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~* For The Cure *~ “Maria promised to help you guys out, but since she’s in no shape to walk I’m pledging in her place.” “Wait, if you’re here to help, why have you been avoiding me at school the last couple of days?” She genuinely laughed. “I wanted it to be a surprise. Consider it my way of saying ‘thanks’ for… you know, forgiving me for being such an ass. Besides, we’re a team. We’ve got to look out for each other right?”

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Author's Note:
For the record, I take cancer very seriously. My grandmother died of complications following surgery due to pancreatic cancer when I was very little.

I try to keep Becoming Robin a light-hearted tale, but I also have tried to treat this particular subject with the seriousness that it deserves.

That said, you may want a box of tissues because this chapter, from beginning to end, is honey-coated and dipped in the sugar bowl :-)
~Zoe

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With the walk-a-thon, and threats of snow, fast approaching, I’d called Natalie Tuesday night after the big game to make our arrangements. It also meant Nicole and I would finally get to meet her parents. After school we stopped off at home long enough for me to change my clothes and to pick up something special. I couldn’t find any lilacs unfortunately, so I opted for an arrangement of roses.

“Is that it?” Nicole asked as she pointed to a small two-story brick house. She slowed to a crawl as I craned to inspect the suburban home, nestled neatly between a pseudo-Victorian and a smaller, more modern one-story brick. As if the numbers weren’t enough to convince me, the front door opened, Natalie stepping out and flagging us down. Nicole laughed. “Guess that answers that question.”

“Hey guys!” she offered warmly after we had pulled into the driveway and stepped out. The wind picked up, causing me to pull my heavy coat a little more tightly around myself. She giggled, rolling her eyes. “C’mon inside for a minute. I want you to meet my parents before we go to the cemetery. Actually, they want to meet you too.”

We followed Natalie inside, where we were immediately greeted by a spritz of lilac air freshener from Crystal’s motion sensor thing. Natalie giggled, leading us past the plush mauve-carpeted foyer, down three short steps into the den. Oak paneling covered the walls from the ceiling about halfway down, where it met a lovely shade of dusty rose paint that matched well with the carpeting. A woman about Mom’s age, dressed in a business suit with pinstripe slacks sat on the overstuffed sofa thumbing through a magazine, her platinum blonde hair held in a neat bun.

She smiled as she glanced up at us and quickly stood, Natalie motioning as she introduced us. “Mom, this is Robin Smith, AKA Spirit, and Nicole, from Girl Scout camp. Girls, this is my Mom, Helen Poole. My brothers and Daddy were around here … somewhere,” she laughed light-heartedly as she glanced around.

I admit it caught me a little by surprise when the woman abruptly threw her arms around me. I thought she might even be crying. “Robin, I’ve wanted to meet you ever since Natalie came home from camp. I can’t begin to express how much I appreciate what you’ve done for both she and Crystal.” I wrapped my arms around the woman, smiling sheepishly as she continued, pulling back again. “Crystal was like a surrogate daughter, but what it did to Natalie was even worse.”

“I’m just glad I could help. It was unfair the way the camp just closed up the old cabin and pretended nothing had happened. For what it’s worth, it wasn’t Director Meredith’s decision to do it. The higher-ups just felt it would be better for everyone to try and move on.”

Natalie gave a slow and deliberate nod, but grinned. “And now they’ll never forget. The camp luau’s going to be an unofficial tradition from now on. Oh, hey, do you guys want some hot chocolate before we go?”

Nicole, having stood back and watched the entire exchange up until now, cheerfully piped up. “That’d be great! I was going to stop for cappuccinos, but I couldn’t find anywhere to stop.”

Natalie giggled as her mother responded, “Oh, yes, the old goats on the city council are actively trying to keep the town from growing. Honestly my husband and I have talked more than once about moving to New Haven, or even Alpine Springs. At least they’re not afraid of growth.”

Nicole and I looked at each other and grinned even as Natalie and Helen led us into the kitchen. “We’re actually from Alpine Springs. I wouldn’t want to pull Natalie away from her friends here, but we’d make sure she felt welcome.”

Helen smiled warmly over her shoulder at us as she filled a tea kettle from the refrigerator’s purified water dispenser. “Oh that’s right! I keep forgetting you girls aren’t from New Haven like Rachel. How is the school there?”

