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+Episode 3.04, The Outing, Part 1
+--------------------------------
+
+Dark ominous clouds layer the sky as bolts of lightning strike the
+ground far and near. An evil creature is approaching; dressed in
+reflective armor, deflecting every photon bolt that is lunged at him.
+His eyes glow, pulsating from red to purple and back again. Saliva
+drips from his rimless lips, causing puffs of green smoke to rise
+from the ground as it pulverizes matter back to its basic elements.
+All that is holy curses him, but no one has been able to defeat him.
+He is a phantom, elusive to every kind of attack. The people, the
+lowly peasants across the land, have given him the name, Phantom
+Warrior.
+
+Other creatures, perhaps innocent bystanders, run to save their
+pathetic lives. The attack continues to stop this demon from reaching
+Grom City. For this is where Phaylor has made his last stand, and you
+know he must be saved. For he, along with Duchess Maron, are the only
+hope, the last chance to stave off a universe of darkness.
+
+The soldier fires continuously from his photon cannon, and his
+comrade is firing his as well, but nothing seems to affect this
+creature. Do we have other weapons? Yes, but they are in the armory,
+and to get there, you must cross the river of molten zornite. This no
+human has succeeded in doing without losing his life. But you have to
+try, it’s our only hope. Use the force, Luke. What… what force? Then
+a korsite bomb explodes nearby, temporarily blinding them both. As
+the fog clears from their eyes, they see the most terrifying image
+flashing before them… Game Over.
+
+Luke – “That was really cool! Where did you get this game?”
+
+Friedman – “I hacked it off the Microgames website. The released
+version will be out in a few months.”
+
+Luke – “I really want to play this again, but we should get to doing
+what we came here for. Do you really think you can do it?”
+
+Friedman – “Piece of cake!No matter what security is in place, there
+is always a way around it. I have been doing this as a hobby for a
+couple of years now. Remember Angela’s diary?”
+
+Luke – “Yeah and that didn’t work out so well, did it?”
+
+Friedman – “How was I to know? I just saw her talking about her
+breasts and thought, ‘Cool!’ I didn’t read the whole thing either.”
+He pauses for a moment.
+
+“But I have done some good things. I kept Judith from failing trig.
+Every time she would fail something, which was almost always, I would
+boost it up to a C. No one knew, not even Judith. She just thought
+she faked her way through it. Always guessing c or c on an exam
+really doesn’t work.”
+
+Luke – “Have you done that for other people… yourself?”
+
+Friedman – “Judith’s grades are the only ones I’ve changed. I have
+been tempted to change some of mine, but it didn’t seem right.”
+
+Luke – “I really liked Judith, too. We all miss her. But, I know you
+and Joan miss her most of all.”
+
+Friedman – “Yeah, my luck with women can be a testament to mankind of
+what shouldn’t happen. Maybe I’m destined to become a lonely computer
+geek.”
+
+Luke – “No, you have to stay in the game. Things will turn around,
+you’ll see.”
+
+Friedman – “It’s a game? Well, it hasn’t been a game for me.”
+
+Luke – “Maybe ‘game’ isn’t the best word. How about love is a
+never-ending pop quiz? You never get all of the answers right, but
+even the wrong ones prepare you for the final exam. The next time it
+will be better. You’ll see.”
+
+Friedman – “A pop quiz?That’s funny. You’ll have a good career in the
+fortune cookie business. But hey, I can only go up from here, right?”
+
+Luke – “Trust me, I’m right on this, but back to the task at hand.
+Can you do this?”
+
+Friedman – “Sure, let’s just start with their website. What are we
+looking for?”
+
+Luke – “Anything and everything. Grab whatever you can and we’ll sort
+it out later. Knowledge is power, but don’t worry about what’s
+publicly available. That is what Ryan wants us to see. We need to
+find out what he is really up to.”
+
+Friedman – “Wow, they have some heavy security in place. How can a
+volunteer organization afford security like this?”
+
+Luke – “Joan says Ryan is really rich. He probably paid for it
+himself. Are we finished?”
+
+Friedman – “No, let me bring up Whisker and see what we can learn.”
+Mumbling to himself, “Windows XP, Dell Dimension 4700, Whoa!”
+
+Luke – “What happened?”
+
+Friedman – “It kicked me out! I’ve never had that happen before. This
+is going to be more work than I thought. I know some hacker sites
+where I can get some more ideas, but it will take time. You wanna
+play the game again?”
+
+Luke – “No, I told you that I couldn’t stay long. I have to help Joan
+with a project. I’ll call you later.”
+
+At Home
+
+Joan wanted to tell Kevin last night, but he was out with Lilly when
+she got home. The hours dragged on and on. Finally, she just couldn’t
+stay awake any longer, and she had to go to sleep. It’s a good thing
+because he spent the night at Lilly’s.
+
+Kevin called this morning and said he would be home for lunch. That’s
+why when Friedman asked Luke to come over, he told him that he
+couldn’t stay long.
+
+Joan has been in her room most of the morning trying to figure out
+the best way to tell Kevin. She is happy that the other night went
+well, but she feels she should tell Kevin in private. He’s her big
+brother, and although she loves Luke too, Kevin has always had a
+special place in her heart. However, she can’t decide how to do it.
+Should she just blurt it out or should she work her way into it? This
+is so important to her that she is even wondering if she should not
+tell him at all. At least with a blue pill, there is no chance of his
+feelings for her changing. What to do is tormenting her.
+
+She hears Kevin come in the front door and can hear him talking to
+the others downstairs. Then she hears the hum of the chair lift
+bringing him upstairs. The bathroom door closes. She walks into his
+bedroom, sits and waits.
+
+Kevin comes in and sees Joan, “Joan! What are you doing here?”
+
+Joan – “I have to tell you something.”
+
+Kevin – “Sure, shoot!” Kevin has the cocky, cavalier attitude he gets
+sometimes.
+
+Joan – “This is hard. There is something about me that you should
+know.”
+
+Kevin – “I already know you’re a sub-defective.”
+
+Joan – “It’s not that. Well, maybe it is. I don’t know, but something
+has been happening to me for a long time.”
+
+Kevin – “Like what?”
+
+Joan – “I have dreams.”
+
+Kevin – “So do I.”
+
+Joan – “No, mine are different. Mine come true.”
+
+Kevin – “Oh, I see where you’re going. This is a joke.”
+
+Joan – “No, really, I see things, and then they come true.”
