Notes: The characters from “Xena Warrior Princess” belong to StudiosUSA and MCA. Lillian, Lionel and Lex Luthor are from “Smallville” which belongs to DC and the WB. 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 long cold of winter ends, both the blossoms and passions burst forth in brilliant displays. Such was the case in my home village of Potadeia every year during the spring. Even after two millennia, young people continue this tendency.

Toward the end of the second year at “Amherst High,” David Dubois and his friends were discovering just this very thing. At a festive event called a ‘dance’, they started to explore their deeper feelings toward each other. In David’s case, would he tell Karen Alvarez how he felt? Aphrodite was telling me the other day that his decision process could make a turtle seem fast.

Here’s the scroll…..

 

Chapter 1

[Amherst High—April 15, 1981]

The sun shone brightly outside on that mid-April day; the warm breezes blowing gently across the New England landscape and cheering everyone….

Well almost everyone that is….

In Mr. Demrowski’s Russian History class, Dave and his friends trudged through yet another essay exam. While the other classes proved tough for them, the steady stream of essays proved to be a bear. In fact, this particular exam dealing with the Cold War threatened everyone’s grades. Certainly everyone knew that Russians could bury their class grade in addition to the country as a whole.

Dave wrote quickly, knowing the points in his head. He had studied for a week, knowing that Mr. D wouldn’t back down on the quality of the essay question. Thank you, Grandpa, for the discipline! He could almost feel the others’ suffering around him. He had to take deep breaths so as not to have a fit as a result. Control, control!

Across the room, the other members of the Cadre scribbled away as well. While they had studied as well, they didn’t feel comfortable with the exam and hoped for a C. Occasionally, they would look about the room or out the window, trying to collect their thoughts.

So it went….

 

****

 

[White Knight newsroom—an hour later]

While waiting for the others to finish, Dave worked with Caroline and Marina on a proof page for the next issue. While Mrs. Colavitto normally did that, her deteriorating health prevented her from doing such things on an increasing basis. However, she sat in the corner, working on other important matters.

“How were they doing?” Caroline asked with concern, noting the time.

“They were slugging away with it. That thing gave me a headache so I can imagine what it’s doing to them,” he replied knowingly, rubbing his forehead. “Their anxiety was threatening to set me off.”

She sighed. That’s the last thing we need right now. “You’re doing much better, Dave, for what it’s worth.”

“And why wouldn’t he?” Adrienne asked, breezing into the room. “I know he aced that test! No problem, right?”

He shrugged, still trying to get through to her that he wanted to be only friends for the previous five months. “I wouldn’t say that. Still I survived. I just wish Karen would get here so we could discuss our plans.”

That comment got the attention of all four women in the room. “Plans?”

“You saw the sign out in the hall? Spring dance is in two weeks. Garth and I were already talking about it,” he declared nonchalantly.

As if on cue, Karen, Garth, Steve and April staggered through the door with terse looks on their faces.

“Did you get buried or do the burying?” Caroline quipped.

“Try getting steamrolled. That test was insane!” Garth complained.

“We should have studied more,” Karen declared.

“For some of us, History comes easier than others,” Adrienne interjected saccharin-sweetly. “Wouldn’t you say, Dave?”

“Everyone has their specialty, Adrienne. And diversity is the spice of life,” Dave counter-quipped.

“I suppose. Say, Karen, Dave just mentioned the Spring Dance. Who do you think he’s going to ask?” Adrienne inquired.

Karen shot her a sarcastic look. “How would I know?” I hope it’s me but I don’t want to give her the satisfaction of an argument.

Mrs. Colavitto rubbed her forehead, knowing where this discussion would end up. “Say, Marina, you were going to talk to Adrienne about that next assignment, weren’t you?”

“Uh yeah. Let’s go, Adrienne. Courtyard. Now,” the Features Editor declared, getting the hint.

The tall sophomore rolled her eyes. “Oh well. There’s plenty of time to discuss this later.” She headed out the door.

Dave slammed his fist on the counter. “What is it with her?”

“Some people just can’t take a hint,” Caroline noted. “It’s okay, Dave, cool it.”

“I’m okay,” he insisted, running his right hand through his hair. “I mean…I have tried to tell her that I’m not serious. She keeps ignoring me.”

“Why don’t you come to the Express with us?” April offered, motioning toward Garth.

“The edition can wait until tomorrow,” the advisor noted, forcing herself to her feet. “Dave, you have enough on your plate.”

Seeing her gray complexion and weakened condition made Dave feel guilty. Grabbing his windbreaker, he rushed from the room.

The others stood there aghast. “What was that about?”

“I have no idea,” their advisor lied. After they had left, she bowed her head. “Dave, how can I convince you this isn’t your fault?” Her eyes watered as she felt the cancer burn away at her some more.

