~* The Runaway *~ Allison glanced at me, but I shook my head. Enough people already knew about me. I wasn’t ready to add to that list just yet — neither Trent, nor Kathy. “I know the name of a really good therapist. She deals with LGBT patients, and she’s treated both me and Allison after the Raggedy Man stuff too.” Okay, so I had been seeing Dr. Ketz before that horrible incident, but still. Allison nodded. “Barbara’s REALLY good.” She suddenly cut herself off, staring at someone behind me. I shifted in my chair, glancing from Allison, following her gaze. Despite the change in hair color to a deep, rich auburn, I’d have recognized that vulnerable, sad smile anywhere.

---

Author's Note:
This is a long chapter with a LOT going on, so I'm employing the same ~oOo~ scene breaks that I used in "A Trick ... or a Treat?" to help with that.

Also, I tried to strike a balance between the light-hearted and the serious stuff, but I'll go ahead and warn you, you might want to keep a box of tissues handy. This is a heavy chapter :-)
~Zoe

---

Euphoria: that’s the only word I could have used for how I felt going to bed that night. Sensei Rogers and Mom were engaged! Of course they still had to set a proper date, make wedding plans, and ultimately we had to decide about my fate as well, but I think I already knew what I wanted. I’d spent the last six months with Margie. Her home felt like my home, and at least for now, where I belonged.

I had a compromise in mind that I hoped might make everyone happy, but I needed a better way to word it as calling it ‘like having two sets of parents’ sounded almost as bad as ‘like when two people are divorced.’ I felt certain I’d figure it out eventually, hopefully after the stress of the Holidays, basketball season, and the like were well behind us.

Having a stepfather sounded amazing. I never had a real father figure in my life excepting Allison and Kelly’s dad Joe, and Sensei Rogers never had a daughter, let alone a teenage daughter, to look out for. We both would have a lot to learn, but for Mom, I think we’d have both run the minute mile barefoot across broken glass, and thought ourselves better for it.

Monday came far too quickly. As I stirred awake, I suddenly became aware of another presence in my room. I rolled over, switching on the small lamp on my nightstand. Mom smiled and sat down on the edge of my bed.

“Morning sweetheart,” she whispered softly. She leaned down to kiss my forehead, brushing the messy locks of morning-frizz from my face. I giggled a little as I took her hand and squeezed it.

“Morning Mom. Everything okay?”

She nodded. “Yes, everything’s wonderful. I just … Well you ran off so fast last night to talk to your friends that I didn’t get a chance to really talk to you about what all this means for your living situation.”

Before she could continue, I pulled myself back as I sat up, resting my back against my bed’s headboard. I thought I’d had more time to think about how to approach this subject, but if it would allay her fears, then I’d let her in on what the girls and I decided last night. I leaned forward to hug her.

“We talked about that last night — the girls and I, I mean. Part of me really doesn’t want to leave the convenience of having Ally and Kelly right next door, and I love being able to be right here when Margie needs me or vice versa.

“At the same time though, I don’t want to feel like I’m abandoning you, and I don’t want Sensei Rogers to feel that way either, that I’m just shutting you guys out. He knows exactly how I feel about this already.” I grinned rather impishly at that. “I told him about Margie’s Mom, Aunt Jane being a world-renowned wedding dress designer when he chauffeured me in the Homecoming parade.”

“You little imp!” Mom responded in a playfully chastising tone. Her blatant giggle suggested she meant nothing by it, and caused me to start laughing too.

“Sorry? He’s a good guy, and honestly I’m honored to have him as a step-dad. Anyway, what we worked out is … Well, we don’t exactly know what to call it, but basically I could spend certain days on a rotating schedule with Margie or you, based on what my schedule’s like. As far as the holidays go I’ve already told Nicole I’d be with her for Thanksgiving, but I haven’t made any Christmas plans.”

“Ash’s family all live in the greater New York state area. I’ll probably be going with him to visit them. I figured you’d still want to be with Nicole this year, but his family really wants to meet you just the same.” I felt my heart sink at those words. I didn’t want to disappoint Mom or Sensei, but I wanted to be with Nicole too.

Mom though, cupped my face in her hands. She had the sort of grin on her face I’d been accused of having when I was up to something. “That’s why we’re giving you an early Christmas present.”

“I’ll say it’s early,” I giggled. “What is it?”

