Graduation Week (Dubois Chronicles 1.30)
DJ Dubois
Originally Written November 1987; Revised February 2006

Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. Gabrielle comes from Xena Warrior Princess which belongs to Studios USA and MCA. The characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star. All other characters and the poems herein are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com . 

Rating (M-Mature (Adult situations, language, violence)

 


Introduction [Amazon Village c. 91 AD]

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

After the crises of the preceding three weeks, our young friends had a relatively uneventful finish to their training at least in terms of threats. For David and the others, they could finally relax and enjoy their “graduation” and “Prom”.

Then again, David does have a way of delivering messages concerning friendship. He delivered such a message that week, involving favors for friends old and new….ones that I hope they’ll remember again at some point when the Empress’ spell wanes enough.

Once again though, the Fates did tease them with the future….both in terms of past and future.

 

 


Chapter 1
[Faerie Realms]

Within her cathedral, the Faerie Empress watched the events unfolding on Outer Earth. Much to her relief, Isobel and the priests had indeed disappeared—for the moment at least. Hopefully, we shall be more careful!

“How are the young ones?” Grimwilkin asked while laboring over to her side.

“Everything seems calm for the moment. Other than the traditional mortal concerns,” she indicated.

“Ah,” he realized. A smirk twisted his lips. “Popularity has its price, doesn’t it? And what of Cybelle?”

“She made it through as well. Her brother’s darkness concerns her but it is not time for her to deal with it…yet,” she noted.

He furrowed his brow. When will it be time then? Already, she realizes the implications of David’s situation. “Perhaps, this time of peace will be good for them all.”

“Perhaps,” she agreed as they went back to watching through the mist portal.

 


Chapter 2 [Amherst—Two hours after the “Most Important Game”]
[APRHS]

After English class had let out for the day, Dave walked around the gym, admiring the festive décor. Just four days earlier, he had been engrossed in a life or death struggle to rescue his friends from Isobel and her crew of tormentors.

Now, people threw themselves into the festivities, trying to wipe away the bad memories in the process.

Hard to believe. He smiled. Still, only five days left before graduation! I can’t believe I survived this long.

[“Give yourself credit, Dummy,” Karen chided over their link.]

He rolled his eyes. Even though she was at the Express, she could still ‘hear’ his thoughts. [“I do. And you too. Can you see this place?”]

She giggled. [“Dave, it’s going to be Paradise. Seriously, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”]

[“Why not? Speaking of which….”]

[“Typical gutter mind,” she cracked. “By the way, are you coming down here? The others are waiting.”]

[“Sure. I’ll be right there…well as fast as a bike will get me there,” he concluded.] After signing off, he took one last look around and left.

Three days to the Prom. If he had his way, Karen was going to have a night she would never forget.

****


[Cappuccino Express—Fifteen minutes later]

Garth looked at the other members of the Cadre and then at his watch. “Where is he?”

Steve sighed, “Dave’s coming. Chill out. It’s not like he can just appear and disappear, you know.”

Garth didn’t respond. Still, he knew that their friend could do just that.

“Besides, he deserves some down time. You know that,” April indicated.

“Yeah,” he admitted. “Although with all of the arrangements, I don’t know how he’ll get it.”

“You can ask him now,” Frank pointed out, watching Dave come through the door. “Hey, Bud!”

“Give me a minute,” Dave replied before ordering his drink and engaging in the required small talk with his girlfriend. Then he headed for the table. “Sorry I’m late. I wanted to take in the gym.”

“They were working in there yesterday. I bet it looks great,” Rose surmised.

“It’s that all right,” Dave agreed before taking a chocolate-cherry filled gulp. “That hits the spot!” He stretched, feeling the tension evaporating from his limbs. “Any word on everyone in Ludlow?”

“Peggy and Ally are okay, Dave,” April assured him. “Can we put that nightmare out of our heads for a couple of days at least?”

“Sorry,” Dave apologized. “I’m concerned.”

