Episode 3.11, Making Choices, Part 2
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At Home
When Adam drops her off, she gives him a quick kiss, “I’ll see
you in a little while.” She walks into the house and quietly
closes the door behind her. She then explodes into a dance,
strutting and twirling and singing, “I did it, I did it, I did
it, did it, did it…” She dances through the kitchen, twirling
with her mother, twirling with her father, and even twirling with
Luke. She struts through the den, and then twirls back into the
living room, still singing, “I did it, I did it, I did it, did
it, did it…” She twirls with Lilly and finally she sits on
Kevin’s lap, where he twirls them in his wheelchair. As she made
her tour through the house, her family began to follow her. They
are now all in the living room, wondering if she has completely
lost her mind, “ Adam and I are getting back together!”
Everyone can see that she is insane, insanely happy! They all gather
around and begin to hug her, but Helen has concerns, “What do you
mean by, ‘I did it’?”
Joan – “Oh, I don’t mean that. I just mean that Adam and I are going
to try to be together again. I’m so happy!”
Helen hugs her, “We’re all happy for you, too.”
Joan tells her family a modified account of her day. She talks about
watching the leaves float down the creek, planting Judith’s crocuses,
playing catch with Pax, how Adam apologized, and how they talked for
a long time. “Now, Adam is still on probation. He has to prove he can
be trusted. So, when he gets here, act normal. I don’t want him to
know that I’m this excited.”
She goes upstairs and takes a shower. She stands in front of her
closet, shuffling the hangers back and forth, trying to choose what
to wear. She was originally going to wear pants and a blouse, but a
dress catches her eye. It’s light brown with little dark brown
rectangles spread throughout. She holds it up and looks at herself in
the mirror, “Yeah, that looks unurbanish.” She puts on her makeup and
finishes dressing, adding jewelry and her watch. When she notices the
time, she rushes downstairs, “Where is my purse? Has anyone seen my
purse?”
Luke points, “It’s over there. What’s your rush? Glynis and Alice
don’t play until seven.”
Joan – “Adam and I are having dinner first.”
Luke grabs her, “Breathe through your nose.” Then he demonstrates,
“Remember?”
Joan – “You’re right.” She breathes slowly a few times, but then the
doorbell rings. She rushes to the door, finishing the last few steps
in a slow, calm walk. She picks up her coat, smiles, and waves as she
walks through the doorway.
Will pulls the curtain aside and watches as Joan and Adam walk away,
“Would someone explain to me what just happened? I know they’re back
together again, but I still don’t know why they broke up.”
Luke – “I know.”
Helen – “And Joan told me this summer.”
Kevin – “I made Luke tell me, but she didn’t tell Lilly and me until
just the other day.”
Will – “ How come everyone knows except for me?”
Helen – “Because, there are some things a girl just doesn’t want to
tell her father.”
Luke – “I still don’t get it. If Grace did something like that to me,
I don’t know if I could ever talk to her again.”
Helen – “And that is what Joan tried to do, but she couldn’t keep it
up. Her heart was telling her to do the opposite. She couldn’t stop
loving him.”
Kevin – “That’s pretty much what she told me. It was driving her
crazy.”
Lilly – “I don’t know Joan as well as you, but when she came back
this afternoon, you could see it in her eyes. I’ve never seen her
happier. I hope it works out for her.”
Helen – “Well, like she said, it’s up to Adam. We’ll all have to wait
to see what happens.”
Will – “Okay, so no one is going to tell me the whole story, but
everything is good now, right?”
Helen – “Yeah, I believe it’s going to be.”
At the Unurban
Joan and Adam find a table and Joan begins to talk, “I don’t know
why, but I really like this place.”
Adam – “It does have a really relaxed atmosphere. It’s comfortable.”
Maliyacomes over to take their order, “Hey Snow White, whatcha want
today?”
Joan – “Oh gosh, how have you been?”
Maliya– “Pretty good, just going to school and still jumpin’. Who’s
your friend?”
Joan – “This is my boyfriend, Adam.” Joan and Adam both smile,
pleased that she can say that again, “Have you heard from Casper?”
Maliya– No, not a word. Nikki hasn’t heard from her either.”
Joan – “I sure hope she’s all right.”
Maliya– “I’m sure she is. Hey, my shift’s about over, and I have a
date tonight. What would you two like?”
Joan – “I know what I want, a hamburger, fries, and a chocolate
shake.”
Adam – “I’ll have the same, but make mine a cheeseburger.”
Joan – “Maliya, it’s good to see you again.”
Maliya– “Thanks, I’ll place the order and Sandy will bring it when
it’s ready.”
Joan and Adam talk for a while about her bittersweet memories of
Casper. Sandy brings their order and they begin to enjoy their meal.
Someone puts a coin in the jukebox and a song begins to play. Joan
finds the lyrics and melody pleasing.
*Love is but a song we sing
*And* fear’s the way we die.
You can make the mountains ring
*Or* make the angels cry.
Though the bird is on the wing
*And* you may not know why.
C’mon people now
Smile on your brother
*Ev’rybody* get together
Try to love one another right now…*
Adam has been quiet for some time, just listening to the song and
watching Joan eat her sandwich, “I was wondering, can I call you Jane
again?”
Joan puts her sandwich down and puts her hand over his, “My name is
Joan. Don’t you like my name?”
Adam – “Yeah, sure, but being able to call you Jane has always been
special to me.”
