Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. Xena and Gabrielle are from Xena Warrior Princess which belongs to StudiosUSA and MCA. Mutant X belongs to Marvel Studios. All other characters belong to me. Please send your comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .



Introduction [Amazon Village, c. 92 AD]

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

At certain points in life, we have to pack everything up and move on. Before settling here, Xena and I lived such a journey, being here and there for limited amounts of time. Granted, you experience a great deal and see all that the world offers…however there is the question of leaving home and everything familiar behind.

I remember when I left Potadeia for the first time to accompany Xena on that journey. While I was excited, I was scared too. I didn’t know what to expect. Fortunately, she put up with me, allowing our friendship to blossom.

In David’s case, Amherst had become a stable (for him anyhow) place for the previous six years. But after dealing with Isobel, we’ve seen how the Empress and Grimwilkin told him to leave the familiar behind. This scroll details the first of the two great moves he made at this point. While Amherst was home, now he would go first to a place by the sea called “Scituate” and then of course, to Tucson where he still is today.

The toughest thing is to say good bye whether that be for a few years (in Angela’s case) or forever…..



Chapter 1 [Amherst]
[Cappuccino Express—mid-May 1984]

Dave sat in the old corner booth brooding over a mocha. As he had for the previous six years, he savored the chocolate-cherry blend. He mused about how many of them he had during high school and this first year of college. He shook his head. It wasn’t the drink. He could make one of these at home with little trouble.

Granted, it was having it there and the comfort that went with it.

Even after the incident there five months earlier, he felt at ease there. Granted, people still glared at him but that was to be expected when they knew one was different. You know it’s time. There are other places that can do this too, Dave. He knew from the boxes stacked in his room that the time would be coming soon.

Just a month earlier, Dr. Alvarez had accepted the superintendency in Scituate, leaving his post of fifteen years to do so. The Amherst house was on the market. The new house awaited the family. At a family meeting, they decided to move before—or rather (kind of) on the way to Packet Place that summer.

But for Dave, it was only one of two moves he would make in the next four months. He smiled, thinking how he and Karen would be living together in August in the desert. At last! Please don’t let there be any problems. Not this time! After getting the letter from Tucson, he could barely concentrate on his papers or exams. But that didn’t matter now. All that mattered was moving ahead.

A rapping on the table interrupted his train of thought. He looked up to see Lexa Pierce staring at him expectantly. “Lexa, if you want one, go ahead. They are good.”

She rolled her eyes. “Dr. Kane wants to see you.”

He grimaced, smelling another browbeating session coming. “Funny, I don’t really want to see him. And I suppose you’re going to try the force thing?”

She shrugged. “If I have to.”

He quirked an eyebrow at her. “I’ve had enough of that man lecturing me on responsibility. He gave Eckhart the tools to create Ashlocke and the Strand. Of course, you, Rick and Nikki were created too.” He sighed. “Sorry, Lexa, I didn’t mean to….”

“Sure you did. But it’s a nice save, Chief.” She smirked while sliding into the booth. “For what it’s worth, Rick and Nikki have argued on your behalf. I can kind of understand it. But Adam…well…he and fun don’t exactly go together, you know?”

“Don’t I know it? Then again, I live the exact same deal too…or rather, I have. Lexa, I want to have a normal college student’s experience going to classes, dealing with issues and being with my girlfriend. Besides, it’s not like I have a choice. When the Empress says do something, normally you do it,” he pointed out. “Fearless Leader doesn’t understand that. Besides, if you use force here, you trip my switch and we really don’t want that.”

Recalling the Destroyer’s fight with the Mystery Man, she had to agree with him. “It’s your call, David. I’d personally like to see you on the team but you’re right. You and Karen do have the right to that kind of a life. But remember, the world doesn’t care about that stuff. Sooner or later, it’ll find you. I hope you can handle things when it does.” With that, she left.

Killjoy. He gulped down the rest of his mocha and bused the cup back up to the counter. He needed to finish the last few boxes. Then he could go and bring Karen home for the summer.

That thought brought the smile back to his face. Let Dr. Kane top that!



Chapter 2 [Tucson—Karen and Angie’s Dorm Room]

As Dave did, Karen brooded over the recent past and looked forward to the future. Just an hour earlier, she and Angie had said their good byes before the latter departed for Tempe. I wish Dave and I could have convinced her to stay. I know he scares her but he would never hurt her. I wish she’d understand that!

She zipped her suitcase up and looked around at the empty room. Everything was in storage for the summer. When she came back for her sophomore year, it would be to a new apartment and with a new roommate. The thought made her smile. Having Dave around full time is going to be great. I know Tony’s excited. Thinking of the catcher made her mind flash back to Smallville which in itself brought a mood on her. I still wish that Dave could go back! Unreal.

