Notes: Gabrielle is from “Xena Warrior Princess” which belongs to StudiosUSA and MCA. All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Preface [Amazon Village, c. 88 AD]

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

After the first week, things fell into place for David and his friends. They worked at their studies and money making ventures. Of course, people wanted to have some fun. Toward the end of “October,” a group outing provided the escape they all needed.




Chapter 1 [October 15, 1980—Town Library]

Dave finished off yet another shift at the library. Over the course of the previous six weeks, he had definitely received a crash course in time management, balancing school with work and the White Knight. He sighed while writing down his time on the card and putting it back in the drawer. No doubt about it, I’m glad tomorrow’s Friday. As he walked out the door, he found Garth and Steve waiting for him. “Hey, guys.”

“All set?” Garth asked. While the others felt left out because of Dave’s job not to mention the girls’ positions, they did their best to be supportive.

“How’d it go?” Steve added.

“Okay,” Dave replied, stifling a yawn. “Sorry. Between those quizzes and here, it’s been a long day. Hey, want to get a coffee or something?”

“Sounds great,” Steve concurred. “Karen’s still there. What about April?”

“She’s off right about now,” he agreed. “I don’t know if she’s going to be with her folks though. Follow me.” He got on his bike and took off down the street, heading for the Floral Emporium.

His friends followed, making the best pace they could.

Five minutes later, they walked into the McKenzies’ flower shop and looked around. As always, the displays were filled with the prettiest and sweetest smelling blooms in town. Two other customers walked past them and headed out the door.

“Hi, everyone!” April greeted, as she wiped the counter down. “Something I can do for you?”

“We were wondering when you get off,” Garth inquired.

She frowned. “Not until 7 and then I need to get my homework done. Sorry, guys.” I wish I could but this is what I wanted with a job. Oh well. “Maybe tomorrow night?”

“That sounds like a plan. Let me see what Gram’s doing first,” Dave agreed tentatively. “I’ll let you know at school tomorrow. Hang in there.” He smiled warmly.

“You do that,” she commented, feeling slightly better. As the guys left the store, she shrugged. “Ah well.”

“Sorry, Honey,” her mother apologized. “You handled that well.”

“I know, Mom. Dave understands because he’s going through the same thing. It’s okay. We’ll manage,” April replied, trying to remain upbeat.

“As long as you all can do that, everything will be fine,” Mariah concurred. “You did your Math homework, right?”

“Uh huh. It’s all set,” April indicated. “I want to check it over one more time after I get off.”

“That will be fine. You’re doing great, April,” her mother complimented, rubbing her shoulder. Seeing the clock was at 6:55, she directed, “You’ve done enough for today. Get ready for dinner. Tomorrow, I want you to get some quality time with your friends. Okay?”

She nodded, hoping that everyone could manage some quality time from their schedules to do so. “Let’s hope so.” With that, they headed up the stairs from the shop to the house above it where they lived. Another day in the books. Let’s hope we can make it through the marking period.



****


[Cappuccino Express—twenty minutes later]

The guys entered the busy café and looked around for a place to sit. However, as luck would have it, every seat in the place was taken and the staff scurried around checking on the customers.

“Hey, guys,” Karen huffed. “I’ll get you at the counter.”

Dave shrugged, remembering how busy the library was. “Sure. Come on.”

About a minute later, she met them there. “How was your shift, Dave?”

“About the same as this,” he replied, eyeing the situation. “Did the high school just empty into here and the library or what?”

She rolled her eyes. “Seems that way, doesn’t it?”

“You’re doing great,” he complimented. Hearing the other two guys snickering, he flushed.

She quirked her eyebrow and stared at them, folding her arms across her chest. “You have a problem with Dave being nice to me?”

“As long as he’s not buttering you up…no,” Steve retorted saucily.

“And if he was, so what?” she responded. “A girl can use a little buttering up every now and then. Seriously though, Dave, can I get you something? Sorry but…well…”

“I’ll just get a regular coffee tonight, Karen. Thanks. I don’t want to get you in trouble. Hey, are you free tomorrow?” he asked. “April wanted to know.”

“I need to pull an hour and a half here and then run home. Unless the parents say different, meet you at 5:15 over at your grandmother’s?” she told him.