“It’s okay.” April sighed, recalling how close he had come to dying. What did Pauline mean by his scars? And why aren’t we going to like it when we find out? Changing the subject, she informed them, “My parents say that the corsages are in. We can pick them up tomorrow afternoon.” She nudged Garth to emphasize the point.

“I’ll be there,” Garth concurred.

“So will we all,” Steve concurred. “Best to get there first.”

“It doesn’t matter since you ordered them, Steve. As if I’d let you guys down?” the florist-in-training mentioned. “And everything else?”

“Everything else what?” Frank queried.

“Let’s see…formal wear rentals, transportation, dinner, etc? That’s what you mean, right, April?” Rose clarified.

“Exactly,” April agreed. “Dave, any word?”

“I’ll see what the word is when I call tonight. As for the tux and other things, no way am I letting Karen down. You can put that one down,” Dave vowed.

“What dedication,” Karen teased good-naturedly. “One might think you were buttering me up.”

“And if I were?” Dave supposed.

“God hates a suck up, Dave,” she cracked before stealing a kiss from his cheek. “Seriously, I get off in fifteen minutes. Then we can check on those things.”

He nodded and returned to the conversation, finishing his mocha in the meantime.

****

[Alvarez House—6:00 PM]

After a spirited ride/race through the maze of streets between the café and home, the two teens parked their bikes in the garage…or rather struggled to because they were laughing so heartedly.

“You cheated,” he cracked.

“You think so, do you?” She smirked at him. “I knew you were going to turn right. I just went around you.” She leaned against the wall, getting her breath. “So you want to collect, right?”

He grinned at her.

“Why do I even bother asking?” She chuckled. “Let’s see if the coast is clear first. I don’t want Mom getting upset.”

Even though he wanted to comment, he kept his mouth shut. Some things just aren’t worth it.

Walking into the house, they saw Caroline fixing a sandwich.

“Hey, guys! You’re on your own for dinner. Mom and Dad have a dinner meeting with the other area superintendents. Charles is at his service society meeting. Sorry, gotta run!” the older sister advised before rushing out.

“All by ourselves. Whatever will we do?” she declared half-seriously.

“You know. First though, I need to make a call. Mind doing a few chores for dinner?” he supposed while dialing the phone. “Mrs. Kent, hi! It’s David Dubois. How are you?”

“We’re fine here. Are you doing better?” Martha inquired.

“Fever’s broken. The ribs are healing. My side’s doing better. Umm, Karen and I were wondering if you and Mr. Kent could use a hand tonight?”

“David, you did enough last week. I’ll have two extra places set. Mr. Kent’s going to be late so we’re looking at about seven our time,” she advised him. “By the way, where are Karen’s parents?”

“They’re at some function tonight. That’s why I thought we could pitch in,” he reported.

“We’ll see you both at seven. David, try to relax?” Martha concluded before hanging up.

“Relax.” He sighed while hanging up the phone.

“We have dinner plans, don’t we?” Karen supposed.

“Not until about eight. Meantime, Mrs. Kent did say to relax,” he replied while leading her up the stairs.

“Somehow, I don’t think that’s what she meant,” she teased while coming over in her bathrobe. “I figured why not save some time?” She popped her pill and sipped from the water glass suggestively.

“Why indeed?” he queried, slipping his hands down her sides and then under her robe.

“Let’s make sure we’re safe first,” she reminded him while producing the condom and putting it on him. “Now, where were we?”

****

[Fifteen minutes later—her bedroom]

Dave exhaled contentedly, feeling himself soaring high on a euphoric wave. After two weeks of worrying, his girlfriend was back in his arms. He listened quietly to her breathing and cradled her shoulders with his left arm.

“You’re awfully quiet,” she assessed.

“I’m grateful you’re here and okay,” he told her while kissing her.

She smiled, letting her eyes sparkle into his. “I know. You kept me going in that place.”

“And the drive to get you and the others back kept me moving forward,” he noted. He ran his hand along her back. “I love you.”

Her eyes watered. “And I love you.” She kissed his cheek. Then she looked at the clock. “I hate to be a party pooper but we need to clean up before heading to supper.”