[“Hey! What’s with the cloud over your head?”] he asked.

She shook her head. [“Just thinking about our friends. Sorry.”]

[“Don’t be. Are you ready?”] he wondered.

[“I need to check out. My suitcase is ready. Slide it through?”] she queried.

The portal appeared to her left almost mischievously.

Have portal, will travel, I guess. She hefted it into the mists.

[“Got it. I’m putting it in your room. Meet you at the Union in a couple of minutes,”] he advised.

[“Give me twenty minutes. I need to turn my key in first,”] she advised.

[“Right. Get a move on. I’m lonely!”] He signed off.

She chuckled at his mock-whining. As you just told yourself, it’s going to be great.


****

[Student Union]

Dave stepped through the portal into the Men’s room and made sure the coast was clear. Then he headed for Louie’s feeling the urge to sink his teeth into one of those western burgers. As he walked in, he noted that the place was fairly empty—a testament to the time of year. No problem finding a table today! As he rounded the corner toward where the line would normally be, he saw Karen looking at him expectantly. “Anticipating, are we?”

“But of course!” she replied as they kissed. “Lunch is on me.” Seeing him look her over, she rolled her eyes. “You’re terrible! Stop!”

“After you,” he indicated, feeling glad to be with his fiancée again.

When they had ordered and paid for their food, the couple sat in the corner.

She bit into her chicken sandwich and remarked, “I don’t know how you eat those things, Dave.”

“The sauce is good. So’s the company,” he complimented.

“Buttering me up already? What do you want now?” she teased.

“Who says I want anything?” He sipped on his malt. “Oh all right. Want to see the new house tonight?”

“Daddy closed on it?” she queried.

“Two days ago. I figure we’ll do dinner with the folks, feed Bessie and then take off for the coast,” he indicated.

“Sounds good to me,” she agreed, squeezing his hand.


****

[Scituate—8:30 PM Eastern]

After following their plan, Dave and Karen pulled up in front of the new house just as the sun was setting over the Atlantic and the colors streaked the sky. In that light, the white two story house beckoned invitingly as if welcoming them.

“Daddy has taste. What a place!” she complimented.

“He does. The Muse did flip flops when she saw it,” he noted.

“I’ll bet. I’ll be expecting those poems when you two are finished,” she teased.

He made a face. “Come on. Let’s take a walk.” Taking her hand, he used his key to unlock the front door and gave her a tour of the home.

“Funny how you know your way around here, Pal,” she cracked.

“I admit I’ve misted in here…a couple of times already. Had to set up my lab downstairs. I did that yesterday,” he indicated. “I didn’t want to waste any time.”

“I wonder why we’d ever think that?” she asked knowingly. “Your unique sense of paranoia at work.”

“Very funny.”

“I thought so.” She smirked with amusement, imagining how she would pay for that later. Now that Mom’s onboard, we don’t have to worry if the parents see us. “Seriously, don’t change. I love how careful you are.” She kissed him for emphasis.

“Hate to ruin your streak, Miss, but Rick and Sam are waiting for us,” he declared.

“Are they now?” She shook her head. “Rain check?”

“Of course,” he agreed as they headed back outside to find their friends standing beside Bessie. “Hey, guys!”

“Found your way down to our neck of the woods, did you?” Sam queried.

“That we did,” Karen agreed. “He wanted to show me himself. This is a nice town I have to say.”

“We like it,” Rick replied with a smile. “Come on; we’ll show you our version of the Express.”

“Lead on, MacDuff,” Dave agreed as he and Karen got into Bessie and followed their friends across town to a one story brick building on the other side of town. The windows had white curtains in them and the word “BONNIE’S CAFÉ” was on the front door in red calligraphy. “Nice.”

“Wait until you try the scones here, Dude,” Rick advised, ushering them all inside.

The whitewashed walls had a few pictures on them. The wooden floor had a few scuffs worn into it. Booths and tables dominated the room’s middle. A few patrons ate a late dessert. At the front counter, a heavy set woman with white hair puttered away with the coffee maker and the pastries.

The woman in front saw them enter. “Rick, Samantha, good evening! Are these the friends you were talking about?”

“Yes, Mrs. Wayforth. These are David Dubois and Karen Alvarez. They drove down here to check us out,” Rick introduced. “Dave and Karen, this is Mrs. Wayforth.”

“Pleased, Ma ‘am. Nice place you have here,” Karen expressed.

“Homey,” Dave complimented.

“Thank you. You wouldn’t happen to know our new superintendent, would you?” the owner asked.

“He’s my father,” Karen clarified. “He’s really looking forward to this position. Seeing this place makes me feel a lot better.”

Mrs. Wayforth chuckled. “I’ll bet it does. If you ever want a waitressing job, you just ask.”

