Notes: Gabrielle belongs to “Xena Warrior Princess”. All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com  .


Prologue [Amazon Village c. 88AD]

Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes….

Once David returned from the shore with his newfound inspiration, he and Karen set to work on the school events’ scroll. While he still didn’t have any luck with getting another job after school, he continued to press onward.

As Nai-Jin tells me, she and the Empress watched him in those days. With the new journalism “advisor,” there would be new challenges for the Cadre to face.



Chapter 1 [Amherst, Labor Day Weekend, 1981—Two days after the end of “Summer Job”]

Dave parked his bike next to the Alvarezes’ garage and wheeled it into the garage. Just ten minutes before, Caroline had called him to discuss last minute details about the White Knight. I wonder what’s going on?

As he walked up to the front door, Karen watched him contentedly. “Fancy seeing you so fast.”

He smirked. “Yeah fancy that.” During that summer, they had discovered that their feelings went beyond simple friendship. “Besides, I figure it’s a chance to see you.”

“You figured that, did you?” she countered saucily.

“Yeah I do,” he retorted, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. “Shall we talk to your sister?”

She blushed and shook her head. He’s something else! “She’s in the kitchen.” She led him to the kitchen table where her older sister waited for them.

Caroline grinned at seeing the duo. They do look good together! Let’s hope they finally got the message. “Thanks for coming, Dave. Take a seat, both of you.”

“I got here as soon as I could,” he declared. “What’s going on?”

The former editor-in-chief took out the mock-up page and eyeballed it. “This is good. I made a few suggestions to Karen for you to consider.”

“Nothing that big, Dave,” Karen assured him.

“Everyone needs to keep improving,” he agreed.

“That we do,” Caroline agreed. “Remember, if you have any questions, you can reach me at Harvard.”

“I might be up there to do some research anyhow,” he insinuated.

“That’s fine. Meantime, when are you going to meet with the others?” Caroline wondered.

“About 6:30 at the Express,” Karen indicated. “I guess we should have a game plan before we meet the new advisor. Have they named her yet?”

“Miss Jenkins,” he noted. “This should be challenging.”

“You two get along fine,” Caroline assured him. Hearing the horn honk, she realized, “It’s time! Good luck, you two!” She hugged them each in turn. “You’ll do fine.” With that, she was gone.

Dave watched the station wagon pull away. “And there she goes.”

“It’s our charge now,” Karen indicated.

“That it is. By the way, did Charles go with your folks and Caroline?”

“He did. Gee, I’m all alone. Whatever will I do?” she asked in mock-frustration.

“And Mom’s gone for the weekend. Good thing we’re such respectable people, isn’t it?” he queried.

“Yeah. Good thing,” she cracked. “Why don’t we go see Gram before heading to the Express?”

“She’d like that,” he concurred, as they headed for the garage.



Chapter 2 [Cappuccino Express—6:30 PM]

As they all got ready for school, Frank, Garth, April and Steve had bought clothes and supplies. They had worked out their schedules. While April and Karen would continue to work, Dave had opted to focus on an even tougher slate (if that was possible) than the previous year in addition to serving as the editor-in-chief.

“He’s nuts, you know,” Frank remarked, taking a gulp of his coffee.

“Anyone else I’d agree,” Steve countered. “But this is Dave, Frank.”

“Chemistry, Latin II, AP European History, English, Geometry and French,” April reported. “Now what’s so tough about that?”

“You tell me, Folks,” Dave interjected as he and Karen joined them. “Trust me; I can handle it.”

“If you say so, Dubie,” Garth noted. “Hopefully the summer did some good?”

“On several fronts—yeah,” Dave assured them. “Anyone want anything else?” He left for a minute before returning with a mocha. “All right. Caroline and Marina are off to college and we’re now in charge.”

“Famous last words,” Frank cracked dryly.

“We heard that,” Karen retorted, offering a smirk. “It won’t be that bad. Do you all have any ideas for your sections?”

They all nodded.

“I was thinking of doing some pieces on the athletes,” Steve declared.

“And maybe the Principal might talk to me on his new policies?” Garth supposed.

“There are some things around town I was looking at. I was also thinking about doing another hill town piece later in October,” April mentioned.

“And I’ll keep the books going,” Frank agreed. “Math whiz kid, that’s me.”

