'd understand why I'm doing this.' = = = = = = = = = = Monday morning was about to see the biggest shock it'd ever had. For Buster, it started off normally enough. Babs was back to walking to school with him and he was still late, like always. "Sorry I'm late Babsie. I- Who are you?" he asked the pink hare that stood before him. She smiled, "I'm the new Babs Bunny." Buster had to admit, she looked like Babs. She sounded like Babs. But, she wasn't dressed like Babs! The toonette standing before him was quite barely dressed. The yellow half tank top hung somewhat loosely on her shoulders and chest revealing a decideably white tummy underneath. Her purple shorts clung to her figure snugly. The only thing that hadn't changed was her ear bows. "How do you like my new outfit, Buster?" she asked in a pleasant voice. "I, duh, um, that is I.... Whoa!" Buster barely managed to stutter. This seemed to be the reaction she was hoping for since her grin only widened. "Come on," she said, taking him by the arm, "I can't wait to show my new mentor my look." "Your new what?" Buster replied while being led towards school. "I thought your mentor was Honey." Babs just chuckled. "She was. But, that was the _old_ me. You know, the immature rabbit that everyone was sick of. But, now Lola's my mentor and I'm going to be just like her." "And, Lola's ok with this?" Buster wanted to know. "Well..... She doesn't quite know yet. But she'll love it," Babs answered, trying to speed up their walk. "Wait a second," Buster said, coming to a stop. "This sudden change wouldn't have something to do with that day in the cafeteria, would it?" He looked at her. "It does, doesn't it. You're just doing this because you want the attention that Lola's getting." "No," she snapped, letting go of his arm, "I'm doing this because I want a mentor that's here _now_ to work with. I'm sick and tired of seeing you guys get to work with your mentors while I've got only movies. Since Lola is what everyone wants, Lola is what I'm going to be." "But, that's NOT who you are," Buster protested, "You're Babs. You're funny. You're wacky. You're, you're just fine the way you are, or were," he added, quickly glancing at her outfit again. Babs' smile faded, "Yeah, right. Then why did you say all my acts were immature?" "Well, they are, sometimes. But, that's your charm," he said. "And, you're just jealous because of the attention I'll get," she scowled. "I've finally got a _real_ mentor just like everyone else. She's fresh and popular and I'm going to be too. And, if you don't like that idea then you can walk to school by yourself!" Babs almost yelled this last part as she turned her back on him. The bunny stomped her way to the Loo where her good mood was regained by the gasps and stares she got from everyone. Even Professor Sam's attitude toward her seemed to change as he saw how she was dressed. That morning alone, she got 9 date offers, not to mention compliments galore! But, it was the afternoon class she was really looking forward to. Babs walked into the gym with a basketball under her arm and a smile on her face. If nothing else, at least Lola would like her new outfit. She beamed over the astonished stares she was getting. The shrill sound of a whistle announced Lola's arrival. "Ok, class," she barked, checking over her clipboard. "We've got a lot to c..o..v..e.. Oh my gosh!" Her clipboard fell to the floor as her hands went to her face. "Babs, what, what are you WEARING???" Now, Babs really _was_ the center of attention and loving every minute of it! "I'm being just like you, Lola." she answered. Lola's heart was obviously in her throat. "What do you mean 'just like me'," she asked slowly. Babs smiled even wider. "Just what I said. Everyone likes you. Since it's what everyone likes, I'm being just like you." Disbelieving gasps and murmurs died as soon as Lola spoke again. "Oh, so _that's_ why you wanted to hang around me so much? Just so you could learn to act like me and be popular?" Her eyes were visibly full of tears. Her voice shook as she continued, "Well that's just downright GREAT, Babs. I really appreciate being used as your status quo. I can't believe I fell for it too! Thinking you actually wanted to be friends." Lola had all she could do to keep from crying right then. She turned away from her class. "Class dismissed." She quickly headed back to the locker rooms. "I did!" Babs cried, "I mean, I do! I mean, oh, darnit! I just don't know what I mean. Lola, wait!" Babs raced after her. She entered the locker rooms slowly, wondering where Lola might be. She wasn't in her office, or the shower area. Following the muffled sobs, she found the tan bunny sitting on a bench behind the lockers. Feeling really bad, Babs gulped. "Lola?" The elder bunny didn't bother to look up. "Leave me alone," she sobbed, face hidden in her gloved paws. "Lola, I - I didn't mean it the way it sounded," Babs said, gulping again. She was beginning to feel the urge to cry herself. Lola glanced up. Her tear streaked face was full of anger. "Well, how _did_ you mean it?" she demanded. Babs' ears draped over her shoulders as her head hung down. "Well, um, I meant that.... Um, I was hoping that....youdbemymentor.' Lola blinked, "What?" Babs played with her paws, trying not to look up as she explained. "WellseeIgottothinkingandcuzHoney'snotaroundanymoreAndeveryonegetstowork withtheirmentorsandyouseemedprettywelllikedaroundtheLooandIthoughtthatmaybe ifIactedmorelikeyouthatyoucouldbemymentor." "You want ME to be your mentor?" gasped Lola, "I, I don't know what to...