 

****

 

[Cathedral of Crystal—Faerie Realms]

The Empress watched the events through the mist portal and shook her head. “The events play out in a dark way.”

“Even with Lichtenfeld contained, her evil spreads,” Grimwilkin assessed. “Besides there are the normal teenage issues.”

The Empress shrugged. “I suppose. I had hoped that he could avoid the strife.”

He chuckled. “Teenagers go through all kinds of strife. He needs to deal with it. As those around him have noted, David is so self-absorbed, he fails to grasp how others perceive him at times.”

She continued to watch without further comment, wanting to see how the troubled teenager would deal with the situation.

 

 

Chapter 2 [Cappuccino Express]

Dave sipped on his mocha and wondered how he would ever balance a real life against the Curse. Even when she’s contained, the ghost’s handiwork is all around me. Should I have the right to expect any kind of a normal life? He wiped his brow off and looked at the far wall.

He felt a tap on the shoulder. Looking up, he saw his grandmother standing there. “Hi, Gram.”

“What’s going on, Dave? I got a call from Mrs. Colavitto,” Janet wondered, taking a seat.

“I didn’t do anything except leave the room, Gram,” he told her. “It’s tough looking at her, you know?”

“Her? You mean Mrs. Colavitto?” she asked.

He nodded and looked around to make sure nobody was listening in. “She’s getting sicker. It’s like dealing with Grandpa Alvaro’s passing all over again.”

“Ah. Now I get it. Dave, what happened to them isn’t your fault. How many times do we have to tell you that?” she inquired sharply.

He glared at her. “If she weren’t around me, she would never have gotten sick. Sorry I worried everyone though.”

“You don’t know that,” she argued. “And quit thinking of yourself as diseased! You aren’t!” Seeing another look from him, she knew she wasn’t making any headway and decided to drop the point. “There’s something else bothering you too, isn’t there?”

“I wish I could talk with the others about this stuff. Ever since the Empress wiped their memories of everything, I’ve had to walk around on eggshells.” He took another moody sip.

“That was done for a reason, Dave. I’m sure that the Empress wanted them to treat you normally. You just need to do the same for yourself,” she noted, taking a look around for herself. “Speaking of which, somebody’s waiting to talk with you.” She motioned with her eyes toward the counter where Karen and April were watching. “We can continue this later if you’d like.”

He nodded. “Thanks, Gram.”

“Just doing my job,” she replied, as he got up and walked off. I wish he’d relax.

 

 

****

 

“Hi, Girls. How goes it?” he asked, trying to keep upbeat.

“Considering we just spent the last hour and a half searching for you, I think that’s our question, Chief,” April replied.

“What is it?” Karen wondered.

He shook his head. I wish I could tell them. Last year, I could have talked it out with them. He ground his teeth, wishing the Empress hadn’t done what she did. Hell with this! “I can’t say.”

“You mean you can’t tell us? Dave, come on!” April demanded.

But Karen saw something else in his eyes: fear. He scared of something! She put her hand up and shook her head. “Wait a minute, April. Dave, does this have to do with your grandfather?”

He sighed and nodded. At least that’s not a lie. “It’s like watching it happen all over again.”

April asked, “What are you getting at, Karen?”

“Grandpa Alvaro died of the same cancer that’s killing Mrs. Colavitto,” he told them. “I say she’s got maybe four months at best.”

“You know that?” April demanded.

“The signs were the same,” he noted, taking another mocha from the waiter behind the counter. “Thanks. I can’t bear to watch it happen again.”

The two girls looked at his grandmother. “Is that true, Mrs. Dubois?”

“It is and yes, it is the same cancer,” Janet agreed. “Say would you two like to come by the house later? I’ll have some cookies.”

“That would be great. Thanks,” Karen concurred.

“I could bring Garth with me if that’s okay. He’s worried too,” April added.

“That would be fine. See you around 8:30,” Janet concluded as she left.

“See you both later. And, Karen, April?” he concluded.

“Yes?” they chorused.

“Thanks for looking for me. I know it’s a real pain to do it but I appreciate it. I’m sorry to put you through all of the trouble,” he expressed.

Karen rubbed his arm. “It’s really no trouble, Dave. When you disappear like that, we get worried.” I get petrified actually but I’m not going to admit that here.

“I’m okay now,” he assured them. “Thanks.” With that, he left the café.

The two girls watched him and Janet drive off while thinking on things. While Dave was a lot of things, “okay” wasn’t one of them. But they knew they weren’t going to get the answers out of him. Not at that point….