“And nobody’s better at it. That’s why I have you doing it,” Dave affirmed. “This sounds great, Gang. I really think this is going to be a great year. Let’s kick butt for Mrs. C.” He raised his cup. “To Mrs. C and her memory! May this be a pivotal year where we make an impact!”

“To Mrs. C and her memory!” The others touched cups with his.

How little they knew. Before that year was out, Dave would make an impact…just not as he expected.



Chapter 3 [Next Day—Janet’s House]

Dave sat at the table, looking at his class schedule. Despite what he had told his classmates during the previous night, the gauntlet daunted even him. I’m going to be studying nonstop. He measured out some spoonfuls of coffee beans into the grinder and ground them into a powder. After starting the coffee pot, he went in to check on his grandmother.

She sat in her chair, reading the newspaper. While she would have preferred to be keeping her house in order, Janet understood the need for rest and moderation, especially if she was to maintain the illusion that everything was all right. The less Dave knows, the better. “That smells good.”

“It’s not as good as yours or the Express’,” he doubted.

“Don’t sell yourself short,” she disagreed. “You’re doing all right. Speaking of which, are you sure you can handle that slate of yours?”

“It’ll toughen me up,” he retorted. “Besides hard work never hurt anyone, right?”

“Right. Just keep an eye on those grades, okay?” she requested, giving him a serious glance.

“I will,” he concurred.

“Great,” she expressed. “How did your meeting go with the others last night?”

“Fine. I think we’ll be okay,” he declared, sitting on the couch. “I can’t believe this is the third year.”

“Surprising, isn’t it?” she asked. “You’ve found a home. These people care, Dave, as you care about them. Don’t shut them out.”

“I won’t,” he promised.

Good. Her mind returned to the daunting prospect of her prognosis. Before much longer, you’ll need them desperately.



Chapter 4 [Amherst High—Next Day]

As with the others before it, the first day of junior year held its share of tension and anxiety. Freshmen scurried to find their home rooms and get a handle on things. Others were adjusting to new surroundings.

For Dave and his friends, they were together in the same home room for the first time. As part of the White Knight’s staff, they joined their colleagues in Room 249. Everyone, however, was nervous about how the new advisor, Miss Jenkins, would react to things. Although they knew her from their English classes, the students worried about a change in standards.

Five minutes before the bell, the woman in question entered the room and headed to the front. She looked at everyone and gave them a reassuring smile. “Good morning, everyone. As most of you know, I’m Miss Jenkins, your new advisor. While this is only my second year at APRHS, I am aware of the Knight’s tradition of excellence. Before she passed away, I spoke with Mrs. Colavitto about you all. She praised your work and I hope we can continue that tradition of excellence. Now I would like your new editor-in-chief to address you. David?”

“Thank you, Miss Jenkins,” Dave agreed, getting out of his seat and walking to the front of the room. “Hi, everyone. How were your summers? I hope you did like I did and salvage the last six weeks. I won’t lie to you. I did some thinking and personal growing this summer not to mention making some new discoveries. As for what Miss Jenkins just said, Mrs. C.’s last thoughts were of us. I think the least we can do is dedicate this year to her and combining her passion for excellence with our new advisor’s determination. Your editors are available to speak with you and answer questions. As I introduce them, can they stand please? Steve Petersen, Sports; Garth Singleton, News; April McKenzie, Features; Business Manager, Frank Landers and the Associate Editor-in-Chief, Karen Alvarez. Good to have you onboard, guys, and watching my back.”

“Pleasure to be here,” Karen replied pleasantly, speaking for their friends.

Adrienne stuck her hand in the air. “Say, Dave, when is our first meeting? You know we can’t wait to prove ourselves to you all.” Especially me to you. I’ll show Karen who should be with you.

He took a deep breath, fighting down the response he wanted to give her. “The editors need to meet with Miss Jenkins first. Then later this week, we’ll have our first staff meeting.”

“Is this afternoon right after school good for you all?” the teacher wondered. Seeing the editors nod, she agreed, “Good. See you then about 2:30 back here. Now for attendance….”


****


[Following English class—12:30 PM]

By coincidence, Dave, Karen, Garth and April ended up in Miss Jenkins’ English class as well. After looking at the syllabus, they knew it would be a tough but enjoyable year. With Shakespeare, Chaucer, Spenser not to mention the traditional junior year monster paper, they would be working for their grades.

“It should be a good year, don’t you think?” the teacher asked as the quartet collected their things.

