Eventually, I join my Dad in the land of nod. The morning will start my journey back to what I was born to be. I shall really miss life as Tina.

Chapter 55: The Aftermath

I finally give up and crawl in my sleeping bag at one o'clock. I just can't stay up any longer. I'd like to reflect on the evening's chat with Andy, but I lose consciousness as soon as my head hits the pillow. My last thought for the day is that I'm so glad we came. This is going to be a great vacation.

Chapter 54: Show Time

The cooler we’ve just hauled out to the car signals the end of our preparations—everything is packed in the car and ready to go. I can hardly wait until morning when, finally, we will be on our way. I realize that I’m looking forward to heading to the mountains with almost as much anticipation as I would if I were still Chris. The thought of hiking to the top of the mountain overlooking the lake really appeals to me as does spending some time in the canoe with a fishing pole. It’s been a long time since I’ve done either. Of course, doing it with Andy really adds to the appeal. On the flip side, hanging out while waiting for Rana & Co. to drop the other shoe will be nerve-wracking. Maybe he won’t get the message. One can always hope.

Chapter 53: Andy's Secret

Mrs. Harrison gives me a tight hug before turning to the rest and nodding her readiness to get back to the meeting. They return to the conference room to continue whatever planning they are doing. Dr. Quinn smiles and winks at me as he returns with the group. I’m pretty sure that he knew what my answer would be. He knows me too well. Now, I only have to await the decision. It’s going to be a long afternoon——

Chapter 52: We're Not Done Yet

My relationship with Laurie suddenly comes into sharp focus. It was what? Two months ago that I was having this same conversation with her? Only then I was the one feeling like a fool. If she felt half as bad then as I do now, I really feel sorry for her. I know how Andy must feel having been there myself. I need to try to make him understand that I really do love him, regardless of the motivation which began the relationship. That’s how Laurie got through to me. I really, really hope this conversation has a similar ending to the one I had with Laurie. At least we won’t be fighting mosquitoes at the same time.

Chapter 51: It's Over—Or Is It?

If it weren’t for one nagging problem, I’d say it was a perfect afternoon. The nagging problem?  It’s Andy. I’ve called at every opportunity and left a dozen messages but he’s not called me back. I’ve also sent several emails from my smart phone—he hasn’t responded to those either. Where is that boy?

Chapter 50: Family, Work, and an Unhappy Boyfriend

The first indication something is wrong comes when I hear someone stumble over some shoes I left out just for that purpose. “Laurie?” I enquire as, groggily, I try to sit up. “Not quite,” a gruff male voice responds quietly, as I become aware of an aromatic cloth clapped over my mouth and nose. I begin to struggle and bite but I’m pinned to my bed and my world quickly turns black. My last thought before passing out is: Where’s the FBI——?

Chapter 49: Happenings

It also occurs to me that I’ll no longer be able to monitor Dr. Lang’s computer activities as he’ll be removing his computer from the house. I’m sure FBI geeks can hack the hotel’s system and keep the censor program active.  This investigation is truly out of my hands now. I manage to resist the urge to read Mrs. Lang’s email—after all, I did promise to be a good girl——

Chapter 48: Waiting

The tears have dried up by the time we reach the clinic. They are replaced with a resolve to do all I can to bring these guys to justice. I want to kick some butt.

Chapter 47: Stuck at Home

Checking  her email log further, I notice that she forwarded it to her attorney around noon today with the note, “Will this do the trick? See the note from the investigator.”  The reply that came back said, “You bet, I’ll have the paperwork ready in the morning. I won’t mention the video. We’ll reveal that later.” Things are about to hit the fan chez Lang. I just hope that Andy and his mother can survive it.

Chapter 46: No Longer A Game

“Chill, cousin,” I try to soothe her, “I’ve got the best protection that the government can provide on my side.” “That’s what concerns me,” she pouts.

Chapter 45: Trouble Brewing

As we take a long way back to the picnic, Laurie observes, “Did you notice that Helen was wearing your necklace?” I smile as I reply, “Yeah, I did.”

Chapter 44: Consolidating Efforts

No one seems to be in a hurry to exit the mysterious SUV. My awareness level rises a few notches. I may be getting paranoid but I think we’re being followed. Technically speaking, it more likely that I am being followed. I just hope it’s Steph’s people.

Chapter 43: Am I Being Followed?

“Sorry,” she apologizes as she sits down while digging around in her book pack, “I’m Stephanie Adams,” and with big smile pulls out a small wallet to reveal an FBI badge before slipping it back in her pack. “I’m here to give you a hand, though from what I hear you don’t need the help. If your Aunt is correct, you could save the world single-handedly.” Oh boy, I think to myself, I’ve just joined the big leagues. This could be fun. It will definitely be interesting.

Chapter 42: The Team Gets Bigger

“Look, kids,” I joke playfully with them, “I’ve got an errand to run for the Director’s office. You two are both wonderful people so just relax and enjoy lunch.”

Tiff gives me a look that says this had better be good or the payback will be bitch as I leave them.

I just hope she gives him a chance.

Chapter 41: Decisions

So, what do I do? Make the most of the summer as a girl or take the dream vacation?

I just don’t know. I guess I’ll just sleep on it for now.

It feels strange to have a choice.

