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

Introduction [Amazon Village c. 88 AD]

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

After their near-fatal experience, David and Karen drew closer to their friends and ultimately to each other. Of course, where Karen was concerned, David had a few other surprises up his sleeve as well….

To assist in the latter process, the Cadre came up with a nice surprise for them both.

Unfortunately, the ghost had her own plans in mind for them all.


Chapter 1

[February 2, 1980—White Knight newsroom]

Dave surveyed the marked up copy of his latest news story, trying to decipher Marina’s editorial comments. His latest piece on the Central Theater in Amherst had attracted positive attention throughout the community. Consequently, he wanted to make sure the story’s quality would make the paper shine.

“Still pouring over that thing, are we?” Caroline wondered, as she walked in. “Marina only made a few comments. It’s a nice piece, Dave.”

“Thanks. I just want to make sure it’s as good as it can be,” he told her.

“I know that. Just make a few changes and give to her ASAP. It’ll be fine. By the way, Karen’s waiting for you at your grandmother’s,” she assured him.

“Everything okay?” he asked, feeling concerned.

“You’ve buried yourselves the past few weeks and I’m taking big sister’s prerogative with her. Now as your editor-in-chief, I’m telling you to take a break, have a cookie and make her day,” she declared.

“Sounds good to me,” he agreed, putting the rough draft in his knapsack and heading toward the door.

Those two need to wake up and understand that there’s more than just this newspaper and their studies. Guys, get a clue, all right?
 

****


[Janet’s house]

Karen sighed and took a sip of cocoa. She had thought that Dave would be at his grandmother’s house after school. Accordingly, she camped out there.

“I can’t imagine what’s keeping him,” Janet told her. “Maybe there’s a deadline at the paper?”

Karen winced. “Silly me! That’s right. He’s probably looking over his proof copy!”

At that moment, Dave came through the door and took his boots off. “Gram?”

“Good evening, Mr. D! You have company,” his grandmother announced.

“I heard,” he replied warmly. “Hi there. I was going to call but you’ve been busy with your reading.”

Karen shrugged. “Yeah but I always like to see a friendly face, Dave.”

He apologized, “Sorry. I’ll make a point to be around more often.” He poured himself a glass of orange juice and looked her over. “Are you okay?”

“Uh huh. Why?” she wondered.

“You still seem a little drawn from our ordeal. I have to admit that I’m worried,” he told her.

She smiled. “You’re worried about me?”

“Yeah I am,” he told her. “Maybe I’m not around as much as I should be but I do think about you a lot. Your Mom took you to the doctor, right?”

“She did and the doc said I was all right,” Karen assured him. “How about you? How have you been managing?”

“There’s another reason I’ve been…well…hiding out in the newsroom,” he admitted. “That drug messed with my moods.”

“Oh you mean the fact that your temper flares more often? Or that you go from excited to moody in no time flat? We’ve noticed,” Karen informed him. “Still, Dave, we are your friends and we accept you for who you are.”

“I don’t want to expose you all to them,” he argued.

“That’s our choice. You need us and we need you,” she pointed out, looking him in the eye. “I need you to be around.”

“You do?”

She put her coat on and smirked. “Think on that, Hotshot. Thanks for thinking of me though. I really appreciate that. Just remember we’re all here for you. Give me a call if you want later.” With that, she left.

“You really should listen to her, Dave. You can’t be alone forever,” Janet admonished.

“I know she’s right. I just want to be a great friend to them is all. I’m getting there and I’ll keep working at it,” he explained. “If it’s okay, I have some studying that I need to do.” With that, he got up and went upstairs to his room.

His grandmother shook her head. Ah, Dave, if only you’ll open up to your friends, you might see that you’re not as alone as you think you are.




Chapter 2 [Cappuccino Express—Next Day]

Garth looked at his friends as he tried to think of ideas. For the past three days, he, Steve, April and Frank had debated about what to do for Dave and Karen’s upcoming birthdays. Even with their recent burst of journalistic success, their encounter with Stuart Dubois and Lionel Luthor and the related near-death experiences had left both drained and moody to say the least.