+
+Kevin – “Right! You know, I believed that psychic for the longest
+time. Now, I’m seriously thinking about asking Lilly to marry me. Do
+you really think there is a chance in hell I’ll be dancing at my
+wedding?” He slaps his legs.
+
+Joan – “No, Kevin, I’m trying to tell you something.”
+
+Kevin – “Come on, April fools is already past and this isn’t funny.”
+
+Joan – “No, Kevin, please.” She now realizes she has failed. She runs
+into her bedroom, locks the door, and begins to cry on her bed.
+
+Kevin has no clue what just happened, but it still breaks his heart
+to see his sister cry. He knocks on her door, “Joan, I’m sorry, come
+out.” She doesn’t respond. “Joan, I’m sorry I didn’t laugh at your
+joke, come on out.” Of course, this just causes Joan to sob even
+more.
+
+Kevin gives up and goes back down stairs, “What’s with Joan? I didn’t
+laugh at her joke and now she all crying. I don’t get it.”
+
+Helen – “Oh God, what did you say to her?” She doesn’t wait for an
+answer. She runs upstairs and begins knocking on Joan’s door.
+
+Luke – “Hey, big bro. You have really stepped in it now.” Kevin gives
+Luke and Will that puzzled look. He still doesn’t realize what just
+happened.
+
+Will recounts the story of the other night, and Luke supplements
+parts that he misses. Between the two of them, they reproduce the
+conversation pretty well. Helen comes back down. She is furious, “She
+won’t come out of her room.”
+
+Kevin – “I’m sorry, I assumed she was joking.”
+
+Helen – “Do you know who your grandmother is?”
+
+Kevin – “Ah, yeah, Catherine Brodie.”
+
+Helen – “Well, you’re right, and you’re wrong. She has been a
+wonderful mother to me, but she didn’t become my mother until I was
+nine. My other mother, the one who gave birth to me, had dreams too,
+only they locked her away in an insane asylum until the day she died.
+I was so afraid that I never told anyone about my dreams. It was
+years before I was even willing to tell your father. Now, your sister
+is having them. You had better get used to the idea if you ever plan
+to have a daughter.”
+
+Kevin – “Wait a minute! If you knew about this, why did you let them
+send Joan away to Gentle Acres?”
+
+Helen – “Oh, you better believe I thought about it, but that was
+different. She was sick and we could all see that. We decided to let
+the doctors try to help her. However, even if they hadn’t been able
+too, Joan was coming home no matter what.”
+
+Kevin considers her response and agrees with her argument, “Well, Dad
+and Luke already told me what happened last Tuesday.”
+
+Helen – “Well, there’s something else we need to talk about. It’s
+Lilly.”
+
+Kevin – “What does she have to do with this?”
+
+Will – “You can’t tell her.”
+
+Kevin – “Why not?She’ll keep it a secret.”
+
+Helen – “It’s not that. What do you suppose Lilly will do when she
+learns it was Ryan Hunter who trashed her church?”
+
+Kevin – “She’ll probably go beat the crap out of him.”
+
+Will – “That’s why you can’t tell her. We’ll find a way to get Ryan
+Hunter, but none of us want Lilly ending up in jail or worse doing
+it.”
+
+Kevin considers Will’s argument for a moment, “Yeah, I guess you’re
+right, but I have never lied to her, and I don’t want to start now.”
+
+Helen – “You won’t have to. As long as she doesn’t know, there will
+be no reason for her to ask.”
+
+Kevin looks at Helen, and without saying it, she can see that he
+agrees.
+
+Helen – “Now, you’re going back upstairs, and you are going to talk
+your sister out of her room.”
+
+It took awhile, but Joan finally let Kevin in. He apologized again
+and allowed her to explain what she has been going through, “So, do
+you think I’m crazy?”
+
+Kevin – “Earlier today, I would have thought yes, but now, I’m not so
+sure. You certainly have been able to convince the others.”
+
+Joan – “Do you still love me?”
+
+Kevin – “Of course I do. Why would you even think otherwise?”
+
+This is what she wanted to hear. She sits on his lap and gives him a
+hug.
+
+Kevin – “Come on downstairs. We still haven’t had lunch, and I’m
+starved.”
+
+They go downstairs where the others have also been waiting for Joan’s
+arrival. Helen fixes soup and sandwiches.
+
+Kevin – “So Joan, you look like you need a nap. Is there any chance
+of getting next Wednesday’s lotto number?”
+
+She gives him a smirk, “It doesn’t work that way.”
+
+Kevin – “Don’t get mad. So, you have these dreams about different
+places, but you don’t know why.”
+
+Joan – “I just know it is someplace that I want to be, someplace that
+I will be.”
+
+Kevin – “So, how do you connect the dots?”
+
+Joan – “I haven’t figured that out yet.”
+
+Helen decides to change the subject, “Why don’t you wear your blue
+dress to the Goetzmann’s tonight?”
+
+Joan – “Mom, no, I want to wear normal clothes. Elizabeth won’t be
+dressing up.”
+
+Helen – “This will be the first time your father and I have met them.
+I want to be sure to make a good first impression.”
+
+Joan – “You and Dad can dress for the prom if you want, but I’m
+wearing jeans.”
+
+Helen – “Well, at least wear your new red pair. I washed them and
+they’re in the laundry room.”
+
+Kevin – “So, how did this come about, because of Elizabeth?”
+
+Will – “Wayne Goetzmann called me last Monday and invited us over. He
+wants to thank me for helping Elizabeth at the theater.”
+
+Kevin – “For saving his daughter’s life?”
+
+Will – “Yes, but all of this hero stuff is too much. There were two
+other men who helped out too. They were barely mentioned by the
+Herald. A simple thank you was enough and Elizabeth has already done
+that.”
+
+Kevin – “Then you might not like what Lilly and I made for you.”
+
+He motions for Will to look in the pouch on the back of his
+wheelchair. Will pulls out a brightly wrapped package with bows and
+ribbons. There is a little card. It reads, ‘To my Dad.’
+
+Kevin – “Open it.”
+
+He opens the package and pulls out a large varnished plaque with the
+newspaper article from the Herald decoupaged to the front. It has the
+picture of him carrying Elizabeth out of the theater followed by the
+entire article.
+
+Will – “I don’t know what to say. This is wonderful.” He holds it up
+for the others to see, “Thank you, Kevin.”
+
+Kevin – “Well, Lilly did the decoupage. I enlarged the picture and
+reformatted the article so it would fit nicely on the plaque.”