Nicole and I both shrugged as I answered, “It’s a lot quieter than where I’m originally from. I’ve had a few problems with bullies, but nothing like what I went through back in California.”

Nicole laughed, “Yeah, plus you kinda have a tendency to turn bullies’ crap back on them. Like my ex-boyfriend, Jason?” she began as she turned back to Helen. “He was a real dick when we broke up, but Robin’s patience finally won out. See, his mom has cancer, and it’s just been really hard on him. I didn’t even know about any of this until recently, but between that and his parents separating before that it’s just been tough on the guy.”

Helen listened as Nicole explained the ‘Jason’ situation. Natalie kept glancing at me from time to time, giving me a knowing smile. She knew too well what Nicole was talking about, but it wasn’t patience that got me through.

“It wasn’t really patience though,” I added, as Helen placed the kettle on the front burner of what looked to be a relatively new range. “People tell me I’m good with people and with disarming situations, but truthfully, I just try to get along with everyone. Some people respond better than others.”

“He-lloooo ladies,” a male voice spoke up from behind us. Nicole and I both turned at the same time to see a taller boy, though definitely some relation to Natalie judging by his facial features, though definitely not his less-than-suave attitude or his goofy grin.

Natalie rolled her eyes. “Forget it, Derrick. Robin and Nicole are off-limits.”

He laughed as he stepped closer, offering his hand. “Oh relax, Nat. I’m only kidding. You know Amy’d kill me if I even LOOKED at another girl. So you’re the girls who held that big Halloween party last weekend. Nice to meet you.”

Nicole nodded as we shook hands. “Yeah, it was off-the-charts awesome.”

“So I heard,” he laughed. “Sorry I couldn’t have been there, but Amy wanted me to escort her to some party her friends were holding.”

Natalie giggled. “Yeah, she’s a little controlling like that, but she’s not SO bad, once you get to know her.”

“Anyway, Mom, Dad and Joey are heading to the hardware store, and I’m gonna go over to Amy’s so we can work on our homework. Nice meeting you Robin, Nicole,” he added, waving as he turned to step out. Helen smiled as she poured up three cups’ worth of hot water.

“She really is a nice girl,” she added, apparently waiting for the front door to close first. “Just don’t tell him I said that!” She teased, tearing open several packets of hot cocoa mix.

We sat and talked for some time while we enjoyed the hot beverages, both about camp experiences and how school had been going. Helen asked us a few more questions about Alpine Springs as well. We learned that she was actually an administrative assistant in town, though she was looking to get a transfer to New Haven. It would mean a commute, but a higher paycheck as well. Her husband, Lance, worked as a contractor. The older brother Joey, at 19, was already planning to follow in his footsteps.

After saying our goodbyes and thanking Mrs. Poole for the hot cocoa, the three of us left for the cemetery. Following Natalie’s directions, it didn’t take us long to find, and as we stepped out of Nicole’s Mustang, I couldn’t help feeling a sense of peace from the quiet surroundings. Natalie approached, wrapping an arm around my waist as she leaned her head on my shoulder.

“Thank you for coming with me. I… didn’t mention this before, but this is the first time I’ve actually been out here since the funeral. It just hurt too much. But with you guys here, I think … I think I’m ready now.”

Nicole popped the trunk, causing Natalie to jump. I giggled a little. “We brought some flowers to lay. We put them in the trunk hoping the cold air would keep them fresh a little longer.”

After retrieving the flowers and closing the trunk, Nicole stepped closer, and Natalie smiled fondly, turning away from the road to start walking. She led us through several rows of varying styles and sizes of grave markers, from angelic statuary to simple granite markers barely the size of a brick. We stopped alongside a reddish marker declaring Crystal’s name and lifespan, as well as the words ‘Our Beloved Daughter’.

Nicole and I wrapped Natalie in a hug as she turned back to us. “Beloved daughter… If only she knew how much her parents loved her. They just didn’t know how to show it until it was too late.”

Nicole offered her the flowers. “Nat, would you do the honors? You knew her better than anyone.”

Natalie smiled fondly as she nodded, accepting the flowers. She turned and knelt, and as the wind started to pick up, carefully placed the arrangement on the marker. She kissed two fingers, placing them against the top of the marker. “I love you Crystal. You were my best friend and my sister, and I’ll never forget you. I’m sorry-” was the last that we heard, as we quietly stepped away to give Natalie a moment to grieve.

