path: root/19-TheChildPart2.rst

Episode 3.19, The Child, Part 2
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At Home

Luke – “Can’t you at least pay attention to the movie?”

Grace – “I’m watching. I am able to multitask.”

Luke – “Okay, what is the number that she doesn’t like?”

Grace – “Five.Why did you rent this movie, anyway?”

Luke – “Because she’s pregnant and I thought her experience might
interest you.”

Grace – “I’m not having my baby in a Wal-Mart.”

Helen walks into the room, “Who’s having a baby at Wal-Mart?”

Grace – “Nobody in her right mind.”

Helen – “When did you take up knitting?

Grace – “I had Joan teach me. What do you think?”

Helen – ‘Booties, nice.” Helen pauses, trying to properly phrase her
next question, “You know, if there is anything…”

Grace interrupts her, “Do you remember Mrs. Finnegan?”

Helen – “Joan’s friend with the twins.”

Grace – “Joan and I are each making a pair of booties for her.”

Helen is noticeably relieved, “Well, that’s really nice of the two of
you.”

Just then, Joan peeks her head through the door, “Come out here, I
want to show you something.”

When they walk out onto the porch, Joan clobbers Luke with a
snowball.

Luke – “Why did you do that?”

Joan – “I’ve been needing to do something, seulement par Grace étiez
vous avez économisé.”

Helen – “Where did all of this come from? It was only supposed to be
flurries.”

Grace – “Look at those flakes, they’re huge!”

Joan – “A guy on the bus said now they’re calling for three to eight
inches.”

As Luke throws a snowball at Joan, he says, “Ah, the butterfly effect
and chaos theory. Why can’t they just say they don’t know?”

Will – “Because then no one would pay them to make the predictions.”

Helen – “Hi honey, see the snow?”

Will – “How can I miss it?”

Helen smirks, “That was a rhetorical question.”

Will – “I know.” Joan throws another snowball at Luke, but misses and
hits her father. “Oh, you want to play?” He joins her in the yard, as
do the others. Soon, all of them are laughing, and covered with snow.

They become tired and are about ready to quit when Joan is clobbered
by a snowball from nowhere. She looks and sees Adam laughing as he
walks across the street. “Guess what? No school tomorrow.”

Joan – “Hi, well I’m glad you came over… you bum.” She gives him a
kiss and smashes a snowball on his head, “Don’t you love snow?”

Adam – “Yeah, on the ground.”

Helen – “Come on, everyone inside.” Joan and Adam are the only ones
sensible enough to have coats on.

Grace – “Wait! I need to do one more thing.” She walks out to an
untarnished spot in the snow, “Joan, come join me.”

Joan – “Snow angels?”

Grace – “Yep, come here.”

They join hands, and before they fall into the snow, Grace says
quietly, “I need two angels, one for me, and one for you know who.”

At Lilly’s Apartment

Kevin had planned to return home, but was surprised by the unexpected
change in the weather. Although his car handles ice and snow rather
well, he really should have changed the tires several months ago. He
and Lilly decide he should spend the night.

It’s Ginger’s turn to be sick. Fortunately, she is not as ill as
Lilly was, but she still does not have the energy to do anything more
than lay in bed or sit in the living room. Lilly enjoys caring for
her, because Ginger always does so much for Lilly. It’s going to be
hard for Lilly to leave her in June, but she has already decided that
she will find her an appropriate roommate before she leaves.

Lilly – “Who’s ready for another movie?”

Kevin – “We already watched the two that I brought, and I’d rather
not watch ‘\ The Sound of Music\ ’ again.”

Lilly – “Well, I have a surprise.” She directs herself to Ginger, “I
have your Christmas present already. I know how you love to read
romances and westerns, so I thought these would be perfect. It’s a
movie with two sequels. Would you like to watch the first one?”

Ginger – “eisom ccm etoyt.”

Lilly – “Good, it’s called ‘\ Love Comes Softly\ ’.”

At Home

The ones who need to, change into dry clothes. Helen warms Joan’s
dinner, and makes hot chocolate for everyone. Will starts a fire.

Luke and Grace sit on the couch and watch their movie. Joan and Will
play a game of chess, while Helen and Adam are at the dining room
table looking over some of his recent sketches.

Adam – “Has Joan told you about Ole Paint?”

Helen – “Several times. She likes to wave to him on the way to Mercer
Creek.”

Adam – “That’s him. Anyway, they recently painted him and all the
buildings. He really looks good now, but I want to paint him like
Joan and I remember him. Have you ever seen him?”

Helen – “No, I’ve never been to Mercer Creek.”

Adam – “Okay, I’ll talk to Joan when she’s done. I feel like I’m
forgetting something. What kind of paint do you think I should use?
I’m not sure which would be best, acrylic or oil.”

Helen – “What kind of surface are you painting on?”

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Joan – “Oh, you shouldn’t have done that.”

Will – “What? You don’t know what I’m planning.”

Joan – “Nor you.” She moves her rook, “Check.”

Will – “I’ll just take him with my pawn.”

Joan – “Uh-huh, but what about my bishop?”

Will – “Oh, I didn’t see that.” He looks over the board and decides
the only thing he can do is to move his king.

Joan moves her queen, “Check.”

Will is once again stuck with only one possible move. He places his
queen in the way and Joan promptly takes his queen with her rook,
“Dad, you’re slipping. You should have seen that coming.”

Will – “I guess I’m a little tired tonight.”

Joan has been trying to decide whether to beat him or let him win.
She decides she will win, gently.

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Grace – “There, I have one done. What do you think?”

Luke – “It really looks nice, but have you been watching the movie at
all?”

Grace – “Americus is a stupid name!”

Luke – “Okay, but ‘Brownie, Brownie, do not lasso your sister’ was
funny.”

Grace – “And there was Baby Ruth, Praline, Cherry, and was there
another one?”

Luke – “I don’t know, Twinkie or Pez, I lost track.”

Grace – “Well, if you want me to learn something from this movie, I
guarantee you…” She stops to look around. She lowers her voice and
continues, “…that my baby will not be named after junk food. If you
want a weird name, maybe it can go in the middle.”

Luke – “You’re going to let me help pick the name?”

Grace – “Your vote counts for a third, because I’m voting for two.”

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Joan – “Checkmate.”

Will – “Well, that does it. Good game, but I still have to work in
the morning.”

Joan gives him a kiss, “Good night, Daddy.”

Will – “Good night.”

Joan walks out to the dining room, “Are you two done talking?”

Adam – “Yeah, I just needed some pointers on painting the mural at
the Historical Society.”

Helen – “His sketches are really good. Have you seen them?”

Joan looks at them, “No, not these.” She scans the drawing papers
spread out on the table. “Oh, these are my favorites.”

Adam – “Do they look right to you?”

Joan looks closer, “Ole Paint had a rust spot on his chin.”

Adam – “That’s it, I knew something was missing.”

Joan – “Did you apply to Dawson State?”

Adam – “Yeah, I submitted the paperwork after school.”

Joan – “Good! Well, I’m going to bed. Can you come back tomorrow?”

Helen – “Adam is sleeping on the couch. The wind has picked up and
you can hardly see two feet in front of you.”

Joan – “Oh, good! I’ll see you in the morning.” She gives Adam and
her mother a kiss, and she goes to bed.