+
+Helen – “It’s so beautiful. It almost looks like a painting. I have
+decoupaged before, but I have never gotten results like this! Lilly
+and I will be having a talk.”
+
+Joan leaves and in a few minutes, they hear pounding. She comes back
+and takes the plaque from her father, “I know just where to put this,
+come on.”
+
+They all go into the living room and Joan places the plaque on the
+nail. It is prominently centered above the bookcase, “There.” She
+steps back to look at it with the others. She gives her father a kiss
+on the cheek and says, “You will always be my hero.”
+
+Later, they have all gotten ready to leave. Joan has on her jeans,
+but they are actually burgundy in color. She chose a dark blue knit
+top that has ‘Breathe’ in white decal across the chest.
+
+Helen – “Well, you look nice, even though it’s toned down a bit. I
+saw that when you bought it. What does it mean?”
+
+She turns around to show Helen the back of the shirt. It also has a
+white decal that says ‘2 AM’. “It’s a song by Anna Nalick. I love her
+music.”
+
+Will has chosen black dress pants with a light gray dress shirt,
+matching belt and shoes, but no tie. Helen is wearing a summer dress
+similar to what Sarah bought, except Helen chose it in brown tones.
+She also bought the matching bonnet, but will not be wearing it this
+evening.
+
+Kevin and Luke are ready to go as well, but not to the Goetzmann’s.
+For them, this will be a boys’ night out. They haven’t done this in a
+long time, and this is the perfect opportunity.
+
+Luke – “So, when are you going to tell me what we are doing tonight?”
+
+Kevin – “It’s a surprise. Trust me, you’ll like it.”
+
+At the Goetzmann’s
+
+Will is driving again. His burn is not completely healed, but well
+enough to permit the use of his hand. He still wears a bandage, but
+just to keep it from being bumped.
+
+They ring the bell and June answers the door. Wayne and Elizabeth are
+also there. She invites them in, “Hi, I’m June. This is my husband
+Wayne, and of course, you know Elizabeth.” They exchange greetings.
+Helen offers the lime and carrot Jell-O she has made for dessert.
+June excuses herself to put it in the fridge. Wayne begins to offer
+his hand, but retracts it. He then offers his left hand, “I am really
+glad to finally meet you. I hope to be able to do this the right way
+soon.”
+
+Will – “It’s nice to meet you too. The hand is almost healed.”
+
+Will turns and Elizabeth is there. She gives him a big hug, “I just
+needed to do that. Thank you, Mr. Girardi, for saving my life.”
+
+Will – “It was my pleasure. I’m glad to see you are looking well. It
+is certainly a change from the last time I saw you.”
+
+Elizabeth – “Well, it’s all because of you.” She looks at Joan, “Come
+on, let’s go up to my room.”
+
+At the Restaurant
+
+Kevin has decided to take Luke to Lin’s Family Restaurant. He has
+eaten there on several occasions and enjoys the food. It has always
+been for lunch, but the dinner menu is the same. Actually, it is
+buffet style with a bounteous selection of Chinese food. He has never
+had a problem with finding something good to eat.
+
+When they arrive, Chun Chen, known by all as Cee-Cee, escorts them to
+their table. She is an exquisitely beautiful young woman and would be
+enough to cause the men to come visit, even if the food was lousy.
+She welcomes them and takes their drink order. Kevin and Luke both
+order sweet tea.
+
+Kevin and Luke go and fill up their plates with a variety of foods.
+Kevin suggests that Luke try the sweet and sour chicken. When they
+return to their table, Kevin begins to speak, “Let me tell you
+something about Cee-Cee. It’s a story the Herald was going to run,
+but pulled at her request. You’ve heard about the bombing in Atlanta
+during the Olympics in 1996?”
+
+Luke – “Yeah, Eric Rudolph, everyone knows about that.”
+
+Kevin – “Well, here is something you don’t know. Cee-Cee was an
+athlete for the Chinese team that summer. She was only one of the
+alternates and never actually performed. She and some of her
+teammates were in the park when the bomb went off. They all ran along
+with their burly escorts, you know, their protectors, although
+everyone knows their job was to make sure they didn’t get away.
+However, when everyone ran, Cee-Cee kept running. You see, she was an
+alternate for Women’s 100-meter event. She took advantage of the
+confusion and escaped. This was an embarrassment for the Chinese
+government and there was a deal made to keep the story from the
+press. That’s why Cee-Cee didn’t want us to run the story. Her family
+is still in China and she fears for them. The owner here, Mr. Lin, is
+a distant cousin, and he took her in.
+
+Luke – “How did you find out about it?”
+
+Kevin – “One of her younger cousins blabbed the story and somehow
+Andy Reese found out about it. I just think it is awe-inspiring. When
+you look at her, you would never imagine that is her story.”
+
+At the Goetzmann’s
+
+Elizabeth – “I like your shirt.” She puts in a CD and Anna Nalick
+begins to play. She turns the volume down low so they can talk, “Do
+you like my hair?”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, it looks fine, but I heard some of it got burned off.”
+
+Elizabeth – “It did, this is a wig. I’m glad you couldn’t tell. This
+wig is a little more blond than how I usually wear my hair. It’ll be
+months before my real hair grows back long enough. Will you keep my
+secret?”
+
+Joan – “Sure, I’m good at keeping secrets.”
+
+Elizabeth – “So, whatchabeen doing since you got kidnapped?”
+
+Joan gives her a look, because she can see she is smiling,
+“Housework, mostly. I got grounded for three weeks, but I spent this
+last week at Lake Nashman. I had a wonderful time.”
+
+Elizabeth – “You had everyone worried for awhile. Mom was watching
+the news when I got home. I’ve never gotten a hug like she gave me
+when I walked in the door.” She reconsiders for a few seconds, “Well,
+except for last Sunday. That was a biggest ever.”
+
+After the girls went upstairs, Wayne asked if anyone would like a
+drink. He and Will have a Sam Adams, and June and Helen drink
+homemade lemon-limeade. Helen has gone into the kitchen with June
+while she tends the stove. Wayne and Will are still in the living
+room.
+
+Wayne – “I already know a lot about you. I’ve seen you on the news a
+few times. Let me tell you about myself. We are originally from Fort
+Wayne, Indiana. We moved here about 10 years ago. I own a small
+business on South Clinton Street. We sell mobile homes and, more
+recently, modular homes. As you probably know, Arcadia doesn’t allow
+mobile homes within the city limits, so I built a mobile home park
+just east of town. It’s called Sandalwood Estates. Have you heard of
+it?”