“Excuse me?” Karen wondered, feeling surprised.

“Carol Campbell and I went to school a number of years back. She raves about you. Then again, I’ve seen you both work at the Packet Place as well. You do know your way around a cash register, David,” she pointed out.

“Working with her family makes it easier. A good team watches out for each other,” Dave commented while rubbing his fiancée’s arm.

“Amen to that. Well, what can I get for you, Kids?” she proposed.

“Maybe some of that cherry cobbler and a couple of coffees for us, Dave?” Karen asked.

“Sounds good to me,” he agreed.

“Usuals for us,” Sam indicated, pointing to Rick and herself.

“I’ll bring those right out. That’ll be ten dollars,” Mrs. Wayforth indicated.

Dave paid for them all. “So where do you want to sit?”

“Follow me,” Rick directed while leading them to the corner booth. “Just like your office in Amherst.”

“Very funny,” Dave retorted as they slid into the booth.

“Just trying to make you feel at home, Dave,” Sam mentioned.

“As we all are,” Mrs. Wayforth concurred while setting down the desserts and pouring coffee for them. “Make sure your parents stop in after you all move in, Karen. Nice to meet you both.”

“She seems nice,” Dave assumed.

“I hope everyone’s like that,” Karen added.

“You’ll like it around here,” Sam assured them both. “Life’s pretty slow and friendly.”

“Except of course in the summer during tourist season. Then you two will probably be at Packet Place,” Rick interjected.

“Sounds about like what we expected,” Karen replied. “Speaking of getting here, Daddy was wondering if your offer was still open?”

“About moving you down here? Sure…we can’t get pianos or couches but the small things would be all right. It’ll save you all time and money with the movers,” Rick commented. “When was he thinking about doing this?”

“How about this weekend?” Dave inquired.

“Let me check with my father but it should be okay,” Rick tentatively agreed. He raised his mug. “Meantime, welcome to the neighborhood, guys.”

They toasted with their mugs and enjoyed the ambiance for a little while longer.



Chapter 3 [Two Days Later—Amherst]

While Dr. and Mrs. Alvarez were at work, Dave and Charles used the ‘portal express’ to move their and the girls’ things from the old house to the new one. The younger quartet settled on their choices of bedrooms, making it easier to move nightstands and hang clothes in the closets. Their boxes were moved in the same way.

Of course, they kept everything except the clothes packed as they would all be at Packet Place a week later and then at college by Labor Day. While it would have been easier to have moved everything right to the cottage, they held off, not wanting to give Dave’s secret away (and, knowing the Empress’ testiness, possibly cost him this advantage).


****

After they had finished the day’s task, the group went to McKnight Field to unwind. Admittedly, after the recent ordeal over Isobel’s game, it was a strange place to do so. Still, it was as good a place as any.

Charles squatted behind the plate, calling signals as if in a game situation.

Dave started firing pitches, running through the entire repertoire and feeling the tension leaving himself with each piece that popped into the other’s mitt.

Karen and Caroline meantime contented themselves with watching the guys work out.

For about twenty minutes, everything seemed peaceful enough.

Then the sisters noticed Adam grimly walk up to the fence.

“Here we go,” Karen worried, knowing about the arguments between him and Dave.

“Give him a chance,” Caroline advised while heading over to talk with the geneticist. “Dr. Kane?”

“Hi, Caroline. How did everything go at Dartmouth this semester?” Adam asked.

“Fine. And your research?” Caroline replied.

“Getting quite a bit done,” he answered. “I actually wanted to talk to David.”

“If this is about the transfer, forget it. He’s going,” Karen asserted firmly. “Dr. Kane, we appreciate everything. But it’s over.”

“Karen, I can’t let him go. If he loses control….”

“That’s for us to deal with,” Karen retorted, seeing the guys stop their session and coming over. “I don’t want to get Dave started.”

“You don’t understand,” Adam declared, holstering the governor gun. “It’s not a request. It’s a fact.”

“It’s a delusion,” Dave countered. “You’re not needed anymore. Take off before you really start something.” He fired a pulse, blasting the weapon out of the other’s hands. “That was a warning shot.” He looked around, sensing the other mutants close by. “Guys, take off.”

“This is nuts!” Caroline protested.

“It’s for his own good,” Adam pointed out.

“My…own good?” Dave sniggered, feeling the numbness creeping across his scalp. His eyes glowed. He wheeled around and fired two pulses; one into the air behind himself and one into the nearby tree.

Lexa and Nikki hit the turf.

“Rick, come out ‘fore I really get pissed! This is stupid!” Dave growled.

Karen saw the ground glowing to his left. [“Dave! 3:00!”]

[“I see him!”] He took a step back, watching as the phasing mutant rose from the ground. As the other massed, he fired a blast, taking him out. “Stunned.”