“Certainly, we can do something nice,” April declared. “Maybe get them gift certificates or something?”

“We could do that but that looks so rushed. Hey, how about that new interactive dinner theater place?” Steve suggested.

“What?” the others asked.

“Interactive dinner theater. My folks took me to it over the break. I thought it was going to be boring but it was actually pretty good. Granted, it’s in Ware but it might be fun,” Steve explained.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? The location, I mean,” she noted. “You know how close that is to Dave’s version of Creep Central?”

“We’ll make sure to take the long way around,” Garth assured her, pulling out a map of the area and tracing a proposed route. “It may take us an hour to get there but he’ll be safe.”

“What’s the red X for?” Frank asked.

“That’s Rowenshire. According to his grandmother, under no circumstances is he to go back there,” she told them. “Trust us, Frank and Steve. I don’t want to see Dave taking any more from those townspeople or that ghost if we can help it. Not to mention that Karen would be a wreck the whole time.”

The others nodded, silently noting how much Karen and Dave had begun to drift together.

“I’ll see if my parents can get the info,” Steve indicated. “Maybe Dr. Alvarez might be interested in going?”

“Do that. We can check with his grandmother. Maybe she’d be interested as well?” Garth proposed. Seeing the others nod in agreement, he added, “I guess we all have our assignments, then? Let’s go.”

With that, they all moved out.




Chapter 3 [Valentine’s Day]

[Floral Emporium about 7:30 AM]

Dave hurried to the front door and surveyed the darkened inside of the store. He had hoped to catch April’s parents before school. “Darn it.”

“Dave?” a familiar voice asked.

He turned to see the McKenzies approaching him. April’s father was a big man with thinning hair and a dark beard. Her mother was thinner with long flowing strawberry blonde hair. “I didn’t mean to prowl around. I wanted to buy some flowers to take with me this morning.”

“For two certain girls, I’d imagine?” Mr. McKenzie supposed.

“Now, Colin, leave Dave alone. I think that’s sweet,” his wife interceded, opening the door. “Come in.”

“They’ve been good friends to me. I wanted to make sure they received something nice today,” Dave replied anxiously. “And you get the proceeds. Everyone wins, right?”

Mrs. McKenzie chuckled softly at him. “What would you like to get them?”

“I have about thirty dollars. Is there a way I can get each of them a mixed arrangement with a rose and some baby’s breath? One rose should be pink. The other white,” he requested, looking around the store.

“I think we can do something very nice for fifteen total,” Mr. McKenzie agreed reassuringly. “That sound about right to you, Mariah?”

“I agree. April mentioned you read some of your own poetry at school. You really compose poems?” she asked.

“It’s a hobby,” he noted. “Sorry. It’s something that my family doesn’t understand except for Gram. I think it’s beautiful, you know? Like a great symphony.” He took out a couple of rolled up parchment paper scrolls tied with pink and white ribbons. “In fact, I composed these last night.”

April’s father crossed his arms and looked at him curiously. “Flowers and poetry? Don’t you think you’re overdoing it?”

Dave sighed. “My intentions are good, sir. I assure you.” He handed him the pink ribbon scroll. “That’s April’s. See for yourself.”

“Thank you,” he expressed, opening it and reading it. As he did, a smile came to his face. “Do you mind if her mother sees it?”

“Not at all,” the nervous poet agreed, starting to wonder if this was such a good idea after all.

She read it to herself and dabbed her eye. “This is wonderful! She really treasures your friendship too.” She rolled it back up and retied the ribbon. “This deserves an extra touch. I take it that Karen’s?”

“Uh yeah. Why?” he asked suspiciously slowly handing it over.

“It’s okay. I just wanted to give each a rose. What’s the matter?” she asked.

