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Christine “Spike” Nelson-Simpson (born September 1974) is a hairdresser in Toronto, Canada. She is an alumna of Degrassi Junior High School and Degrassi High School where she also played the flute in the school band. At age 14, she became pregnant with her first child with then-boyfriend Shane McKay, and she gave birth to her child, whom she named Emma. She graduated high school in 1992 and got a job as a hairdresser. In January 2003, she married her former classmate Archie Simpson, who later served as a teacher, and then the principal of Degrassi Community School. She gave birth to her second child, Jack Simpson, in September 2003. She was portrayed by Amanda Stepto.

Spike was best friends with Liz O'Rourke and eventually Caitlin Ryan and her husband Archie Simpson. She was also friends with Joey JeremiahErica FarrellHeather FarrellTessa CampanelliDerek Wheeler, Lucy Fernandez and was somewhat friendly with Shane McKay.

Character History[]

Degrassi Junior High[]

Starts as: Grade 8

Spike starts out as a minor character in Degrassi Junior High, but comes into prominence late in the first season, early in November 1988, when she is impregnated by her very first (unprotected) sexual encounter with her boyfriend, Shane McKay (portrayed by Bill Parrott) ("It's Late", DJH ep. 111). Spike is only fourteen* years old and in the eighth grade.

Spikeinlabour (2)

Spike in labor

Unsure of whether to keep the child, Spike seeks the advice of classmate Derek "Wheels" Wheeler (portrayed by Neil Hope) who had been adopted ("Parents' Night", DJH ep. 112). Wheels explains that he is grateful to both his natural parents, Mike Nelson (portrayed by Dave James) and an unseen woman; for having given him a chance at a better life; and to his adoptive parents (portrayed by Timm Zemanek and Nancy Sinclair) for providing that better life to him.

A-spike

Spike Holding the Famous "Eggbert the Egg"

In their maternity class, Spike and the other expectant mothers are each given an egg by their counselor (portrayed by Anne Thornley-Brown) with instructions to carry and protect the egg as if it were a child; Shane agrees to share in the responsibility of caring for "Eggbert the Egg" and proves himself to be unreliable ("Eggbert", DJH ep. 201). Nevertheless, Shane advocates that Spike keep the baby rather than put it up for adoption ("Dinner and a Show", DJH ep. 204).

Spike's mother (portrayed by Rhonda Kristi), a hair stylist who herself had given birth to Spike as a teenager, provides support for her daughter. Shane's parents (portrayed by Peter Brierley and Jane Carnwath), however, are embarrassed by the situation and want him to have nothing to do with the baby ("Dinner and a Show", DJH ep. 204, "Father Figure (2)", DNG ep. 302) while Shane himself vacillates between wanting to do the right thing by Spike and their child and avoiding his responsibilities (DJH seasons 2-3).

Spike's ordeal grows more complicated when local parents, believing a pregnant student to be a bad example, convince the school administration to remove her from class for the remainder of the semester ("Censored", DJH ep. 210). Classmate Caitlin Ryan (portrayed by Stacie Mistysyn), a zealous political activist, self-publishes an editorial (rejected by the school newspaper), denouncing the removal of Spike from campus, but Spike resents Caitlin making her into a cause, and tells Caitlin to mind her own business ("Censored", DJH ep. 210). 

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Although Spike completes her studies at home ("Trust Me", DJH ep. 211), at graduation time, she is permitted to sit for exams separately from the other pupils ("Pass Tense", DJH ep. 213), and also is allowed to attend the end-of-year dance. Spike goes into labour, six weeks before her due date, during that end-of-year dance ("Pass Tense", DJH ep. 213).

Spike returns to school full-time for grade 9, having given birth to her daughter Emma (portrayed by infant Samantha Morrison) immediately fol lowing the end-of-year dance in June 1989. She is hesitant to let Shane be involved in the baby's life ("Can't Live With 'Em Part 1", DJH ep. 301), but he proves his willingness to share some of the responsibility when he begins to pay child support.