Joan – “I know, and it’s sweet, but I like my name and I want you to
like it too.”
Adam gets a dejected look on his face and pulls his hand away, “Okay,
I’ll call you Joan.”
Joan – “Adam, don’t be hurt.” She proposes a compromise, “How about
if you call me Joan most of the time, but you can call me Jane on
occasion. Would that be okay?”
Adam perks up with a smile, “Yeah, I can do that.”
Grace and Luke arrive and sit with them. Joan asks, “Where’s
Friedman?”
Luke – “We saw Glynis and Alice unloading their equipment. Friedman
went to help them. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”
Within a few minutes, Kevin and Lilly also come in. Kevin rolls up to
Joan, “I have a surprise for you.” He pauses, watching the puzzled
look develop on her face, “Doctor Dan is parking the car. He’ll be
here in a few minutes.” Kevin relishes the horrified look that paints
across Joan’s face. Then it changes to half a smile, “Which Doctor
Dan?” Kevin gives her the gotcha point and says, “It’s the good one.”
Joan – “What are you doing here?”
Kevin – “We really hadn’t decided where we were going to have dinner
yet, so when Luke told us about your plans to be here, we decided to
come check it out.” Dan and Rebecca come in, and Kevin introduces
everyone, ending with “and of course, you know Joan.”
Dan – “I’m glad to see you are looking so well. How are you doing?”
Joan – “My knee gave me trouble for a long time, but now I’m doing
yoga and dancing. Thank you for taking care of me.”
Dan – “It was my pleasure.”
Joan – “Would you guys like to join us?”
Kevin interrupts, “No, we’ll get our own table. We just wanted to say
hi before we settle in.” Kevin and the others find a table a little
ways away and begin to enjoy their evening separately.
A woman walks on stage and turns on the microphone, “Hi, my name
is\ `Tara Stewart <http://www.pocketsofpeace.com/tara>`__\ . I would
like to recite a poem I wrote while the band sets up. It’s called,
“Night of the Hunter’s Moon.”
*Hunter’s moon
*Sends* silver crystals
Through the frosted pane
Onto my face
As I wait in the shadows
For White Wolf to carry me
To dreams of love and freedom.*
*My nightscape is perfect
As I expand beyond
The body of pain,
Dreaming of death as an exquisite friend
Never to be feared.*
*Hunter’s moon
Across a hill of grass painted silver.
The angel lands gently, pauses,
Frees the bird to circle silently above,
Then tips her wing
To say goodbye*
The audience gives her a round of applause, and she leaves the stage
for the band.
It’s an all girl band, which is fine, but it is not what they had
expected. Each of them is wearing a nice dress, certainly out of
character for most of today’s bands. And to Joan’s delight, Alice is
wearing her hat. You know, the Dr. Seuss hat with super powers. The
others are wearing hats too, but each one is different. Glynis is
wearing a bonnet that looks very much like Sarah’s.
Joan – “Grace, is that your mother’s hat?”
Grace – “Yeah, she let Glynis borrow it. Glynis just found out this
morning that she needed a hat to blend in, so I persuaded my mother
into letting her borrow hers.”
Joan smiles, puts her hand on Adam’s, and returns to watching the
band. Luke told Grace what happened this morning, but she is still
thrilled to see her two best friends back together again.
Alicesteps up to the microphone, “Hi, I’m Alice.” She introduces the
rest of the band while pointing each one out, “We call ourselves ‘The
Quaker Sisterhood’. You will find flyers on the counter. If you like
our music and have an occasion, please give us a call. The lyrics for
our first number are from an old Beatle song entitled, ‘I’ve Got a
Feeling’. However, the music is our own.”
They begin to play and the music is unique, nothing like they have
heard before. It’s reminiscent of some Australian bands they have
heard, but blended with jazz, and some other flavors they can’t name.
Alice begins to sing.
*I’ve got a feeling, a feeling deep inside, oh yeah.
Oh, yeah, that’s right
I’ve got a feeling, a feeling I can’t hide, oh no no.
Oh no, oh no.
Yeah, yeah, I’ve got a feeling, yeah.*
*Oh please believe me, I’d hate to miss the train.
Oh yeah yeah, oh yeah.
And if you leave me, I won’t be late again, oh no.
Oh no, oh no.
Yeah, yeah, I’ve got a feeling, yeah.
I’ve got a feeling…*
Grace – “I have no idea what to call this music, but it is so
twisted!”
Joan – “Yeah, I’m really glad I came.” Adam doesn’t speak, but thinks
to himself, ‘I’m glad you came, too.’
*…I’ve got a feeling that keeps me on my toes
Oh yeah, oh yeah
I’ve got a feeling that everybody knows
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Yeah, yeah
I’ve got a feeling, yeah
Yeah…*
Friedman – “Glynis says they call it alternative something. They
don’t have a name for it either.”
The band finishes the song and the audience gives a long round of
applause. Alice again speaks, “Our next song is our instrumental
version of We’ve Only Just Begun, by the Carpenters.”
Joan – “Oh, I know this song! Dad has it on a record.” As the band
begins to play, Joan sings the words.
*We’ve only just begun to live,
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we’re on our way…*
Adam - “Maybe this should be our song, Jane?”
Joan leans toward him and gives Adam a quick kiss, “I would like
that.”
Kevin is doing a masterful job of engaging in conversation while
keeping one eye on Joan. He smiles after seeing her kiss Adam,
knowing that this is a special night for her, and he is thrilled to
see that she is enjoying herself.
