The Halloween Dance (Dubois Chronicles 1.23)
DJ Dubois
Originally Written April 1987; Revised August 2005
Rating: T/M (Teen/Mature): Language AdvisoryNotes: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to StudiosUSA and MCA.
All other characters are mine. The lyrics for Maneater come from the Daryl Hall
and John Oates web site. The song is from the album “H2O” (RCA, 1982). “Cold
War” was sung by Styx on the “Kilroy was Here” album and the lyrics were taken
from the Lyred.com site. Please send comments to
dante0220@yahoo.com .
Introduction [Amazon Village, c. 90 AD]
Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes…..
As with the leaves in the weeks leading up to Samhain, Janet’s health continued
to fall following the trip to the festival. David drove the horseless carriage
twice a week to see her, sensing that she didn’t have much longer.
His friends did manage to get him to go to another ‘dance’. Of course, given his
luck with these things, David really did it this time. And especially to do what
he did on Samhain itself….sigh.
Chapter 1 [Althanor]
Pauline stood on the shores of the Lake, staring into the mists separating
Althanor from the Outer World. The unfolding situation beyond the mists left her
concerned. How will we handle David Dubois when Janet departs that realm? She
sighed, thinking of the near miss in Wabash between the ghost and Angie
Blackwell. What was that dark aura in the barn?
“You seem troubled, Pauline,” a teenage priestess assessed. The newcomer’s rouge
hair spilled over her shoulders and down her back, swaying as she approached.
“As are you, Deirdre, I assume,” Pauline noted. “You sense it too, don’t you?”
The recently promoted girl shrugged. “We all can. It’s cold and dark, throwing
pain in all directions. Who can miss it? Goddess grant whoever or whatever it is
absolution of some sort.” She looked over her shoulder, motioning toward the
novices’ huts. “You should tell Cybelle about her grandmother.”
“Yes. She will go with me when the woman passes on.” Pauline paced nervously.
“Lichtenfeld will use that opportunity.”
“And you would take her? She can’t deal with the Witch,” Deirdre noted.
The elder woman arched her brow. “Lichtenfeld, I can handle. It’s David, I fear
for. If the ghost appears so soon after Celesta’s task, he could fall to the
darkness forever. We are fortunate that Karen Alvarez and her family keep him
secure.” She opened a view portal, revealing Dave in the cemetery kneeling in
front of his grandfather’s tomb. “No teenager should bear his burden, Deirdre.
Yet he was chosen for the task.”
“The goddess allows us to remain close to him. That should be some measure of
comfort,” Deirdre supposed.
“It would be if not for the reactions of those around him. The instructor in
historical affairs threatens everything with her snide remarks. She doubts the
veracity of the events so long ago,” Pauline remarked. “We can, however, do
nothing more than allow the events to play out as they do. Come. Vigil will
begin soon.” With that, she led her companion back toward the settlement’s
center.
Chapter 2 [Amherst—Three weeks following “The County Fair”]
[Center Cemetery]
Dave breathed deeply of the crisp fall air while dusting off his grandfather’s
stone. School and work continued to march along. He had handed in his
assignments along with the others. The Knight produced some extraordinary
articles. Of course, he loved his time at the library. If only Gram weren’t
sick.
“You can’t help that, Dave,” Lorenzo indicated.
The teenager stood and turned to find his grandfather’s ghost watching him. “I
know. Things aren’t that bad. I just don’t want her to pass on.” He leaned
against the giant oak. “It’s like your passing all over again.”
“You need to let go, Dave,” the spirit advised. “I can tell you’ve been making
some preparations for this. That’s good but be ready to deal with the pain when
the time comes. Your grandmother doesn’t deserve to suffer any longer than she
has to. Soon, she will be past that point.”
“Soon? As in when?”
The spirit shook his head. “I can’t give you a date or time. Those things are
beyond me. You know what—or rather who--to look for when the time comes.”
“The candle lady,” Dave realized. “Terrific.”
“Celesta’s coming is inevitable. She doesn’t declare her intentions to many
before taking the departed away. Consider yourself fortunate,” Lorenzo
admonished.
A sniggering came from close by.
“You’re not wanted,” Dave growled. “Scram!”
“Such manners!” Lichtenfeld appeared. “And in front of yer grandsire, no less!”
“I concur with him. Leave,” Lorenzo challenged.