 

 

*****

[Colavitto Residence]

Janet parked the car by the Colavittos’ house and leaned back in the seat. Her tension had started the burning feeling again in her side. While she had no idea of its cause, she wouldn’t worry him with it.

Likewise, Dave knew that something was bugging his grandmother. She’s hurting but what is it? Dave, you know she won’t tell you. Give it up. “You really want me to do this?”

“She’s worried about you. And so am I. Dave, this isn’t a punishment or a lecture or anything of the kind. But you need to stand up to those issues in your life. You faced that ghost, whatever her father was and the demon. Running away from her isn’t going to alleviate the fact that she’s dying. And yes, the Witch did it to her like your grandfather. You need to treasure the time we all have together. You understand me?”

He bowed his head. “I do.”

She smiled at him. “That’s my boy. Come on; let’s go.”

They walked up to the door and knocked on it.

It opened and the terminally-ill woman leaned against the doorframe. “Dave, thank goodness they found…you.” She coughed into the handkerchief bunched in her right hand. “Please. Come in.” She allowed them inside and then shut the door. Leading them to the living room, she motioned for them to sit down. “Sorry it…isn’t clean.”

“That’s okay,” he assured her.

“No. It isn’t,” the hostess disagreed. “I hate this but the more I try to clean, the less energy I have. This cancer is destroying my body but not my spirit or my pride. The Witch couldn’t take those things from me. And as you proved in Rowenshire last year, she couldn’t take them from you either.” She grasped his hands in a loose grip. “Just in the past two years, you’ve grown so much. Your classmates know it and so do I. Even if their memories were wiped clean by the Empress, they know of your progress.”

“I wish I could talk to them. And well…I don’t want to lose you either,” he revealed.

She smiled. “You won’t ever lose me, Dave. I’ll always be with you.” She wiped her eyes and put her finger up. “Think of it like this. Soon, another wish of mine will come true.”

“Which is?” Janet inquired.

“I’ll get to meet your grandfather in person, Dave. I know he’s proud of you. I just need to ask a favor. Don’t run from me,” she informed him.

“I won’t,” he promised. “It’s so hard to have to go through this again.”

“I know. And it’s wearing on you. The other teachers know that,” Mrs. Colavitto declared. “And that gets to the last…thing I was going to tell you.”

“Which is?” he asked expectantly.

“When I’m gone, I need someone to guide the Knight through the transition. Caroline and the other editors will be graduated by then. I want you as the next editor-in-chief. Have you met Miss Jenkins?” Mrs. Colavitto explained. Seeing him nod, she continued, “She’s been selected as the next advisor. She agrees that you’re the man for the job. Work with her and keep the paper strong as a legacy to me.”

“You know I won’t short change the paper,” he affirmed. “Nor your memory.”

“I know that,” she concurred. “I appreciate that. Caroline knows my wishes as well. She wants to meet with you soon. You’ll need an editorial staff.”

“I have them. Karen’s my associate editor-in-chief. April will do features. Steve gets sports. And we’ll figure out where to put everyone else later,” he replied. “We’ll keep this ship on course.”

I was hoping he’d make Karen the second in command. Not that there was any doubt in that! “I’m sure. I’m sorry but I’m really tired. See you on Monday?”

“Of course.”

The advisor smiled. “That’s better. I’m glad you’re all right. Remember, Dave, that ghost will be back but she can’t stop you.”

“Right. Not with my friends with me,” he concurred, giving her a hug. “Take care.”

“Thank you, Candy, for seeing us tonight,” Janet expressed.

“No problem. I’m glad he’s safe. Take care,” Mrs. Colavitto replied, while letting them out.

After the two guests drove off, she mused, That boy has way too much on his shoulders. If only he knew what’s in store for him. What a tale that is! With that, she eased herself down the hall toward the bedroom.

 

 

Chapter 3 [Next day about 2:30 PM—McKnight Field]

Dave rode up to the field, stopping right by the fence. Just an hour before, he had received a call from Charles Alvarez, asking him for a bullpen session. More than likely, a lecture on his sister’s behalf. He locked his bike and entered the area.

“Hey, Dubie,” Charles greeted, coming over from the home plate area. “Thanks for coming.”

“You know I like a good workout. What’s going on?” Dave asked, stretching his arm.

“The older sisters are worried about you but you knew that, right?” the freshman catcher pointed out, strapping on his shin guards and chest protector.

“I did,” Dave admitted while rolling the baseball around in his hand. Seeing the other crouching behind the plate, he called, “Give me a sign, will you?”

Two fingers appeared between the other’s legs.

In response, Dave snapped a curveball over the plate, hitting the glove dead center. “How was Karen last night? Gram and I were at Mrs. Colavitto’s until almost 11.”

“She couldn’t sleep,” Charles told him. “Look, I need to know something—are you going to ask her to the dance or not?”

