Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. Gabrielle is from Xena Warrior Princess. The characters from House belong to Universal and its other copyright holders. All other characters are mine and are fictitious. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Introduction [Amazon Village c. 94 AD]
Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes….

Once again, time sped by as it always does. Our friends, spared trouble’s wrath for the time being, did well in their basic schooling, finishing in due course.

Unlike Caroline’s ceremony, the others went peacefully well. From the little that the Child has mentioned, it was a blessing for David and Karen indeed.

We also see how they and faces familiar then and now come into the picture, creating more links to examine.



Chapter 1 [Tucson, Dave and Karen’s apartment—May 10, 1987]

Dave wrote away on his essay exam, feeling eager to deal with the last impediment to his graduating. Without a sign of trouble on the horizon, he had dispatched his class with almost frightening ease, averaging five classes per semester and a 4.10 GPA in the process. Let’s hope Dr. S. likes this! Between him, Dr. Coltrane and the other history profs, they had worked him hard, trying to refine his knowledge. And to think I’m going for another round of this stuff! He held up the acceptance letter for his dual master’s program in History and the library school. More options. Besides, if Karen and I can get married sooner, great. I work for a year after that. Then we get married and I go back for the doctorate. Dr. A will have a fit but that’s how it goes!

Karen walked into the apartment with a bag under her arm. “Whew! I made it! Dave?”

“Right here!” he announced. “What’s going on?”

She grinned. “Guess who finished today? I’m official!”

“Sure. Rub it in,” he teased. “I’m still working on that essay for Dr. S. It’s almost done though.”

“I thought it would be done by now. Sorry to brag,” she apologized sheepishly.

“Go ahead. I’ll be going at it again with them in three months anyhow.” He smirked. “Letter came today.”

“Dave, that’s great! As if there was any doubt?” she exclaimed while practically jumping into his arms and kissing him. “You finish your essay and then we’ll have to celebrate with Tony and the others.”

“Everyone’s done but me? Great,” Dave presumed.

“Your load’s harder. Get to it! I’ll wait,” she pressed.

“Yes, yes….” He headed back for the bedroom and to the writing. Within another half hour, he strolled out with a sealed envelope. “Give me a minute.” He opened a portal and stepped into it before returning again fifteen minutes later. “Dr. S. sends his regards.”

“But you are official?” she hoped.

He smiled. “Pauline sat on him to grade it. He gave me a 96 which means a 94 for the class.”

She realized, “Which means you really did it! You’re valedictorian!”

“Correction, Miss, we did it.”

“We did. Now get that master’s. The day after that, we’ve got a date with Brother Tony. Understand?” she instructed.

“Yes’m,” he promised before he kissed her again. “Have I told you I love you?”

“Not for the last twelve hours,” she giggled. “Reminders are welcome though.”

“Ballet box stuffing okay?” he teased as the phone rang. “Now who?”

“It’s okay, Dave,” she assured him. “Hello?”

“Karen, hi…It’s Angie Blackwell. Ummm…how are you doing?” Angie asked from her room in Tempe.

“Angie, it’s great to hear from you! Are you okay? What’s going on?” Karen wondered.

“Sorry I haven’t called in like forever….Still dealing with things, you know. I feel like such an idiot,” Angie apologized. “I did have some good news…if you want to hear it.”

“Of course we do! What is it?” Karen asked, letting Dave ‘listen in’ over their link.

“Two things….First, I got a full ride at Columbia for medical school. Frank Landers is going to be there too, I guess. He says hi by the way. Secondly, I checked and the graduation ceremonies for U of A and ASU are different days. I have two extra tickets. And well, I’d appreciate the support when I speak there,” Angie explained.

“Speak there? Angie, you finished top in your class too?” Karen asked, laughing happily.

“What do you mean ‘too’?” Angie felt deflated, thinking she finally had stood out from the crowd.

“Tell her, Dave,” Karen directed.

“Hi, Angie. Long time, no hear. Congratulations, valedictorian to valedictorian that is,” he expressed.

“Wow. That’s something. Well, I know I haven’t been the best friend to you two but believe me, if there’s someone I’d like to share the honor with, you’re it, Dave. How’s the other stuff going?” she asked.

“I’m fine. No tremors for a few months now. Getting ready to start a double MA in August. How about you?” he inquired.

“Med school at Columbia with Frank Landers. At least they’ll be a familiar face. Say, could you come to my graduation? I’d…umm…appreciate the support. Maybe you could come by tonight if you’re not busy?” Angie supposed.

“On graduation, count on us being there. Of course, you’re invited to ours too. I think we can squeeze your parents in as well if they’re interested,” he offered. “As for dinner, we’re getting ready to go out and celebrate with Tony and some of our other friends. You want to come? Come on, live a little, Champ.”

Angie blushed, recalling how he had started calling her that six years earlier. “Fine. Can’t hurt, right? Usual method?”

“Usual method. And, Angie, don’t worry. Sorry I scared you before. I’m just glad we’re friends. See you in a minute,” he concluded before hanging up.

Me too. They still want me as a friend after all of this! I should feel glad but that inner darkness is intimidating. Brother Tony says not to worry about it. I guess I shouldn’t. Seeing the portal open, she checked her door to make sure it was locked. After hanging up the phone, she stepped through to find herself in her friends’ apartment. “I still can’t get over that.”

“It beats the airlines,” he quipped. “Seriously, Angie, we’re glad to see you.”

“You know it,” his fiancée agreed while hugging her friend. “And we’re proud of you. We told you that you could do this.”

“I remember,” the visitor admitted as she sat down. “I wish I deserved such good friends as you.”