“Or wha? Will ye make the dark creature ‘ppear again, Boy?” she taunted. “Aye!”
“Dark Creature?” Dave queried. “Now you’ve finally lost it. I don’t know what
you’re talking about.”
“Ask ‘im!” she urged. “Tell him, Angel! Tell what ye all saw!”
“What did you see? Is this about the strange aura in the barn?” Dave insisted.
“It is. You will find out in due time,” his grandfather indicated. “As for you,
Murderess, I told you to leave!”
“Make me! I can still hurt ye!” she retorted vehemently.
Dave palmed an herb bomb. “And I can make you sweat too. Remember this?”
She scowled. “Fine! But I’ll be watchin’ ye! As he said, it ain’t long! Fore the
snow flies, I’ll claim ‘er!” She disappeared in a flash.
Dave shook his head. “All heart, no class.” He turned to his grandfather again.
“What does she mean by you saw?”
“I can’t say. Besides you will be late for your meal. There is news waiting for
you,” Lorenzo advised before disappearing.
“Great. More mysteries and being late for dinner again!” He got on his bike and
rode away, hoping to make it before he was in too much trouble.
****
[Alvarez House—Ten minutes later]
Dr. Alvarez looked around the table at everyone there. Karen and Charles sat in
their places. His wife cut a few pieces of meat for each person. Dave sat next
to him managing to collect himself after a hurried ride back. “Let’s dig in,
shall we? Dave, you didn’t need to rush back.”
“Mrs. A. took the time to make this meal and it’s really good. It’s rude for me
to be late for it,” the teenager replied. “Thanks though.”
Charles snickered.
His sister elbowed him in the ribs. “Cool it.” Even if she didn’t say anything,
she knew that something had happened at the cemetery. I really should insist on
going with him!
“You’ve got something to say?” his mother inquired.
“I smell a brown noser comment coming,” Dave assumed. “You know how I feel about
that stuff, Charles.” His eyes narrowed.
Through their link, Karen sensed his anger. [“Chill out!”]
[“Tell that to the smart ass,” her boyfriend retorted.]
Before anything else could happen, Dr. Alvarez interjected, “Charles, cut it
out. Dave, calm down.”
“I’ve been through a lot worse than a few gibes today, Dr. A. I was just trying
to be polite,” Dave noted.
That comment made them all stop.
“Such as?” Mrs. Alvarez wondered. “Karen?”
“Miss Gatchell again,” Karen mentioned. “That woman needs to learn when to
stop.”
“You didn’t pick this, Dave, did you?” Dr. Alvarez wondered.
“Absolutely not,” the teenager insisted. “I have enough problems without adding
her and a suspension to my list.”
“I figured as much. That actually raises what I wanted to talk with everyone
about. Caroline and I spoke earlier and she agreed. Here goes. Clear your
calendars over Christmas break, everyone. We’ll be heading north,” Dr. Alvarez
announced.
“We are?” Charles inquired, looking at everyone. “For what?”
“Research,” the superintendent continued. “Or at least that’s what Dave will be
doing. We’ll tour, have fun, etc.”
“Did you get an answer, Dave?” Karen asked hopefully.
“This is for you,” her father told Dave while handing him an envelope. “I also
received one today from the Lambroux Archives. Your request was granted.”
Dave opened his copy and scanned the letter. “This is better than I hoped!
They’re going to let me see the original records for 1610-1620!”
“And that’s important for what reason, Dave?” Charles wondered. “Christmas break
is supposed to be what it is—a break.”
“If I’m right, I need to handle this when I can,” Dave commented evenly. “It has
to do with Rowenshire. Besides, I’m killing two birds with one stone: the paper
and some background research.”
“The more we find out, the better,” Karen supported. Especially with that
glowering hag lurking around!
“In the meantime, Dubie, you remember the Halloween Dance, right?” Charles
inquired.
Karen slapped her head. “Dave, we need to rent costumes!”
“Terrific.” He pondered the situation momentarily. “What time do you get off
tomorrow?”
“5:30. Why?” she queried.
“We’ll take care of this right after that. Since we’ll be in Ludlow anyway, we
can hit that place in downtown Springfield,” Dave explained.
“That’s what I like,” Mrs. Alvarez added. “Have a problem. Come up with a
solution. Come on; let’s dig in!”