“Poor Natalie…” Nicole sighed, glancing back.

“I know. I didn’t realize she hadn’t come back here. That must have been eating her alive inside. No wonder she was so wound-up at camp.”

Nicole giggled a little as she kissed my cheek. “I love you Robin. You don’t realize how much better you make others’ lives just by being you.”

I could feel my cheeks burning, even as I felt a sudden, gentle squeeze of my other hand. I turned to see Natalie, tears streaming down her face, but smiling. She tugged me close, pulling me back to Crystal’s final resting place.

“Crystal this is Robin. She’s… one of my new best friends, and the one who fought so hard to get the camp to honor your memory. She’s also the one who got me to finally come out here.”

I didn’t know what to say, really. I’ve never been to a funeral in my life, let alone a cemetery. When Dad died, I didn't go to the ceremony because I was just too young to really understand.

I smiled a little as I hugged Natalie. “I wish I could have met you. I know we would have been good friends from everything Natalie’s said. I hope that you’ve found some measure of peace. You deserve it. I…” I hesitated.

Natalie glanced at me, curious. “I don’t know if you had anything to do with my Mom’s recovery or not, but I want to believe you did. I want to believe that it was our honoring you that brought her out of her coma. So… Thank you.”

By now, even I was in tears. The memories of camp, the euphoric rush of relief when the big news had been delivered that Mom was finally awake, knowing I’d get to see her smiling face again, and knowing I could show her the daughter she was always meant to have.

Natalie smiled brightly as the three of us walked back to Nicole’s car. It was only after we started to pull away that she spoke up though.

“Robin, I had no idea you felt that way… But that kind of fits. She was like an angel: a really sad angel.”

I smiled at her as I nodded. “I remember smelling lilacs after the luau, as I walked you to our cabin. I don’t know if it was just someone’s perfume on the breeze, but I choose to believe it was her.”

“I remember,” she whispered in response, still smiling.

After a tearful goodbye, we dropped Natalie off and started home. I still had a lot of homework to catch up on, and the weather seemed to just keep getting colder! Out of the blue, Nicole squeezed my hand.

“Do you guys have any plans for Thanksgiving?”

“I haven’t really thought about it. We’ve always had such a small family. I don’t even know any of Mom’s extended family because … Er, well…”

She blinked, glancing at me. “What?”

“They kind of disowned us after Mom married Dad.”

“You’re not serious.”

I caught myself. I almost said ‘As a heart attack’, before remembering how horribly inappropriate that would be. Nicole mistook my reluctance to mean that I was serious, at least, and not that I almost shoved my foot in my mouth. “I haven’t seen any of Mom’s family since I was like, three.”

“Wow, that sucks. Well, we usually fly out to Wisconsin to spend Thanksgiving with my Mom’s family, but with Daddy’s heart condition we might end up spending it here this year. I’d love for you and your mom and Margie to come if we do.”

I suddenly felt a little uneasy. “You don’t think they’d mind? I mean… They’d be okay with… us?” To say nothing of my transgenderedness, though only a handful of people knew about that. I eventually did let Bob and Gina in on the secret, too. They were surprised, but took it well all things considered.

She laughed. “They better be. Robin, I don’t care what people think of us. They’re going to have to find out sooner or later that I’m lesbian. They might as well meet you at the same time so we can get all the stupid stereotypes about hiking boots and butch haircuts shattered at once. You are like, the girliest girl I know.” She grinned.

“Thanks, I think,” I laughed, squeezing her hand.

She smiled as we pulled into my driveway. “Daddy’s home today so I’m going to head on home and check on him. Call me later, okay?”

“Sure thing,” I responded, meeting her in-the-middle as it were, as we both leaned forward for a chaste, parting kiss. She smiled, licking her lips playfully as I stepped out.

As if on cue, a single snowflake floated down and landed squarely on my nose. I could hear her giggling as I closed the door behind me. I shook my head, but I couldn’t help chuckling as I made my way inside. Margie was just on her way down the stairs when I entered. She paused at the bottom step to look over. “Hey, kiddo. Have fun?”