When Joan’s head hits the pillow, sleep comes immediately. Tonight
was a good night of dancing. Sister Sarah is thrilled with her
performance and feels she has an excellent chance of being accepted
into Dawson State’s dance program. “Change nothing, just practice
until you can do it in your sleep. But smile, you need to smile. A
smile is a whisper of a laugh. Show them the joy that you feel when
you perform.”

So, she dances in the dim light of the ballroom where she has danced
before. China’s red dress swirls as she floats around the room. She
is alone, but she can sense he is there. It doesn’t matter that she
can’t see him. “Am I doing what you want?” There is no answer, just a
hint of ‘\ Last Dance\ ’ playing low. She chortles, “Hey, Holey One,
are you there?”

She finishes her routine, and continues to turn slowly, gazing around
the room. She sees a small white table, with two chairs. On the table
is an arrangement of flowers with a candle burning in the center. God
is seated and motions for her to join him.

God – “Holey One?I have been called many things, but I think this is
a first.”

Joan – “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it, please. I won’t ever say it
again. It was supposed to be a joke.”

God – “Humor is good. It is always based on a modicum of truth.” God
smiles, “Have you ever heard a joke about a father-in-law?”

Joan gets a confused look on her face, “No.”

God smiles again at her answer, “Well, humor is a healthy way to put
distance from a problem, a way of standing off and looking at a
problem with perspective. However, do you understand what is
bothering you?”

Joan – “I don’t have a problem. Everything is going great!”

God – “Is it? Remember, I know what you are thinking.”

Joan – “You have been wonderful to me. I have no right to complain.”

God – “But there is something.”

Her eyes begin to water. She doesn’t want to say it, because it’s
such an ungrateful thankless feeling. But she realizes that she
cannot lie to God, “Yes, there’s sadness, a little sadness beneath
the joy, but you’ve given me so much. You have given me Cee-Cee.
She’s a wonderful friend!”

God – “Yet you’re still lonely, you feel isolated from those you
love, but you worry about the burden.”

Joan – “That’s what you told me, that it would be a burden for them
to believe me.”

God – “What about the ones who suspect or even know the truth? They
know that you have not been honest with them. Is that not a burden
for them to bear?”

Joan – “Who knows?”

She opens her eyes and sees Grace is beside her. As she wonders, she
gets up to fix a cup of warm milk for herself.

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Adam is painting the mural at the Historical Society. He is working
on the sixth grid, the last portion of Allan’s apple orchard.

Joan – “That’s really beautiful! It’s amazing how you can do the
apple blossoms from memory.”

Adam – “Photographic, remember?”

Joan – “Yeah, I remember.”

Adam – “I’m glad you could make it. I was getting worried.”

Joan – “It took me a little longer to finish up, but I told you I
would be here.”

Adam steps down from the ladder, and takes her in his arms, “And
that’s the only thing that matters.”

Joan – “There is something I need to tell you.”

Adam – “Oh, more secrets revealed? What is it?”

Joan – “Secrets? Well, in time, but there is something I need you to
know now.” Joan stops talking, and they just stand in front of each
other, each gazing into the other’s eyes. “I love you.”

Adam – “I love you, too.”

Joan – “No, I really do love you. I just want you to know that.”

Adam opens his eyes and stares into the darkness of the living room.
He calls out, “Jane?” He is alone, but then he hears the voice that
he desires, “Go back to sleep, Adam.” He smiles and rolls over,
snuggling back into the comfort of the couch.

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The morning news reports the main streets have been cleared, but it
will be some time before the secondary streets can be plowed. Before
leaving for work, Will instructs Luke on how to use the snow blower.
“I’m glad I didn’t get rid of this. It will save you a lot of time
today.”

Joan awakens to the sound of the snow blower. Grace sleeps as Joan
quietly slips out of bed and goes downstairs. She looks out of the
window to see Adam brushing the snow off cars, and Luke clearing the
driveway. She wanders out to the kitchen, where Helen is making
breakfast, “Did you have a good nights sleep?”

Joan – “Yeah, I guess so, but I had a weird dream.”

Helen – “Is it something you would like to talk about, or is it
private?”

Joan – “Just weird.I don’t always know what they mean, or if they
actually mean anything at all. I still have normal dreams like
everyone else.”

Helen – “I know what you mean, but there is something different about
some dreams, a clarity that others don’t have, and if God is present,
you can feel the difference.”

Joan – “But what if I don’t get it right? I could be making a really
big mistake.”

Helen – “Your mind may be confused, but your heart will never lie to
you.” Helen places the meal in front of her daughter.

Joan – “Mom?”

Helen – “I know, when you’re ready.”

Joan – “I’m ready now.” Helen takes a seat and Joan begins, “Do you
remember when I saw that pervert in the yard?”

At the Police Station

Will – “Hey, they were playing ‘Winter Wonderland’ while I was coming
in to work this morning. Are they trying to tell us something we
don’t already know?”

Carlisle– “Storm Sheppard, the one who predicted flurries, has been
calling everywhere trying to get his street plowed. It seems everyone
is busy.”

Will – “What kind of weatherman doesn’t own a snow blower?”

Toni – “The kind who predicts flurries.”

Will – “Do we have any situations that need to be dealt with?”

Lt. Daghlian – “Nothing major. We’re helping with traffic and
emergency transportation. The biggest problem is on

Dilcue Street
. They lost power last night, and there are so many wires down, the
electric company won’t even predict when they’ll have everyone’s
power restored. The plows can’t get in, on account of the downed
wires. It’s a mess.”
Will – “Oh, that reminds me. I have a meeting with Brother Jimi at
three o’clock.”

Carlisle– “I wouldn’t plan on it. They won’t have the secondary roads
cleared until this evening, so I doubt if many people will be able to
make it.”

Will – “Do we know what’s going on in that area?”

Toni – “Not really. Our patrol cars are getting stuck, and our
four-wheel-drive vehicles are being used for emergencies. Most of the
phones are out, too.”

Will – “Has anyone heard from the mayor?”

Lt. Daghlian – “He’s stuck at home, but he’s coordinating things by
phone.”

Will – “Send one of the four-wheelers into the

Dilcue Street
area just to take a look around. See if they can plow Chamberlain and
Churchill. That will give everyone a way in and out. I’ll try to call
Brother Jimi.” He begins to go to his office but stops, “Any word on
the Mitchell case?”
Lt. Daghlian – “I haven’t talked to her husband since yesterday.”

Will – “Call him and see if his wife is ready to look as some mug
shots.”

At the Herald

Lilly’s apartment complex has a private service to plow their parking
lots, so it was cleared by the time they got up. Lilly brushes the
snow off his car and Kevin is on his way. Lilly had already scheduled
to take the day off to care for Ginger.

Kevin has a few stories to check, but soon finds himself with nothing
to do. He rolls over to Rebecca to chat, “Do you have any more
stories for me?”

Rebecca – “Not yet.The only story is the snow, but everyone is still
collecting information. Would you like to work the tip line today?”

Kevin – “Sure, I’d rather do that than be bored.”

Rebecca – “Okay, just enter the information into the form and then
post it. If you receive anything hot, call me.”

Kevin – “I won’t let you down, Lois.”

Rebecca smiles, “You better not or you’ll be working for Jimmy.”

At Home

Joan – “…so I’m not as weird as you think. All of those things were
assignments that he asked me to do.”

Helen – “I’ve never thought you were weird… well, on occasion, but
I’m glad you have decided to tell me. Can I ask you a question?”

Joan – “You can ask, but I probably won’t know the answer.”