The band performs several more numbers, and before they know it, it’s
eight o’clock. They all go up and congratulate the band for a job
well done. Before they leave, they say goodbye to Kevin and his
group. Friedman decides to catch a ride with the band, and the four
of them walk home together. At the door, Joan gives Adam a nice, but
short, kiss, “Thank you for a wonderful day.”
Adam – “Can I see you tomorrow?”
Joan – “No, tomorrow is a ‘Grace day.’ We need it. I’ll see you at
school.”
Adam and Grace leave and talk on the way home. Grace comments, “So, I
guess you had a good time at Mercer Creek today.”
Adam – “Yeah, I’ve dreamed and prayed this would happen, but I never
expected it would.”
Grace – “Most people would not have given you a second chance, not
after the stunt you pulled.”
Adam – “Yeah, and I’m so afraid I’m going to do something wrong. I
feel like I’m walking on thin ice.”
Grace – “You are, and you will be for quite some time. But if she
didn’t love you, you wouldn’t have this much. Just don’t blow it this
time.”
Adam drops Grace off at her door and goes home.
At Home
It is an early start for the Girardi’s. Will and Helen leave to
participate in the funerals for Officers Garcia and Turner. Luke goes
over to Friedman’s, and Grace arrives at eight. Kevin goes to church
with Lilly, and they go to a movie afterward.
Joan and Grace have a good day. They mostly talk, but they do other
things, too. Joan finally gets Grace to join her while she does her
yoga exercises, and Grace brings over a wonderful movie called The
Notebook. Although Grace is reluctant to admit it, she loves a good
tearjerker just as much as Joan does. Joan’s hours at the bookstore
are quiet, which gives her time to finish her essay. After work, Joan
plays another game of chess with her father. Joan loses this game in
fifteen moves. This time, Will kisses her on the cheek and thanks her
for the game.
At School
Joan makes copies of everyone’s essays before they are handed in. She
then makes even more copies, and they all begin passing out the
flyers in between classes to whomever would take them. Adam made some
new posters for Brian, and he puts them up in several places around
the school. Sally Thornton has a contingent of supporters, but not
nearly as many as they have. Jim Barlow has the support of the
cheerleaders. Joan laughs after purposely putting her finger in her
mouth and pretending to puke as the cheerleaders prance by.
At the Police Station
Carlisle– “Will, I really think you should let me do this. It’s my
case now.”
Will – “I know, but it was my case. I just need to finish it. It’s
personal.”
Carlisleagrees, and Will enters the conference room where Ryan Peters
and his lawyer are already seated, “Good morning. I have a few more
questions about the night Judith Montgomery was murdered. Who invited
Judith to come along with you that night?”
Lawyer – “You don’t have to answer that.”
Will – “Come on, it’s a simple question. Someone had to have called
her. She no longer went to your school. Who was it?”
Lawyer – “My client refuses to answer on the grounds it might
incriminate him.”
Will – “That’s okay, we already know it was you. The question is why?
Why did you call Judith? Why not call one of your other friends,
those you still had regular contact with?
Lawyer – “Chief Girardi, my client isn’t going to answer any
questions. You are wasting our time.”
Will – “Was it Teddy Marks or Joey Edwards who offered you free drugs
to lure Judith there that night?”
Lawyer – “Don’t say anything.”
Will – “Did you know he was going to kill her?”
Ryan – “No, he wasn’t sup…”
The lawyer places her hand over his mouth, “This interview is over.”
Will – “I’ve learned what I wanted to know. Thank you for your time.”
At School
After last period, Joan, Grace, Luke, Glynis, and Friedman meet up
and find Adam at his locker. He is listening to Elizabeth, “I’m
actually glad that I didn’t run for Student Council President again
this year. I have so many other things going on. Adam just agreed to
be on the semi-formal dance planning committee. Would any of you like
to join?”
Glynisvolunteers, “Yeah, I think it would be fun.” Then Friedman
offers, “Sure, I’ll help, too. The others shake their heads ‘no’ in
unison.”
Elizabeth– “Great!” She hands them a flyer. “The first meeting is
tomorrow after school.” She turns to Joan, “Hey, I have some new CD’s
I can bring over on Saturday. Well, they’re not that new, but I think
you’ll like them. And we can dance again. That was fun last time.”
Joan – “That sounds great.”
Elizabeth– “Well, I have to go. I’ll see you all later.”
Adam asks Joan, “So, do you have dance tonight?”
Joan – “Yeah, I have to catch the bus in a little while.”
Adam – “I have a project I’ve been working on, too.” He gives her a
quick kiss, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Grace – “Would you like us to hang around until the bus comes?”
Joan – “No, I’m just going to sit at the bus stop and work on my
calculus. You go ahead.” The rest of them depart.
When Joan transfers to the
7th Street
bus, she once again sees Roger, and sits beside him, “Hi.” Joan
notices the notebook on Roger’s lap, “Whatcha working on?”
Roger – “Oh, I have an assignment to bring in several examples of
poetry in music from the last 20 years. Here’s one I found.
*My love is the evenin’ breeze touchin’ your skin
*The* gentle, sweet singin’ of leaves in the wind
The whisper that calls after you in the night
And kisses your ear in the early moonlight*
What do you think?”
Joan – “It’s beautiful, what’s it from?”
Roger – “It’s from a song called Crazy on You, by Heart. But enough
about this, how has your life been?”