“Wait here,” she replied, leaning forward to kiss my forehead again before standing and relinquishing my face. I watched, puzzled, as she left the room, and a few seconds later returned with a brightly wrapped box. Margie slowly peeked around the corner with her digital camera in-hand, but my attention remained focused on this unusual development. I tore open the paper, taking note of the ‘From’ tag bearing ‘With Love, Mom and Ash ‘Sensei’ Rogers’.

At first, all I found was a standard freight-shipping cardboard box, but as more of the bright wrapping fell away, I found the word ‘DELL’ on the side. I blinked a few times, turning to stare at Mom. She grinned.

“I know you didn’t seem to mind that our old dinosaur didn’t survive the move, but Ash and I talked it over, and decided that we needed to get you into the 21st century. This way, when we get everyone together for Thanksgiving, you can say ‘hi’ via webcam without disrupting your plans with Nicole.”

I could feel tears welling up, a couple of camera flashes following as I stood to hug Mom. Sure, I was still in my pajamas, no makeup, hair a complete mess, but I didn’t care. It felt like Christmas morning two months early! Mom smiled warmly as I lost myself in her embrace, sobbing uncontrollably into her shoulder.

“Thank you so much. This must have cost a fortune though!” I wept.

“They have special deals for students. You can use this to help with your homework and stay in touch with your friends, too.”

“Tell Sensei I said thank you, if you see him before I do, and give him a big hug too,” I bubbled happily.

“I will, sweetheart. You can tell him at your game tonight though, if you prefer.”

“But… it’s an away game?” I stared at her in surprise, but she just nodded, grinning. I couldn’t help it. I squealed excitedly, the hug-and-tearfest repeating itself anew.

“Wait, I’m confused though … Last night you said that you hadn’t made up your mind if you were going to say yes, but he did all this anyway?”

“I hadn’t made up my mind if I would say yes yet, but I had decided I wanted to meet his family,” she replied, that broad, motherly smile never leaving her face. “I wanted to proceed slowly, but I didn’t want to shut out any of my options, either. Nearly dying, only to wake up and find your daughter happier than she’s ever been in her entire life has a way of changing one’s outlook for the better,” she added, squeezing me close.

I couldn’t help smiling too, as I pressed my head against her shoulder. Something nagged at the back of my mind though. At the Cancer Walk, Brittany seemed genuinely friendly, and last Saturday she even came over to hang out, and really opened up to us.

Now, I had the one thing she always wanted. I had a Dad. I mean, sure, they weren’t married yet, but he went to all this just for me even without knowing what Mom’s answer would be. He genuinely cared about me. I felt kind of bad for her.

I think Mom sensed something was still bothering me. As Margie left to make breakfast, Mom gently ushered me back to my bedside and sat on the edge, waiting for me to join her. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

“I’m… just thinking about someone. Remember Brittany, our team co-captain?” She nodded quietly. “She came over Saturday. I don’t remember if I told you about it or not, but she seemed really bummed. Apparently her dad promised he’d be home this last weekend, but something came up, and he had to leave.

“All she wants is for him to notice her. He’s never been to a single game, and he’s always gone. I mean, even Joe is at least around on a semi-regular basis even with his business trips these days.”

Mom sat quietly and listened, understanding forming on her face. She smiled sympathetically. “And you feel guilty because now you have the one thing she’s always wanted, right?”

“Yeah. I just wish there was something I could do,” I exhaled.

“The best thing you can do is just continue to be there for her. Keep being her friend.” She smiled and squeezed me close to her. I rested my head on her shoulder for a moment, smiling back.

“Thanks Mom. I’m going to go get a shower.”

“Just don’t be too long. It’s snowed again, but they’re holding school anyway, so we’ll have to take some extra time getting you there.”

~oOo~

Much as was our tradition on game days, our basketball team wore our jerseys to school along with matching purple-and-gold wind suits. For the first time in awhile, I actually found myself having trouble paying attention in class. My mind kept returning to how happy Mom seemed this morning. Apparently it showed. Kathy, our mousy photographer friend, sat down at our table at lunch, staring at me for several seconds.

“Okay, I give. What’s up with Robin?” she laughed.

I glanced at her with an innocent smile. “What?”

“You’re glowing!” she insisted. I looked at Allison, Nicole, and Jennifer, each nodding in turn. I had to laugh, causing Nicole to start giggling too.

“My Mom’s getting married,” I finally admitted.

“Really?! That’s awesome!”