“You do,” he admonished, handing her a glass of lemonade. “Just stay in touch, okay?”

“Right.” She managed a smile. “Brother Tony believes in you both as well. He’ll be here for the ceremonies.”

“Glad to hear it.” He combed his hair. “Come on. The others are going to be glad to see you.”

Karen rubbed the visitor’s shoulder. “You bet! Come on.”

Angie smiled, admitting to herself that it was good to be among friends again.



Chapter 2 [A week later—Campus]

Dave walked back from the bookstore with his robe, mortar board and tassel in a bag. It’s really happening! Except for the Rocean garbage, we made it without trouble here!

“Now that’s what I like to see,” Dr. Coltrane interjected from behind him.

He turned to find her watching him. “And that is?”

“You with a contented smile on your face. You deserve this. Congratulations. Mr. Valedictorian,” she declared while holding her hand out.

“With your help,” he noted.

“I didn’t give you anything and neither did your other professors, Dave,” she argued.

“You’re coming, aren’t you?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t miss your speech for anything,” she replied.

“Angie’s going to be there.” He smiled. “We did a clean sweep. She’s ASU’s valedictorian.”

“Is she? My word! I suppose you and Karen are going to Tempe then?” she replied.

“We’ll be there a week from today. Then she, her folks and Brother Tony are coming back here. Along with the Alvarezes, it should be some party,” he explained. “Meantime, I have to come up with a speech.”

“Make us proud. I’ll be sure to give Angie my congratulations as well at the ceremony,” she concluded before heading back toward Social Sciences.

“There’s the ticket,” he noted while heading for Fifth Street and the bus stop.


****

[Home] [A/N: Character’s first reference coming here!]

As soon as he walked in, Karen looked up from the card she was reading. “Dave, this just came from Smallville! Look, there’s a picture from Lewis and Laura!”

He took the picture and admired their friends’ likeness. “The pipsqueak’s growing like a weed. She’s really cute.”

“Yes, Lana is cute. Mr. and Mrs. Kent say hello of course. Too bad we can’t just go there,” she pointed out.

“Rules and all that crap,” he groused before accepting the card from her and reading it. “Leave it to Laura to get the news from Brother Tony. That woman should be a gossip columnist.”

“She is our friend, Dave. I don’t mind her keeping up with what’s going on. Meantime, we’re down to just under a week to go. Did you get your robe?” she asked.

“In the bag. You?”

“In the bedroom.” She shrugged. “You know we’ll need to stay apart while Mom and Daddy are here.”

“Why? They know we sleep together. Big deal. They have one bed, Caroline does another and Charles grabs the couch.”

“Leaving what for us, Genius?” she asked.

“A hotel room? We also have to deal with Angie, her parents and Brother Tony too, Karen,” he reminded her.

“Yeah, there’s that issue too. Maybe they could do a room at the Thrifty Inn? I hate to do it but….” She grimaced at the thought of asking their friends stay at a hotel. “You know, I just had an idea. We could say that Caroline and Charles are at the hotel. You just pop them back and forth from Scituate. I wish we could tell the parents.”

“There’s another idea,” he interjected while getting on the phone.

“Samuelsohn residence,” Pauline answered. “David, is that you?”

“Yes’m. We…need a favor for graduation since the Empress doesn’t want me exposing the mist trick if you know what I mean,” he told her.

“Last minute guests?” she supposed, knowing how full the hotels were.

“Right.”

She answered, “I’ll attend to the ones who don’t already know about you. You can get the others.”

“Sounds like a plan,” he concurred. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure. Dr. Samuelsohn and I are looking forward to this. Cybelle is too. She will be there,” she replied. “Remember to keep control.”

“Nai-Jin see anything coming?” he asked.

“No.”

“Then there’s nothing to worry about,” he presumed.

At least he’s relaxed. Cybelle and I will be there if anything happens. “Very well. I’ll pass along your good news to Cybelle when I see her.”

“And well…that I’m thinking of her too,” he added.

“She’s still your sister, David. I definitely will pass that along.” It’ll do you both good if I do that. With that, Pauline hung up.

“Problem solved,” he told Karen after hanging up. “Pauline’s going to help.”

“That’s a relief,” she agreed. “At least Brother Tony can help explain it to her parents.”

“Tell me about it,” he commented. “Maybe we enjoy some time later to ourselves. Tony wanted me to go to the field.”

She sighed. “Okay. But we call Smallville with the news when you get back.”

“That is if Tony doesn’t beat us to it,” he noted. “Let’s just enjoy this moment, okay?”

She smiled, conceding the point. “Okay. You know I’m proud of you, right?”

“That’s what keeps me going,” he replied before kissing her. Grabbing his glove, he told her. “Be back in a bit.” With that, he vanished into the mists.

He’s something else! She chuckled while going for the phone and the first of several conversations to come.



Chapter 3
[Himmel Park]

Dave stepped out from behind a stand of oak trees and walked the short distance to the field. There he saw Tony strapping on his gear. “Tony!”

“Hey! There you are! I just got here,” the catcher noted. “You know, there’s a rumor going around campus about you.”

“There are several, I imagine. Which one?” Dave retorted.

“A little one about you being in the running for valedictorian. After everything you’ve dealt with, that would be sweet. When are the results announced?”

“Between us, I got it, Tony.”

The catcher pumped his fist. “Awesome! Now I’ll have to have my folks bring that video camera for sure! They’ve got these new portable things that can record for four hours at a time.”

“Wonders of technology,” Dave agreed while getting on the hill and stretching his arm. “What are your plans after graduation?”

