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~* Love is in the Air *~ “Sensei Rogers, would you like to stay for dinner?” My mother’s face brightened, and turned just a shade redder at my sudden offer. He smiled, but shook his head. “I really shouldn’t impose.” “Oh, you wouldn’t impose,” Margie chimed in from the doorway. “Robin’s a phenomenal cook. I’m sure she could whip up something absolutely magical.” She grinned. Apparently she had had the same idea I did. There are few things in life worse than two sisters plotting against you.

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Author's Note
Just a heads-up everyone, you might want to bring a box of tissues because the ending for this installment is sugar-loaded, seriously pushing the outer boundaries of Sweet/Sentimental. You have been warned! ;-)

Love and hugs,
~Zoe T.

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Nicole seemed vaguely distracted as she stood at her locker. Her hand occasionally shifted, but from my vantage point, I couldn’t yet see what held her attention so strongly. I grinned at Allison, who promptly covered her mouth to stop the imminent giggle as she realized what I had in mind. I quietly crept up behind Nicole, goosing her sides. The ENTIRE hallway grew silent as she spun around, and everyone held their collective breath just waiting to see what ‘Valley Girl’ got herself into this time.

Nicole had practically squealed as she spun around to glare at whomever had just encroached on her personal space. Her cheeks began to shift through hues of red against her flawless alabaster skin. Her plum-painted lips pursed briefly, shifting to a grin as she threw her arms around me and laughed.

“You! You scared the crap outta me!” Her southern twang came through causing her to blush even more.

The hallway returned to normal as I hugged her back, though a few stray giggles followed as we shared a quick kiss, shielded from an approaching teacher by her locker door. I laughed.

“Sorry. I’ve been hanging around you and Ally too long. Is everything okay though? You seemed pretty distracted.”

Nicole quickly spun back, slamming her locker closed, then turned back to me with a cheerful smile, reshouldering her purse. “What? No, I was just glancing over my uh… notes for… Algebra! So anyway,” she promptly changed the subject, “How was gym? BTW, nominations for Homecoming are being put forward. Rumor is someone already nominated you for Sophomore Maid.” She giggled, even as I balked.

“Please tell me it wasn’t you?”

She laughed. “How do you think I found out? I tried, but your name was already up there.”

Allison and I filled her in on the mundane goings-on at the school as we walked to the cafeteria As I stepped around the blind corner though, I came face-to-back with the one person I had hoped to avoid almost as much as Jason. The boy who jumped me last Friday glanced over his shoulder and scowled at the three of us. I stood my ground, but offered a small smile.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t see you because of the blind corner.” I smiled wryly as I stepped back.

He continued to scowl, but glancing between the three of us, he apparently decided not to press his luck a second time and turned to walk away. I exhaled slowly as Allison and Nicole wrapped me in a much-needed hug, and after getting our trays, we made a bee-line over to our usual table. Jennifer, Chelsea, and a new girl I didn’t recognize had already seated themselves.

The new girl could be Chelsea’s Latin twin. They shared approximately the same height and build, just that the other girl’s skin resembled Jennifer’s more, a rich, light olive. She smiled timidly as we sat.

“Hey girls,” Chelsea began, motioning to our new arrival with a warm smile, “This is Maria. She’s a foreign exchange student from Guadalajara,” she deferred to the girl.

Maria spoke with soft intonations that, combined with her accent, would have given me definite pause if not for my undying attraction to Nicole. I still had to admit, she was kind of cute. If she didn’t have a boyfriend yet, we would definitely have to protect her from the losers like Jason.

“Es muy--,” she cut herself off, clearing her throat. “I mean, it’s nice to meet you. … Sorry, I slip between languages when I’m nervous. The worst is when I’m singing though, just before I go on-stage, without my breathing exercises I’d like, forget everything.”

I extended my hand across the table. She stared at it at first, apparently unable to decide whether the offer of friendship was genuine or not, but she finally accepted it when I responded.