He bowed his head. “I’m just so used to everyone making fun of me for writing it. Sorry.”

Mr. McKenzie put his hand on the teenager’s right shoulder. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of, Dave. That will make April’s day.”

“What do I owe for the flourishes?” Dave inquired.

“They’re on the house. You’re going to be late for school. I can give you a ride,” she offered, looking at the clock.

“I’d appreciate that. Thank you, Mrs. McKenzie,” Dave expressed. “That will give me time to prep for this afternoon.”

“What’s this afternoon?” April’s father wondered.

“They’re bringing the English classes together. I’m doing a poetry workshop from 1:45 to 2:30,” he replied.

“Your classmates are in for a treat. Whose idea was this?” she asked.

“Karen and Mrs. Colavitto talked me into it. April and Karen get to interview me afterwards for the paper. Karen and I wanted to help her with the first story,” he noted.

“That’s nice. And as for the ride, it’s no trouble at all,” she told him. “Come on.”




Chapter 4
[Amherst High—Lunchtime]

Karen and April walked into the cafeteria, wondering what Dave was up to. All morning in their classes, he had glanced in their direction, looking nervous about something. For their part, they watched their classmates receive their valentines but didn’t receive anything to that point. Needless to say, they were a bit disappointed.

“From seeing my parents’ store sold out, I hoped we’d get something,” April expressed.

“Maybe next year we’ll have our turn,” Karen assured her friend.

Reaching the group’s table, they saw the others but not Dave. “Hi, everyone.”

“Hi,” Steve greeted. “Take a seat. I don’t know what’s keeping Dave.”

Garth labored to keep a straight face. Unlike the others, he did know. “Maybe he had to stop at his locker for the assembly later. But he wants to see you both in the newsroom.”

“During lunch?” April wondered.

Karen quirked an eyebrow, smelling the aroma of a brewing plan. “You know something, don’t you, Garth?”

“Who me?”

“I believe she asked you a question, Chief,” Steve chimed in. “You know what’s going on.”

“Me? Nah. I just know that he’s eating in the newsroom and wanted to see you both,” Garth informed them cryptically. “Come on. I want to see this too. Guard the table, guys.”

“We’re coming too,” Frank indicated.

“Uh, Frank, we can get the details later. Right, Garth?” Steve supposed.

“That’s about the size of it,” Garth told them, leading the girls from the cafeteria.

Once they were gone, Frank asked, “What’s going on?”

Steve shook his head. “According to his grandmother, Dave was writing in Poet’s Corner the last few nights. He’s got something up his sleeve for those two.”

Frank shrugged. “I could never understand Valentine’s Day anyway. See you later.” With that, he got up and left.

Steve sighed. Some day you will, Frank. I think it’s cool myself. He smirked, remembering that Dave had his big poetry section that afternoon. “As if he didn’t have enough build up for this.”

****



[News room]

Dave paced about the area, waiting for Garth to bring the girls. He wasn’t exactly sure that this plan would work but he wanted both of them to feel special. To assist, Caroline and Mrs. C. made sure that the room was clear.

Hearing a knock at the door, he looked up to see his friends walk in. “Hi. What’s going on?”

“You tell us,” Karen remarked. “You look like you’re about to have a heart attack. Are you okay?”

“What did you want us to look at?” April wondered.

“I’ve got a couple of pieces I need you to look at,” Dave told them. “They’re on the proofing table.”

The two girls looked at each other, smelling something strange in the room. However, they knew he wouldn’t pull anything. “All right. What’s going on?” they demanded.

The guys looked at each other, trying not to smile or do anything to ruin the surprise.

“Just head over there,” Dave remarked, standing up from the typing station.

“Can’t be any worse than the rest of today,” April sighed, walking over there along with Karen.

As they saw the floral arrangements and the parchment scrolls, their eyes went wide. “What is this?” Then they saw a camera flash. Looking up, the duo realized that Garth had snapped their picture.