Chapter 40: Data Collection

Laurie gives a quiet laugh.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

“This was supposed to be an easy summer job,” she reminds me. “Just collect data and let the big folks do the analysis and all the hard work. Things have sure changed.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “Maybe we should ask for a raise——”

Chapter 39: Choice

She thinks about my arguments for a few minutes before commenting. “You make some significant points, Tina, but I’m still worried for your safety. Let me talk to a few people about this.”

“So, you’ll let me continue?” I hopefully inquire.

“Yes,” she sighs, “for now. Just make sure you keep your ‘practice’ sessions with Andy under control.”

“Ah—” I smile back, “that might be the hardest part——”

Chapter 38: A Quiet Evening

"You're not bad, Miss Jeffers," he comments about half way into the song.

"Well," I reply, "I haven't done much dancing so don't expect much."

Smiling like a shark eyeing a meal, he informs me "It isn't your dancing that I'm complimenting, my dear."

Chapter 37: Threats and Success

If you're wondering if Tina will be back (in Something Feels Strange) to catch the bad guys, the answer is yes. I'm getting close to being able to continue the story. Thank you for your patience.

I did notice that CNN.com is running a story today about the very facility where Tina works. If you want to see what it looks like, go to

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/science/04/28/laser.fusion.nif/...

Look for more SFS in about a month!

- Tiff

There’s no response from Andy while the girls are gallantly attempting to hold back giggles.

“Are you okay?” I ask him.

I see his brain starting to reboot, as he stammers, “You… you… like, you’re amazing. I mean, like, you look absolutely gorgeous, Tina. I know you always look good, but… wow!”

I believe we’ve achieved our objective. The poor boy is stunned.

Chapter 36: The Country Club Dance

“Yes,” I inject into the rambling. In fact, I have to say it twice before he gets the message. When he finally gets it, there is a long pause.

“Did you just say yes?” he asks finally.

“I did, Andy,” I respond. “I’d love to go to the dinner dance with you. If you want, we can just be two friends at a dance.”

“You’ll go with me?” he asks as if he didn’t hear me.

“Yes, Andy,” I say again, “I’ll go to the dinner dance with you.”

Chapter 35: Date Preparations

“That pretty much sums it up for me to,” I tell her. “So help me out here, girlfriend. Right about now I’m thinking that Andy is pretty sexy. He’s got wonderful hazel eyes that I get lost in, strong shoulders, a cute butt, and smells so manly. He’s also got a kind and gentle personality. I get all gooey just thinking about him. I also took a good look at Dan today and think he’s pretty cute too, but I know him too well and can’t imagine anything going on there. Am I going nuts or what?”

Laurie smiles and gives me a hug, “No, Tina, you’re not going nuts. You’re just a normal teen girl who is learning about love and life. Welcome to the club. Oh, and you might want to add a few panty liners to your purse.”

Chapter 34: New Opportunities

“Don’t get any ideas, buddy,” I give him a warning look. “Suzie is a friend of mine and there is no way I’m going to come between you two.”

“See,” he says in exasperation, “You’re taking it all wrong. I won’t say that you don’t turn me on, but then every cute girl does that to a guy. I just have this déjà vu feeling like you’re my ‘best bud’. I can’t get romantic with my ‘best bud’. That’d be too strange.”

I know the feeling, I think to myself. If he only knew—

Chapter 33: Dealing with Hormones—Female Style

As I drive home, I keep an eye on the rear view mirror in case I’m being followed.  I even take a few odd turns aimlessly down residential roads but don’t see anyone following me. I’m sure that the Major is being cautious, but I’m starting to think we need to keep from getting paranoid. After all, who would be worried by a simple teen girl working as an intern?

Chapter 32: Hormones

I pull the shoes out of the closet and ask, “So who d’you think the greatest catch in your class is? Maybe I can help you snag him.”

She pauses in thought for a minute. She’s obviously struggling with what she wants to say. “You have to promise me you won’t tell ANYONE this,” Caitlin says emphatically. “I’m only telling you this because you’re my best friend and I know I can trust you.”

“You can trust me,” I tell her with sincerity, “after all I’ll be gone in a couple of months.”

“Okay,” she leans close and whispers. “But you can’t tell anyone—especially your cousin. I’d just die if she found out. If I could pick any guy to be my boyfriend,” she pauses and looks furtively around, “it would be Chris Quinn. God, I get wet every time I even think of that boy.”

Chapter 31: Revelations and Spy Lessons

For those who've been concerned about the future of my offering on this site: I am committed to completing the story. Unfortunately, however, it will take some time. I never intended it to be this long, but it's taken a life of its own. My real life work is such that I'm extremely busy during the school year with a number of activities which really hamper my ability to get any serious writing done. We also have some intense family things happening as well.

“Her name is Tina Jeffers. All I know about her is that she’s Mercer’s niece from Alaska and is here for the summer. Oh yeah, and she likes to run. She’s running most evenings with the local high school cross country team.”

“Okay, okay—I’ll play it cool, but if she so much as looks sideways I want you to find a way to get rid of her.”

This last comment was followed by his slamming the phone back on its cradle and some expletives attached to comments about meddling women and his perception of their role in life.

Chapter 30: Strengthening Ties

Something Feels Strange…

A minute or so after I ring the bell the door opens to reveal Dr. Lang—and he doesn’t look very happy once he figures out who I am.

“You’re that girl from the office,” he observes. “One of Susan Harrison’s lackeys. What are you doing here?”

It’s not quite the reception I was expecting—so much for being subtle. I must look pretty stupid standing here with a shocked expression on my face. I mean, what’s a girl supposed to say?

Chapter 29: Fireworks