****
[Dave’s Room—later]
After dinner, Dave worked with his French homework. Scribbling some notes in his
notebook, he labored over the selection from Moliere. Even this isn’t going
well. Great….
[“Got a minute?” Karen wondered.]
“Door’s open,” he concurred as she entered the room. “What’s up?”
“That’s my question for you,” she indicated while shutting the door behind her.
“What happened this afternoon?”
“Grandpa showed up while I was at his stone. We talked about Gram. Then
Lichtenfeld crashed the party.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “She asked
if I was going to release a dark creature of some sort.”
“What?” she queried.
“My reaction exactly. I didn’t do anything in Wabash, Karen. Whatever drove her
off did so on its own,” he insisted.
“I would have sensed something. Still, she’s up to something, Dave. Don’t just
blow it off,” she advised while sitting down next to him.
“You know me better than that. Before we leave tomorrow, I’ll mix up some more
of the party favors downstairs,” he declared.
How many girls have a mad scientist for a boyfriend? She knew her parents
weren’t thrilled with his lab in the basement. However, while they didn’t know
why he did that stuff, they understood it had something to do with protecting
them from whatever threat the Old House could throw at them. “And the Quebec
business?”
“What about it?” He rubbed her shoulder. “You don’t need to worry. Have fun. I
just need to answer some questions.”
“I agree with Peggy, Chief. The Mystery Man’s not going to be too crazy with you
digging around in the ghost’s lineage. I can’t imagine that Ms. diCosta’s going
to like that either,” she pointed out.
“She knows,” he replied. “We have questions needing answers. I want to know
where that book came from.”
“Who cares?” she argued. “We know where it is now. We know the ghost is a
threat. Imagine what’s waiting in that archive?”
“I need to know, Karen,” he pointed out. “You remember what we read. Maybe the
authorities knew some way to stop the magic.”
For some reason, that point made her shiver. “They ambushed the kids. So?”
“So Fire Voice helped the one escape. That’s where we look,” he insisted.
“Brilliant. Muck around with that demon creep that targeted you before,” she
dismissed. “I don’t know why but you’d better be careful.”
“I know,” he agreed, hugging her shoulders. “There’s too much at stake for us
not to be careful.”
Keep that in mind, Dave. Just keep that in mind.
Chapter 3 [Ludlow—Masters’ House, Next Evening]
True to his word, Dave picked Karen up at the Express and drove them down to
Springfield to search for that costume shop. After about ten minutes of
searching, they stumbled across it and reserved suitable costumes for the dance.
Then they headed to Peggy’s house to see Janet.
They found her lying on the couch with a blanket over her. She slept fitfully.
“Sorry, guys. She was awake just a couple of minutes ago,” Peggy noted.
“The cancer’s weakening her. Just like Grandpa.” He shook his head. “Lichtenfeld
bragged as much.”
“When was this?” his girlfriend demanded.
“Yesterday afternoon at the cemetery. Good thing we took her to the fair,” he
remarked.
“Was there any indication?” Peggy wondered.
“Before the snow flies,” he informed them.
“You know she’s trying to get…to you,” his grandmother reminded him, coughing as
she did so.
“I know,” he agreed, kissing her brow. “Sorry to wake you.”
“That’s fine.” Janet drank from her water glass before forcing herself to sit
up. “Hopefully, you won’t let this get to you too much. How’s everything?”
“We’re doing all right,” Karen assured her. “The Express is busy. We’re caught
up with our studies.”
“And we just rented our costumes for the Halloween Dance,” he added.
“Did you now?” Janet smiled with approval. “That’s what I want to hear.”
“That’s if we get to finish the dance this time without anything crazy
happening,” Karen retorted.
“You’re both due,” Peggy noted. “Just go and enjoy yourselves, all right?”
“What’s going on with Canada? Anything?” Janet inquired.
“The archive gave me permission to see the registers,” he explained. “We’re
going to spend Christmas Break there. Everyone else can see the Old City. I have
a mystery to solve for myself.”
“Whatever. We’ll all need to keep our eyes open,” Karen explained.
“Dave knows that, Karen.” Janet looked him over, seeing the seriousness buried
there beneath the surface. “I agree. You don’t need to be taking any chances.
Knowing you, Dave, something will be waiting up there.”
“The Witch or worse, Dark Daddy. I figure as much. We all need to know. I need
to know,” he indicated.