“Totally!” I gushed. “It’s so weird though, but a good weird. I mean, he’s my Kenpo Sensei, but I also know he’s a really, really great guy. I couldn’t be happier for them.”

“Oh wow. Your Sensei? That’s going to make class fun,” she teased. She suddenly grew silent as Trent and Laura passed us by though, shooting Trent a sympathetic smile. He stopped at our table, kneeling for a moment to hug Kathy, smiling at us.

“Hey girls. How’s it going?”

Something seemed… off. “Great,” I answered with a cheery smile. “I was just telling Mouse about my Mom getting married.”

“Really? That’s awesome,” he answered with a faint smile. “Anyway, I’ll see you guys later.”

I glanced back, watching them walk away then looked back at Nicole. “What was that about?”

Nicole rolled her shoulders. “I dunno. Trent’s been like that since the Halloween party. He won’t open up to me about it, and Laura said it had to be his decision to talk about.”

Kathy cleared her throat. “We’re photographers, y’know? When you spend several hours a week in a tiny, dark room together you start to get close. After awhile, you don’t have a whole lot of secrets. … I really shouldn’t be saying anything. I mean, it’s really not my place, but …” She bit her lip, slurping down a gulp of milk for courage, it seemed.

“Well… Laura’s mom found out ‘Trina’ was at your party. She confronted Trent about it, and they kind of got into this huge argument. She still thinks Trent’s covering up for someone, and because they’re both bullheaded. Neither wants to talk to the other, and Laura’s caught in the middle. It’s just one big mess… Well, there’s more, but I probably already said too much.” She frowned, shifting her gaze. “You’ve got a game tonight right?”

“Yeah,” Allison responded. “We’re playing the Lady Panthers.”

“Well, we need pictures of the Lady Tigers. I’ll volunteer to go, and fill you in on the bus ride. I really don’t feel comfortable telling you the rest in public like this. Anyway… Oh hey, what are you guys doing for the holidays? I’ll probably be going to my Grandmother’s in Wyoming myself.”

Nicole and I grinned at each other; I decided to wait until Allison and Jennifer answered first, though, the former commenting on how she’d just stay home, and the latter how she’d probably do the same.

“Well, Nikki and I are spending Thanksgiving with her family. My mom’s going to fly out to New York to be with Sensei’s family this year.”

Kathy giggled. “You guys are so cute together. Does either of your families know you’re dating though? I mean… not… that it’s any of my business,” she started to backpedal, her cheeks turning red. “I’m sorry, that so came out all wrong.”

I giggled, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. “Kathy! Relax! Everybody in school knows we’re going steady. You’re not going to offend either of us asking about it. Anyway, no, her family doesn’t know yet. And Sensei’s doesn’t either I don’t think. I’ve never met them.”

Nicole frowned. “Robin, you know you don’t have to keep your commitment with my family if you want to go with your Mom, right?”

“Oh, I know, but I want to be with you. Besides, my stepdad-to-be is one step ahead of us anyway. He um… bought me a new laptop as an early Christmas present. It has a sweet webcam, so I can be here with you and still say ‘hi’ to them.”

Nicole’s jaw dropped. “Oh my God. You finally got another computer?!”

Jennifer giggled. “Our little Robin’s finally getting with the 21st century.”

Kathy stared blankly at the good-natured teasing. I couldn’t help laughing. “You have to understand, before I moved here, I had like, zero friends, so my cell phone was basically a five year old hand-me-down because it was all I ever needed, and our old computer was even older than that, only it didn’t survive the move, and I just never really felt compelled to replace it.”

“But you DO have a text-capable phone now right?” she asked, concerned.

“Yeah, I finally turned in my old phone for a pre-pay call-text-camera phone,” I giggled. “Oh, that reminds me, Ally can you come over after the game tonight? I’m going to need a little help actually setting that thing up.”

“Sure! Jen’s really the computer guru, but…”

Jennifer picked up where Allison left off, “But Josh and I have a date tonight.” She bubbled excitedly. “He’s taking me to a big concert in New Haven. It’s not Heedless Despair, but a concert’s a concert! I’ll bring you guys back t-shirts though. Kathy, what’s your size?”

“Me?” she stared at Jennifer as though she’d just been told she won the lottery. I had to bite my tongue not to giggle. This girl really did remind me a lot of myself six months ago, minus the dumpster drops.

“Yes, you! You’re one of us now, aren’t you?”