“Good and challenging,” April commented, managing a smile.

“It helps us to grow,” Dave added, putting a positive spin on the situation.

Miss Jenkins smiled. “I knew you all would think that. That was a good beginning this morning. I’m looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeves! I know you need to eat before your next class so go on.”

“Thanks,” Dave expressed.

“You’re quite welcome,” Miss Jenkins replied.

The students left the room with better spirits. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.


****


[3:00 PM]

The meeting between the editors and Miss Jenkins went well. The latter approved of the students’ plans and suggested a few new directions to go in. After ten minutes, they all knew this would be a very successful year.

Breaking up, the Cadre decided to meet back at the Express around 3:30.


****


Dave put some books back in his locker and grabbed others. It feels so weird not having to rush to the library. He sighed and slammed the door shut. I didn’t think I would miss the job that much! What else can happen?

“Hi, Dave,” Adrienne greeted, coming over to him. “That was some talk you gave this morning.”

“Thanks, Adrienne. You can say I did a lot of thinking about that over the summer,” he replied, trying to be pleasant. “Did you have a great summer?”

“Yeah…well…I went to stay with Aunt Paula and my little cousins.” She rolled her eyes. “I heard you were at the beach all summer though. I should have come to visit.”

I bet you would have. “Karen and I worked our butts off for her Dad. Trust me, Adrienne; it wasn’t a pleasure cruise,” he noted. “But she really helped me with some things.”

“That’s nice,” she replied. I could help you more if you’d let me. “How’s your grandmother? I bet it wasn’t easy for her.”

“No it wasn’t,” he agreed. Adrienne’s got a point—as much as I hate to admit it. What is bothering Gram? “But she thought it was the best thing for me. As usual, she was right.” He took a deep breath. Here it comes. “Adrienne, I think you need to know something….”

“Yes?”

He bowed his head. “I hope you want to be friends and that’s it.”

“Of course! You….didn’t think I actually….,” she denied. She laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself, Dave! I mean you’re a nice guy but…..”

“Good,” he indicated, closing the locker door. “Adrienne, thanks for being so understanding.” With that, he left.

After he left, she felt another spasm wash over her. “I should have known Karen would get her hooks into him out there! Just wait, Dave, this isn’t over yet!”



Chapter 5 [Cappuccino Express]

As she waited for the others to get there, Karen helped her co-workers to clear some of the backlogged orders. Like Dave, she was anxious about how this year would go for some reason. It must be the workload. For some reason, she could pick up on his nerves. You did get to know him this summer.

Mrs. Campbell came over and took the empty tray from her. “Dave’s waiting for you in the corner booth. Thanks, Karen.”

“My pleasure,” Karen replied with a smile.

“I think I need you to run a training session for the new staff. Do you mind?” the manager requested.

“Sure. Actually I’d like Dave to be in on it,” Karen agreed. “You should have seen him on the register at Packet Place this summer. He can talk to them about helping the others out as needed.”

“Sounds great. How did the summer go for him? I haven’t had the chance to sit down with him since you got back,” Mrs. Campbell inquired.

“He gained a lot of security. Being in a family setting did him a lot of good,” Karen assessed. And I would give him more security if he’d let me. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go and talk with him.” Walking over to him, she asked, “Dave?”

“Hey, Karen, take a seat,” he invited.

She saw the frown on his face. “What happened?”

“Adrienne came up to my locker and started talking to me,” he informed her. “But I did something.”

“Did something?” she asked anxiously.

“I told her I just wanted to be friends and that’s it. She thought it was funny that I thought that she had feelings for me other than that,” he recounted.

She smiled, feeling her heart lighten. He actually said it to her! “She certainly gave the impression that she did. Oh well, forget her for now. I want to compliment you on how you handled today, Dave.”

“You liked that, didn’t you?” he asked her.

She nodded. “You reassured everyone and eased Miss Jenkins into things. Better yet, you took control but showed trust in us. That, Dave, was awesome!”

He squirmed, recognizing the unfamiliar warm feelings that she provoked within him. “I…well…I had a great coach, Karen.” He gazed warmly at her. “Thanks.”

She grinned. “It’s my pleasure.” Seeing the others approach, she told him, “Everyone’s here. Time to change the subject.”

“Why would that be?” Steve asked, as he, Frank, April and Garth sat down. “We know when something’s going on.”