Helen – “What is he like?”

Joan – “He’s very elusive about himself, but he says I see him the
way I want to see him. Lilly can probably tell you more about him
than I can.”

Helen – “But you talk to him! You must know him better than anyone.”

Joan – “Mom, I can’t be your spiritual advisor. I need you to help
me. I’m more confused than anyone. He almost never gives answers, but
is great at providing more questions. When he talks, it’s about me,
something he wants me to learn or do. I rarely know the reason for
the things he asks me to do. I just do them, because I know that when
I don’t, things always turn out badly. All I can say is that he does
exist, and that he loves us.”

Adam and Luke return from outside and Helen asks, “Can I fix you some
breakfast?”

Adam and Luke both say yes. Joan then says, “Mom, we can talk more
later. I need to take a shower.” Before she gets to the stairs, the
phone rings, and she decides to pick up, “Girardi’s party palace.”

Cee-Cee– “Hi bee’s knees, how are you doing?”

Joan – “Fine, everything is fine. Bee’s knees?”

Cee-Cee– “I’ll explain later. Do you still want to practice today?”

Joan – “Yeah, but can we, with the snow and all?”

Cee-Cee– “Yes, my brothers have cleared our driveway, and I have
four-wheel drive. I can pick you up, or we can practice there. Which
would you prefer?”

Joan – “I don’t care, whichever would be the easiest.”

Cee-Cee– “I would prefer for us to work in my studio. Since neither
of us has school, we can do it at anything time. Do you have a
preference?”

Joan – “Oh, why don’t you pick me up in about an hour. Would that be
okay?”

Cee-Cee– “That will be fine. I’ll see you soon.”

On

Dilcue Street
Officer Gibson and Swansiger are patrolling

Dilcue Street
, zigzagging across at the intersections that are passable. All seems
quiet, until they come across several men pushing a car. Even with
their help, the car’s rear tires continue to spin.
One of the men approaches, “Can you help us? There is a woman inside
who is having a baby.”

Officer Swansiger – “Do we have time to get her to the hospital?”

Brother Jimi – “I don’t believe we have a choice. I think the baby is
breached.”

Office Gibson calls on the radio, “Inform UMC that we are
transporting a woman in labor. Her baby may be breached.”

They get the woman and her husband into their SUV, and they prepare
to leave. Brother Jimi asks, “Can you get a message to Chief
Girardi?”

Officer Swansiger – “Sure, what is it?”

Brother Jimi – “Tell him our meeting today is canceled, but I’ll call
and we’ll reschedule for next week.”

Officer Swansiger – “I’ll give him the message.”

The woman cries out, “¡Ah Dios, por favor salve a mi bebé!” They
leave for the hospital.

At Home

Joan returns downstairs, clean and ready to go. Helen is in the
kitchen doing dishes, “Where’s Adam and Luke?”

Helen – “Today, they are entrepreneurs. Several of the neighbors have
asked them to clear their sidewalks and driveways. I’ll bet they make
a bit of money today.”

Joan – “Cee-Cee will be here soon to pick me up. We’re going to
practice at her place.”

Helen – “You can practice here. I would love to see you dance.”

Joan – “Cee-Cee’s studio is actually better. There’s a lot more
room.”

Helen – “I know that Cee-Cee knows about you. Why did you tell her
before telling me?”

Joan – “I didn’t; she found me. I can’t say any more. I promised not
to tell anyone about her.”

Cee-Ceeknocks on the door, and Joan and Helen go to answer. “Good
morning Mrs. Girardi. Isn’t it a beautiful day?”

Helen – “Yes, it surely is.”

At the Herald

Kevin tediously enters the data from the tip line. It’s boring, but
he’s glad to have chipped in. He enters the information diligently,
then receives a call that sounds interesting. The caller reports
hearing of a pregnant woman being taken to UMC with a breached baby.
He calls Rebecca and tells her about the tip, “I’d like to go over to
UMC and talk to this woman, and I can try again to see if Mrs.
Mitchell will talk to me. I feel it would be a good follow up to my
last story. What do you think?”

Rebecca – “That sounds like a good idea. I’ll find someone else to
take over the tip line.”

At the Lin Residence

Joan – “I told my mom.”

Cee-Cee– “About God?”

Joan – “Yeah, at least part of it. I’m glad I did. I’ve wanted to
tell her for a long time. I’ve really needed my mom… all of her.”

Cee-Cee– “I think she already knew.”

Joan – “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Cee-Cee– “I did give you a hint, but it had to be your decision to
tell her.”

Joan remembers that conversation, “Does Kevin know?”

Cee-Cee– “I don’t believe so, but there might be another.”

Joan – “Who?”

Cee-Cee– “The one I thought was your sister.”

Joan – “Grace?”

Cee-Cee– “Yes, I think that was her name.”

Joan – “What makes you think she knows?”

Cee-Cee– “I said she might know. It’s just a feeling I get from her.
She knows a lot more than people think.”

They arrive at the studio. “Sister Sarah told me that she added some
square dance moves to your routine. Show me those bee’s knees.”

Joan – “What does that mean, anyway?”

Cee-Cee– “Oh, it’s an old saying I learned from my dance instructor.
It means you are a very good dancer. Dance for me.”

At the University Medical Center

Kevin arrives at the ER, surprised to see Friedman talking to Dr.
Thompson, “Hi Dan. Friedman, what are you doing here?”

Friedman – “I’ve been considering becoming a doctor. Ms. Jordan
hooked me up with Dr. Thompson.”

Dan – “Dr. Dan, I like that much better.”

Friedman – “What are you doing here?”

Kevin – “I’m trying to get a story. Was a pregnant woman brought in
here a little while ago?”

Dr. Dan – “Yeah, she’s in the ER.”

Kevin – “How is she doing?”

Dr. Dan – “She’s not my patient, but I couldn’t talk about her case
anyway. You know the rules.”

Kevin – “Can you see if she’ll talk to me?”

Dr. Dan – “Her husband is in the waiting room. He’s wearing a red
flannel shirt. Good luck.”

Kevin – “Thanks.”

Kevin enters the waiting room and introduces himself, “Hi, my name is
Kevin Girardi. I work for the Arcadia Herald. May I ask you a few
questions?”

Man – “Ah, ah, ningunos reporteros.”

Kevin – “Do you speak English?”

Man – “Yes, sí, some.”

Kevin – “Wait here, I’ll be right back.” He goes out and finds
Friedman, “Joan mentioned once that you were taking Spanish. Is that
right?”

Friedman – “Sí, estoy tomando a españoles avanzados.”

Kevin – “Well, I understand ‘sí’. Can you help me talk to a man in
the waiting room?”

Friedman – “Sure, it’ll be fun.”

They return to the waiting room, and Friedman introduces himself,
“Hola, estoy aquí ayudar a Sr. Girardi a comunicarse.”

Kevin – “Ask him if he will talk about his wife.”

Friedman asks and he responds, “Es una cuestión privada. No hablaré
con los reportero.”

Friedman – “He won’t talk.”

Kevin – “Ask him if he will if I promise not to reveal their names,
and… and I give him twenty dollars.”

Friedman asks, and he reluctantly agrees, “Qué usted desea saber?”

Friedman translates and Kevin asks, “It was reported that your wife’s
child was breached. How is she doing?”

Friedman has some difficulty translating the question, because
‘breached’ just doesn’t translate correctly. After several attempts,
he finds an alternate word. The man responds, “Sí, el bebé no saldrá.
El doctor está intentando moverlo.”