“It’s time we found out about this situation,” Janet agreed. “Just be careful.
Meantime, let’s get some of that shortbread and coffee in here. I can’t have you
two going back without a treat, can I?”
“No we can’t have that,” Karen retorted, rubbing his back affectionately as they
started into the cookies and hot beverages.
Chapter 4 [Two Weeks Later—White Knight Newsroom]
The students looked at each other anxiously, wondering what the editors had up
their sleeves. As with Dave and Karen, they had reserved their outfits for the
upcoming dance. Although the next issue wasn’t due for another week after
Halloween, they hoped that another surprise wasn’t coming.
“Where is he?” Adrienne huffed, checking her watch.
“I’m sure Dave and the others will be here soon,” Harvey noted.
As he said that, the editors and Miss Jenkins walked into the room, sitting down
in the front of it.
“Sorry we’re late, gang,” Dave apologized while settling his papers.
Seeing a hand pop up, Karen asked, “Yes, Meredith?”
“We aren’t going to have another issue before Halloween, are we?” Meredith
wondered.
“Not that I’m aware of,” Steve assured her. “Dave?”
“You’re safe on that one, Meredith,” the Editor in Chief agreed. “I wondered
though if anyone wanted to do an extra piece on Halloween traditions?”
The newest reporter, Rose McLaughlin, stuck a skinny hand up. “I’d like to do
that, Dave, if nobody else wants it.”
Not getting any other takers, Dave asked, “April?”
“See me afterwards, Rose,” April indicated. “I think we’ll have some fun with
this one.”
“The reason I wanted to see you all concerns the dance. How many of you are
going?” he inquired.
Half of the hands went up.
“You aren’t going to ask us to work during our dates?” Adrienne complained.
If you could get one. “No,” Garth replied. “We were going to ask that you keep
your eyes open. I’d like someone to do a write up on it. The rest of us can give
our insights.”
“As long as you remember to dance, Garth,” April jabbed.
That got some laughs.
“You heard her, Dave,” Karen added.
“We’re due for a dance, remember?” Dave retorted with a smirk, not giving an
inch. “And I intend to finish it this time.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” Karen insisted, returning his facial expression with
one of her own. “Remember, Gang, have fun. Just keep your eyes open.”
“Think spirit,” April added. “I think that’s it?”
“It is,” Dave agreed. “Thanks, everyone.”
After the group had left, their advisor complimented, “You said it would be
short and it was. I know they appreciate it.”
“Speaking of the reporters, I need to see Rose. Catch you all later!” April
concluded before heading off.
“I’m glad Rose spoke up. She’s so quiet,” Dave noted.
“She’s adjusting to this place. You know how it goes,” Garth responded.
“I do. Monson’s a small town. We just need to give her some time. Maybe she’d
like a coffee at the Express sometime?” Dave proposed.
“Think a sophomore would want to sit with a group of seniors?” Frank wondered.
“We can find out,” Karen replied. “Speaking of the Express, my shift calls. See
you all later. Dave, let Mom know I might be a little late. Mrs. Campbell wanted
to check some things with me.”
“Gotcha,” Dave agreed. “See you later.” Watching her leave, he mused, This might
actually work out!
Chapter 5 [Friday night—1 hour before the Dance]
Dave slid the box out from under his bed. Since returning from the costume shop,
he had kept his choice secret from all but Karen. He anticipated a startled
reaction but didn’t care. As long as it gets one person’s goat, that’s all I
care about! He put the outfit on and slid the mask over his face. “It’s not as
gaudy as I thought.”
“Dressin’ dark, are ye? Ye accept yer true nature?” the ghost inquired, hoping
that he would give in to the inevitable.
Right on schedule! “Actually, I wore this in honor of you. Like it?” He turned
to let her get a full view. He pointed to the red tape under the ear. “Even has
the details down.”
She screamed at the sight of the costume. “Ye’ll pay fer this!”
“What? You don’t like it?” he baited.
“It don’t matter! Yer still a sheep e’en dressed as my precious! I will be
avenged fer this!” With that, she vanished.
“He shoots, he scores,” he muttered while finishing his preparations.
****
[A half hour later]
Karen stood in front of the mirror, looking over her shepherdess costume. At her
mother’s insistence, she had altered the top so it wasn’t so form fitting. Okay,
it didn’t look as nerdy as I thought it would especially when I roll up the
sleeves. And I love the hook. She felt the weight of the long handled hook in
her hand.