“I’ll go back to Smallville and work on the farm for a while. That is if I don’t go in the MLB draft next month. I wish you had thrown for the team, Dave. With your stuff, you’d be a natural,” Tony explained while putting down a set of signs.

“It would’ve been nice but my life’s set, Tony,” Dave replied while snapping a slider into his mitt. “Grad school starts in August. I want to be done with my MA in a year. Then Karen and I can get married.”

“How’s she doing?” Tony wondered while firing a throw back at him and setting down another sign.

“She’s good. She’s ready to get a job, I think. I heard there are some openings at the UMC. Hopefully, she gets one,” the pitcher commented, throwing a curve.

“You know, you’re missed in Smallville. Too bad, you can’t go back there,” Tony lamented. “Laura dropped off a delivery to my Dad’s farm over Spring Break. You should see her daughter. Looks just like her.”

Dave smiled wistfully, torn between feeling glad that his friends were finally happy and yet sad that he couldn’t share in it. “We got a picture today in the mail. Lana’s a cute kid.” As he said that, he recalled the Mystery Man’s prophecy once again. …And one of the long dark hair…. “Still they need to be careful with her.”

“Laura’s aware of the things that go bump in the night, Dave. I’ll tell her and Lewis though when I see her over Memorial Day,” Tony assured him.

“Do that.” Ironically, Lana may be the reason I have to violate the prohibition again. Lichtenfeld will find a way to get at her if it finally did send her soul to Hell. There’s no way that kid’s going through what I did. No way. No how. He fired a hard fork ball.

“Hey! Easy!” Tony admonished. “What’s up?”

Dave stepped off the mound and looked at his friend. “I just realized something. The crap’s not over.” Then the world went white…..


****

[Dreamscape]

When his vision cleared, he found himself on Main Street in downtown Smallville. A line of tailgaters honked away happily. Along the sidewalk, other townspeople cheered as well but for what, he didn’t know.

He saw Lana standing with Nell; the former in a costume of some sort.

Then he saw Laura and Lewis get out of the truck that the latter had bought on Cape Cod four summers earlier. Seeing that the coast was clear, they started to cross the street.

But Lichtenfeld appeared and brought about everything he feared. She confronted Laura demanding something. When that failed, the ghost raised her hands to the sky, attracting a rain of stone.

A big rock smashed her descendant and the latter’s spouse.

Then Lana screamed, both at the grisly display and from the burning on her hand as the scar appeared for the first time there.

Then the ghost pointed to the sky, sending a plume of green and red dust heavenward.

He felt pain.

He heard the familiar mocking laughter….

The Child screamed in his head…and things went white again.


****

[Himmel Park]

“Dave! DAVE!” Tony called upon seeing his friend collapse. Of all the times for him to have a fit!

“Stone…from sky. She….she’s back,” Dave raved.

“Dave, what do you mean?”

His eyes went lucid again. “Wow!”

[“Dave, what’s wrong?”] Karen asked over their link.

[“We’ll talk later,”] Dave advised. [“I’m okay now.”] Turning back to Tony, he noted, “Nothing for now. Look, let’s get some throws in. Okay?”

Recalling how his friend had been in the week before the rematch game against MPU, Tony worried, That’s not nothing. If something has him that freaked out, we should all be on notice! “Fine. Promise me; if you know something about Smallville, you share. Got it?”

Dave nodded. “If I can.” He whipped a slider at the other and so it went.


****

[An hour later—the apartment]

Karen sat in her favorite chair, worrying about her fiancé and the pain she had felt over their link. “What is it now?” There was a knock at the door.

She opened it to find Tony standing there with Dave. “Tony, what happened?”

“I didn’t want him trying anything after that fit he had earlier,” the catcher explained.

“I told you I’m fine,” Dave insisted. “Tony, I just need to rest. Okay? Thanks for being a friend.”

“For you both, not a problem. Remember, Dave, what we agreed on. Prohibition or not,” Tony insisted before leaving.

“Agreement? Prohibition or not?” she wondered while closing the door. Seeing him shaking on the couch, she rushed to his side. “What is it?”

“I couldn’t tell him,” Dave admitted. “Karen, I had a vision…of Smallville.” His eyes teared up. “Lichtenfeld was there.”

“Hey. Come on, we know she can’t be there,” she disagreed.

“She was,” he argued. “She did something. The sky fell. It was tied to Laura and her daughter somehow. And to me.”

“The sky fell?” she queried.

“That’s all I know. That bitch is going to do it again. Damn her!” He snarled, feeling his head going numb.

She felt a tremor of panic but made sure she locked the door to insure their privacy. “Dave, come on. Therapy session. Now.” She took his hand and guided him toward the bedroom.

“Sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” she assured him. “Let’s relax.” With that, she shut the door.



Chapter 4 [Althanor]

Cybelle and Deirdre watched through the mist portal with Keira, seeing the former’s brother struggle with the vision.

“What was it?” Deirdre asked.

“I felt it too,” Cybelle noted. “A disaster is coming.”

“Indeed, Child,” Nai-Jin agreed while entering the chamber. “The goddess sent the vision to your brother. There is nothing that can stop it now.”

“But the pain!” Cybelle protested. “What did those people do to deserve that? Why should that little girl be forced to go through what Dave and I did? WHY?”

“Lower your voice, Cybelle,” Keira admonished.

“The question is still a valid one, Mother,” Deirdre concurred.

“True. Pauline sees to things on the outside. Besides your brother and his consort will be here shortly to hear of this for themselves,” the seeress mentioned. Seeing a portal form, she smiled. “That should be them now. Deirdre, go. You know why.”

Although she didn’t understand why, the red haired priestess nodded and did so.

Pauline stepped through and guided the younger couple before shutting the portal again. “We have come as bidden.”