Friedman translates and Kevin continues, directing his question to
the husband, “How…?”

At Home

Grace comes downstairs with bed hair adding an appropriate statement
to how she feels.

Helen – “Good morning.”

Grace – “Hi! No school, it’s a good thing.”

Helen – “Are you not feeling well?”

Grace – “I just slept nine hours, and I’m still tired. Maybe I need
to start taking vitamins with iron.”

Helen feels her head, “You don’t seem to have a fever.”

Grace – “I’m not sick. Where is everybody?”

Helen – “Joan went with Cee-Cee to practice, and Adam and Luke are
out making money.”

Grace – “Oh yeah? How much snow did we get?”

Helen – “About eight inches followed by freezing rain. Our street has
been plowed and the rest are supposed to be finished by tonight. Can
I fix you some breakfast?”

Grace – “No, I’m just going to have cereal.” She rummages through the
cupboard, “Ah, frosted shredded tweet!”

Helen – “Boy, that’s an old joke!”

Grace – “Yeah, I don’t even remember what it means. I’ve just always
called it that.”

Helen – “Well, it has a lot of fiber and tastes good. Would you like
anything else to go with it?”

Grace – “No, thank you. I’ll be fine.”

Luke and Adam return. They enter the kitchen and Luke asks, “What’s
for lunch?”

Grace – “I’m still working on breakfast.”

Adam – “Hey, what’s with the Meg Ryan look?”

Grace – “I couldn’t find my brush and I didn’t feel like brushing it
anyway.”

Luke – “Are you okay?”

Grace – “Yeah, I’m just tired. Mrs. Girardi, would it be okay if I
have a cup of that coffee?”

Helen – “Sure, how would you like it?”

Grace – “With just a little milk.”

Luke – “Are you supposed to drink coffee?”

Grace knows why he asked, so she tries to deflect, “Unlike you, I
haven’t been prohibited from drinking coffee. I’m only having one
cup, just to get me kick started.”

Adam – “I wouldn’t mind some hot chocolate. Mrs. G., would it be okay
if I made some?”

Helen – “Sure, the can’s in the cupboard. I’ll start the water.”

Luke – “Adam and I have made some good money. Where would you like me
to take you?”

Grace – “We’re still going to the ‘Battle of the Bands’ on Saturday,
right?”

Luke – “Yeah, but I thought we could do something else, too?”

Grace – “You can buy me some treats from the bake sale and a raffle
ticket.”

Luke – “I was going to do that anyway. Lilly’s making a German
chocolate cake.”

Grace – “Why don’t you be adventurous and try something else? There
will be all kinds of baked goods there. All the church groups are
donating.”

Luke – “We’ll try stuff together, okay?”

Grace – “Yeah, okay.” She drinks the last of her coffee, “Well, I
have to go scrape the dirt off.” She imitates Arnold Schwarzenegger,
“I’ll be back.”

At the Lin Residence

Cee-Cee– “It’s perfect and you’re smiling!”

Joan – “I feel good about this, I really do, it’s perfect.”

Cee-Cee– “Well, I will take credit along with Sister Sarah for the
routine, but you make it work. I want you to know something. You are
a much better dancer than I was when I started college. I know you
want to become a nurse, and that is fine, but you should really
continue dancing as well.”

Joan laughs, “I’ve already figured it out. I’ll be the Dancing
Nurse.”

Cee-Cee– “Let’s have a bite to eat. My uncle brought home a lot of
food from the restaurant last night.”

At the Police Station

Will – “Thanks for giving me the message.”

Officer Swansiger – “You’re welcome, sir.”

Officer Swansiger leaves and Lt. Daghlian approaches, “Mrs. Mitchell
has agreed talk about what happened and to look at some mug shots.
I’m heading over there now.”

Will – “Good! While you’re there, check on a woman who was brought in
with a breached baby. I’d just like to know how it turned out.”

Mike – “Sure, do you have a name?”

Will – “No, but I doubt there will be more than one with a breached
baby.”

Mike – “I’ll see what I can find out.”

At the University Medical Center

Kevin and Friedman continued their interview with the man. He refused
to answer some questions, but answered others. The interview was
finally interrupted when all heard the sound of a baby crying. The
man stands up excited, and a nurse invites him in to see his wife and
baby.

After awhile, the proud father comes out to the waiting area carrying
his baby. He shows it to everyone who was there. He dances, rocking
his baby from side to side, as he goes from person to person. When he
finishes, he holds his baby close in his arms and looks upwards to
say, “Behold Leocadia, la única cosa mayor que usted mismo.”

After he returns to his wife, Kevin asks Friedman what he said. “He
named his daughter Leocadia, and he’s very happy and proud.”

Kevin – “Well, I’m glad everything worked out for them. Thanks for
helping me.”

Friedman finds Dr. Dan, and continues his conversation. When Kevin
sees Lt. Daghlian arrive, he asks, “Hello Lt. Daghlian, why are you
here?”

Lt. Daghlian – “I’m here to interview Mrs. Mitchell. Why are you
here?”

Kevin – “I’m here to do the same.”

Lt. Daghlian – “Well, you can come with me to her room, but our
interviews will have to be separate. Hey, do you know anything about
the woman who was brought in with a breached baby?”

Kevin – “Yeah, they were able to move it and she had a baby girl.”

Lt. Daghlian – “Great! Your father will be happy to hear the news.”

When they arrive at the hospital room, Mr. Mitchell comes out to meet
them. He was expecting Mike, but he gives Kevin a questioning look,
“Hi, I’m Kevin Girardi with the Arcadia Herald. I was wondering if I
might speak to your wife about the shooting.”

Mr. Mitchell – “Are you related to Chief Girardi?”

Kevin – “He is my father, but like I said, I am a reporter for the
Arcadia Herald.”

Mr. Mitchell – “Lt. Daghlian, you can go in. Mr. Girardi, my wife
doesn’t want to talk to reporters. I’m afraid you’ll have to leave.”

Kevin – “Could you at least give me a statement?”

Mr. Mitchell – “My wife is still in a great deal of physical pain
from her wound, and emotional pain from losing our child. Good day,
Mr. Girardi.”

At Home

Luke and Adam have gone to Adam’s house to clear his driveway. When
they finish, they solicit work in his neighborhood.

Grace has cleaned up and brushed her hair. She found her brush behind
the nightstand. She is sitting on the couch, working on the second
bootie. She has Luke’s Norah Jones CD in the player, wanting to hear
their song again. ‘\ Come Away With Me\ ’ will always remind her of
Luke’s marriage proposal. Misguided as it was, she will still cherish
it forever.

Helen comes into the living room, “You’re being awfully quiet today.
May I join you?”

Grace – “Have a seat, there’s something I want to ask you anyway.”
Helen lays her book across her lap and listens, “You know that Joan
has really become interested in working with children.”

Helen – “Yeah, that’s what the nursing is all about.”

Grace – “Well, I’ve been thinking about the little munchkins, too,
although I don’t want to become a nurse. I’ve been considering
something more like a combination of teaching and childcare. In a lot
of ways, that’s like becoming a parent. How did you prepare to become
a parent?”

Helen – “I wish there was an instructor’s manual, but mostly it’s
learn as you go. I did do a lot of reading, and I talked to my
parents and others, but in the end, you just have to do what you feel
is right.”

