TITLE    : Two Hearts Stand Alone Pt. 04
STORYID  : two-hearts-stand-alone-pt-04
SUMMARY  : The survivors graduate.
AUTHOR   : photodad@lit
DATE     : 2010-10-05
CATEGORY : adult-romance
FLAGS    : h
TAGS     : |friends|graduate|high school|partners|novel|tame|tale|long story|


<i>Author's note:



Sorry it has taken so long to get this out. Lot's going on in my life, and when I first started posting this story, I had fully intended to have it finished by the time each last part was approved. Anyways, thanks for your patience.



This is a continuation of a story. It is recommended you read parts 1 - 3 first.



All characters that have a sexual reference are 18 or older.</i>



***







Chapter 18







Their first time didn't last very long, but then again, whose does? She didn't get to climax, but for Christine, those 15 minutes of being coupled together sated her. It was as if all this time, her emotions and feelings were scattered all over the place. For once in her life, they all lined up and she was at peace. No remorse, no regret, no guilt. She didn't even care if her parents would later find out. To her at this moment, there was only Chris.



For Chris, it was somewhat different. It was exciting and very much better than anything he dreamed sex could be. But most of all, the experience left him with nothing but pure love for Christine. Even though she had taken complete control of him tonight, the gift she had given was delicate and distinctly feminine. He adored her even more than before, and he vowed to himself not to allow anything to crush and break the bond she handed to him. They lay in each others arms looking deep into the eyes of their lover until they drifted off into blissful slumber.



Christine woke with a start and checked her watch. She relaxed from the panic a bit when she saw that only a couple of hours passed and it was only about 1. She reached over and tickled Chris's nose until he roused.



"Hey," she smiled.



"Hi...what time is it?"



"Just after 1. I need to take a shower before we get going. Did you need to do anything before I hog the bathroom?"



He inhaled, looking around to get his bearings. What had happened seemed like a dream to him. "No, not really...maybe we could share the shower?" he asked hopefully.



Her eyes twinkled. "Yeah, we could do that."



She grabbed another foil package and headed toward the bathroom.



"Wait!"



Christine turned around, and Chris looked down at his ankle, which was still wrapped. It was the only thing he still had on. "Oh yeah," she said, and proceeded to undo the binding around his injured foot. When she loosely rolled the ACE bandage and put it on her dresser she said, "It's not bruised anymore. That's good."



He put his arm out and she supported him out of bed and into her bathroom. "Yeah, but still hurts like a bitch if I forget and put any weight on it."



They got to the tub after some snickers from moving around so close while naked. She paused and asked how he was going to get in. He said that he figured it out at home and sat on the edge, spinning until his legs were inside the basin. She stepped in next to him and put the protection on the soap tray before helping him up.



"I can stand on one foot for a while, but be ready to catch me if I lose my balance," he warned.



She nodded and turned on the water, adjusting the temperature until it felt like warm summer rain. When she was bent over, she felt him poking at her leg just below her cheek. She turned and grasped him, letting him hump against her slightly but she kept him aimed toward her tight stomach. "Hey! Do we need to wrap this now?"



He ran his hands through her hair, loving the feel of the water running through it. The feeling of her hand wrapped around him and the soft wet skin of her stomach pressed against his sensitive tip was too much. Chris couldn't reply. His eyes glazed over and he wrapped his arms around her for support as he grunted while thrusting at her.



Christine knew he lost control of his willpower when he started to stare through her head. She propped a foot on the edge of the tub and allowed him to pleasure himself between the top of her thigh and her hand. His grunts took on a hint of desperation, and he seemed conflicted with the need to get off and embarrassment of wanting it this badly.



She placed her other hand behind his head, and pulled it to rest against her shoulder. "Oh! Okay...Shh, it's okay...I don't mind. Go ahead. We have a little while to go again. Enjoy it."



He bucked wildly against her upon hearing her words, embracing her tightly. He lapped at her neck then suddenly shivered jerked and moaned while his rod threw thick ropes of climax onto the shower curtain. Chris came down from his high, drew back and looked down, ashamed. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I couldn't...didn't stop."



She smiled and picked his chin up. "It's okay. Believe me, I completely understand. I want to jump your bones, too...but I can't just do that...not yet, anyway."



"Why not? Oh...are you sore?"



She shook her head and put a dab of shampoo in her hand, proceeding to lather her hair up. Christine pointed with her eyes to the condom. "No, I don't want to get pregnant, silly. I gotta let the pill catch up for a couple of weeks."



He nodded and helped wash her to her waist. She returned the favor by soaping him up with the same sweet smelling products she used. They started kissing at one point and she purposely let her soapy breasts rub up and down his lower chest. Before things got out of hand, she opened the package and encased his throbbing member. They carefully lowered themselves to the tub floor, where she mounted him fully in one slow stroke. The couple mated for a lengthier time, and she was able to achieve two climaxes before he emptied himself into the reservoir of the latex inside her.



They got up after catching their breath and finished cleaning the sex off each other. He dried himself, used her brush on his hair, and left the bathroom to allow her to get ready in peace. She emerged after a while, wearing pajama bottoms, a fresh t-shirt and bra, and her wet hair hung in a pony tail down her back. She had applied makeup, but it was just enough to bring out her best natural features.



Chris had replaced his shorts and one shoe, and Christine helped him fit the chest armor. She then rewrapped his ankle, getting good at making neat figure 8's without letting the bandage get bunched uncomfortably.



After slipping on his boot, she asked, "so it's 2:15, you ready?"



He nodded and she handed him the crutches from the corner of her room and slung her overnight bag over her shoulder.







They arrived at the school about a quarter hour before they were due. Sister Collins was already there to greet the buses that were just arriving.



"Good morning!" she greeted as they approached.



"Morning," Chris responded for them both. "There's two buses? I thought it was just going to be one, since only about 40 are going."



"Some of the parents changed their mind a couple of days ago, so we kept the second bus."



"How many?" asked Christine.



"20 more. It seems you two have become about as popular with these parents as you were with your classmates."



"So, Sister, you're coming with us, yes?"



"Yes, Christine. At least one chaperone has to be on this trip. Might as well be me."



The two students chuckled. Christine grabbed the bags and went onto the first bus to stow them and the pillows she brought.



The parents' cars started trickling in, and Chris greeted them with a hug as they approached the side of the bus. Christine reappeared and did likewise with each participant as they showed up. Some noted her PJ bottoms as cute and for many, it added a playful teenaged flair to the upcoming event. While everyone milled around, waiting, some chatted with each other or with the two teens, and some looked as if they just wanted to head back to bed. Just like their sons and daughters, there were some stragglers, but everyone arrived by 3:15.



Sister Collins checked off the last arrivals and nodded to Chris. He summoned them closer and said, "good morning everyone!" That was met by some mumbling and a couple of grumbles about the early hour. "Okay, fair enough. It's late for me, and probably early for all of y'all, so I understand if all you can do is listen. Sister Collins will lay out the rules shortly, just as she would if our classmates were going. But I wanted to say something first. We invited everyone to come with us on this trip because we think it would be a welcome distraction to us as well as you. Thank you for being here, it really means a lot to us. I'd like this trip to go just as it was originally planned. You'll get to do whatever your kids, brothers, or sisters were going to do. Mingle on the bus, play games, play music on portable radios. We want you to go with us to the parks and attractions that were already planned. I'm sure it's up to Sister Collins and yourselves, but I think it would be fun if boys and girls room assignments were adhered to. Christine and I can't stay with each other overnight on this trip, so two of the rooms will have us bunking in with you anyway.



"Next, I want to tell you all that Christine and I are NOT off-limits. I think we're rather approachable, and some of our classmates even found us to be friendly." That got a chuckle. "So, don't be afraid to talk to us about anything. We asked you along to hang out with us, so please, hang out with us."



Christine finished up his speech with "Lastly, please have fun. Agreed?"



There were some nods and a splattering of "yeah's!" Sister Collins addressed the group, laying out ground rules. No horseplay, especially on the bus. They could move around and visit wherever they liked, but for safety, stay seated when possible. There were three chaperones on this trip, she would ride the second bus, while Fr. Mike, the school chaplain, and Mrs. Roberts, the school secretary, were already on the first. For purposes of this unusual trip, the three would serve mainly as timekeepers when the group would split into three smaller ones at the attractions. Obey them or face detention, which must be served before graduation. The group laughed at that.



She held a quick vote about room assignments, and it was almost unanimously agreed to have separate boys and girls rooms. It would give everyone a more high school like experience. She asked the group next to split in half to pick a bus. If they couldn't do so themselves in an orderly fashion, she would dole out ride assignments, too. The group split, and after a few minutes of shuffling around, the principal was content and she gave the go ahead to load up.



Christine was the first aboard the bus. "Hello, Father. Mrs. Roberts! I didn't even see you get on."



The priest said they got settled when Chris was speaking.



Next, Chris extended the crutches from his position on the ground to the chartered driver. Once the driver took them, he grabbed both rails and hopped up the steps onto the sleek rented vehicle. At the top, he said hello.



"Hello," the driver replied handing the equipment back.



"It's darn early," said Chris. "Can I get you anything? Red Bull, Vivarin, coffee, perhaps? I'm already gimpy, it'd be a shame to make this worse."



The driver laughed and picked up his thermos to show Chris. "Thanks man, I got it covered."



Chris smiled back and said on his way to his seat, "alright...if you get sleepy, let me know. I'll take over for a while."



"Yeah, sure thing!"



Before long, the group was loaded and everyone had claimed their seats. The driver got a radio call from his partner that everything was set and the trip was on.



Christine curled up against Chris watching streetlights go by while they were navigating the dark and empty surface streets, her head resting on the outside of his shoulder. She kicked off her sandals and put her feet on the seat under her and rested her knees against his hip. It was adorable how she could shape herself into such a little ball. The ride was so much different than the trip to the state finals. This bus had decent fabric seats, carpet on the floor, reading lamps for each seat built into the overhead luggage bins, and tall spacious windows lining the sides. There was even a tiny restroom at the back. But for Christine, aside from having Chris next to her, only one luxury existed on this vehicle that really mattered to her,. It was air conditioned.



Chris pinched the light flannel fabric of her PJ's on her knee. "These are cute. An interesting choice for traveling with strangers, but cute."



She smiled up at him. "Thanks. I don't see what's wrong with them. They cover everything, and they are so comfy."



"You didn't wear them on the last trip."



"That trip wasn't 9 or 10 hours long like this one. Besides, we have air conditioning now."



They entered the Interstate and she looked around. Some were talking quietly to each other, but most were reclining the seats and finding the best position to sleep. Christine got up, stood on the seat to reach the overhead bin, and retrieved her two pillows. They were both sleeved in pink frilly cases. She handed one to Chris and he put it between his head and the wall without hesitation of using something so girly. She put her pillow against his shoulder, tucked her feet behind her on the soft bench seat and drifted off to the lulling thrum of the diesel engine.



Chris was already awake when she roused again a couple of hours later. They said good morning to each other, and several others were stirring with the advancing light of the new day. Christine took the pillows and stowed them overhead again. When she sat Indian style next to Chris, a young woman came up to their row.



"Hey CC, am I disturbing you?"



Christine flashed a smile. "Not at all Ms. Miller. We just woke up. Have a seat."



The lady looked around for a second, almost as if she were embarrassed to be the first to approach the couple. She sat on the aisle end next to them. "Is is okay if I ask something personal?"



"You can ask anything," Chris replied.



"Okay, well, this last week I've been wondering...what was Sarah like? I mean, when she was away from me?"



Christine gave a kind sad smile. "Sarah was my best friend, next to Chris. But you knew that already. She was wonderful to be around." She continued on to relate how popular Sarah was at school, bringing a lighter mood everywhere she went. Sarah used humor often to disarm her peers, but flirting every once in a while helped her stroke egos that were feeling less than par. She was not a slut, but she did have a playful side that kept the interest of several boys in their class. Christine told a couple stories of how Sarah's charm got her into, then out of trouble with teachers and fellow classmates. This prompted Ms. Miller to tell a few stories of her own about Sarah at home, and it brought a few laughs.



After a stop for lunch, Chris told Christine that he'd ride the next leg on the second bus. She was disappointed with their separation, but understood it. The rest of the trip down to Orlando, the two would trade buses for each leg, trading stories with the parents. The best moments would be when each attracted a few parents together, and the story telling would often lead to laughter induced sore stomachs. By the last rest stop, the group had warmed up to the couple and thought of them as one of their own.



The group encouraged the two to ride on the same bus for the last leg, so that they could share with each other the excitement of seeing the theme parks as they arrived. They were on the second bus then, and on the early part of the leg they took a short nap against each other. The couple woke to find a few admiring faces watching them from all around.



"I didn't know slumber was so entertaining," said Christine with a smile. She quickly wiped both sides of her mouth in self consciousness. "Was I drooling?"



"No," replied Tony's older sister. "You two just looked so adorable huddled together. Anyway, we were waiting to pitch something to you both."



Chris replied with a quizzical look, "We're not skipping Orlando and heading for the Everglades, are we?"



That got a chuckle from the group surrounding them. 



"Nothing like that," Carol replied. "It's for Graduation."



Christine sat up under Chris's arm. "What about Graduation?"



"Tameka here had an idea."



Tony's sister piped up again. "Our uncle is just starting a video editing business, and I thought it would be great to have a tribute video playing at some part of the ceremony."



Christine's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.



Carol continued on, "we took a poll from both buses and everyone seems to like it."



Christine clapped her hands. "Oh yay! Can he get it all done by Saturday? I mean, the footage would have to be turned in to him like now."



Tameka's eyes sparkled. "He'll work all night Friday if that's when the last piece is delivered. I already called him."



Chris took out his phone. "I'll get my mom to start calling everyone," he offered.



Carol interrupted him. "No need. My husband's already on it." She pointed with her eyes to her spouse busily talking on his cell across the aisle. "He'll make 5 calls, and the message will spread. He has it all planned out."



Chris started putting the phone back when it buzzed. He answered it, then abruptly got up and went to the back of the bus, still talking to the caller.



Most of the group returned to their seats, satisfied that the couple were as accepting of the tribute as they hoped. Tameka stayed behind.



"Christine? I wanted to apologize for my aunt and what she did at the hospital."



Christine got a puzzled look. "Why? What did she do?"



"Well, she's the reason they placed guards at your door," she said sheepishly.



"Ah. That. Don't think anything of it. We were startled, but didn't hold anything against her."



"Good. It's just that Tony held such promise for our family. And, some of my family get rather caught up in grieving. She said it's part of our heritage, and she was living up to it. Just didn't think she'd carry it that far. Did you really put yourself between her and Chris? She said you did."



Christine thought about that moment. "Yeah, I guess I did. No offense, but I was ready to take her down if she threatened Chris. He was still a bit, uh, fragile at that point."



She smiled. "I don't blame you. Tony said that about you."



"Said what?"



"He said that you're mostly quiet, but he could always tell you had a bit of spunk. He was quite taken with you from the state track meet."



Christine blushed madly, thinking about the bus trip there in her swim top, and the pool. "What did he say about that trip?" she asked nervously.



"Oh, that you screamed at him on the relay. He always loved a challenge, especially if it's a personal one against him. He said that he really thought his body was done when he passed by y'all, you know since he was a pure sprinter, not an endurance runner like your man back there. But, you hollered at him, and he said he found just a bit more for the finish. That, and that you can cook. It is really something to impress him there, let me tell you girl."



Christine flashed a smile at the compliment, but then a wave of sadness overtook her face. "Thanks. I wish he were here now with us. I miss him. I miss all of them."



Tameka came around the seat to hug her. "I know you do. That's why I came on this trip. Momma scolded me for 'taking pleasure during a great loss.' But really, we're all in this together. I think this is great. We can hold each other up, and get our mind off things a little, too. Y'all are doin' a wonderful thing here, C." Chris returned, and she read the look on his face. "I'll take my seat now. Let you two have some quiet time together."



Christine squeezed her hand as she left. "What's up?" she asked him, also reading his face.



"I'd rather tell you later. I gotta think about it for a bit," he replied after sitting next to her.



"Something wrong?"



"No. Something good...I think. Could also be trouble." He looked torn.

<hr pg="2" />Christine glanced around and didn't see anyone near. She grabbed his hand. "Can I help you through it? We might not get another chance to talk until after we get back."



Chris sighed heavily. After a long pause he said, "That was Fr. Steve from the diocese office. They want me to be the youth director."



"I thought they asked earlier this year. Why such a burden now?"



"They previously offered more of a coordinator position. This offer is to run the whole show for the youth programs...from First Communion through Confirmation and college. And this time, the bishop is asking."



Christine raised her eyebrows. "That's great!"



"But, what about college? For us? I could handle going to the junior college then the university in town, but could you?"



It was her turn to sigh. "Oh. I see."



"Yeah."



"Well, what do you want to do?"



"Don't put this on me! I don't want to make your college decision by way of my job."



"So, you're going to take it."



Chris turned to look out the window. 



Christine knew that meant he was really tempted to take the job. "Alright. How long did they give you to make a decision?"



"I asked for and got three weeks."



"Then it will give us something to talk about on the plane to LA." Christine stood on the seat to retrieve something from her bag up in the bin. She came back down with some pamphlets. "For now, let's see what we want to hit first at the parks."



With that, she dove into negotiating with him what exhibits they would visit.







Chapter 19







Their excitement grew as the bus traversed I-75 and the highway signs started advertising the miles countdown until Kissimmee. At last, they turned off onto International Drive, the bustling avenue that seemed to be built from the ground up to cater to tourists. The street was several lanes wide, and ramrod straight. Tourist trap shops of every style lined both sides, most emblazoned with neon signs. Chris joked that it looked like a rural Las Vegas. The most abundant were the t-shirt and souvenir shops, with restaurants that advertised nightly dinner shows second, and surprisingly, there were three WalMarts within 10 miles of each other.



Their hotel was nestled in between a souvenir shop that also announced that it developed film, and a Denny's. The buses pulled in and Sister Collins said she would be back shortly with the room assignments. About four of the other adults scrambled after the nun to puff on their cigarettes. Christine was very tempted to join them, just to pace around and stretch her legs, but a glance at Chris told her that he wasn't moving until absolutely necessary. Him boarding after the last rest stop proved painful, as he unintentionally shifted his foot while placing a little weight on it while climbing the steps. He never complained, but Christine could see in his face that the long trip without being able to elevate that leg had taken its toll. So, she settled for standing in the aisle and stretching in a full body yawn.