“It’s nice to meet you Maria. I’m Robin, this is my girlfriend Nicole,” I motioned to Nicole, causing her to brighten a little, “And this is my best friend Allison. And I’m guessing you already know Jen, my other best friend.” Jennifer nodded with a grin, even as I asked a moment later, “Oh, hey, do you sing professionally?”

“Oh no, nothing like that; my friends and I had an all-girl acapella thing going for awhile that we’d do for talent shows and stuff.”

“Oh, cool. Nikki plays bass and Allison dabbles in guitar, so I was just curious. I can barely play the radio.” I teased, causing her to crack a smile as she rolled her eyes.

After pleasantries were exchanged, and we’d begun to eat away at our meals, comfortable silence fell over the table. I glanced between our growing group briefly, then cleared my throat. “So, Maria, do you play football back home?”

She stopped chewing and stared at me with surprise. After a moment, she laughed. “I’ve had a dozen people ask me if I play ‘soccer’,” she emphasized the word with distaste, “today, but you’re the first to actually get it right. But to answer your question yes, I do play a bit actually. I was thinking about going out for basketball or volleyball while I’m here though. I’ll be here through the school year then probably have to return home for the summer, but I managed to convince mi Papa to come here for Christmas, if not Mama too.”

“That’s great! I managed to convince Ally to try out for basketball with me too. But don’t worry; neither of us are cheerleaders.” I teased, eliciting an outright belly laugh from Nicole, which caused Allison, Jennifer, and even Chelsea to start laughing. Maria stifled a shy giggle as she shook her head.

“You guys love to laugh don’t you? It’s kind of refreshing though. I think I’m going to start hanging out with you if that’s alright?”

Nicole beamed, “Of course! I have to warn you though; I’m not as scary as I look. I USED to be, but Robin’s kind of given me reason to not be a grouchy, depressed, angsty jerk anymore.” She grinned. Maria slooooowly looked between the two of us.

“Wait, you mean … so you’re… Ooohhhh! Now I get that ‘girlfriend’ line. At first I thought I had just missed some American slang.”

I smiled wryly as I nodded. “Sorry, it kind of slipped. We’re trying to keep things sort of low key, and failing miserably.”

Chelsea shrugged, “Robin, you have a good heart. Anybody who messes with you has like, twenty people ready to beat the crap out of them, and I’ll be at the head of that line. Besides, you and Nikki are way cuter than she and Jason ever were.” She paused, as though something had just hit her. “Hey, did you say you’re trying out? So, like, I mean, you’re okay now?”

I shook my head, “I still have my condition to think about, but I spoke with the school board and they’ve cleared me to play. I’m sorry I couldn’t explain any more about what was going on with that. It’s just some really private stuff. But Coach Wilson says if I make the team, that she can work something out: Coach Greer too, if I try out for cheer squad next year.”

She nodded silently as she digested that then finally smiled, “Awesome. The offer stands on watching your back in the locker room. And now if Ally and Maria get on the team too, then you’ll have the three of us to look out for you. I doubt it’ll be a problem though. We’ve got some great girls from last year trying out, but we’re losing a few too, so it’s not like you guys getting on the team will create any bad blood or anything.” During the whole exchange, Maria sat silently, an utterly dazed look on her face. I offered her an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry, Maria. Basically the short version is that for reasons I’m not allowed to disclose they were going to bar me from participating in any sports, which was fine with me because I didn’t care about sports before.”

Nicole started giggling as she burst in, “Yeah, but that was before she ever tried any. Coach Wilson called her up on day one, asked her if she ever played basketball. When she said ‘no’, Coach gave her the ball and told her to try to shoot a free throw, and that ‘no one ever gets it on the first try’, right?”

Maria nodded as Nicole continued. “Right, so Robin steps up to the free-throw line, Coach tells her how to aim, bend her knees and stuff, then she shoots: first time, off the backboard, RIGHT into the basket. Coach thought she was hustling her. It was priceless!”