“Um, I guess?” she smiled thoughtfully. “I usually wear a Small, sometimes a Medium depending on the manufacturer. Anyway, I’ll see you guys tonight!”

~oOo~

A light dusting of snow had fallen during the day, though not enough to hamper road conditions, thankfully. It was, however, enough to keep us inside the heated gym lobby while we waited for everyone to arrive. A camera flash caught my attention as I stood in a semi-circle with the other girls that had arrived already, including Allison. Nicole and Jennifer had come to see us off as well.

Kathy smiled cheerily as she approached. “Hey guys. Sorry I’m late.”

“Actually, you’re right on time. Well, unless you want to call Coach Wilson ‘late’,” I teased. Her jaw fell open and she quickly shook her head, causing us to giggle. “I guess this means you got permission to ride with us?”

“Yep!” she responded excitedly, holding up a student press pass. “I’ve never been to an away game before so it’s kind of exciting. Is there anything I need to know about?”

Chelsea interjected, “Well, let’s see. Players get concession stand access from the side door letting us bypass the lines at most schools.” It’s something I knew about for our school, but wasn’t certain it was something all schools did. “So if you want something to drink, save yourself some trouble and just ask one of us.”

“You guys are so great,” she offered with a thoughtful smile. Brittany rolled her shoulders.

“Eh, most photogs could care less about a girls’ game. You volunteered, which means you’re one of us tonight.”

I couldn’t emphasize enough how much Brittany had changed lately. I was really proud of how far she’d come since Coach made her co-captain. Most of it was just lightening up and not biting others’ heads off constantly, but who knew there was actually a sweet girl underneath?

“Oh,” Chelsea added, lowering her voice. “And Robin changes separately from the rest of us, so don’t follow her into the coaches’ offices when we get there.”

“Really? Um…” she trailed off, biting her lip. I knew what she wanted to ask, but I also knew she’d never be brave enough.

“It’s a medical issue,” I responded. “I don’t really like to talk about it, and the school board likes to keep it that way. Basically before a game I change in the coaches’ private bathroom, but that’s about it. Actually I’ve already changed though,” I added with a smile. “So it’s no big deal this time.”

“Wow. It’s not life-threatening is it? I mean, you’re not… terminally ill or something?”

Allison and I looked at each other and giggled. I shook my head. “No, I’m not going to die from it.”

Mercifully, Coach Wilson appeared before the conversation could turn any weirder. My teammates had been incredibly cool about the whole ‘medical condition’ story, but I still didn’t like to talk about it this much. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. Fortunately since I’d had the forethought to change already, as did the other girls, we would actually be hanging out in the locker room together before the game this time. At least, that was the plan. I’d soon learn how fragile plans can be that night.

After Allison and I exchanged goodnight hugs with Jennifer and Nicole, we boarded the bus. Knowing Kathy had more to say about the Trent-Trina situation, we headed for the middle-back area. Our team spread out across the seating, and once everyone was comfortable, Coach Wilson stood at the head, did a final head-count, and we were off.

We actually spent most of the ride gossiping and giggling about meaningless nonsense and school goings-on, who was dating whom, and how Allison and Mark still hadn’t gone out yet despite the obvious attraction. We stopped off for dinner at McDonalds, where a Greyhound bus had apparently had the same idea.

“So, anyway, what’s up with Trent?” Allison finally asked, while Maria, Chelsea, and Brittany had all gone to use the ladies’ room. Kathy put down her hamburger, washing down her previous bite with a drink from her diet soda before answering.

“Well… He says he’s kind of depressed right now. It’s really confusing, but… I think the gist of it is that he likes being called Trina and being treated like a girl, but he likes Laura too, and he’s not really sure how to… handle it, y’know?”

Allison glanced at me, but I shook my head. Enough people already knew about me. I wasn’t ready to add to that list just yet — neither Trent, nor Kathy.

“I know the name of a really good therapist. She deals with LGBT patients, and she’s treated both me and Allison after the Raggedy Man stuff too.” Okay, so I had been seeing Dr. Ketz before that horrible incident, but still.

Allison nodded. “Barbara’s REALLY good.” She suddenly cut herself off, staring at someone behind me. I shifted in my chair, glancing from Allison, following her gaze. Despite the change in hair color to a deep, rich auburn, I’d have recognized that vulnerable, sad smile anywhere. Andrea hadn’t changed a bit since I last saw her in June. She stood silently, shyly staring.