Most everyone else on board had collected their things and moved to the front. She brought her arms over her head, looked down at Chris and saw him stare at her. Christine glanced down. Her small t-shirt covered everything when she was in normal statures, but raising her arms revealed her tummy, and a good bit of her ribcage. His look was one of wonder, admiration, and...a hint of lewdness.



She didn't move her arms, the stretch felt too good, or at least she reasoned to herself. "Uh uh, Chris. I see that look. Are you that turned on? It's just my stomach."



He gave a sly grin, tearing his eyes off her bellybutton to look at the floor, shamed that he had been caught staring. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was staring. You just look so good."



She lowered her arms and sauntered over to him. Picking up his chin with her index finger, she led his eyes to lock with hers. "Well, I'm flattered. I love you, and that entitles you to look, stare, undress me with your eyes any time you want."



With that, she kissed him tenderly.



He broke the kiss and smiled. "That's not helping."



"What about this?" She pulled her collar toward her arm, exposing the shoulder strap of her bra. 



A thrill went through him and she saw it in his shiver. A soft groan escaped his lips.



Christine couldn't hide the smile. Careful, she thought. This could be addicting. She had never considered herself a sexual being, but this little revelation was making her somewhat power drunk. The littlest thing she did could turn her boyfriend on, even displaying four inches of a bra strap. Having some control over what she believed was immune to her turned her on as well. Still, she was also an intellectual and her brain ordered her body to shut it down. At least for this trip.



She shook her head clear of the temptation to continue the tease. "Alright. So. Not on this trip, but we'll have some fun when we get back, okay?"



"Promise?"



"I guarantee it," she winked.



She continued standing there, neither of them saying anything more. She allowed Chris to roam his eyes over her body without any further interruption from her to make him self conscious about it. Surprisingly, Christine didn't even feel the natural blush of someone looking intently at her that normally would occur. It felt good to let him absorb her with his eyes.



There was some muted activity outside the bus when Sister Collins returned with the card keys and doled out the rooms. Christine retrieved Chris's crutches from the overhead and then shouldered both their bags. The dull ache from her cracked sternum returned under the burden, but she fought heroically against it to not let the pain show on her face. Chris was strong for her under their would-be tomb, and she wanted to show him that she could be too. Even if it was this silly minor thing. Sister greeted them outside the bus and handed each their key, informing them that while they would be in separate rooms, they were across the hall from each other. 



Their doors were open as their roommates arrived ahead of them, having had a head start. Chris headed straight for the bed that was unencumbered with bags and laid down in the opposite direction from normal, propping his aching ankle on the pillow. Christine ducked in her room first, dropped her bag on the dresser, said hi to the three women already there, and slipped back out without noticing what the others were doing. It was a planned move calculated to give her an excuse to go to Chris, even though no one on the trip felt she would ever need to explain why she wanted to spend as much time as possible with him. She figured this, but it still made her feel better to have a duty to do that would explain her presence in his room.



Christine gave a double tap on the open door, which was answered immediately by two of the males to "come in." She said hi and explained that she had Chris's bag, even though she didn't need to. The others were busy settling in, hanging clothes and setting out toiletries in the bathroom. Chris, on the other hand was motionless, laying flat on his back with his hand covering his eyes. A pang of empathy swept through her, seeing him like that. The trip down had obviously wore him down from the constant shifting in trying to get comfortable, and it seemed as though he was trying to recharge his body as fast as he could. He had tried to stretch out his leg and take up the whole seat of the bus on one length of the trip, but the result was the same as if he were sitting normally. So, he had given up and tried to tune out the dull tingling ache in his ankle.



She dropped the bag next to his bed and sat at the head near his propped foot. Expertly she undid the straps fastening the boot together and pulled it off as gently as she could. She gasped at what was under the hard shell.



"Oh Chris. Maybe this was a mistake."



The words stopped the others in the room and made them turn and look. Peeking out from the elastic bandage were his toes and heel so red that they almost looked purple.



"Nah, I'm fine. It's just hot from being crammed in that boot all day. Take off the bandage and it should go back to normal in a few minutes."



Shaking her head, she did as he wanted and unraveled the sweat-damp fabric until it was clear of his leg. As she feared, it swelled up like a balloon.



"Oh yeah, that's better," sighed Chris.



"Better? How can twice the size be better?" She scolded in alarm.



"It'll go down in a few minutes once the blood evens out in my body. You'll see." He never took his hand away from his eyes, so he didn't see what they were alarmed about. "Could you rinse that bandage out and let it drip dry? There's another one in my bag you can wrap me with when we leave later."



Christine was getting angry. She didn't know whether it was him assuming now that she'd take care of him without question, or that she didn't see this coming when she fought so hard alongside him for this trip. It came out in her vocal tone. "Leave? I don't think you're in any shape to go anywhere this afternoon."



"Don't be silly. I'll be fin..." he had moved his hand and looked down for the first time. "Oh... well, never mind that right now. It'll be fine when the time comes."



Even though he finally saw for himself the concern, the confidence in his voice urged Christine to continue what she was going to do in the first place. She did as he asked and went in the bathroom to hand wash the ACE bandage. As she was hanging it in the shower, one of his bunkmates had returned with a bucket of ice and informed her that it might help Chris. She took a washcloth from the rack, grabbed a couple of handfuls of ice and wrapped it up. Going over to the bed, she placed the pack softly on his foot. His eyes covered again, Chris inhaled sharply and Christine flinched. He reassured her that it was just cold, but it felt good. With a skeptic look, she took his bag and started putting his things away.



In the corner of his bag, she found his amber colored pill bottle. Without looking at the label, she opened it and put one in her hand. She made a cup of water and handed it to Chris, along with the tablet.



"What's this?" he asked without looking.



"Generic Percocet," she answered simply. She had recognized the tablet immediately from her days of stupidly popping them for any excuse of a reason.



He grunted and tried to hand it back, still holding the water. "Put it back, I don't need it."



Christine sighed heavily, but didn't take the pill. "No, you do. I should hold a mirror to your face to show you how much pain you're in."



"I'm already tired," he protested.



"Then it'll help you rest. There are two different ways to use these. You either need it like I used to. Or, you NEED it like you do now." She glanced around to find a number of people had come in to pass the time. This was no time for a private argument. She leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Take the stupid pill, Chris. You're hurting bad, making yourself clench your body. That blood down there won't move easier if you stay that way. It helps more than just the pain. Stop putting on airs to try and show me you're stronger than having to take drugs. They can be good, if you don't abuse them like I did. Trust me, I know you won't make that mistake."



He started to protest again, but stopped on her stern look. Not liking to lose an argument, Chris shook his head and downed the pill. It didn't help his ego much when he saw her smirk from the corner of his eye. But, he knew she was right. His body was tensed up, and he didn't notice it until she said something.



A few more came in the room to see what was going on, but everything had settled down and soon the atmosphere was almost as if it would have been had their classmates been there. Parents and older siblings started talking about their high school and college antics. Some of the stories were very good and most were humorous. While the reminiscing was taking place, some watched the TV, others started playing cards, while several just stood where they could, sipping sodas purchased from the machine down the hall. It was very much like nothing was missing.



The whole while, Christine left her perch next to Chris only once to use the bathroom. Other than that, she protectively kept glancing at his face, even after he drifted off. She willingly smiled while listening to the light banter, occasionally throwing in a story about a classmate that would usually confirm their relation to the loved one speaking.



About an hour and a half later, Sister Collins came in to inform that half of the group that the buses would be leaving in 20 minutes for Disney's adult theme park, Pleasure Island. Most everyone left and Christine brushed her hand over Chris's hair to wake him.



"We're leaving in 20 minutes to start tonight's fun. Did you want to stay here and sleep?"



He looked around in a light fog. Then he blinked at her while answering slowly, "Uh, no...I'll go."



She nodded and busied herself with removing the icepack and re-wrapping his ankle with the fresh supportive bandage. Christine was relieved that although the leg was pale from the cold of the ice, it had returned to a much more normal shape and size. Once done, she helped him sit up and propped the crutches next to the bed.



"Don't go downstairs until I get back, okay?" she warned. "You're gonna be dizzy at first, so sitting up while I get changed will help clear your head."



Once she excused herself to his roommates, they took turns telling Chris that he was a lucky man to be looked after by Christine. He looked at them with glassy eyes and nodded, not fully comprehending what they had said. After letting his head clear a bit, Chris moved to stand up. One of his roommates quickly reached out to him and helped him up. He gave a mumbled and embarrassed thanks then hobbled to the bathroom.



He had returned to the bed, sitting up and much more aware of the surroundings now that the actions of tidying up for the night out had pushed some of the fog away. It wasn't long after that Christine returned to the room. She was allowed in, and to Chris, seeing her was like a breath of fresh, cool air. She had changed into a pale green dress. Well, it was more of a one-piece top and skirt. The top part fit close to her upper body without being tight, and the skirt was free flowing and came to about mid way down her thighs. Her hair was done in a pony tail. To Chris, he loved that she was so feminine, and right now she looked playful. When she smiled and spoke, he was relieved that the motherly and accusatory tones about his pain were gone.



"You ready to go?" she asked brightly, hair still slightly damp from the quick shower she had taken. In the shower, she made an oath to herself to let Chris's judgment about his leg prevail. She would not interfere again, lest it would make him resent her. That is unless he got to a similar point as earlier and needed another kick in the rear.



He nodded and replied, "You bet!"



Two of his roommates made a step to help him up, but Christine was already there, grasping his forearm. With an ease that shocked them, she braced herself against his pulling and he was standing in a flash. They had expected her to at least nearly fall into the bed, but this seemed old hat and she provided the help with absolute grace. Little did they know that while she knew just how she needed to stand to help him up, every time she did so, her once-injured knee would make itself known to her and occasionally so would her still-healing chest. But, those were burdens she gladly endured with a smile for him.







The "Grad Nite" trip began in earnest when the bus pulled into the Pleasure Island parking lot. The group on each bus had their heads turned to the neon and strobes bejeweling the buildings across the lake. It was pretty, even in the light of the 4 o'clock sun. The buses pulled up near the entrance and the group got out and waited for the two students to appear. Just as Chris retrieved his crutches from Christine on the ground, a bright and friendly young lady in a uniform approached. She ignored all the others, including Sister Collins and made straight for Chris.



After a merely acknowledging glance toward Christine, she locked eyes with Chris and held out her hand. "Hello, Christopher! My name is Ann, and I'll be your guest ambassador during your stay."



He smiled at the attractive female. "Please, call me Chris." A shift in weight from Christine broke the spell. "Oh, this is Christine." There was a foot tap next to him, so he added, "my girlfriend."



Christine smiled, pleased with herself and with Chris for taking her cues and held out her hand.



"Pleased to meet you," smiled Ann as she stepped over to take Christine's hand. She stepped over a couple of paces and introduced herself to Sister Collins.



CC turned to follow Ann and Chris asked, "How did you know my name?"



Ann held his eyes and replied, "Are you serious? Who doesn't know you or Christine on sight? We interns may have dorms here on the Disney property, but they're not jail cells. There's a TV in every room." 



She chuckled at the obviously inside joke, but when no one here got it, she continued after clearing her throat. 



"There were a lot of write-ups for tardiness the morning y'all were found. I was so excited when I was volunteered to be your group's ambassador!"



"Volunteered?! That doesn't sound like very much fun...or that you were willing." Christine wanted to knock down Ann's flirting perfection and thought she found a chink in the armor.



Ann, however, maintained her bright smile and remained cheery. With an ever so slight nod toward something behind them she answered, "Oh, well group assignments work a little different around here. Instead of being 'selected' or 'told' what to do, you're volunteered." Her head tipped a bit as she pondered what she just said. "I guess that's kind of ironic in light of what they pay us interns."



A young man and lady seemed to appear out of nowhere behind the group, also in uniform.



Ann introduced them with a raised voice so that the edges of the group could hear, "This is Ambassador Jake and Ambassador Chrissy. Your group is pretty big, so we're going to split into three, so that everyone can hear the introductory tour. If y'all could do that now, that would be magical!"



While everyone was separating into natural groups, Ann addressed the pair. "CC, if you'll excuse me," she said as she slipped past around them.



Christine's expression changed. "CC?!" Her gaze followed Ann.



Ann suddenly was holding a wheelchair in place behind Chris. "I think you'll better enjoy the park if you didn't have your walking sticks thrust under your arms the whole time, Chris," she said sweetly.



He paused, ready to object but decided she was right, so he sat down. While Ann snapped his crutches into the holding clip on the back of the chair, he chuckled.



Christine couldn't help but feel the jealous knot in her stomach. Ann so far had held his attention from the moment she walked up. And more infuriating, her's as well. "What's so funny?"



Chris openly laughed now. "This!" Then, in a mocking tone, "It's like magic! Woooo." He saw his girlfriend wasn't amused. "Oh come on C, you have to admit that this is pretty cool. She knows our combined pet name, the other two 'ambassadors' appearing out of thin air, not to mention we didn't see the wheelchair being brought up. Very well played, Ann."



Ann nodded with a "thanks!" and started pushing Chris toward the entrance. The wooden bridge to the island had warning signs on each side of the rails proclaiming a strict policy of no admittance under 21.



As they traversed the bridge, Christine brought herself to ask, "We're not 21, so why are we going in, and why the age restriction?"



Ann cheerily explained that Pleasure Island is a nightime hotspot populated by clubs ranging from dance to comedy, and that all the clubs served adult beverages. "We restrict the age to protect ourselves from serving drinks to underaged guests unintentionally."

<hr pg="3" />"So why are you leading us in?"



"It's all part of the Grad Nite program. We usually open this park after six, but for graduates such as yourselves, we open early...Not serving alcohol until after you leave before six, of course."



"Are we the only group here?" asked one of the four parents behind them.



"No, today, there are six other schools here. The Island ahead looks empty because it is quite large, and the other groups are either enjoying the clubs inside or have yet to arrive."



Chris's curiosity got the better of him. "So, how did you do that back there?"



"Do what?"



"I think you know."



Ann gave a slight chuckle. "It was all scripted. We figured you'd refuse this chair if you saw it coming at you across the bridge, so I was instructed to get your attention, somehow get you to turn away, and suggest you use it. Things worked better than planned, because your principal happened to be standing behind you."



She paused at the ticket booth for the attendant to open the disabled access gate. Christine couldn't suppress the temptation and took the opportunity to assert her claim to Chris. She deftly stepped in front of the chair and perched herself on his lap, wrapping her arm around his neck. The other four in this group snickered at the openly jealous move.



"Get his attention, huh? And how exactly were you supposed to do that? And why not me?"



Ann started moving toward a large fountain in the middle, a natural starting point for a tour. "I think you know how, being a girl who's emotionally attached to him."



Christine sighed. "Yes, I saw. But..."



Ann laughed lightly, trying...and Christine was unwilling to admit...succeeding at disarming her. "Very well. Chris here was the one we had to turn, so that's why him. For a young man, nothing grabs attention better than an attractive female with a smile and a sweet disposition. I was to lightly flirt with him, so that when I moved around, he would keep his eyes on me. I was also to assess whether he really could be more comfortable off his crutches."



"So, that's what that nod was about," he remarked.



"Exactly. If I nodded, Jake and Chrissy would quietly bring the chair. If I had looked at them, then looked away, they would have just strolled across the bridge to pick up the rest of the group without the chair." At the fountain, she turned the chair to face down the left street. She locked the brakes and smoothly stepped around to face the group. "Any other questions before we begin?"



"How did you know we were collectively called CC?" asked Christine.



Ann smiled again. "We researched you two once we found out that you insisted on coming after that tragedy, and more importantly, why you still wanted to come." She looked up to the other four parents. "The Disney Family of cast members and employees are very sorry for your losses, by the way. If there is anything you can think of that we can do to help you, please ask me and I'll get it for you, or at least get get someone from that department who can."



There was a small chorus of quiet thank yous.



"How about a million bucks?" asked one of the dads, jokingly.



Without hesitation, Ann answered, "I am not authorized for that sum of money, but I can contact our community relations department and they can see what they can do. Someone will arrive to address your request in a few minutes. In the meantime, sodas for your group are complimentary tonight and tomorrow. Just ask me, and I'll fetch them for you. If you'll excuse me..." she reached for the radio at her hip.



The dad was shocked, but spoke to stop her. "I was joking, you don't have to do that, really."



"Very well. Just know that if you or anyone you know in your group need anything, we are eager to help. Disney has a wide range of resources. More than you would think. We are an 85% self-reliant city, so to speak. Because of the large number of cast members it takes to run all this, there's a medical center, counseling services, mini grocery store, fire department...you name it. So, seriously... if you come up with a way you'd like us to assist you, please let me know whenever convenient to you."



"That's a big offer. Surely you don't tell everyone that," Christine mused.



"Disney is one of the most generous organizations in the world. But, sadly, you are correct. We do what we can where we can, and while the charity account is substantial, it does have limits. However, Management was very moved by the story y'all were involved in a week ago, so the offer is being repeated to your companions in the other two groups."



"Are all the school groups given an ambassador?" asked Chris.



"Some are, and some are not."



"How were you chosen for us?" The contempt was fading from Christine, but still there.



"I've often been volunteered to be an ambassador to VIP groups and families. I'm attractive and intelligent, and am instructed to use that to relate to my guests."



"You're incredibly open about the behind-the-scenes stuff going on. Isn't this supposed to be a... how did you say...magical experience?"



"Well, yes. However, our research suggested that you two would have fun knowing how things worked here...or were we mistaken?"



Christine realized now that through the serious Q &amp; A, she was deeply interested, and interesting was fun. Chris always loved toying with things, figuring out how they worked, so this was magical in itself. They both nodded that Ann was right.



Ann smiled. "Great! I promise to keep some of the mystery intact. This has been educational for y'all so far. Would you like to move onto more fun things, or keep this up? Either way, I am happy to do as you ask."



Christine flicked her eyes toward a souvenir stand on the corner of the avenue. She decided to test Ann's offer. "I'd really like to have one of those Mickey Mouse ears."



Ann stepped back to the handles of the chair and released the brakes. "Alright! We'll swing by there first."



She parked the chair in front of the stand and strolled up to the vendor, asking for 6 of the Mickey and Minnie hats. Ann handed him her ID card that was clipped to her belt and he scanned it along with the hats. When she returned, she handed Christine, who was still sitting on Chris's lap, a Minnie hat and doled out the rest according to gender.



Christine, in a playful move that was distinctly teenager, placed her Minnie ears on Chris's head and snatched the Mickey ones for herself. "I like the Mickey ones," she said plainly as she donned them. The small group laughed and Chris proudly wore his girlfriend's gift for the rest of the trip.