“Steve, cut it out,” April advised. “Don’t push him.” Especially when he’s so happy. Ah well, at least Garth and I are getting closer. “So, did you two big shots come up with any additional plans for us?”

Dave shrugged. “I was thinking of letting you all handle your areas. You have great ideas. Run with them. Maybe we can meet like this once a week just to check on things?”

“And if you need help, just ask,” Karen added. “Dave?”

“Right,” Dave concurred. “We ironed out everything in our meeting with Miss Jenkins this afternoon. As far as I’m concerned, we’re set for tomorrow. Now let’s get some coffee and relax. Good job, people!”

When he had left for the counter to get a mocha, the others admired the attitude.

“You weren’t kidding!” Frank noted. “Karen, what did you do?”

“I told you. We made him feel more secure,” Karen replied.

“And Charles working with him at the park didn’t hurt either, did it?” Garth teased.

“From what he tells me, even the pitching improved over the summer,” Karen agreed. “I think they’re going to try out for the baseball team this spring too.”

“With everything else? Geez!” Steve doubted.

“This is Dave, guys. He can handle it if anyone can,” April declared.

“Glad to hear you think so,” Dave concurred. “I meant what I said earlier. Hopefully, I can be more relaxed this year.”

“We’ll support you all the way,” Garth assured him.

“Right on,” Frank agreed.

“Try getting rid of us female types,” April insinuated. “Right, Karen?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Karen concurred.

Hearing this made Dave feel better about himself than he had in a while. Hopefully, this means things are starting to come together. I can only hope so.



Chapter 6
[Next Day, 2:30—Editorial Meeting, White Knight Newsroom]

Dave sat at the front of the room, collecting his thoughts. For much of the previous night and that day, he had run over the situation in his mind, allowing different scenarios to play out there. It should be okay. Yeah, just keep telling yourself that, Chief.

Karen tapped him on the shoulder. “You still nervous, Dave?”

“What do you think?” he asked.

“Caroline said you’d be like this,” she declared. “Just do it, okay? We’ll be here to watch your back.”

“I know but thanks. It’s good to know that,” he indicated gratefully.

She flashed an electric grin at him before replying, “Always.” Seeing the group waiting patiently, she told him, “Show time.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, getting up and walking over to the podium. “Hey, everyone. Thanks for coming! Once again, welcome to the White Knight! For those of you just starting out, don’t worry, you’ve got a lot of people to help you. For the vets out there, glad to have you back!” He walked out from behind the podium and scanned the group, picking up on the range of facial expressions. “One thing that did pop into my mind was what Mrs. Colavitto told us in journalism class two years ago: give it your best and show interest in your subject. You do that and you’ll be fine with me and your editorial staff. And I want to assure you that our doors are open for questions and story ideas. You all are reporters and as such, I want you to learn to trust your instincts. Believe me; you’ll need to do that in this world.” Ain’t that the truth? “Miss Jenkins, did you want to add anything?”

“Yes. Thanks, David,” the advisor responded. “I want to say that my door is open too. Please feel free to ask questions. If we want this paper to be the best it can be, we need to be inquisitive. To quote a famous line: “Most people live on the world not in it. I want you all to live in it. That’s all. Thank you. David?”

“Thanks,” he accepted. “Okay, everyone, you should have been matched up with an editor. Go and see your person.”

As they watched the group split up into smaller sections, Karen told him, “You see? You were great! Nice start, Mr. Editor-in-Chief.”

“It’s the others with me. That goes for you too, Miss Jenkins,” he insisted.

She nodded, allowing him a smile. While she didn’t like brown nosing, she recognized his assessment as a compliment. This is going to work out just fine. Candy was right. That boy still needs more self-esteem….



Conclusion
[Faerie Realms—that night]

The Faerie Empress nodded in approval while watching the events replay in her mist portal. The boy indeed grows with each day. Very well done, David Dubois!

“His trials will do him service yet,” Grimwilkin noted. “He is finally pulling his world together. With his friends’ help, he should have some greater measure of peace.”

“Alas, my friend. This is too brief of a respite for him,” she disagreed. “His father schemes as we speak.”

“Certainly you can send a priestess to stop him,” he supposed.

“The goddess has ordained that the Stand shall occur. There, David Dubois will make a choice. May we be able to withstand it,” she foretold.

Indeed. Grimwilkin sighed, feeling a sense of dread as well.