“Yeah that,” he realized.

“We have plenty of time for this. Besides, I want to thank the Kents for the help they gave us last week,” she admonished gently. “Race you to the shower.”

“You’re on,” he laughed while rushing with her toward the bathroom.

 


Chapter 3

[Smallville—Kent Farm: 6:45 PM Central Time]

Martha pulled a pork roast out of the oven and placed the dish on the cooling rack before serving it. While she had initially figured on two meals from it, the meat, roasted potatoes, peas and salad would work well for the quartet. Besides, she and Jonathan wanted to talk with the two teens about the previous week’s situation.

Besides the blood on the side of the house, he had found a scorched patch beside the tree line separating their land from the Potters’ place.

And then there was the Scream again. She trembled, recalling the Voice from that terrible day in front of the Talon: If not for you, he will be lost.

Is he lost now? What was he fighting? And why was Laura so scared when they came back in? She forced herself to calm down while setting the table.

At that moment, her husband came through the door and kissed her on the cheek. “Hi, Sweetheart, how was your day?”

“Great. How was Dodge City?” she asked.

“Got the feed prices we needed. The Ross brothers did well too.” He glanced at the table. “Four places? Who’s joining us?”

“David called. I didn’t think you’d mind having him and Karen over for supper. It’ll give us a chance to talk,” she explained.

“Sure.” After the long day of haggling, he didn’t feel like getting into the questions of what was on his property during the previous Thursday evening. “Besides, whatever he dealt with didn’t come back. I guess we should be grateful for small favors.”

She took a deep breath. “If we ask, we remember that they weren’t responsible. Agreed?”

He nodded. “Agreed. Let’s give them a break.” Hearing a knock at the door, he saw the two teens waiting at the door. “Speaking of which….” He opened the door. “Hi, you two! Come in!”

“Thanks, Mr. Kent,” Karen replied while looking around the farmhouse. “It so good to be back here.”

“Thanks, Karen. It’s good to see you safe. How is everyone doing?” Martha expressed while embracing the younger woman.

“We’re hanging in there. April says her cousin and friends are doing all right. Nancy’s fine. There was another girl in there with us, Angie. Since she’s in upstate New York, we haven’t heard anything from her,” Karen declared.

“But you’re all okay and the threat’s been dealt with,” the farmer assumed.

For now. Dave looked outside toward the tree line, feeling the vibrations from the previous week. What the? What happened between us out there?
“Dave?” Karen asked apprehensively. Then she felt the vibes too. “What happened out there? It almost….” Her eyes went wide. “He was here?”

“Yup. Creep came out of nowhere, did something to me, threw a few punches and then took off. I wish I could remember what happened after I hit the house,” Dave recounted.

“You know who the prowler was?” Jonathan inquired.

The two teens looked at each other and nodded in agreement. “The Mystery Man.”

Dave explained, “We’ve never seen his face. All we know he’s a…well…wizard and Lichtenfeld’s father.”

“Her….?” Now it was the older couple’s turn to exchange looks. “But she’s been dead for over two hundred years!”

“He’s not human. Other than that, we don’t know who or what he is,” Karen groused, holding her boyfriend closely against her.

“From what we heard and I found later, you both had quite the fight, David,” Jonathan told him. “Feel up to seeing it?”

“Jonathan,” Martha disapproved.

“It’s okay, Mrs. Kent,” Dave assured her. “Karen, you should stay here.”

“No way, Pal. Come on,” his girlfriend disagreed vehemently before leading him out into the backyard.

They followed their hosts across the lawn. As they went, they found several areas of scorched grass. Finally, in front of the tree break, they discovered the damaged saplings and burned stones.

“Laura still won’t say what happened after she found you, David,” Jonathan pointed out. “You didn’t hurt her, did you?”

“You can’t be serious! I would never!” Dave protested angrily.

“Okay, that’s enough!” Martha interceded. “David stopped whatever that thing was and hurt himself in the process.” She glared at her husband before stalking back into the house.