+
+Will – “Yes, I’ve driven by it a few times.”
+
+Wayne – “Good, well, here is the part of the story that I assume you
+will like.” He pauses for a brief moment, “About two years ago, they
+annexed us into the city limits. Then I started receiving notices
+that I was in violation of this and didn’t have a permit for that and
+just everything you can imagine. I had all of my permits. They were
+registered with the county, but the City of Arcadia didn’t seem to
+care about that. The fines kept accumulating, and I refused to pay.
+It went on and on until finally, I reached the point where I was
+about to give up. I couldn’t afford to pay my lawyer anymore. Then
+guess what happened?”
+
+Will – “I don’t know, what?”
+
+Wayne – “You toppled the Arcadia City government, and the whole
+problem just went away. I thought about calling you then, but I put
+it off and never got around to it. I wish I had called. But at least
+you know the story now.”
+
+Will smiles. “Well, it is my honor to protect and serve.”
+
+Wayne – “Well, you sure did. I have two other parks, but they are far
+enough outside of the city limits that I shouldn’t have any trouble
+for years.” He pauses while he takes a drink of his beer, “Now, about
+me. Well, there’s June and Elizabeth. I know that sounds boring, but
+that’s all I care about. I play a little golf occasionally, and I
+enjoy playing Euchre, but that’s about it.”
+
+Will – “My son and I play golf occasionally. Maybe we could get
+together sometime.”
+
+Wayne – “That would be great! Elizabeth mentioned Joan had a brother
+after we talked. Luke is it? It will be fun.”
+
+Will – “I have another son. His name is Kevin. He’s the one who plays
+golf.”
+
+Wayne – “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know about him. Do you have any other
+children?”
+
+Will – “No, just Kevin, Joan, and Luke. What is Euchre?”
+
+Wayne – “It’s a card game my family has played for years. I was going
+to ask if you would like to play later, but it just kind of popped
+out now.”
+
+Will – “Yeah, sure. It has been quite a few years since Helen and I
+have played cards with friends, but you’ll have to teach us the
+game.”
+
+Wayne – “It’s not hard. It is sort of like Bridge.”
+
+June calls from the kitchen, “Wayne, it’s time to finish the steaks.”
+
+Wayne – “We are having porterhouses. I’ve cooked them all to
+medium-rare. They have been keeping warm in a warmer-steamer next to
+the grill. How would you like yours done?”
+
+Will – “Medium, with just a little pink in the middle.”
+
+Wayne excuses himself to finish the steaks. Helen and June have been
+talking in the kitchen, mostly about the meal that is being prepared.
+June mentioned that she works part-time helping with the
+administrative tasks of Wayne’s business. Just after she calls Wayne,
+she mentions she has another part-time job, “Go take a look at the
+painting in the living room.”
+
+Helen had noticed the painting before, but is now getting her first
+close look. She studies the painting and absorbs its beauty. Then she
+begins to look closer, examining the technique, the strokes, the use
+of blending, and other characteristics. She realizes and exclaims,
+“This is by Thomas Gainsborough!” She calls out to June, “Is this an
+original?”
+
+June enters the living room, “No, it’s a reproduction. It’s titled
+‘\ \ `Rocky Landscape with Hagar and
+Ishmael <http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a361/mshaffer2/Gainsborough-RockylandscapewithHaga.jpg>`__\ .’
+That’s my other part-time job. I do contract work repairing and
+reconditioning paintings through the Arcadia Museum of Art. This one
+was damaged at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in Tennessee in 2000.
+When I finished the repair, I painted this copy.”
+
+Helen – “You do such marvelous work! Why haven’t I heard of you?”
+
+June – “Oh, I don’t get to put my name on them. The paintings still
+belong to the original artist. There is a sticker on the back with my
+name and the date restored, but that’s it.”
+
+Helen – “But you are so good, why don’t you do your own work?”
+
+June – “I get to duplicate the masters. I am happy doing that.” .
+
+At the Restaurant
+
+Luke and Kevin are on their last serving of food. Kevin continues,
+“When Joan told me about her dreams, it reminded me of Cee-Cee. Both
+Cee-Cee and Joan have secrets that if revealed, would radically
+change their lives. In Cee-Cee’s case, maybe, maybe not, but she
+believes it. Cee-Cee just wanted to be free; and Joan, she just wants
+everyone to think she’s normal. They both just want an opportunity to
+live a normal life. So they carry their secrets. Now we have to carry
+their secrets, and I haven’t even mentioned Mom. All of those years
+of being afraid to tell anyone about her dreams. I just wonder how
+many other people there are like Mom, Joan, and Cee-Cee.” Kevin
+really wasn’t looking for Luke to answer. He was more thinking out
+loud. Kevin hands Luke a page from the newspaper, “Hey, here’s what
+we are doing next.” Luke unfolds it and Kevin points, “Read that
+article.”
+
+Luke reads the headline, “Local Inventor Sells Patent to Sealy Corp.”
+He reads on, “Dietrich Steinholz, a resident of Arcadia, recently
+sold his patent for a newly designed mattress coil system. A
+representative for Sealy Corporation stated ‘It will revolutionize
+the industry’. Dietrich Steinholz will be one of the featured
+speakers at the Arcadia College Science and Industry Fair on Saturday
+night. He will discuss his recent work, and also update his thoughts
+on String Theory since the 1975 publication of his book Positing The
+String Theory\ …” He looks at Kevin, “This is so cool! Is this where
+we’re going?”
+
+Kevin – “Yeah, I remembered you telling me that you had met him at
+the bookstore. Let’s head over to the college. I will probably be
+bored out of my mind, but I’m sure you will enjoy it.”
+
+Luke – “Thanks, Kevin.”
+
+At the Goetzmann’s
+
+Joan and Elizabeth are still talking. They have gone through quite a
+few subjects, from school last year to boys. The latter was a sore
+subject for Joan. Elizabeth had heard about Joan and Adam’s breakup
+with Bonnie as the other woman. Information like that always spreads
+like wildfire through a high school. She offered her condolences.
+
+Joan – “Adam and I are still friends, but it’s hard.”
+
+Elizabeth – “I really don’t know what to say. I feel bad for you.
+When Jim and I broke up, it was hard, but it was because he was a
+jerk and not because of someone else. I’ve been so busy studying for
+the play that I haven’t even tried to find a new boyfriend. Maybe
+when school starts we’ll both meet someone new?”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, maybe, but I’m just not ready for anyone yet.”
