Micky and Petra were very much alike. Whenever Petra came to the Pad, there was bound to be double chaos. However, the boys didn’t mind. They liked having an “official” little sister there. Although, Petra was really Peter’s younger sister, she considered herself to have the best big brothers in the world.
One day, Micky had heard of a contest and he was sure there was a chance of winning. This is when the best-laid plans became a moment in history. Game show history.
Micky came running into the Pad from the beach.
“Hey guys! I just heard there’s gonna be a brand new game show! They’re looking for couples and the grand prize is $500.00!” Micky breathlessly explained.
“Slow down,” Mike said looking up from his guitar. “Take a breath and tell us what this is all about.”
“Yeah Mick, wha’s got ya so excited?” Davy asked as he made a play with his cards. He and Petra were playing a fierce game of “Go Fish.”
“Well?” Peter asked as he set aside his bass.
“Willie just told me that they are casting for couples for a new game show down at the station. The most compatible couple wins $500.00! Guys, think of what we could do with that amount of money!” Micky said smiling.
“A lot, I suppose,” Mike answered. “But you said it was a couples show,” Davy reminded Micky.
“That’s right. So who’s the lucky girl?” Petra asked as she played her cards.
“Don’t look at me, mates. After last time, me feet can’t take the heels. Ah! Go Fish!” Davy finished as he threw down his cards.
“Well—I—uh, I kinda thought Petra and I could give it a go,” Micky answered sheepishly.
“What??” Petra asked as she dropped all of her cards.
“Are you out of your bird, Mick?” Davy asked.
“You and Petra?” Peter asked.
“That does sound a little far-fetched,” Mike added.
“There’s nothing to it guys. Five hundred dollars is at stake. Besides, I got a list of practice questions! We’ll win for sure!” Micky said pleadingly.
“Micky, I don’t know about this,” Peter said.
“Look guys, Petra and I fooled all of you into thinking that we were gonna get married! We can easily win this!!” Micky said, trying his best to convince the others.
“But Micky, we don’t know anything about being a couple,” Petra interjected.
“Look, will you all just give this a chance? I’ve got a list of practice questions. We fooled the guys Petra,” Micky said with his best puppy dog look. “And it’s for the good of the band! Five hundred dollars!” Petra looked at Peter “What do you think?” she asked.
“”Fooling us and fooling TV, well, it’s just not the same,” Peter warned. “But if we can pull it off, it’ll be money in the bank for the band,” Petra answered.
“Are you seriously considerin’ the hairball plan of Micky’s?’ Mike asked.
Petra looked around the room at all the Monkees. Micky still had the most adorable pleading look on his face.
“If Micky believes we can pull this off, then I think we can too! So, yeah, I’m considering this,” Petra answered hoping she felt as confident as she sounded.
“Are you sure?” Davy asked.
“Ask Micky,” Petra answered.
“Now fellas, you know I wouldn’t involve Petra in anything harmful,” Micky said.
“I don’t know, man. You’re not bein’ honest,” Mike, ever the voice of reason, added.
“Mike this is for our own good. We haven’t played in three weeks! Babbitt’s on the warpath! We’ll be thrown out in the snow! To the wolves!” Micky said dramatically.
“When ya put it tha’ way, “Davy said.
“Do you really think you two can pull this off?” Peter asked, though himself not convinced.
“We fooled you, didn’t we?” Micky answered smiling.
“They did at that,” Mike sighed.
“So, we’re on?” Micky asked expectantly.
“Petra?” Peter asked.
“If Micky thinks it’s a safe idea, then I’m in,” Petra declared.
“OK Mick. Just make sure no one gets hurt,” Mike warned.
Micky made the necessary arrangements to enter Petra and himself in to the contest and for the next few days, the two began to study the questions and prepare themselves as a couple.