“I haven’t decided if I wanted to go yet,” Dave admitted. “Especially not with Adrienne nagging me to take her.” He winced.

“You know—Karen has this nice new dress she bought with her pay over the past two months,” Charles hinted.

Dave eyed the other, getting the point. He fired a hard slider into the glove. “You’re not being very subtle.”

“Me? Subtle? Dave, she wants to go to this dance. Even if you go as friends, make sure you take her. Okay?” Charles requested.

“Who’s the sophomore and who’s the freshman here?” Dave asked, feeling pressured. Yet he knew the catcher was right. You know you want to take her, Dave. Just ask. “Is she working or at home?”

“Working. Where else?” he retorted knowingly. “Give me a few more strikes first then I’ll let you do your duty.”

“Careful, Alvarez, I might think you care about your big sister,” Dave teased.

“Your problem, not mine,” Charles countered, firing back a hard throw but grinning as he did.

 

 

****

[Cappuccino Express]

Karen spent the entire shift running from patron to patron. Finally, with the clock striking three, she was able to sit for a minute. She held a cup of coffee in her hand and smelled the aroma. Nice to relax. Ahhh….

However—as luck would have it, Adrienne sauntered up to the table. “Well look who’s here. Imagine running into you here, Karen.”

Karen grimaced. Yeah imagine that! Considering I WORK HERE! Forcing herself to smile, she asked, “How are you, Adrienne?”

“Great. I just got my brand new dress for the dance! I can’t wait for Dave to ask me,” the taller girl presumed.

Honey, you just keep thinking that! At that moment, she saw Dave walk into the café. “Speak of the Devil, there he is.” She watched him go over to the counter to get his mocha.

“Watch this,” Adrienne bragged, heading over toward him.

Karen frowned. There go your chance, Karen.

 

****

 

Dave paid for his drink and looked around the room for Karen. Spying her at their usual booth, he turned in that direction.

Only to find Adrienne in his way. “Hi, Dave,” she greeted sweetly.

He took a deep breath. “Adrienne. How’s it going?”

“Oh okay. I just got my new dress for the Spring Dance. Say, I was still looking for someone to…uh…go with.”

“You were?” he asked, grinding his teeth. No, Dave, get out of it! “Surely, someone like you could have any guy she wants. I mean—why waste your time on me?” He took a deep breath. “Hey, I hear Bill Mathers is looking for a nice girl. Why don’t you go with him?”

“Bill’s a creep. I already have someone in mind,” she declared.

Yeah and unfortunately, he has in his mind to avoid a date with you, Sweets. “What a coincidence. I came here to ask someone too.”

She smirked at Karen confidently. I win! “And she wants to go with you.”

Karen felt her heart sinking. Great! I just lost him. She put her head down unless someone saw her start to cry.

“Oh I know she does,” he agreed, seeing Karen’s reaction. This has gone on long enough. Thanks, Charles. “Excuse me.”

“What?” Adrienne wondered. “Dave, wh…where are you going?”

“To ask my friend to the dance,” he told her. Reaching the table, he saw Karen with her face buried in her arms. “Looking for termites or what?”

She looked up at him incredulously. “As if you didn’t know?”

“If I didn’t know what?” he wondered, sitting across from her. “I just came from school…and the box office.” He pulled an envelope from his coat pocket. “Want to see what’s in it?” He handed it to her.

She sniffled. Sure why not? Just act happy for him, Karen. She opened it and saw two dance tickets with the names on each one: David Dubois and Karen Alvarez. “Dave!”

“I know I shouldn’t assume that you’d go with me. But I was hoping that…well…you would,” he explained anxiously. “I know I haven’t been the most sensitive friend in the world lately, Karen. Sorry.”

She shook her head. “Dave, I know you have your issues but it’s okay. And yes! I was hoping you’d ask me.” She grinned at Adrienne. “Besides, I have a new dress too!”

“I can’t wait to see you wearing it,” he told her. “So we’re set?”

“Yes. Thank you,” she agreed, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Now, Gram owes me a couple of cookies. Let’s stop by the Emporium on the way. Garth and April will be waiting.”

“Yes, ‘Miss’,” he quipped, following her to the bikes. “Sorry, Adrienne. I really do hope that someone asks you.”

“Yeah well, as you said, Dave, there are plenty of other guys,” she moped.

“And you’ll find someone, all right?” he insisted, trying to let her down gently. “Just keep looking. Well, see you around.” With that, he headed out to where Karen waited for him.

After they left, Adrienne sat in the corner with a soda and fumed silently. It would figure! Just you wait, Karen! I’ll get a dance with him!