“It’s the Mystery Man, all right,” Karen noted. Then she looked around curiously. “And something else. I haven’t felt anything like that.”

Dave felt a cold tremor shoot up and down his back. While he didn’t remember it, he knew that the confrontation had deeper consequences for him. “Can we get back to the house? I’m sure dinner’s getting cold.”

“Look, Kids, I…umm…I’m sorry about this,” the farmer apologized.

“You’re right to be concerned, Mr. Kent,” Dave assured him. “Just understand that I’d die before I let anything happen to any of you. Okay?”

“I know that. Thank you,” Jonathan accepted, shaking hands with the younger man. “Come on.” He led them back into the house where his wife had served up dinner.

“David, Karen, sorry about that. It was a stressful week watching you going through that mess,” Martha apologized.

“We’re okay,” Karen noted. “By the way, Charles wanted to thank you again for dinner.”

“He’s welcome any time,” Jonathan noted. “It was really great how they stuck by you, David, last week.”

“He and I have become friends, Mr. Kent. As for Garth and me, we’ve been through Hell together. Literally,” Dave recounted. “Believe me; they got me through the game.”

“I still can’t believe you got through it. You could barely stand when you left here,” Martha mentioned in disbelief.

“Thank those good herbs for pulling me through. I had other reasons too,” Dave replied while squeezing his girlfriend’s hand.

“I wonder what those were?” Karen teased, knowing full well what he was getting at. “Seriously though, we all appreciate how well you took care of him here.”

“We helped each other,” Jonathan complimented. “He did a few chores here and there.”

“As usual, you were great friends. Thank you,” Dave expressed.

“Our pleasure,” Martha replied. “Changing the subject, you two graduate this weekend, right?”

“That’s right. In fact, caps and gowns are available tomorrow,” Karen realized.

“And don’t forget about the Prom,” Dave added. “Is your dress ready?”

“Maybe. How’s your tux, Chief?” Karen shot back mischievously.

“It’ll be set day after tomorrow,” he promised. “Meantime, we should see Auntie Lillie. I wonder if she’s in Metropolis or here?”

“Give her a call after dinner. If she’s here, maybe she and Alex could join us for coffee,” the hostess suggested. “Back to the senior week though. I have to say it’s great to see you both with smiles on your faces.”

Dave rubbed Karen’s shoulder. “Why not?”

“Why not indeed?” She kissed him on the cheek. “It’s been quite a ride the last four years.”

The host cut into the meat and began serving it up. “On that note….Pass the potatoes, will you?”

****

[An hour later]

The quartet watched as the limo pulled into the driveway and the driver open the door for Lillian and Lex.

Dave, of course, wasn’t about to let her handle the walk by herself. “Auntie, let me.”

“You were…always thoughtful, Dear Boy,” she complimented, taking his arm. “Go ahead and greet the others, Alex.”

“We’ll be right there, Lex,” Dave agreed.

“’Kay!” With that, the boy ran over to the others. Still, he kept an anxious eye on his mother.

“It’s getting worse, isn’t it?” Dave asked dreading the answer.

“Of course it is. But, David, you’re going to make me a promise, all right? Don’t let my condition stop you from enjoying this week. You understand me?” the older woman admonished. “You and Karen deserve the best. I intend to see that you get just that.”

“Let me guess…you called the tux place, right?” he asked, knowing the answer.

“That and Karen’s dress are taken care of as are the limo and dinner for Friday evening. I’m just so glad to see you on your feet again after…that ordeal,” she continued before starting to cough terribly.

“Take it easy,” he advised, supporting her. As he did, he felt how icy cold her skin was. Just like Gram and Grandpa Alvaro. Damn Lichtenfeld. “Come on; Mrs. Kent’s got some of that apple pie of hers.”

“Heaven knows I couldn’t keep you from that,” she teased with relief as they walked into the house to find everyone already in the living room where Martha served up desert and coffee. “That looks wonderful, Martha. Thank you for inviting us over.”

“If we can give you a safe place to see them, then it’s our pleasure,” Martha replied pleasantly. “You’re looking good, Alex.”