He later withholds one of his payments in order to buy tickets to a Gourmet Scum rock concert ("Twenty Bucks", DJH ep. 310), the night of which he suffers a terrible accident ("Taking Off (2)", episode 312) that leaves him severely mentally disabled ("It Creeps!!", DH episode 114, "Father Figure", DNG ep. 301/302). With Shane permanently incapacitated, the responsibility for providing for their daughter falls solely upon Spike, albeit with some assistance from her mom ("Three's a Crowd", DH ep. 212).

Early in season 2, Spike also befriends new student Liz O'Rourke (portrayed by Cathy Keenan), who seems to be one of the few Degrassi students who match Spike's "punk rock" style ("Great Expectations", DJH ep. 203). Spike and Liz quickly become inseparable best friends, continuing on into high school, and they are rarely seen without each other.

Degrassi High[]

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Spike in Degrassi High

Classmate Heather Farrell (portrayed by Maureen Deiseach), distraught over her twin sister Erica's (Angela Deiseach) plans to have an abortion, seeks Spike's advice and assumes that Spike shares her pro-life opinion. However, she does not tell Spike that it's her sister that's contemplating terminating the pregnancy. Spike explains that she kept Emma because she felt it the right decision for her, and that only Heather's friend can decide what is right for herself ("A New Start Part 2", DH ep. 102). Heather then supports her sister despite her own objection to the procedure. Unknown to Spike, Liz learns of the abortion and denounces Erica as a murderer with signs posted on Erica's locker ("Everybody Wants Something" DH ep. 105).

Spike1

Spike nervously reenters the dating scene after starting high school, reluctantly accepting a date with new Irish immigrant Patrick (portrayed by Vincent Walsh) who shares her love for the band The Pogues.

Spike5

She is initially afraid that he is only dating her because, as an unwed teen mother, he would believe Spike to be "easy;" but Patrick proves to be a gentleman ("Nobody's Perfect", DH ep. 106). They date for some time until Spike decides that she does not have time for a commitment while raising Emma (portrayed by toddler Ashlee Henricks) and matriculating at high school ("Sixteen Part 1", DH ep. 109).

Later that year, she also reunites with Shane who is out of rehabilitation and now attending a school for special-needs kids when not stalking Spike ("It Creeps!!", DH episode 114). She turns down his invitation for a date, but agrees to be his friend again.

The following year, Liz and Patrick appear to develop a romantic relationship, which makes Spike jealous. After Spike makes her feelings about the situation known, Liz breaks up with Patrick out of respect for Spike, which leads to the latter confronting Spike in the library. Spike argues that it is slimy to date an ex's best friend, while Patrick views Spike's behavior as meddling and criticizes her behavior as being immature, telling her before he leaves the library, "You may be a mother, but you've got a lot of growing up to do". Patrick is never seen again after this. ("Body Politics", DH ep. 205).

Spike-shoulderpads

Spike talking to friends.

Spike is paired with Archie "Snake" Simpson (portrayed by Stefan Brogren) for one of their final class assignments in grade 11; studying in the Nelsons' kitchen, she watches him playfully carry Emma ("Three's a Crowd", DH ep. 212).

This triggers romantic feelings in Spike toward her classmate and she daydreams of him initiating a passionate kiss. Snake accepts her invitation to attend the prom, believing that Spike wants to go simply as friends.

Upon learning that Snake really likes Michelle Accette (portrayed by Maureen McKay) and would rather go with her, Spike backs out and keeps her disappointing secret from Snake. She is however seen at the dance with Derek Wheeler (portrayed by Neil Hope).

Degrassi: School's Out![]

So! 41

Spike in School's Out!

As a film processing clerk, Spike works with classmate Tessa Campanelli (portrayed by Kirsten Bourne) who confides in Spike her intention to seduce and date Joey Jeremiah (portrayed by Pat Mastroianni). Spike advises Tessa against doing so, reminding her that Joey and Caitlin Ryan have a history of breaking up only to reunite. Tessa rejects Spike's argument, noting that Caitlin will be leaving for university in a matter of weeks anyway. Joey's resulting summer-long affair with Tessa ultimately leads to Caitlin breaking off their engagement and to Tessa having an abortion.

So! 80

Spike at the wedding reception

Spike attends university locally while Emma enrolls in pre-kindergarten (School's Out!).

