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+Episode 3.11, Making Choices, Part 2
+------------------------------------
+
+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.”