“Thank you, Ma ‘am,” the boy responded warmly. “Glad to see David in one piece!” He hugged his friend. While he didn’t say anything, the previous encounter had left him with nightmares.

“We all are,” Jonathan concurred. “We were just about to ask David and Karen about their graduation plans.”

Lillian smiled. “They’re taken care of, Jonathan.” Her eyes twinkled at the two teens.

“Again? Mrs. Luthor, we appreciate it but….” Karen started.

“You’re as bad as David is, Karen. Everything’s paid for and the arrangements are made. I’ll talk with your parents tomorrow about everything. I made the arrangements for four in case your friends, Garth and April, are going too,” Lillian told her firmly.

“This is really going to be a night to remember,” Karen realized.

“As if I’d let it be anything else?” Dave queried in mock-horror.

“You’d better not,” Karen cracked. “On that note, we’d best dig into that pie before it gets too late. We need to be getting back….”

Chapter 4 [Wabash—Blackwell Farm 10:00 PM Eastern]

Even as Dave and Karen completed their planning, Angie sat in her bedroom sadly. While she was glad that graduation would bring an end to the cracks and taunts she received at the high school, she still felt left out by not being asked to the Prom by anyone. Bad enough we all went through that mess in France but everyone’s now committed! Terrific! She sighed. Maybe I should feel glad that I’m going west in the fall. I just wish that I could have gone to my Prom though.

“Angel?” her father asked. “Can I come in?”

She opened the door, trying to conceal her tears as she did so. “Sure. You heard me, didn’t you?”

“Those guys have no idea of what they’re missing, Angie,” he told her, sitting down with her on the bed. “Your Mom and I have a great night planned for us. We were going into Albany. How would you like to do dinner and a play?”

“That’s great, Daddy.” She sulked. “Sorry. I guess I hoped for a happy ending. Just once, I wanted everyone to see me with someone.”

“You’re with me and your mother,” he noted.

“Yeah, I know. I was hoping that I could be with a guy for a dance,” she added. She took a breath. “Sorry, Daddy.”

“I know what you meant, Baby,” he assured her. “Some day, there’s going to be a guy who’ll think you’re special.” He hugged her tightly. “Meantime, your Mom and I are always there.” He kissed her forehead. “If you want to talk, we’re downstairs.”

“Thanks,” she whispered. After the door closed, she buried her face in the pillows to muffle her sobs.

****

Bill rejoined his wife and Brother Tony in the living room. “I don’t think she wants to go to Albany either.”

“It’s been a really hard month for her,” Jennifer noted sadly. “There were a couple of young men I thought would be interested but when she disappeared….”

Brother Tony nodded. “I know.” He took a drink from his coffee cup.

“Sorry, Brother, such things are vain but we want her to be happy, you know? She studies and works so hard,” Bill apologized.

“I know,” he reiterated, not knowing what else to say or do. “Especially after her ordeal, I wanted more for her.” The minister rubbed his scalp. “If it’s all right, I need to ask a favor.”

“Of course,” she agreed. “What is it?”

“I need to make a long distance call,” he noted. “I promise to keep it short.”

“Certainly. What’s going on? Is there something wrong?” Bill queried.

“No. Maybe He’s helping me to find a way,” Tony declared while picking up the phone and dialing the number.

“Hello?” Caroline asked.

“Caroline, this is Brother Tony,” he indicated. “I needed to talk with David if I could.”

“Sorry, Brother, he and Karen are out at the moment. Can I leave a message?” she informed him.

“Please do. Have him call me at home collect. (345) 876-9872. I need to speak with him tonight,” he mentioned.

“Is something else wrong up there?” she wondered.

“Let’s say I would need a favor for a friend,” he told her. “Thank you, Caroline. Good evening.” Hanging up, he turned back to the couple. “Thank you, Bill and Jennifer. I need to be going. Please give Angela my best and don’t mention any of this to her.”

“Good night, Brother. Drive safely,” she wished. After he had driven off, she asked her husband, “What do you suppose he meant by that?”