 

*****

 

 

[Janet’s House—20 Minutes Later]

Dave and his friends walked through the front door. Upon hearing the double good news (ie: Dave finally asking Karen to the dance and that his grandmother had some cookies with their names on them), the other teenagers eagerly followed him from the Floral Emporium.

The aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies assured them that they wouldn’t be disappointed.

“Hi, Kids!” Janet greeted them, inspecting their feet to be sure they left their shoes at the door. She smiled. “Take a seat.” She put the plate of cookies on the table. “Anything new?”

“Charles helped me tweak the slider,” Dave deadpanned with a smirk.

Karen punched his arm softly. “You wish that’s all that happened.”

“Hey, I had to plow through Adrienne to do the other thing,” Dave retorted.

“Other thing?” Janet inquired, hoping that he had asked the question.

She waved the envelope in the air triumphantly. “She was so sure you were going to ask her to the dance, Dave.” She sighed. “I thought she was going to get you to cave.”

He looked at his grandmother purposefully before remarking. “I had my mind made up before I walked in there. We’re going to the dance. End of discussion.”

Garth quirked his eyebrow and exchanged glances with April. They had hoped for something like that.

“Of course, I should have had you there, April, to run interference for me,” Dave admitted.

“If you had stopped by the Emporium first, I’m sure Mom would have let me off for that,” April concurred. “At least, we’ll have some fun that night.”

“And you two are going?” Janet queried.

“Absolutely,” Garth replied, smiling at April. “This is going to be a night to remember.”

Dave took a deep breath and felt a warm feeling rush through himself. I hope you’re right, Garth. The last time Karen and I were in this situation, Lie-onel and Dad nearly killed us. This time, that isn’t going to happen. And you can take that to the bank.

 

 

Chapter 4 [Monday—White Knight Newsroom]

Caroline eyed the latest news copy, finishing the pre-print process before taking it to the press. While she liked to see a balance of different articles in each issue, this one would be the best. This staff is knocking themselves out. I’ll miss this. Seeing Mrs. Colavitto limp into the room, she helped the advisor over to the copy table. “This is going to be our best issue.”

The older woman’s face brightened. “You always give us great quality, Caroline.” She coughed. “I wonder how the other thing went?”

The editor grinned. “If you mean, Dave and Karen, that’s settled. I understand he even had to go through Adrienne Mitchell to ask her.” Seeing him walking in the room, she called, “Hey, Chief, it’s about time.”

“How was she yesterday?” he retorted knowingly.

Caroline smirked. “You made her weekend, Pal. I haven’t seen her that happy in a long time.”

“It wasn’t that easy,” he informed her. “Your little brother has a future as a motivational speaker. Don’t tell Karen that.”

Caroline shook her head. “It’ll be our secret although I’m not surprised. Piece of advice, Dave, don’t call him that to his face. He’s liable to deck you.”

“I’ll remember that,” he replied. “He also mentioned you wanted to talk with me.”

“I did,” Caroline noted. “Mrs. C?”

“Dave and I spoke about this on Friday night, Caroline. He has a plan too, don’t you?” the advisor commented.

“I do. I want the Cadre with me on the editorial staff. April is on Features. Steve’s on Sports. I’ve got to find places for the others.”

“And Karen?” Caroline asked expectantly.

“I want her as the associate editor-in-chief. No offense to the others but I trust her completely to watch my back.” He inspected the copy. “Nice.”

“Glad to have your approval, Mr. Dubois,” Caroline teased. “Seriously, it’s good that you’re always taking this so well. And you know that you can call me for advice anytime you want.”

“I know that but thanks,” he agreed. “We’re going to have a lot to live up to. You all set the standard pretty high for us.”

“You’ll get there,” Mrs. Colavitto assured him. “Have confidence and faith. That fire of yours will carry the crew.”

“I’m never satisfied, you know that,” he declared. “I want the best and I’m going to get it.”

“And Karen’s going to be right with you in that regard. Just don’t kill yourself,” Caroline noted. “Right, Mrs. Colavitto?”

She nodded. But can he stop? He’s so used to fighting for everything. That fire is what I’m counting on. “That’s right. Meantime, it’s about time you asked Karen.”

He rolled his eyes. “See what I’m up against?”

“You’re not going to get any sympathy here,” Caroline told him plainly. “Just have a good time and forget about that last trip to Westfield. Got it?”

“We’ll try,” he agreed. “Meantime let’s get this edition finished. We have time to work on the other stuff.”

He nodded as they all looked the edition over together.

 

 

 

Chapter 5

[Night before the dance]

Dave and Garth sat at the Cappuccino Express, planning the next night’s activities. They had already picked up their suits at Jerry’s Cleaners next door. But beyond that, they had no idea.

Garth stared pensively into space, worrying about things. This is my big chance!