“Yeah, it was great. Apparently Natalie’s folks are even considering moving here since her mom’s trying to get a job over in New Haven anyway. Something about the city council being more progressive or something.” I shrugged.

“That doesn’t surprise me. Oh, did you talk to Maria?” she asked, motioning for me to follow her into the kitchen. Mom, having already started dinner, stood over a frying pan with some sort of hamburger-noodle concoction sizzling.

“Yeah. She says it’ll be another week before she can walk without crutches, but after that she’s game. Hi Mom,” I smiled broadly, wrapping Mom in a tight hug.

“Hello dear,” she offered, turning to kiss my forehead. “How did things go with Natalie? And what’s this about someone on crutches?”

“It was great. The plot where Crystal was buried is so peaceful. Oh, and Maria sprained her ankle. Chelsea felt sooo guilty about it. Apparently what happened was while they were practicing at Chelsea’s house, working on some new plays to introduce for our first game, Maria went for a lay-up and tripped on her shoe-laces, causing her to land badly.” I paused, giggling a little. “It’s kind of romantic in a way. Jason carried her inside.”

“Jason… Jason… You mean Jason Beaumont?” she sounded shocked, and understandably. I nodded.

“Yeah. I mean, at first I was a little suspicious, but hearing that … maybe Kenpo really will be good for him.”

“Ash certainly thinks so. He said Jason opened up to him a little when he went in to work on the dojo Saturday. He said he couldn’t talk about what they discussed due to teacher-student confidentiality, but I’d say your instincts were right, sweetheart.” She smiled proudly, but I shook my head.

“No they weren’t. Mom, the only reason I went through all this with Jason is because you and Sensei have been pushing me to give him another chance. It paid off, but it was your good advice. My instincts were to stay as far away as possible.” I giggled a little, peeking at the pan. “That smells really good. Um, are we doing anything for Thanksgiving?”

Margie shook her head. “That’s a good question actually. Last year I ate with the Joneses, and the year before my Mom made a surprise visit, so we went out to eat, but I haven’t given any thought to this year. Why?”

“Oh, Nicole said that because of her dad’s heart condition, they might not be flying out to spend Thanksgiving with her mom’s family this year. Instead they’ll probably be having Thanksgiving here, and she asked if we’d be interested.”

Mom hesitated a moment, but smiled. I think she was thinking the same thing I’d asked Nicole earlier. “That sounds lovely, dear. I wouldn’t want to impose, though.”

“Oh, nonsense,” Margie laughed. “You know better than anyone how much Robin means to Bob and Gina. I’m not sure if I’ll go, though. Like I said, I spent Thanksgiving with the Joneses last year, and with Kelly here this year, I’m obligated to at least spend some time with them.”

Mom nodded. “Well, nonetheless, you’re more than welcome to go Robin. We’ll see what happens between now and then-” she paused as the phone started to ring. Margie stepped into the living room to answer it, reappearing a moment later to offer the cordless device to me.

“It’s your Coach.”

“Coach Wilson?” I asked, surprised.

Coach Greer laughed, “Close.”

“Oh, hi Coach Greer! What’s up?”

“Well, I just wanted to get in touch with you about babysitting Amanda. I talked to my husband about it, and he agreed you’d be the best candidate for the job, if you’re still interested?”

“Absolutely! I’d love to!” I practically exclaimed, getting a giggle from Margie.

“Great! She’s looking forward to seeing you again. Do you think you could watch her this Sunday? I know I said Monday before, but we’ve been given tickets to see ‘Phantom of the Opera’ in New Haven this weekend.”

“That’s fine. Is it alright if I have a couple of friends over? Just Allison and maybe Jennifer or Nicole, if anyone.”

“Oh, yes that’s fine. If you have any questions, just let me know. I already know you’re first-aid and CPR certified, so I’m not concerned with anything like that.”

“Plus my mom is a nurse. I guess it kind of runs in the family.”

She chuckled. “So that’s where you get it from.”

“Thank you, Coach Greer. I’ll give you a call if I have any questions before Sunday, or I’ll just come find you at school. Or at the walk-a-thon, if the weather doesn’t ruin it.”

“I’ve only seen a couple of flakes, but they say it should hold off until Saturday. That’s when the real stuff hits.”

“That’s a relief. Did you want me to turn in my clipboard to you tomorrow or Friday?”