By now the entire table had burst into another round of giggles. Of course, as we calmed down again, realization dawned on Maria’s face. There was an elephant at the lunch table, to turn a phrase. She tilted her head toward me.

“Okay, I’m sorry, but I just cannot wrap my brain around the idea that the school would bar you from sports. You didn’t do drugs or something did you?”

I shook my head quickly. “No no, nothing like that.”

“Actually, she kept me FROM doing drugs,” Nicole chimed in with a cheeky smile as she leaned over to put her head on my shoulder. I giggled a little as I put an arm around her and let my fingers glide over her shoulder slowly.

“Yeah, it’s all related to my medical condition. I can’t change or shower with the other girls, and it’s also why the school board didn’t want me in sports initially, but that’s all I’m really allowed to say. The important thing is I can play now. Well, I can TRY to play. Jen, Ally and I were going to try and get someone else for two-on-two after school.”

“Actually,” Jennifer interrupted, “What about you two? Chels and I have cheer practice at four, but we could team up and work with you guys until then.”

“I thought you’d never ask. Chelsea’s familia is hosting me, so we already cleared some time for practice this afternoon with her ma—I mean, her mom.”

“Yeah, she was supposed to be here before school started, but something happened with the computers they keep these records on,” Chelsea began. Maria laughed.

“Aya, yes!” Maria laughed as she put down her fork. She was nothing if not animated once we got passed that initial shyness, her hands moving as she spoke. “Some idiota not so brightly plugged his virus-loaded MP3 player in to charge the thing and nature took its course. I hear he’s no longer working there. But yeah, I spent my first week in school back home meeting teachers I wouldn’t see again until next year. Didn’t miss anything did I?”

Nicole giggled. I shot her a glance, causing Maria to stare at us. I heaved a sigh. “I have a new nickname around the school – ‘Valley girl’. It’s always “Valley Girl kicked Jason’s butt!’ or ‘Did you hear? Valley Girl’s going out for cheerleading!’. It is like, so annoying. I’m not gossip-worthy,” I pouted.

“Oh sure you are; outgoing, friendly, and with a nice right hook according to rumors.” She beamed; Allison covered her mouth to fight a giggle. “Only teasing. So I guess I’ll see you guys this afternoon?”

Allison cheerfully responded, “Yeah, I mean if you and Chelsea are up for it. I’m a little out of practice, and Robin’s never played before, but Jen and I gave her a primer on the rules yesterday.”

Chelsea grinned, “Totally. Oh, Robin, sweetheart?” she asked sweetly, “If you’re serious about cheer tryouts next year, Jen and I can help. You really do have a great look. I think the fact you never stopped smiling despite your…” she hesitated, biting her lip. I laughed.

“Horrible?”

“… Awkward tryouts speaks volumes. Anyway, I still need to show Maria around some more before the next bell. We’ll see you guys this afternoon!”

Maria smiled as she stood. She stared at me another moment then turned to follow Chelsea. The last time I saw someone with that expression was just before I told Rachel the truth back at Girl Scout camp. I’d already said too much about my condition, but she wouldn’t rest until she had the truth. I breathed an uneasy sigh as I returned to my battered-dipped fish.

“Well, she seems nice,” Allison offered as she finished off the last of her mac n’ cheese. Jennifer nodded, picking at her green beans.

“Yeah, she’s really sweet. Kind of like Nikki but without the practical joke streak, or the macabre fashion sense.” Nicole stuck her tongue out at Jennifer and laughed.

“Oh, pfft. But yeah, I like her. She’s going to fit in well I think. So are we going over to Ally’s tomorrow night? I’d ask about tonight but you guys are going to be exhausted from practice, and I’d kind of like to spend some quality time with my folks tonight, too.”

I had to smile at that. “Ditto. After that scare yesterday I want to spend some time with my mom too. This way we can see if Maria and Chelsea have plans and invite them over too.”

“Hey, that’d be great!” Allison practically squealed. “I miss hanging out with Chels, plus if we make the team we can go out and celebrate or something.”

