Notes: Gabrielle is from Xena Warrior Princess and is owned by StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. All other characters are fictitious and are of my own creation. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

Preface [Queen's Hut, Amazon Village-83 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes....

In every relationship, the time comes when a person needs to meet his or her companion's family. When I first met Cyrene at the tavern at Amphipolis, I was nervous even though Xena and I were just friends. It comes from wanting acceptance from them-a desire to show that one is worthy of accompanying their loved one. In this scroll, David travels with Angela to her parents' farm for the first of many trips and undergoes the very process I just spoke of....


Chapter 1 [Fall River, MA-November 1992]

The mist hung thickly over the Massachusetts coastline one night early in November. The moon provided a faint light piercing the covering and an icy wind signaling the looming winter hurried passersby along to their destination.

On this night, the Fall River Hospital held more than its share of patients, forcing the doctors and residents to rush from bed to bed. One of them, Angie Blackwell, ran from place to place with charts under one arm and her medical bag in the other hand, trying to keep everyone's problems straight. For most of the night, she kept this pace. Finally at ll PM, she huffed into the residents' break room and collapsed onto the couch. Whew! How do we do this? 

Then, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw the administrator, Dr. Lawrence Moten, standing there. The middle aged man had round glasses, a balding head, a slender frame, and piercing blue eyes. "Sir? Can I do anything for you?" she inquired, jumping to her feet.

"That's all right, Dr. Blackwell," he assured her. "You know that everything's been going well with your shifts. I think your work is first rate. By the way, I saw a young man come by the other day to meet you after your shift. Sorry if I'm prying, is that your boyfriend?"

She squirmed, not liking to tell her co-workers about her private life. Oh well, he's your boss, Angie, and he's showing interest. "Yes, he is. He works in the library at U-Mass Dartmouth."

"Ah. I know a few people in that place. He wouldn't happen to be the new fellow, David Dubois, would he? I hear he's a hard worker," he complimented.

"Yes, sir. Dave tries pretty hard. He just wants a place in the system and to help the students," she answered honestly, knowing the librarian's drives and priorities. What's he getting at?

Dr. Moten considered this information for a minute and continued, "Did you have any plans for Thanksgiving?"

Huh? Angie shook her head. "I thought I was working. Dave and I were planning on getting together on Friday, but nothing else."

"I think you've earned a long weekend. I know the library's shut down between Wednesday and Sunday. Why don't you enjoy yourselves?"

She had to focus to keep her composure. "Th...Thank you, sir," she stammered. "I really appreciate this."

"No problem. Have a pleasant evening and keep up the good work, Doctor," he concluded, leaving her to her thoughts.

She walked out of the facility and drove off in her cherry-red 1991 Nissan Sentra. In the tape deck, she had a favorite tape playing as she headed for her studio apartment. Fifteen minutes, she pulled into her space within her apartment complex. 

Home sweet home. Whew! Another day done! She walked to the mailbox and pulled out the bills before heading up two flights of stairs to her apartment and letting herself in.

Turning the light on, Angie soaked in the ambiance of her place and the nick-nacks from the different parts of her life. A southern planter figurine stood guard over one corner. In another, a giant fern shaded a piece of the light blue carpet. A boom box occupied the third corner. Finally, a little kitchenette and bathroom occupied the rest of the place. She nodded. It's not much, but at least, I'm getting somewhere. 

Just then, the phone rang. Ah, reality calls. "Hello?" she answered.

"Angie? It's Mom. How are you?" her mother inquired.

"Fine, Mom. Everything's okay and you?" Angie replied.

"Great! I just wanted to see how everything was going," Mrs. Blackwell asked.

"Work's a little hectic, but my bosses really like me. In fact, Dr. Moten just complimented me about an hour ago. I'm having a lot of fun in my free time too," Angie added, allowing a smile to spread across his face.

"How's that boyfriend of yours treating you?" 

"Dave's been great. He works a lot too, but he usually sneaks over a couple of times a week for visits. He always leaves by midnight and is a complete gentleman," Angie assured her.

That's a rarity today. "So when do we get to meet him?"

"Well, you know how you and Daddy have been bugging me to visit over Thanksgiving. I was thinking of coming up on Wednesday and leaving on Sunday if that's okay?" Angie inquired.

"Angie! You know better than to ask that! Of course! Your father wants you to bring David along so he can check the young man out."

"Sure thing," Angie agreed nervously, recalling the sparring contest between Mike Montoya and her father. I hope he doesn't do that again.

They talked for about fifteen more minutes before Angie concluded, "I have to call Dave and check with him. Talk to you soon! I love you both! Bye!"

"Bye, Dear," her mother concluded hanging up.