The wedding reception of classmates Alexa and Simon Dexter (portrayed by Irene Courakos and Michael Carry), is the only scene before Degrassi: The Next Generation that any hint of a friendship between Spike and Caitlin is depicted (School's Out). The two traveled in entirely separate circles throughout Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, and Spike expressed her resentment of Caitlin's meddling when she was forced out of school during her pregnancy with Emma ("Censored", DJH ep. 210).

Parents[]

Spike's mother was played by Rhonda Kristi. No father has ever been identified, but it is known that Ms. Nelson was approximately 17 when she became pregnant with her daughter, and was a single mother.

Interim[]

Spike,babyemma

Spike takes Emma (portrayed later in flashbacks by Anastasia Koop), still a toddler, to visit Shane (portrayed later in flashbacks by Jonathan Torrens) at Burkholder Manor Sanitarium in Stouffville, Ontario.

Shane's emotional instability and aggression frighten Spike and she decides to keep him out of Emma's and her lives going forward, out of concern for Emma's safety. Spike does not provide him with their new address when the two move to a new home, nor does she send him new photographs of Emma as she ages.

A brief and distorted memory of this visit will be Emma's only recollection of her father for more than a decade (Father Figure, DNG ep. 301/302). Spike never tells Emma anything about Shane McKay, apart from his name, having always put it off until "the right time", and wanting to protect little Emma from her father's emotional outbursts. The Rev. and Mrs. McKay continue to remain out of Spike and her daughter 's life as well. Whether or not they make overtures toward Spike over the years in unknown.

Spike attends Joey's wedding to Julia Manning, presumably held approximately four or five years after Alexa and Simon's wedding (based on the couple's child's age). There, a young Emma shares a dance with slightly older boy Craig, Julia's son by her previous marriage to Dr. Albert Manning ("When Doves Cry", DNJ ep. 201/202). Also in attendance is Snake ("White Wedding", DNG ep. 212).

Spike reconnects with her high school crush Snake, and spends the majority of the reunion with him. ("Mother and Child Reunion (1)", DNG ep. 101).

As a hair stylist and single mother, Spike is somehow able to afford a comfortable Victorian house in a good neighborhood. As of the start of the Degrassi: The Next Generation she has a red 1992-1995 Honda Civic hatchback.

In a deleted scene on the Season 1 DVD, it is revealed that her mother owned her own salon until Spike bought her out.

Degrassi: The Next Generation[]

Season 1[]

DegrassiTNG-

Snake, Spike and Emma.

In Mother and Child Reunion (1), Christine first reappears when she tells Emma and Manny to come downstairs so that they may take boxes to the reunion. When she comes across old pictures on Emma's computer, she reminisces for a brief second before saying they need to leave. She drops off the boxes at the school as Emma, Manny, and J.T. carry them inside. Later, Caitlin comes over and the two reminisce more about their high school days.

Christine mentions that she can't wait to meet Keith and the two talk about him before Emma comes in and complains that they are using her computer without permission. When Emma is very defensive about her e-mails, Christine realizes that her daughter may have a boyfriend.

At the bar, Spike spends time with her friends as they meet Keith and talk about Wheels. That night, Spike, Lucy, and Caitlin come home late singing Everybody Wants Something and offers them drinks. She apologizes for waking up Emma and notices as she bonds with Caitlin.

In Mother and Child Reunion (2), Spike rushes to leave the house, claiming she feels nervous as if it's the prom she never got to go to. She kisses Emma goodbye and leaves for the night. She sits with Snake during dinner and watches Joey and Keith fight during Caitlin's speech. At the reunion, she dances with Snake and when J.T., Manny, and Toby tell them what is going on, she calls the police and runs off to drive to the hotel. When they get to the room, they bang on the door and when Emma runs out, she tries to comfort her daughter as the police catch up.

The next day, when the police confiscate their computer for the trial, she goes to speak to Emma. After an emotional moment, she reminds Emma that she remembers being her age and that she loves her more than anything else in the world.

Season 2[]

Beginning in the second season (and to an extent in "Mother and Child Reunion,"), Spike and Caitlin are shown to have somehow become close friends, despite Caitlin having gone away to Carleton University in Ottawa to pursue a broadcasting career in Los Angeles, while Spike stayed in Toronto to follow in her mother's footsteps as a beautician and single mother.