“Lucky for you!” Lexa yelled, firing a pair of light darts.

One grazed his arm. “DAMMIT!” Feeling the pain fueling his anger, he hit her with another blast, knocking her against the stands. Another blast knocked the feral out cold. “Fuckin’ stupid! You happy, Dr. Kane? I wanted a workout but not like this! Understand this, you and the others stay the Hell away from me and mine! Or else find out what I can *really* do.”

“You’re no better than Ashlocke,” Adam retorted.

“Excuse me? Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’re the one doing the Eckhart imitation. Just remember, you provoked this public display not me,” Dave countered. “As I said, stay away!”

At that moment, the mists surrounded all of them, transporting them away.

“What the?” Charles gasped.

“Great. This is what we need,” Dave groused while looking at his fiancée. As the mists dispersed, they found themselves on the grassy shoreline along the Great Lake. “Welcome to Althanor, guys.”

“What did he do now?” Rick demanded.

“Is there you went to learn that trick you do?” Charles asked, looking around anxiously.

“The priestess place?” Caroline supposed.

“That is one word for it,” the Faerie Empress replied tersely while appearing in front of them. “It’s also where we settle matters.”

“I’m sorry for….” Dave started to apologize.

“No need to apologize, David Dubois. You are abiding by my wishes,” the Elf Queen assured him. “However, Adam Kane, you’re endangering the balance through your actions.”

“It is not for you….” he started to protest.

The Empress laughed sarcastically. “Foolish mortal! You who would endanger the entire balance for your own ego’s sake and no more than that! As Karen has pointed out, you’re no longer needed.” She chanted and threw a spell at them, sending Mutant X away.

“Whoa!” Charles exclaimed.

“They’re g…gone! Did you?” Caroline asked.

“No. They have been sent back to Outer Earth but to another location. Their minds have been wiped clean of the last year.” The Empress sighed. “Now you all understand the secret behind David’s talent.”

“And Pauline’s,” Karen added.

“Correct,” the Empress agreed. “I would have that arm looked at, David Dubois. For the rest of you, the priestesses will offer you refreshment. And there is one who would see you.” She smiled. “Come, Child. See your brother and friends.”

“Brother?” Karen asked.

“Cybelle,” Dave realized.

Stepping into view through a portal of her own, the priestess nodded. “It’s me. Sorry that I had to lie before. Orders.”

“Right,” he agreed as he hugged her. “Believe me; I understand. So when you went away to boarding school…?”

“You’re in it,” she revealed. “That’s quite a side arm you have.”

“Plenty of practice but then, I’m sure you know that already,” he indicated. “You remember Karen, Charles and Caroline?”

“Of course. All of you follow me if you would,” Cybelle noted. “With your leave, Milady.”

“Given of course. I go to tell Pauline. Before I do, however, I would request that you leave Amherst with due haste. With each passing day, the dangers get more intense.” With that, the Empress disappeared.

“This is amazing,” Charles expressed astoundedly.

“It takes getting used to,” Cybelle agreed. “Follow me.” She led them into the village and the House of Healing. “First stop is the herbery. Dave, can you mix up some of that stuff you use for your moods?”

He nodded while leading them into the building that Pauline had showed him before.

“This is like a giant greenhouse!” Caroline noted.

“Close,” Dave indicated. “This is where the stuff that got me through the game comes from.” He took a clay bowl out and selected different flowers and plants. Then he took the bottle. “Lake water?”

His sister nodded. “Indeed.”

He mixed up the paste and ingested it. Almost immediately, he felt the numbness leaving his scalp. “Whew!”

“Are you okay?” Karen asked, rushing to his side.

“I’m all right,” he assured her before sampling some more herbs and mashing them and the water in a fresh bowl.

“What’s that?” Caroline queried.

“A poultice, I believe,” Cybelle indicated, allowing her admiration for her brother’s talent to show. Seeing him put it on, she assisted him in that regard. “Keep it clean and change it in the morning.”

“Right,” he agreed. “Pauline’s going to be angry.”

“Like you had a choice?” Cybelle shook her head. “You do attract trouble, Bro. I’ll say that for you but you did exactly what you were supposed to.” Seeing the edge of the residue burn on his arm from the stake disaster, she shook her head. “Take a swim in the lake, Chief. It’ll clear up those burns.”

“I don’t exactly have my trunks,” he disagreed.

“As if….” Cybelle smirked and opened a portal. Waving her hand, she sent a burst of wind which knocked him through it. “That takes care of that, doesn’t it?”

Karen rubbed her forehead. “That wasn’t smart.”

“Oh let him be ticked off. He can borrow some robes while his clothes dry out,” Cybelle discounted. “Come. He’ll catch up.” Seeing the mists appear in the corner. “Told you.”

