Notes: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to StudiosUSA and MCA. Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. All other characters and the poem in this piece are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Preface [Amazon Village, c. 89 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes….

After freeing himself from his father’s influence, David Dubois moved back to Amherst and his developing life. That spring was a time of growth for him as he adjusted to being part of a stable household.

The arrangement with Janet worked fine. Karen drove him to Ludlow once a week in her horseless wagon. Sometimes, April went with them to visit with her cousin, Peggy, but more often, they were by themselves.

These drives made David realize that he needed his license and a horseless transport as well. Even with all of the catching-up with the Upper Academy and the White Knight, he wanted a measure of independence and self-worth.



Chapter 1 [White Knight Newsroom—Two weeks following “New Home”]

Dave sat at the proofing table, inspecting the latest edition before it went to press. With all of the attention he had received from classmates and neighbors, moments such as those provided some refuge and a feeling of accomplishment. It is nice to be back doing this again.

He sighed, thinking of the previous two weeks. Readjusting to living with the Alvarezes proved easier than he might have supposed. Granted, living with other people and their needs provided almost daily challenges. However, he pushed himself to make it work. They want me to be here.

He heard a throat being cleared. Turning, he saw Miss Jenkins standing there. “Oh! Hi, Miss Jenkins, what can I do for you?”

“How about relaxing for starters? It’s okay,” she assured him. “How’s it looking?”

“The paper? It’s fine. We can take it to the press if you want,” he replied.

“And you? How’s everything?” she wondered, taking a seat on the stool beside him.

“Fine. Getting caught up is proving tougher than I thought but I’ll get there. You know how I am with challenges,” he noted.

“I do. Give it some time. You missed the better part of three months between all of those incidents. We know you’ll get there,” she declared. “While we’re on the subject, I have your papers.” She handed him a folder with several essays in it. “Take a look.”

He opened it to find a red “92” on the top paper. The others ranged from an “88” up to “94”. “I did it!”

“These papers show great progress from the beginning of the year. Especially given everything that’s happened since November, you should be proud of yourself. Take your time. I’d rather receive something done well that takes a little longer rather than have you rush,” she advised. “You’ve done enough for now. I believe the others are waiting at the Express.”

He nodded and straightened the proofs. “Thanks, Miss J.”

“My pleasure. Have a good night,” she concluded. After he left, she shook her head. He needs to learn to relax.


****


[Cappuccino Express—10 minutes later]

Dave walked into the café and up to the counter. “Decisions, decisions….”

“If you keep thinking like that, your head’s going to explode,” Karen advised from behind the counter.

“Yeah. The usual,” he concurred, setting two dollars on the counter.

She chuckled. “When all else fails, trust in Mrs. Campbell’s cookies. I meant to ask if you’re okay.”

He responded calmly, “I’m fine.”

“Take a seat. I just need to let Mrs. C. know I’m going on break.” She headed through the double doors leading to the kitchen.

He slid into their usual booth and tapped his pen on the table. I hope everything’s okay. When she had joined him, he asked, “What’s up?”

She set a fresh mocha in front of him. “That’s my question for you. Is everything okay at home?”

“Sure. Why?”

She looked pointedly at him. “Come on, Dave. This is me you’re talking to, remember? What is it really?”

“I still feel like everyone’s walking around me on eggshells, Karen,” he admitted. “I don’t want any special treatment, you know?”

“And my folks aren’t giving you any. You’ve slipped back into the mode you were in at the end of last summer. Don’t be so hard on yourself, okay?” she assessed.

“There’s something else. Karen, I…uh…geez, this is so stupid,” he started.

“Let me be the judge of that,” she declared. “What is it?”

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I have to admit that it’s nice being around you more.” He blushed. “I’m trying to be careful not to look at you too much.”

She giggled. “I noticed. Look, Dave, Daddy’s not going to throw you out on the street for looking at me. He and Mom know how we feel about each other. You’re always a gentleman around me and Caroline. Daddy trusts you.”

He kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it,” she replied warmly. “I have to get back. See you at home tonight.”

“Right,” he agreed while watching her head back toward the counter. She’s right. I have to lighten up.





Chapter 2 [Alvarez House—about 8:00 PM]

Dave sat in his bedroom, focusing on the latest French assignment. As he struggled with the grammar and context, he thought about what Karen had said earlier. Maybe she’s right.

He heard a knock at the door. “Yes?”

Dr. Alvarez stuck his head in the door. “Mind if I join you for a minute?”

“Sure. What’s on your mind? Is everything okay?” the teenager wondered anxiously.