With her daughter Emma attending classes taught by her old high school classmate Snake, her interest in him renewed and the two begin dating. Among their outings is an Elvis Costello concert, as the two share a love of his music. ("Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", DNG ep. 203). After a few months, Spike proposes marriage and Snake accepts. As is often the case when single or divorced parents marry, Emma expresses resentment toward both Spike and future stepfather Snake. ("Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", DNG ep. 203; "Weird Science", DNG ep. 205).

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Snake and Spike on their Wedding day in season 2 of Degrassi: The Next Generation.

Spike discovers that she is pregnant with Snake's child (the future Jack Simpson) the day before their wedding.

Unaware of the pregnancy, Snake makes an off-hand remark about becoming Emma's stepfather being hard enough and that he does not want to start a family of their own yet. This prompts Spike to consider keeping the pregnancy a secret from him and aborting the fetus.

An argument ensues between Spike and Emma who, knowing that she herself began as a prime candidate for being aborted, is vehemently pro-life. When Emma reminds Spike of this, Spike replies that she is not going to make the same mistake a second time.

Under the cover of night, Emma races to Snake's bachelor party at Joey's house to warn him. Snake argues with Spike about not being consulted and having to learn about the situation from Emma.

Angry with each other, the two initially stay away from the church the following morning, reluctant to marry. They reconcile and agree that the baby, while unplanned, is still a blessing.

They dash to the ceremony in casual clothes, and change into their wedding attire before the reception. ("White Wedding", DNG eps. 212-213). Spike declines to adopt Snake's surname, remaining Christine Nelson vice Simpson. ("Father Figure" Part 1, DNG ep. 301).

Season 3[]

Spike's child with Snake has nearly completed its gestation, and Spike's midwife is her dear old friend, Liz. Also in attendance of Spike's baby shower are the Farrell twins Erica and Heather, as well as Lucy Fernandez . ("Father Figure", DNG ep. 301/302; "Everybody Wants Something" DH ep. 105).

With Spike preparing to bear Snake's child, Emma is increasingly interested in knowing about her own father (portrayed as an adult and in flashbacks by Jonathan Torrens) and meeting him, but is rebuffed by Spike ("Father Figure", DNG ep. 301/302). When Emma learns the truth about Shane's brain damage the hard way, she is incensed at Spike, both for having kept the truth from her, and for (as Emma incorrectly perceives) allowing Shane to be committed. Snake empathizes with Emma's sense of betrayal and explains to her about Shane's injuries and his frightening behavior when Spike and Emma visited.

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Snake and Spike with new-born baby Jack.

Shane, having been given the Nelsons' address from Emma, pays Spike a visit. Upset to find that he is not a part of their family, he becomes violent toward the furnishings and prevents Spike from fleeing or telephoning; the shock sends Spike into labour. Emma soon arrives and is able calm down Shane and to telephone Liz and the school switchboard. Spike delivers Jack Simpson with the support of Liz and Snake, while Emma waits outside with Shane. Shane finished knitting a beautiful baby hat for little Jack and Emma promises to stat in touch with him.

Snake is diagnosed with leukemia and undergoes chemotherapy, Spike is supportive of her husband and cares for him in his recovery ("Pride (2)", DNG ep. 305). His low morale and pessimistic outlook take a toll on the family, however ("Gangsta Gangsta", DNG ep. 306), and Spike finally orders him out of the house for an evening of bowling with Joey ("Should I Stay or Should I Go?", DNG ep. 307).

Spike and Emma are delighted to see and hear Snake happily singing with Joey and their long-estranged band-mate, Wheels (portrayed again by Neil Hope), as they drive him home.

Spike - TNG Season 3 (2)

Spike gives Manny advice on her pregnancy scare.

Just as Spike's sexually aggressive co-worker/classmate Tessa had seduced Joey into cheating on Caitlin twelve years earlier, Emma's best friend, Manny (portrayed by Cassie Steele) seduces Joey's stepson Craig Manning (portrayed by Jake Epstein) into cheating on his comparatively responsible and mature (but chaste) girlfriend Ashley Kerwin (portrayed by Melissa McIntyre), establishing a nearly identical love triangle dynamic which lasts for several episodes (School's Out; "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" through "Holiday", DNG eps. 307-312).