Angie set the phone down and smiled at the thought of a Thanksgiving Day dinner at the farm. Dave's a lot like Daddy. They should get along great...that is, if Dave keeps his cool for the entire time. Hopefully, we can get the 'Arizona Bowl' on the satellite dish so we can get our licks in at each other. I wonder if Dave can get out any earlier?

Then, the phone rang. Only one person calls now. "Hi! What's up?" she laughed.

Dave sat in his office laughing warmly and swiveled about in his chair. "How'd you know it was me?" 

She snickered, "We..ell, I just got off the phone with my mother and they wanted us to come up over Thanksgiving weekend. I figured your ears were burning. Is that okay with you? They really want to meet you."

"When would we be up there?" he inquired.

"I was hoping to leave on Wednesday and come back Sunday. Is that okay? I know you're there until 5, but...." She wondered.

"Actually, the boss just told me that I can leave at noon on that Wednesday. He gave the afternoon reference desk shift to someone else! I'll be ready about 2 or 2:30 and maybe we can get there by 8 or 8:30 that night," he agreed.

"I'm sure that'll be just fine with my parents," she concurred. "I got to get some sleep, all right? Talk to you tomorrow?"

"You bet," he concluded. "Love you."

"And I you," she responded as they hung up.

****

As he packed up his things for the night, Dave felt that everything was looking up. A great Thanksgiving for a change. I hope that the Blackwells are as great as the Alvarezes. Why am I so nervous about meeting her parents? He dismissed the nerves as he headed out and locked the door behind him. Having done that, he got into the Subaru and drove off into the night.


Chapter 2 [Wednesday before Thanksgiving]

Angie packed furiously in order to be ready for the trip. On top of the drive to Wabash, she needed to meet Dave in Scituate. Finally at 12:30, she sat on her suitcase and snapped the latches shut. One of these days you think I would learn to pack lighter. Nah, it'll never happen. After putting it in the back of the Sentra, she made sure everything was off and secured for the weekend before taking off to meet him. Here goes....

****

Meanwhile, after a quiet three-hour desk shift and two cups of coffee, Dave locked his office and rushed home. His nerves blared at him. Oh, stick it, will you? It's only her parents. Yeah, famous last words. Pulling into the Alvarezes' driveway, he entered the house and went right up to his room. Okay, suitcase is packed. I bought sodas for the trip. Yeah, I think I'm set. He rushed down the hall and showered, allowing the steam to relax him. Then, he put on his best blue shirt, khaki slacks and brown shoes for the trip.

As he finished his preparations, he heard a knock at the door. "Dave?" Caroline called.

"Caroline, come in," he told her.

She stuck her head in the door. "I thought that was you. Hey are you making some coffee?"

"Yeah, for the trip. Want some?"

"Fabulous! What's the flavor?" she asked.

"Dutch chocolate," he told her. "Follow me." After taking a bag of beans from his dorm fridge, he led her downstairs to the kitchen. Grinding the beans, he put them in the coffee maker. "Now for some water...."

She smiled and rolled her eyes.

"Wait, you have that look that Karen used to give me," he declared. "The water's ready."

She motioned to the two coffee pots on the counter. The regular one had boiling water already in it. The decanter next to it had a filter in it and was waiting for the coffee grounds. "I figured I could talk you into coffee so I set up your decanter."

"I'm sure," he cracked, smiling at her. "I guess a quick cup wouldn't hurt." He set up the beans and poured the water into the cone filter. Ten minutes of enduring the aroma later, the pot was set for drinking. "Now, what's on your mind?"

She grinned. He knows us all too well. Then again, he's practically a member of this family despite what happened between him and Karen. "Are you nervous about meeting Angie's folks?"

"Uh huh," he admitted. "Everything's great until you meet the parents."

"You handled yourself well enough in Amherst with my parents, Dave," she assured him.

He shrugged. "I didn't know what I was getting myself into either. One minute, it's a welcome home from the hospital dinner and the next; I'm legally switching homes. Don't get me wrong, Caroline, I'm so grateful to your folks. It was just so overwhelming. Fortunately, your mother's cooking convinced me to stay around."

She laughed. "You brought those roses for my Mom's cooking? Yeah right! Well, it worked out. Hopefully, this will be the start of something good for you."

"I guess you're right," he admitted, sipping on his coffee. "I just want this to go right, Caroline, for Angie and me both. I'm...well...I'm scared."

She shook her head and chortled, "You, the man who carves up trolls and wizards before breakfast and deals with his inner demon, are nervous about meeting two very nice older people?" She took a saucy sip from her cup. "Oh, Karen would love to hear this one, I'm sure. Want to substitute Guisanto and D'Spyre for her folks?"

He shook his head, thinking of the two gangsters. Not in a million years. "I'm worried that they won't like me."

"Oh pooh!" a familiar voice chided through the kitchen door. Angie strolled into the kitchen and advised, "Just be yourself and you'll be fine." She added a kiss for emphasis. "I thought I smelled coffee. How about a cup and then we can hit the road?"