Ann started her tour and pushed the pair down the street, giving her tour. The tour notes were obviously canned, but she spoke as if they were her words relating her memories of personal experiences at the park. She had a fantastic way of speaking that made each in the group feel as if she were talking to them. No one was left out, and she freely answered the sporadic questions from all, working them into the presentation.



When they returned to their starting spot, the park was more full as the other schools had arrived. Groups of friends meandered around, getting their bearings as to what this place was. Their other two larger groups were no longer in sight, presumably having ducked into their venue of choice. Ann started pushing them toward an 80's and 90's club even before asking for and receiving Christine's choice of where to go.



Christine's prejudiced opinion of Ann had gradually disappeared during the walkthrough, and being this close to Chris made her antsy. She was ready to dance and have some fun. They entered the club, icy breeze from the air conditioning hitting them in the face. There was a steady throb of the beat from the speakers and Chris could already feel Christine bouncing slightly on his thigh. Ann parked the chair on a raised walkway ringing the building and overlooking the modestly populated dance floor.



She slipped a lanyard cord over Chris's neck and held the cheesy pink star that hung from the cord. "Okay," she called over the blaring music. "I'll let you all enjoy this yourselves for a while. If you need anything...drinks, directions to the restroom, moving to a different club...anything...press this button, say 'bippity boppity boo' and I'll be right there."



Both shot her a look.



She smiled broadly. "Just kidding. Hit the button and my radio will beep, so I'll know to come find you. Have a magical time!" With that, almost like magic, she was gone.



Christine got up and although Chris would never admit it to her, his legs rejoiced in the relief. The other four were already making their way to the floor. Christine asked if he wanted to go down with her, but he said he felt he would only be in the way. She shrugged with a sad grin and headed down.



During the second half of their tour, their group endured a number of double-takes from others who thought they recognized them. Chris was watching Christine pick up the beat as she walked when two girls who were watching the dancing from the rail came over.



"Hey!" one of them called. "Are you who we think you are?"



He tore his eyes away from Christine to look at them. "I don't know. Who do you think I am?"



"You're that guy that survived the Prom Tornado," the other shouted.



He smiled and held out his hand. "I'm Chris."



The girls shouted their names, but he instantly forgot them. "Oh my God," the first one exclaimed. "I could swear I saw you standing when you came out of the hospital on TV. What happened?"



Chris shook his head. "I'm not paralyzed. The trip here made my ankle really sore, so they let me use this chair. I can stand and even walk if I want to."



The second one batted her eyelashes. "Want me to kiss it and make it better?"



The offer and ensuing fantasy flashed through his brain and it was delicious, but he turned his eyes back to his girlfriend. "Thanks, but I already have a caretaker."



When he didn't turn back to the girls, they got the hint. "Well, we'll be over there if you change your mind," the first one said, but it didn't get a response.







Christine also gathered attention on the dance floor. The guys dancing around her felt that something about her was familiar, but couldn't place it. Coupled with her attractiveness and playful movements, a number of them tried pairing up with her. She would dance a couple of bars of music with one, then move on to another. It was fun, but it would have been much more so if Chris could have joined her. Stupid wall, why did it have to hurt him so bad. It was weird, but some of the guys seemed to move off, not that she cared.



Then, there was a distinctive caress on her upper back. She launched an elbow, intending on smashing the offender's nose, but there was a "thwack" and the impact felt a lot broader than she was expecting. "Hey! No touching I said..." she wheeled around and cut her venom short. "Oh shit. Chris, I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was you!" she gasped.



Chris had caught his balance with his bad foot and winced harshly. Christine felt horrible.



He recovered a bit and gave the best grin he could manage. "It's okay, C! Glad I'm still wearing my Kevlar vest, though! Lucky I'm that much taller than you."



She wrapped him in a tight hug and reached up with her face to give him a soft kiss. "I'm sorry. I thought you were still up there with those girls."



"What girls?"



"The two that came over as soon as I left you. I saw them...you can't lie to ..." she saw his grin and stopped. "Oh...I see what you did there. You're too sweet."



"Thanks! I'm not sure what I'm doing out here. Don't know how much I can move."



Christine placed a hand lightly behind his neck and dipped slightly, twisting her hips. "You don't have to. I'll do all the work this time."



With that, she let herself go. Her body danced and gyrated around him, while her hands danced on his upper half. She closed her eyes and let those hands guide her movements so that she was always only a breath away from his body. It was like pole dancing without the stripper moves. After a number of songs, the DJ wound down to a ballad and Chris swayed Christine in his arms. She rested her head against his upper arm, and a couple of times he swore he could hear her sniffle. When that song was done, the music stopped and the crowd applauded the pair. The two looked up and saw that they had been the only ones dancing during that tune. By way of the girls who came up to Chris, word had gotten around as to who they were.



Christine wiped the mist from her eyes and the DJ announced, "We'd like to thank our special guests, Chris Zehyr and Christine Barron for joining us today!" The applause restarted. He then announced that joining the pair at the park were parents of their classmates and acknowledged the two couples that were present in the room. The DJ took a break and the piped in music was softer, allowing easier mingling. CC took the opportunity to make their way back to the chair.



Chris asked if she was okay, since it appeared she was crying. After a few moments of silence, all she answered was, "Just overwhelmed by everything."



Ann was at the top of the sloping ramp, wheelchair at the ready. "Glad to see you two having fun! We need to leave, it's after 5:30 and your school has dinner scheduled at the Grand Floridian."



They were ready to leave anyway, and the other four parents followed them out the door. There were two streams of pedestrian traffic on the avenue. The mostly younger ribbon heading out, and the advance-admission adults heading in for an early preview of the evening. As they walked, Christine thought about what should have been, what could have been, and what was now. Aside from losing almost all of her friends, this was the best outcome. Here she was, enjoying the waning rays of the sun on her face, walking next to her best friend who she had come to love. It was a little soured that she was walking, and he was riding, but when she would look over at him, he'd look up at her and throw her a loving smile.



Ann intruded into her thoughts. "Y'all are lucky to see the nightclubs. They are closing next year."



Christine turned, almost stumbling. "Why? I would think that this attraction would be quite popular."



"Well, it is...for graduates, and that's once a year. The economy change has made much of the over-21 segment cut back on their play money. So, Disney is incorporating Pleasure Island into their Downtown Disney shopping and restaurant district."



Chris was amused by Christine's mood change at the news. "What does it matter, C? We probably won't be back here for another 10 or 15 years," he asked, chuckling.



"Maybe not you, but my family comes down every third year," she explained. I was thinking that the next time they were all down, I'd finally be old enough for us to go to Pleasure Island."



Charter buses were lined up near the entrance to pick up the throngs of teenagers. Christine was suddenly aware of how small their school was. The other groups were boarding five and even six identical buses. Ann pushed Chris past the noisy line to a separate drive where two white buses with "Disney" scripted down the sides were waiting. Christine was confused until she remembered where they were eating dinner.



Ann held the chair while Chris got to his foot and crutches. When she didn't move to board, Christine asked, "Aren't you coming with us?"



"I'll meet you at the Magic Kingdom after dinner," she answered simply, but in a pleasant tone.



"You have to eat, too."



Ann smiled. "Yes, and I will at the cast members' cafeteria."



Christine considered what she thought was being said between the lines. She tilted her head when she got an idea. "I'd like to request that you join us for dinner."



Chris was on the second step when she said this and he turned to see if he heard correctly. Christine seemed to loathe Ann at first, now they're gal-pals?



Ann brightened up and flashed a wide smile. "Since you requested, I'll be happy to accompany your group."







The buses arrived at the red and white Victorian resort. The only two from their group who didn't seem awed by the five story lobby were Christine and Ann. A friendly female hotel "cast member" greeted the group. She glanced at Ann uncertainly, but Ann deflected it with a flick of her eyes toward Christine. The hostess gave a short history about the flagship hotel at Disney World and led them to a restaurant named "1900 Park Fare." At the door, she had Sister Collins sign the ticket and also swiped Ann's badge. The large room was ornate and bright. Almost like it was modeled after what tea parties in sun rooms must have been like. A large automated musical instrument was the focal point on one wall, and a generous buffet lined the other. The group assumed, correctly, that the large assembly of tables was for them, and a number of females claimed seats by depositing purses on them.



CC was pushed to the front of the line, but Chris held things up briefly, trying to figure out the best way to carry a plate and both crutches. Christine put her empty plate down and took Chris's, telling him to sit and that she'd bring his dinner. He did so, and shortly after, Ann stole the plate in turn. She urged Christine to get her own plate. As they made their way down the line, Christine would tell Ann what she remembered Chris typically liked and Ann would place generous portions onto the dishware. With a sneaky smile, Christine added a couple of things that she figured would be new to him. Ann put Chris's meal before him and returned to the end of the line while Christine perched on a chair next to him.



By the time Ann joined the table next to Christine, the group was sharing stories about their time on Pleasure Island. Some lines from the acts at the comedy club were repeated, and details about the swing club were accounted. Chris was about to say something when the group's attention was diverted behind him. A young lady in a light blue gown and long white gloves had approached and she raised her voice to the room, welcoming everyone to her "Happily Ever After Dinner." Chris recognized the character as Cinderella and he glanced around the room. Nearly every table outside their group had one or more children populating their seats. Cinderella made some happy comments about "her" dinner, then introduced the combined instrument on the wall as "Big Bertha."



On cue, the organ began her own embellished introduction and then laid into an entertaining concert with her pipes, horns, drums, and bells that seemed to delight the children. Meanwhile, Cinderella happily posed with the members of the school's table, starting with CC. Ann energetically and skillfully used the cameras being handed her to capture the moment.



Chris's sometimes skeptical nature wanted to be put off by the childish and whimsical choice that had been made for this dinner, but he found himself smiling, laughing, and having a good time. Christine seemed to barely notice everything going on in the room. She was preoccupied with her food, since she had kicked up a sizable appetite while dancing. Ann noticed in between her photography duties that Christine would frequently glance at Chris. Occasionally, she'd catch his eye and he'd smile at her, which was returned gloriously. Ann finally got to sit back down, Cinderella moved on to the other tables in the room, and the volume reached a more conversation-friendly level.



Chris took advantage of the quieter moment to ask Christine if she was okay, as she seemed distracted. She assured him that everything was fine, and explained that she had seen this dinner show already with her family. Ann started asking them questions about their background that her research missed. Christine happily answered all of them in between flirting glances at Chris. When that conversation waned, she asked her own questions of Ann. The Q&amp;A revealed that Ann was interning for a public relations career, her internship was ending next week, and that while her term of two years was fun, she was also glad to have it over. A surprise revealed the reason behind her light southern accent and word choices. She was from Panama City, not far from CC's homes. A lighter moment came when the two ladies found out that they had attended the same cheering camp only a few years apart. It sparked a spontaneous stereo chant that increased in tempo from the two that had the table in stitches by the end.

<hr pg="4" />After everyone had dessert, Ann checked her watch and stood up. She announced that Grad Nite would be starting in about 20 minutes. The group murmured in excitement as they got up and filed out.







On the bus, Chris asked what exactly Grad Nite was. Ann explained that for these events, Disney held the Magic Kindgom park open until about 2a.m. for the visiting graduates. It gave them free reign of the park with much reduced lines. Chris's face fell a touch at the mention of lines and Christine picked the emotion up right away.



"What's wrong?" she asked.



He tapped the hard shell under his shirt. "No rides, remember?"



"No need to worry about that," Ann said. "There's so much more to Magic Kingdom than rides."



Chapter 20







As she said this, Cinderella's Castle came into view just as the firework finale was being launched. Everyone in the buses went to that side to watch the fantastic display. The romance of the view washed over Christine. She picked up Chris's hand, kissed it, then held it to her breast for the rest of the ride. His current impairment did not allow holding hands while they walked, and she missed that, even though their pairing was only weeks old.



Ann gathered everyone around her once they were off the buses. She handed out gift cards to each person, compliments of the Disney World family. If any in the group weren't happy to this point, they certainly were changing their minds now. Sister Collins informed everyone that this part was up to them. They could see the park in as little or big a group as they wanted, but at 1:30 they were to assemble directly in front of the Castle. The passes were handed out and everyone headed inside.



Ann stayed with Chris and Christine along with the four parents from earlier. One more couple joined their group and Ann led them inside, pushing Chris in a once-again magically appearing wheelchair. She assumed the role of tour guide, explaining how the Magic Kingdom was laid out, how the tunnels on the first floor allowed cast members to move through the park without being seen, as well as how the concrete they walked on was brushed in different directions to reduce pedestrian fatigue. On Main Street USA, she encouraged her group to shop the different stores. She giggled when Chris picked out a monster cookie from the bakery. He said he didn't know why, but just had to try one. Ann said it was a bit of marketing...outside, they had misters in the planters that pumped out aromas. Some times it's fresh-baked bread, others it's chocolate chip cookies.



And so their stay in the park continued in similar fashion. They watched shows, rode a couple of rides that merely moved them through an attraction, and as a finale, Ann arranged a horse and buggy ride for the group to see the rest of the park. All the while, Ann would answer ANY questions any of the group had. She never hesitated, never had to think about her answer. It was automatic, and she pointed out little secrets of the park where she thought it would be fun for them.



Christine, of course, had seen it all before, minus a few of the "Easter Eggs." She always loved the place, an escape from everyday life where everything seemed taken care of. It was different this time around, though. Seeing the park exclusively at night was new, and with Ann there, she didn't have to have her nose buried in a map half the time. But, more importantly, she was sharing the experience with Chris. That alone was enough to make this experience unique for her. The last 45 minutes on the carriage ride were the icing on the cake. While Ann cheerfully pointed out landmarks and tidbits, Christine was able to snuggle up to Chris, wind her arm around his, and just absorb everything. It was like a romantic dream, watching the scenes of characters and playing teens drift by. The clop clop of the horses' cadence was hypnotic, and for those 45 minutes, the nagging sadness, grief, and fear of the horrific events finally drifted away from the back of her head.



They pulled up to the front of Cinderella Castle and Chris found a way to disembark before anyone got a chance to ask if he needed help. They were greeted with smiles from those who returned to the meeting point early. Christine wanted a photo of her and Chris in front of the Castle, and Ann was happy to oblige. Before using Christine's phone, she radioed something. By the time their group assembled and posed for a Christine-requested shot, one of the park photographers arrived. The photos were reshot in reverse order by him, and she requested one to be taken with Ann in their picture.



The photographer was a professional, he knew the area in front of the Castle well, these subjects followed pose suggestions well, and they seemed to be in no hurry. So, he asked the couple if they would agree to a few more poses and after assertion that there'd be nothing too crazy due to Chris's leg, they figured it was good enough to pass the time until the last few of the school group got there. The photographer picked a raised bed with a tree planted in the center. He had Chris sit on the corner, and Christine sit on his lap. The photographer had a feeling about the two and readied himself while Christine was getting into position. Sure enough, the proximity between CC triggered a spontaneous kiss, and the camera flash popped. They giggled at the slight embarrassment of being caught on film, and another flash went off. The two posed for several more shots before being coached at length for the final one. The actual instruction didn't take so long, it was the waiting while the artist thought about the one thing that would make "that" shot. She was in Chris's lap, his arms encircling around her, her head resting on his chest and his head rested on hers. As he clicked the shutter, the photographer knew this looked completely posed, but he didn't care. The money in this picture was the expressions in their faces. They were happy, confident, and very much in love with each other.



When he got that concluded, the two shared another lingering kiss before Christine hopped down from the tall planter. Chris scooted around the edge until the pavement rose to where he could touch it with his good foot. Ann held the chair while Chris hopped in, and said that she'd give them their photos tomorrow morning, since they wouldn't be able to come back to the park to retrieve them from the shop.



The rest of the large group trickled in, and they made their way down Main Street USA, through the gates, and to their charter buses. Ann said good night to the couple and promised to see them tomorrow morning in front of Epcot. Even though it was late, and there were a lot of tired faces on the bus, the vehicle was filled with excited chatter about everyone's experiences.



Back at the hotel, the group amassed near Chris and Christine's room doors. With Chris back on his crutches, the couple was the last to make their way there. When they approached, one of the parents stepped forward.



"Chris, Christine. We all wanted to thank you for keeping this trip and inviting us to take it along with you. I think I speak for us all when I say that everything that has happened so far, and the manner you two act and play with us is healing our hearts."



One of the men from the back called out, "that's right! Thank you!" This sparked a mostly subdued round of applause...it was, after all, almost two in the morning.



Christine blushed and gave a dazzling smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Morgan. We're so glad all of you decided to come. I wish we could clone ourselves so that we could spend some more time with each of y'all."



Mrs. Morgan gave both a hug and said, "I don't know how you could do anything better. You both seem to know when to be there for us, and when we'd like a bit of space."



All CC could do was smile in return. Sister Collins spoke up and got everyone moving toward bedtime. She reminded the group that breakfast was scheduled next door for 8 a.m.



The group split up and disappeared into their rooms. CC stayed in the hallway just a bit longer to say goodnight to each other. They kissed, professed their love, then retreated to their rooms. Their roommates kept each talking while getting ready for bed, and when those conversations died off, Christine's phone chirped. She looked at it and smiled. The text read, "G'nite. I love you!" She put the phone down on the nightstand, ignoring that it had collected another 30 or so voicemails while she was away for the day. No matter how busy we are, he still remembers to say good night, she thought with a smile just before drifting off.







Chris was the last one up in his room, allowing his roommates to get ready without him being in the way. There was a soft knock on the door when he was in the shower. One of the guys opened it and Christine was there. He let her in and told her where Chris was. She said good morning to the three then knocked on the bathroom door.



"Chris? I came to see if you needed any help."



There were some snickers behind her and a voice said, "Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't mind a helping 'hand.'"



She wheeled around. "Judge Jenkins! That's the furthest from my mind right now." It was met by three cynical looks. "Well, okay...maybe not the furthest. But I'm certainly not going to do THAT with you guys here." She closed her eyes, knowing what that must have sounded like.



"Well, we'll head next door to give you some privacy, then," Jenkins said with an impish grin.



"No, stay!" That was a bit harsher than she intended. "Um, I meant that we're not going to do anything like that, and it would look bad to everyone else if we were left alone in this room."



"Well, if you want to finish getting ready or something, Christine, I could wrap Chris's ankle," another man offered.



She put her hands on her hips and cocked a defiant grin. "Are you telling me I don't look ready to go out? Besides, I doubt you've wrapped anything yourself since medical school, Doctor."