“And is there a reason why there wouldn’t be?” the superintendent retorted. “Look, Dave; you’re doing great. Can you do me a favor and just relax?”

“I’m trying. Really, I am. I just don’t want to screw this up,” Dave admitted.

“You want to know something? You’re trying too hard,” Dr. Alvarez commented. The older man sat down on one of the beds. “Believe me when I tell you that Social Services isn’t going to move you and you aren’t going to end up on the street.”

“Karen told you, didn’t she?” Dave sighed.

“Told me about what? She hasn’t said anything to me or her mother. I’ll bet she talked to you though. You don’t have to say if she did or not. People who care about each other do that.” When the younger man looked at him, Dr. Alvarez continued, “Remember what we agreed on before and you’ll be fine. As far as the dishes go, are you going to buy us sunglasses?”

“Excuse me?” Dave wondered.

Dr. Alvarez grinned. “If those dishes were any cleaner, they’d blind us. Relax. Write a poem. Play catch with Charles. Take a walk with Karen if you want. It’s okay. I trust you to act appropriately.”

“That means a lot to hear that. Thanks,” Dave expressed.

“Don’t mention it. Don’t you have a visit to your grandmother this weekend?” Dr. Alvarez inquired.

That brought a smile to Dave’s face. “Saturday after Karen’s shift. Gram likes those dinners a lot. I can’t believe that Peggy and her folks do this though. I hate to put them out.”

“There you go again. It’s okay. We know how important these visits are for both of you.” He looked at Dave again. “There’s something else isn’t there?”

Dave arched his right eyebrow. “You know me too well. Actually, there is something I’d like to do for self-esteem reasons if for nothing else.”

He really wants to do something to raise his self-esteem? Ricardo, go with it. “And that would be?”

“You know how Karen and I got our permits together last year? Well, I think it’s great that she has her license and I’m glad that she can drive her car. But…I’d like to get my license too. Just so I can pull my weight.”

Dr. Alvarez shook his head. “You do that already, Dave, but I understand. I think it’s a great idea. I’ll tell you what. Would you like to practice before you go with Karen?”

“With you in the station wagon?” Dave asked, not believing this. “I don’t want to crash into anything.”

“Not if we take it slow. Remember, Dave, lesson 1—a car is not just a vehicle. It’s a killing machine as well. Keep that in mind and, with some practice, you’ll do fine,” Dr. Alvarez assured him.

Dave nodded nervously.

“I was also wondering how you’re doing with your class work?”

“I’m only about two weeks behind now. I’m hoping to get caught up by April. Miss Jenkins told me to slow down and stress quality over haste,” the student noted.

“I’ll second that. Remember what I said earlier, have some fun too, Amigo. Your teachers know how hard you’re working to get caught up and do the regular assignments,” Dr. Alvarez reminded him. “Think on that.” With that, he left the room.

Dave shut his French book and leaned back in the chair. “I’m trying.”

Well, don’t try so hard, Dummy, Karen told him.

Were you listening in? he asked.

I tuned in after Daddy left your room. April and I are talking in here. Are you still working on French, she explained.

I’m taking a break from it, he mentioned. The door’s open.

Wait! You’re actually taking a break? Should someone do a story on this? she teased.

That’s really cute. Remember what I said, Toots, he retorted.

About a minute later, the girls walked into the room to find him looking at the ceiling.

“Sorry, April. I’m still getting it under control,” he apologized.

April looked at the book shelves and desk by his bed. Granted, a few book piles still lay unorganized on the floor but overall, it wasn’t that bad. “I’m sure you’ll get there, Dave. I have to admit that it’s weird seeing you here.”

“Try it from my perspective.” He grinned at his girlfriend. “Try getting in the bathroom when she’s blow drying her hair.”

Karen stuck her tongue out at him. “Some of us need longer, all right?” She rolled her eyes. “Now I have two guys to compete with.”

“That’s why I set my alarm extra early,” he cracked. “Another word of advice, April, never, ever, disturb her beauty sleep.”

The guest supposed, “Oh really?”

Karen flung a pillow at him, missing just wide. “Stop!”

“Now that’s not nice,” he admonished, grabbing a handful of pillow and springing from the bed.

“Big words, Pal,” Karen responded, snatching the other pillow. “Bring it on!”

“Is this what I think….?” April took a step back. “Dave, you wouldn’t….”

“Yeah he would,” Karen snickered. “Unless I do this first!” She belted him with her ‘weapon’.

“Now I’m ticked,” he declared, whacking her back with his pillow. “Don’t look now, Miss, but your hair’s messed up.”

She frowned. “Now you did it.”

For two minutes, they went at each other with the pillows before a “truce” was called.