“Keep it until Friday in case you get any more pledges. Just don’t lose it!” she teased. I giggled.

“Yes ma’am. Take care.”

Mom had already poured the cheese-sauce hamburger-and-noodle concoction into a large serving bowl by the time I’d finished my conversation. “That was Coach Greer,” I began, as I grabbed three plates and some silverware, making my way to the dining table and setting everything out. “She wants me to babysit her daughter this Sunday.”

Margie and Mom looked at each other then back at me, Margie giving me a sisterly smile. “Are you ready for that?”

I laughed a bit as I seated myself. “Yeah. It’s just little Amanda. She’s the sweetest little girl I’ve ever seen. Remember me telling you about the girl at camp that fell? That’s the same one.”

“Really?” Mom asked, surprised.

“Uh huh. When our old troop leader retired this year, Coach Greer stepped up to take over. I talked to her at the scouts’ Halloween party about how I wished I had a sister like Amanda, and she offered to let me babysit from time to time.”

“It sounds like an excellent opportunity,” Mom responded as she scooped up a spoonful of her Hamburger Assistant.

“Yeah. And good practice,” Margie added with a sly grin, causing Mom to blush just a bit.

“Oh, hush you,” she laughed. “Ash and I aren’t that serious.”

“Oh please. The man sent you roses!” she giggled. He did?

“It was one rose, young lady,” Mom chided. Margie stuck her tongue out and giggled.

“It’s still a sweet gesture.”

As the playful banter between the two continued, I settled back in my chair and quietly listened, mostly lost in thought as to the day’s events, and the days to come. I only had two more days to drum up pledges, though I’d yet to make my rounds at the hospital, either. For the moment though, I finished my dinner and, after helping Margie with the dishes, headed up to my room to work on my homework.

Much like Wednesday had, Thursday and Friday at school passed uneventfully. Brittany almost seemed to be avoiding me though. Those of us involved in the big walk-a-thon were allowed out of school early. Nicole drove Allison, Jennifer and I. We'd all chosen to wear our camp CIT t-shirts for the occasion, and as we pulled into the parking lot adjoining the park where the event would begin, we could see quite a few people coming and going, including a news helicopter hovering overhead.

“Did you know about all this?” Nicole practically gasped. I quickly shook my head.

“No clue. Let’s go find Angela and find out what’s going on.”

The four of us wove our way through the crowd to the open air amphitheatre. Coach Greer stood on-stage, off to one side talking with none other than Director Meredith herself. Our former camp director smiled proudly as she flagged us over.

“Hello girls!”

“Hi Meredith!” I offered warmly, and after an exchange of hugs, asked the obvious. “What’s all this?”

“Spirit!” Amanda exclaimed excitedly as she raced over. I giggled as I scooped her up into my arms, holding her close.

“Hey little sister,” I replied with a grin, causing her to stare silent and wide-eyed.

Meredith stifled a chuckle at the exchange. “Well, I’ve been in touch with Angela over the last couple of weeks. I put in some calls and got the word out that your troop here would be sponsoring a cancer walk. The local news picked up on the story, and one thing led to another.”

Jennifer laughed. “Robin, you’re like rolling a snowball down a hill.”

Allison giggled at the analogy. “She’s right. This is incredible! But where’s Mrs. Beaumont?”

“She’ll be here,” Brittany spoke up from behind. I turned to see her standing with an arm around Maria, supporting her despite the crutches. Brittany and Maria both grinned at us, as the former stepped closer.

“Maria promised to help you guys out, but since she’s in no shape to walk I’m pledging in her place.”

“Wait, if you’re here to help, why have you been avoiding me at school the last couple of days?”

She genuinely laughed. “I wanted it to be a surprise. Consider it my way of saying ‘thanks’ for… you know, forgiving me for being such an ass. Besides, we’re a team. We’ve got to look out for each other right?” she glanced at Maria.

“Got that right, chica! Oh, Mrs. Beaumont said this morning she has an appointment with the cancer treatment place, but that she’d be here before things officially get underway.”

“Awesome,” Nicole answered, glancing down. “Hey, how’s the foot?”

“Better. I can put pressure on it now, but I still have to wear this stupid brace for another couple of days.”