“Welcome,” Keira bade the couple.

“Dave, it’s okay,” his sister assured him. “I felt it too. Karen?”

“We all did,” Karen agreed. “How are you holding up, Dave?”

“I’ll be okay,” he replied even if he really wasn’t. “I want to know what this is all about.”

“It’s a vision, David Dubois, no more, no less,” Nai-Jin assessed cryptically. “Even if it were spelled out, it can’t be stopped.”

“It could be if the Empress lifted her stupid prohibition garbage,” he pointed out.

“Mind your tongue,” Pauline advised.

“Her games are causing this. I can’t be there to guard those I care about! What good am I on the sidelines?” he insisted.

Even if I can’t say so, he has a point. Pauline looked to the high priestess.

“What about Isobel’s heiress?” he growled.

“Laura’s not a threat,” Pauline noted.

He smacked his fist down on the table. “COME ON! You don’t see it? Remember the Mystery Man’s prophecy? She’s one of the pueri dolorum!”

“But Laura….”

Karen looked at him and shook her head. “It’s not Laura. It’s Lana.”

He quoted, “And a girl with long dark hair…. Another thing, she’s marked too.”

“But there’s been no sign!” Keira argued.

“There will be,” Nai-Jin admitted. “He is correct.”

“As I told Alexander years ago, his role will be crucial on that day…that is if he survives the disaster himself,” Pauline added.

“Alex too?” Dave asked. “What is this? Damn it! Tell me!”

“The goddess tells what she will. It isn’t for us to demand more or less,” Nai-Jin reminded him. “You have seen what she wants you to see. That is all for now. Return to your affairs. Enjoy yourselves for now. You still have some time in the sunshine before the shadow falls once more.”

“Speaking of our affairs, Tony needs to see you tomorrow concerning your degree program, David.”

Karen shuddered. How can we enjoy ourselves now? And what’s this meeting going to be about?



Chapter 5 [Next Day—Social Sciences Building]

Dave and Karen walked through the History Department, heading for Dr. Samuelsohn’s office.

“You didn’t need to come, Karen. I’m sure everything will be okay,” he assured her.

“After what happened yesterday, I’m not taking any chances. I have some days banked with my profs. They understood,” she disagreed. “We deal with this then I can still get to my afternoon classes.”

“Fine,” he concurred, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “I am glad you’re here though.”

“As if I’d be anywhere else?”

He knocked on his advisor’s door. “Dr. Samuelsohn? It’s David Dubois.”

“David, come in! It’s open,” the older man answered. Seeing Karen as well, he asked, “Miss Alvarez, what brings you here?”

“Rough night, sir,” she replied. “What’s going on?”

“It isn’t anything urgent. I had some news for David but I suppose you can hear it as well. I received a sabbatical next spring. There’s something I want to do in Eastern Europe. I’ve made arrangements to have my classes covered. In the meantime, David, we need to work out a schedule and a thesis topic. I’ll be back by mid-April so we can get your oral exam in. Don’t worry; this won’t interfere with your work,” Samuelsohn assured them both.

“That’s good,” Dave indicated. “Can we double up on the courses I need from you then in the fall? In the spring, I can finish with the other profs and write the thesis.”

“That was my plan as well,” his advisor concurred. “Sorry to hear about yesterday. My wife mentioned you had a rough time of it. I hope you’re feeling better soon. We’re looking forward to your talk.”

As they shook hands, Dave’s mind went blank again…..


****

[Dreamscape]

Dave looked around, taking in a darkened hallway in a very expensive house. “What now?”

He heard the Scream. The Other again? Rushing toward its source, he found himself in the living room. There the Child confronted a shadowy figure.

Off to the side, Pauline lay dead; her husband clearly dying himself.

The mystery figure’s aura was unmistakable however…It was the one who had stalked him in high school and in Amherst. At last, he would show his face.

Suddenly, the room burst into flame…and the mystery figure flew away, swearing revenge.

Dave saw the Child dragging the bodies into the storm outside. Then the Dark One threw papers outside to save them from the fire. Finally, he saw Dr. Samuelsohn say something to his future self that he couldn’t hear before passing on…..


****

[Dr. Samuelsohn’s office]

“Dave!” she admonished, shaking him back to his senses.

“What is it?” the advisor wondered.

“Nothing good,” she noted although she could guess at what had just happened. Another vision. Terrific. “Dave, it’s okay. Come on.”

The younger man grabbed at his head. “I’m okay, Karen. Just give me a minute.” He sat down and caught his breath.

Pauline needs to know about this, I imagine. What’s going on with him? Dr. Samuelsohn took a cup from his shelf and filled it at the water fountain. Then he returned and handed it to his student. “Take this.”

Dave took two of his pills and drank it down. “Thank you. Sorry about that.” He took a deep breath. “We’ll talk about that schedule in the next couple of days. Have a good day, Dr. S.”

After they left the building, she asked, “What did you see now?”

“His Cambridge house. He and Pauline are going to die. I’m there for some reason. And so are those guys that harassed us back in Amherst and Quebec,” he recalled.

“Those hunters? Why?” she queried anxiously. “I thought Dr. LaMontaigne took care of that?”

“Who knows? Karen, I can get home on the bus. I’ll see you later. Go to class,” he told her.

Although she really wanted to go home with him, she could see his point. “Okay but if I feel anything else and I mean anything, I’m coming right home. Got it?” After he nodded, she added, “Sorry if I snapped at you. We’ve done so well over the last three and a half years. I just don’t want anything happening now.”

“I know. For better or worse, right?” he assured her.

“Right,” she agreed. “Hang in there, Dave. Okay?” She headed for the UMC, wondering what she really could do.