Joan – “Well, Adam is my boyfriend again. It’s a long story, but we
worked things out, and I think it’s going to be okay.”
Roger – “Great! I only met him that one time, but I don’t think he
liked me much.”
Joan – “He was jealous. He’s really a nice guy. How have you been?”
Roger – “Pretty good, but it’s been really busy. There’s a lot
homework in college. Cee-Cee and I spent the weekend together, but it
was all at the library working. Be forewarned!”
Joan – “I’ve decided that I want to go to college, but I don’t know
what I want to take. How do you figure out what you want to be?”
Roger – “That’s a tough one, but you might start by asking yourself,
‘How can you do the most good?’ That should provide you with some
ideas.”
When the bus arrives, they go inside and get their name tags. The
first part of the class is spent practicing the waltzes and jitterbug
dances that they learned last time. Joan once again makes a bee-line
to the water cooler during the short break. Afterward, Sister Sarah
teaches them the tango. Joan enjoys learning the dance, but she can’t
keep from laughing periodically. It’s just too much like the Addams
family moment her parents had not long ago. However, her perfect
evening is shattered when she turns around to see Ryan Hunter
standing there, “What are you doing here?”
Ryan – “It’s nice to see you, too.” Roger is standing next to Joan,
so Ryan asks, “Who’s your friend?”
Roger begins to answer, but Joan interrupts him, “His name is Allez à
l’enfer.”
Ryan – “Joan! Such language, but your French is excellent.Aucun amour
toujours pour l’ennemi, je vois.”
Joan gives him a look that could kill and grabs Roger’s arm, “Come
on, we’re leaving.”
Joan and Roger go out and sit on the bus. Roger sits quietly while
Joan mutters expletives to herself.
Roger – “You obviously don’t like this guy. Who is he?”
Joan – “His name is Ryan Hunter, evil incarnate. Stay away from him,
he’s bad news.”
Roger – “What did he mean by, ‘No love for the enemy’?”
Joan gives him a surprised look, “So, you speak French, too?”
Roger – “It comes in handy.”
Joan – “It’s hard to explain and you probably wouldn’t believe me
anyway. He is not what he appears. Just stay away from him.”
Joan decides to look out of the window and watch the others as they
get on the bus. Just as the driver is about to leave, she sees Ryan
come out of the building. He is walking with Sister Sarah, but she is
now in civilian clothes. Joan is stunned to realize that the same
cute blonde-haired woman that she saw Ryan with in Millersville this
summer was Sister Sarah! The driver pulls away and Joan watches until
they are out of sight.
At Home
It’searly Wednesday morning when the phone rings. Will looks at the
clock as he picks up the receiver. It’s four a.m. “Girardi residence,
this better be good.”
There is a momentary silence, “Mr. Girardi, this is Friedman.”
Will – “Why are you calling at four o’clock in the morning?”
Friedman – “I’m sorry, but this is important. I hacked into Hunter’s
computer last night and I found some things that really scare me.
I’ve e-mailed everything to Luke. You need to get him up and take a
look.”
Will – “What’s it about?”
Friedman – “It’s about Joan.”
Will goes upstairs and gets Luke out of bed. Luke checks his e-mail
and proceeds to print out everything Friedman had sent. They spread
everything out over the bed and on the floor, and become more stunned
as they view each document: Joan’s school schedule, work schedule,
dance schedule, the buses she takes, addresses and phone numbers of
everywhere she goes, names and address of all of her friends, and on
and on and on.
Luke – “Dad, he’s watching her or having her watched.”
Will – “I see that.” Will thinks for a few minutes, “We could keep
her at home.”
Luke – “There’s no way she’s going to agree to that.”
Will – “I’m her father. I can make her.”
Luke – “If you do that, she’ll probably just sneak off, and then we
won’t know where she is.” Will is still mulling it over when Luke
continues, “Can we make sure that she’s never alone?”
Will – “I can get some volunteers, but I wouldn’t be able to cover
every minute.”
Luke – “Why don’t you call Rabbi Polonsky? He helped us hack into
Ryan’s computer. Maybe he can help us with this.”
Will ponders Luke’s idea for a few moments, “Yeah, that appears to be
our best option. Actually, I’ll do both.”
Luke – “Are you going to tell Joan?”
Will – “I don’t know. I’ll have to think about that.”
They go downstairs and Luke finds Joan has beaten him into the
bathroom. He continues down to the kitchen to have breakfast.
When Joan comes down, she whispers into Helen’s ear, “Bathroom’s
empty.”
Helen gets up and hurriedly goes upstairs. With just Luke and her
father left in the kitchen, Joan says, “I’m not crawling under a rock
for Ryan Hunter.”
Will looks at her, “You heard?”
Joan – “Yeah, part of it, but I already knew Ryan was up to
something.”
Luke – “How?”
Joan – “I have dreams, remember?”
Will – “Joan, you need to start telling me about your dreams. Now,
there are a lot of names listed in the printouts from Ryan’s
computer. Fix yourself some breakfast, and then you are going to tell
me who they are and how they connect to you.”
Joan – “Dad, I deserve some privacy. You’re beginning to sound like
big brother!”
Will – “Hunter already knows everything you are doing. He is big
brother. I’m your father. I need to know so I can help you.”
At School
The special edition of The Eagle is handed out in homeroom. By
lunchtime, there’s a lot of buzz about Brian’s ideas. Joan takes her
campaign to phase two. She and the others pass out copies of Brian’s
mission statement. “Get the whole story here.” Towards the end of the
day, they run out of copies. They continue the campaign by handing
out flyers and telling everyone, “Get all the details. Check with Ms.