He replied in mock defensiveness, yet obviously enjoying her young retaliatory banter. "My, aren't we feisty this morning?! And, please...his name is Paul, and mine is Charles. Y'all have invited us along as one of your equals, it's only fair that you get to address us the same."



"Well, thank you, Judge Paul and Dr. Charles."



The room laughed at her unexpected measure of respect for them. It was cut short when Chris appeared in the door frame. He was dressed in only boxers, and his hair was tousled and damp from his shower, but that's not what stopped the conversation. His smile at the sight of Christine betrayed the small forming scars and fading bruises that blotched his chest. The bare ankle that he held in the air while using his crutches had returned to a normal color now, but was still noticeably swollen.



"Wow, I had almost forgotten the hell you two must have gone through," the Doctor remarked.



Chris sighed as he hobbled over to the bed. "Well..." He was going so say more, but nothing sounded right in his head, so he left it at that.



The others resumed getting ready and Christine knelt on the bed behind Chris with his protective chest brace laying on her lap.



She touched the blemishes on his body gently and whispered, "does it still hurt?"



He sucked in a sharp breath at her unintentional tickling. "It aches some." He turned and touched her between her breasts, feeling the ribbing of her bra through her t-shirt. "What about you?"



She looked down with a smile at his lingering fingers. "It aches sometimes."



He turned back around with a nod and she set about fitting the brace on him. Then, she fished out one of his t-shirts from the dresser and helped him into it. Next were his shorts and she held them at his ankles. He leaned forward and snatched them out of her hands.



"It's just my ankle and chest. I CAN put these on myself, Mom," he said somewhat agitated.



Christine put her hands up apologetically and the three men in the room laughed heartily. She went to get the now-dry bandage and clips and sat on the bed again, this time straddling the damaged ankle. She rubbed it only hard enough to be skin deep and was pleased that she got him to start almost purring. Once she was satisfied that she had gotten any itching taken care of, she moved the leg and rested it on her thigh. While she was wrapping the ankle in a practiced figure 8, she caught where his stare was aimed and she blushed profusely.



"I think I know what you can see down there," she hissed in a whisper. "Don't be so obvious about it." She glanced pointedly at the other three.



He looked up with a bit of red in his cheeks and sheepishly mouthed "sorry."



She shook her head as she finished the wrap, fastened the end with the clips, and put the hard boot on him. Then she crawled, kitten-like toward his head and gave him a kiss. "Did you like what you saw?" she asked in his ear.



"Yes, I love seeing glimpses of your pastel pink panties through the legs of your shorts," he whispered back, punctuating the statement with a kiss.



She scrambled up saying, "you sure were looking hard, weren't you?"



He only shrugged when she tossed a clean sock and his tennis shoe at him.



"I'll meet you in the hall," she said with a grin and disappeared out the door.



Christine returned to her room across the hall to put on her socks and shoes. The ladies there asked if she was coming with them to breakfast, but she told them to go ahead since she was going to wait for Chris. Once her footwear was donned, she went in the hall and sat against the wall on the floor. The guys met their ladies and that group headed down. A few more couples met up, said good morning to her and also left. At last, Chris appeared and she got up to kiss him, both saying I love yous before making their way to join every one else.



Their large group took up a whole dining section, and they sat at separate tables...the only two empty seats left. A few offered to shift around so they could sit together, but Chris waved them off. Without so much as a word, Christine understood why he did so. It was a chance again to make themselves available to as much of the group as possible. Most everyone was already eating and the waitress came around to get the last few orders. Even when most were finished with their meals, they all waited for the whole group to finish. The mood was light this morning, carrying over from last night. Stories were shared about what they did. The laughter was most robust when one of the couples that was with CC at the nightclub related how Chris surprised her on the dance floor and got elbowed for the gesture.



CC finished their breakfast and Sister Collins told the group to finish getting ready for the day, as the buses were leaving the hotel in about 20 minutes. Everybody paid their tabs, and one of the couples at each of their tables insisted on paying for CC's bills. Christine used the chance to visit the restaurant's restroom, and they made their way to wait outside the bus, choosing to skip the hotel rooms.







Chris swung himself on his crutches around the corner of the droning bus into the shade from the morning sun that was already hot. About half way down the side, he turned and let himself fall backward slightly until he was leaning against the steel shell. Christine was moving in front of him when he propped his bad foot against the bus. With the crutches resting beside him, he used his free hands to take her arm and pull her against him. Chris leaned down and covered her mouth with his, ignoring the driver who was smoking near the door at the front. When the kiss was mutually broke, Christine stumbled slightly back and giggled softly, lightheaded from the surprise kiss.



"What?" asked Chris, a little confused. "What's so funny, did I do it wrong?"



She smiled and shook her head while she stepped back to him, embracing his body in a tight hug. "No. It's just...something floated through my head just now."



He kissed the top of her hair. "What, then?"



She looked up and sang softly, "When I'm kissin' U it all starts makin' sense..."



"Oh. Heh...So, you haven't changed your mind about me yet?"



"Now why would I do that?"



"Well, your face...your voice..." he glanced down her shirt "everything about you is so pretty. And I'm a silent ogre."



She flushed at the compliment, but her face became agitated. "Ogre? Are you questioning my taste in men? You are not an ogre!"



"I am next to you."



"Well, that's true," Christine said with a teasing smirk. "Silent lately, yes. Ogre, no. Why have you been so quiet?"



"I don't want to say anything that might make you mad. It would be accidental, of course, but still..."



"Don't worry. Nothing you say would make me mad."



"Oh yeah? I've done it before...sometimes I still feel the sting from that drama club practice." He rubbed his cheek to make the point.



She looked down. "I wasn't mad, then. I was deeply concerned...and afraid you were going to sink somewhere I couldn't go to find you." She looked back up into his eyes. "I had to wake you up...knock some sense into you." Her head dipped to rest on his chest. "Sometimes you look happy on this trip, but at the same time, it feels like you're slipping back...especially when you're quiet."



Chris rubbed her back and she released a tearless sob. "Trust me. I'm not falling anywhere except in love with you."



She gulped against the lump in her throat and looked back up. "Thanks. I love you, too. But what are you thinking all that time you aren't talking?"



"Like you don't know...or think about the same things."



Her expression was puzzled, then it dawned on her. But, he couldn't possibly be as unsettled about that as she was...or, maybe he was. She hadn't thought about that, since he was so emotionally strong during the whole ordeal. So, she voiced it. "Being trapped?"



"Yes. That and school next year, or work...future with you...how on Earth to keep you happy..."



"You're making me pretty damn happy right now."



"Good, 'cause I'm trying really hard to come up with ways to keep you that way."



She put her hand behind his head and pulled him into a strong kiss. It lasted a minute or so before they heard footsteps behind them.



"Ahem! No PDA's, CC."



The kiss broke abruptly and Christine wheeled around, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as she did so. Both of them had a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Sister Collins."



The nun had her arms crossed in front of her. "I know your circumstances are exceptional, but this is still a school event! I won't stand for it. Make sure it doesn't happen again."



The driver came closer from his position by the door. "Hey, give them a break, Sister. It's not like they were frisking each other or playing 'body cavity search.' They were just working out the insecurities of young love."



Some of their friends' siblings and parents had made it around the bus by now. Tony's sister spoke up. "I never understood that rule. I mean prohibiting tongue play and over-zealous touching is one thing, but barring ANY hugs or kisses...even between friends is ridiculous."



"It's a school event, and they know better," the principal insisted.



By this time, Carol had come in earshot. She turned to the parade of parents walking up to the now-spectacle. "You all hear that? This is a school function. Party's over...no touching and certainly no kissing!"



Christine closed her eyes and fell back against the bus with a thud next to Chris. She certainly didn't want all this.



Chris felt the impending mutiny and worked to head it off, putting up his hands. "Alright, alright! To be fair, she caught us doing slightly more than pecking each others' lips. And, we ARE still students...so, we'll fight to not be so comfortable as to overstep our place. I guess we'll see you in detention on Friday, Sister?" While he didn't want another outright fight between the parents and the principal...God knows there were plenty of them the last four years at PTA meetings...he still couldn't resist the small jab at the end.

<hr pg="5" />Sister Collins saw what he just did there, and she was grateful, since it looked like she was outnumbered on this one. So, with a hint of a smile she said, "Well, you two keep the rules in mind, and I won't see that punishment as necessary, okay?"



The tension broke and soon everyone was climbing onto the two buses. Christine turned to walk on when Chris flicked the back of her head with a thwap.



"OW!! What was that for?!" she nearly screamed as she whipped around, pony tail flying.



He laughed, along with Carol and several others behind them. "For being so damned beautiful that I couldn't resist breaking the rules."



She rolled her eyes and headed up the steps, secretly flattered. "I'll get you back when you least expect it. You know that, right?" she called.



"I'd like to see you try," he grinned, swinging his way after her.







The buses stopped in front of the sleek "modern 80's style" ticket booths guarding the Epcot park. Ann was there to greet them, holding two large envelopes.



"Hey guys!" She almost pranced up to the young couple. "I've got a surprise for you both!" Ann opened the flap of the thicker envelope and pulled out a stack of 8X10's and a couple of CD's. "These are the pictures from last night. I'm supposed to keep them at the ticket booth until you were ready to leave, but I thought you'd want to see them now."



"Thanks!" Christine chirped, taking the stack from Ann. She flipped through the glossies with Chris watching over her shoulder. "These are amazing...so clear! How much retouching did they do?"



Ann glowed at them with wide eyes. "They didn't. The photographer is very good at what he does, but he said that all he did was hit print, and these popped out. That's very rare."



"They look like they were taken in a studio...look at the clarity of the castle and moon behind us," Chris said in wonder.



"I know, right?" Christine spun one picture to horizontal, the direction it was taken in. It featured them, but showed more of the background than the others. "This one looks like it came from a brochure."



Ann gave a frustrated look. "Aren't you even seeing what you look like in those pictures? You're dwelling on the backgrounds, when the stars of those photos are front and center."



Both flushed at the compliment. Christine admitted, "We've seen THAT in the mirror before. We don't get to see the Castle everyday like you do."



"Maybe, but I don't get to see your naturally attractive and kind faces every day like YOU do."



Chris half-objected, "Thanks, but we're really not that special." He decided to qualify that. "Well, I'm not, at least. But SHE is." He was rewarded with a playful nudge of her elbow.



Christine recovered from her smirk and neatened up the pile of photos, then handed them back to Ann. "Thank you, but we can't afford all of those. We'll pick a couple of our favorites when we leave, okay?"



Ann shook her head. "THOSE. ALL of them are yours. Including the CD with our copyright release. Compliments of the Disney Company. I'll leave them up here and you can pick them up on your way out." She shuffled the envelopes and opened the second one. "It's funny you say that one looked like it came from a brochure." She pulled out some papers and handed a set each to Chris and Christine. "Rick, the photographer last night, showed that photo to the advertising department. I'm required to ask both of you for permission to use that photo for our ad campaign in a week or so that's directed toward young adults. We'll pay you $1500 each for use of that photo."



"Get out!" Christine exclaimed as she looked at the 4x6 photo clipped to the top of the legal-looking paperwork. That photo had the two of them filling up one corner of the image, heads resting against each other. Directly behind them was the Cinderella Castle, with tree branches framing a full moon completing the other half of the picture.



Ann smiled from the corner of her mouth. "No, we're quite serious. Look at what's clipped to the back of that paper."



They simultaneously flipped to where she said. Sure enough, there was an ornate business check filled out to them.



Chris whistled low. "If the amount typed on it wasn't so much, I'd almost want to frame it," he said just above a whisper.



Christine's eyebrows frowned. "Why? Why us? Why THIS photo?"



Carol had been looking...and eavesdropping. "Girl, what does that matter? Take that check and run, sweetheart!"



Christine looked at her, then turned back to the check, shaking her head. "It feels like a scam or something...too good to be true."



Ann put her hand on the girl's shoulder. "No, you are. What I was told is this: that department had a number of us interns dress up as 'casual tourists' and pose for hundreds of photos. But, it was so fake with cheesy grins and attire that just seemed contrived. 



"Youth of your age already see through stuff we put out. And, from my personal experience with young adults, they come here almost as if only to keep the peace in their families. We want them to WANT to come here. 



"That photo came across their desk, and the director just flipped. It was exactly what he was looking for. You both are wearing casual, but nice things. Your hair is neat, but not perfectly in place...like you just enjoyed the park. And, your expressions are not just of love for each other, but genuine happiness." Ann stopped to take a breath. She HAD to sell this, or her internship would be over not soon, but today...and with a black mark. "Besides, you two carry a bit of fame right now," she added quietly, seeming unwilling to admit she was a bit star-struck herself.



Chris cleared his throat of the uneasiness from the praise being heaped on them. "Well, I don't think we're all that...or the bag of chips. But..." he glanced through the legalese making sure nothing glaring could come back to haunt him, and then he signed the paper. "Here you go. I hope it works out the way you wish...this check sure will help me." He handed his paper back, keeping the check and stashing it in his wallet.



Christine read hers more carefully, but then followed Chris's lead.



Ann couldn't contain herself. She threw her arms around Christine first, then Chris. "Oh, thank you guys! Thank you thank you! You'll be happy with what we do with it, I swear." With that, she bounced away to one of the ticket booths and picked up a telephone.



CC were still dazed by everything and soon had a crowd around them, offering their congratulations. Carol bubbled at them like a school girl.



"You two are going to be so famous! And, it's way more classy than those 'now that you've graduated, what are you going to do next?' commercials."



"But we're already at Disney World. I wouldn't know how to respond to that question now," Christine jokingly protested, to which her reward was a hearty guffaw from everyone surrounding them.



Ann returned shortly, this time making no pretense of where the wheelchair was coming from. She pushed it right up to Chris and held it while he got in.



"Okay!" Ann called to the group, in an even brighter mood than yesterday. "Today, you're all going to see Epcot! We're going to split you into two groups, so that you can enjoy it mostly together, yet still be able to get through the lines at a reasonable pace."



She kept her position as park guide for the group containing her two favorite charges, and an Epcot guide named Tim took the other group. They split after proceeding through the gates and Ann explained that she was taking them on an insider's route through the park as she steered Chris past the left side of Spaceship Earth. The group hurried to match Ann's pace past several lines for attractions. Chris noticed that the further they went, the shorter the lines. When they approached the near empty queue of The Land exhibit, she further explained that the best way to avoid the lines if they were to return on their own was to start at the far end of Future World, and work back toward the entrance.



The tour of the park and its attractions was entertaining, but a blur to Chris. Epcot was a place you really needed a couple or more days to fully explore. Ann had them see the major attractions, and skipped a good deal of the side shows, so to speak. After about an hour and a half, they reached Test Track. Chris's heart sank, since it was one ride he really wanted to see from the time this trip was planned back in November. Ann was about to skip it entirely, but Chris stopped her. He requested that the group be polled if they wanted to stop and see it.



Christine looked in guarded fashion at Chris, but held her tongue. The rest in their group wanted to go on the ride, and Ann quickly said she would keep Chris company and visit with him next to the central lake. Christine was torn for a second between looking like a sap and staying with Chris, or being confident and going on the fast ride. She decided she was a sap, and urged the others to go ahead. She wouldn't admit to herself that being territorial of Chris played no small part on her decision.



Ann parked Chris next to a bench overlooking the large lake that separated Future World from World Showcase. Christine predictably perched herself on the bench right next to him. So, Ann leaned on the iron rail to face them. Looking at her, Christine noted to herself why she made sure Ann and Chris were never alone together. Ann had that cute, next-door girl thing going on. She had a natural flirtatious manner that infected everyone around her, including Christine. She knew that if it got HER attention, it could wreck havoc on most males. She wasn't really worried that Chris would leave her for so much as a temporary fling, but why chance it, right?



The chatter while they waited was mostly of Ann getting details of what they were like when no one was watching. The story of the two that she teased out fascinated her. Of all the people she met and guided through these parks, these two were the ones she liked the best. She looked back through her past and knew that CC were the friends she always envisioned and wished for. All too quickly, it seemed, their group reappeared, and she resumed her tour, aiming them for Spaceship Earth.



The two groups met each other again early in the afternoon at The Seas exhibit, meandering around the main area and checking out the interactive displays. Ann had a special treat for them. She took about ten at a time to the manatee tank's lower floor, where the handler allowed them to tear apart lettuce heads and feed the "elephants of the ocean." Christine immediately fell in love with the docile creatures. The tank was so quiet, much different than the bustle of the other areas. One manatee seemed to drift near her under the catwalk and to her delight, raised its snout to pick the bunch of leaves from her hand. While it munched on her offering, she reached out and gave a long slow stroke from its head to its back. Her heart saddened as her fingers traced its deep scar left from an uncaring boater before this animal was rescued.



She hardly noticed that the rest of her group (the last to go) had moved on, save Chris who sat nearby, just off the catwalk. The handler stood from her crouched position next to Christine, breaking her trance. Christine stood quietly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the dark room. She started asking the handler questions about how to get picked to work there. After listening intently, and getting disappointed since the coursework involved was far below her interest level, Christine commented that she wished she lived closer. Then, she would volunteer to feed these guys every day.



Christine thanked the handler, and without thinking about it, grabbed the handles of Chris's chair and pushed him back to join the group.



Next up was lunch at a fast food/cafeteria pavilion. While they ate, Christine chattered on about the manatees. How people could be so stupid and ignorant to dismiss signs warning of the slow creatures presence and motoring right over, and often through them. How much she loved the dark and quiet tank, and how gentle the lumbering beasts were. Chris listened while downing his burger and fries, enjoying her passionate rambling along with Carol and several others in the group.



Ann returned after disappearing to eat in some hidden break room. She got the group together and led them to the World Showcase. Christine took over the duty to push Chris around, freeing Ann to do her guide thing. While Ann was very good to this point at answering questions and showing them the way around, she absolutely shined once they entered the international area. She used her hands and arms a lot when explaining things, and it made Christine feel slightly bad for not offering to push Chris earlier. Once it was revealed that the employees at each of the "countries" were actual work exchange citizens from their native lands, Chris figured that Ann probably related to them better, due to her temporary intern status.



Once the group overview tour was complete, they were released to explore on their own for the rest of the afternoon. Ann stayed with Chris and Christine, promising Sister Collins that she would be their time-keeper and chaperone. Once alone, she asked if they wanted to stay at the Showcase, or go back to Future World. While the exhibits were informative and interesting at Future World, Chris was interested in seeing the displays of the World Showcase.



They headed toward Canada and Ann was stopped mid-sentence by her radio going off. She stepped away to discuss whatever it was while Christine continued pushing Chris. Ann caught back up to them in the line for the Canadian theatre.