The last bell for the day finally rang later that afternoon, releasing us for the day, and as promised we all walked over to the gym together, save Nicole, who promised to come over tomorrow morning to check in on Mom and me. Since Allison and I both needed the practice, and Chelsea and Maria had planned to practice together as well, Jennifer and Chelsea decided to combine their talents to help the three of us.

I stepped into my purple gym shorts, having already put on a black sports bra that showed just a little bit under my white t-shirt, and as I sat on the couch in the coaches’ office, lacing up my basketball shoes, someone knocked at the door. I glanced up and called out “It’s safe!” only to remember a moment after that I’d locked it behind me. I got up, one foot still missing a shoe and the other only half-laced, and hobbled over to the door to open it.

Maria waited on the other side. She’d washed off all her makeup and now stood dressed in plain gray gym shorts and a t-shirt, with her wavy chestnut hair pinned back into a tight bun. She smiled, laughing to herself as she realized my shoeless status.

“I’m sorry,” she offered, as I returned to the couch. “Chelsea asked me to come see if you were ready yet.” She peeked around the corner of the door, watching me sit. I motioned her over then bent down to continue tying the laces.

“Yes, almost. I just need to find something to pull my hair back.”

“So, I know it isn’t any of my business, but I was hoping you might say more in private about your … um… condition?” I glanced up at her and frowned, tying a secure knot in my shoelaces. I stood, trying to offer a disarming smile.

“I’m sorry. It’s just really personal. If word got out, it could put me in serious danger.”

She frowned. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was that serious. Is there anything I can do?”

I smiled as I gave her a friendly hug then began digging through my gym bag for a scrunchie. “Just be my friend, and watch my back. I already have people who hate me because I’m new. They think I’m a threat to their social pecking order when the truth is, I just want to get through high school and have fun. I had enough of being bullied at my old school to last a lifetime.”

She nodded. “It’s okay. My best friend likes girls too. I remember the crap she went through over it, and her Papa was not happy either. I don’t understand why people feel threatened by that,” she began, turning to follow me back out. “I mean, if you like girls, you like girls. It’s not as though you’re just magically gonna like a guy for being a jerk right?”

“Yeah, exactly. And on the girls’ side of things, sure, I care about Nikki. I love everything about her, but it’s not like I’m constantly leering at every girl I pass, or that I’d be like, watching people undress if I didn’t have my condition to think about.”

“That’s okay. I can do enough leering for both of us if you want?” she teased. I paused to stare at her, causing her to crack up giggling. “It was a joke.”

I shook my head, giggling. “You and Nikki are going to get along great.”

As we stepped out onto the court we found quite a few people had the same idea we did. Chelsea stood under an empty net, however, and flagged us over. Allison met us halfway, handing me the ball while smiling cordially at Maria. “You two ready?”

Maria and I nodded in unison, and the schooling began. After about fifteen minutes, I began to get the hang of it though. Chelsea and Jennifer swapped out constantly on who instructed and who participated, keeping Maria, Allison and me on our toes. After we’d all worked up a good sweat for the evening, we decided to call it a practice. Jennifer and Chelsea still had cheer practice after all, and we didn’t want them too tired to participate.

After I showered, I started to step out again, realizing only too late that I’d forgotten to lock the door behind me. Worse yet, I could hear someone in the main office talking. The voice was muffled though, and I couldn’t make out who it was. I wrapped my hair in a towel, carefully wrapping the second one around my body. I cautiously padded to the bathroom door and peeked out.

A burly fellow I’d presumed, to be a coach stood with his back toward me. Coach Wilson sat at her desk facing the man, having apparently not noticed me.

“Yeah, I watched them practice together earlier,” the large man said, apparently mid-conversation. “The Latin girl’s got some moves, but the black-haired girl is something else isn’t she?”

“How so?” Coach Wilson responded.

“Well she’s a little short, but her speed is incredible. What was her name… Ronin?”