Schmidt in the library.”
At the Synagogue
Will walks in to see Rabbi Polonsky, “Rabbi Polonsky, I’m glad you
could meet with me on such short notice. You have done a wonderful
job restoring the Synagogue. It’s really beautiful.”
Rabbi Polonsky – “Thank you. You can call me Jakob. What can I help
you with?”
Will – “We’ve learned that Ryan Hunter has been following Joan or
having her followed. We don’t yet know what he plans to do, but we
want to make sure that she is never alone. I need help finding people
to watch her. Is this something you can help us with?”
Jakob– “Sure, I could probably find some volunteers. How many do you
need?”
Will gets out copies of Joan’s schedule, “The bus from home to work
is a straight shot, but she has to walk two blocks to the bookstore.
I would like to have someone there on Sunday and Tuesday afternoons.
The bus arrives at…”
At School
After school, Joan and Brian check with Ms. Schmidt, “They’re all
checked out. Take a look around.” Joan looks around and is pleased to
see students gathered around several tables talking about Brian’s
ideas. Joan and Brian roam around, asking if anyone has questions.
Brian does a good job of answering everyone’s questions.
By the time she leaves the library, she has missed her friends. She
goes out to the school steps to wait for the bus. As she sits down,
she notices Adam and Elizabeth walking away from school – together!
She begins to cry, “Yeah, I see your project.” After the bus comes
and goes, she walks home.
At Home
Helen is reading on the love seat when Joan walks in the door and
plops herself down beside her. “Joan, what are you doing here? I
thought you had dance tonight?”
Joan – “I don’t feel like dancing.” She begins to cry again, “Adam is
such a lying bastard! It hasn’t even been a week and already he’s
cheating on me. I hate him!”
Helen – “Tell me what happened.”
Joan explains that she has caught Adam and Elizabeth together several
times, but thought it was just a coincidence. However today, she saw
them walking home together. “There’s no reason for them to walk home
together. Adam’s house is in the other direction.”
Helen smiles and makes Joan look at her, “Adam isn’t cheating on
you.”
Joan – “I saw them together.”
Helen – “When June and I paint, we talk. She has told me about all
the time Adam and Elizabeth have been spending together. It’s not
what you think.”
Joan – “Then what are they doing?”
Helen – “Dancing.Adam is learning how to dance. He joined Elizabeth’s
dance class, because he wants to dance with you.”
Joan – “Really?”
Helen – “Really.He wants it to be a surprise. He plans to ask you to
the semi-formal dance.” After they hug, Helen continues, “Now, dry
your eyes and get ready to dance. I’ll drop you off.”
At Saint Mary’s Convent
Joan arrives just as they are beginning. She quickly signs in and
leaves her donation. Sister Sarah again assigns her to Jamie. They
practice the tango. Joan isn’t as giddy about it today as last time.
The tango is followed with more practice of the jitterbug and
waltzes. After class, Joan approaches Sister Sarah, “Hi, I’m sorry I
was late. I missed the bus.”
Sister Sarah – “That’s okay, I’m just glad you made it.”
Joan – “Can I ask you a personal question?”
Sister Sarah – “I suppose, what is it?”
Joan – “I was wondering how you know Ryan Hunter?”
Sister Sarah – “Oh, Ryan and I have known each other since high
school. How do you know him?”
Joan – “Oh, I initially met him through a friend, but Ryan and I
pretty much disagree on everything. We don’t get along.”
Sister Sarah – “I’m sorry to hear that, he’s a good man. I almost…”
She stops herself and then continues, “Never mind, you don’t want to
hear about me.”
Joan – “Actually I would, but I don’t want to be nosey. I have to
catch the bus now. Maybe we can talk some more next week?”
Sister Sarah – “Yes, that would be nice.”
Joan – “Bye.”
When Joan gets on the bus, Roger begins the conversation, “I’m glad
you finally showed up tonight. I have something to ask you.”
Joan gives him a smirk, “I have plenty of questions, but few
answers.”
Roger – “Have you told Adam that we are in dance class together?”
Joan – “No, that’s a bridge I haven’t crossed yet. I’m afraid he will
make more of it than what it is.”
Roger – “Well, I told Cee-Cee, but now there is this thing hanging
out there. I believe she is wondering the same thing Adam would. I
would like for us to get together some time. Maybe the four of us
could have lunch or dinner together. What do you think?”
Joan – “I should probably tell Adam about us anyway before he finds
out, but here’s the problem. My dad has me on a short leash. I’ve
gotten myself into a bit of trouble, and he won’t let me go anywhere
unless he knows exactly where I’m going in advance. I’ll have to tell
him our plans. Also, he will insist upon meeting you and Cee-Cee, and
I’m sure he will put you through the third degree. Do you and Cee-Cee
really want to go through that?”
Roger – “No, not really, but I think it’s important that you and
Cee-Cee meet, and it might help you if Adam and I have a talk. Why
don’t you talk to Adam and then call me? Maybe we can do it this
weekend.”
Joan – “I’ll talk to him and let you know.”
Joan gets off the bus and transfers to the bus for home. She sees
Rahav and sits beside her, “Thanks for the tip about Pax. I would
hate for anything to happen to her.”
God – “You’re welcome. Do you remember when you thought Adam was
cheating on you with Judith?”