There was yet another buzz from Chris's phone, but unlike all the times before, he picked it from his belt and answered it.



"Hey, Cathy." He trained his eyes on the back of the person ahead of them, knowing the look Christine would have on her face.



Christine fumed as he chatted with the girl she saw as a formal rival. Ann picked up on it instantly, and did her best to distract Christine with little-known factoids. Yet, no matter how engaged she got Christine, the white of the knuckles wrapped around the handles of the chair never disappeared. She finally had enough and could see this getting bad.



"Christine, what is it?"



She just turned to glare at Ann.



"Oh my God...your eyes...they're almost black! What is wrong?"



Chris heard that and tried in vain to speed up the call.



Christine shook her head. "They change color when I get mad," she said with her jaw set.



Ann pulled her slightly back from Chris. "Okay, so whoever is on that phone is setting you off. I get that. Who is it?"



Christine would normally recoil if handled in such a manner, but with so many people around and where they were, she used an enormous amount of energy to fight against her instinct to shove Ann away. But, God help her, through the fog of her rage, she actually began to see that Ann was trying to disarm her for her own good.



She let out a large sigh. "It's Cathy. Chris's girlfriend last year."



"Ohh." Ann fully understood Christine's reaction now. But she was confused about another thing. "I'm sorry. I really don't mean to bring up another bad thing, but I'm pretty sure everything I've watched and read about you two said that you were the only survivors. How...?"



Christine sucked in another steadying breath, still trying like mad to not cause a scene by blowing up. "Cathy is from another school. We all met at a retreat Chris was leading. They hit it off...or rather she worked on him hard until they ended up together after that weekend was over." The memory of seeing Cathy prancing all over Chris the whole weekend renewed the fire in her gut.



"I see. Why don't you give him the benefit of doubt? I mean Chris seems head over heels about you. He's not going to leave you any time soon. I'm sure he's just reassuring her as a friend that he is okay. It's not really fair to get mad at him for something she did a year ago."



Christine could hardly get her voice around her words, and it all came out as a croak. "Fair? Fair?! He still has at least one friend his age that he knows well, and I...I don't!"



Ann blew aside professional appearances and went to give Christine a hug, but the girl's hand shot up to stop her.



"Look," Christine said. "Thanks, but just give me a minute...I'll be okay."



Chris ended the call just as they reached the chilled air of the pre-show lobby. He turned to his girlfriend and said meekly, "I'm sorry, but I had to take that call."



"Really?! Of all times, you had to take it now?"



"Well, she's called 26 times since that night, and we've been so busy..."



She cut him off. "So? You're mine, and this is OUR time. You so could have waited 'til you were in your room tonight to talk to her. GOD! Why can't you figure this shit out?!"



There was no winning this one. Not here. So, Chris ended his defense with a low "sorry," hoping she'd drop the argument soon.



She did drop it temporarily but not before a digging "sorry doesn't come close to covering it."







They watched the panoramic movie of Canada without further incident, and after perusing the gift shop, Christine asked Ann for a restroom location. Ann led them a short ways and pointed out the facility. Christine trudged off, still in a bit of a mood. Chris indicated that he was still okay in the needs regard, so Ann pushed him off to the side where there was some shade.



"I kind of messed things up for her, didn't I?" he asked Ann.



She crouched next to him. "Not the best decision on timing."



"Thing is, Cathy kept leaving these panicked voicemails, and last night she said that she would try back this afternoon. So, since we had to wait in line anyway, I figured I'd answer the call." He shook his head. "How can I fix this?"



"It will come to you. Don't force it. She's not mad at you, just the life that's been thrown at her recently."



He sat there silent for a while, thinking about what should have happened, and what to do about things as they are now. After a bit, Christine found them and walked up, trying to at least appear as if things were normal again.



Chris stood from his chair, limped a couple of steps toward her and embraced her tightly. "I'm sorry if the timing was off. I wanted to put her at ease, but I didn't think about how it would look to you."



Her breathing slowed somewhat in his arms, content to hide from the outside world for a few moments. Finally she looked up. "I know it's not your fault entirely. Just..."



"What?"



"Just...kiss me or something."



And so he did.



Chapter 21











The next few country tours gradually returned to a happier vibe, but the giddy schoolkids play between the couple was still missing. Ann helped them use their gift cards to acquire at least one memento from each gift shop to collectively tell the story about their visit. Each time a transaction was completed, she radioed a runner to take the purchases to the booth where their pictures were already waiting.



They made a full swing through the showcase, saving Italy for the end and meeting the rest of their group there for dinner. They were ushered toward the rear of the dining room where a group of tables were set up for them. Between courses, stories were shared again of what was seen at the park to that point, and by dessert, they evolved toward memories of the students. The mood at that point was a bit more serious, but happy.



Dinner was timed so that when it was over, there was only a short period before the laser and light show. Ann returned from her break room and led them to a prime viewing spot on one of the walks between Future World and the Showcase. With the sun having left about an hour ago, the temperatures were falling to a more comfortable level. Chris offered his lap to Christine, which she initially refused, but grew tired of standing in one place and she ended up taking it anyway.

<hr pg="6" />Ann stepped away from the couple at the rail and stood next to Sister Collins. She could see that Chris asked his girlfriend if she was okay, to which there was a slight nod. The couple talked quietly at length, lasting through the pre-show torch lighting and music. Just a couple of minutes before the show was about to start, they turned to each other to share a kiss. Sister moved to step forward, but Ann gently stopped her with a hand on her wrist. The principal decided it was the right call and let their innocent expression pass without interference. Still, she kept an eye on them to be sure they didn't progress from resting their heads together as they did now.



Their heads coming together seemed perfectly timed, as all the lights around the lagoon dimmed just as they settled into their position. The narrator boomed over the PA, welcoming everyone in an elaborate introduction to the IllumiNations night show. The display was unlike anything seen outside Epcot. Fire, water fountains, spotlights, and lasers danced together to weave a story about Earth's history. It started with a brilliant pyrotechnic display to represent its formation, wound down the colors to represent the cooling of the surface, highlighted the countries represented in the showcase, then recentered attention to the luminescent globe at the center of the lagoon.



When the last volley of ear-splitting firework crackles faded, the park crowd erupted in cheers and applause for the ultra-precise and well planned show. Then, as if on an unspoken command, everyone moved for the front exit like some cattle herd. Ann gave a shrill whistle to get their group's attention and pointed to a place between France and United Kingdom. Their 60  member group followed the direction against the majority of the crowd. As they got closer, they could see the sign proclaiming the large alley as being the International Gateway. It was a lesser known entrance to the Showcase side of Epcot, used primarily by those who stay on the resort property. Ann was using it for a different reason.



Once she followed the group out, she did a headcount and then pointed to the train-like motorized open-air tram ahead of them. "I called to get this one ready for y'all. It'll take you to the front gate." Everyone got seated, and a porter took the chair back to the entrance. Ann jumped onto the back stand of the tram, got on the PA and gave the driver an all-clear. While he carted them around the outside edge of the park, Ann flipped into a mode that made it clear she must have been assigned to the trams before. She gave factoids about the size of the parking lots, throwing in some humor about hoping they remembered where they parked, then putting her riders at ease by saying either she or someone else would gladly help reunite cars with their lost owners. After that spiel, she cheerfully acknowledged that this group didn't have that trouble, since they would be taken straight to their buses. She gave another factoid that from their observing spot for the show, it takes an average person 38 minutes to reach the front exit. Depending on traffic, the tram runs from the back to front gates in about 18. 



"Y'all love me now, don't ya?" she asked, and it received a hearty laugh.



When the main entrance came into view, Ann gave her canned cautions about waiting for a complete stop before attempting to get off, a thank you and farewell speech, and invited them for a swift return. As soon as the cars stopped near their buses, Ann removed her safety key and hopped off, giving way to another valet taking her place. She gave him a warm hug in greeting and wished him a safe and good night. Without waiting for everyone to make their way out of the bench seats, she jogged toward the ticket booth, winding through the streaming crowd with ease.



Christine handed Chris his crutches and they were the last two off. Their group called a collective thank you to the driver, and he responded with a double toot of the horn. The replacement valet inserted his key and turned it, giving the driver an all-clear over the PA. With a warning toot, the tram sped off to join the other two in their work of ferrying tired people to the far reaches of the lots.



The affection returned to Christine and she clung to Chris from behind, resting her head on his back while they waited their turn to board one of the buses. The remaining line was very short when Ann reappeared with a porter in tow.



"Hey guys!" she called, giving Chris's Minnie Mouse ears a playful tug. "You weren't going to leave your stuff here, were you?"



Truth was, they had been so wrapped up in reconciling with each other that they had forgotten. The porter carried a black duffel bag for Chris's purchases, and a pink one for Christine's. Ann handed Christine the envelopes, and had him follow her on the bus so he could stow the bags for her where she asked.



Chris let go of the crutch handle to shake Ann's hand. "You've been a great guide."



"Ambassador," she corrected with a smile.



"Right...ambassador. Well, anyway, thank you for everything you've done for all of us."



"You're quite welcome. My job, but it is also my pleasure."



"So, I guess we won't be seeing you again?"



"Yes, you will! Tomorrow morning. You're scheduled to see quite a bit of the Studios in the morning, and then Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom for lunch before y'all leave."



Chris brightened a bit against his will. "Great! We'll see you then." With that, he handed the crutches to the driver and hopped on board.







The next morning was a near carbon copy of the previous one when Christine came across the hall to help Chris get ready. The three guys ribbed them both a little more, now that they were getting comfortable with the couple. Christine added the chore of packing Chris's things, since they were leaving straight from lunch. Today, she was wearing a white tank top with spaghetti straps and short blue shorts. It was a departure from her usual more modest attire, but she was intent on getting some sun before graduation. Chris's shorts betrayed his approval while she was lacing up his boot, which she tried to disarm with a warning look.



They were earlier than most of the group in sitting down for the continental breakfast in the hotel lobby, probably because of last minute packing. Christine set a plate of what she picked out before him, and returned shortly with a small plate of fruit for herself. They chatted easily as their group gradually joined them. Before they knew it, nearly all the tables were lined up, starting from theirs. The conversations were light, and more than a few expressed that the trip so far had been surprisingly better than they even hoped for.



Though the pair had finished eating their fill long before the others, they happily sat at the table, listening to the chatter and participating when it was appropriate. When everyone had finished, Sister Collins rang her water glass with a fork. Once she had the attention of everybody, she gave a rather moving speech regarding Chris and Christine. She started off admitting her skepticism about their intentions for the trip. But now, having gone through it, she noted how surprised she was that it seemed to "work." The principal related how heartbroken she and everyone involved with the school was. She said that being here, with the two remaining students helped heal her heart, and she was sure it did the same for many others. The speech was concluded by thanking CC for their idea and passion to do something to help.



The group all raised their glasses in a toast, cheering, "here, here!"



The pair raised their glasses in answer and Chris thanked them for the sentiment. He started to apologize through a lump in his throat for not spending as much time with each as he had envisioned, but Carol stopped him from about half way down the long table.



"Chris, Christine...to do that would be impossible. You both have been perfect, being playful when it was called for, and giving your time to us to share memories of our children when we needed it. All in all, you've helped me, at least, and I'm sure many others of us here get a taste of your youth again." She started choking up. "Thank you so much for giving us the gift of seeing life through the memories of our loved ones."



There was a wave of agreement up and down the table, and Christine rushed over to tearfully give Carol a close hug. Without a word, she repeated the hug with every one there, starting with Sister Collins. Chris, currently being less agile, squeezed the hands of those nearby and gave the rest an individual compassionate nod.







All the bags were loaded on the buses, and they arrived in front of Disney's Hollywood Studios about an hour later. Ann was waiting with her usual enthusiastic smile. Carol and her husband were the first off and asked Ann if they could talk about something. She agreed readily and listened. Once their business was concluded, another couple came up to her and repeated the procedure. Ann seemed to expect this today, because she busily took notes while listening on a clipboard she brought with her. Most of the requests were pretty benign...birthday party requests, discounted season passes, and things of that nature. Others were harder hitting and much more private, and Ann handled those with extra grace, taking the requesting couple away from the others to keep their privacy. She assured each requester that an answer would be given by the time they left, be it confirmation of dates, coupons for discounts, or even referrals to other trusted services. When everyone had finished coming up to her, she asked CC if they had any requests. Christine had only one: that they get to see the park with her for a week sometime in the future.



That request was agreed to on the spot. Seeing there were no others, Ann closed her notebook and handed the clipboard to a cast member who seemed to just appear next to her. He disappeared just about as quickly, and she asked the group if they were ready to blitz through the movie park.



Blitz couldn't have been a better word for their tour. The group was split in two again, this time one group was formed for those who wanted to ride the rides, and the other was for those who couldn't ride (Chris), or just wanted to see the backstage tours and a couple of shows. Another ambassador took the ride group, and he was picked because he had a knack for feeling out how fast lines moved, giving the group the most efficient way to go on as many rides as possible. Ann sped her group through a dizzying route that gave them an opportunity to see most of the park and two shows in the span of about four hours. Christine giggled when Ann apologized for the fourth time about how fast she was pushing Chris and the rest of them, but wanted to give them the most for their money. That said, both groups enjoyed themselves immensely.







They were shuttled by Disney transportation to Animal Kingdom for their lunch date at the Rainforest Cafe. Ann stayed with the group this time, paying out of her own pocket for her meal as well for Chris and Christine, much to their objection. She engaged the group by asking what each person's favorite part about the trip was. Chris's was the precise nature of the IllumiNations show the night before. Christine was last, and she answered honestly that her favorite part was Ann. At first there was a chuckle through the group, but then everyone raised their glass to their guide in agreement.



Ann's radio beeped, and she chatted out of earshot for a bit. Then, she whispered something in Sister Collin's ear, to which she received a nod. She announced that Sister gave her permission for a slightly extended stay, and that they would be heading back to Magic Kingdom for a surprise. The group chatted excitedly as they got up from their table and followed Ann back to the entrance.



They were bussed to the Epcot terminal, and took a monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom. Chris asked how long this visit was, and Ann said it wouldn't take long, so he refused the chair this time, preferring to move of his own will on crutches for once. They were escorted to the front of Cinderella Castle, and Ann told them to wait there for a moment. A couple of minutes later, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy appeared and greeted the group. The "class" was arranged for a photo opportunity with CC in the center. Ann approached the pair with Mickey at her side.



"On behalf of the Disney Entertainment Company," she said to them. "We are proud to present this token of appreciation for your spirit of goodwill in the face of tragedy and grief."



Mickey handed them a framed caricature drawn by a Disney animator from a copy of their impromptu kissing portrait in front of the castle. A small engraved nameplate at the bottom read simply,



"True Love"



Chris and Christine



The group applauded then posed in front of the Castle with the characters for a photo. Only two copies were made of that "class" picture. One sits in permanent residence inside the senior hallway trophy case at the school, the other traversed walls with either Chris or Christine. In it, you can barely make out Christine's heartfelt tears.







Ann had their charter drivers meet them at Magic Kingdom, and she accompanied them through the exit. Before boarding, she gave everyone a personalized envelope as she said goodbye to them. In them were responses to the various requests. All contained complimentary three day passes, the quantity of which reflected the size of the immediate family of the requester, as well as Ann's business card. Known only to the person it was addressed to, the envelope also contained reservation confirmations, annual pass discounts, free resort lodging offers, or whatever else was requested. Some contained counseling referrals along with billing information to cover those costs, and others contained scholarship applications for younger siblings of those who were lost, guaranteed acceptance if very minimum academic requirements were met. All in all, each person who made a request later thought gratefully how the company went beyond their expectations.



The last two to say goodbye to Ann were, of course, the hosts of this trip. Her and Christine held a long and tearful hug before she turned to Chris and gave him one as well.



"Will we see you ever again?" Christine asked.



Ann sniffed. "Of course! I already said I would honor your request. Just let me know when you guys want to come down, and I'll spend the week with you."



Chris smiled at her. "I don't think that's what she meant."



Ann rolled her eyes. "Duh! Look, guys...you above all should realize you never know what will happen. We could be best of friends someday."



"Or, we might never see you again," Christine looked doubtful.



Ann gave her another hug. "Never give up hope, kiddo.  You haven't so far." She held out her business card. "Here. On the back is my personal cell number...call me whenever you like. Feel free to give it out to anyone in your group who needs it, even after my time is up here. I know who to contact to get most anything done, and I'd be most happy to help."



Christine snapped the card up before Chris could even move a hand toward it, evoking a soft chuckle from Ann. The two thanked her again with hugs, then disappeared onto the bus.







As the bus pulled onto the interstate, the reality of everything waiting for them when they got home crashed down on Christine like a ton of bricks. Her stomach rolled in tension, and Chris noticed it on her face. He pulled her to him and brushed a strand of hair from her face over her ear. There were no words between them, then. None were needed. In fact, most everybody were lost in their own thoughts, and the rest were dog tired. The long journey home was a rather quiet one.



The sun had set about an hour ago, and CC were back on Sister Collin's bus for the final leg, having alternated vehicles as a pair at each rest stop again, but this time they were together the whole time. Christine smiled down at Chris's sleeping face in her lap. It was obvious he was dreaming about something, as his lips moved and small grunts and groans escaped them. Suddenly he shot upright, nearly crashing his forehead into her nose.



"The lockers!" he exclaimed.



After recovering from the startle, Christine chuckled at the sudden outburst. "What lockers?"



He looked around, getting his bearings again, and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Then he looked at her, his face contorted in absolute concern. "You know, locker cleanout." She didn't get it. "Our class cleans out their lockers on Friday..."



She knitted her brows. "Yeah, and?"



"And, who do you think is going to do it for all of THEM?"



Christine shrugged. "Parents, probably...maybe Mr. Tindel. If he does it, he'll just box up the stuff and put it someplace for the parents to pick up."



His eyes opened wide, trying to communicate what he had thought of. "I KNOW!" he whispered, exasperated.



She shook her head and replied quietly, "so...what is your problem?"



"Jason...Marcus...Julianne?"



Christine still didn't get it and her head cocked in frustration. Suddenly it occurred to her what he was getting at. "Ohh...That could be bad!"



"Exactly."



"Well, what do you want to do about it?"



He leaned into her so close his lips brushed her ear as he whispered. It sent thrills down her spine to have him so close. When he was done, she nodded an agreement and got up to fetch their principal. She was awake and reading a book. Sister agreed to come with Christine and join Chris.



Chris opened with, "Locker cleanout is Friday. How were you planning to have that done?"