[“I’ll bet you do,” Dave teased.]
[“Don’t let your role go to your head, Pal,” she jabbed while putting the hood
and cape on. “I still don’t know how you’re going to dance in that thing.”]
[“I’ll make up a few bars and fake it.”] He stomped into the room in his wolf
costume. Dark black fur covered the suit. A bushy tail hung from the lower back
to just below his knees. The mask concealed his feature save for his eyes which
could be seen through the mouth. [“The hood’s brown!”]
[“I’m a shepherdess not Little Red Riding Hood, Dingbat. This is a first
though,” she corrected him.]
[“And that is?”]
[“This has got to be the first time a sheep has come dressed in wolf’s
clothing,” she teased. “Baaad Boy! And the tail’s sooo cute!”]
He rolled his eyes at the lame pun. [“Nice try but the ghost beat you to it
about twenty minutes ago. Come on; we need to get over there,” he advised as
they headed down the stairs.]
****
[APHRS—15 minutes later]
After a few well timed quips from Charles, Dr. Alvarez dropped them off at the
school. “I’ll see you both at 11. If you have a problem, call, okay?” He took
one look at Dave’s costume and shook his head. “This has got to take the cake.”
“Told you,” Karen teased.
“The wolf never gets respect. Ah well, it figures. Let’s go, Bo Peep,” her
boyfriend retorted half-seriously.
“And here I forgot to get you your shots,” she retorted.
“Funny girl,” he sighed. “Thanks, Dr. Alvarez.”
The superintendent chuckled. “Just don’t blow the school down, up or whatever.”
“Don’t quit your day job either,” Dave noted while closing the door.
The driver snapped a picture of them. “Everyone will get a kick out of this.”
****
[Dance]
Garth sat in his cowboy outfit as he and April waited for the other couple to
arrive. “I wonder where they are?”
April pushed the feathers of her saloon girl outfit back so she could look at
her watch. “It’s just 8:00.” She looked at the door and cracked up. “He really
did it! I don’t believe it!”
“He what?” Garth looked to the door and saw the wolf and Bo Peep coming through.
“Wow!”
“We owe them dinner,” she reminded him.
“I might make a pelt out of him for that,” he countered. As Karen and Dave
reached the table, he asked, “Howdy, Ma ‘am, is that varmint giving you
problems?”
Karen arched her brow and smirked. “Not yet. The night’s young though.” She
yanked the tail saucily.
“Hey, watch the tail!” Dave retorted. “Seriously, everyone’s a critic of the
Wolf. We just get no respect.”
“There’s your reputation, Bud,” Garth declared half-seriously recalling the
scene in the Pit.
“Yeah, yeah, well I raided a henhouse before I came over,” Dave rebutted,
keeping in character. “Got to keep my strength up, you know. This wolf was made
to boogie. Where are Steve and Frank?”
“They chickened out. Man are they going to be ticked they missed this!” Garth
exclaimed knowingly.
“Sorry, Dave, but this one’s too good to resist!” April declared while snapping
a picture with her camera. Seeing Adrienne and her date, Toby Myers, come over,
she sighed, “Attitude at 2 o clock.”
“Hello to you too, April,” Adrienne replied haughtily. She and her date were
dressed as private eyes. “Getting into character, are we, Dave?”
“I was aiming at a polecat but I heard that was taken,” he retorted. “How’s your
night?”
“Slow. Let’s get this show started,” she replied. “We’ll see you out there.
Karen, try not to trip on your stick there.”
“Keep that magnifying glass where you can see it,” Karen retorted as they left.
“Forget them,” Dave urged while sitting down. “Watch the hook. That thing’s
lethal.”
“Remember that, Wolf Boy,” his date cracked. “Too bad the others didn’t come.”
She saw Rose walk hesitantly through the door by herself. “Look who’s here! Be
right back.” She hustled over to the newcomer who was dressed as an Arabian
princess. “Nice costume, Rose. Glad to see you! Are you with anyone?”
The younger girl shook her head. “I figured I’d have fun anyhow. I’ll mingle and
spend time with everyone. How are you, Karen?”
“I’m great. You can sit with us if you want,” Karen invited.
“Are you sure?” Rose inquired shyly.
“Definitely. It’s quite a group,” Karen noted dryly leading her over.