“You haven’t changed,” he groused, wiping his face off.

“Grow up. Your burns are taken care of. I’m sure the priests will lend you a robe while we dry your clothes. Come. The tea is almost ready,” his sister bade.

With that, she led the others toward Keira’s hut where the tea and dry robes were waiting.



Chapter 4 [Later—Alvarez House]

Charles sat dumbfounded in the kitchen. That’s where those women come from? I mean…wow! And one of them is Dave’s sister?

“It’s not that big of a deal,” Dave advised, smacking him in the arm as he walked past.

“Are you kidding? Dave, if she can do magic then so can you.”

“Other than the mists and herbs, I can’t be trained. Drop it.” He made himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. “Meantime I have to get out of town for a while. Too bad I can’t go to Smallville.”

“Maybe Daddy might let you go down to the new house or the cottage?” Caroline suggested as she and Karen entered the room. “And we can send Sis along to keep you out of trouble.”

“Good luck,” Karen teased. “But it’s a thought especially since our stuff is at the new house.”

“I need to get the last of my lab stuff downstairs and close it down. I’ll be done in ASAP,” Dave advised.

“I can’t believe this,” Karen declared.

“As his sister said, he attracts trouble,” Caroline reminded them. “But Dr. Kane?”

“That guy creeps me out,” Charles assessed.

“He did help us though. Wait until the folks hear about this,” the oldest sister worried. Seeing their father walk in purposefully, she added nervously, “Hi, Daddy.”

“Are you three all right? Where’s Dave? I heard Adam Kane and his associates attacked you earlier at the high school,” he reported.

“We’re fine, Dad,” Charles assured him. “Dave took one in the arm though.”

“We…got him treated,” Karen indicated. “Otherwise, he’s okay. He drove them off.”

“That’s what I heard from Pauline Samuelsohn,” Dr. Alvarez indicated. “Where’s Dave?”

“Downstairs. He’s packing the last of his stuff up now,” Karen replied.

“All right.” He handed Karen a house key. “You two head for the cottage. Think you can start cleaning around the restaurant?”

“That’ll work. We’ll leave ASAP, Daddy,” she agreed. “It wasn’t his fault.”

“Just be safe and I know it wasn’t,” he concurred before heading down the stairs. “Dave?”

“In here,” the boarder told him while throwing the last of the bottles into his bag. Another gym bag at his side held his pestle and bowls. “I’ll be ready in five minutes.”

“Sounds good. Are you okay? Pauline told me about this afternoon,” Dr. Alvarez asked.

“I’m okay. Dr. Kane won’t leave me alone about not transferring. He wants to keep an eye on me. I think it’s to be a prize guinea pig. I told him no. He wouldn’t take that as an answer and I dealt with it. The Empress pulled us all out of there before anyone got really hurt,” Dave recounted while shaking his head. “I can’t believe they came after me in public like that.”

“Maybe it’s best he did. That fairy woman doesn’t like a scene and he made one with you. I’ve told Karen that I want you both at the cottage. We can get the rest of your stuff moved out. Rick and his father will be here in the morning,” Dr. Alvarez indicated.

“Karen and I will stop at the cemetery. Then we’ll head out of town. All right?” he inquired.

“I’d say just leave but I know how important that is to both of you. I know I don’t have to tell you to protect her,” her father relented. “And make sure you have your supplies if you get my drift?”

“Right. Bow and shafts are already in the car. At this point, pity anyone who tries anything,” Dave quipped while grabbing his bags and heading up the stairs to the kitchen. “Where’s Karen?”

“She’s upstairs, getting some things,” Caroline explained. “Watch it, Pal.”

“You too. See you in a couple of days,” Dave replied. Seeing Karen come down the stairs, he asked, “Ready?”

“All set,” Karen agreed. “Let’s go!” They headed for their cars and drove off toward Center Cemetery.


****


[Center Cemetery]

Dave and Karen walked through the necropolis, ending up at the twin stones by the oak tree. Although they had made the walk hundreds of times before either together or separately, this time it seemed more onerous.

“Hi, Gram and Grandpa. Do you have a minute?” he inquired.

Janet, Lorenzo and Mrs. Colavitto appeared before them smiling warmly. For the sake of this visit, they turned ‘solid’.

“Are you all packed?” he queried the duo.

“After this, we’re leaving…although we were going to make another stop in Ludlow,” Karen pointed out.

“Actually we can save you the trip,” Janet advised. “Peggy?”

Hi, guys! the newest angel announced, appearing before them and doing the same thing as her companions. “April told you, I hope?”

“She did,” Dave agreed. “Congrats on your wings. You deserve them.”

“Thanks, Dave.” She chuckled. “Are you going to show Candy your surprise, I hope?”

“I know of course,” the deceased advisor clarified. “But put it on. I want to see it!”