Dave sipped his coffee, imagining some of the thoughts running through his friend’s head. “Garth.” He tapped the other on the arm.

“Huh?”

“Earth to Worrywort. Come in, Worrywort,” Dave cracked. “You aren’t going to faint on us tomorrow night, are you? I mean—Steve’s the only one of us who knows CPR. You know he’s going to be ticked if you ruin his date.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Garth retorted. “Sorry, Dave, I guess I’m the one worrying for a change.”

“That’s all right,” Dave assured him. “April’s probably just as nervous. And knowing Karen, she’s probably crawling the walls by now.”

“What’s your secret? I mean, you’re about to go out with Karen Alvarez and you’re not anxious? She really cares about you. Don’t you care?” Garth wondered.

He shrugged. After dealing with Lichtenfeld and her demon not to mention the Rowenshire lynch mob, this date is going to be easy. Then he felt the butterflies gang up on him as well. All right so maybe not THAT easy but it won’t be THAT bad either. Now if I can just keep from getting us hurt or worse. “After our first attempt, Garth, I don’t think we can top that.”

Recalling the sordid details, the other concurred, “No, I don’t suppose you could.”

“Anyhow,” Dave continued, making sure Karen wasn’t there before concocting a plan. “April’s Dad is going to have her running an errand after school. We’ll slip in there, purchase the corsages and be back out of there before she returns. Where do you want to go for dinner?”

“Maybe diFazzio’s? Dave, we aren’t exactly made of money, you know,” Garth indicated.

“Yeah, I know,” Dave relented. “Why don’t we think on that a little more? I’ll ask Gram for suggestions.”

“If you think it’ll work,” Garth replied, feeling ready to try any option at this point.

 

*****

 

[Floral Emporium]

Even as the guys were planning, their dates stood by the sales counter, talking about the same thing. Since it was relatively quiet, April’s parents let the two girls talk on.

“What do you think they’ve got up their sleeves?” April asked.

“Their arms,” Karen deadpanned. “Seriously, I wouldn’t put it past Dave to come up with something creative.” She grinned. “He’s been squirreling away his money like winter’s coming.”

“I gathered since we haven’t seen him at the Express as much. Karen, can I ask you a question?” Seeing the other girl nod, April continued, “How are you so calm?”

She took a deep breath. “I’m petrified actually. But I trust that Dave will do something nice and make it a great time. I’m trying not to have any expectations, April. I know he cares about me but he has so much on his plate, I don’t want to push him.”

“He has to tell you at some point,” April countered. “I couldn’t believe it when Garth asked me out the first time. But it’s working out. I hope you two can be honest with each other.”

“Me too. I bought the money for the dress and Caroline’s taking me to get my hair done tomorrow afternoon. I just want to make Dave happy at the dance. That’s all I care about,” Karen replied frankly.

And I hope he makes you happy as well, Karen. April looked out the window toward Pleasant Street and mused about pleasant things. Whatever happened with Dave and Karen, she and Garth were going to have a great time. She was sure of that.

 

 

Chapter 6 [Janet’s House—Thirty Minutes Later]

Janet settled into a chair after some last minute dusting and vacuuming. With Dave working a shift that afternoon and talking with Garth about the library, she had an opportunity to catch up on some housework. Not that she minded having the teenagers around, mind you. It was just that lately she had felt winded by too much work. Why is this happening? I need to let Dr. Parks know about this. Oh calm down, Janet, you’re just on pins and needles because of Dave and this dance! She rubbed her forehead. I just want him to be happy! If only he’d admit that his true feelings for Karen.

At that moment, the phone rang, interrupting the solitude.

Reality calls. She got up and walked over to the phone. “Hello?”

“Hi, Janet, this is Lillian from Metropolis. How are you?” Lillian Luthor asked.

“I’m fine. It’s great hearing from you! How’s Alexander?” Janet inquired.

“He’s doing really well and enjoying those pieces that David sent him last month. I still glance at his poems. How’s he doing?” Lillian noted.

“Dave’s really busy between school, the newspaper and his after school job at the library. I don’t know how he’s doing it but he’s keeping everything going. The last few weeks have been a little rough though. His journalism advisor contracted the same kind of cancer last May as Lorenzo had and well….” Janet paused, collecting her thoughts.

“I see,” Lillian declared thoughtfully. My keeping Lionel away from David is making everything easier for the boy. But watching this woman go through her torture must be ripping him apart. “And the source is the same?”

“Identical. Dave barely survived the last encounter in May. She kidnapped his friends and nearly killed them,” Janet recounted sadly. “She infected Candy Colavitto at the same time.”

That’s more blood on your hands, Lionel. Damn your lust for cheap land! “But they did make it?”