She laughed, “Robin? Yeah. Honestly, I know we’re not supposed to judge potentials before they try out, but I already know I want her, Allison, and Chelsea on my varsity team this year, and if the other girl tries out, I’ll take her in a heartbeat too. It’s a shame Jennifer’s not trying out, but I understand why she backed out this year.”

“Well anyway, I’ll let you get back to it.” He stepped out, closing the door behind him. Coach Wilson smiled as she stood, waving at me briefly.

“Hey Robin. You forgot to lock the door so I let myself in to keep an eye out. I’ll step out so you can change; just let me know when you’re done.”

“Thanks Coach,” I responded, blushing a little as she left the room. I sprinted in, grabbed my gym bag, and sprinted back to the bathroom to change into my street clothes. I wasn’t taking any chances this time. How could I have forgotten to lock the stupid door?

Allison and Maria stood waiting as I left the lady coaches’ office. Allison smiled as she waved me over. “Ready to go? Margie came to pick us up this time. I can’t wait until I can drive.”

I nodded, glancing at Maria. “Do you need a ride home?”

She shook her head. “No, but thank you. I’m just going to stay here and work on my homework. I’ll catch a ride with Chelsea after their practice is done. It was nice meeting you Robin. I really hope we all make the team!”

“Likewise. That was a lot of fun.” I responded.

The ride home was fairly uneventful. Margie talked about what the doctors had to say about Mom’s condition, and we laughed about my being nominated for the Homecoming court. I’d personally expected someone like Stacey or Chelsea to win, but it was a real honor just knowing someone had put my name forward before Nicole could.

As we pulled into the drive, I noticed a familiar cherry red convertible parked on the street.

“What’s Sensei doing here?” I gave Margie a puzzled glance. She rolled her shoulders.

“Your guess is as good as mine kiddo. He didn’t say anything last Friday did he?”

“Not at all. If anything he seemed pleased with my progress. I guess I’ll find out soon, though.” I added, as we stepped out of the car.

Allison gave me a reassuring hug and smiled. “Call me, okay?”

“Sure thing,” I responded, watching the blonde ponytail bounce as she hurried across the lawn to her house, gym bag and backpack slung over a shoulder each. I sighed nervously, turning to follow Margie inside.

I could hear my mother’s laughter from the kitchen, the sweet smell of freshly brewed hot tea permeating the entire house assaulting our senses as we entered. I dropped my bag by the stairs, hurrying into the kitchen, only to find Mom and Sensei Rogers sitting at the kitchen table talking. They both turned and smiled at me as I stepped inside. Mom stood as I approached, wrapping her in a tight hug.

“I’m so glad you’re home.” I said softly as I buried myself in her shoulder, holding her close. I couldn’t begin to describe the relief I felt at that moment. I’d completely forgotten Sensei Rogers was there.

“I know baby. I’m sorry for scaring you like that.” She cleared her throat, adding, “By the way…”

“Oh!” I let go of her and turned to bow to Sensei Rogers. He chuckled, waving his hand gently.

“Please, Robin, you don’t have to be so formal outside the dojo.”

“Yes sensei,” I automatically responded, then paused, offering a sheepish smile. He chuckled again.

“Josh told me about your mother, and I wanted to stop by and see if there was anything I could do to help, but it sounds like everything’s okay now.” He smiled as she returned to her chair, smiling back at him.

“Robin, you didn’t tell me Mr. Rogers was such a charming gentleman,” she offered. Even though she was addressing me, she never took her eyes off him. I glanced between the two of them and grinned.

“Sensei Rogers, would you like to stay for dinner?”

My mother’s face brightened, and turned just a shade redder at my sudden offer. He smiled, but shook his head. “I really shouldn’t impose.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t impose,” Margie chimed in from the doorway. “Robin’s a phenomenal cook. I’m sure she could whip up something absolutely magical.” She grinned. Apparently she had had the same idea I did. There are few things in life worse than two sisters plotting against you.

“Oh, alright,” he finally relented, “I suppose I can stay a little while. I have a class at six, but they won’t mind if I’m a little late just this once.”