+
+Elizabeth – “I hear you. You need to find something else to occupy
+your time. What do you like to do?”
+
+Joan ponders her question for a moment, “I recently started to learn
+yoga. I like it.”
+
+Elizabeth – “Then go for it. If you like it, then learn everything
+you can about it. It will give you something positive to pursue and
+keep your mind off the bad things.”
+
+Joan – “What would you like to do, other than sing and act?”
+
+Elizabeth – “I have started taking dance lessons. I’m not a bad
+dancer, but I’ve never had formal training. It’s just something that
+I want to learn because the day is coming when I’ll have to sing and
+dance, and I want to be ready.”
+
+Joan – “You really do love to perform.”
+
+Elizabeth – “That’s my passion. Isn’t it obvious?”
+
+Joan – “Yeah and you are good. Sometimes, I wish I had your ability.”
+
+Elizabeth – “You did good when you were in the chorus, and when you
+sang your song, it was beautiful. You have it. It’s there if you want
+it. You just need to tune it up.”
+
+Anna Nalick is on her second run through, so Elizabeth ejects it to
+change to something else, “Do you like country western?”
+
+Joan – “Not really. I like White Stripes, Mariah Carey, Kelly
+Clarkson.” She pauses to think, “I have actually been listening to a
+lot of old music lately. My Dad found a record/cassette/CD player and
+bought it. He has a lot of records that he hasn’t listened to in
+years. Anyway, I’ve been listening, too. Most of them are really
+awful, but some of them I like. He has an album by Bette Midler. I
+love her song, The Rose.”
+
+Elizabeth – “Sing it for me.”
+
+Joan – “No, I can’t.”
+
+Elizabeth – “Come on, it’s just you and me, I want to hear it.” Joan
+begins to sing.
+
+-----
+
+Some say love, it is a river
+that drowns the tender reed.
+Some say love, it is a razor
+that leaves your soul to bleed.
+Some say love, it is a hunger,
+an endless aching need.
+I say love, it is a flower,
+and you its only seed.
+
+*It’s the heart afraid of breaking
+that never learns to dance.
+It’s the dream afraid of waking
+that never takes the chance.
+It’s the one who won’t be taken,
+who cannot seem to give,
+and the soul afraid of dyin’
+that never learns to live.*
+
+*When the night has been too lonely
+and the road has been too long,
+and you think that love is only
+for the lucky and the strong,
+just remember in the winter
+far beneath the winter snows
+lies the seed that with the sun’s love
+in the spring becomes the rose.*
+
+Elizabeth – “That was really beautiful. See, I told you you could
+sing. I like the song too. My Dad has the album.”
+
+Joan – “Then why did you ask me to sing it?”
+
+Elizabeth giggles, “Because I wanted to hear you sing.”
+
+June calls up the stairs, “Time for dinner.”
+
+They all gather around the table.
+
+June – “Would you mind if we say a prayer before we begin?” Everyone
+gives their approval, “God is great, God is good, and we thank him
+for this food. By his hand we all are fed. Give us Lord, our daily
+bread. Bless our home with peace and love, and grant in Christ a home
+above. Amen.”
+
+Helen – “That was nice, do you belong to a church?”
+
+June – “Arcadia United Methodist.”
+
+Will – “Oh, I remember Reverend Yardley. That was so terrible. How is
+he doing?”
+
+June pauses before she responds, “Reverend Yardley never fully
+recovered from his injuries. He went to be with God last summer. We
+miss him a lot, but before he died, he found us a new minister. His
+name is Reverend Sharpton. He’s young, but we like him a lot.”
+
+Will – “I’m sorry to hear about Reverend Yardley.”
+
+June, wishing to change the subject, directs her question to either
+Elizabeth or Joan, “What have you two been doing?”
+
+Elizabeth – “Oh, just talking, listening to music. Joan sang me a
+song.”
+
+Helen – “What song?”
+
+Joan is totally embarrassed, “\ The Rose. I didn’t want to have to
+admit it, but I like some of Dad’s music.”
+
+Will smiles, “There’s nothing wrong with that. It just shows you have
+good taste.”
+
+Joan gives him half a smile, “ Well Elizabeth, you had better not let
+it get around school. I’m already a sub-defective. That’s your secret
+to keep.”
+
+Elizabeth – “I was about to tell you upstairs that I like all kinds
+of music. Well, except Rap. I just like real singing.” She pauses for
+a moment. “I listen to some of the old stuff too. I really like the
+Supremes, the Chilites, oh, and Lesley Gore, the Carpenters, Patsy
+Cline, the Everly Brothers, Peter Paul & Mary. I could go on and on.
+I’m not ashamed of it, but I’ll keep your secret if you want.”
+
+Joan – “Thank you.”
+
+Wayne has been sitting quietly, soaking it all in. He does that
+sometimes. He’s the kind of man who prefers to keep his mouth shut
+until he feels he has something worthwhile to say. “I don’t know what
+album you have, but I have Bette Midler’s Greatest Hits. There are
+other songs like From a Distance and Wind Beneath My Wings that I
+think you might enjoy as well. You are welcome to borrow it.”
+
+Joan – “No, I don’t think I should.”
+
+Wayne – “That sounds like a yes to me. I’ll get it for you after
+dinner.”
+
+Joan – “Thank you, Mr. Goetzmann.”
+
+At the College
+
+Kevin and Luke arrive at the auditorium. There are not as many people
+there as they had expected. They are able to find seats near the
+front. A woman is speaking, but neither of them recognize her. Luke
+looks at the program. She is Susan Jordan. She is an ER technician at
+University Medical Center. She is explaining about the new medical
+equipment they have received and how it has improved medical
+treatment. Dietrich Steinholz is the next scheduled speaker.
+
+At the Goetzmann’s
+
+When dinner is over, Elizabeth and Joan help June and Helen with the
+dishes. Once they are nearly finished, June asks Elizabeth and Joan
+to finish up, “Come on, Helen. I have one more painting to show you.”
+She takes Helen up to her bedroom, “I like to see this one just
+before I go to sleep and the first thing when I wake up.”
+
+Helen – “You don’t have to tell me about this one. It is ‘\ \ `The
+Madonna and
+Child <http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a361/mshaffer2/TheMadonnaandChild-AndreaDelSarto.jpg>`__\ \ ’
+by Andrea del Sarto. How did you ever get the chance to restore this
+one?”