****


[Janet’s House]

Dave and Karen sat at the table, enjoying some cookies and coffee. As expected, everyone got the assignment they wanted and went off to do it. This turn of events satisfied them to no end.

“You really should have more faith in yourself, Dave,” she admonished.

“I guess,” he tentatively conceded. “Still, it was great to see everyone jump on their assignments like that. Let’s hope it continues.”

“Why shouldn’t it?” Janet asked, sitting in her chair. “Dave, you’re a natural leader. Besides you’re so overdue for a good result, it isn’t funny.” Hearing a knock at the door, she wondered, “Now who could that be?”

“I’ll get it,” he declared, walking toward the front room.

After he left, the relieved grandmother told Karen, “Thank you for everything, Karen. It’s good to see him like this.”

“Daddy gave him the support and stability. Dave did the rest,” Karen noted, deflecting the praise. Hearing the footsteps approaching, she turned to see Miss Jenkins following him into the kitchen. “Miss Jenkins, good evening!”

“Hello, Karen,” the teacher replied courteously with a warm smile. “Mrs. Dubois, I’m Alice Jenkins, the new advisor for the White Knight.”

Janet shook the visitor’s hand. “Yes. Candy Colavitto mentioned your name to Dave and me. It’s a pleasure and please call me Janet. Can we get you something?”

Miss Jenkins nodded. “I would like some of that coffee please.”

“Coming right up,” he agreed, pouring her a cup. “There you are.”

“Thank you, David,” Miss Jenkins expressed. “I hope I wasn’t disturbing you. Dr. Alvarez mentioned that you both were here.”

“It’s no trouble really,” Dave assured her. “What can we do for you?”

“I wanted to compliment you on how you ran that meeting today. This isn’t going to be an easy year for any of us and I’m going to need all of the support I can get in this transition,” the advisor commented.

“You’ve got it,” Karen declared. “Right, Dave?”

“Absolutely. Trust me; our crew knows how to stick together through any situation,” he informed them. “If we work hard and stick together, we’ll be okay.”

Janet kept a straight face as she silently listened to his remarks. Even against demons, witches and ghosts. Dave, as always, you’re a master of the understatement.

“That’s good to know. I hear you’re quite the fan of medieval literature, David. Is that true?” Miss Jenkins asked.

“Uh…sure. Why?” he wondered cautiously as if smelling another assignment barreling in on him.

“No reason. Relax, David, I’m not going to assign you something for the heck of it. Rather, maybe you could talk about it a little bit like you did with your poetry two years ago. And I might ask you to do some more of that too for the class,” Miss Jenkins proposed.

“Okay. That would be fine with me as long as I have time to prepare,” he agreed.

“I’d rather have quality than see a cobbled together piece. That’s fair enough,” the teacher agreed, taking a cookie. “Say, these are delicious!”

“Gram’s the best cookie baker in town,” he declared proudly, stealing a kiss off of Janet’s cheek.

“I’ll second that,” Karen concurred.

“Indeed.” Miss Jenkins savored the cookie, tasting every morsel before finishing her coffee. “That was very good. Thank you. Well, I need to get ready for tomorrow. See you both in the morning.”

“I’ll see you out, Miss Jenkins,” he indicated, leading her to the door. After letting her out, he returned. “She’s tough in class.”

“Tough but caring, Dave,” his grandmother pointed out. “She seems like a great person for you all to work with. No wonder Mrs. Colavitto recommended her.”

“If we survive her class, it’ll make us stronger,” Karen assessed ruefully.

“Hey, wasn’t it you who said, we can do anything together?” he reminded her playfully.

“Actually, it was you but I think you were quoting me,” Karen retorted; her grin spread widely across her face. “Thanks for letting me be the Associate Editor-in-Chief.”

“I need a second in command that I trust. That’s you. Period. End of discussion,” he indicated, rubbing her shoulder. “You have no idea how much confidence I have in you.”

She smiled warmly at him, allowing her eyes to sparkle into his.  “I know that’s not something you give out readily, Dave. I really appreciate that. Thank you.”

Janet sighed contentedly. After the ups and downs of the previous two years, it seemed that everything was coming together at last. Dave, can it be that you’re finally seeing the light? I hope that everything works out for you both.

And so, the kids’ junior year opened on a bright note. Everything seemed to be as good as it could be…at least for the time being.


THE END (for now)


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