“They did,” Janet agreed. “Dave though, has been really reserved since then.”

“Is that girl…Karen, I believe it was…still around?” Lillian wondered, hoping for some positive insights.

“Yes she is. In fact, Dave’s taking her to the Spring Dance over at the high school tomorrow night. That’s where he is now. He and his friend, Garth Singleton, are setting up a double date,” Janet informed her.

It’s about time! She remembered the look in Dave’s eye when they spoke on her last visit following the near-death fiasco in the country club. “Is there anything they need, Janet?”

“I think….” She heard Dave and Garth wheeling their bikes into the garage. “Just a minute, Lillian. That’s Dave now. I’ll let you ask him if that’s all right.”

A minute later, Dave took the phone. “Hi, Auntie Lillie! How are you?”

“I’m all right. Are you hanging in there?” she wondered.

“It’s about the same as usual but we’ll live. Did Alexander get his stories all right?” he asked.

“He sure did. Thank you so much! Your grandmother tells me you have a big night tomorrow,” she indicated.

“Well yes. There’s the Spring Dance over at school. My friend, Garth, and I are going with our friends,” he replied.

“And you’re taking a certain brunette if I’m not mistaken?” she supposed.

“Auntie, we’re going as friends.”

“Friends. That’s nice, Dear. You have everything set?” she asked.

“We do…well, we’re trying to figure out dinner arrangements and transportation,” he stated.

“Done on both counts. The Golden Goose would make a wonderful dinner place and I’ll have a limo waiting,” she reported.

“Auntie, I….”

“No objections. Especially after the last date you two tried to have, a limo ride and dinner is the least I can do,” she declared firmly. “Moving on, how is your journalism advisor doing?”

“Not great,” he admitted before realizing that Garth was standing there. “Say, Gram, I need to talk with Auntie Lillie in private about a certain bad issue. Can you and Garth give us a minute?”

Janet nodded. They want to talk about the Witch. Fine. “Come along, Garth. We can sit outside for a minute.”

“Is that really Lillian Luthor?” Garth asked incredulously.

“It is,” Janet agreed. “Follow me. Dave, let us know when you’re finished.” Seeing him nod, they left the room.

“Okay. Auntie, Mrs. Colavitto’s dying.” He wiped his eyes. “I…thought I…could….”

“David, you were in Boston. There was nothing you could have done! As it was, I heard you rescued your friends from that horror! You’re a hero, not a failure!” she disagreed vehemently.

“Then why can’t I stop the ghost from hurting the one I care about! That’s why I can’t….” he started before he broke down.

For several minutes, Lillian listened to the teenager crying and felt her own heart breaking in the process. Then she broke in, “Can’t what?”

“Can’t let her know,” he stated cryptically. “I can’t tell her how I really feel.”

“Her? You mean your friend, Karen?” she supposed. Getting only silence, she nodded. “It is Karen.” She sighed, remembering Lionel’s account of the country club. “So the way you were with her wasn’t just the drug, was it?”

“Auntie.”

“David, please…the truth. You love her, don’t you?” Lillian inquired caringly.

For a minute, his throat and mouth went dry, as he tried to put the sounds together. Then it came out. “Y…yes.”

“Then tell her!” she demanded. “For God’s sake, David, let her know!”

“Then the Witch and he will come after her too! Auntie, we all nearly died down there!” he protested. He shook his head even as he felt his heart breaking. “I can’t…for her own protection.”

“And what about Karen? Doesn’t she have the right to decide whether or not it’s worth the risk?” she queried.

“She won’t consider the whole thing. I have to protect her from them,” he pointed out.

She picked up on the plural reference. “David, you said “he” before. Who is this “he”?”

He winced. Damn it! “The ghost’s father. He watched the whole thing.”

“Father? He can’t be human!” she protested.

“He’s not. Still, I won’t let them hurt Karen, you, Gram or the others. Let Lionel know that his evil is spreading. This is HIS fault!” he seethed.

She heard the door open behind her and saw her husband entering the study. Why couldn’t David's father be more like him? She put up a finger to keep Lionel’s attention. “Be that as it may, David, you can’t stop living because of that incident. Your grandfather wouldn’t want that nor do any of us.” She took a deep breath. “All right. Just promise me you both will have a good time tomorrow.”

“We will. No worries,” he agreed.

“All right then. I’ll expect to hear all about it and get some pictures too?” she requested.

“You know it,” he concurred. “Best to Alexander, all right?”

“I’ll tell him in a few minutes. Best wishes, Dear Boy,” she concluded, hanging up.

Placing the phone down on the cradle, he mused, What did I do to deserve a friend like that? Bless you, Auntie. With that, he headed out to talk with his grandmother and Garth.