+
+June – “A buyer purchased it at Sotheby’s in January 2000. He kept it
+for a while, but then decided to have it restored. I bid on the
+contract, and I won! I really wasn’t expecting to win this one. Of
+course, this is another reproduction.”
+
+Helen – “It is just amazing! You have done such a wonderful job. I am
+so impressed.”
+
+June – “Thank you, Helen. Let’s go downstairs and play cards.”
+
+Helen is totally flabbergasted by June’s lackluster recognition of
+her own talent. She has only done one painting close to hers, and she
+turned that into ashes, “June, have you ever thought about teaching?”
+
+June – “I’ve tried, but I just can’t explain how I do it. Doing
+something and teaching others how to do it are two different things.
+Besides, I really enjoy the freedom to work when I want. That allows
+me to spend time with Wayne and Elizabeth.”
+
+Helen – “Well, the next time you decide it’s time to paint, let me
+know. I would love to watch over your shoulder. Maybe I can learn and
+pass it on to my students.”
+
+June – “I would enjoy that. Maybe you can put into words what I
+can’t.”
+
+At the College
+
+Dietrich Steinholz begins to speak, “I was asked to speak to you
+tonight about science and invention. Science is all around us. It is
+in everything we see and touch. Invention is just the application of
+science to create something new. Both are sometimes difficult
+concepts to understand and achieve.
+
+I am proud of my achievement with the new mattress design. Millions
+of people will now sleep better because of my invention. I know I
+have slept better since I started sleeping on my own mattress.
+However, there is also the practical side of the equation. In
+industry, for people to listen, there must be a practical application
+for your ideas. That is a hard reality that you must understand.
+
+There have been many times when I felt that I had a brilliant idea
+and nobody listened. That is the lesson I would like you to take away
+from here tonight. Never give up. Keep those ideas coming. Someday,
+somebody will listen. And when they do, then you will also have an
+opportunity to represent those ideas that were once ignored. I really
+do believe it all works out for the best in the end.
+
+The program says that I will also speak about string theory. The only
+new idea I have been pondering lately has been one presented by a
+young man I see in the audience tonight. We have a small group here
+tonight. For those of you who are interested, I will be in room 21b
+for a discussion of the subject after I leave the stage. Thank you.”
+
+After Mr. Steinholz leaves the stage, Luke and Kevin proceed to room
+21b. On the door they see stenciled, Professor Steinholz.
+
+Professor Steinholz – “Luke, it is great to see you again. Come have
+a seat.”
+
+Luke – “It’s good to see you again, too.” He ponders for a moment,
+“How did you know my name?”
+
+Professor Steinholz – “I will explain that in a minute. Who is your
+friend?”
+
+Luke – “This is my brother, Kevin.”
+
+Professor Steinholz offers a greeting, and they gather around a
+table, “After our meeting at the bookstore, I began to wonder about
+what you had proposed in your submission for the Hawking Award. I
+know a member of the panel, so I was able to get a copy of your
+submission. This is how I learned your name. Your hypothesis is
+brilliant, but I believe some of the assumptions used in your formula
+may need to be adjusted. I would like to discuss them with you.”
+
+Luke – “Great, which assumptions?”
+
+Professor Steinholz – “I don’t have my notes with me tonight. Perhaps
+we could get together tomorrow and discuss it. Are you free?”
+
+Luke – “Free as a bird.”
+
+Professor Steinholz – “Here is what I propose. We get together
+tomorrow afternoon and discuss your hypothesis and my concerns about
+some of the variables. Then we follow it up with dinner at Don
+Thornberry’s, my treat. You deserve it.”
+
+Luke – “That sounds great, but I’ll have to get my parents’
+permission.”
+
+Professor Steinholz – “I certainly expected that. Would you like me
+to call them or for them to call me?”
+
+Luke – “Why don’t I talk to them and have them call you.”
+
+Professor Steinholz – “Good.” He writes his home phone number on his
+business card. “I will be home tomorrow morning waiting for their
+call.”
+
+At the Goetzmann’s
+
+They started the card game by explaining the rules followed by a few
+hands played with everyone’s cards showing. That way, they could
+explain the different strategies available to them. Of course, Wayne
+and June were playing quite well, but Will and Helen quickly caught
+on to the game. It wasn’t long before they won their first set.
+
+Joan and Elizabeth are in the living room. Elizabeth found the Bette
+Midler album and Joan is especially enjoying the songs she hasn’t
+heard before. Elizabeth begins to do a warm up routine she learned at
+dance class. Joan observes that it is different, yet similar, to the
+exercises she does for yoga. She begins to mimic Elizabeth’s moves.
+Soon, they begin to chortle as they actually anticipate each other’s
+moves. Wind Beneath My Wings begins to play on the stereo. The living
+room becomes like a chorus of swans readying for a ballet. Outside, a
+man walks by the window with a herd of dogs. He stops and smiles for
+a moment. Then the tempo changes as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy begins to
+play. They breakout into a makeshift swing dance. The laughing
+continues until the album reaches its end.
+
+Helen – “Well, it’s getting late, and I have to go to church in the
+morning.”
+
+June – “I’ve enjoyed our evening, but we have church in the morning,
+too.” They gather their things and collect by the door.
+
+Wayne – “I enjoyed our visit. Let’s do it again sometime soon.”
+
+Will – “I had a good time, too.”
+
+Elizabeth – “Oh, Joan, don’t forget the album.”
+
+Joan – “Thanks Elizabeth and Mr. Goetzmann, but I’ll be okay. I think
+I will have the music in my head for a long time to come.”
+
+They depart and the evening comes to a close.
+
+At Home
+
+Everyone is up early, even though only Helen and Kevin will be
+leaving. Kevin will be attending Mass with Helen and Lilly. He has
+decided to make this concession to take a look, but also because he
+knows that Lilly probably had an exciting evening last night watching
+reruns of T. J. Hooker or something. Kevin has been reading the
+newspaper, but also listening to the conversations. The weekend
+newspapers are the only ones Kevin bothers to read anymore. For all
+other days of the week, he has already read most of the stories.
+
+Luke has been begging to be able to go over to Professor Steinholz’s
+to spend the afternoon and dinner. Both Helen and Will are concerned
+because they know nothing about this man.
+
+Luke – “I really want to go. It’s a great opportunity to talk to a
+real scientist.”
+
+Kevin – “I met him, too. He seems like a real nice guy, and he is a
+professor.”