“Don’t say I forgot you both,” Dave declared. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Ladies. Pink’s for April. White’s yours, Karen.”

“I told you the day wasn’t over yet,” Karen pointed out to April, while grinning at him. “You had this planned, didn’t you?”

“With a little help from April’s parents,” he mentioned. “Look at the parchment paper.”

“Gee I wonder what this could be?” Karen inquired, unrolling her scroll and nodding. “Unbelievable. Now this is better than any card. Thank you.”

April read hers over and looked at the poet in disbelief. “You really wrote this for me?”

“Yeah I did,” he affirmed. “Ready for this afternoon, you two?”

“You bet I am,” April agreed. “And for the interview afterward.” She read her piece again. “This is so great!”

“Nice job, Dave,” Garth approved. “You really iced it.”

“Let’s get to the next stage,” Dave replied. “I’m ready for this poetry demo.”

Chapter 5 [Auditorium—an hour later]

The high school auditorium filled with students, wondering why they were there. On a Friday—and especially, Valentine’s Day, they wanted to get out of there, wanting to be with their significant others. The upperclassmen grumbled, not really wanting to hear a freshman preach to them about poetry.

Around the sides of the room, however, the faculty awaited the talk eagerly. While they encouraged students to take initiative, rarely did someone come forward like this.

Dr. Alvarez sat in the front row along with his wife and Janet. For all three of them, they knew how hard Dave worked to get his talk just right. Seeing Karen walk in, they waved her over.

“Hi!” Karen greeted, taking the seat between her father and Caroline. In hand, she had her flowers and poem.

“I see you got them,” her older sister commented with a grin. “Mrs. C and I were running interference for an hour to make sure you did.”

“Dave gave you those?” her father asked.

Karen nodded. “And an original poem too!” She smiled, taking in the room. “I can’t believe he’s really going to do this.”

“How’s he doing?” Janet asked anxiously.

Karen shrugged. “He’s pumped for it. Look, there he is!”

They saw Dave come out for a minute and arrange his materials at the podium. On the table beside it, he arranged overheads and a few books. He looked to them and nodded to say he was ready.

“I’ll be right back,” Dr. Alvarez told them, getting up and walking on the stage. “How are you holding up, Amigo?”

“A little nervous. I’m sure my classmates have better things to do than listen to me go on about poetry,” Dave admitted.

“Hey! You listen to me! Dave, your classmates can listen to you talk about this, especially today! Ride your passion! You did well enough with the flowers and poetry this morning,” the superintendent advised.

“You saw those? I hope you don’t mind. I wanted her to feel special,” the teenager explained nervously.

“And why would I mind that? You have a gift. In spite of everything dark that’s around you, you create such beauty. I’ve seen your poems. Now let’s hear you talk about them and the process. Good luck, Dave,” Dr. Alvarez wished before heading back to his seat.

Mrs. Colavitto came out from behind the curtain. “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” Dave agreed, sitting down beside the podium and taking a drink of tea.

“Great!” she agreed, stepping up to the microphone. “Can I have everyone’s attention please? Thank you! I hope everyone’s set to enjoy a great Valentine’s Day! As part of that, we decided to invite one of your own to speak about poetry and his art of writing. Until recently, he kept this a secret from all of us. When last semester’s Journalism class discovered this talent, we encouraged it, admittedly daring him to do this talk.” She smirked in his direction. “Well, I’ve kept him long enough. Please welcome our Poet Frosh, David Dubois.”

Karen had to giggle. Poet Frosh? Mrs. C’s off and running again. Dave’s probably ready to fall through the floor.

Dave took his turn next. “Poet Frosh. It has a ring to it. Thanks, Mrs. C., I’ll remember that one.” He smiled. “Hey, everyone, how’s it going? We all know what today is, don’t we?”

From the audience, a huge cheer went up.

“And you all have plans for that special someone, don’t you? Come on, fess up!” Dave pushed.