Chapter 6 [Next Thursday—Tempe]

Angie sat in her room, fussing with her white blouse and blue skirt. How am I going to get through this? She looked at herself in the mirror and frowned. “I must be the nerdiest speaker ever!”

“Will you stop?” her mother admonished. “You are not! Have some pride in yourself, Angie. You just achieved something really special. Enjoy it.”

“Then why am I so nervous?”

“That’s natural, Angel,” her father indicated. “We’re proud of you. So are your friends. And it’s great that you’re including David and Karen today.”

“I guess it’s relative,” Angie conceded. Especially with what he puts up with. Don’t go there, Angie! Hearing a knock at the door, she answered it to find the couple in question standing with Brother Tony. “Hi, guys!”

“Ready to knock them dead?” Karen asked as they embraced.

“Or leave them laughing,” Angie supposed. “Dave, is it too late to ask for one of your poems?”

“You don’t need them. Just be yourself, Champ. Okay?” he assured her. “You’ve won at everything you’ve ever done.” He raised her chin so that their eyes were locked. “Remember that. We support you today. You return the favor tomorrow. Capesh?”

“I got it,” Angie agreed, allowing a smile to form on her face. What is it about him anyway? I hope Karen knows how lucky she is! She put her gown and mortar board on. “What do you think?”

“Other than the color, very nice,” he teased.

“Sorry, the Mildcat special isn’t until tomorrow,” Angie retorted.

“Careful, Sparkette, you might sit on your pitchfork,” he countered saucily. “Come on; let’s get over there.”

Brother Tony and her parents exchanged knowing smiles behind the younger trio. Bringing her friends in had done the trick after all.


****

[University Activity Center—ASU Campus]

ASU’s indoor sports arena filled up quickly with parents, graduates, faculty and other well wishers. The university president and his colleagues gave very moving (and PC) speeches.

Cameras flashed and video cameras recorded everything.

Finally, the university president returned to the lectern and put his hands up. “We’re almost there, everyone. There’s one more person to go. The undergraduate students have elected a very unique young lady as their valedictorian. She’s from northeastern New York State where she was raised on a farm and learned a great deal about life. She transferred here three years ago from Tucson. I can say that her professors consider her to be humble and thoughtful. Here she is, Miss Angela Blackwell. Angela?”

Among the students, a very loud applause rose up, lending her support.

Angie rose slowly from her seat and walked up the stairs nervously. Remember, you’re a winner, Angie. She shook the official’s hand and stepped to the microphone. “Thank you, sir. Good afternoon, everyone. I must admit that I’ve never been very good at these things but I’ll do my best.” She took a deep breath and read from a piece of paper. “Growing up on the farm teaches you about life as President Yount just mentioned. I learned about responsibility; something that my parents instilled in me from an early age. I also learned about the value of good friends and role models both animal and human. My minister, Brother Tony, reminds me constantly to have faith and I appreciate that. My senior year in high school showed that I could have great friends as two folks from the next state proved. I won the state horse riding competition. My classmates in Wabash didn’t support me. However, that day I won a lot more—a place in a larger circle of friends…a circle which includes all of you. I know I don’t always say it but thank you, everyone, for being such great friends. To our professors, thank you for the support. I guess to sum up, as we move on to the new great ambition in our lives, I would suggest we stick to those things—values, faith, responsibility and integrity. Even after we leave here today, we’re still friends. Thank you, everyone.”

Much to her surprise, the whole arena gave her a standing ovation.

Goodness me! Angie took a minute to let it all soak in before returning to her seat. As she did, she could see Dave very clearly in the lower deck giving her the thumbs up. He liked it at least.

With that, Yount asked the entire undergrad crowd to rise and he bestowed their bachelors on them. “Congratuations!”


****

[Outside—an hour later]

Angie couldn’t believe how her classmates swarmed around her, offering well wishes and their regards. Granted she knew she had friends but nothing like this display. “Wow.” When she finally made it out of the arena, she found her parents, Brother Tony, Dave and Karen watching her. “Hope I did okay.”

“I think they just told you all about that,” her father pointed out. “I have to admit seeing you with your friends made having you so far away worthwhile.”

“It did both of our hearts good, Dear,” her mother concurred.

After the required parents-daughter hug, Angie looked at Dave who was smirking at her. “You, hush!”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re going to say ‘told you so’.”

“The thought crossed my mind. So what? You proved us all right, Champ. Congrats.”

“And you have more people in Tucson who want to say the same thing too,” Karen agreed.

“Golly, what did I do to get all of this attention?” Angie wondered.

“You were being yourself,” Brother Tony complimented. “Would you like to spend some time with your friends here or go to Tucson?”

“Here if that’s okay. I was actually invited to a party! Imagine that!” Angie exclaimed.

“Just be careful,” her father advised, wishing that she’d stick closer to them.

“You don’t want me to go?” Angie asked.

“You’re an adult, Angela, and we trust your judgment,” Brother Tony told her. “Just be careful.” He glanced over at Dave who nodded tacitly.

“Right,” she agreed. “Meantime, Dave, you know that place you and Karen like so much?”

“We do. Follow us for the express,” Dave agreed, leading them around a corner to where Pauline waited. “Some speech, wasn’t it?”

“Indeed it was. You did yourself proud, Angela. Now, shall we be getting on?” She opened the portal. “Step through please.” When they had all done so, she followed, shutting it behind her.



Chapter 7 [Tucson—Dave and Karen’s apartment—Next Morning]

Dave sat at the table, making last minute adjustments to his speech. He glanced toward the bedrooms where his fiancée and Angie slept respectively. Last night was something else! At least, nobody tried to slip anything into her drinks or anything.