+
+Helen – “Well, Professor Rader seemed like a real nice guy too, until
+they found out he was the BTK killer. Luke, you can’t go.”
+
+Lilly has just arrived and she, Helen, and Kevin prepare to leave for
+the church. Before they leave, Kevin informs Joan of an article he
+just read, “Take a look at the Milton Library story in the Arts and
+Culture section.” They depart for the church.
+
+This seemed to put an end to Luke’s desires to meet with Professor
+Steinholz. Will can see the disappointment on his face and decides
+upon a compromise, “Why don’t you see if he can come over here? Let
+us meet him and if we think he’s okay, we’ll let you know about
+dinner.” Luke is thrilled. He is also looking forward to dinner, but
+being able to discuss string theory with Professor Steinholz is what
+he is looking forward to the most.
+
+Joan begins to read the article Kevin that alluded to, ‘Milton
+Library Selects Sculpture.’ She reads on, ‘Earlier this summer, the
+library staff solicited submissions for a new sculpture to be place
+outside of the entrance to the library. The theme was required to be
+in regard to reading. Adam Rove of Arcadia made the winning
+submission. Adam is a student at Arcadia High School. The piece is
+entitled, Mother and Child. Further details of the sculpture will
+remain secret until its unveiling in a few months’.
+
+Joan is happy for Adam, but she is also left to wonder, ‘Why hadn’t
+he mentioned his submission to her?’ This is something he would have
+told her in the past. Once again, the confused feelings of her broken
+heart versus the longing for the closeness they once shared begin to
+torment her. Should she call him or should she wait until she sees
+him again, whenever that is? Confusion reigns. She decides to
+practice her yoga. That always seems to ease her mind.
+
+Luke has been on the phone with Professor Steinholz. He has agreed to
+come there and will arrive about one o’clock. Luke gives Will the
+good news.
+
+Will – “Well, that gives me some time to listen to music.” He puts a
+record on the phonograph and
+a\ `song <http://dc19.4shared.com/download/51243773/c697fe78/Uriah_Heap_-_Rainbow_Demon__Clip_.%20mp3>`__\ begins
+to play.
+
+*There rides the rainbow demon
+*On* his horse of crimson fire.
+Black shadows are following closely
+*On* the heels of his desire…*
+
+Joan – “God, what is that?”
+
+Will – “Uriah Heep, great, huh? The whole album is mystical.”
+
+Joan – “Well, get rid of it! I’m practicing my yoga, and I was here
+first.”
+
+Will – “Why can’t you do that upstairs?”
+
+Joan – “I need to watch the tape. Put on something else or turn it
+off.”
+
+Will grumbles to himself, “Can’t even listen to music in my own
+home.” He leafs through the albums, finds another one, and
+another\ `song <http://dc19.4shared.com/download/13060793/6e7c91a0/The_Carpenters_-_Weve_Only_Just_Begun.%20mp3>`__\ begins
+to play.
+
+*We’ve only just begun to live,
+White lace and promises
+A kiss for luck and we’re on our way.
+And yes, we’ve just begun.*
+
+*Before the rising sun we fly,
+So many roads to choose
+We start our walking and learn to run…*
+
+Joan – “Okay, I can live with that.” She continues her routine. The
+yoga is having its usual calming effect, but the music is doing just
+the opposite. It’s making her sad. She decides it’s time to get
+cleaned up before Mr. Scientist arrives. Unfortunately, she finds
+Luke has beaten her to it, “Save me some hot water, Squidboy.” She
+sits on her bed and stares at the phone. Minutes seem like hours. She
+makes the call.
+
+Carl Rove – “Rove residence.”
+
+Joan – “Hello, Mr. Rove, this is Joan Girardi. May I speak to Adam?”
+
+Carl Rove – “Sure, it’ll be just a minute; I have to go get him.” He
+lays down the phone and in a few minutes, Adam picks up, “Hi, Joan,
+what’s up?”
+Joan – “I read in the paper this morning about you doing the
+sculpture for the library. Congratulations.”
+
+Adam – “ Thank, you. I was surprised that I won.”
+
+Joan – “Why didn’t you tell me about it?”
+
+He pauses before he responds, “I was going to, but…” He trails off.
+
+Joan – “But what?”
+
+Adam – “The Jane thing.That was the last thing we had that was just
+ours. It really hurt. I still…”
+
+Joan interrupts, “Wait a minute, you’re hurt? Hey, it wasn’t me who
+dipped the donkey with Bonnie. I spent all last week trying to ignore
+it, but it’s still there. How could you do that to me?!!! You are not
+the victim here! I’m sorry I called.”
+
+She hangs up the phone. Now she’s mad at Adam and even madder at
+herself, because she didn’t want it to go this way. The conflict
+within her is making her an emotional wreck.
+
+To the rescue, Luke finally exits the bathroom. Joan rushes in to
+hide her tears in the shower. ‘Olay your troubles away!’ If only it
+worked.
+
+Helen, Lilly, and Kevin return home. Helen is surprised to see Luke
+dusting the living room furniture, “What’s the occasion?”
+
+Luke – “Ah, Dad has something to tell you.” He scurries toward the
+kitchen with the cleaning supplies to put them away. He passes Will,
+who is walking toward the living room, “Did you have a nice service?”
+
+Helen – “Yes, it was good. What do you have to tell me?”
+
+Will – “Why don’t we go up to our room? We can talk while you
+change.”
+
+Helen takes the hint and knows that she is not likely to like what he
+is about to tell her. They head upstairs.
+
+Kevin and Lilly are curious, but know this is an occasion to keep
+their mouth shut. They sit on the couch and Kevin picks up the
+newspaper, “There are some movies we could go see, but I’m not sure
+there are any we would both like. There’s War of the Worlds. Looks
+like a lot of action and visual effects. Tom Cruise stars.”
+
+Lilly – “I don’t know about that one. I don’t like scary movies.”
+
+Kevin – “Okay, there’s…”
+
+Joan comes downstairs, “Hi Kevin, Lilly, whatcha doing?”
+
+Kevin – “Figuring out something to do today.”
+
+Joan – “Well, have fun. I have to work.” She begins to leave, but
+turns around and comes back, “Lilly, I need to talk to Kevin, and
+it’s kind of personal. Can I borrow him for a few minutes?”
+
+Lilly – “Sure, I need something to drink anyway.” She departs for the
+kitchen.
+
+Joan – “Kevin, I need some advice… help really. I’m all mixed up and
+I don’t know what to do.”