"Sure," he replied. " Bags are in the trunk and the car's ready."

The resident shook her head, guessing at the song he was paraphrasing. "You aren't going to say good bye to me. No way, Hot Shot, even if you are a U of A fan," she noted with a humorous twist at the end. "By the way, I want to drive if you don't mind. Can we take the Nissan? I left the trunk open just in case."

"Okay," he agreed. "Let me pull my things out of Bessie and I'll be ready in just a minute. And, don't worry, Miss Devil, I'm not going anywhere."

The two girls chuckled at the nickname he had given his car. After he left, Caroline asked her, "What's it like bringing him to meet your parents?"

"Nervewracking," Angie admitted as she sipped her coffee. "The last guy was Mike and they didn't get along at all. I'm really hoping that Dave gets along with my father."

"I don't think you need to worry. Dave's a super guy. Even if things didn't work out between him and my little sister, I still admire him. You two have some great magic going together. Go and enjoy!" Caroline assured her.

Just then, Dave called, "Angie, everything's set!"

"Okay! Be right out!" she replied. Turning back to the other woman at the table, she grimaced and requested, "Wish us luck?"

"Absolutely," Caroline agreed, rubbing Angie's shoulder. "As you said to Dave, everything's going to be fine. All right?"

The brunette smiled. "Thanks, Caroline. I really appreciate it. Have a good day tomorrow."

"I hope you two do the same," Caroline responded as Angie left.

As the two travelers got into the car and took off, she hoped. May everything be the way you wish, both of you.

****

About two hours into the trip, Angie looked over at him and saw the nervous thumb twiddling going on. This is ridiculous. "Hey, don't tell me you're that nervous?"

He nodded. "That I am. What are they going to think of me? And then, I've had so much bad luck with my own family."

She rolled her eyes. "Look, just forget about your family, all right? Who cares about your father? Besides, my folks aren't like your folks." For a minute, she thought about what she had just said and apologized, "Sorry about the lecture. I forgot what Karen told me about your background. If security's what you want, my folks will like you just fine."

"It's okay," he sighed. "I am trying."

"I know you are and I appreciate it." She smiled and rubbed his hand.

He nodded and grinned. "Thanks, Princess."

She chuckled. Got that out of the way. Great. She put on some music as they headed down the road.

He stretched out and relaxed eventually falling asleep.

Good. Sleep soundly, all right? Nothing else is going to happen to you. Not if I have anything to say about it, she affirmed to herself.


Chapter 3 [Wabash]

After reaching Albany two hours later, they turned off of I-90 and headed down the state road toward Wabash. Even at night and that late in the year, the sparse remnants of the foliage remained pretty to the eye. The coffee, still hot after four hours, left the sweet taste of chocolate in their mouths.

At that point, she studied her companion once again. 

He was meditating and looking out the window.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked caringly.

"Huh?" he wondered.

"Earth to Big Doofus. Come in, Big Doofus. Houston, there's static on the line," she cracked. "I asked 'Penny for your thoughts?' "

"Sorry. I was just looking at the landscape and trying to picture you in it," he noted. "It must have been nice."

"Yeah, it was. It really was. The house we're going to is the only place that I ever lived in before college. So the town knows me and vice-versa." Seeing the marker for the town line, she exclaimed, "Welcome to Wabash!"

Dave saw a general store, post office, hardware store, gas station, and the church in the town center. This is so much like Smallville, it's not funny...at least what I can remember of it.

A little further up the road they passed the high school.

"Ah. Wabash High. It still looks the way I remember it," she informed him. "I wonder if Amherst High will be the same for you?"

"We'll find out next month," he noted, remembering the upcoming reunion. And seeing everyone again will be interesting. I just wish I remembered as much about high school as Angie does. Then again, that might be a good thing.

She turned onto Alabash Drive, heading toward the outskirts of town. The houses were spread further and further apart as they went and turned into farms. About halfway down the street, she made a left into a dirt driveway in front of a two-story white house with black shutters. 

She really is a farm girl. This looks really nice. He thought to himself nodding in approval.

She smiled warmly at him. I'm glad he seems to like it. Score one for me. "Well, here we are! Home, sweet home!"

He took their bags out of the car and admired, "This looks great, Angie."

"It is, isn't it?" she agreed wistfully, taking out a box she had brought with her. "I baked a pie before we left. Cherry-it's one thing that you and Daddy have in common."

That's good.

She motioned with her hand. "Come on, my folks are waiting. Follow me, Sir Worrywart!" she cheered.

As they creaked up the stairs, he noticed the large porch and the swing in the corner. Yes, this is really something.

She rang the doorbell. "Here goes."