While Angie spent the night talking and drinking with her classmates, Dave had observed through the mists, keeping an eye on her.

Hope she never finds out about that. He put the finishing touches on it. And a new poem to boot! Nice! He set the piece in his binder and walked back into the bedroom.

“Done yet?” Karen murmured.

“Just finished,” he noted while climbing back into bed. “Don’t want to disappoint you, Miss.”

She giggled. “You would never do that. Now, cuddle with me. I want my money’s worth.”

“Too bad Angie’s in the next room,” he sighed.

“Tell me about it. She’s going to have a heck of a hangover when she wakes up,” she lamented while feeling him right up against her back. “Mmm…better.”


****

[Two hours later]

Angie rubbed her forehead. “Ow! What’s with this headache?”

Karen came in with a big glass of water and set it down beside her. “That’s called a hangover. It comes from drinking too much. The water will help. I’ve got some aspirin too.”

“That’s why I’m here and not in Wabash with the others?” the visitor wondered before taking the medicine and water.

“Right,” Karen agreed. “You did great yesterday. Just hang in there, okay?”

“Okay. Thanks, Karen, for letting me stay here,” Angie expressed.

“You’re our friend, Angie. It’s our pleasure,” Karen noted. “Dave and I have breakfast waiting. Ceremony’s in three hours.”

“I just need to take a shower whenever it’s free,” Angie agreed, feeling the medication working.

“Go for it. We’ve both showered. Why don’t you eat something first?” Karen told her.

“Sure.” Angie followed her out to where he sat, polishing off a cup of coffee. “That smells good.”

“It is. You have fun with your friends?” he asked while getting up to fix her a cup.

“From what I remember, they really were glad to have me around. Quite a switch from Wabash,” she replied.

“We’re all getting older. We appreciate good people,” he mentioned while rubbing her shoulder. “Good speech yesterday. Simple, straight forward and right to the point. I liked it.”

“Thanks but I’m sure you have something just as good up your sleeve,” she guessed.

“In my own way, I hope so,” he supposed while setting down a glass of juice in front of her. “Meantime, drink your juice. I don’t want lectures from your parents about you not eating right.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh brother! Go and get dressed, will you?”

“Aye, aye, Cap’n!” He saluted her saucily and walked into the bedroom, closing the door behind himself.

Once he was out of sight, she grinned. They’re both trying so hard. Makes me wonder what I was thinking before. She finished her coffee and headed for the shower, not wanting to make anyone late.


****

[McKale Center]
[A/N: “Bigger World” is my original work]

As with the earlier ceremony, the U of A’s version had some of the same speakers from the Board of Regents in addition to President Helfer. They droned on for a bit, extending things and nearly putting the graduates and their entourages to sleep in the process.

Then Helfner got back up to the podium. “Our last speaker today is our valedictorian, Mr. David Dubois. Mr. Dubois transferred down here in 1984 from the University of Massachusetts. To say he’s knowledgeable in history would be a huge understatement. As his professors report, he often goes and I quote—‘toe to toe with the Ph D. candidates’. His story is one of endurance and ingenuity. Now I give you your finest. Mr. Dubois?”

Amidst loud clapping and a few rather enthusiastic cheers, Dave walked down from the stands and up onto the stage. “President Helfner, thank you.” They shook hands before Dave faced his classmates. “It’s almost time, isn’t it?” He checked his watch. “Yeah, it’s about that time especially since we’ve had a few words from our sponsors, right?”

That remark got a few snickers and a loud “you know it” from the audience’s graduate student section.

“Well first of all, we do owe them our thanks. To the regents, our teachers, parents and role models, I say thank you and well done indeed. How about a round of applause for them?” he requested. He let the applause go on for twenty seconds before going on. “It has been said that no man is an island. That is a lesson I’ve learned at great cost over the course of my life. From the earliest memories in western and central Massachusetts, life has been a struggle, some times full of pain and others, joy. Our once and present classmate—and ASU’s valedictorian, Angie Blackwell, spoke yesterday how Karen and I brought her into our circle of friends. Well, folks, I was only doing for someone what Karen and the good people of Amherst, MA not to mention Smallville, KS did for me earlier. September of 1979 marked a turning point for me for I entered a larger circle too—that is of people who wouldn’t run away from adversity and suffered because of it. People who stood by me and encouraged me at great cost. People who taught me the value of faith even while the darkest night stole my grandparents and a dear teacher from us. I gained a family including the man I consider to be my father figure, Dr. Ricardo Alvarez. And, as of last night, I might add, officially let me into the family so to speak. The woman in question is a dear friend, Karen Alvarez. Needless to say, I could and have written poems about her—all of which she’s heard by the way. But she taught me strength and diligence as well as the power of love. Let’s all take these lessons in addition to those from the classroom as we move forward. In closing, because I know those fans of the verse would be disappointed if I didn’t have one….” He held up a piece of paper and grinned. “I have a piece. Here goes:


Bigger World
David Dubois
June 1987

A period defined
One’s life is
Be that animal or humankind
Of others, we’re remiss

As a friend did say
In her words yester-spoke
Some values are ingrain’d
While others we from other take

Consider this, Friends
While a task each has
And important each is
Alone, our orbit ends
Straying, in spite of mass
Straying far from bliss

While strong we are
We are part of something true
Circles within a sphere
As the planets wander by star
We form a common crew
Together, we ne’er fear

So while forward we head
Remember this
Hold all values in good stead
And I wish you bliss….”

He looked up and smiled. “That’s for all of us. Thank you, everyone. Good luck and stay in touch, okay? Now let’s turn those tassels!”