+
+Kevin – “Well, you’re going to have to be more specific than that.
+Let me guess… Adam?”
+
+Joan – “How did you know?”
+
+Kevin – “It was just a guess. I expected there might be trouble when
+I learned he would be there with the Polonsky’s.”
+
+Joan – “I thought I was over it, but it’s all come back now. I just
+hurt so bad. How did you make it through it after Beth?”
+
+Kevin – “I did what you suggested. I stayed in the game.”
+
+Joan – “I know I said that, but… I still love him, but when I think
+about what he did… it just tears me apart. I’m all mixed up, and
+don’t know what to do.”
+
+Kevin – “I can’t tell you what to do, but you have to find a way to
+get past this. It has to be your choice. I don’t know what else to
+say.” He takes her in his arms to try to comfort her. “Think about
+it. When you decide what you want to do, come back and we’ll talk
+some more.”
+
+Upstairs, Helen is changing, “What is it that I don’t want to know
+about?”
+
+Will – “I’ve invited Professor Steinholz to come here to meet with
+Luke.”
+
+Helen – “I thought we already decided Luke wasn’t going?”
+
+Will – “That’s because we don’t know him. Luke thinks he’s okay and
+so does Kevin. We’ll have him here and we can both talk to him. If we
+still don’t trust him, then dinner is off.”
+
+Helen is not happy. She almost always wins the arguments when it
+comes to the children, “Okay, but you are wearing your gun today.”
+
+Will almost laughs, but limits himself to a smile, “Okay, if it will
+make you happy.”
+
+When Lilly enters the kitchen, she finds Luke adding sugar to a
+gallon of tea, “Hey, can I have some?”
+
+Luke – “Sure, I have two more gallons in the works in the backyard.”
+
+Lilly – “Sun tea is the best kind. So what’s the occasion?”
+
+Luke – “Well, Dad let me invite Professor Steinholz over.”
+
+Lilly – “Yeah, I think I caught the tail end of that conversation.
+The BTK killer?”
+
+Luke – “No, he’s a real nice guy. They’ll see.”
+
+Joan comes into the kitchen, “He’s all yours, thanks.”
+
+Lilly – “Hey, if you ever want to talk about something, I’m here.
+Just want you to know that.”
+
+Joan – “Thanks, Lilly. Did you bring Mom home with you?”
+
+Lilly – “Yeah, Helen and your father are talking upstairs. Ask Luke.”
+
+Joan – “Never mind, I know what they are talking about.”
+
+Lilly rejoins Kevin on the couch, “So, are there any other movies you
+would like to see?”
+
+Kevin – “Well, not really, but I have found something else. The Hogan
+County Fair opened yesterday. There are a lot of things to see and
+do. It’s been a long time since I’ve had funnel cake. You wanna go?”
+
+Lilly – “Sure, it sounds like fun.”
+
+Will and Helen return downstairs. Helen invites them all to lunch.
+Will put a deli ham in the oven earlier to heat for sandwiches. They
+all gather around the table.
+
+Helen – “Luke, your father and I have decided to talk to Mr.
+Steinholz, and if he seems okay, we’ll let you go to dinner.”
+
+Luke – “Thanks, you’ll see he’s a really nice guy.”
+
+Kevin – “Lilly and I are going to the county fair. We probably won’t
+be back for dinner.”
+
+Helen – “Will and I are going to the school board meeting, Joan is
+working, and if Luke has dinner with Mr. Steinholz, no one will be
+here anyway. There will be ham and other leftovers if anyone is
+hungry when they come home.”
+
+After lunch, Kevin and Lilly leave for the fair. When Professor
+Steinholz arrives, Luke introduces him to Will, Helen, and Joan. Joan
+almost immediately excuses herself, “I have to catch the bus. It was
+nice meeting you.”
+
+Will and Helen sit down and have a chat with Dietrich. They learn he
+has been an assistant professor at Arcadia College for many years. He
+has just received his full-time appointment. Until recently, he also
+worked part-time selling mattresses at Mattress World. He is a
+widower whose wife died in 1981. He spends most of his time with his
+work. He does have a longtime girlfriend. She is Susan Jordan, the
+one who was speaking before him last night.
+
+At the Bookstore
+
+Joan has been busy doing the inventory, boxing up the remainders, and
+unloading stock. There were quite a few customers when she first
+started, but there is no longer anyone else in the store. She is
+reading by the cash register, waiting for 7 o’clock to roll around so
+she can go home. The door chimes as a customer walks in, “Hi Joanie!”
+He continues walking back into the store.
+
+Joan drops her head into her hands, “Oh God!” She gets up to find out
+where he has gone.
+
+God – “I’ve been meaning to brush up on my Shakespeare. So many
+things to choose, so many words of wisdom, take this one for example.
+
+*Love is a smoke made with the fumes of sighs;
+Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes;
+Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers’ tears;
+What is it else? A madness most discreet,
+A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.*
+
+Isn’t that just so beautiful?”
+
+Joan – “Yeah, just what I needed. So, are you going to lecture me
+now?”
+
+God – “That spiritual spinach has come back, Joanie. You need to
+clean it up.”
+
+Joan – “God, I’ve tried, but I just can’t get past it.”
+
+God – “What about your dreams?”
+
+Joan – “What about them? I haven’t had one, not one about Adam.”
+
+God – “That’s my point. Why do you think that is?”
+
+Joan wonders for a moment, “I don’t know.”
+
+God – “Your dreams are a result of choices you have made. You haven’t
+yet made one about Adam.”
+
+Joan – “What’s the hurry? I’m only seventeen. Am I supposed to be
+choosing a husband already?”
+
+God – “It’s not about marriage or even dating. I am talking about
+your feelings. You are letting your pain control your actions. It’s
+clouding your judgment. You need to learn to deal with pain. It
+affects a lot more than just you and Adam.”
+
+Joan ponders what God has said. She almost wishes he would make the
+decision for her, because it is torturing her so.
+
+God – “Changing the subject here, so don’t get confused. Do you
+remember our discussion after you first started AP Chemistry?”
+
+Joan – “Sort of, I won’t always know why you ask me to do things.”
+
+God – “And what else?”
+
+Joan considers God’s question, “I don’t remember.”
+
+God – “The smallest catalyst can set off the most mind-boggling chain
+reactions. This is not for now, it’s for later.” He hands her the
+copy of Romeo and Juliet, “Can you gift wrap this for me?”