A moment later, a middle-aged, almost elderly man opened the door. His robustness showed that he had farmed the land for most of his life. His hair was balding and a few wrinkles crossed his face, but his smile beamed as warm as the summer sun. "Hi ya, Angel! How's my girl?"

"Great, Daddy!" she cheered, jumping into his arms.

Dave admired the scene. I'm glad that someone has a good relationship with her father. 

Finally, she introduced the two men. "Dad, this is David Dubois, my boyfriend. Dave, my father, William Blackwell."

"Dave, it's a pleasure," her father replied pleasantly shaking his guest's hand.

"Likewise, sir," the librarian grinned. "Nice town, by the way."

"Thanks. We think so," he agreed. "Here, let me grab Angie's stuff and show you to your rooms."

They climbed the stairs and stood in a pink colored hallway. Right at the end of it were two doors. "That's your room. Angie's across the hall." He looked at Dave firmly and stated, "I don't have to tell you that I don't want any funny business, right?"

"Daddy, please," Angie protested. "Don't start."

Dave waved her protest off. "No, it's okay. Don't worry, sir. I respect her too much to do that." He opened the door and admired the traditional furniture and the old-fashioned box bed. "It looks great. Thank you."

The elder man smiled. "So what do you like most about her?"

"Her honesty, compassion, and brains. She's a beautiful person inside and out," the younger commented.

From her room, she shook her head. Brother-I don't know which one's worse...Daddy for the interrogation or Dave for laying it on so thick. Oh well, he does mean it and it's nice to hear someone talking about me like that for a change.

Her father indicated, "Yes, we think so too. By the way, we're going to need some wood before we turn in. Care to help me?"

A test already? Go along with it, Dave. "No problem! Let's go!" After they went back outside, he saw a sizable woodpile. 

Working together, they moved a small portion into the house and stacked it by the fireplace, talking as they went. 

"And what do you do for a living?" Mr. Blackwell asked.

"I'm a librarian at U-Mass Dartmouth," Dave replied, stacking wood pieces.

"And where are you from?" 

"Originally, I'm from Amherst, Massachusetts about three hours from here," Dave replied.

Local boy. Well, fairly local anyhow. Okay. "Angie's always talking about how you academic types like to publish. You got anything like that?"

"A few odds and ends," Dave huffed, hefting a fairly large chunk of wood onto the top of the pile. "Is it okay if I ask you something, sir?"

He smiled. "Sure, Dave. What's up?"

"What's it like living in Wabash? I've never been a big city person, but I've always been in medium to large towns," he inquired.

The farmer eyed the young man and thought, Good, he's respectful yet takes initiative. I like that! "It's a small town. Everyone knows their neighbors. Life's simple-we work hard, fish a lot, go to church every Sunday. If we need the big city, Albany's only 45 minutes away as you know. It's a good mix."

"And I saw a county fair grounds too. Must be nice-I remember going to a few of those as a kid," Dave added.

Observant too. "Yes, it's quite the fair. We're very proud of it. Lots of exhibits, a few rides, and the biggest midway you've ever seen. I swear that every carnie rat climbs out of its hole for our event."

"Really? It sounds great," Dave agreed.

"Hmm. Sorry, Dave. Angie mentioned you as a town person, but I didn't picture you as a country boy."

"I'm flexible. There's good in everything that this world offers," Dave explained, putting kindling in the fireplace and lighting it.

For a minute, Angie's father watched the sticks spark there. When the time was right, he laid some bigger pieces in there to get the fire going. "That should do it. Now, I think Angie and her mother have that pie and coffee ready for us. Sounds good?"

"Yup," Dave concurred following his host into the dining room. On the old mahogany table sat Angie's cherry pie and several plates. He could smell the aroma of coffee wafting to meet his nose.

Angie stood by the coffee maker talking to an older woman. "Oh, Dave, Daddy, you're back. That fire feels good even from here."

"So this is the young man?" the elder woman greeted. "I'm Angie's mother. It's a pleasure."

"Likewise, Ma 'am," Dave replied.

Mrs. Blackwell chuckled. "Angie mentioned that you were a little nervous. Don't worry about those silly butterflies! Sit and make yourself comfortable."

Angie whispered in his ear, "I told you so."

"He passed my first test with flying colors," Mr. Blackwell approved as they sat down.

"Daddy, please...you're going to stress him out," Angie worried.

"It's okay," Dave assured her. "I don't mind. Really."

Mrs. Blackwell shook her head at her husband, telling him to back off of their guest for the moment at least.

He shrugged, conceding the point. "So how does it feel to be back in the cold weather again?"

Dave accepted a piece of pie from Mrs. Blackwell as he replied. "First, thank you for the dessert. Secondly, it's kind of strange. I really miss the West, I have to say. I don't know if I'll ever live out there again, but I do like it better there." Then, he added, "But, I would be willing to live anywhere where Angie's happy."