“I haven’t the faintest. And to find a date for Angie in under 48 hours? That would be a miracle,” he supposed.

Chapter 5

[Alvarez House—Ten minutes later]

After opening the portal, Dave stepped through with Karen and closed it behind them. They had a wonderful evening talking with the Kents, Lillian and Lex over coffee and pie and planning for the celebrations on Friday and Sunday.

“Can you believe it? You’re actually smiling!” Karen teased.

“Auntie has that effect on me,” he retorted.

“And I don’t?” She saw him smirk. “Jerk!” She swatted the air in front of his face. “At least you put us in the garage to keep our cover.”

“Yeah I did, didn’t I?” He snickered. “Come on. We’re probably in trouble enough with your Dad as it is.” As they walked in, they saw Caroline and Charles waiting for them. “Hey, guys.”

“About time you two got back.” Charles looked at the clock. “Fifteen minutes late. Good thing for you Dad’s not here.”

“Can it, Charles,” Caroline lectured. “From how relaxed they look, I think it did some good. You did that disappearing thing again, didn’t you?”

Dave and Karen looked at each other and then at Charles.

“I didn’t say anything!” the younger brother protested.

“It’s okay,” Caroline assured them. “I figured it out last weekend. So where did you two go anyhow?”

“You said we were on our own. So we went out for dinner,” Karen explained.

“All the way to Smallville for Mrs. Kent’s pork roast,” Dave added. “Auntie Lillie and Lex say hello by the way. Also, everything’s taken care of for Friday.”

“Mrs. Luthor insisted,” Karen told them. “Anyhow, she’ll call Daddy tomorrow.”

“When you go out, you go out,” Charles groused. “I’m jealous. Anyhow, good night.” He went upstairs.

“I’m heading up there too,” Caroline concurred. “By the way, Dave, Brother Tony called from Wabash. You’d better call him back. Number’s on the fridge.” She yawned. “Good night.” She headed up the stairs.

“Wabash? Do you think those creeps are still trying to mess with Brother Tony and Angie?” Karen supposed.

He read the message over. “It doesn’t say. I hope your parents don’t mind.” He dialed the number and waited.

“Wabash Congregational Church,” Brother Tony answered.

“Brother Tony, it’s David Dubois. Is everything all right?” Dave inquired.

“Yes and no. We aren’t in danger from anything of the supernatural sort but there is something I needed to talk with you about,” the reverend informed him. “I know it’s late but could you join me for a minute?”

“Would you mind joining us actually? I can guide you through,” Dave suggested, creating a portal.

“That would work. Thank you. So when…?” the minister wondered. Then he saw the mists forming in the corner. “Walk into that?”

“Do so and you’ll be here,” Dave agreed. “See you momentarily.” He hung up and walked over to the corner. “Brother?”

Brother Tony walked through anxiously and looked around. “Heaven preserve me! That’s some trick!”

“Thank Pauline. She taught me,” Dave fibbed, not wanting to reveal the true source to the minister. “Can I get you something?”

“No thank you. I appreciate both of you talking to me so late.” Brother Tony sat down on the couch and steepled his fingers together.

“You said there’s nothing going on. So what is it?” Karen asked. “It’s Angie, isn’t it?”

The minister nodded. “Yes. This really sounds strange….” He shook his head.

“What is it, Brother?” Dave requested. “It’s okay.”

“She needs a date for her Prom. Nobody will go with her. I think that mess last week might have something to do with it,” the minister surmised. “She’s depressed.”

“Brother, umm….I’d like to help except that I already have a girlfriend and a Prom to deal with on Friday,” Dave declined.

Karen frowned. Can I deal with letting somebody else dance with my boyfriend for a night? Come on, Karen. Angie actually did show some guts in that crap hole.

“I see.” Brother Tony sighed. “Our dance is on Thursday though.”

“Thursday.” She took a deep breath. “Dave, it’s up to you.”

“Karen, are you sure?” Dave queried.