When Manny discovers herself to be pregnant by Craig, she runs straight to Spike, knowing that she had been the teen mother of Emma, and seeks her guidance ("Accidents Will Happen" DNG eps. 314-315). Spike helps Manny deal with the news and gives her the same advice that she had been given as a pregnant teen, explaining that the parental responsibility is hers and the final choice on whether to keep the baby is thus hers as well.

Like Tessa and Erica, Manny chooses to have an abortion, albeit not until after informing Craig and flirting with the idea of marriage.

Season 4[]

Spike is now credited on the theme song as a regular character. Spike was one of many people who were horrified after the school shooting at Degrassi. Although she was not directly involved in any way, it is assumed that the thought of Emma being held at gunpoint made her distraught.

After the shooting, Emma was an emotional and mental mess. Spike constantly caught Emma sneaking out, and acting out in strange ways that was not like her. She was confused on what to do, and how to help Emma. In the end, Spike pulls through by loving her, and helping her through her issues.

Season 5[]

Spike - TNG Season 5

Spike making up with Snake.

In Season 5, Spike and Snake’s relationship has a setback when Emma finds Snake kissing Degrassi’s principal Daphne Hatzilakos in an empty theater. Emma forces Snake to tell her mother the truth, and Spike throws Snake out. Spike has a hard time dealing with her separation from her husband, particularly on their wedding anniversary.

Emma brings Caitlin all the way from Los Angeles to help cheer her up. Snake stops by with a gift he'd ordered months ago for their anniversary, but this upsets Spike even more. Snake continues to appeal to Spike for reconciliation, but she refuses.

Finally, Snake shows up at the mall where Spike works, dressed in a tuxedo, and begins to sing their song "Sometimes When We Touch." Spike finally relents and agrees to take her husband back.

Through all the chaos of Spike's and Snake's marital problems, Spike puts a lot of stress on Emma to help her around the house. This drives Emma to the point of losing control of her life and forces her to develop an eating disorder. With the help of Snake, Manny, and Emma's boyfriend at the time, Peter, Spike gets Emma in rehab to recover.

Season 6[]

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Spike in the later seasons

When Emma thought she was pregnant, Spike was supportive and helped Emma get through it, only for it to turn out that it was a scare.

Season 7[]

When Snake was falsely accused of molesting Darcy Edwards, she is seen arguing with him, but tries to help him get cleared.

For a brief time, she left Snake, who needed to clear his head by spending time away from the school, due to the vicious rumors of him being a pedophile. She returns home with Jack shortly after he returns to teaching at the school.

Season 8[]

Spike is sad that her daughter Emma has left for university. She still gets her handful of Degrassi drama when Connor DeLaurier comes to stay with the family.

When Connor has friends over in Man With Two Hearts, she catches them sneaking into her and Snake's bedroom. She allows it as she tells them that she was a kid once too. There, Clare Edwards and Alli Bhandari find Spike's (unused) vibrator.

Season 9[]

In Holiday Road, Spike is very excited when Emma returns from her biking trip with Kelly. When Emma comes home and starts speaking sarcastically with her parents Spike tells her to stop because she hasn't seen her in forever. Also, Spike seems interested in Emma's trip when she shows her all the videos Kelly and her made on the trip. Spike and Snake are worried about Emma when she tells them that she is dropping out of college.

Spike tells her that life may be hard and not always go her way. She didn't always dream of being a hair stylist but it's a manageable job. Spike and Snake tell Emma to follow her dreams and do what's best for her. Also, after Emma and Kelly broke up Spike offers to talk to Emma but Emma is too upset to talk.

In Degrassi Takes Manhattan, Spike and Snake just got back from a camping trip together. They are happy to see Emma and Manny at home waiting for them. But, moments after they arrive home, Spinner walks in with flowers and tells Spike and Snake that him and Emma love each other, and that they're going to have a beach wedding tomorrow. Spike asks "How pregnant are you?", Emma replies "Not even a little bit."