Angie leaned over and whispered, "Nice save."

Her father nodded. "Well, Angel, looks like you've found someone with your itchy foot."

"Now, Bill," his wife soothed. "David really enjoyed his time in Tucson. If career opportunities call them back out there, they have to go. You know that."

He frowned at the notion of having his daughter so far away again.

"Besides a move like that isn't made on the spur of the moment. Right, Angie?" Dave added.

"Right!" the resident concurred. "Who wants coffee?"

Everyone smiled and accepted a cup of the hot java.

Dave relaxed as he saw her parents smile at him. I've made it over the first hurdle. Maybe this might not be so bad after all.


Chapter 5

Thanksgiving dawned clear and bright with a frigid edge to the air.

Dave stirred from his slumber about 6:30 AM to hear the shower running. Putting on his robe, he trudged down the hall half-asleep. Just as he got to the bathroom door, it opened and out stepped Mr. Blackwell.

"Morning, sir," Dave yawned. "Excuse me."

"That's okay," he chuckled. "Good morning, Dave. Up early, aren't you?"

"Can't enjoy the day when you're asleep, right?" 

He chuckled, "Well, get your shower. I need a hand in town before the stores close up at noon. Is that all right with you?"

Dave agreed, "Sure." He ducked into the bathroom. After a quick shower and shave, he returned to his room where he put on a flannel shirt, blue jeans and his work boots. Coming downstairs, he saw the Blackwells waiting for him.

"Good morning, David. There's a waffle for you if you like. Would you like maple syrup with it?"

"I haven't had real syrup in some time. That would be great," he accepted.

"Certainly," she agreed, setting the Belgian waffle out for him. "Enjoy."

"Thank you," he accepted and enjoyed the hearty treat. "That was delicious," he told her.

"You're quite welcome. Remember, dinner's at 2. All right?" she asked.

"I promise not to overwork him, Jenny. Come on, Dave, time's a wasting," he advised. 

The librarian nodded and, after placing his dishes in the sink, followed the farmer to the latter's 1971 Chevy truck that backfired its way into town. 

The morning flew by as the two men loaded some lumber into the back, a barrel of feed for the livestock, and then, some apples from a roadside stand. Having accomplished these things by 10 AM, they stopped by the side of the road.

"Take a walk with me?" Mr. Blackwell requested.

What the? "Yeah...sure," Dave replied, looking about.

"Relax. I just want to talk is all. Here, have an apple," the farmer assured him, flipping him a plump Macintosh.

Dave bit into it, tasting the tart goodness. Mmm... "So, what's on your mind?"

"I was just wondering if you had any other thoughts about Wabash is all."

"It's pretty nice. I can see myself coming back here often for visits. You folks are great as well," he surmised, biting into the apple again.

He chuckled. "Angie said you were a simple person, Dave. Now I believe it. You're something else."

"Actually, she's the one who's 'something else'. She's a real treasure, Mr. Blackwell if you don't mind me saying so," Dave informed the other man.

Mr. Blackwell eyed him cautiously. If he were anyone else, I'd think he was putting me on, but he really means it. "Yes, she's special to her mother and me. Whoever gets her to marry him will be truly lucky, speaking as the biased father, of course."

"Of course," Dave teased, grinning and finishing the fruit. 

He has a sense of humor too. I'm going to like him. "Come on, we still have some time before we need to be back. The fish poles in the back need some action. What do you say?"

"Absolutely!" Dave agreed, not having been fishing in too long of a time.

Mr. Blackwell thought as he started the truck. Angel, this one's a keeper.

**** 

About 9 AM, Angie stirred in her bed. "Mmm...I guess it's time to get up," she muttered looking at the clock. Putting on her robe, she padded over to Dave's door and looked inside to see that he was already gone. That's interesting. I hope he slept all right. He must all be downstairs. She descended the staircase following the coffee aroma to the kitchen. "I can always find the kitchen here at least. Good morning, Mama."

Mrs. Blackwell heard her coming. "Good morning, Dear. Sleep well? Want some breakfast?"

"Sounds good? Where are Dave and Daddy?"

"David went with your father into town this morning. Apparently, there's a really heavy load to bring back," her mother reported.

"Daddy didn't put any pressure on him, I hope," Angie gasped.

"None whatsoever. He volunteered and said that the time together would be good for them both. Honestly, Angie, this young man is a wonder. Did you really find him in a McDonald's?" her mother asked.

"Uh-huh," her daughter laughed while sipping her coffee. "He came up to me because my table had the last seat in the place."

"And you took it from there? Well, I do hope that everything works out for you two. I can tell you that he's impressing your father already."

"That's a big relief," Angie stated and leaned back in her chair, finally feeling glad to be back home.

The two women took the rest of the morning catching up on things before the guys came home. 