April sat watching this match with an amused look on her face. “Are you two done yet?”

“She’s getting tired,” he cracked.

“You wish. I need a coffee. Want one? My treat,” she offered.

“Absolutely. Thanks,” he accepted, putting the pillows back and heading out with Karen.

This has got to be the best move we could have made for him! After giving her friends a little bit of a lead, April quickly followed them out.




Chapter 3
[Saturday morning]

Dave leaned back into the driver’s seat fabric, trying to collect his nerves a bit. While he had studied the console, pedals and steering wheel, his emotions surged inside of him. He took several deep breaths as he secured the seat belt.

It’s going to be okay, Dave. Calm down, okay? Karen advised him telepathically.

You can hear me from there?

I could probably hear you from L. A. if you were there. Daddy’s not expecting perfection nor am I. Just the fact you’re trying is great!

Let’s see if you say that when we’re done.

Just relax. We can talk about it on the way to see Gram. Gotta go! Big crowd! Love you! She let her end of the ‘connection’ go.

At that moment, Dr. Alvarez got into the passenger side and secured his belt as well. “How are you doing?”

“Hanging in there,” Dave answered anxiously.

The superintendent rubbed the other’s shoulder, offering a helpful smile. “You’re going to do fine. Just take your time. We’re not in any hurry.”

Hearing those words made the teenager’s emotions steady. “Sure. Thanks.” Taking another breath, he added, “I’m set. Let’s see nobody around us.”

“Good. Turn the key,” Dr. Alvarez directed.

Dave looked at his teacher skeptically. “Not until I step on the brake.” Once he had, he turned the ignition. “We wouldn’t want a quick trip into traffic or through the garage door, would we?”

Dr. Alvarez nodded with satisfaction. While he knew that Dave was very observant, the insight still took him by surprise. But then, he’s seen Karen, Caroline, his grandmother and me doing it. “No we wouldn’t. Ease us back. Look as you’re doing it.”

Dave eased them out the driveway, watching intently for any oncoming traffic.

“Turn your bumper into the road, keeping an eye on things. You’re doing great,” Dr. Alvarez instructed. “Let’s take it slowly, all right?”

I’m doing it! I’m really doing it! After allowing himself that brief self-pat on the back, he put the car in gear and started them down the road.

“See? This isn’t so bad, is it?” Dr. Alvarez asked.


****


[Two hours later]

As Dave drove, Dr. Alvarez directed him through the maze of side streets and around U-Mass’ relatively empty campus. The teen managed about thirty miles per hour. He stopped to allow pedestrians the right of way. He used blinkers and remembered the hand signals from the manual. In the parking lot, he managed to back up, keeping relatively within the lines, albeit leaning a little too much to the left as he did so.

The three point turn proved the only rough spot, requiring three tries to get a fair imitation of a good job.

“Almost perfect,” Dave sighed.

“For our first official time behind the wheel, I’d say you were excellent. Want to take us to the Express?” Dr. Alvarez requested.

“Sure. Left at the light, right?”

Dr. Alvarez nodded. “That’s right. Take it slow and easy. You’re doing great, Dave.”

The teenager put the car into gear and drove them out of the lot and down the hill. Before they got to the light, he put his left blinker on and looked to make sure it was clear. Then he moved the car into the left lane. After waiting for the cars coming the other way to pass, he took the left turn and drove them down the secondary street toward the café.

When they had parked, Dr. Alvarez eyed the panel and set the parking brake. “Very good. Let’s get a coffee, okay?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Dave agreed while getting out and locking the door. “I did it.”

“You sure did,” the older man agreed. “Some more practice and we’ll get that license yet.”

As they walked into the Express, the place seemed empty which was strange for a Saturday. They quickly found a booth and sat down.

“I’ll practice those three point turns,” Dave promised.

“There’s plenty of time for that.” Seeing his daughter at the counter, he signaled her over.

“Hi, Daddy, Dave, this is a nice surprise! Your usuals?” Karen expressed.

“A mocha would be really good right now,” Dave concurred.

“Dave just took his first driving lesson.” Dr. Alvarez smiled. “He did great.”

“I need some practice.” Dave shrugged, feeling embarrassed.

“Hey! That’s great! Coffees are on me,” she indicated, heading toward the counter. A minute later, she returned, handed them their drinks and took a seat. “Here you are. So, Daddy, you took him through the entire course?”

“The whole thing. He needs to work on centering when he backs up and three point turns. Other than that, he did everything perfectly,” her father indicated.

“Thanks, Dr. Alvarez, that’s really kind of you,” Dave declared.