Joan – “Yeah, but I was wrong.”
God – “And how about this morning with Elizabeth?”
Joan - “Okay, I was wrong again, but it sure seemed like they were
together.”
God – “In many ways you are very perceptive, but in others, you are
nearly blind. We need to work on that.”
Joan – “An assignment?I thought we were past that, you know, the
‘like minded’ thing?”
God – “It’s a process, Joan, something you will have to work on for
the rest of your life. You will continue to make both right and wrong
choices. I can only help you along the way.” God pauses for a moment
to let it sink in, “But back to your perceptions, what about how you
see Ryan Hunter?”
Joan – “He’s evil! That’s all I need to know.”
God – “But Sister Sarah sees him as a good man. How can that be?”
Joan – “She’s blinded by his charm. He has a lot of people fooled.”
God – “Is it she who is blinded or is it you?”
Joan – “Are you saying that he’s not evil?”
God – “Like most people, Ryan is a mixture of both good and evil. You
need to be able to see both sides.”
Joan – “You actually want me to get to know him better? It makes me
sick just to be in the same room with him. And what about the dream?
He’s planning to hurt me in some way, I can feel it.”
God – “I already told you, it’s only a possibility. It still depends
upon choices yet to be made. You have an opportunity to affect those
choices. Talk to Ryan.”
Joan – “What happened to ‘trusting my instincts’? Every bone in my
body tells me to stay away from him.”
God – “That’s where the ‘have faith in yourself’ part comes in. There
is still light there. Help him find it.”
Joan sits stunned, not able to believe what God is asking her to do.
She wonders if this is the test that Judith had talked about or the
one God had mentioned before. When the bus arrives at home, she gets
up to leave, “I’ll try, but what if I fail?”
God – “I’ll always be here for you, Joan.”
At School
In the morning, Joan and friends again hand out flyers for Brian.
Fewer kids are taking them, but many are saying, “I already read it,
I plan to vote for Brian.”
At lunch, Joan and Adam sit off by themselves. Joan begins by asking,
“Do you remember Roger, my tutor?”
Adam – “Yeah, but I thought you got rid of him.”
Joan – “I did, but he attends my dance class now. I want you to know,
so you don’t worry.”
Adam – “But you kissed him! How am I not supposed to worry?”
Joan – “I already told you, it was a mistake. And besides, he kissed
me. He has a fiancee now and would like us all to get together this
weekend. Roger is a really nice guy and I think you’d like him, if
you gave him a chance. I was thinking maybe lunch on Sunday. Will you
come?”
Adam would rather not, but he finally agrees, “Yeah, sure.” He begins
to feel guilty, so he continues, “I have something to tell you, too.
I have been dancing with Elizabeth.”
Joan smiles, “I know, but it’s because you love me, right?”
Adam is caught off guard, surprised that she knew, “Yeah, I’m only
doing it for you.”
Joan – “That’s why it’s okay.”
Adam moves in to give Joan a kiss, but she stops him, “There’s
something else we need to talk about. I was going to mention it at
Mercer Creek, but we had to leave.” She is obviously uncomfortable
saying this, but continues, “I need to know why you had sex with
Bonnie.”
Adam – “I told you, it was just a stupid mistake.”
Joan – “And how many times did you make that same mistake?” Adam
doesn’t know what to say, because with any answer, he loses. Joan
continues, “I don’t want an answer now, but I want an honest and
complete answer. You owe me that.”
Adam – “Okay, you’re right. When DO you want to talk about it?”
Joan – “How about Saturday, in the morning?”
Adam – “Okay, I’ll come over and be ready to talk.”
Joan – “All right.Let’s go sit with the others and finish lunch.”
At the Police Station
Brother Jimi arrives to meet with Will again. After they have a seat
in his office, Will begins speaking, “I’ve gone through your list of
members, and there is only one that I have concerns about. His name
is Melvin Thompson. He’s an ex-con, and I was wondering why you chose
him.”
Brother Jimi – “Melvin has paid his debt to society. He’s a good man
and is very much interested in improving the community.”
Will – “Okay, his parole officer gave him a good report, so I’ll take
your word for it. I do have another concern. All of your members live
in the west or west central part of town. That’s a pretty narrow
representation of the city.”
Brother Jimi – “I had to choose people that I knew. That’s where I
live.”
Will – “I understand, but I would prefer for there to be members from
all parts of the city. Would you consider adding or replacing some of
them?”
Brother Jimi – “I feel the size of our committee is about right. Tell
me who you have in mind, and I’ll consider your proposals.”
Will – “I’ve contacted Rabbi Jakob Polonsky, Father Ken Mallory, and
Reverend Anthony Sharpton. Each has expressed an interest in either
becoming a member or sending a representative. Would you consider
including them?”
Brother Jimi – “I’ve met Rabbi Polonsky and Father Mallory. Both are
fine men. I’ll gladly talk to them and Reverend Sharpton, and
consider including them as part of the committee.”
Will – “Great, thanks for your willingness to compromise.” Will
provides their phone numbers before Brother Jimi leaves.
At the Newspaper
Rebecca – “Hey, I need to ask you something.”
Kevin – “Just a sec.”He finishes typing on the computer, then he
continues, “Shoot.”
Rebecca – “I’ve invited Lilly to my church’s rummage sale on Saturday
morning. Is that all right with you?”
Kevin – “Sure, but you don’t need my permission. If you haven’t
noticed, Lilly pretty much says and does what she pleases. That’s one
of the things I love about her.”