“Love the costumes, Garth and April. Who’s the wolf?” the sophomore inquired.
“Hi, Rose,” Dave greeted while pulling a chair out.
She gawked at him. “Dave?”
“It’s me. Hey, why not?” He pulled the chair out. “Take a seat.”
“All right,” Rose agreed while doing so. She snickered. “Sorry. That is some
costume.”
“Hey, everyone’s coming as a clown or ghost. I figured be original. Besides I
can dance in just about anything,” he replied.
Seeing the DJ start the turntable, April jabbed, “Let’s see how well you back
that one up. We’re under way.”
“I’m ready to howl,” Dave cracked.
The DJ announced, “Hey, all of you cool cats! This here’s Rockin’ Roger with a
load of hits for you all to groove to! We got ourselves some lost time to make
up! To start, let’s get out there and move!”
“The floor’s yours, Head of the Pack,” Garth cracked.
“Bet I handle my tail better than you deal with your spurs, Two Gun,” Dave
retorted, getting up. “Shall we?” he asked his date.
“Someone has to keep you out of trouble,” Karen noted as they joined the others
on the floor. As soon as the first song started, they moved to the beat, keeping
up with everyone else. Three songs came and went and still they kept the pace.
“I’m seeing it but I’m not believing it.”
“I told you. I can do this,” he retorted as the last one wound down.
Roger got on the mike. “Hey, hey! I still have that dedication from Kansas! Are
our two travelers here?”
“Right here,” Karen indicated as she and Dave came over.
“Ready? You will get through it this time,” the DJ noted. “Holly Holy. Here
goes!”
As before, the couple danced, floating on the timeless lyrics. Around them,
people watched. However, they could care less. They were the only ones that
mattered to each other. For the entire dance, they gazed into each other’s eyes,
feeling completely transfixed.
It was a moment to remember—even if Karen was looking the Gift Wolf in the
Mouth.
****
Meantime, Lichtenfeld floated in the cafeteria, observing the events silently.
She couldn’t believe what was happening there. Enjoy yourselves, Children! But ye’ll know I’m here soon ‘nough!
Recalling an album Dave had been listening to
only two days earlier, she cast the spell. She grinned evilly. Let’s see how
they like that one!
****
Back in the Gym, Roger felt his head go numb for a second as the song ended. He
jerked himself back to life. “Hey! Extra special dedication for the Wolf.”
“Everyone’s a critic. What is it?” Dave asked.
“Brand new song, Man. Start movin’!” Roger set the LP in motion.
While they started well, hearing the lyrics to Hall & Oates’ “Maneater” made
them stop cold:
“She'll only come out at night
The lean and hungry type
Nothing is new, I've seen her here before
Watching and waiting
She's sitting with you but her eyes are on the door
So many have paid to see
What you think you're getting for free
The woman is wild, a she-cat tamed by the purr of a Jaguar
Money's the matter
If you're in it for love you ain't gonna get too far
Oh here she comes
Watch out boy she'll chew you up
Oh here she comes
She's a maneater
Oh here she comes
Watch out boy she'll chew you up
Oh here she comes
She's a maneater
I wouldn't if I were you
I know what she can do
She's deadly man, and she could really rip your world apart
Mind over matter
The beauty is there but a beast is in the heart
Oh here she comes
Watch out boy she'll chew you up
Oh here she comes
She's a maneater”
[“Keep it up. Don’t give her the satisfaction,” he advised.]
[“You think it’s her?” Karen wondered.]
[“Who else would bait me like this?” he replied. “Too bad I have the perfect
retort and it’s on this album.”] When the song ended, he headed for the podium.
“I have a dedication too for the one who sent that song. To an old friend who
likes to haunt me, this is for you. Take a listen.” He looked at Roger. “Cold
War. Styx.”
“Whoa, Dude!”
“Trust me. She’ll get it,” Dave insisted before heading back to Karen.
“What did you do?” she wondered.
“Raised the stakes a little. She wants to mess with the Big Bad Wolf, does she?