****

At 12:30, Dave and Mr. Blackwell returned to the farm and unloaded the truck. The barrel went in the barn, as did the apples. The fish from Palmer Pond swam happily in the other barrel.

"Hi," Angie greeted. "How did you two make out?"

"Hey, Angel. We got the morning's work done in about two hours or so. Then I took him fishing. The pond's going to do well with these critters. Dave?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Thanks for the help, Son. I really appreciate it."

"No trouble at all," Dave smiled warmly. "Angie, you got a minute?"

"Sure." Uh oh, now what? 

The couple took a walk into the remains of the cornfield.

"Is everything okay?" she asked. "I wanted to ask you if he put any pressure on you, Dave."

"I meant what I said, Princess. I like your father. He's a nice guy," he assured her.

Thank goodness for that. "Well, let's get that bag of apples to Mama. She's waiting for them," she directed. "And I've got to do the potatoes for her."

"Absolutely," he agreed as they walked toward the house. "Let's go."

****

Two hours later, the quartet sat around the table ready for their feast. In front of them sat a grand turkey, peas, mashed potatoes, hot apple cider and a pot of coffee. After the day of running around and preparing for things, they felt grateful for the chance to sit down.

"That does look good," Dave complimented.

"Mama's cooking is to die for, Dave," Angie informed him, allowing her eyes to shine at her mother.

"Land sakes, Angie!" her mother exclaimed although she enjoyed the compliment. "Bill, do you want to say grace?"

"Normally, I would, but let's allow our guest the opportunity," Mr. Blackwell indicated. "Dave?"

Angie and her mother looked at each other. In almost thirty years of such dinners, the farmer had always insisted on that privilege for himself.

What's with everyone? Dave thought. 

Ah'd say the old geezer's puttin' the heat on ya'll. Just do it, the Child urged with a snide snicker.

Dave shrugged. "Thank you. If everyone's ready?" Seeing them nod, he continued, "Thank You, Lord, for this wonderful meal. I also want to thank you for allowing me to meet these good people and to share with their fellowship. Thank you. Amen."

"Amen," the others concurred.

Angie's father smiled and complimented, "Well said. Thank you. Now, Jenny, can you pass the potatoes, please?"

Mrs. Blackwell handed him the heaping bowl. "Thanks. David, start carving us some turkey please."

"Right," the librarian agreed, taking the carving knife. "I'm taking preference calls here, folks." A sly smile crossed his face.

Angie chuckled. He's finally loosening up a bit. "A leg for me if you would?"

"Right. Pass me your plate," he agreed, cutting off a drumstick. "Here you go." 

"Thanks," she responded with a warm smile as she accepted the plate. 

"Light for me," Mrs. Blackwell requested. 

Dave cut a piece for her and the same for her husband.

With everyone served, he took his share of fixings. After so many of these dinners at school and on the road while the Alvarezes were in South Carolina with Karen and Mike, he finally had a dinner he could enjoy and savor. Even with his own family, these dinners were things to be endured. Finally he could sit with people he wanted to be with, eat great food, enjoy great conversation, and, best of all, not worry about taking cheap shots. 

For the better part of an hour, they partook of this bounty, filling up on the wonderful food.

Finally, Mr. Blackwell pushed his plate away saying, "That's it. I'm stuffed!"

"You are, huh?" Angie asked. "Daddy, did you forget about something?" Getting up, she brought her cherry pie over to the table. "Dessert, for instance?"

He groaned, "Oh. Why did I forget about that?"

Dave forgot himself for a minute and cracked, "We were wondering about that."

Angie grimaced. Dave, don't ruin it now.

Her father chided gently, "Young man, I would never forget about my daughter's pies." Even as he said it, he allowed a smile to spread on his face. He has our Angel's sense of humor too.

"Of course not," Dave apologized, frowning. "Sorry. I guess I forgot where I was for a minute. I've never had a Thanksgiving like this one."

The two parents glanced at him and then, at Angie. Seeing her nod, her mother assured Dave. "We knew you were kidding, David. But you never had a dinner with your family?"

He trembled slightly, feeling the emotions sweep through him before settling back down. "No, 
Ma 'am, not like this."

"Well, this is your first one, then, Dave," Mr. Blackwell declared. "You know, I was hoping for some of that coffee of yours. Angie's always talking about it."

He nodded somberly. "Be right back." He got up and went upstairs to get the beans."

After he left, Angie sighed. "I'm sorry about that. He didn't mean to insult you, Daddy." She had fears of this visit turning into a repeat of that ill-fated dinner with Mike.

"I know that, Angel," he assured her. "I'm actually glad he's relaxing a bit. Humor's important in the right places and I'm willing to give him a few mistakes. He meant well. That young man's been through enough, I can tell."

"Dave doesn't want to make a big deal about it. There's so much he doesn't talk to me about. I just want him to trust me and both of you," his daughter explained.