We chatted for about five minutes before Angela glanced at her watch, then at us. As if on cue, Jason called from the crowd. “Hang on a sec!” We all turned in time to see Mrs. Beaumont approaching, and I instinctively hopped off the stage, offering a hand to help her up the stairs.

“Thank you, dear. Sorry we’re late.”

“Not at all! You’re right on time. How was your appointment?”

She smiled broadly. “I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, but I honestly feel better than I have since receiving the news.”

As I walked her over to where the others stood, Director Meredith took center stage, where a podium and microphone had been set up. I could see a couple of news cameras in the crowd, along with my less-than-favorite news reporter, Tina Gale standing with one of them.

“On behalf of the Girl Scouts of America I’d just like to welcome everyone to the first annual Cancer Walk.” She paused, glancing at me with a grin. “We’ll think of a more clever name before next year.” The crowd laughed as she continued. “Things have really come together for such a short-notice event, but these are extraordinary girls. I’d like to introduce one young lady in particular, whose drive and determination have earned her the nickname ‘Spirit’ among her fellow scouts. Ladies and gentlemen, Robin Smith.”

I felt my cheeks burn as the crowd cheered, and a chorus of “GO SPIRIT!” rang out from the gathered scouts at the front of the stage. I giggled a little as I stepped up to the podium and, after adjusting the microphone, cleared my throat. I was so not prepared for this.

“Um, thanks, Director Meredith. I wasn’t really expecting such a big turnout, so I didn’t prepare anything to say. I’m just going to shoot from the hip, so bear with me.” I carefully removed the microphone and stepped out from behind the podium. “Becoming a girl scout has been one of the greatest adventures of my life. I’ve made new friends, and I’ve learned a lot about myself. But the greatest lesson for me has been in finding joy in helping other people. This cancer walk came about because I learned that one of our friends’ mothers has cancer. I wanted to do something to help her, but I didn’t know what one girl could do. It just seemed so … so overwhelming.”

I paused, letting those words sink in with the crowd before continuing. “And there’s not a lot just one girl can do. But I’m not just one girl. Together, we are a troop. Beyond that, we belong to an organization dedicated to helping each other, and to helping others. When I approached my troop, they enthusiastically and overwhelmingly supported the idea of a cancer walk to raise money for research. Maybe one girl can’t make a difference, but together, as a community, we ALL can. I’d like to introduce you now to our guest of honor, Denise Beaumont.” I turned and handed the microphone to her. By now she was in tears, dabbing at her eyes with a borrowed tissue. She hugged me tightly even as she cleared her throat.

“Thank you Robin – or I should say, thank you Spirit.” She smiled fondly. “Until Robin approached me and asked that I speak as the Girl Scouts’ guest of honor here, I had all but given up hope. I was ready to just throw in the towel on life. But when she told me that not only herself, but her entire troop, an entire troop of girls that had never even met me, were willing to pledge their time and effort for cancer research, all because of me? It … It moved me. It really did. If more people were like her, this world would be a much better place. Thank you, Robin, girls, for giving me the one thing I needed most – a reason to fight, and a reason to hope.”

As she returned the microphone to the stand, a massive cheer went up from the crowd. Even Ms. Gale seemed to be moved, as I caught a glimpse of her drying her eyes as Angela stepped to the podium.

“And now, for the Cancer Walk. Each of our girls has been given a pedometer, generously loaned by the school I might add. For donations that were pledged in per-mile increments, we’ve marked each with a number corresponding to each girl, and we’ll be tallying the results over the weekend.

“There’s still time while the girls are on their walk, to pledge your donations. Just speak to myself or Director Meredith about which girl you want to pledge, and the amount.” She paused, “Oh, and as a fair warning, I know for a fact that Spirit and her friends are in excellent shape.” Again, the crowd laughed, even as I blushed a little.

The event itself was pretty straight-forward. We chose the park because the outer perimeter’s walking track remained fairly even throughout, making the actual walking part fair-and-even for everyone involved, and easier for us to keep track of how far we’d walked, as each circuit constituted about a mile for the short track, a mile and a half for the longer path.

The pedometers were a formality for legal purposes, and with the school loaning them we could ensure they were of a good quality without going out-of-pocket on expenses.

Nicole only lasted a mile and a half, but she continued to cheer us on from the sidelines, as it were, while hanging out with Maria and Jason. Brittany, Allison, Jennifer and I though, were practically in a race to see who could last the longest. By about the fifth mile the cold was starting to get to me though.