“Andrea?” I asked as I stood to face her. “What… What are you doing here?”

Her face fell, and she suddenly developed a burning fascination with inspecting the floor. “I’m on school holiday,” she responded uneasily. “I wanted to come see you, maybe hang out for a day or two… I was going to call when I got to Alpine Springs, but I recognized you when I saw your friend, um… Alicia?”

“Allison,” I answered with a chuckle. She nodded.

“Right, Allison. Anyway, what are you doing here?”

“School basketball game. We’re about to leave soon, once our team captains get back from the restroom. Look, if you want, I’ll talk to my coach and you can come with us.” I paused, lowering my voice, “…And then you can tell me why you’re really here.”

She blinked, abruptly biting her lip as she shyly looked away, her cheeks turning bright red. “…How did you know?”

“Andrea, the only school holiday we had back in San Francisco was the four day weekend in October. Do your parents even know where you are?”

She shook her head slowly. “I ran away from home. Robin, you don’t know what it’s been like!” she sobbed. Instinctively, and against my better judgment, I pulled her into a hug, letting her put her head on my shoulder.

“Shh, it’s okay. Let’s go talk to my Coach and get this sorted out alright?”

She nodded, letting me lead her away, past Brittany and Chelsea. They both gave me a very understandably puzzled stare, but I just smiled at them as I passed, approaching Coach Wilson’s table. Our bus driver, a grizzled elderly man, sat across from her sipping a soda. He noticed us first and cleared his throat, nodding his head, which caused Coach Wilson to look up. She frowned.

“What’s going on? Robin, who’s this?”

“Um… Coach? Can we talk to you outside?”

She knew me well enough to know I’d have a good explanation, and so without a word, she stood, following us out into the chill night air.

“Coach Wilson, this is Andrea Townsend. Andrea, this is my basketball coach, Stephanie Wilson. Andrea’s a friend from San Francisco. She… was apparently coming to see me.”

Andrea nodded, sniffling. “My bus stopped here for a rest stop and food break. That’s when I saw Robin and Allison, and came over to say ‘hi’.”

“Okay, so why did we need to talk?” Coach Wilson cut right to the point, though she did so in such a gentle and non-threatening tone. She could be damned frightening on the basketball court if she had to be, but she also knew when to be tactful. It was one of the things I loved about her.

“Andrea … ran away from home.”

“Oh dear,” she frowned. “Your parents have no idea where you are, do they?” she asked, again, in a gentle tone.

Andrea shook her head. “I’m sorry. I just … I didn’t know what else to do! Robin was like, the one person who was ever really nice to me. I just had to see her again, just once!”

Coach Wilson exhaled slowly. “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. Andrea, I want you to let your driver know that you’re coming with me. I’ll talk to him if I have to, but I’m not letting you get back on that bus alone. I’m also going to need to call your parents and let them know you’re okay.”

She tearfully, reluctantly nodded, and after giving over her home phone number, she ran inside to find her driver. As she pulled out her cell phone, Coach Wilson exhaled, looking down at me. “What’s this really about, Robin?”

“Honestly, I wish I knew Coach,” I offered softly. “Andrea and I dated for awhile several months ago, when I was still … you know… pretending to be someone else. It ended predictably, when her ex boyfriend threw me in a trash can. Awhile later when I went back to visit my Mom, after she had finally woken up from her coma, I ran into her again in the mall. Fast forward to a few months later, I got a call from her. She was telling me how horribly things had been going for her, that everyone blamed her for running me off, and how no one wanted to be nice to her now.”

“Oh Jesus…” Coach Wilson muttered. “And now she’s run away from home and across the country to find the one person who was nice to her right? I’m starting to understand now, but this isn’t going to end well for anyone.”

“Tell me about it. Her parents didn’t know Robin. They barely knew Robert,” I muttered, just as Andrea stepped outside again. Apparently she heard me because she immediately approached, wrapping her arms around my waist and putting her head on my shoulder. As Coach Wilson dialed, Andrea whispered a soft ‘I’m sorry.’

“Yes, is this Andrea Townsend’s mother?”

“Mrs. Townsend, this is Coach Stephanie Wilson. I’m a teacher and athletics instructor in Alpine Springs, Connecticut. Yes ma’am, I- Yes ma’am, Andrea’s here with me right now. Ma’am, please calm down, your daughter’s okay. Yes, I’m a Coach, ma’am. Please let-” she sighed, extending the phone to Andrea. “She won’t let me get a word in.”