Grace – “But what if you don’t get it right? I mean, messing up a
child is very serious!”

Helen – “I once stuck Kevin with a pin when I was changing his
diaper. I cried almost as much as he did. Everyone makes mistakes. I
just learned the correct way to do it, and it never happened again.

And there are some situations when you really don’t know what the
right thing is to do. Joan once had an imaginary friend she called
YaYa. She really believed he was real. We decided to pretend and go
along with her. I think now that we made the right choice, but at the
time, we really weren’t sure if that was the right thing to do.”

Grace – “Joan’s never told me about that.”

Helen – “It was when she was very young. She probably doesn’t
remember it.”

Grace – “My parents have taught me about religion, since I was old
enough to understand. What do you think about my doing that?”

Helen – “During day care?No, I don’t think teaching religion would be
appropriate, not unless all of your children are Jewish. The teaching
of religion is the responsibility of parents. It should be left to
them, or to those they designate. You must also respect the religious
beliefs of the children, and that of their parents. Not doing so can
have dire consequences.”

Grace – “What if I were to teach just moral values, without religion?
Do you think that would be okay?”

Helen – “Moral values often derive from religious values. Even if you
just taught Judeo-Christian moral values, there could be a conflict.
What if one of your children is Muslim? It might be okay, but you
would have to talk to the parents before hand, review what you plan
to teach, and be in agreement before you proceed.”

Grace – “I never thought that just teaching moral values could be
such a problem.”

Helen – “Not as a parent, but in your case, yes.Morals based on
religious values do call for codes of conduct, that there are moral
absolutes, there is good and evil, right and wrong, and that one must
adhere, and in some cases, have blind faith. The other extreme is
that there are no fixed truths, that morality is anything one wishes
it to be, everything is morally relative, or blind feelings. Most
people are somewhere between those extremes. Reason is the moderating
factor. An individual’s life is the primary value. From that, it can
be reasoned what mode of behavior is required to sustain that life,
and the lives of others.”

Grace – “That sounds like you’re talking about Luke.”

Helen – “Luke is a good example of someone who has high moral values,
but is not religious. He has reasoned his belief in God, and has
modeled his behavior according to what he believes God would want.”

Grace – “I want to do more than just change diapers and keep them out
of trouble. I would like to be a positive influence.”

Helen – “Reading to them and teaching them how to read is probably
one of the best things you can do. Kevin, Joan, and Luke all learned
how to read before kindergarten. Once a child has learned to read,
they begin to teach themselves. You just need to make sure what they
are reading is appropriate. Again, you should discuss what you plan
to read or let the children read with their parents.”

Luke returns, so Grace decides to end the conversation, “Thank you,
Mrs. Girardi. You have given me a lot to think about.” She smiles and
directs herself to Luke, “Have you finished giving your blow jobs?”

Luke – “Hah hah.” He answers by paraphrasing the lyrics to a song,
but I worked hard for the money. So hard for it, honey. I worked hard
for the money, so you better treat me right. I just want to use the
money to do something special with you.”

Grace – “We’ve already talked about that. You should save your money.
I’m sure you can find something more important to spend it on.”

Joan returns, singing as she gracefully dances through the doorway,

“\ Last dance
Last chance for love
Yes, it’s my last chance
*For* romance tonight…

Hey, whatcha doing?”

Helen – “Just talking. How was your practice?”

Joan – “Good, really good. Cee-Cee says I’m ready. We’ll practice one
more time after school tomorrow, and then Saturday is the big day.”

Helen – “I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

Joan wonders, “Thanks, Mom. By the way, where’s Adam?”

Luke – “Home.He decided Pax needed some play time.”

Joan – “Mom, is it okay if I go over? I really haven’t had much time
to spend with Adam this week.”

Helen – “Go ahead, but I want you home for dinner.”

Joan – “Thanks.” She pulls on her blouse because it’s sticking to her
skin, “I just need to get the sweat off, change, and go.”

Helen – “Girls don’t sweat, they glow.”

Joan chortles, “Okay, then I must be radiant! I’ll just douse and
stir the embers.” Joan starts to leave, but she notices Grace’s
knitting, “Oh, let me see.”

Grace shows her the bootie, “I’m going to have to pull a lot of this
out.”

She shows Joan her mistake, “That’s not so bad. It’s a Persian flaw.”

Grace – “It’s a gift. I’ll do it over.”

Helen – “That’s nice of you two to make booties for Mrs. Finnegan.”

Joan – “Ah, ah, yeah, she’s a real nice lady. I still have to start
my left one.”

Joan and Grace exchange knowing smiles as Joan dances up the stairs
to the bathroom, still happy from her practice with Cee-Cee.

At the Police Station

Much of the city is back to normal. The mayor is free from his home,
and even Storm Sheppard finds his way back to the TV station. Most
streets are plowed, except for parts of

Dilcue Street
. Electricians are still working to restore power lines; they plan to
work through the evening to have all power restored by morning.
Will is caught up on reports and listens to the tip line. One good
thing about an unexpected storm is that the criminals have just as
much trouble getting around as everyone else. At least for the day,
no new cases have been reported.

Lt. Daghlian returns from UMC and knocks on Will’s door, “Hey Chief,
can I come in?”

Will – “Sure, what do you have to tell me?”

Lt. Daghlian – “Mrs. Mitchell picked Leroy Johnson from the mug shots
I took with me. It looks like he is our man.”

Will – “Did she agree to testify?”

Lt. Daghlian – “Yes, and she appears to have a clear recollection of
what happened.”

Will – “Good, write up your report, and we’ll send it to the DA this
afternoon. Any word on the other woman?”

Lt. Daghlian – They were able to move the baby, and she had a natural
childbirth… a girl.”

Will – “I’m glad to hear this one had a happy ending.”

At the Herald

Rebecca – “Did you have a good excursion?”

Kevin – “Yeah, it was interesting, but I’m afraid I didn’t get much
information. Just a few facts: the woman with the breached baby was
able to have a natural childbirth, and I have a statement from Mr.
Mitchell about his wife. It’s really not enough to write a story
about.”

Rebecca – “Perhaps we can still use it. We are collecting information
about last night’s storm and the events of today for tomorrow’s
edition. Send your information to Andy. He might be able to work it
in.”

Kevin – “No byline?”

Rebecca – “Not this time.”

At the Rove Residence

Joan wants to surprise Adam, so she does not call first. When she
arrives, she finds Mr. Rove there alone. She asks, “Where’s Adam?”

Carl Rove – “You just missed him. He took Pax over to the park.”

Joan – “Thanks, I’ll go find him.”

Carl Rove – “Hey, thank your father for letting us use the snow
blower. It really made the job easier.”

Joan – “I’ll tell him. Bye.”

Joan walks to the park, and finds Adam throwing a Frisbee for Pax.
Adam is actually sitting on a bench, letting Pax do all the work.
Joan sits beside him, “Nice lazy kind of day, don’t you think?”

Adam – “Luke and I worked hard this morning. I really don’t feel like
more exercise. How was your practice?”

Joan – “Good, Cee-Cee says I’m ready. We’re still going to practice
after school tomorrow, but Saturday is the big day.”

Adam – “I was supposed to work at the Historical Society tonight, but
they didn’t open today. I’m going to try to set it up for tomorrow
after school. Would you like to come?”

Joan – “Can we go after my practice?”

Adam – “I have to get there before they close. Can you meet me there
later?”