 

****

[Metropolis—Luthor Residence]

Lionel poured himself a brandy and haughtily regarded his wife. “You’re making David weak, you know.”

She scoffed, “There nothing weak about that boy, Lionel! He’s dealing with YOUR mess!”

He snickered, “Oh yes….The house and the ghost stories. What did he concoct now?”

She slammed her fist on the desk. “Try nearly getting himself killed! Lionel, that ghost IS real and kidnapped his friends!”

“Nonsense, Lillian,” he disagreed. “The boy needs help.”

“Actually, it’s his teacher who needs the help. She’s dying from that thing’s touch just as Lorenzo Alvaro did! David is going through Hell right now and you think it’s a joke?” she bellowed; her face turning as red as her hair. “How dare you, Lionel? We can’t just walk away from Rowenshire and pretend it never happened!”

He glared at her. “And what do you suppose we do? Give away all of our money until it goes away! Come to your senses, Lillian!”

She returned his look with a steely one of her own. “Mark my words, Lionel, that thing you awoke will haunt us forever.” She picked up a medical file. “I had this faxed in from the local hospital there. The tests confirm it. Candace Colavitto will be dead within two months. She’s a good woman who didn’t deserve what she got!”

“Thank our carrier,” the businessman scoffed.

She shook her head. “David can’t stop blaming himself for this! He didn’t ask for it! You and Stuart laid it on his head! No, Lionel, we will take care of this. Either we see her cured or given a proper burial! It’s the right thing to do!” Her eyes teared up. “I need some air!” She stormed out of the room.

Lionel stared out the window at the Metropolis skyline. He still craved revenge for the bad publicity from the year before. He and Stuart had a plan to get it and teach the boy a valuable lesson in the process. It was just a matter of time…..

 

 

****

 

[Amherst—Janet’s House]

Dave slumped onto the porch and ran his fingers through his already-tussled mop. Tell her, she says. Yeah she makes it sound SO easy. He sighed. “At least I can make sure she enjoys tomorrow.” He felt a tap on the shoulder. Somehow, he knew it was Garth. “Hey, thanks for giving me my space.”

“That’s what friends are for, Dave,” Garth noted. “Mind if I take a seat? Your grandmother went back in the house.”

Dave nodded absently, staring into the night sky. “Ever wish that everything could be okay?”

“Dave, what is the deal with you? You’ve got something bottled up inside and it’s gonna explode,” Garth noted.

“I can’t really say. Sorry. Still, I want to get it out of my system before tomorrow night. On the positive side, our issues have been solved,” Dave declared. “Believe it or not, we’re going to have a limo and a paid dinner at the Golden Goose.”

Garth blinked incredulously at him. “I don’t think I heard you right. You said we have a limo and dinner at the Golden Goose.”

“I did.”

“Dave, how?”

“Auntie Lillie insists. And better yet, Lionel’s paying for it.” He grinned wickedly at the last comment. “Anything to stick it to that SOB, I say.”

Whatever. I’m going to take April to the dance in a limo paid for by the Luthors! Holy crap! Garth sucked in a deep breath, trying to digest the information. “They’ll never believe it.”

“You mean the girls, right?” Dave shrugged. “They’ll accept it especially when they learn who’s behind it. Garth, tomorrow’s our night. I promised that we’d give Karen and April a great time and that’s what we’re going to do.”

“Sounds great to me,” Garth agreed, getting up. “I have to be getting home. Let me know when I need to be here to meet the limo, all right?”

“Sure. Remember, it’s a surprise for them. Not a peep to anyone,” Dave indicated, pointing at him. Once Garth rode off on his bike, he walked back into the house.

Janet drank her tea thoughtfully. Lillian never changes but she wants to build his self-esteem. Who am I to say no to that? “I overheard you two talking. You didn’t ask, did you?”

“Of course not! She offered and wouldn’t take no for an answer. But Karen and April will really like it. They’ve had it rough lately and we could all use a good time,” he supposed.

“Absolutely. Your suit is ready upstairs for tomorrow night. You might want to call their parents and let them know what’s going on. Not that I think anyone’s going to have a real problem with this.” She chuckled. “In fact, you’ll be the life of the party.”

“Me? Life of the party? Yeah right,” he disagreed, pouring himself a cup of coffee. “When this is over, I’m writing another poem for Auntie Lillie.”

“That would be great. I know she’d love it,” she approved. “Well, you should be heading home yourself before too much longer. See you after school tomorrow.”

He kissed her cheek and put his shoes on by the door. Then he got on his bike and rode away.

She smiled wistfully. While she usually didn’t care for grandiose displays, this one would be different. Those kids need a pick-me-up. This could be just the ticket.

 

Onto Part 2