Andrea reluctantly accepted the phone. Her voice cracked and she started sobbing, “Mom? I’m sorry… I’m so, so sorry! Yes I’m okay. No nobody put me up to this, I- What? No I didn’t meet someone online! Just listen to me!”

By now the rest of the team had begun to assemble outside. They kept their distance, including Allison. Our bus driver quietly began herding girls toward the bus as I listened to Andrea’s one-sided conversation, explaining to her mother why she ‘just had to see Robin’. Several tearful repetitions of ‘I’m sorry’ followed, and finally, she looked at me nervously, extending the phone.

“Hello?” I offered, uncertain what to expect.

“Robin?” a middle-aged woman’s voice answered. I recognized her immediately. I’d only been over to dinner once, but Andrea’s mom always struck me as having a very unique and melodious voice. I envied it back then.

“Yes ma’am, this is Robin.”

“Can I ask you how you and Andrea met?”

“We went to school together.”

“She’s never talked about you before. What was the name of your school?”

“Lawrence Western Junior High last year. I would’ve been a Sophomore at Lawrence Western High School this year.”

“How did you end up in Connecticut?” she immediately responded. I was starting to feel like a suspect in one of those detective shows.

“It’s a long story. My older sister moved here after college to get a fresh start. She opened a clothing store here, and when my mom was in a near-fatal car accident this last June, since my dad died when I was little and I didn’t have anyone else to turn to, she let me come stay with her. After Mom recovered, since I’d made so many new friends here, we decided to move here.”

“Wait a minute, you’re the girl Andrea met at the mall that day: the girl she was trying to call for so long?”

I giggled a little. “Yes ma’am. My old phone’s reception was so bad that half the time I couldn’t even get local calls.”

“Robin, I hate to impose,” her tone softened considerably. Apparently I’d convinced her that I wasn’t some sort of creepy cyber-stalker who had abducted her daughter. “But would you let Andrea stay with you for a day or two? I’ll be on the next flight out, but I need to know she’ll be safe.”

“Yes ma’am, of course. Coach Wilson’s already told her she’s not letting her get back on the bus alone. We’re going to take her with us to my basketball game then I’ll take her home with me. I won’t let anything happen to her, ma’am.”

“Thank you Robin. I… I had no idea she was having so many problems at school. It seems my daughter and I have a lot to talk about. Could you put Coach Wilson back on the line please?”

“Sure. Here you go,” I responded, quickly offering Coach Wilson her cell phone back.

“Yes?” Coach Wilson answered, but we didn’t stay to hear the rest. I walked Andrea to her bus so she could get her things. The driver had already pulled her suitcase out, and stood with his hands buried deep in his pockets, watching us approach. He regarded me with a nod.

“You’re the friend she mentioned?” he asked. He had a skeptical look on his face, but his tone suggested a willingness to hear us out. I nodded.

“Yes sir. Admittedly she’s the last person I expected to see way out here though.” I shot her a glance, and she sniffed, giggling a little.

“Yeah, this was kind of a stupid spur-of-the-moment move on my part, but I feel safer with her than I do on the bus — no offense.”

He nodded slowly. “None taken. I try to keep an eye on younger passengers, but it’s a big bus, and a long route. Well, here are your things, if you’re sure you want to disembark here. I just need you to sign something stating that this was your choice, that you weren’t coerced.”

~oOo~

The rest of the bus ride to the game passed in mostly awkward silence. Andrea appeared to all to be more than a little obsessed with me, but she didn’t want to talk about what happened to finally break her, to make her spend her life savings on a bus ticket to ride across the entire country to see someone who had never had a very good relationship with her to begin with, and parted on, at best, neutral terms.

I felt bad for her, but I didn’t know what I could do to help her. Contrary to popular belief, I certainly was no miracle-worker. She fortunately seemed content to just sleep in the seat next to me for now. As the school came into sight, Brittany reached her hand over my seat and squeezed my shoulder. I looked back to see her smiling back at me.

“You certainly have a way with girls, don’t you?” she teased. I shook my head, trying not to laugh too loudly to wake my sleeping ex-girlfriend.

“Don’t get the wrong idea, Brit. Andrea’s … Well, it’s a long story, but she was one of those ‘The Social Food Chain’ types. Captain of the wrestling team for a boyfriend, the whole nine. When things came crashing down on her head she didn’t know how to handle it.”