Joan – “Yeah, I’ll figure something out, but I won’t be able to stay
too late. I have to get up early on Saturday morning.”

Adam – “I’ll get you home on time.”

At Home

Luke cleans up, shaves his peach fuzz, and puts on a touch of
‘essence of pimp’ aftershave. He returns to the living room where
Helen and Grace are still quietly sitting, “The movie starts in 45
minutes.”

Grace – “What movie?”

Luke – “\ Chicken Little, you wanted to see it, right?”

Grace – “Yeah, but you don’t.”

Luke – “Well, we’re going, my treat.”

Grace decides not to argue, and just gets ready to go. Helen asks,
“Will you be home in time for dinner?”

Luke – “We’ll be here. We’ll skip the popcorn and be hungry when we
get home. What are we having?”

Helen – “I’m making beef stew in the crock-pot. Well, it’s half beef.
I threw in the last of the turkey. It’ll be good.”

Luke – “Great! The end of turkey surprise.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Helen – “Will you say the blessing for us?”

Joan smiles,

“\ In the name of the bee
*And* of the butterfly
And of the breeze, amen\ ”

Everyone smiles, including Helen, but Helen adds, “I suppose Emily
Dickinson is appropriate for a dinner prayer.”

Joan – “Emily sent me an e-mail and told me about it. She thought it
was so cute.”

Helen – “How is Emily?”

Joan – “She’s fine. She’s taking singing lessons. She really didn’t
say a whole lot.”

Helen – “Well I’m glad you two will be able to keep in touch.” She
asks Grace, “How was your movie?”

Grace – “I enjoyed it. It was good, but ‘\ Wallace & Gromit\ ’ it was
not.”

Luke – “I always thought Chicken Little was a girl.”

Grace – “I guess they decided to change that. There were a lot of
good jokes. I thought watching all the town’s people get zapped was
funny, but I notice that some of the real little kids were scared to
death. And what’s with Disney’s bizarre tradition of creating single
father families? Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, all
of their mothers were departed for the great unknown.”

Joan – “I don’t know, maybe they’re trying to make up for the fact
that in a lot of other movies, a father seems nowhere to be found. I
like having both.”

Will smiles, loving Joan’s comment, “Well, it sounds like we have
another mixed review. Maybe we’ll rent the DVD for movie night when
it comes out.”

Helen – “How was your day, Lilly?”

Lilly – “It was a good day. I didn’t have to work, so I took Ginger
shopping. She doesn’t like to go out, but I talked her into it. I
called the thrift shop and found out they were open. I figured there
wouldn’t be many people there, and I was right. Both of us found some
nice things, and it was half price today.”

Helen – “It’s nice that you could get her out of the house for
awhile. She seemed nervous when Joan and I showed up the other day,
but that could have been because she was worried about you.”

Kevin – “She does pretty well with people she knows. It just takes
awhile.”

Helen – “And how is the Herald?”

Kevin – “Pretty slow today. I tried to get a story at UMC, but I
wasn’t able to get much information. There was a woman with a
breached baby. The doctors were able to move it and it came out all
right.” Kevin smiles and chuckles at what he just said, “But Mrs.
Mitchell, the one who was shot the other day, her husband wouldn’t
let me talk to her. No byline this time.”

Will – “One of our patrols took the woman with the baby to the
hospital. I’m glad to hear everything worked out for her.”

Kevin – “Her husband didn’t speak English very well, so I had
Friedman translate for me.”

Luke – “Friedman was there?”

Kevin – “Yeah, he was talking to Dr. Dan when I arrived. They named
their daughter Leocadia. I thought that was a rather odd name so I
looked it up. She was a saint in the fourth century. Joan’s ‘\ Lives
of Saints\ ’ has a write up on her.”

Joan – “You went in my room?”

Helen interrupts, “No, you put it on the bookshelf in the study.”

Joan – “Oh sorry, I forgot.”

Helen – “So, is everyone ready to go back to school?” All give a
resounding “No.” “Well, I have projects due, and since everyone had
today off, I shouldn’t hear any excuses for them not being done.”

Joan – “Adam showed me his when we returned from the park. He calls
it Pax Vobiscum, but he made her really goofy looking. Her eyes are
bugging out and her tongue is so long, it lies on the floor. It’s
really kind of neat!”

Helen – “Well, the assignment was to make an exaggerated image of
something you love. I guess his will pass.”

Joan – “Can I be excused? I have calculus homework to get done.”

Helen – “Go ahead.”

Joan – “Can you check it for me when I’m done?”

Grace – “Yeah, but don’t be too long. My brain is already shutting
down. I’m going to bed early tonight.”

At the Historical Society

Joan passes her calculus exam, and dance practice is as expected.
Cee-Cee drops Joan off at the Historical Society when they finish.
Joan calls Adam when she arrives, and he lets her in.

Joan – “This is great. Everyone will see your painting as soon as
they walk in the door. What are all of those boxes for?”

Adam – “It’s a grid. Not all of my sketches are the same size. This
helps me to make everything proportional.”

Adam climbs the ladder and resumes painting. Joan quietly watches for
a long time. Adam asks, “Do you have any questions about what I’m
doing?”

Joan – “No, this I can see. You’re turning white squares into an
apple orchard. It’s so wonderful how you can do that.”

Adam – “Your mom helped me to pick just the right paint. The blossoms
really stand out, don’t you think?”

Joan – “They’re beautiful.”

Adam – “How was your practice?”

Joan – “It was fine, but I’m still really nervous about tomorrow.”

Adam climbs down from the ladder and gives her a hug, “You’ll do
fine. Grace told me how good you are, a majestic Northern Dancer.”

Joan – “Adam.” She pauses, looks deep into his eyes, “There is
something I want to tell you.”

Adam – “¿Usted me ama?”

Joan smiles, “I’m French, you and Grace are Spanish.”

Adam – “Ok, tell me.”

Joan – “I love you.”

As they begin to kiss, Adam says, “I love you, too.”

At Home

Joan wakes up and notices Grace is not there. She looks out in the
hall, and the bathroom door is open. A quick shower follows her dart
into the bathroom. She puts her pajamas back on and goes downstairs.
To her surprise, everyone is seated at the dining room table, ready
to eat. Helen says, “Have a seat, breakfast will be ready in a few
minutes.”

Joan – ‘Why are all of you up so early?”

Will – “We’re going with you.”

Joan – “But you’re not going to be able to watch. I’ve already told
you that.”

Adam – “We all know how important this is to you.”

Grace – “Yeah, we’re moral support. We’ll be there to cheer you on
your way.”

Luke – “And sooth your feelings if you fall on your butt.”

Joan gives Luke a snarl, “Well, I might just do that. I’m so
nervous!”

Lilly – “You’ll do fine. Cee-Cee called to remind you that she will
be picking you up at eight. I told her we were all going, so she’ll
meet us there. Oh, she said she will be picking up Sister Sarah.”

Joan – “Good, I was hoping she would come.”

Kevin – “Where’s your dress?”

Joan – “After breakfast, I’m not taking a chance of slopping
something on it.”

Helen returns from the kitchen with Joan’s breakfast, a bowl of
granola with milk, a banana, an English muffin, and orange juice.

Joan – “Wow, this is great! Not too big and it will get me through
the audition. Thanks.”

Helen smiles but doesn’t say a word. She and Will return to the
kitchen, and over the next few minutes, they prepare everyone else
breakfast.