Karen blushed as she slid the engagement ring on her right hand. “There it is.”

“I knew some day you two would do this!” Mrs. Colavitto exclaimed happily.

“At last although I wish Ricardo didn’t feel the way he did,” Janet lamented.

“I think this is a fair compromise,” Lorenzo indicated. “Besides, this isn’t good bye. We’ll be all right. Your grandmother comes back to tend to the grounds.”

“And we can appear anywhere you are,” Peggy noted as she hugged them both. “You hang in there, all right? Seeing you two together like this makes us happy.”

“As I’ve told you before, life goes on. Just remember us,” Janet advised, embracing her grandson and his fiancée.

“We’re so proud of you both,” Lorenzo agreed.

With that, the quartet vanished, leaving the visitors by themselves.

“At least we know that Peggy’s okay,” he presumed.

“Yeah we do. Need another minute?” she inquired.

He glanced around, taking in the whole cemetery and recalling the moments good and bad spent there. “So much has happened here.” He trembled, shaking as he recalled the standoffs with the Mystery Man and Lichtenfeld.

“It’s okay,” she assured him.

He nodded, feeling better just from her presence. “Right.” Once again, he knew leaving and moving on would be a good thing. “Let’s get moving. It’s a long drive and we still need to stop for dinner.”

“Maybe that fish place just over the bridge?” she suggested while taking his hand. “Come on, Dave. We do this together.”

And hand in hand, they left the cemetery, heading for the cars. Two minutes later, they were driving down Pleasant Street, leaving Amherst for the last time as residents and heading for their future.



Chapter 5 [Next Morning—Cottage]

The first rays of sunlight tickled Dave’s nose as he stirred under the comforter. That combined with some dust and Karen’s hair set off a loud sneeze. “CHOO!”

“Bless you,” she muttered, rolling over to stare drowsily at him. “You just had to do that rooster thing, didn’t you?”

“Blame your hair,” he cracked.

“I was going to bob it,” she supposed humorously. Seeing him grimace, she added, “I knew that would get you.”

“I like you just the way you are,” he advised. “Like sleeping with the ring on?”

“Of course,” she whispered while kissing him. Then she sat up and pulled on her robe. “As much as we would like to stay right here, Daddy’s going to look for us to get some big time cleaning done in the café.”

“Yeah. Well. I don’t see a problem. We cleaned it before we left last summer. Maybe we could touch up the front out before lunch?” he queried.

“Let’s hope you’re right,” she replied. “Come on. We need coffee before we work.”


****

[1:00 PM—Packet Place]

Sure enough, Dave’s prediction actually worked out very well. Working efficiently, the couple wiped down the counters and booths in addition to sweeping and mopping the front and back areas’ floors. After agreeing to delay lunch for an hour, they handled the grill area as well.

“There!” she announced, giving the metallic surface a final flourish.

“It shines so much we’d need shades,” he agreed while rubbing her left shoulder. “Now are we ready for that lunch?”

At that moment, the phone rang in the corner.

“Who would be calling now?” she asked. “Packet Place, can we help you?”

“Karen, it’s Dad. Are you both okay?” her father wondered.

“We’re fine, Daddy. We just finished cleaning up the restaurant. Everything’s wiped down and ready for you guys to show up next week. We were going to get something to eat and maybe call in the first order?” she informed him.

“I can handle that from here but thanks anyhow. Why don’t you relax for a little while? Then tomorrow, maybe you could touch up everything around the cottage?” Dr. Alvarez suggested.

“Sounds good. How are you all making out?” she inquired.

“Rick and his Dad just left with the remaining small stuff. By the way, it was mostly your mother’s and my things. Where did you, Dave, Caroline and Charles put your things?”

She squirmed. “Dave, Caroline and I have been running convoy for the last three days. We could handle it.”

Thinking of the gas money involved, the superintendent grimaced. “I wish you hadn’t but I can’t criticize the initiative. Anyhow, the movers will be here in an hour. We’ll see you at the cottage on Tuesday morning.”

“Gotcha. When will the phone be on at the house?” she queried.

“Day after tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for doing that work. Be careful,” he concluded. “Put Dave on if you would?”

“For you. After that, we’re eating,” she directed while handing him the phone and heading for the front.

“Dr. Alvarez, how’s the move going?” he asked.

“The movers will be here shortly. Dave, thanks for doing the cleaning. I appreciate it. I asked Karen to maybe touch up around the cottage before we get there on Tuesday? Everything okay so far?”

“So far, so good. I wish we could go to the beach but I really don’t want to be out in the open,” Dave reported.

He’s still got Mexico on his mind. Then again, who can blame him really? “Use your best judgment. If there’s any kind of problem, call Rick or the McKenzies. All right?”