The nun confirmed Christine's suspicion. "I've invited parents to come and retrieve the contents. Whatever is not done, the janitor will do over the weekend. He'll put each locker in a box for pickup later. Why?"



"Well, that's what I thought. I imagine it could be shocking and heartbreaking for parents to find out what is in some of those lockers."



"Whatever is in there IS their property. So what are you getting at?"



Christine took up the explanation. "Lets just say that Chris and I have a pretty good idea about some of our classmates' vices, to put things mildly."



"Mmm, that could be a problem. What are you suggesting, then? Set aside all the textbooks, and swipe everything else into a trash can?"



Christine continued, "No way! There might be jewelry or wallets in that pile!"



"That's my point."



Chris picked it back up. "We're both pretty impartial, and we've kept their secrets, even from you. So, we'd like to offer cleaning out the lockers ourselves. Anything criminal, we'd toss together in a bag and hand over to a deputy for disposal...anything else that might disturb parents we would trash. To keep things anonymous, the only markings on a box would be the locker number, which could be matched up to the parents by using your list."



"Hmm...well, I'll think about it, and bounce the idea off a few of the families."



"That's all we ask," Chris replied.







The buses rolled into the parking lot of the school just before midnight. Chris commented almost in wonder that it looked the same as when they left. Christine's chest started to ache by about the 50th hug she received before her fellow trip mates departed for their cars, but she gladly accepted the final 20 just the same. Chris had given up on holding his crutches for the goodbyes, so he stood near the bus, with the supports resting on the side wall.



The last parent was climbing into their vehicle and Christine gathered their bags when Sister Collins came up. She thanked them again, praised their (mostly) good behavior, and reminded them that graduation practice was still at 10 that morning. Their homeroom would be the front office. They said good night, and she climbed into her car. She waited to be sure the two got in their own okay and on their way before speeding off in a different direction.

<hr pg="7" />About half way home, Chris briskly rubbed his palms together and asked, "So, how about that guarantee?"



Christine looked over at him. "Oh, you have GOT to be kidding!"



He was straight-faced, but couldn't hold it much longer before breaking into a wide grin. "Yeah, actually I am. Although, I wouldn't mind..."



She sighed, staring ahead and concentrating on staying awake. "Okay, if you really want, I'll bring you off once we get to your driveway. But Chris, I REALLY am tired. Can I just drop you off? THAT stuff will be much better if I'm awake, I swear."



"It's fine. I'm tired too...forgive the wish?"



She nodded but didn't say any more. With the streets asleep, they were home in only 10 minutes. Chris punched in the code of his garage door into the panel on the frame while Christine gathered his bags and followed him inside. He felt like a heel since he couldn't carry them and maneuver his crutches at the same time. All the same, Christine deposited them on the table in his room, gave him a goodnight kiss and was on her way home. She was just too wiped for any sentimental talk about the trip.



Chapter 22







It was not too long after dawn when Christine was back in his room. She sat on the edge of his bed, waiting for what seemed like 20 minutes to see if he'd wake up to her presence. Getting impatient, she leaned down and planted light kisses along his neck until he stirred. He opened his eyes and looked around for a minute before settling to stare at her face.



"Hey!" he finally said with a smile. "You're here early. How'd you get in?"



"You're dad was getting the paper when I drove up, so he let me in."



"What time is it?"



"7:40...come on, get up!"



He started to roll over away from her. "We don't have to be there until 10. You can join me if you want."



She pulled the covers down. "No, get up. I want to take you with me somewhere."



He sat up, head still wobbly from the residual sleep. "Where?"



"Don't make me go alone! Just get up! Ugh, you're such a boy sometimes!"



"I hope so," he quipped.



Christine was dressed in a casual white button down blouse with an ankle-length skirt...usual attire for her to go to school in. She opened his closet and pulled out a pair of khaki pants and a polo for him. "You want me to help you into the shower or what?"



Before he could answer, his mom did from the doorway. "No, he can do that by himself...same with any other morning needs he might have. Can you come to the kitchen with me, Christine?"



She nodded and glanced at Chris with a worried look. He just shrugged, embarrassed by his mom's double meaning.



Christine followed her into the kitchen and tried to sound nonchalant when she said, "Yes, Mrs. Zehyr?"



"How 'bout you make him some breakfast?"



The thinly veiled effort to keep her away from Chris while he was less than dressed was not lost on Christine. She answered with a lowered head, "yes ma'am."







When Chris joined them, he was dressed and groomed for school. The two ladies were already eating and had been chatting about the trip. Christine got up, fixed a plate of bacon and eggs for him and set it on the table. They got him up to speed on their conversation and he would add tidbits about his favorite parts in between bites. When he was finished, Christine jumped up, cleared the table, and cleaned their dishes in what seemed to be record time.



"What's the hurry?" his mom asked.



"There's something I have to do before we check in at school...and I don't want to do it alone."



"What's that?"



"It's a matter I'd rather keep private for now."



His mom raised an eyebrow.



"Don't worry, nothing monumental like sex." She rolled her eyes for effect, then shrugged. "I just don't want to advertise it." Then she looked down at the floor. "Too much has been advertised, lately," she added, referring to the commercials about their scheduled airing.



His mom got up and kissed him on the cheek. "Well, okay...have a good day at practice, then." She kissed the top of Christine's head, as well.







"Where are we going?" he asked as she wound through the streets, seeming to get farther and farther from where they eventually needed to be.



"You'll see," was all she would answer.



A couple more turns, and he figured it out. "Oh. I wanted to go back there too...eventually."



She smiled at his puzzle solving and observation. It was, after all, what had saved them in the first place. "I thought it would be good...before we walk back into the school."



Ten minutes later, they pulled into the fated driveway. The scene looked much different than they had last seen it. Broken trees had been pushed well to the side of the drive, and the natural alley opened up into a wide-open space. The parking lot now held a construction office trailer, and the rows of parking stops had been piled into a corner to allow dozens of trailers easy access as they hauled away debris. Not much was taking place now, two investigators were working the far side of the site, still hunting for clues in what remained of the rubble. Crime scene tape fluttered in the easy morning breeze, sticking to brush that snagged it. Christine parked near the sidewalk that had lead them into the dance.



They got out and walked the concrete path until it ended at the concrete slab that still had tile here and there. A few feet onto the slab they saw a makeshift memorial shrine had been set up. Flowers, candles, and pictures of their friends had been left and arranged into a large loving tribute.



"It looks so different now," Christine mused, slowly crouching down to kneel before the display.



Chris nodded and scanned the weird mosaic of the floor. A number of yards ahead, he saw the remnants of the parquet dance floor. He hobbled that way, then froze. Christine got up after a bit and approached behind him, but the harshness of his voice stopped her cold. "No, don't!"



"What is it?"



He stared at the reddish, nearly black blotches that ran together. "Our classmates' blood," he responded shakily.



They had attracted the attention of the investigators now, and they were striding up to them. "Y'all could get hurt here, besides this is still a crime scene." The person speaking took off his sunglasses as he neared them. "Oh! It's you! What are y'all doing here?"



"C, uh Christine, wanted to see this before it was all cleared up."



"Well, they've been taking away the sections we've gone through, and we're almost done with that last pile over there. I still don't get how you two managed to make it."



"Neither do we, most times. Have you found anything out so far?"



"Well, what it looks like happened was..." the inspector gave Chris a rather long explanation of how buildings should work, versus what they had found in the crumbled and twisted walls and beams.



When it seemed the verbal report was finished, Christine looked at her watch and noted that they should go. Before leaving, she blew a kiss in the direction of the dance floor and placed her Mickey hat in front of the memorial.







It was odd, seeing the front of the school, especially at this time of the day. The row of spaces lining the road was reserved for faculty on the right. Those were mostly full. The left side was directly in front of the entrance to the senior hallway, and those were starkly empty. Christine parked in the space that Chris usually did, even though there were many spaces closer to the door. It just didn't seem right to take one of those. As they made their way up to the building, they saw all the saplings planted in saucers of freshly turned soil. Christine made a detour towards a close one and inspected a marker staked in front of it.



It read, "Planted In Memory of Our Lost Classmate." There was a blank space for a name, obviously waiting for its turn to be engraved.



She turned back to see Chris waiting for her by the door. Just as she reached it, it opened and out sprang Tina.



"Oh, I am so happy to see you guys!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Chris.



He grinned over her shoulder. "Good to be here, I suppose. Don't you still have class?"



She gave Christine a similar hug. "Yes, it's World Religions, so I saw you drive up. It took me this long to get Mrs. Shultz to let me go. Oh, I'm sorry, I guess y'all need to get inside." She turned to pull the door open.



They all stepped through and Christine gasped. Every senior locker had a green or gold ribbon tied to its handle, depending on the gender of its renter. It gave her an idea for later.



"You like it? It wasn't my idea, but I did over half of them," the tiny girl said proudly.



"It's wonderful," Christine replied in awe.



"There are two that we intentionally skipped...yours. Well, I better get back before Shultz has an aneurism. I'll see you at the assembly!" Then she pranced away.



Chris was already at his locker at the far end of the hall, seeming to study it. Christine saw why when she arrived at hers. Taped to the outside was a handmade poster proclaiming "We love you!" and "Get Well SOON!" It appeared that the "in" thing to do over the last week was to stop by and write notes on the large cardstock. Some made her giggle, and some touched her heart.



Reflexively, she dialed in her combination and when she opened the door, several envelopes that had been pushed in through the slotted vents fell to the ground. She collected them and then stacked them neatly on the top shelf, knowing she wouldn't have time to read them now. Not seeing anything she needed right now, she closed the door and spun the dial.



With a deep breath, she stepped over to Chris and asked, "you ready?" He nodded, and side by side they made their way to the office.







The end of second period bell rang just as she pulled open the office door. Immediately there was a chorus of "hellos!" The secretary was the first to come around the counter and greet them with hugs, even though she was with them on the trip. She was followed by a few of the coaches, and finally Sister Collins. Chris asked if they should head over to the gym now for the practice, but the principal told them she wanted to discuss something in her office.



Once she closed the door, she related that she had asked around about their locker suggestion. While it was a kind offer, most did not think it would be appropriate. Besides, it would take hours to complete. Four parents, however, had already come forward with the same concern. Collins called them this morning, and they readily agreed to have the pair clean their children's lockers out. They nodded and said they would take care of it this afternoon. The principal gave them the list of the numbers, and the combinations. Then, she engaged them in some smalltalk, much to their bewilderment. After a while, she looked at the clock on the wall and said they should probably go to practice now.



The nun accompanied them down the long halls, and Christine commented on the darkened classroom door windows. Sister Collins remarked that before practice, there was an end of the year assembly. She pulled open the gym door and waved them inside.



As soon as Chris swung himself into the vast room and Christine stepped around him, the open space erupted into a deafening shrill cheer from the three corners of the stands. Every student and teacher was standing, screaming, and clapping. Most had tears rolling down their cheeks. For the student body, this was a homecoming that was equaled by no other.



CC stood there shocked by the enthusiastic display. Lumps formed in their throats from the outpouring of support. Their principal stepped around them with a wireless microphone and strode to the center of the court, and she gestured the two to come to her. When they arrived, she put her arm around Christine and started thanking the students, trying to get them to quiet down. It took about three or four minutes before she could be heard on the PA. During that time, the pair turned to face each class and nod their thanks toward them. When their circle took them to face the front left bleachers, sadness filled their hearts, as that block was conspicuously empty.



"Thank you all for that fantastic show of support. Chris, Christine, I hope you see how glad we are to have you back...even if it is only for two more days."



This prompted another rousing cheer and applause. Christine reached for the microphone and Sister Collins readily handed it to her.



She was sniffling when she brought it to her lips. "Wow. This is so overwhelming, I don't really know what to say. I'm not even sure why I wanted the microphone." There was a polite chuckle. She inhaled deeply through her nose. "I guess I knew something needed to be said. We've been through so much the last couple of weeks, no one can imagine it unless they've gone through it. Your support means everything to us. Before we came here, we stopped by the site to pay some respects to the spirits of our classmates, your schoolmates, and for some of you, your brothers and sisters. There was a large memorial display there, and we know y'all had a lot to do with that. I feel that they have seen that, wherever they are. And from that cheer you gave us when we walked in, I KNOW they heard that...and they would thank you." She looked at the section next to the empty one. "Juniors, you have some very big shoes to fill next year. But, I know you won't disappoint us!"



The auditorium erupted once again as she handed back the microphone and they went to take a seat on the front row of their class section. Once quiet was restored, business returned to mostly normal. The last assembly of the year was basically a roast of the teachers. Starting with the freshmen class, there were songs, plays, and poetry showcasing some of the more eccentric moments of the faculty. Then it was the faculty's turn. They pulled off a very entertaining skit depicting "The Life of a Highschooler" running from the scared freshman who didn't know where the cafeteria was to the cocky senior who knew it all.



When the enthusiastic ovation died down, there was a couple of moments of expectant silence and everyone, it seemed, was looking toward the two sitting alone in their empty section. Sister Collins felt confident in their ability to do something on the fly, and she was about to ask them over the PA. But, the students beat her to it, starting a chant of "CC! CC! CC!"



Chris looked at her and Christine nodded. They got up and Chris left his crutches to limp toward the stage entrance. As they made their way, the chant gave way to cheers and catcalls. The stage had already been set with a piano stationed in the center for a previous act, and the two sat on the bench together behind the heavy curtain.



"What are we doing?" Christine asked.



"Just follow my lead," he said...unsure himself until the curtain opened.



There was applause again and when it died down, Chris leaned into the microphone suspended above the keyboard. "I thought we'd do something that mirrored the closeness our classmates had with each other."



He started the running chords of Nickelback's "If Everyone Cared" on the bottom half of the keyboard. Christine picked up the cue and played an embellished melody on the upper half. They alternated singing verses with Chris going first, and they would join together to sing the refrains. By the third refrain, the entire school was singing along. The applause was huge, but there were no cheers from the crowd, as emotions had stolen their ability to do so.



Sister Collins returned to the center of the floor, dabbing her eyes. She complimented the couple on the moving performance, waited until the new ovation died, then went back to business. She dismissed the school to lunch or class, whichever was scheduled next for them, and instructed those who were helping with graduation to stay behind. The crowds moved to their instructions, a murmur hanging over them as the students chatted about the parts of the assembly they liked the most.



Practice started with a flurry of instructions by the principal and a few other teacher volunteers. Input was sought from CC, and they asked for a couple of changes, but for the most part went along for the ride. The same could be said about the practice for the graduation ceremony itself. All in all, it was mostly a walkthrough of what order parts came in, where to stand while on stage, and things of that nature, rather than practicing the speeches themselves.



After it was done, the underclassmen were dismissed with reminders of when to arrive for both events. The nun handed the two seniors the list of lockers and told them that they could complete the task now, if they wished.



With the school in either class or at lunch, CC grabbed some boxes from a storage closet along with a couple of trash bags. First they tackled the list and soon found out why it was these few lockers. Their classmates' parents apparently suspected correctly that things embarrassing would be found. Yet, having talked with these students through the years, it did not surprise them when they found sealed condoms, a few joints, or packs of cigarettes. They snickered when they found souvenir panties in two of the lockers...one of them a female's. They knew that piece of underwear didn't belong to the locker's owner, because another friend's initials were stitched into the corner of them.



As Christine daintily dropped them into a garbage bag, she said, "Well, they can't say our class was boring."



The two had moved onto their own lockers when the next period bell rang. The few students who used the hallway to get to their next class didn't think anything of what they were doing and said hi quickly as they passed. Soon the garbage bags were tied and the boxes were stacked when the janitor came around with a cart. They explained that the bags were garbage, and that the two boxes for each student were to be put in the office for pickup. One box had textbooks, the other had personal binders, notebooks, and other personal property.



He first loaded up the cart with their own items and followed Christine to load it into her truck. When he returned, Chris supervised the loading of the cart before thanking him and leaving to meet up with Christine outside. He had no doubt the Mr. Tindel would follow through with the instructions to ensure the garbage remained sealed until it was picked up by the hauling company.







The next morning arrived with Christine again waking Chris. This time, she chanced sneaking a hand below his covers to give him a happy start to the day. When he finished in her hand, she laid out jeans and a t-shirt, as well as his braces just before his mom opened the door to check on them. Again, she invited Christine to make breakfast.



The sole schedule for their class today was to pick up the caps and gowns, and if needed, complete any remaining requirements, such as last minute detentions. They went in the office to sign the rental for the gowns. Along the front wall, they didn't see the 10 boxes they had prepared yesterday, but rather there were close to 200 lining the front wall and extending down both sides of the office hallway. The secretary noticed their amazed expressions and explained that Mr. Tindel stayed late last night to finish the job. After signing, they each asked if anything more was needed of them, to which the answer was no.



Christine grabbed the gowns and put them in her mom's SUV and returned to Chris. They first hunted down Mr. Tindel, finding him on their first guess...scrubbing the empty lockers. Chris shook his hand and thanked him. The janitor explained that he saw what they were doing and followed their lead after school. Christine asked if he found anything. With a grin, he assured her that there were only books, folders, and the occasional wallet with pocket change. They both thanked him for his discretion and then proceeded to pop in and out of classrooms to say goodbye as students to the teachers.

<hr pg="8" />They had lunch together on the way home. It was mostly quiet because both were lost in their own thoughts of the next couple of days. When they both finished, Christine asked if he needed anything before she took him home. He declined, knowing she'd want to start getting ready for the Mass tonight. She parked in his driveway and he was surprised that she got out as well. Christine came around to his side and put her arms around his neck.



Looking in his eyes she said, "So, I guess we go our separate ways now, huh?"



He kissed her nose. "Yeah, guess so. But only for tonight and tomorrow."



"I think my family is planning dessert at the mall for afterwards. Do you and your folks want to come?"



"Actually, that sounds good, but I think they have something planned for me anyway." He rolled his eyes.



Her face saddened. "Okay, well, I'll see you there, then."



"Yup, see you in a few. Hey!"



"Yeah?"



"I love you!"



"I love you, too!" With that they kissed, then parted.



Christine leaned against the Suburban and watched him make his way in. She really hated being away from him, even to sleep. Once he disappeared with a wave, she hopped in the truck and mentally ran through the list of what needed to be done before heading to the Cathedral.