I could make out the beginnings of each feeling the other out as I took over the kitchen, with Margie’s assistance. I decided to make something special so set about preparing my famous garlic lemon chicken. Well, not so much famous as ‘I ripped off the recipe from the internet and it turned out really well the last time I made it’. While I set about preparing our evening’s meal, one question caught my attention.

“So is there a Mr. Smith?”

“Not for a long time now. My husband and I divorced when Robin was little, and he died in an industrial accident a few years later. It’s just been the two of us until recently.”

I listened as she recounted the abridged version of her car accident and the summer I spent here, conveniently leaving out that I left California as her son. When she finished, she turned the question back on him.

“I almost married once, but the day of our wedding she declared that it was a mistake and ran off to join a convent.” He laughed, causing her to giggle quietly as well. I couldn’t help giggling to myself. As I checked on the chicken it occurred to me that I hadn’t heard my mother laugh like that in a very long time.

“Robin, that was absolutely amazing.” Sensei proudly declared as we concluded our impromptu meal. “You should seriously consider a career as a chef after high school.”

“Thank you,” I offered sheepishly. “I just followed the recipe, really. Oh, while I’m thinking about it I do have a small favor I need to ask.”

“Of course – anything you need, just ask.” He responded immediately. I chewed my lip for a moment before answering.

“About my Kenpo lessons… Money is a little tight right now with school starting back. I have a college trust set up from where my dad left a big insurance policy for Margie and me, but I’m trying not to lean on it too much. Now that school’s started I don’t have a part time job anymore, so I was wondering if it’d be okay if I cut back on my lessons to once a month for awhile?”

He listened as I babbled, and when I finished, he slowly stroked his neatly-trimmed whiskers. Finally, he spoke. “Well, I hate to lose you as a student. Actually, I have a solution I think can work to both our advantage. Are you busy on Saturday mornings?”

I shook my head. “Not at all. Saturday afternoons I have a therapy session in New Haven, but my mornings are free.”

He nodded. “How about this, then. If you’ll come by the dojo say, every other Saturday around nine and help the maintenance people set up for the following week, I’ll continue your lessons for free, until your financial situation improves?”

I could literally feel my jaw fall open. Margie leaned over and gently nudged it closed for me, causing me to blush even as I struggled to find the words. “I… I don’t know what to say. You’d really train me for free?”

He chuckled, “Well, ‘free’ is a relative term. Free of monetary payment? Yes, absolutely. But only because I know you’ll work twice as hard, both in your lessons and working on the dojo. Besides, I think your family needs that money far more than I do.” He winked at me and smiled.

“I… Thank you, Sensei. I’ll be in first thing Saturday morning!”

“Excellent. Speaking of which, I should get going before I’m late, myself.” He chuckled good-naturedly as he stood. Mom stood, offering him her hand, which he bowed and kissed.

“Mrs. Smith, it’s been a pleasure to meet you. You have a fine, hard-working daughter that I’m proud to have as a student.”

She blushed, smiling broadly. “Please, call me Linda. And perhaps we can go out for coffee some time?” She added. Margie and I exchanged a sisterly ‘Let’s give them a moment’ glance. We hurried out of the room.

“Ah, love,” Margie giggled as we sat down on the living room sofa together. I wrapped her in a hug as I nuzzled close.

“I never thought she’d hit it off so well with someone. Least of all my Kenpo instructor, but it kinda makes sense. Do you think they’ll start dating?”

She chuckled to herself. “Anything’s possible. Oh, hey, I got you something.”

“Really? What is it?”

She leaned over, retrieving a white plastic bag from beside the couch that she handed off to me. I could feel a comic book-sized object inside, which the Borders logo on the other side of the bag quickly confirmed. I stared at her.

“You didn’t have to do this!” I giggled, hugging her.

“I know, but you worry way too much about money for a girl your age. Honestly, if there’s something you really want, you just have to let me or your mom know.” She grinned, adding, “Within reason.”