“So she ran? Here?”

“Yeah, basically. It’s not like we were really close friends or anything, but I did treat her with a modicum of respect. Maybe she thought that’s what I did, but I wasn’t running; I was coming home.”

“Does your Mom know?” she asked innocently.

“Not yet, but …”

“But?”

“She’ll be at the game so I’ll go talk to her beforehand.”

“… Oh.” Brittany’s face fell. I instinctively slid from my seat to kneel beside her, wrapping her in a hug. She smiled as she leaned her head against mine for just a moment. “Thanks Robin. I’m okay though. Just … a little jealous,” she exhaled with a dry chuckle. I nodded, giving her hand a light squeeze and returning to my seat.

~oOo~

I didn’t have any trouble finding Mom and Sensei Rogers. Mom proudly wore a purple t-shirt with the words “Mother of a LADY TIGER!” emblazoned in bright gold over our school mascot, a roaring tiger’s face. Andrea reluctantly followed me over as I approached, and Mom smiled up at us.

“Well hello dear. Who’s your friend?” she asked, glancing at Andrea. She probably didn’t remember her, since I never actually brought her home. Rather, Andrea actively refused the idea so vehemently that I never brought it up again.

“Mom, this is Andrea … Townsend.”

“Andrea Townsend …” she echoed, shifting her gaze between the two of us. “Wasn’t that the name of-”

“Yeah, um… This is her,” I offered softly. Andrea’s face fell. She looked like she was about to break down completely right there. Mom rose to her feet without so much as a word to Sensei, and taking Andrea in a motherly embrace, quickly ushered her out to the lobby, with me helplessly tagging along behind her.

“Andrea, what on earth are you doing here? Do your parents know you’re here?”

Andrea sniffed as she quietly nodded. “They do now. Coach Wilson called them for me. I’m… I really screwed up. Robin’s like, the only person who I KNEW didn’t completely hate me. I just needed to… to see her one last time,” she sobbed. What did she mean ‘last’? I frowned now.

“Shh-shh, it’s okay sweetheart, it’s okay. Yes, you made a mistake, but it’s okay,” Mom cooed, by now entering full-blown motherhood mode.

“Y-you’re not mad?” she responded quietly.

“I’m upset that you ran away from home like this. You put yourself in serious danger. If you wanted to see Robin you should have called ahead. We could have worked something out with your parents.”

“B-but Robin said,” she hesitated, turning to face me. “Y-you said you couldn’t do anything.”

“Andrea, I couldn’t have done anything physically. You said it yourself. There’s no way anybody would ever believe I was the same person. Besides, that chapter of my life is over now. That doesn’t mean you can’t call or text me. I just meant that you needed to try and find people who would accept you for you, too.”

“I did try that,” she whimpered. “It didn’t end so well. But I really don’t wanna talk about that.”

I gave her an understanding nod as I hugged her. “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to.”

She smiled just a little at that and nodded, then buried her face in Mom’s shoulder. I heard Chelsea calling my name and turned to see her waving her hand high over her head. “Hey, you coming?”

I glanced back at Mom. She smiled reassuringly at me. “Go on. You’ve got a game to get ready for. I’ll look after Andrea.”

I nodded, giving Mom a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks. Is it okay if Andrea stays with us tonight? I promised her mom I’d keep her safe until we can get this resolved. I promise I’ll explain everything after the game.”

As Chelsea and I walked into the locker room, I tried to focus on the game. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel badly for Andrea. Obviously something bad had happened, but until she was ready to open up about it, dwelling on it would only result in both of us being miserable. I couldn’t let my team down like that, so I resolved to put it out of my mind for now.

~oOo~

During the half-time break I walked with Kathy and Allison to the concession stand. After getting ourselves and our photographer a soda and a large order of nachos, we slowly walked back to the court.

“Man, that was a crazy first half,” Kathy giggled. “I didn’t know you could run like that Ally!”

Allison laughed. “My whole family used to run PT every morning together. My dad’s ex Marine Corps., and when my sister started getting involved, Mom and I did too. Of course, I hadn’t actually been jogging in ages until this summer, when Robin started jogging with me. Then our time hiking at Girl Scout camp helped too.”

Brittany snatched a nacho as she sat on the other side of Kathy, crunching into it. “Sorry, those just looked really tasty.” She grinned. “Did I miss anything?”