“You can count on me, Dr. A,” the younger man declared.

“I know. I’ll let you two eat lunch. Try to take at least a couple of hours off before you start in on the house. See you Tuesday. Remember, we open the restaurant on Thursday morning. Take care,” the older man advised before hanging up.

Don’t I know it? Dave sighed before heading out to find her waiting for him. “All set?”

“I’m in the mood for some fish and chips. Think we can risk it?” she teased.

“Karen, you know how I feel and why,” he told her.

“I don’t think Guisanto’s goons are anywhere near here,” she countered sarcastically. “Look, I’m not made of glass either.”

“Sorry I’m skittish. Sue me,” he insisted. “But I think we could do fish and chips…later. Maybe we could go for a walk on the pier? Maybe some of those treats?”

She gazed into his eyes and grinned. “Now you’re talking my language.” Letting her eyes sparkle at him, she peeled off her shirt, revealing the bikini top underneath. “Daddy’s not here, remember? Now let’s hit the beach.”

He smirked, feeling himself starting to relax. Being engaged to the sexiest lady on the beach did have its perks.



Chapter 6 [A week later]
[Friday around 2:30 PM]

Much to everyone’s surprise, Dr. Alvarez had talked Sam and Rick into doing the “guest slots” on the crew, filling in for Charles (who once again opted for a job back in Amherst and was staying with a classmate). Still, with everyone’s support, the duo kept up with Packet Place’s increased pace over the previous year.

As was the case every year, Dave watched the floor, manned the register and served as the “rover” while Karen, Caroline and, in this case, Sam covered their stations. With the sustained quality, the café had really taken off much to Dr. Alvarez’s satisfaction.

Of course, he liked the great teamwork as well as the profits.


****

Just as the business wound down, Dr. Coltrane pulled into a parking place and took a deep breath. With her parents occupied for the weekend, she had planned to take a weekend off from everything and just enjoy the beach. She looked at the sign. The guide book says this place is a great café. She walked through the front door into the nearly empty restaurant and slid into one of the booths along the left wall.

Sam came over. “Hi! Can I get you something to drink while you’re looking?”

“Please. I’d like a lemonade and the fish fillet,” the professor answered pleasantly.

“Coming right up!” the waitress agreed, scribbling the order down on her pad and heading off to place it.

Dr. Coltrane looked around the restaurant and then again at the door, noting that the place closed at 3:00. “Great. I hope I don’t keep them too long.” Then she saw Dave at the register, counting out bills and sticking them in a drop envelope. David Dubois? What is he doing here? She walked toward the counter.

Before she got halfway there, he had picked up on her presence. “Sorry, Dr. Coltrane, I need a minute to finish this up.” Making sure he had the right amount in the envelope, he marked the amount on a tally sheet at his register and dropped it in the safe underneath. “Thanks. I had to do that. How are you?”

“I’m fine. Thank you. I have to admit that I’m surprised to see you here although I’m sure you could say the same of me,” she replied.

“This is my fourth summer working here actually. Karen’s parents own it,” he explained. “Just a minute.” He put his head in the window. “Dr. Alvarez, whatever she ordered is on me. When you’re done with that, can you come out?”

“David! That’s not necessary,” she admonished.

The superintendent nodded. “Just a minute. Can you get her lemonade?”

“Coming right up,” Dave agreed while pouring the cold drink. “Here you go.”

“Thank you,” she accepted. “Where’s Karen?”

“She’s running an errand,” Dr. Alvarez interjected while coming out with the sandwich in question. “I’m her father, Ricardo Alvarez.”

“Lydia Coltrane, a professor in Tucson. You certainly have two very interesting students,” she assessed.

“They work hard.” Then he remembered where he had heard her name before. “You’re the Middle East professor. Karen really enjoyed your class.”

“That’s nice to hear. I appreciate that,” she expressed. Seeing that the clock was at 2:55, she requested, “Can I get this to go? I don’t want to keep you.”

“You’re fine. I’ll lock the door at 3 but you take your time,” the owner assured her. “Besides, I’m sure Karen’s mother and sister would like to meet you too…if you don’t mind of course.”

“That’s fine,” she agreed while biting into her sandwich. “Are you all set to join us then?”

He nodded. “Karen and I will probably head out there in mid-August. What are you teaching next semester?”

“Introduction to Middle Eastern History and History of the Ottoman Empire Part 1,” she remarked before taking another bite.

“Can you hold a seat for me in the first one? I can’t register until next week for some reason,” he requested.

“I can do that. I can’t understand the hold up. You’re accepted. Your paperwork’s gone through.” The professor finished her sandwich as she thought on that point. “I’ll look into it when I get back next week. You may have to do gen. eds. this semester otherwise but you’ll get your full load. I’d rather you’d wait one more year but I could put you in Ottoman as well if we had to.”