Rebecca – “Good, I just wasn’t sure about your relationship, and I
didn’t want to interfere.”
Kevin – “I kind of like the idea that you and Lilly have hit it off.
Have fun.”
Rebecca – “Oh, it’s not going to be too exciting. I enjoy picking
through the rummage, but being able to chat with Lilly will be the
best part. We have a lot of common interests. I just wanted to make
sure it was okay with you.”
Kevin – “Like I said, go for it.It’s fine.”
At School
After the last class, Joan and Grace walk back to their lockers. Joan
reads a flyer Grace gave her after lunch.
Grace – “So, what do you think? Luke wants me to go, and I thought
you and Adam could come, too.”
Joan – “Haunted Hayride, sounds like fun. Orban Farm, I wonder if
it’s Alice’s?”
Grace – “It’s her uncle’s farm. She says the ride lasts about 45
minutes, and ghosts and goblins sneak out at you on the way.”
Joan – “Do you think Alice wants to come?”
Grace – “She’ll already be there, but she won’t tell me as what. What
do think, an Alice ghost or goblin?”
Joan – “She’d make a good zombie.”
Grace – “So, what do you want to be?”
Joan – “I don’t have a clue. Let’s go to the thrift shop. It’s half
price today. Maybe I can find something there.”
They meet up with the others and they all decide to go to the thrift
store.
Glynis– “I already have my costume. I’m going to be Kimberly the Pink
Power Ranger. She’s so cool!”
Friedman – “Wait until you see it. She even has the phaser thing.”
Glynis– “It’s called a Blade Blaster, silly.”
Joan – “Oh, I have to make a few calls. I’ll catch up with you in a
minute.”
The others go ahead and Joan makes the call. The operator answers,
“Arcadia Herald. How may I direct your call?”
Joan – “May I speak to Ryan Hunter.”
Operator – “Who may I say is calling?”
Joan – “Joan Girardi.”
After a few minutes, the phone transfers her and Ryan picks up,
“Joan, this is a surprise. What’s the occasion?”
Joan – “We need to talk. Will you be there tomorrow at about 4
o’clock?”
Ryan – “Let me check.” He pauses for a moment, “Yeah, I can be here.
You still haven’t told me why.”
Joan – “I’ll tell you tomorrow. Bye.” She hangs up and calls Roger.
She gets his voice mail, so she leaves a message about lunch on
Sunday. “Call me back and let me know if that’s okay.”
At the Thrift Shop
Joan – “I love this place. There’s a lot of junk, but you can also
find some really neat stuff.”
Grace – “Hey, Luke, I just figured out what I’ll be. Remember that
awful green outfit I wore to your house that one time.”
Luke – “The valley girl preppy thing?”
Grace – “That’s it. I still have it. I’ll be a valley girl. That was
good, wasn’t it?”
Luke – “Yeah, as long as you only wear it on Halloween.”
Friedman rushes over, “Hey Luke, come see what I’ve found.”
They go over to a rack of suits and Friedman pulls one off down. He
holds it in front of him, “What do you think?”
Luke – “Okay, I give up, what are you?”
Friedman – “A gangster.”
Luke – “You mean gangsta?”
Friedman – “No, gangsta’s only think they look cool, but they dress
like crap. At least the old gangsters knew how to do it with style.
They also have those old style hats over there and some machine guns
in the toy section. We could be the Gambino brothers.”
Luke pulls out another suit and looks at himself in the mirror,
“Pinstripe, not bad. We look like roaring 20’s something.”
Friedman changes his voice to sound like a gangster, “That’s the
ticket. Come on, let try on these new threads.”
Adam hasn’t found anything and joins Joan in the women’s section, who
hasn’t found anything either. They are about to meet up with the
others when Adam spots a cape, “Ooh, look at this. It’s great!”
Joan – “So, what are you gonna be, Harry Potter?”
Adam – “Yeah, exactly.This is just like what he wore in the movie,
and it even has a hood. I can make an emblem thing and a wand, and
I’ll be set.”
Joan – “Once again, everyone finds what they want except for me.
Let’s go over to Luke and Friedman and see what they’ve found.”
They walk over to the men’s department and Joan sees a suit. It’s a
god-awful looking reddish-orange suit. She takes it off the rack and
checks the size, “This might fit.” She holds it up to herself and
asks Adam, “What do you think?”
Adam – “It’s definitely ugly. Who will you be?”
Joan – “Napoleon Dynamite, didn’t you see that movie?” She makes a
stupid expression and imitates his voice, “Yeah, hold on… I forgot to
put in the crystals.” Then she shakes as if she’s being electrocuted,
“It was so funny!”
Adam – “Yeah, I saw it, but I didn’t think you did. You were in crazy
camp.”
Joan – “Oh, Kevin brought it home for movie night when I was grounded
last summer. Anyway, what do you think? Isn’t this just like his? It
has the vest, too.”
Adam – “But you’re a girl. How are you going to pull that off?”
Joan – “I’ll be Napoleonette. I can pull my hair to the side like his
girlfriend, Deb.”
They all gather and show each other what they have found.
Glynis– “I’ve been wandering around just looking at stuff. You are
all going to need ties, and Joan and Adam, I saw some glasses that
would be perfect for you.”
They are all able to find most of the accessories that they need.
They leave the store happy with what they have found and even happier
that everything was half price.