Will’s cell phone rings. He picks up and Carlisle speaks, “Hey boss,
I’m sorry to bother you, but there’s a problem at UMC. Mrs. Mitchell
is hysterical, insisting that you come talk to her.”

Will – “What is she upset about, and why does she want to talk to
me?”

Carlisle– “Originally she wanted to talk to Mike, but he’s off today,
and I haven’t been able to locate him.She’s upset about the charges
against Leroy Johnson. She’s just learned what they are.”

Will – “I just enforce the law, I don’t make it.” Will would rather
not have to talk to her, but he agrees to visit the hospital. He
looks at Joan, “Sorry, I’ll try to be there when you’re done.”

Joan – “Dad, don’t worry about it. No one’s going to be able to see
anything anyway.”

Will gets up, hugs Joan, and kisses her on the forehead, “I wanted to
go because I love you.”

At Dawson State

As Cee-Cee had predicted, all the girls and the few boys are wearing
tights. Joan sticks out like a sore thumb. Cee-Cee and Sister Sarah
meet them as they walk into the gymnasium, “I look like an idiot!”

Cee-Cee– “No, you look beautiful. You do stand out, but that’s the
point.”

Sister Sarah – “You need to sign in. Come with me.”

Joan goes with her to register and then returns. The other students
appear to be practicing their routines. Joan asks, “Should I run
through my routine again?”

Sister Sarah – “No, you’re ready, but I do want you to do your warm
up exercise.”

While Joan is doing her exercise, a man’s voice comes over the PA,
“May I have your attention please.” He pauses while the room quiets
down, “Two of our judges have been unexpectedly delayed. The
auditions will continue, but they will be delayed by about an hour.
We are sorry for the inconvenience.”

Joan – “An hour!I’m already going crazy!”

Cee-Cee– “Just relax. The other students are nervous, too. Why don’t
you walk around and talk to some of them?”

Joan – “Should I? Isn’t that like consorting with the enemy?”

Sister Sarah – “Many of these students will be your classmates. Wish
them all luck. It will pay off in the future.”

Joan begins to browse among the students, learning their background,
hopes, and dreams. Many seem to be just like her.”

At the University Medical Center

Will enters Mrs. Mitchell’s room in the ICU. She appears to be
resting, but awakes as he enters, “Hello Mrs. Mitchell, I’m Will
Girardi.”

Mrs. Mitchell – “You don’t remember me, do you?”

Will – “Yes, I remember you. I’m so sorry for your loss. I have a
teenage daughter of my own.”

Mrs. Mitchell sits up a little, obviously a little groggy, “They made
me take a sedative, but I still want to talk to you.”

Will – “About your baby?”

Mrs. Mitchell – “Why is Leroy Johnson only being charged with
burglary and attempted murder?”

Will – “I’m the Chief of Police, not a lawyer, but the law states
that manslaughter or murder can only be charged if the fetus is
viable. Your baby was only five months old.”

Mrs. Mitchell – “But he was viable; I could feel him growing inside
me. I already had a name picked out.”

Will – “I understand your feelings, but I don’t make the law, I just
enforce it.”

Mrs. Mitchell lies back down on the bed in despair and begins to cry,
“Well, when I bury Colin next to Lindsay, you can tell me again that
no one has died here.”

Will is nearly as heartbroken as Mrs. Mitchell, but he cannot think
of anything appropriate to say in response. He just sincerely says,
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Mitchell,” and leaves the room.

At Dawson State

Will arrives and sees Elizabeth and Mrs. Goetzmann in the parking
lot, “Hello Elizabeth, June, are you here for the dance audition?”

Elizabeth– “Yeah, I’m hoping to go here next year.”

Will – “Joan is already inside. I’ll walk with you.”

As they enter the gym, Joan is chatting with the other students. She
sees Elizabeth and hurries over to greet her, “I didn’t know you
would be here!”

Elizabeth– “Yeah, me either. We haven’t talked in awhile. I’ve been
so busy with the Mirror Ball committee. My audition is at ten-thirty,
when’s yours?”

Joan – “It was to be at nine-thirty, but they have all been delayed
for an hour. Some of the judges are late.”

Elizabeth– “What’s with the dress?”

Joan – “It was Cee-Cee’s idea. I’m the sore thumb.”

Elizabeth’s dance instructor approaches, “Hello Sister Sarah,
Cee-Cee, it’s good to see you again.”

Sister Sarah – “It’s only a few times a year, but it’s always a
pleasure.”

Elizabeth’s instructor – “Are you ready?”

Elizabeth– “Ready as I’ll ever be, but now I have an hour to kill.”

Elizabeth’s instructor – “Come with me and we’ll get you signed in.”

Elizabethleaves, and Cee-Cee says to Joan, “I would like you to do
your warm up routine again. It’s almost time.”

Joan does her warm up routine again and hears her name called over
the PA. All give her hugs and best wishes.

Grace – “Break a leg, hah hah.”

Adam – “Good luck, Jane.”

Joan smiles and gives Adam a kiss. All of her anxiety melts away. She
is ready.

After Joan leaves, Cee-Cee says, “Come with me, but be quiet.”

All are curious, but remain silent as requested. She takes them to an
elevator, and then into a room with a large window. “This is a
two-way mirror. We can watch from here.”

Helen – “I didn’t think we were going to be able to watch!”

Cee-Cee– “I decided not to tell her, because I knew she would be
nervous enough already. We will tell her after it’s over, but we do
have to be quiet.”

Before Joan enters the room downstairs, she says a prayer to herself,
“I don’t know if this is allowed, but if you can, please help me not
to mess this up.”

One of the judges explains the rules and instructs Joan to put her
music in the player. Joan starts the CD at the end of the previous
song and stands waiting for her song to begin.

As described before, the song, ‘Last Dance’, starts out slow. She
begins to float around the room, doing the slower dance moves she has
practiced. Then, when the pace picks up, she erupts into the faster
dances, demonstrating her versatility like the toe of a bird.
Everyone, including the judges, are awestruck. It is rare that the
judges see such a performance during an audition. They thank Joan and
tell her she will learn of their decision when the evaluations are
complete.

When Joan returns to the gym, her family greets her and informs her
that they were allowed to watch.

Helen – “You were wonderful!”

Grace – “Well, I wasn’t surprised. I saw her practice.”

Adam – “They have to let you in, you’re so good!”

Luke – “I’m proud of you. Adam is right, you are really good.”

Will catches Joan’s eye. He’s just standing there, glowing at her. He
gives her a hug and says, “Ginger Rogers, take note.”

Joan laughs, “Yeah, but I didn’t have to do it in high heels or
backwards.”

Joan lets go of her father, “Thank all of you, but I was so scared.
She looks at Sister Sarah and Cee-Cee, “I said a prayer before I went
in. Was that cheating?”

Sister Sarah – “No, not at all.All talent is on loan from God.”

At Home

They all sit down to lunch. While they eat, each of them comments on
different parts of Joan’s routine. Joan is getting tired of all the
“thank you’s,” but is still pleased with the attention. After lunch,
she decides to take a nap. She bids Adam farewell, and she and Grace
retire to the bedroom.

Grace – “Do you want me to set the alarm?”

Joan – “No, we’ll be fine. We’ll wake up before it’s time to leave
for the ‘Battle of the Bands’.”

At the Beachland Ballroom

Joan has assumed her duties collecting money. She is happy to be
working with Mrs. Villa again. Adam is up preparing the lighting, and
Grace and Luke are setting up the refreshments.