“Look, it’s just a friend thing, right? I don’t mind helping her out for that. Besides, she showed us all something in the chateau. If that’s what’s causing this, then I can help her out. I trust you, Dave,” she reassured him.
He kissed her. “Thanks, Sweetie.” Turning to the minister, he agreed, “I’ll be there. What time does her Prom start?”

“8 PM. I figured I could work with you on the finer details. I’ll drive you over to the school and have Angela meet us there. Did you need to have your suit cleaned?” Brother Tony proposed.

“That sounds like a plan. I can deal with my suit though. I wish we had time to get a second tux though,” Dave agreed.

“The suit will be fine. I will let her parents know tomorrow. You’re both going to make her so happy. Thank you,” Brother Tony expressed.

“That’s what friends are for,” Karen assured him. “Dave and I will have our Prom the next night. Let her have her moment.”

“Very well,” the minister agreed. “If it’s all right, I need to be getting back. I’ll see you on Thursday about 7:15 at the church, David?”

“Sounds great,” Dave noted as he opened the way back. “Yell when you get back.”

The other stepped through and called, “Okay!”

“Thanks,” Dave concluded before sealing it shut. He slumped into the sofa cushions. “Two Proms in two nights?”

“I think you can handle it, Dave.” She hugged him. “I think this is a really nice thing you’re doing for her.”

“You’re the one who’s being nice, Karen. I appreciate your trusting me,” he told her.

“Hey, you were out in Smallville for three weeks, beating off the girls with a stick until I could get there. I think I can deal with letting you pal around with Angie for a night. Then I get you back at midnight,” she indicated.

“That’s a plan,” he concurred. “Come on; let’s get to bed before your folks come home. I don’t want a lecture.”

With that, they headed upstairs to their rooms.

 


Chapter 6 [Next Day]

[Wabash]

After unlocking her bike, Angie rode away from the high school. As was the case with her classmates, she had been released from the afternoon classes. Before she went on shift, she wanted to see what the Albany paper had for entertainment on the following day. Since they’re willing to take me, I might as well give them some options.

As she entered the café, the other teens turned and stared at her. A few giggles could be heard above the din.

It figures! She sighed, sitting down at a corner table.

Before she could order anything, a big burly guy marched over and sniggered, “Hey, who’re ya takin’ tomorrow?”

Angie buried her head in her notebook, trying to ignore the pest.

He snatched the book away and tossed it to one of his friends. “Hey, Blackie! Pay attention!”

“Give that back!” she demanded.

For a full minute, the other teens played keep-away from her before dumping the contents all over the floor.

“Just like your chances, Blackie,” Burly laughed.

“And yours if you don’t stop, Michael Flannery,” Brother Tony admonished sternly. “Pick up the papers. Now.”

Flannery frowned. “It doesn’t change anything! She’ll still be alone!” He collected the papers, stuck them into the notebook and slapped it down in front of Angie. “Like anyone cares!”

She glared at him. “You’d be surprised. Maybe not around here but I do have friends you know!”

“Whatever!” The group grumbled as they left.

“Are you all right, Angela?” the minister asked kindly.

“Yes, Brother. I was just going to find some options for Albany tomorrow,” she informed him.

“Albany? Oh that trip. What about your Prom?” he realized.

“Brother Tony, I appreciate your concern. I really don’t want to be there without a date,” she replied sadly. “I don’t want to be a target for everyone else.” She saw him smile. “What happened?”

“Would you be willing to try a blind date?” he offered.

“A blind date?” She rolled her eyes. “Do Momma and Daddy know about this?”

“They know but I wanted to tell you myself,” he answered.

“And who is this?” she insisted.

“Angela, it’s a surprise,” he told her. “And no, they don’t know either. Just trust me.”

She shook her head, not being sure what to think. I was hoping to get out of here for the day with Momma and Daddy but Brother Tony’s gone to all of this effort for me. I’ll humor him. “Okay, Brother Tony, since you asked, I’ll give this guy a chance.”

“That’s my girl! Your mother’s getting your dress ready. Meantime, I’ll bring your date over to the house about 7:30,” he detailed.

“And I’ll like this guy?” she reiterated.