“I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true. Good job. Now let’s enjoy, okay?” the superintendent replied.

Dave relaxed, enjoying their company and admitting they might have something there. This does feel great!




Chapter 4
[Ludlow—Masters’ House]

Karen parked her blue Dodge hatchback and looked over at Dave. “Here we are! You feeling better?”

“Yeah. Thanks,” he told her, flashing a warm smile. “I have to admit that it felt good this morning.”

“It did, didn’t it? Don’t push yourself so hard. You’ll be fine. In fact, I’d say you’ll have your license by summer,” she predicted.

“You think so, huh?”

Her eyes sparkled at him. “Daddy says you’re a natural. We just need to get you some more practice.”

“Practice does make perfect, doesn’t it?” he inquired.

“It does. Come on; they’re waiting,” she reminded him.

He nodded and got out of the car. “I hope Gram’s doing better today.”

She rubbed his shoulder supportively. Knowing the cause behind Janet’s condition, she wanted to support him. Someday, we’ll stop the ghost from doing this garbage!

As they reached the door, Peggy opened it for them. “Hi, guys! How are you doing?”

“We’re okay. I’m still catching up with my schoolwork,” he replied. “How are Ally and the others?”

“Everyone’s great. They say hi by the way,” Peggy indicated. “And how are you, Karen?”

“I’m fine. Had a busy shift this morning but I made some good tips. Are you going to tell her about your practice this morning?” Karen replied, adding a question for her boyfriend at the end.

“Practice?” Peggy wondered.

He shrugged. “Her Dad let me practice my driving this morning. I did okay. Even got a mocha out of the deal.”

“You did? I can’t imagine how that happened,” Peggy teased them both. “Follow me.” She led them to the living room where Janet waited for them. “Look who’s here!”

Janet’s face lit up as she hugged him. “It’s good to see you. You’re definitely looking better.”

“The leg’s still stiff but I’m making it. Are you doing better?” he queried.

“The pain’s always there but you know me—I’m not going to let it stop me,” his grandmother assured him. “How’s the Express, Karen?”

“It’s busy but I’m making good tips,” Karen declared. “Maybe we can have you up for a visit. Mrs. Campbell says hello.”

“Thank you.” Janet collapsed into a chair in the middle of a coughing fit.

“You need some water?” Dave asked, feeling a wave of panic crashing over himself.

“I have my tea,” Janet replied. “Thanks though.” She straightened herself and took his hand. “You seem more content these days.”

“I am. Granted, the routine’s an adjustment but it’s more stable at least,” he declared before cutting himself off. “Sorry, Gram, you did that for me too….”

“It’s all right. I understand. While I still wish you were here, I know why you aren’t. Seeing you content is the best medicine an old woman could want,” Janet assured him.

“You mean older. You aren’t that bad off,” he corrected.

Janet smiled. “That’s true. Thanks. Karen, what are you all doing for him?”

“My parents are taking as much pressure off as they can,” Karen noted. “Maybe it’s because he’s almost caught up from everything.”

“You are? Dave, that’s three months of work!” Janet declared.

“I’ve been putting in a lot of time. I’d rather not have to do summer school thanks to Dad,” he recounted. “This has been a hard enough year already.”

“I’ll second that,” Karen concurred.

“You make things difficult with him, Dave,” his grandmother argued.

Can’t she let it drop? He rolled his eyes. “Here we go again.”

“Can we change the subject please?” Peggy requested, not wanting one of his episodes.

“Anyhow, the doctors think I’ll be able to ride my bike and start playing catch again next week,” he reported. “I’m looking forward to getting out a little more.”

“Charles is looking forward to it too,” Karen agreed.

“Any chance of you two going for your baseball team?” Peggy inquired.

“He made the j.v. team. The doctors have asked me not to try for a full spot this year,” he told them. “Too bad. I’d like a shot at the bullpen. It would only be an inning at a time.”

“I know,” Janet disagreed. “But you have all of your catching up to do and, as you said, you shouldn’t push it. Then there’s the Knight. Don’t kill yourself, Dave.”

“Let’s see how it goes,” he conceded. “I wouldn’t want to worry you anymore than I have to.”

His grandmother chuckled. “That would be the day.”

“Don’t worry, Gram; we’re keeping a close eye on him,” Karen told her, giving him a playful jab in the ribs.

“Baby sitter, that’s you, all right,” he teased, grinning mischievously as he said it.

She smirked. “You better believe it.”

Peggy sat as the others bantered and talked, admiring how much more upbeat he was. Whatever you all are doing, keep it up. I’m sure that Ally and the others will want to hear about this!

 

Onto Part 2