“Okay. See you then,” he agreed, taking the coffee and handing her the money. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. See you tomorrow, guys,” she concluded before hurrying off again.

“Thanks,” Garth teased.

“Cool it, all right?” Dave requested, letting a touch of anger into his voice. He took a deep breath, fighting the mood swings. He sat down on the sidewalk outside, trying to collect himself. “Dang!”

“You okay?” Steve asked.

“I’ll be fine,” Dave assured them both. “Sorry but I need to get going. See you both later.” He rode away on his bike.

His friends looked anxiously at him, worrying if the balancing act was becoming too much. While he had seemed okay in school and on the paper, that remark indicated that something was going on under the surface.




Chapter 3 [Next night—Janet’s house]

Dave completed a Latin translation, making sure that it sounded right. “Verb declensions are murder. No wonder Grandpa fretted over this stuff.”

“I’m sure,” Janet concurred. “How’s it going?”

“Just finished,” he told her as he put his Latin book in the backpack. “I wanted to get something done before heading out tonight.”

She smiled. “You deserve a break. What are you all doing?”

“We’re heading over to diNardo’s. It’ll be nice to hang out with the others for a couple of hours,” he informed her.

“Sounds great. How’s the money holding up?” she wondered.

“It’s fine,” he indicated. “It feels great that I’m doing this. And the grades are doing all right so all the bases are covered.”

“And you’re having some fun too. Let’s not forget about that,” she added, giving him a serious look. Hearing a knock at the door, she presumed, “That sounds like your escort now.”

He smirked at her before opening the door. “Hi, Karen. They didn’t run you too ragged, I hope.”

She slapped at the air. “Nah. It was fairly slow.” She held up a cup. “I brought you a mocha. Sorry, it’s cold though.”

He smiled. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s hot or cold. It’ll taste great either way.” He took a sip. “This is great cool as well.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Chief,” Karen cracked.

“Yeah well—you could use the ego boost,” he retorted. “The others are waiting so we might want to get going.”

“Have fun both of you. Call if you need anything,” Janet told them.

“We’ll do that. I’ll make sure he has some fun,” Karen assured her.

After they left, Janet mused, Make sure that you both have fun.



****


[diNardo’s—forty five minutes later]

Right off of Pleasant Street, the tiny hole in the wall restaurant had waited on customers for the past four decades with the best tomato sauce, pasta and pizza in the area. The low prices and friendly service boosted the eatery’s appeal. For Dave and his friends, this place served as a change of pace from the Express. Especially with Karen wanting a break from there, the group went there every couple of weeks to touch base and enjoy each other’s company.

“How’s the work scene?” Frank asked, in between bites of his ravioli.

“I’m certainly learning everything about the flower business,” April remarked. “It is challenging making sure that time gets rationed out for everything.”

“You can say that again,” Karen concurred, biting into a slice of pizza. “Sometimes, I feel as if I’m being stretched thin.” As she said that, she looked right at Dave who seemed quieter than usual. “Speaking of which…Dave, are you all right?”

He nearly jumped. “Huh?”

“Hey, Space Cadet, are you taking transmissions from us or are we boring you?” April jabbed.

Dave yawned. “Sorry. Lot on my mind.”

“We gathered,” Garth noted. “Are you okay?”

“Fighting the mood swings,” he said absently, sipping on his soda. “Besides, I just wanted to listen to you all.”

“We like to hear you too, Pal,” Steve pointed out.

Dave blushed with embarrassment. “I know. I’ll get used to this stuff. I’ll be glad when the latest piece is in Caroline’s hands.”

“That’s not due until Wednesday. Chill out, Chief,” Karen advised, allowing her concern to be heard by everyone.

He nodded, knowing they were right. He ate a mouthful of ziti, considering the possibilities before asking, “Who wants to suggest something fun?”

“Excuse me? Mr. Spacey, what was that?” Frank inquired humorously.

Dave stared at him intently before reiterating, “I asked if anyone could suggest something fun.”

The others smiled, feeling glad that he was at least coming around.

“We could do the foliage walk on the green,” April suggested.

“How about another apple picking trip like last year?” Frank offered. “That would be so cool.”

“Driving to Granville and back would be rough on Gram in the dark, Frank. Good idea though,” Dave declined.