Mrs. Villa – “It’s nice to see you again. It’s been a long time,
sugar.”

Joan – “I know. When Rahav stopped teaching dance, she recommended
that I go to St. Mary’s Convent. I just haven’t needed to come to
this side of town.”

Mrs. Villa – “That’s okay. I grill Alex occasionally to find out how
you are. Going to college at Dawson State, that’s impressive.”

Joan – “Well, it’s not for sure yet, but I have a good chance.”

Upstairs, Grace, Luke, and Lilly are helping to place the baked goods
on tables. There is actually more than they expected, and men are
setting up additional tables for the goodies. Cakes, pies, cookies,
cupcakes, tarts, if you can bake it, it’s there. Ladies from church
groups all across town are present with their baked goods.

People arrive, and as Joan asks for the donation, she also offers to
sell a raffle ticket, “Would you like to buy a raffle ticket for
baked goods? It’s only a dollar, and there are all kinds of goodies
to choose from. There will be ten winners.”

The ballroom is nearly full when the ‘\ Quaker Sisterhood\ ’ begins
to play. They begin to play their unique style of music, and they
have a new member, a pianist, adding another instrument to their
sound. All, young and old, begin to dance and enjoy the music.

Joan continues to greet the new arrivals and sell raffle tickets.
Elizabeth, Jim, and her parents arrive, “The music sounds great! This
is Jim.”

Joan – “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

Jim – “Elizabeth wants us to have at least one dance. Will that be
okay?”

Joan – “Let me talk to Adam, and then I’ll let you know.”

Will, Helen, and Kevin arrive. Joan goes through her sales pitch and
is pleased when her father buys ten raffle tickets, “Thanks Dad, I
hope you win.”

Will – “It’s for a good cause. Actually, I hope I don’t win. I have
enough trouble keeping my weight down as it is.”

Joan – “I’ll come see you on a break later.”

Mrs. Villa – “Why don’t you take one now. I know you want to talk to
Adam.”

Joan thanks Mrs. Villa and heads up to the balcony to be with Adam.

Lilly sees Kevin enter the refreshment area. She announces to Kevin,
Luke, and Grace, “It’s time to go to the ballroom.”

Grace – “But we’re needed here.”

Lilly – “Don’t argue with me, it’s a surprise. Come on.”

Joan meets with Adam in the balcony, “Hi, oh you’re alone tonight.
Would you like some company?”

Adam – “Always, and you’re just in time.”

Joan – “Time for what?”

Adam – “Watch.”

Will and Helen walk out onto the dance floor as Brother Jimi comes on
stage, “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention.” He waits
for a moment until the commotion dies down, “I want to thank all of
you for coming tonight, but I also want to take this opportunity to
introduce an honored guest.” Adam turns the spotlight on Will and
Helen. “Let me present Police Chief Will Girardi and his lovely wife
Helen. If it wasn’t for Chief Girardi and the Arcadia Police
Department, we wouldn’t be here tonight.” There is an uncomfortable
silence as the crowd wonders what he will say next. “As you know,
they were not able to disarm the bomb that destroyed St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church. However, thanks to their great work, three other
religious institutions were saved. Please join me in giving him a
warm round of applause.”

The crowd applauds, cheers, and whistles. When the noise dies down,
Alice takes the microphone, “Mr. and Mrs. Girardi, would you do us
the honor of beginning the next dance?”

Alicesignals to her group, and they begin to play the song, ‘Don't It
Make My Brown Eyes Blue’. Will and Helen dance slowly to the music.

Elizabethenters the balcony, “Have you asked him yet?”

Joan – “No, I haven’t had a chance. This is sooo cool!”

Elizabeth– “Well, it’s not over yet. Adam, can Joan have a dance with
Jim? I really want her to see what a good dancer he is.”

Joan looks at Adam, “I won’t if it’s going to upset you.”

Adam – “No, go ahead. We’ll have our dance at the Mirror Ball.”

Elizabethtakes Joan down to Jim and continues to the stage. When the
song ends, she takes the microphone, “Last summer, Mr. Girardi saved
my life by carrying me out of the fire at the Community Theater. I
only got to sing this song once. I would like to sing it again for
him.” She nods to Alice, and she begins to sing the ‘I Don't Know How
To Love Him’. All just watch and listen while she sings.

When she finishes, Brother Jimi returns to the stage, “Thank you
Elizabeth, that was beautiful. Our next group is from Charles Town,
West Virginia. Let’s give a warm welcome to ‘\ The Southern Cross.’”
The crowd applauds, and they begin to play their first number, ‘Sweet
Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd. All begin to dance. Adam has fun
with the spotlight, periodically spotlighting different people he
knows. Joan and Jim, Grace and Luke, Kevin and Lilly, Rebecca and Dr.
Dan, Glynis and Friedman, and Alice with someone.

After this song, Joan and Lilly return to their duties. Luke walks
with Grace to the restroom. As he waits outside, he hears Grace
getting sick. He enters and finds her hugging the toilet, “It looks
like I need to take you home.”

Grace – “No, if you do, how will Joan and Adam get home?”

Luke – “My dad can take them.”

Grace – “Your parents don’t plan to stay that long. Adam needs to
stay until the end of the show.”

Luke – “I’ll have Kevin take us.”

Grace – “No. Ask your dad if he’s ready to go home. I’ll go with
them.”

Luke – “I’ll go with you.”

Grace – “No, you’re staying here. I want you to have fun. Besides,
they haven’t had the raffle yet.”

At Home

Joan goes to bed to find Grace sound asleep, purring with a soft
snore. “Rats! I have to remember to get to sleep before Grace.” At
least it’s not as bad as some nights. She lays her head on the pillow
and thinks about how much she enjoyed the evening. Despite Grace’s
song of saws, she falls asleep quickly.

Judith – “Hey, I saw your dance routine today. You were fantastic!”

Joan – “Thanks, I was so nervous. I’m really glad that I didn’t mess
up. How have you been?”

Judith – “Oh, just being me, a free spirit, playing with the angels,
but this isn’t just a social call. I need to tell you something.”

Joan – “What?”

Judith – “Grace needs you.”

Joan – “Yeah, I know. It’s going to be hard for her, now that she’s
decided to keep the baby.”

Judith – “You need to go to her, now.”

Joan looks around, “Where is she? It’s just you and me here.”

Judith – “She’s in the bathroom. WAKE UP!!!”

Joan sits up in bed with a start. She looks around her dimly lit
room. She’s alone. She slips out of bed and walks to the bathroom.
She listens. She can hear Grace crying through the door. She quietly
calls out her name, “Grace, are you all right?” Grace doesn’t answer,
but Joan can still hear her crying. She turns the doorknob and finds
it’s not locked. She walks in to find Grace sitting on the toilet,
sobbing, “Grace, what’s wrong?”

Grace looks up with tears still flowing from her eyes, “I… I lost my
baby!”

Joan kneels beside her and just holds her while she continues to sob,
“Why did God do this to me? I didn’t want to get pregnant in the
first place.”

Joan remembers something she once heard, “The truth of God’s love is
not that he allows bad things to happen. It’s his promise that he’ll
be here with us when they do.” She stands up, “Come on, let’s get you
back into bed.” Grace stands up, but she staggers slightly. Joan
catches her, “Just lean on me.”

Joan helps her back into bed. After Grace falls asleep, she takes
her hand and prays silently. She then joins her in silken repose.