The arena erupted in applause, definitely stirring everyone out of the malaise.

Dave had just struck again…..


****

[An hour later]

Karen sat with her parents and siblings enjoying the moment. While she was glad to be able to head for the big career, she felt like showing off that engagement ring without worrying about it for once. Between that and the rite of passage, she felt lighter than air.

“Are you sure I should be wearing this here?” Angie worried, concerning her maroon robes, mortarboard and tassel.

“Why not?” Tony asked from where he stood with the video camera. “The folks back home will love these shots. Where is Dave?”

“Dealing with his fans, I think,” Karen cracked. “Hey, Chief! Some time today!”

“Can’t a guy say thanks to folks?” Dave jabbed. He looked at her hand. “It looks good there.”

“It feels good there,” she agreed while holding it up for the camera. “What do you all think of this?”

“It’s awesome, Sis. I can’t believe you finally did it, Dave. Speaking of which, let’s get the two geniuses together,” Charles urged.

“Come on, Mr. Poet, let’s get this over with,” Angie sighed, feeling uncomfortable with the attention.

“Relax, Ms. Inspiration, it’s not that bad, is it?” Dave assured her as they posed for the photo/video ops.

“You’re right, it isn’t,” Angie agreed. “Come on, Karen! Get in the frame!”

“Sure. Gotta pose with the fiancé, right?” Karen supposed, getting on the other side. “Nothing’s ruining this shot.”

Dave frowned. “Correction, Angie, it is that bad.” He sighed and crossed his arms over his chest while watching Lionel approach. “Uncle Lieonel, what brings you here?”

“I thought someone should represent my wife since she paid for your education, David. You did quite well today. She would be pleased,” the businessman complimented.

“Some thing I strive to do every day. You could have sent Lex, you know,” Dave countered with an edge to his voice.

“Maybe but I wanted to share in the moment,” Lionel assumed.

“Nobody invited you,” Karen insisted. “Especially after what your stupidity’s put us through over the last six years, Mr. Luthor. Whatever your wife gave to Dave, he more than paid back in terms of keeping your garbage from spilling onto the rest of the world.”

Lionel chuckled. “David, you’ve certainly taught her well.”

“She didn’t need it. She can smell the stench by the winds of midnight,” Dave countered.

“Ah, an insult wrapped in a Shakespearean paraphrase. Very nice. By the way, I’m looking forward to the wedding. Your father sends his regards,” Lionel deadpanned.

“I’m sure he does,” Pauline agreed while walking over with Cybelle and her husband. “I agree with David. You aren’t welcome here.”

“And you’re going to make me leave?” Lionel laughed.

“If I have to. Just as David can’t do certain things, neither can you,” she replied icily. “Go!”

“You never change, David. Despite everything, you’re still the ungrateful, spoiled brat you always were. One day, I’ll make you pay for that,” Lionel insisted.

Dave quirked an eyebrow. “Trust me, Lie-Boy. I’m already paying and so is everyone else here for your garbage. Wait’ll you get my bill. Guys, I think we need to be going. We’ll come back when the crap’s been swept off of the street.” He took Karen’s hand and walked away.

“Now that they’re graduated, I can say it, Luthor,” Dr. Alvarez stated. “Stay away from them. You’ve done more than enough. Everyone, you heard Dave.” With that, they walked away, leaving the industrialist to stew.

Lionel smirked. I can’t wait for the wedding. I wonder how everyone will react when I deliver the good news that I have? He thought of the folder and walked away toward the parking garage once more.



Chapter 7 [That night]

Dave stared up at the ceiling, recalling the previous day……

The ceremony and the dinner afterwards filled everyone with great food, fellowship and revelry in Tucson before moving to Nurrengaard. As with the combined high school ceremony, all quadrants were spoken for on both Outer Earth and the Inner Realms. Molori and Grimwilkin (with Ferali urging everyone on of course) made sure that everything was the best it could be. And of course, the “re-engagement”/official announcement doubled the cause for celebration.

Of the people there, only the Empress remained grim, maintaining a stony silence.

Wonder what was with her? He frowned.

“Hey,” Karen muttered. “No bad thoughts. Got it?” She snaked her arm around his waist and tugged him toward herself. “Last night was a blast.”

“It was that. No more hiding,” he conceded while looking at the ring glistening in the moonlight.

“You’ve been doing that all night…not that I care. If that makes you happy then look away. Of course, you still need your sleep,” she noted; a smile spreading across her face.

“Right,” he agreed.

“Dave, I was wondering….” she murmured.

“Wondering what?” he asked.

She opened her eyes and took her turn staring at the ceiling. “Would you mind if we stayed out here this summer?”

“We need jobs to pay for this place,” he replied frankly. “Your Dad needs the help.”

“I know,” she sighed. “And it’s not much notice but I got a job starting next week. The new Dean liked my application and selected me for the first year program himself.”

“We could do the split thing again…just for the summer. I’ll work back there. You work here. I come back here after shifts. Maybe I could get you to visit too?” he supposed.

She ground her teeth. “Dave, it sounds great but I don’t want to do the apart thing again.”

“I don’t either. Look at it this way. When we work, we’ll have to be apart for nine hours a day anyhow. What’s the difference? It just happens that I’ll have the longest commute in history.” He looked her in the eye. “I’m in this for the long haul, all right? We’ll have nights and weekends together. Besides, I’m going to have to quit on August 1st anyhow. Dr. S. wants me to start on those courses three weeks early.”

She smiled. “If there’s a way to make it work, Dave, I know you will. Just promise me that we’ll never be apart again like we were freshman year.”