Seeing Tom's car in the driveway pulled her spirits out of the doldrums. He had said there was a chance he'd make it, but usually 'chance' meant 'no' with him. Christine barely remembered to throw the SUV into park and turn it off before bounding for the door. She squealed his name when she burst into the kitchen. Tom caught her in midair as she leaped for him embracing her in a tight hug. She expressed her surprise at his being in town, and he said that was the plan all along. But the bigger surprise was waiting in the den. Nearly vibrating in excitement, she pranced that way and immediately recognized the backs of her sisters. They were expected, but Christine shrieked all the same in happy greeting. It wasn't until the bouncing hugs ended did she see a lithe figure rise from the couch.



"Jill!  OH MY GOD! I can NOT believe you're here!  I'm so happy I could...I don't know...I could do backflips or something."



"Hey sweetheart!" Jill bubbled back while reaching out for the hug. "I wouldn't miss this for the world!"



Christine looked over at Tom. "How is this possible? You said she had to work?"



"Eh, she had this weekend requested off for months now. I didn't want to spoil the surprise."



She playfully punched his arm. "You jerk! I was moping around believing you weren't coming."



Their mom interrupted, "Don't believe her, Tom. She's been so into her new drug Chris that she doesn't know what day it is."



Christine scowled. "Sure I do...it's Saturday."



"Friday," Tom quietly corrected with a grin.



"That's right, Friday...didn't I say that?"



The collection laughed at her inadvertent admission.



She glanced at the mantle clock. "Oh guys, I am so sorry. I gotta get ready for tonight."



Most dismissed the apology with a wave, but Jill offered, "Do you want some help?"



"Eww, not with the shower! But if you don't mind a little later, I could use some help with my hair."



"Sure thing, I'll be in your room in a little while."







Christine appeared from her bathroom wrapped in a towel and Jill was already there waiting patiently on the edge of the bed.



"So, things are going well with Chris, huh?"



Nothing like cutting to the chase to break the ice. Christine glided over to her vanity and sat down to begin applying her makeup. She welcomed the girl talk, though...it had been far too long since she was able to bounce things off Sarah. "Yeah. How'd you guess?"



Jill smiled at her through the mirror. "Heh. You might as well have written it on a brick and slung it at our heads when you got the day wrong. You're mom knows, by the way."



"Knows what?"



"That you're no longer a girl. You're a woman...in the biblical sense."



Christine turned this over in her head a bit. Her eyes snapped to Jill's in the mirro. "What did she say?"



"Oh, nothing explicitly. But the comment she made to Tom tipped me off." She started running the brush through Christine's hair. "There's a more confident air about you, C. I wondered what she meant when she said that. But, when I saw you, that's what confirmed it for me."



"Hmm...I'm not sure I like having my private life written on my face."



"Don't worry, folks would miss it if they weren't looking for it. So, even after, things are going well between you two?"



"Better than well. Chris is my whole life."



"I know what you mean. But, don't dwell on that too much."



Christine stopped dusting her face. "What do you mean by that?"



"You gotta be you sometimes. Otherwise you'll go mad and end up hating him."



She snorted a chuckle through her nose. "I don't feel that's going to happen."



"Why you say that?"



"Well, there was this girl who was our guide on the trip and she toyed with him a bit to get his attention. Then, he picked up a call from Cathy while we were waiting in line. Both things drove me nearly into a rage. But, instead of telling me not to feel this way or that, he let me have my insane moments. After I cooled off, I felt even more love for him."



Jill just nodded...Tom was similar in that way. In fact, the two guys seemed to be somewhat mirrors of each other. And, maybe that's why Tom had been so against Chris seeing his baby sister before Prom night. She let this observation go unsaid to Christine. "So, when did it happen?"



Without thinking about it, Christine told Jill everything that happened. How she seduced him the night before the trip, their times in the shower, wishing they could have shared a room on the trip, the trip itself, and her spontaneous treat for him this morning. Jill listened intently, asked questions, and shared some tidbits about her and Tom's early times. She was careful not to get overly detailed, fearing correctly that it would creep Christine out.



***



The original plan was to have the seniors meet in the multipurpose building across the street from the large church, but since it was only Chris and Christine now, they were told that they could wait for the start of everything in the courtyard next door. She was already perched on a stone bench, swinging her crossed ankles nervously. Chris approached at last with his parents.



She stood to greet them. "They made you hobble all this way? You could have been left out right there."



He propped himself forward on the armrests of his aides. "Eh, I insisted. I was wheeled around all week, remember?" He let out a slight laugh while doing a once-over on her with his eyes. "You look like a golden banana!"



The comment was rewarded with a pop to the back of his head from his step-dad. "She looks lovely. Don't be an idiot."



Christine couldn't quite match the fire from his mom's eyes, but she was close. "Well, if you had voted last month for same color gowns like I did, I'd be in green instead of this hideous sparkly mustard."



He sobered up, realizing his humor attempt was a poor choice. "I'm sorry. You really are beautiful tonight."



"Thank you," she said without even a hint of sincerity.



He handed his mom the crutches and gave her a peck on the cheek. "I'll see you inside."



His parents moved off to mingle with a rather steady stream of people starting to file into the church.



"Don't tell me you're gonna walk up that long aisle on that foot."



"Fine, I'm not gonna walk up that long aisle on that foot." She just looked at him through her lowered eyelids. "I'm gonna use both feet," he continued.



"Ha freakin' Ha...stupid dolt!" She shook her head, reached down and grabbed the satin that was folded next to her on the bench. "Here, put your cucumber Popsicle on!" she jabbed while launching the bunch at him.



He caught the gown with ease and started working it around to get the holes right. "You're right. You'd look fantastic in this color," he said through the fabric as it was going over his head.



"Then maybe we should switch." She had meant to say it with more force, but she just couldn't gather up enough anger to do so.



His head reappeared. "I think yours would look like a skirt on me."



She handed him his mortarboard cap. "And, I'd trip on yours, so I guess we'll agree to keep our own."



"Sounds good." He sat on the bench after donning the hat, and she followed his lead. He looked at her closely. "I'm really sorry about what I said before. You look amazing tonight."



"Thanks. You clean up pretty good yourself."



"Thank you, even though I don't deserve it. And, thanks for bringing my gown. I can't believe I left it in your car."



"No worries. I'd have brought it even without you texting me 20 times," she snickered. "Did you eat dinner?"



"No...we're going after this."



She pulled out two granola bars from under her gown. "That's what I thought," she said while handing him one.



They downed the snacks together. When they finished, they were looking into each others eyes and said "I love you" at the same time, allowing themselves a couple of short pecks on the lips. Christine hadn't realized Chris's hand was inside hers until he looked up and she felt a sickening familiar pattern twitch of his finger. Reflexively, she looked in the direction of his eyes. Her stomach felt like it fell through the ground. Oh shit, that dreaded woman saw that, she thought.



"Christine," came the shrill voice as she approached. "You should be setting an example to the young people coming to this event. Not clinging to my good nephew like some lovesick puppy!"



The twitching of his finger got much more pronounced, though you wouldn't be able to tell by his face. "Hey, Aunt P," Chris said quietly, and surprisingly even.



His uncle didn't hide the agitation with his wife so easily. "Damnit! Can't you let anything go? They're the last ones left of their class, all because they were together when it happened. If you can't be nice this once, I'm taking you home!"



"Well, I just don't want them living in sin, is all."



"Hell, they weren't doing anything wrong! Leave them be." He turned to them. "Congratulations to you both. I'm sorry our stay had to be so brief." With that, he turned her shoulders and led her back in the direction of their car. Her machine gun squawking could be heard until they turned the corner.



As soon as they were out of sight, Chris sighed deeply and whispered "sorry." The twitching died out.



"Were you tapping SOS on my palm?"



"No, my hand didn't move."



The statement was so factual that if she didn't feel it herself, she would have questioned whether it happened. She let it go. "So, you remember where to go once we get inside?"



He had been staring where his aunt had been, still riled up. The question broke him out of it. "Yes...we proceed in and sit in our original spots.



"Right. It should be easier than it sounds."



"Why do you say that?"



"You'll see when we get in."



They sat there, giving small waves to the people they recognized as they walked past the courtyard. The bench started getting impossibly hard by the time Sister Collins led the faculty across the street from the classrooms they were getting ready in. As they passed by, she gave a motion indicating that it was time. Christine nodded, got up, and pulled Chris to his feet. He really didn't need the help, but he took it without saying so.



Christine knew that people were filing in since she started waiting outside, but she wasn't prepared to see people standing in the vestibule, unable to find a seat. The procession formed up outside the doorway, and as her and Chris stepped inside, flashes popped from everywhere. The Graduates March, a regal piece composed by her brother Tom a few years back was playing on the organ while the faculty in their academic robes filed slowly ahead of them. Chris and Christine stopped at the sanctuary doorway for the instructed pause while the altar servers and priests got into position behind them. The bishop greeted them warmly, and went to his place at the very back.



Butterflies took flight in her stomach when everyone turned around expectantly to face them. Christine briefly thought that it felt like she was about to do the wedding march...not that she would mind as long as Chris would be at the other end of the aisle waiting for her. But, she settled her thoughts, knowing he was beside her. The amount of people there bewildered her. Bodies in her peripheral vision lined the walls on the sides and along the back. She couldn't even make out where her family was.



Chris must have either sensed her apprehension, or felt it himself, because he took her hand and squeezed it. "Who came up with the ribbons?" He was referring to the ribbons attached to the back of the first six rows of pews, gold on her side, green on his.



Christine checked and the faculty was about half way into loading the pews behind those. "I did. I was here putting them up an hour before you came. Each represents a classmate. You like it?"



"Killer idea, C! Wish I came up with it."



"Thanks. So, like I said earlier, you'll find your seat where the green ribbon is missing."



"You're amazing," he said while squeezing her hand again before letting go. The organ began the piece again, which was their cue.



At practice, it was hammered into them and the readers who took up their position behind them to go slow. This was a procession, not a race. It turned out to not be a problem, as Chris's limp set the correct pace. Flashes strobed over and over as they made their way slowly up the main aisle. Christine began recognizing some faces that were not related to her or Chris. The mayor, fire and police chiefs, sheriff, and a few of the nursing staff that took care of them. She had guessed that most of these people were there to experience a moment that would touch them. The guests didn't have to wait long.



They reached his row, and in a spontaneous and completely unplanned gesture (even between themselves), Chris and Christine simultaneously turned toward each other, hugged, then continued on separately into their assigned seat...Chris in the last reserved row for the males, Christine in the first girls' side row. The procession behind them was quite long, as each parish who had a student at the high school was represented by at least one of their priests. The two present graduates' parish was represented by all three. Through it all, Chris and Christine respectfully faced straight ahead, never so much as stealing a glance at each other.



After what seemed like 10 minutes, the Bishop was in his place behind the altar and the music ended. Before the opening Sign of the Cross, he said, "Before we begin this evening, I wanted to point something out. I've been informed that where these two graduates-to-be are positioned is about as far apart from each other as anyone has seen them be in the same room for the last month or so." He smiled. "No, they do not dislike each other."



The church filled with chuckles.



"Actually, they are standing where they were originally assigned by order of their last names. Each ribbon you see on the pews represents a classmate they have lost. The option was given to them that would allow them to either sit together, or with their families, but they refused. Wanting the memory of their friends to live on, they themselves insisted that the seating chart remain intact. In fact, Christine was here early to hang the ribbons herself. They have suffered a great loss, perhaps more than we all have, yet here they are, stoically standing apart so that their friends will not be forgotten. Chris, Christine...your strength is an inspiration, and I personally want to thank you both for that."



The bishop led a solid applause that lasted more than three minutes.



The Mass proceeded with flawless readings of scriptures by underclassmen, stirring vocals by the choir, and an inspirational homily about trials and triumphs of life given by the bishop. At Communion, he paused to touch the graduates' shoulders and give them an extended blessing. For the final prayer he closed with, "Your act of friendship during the procession exemplified the closeness your class showed us throughout the year. May your bond be an example to not only the future classes of this school, but be a blueprint for future generations everywhere."



The clergy had passed and when Chris joined Christine to follow the procession out, the church once again erupted in applause, not letting up until they reached the back door. With quivering chins, they faced each other in the vestibule and hugged each other tightly.



"I missed you," Chris said.



Christine responded with a grateful soft laugh. "I missed you too!"



They resumed walking out of the Cathedral hand in hand to where the bishop was waiting for them at the bottom of the steps, still clapping. He gave each of them a warm hug. "I meant what I said in there. Thank you both for what you have done and are doing to help the healing." They both thanked him and he urged them to head over to the hall where there was a reception for them at his expense. Before he released Chris's hand he said with a grin, "I'm still waiting for your answer, by the way."



"You'll have it soon," Chris promised.



Chapter 23







The bishop turned his attention to their parents who had disentangled themselves from the throngs of well-wishers. After being congratulated on having "wonderful and inspirational" children, they enveloped their respective child. Christine was the first to get a word in to relay the bishop's invitation to the reception. Her mom had other plans in mind, but said that it would be rude if the guests of honor didn't show.



Their families headed over to the hall after greeting and thanking those who had come up to them outside the church. Upon sight of the two senior students, the guests all clapped and cheered. Down the center of the room were tables forming a long line, covered in white linen cloth with pleated skirts. The tables were laden with nearly every hors d'oeuvre they could think of. At the far end was a punch fountain. The crowd there mostly consisted of schoolmates and their families. They were ushered toward the buffet line and Christine piled food on her plate.



She shared her selections with Chris since he was busy keeping his crutches again. As they ate, they mingled with the happy people who passed by, laughing and joking with them when appropriate.



By the end of an hour, they had made their way around the auditorium and their parents said that they were ready to go. The tables were being broken down and someone brought out a large CD player, turning the reception into an impromptu dance. Christine looked longingly back at the center of the group of youths starting to pick up the beat, and Tom asked if she wanted to stay, offering to wait with her and take her home later. She shook her head and said that it would be best to be fresh for tomorrow.







Christine sat at her computer, staring down at her dessert distended tummy through her t-shirt and thought about the day to come. She was getting bored of typing up the speech and wished everything was over already. She glanced at her cell phone charging next to her keyboard...again. Frustration made her shake her head. More at herself for longing to hear his voice than at him for not calling. How is it that she got so nervous. Tomorrow should just be sitting through the ceremony, making some empty speech with a fake smile designed to fill the time with sugar coated words to promise and encourage her classmates "to do better than the classes before us." But, here she was, butterflies fluttering in her stomach, making her snap the tension out of her hands for the umpteenth time before letting them rest on the keyboard to tap out a few more letters.

<hr pg="9" />"Fuck it," she hissed at the monitor as she punched the power button. "I'll just have to do it in the morning."



"You okay, C?"



The unexpected voice made her heart jump through her throat. "Jill!" she exclaimed through her panting.



Jill covered her mouth. "Oh dear, I didn't mean to startle you. Did I?"



"Nah, I normally leak a little pee when I turn off my computer...Damnit, YES! You scared me half to death!"



"I'm sorry. It sounded like you're frustrated while I was walking by to the kitchen, so I wanted to see if I could help."



Her pulse started slowing. "No. I don't think so. It's just that I'm psyching myself out, because I know that THIS speech is different. It will be probably the last thing most people hear or remember of our classmates. I know...I know I should just write it like any other speech I've made. But...every time I run through this in my head as I'm typing, I feel like I wanna throw up." Her eyes flicked back to her silent phone.



Jill caught the glance. "And, you were hoping Chris would call to calm you down?"



She just nodded with her head lowered.



"Well, I'm sure his family has him tied up late."



"I know," Christine whispered, internally berating herself for placing so much of her need on the hope of Chris's voice.



"So, did you want some help to write this?"



Jill's sudden direction change of who else Christine could lean on snapped her out of the fog of self-doubt. "Um, it's already framed out. I'm just putting our thoughts into polished sentences so we can read them tomorrow."



Jill picked up her hand and guided her to sit on the bed, and she took Christine's place at the computer, turning the monitor back on. "Good. Read the notes, say what you want to say, and I'll type it for you."



Her head was clearing, and the words on the paper began to form sentences in her head again. "Thanks, Jill."



"You're welcome, sweetheart. So, the last thing you wrote was..."



For the next hour or so, Christine talked and Jill typed, becoming a sounding board for some of the things Christine's had trouble conveying just right.







Chris sat at his kitchen table, drumming his fingers on his knee. The clock read 11:45, same as it did thirty seconds ago. Will this card game ever end, he wondered on the inside. On the outside, his face held the same pleasant smile he had affected since his uncle and aunt followed them home from dinner. Of course his mom called them to invite them along and join the rest of the family that included her brothers that had arrived from the Midwest earlier in the day. She had felt bad that Aunt P. had gotten lightheaded and couldn't see the Mass. So, here he was, playing Michigan Rummy for what seemed like the 100th hand. Why couldn't C call now? It would give him an excuse to retire from the game gracefully. Sure, Aunt P. would probably crack some remark about girls who called boys late at night, but he could keep his smile painted on and patiently ignore it. Just as he had learned from his grandmother years before she took ill.



Three sequences went by and he was still holding a single card. God, would someone PLEASE lay down a heart! His money card that he was left with had not been played the whole evening, so that chip tray was overflowing. Chris was doing well, staying even with two of his uncles, but being able to play that card would give him an 'early' out. His mom was across the table from him and she finished a sequence. Please, please, please he thought to himself. Then there it was. The 10 of hearts. She took her prize from the tray and then the next card down was the Jack. One of his cousins had the Queen, then with a sly smile at Chris, she laid down the King. She was finally in the lead with that win. But, God bless her, Chris felt he was the real winner. He felt so happy that she opened the door to his victory, he would have kissed her, had she not been his cousin.



"Read it and weep, suckers!" he exclaimed as he slapped his ace of hearts down on the table, going "out" for the third time that night.



He scooped up the chips in his money card cup along with the bonus cup and poured them in front of him on the table. His pile now looked like a mountain compared to everyone else. He really was tired, and didn't need to act to show it on his face. He split his pile into three and pushed the parts in the directions of the most unfortunate players.



"Guys and gals, it really was fun taking all your money, but I'll have mercy on you all...for tonight."



"You're not quitting now? It was just getting fun," his cousin pouted.



He stretched his arms. "Yeah, it's gonna be a long day tomorrow, and I need to get this ankle elevated."



His mom smiled at him. "Have a good night, sweetheart. Don't stay up too late," she said while he gave her a hug.



"Why would he be staying up late?" came the squawk from the corner of the table. "Ohh, it's that girl, Christine. Staying up and talkin' on the phone to girls just invites trouble."



Everyone at the table stiffened up. They were used to her speaking her mind, but this was out of line, even for her. It didn't help that Chris stopped in the kitchen when he heard that. They were afraid for the scene that was sure to come next, and secretly wished for it at the same time.