"So I gathered. He's not perfect, Angel, but he's got a good heart and respects us," he continued.

His wife smiled and nodded. "I'll get the water for him."

At that moment, they heard the grinder going upstairs. Shortly thereafter, Dave rejoined them with the filter in hand. "Here we go," he told them, putting the filter into the machine and starting the dripping.

"Thank you," the hostess expressed. "You know, David, you don't have to be on your guard every minute."

"I am watching though," the farmer said, but allowing a smile. Gotcha!

Dave managed a grin of his own as he served the coffee for everyone. "I hope you all don't mind French Vanilla."

"This is wonderful. Thank you," the farmer complimented, rubbing his shoulder.

Angie allowed her eyes to sparkle into his. She knew that he had broken through and gained their trust. Everything's going to be fine now. I just know it.


Chapter 6 [The next day]

After spending much of the next day helping her parents around the farm, Dave and Angie rushed to get ready for the Big Game. 

Her parents always marveled at how their petite daughter had developed a love of, or rather a fanaticism for, football while in college. Every year, she had her Sun Devil gear out and watched the "Arizona Bowl" on the satellite dish, rooting rather loudly for her team.

This year, however, they discovered she had met her match...and that he wore the rival's colors.

As Dave got out of the shower, he put on his "game gear" including the navy Arizona football jersey over a gray sweatshirt. Good. All set.

Then he heard the Child's laughing in his head. What is it now?

Ya'll know that she's in Scummy colors, right?

Yeah, I expect that. So?

This oughtta be fun.

Just don't expect me to back off either way. And you behave yourself. Not a peep. Got it?

Crap. Okay. Just enjoy yerself and don't take any garbage. With that, the voice went silent.

He grinned. Right. Going downstairs, he looked around. "So where?"

Her mother shook her head. "TV's through the doorway there. You're a brave man, you know, David."

"Why's that? Angie's aware of my preferences. This is war, you know-at least for the next four hours," he replied.

"So Angie tells me," she retorted. "Just take it easy in there, all right? We've ordered pizza and it's coming for you in an hour."

"Right. We like our teams and our football. It's not going to change our opinions of each other," he shrugged. "Of course, we are going to get our digs in at each other, but you know, I'm not out to hurt her feelings."

"I know that," Angie's voice called. "Hey, Mr. Mildcat, get your tail in here! Kickoff's in five minutes!"

Mrs. Blackwell sighed and shook her head. Bill was right. Those two are like two peas in a pod. "Just promise me you two won't break anything."

"Tell her that," he concluded, hurrying into the TV room. There, he found his girlfriend all decked out in her white Arizona State football jersey, maroon sweatshirt, and black jeans. 

She looked him over and grinned. "Look at the Mildcat, all dressed up and ready to cry in his milk."

He smiled as he plopped onto the couch next to her. "Maybe they ought to let your creampuff squad carry pitchforks-they're gonna need them. This isn't Hell, you know, Ms. Scum Devil."

She shook her head. Just as Karen warned me, he's not going to give an inch. Well, that ought to make this all the more interesting. "We won the coin toss...and they're taking the ball. What are they doing? C'mon, guys, we want the ball in the second half!"

"That's okay with me," he approved. "It gives the defense first crack at your quarterwuss!" Eyeing the formation, he told her. "Sack coming up real quick!"

"You've gotta be kidding!" she giggled. "I don't think so!"

Sure enough on the first play, one of the Wildcat linebackers broke through the line and tackled the quarterback for a fifteen-yard loss.

Heh heh, Take that ya'll, the Child crowed to himself inside of Dave's head.

"Told you so," he cracked. "You were saying?"

Grrr.... "It's only one play, Chief. Let's see how the rest of the game unfolds."

****

As predicted, the game turned into a seesaw affair. After both sides scored a touchdown, Angie's side kicked a field goal to end the first half and then, add another late in the fourth quarter to take a 13-7 lead.

"Two minutes until your date with the crying towel, Chief," she crowed.

"How's it going?" her father asked.

"13-7 ASU," Angie bragged. "2 minutes to go."

Dave rolled his eyes and ran his hands through his hair. "Come on, guys!"

Then the tide started to turn for Dave's side. The offensive line, which had been doing their best imitation of a sieve, suddenly firmed up, giving the quarterback the opportunity to complete two long passes down the field. Getting to the 50, the running game stalled out.

"Ha!" she laughed.

"There's a flag. Look's like defensive holding to me," he pointed out.

However, the referee announced it was holding the other way.

"You were saying?" she pounced.

Damn. Watching the kick, he urged, "Come on! Do something!"

Angie's player took the ball and started running with it. Then something else happened, he ran into one of his teammates accidentally and fumbled.

"FUMBLE!" Dave announced. "And we've got it!"