Heh…try this one.” As the lyrics started, they moved to these words:
“I'm tired of your psychology
To bring me to my bended knees
And if I could only talk to you
I'm sure that I could make you see
'cause time has a way
Of bringing even mountains down, down, down
Storm clouds are coming
I suggest you head for higher ground
I say you're a thing of the past
And you ain't gonna last
No matter what you say or do
It's all caught up to you
You're duty-free, you're tax-exempt
You party with the president
And you dance the dance so naturally
Why not believe you're heaven-sent
But time has a way of bringing
Even mountains down, down, down
There's a storm cloud a-comin'
I insist you head for higher ground
You talk talk and you get so intense
That you almost make sense
And that's what scares me the most
You as the host of celebrity lies
It's prime time, baby
Can't you see in my eyes, it's a
Cold war-runnin' in the streets
Everybody you meet knows
It's going down, don't you know
Cold war-blowing in the air
Everyone everywhere says it's time
To get ready for a cold war
Don't you look now
But the skinny boy's becoming a man
You say it's the luck of the draw
And you can't have it all
And I'll die young trying to make it
Into something that ain't gonna last
You ought to reconsider
'cause I'm coming fast with a
Cold war-running in the streets
Everybody you meet
Know's it's going down, don't you know
Cold war-blood is in the air
Everyone everywhere says it's time
To get ready for a cold war-looking at me
From behind every tree
There's a scared man running from a
Cold war-don't you look now
But the skinny boy's a streetfighting man”
She shook her head. “All the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Really suave, Dave.”
“Let her deal with it,” he insisted. Hearing Lichtenfeld’s angry scream in his
mind, he added, “Ooh yeah! She got it!”
Why do I feel we’re going to regret this? Karen rolled her eyes, knowing that
the other shoe was going to drop for Dave’s bit of oneupmanship. Exchanging
looks with Garth, she could see he was just as worried.
****
[11:00 PM—out front]
After three hours of fun, everyone was ready to call it a night. The members of
the Cadre who were there danced with each other and included Rose on selected
numbers.
“I still don’t believe you kept up in that get up,” Garth complained.
“You’re going to be front page copy, Chief,” April promised.
“Leave it to Dave to call attention to himself,” Karen cracked. In more ways
than one. “Have a good time, Rose?”
The newcomer nodded and smiled. “I sure did! I really appreciate you all
including me.”
“Our pleasure,” April replied. “I look forward to hearing your comments about
tonight and seeing the article.”
“It’ll be ready on Monday,” Rose indicated while seeing her father pull in.
“There’s my ride. Thanks!” She walked away.
“I’m glad she had some fun,” Dave indicated.
“We all did. It was good to see you do the same, you Big Ham,” Karen teased.
“If I was grumpy, I would have gotten the hook,” he noted.
“Darn straight,” Karen replied. “My Dad’s waiting for us. Come on, Furball, our
ride’s waiting.”
“You’re going to get every crack in, aren’t you?” he wondered.
“A girl’s gotta score points where she can get them,” she laughed as they drove
away.
It was a night they all desperately needed…. Desperately needed indeed.
Conclusion
[Faerie Realms—that night]
Pauline shook her head at the scene. “Is he insane?”
The Empress replied, “The boy drew a line in the sand tonight. Let us celebrate
that accomplishment for now.” She smirked. “Very ingenious stratagem to put
Lichtenfeld in her place.”
“I’m glad you think so,” the priestess doubted. “With all due respect, he’s
instigated a war with her.”
“The war is already being fought, Pauline. Notice that their celebration went
on. David Dubois rebuffed her efforts. And the costume was a nice touch.” The
Elf Queen took a deep breath. “We will take what we can get. By the next moon’s
course, the goddess will test him dearly. Have you talked with Cybelle?”
“I have. She knows about her grandmother’s declining health. This is to be her
initial task—to observe and assist where necessary,” Pauline explained. “Even if
that means she has to see her brother’s darkness erupt.”
“Indeed. That is why, however, I am sending you there when the time comes,” the
Empress advised.
Pauline nodded and disappeared into the mists.
A good salvo indeed, David Dubois. May you handle the Witch’s next volley as
well…..
****
[The following Tuesday evening]
[Town Library]
The latest flu bug struck Amherst hard during the previous weekend, knocking
many of the residents out of their routines.
Accordingly, Dave had covered the library’s circulation desk by himself.
Fortunately, the traffic remained steady but not overwhelming, allowing him to
get back into the flow. Relying on what he had learned at Packet Place about
pacing himself, he dispatched the patrons efficiently yet made them all feel
welcome.
Finally at 7:30, Ms. Parsons came over. “I can relieve you, Dave. You need to be
going.”