“Besides, the three of us work Saturday too,” Karen added.

Garth sighed and looked at Frank and Steve. There’s got to be something fun we can plan for them. Maybe Karen’s Dad might know something. Having decided to take action, he ate the rest of his meal in peace, considering when to approach the superintendent with his idea.




Chapter 4 [Next day—Alvarez House]

With his wife and kids away on one matter or another, Dr. Alvarez sat at the kitchen table reviewing statistics. The school system’s overall grade average had gone up during the previous marking period while attendance remained the same. Those facts were great news to the superintendent. The teachers deserve credit for keeping the students motivated. In particular, he felt great about a certain moody teenager’s grades. Dave’s been keeping his head above water despite everything. Thank goodness Janet supports him.

At that moment, he heard a knock at the door. “Who could that be?” He opened the door to find Garth and Steve standing there. “Hi, guys, sorry Karen and Caroline aren’t here right now. Can I help you?”

“Actually, we wanted to see you, sir,” Steve told him. “Can we come in?”

“Certainly. Is everything all right?” the administrator wondered, letting them into the house.

“Everyone’s okay, Dr. Alvarez,” Garth noted. “We were concerned about Karen, April and Dave is all.”

Dr. Alvarez scratched his head. “As far as I know, Karen’s okay. Would you both like a glass of orange juice? I was going to get one for myself.” Seeing them nod, he poured three glasses and set them down on the table. “What’s up?”

“Thanks, Dr. Alvarez. Actually, we were wondering if anyone had ideas for APRHS’ annual fall trip yet?” Steve inquired.

“None that I’ve heard yet. Did you want to suggest something?” the superintendent queried.

“Maybe we should go to Mr. Wilson with this,” Steve surmised. “We don’t mean to bother you.”

He looked at them curiously. “Actually you aren’t bothering me. What kind of superintendent would I be if I didn’t have time for the students? Besides, I appreciate your concern for my daughter’s welfare. Please tell me the idea.”

“Maybe a hayride up at Burrough’s Farms up in Whatley?” Garth suggested.

Dr. Alvarez scratched his chin, considering the idea. “Let me see what I can do. Ray Burrough is a friend of mine. And I remember he said that he would be open to such an event. That is a very creative idea, guys. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. Is everything else all right?”

“Sure,” Steve agreed. “It’s just weird not having the others around as often. I guess that’s a part of growing up, isn’t it?”

“You’ll probably be doing the same thing soon enough,” the older man told them. “David, April and Karen are just trying to pull their weight is all. They’re still your friends. Trust me, everything will be all right.”

“We hope so,” Garth indicated, as he and Steve stood up. “Thanks for speaking with us, sir.”

“It’s been my pleasure. You know my door’s open,” Dr. Alvarez replied pleasantly as his guests left. It’s nice to know that they are all such good friends for each other. Now to see to that hayride. With that, he headed for the phone.




Chapter 5 [Tuesday]

The weekend passed uneventfully and the week started the same way. For the students, midterms meant buckling down and studying in addition to the stress factor. The job factor didn’t help any.

Dave stretched in his seat during Latin class. While he enjoyed it, he couldn’t wait for Thanksgiving when there would be a break. I wish I had more time to enjoy these things. He looked at the declensions in front of him. Some day, I’ll be good enough to read this without trouble.

After class, Karen waited for him in the hall. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah sure,” he told her as they got the books from their lockers. “Let’s eat. How was art?”

“Okay. We’re looking at impressionism this week. It’s really interesting,” she replied, as they walked into the cafeteria and over to their friends’ table. “Hey, gang.”

“Lunch at last,” April stated with relief, biting into her sandwich. “Those tests really wore me out.”

“Same all around,” Frank concurred, seeing the others nod. “Say, has anyone heard if the school’s doing any trip or anything?”

Dave shook his head. “Nope. Not a thing. I wish they would. I could stand a little fun right now.”

As if on cue, an announcement came over the PA system. “Attention, students, this is Mr. Wilson. I wanted to let you know that the school has organized a field trip for Friday night. It will be a hayride at Burrough’s Farms. The cost will be $15.00 per person. If you’re interested, come by the Office for a permission slip. Thanks.”

“A hayride?” Frank asked. “What’s that?”