“We’ll see,” he responded cryptically. “I’ll be back for my coffee later. Hang in there.” With that, he got up and left.

I’ll try. Who is this guy? She headed anxiously for the clock wondering how to get through the day.

****

[Amherst—Floral Emporium]

Meantime, Dave looked at the corsage display in front of him, considering what to get. What do you buy for someone who’s just a friend?

April watched him curiously. “Dad’s got your stuff in the back cooler. Why are you looking at those, Dave?”

“I actually need another one,” he informed her. “I’ve got another Prom to go to tomorrow night as well.”

“Another Prom?” She stared at him in disbelief. “Does Karen know?”

“She gave the okay. Favor for a friend of ours. Can I pick up the white one please?” he told her.

“Certainly. I’ll have it put in the back for you,” she agreed while ringing up his purchase on the register. “Can I ask who this is for?”

“You can since you were with her for the last week,” he revealed.

She mused, “Karen and I are set. Peggy and Ally have dates. Rose is still a junior. Nancy?”

“Her Dad won’t let me near her,” he disagreed. “Who’s left?”

“Angie?”

He shrugged. “Brother Tony called last night. Apparently, the mess cost her a chance to get a date. Her classmates are also giving her a pretty hard time. Miss Jenkins agreed to let me out of English for doing this.”

“I know she’s shy but…she can’t get a date?” April wondered.

“Last fall, none of her classmates showed up to support her at the fair, April. Hell, everyone deserves a decent Prom, don’t they?” he reported.

“We all do. Karen told me about the arrangements for Friday. Mrs. Luthor’s too much,” she declared.

“Let her have her fun, April. She’s so sick that….” He trembled, feeling the tears coming again.

She rubbed his shoulder. “It’s okay. You know she wouldn’t want you to be like this.”

“I know.” He took a deep breath. “I imagine she’ll be here this weekend. You can thank her then.”

“You better believe it. About Angie, I know Karen trusts you. I still think this is a really nice thing that you’re doing for her,” she complimented.

“Karen’s the best girlfriend a guy could want, April. End of story,” he affirmed. “She okayed this whole thing without a single complaint. We both figure that we’ll have our time the next night.”

“That’s the spirit!” she told him. “As I said, the corsage will be waiting in the back when you’re ready for it.”

“Thanks,” he noted. “See you in class tomorrow.”

“You too,” she replied. After he left, she shook her head. Angie? How did that minister get him to agree to this?

****
[Alvarez House—an hour later]

Dave parked his bike in the garage and walked into the house while running down the mental checklist. Suit’s going to be ready in a couple of hours. Corsage is set. I don’t have to worry about Angie’s dinner. I can grab a burger on the way or something! Seeing Dr. Alvarez working at the table, he greeted, “Hi!”

The superintendent looked up from his work. “Hi, Dave. Having a good day?”

“Yes, sir,” the teen agreed while pouring himself a glass of water. “Just running errands.”

“We heard about tomorrow and Friday. You’ve been busy,” Dr. Alvarez noted. “If I can ask, when did this deal with Angela Blackwell come up?”

Dave sighed, “Last night. Look, Dr. Alvarez, Karen knows about it.”

“I know. She reassured me this morning. Of course, I should know better than to doubt you when it comes to Karen,” Dr. Alvarez noted. “Personally, I think it’s a really nice thing you’re doing.”

“Even if it means staying out past curfew to do it?”

“For this, I’m lifting it. Just be careful coming back,” Dr. Alvarez requested.

“I will be. This sounds silly but I’m torn. On the one hand, I’m glad to do something nice for Angie. On the other, I still feel guilty….” Dave started.

“That’s natural.” He rubbed the other’s shoulder. “Just be sure to give Karen the night of her life on Friday. All right?”

“That’s my intention, Doc. She deserves nothing less,” Dave concurred.

“All right then. I have to pick up my suit at the cleaners after 6. Want a ride down there?” The older man poured himself a glass of milk.

“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Dave concurred. This might work out after all!

 


Onto Part 2