“Who’s going to do this?” he wondered.
“We’re going to close early tonight,” she noted. “I’m about ready to make the
announcement. I don’t want you getting sick.”
“I can handle it. Big test on Friday,” he noted.
“Make sure you relax a little before doing that. Seriously, thank you for
pitching in,” she expressed.
“My pleasure, Ms. Parsons. It helps to keep my mind off of things,” he assured
her.
“Meaning your grandmother, I presume? Miss Jenkins told me about the trip you
and Karen took her on. I’m sure she was thrilled to be with you and doing
something fun again,” she presumed.
“After everything she’s done for me, it’s the least I can do for her,” he
declared. Feeling his moods lurch, he shuddered. “Sorry.”
She shook her head. “There’s no need to apologize, Dave. Remember, we’re here.”
“I know,” he replied, forcing himself to stay composed. “Have a good night.”
After he left, she sighed, recalling how he had reacted when Mrs. Colavitto had
passed away a year earlier. I hope we’ll be able to withstand his outburst when
it happens. Lord, help us all.
****
[Cappuccino Express]
Rose wandered into the café, surveying the scene in search of a seat. As with
Dave, her shift at the town’s pharmacy had meant double duty on the registers
and shelf stocking. At least, there are plenty of empty seats. She headed up to
the counter where Karen wiped everything down. “Hi, Karen.”
“Hi, Rose. How was the drug store?” the waitress wondered.
“Exciting. Lots of cough syrup and cold medicine going out the door. I went by
the library but it was already dark,” Rose explained.
“Apparently the flu hit people hard there too,” Karen noted. “Dave’s working
late tonight. Ms. Parsons must have closed early. What can I get you?”
“A bowl of that soup and a coffee would be great,” Rose requested. She looked
over her shoulder to see Dave locking his bike to the rack. “There he is.”
The guy in question walked through the door and up to the counter. “Hey, Karen,
Rose, how’s it going?”
“Look around. I think Typhoid Mary’s been running crazy,” his girlfriend
indicated while prepping a mocha for him. “Garth and April are in the corner.
I’ll bring these over in a couple of minutes.”
“Sounds great,” he agreed while paying her for his choices.
“Mind if I join you?” the sophomore inquired.
“Please do,” he invited. He led her over to where their classmates sat and
talked about things. “How is it going?”
“Dealing with this cold,” April declared while blowing her nose.
Garth coughed. “Enough said. How’s life in the working world?”
“Covering everyone’s hours. I just got out,” Dave responded.
“And I’ve helped the flow of cough medicine for the past four hours,” Rose noted
while wiping her forehead off. “What a day! I don’t suppose this means the
paper’s delayed?”
“We have that under control,” Karen noted while setting everyone’s choices in
front of them. “Hot stuff. Good for all of you.”
“Miss Jenkins and I used the early dismissal today to get the paper to press.
We’re set to roll in the morning,” Dave added. “Speaking of which, here it is.”
He revealed the next day’s edition. “Your section looks great, April.”
“And so do you, Mr. Wolf,” the Features editor cracked. “Whatever possessed you
to pick that anyhow?”
As they recalled the incident revolving around the Hunt, Karen and Garth knew
his exact rationale but wouldn’t say a word.
“As I said, it was an original flourish,” he indicated, taking a spoonful of
soup. “Great job, People.”
“Thanks for including me,” Rose expressed.
“Thanks for doing a smash up job, Rose. You’re going to be just fine,” Dave
assured her. And another good job done! Then he felt something unusual across
the street for a brief second before it vanished. Her?
[“Dave?” Karen asked.]
[“It’s nothing,” he fibbed.] I guess the clock’s started running…..
****
[Across the street]
In the stillness of the early November night, a lone feminine figure observed
the scene while en route to her duties. With only her candle to light her way,
Celesta passed from the nearby hospital to homes, performing her office. While
many recovered, the epidemic summoned her to the hamlet at that point.
Sensing the young man’s turmoil, she shook her head. The Pantheon knows what
could happen if the situation’s mishandled. I will remind Zeus and Hades to
allow me to warn the young ones when Janet Dubois’ time comes. But that time
isn’t yet. Enjoy what time you all have left with her. Soon, she will pass on to
her reward.
With that, she vanished, resuming her course toward the next soul on her docket.
THE END (for now)