*Why*?" It was a reasonable question. The younger bunny turned her head away, "I-it's just that you're so pretty and, um, I kinda.... I don't know. Wish I was like that too ...like you." The tears began to fall. "Gosh, Babs," said Lola, blushing a bit, "I can't help how I look. In all honesty, I wish I looked, well, no, that's not right. I wish I just *was* more like you." Babs looked up at the blonde rabbit. "Y- you do??" she asked through her tears. Lola nodded, "Yes, actually, I do. You see, it isn't as easy being me as everyone thinks. Oh sure, they like me. But, not the way I'd like to be liked." Babs started to calm down. "What do you mean?" Lola sighed, "All I am is the latest calendar girl. Everyone likes me because of the way I look. They don't bother to see what's in me. Casting a sorrowful glance to the side she added, "Not that they've got much *to* go on. I've got my sports skills, but one can only go so far with sports in cartoons. My venture into movies has proven that. But, I'm _not_ going to let that stop me," she declared in a determined tone. "I'm trying my best to work quickly to change this. If I don't..I'll be forgotten soon enough, just like most of the other girls Warner Brothers employs. As much as I love him, I'm going to show everyone that I'm more then just "Bugs Bunny's girlfriend ." I'm going to prove to everyone that I really do deserve a *place* among the legends of the Looney Toons, a place no female has ever really held before, and that I can get it if want to. But you, Babs," she said taking Babs' chin in her paw. "You will never be forgotten. What you have is something I hope to someday achieve. You have what people truly remember--- personality, the ability to make people laugh. What more could they want?" Babs face brightened. "R- really?" she asked. "Really," replied Lola, smiling. She leaned closer to Babs and whispered, "In fact, I've been adding a few 'personality' touches for myself." Lola took a step back. With a nervous smile on her face, she held her arms out. She suddenly went into a spin, becoming nothing more then a tan whirl. Lola reappeared dressed as Groucho Marx. She wiggled her eyebrows at Babs. The astonished hare looked at her, then rubbed her eyes to make sure she was really seeing this. Lola winked at her, holding her finger to her lips in a silent "shhhhh." Grinning, Lola spun back into her old outfit. "That was... You can... WOW!" Babs gasped. The elder rabbit sat down again. "As much as I hate to say it, I can't be your mentor. Since you're already so far ahead of me," Seeing Babs' lower lip began to quiver, she quickly added. "But, I'd gladly be your friend." she held her paw out to Babs who started to shake it, suddenly embracing her in a hug. After a few seconds of shock, Lola returned the hug. "I'd definitely like that," came the muffled reply. "And, Babs?" "Yeah?" Lola pulled back enough to look at her, "Get the heck out of that outfit! It isn't you." Giggling, Babs quickly spin changed into her old blouse and skirt. "Much better," Lola grinned. "By the way, I guess this means you'll be dropping my P.E. class?" Babs shook her head, "Are you kidding? With all the exercise I'm getting, I can eat all the carrot cake I want and _still_ not gain any weight!" Both girls had a good laugh at this. "Say, Lola," Babs said, calming down a bit. "We never did finish that picnic of ours." The tanned rabbit cocked a thoughtful eyebrow. "Hmmmmm, I'm not sure, Babs. The last time we tried that, you had something else planned." Babs blushed a little. Standing up, she took on a solemn look and held her right paw, palm side, up with the other paw crossing her heart. "I _promise_ this time that I'll have *nothing* planned." Taking on a playful smile, Lola asked, "You *sure*?" "I'm sure." "Positive?" "Absolutely!" "Absolutely, completely 100%, no remote possibilities of being wrong, can guarantee that there's *NOTHING* else planned?" "Um...Will there be any carrot cake?" Babs asked with a hopeful glance. Lola nodded. "Then not even a herd of wild drooling fanboys could keep me away!" the younger bunny declared. "And I can help you work on some spin changes and maybe come up with a routine or two." The idea of helping Lola succeed sounded appealing to her. Putting a paw on Babs' shoulder, the blonde hare grinned widely. "It's a date, Kiddo." A curious expression came over her face for a moment, as one of her eyebrows arched up. "Hmmm..." "What?" Babs asked, wondering what Lola was thinking. "Well as long as we've got a free period since I dismissed class and all..." Lola grinned slyly at her, "...what say we go "spice up" ol Fuddy's class?" With a similar grin spreading across Babs' face at the suggestion, A tan and pink blur sped from the loccker room in the next instant heading for the classrooms. A great BIG thank you is owed to Michael Demcio (RRQUEST@AOL.com) For the wonderful editing job and suggestions that improved this story. Special thanks go to a "batty" friend, Gerald Blackwell(gandabla@pop.erols.com), for first draft editing. Editing thanks also go to: BJ Bunny (busterb@dreamscape.com) and KeV Beeley (KeV@demon.faboo.co.uk). Thanks, guys! As always, all Tiny Toons and Looney Tunes characters are (C) 1998 Warner Brothers, Inc. All rights reserved.