“Not if I have anything to say about it. Never again,” he vowed. “The only reason I’m doing this is because of a family obligation. Your parents have been good to me. If I can do that and well…make some money to get us through the degree hump, then great. It’s only two months.”

“And then a year for you to study your brains out,” she reminded him.

“Yeah that,” he concurred.

“Seriously, Dave, thanks for doing so much for Mom and Daddy. I appreciate it,” she expressed.

“My pleasure. Now let’s get some sleep,” he told her before they drifted off.



Chapter 8 [Two Months Later]
[Tucson—Social Sciences Building]

Dave walked up to his advisor’s door and knocked on the door. It had been a great summer in terms of working at Packet Place with Rick and Sam one last time. As he promised Karen, he stayed only long enough to drop the receipts and chat with Dr. Alvarez about things before returning to the cottage for the ‘mist’ back to Tucson.

“David, come in, my boy!” Dr. Samuelsohn greeted. “I heard you had a good summer on the beach. Work hard?”

“I did. Thanks,” Dave replied. “I also went to Harvard a couple of times.”

“I know. I saw you there but didn’t want to disturb you. How’s Karen?” the older man pointed out.

“She’s okay. She’s working at the UMC and looking forward to next summer,” Dave told him.

“Great. And as we agreed, I’ll do my best to get you ready for that point. Accordingly, you have a full ride for this year. I normally would have you doing a graduate assistantship but Pauline and I both think you need to be researching and writing. You can do some teaching for me when you come back for the doctorate,” his teacher noted. “I want to see regular updates not that I think it’s going to be a problem.”

“No, sir. Thank you,” Dave expressed, feeling a little surprised.

“You’re welcome. It’s about time someone rewarded you for your hard work. You might as well get to it, right?” the advisor mentioned.

“Right. If you need me, I’ll be in the library,” Dave agreed. “Thanks again.”

“No problem. Just make me proud,” Dr. Samuelsohn indicated. As the door closed, he chuckled. Even if Pauline didn’t ask me to do that, I would have anyway. That young man has so much potential, it’s scary!


****

[New York—Columbia University Medical School Orientation]

Angie anxiously walked through the auditorium’s front door and considered all of the new people there. Her nerves almost made her nauseous. Goodness me! She combed the rows for a potentially friendly face.

Frank waved at her. “Angie, over here!”

Thank you, Lord! She hustled over to claim the seat next to him. “So many people.”

“It is a major medical program,” he reminded her. “By the way, Angie Blackwell, this is Jolene Hammond. She’s new too. Jolene, Angie.”

“Pleased to meet you, Angie,” Jolene declared.

“Same here. Thanks,” the farm girl expressed as they shook hands. Just then, she noticed a medium built man hunting for a seat as well. “I guess I should repay the favor, right?”

“I’ll do it,” Frank noted. “Be right back, Ladies.” He walked over toward the latest newcomer. “Looking for a place to sit?”

The other man nodded. “It seems that everything’s full. Sorry to trouble you with this.”

“No trouble at all. Follow me. We have a seat over here,” Frank assured him.

When they returned to the two girls, Frank introduced, “These are Jolene Hammond and Angie Blackwell. I’m Frank Landers. And you are….?”

The brown haired man smiled. “James Wilson. Glad to meet you all and thanks for bailing me out.”

Angie shrugged. “As a good friend of mine likes to say, we all help each other for the greater good. Glad to have you as a friend, James.”

“You too, Angie. Thanks,” James agreed. Seeing a heavy set white haired man lumber up to the podium, he noted, “We’re ready to start.”

The speaker addressed them in a monotone. “Welcome to Columbia, Ladies and Gentlemen. I’m Dean Graves. Over the next few years, I’m looking forward to getting to know you all as well as what you make of yourselves. Medicine is a high calling. You all are the best and brightest that our country has to offer. However, not all of you will make it. That grim note aside, the faculty and staff will do everything we can to assist you on your journey…..”

As Graves spoke, Angie’s eyes were fixed on him. And this step begins…..



Conclusion [Labor Day Weekend]
[Alvarez Cottage]

As was the annual tradition, Dr. Alvarez hosted his end of the summer cookout at the cottage. Realizing the changes in the air, he put on a feast to end all feasts. With Rick’s father assisting, he heaped ribs, brisket, burgers and hot dogs on platter with all of the side dishes. Thanks to (yet another) exemption, April, her parents and Garth helped with the preparations.

Of the original Cadre, only Steve declined the invite, having other obligations on that weekend in Virginia.

In his place, Angie and Frank brought their new friends, James and Jolene, to the affair.

After everything was set before them on the table, Dr. Alvarez spoke, “Well, this has been a year to remember in more ways than one! Congratulations all around to the college grads around the table. Now you can all go out and find jobs.”

That got laughs around the table.

“And also to those in medical school or grad programs, muy bien! Angie and Frank, good to see you back here.” He raised a glass. “To your success.”

“Hear! Hear!” the group responded.

“And most of all, to Karen and Dave. I’m glad you could finally sew up those engagement plans. Dave, don’t bust yourself too quickly to get that MA degree,” he advised.

“Your rules. I can’t marry her until I get the MA. That’s fine with me, Dr. A,” Dave clarified.

“Well not with me. Sorry, Daddy, but if I had my way, we’d be married now,” Karen pointed out.

“Patience is a virtue, Honey,” her father declared, raising his glass. “Next Memorial Day weekend, they’ll be exchanging vows.”

“Hear! Hear!”

As they all drank, Dave relaxed and exchanged grins with his fiancée. Everything seemed so perfect…

...if only it could stay as such.



THE END (for now)



Back to the Dubois Chronicles Series 1 Page