Instead, he turned with that same pleasant smile and looked at her. "Aunt P.," he said more gently than anyone thought possible. "Thank you for looking out for my soul's welfare. However, your attitude suggests the opposite. Christine is a smart, kind, and God-fearing woman. She loves God and His Commandments for what They are. You seem love Them only as a curse to hurl at people you don't like. That slight-handed attitude is hurtful to everyone who hears it, and it is hateful. I do not want that at my graduation. Do you hear me? Either leave your holier-than-thou attitude at home tomorrow, or stay home, period."



With that he limped to his bedroom, leaving his crutches behind. He closed his door behind him, tore the straps loose on his boot and plopped down on the bed. Unclipping the phone from his belt, he scrolled through the missed list but didn't see Christine's number among the others. Wearily, he hit the number 1 key then pushed send.



"...may God bless you all and keep you safe...Chris?" Her voice sounded like an angel to him.



"Yeah. What are you talking about?"



She watched as Jill keyed out the finishing touch. "Hey, Baby! I'm just dictating the last part of our speech to Jill. She was nice enough to type for me."



Jill hit save and mouthed to Christine that she was heading to bed.



"Hang on a second, Chris...let me say goodnight." She was gone for a few seconds, then returned. "Okay, I'm back...what took so long? You sound...I don't know...tired isn't quite the word for it."



He detailed the dinner, the card game, and then what his aunt said and his reply.



"Wow. So you yelled at her?"



"I didn't yell. That would only make her happy...and right."



"I don't see how you can stay so calm around her."



"Years of practice. But, when it's aimed at you, it's almost impossible."



"I could tell."



"How?"



"Well your voice is strained now...and your finger kept tapping me when she walked up outside the church."



"I don't think it did, but if you say so. Anyway, enough about that. What did you do tonight?"



"Typed up the speech. It made me nervous. What about you? Did you get nervous when you typed yours up?"



"Uh, no. I didn't type it."



"Yet...but you're going to, right?"



"Didn't plan on it."



"Chris! We can't look like lost kids up there!"



"Don't worry. I have my part."



"Where? Written on some loose leaf paper in that chicken scratch you call writing?"



He laughed. "No, in my head."



"Yeah, right."



"Serious. Read me a part from yours and I'll prove it."



She scrolled the screen up and found a random paragraph to read. When she finished, Chris recited his part perfectly.



"Asshole," she accused.



"What?" he said, laughing freely.



"This shit has always been easy for you. It's not fair! You know I spent the last two hours on my parts, writing, reading, rewriting? I was about to give up for the night when Jill came down and helped me."



"It's only a two page speech...if that."



"THAT'S MY POINT!" She was huffing into the phone now, frustrated at why she had to work so hard and he didn't. "Two hours to polish my side of the two page script. And you...you play cards with that beautiful cousin of yours."



"What's that supposed to mean? She's my cousin. Oh...if you wanted to play with her, you could have come over..."



"What? Eww! No. Anyway, she might be your cousin, but that doesn't stop you two from flirting. Or keep her from being eye candy for you."



"Okay, so she's pretty. And, I guess we flirt...a little. But, the whole time I was playing cards, I was itching to get away and talk to you."



"Really?"



Chris sighed. Thank God that worked, because it was true. "Yes, really. You're the only one I think about...the only THING I think about."



"That's nice to hear. What else do you think about?"



"I told you."



"Okay, what else about me do you think about?"



"That I wish you were here right now."



"Oh yeah? Doing what?" She laid back on her bed, absently using her free hand to pet her shirt.



***



The next morning was a flurry of activity. With both houses full of company, using the bathrooms was like a Chinese fire drill. As soon as the first occupant was out, the next squeezed in the door. The ceremony was scheduled for 2 that afternoon, but Chris and Christine were asked to be there by 12 for last minute instructions and other preparations. The activity picked up steam at Chris's house when Christine rang the doorbell a little after 11.



Chris was in his shirt and tie and when he saw Christine in jeans and a t-shirt, he was a little put off. "Don't I feel over-dressed! Aren't you going?"



"I'm here to pick you up, aren't I? My dress is in Tom's car out front. I'll change before it starts."



He called to everybody that he'd see them there, and voices from every corner of the house replied with either an "ok" or "good luck." Chris tucked a crutch beneath each arm and hobbled through the screen door that Christine held open for him. "I can't wait to be rid of these things."



She rubbed his shoulders as he made his way to her brother's car. "I know. Three more weeks. You can do it."



"Three more weeks," he repeated glumly.







They found the field house that was reserved for the graduation on the local university campus, and made their way to the entrance. Chris was burdened with his crutches, Christine carried her dress and their gowns. The last of the faculty trickled in with them as they got a peek of the auditorium. The graduates' chairs were set up front and center, and apparently Christine's idea had been adapted. One of the underclassmen was securing the mortarboard caps to each seat back. The large bleachers were being pulled out and Tony's uncle was busy pulling in carts of equipment. The stage platform was in the middle of being erected, but a podium and three flags &#x2013; U.S., diocese, and the school's Blue Ribbon accreditation flag &#x2013; were staged for placement nearby.



Another schoolmate came up to the couple and showed them to their preparation room. For a while, they just looked around the classroom, being the only ones there. The original plan was that the boys would be in one room, girls in another. Chris imagined that things would have been much different then. There would have been excited chatter about being free of the strict rules at the private school, and refresher conversations about where everybody was heading in the Fall. Christine thought the same, but felt relieved in a way because she knew there would be the inevitable gossip among the females about who did what with whom. She also knew that had they seen how close her and Chris were now, much of it would be about them.



Sister Collins knocked on the door after a while and entered, ushering in the thirteen schoolmates who volunteered to help with the ceremony. All greeted them with hugs and kisses, the most jubilant was Tina who represented the freshman class. Sister called for order and the small group listened as she ran down the order of events, where everyone should sit, and when to stand. Then one by one, Mrs. Campbell, the senior English professor took a speaker into another room for some polishing critique. CC declined their turn. At one, Sister announced that the auditorium was ready and asked if they wanted to see it before they were distracted during the ceremony. They readily agreed and she led them there.



Christine marveled at how different it looked from an hour ago. The stage was set up with chairs and a table that held their diploma cases. A emerald green satin curtain hung at the back. On either side of the curtain were huge projection screens, currently displaying alternating photos of their classmates showing the progression of their life and ending with a photo from the fated dance. Six other projectors, three on each end of the space were projecting the same show on the side walls, but in a different sequence, so that no one student was on two screens at the same time. Along the far side, below the screens was a table that displayed an article that was found in each locker. The diploma of each owner rested beside the article. Parents were asked about this idea and all submitted something that was unique to their child. The mementos ranged from chewed up pens, to doodles found in notebooks, to a medal that was lucky to one student. The centerpiece was a pink binder belonging to Sarah. Every inch of the cover was adorned with her doodles from throughout the year. She had an ability to draw a detailed scene inside a space about the size of a quarter. Those scenes spanned everything from the beach, to pastures with horses. Only about half the lights were on, giving the auditorium a hushed atmosphere of a museum. The dim light almost allowed the three TV cameras to be set up on tripods at the back without them noticing. Almost.



Much to their other surprise, the bleachers were already nearly half full. Some schoolmates took the opportunity to congratulate the candidates early. Sister Collins saw another wave of people entering the space and announced to the participants that it was time to get ready. Chris stayed outside the door while Christine changed into her dress and gown until she let him in. He threw his gown on and declared he was ready, but Christine didn't let that slide. She fussed with his collar and gown until everything was straight. Then, she worked with his cap and hair in the same manner until she was satisfied with the result.



At last they were in the hallway, lined up behind the faculty in their robes and student speakers in semi-formal wear. The impending moment made Christine feel ill. The butterflies inside her threatened to ruin her dress and gown.



Chris sensed it and put his arms around her from behind, his crutches intentionally left in the ready room. "Just breathe, C. This is going to hurt me more than you. It'll be okay, you'll see. Just enjoy it."



She put her hands over his, but her jitters caused a statement harsher than she wanted. It just slipped out, "If it's going to hurt, then get your walking sticks, Cripple." She regretted the words as soon as they spilled out of her lips.



He squeezed her more firmly. "Ouch. See what I mean?" His chuckle put her a little more at ease.



"Shut up." Then she turned to face him with a grin of gratitude. "And, thank you."



"You're welcome." He gave her a peck as the notes of Pomp and Circumstance started playing.



They marched into the huge room and stood together in the front row of the graduate seating. They were stunned to see that the auditorium was packed beyond even standing room. CC stood together, as the argument had been correctly made that this would be the most efficient way for them to walk to the stage for their diplomas and their speech. The regal piece ended and the bishop gave the invocation. They sat when Sister Collins gave the welcoming address, and listened to the three student speakers speeches. It was interesting to hear how each class viewed them differently, but always in a positive light.



Tina was first and related a story that Christine vaguely remembered about how she found Tina on the first day of school, kind of staring into space after lunch. Christine had gone up to her, asked what was wrong (she was lost and didn't know where her next class was) and then guided her to the correct room, teaching her how the room numbers worked as they went. Tina said she was pretty sure that Christine would be late to her own class. Christine called out from her seat that she was, and the auditorium laughed. Then she related how Chris took her under his wing at track. He was hard on her at times, but she saw later that it only helped her get better.



Tearfully, she concluded, "You guys have been my class's guides and mentors this last year. You don't realize it, I'm sure, but because of you both, I'm confident as a student, and I've won State in my event. Congratulations, and thank you! You will be sorely missed at Catholic."



She grabbed her paper and walked down to hug them amidst the applause.



The other two speeches proceeded in much the same manner. There was at least one story about how they touched the speaker's life, and how much they will be missed. Kendra, the junior representative mentioned that the senior class as a whole was a role model for the entire school, but then attributed it to the examples and encouragement given by the team known as CC.



Next was the award ceremony. Several of the faculty members surrounded the podium, and Christine was called up first. Her awards were read off by the representing faculty member of the particular award. There were seven academic awards altogether. One each from the National Honor Society, and from the local newspaper for All Area Honor Roll. The others were for top student in music, biology, and chemistry, as well as highest cumulative GPA in her class, and highest cumulative GPA in the school.



The applause died down and Chris was called up. His awards were top Peer Counseling student, perfect attendance (death of family member did not count against absenteeism), most improved track athlete, and most improved school athlete. The Spirit Award was also given to him for best personifying the ideals the school was founded upon.



They returned to their seats while Sister Collins gave her speech. Normally, it was designed to portray the growth she witnessed the senior class made from the time they first entered the doors as freshmen. But, she told a personal story about Chris and Christine, stretching from their early days at their parish's parochial school. She explained that while she was not a member of the faculty at that school, she got to see them from time to time, as that was where her home was. She detailed how they entered Catholic as timid freshmen, and included how she had heard of their fight in drama club. The entire school thought of them as at least brother and sister, or as a romantic couple, even though they were not involved that way until very recently. She said that throughout their trials, losses, and victories, they were examples to the Catholic High community of what model students should be. Sister closed her speech by saying how valuable the pair had become to the school and wished them great success in their futures.



"Graduates, please rise," she said, starting the heart of the ceremony. "Upon hearing your name, please step forward to receive your diploma. Christine Amber Barron."



Christine glided up the stage steps and met her principal to receive her case. The auditorium erupted in cheers and applause, shrill from the number of underclassmen who were present. The applause was kept up while she made her way down the line of faculty, hugging each teacher and coach. In turn, each one told her congratulations and gave their happiness for her. The cheers were renewed when she turned toward the crowd, blew a kiss and moved her tassel to the other side of her cap.

<hr pg="10" />"Christopher Anthony Zehyr."



He limped to the steps, and Sister Collins met him there and gave him a supporting hand while he climbed. The previous display was repeated with equal cheers, and after he hugged the last teacher and moved his tassel, Christine climbed the stairs to join him on the stage. Together, they approached the podium.



Christine flicked the back of his head with a thwap. When he turned to her in total surprise, she said into the microphone, "I told you I'd get you back when you least expected it, so did you expect it now?" Chris shook his head, and laughed with the rest of the crowd.



She began the speech, then alternated with Chris on paragraphs:



"Thank you all for being present to share with us the joy of turning the page in our lives. I was told shortly before the dance that I was Valedictorian, Chris was Salutatorian, and that we would each need to prepare a speech for today. It was supposed to fill our classmates with hope and energy, and encourage them to become better than those before us. It's been done millions of times before, and honestly, it would have been forgotten as soon as the words were said.



"However, everything changed on that horrible and terrifying night a few weeks ago. Our class was laughing and dancing without so much as a thread of conflict between any of us. And then, in an instant, they were gone, and we were suddenly alone, saved only by sheer timing and place. So, our two speeches have become significantly different from what they were supposed to be.



"We would like to thank our parents and families for the guiding hands they have given, and will continue to give us. None of them have ever given up on us, even when it appeared we were completely lost. They have made us who we are today. We thank our fellow schoolmates for the overwhelming support you have shown us the last few days, and for the entertainment you've given us as we walked the halls through the last four years.



"Perhaps it was fitting and symbolic that Sister Collins lent me a hand up the steps. She is forever supporting the school, and more importantly, supporting every student individually. Sister, you have been our mentor, teacher, counselor, and friend every step of the way. Thank you!



Christine had to pause before continuing to let the applause for their principal fade.



"To our faculty and staff, what you do day in and day out is nothing short of inspiring. We thank you for your pushes to better ourselves, even if the nudges were not-so-subtle at times. We promise that any homework assignments that were missing from our record are, in fact completed. I just need to get Pepper to find them.



"We mourned the loss of our chaperones that night, four beloved members of the Catholic High staff: Dean Megan Gates, Mr. Charles Jenkins, Ms. Samantha Clay, and Mrs. Jennifer Roberts. Be assured, their memory and contributions to our success live on in our hearts.



"And, to our classmates, wherever they may be, thank you for your friendship, laughter, and tears these four years. We will never forget you.



"Graduating with us in spirit today are:



"Simone Abbot, Top Student in Religion, and All-State softball.



"Benjamin Alstott, All-Area football."



They read the entire class roster, including any awards that would have been given. Christine read the female names, Chris read the males. As each name was read, all eight projectors simultaneously displayed his or her senior portrait.



Chris paused after Christine read Jennifer's name, the last on the roster before his. A resounding ovation for the lost graduates ensued and lumps formed in both their throats.



He continued, "During our brief time at this school, we have gotten to know each of them well. Everyone gelled together during our senior retreat, and that bond never faded, as it had for so many of the classes before us. Our classmates loved themselves and each other, and we are proud to consider each of them as our friend. We will love and miss them greatly for the rest of our lives.



"To the parents of our lost friends, we thank you for giving us the gift of their presence, even though it was all too short. We hope you can be comforted to know that the burden of your loss is shared by us all. You brought light and hope into this world through them, and they carried it well. Theirs is an inspiration that will live on forever.



"We were urged by one of you at our friend's funeral to carry on that light and promise in their place. While we are not naïve to guarantee that we will not falter in this pursuit, we do promise to use their collective example as a guide to our own lives.



"So, our time at Catholic as students has ended. We have appreciated every ounce of effort that was made to bring us to today, and we look forward to seeing what is in store for us tomorrow. The amount of memories and gratitude we have cannot possibly be expressed by words in this short speech. But, we can express one departing wish &#x2013; may God bless you and keep you safe."







It was a fitting end to the ceremony. Sister Collins was going to close it out with a final dismissal, but the wild cheering for the remaining graduates made her change her mind. Instead, she gave them a last public hug and urged them to meet up with their families. She thanked the others who were on the stage, and they, too surrounded their students.



The congratulatory hugs and wishes from their families were replaced by the throngs of others in the crowd. Parents of classmates, schoolmates and their families, as well as civic leaders reached out to give their best wishes to the couple. Forty five minutes had gone by when several reporters trickled through the mingling cluster, seeking comments. When asked how they felt right now, they both replied that they were grateful to be able to see this occasion through and dismayed that their friends couldn't join them.



The building had long been thinning out when a number of seniors from other schools came up to give their own congratulations. Some had graduated the night before, but several were on their way to their ceremonies. Christine nearly jumped when a hauntingly familiar voice broke through the hubbub.



"Congratulations!"



She spun to face the voice and ended up in the embrace of its bearer. "Oh...Thanks, Cathy!" She winced.



Cathy stepped back. "I'm sorry that things aren't so good between us."



"No...it's just that all this hugging has my chest really sore. But, a small price to pay, right?"



"Indeed." Cathy was glancing around.



"Chris was talking to some guys from Northview a few feet away."



"That's not why I..." she sighed. "Well, it is, but there's something else." She caught a glimpse of a few people she knew and waved them over. "Guys, this is Christine."



She said hello and graciously accepted their polite hugs, even though each one was starting to feel like it would split her sternum in two. "Hello!"



"Okay, so you might have heard that the other schools know your Project Graduation party was canceled. So, we wanted to invite you to ours. Our coordinator said yesterday that if you two would come, he would cover your admission."



"Wow. Thanks! But, we've already received two other offers similar to that. Is it tonight?"



"Yes. Our ceremony is at 7, and it starts at 10 at Jack's Fun City. Free go-kart rides, arcade, pizza, waterslides all night!" she tempted.



"We might check it out," Chris said from behind Christine.



"Congratulations, Chris!" Cathy gushed.



"Thank you. But, we wouldn't be able to stay long. My leg is killing me right now."



"I imagine. Okay, well we gotta jet to get ready. See ya guys!"







The couple turned around and found themselves finally free of people waiting for them. They told their families that they would return soon after turning in their gowns. Back in the ready room, they removed their gowns and handed them to Sister Collins, who gave them yet another hug goodbye. Tina came up to them with a box for each that contained their diploma as well as the other medals, certificates, and trophies related to their awards. She hugged them fiercely and said that she would miss their presence at the school. Chris discounted that, letting her know that anything could happen. Christine shot her eyes toward him. Was that a hint?



They were on their way down the hall toward the parking lot when Christine set down the boxes. "Wait, Chris."



He turned on his crutches to see her pulling at the front of her bra through her dress.



She smiled sheepishly at his stare, but didn't stop her frantic grabbing. "All those people pressing against me made my boobs itch like mad."



Chris chuckled and made a couple of swinging steps toward her. "I could help, if you want," he said with a sly grin.



"Tempting..." She glanced around and quickly massaged herself. "Oh, that's better. Sorry, I beat you to it." She sighed and put her arms down, looking into his eyes.



Simultaneously, they reached for each other, embraced, and said, "Congratulations!" 



The sentiment was punctuated with a long deep kiss.