“You put hay in the back of a wagon and ride around with your friends through the fields and woods,” Steve explained. “It should be fun.”

“I hope Daddy would be okay with me going,” Karen stated.

Garth and Steve looked at each other knowingly. They knew that her father would have no problem with that.

“I’ll talk to Gram,” Dave told them, feeling his spirits picking up. This might be the break we’re looking for. He looked at Karen and April and seeing them smile at him, he bit into his peanut butter sandwich with some enthusiasm.

****


[After work—Janet’s house]

Dave biked over to his grandmother’s house with the permission slip in hand. Entering the house, he remembered to take his shoes off at the door. “Gram?”

“Right here,” she replied, walking into the kitchen. Seeing the brighter look on his face, she mused, I wonder if this has anything to do with Ricardo’s news? “What happened? Great day at work?”

“I always enjoy it,” he noted, taking a seat. “I was wondering if you’d be willing to sign a permission slip?” He put the paper on the table.

She eyed him curiously. “Depends on what it is.” She read it over and smiled. “Absolutely.” Taking her silver tipped pen out of the drawer, she signed it and gave it back to him. “Dr. Alvarez asked me to be a chaperone. I hope you don’t mind, Dave.”

“Why would I?” he asked. “We could all stand a little fun. I’ll get the money to the office tomorrow.”

“You and Karen are set, Dave,” she told him. Seeing him bristle, she put her hands up. “Indulge me, all right?”

“Okay,” he conceded, knowing that she would let him have his space. At last, a break and some time with my friends and Gram. This is what we needed all right.



Chapter 6
[White Knight office—Friday afternoon]

Dave pulled the last page of the typewriter and looked it over. The article on “county pastimes” was due that afternoon. With only that standing between him and the hayride, he made sure to tend to it as soon as possible. Feeling satisfied that the piece sounded all right, he straightened the papers and stapled them together. “Okay.”

“Just about finished, Genius?” Caroline cracked, walking over with a cup of coffee for him.

“Yeah, I am,” he agreed, handing her the finished work and drinking the coffee. “I needed that. Thanks.”

“No problem,” she told him while reading the piece over. “Marina’s going to love this!”

“She’s really good about saying stuff like that,” he declared.

“And why do you think that is?” she asked. “This is good work. Dave, you’ve done nothing else but since your arrival. I understood why Mrs. C raved about you to us. Keep it up, all right?”

“Your sister does good work too,” he commented, deflecting the praise away from himself.

“She’ll admit yours is better,” Caroline argued. Seeing the skeptical look on his face, she conceded the point. “You are going to have some fun, right?”

“Tonight? That was the plan,” he informed her, putting his coat on. “I’m hanging in there, Caroline. Don’t worry about me.” With that, he left.

Caroline shook her head. Granted, Dave was only a classmate and friend. However, there was something special about his ability and while she couldn’t touch it exactly, she knew there was something else. Something he was fighting deep down. That’s why he needs to feel positively about himself. Karen, you do wonders for him.


****


[6 PM—Janet’s house]

Janet and Dave finished washing the dishes and putting them away. After an early dinner, they were ready for the evening’s festivities. Beside them, a thermos of cocoa and a large plastic bowl of cookies sat waiting for the ride over to Whatley.

“Are you all right?” she asked.

“Yeah. A little nervous but I’ll survive. You know how I am around big gatherings,” he told her.

Do I ever. Without trying, she could remember several such events. “Are you going to be all right?”

“With you and the others watching out for me, sure,” he agreed, giving her a smile. “Thanks, Gram, for helping out.”

She returned the facial expression with one of her own. “It’s my pleasure. Just remember that attitude, Dave.” Hearing a knock at the door. “Showtime.”

That’s about the size of it. He opened it to find Karen, Garth and April standing there. “Gram, did we order out?” he teased.

“Very funny,” April chided pleasantly. “You ready?”

“Of course,” Dave agreed, opening the door. “Come in for a sec. Gram, do we need help with the stuff?”

“It would be great. Garth, could you get the plastic bowl? Dave, take the thermos please.”

Dave nodded and took the cocoa. “Come on, guys. This is going to be great!” With that, he rushed out the door.

The others watched his enthusiasm, relishing its reappearance. They would have wanted to see it more often.