“I’m going to have to stop. I can’t feel my fingers anymore,” I joked as we approached the starting marker. Allison nodded.

“Me too. We did pretty well though. Five miles by my count!”

Brittany and Jennifer both nodded, following us back to the amphitheatre. By now, most of the crowd had of course dispersed, but a few still hung around, mostly parents and fellow scouts. They cheered as we staggered over, sitting on the stage together. Amanda bounded over, crawling up into my lap to hug me.

“That was great! You guys are in really good shape!” she giggled. I had to laugh at her enthusiasm.

“You did pretty well yourself. When I was your age there’s no way I could’ve walked a whole mile.”

“Really!?” she smiled brightly at that, hopping up again, presumably to go and tell her friends. Angela sat down beside us, patting my shoulder lightly.

“Great work Robin. Listen, I’m not supposed to tell you who, but I thought you’d like to know, someone approached me and pledged a pretty sizable donation per mile on you.” She grinned.

“Really? How much?” She tilted her clipboard toward me, with her thumb carefully covering the name. I could see the address read ‘New Haven’ though. I nearly fainted. “THAT much?!”

She nodded, and even giggled a little. “Apparently you made quite an impression on someone. Again, I can’t disclose the name because she wanted to remain anonymous, but I just thought you’d like to know. I’m really proud of all of you.”

Brittany leaned forward, raising her water bottle. “Well, my ride’s here. I’ll see you guys Monday.”

“Hey, Brittany?” I called after her as she stood.

“Yeah?”

“I’m babysitting Sunday night, but if you want to come over on Saturday, we usually hang out at Allison’s in the evening, after I get home from my doctor’s appointment in New Haven. You’re welcome to join us.”

She smiled a little and nodded. “Sounds like fun. Sure, I’ll see if I can come over.”

Nicole slowly turned to stare at me.

“… What?”

She laughed. “You are unbelievable, woman. I swear to God you’d be a scary politician.”

Angela giggled. “Maybe you should run for class president?”

“Ugh, no thank you. I’ve got enough on my plate as it is, plus gymnastics in the Spring, Girl Scout and maybe cheer camp over summer. I’ll support Ally for the role though.”

Allison sputtered, shooting a glare. “Don’t you dare.” She started laughing. “Come on, let’s get you home so you can thaw your fingers out before you have to go to Kenpo tonight.”

“Good idea,” I responded, turning to hug Angela and hand her my pedometer. “I’ll see you and Amanda this Sunday. Thanks again for helping with all this.”

“Of course! And thank YOU for agreeing to be my new sitter. I’m really excited about this weekend!” she responded cheerfully.

As we walked out to the parking lot, we found Jason, Maria, and Mrs. Beaumont standing beside a white minivan talking. Maria suddenly pointed at me, causing the other two to turn. Jason approached, stopping about a foot away.

“Robin, hey…” he said rather softly.

“Hey.”

“Listen, about… all this…” he fumbled his words, turning back to Maria who, despite the crutches managed to give him an encouraging ‘go on!’ motion. He turned back to me. “Thanks.” He quickly turned to walk back over to Maria. She shot me a grin as he helped her into the van, while Mrs. Beaumont approached, wrapping me in another hug.

“Thank you for everything, Robin. I meant every word I said up there. You’ve given me so much. Even if the worst should happen, I know Jason won’t be alone now, but I don’t believe the worst will happen anymore. I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to win.” She smiled broadly as she turned, moving around to get into the minivan. Jason pulled the sliding door closed, then approached me again. If only for a very brief moment, he wrapped his arms around me. He then quite quickly retreated to the safety of the passenger side of the car. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them drive away.

Not I, but WE had given them a reason to hope, to fight, and to win, and raised quite a sizable amount of money for research in the process. As I joined Nicole and the others in her waiting Mustang, I started to wonder who the mysterious benefactor could be. The address meant it wasn’t anyone in Alpine Springs, and Doctor Ketz wasn’t anywhere to be seen so it couldn’t have been her.

For now I resolved to put it out of my head. With the cancer walk behind us, I could now relax and enjoy the weekend, and the coming snow! Snowmen, snowball fights, snow-in-your-underwear from making snow angels… I wanted to experience it all!

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