“Thanks,” Dave noted while seeing Caroline, Karen and their mother walk back in and lock the door. “Look who’s here, Karen.”

“Dr. Coltrane?” Karen asked. “How are you?”

“Very well thank you. I was on my way to Provincetown for the weekend and decided to have a bite to eat. Your father’s restaurant was here and well….”

“We appreciate that.” Karen motioned to her mother and sister. “Mom, Caroline, this is the Middle Eastern professor I told you about, Dr. Coltrane. Dr. Coltrane, Jeannie and Caroline Alvarez.”

“It’s good to meet you,” her mother agreed. “She and Angela Blackwell talked about your class.”

“That’s what your husband said. Thank you for saying that. I wish Angela was going to be around. I enjoy having her in my classes as well,” Dr. Coltrane lamented.

“What?” Caroline asked.

“She’s transferring too,” Dave informed her. Because she’s scared of me. Terrific.

Karen rubbed his arm. [“It’s not all about you. Don’t tell yourself that.”] Then looking at the others, she mentioned, “ASU has a better premed program for what she wants to do. Too bad.”

“Everyone does what they have to. I just hope she’ll be okay,” Dr. Alvarez supposed.

“She’s tougher than she realizes,” Dave commented. “I just wish she’d give herself credit once in a while. Anyhow, she’s only ninety miles up the road if she needs help.”

She could be a thousand and it wouldn’t matter. Caroline smiled, knowing how Dave and Karen helped their friends.

“When are you coming back from Provincetown?” Dr. Alvarez asked.

“Sunday afternoon, I think. Why?” Dr. Coltrane replied.

“I was going to have a barbeque for family and friends at our cottage here. Consider yourself invited,” the owner offered.

Feeling an urge for chicken and ribs, she agreed, “All right. I’ll meet you back here at 3:30 if that’s okay? I’ll pick up a dessert on the way.” She nodded. “This will work out fine. I just need to be back in Braintree at some point that night.”

“I think we can do that,” Dave indicated. “Trust me; the man can cook a rack of ribs. If you can excuse me for about ten minutes, I need to get the drawer counted and set up for tomorrow. Be right back.” He took the money drawer and walked into the back room with it.

“He never stops,” the professor indicated.

“That’s true,” Sam concurred from where she and Rick had been listening to the conversation. “Try living in the same dorm as him.” She refilled the lemonade glass.

“The guy lives in the library,” Rick added.

“Thank you. As long as he stays balanced, it’s fine,” Dr. Coltrane agreed while wiping her face off with her napkin. “What do I owe you?”

Dr. Alvarez shook his head. “Neither you or Dave has to worry. It’s on the house. Bring that dessert by on Sunday and we’ll call it even.”

Dave walked back out, slid the prepped drawer into the register and locked it. “All set. We were $1.50 over and everything’s been dropped.”

“Great. Well, I’ll let you all get to cleaning up. It was great meeting you all. See you on Sunday,” Dr. Coltrane concluded before leaving the café.

“She must be something else,” Rick imagined.

“Try taking an essay test from her. She’s a tough grader,” Karen remembered.

“But a good teacher,” her father interjected. “Nice to see you have your ties already, Dave. Now let’s get this place cleaned up. It’s a nice day and I know you all want some beach time.”

The crew, on that note, went to work, taking care of everything.



Conclusion [Fourth of July weekend]

Dave and Karen lay on the blanket in the midst of the sand dunes, snuggling closely together and watching the fireworks explode over the ocean in a cannonade of color, sound and fury. In many ways, the display summed up their year’s dealings with Isobel and being apart but yet having the promise of being together from then on.

He glanced over at her. “Penny for your thoughts?”

“Hmm?” She looked back at him. “Nothing. I’m just enjoying the moment with you.”

“Nice to know that. I was worried,” he teased.

“Stop!” she admonished albeit with a grin on her face. “You’re terrible!”

“I aim to please,” he cracked. “I’m glad everything’s worked out.”

“Even with that schedule of yours?” She thought again about his doing Art History, Latin, Introduction to Middle East History, Astronomy and Shakespeare in the same semester.

“At least I didn’t have to Basketweaving I-IV,” he remarked, thanking his lucky stars in the process. “I want this to work, Karen.”

“I know. Dave, it’s going to. When we’re together, we can do anything,” she vowed while kissing him.

As they did so, a particularly big green burst lit them up.

“Seems like someone agrees with you,” he concurred. “Let’s enjoy tonight and worry about tomorrow when it comes.”

While surprised that he would make that observation, she was glad that he had done so. “Always, Dave.”

They cuddled just a little more, enjoying the contact and their shared presence.

And so, the oasis of hope had begun. If only it would last…..


THE END (for now)
 

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