"Oh sit down," she griped. Cripe. Another screwy ending. 

"A minute to go and we're back to our 40. Come on, guys!" he cheered.

Completing a long pass, the Wildcats got down to the 25. 45 seconds.

"Want to kick the field goal now and take it like a man?" she teased.

"Not a chance, Ms. Scummy. We need the end zone," he retorted, feeling more confident.

A long run put the ball at the ASU 6. 

"So close and yet so far away," she chided. "25 seconds left."

The play unfolded as Dave's side tried to score. The referee flagged them for a false start.

"Hah! Choke! Choke!" she teased.

Come on, guys. Let's rub her nose in it.

On the next play, Dave's side took another shot at the end zone. As the receiver tried to catch the ball, the defender cut in front of him.

"It looks like an...INTERCEPTION! Game over!" she concluded. Then, she saw the yellow hanky fly into the televised picture. No. Not now. 

"That's on your guy. We get the ball at the 2," he told her.

"You've still gotta punch it through," she chortled. "And you've got one shot to do it with. 5 seconds left." Dang it. 

He leaned forward, watching the screen intently as his team scored to tie the game. "YES!"

"Cripe. They still gotta make the kick though. I still say they choke and we'll win it in OT," she replied sharply.

The kick was pulled left but bounced off the left upright and through to count...for a 14-13 win.

"NO! I can't believe it! THAT WAS SO WEAK! Of all the garbage...." she denied.

He smiled widely and folded his arms across his chest. Heh heh. "Any other comments?"

"Don't you...." She frowned, slumping her shoulders.

"Hey, just look at the score. Nuff said. Now who needs the crying towel?" he inquired.

"I guess I should be a good loser, right?" she sighed.

"It was a good game and you were being a good fan...misguided definitely...but a good fan. We'll have to work on that," he consoled her adding a twist of his own.

She shook her head. Ooooh... "Who says I won't convert you first?"

"And spend the rest of my life in Hell eating Sparky dogs? I don't know what would be worse...dealing with watching Sparky accidentally sitting on his fork every five minutes, the smog cloud over that school of yours, or getting indigestion from those third rate doggies of yours," he gibed, taking one last piece of pepperoni pizza. "Come on. Coffee's on me." He kissed her forehead. 

"I'll have to show you differently some time," she disagreed yet maintaining a smile.

"What was the final score?" Mr. Blackwell asked.

"14-13, U of A," Angie sulked.

Dave shrugged. "I'm not saying anything." He turned to grind the coffee and start the coffee maker.

"Oh, enjoy it," Angie sighed. "I know inside you're jumping up and down celebrating. I would be in your place."

"And you have feelings, right?" the librarian asked. 

"Yeah, so?"

"I got the result I wanted and I want to talk to you in the morning," he continued. "It was a close game, Angie."

"I suppose," she retorted, sitting down beside her parents. "There's still next year."

"Right. Well, I have time to enjoy this one for a while," he reminded her while dishing out the coffee.

Her parents said nothing but observed his attitude favorably.

He sat down next to the resident and rubbed her shoulder. "Peace?"

She pouted for a minute before breaking into a smile. "Okay, peace."

After that, they relaxed and enjoyed the evening.


Conclusion

They enjoyed the rest of the weekend. On Saturday, Angie showed Dave around the region for the entire day. On Sunday, they went to church with her parents. Finally, after lunch, it was time to go.

Angie hugged her parents. "Thank you for the great weekend."

"No problem, Honey," her mother replied. "Come back soon!"

"Bye, Angel," her father added as they embraced. Then, he turned to Dave and added, "Dave, you're a really nice guy. The door's always open for you too. I've got a good feeling about you."

"Please call if you need to talk. Any time," his wife told their visitor.

"Thank you both," Dave sighed. "I really appreciate that. You'll be hearing from me, I'm sure." Looking at Angie, he rubbed her arm and continued, "For a long time to come."

The Blackwells smiled as the two younger people got into the Sentra and took off down the road, knowing for some reason that after so many years, their little girl had finally met her match...in more ways than one.

****

[The next day]

Dave sat at his desk contentedly. Thinking back to the precious weekend, he chided himself for being so nervous about things. Angie's so lucky to have them as parents. They were great. Somehow, even after one visit, he knew they considered him part of the family.

****

Angie called him that night and left a message on the answering machine. "Hi, Sweetie, it's me! I hope that everything went well at work. My parents said hello and that they really like you! Brother Tony adds his greetings too and wanted to thank you for the great conversation and the coffee. Well, Sir Worrywart, I have to go night-night. I love you. Bye!"

After he heard it, he yawned and smiled. She's the best and so are her parents. What a great time. With those sentiments, he turned the lights out on another adventure and dozed off.

THE END

Back to the Dubois Chronicles Series 2 Page