“Well…” I carefully pulled the coveted graphic artbook from its plastic bag. This issue Aria Blade and Raven Wing were featured dressed as civilians standing on opposite sides of a street corner, Aria in a plain white sundress, and Raven Wing in a black knee-length dress with a leather trenchcoat. They seemed to be oblivious of one another’s presence, and I had to admit that save for Aria’s blonde hair, they looked kind of like Nicole and me.

“I need to talk to you and Mom about something, but I’m a little worried about her health.”

Margie leaned over and kissed my cheek as she brushed my hair back with her hand. “Kelly told me, sweetie. She didn’t say anything at first, but she’s been my best friend since college; I know when she’s got something on her mind.”

“She told you? Remind me to hug her when I see her again.” I laughed. “I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out how to tell you. I mean, it was kind of obvious that this was coming… Did she tell you when?”

She nodded. “She said you decided to wait until after high school. For what it’s worth, I’m proud of you.”

I had been so lost in the conversation that I didn’t realize Sensei had already left, or that Mom now stood in the doorway listening; not until she spoke up, scaring the daylights out of me, anyway.

“Wait for what?”

I squealed even as I jumped, causing Margie to giggle. Mom came into the room and sat down, wrapping me in a hug from the other side. I inhaled slowly and smiled up at her.

“I want to become completely ‘girl’. I want to have the surgery done – but like Margie said, I’m waiting until after high school. I wanted to do it sooner, but there’s so much recovery time involved that I wouldn’t be able to do girl scouts or gymnastics, or go to cheer camp or anything. I’d lose my whole summer, basically, so it’s better to wait until I’m eighteen.”

Mom smiled as she kissed my forehead. “Margie’s right. That is a very grown-up decision. For what it’s worth, you have my full support, but I’m still glad you want to wait. You’re still a kid, and you should continue to enjoy being a kid for as long as you can.” She paused, glancing down at my comic book. “… Is it my imagination or do those two look like you and Nicole?”

I laughed as I leaned over to kiss her cheek. “I’ve got to get my homework done, but if you’re up for it, I’d love to watch a movie or something when I’m done. Y’know, mother-daughter-awesome sister bonding time?”

Margie grinned. “You two go right ahead. Kelly talked me into going to check out a new club in New Haven later tonight.”

I wanted to tease her about her comment about Kelly ‘just’ being her best friend, but decided to leave well enough alone and gave her a squeeze. I stood and, gathering my things, headed up to my room. I called Allison while I worked on my homework, and we gossiped about Mom and Sensei hitting it off, Kelly and Margie’s plans to go clubbing, and general high school goings-on, only occasionally asking her for help on the more complicated math exercises, where I happily gave her advice on our History homework.

After saying our goodnights, I hung up my phone and stripped out of my clothes. I left them in a pile near the door for now so I could throw them in the hamper later and crawled into my pale blue cami-pajama bottom set. I practically bounded back downstairs where I found Mom curled up on the sofa reading one of Margie’s romance novels. I started to turn to head back upstairs, but she called after me.

“So, what did you want to watch?” Her warm, caring smile matched her soft tone. It had been such a long time since we watched anything together, and even now with school and everything else going on, we hadn’t spent enough time together.

I already knew exactly what I wanted to watch and grinned broadly as I answered. “Beauty and the Beast. I’ve wanted to watch that movie with you ever since I was a little g--” I cut myself off, chewing my lower lip hesitantly.

She smiled softly as she stood, wrapping me in a hug, “Sweetheart… You’ve always been my little girl. I just never realized it before this summer. But I do realize it now, and I’m not going to miss one more moment of it.”

I could feel tears streaming down my face as I held her close to me. “I love you so much Momma,” I offered softly. She kissed my forehead and smiled.

“I love you too Robin, with all my heart. Now, go pop some popcorn and I’ll start the DVD. I want to know how your day’s gone!”

I laughed, pausing at the door. I could feel my cheeks positively burning as I responded, “Um, well, for starters, someone beat Nicole to nominating me for Sophomore Homecoming Maid.”

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