Snake is shocked, so is Spike, but they want the best for Emma. Snake is also shocked that Emma is marrying Spinner Mason. Emma also asks them to walk her down the aisle. Spike and Snake don't back down, and they say, "yes."

At the wedding, they walk their daughter, Emma, down the aisle and have a good time celebrating with everyone.

Mentions[]

Spike'n'Snake

Spike as seen in the picture on Snake's desk in Season 10-11 of TNG

Season 10[]

In Love Lockdown (2), while Archie shakes hands with Chantay, there is a picture of Archie and Spike hugging on his desk.

Season 11[]

In Cry Me A River (2), while Archie is talking to Dave Turner about his behavior, a photo of Archie and Christine is shown on his desk.

Season 14[]

In Firestarter (1), Snake tells Clare that Spike was pregnant with Emma while she was at junior high.

Appearances[]

Degrassi Junior High (Season 1)

Degrassi Junior High (Season 2)

Degrassi Junior High (Season 3)

Degrassi High (Season 1)

Degrassi High (Season 2)

School's Out!

Degrassi: the Next Generation
Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Season 7

Season 8

Season 9

Trivia[]

Quotes[]

  • "Duncan Street, where's that?" (first line) - Nothing to Fear
  • "Tomorrow?!" (final line) - The Rest of My Life (4)
  • "So have you found any of Mr. Simpson's deep, dark secrets?" - Spike finding Alli and Clare in her and Snake's bedroom, Man With Two Hearts
  • "Life doesn't wait for you to get adjusted, Snake, it just happens." - White Wedding
  • "Tell that to the little kid she beat up today." - Spike on Emma, Crossed Wires
  • "So you're God and you know everything?" Spike to Liz, Everybody Wants Something
  • "Put on the damn shirt and GO!" To Snake - Should I Stay or Should I Go?
  • "And you were supposed to be at home, not dressed up like me at some dance!" - Spike accusing Emma of ripping off her 80s style, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
  • "You know, it's great to have high ideals and stuff. But when you're in that situation...right and wrong, they can get really complicated." - Spike on abortion, A New Start
  • "I'm a person, okay? Not public property." - Spike telling Caitlin off for making the paper about her, Censored
  • "Make them stop or you'll have four dead Mexicans on your hands." - White Wedding (1)

Relationships[]

Main article: Shane-Christine Relationship
Spike and Shane
  • Shane McKay
    • Start Up: Prior to The Big Dance (DJH 102)
    • Broke Up: Parents' Night (DJH 112)
      • Reason: Spike's pregnancy. While the two still interact with each other afterwards, Spike tells Wheels in "Parents' Night" that they are no longer seeing each other anymore.
Main article: Christine-Patrick Relationship
  • NP25
    Patrick
    • Start Up: Nobody's Perfect (DH 106)
    • Broke Up: Prior to Body Politics (DH 205)
      • Reason: Spike had responsibilities with Emma, and she felt that they had nothing to talk about.
Main article: Archie-Christine Relationship
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v - e - d

Degrassi Junior High Main Characters

AlexAlexaAllisonAmyArchieArthurB.L.T.BartholomewCaitlinChristineClutchDorisEricaHeatherJoeyKarenKathleenL.D.LizLouellaLucyLukeMayaMelanieMichelleRaditchRickScooterShaneSimonStephanieSusieVoulaWheelsYick
v - e - d

Degrassi High Main Characters

AlexAlexaAllisonAmyArchieArthurB.L.T.BartholomewBroncoCaitlinChristineClaudeClutchDianaDwayneEricaHeatherJimJoeyKarenKathleenL.D.LizLucyLukeMayaMelanieMichelleRaditchScooterSimonTessaWheelsYick

v - e - d

Degrassi: The Next Generation Main Characters

AlexAlliAnyaAshleyBlueBruceCaitlinChantayClareConnorCraigDamianDannyDarcyDaveDeclanDerekEllieEmmaFionaHatzilakosHazelHolly J.J.T.JaneJayJennaJimmyJoeyJohnnyK.C.KellyLeiaLibertyMannyMarcoMiaPaigePeterRaditchRileySavSeanSnakeSpikeSpinnerTerriToby

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