At Home
After dinner, Joan sits down to talk to her father, “Dad, I have a
couple of appointments to tell you about. The first one is with Ryan
Hunter.”
Will – “Are you insane? I’m trying my best to keep him away from
you.”
Joan – “I know, but I have to talk to him, and no, I can’t tell you
why. We will be meeting tomorrow after school at the Herald. The
appointment is at four o’clock. There will be plenty of people
around.”
Will – “Have you told Kevin about this?”
Joan – “I will be meeting Kevin before I talk to Ryan, and he will be
giving me a ride home. Adam will be with me too, at least for
everything but the meeting. I’ll be fine.”
Will – “I really don’t like these short notice changes of plans.”
Joan – “I know, but I’m telling you now. Isn’t that what we agreed
upon?”
Will – “Yeah, okay, I’ll take care of my part. What’s the other
appointment?”
Joan – “Adam and I are having lunch on Sunday with a friend. His name
is Roger Worthington. He was my tutor last year for a while. He’s
bringing his fiancee. Her name is Cee-Cee Lin. Both Roger and Cee-Cee
attend Dawson State. They will be coming by about 10:30 and you and
Mom can talk to them before we leave.”
Will – “Where do you plan to have lunch?”
Joan – “Cee-Cee’s family owns Lin’s Family Restaurant. We’ll have
lunch there.”
Will – “Okay, I’ll check them out. Would you like to play a game of
chess?”
Joan – “Not tonight, I have homework. We can play tomorrow after
dinner.”
At School
It’s election day and all are involved with heavy campaigning near
the poll, “Vote for Brian Beaumont, he has the ideas!” “Vote for
Sally Thornton, she’ll listen.” “Vote for Jim Barlow, he’ll… ask
questions, rah rah.” Scott Brooks’ poll showed Jim Barlow in the
lead, but that was taken before all the essays were published. No one
really knows how the election will turn out.
At lunch, everyone is eagerly waiting for the results to be
announced. Brian has joined his group of campaigners, “I want to
thank all of you for your help, especially Joan. You all did a great
job and I really appreciate your support.” As Brian is finishing, the
announcement comes over the PA, “We have the totals for the election.
Brian Beaumont is the winner for Student Council President with 517
votes. The treasurer is Jackie…” Everyone at their table cheers,
along with quite a few others in the cafeteria.
Joan – “Congratulations Brian, I hope you can make all of your ideas
come true.”
Brian – “I couldn’t have done it without you; those essays are what
made the difference.”
Joan – “Well, you deserve the job.”
At the Herald
Joan and Adam arrive at the Herald and meet with Kevin.
Joan – “Kevin, did you find out anything?”
Kevin – “Just that you were right. How did you figure it out?”
Joan – “I’ll explain later. Adam, will you show me the way to Ryan’s
office?”
Adam takes Joan to Ryan’s office and Joan goes inside alone.
Ryan – “So Joan, what brings you here?”
Joan – “God. He wants me to talk to you. Why else would I be here?”
Ryan – “Okay, then what does his almightiness want us to talk about?”
Joan – “Oh, how about for starters, why do you do the evil things
that you do?”
Ryan – “What evil things? I’m a nice guy.”
Joan – “Cut the crap, Ryan. We both know what you have been up to.
Why did you reject God? I mean, in the beginning, didn’t you listen
to what he asked you to do?”
Ryan – “Yeah, I did the little missions like you, but there was never
anything in it for me. And while I was doing his work, he was busy
stealing… well, never mind.”
Joan – “Stealing Sarah McCauley?”She can see now that she has just
struck a nerve with Ryan, “God didn’t steal her from you. She chose
God.”
Ryan begins to lose it, “Sarah and I were engaged, and then she
decided to become a nun. What if Adam decided to become a priest?
Wouldn’t you see it the same way?”
Joan – “I would probably be hurt too, but I would also be happy for
Adam. Becoming closer to God is a wonderful feeling.”
Ryan – “You’re being brainwashed, Joan. God doesn’t care about anyone
but himself. The sooner you learn that the better off you will be.
And what about Kevin?”
Joan – “What about Kevin?Are you saying that what happened to Kevin
was an act of God? Kevin got hurt because he got in a car with a
drunk. Choices, it’s all about choices, and God doesn’t make our
choices for us. We need God, especially when things go wrong. I have
seen how God has helped everyone in my family deal with the pain of
Kevin’s accident. That’s what I call love, L-O-V-E.”
Ryan – “I don’t need God’s love. I’m doing just fine on my own.”
Joan – “No, I don’t think so, and if you ever decide to be honest
with yourself, you’ll realize that too.”
Ryan – “I don’t need to be psychoanalyzed by a seventeen year old.
You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Joan – “I believe I just hit the nail on the head. Can we talk again
next Friday?”
Ryan – “No, you’re wasting my time.”
Joan gets up to leave, “I’ll call you later. Bye, Ryan.”
At Home
After dinner, Joan and Will play another game of chess, “Dad, how are
you doing now?”
Will – “Oh, I’m okay. Things are pretty much the same, which is
weird. That’s actually good, I suppose, because everyone needs to
move on. Dwelling on the past and why things happen… well, it doesn’t
change anything.”
Joan – “Yeah, I’ve been thinking a lot about Judith lately. I still
miss her.”
Will – “She was a sweet kid and a good friend. Sometimes, we just
have to accept that we’ll never understand why things happen.”
Joan – “Checkmate. Yeah, I know what you mean.”