“Allison was just talking about how she stays in shape. Hey, Robin? Isn’t that your future step-dad over there?” she abruptly asked, pointing to Sensei Rogers. He had apparently just come back inside, laughing and talking to another middle-aged man in an Italian business suit.

“Yeah, but I don’t recognize the guy he’s with,” I offered, a little confused. I figured he’d have been sitting with Mom still. Brittany looked like she’d just seen a ghost. Kathy nudged her gently, causing her to blink a few times, returning to reality.

“Oh my God,” she whispered, “That’s my Dad.”

Without another word, she sprang from the bleachers, racing down the courtside and nearly knocking a referee over in the process. I looked at Kathy and Allison, quickly rising to follow. I paused long enough to apologize to the official then stepped closer to where the apparent reunion was about to take place.

“Dad? What… are you doing here?”

“Well I felt so bad about breaking my promise that as soon as the meeting ended I caught the first flight home. This guy here,” he motioned to Sensei Rogers, who practically grinned himself, “left me a voice mail to call him back. How he even got my number’s beyond me, but I’m glad he did… Pumpkin, is what he said true? Do you really think I don’t care about you?”

She exhaled slowly. “You’re always so busy. You’re NEVER home, and let’s not forget the Christmas Mom and I spent alone at the Holiday Inn last year.”

He flinched at the scolding, lowering his head. “I’m so sorry. But things are going to be different from now on.”

“How so?” she asked reluctantly. I got the feeling she’d heard this line before.

“I made partner,” he responded with a broad smile. When she didn’t react as cheerfully as he apparently had hoped, he continued. “That means no more Christmases in hotel rooms, and a lot fewer business trips.”

“Do you really mean that?” she asked as she stared up at him. He smiled as he nodded, wrapping her in a tight hug. She buried herself in his shoulder, and I took Sensei Rogers’ arm, pulling him away.

“I thought they could use a moment. You really went to all this trouble though?”

He chuckled. “I wouldn’t be a very good Sensei if I didn’t set a good example for my students — or my future step-daughter.”

I giggled a little as I wrapped him in a hug. “Thanks. This has… not been a good night for me, and this just really makes it so much better.”

“Oh, come on, you’re only down by five points. You’ll make it up next half,” he teased. He knew very well what I meant.

“It’s not just the game. It’s… Andrea showing up here really complicates things.”

“How so?” he asked.

“Her Mom met me once, but not as Robin. I’m worried that she might remember me.”

“Oh, I see…” he paused, but smiled. “Well, you worry about your basketball game. I’ll talk to Linda tonight on the drive home, okay?”

“Thank you, Sensei,” I offered, smiling brightly. I knew I could count on him.

“Please, call me Ash,” he answered. I couldn’t help giggling.

“How about ‘Dad’?” I grinned, then added, “Just kidding. I’ll have to ease into that one as much as you will, but ‘Ash’ I can handle.”

~oOo~

In an ending that could only have come out of one of those cheesy Disney Channel movies, we were down by two points with ten seconds left on the clock. Coach Wilson had just called our last timeout and the entire team huddled to talk strategy.

My ankle throbbed from where another girl had accidentally fouled me earlier in the game. She seemed to feel really bad about it though so I didn’t let on that I was injured by it. Coach Wilson made me wrap it in an Ace bandage under my sock though, just in case, before letting me back in the game.

“Okay girls, Maria, their defense is going to be all over you so we’re going to use that to our advantage. After the tip-off I want you to get in shooting position to fake them out. I want to try and get the ball to Robin if we can, but if you see open basket, take it. Alright, Teamwork on three. Hands in!”

We put our hands in, and on the count of three cheered ‘Teamwork!’. I really didn’t know why she wanted me to be our designated shooter for the last play, but she obviously saw something in the Panthers’ defense that I didn’t, so I wasn’t going to argue.

As we walked onto the court, I touched fists with Brittany. “Hey, my ankle’s killing me so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make the shot. If I see you open, you’re my go-to girl, alright?”

“You sure? You heard what Coach said. It’s a good play.”

“Yeah, but I just don’t know if I can make a three-pointer. If we go for two we can tie it up and win it in overtime.”

She frowned, but nodded. “I’ve got your back.”

The referee blew his whistle to get our attention. “Let’s play ball ladies.”

“Yes sir,” I responded, stepping into position.

After the tip-off we managed to get control of the ball, putting it down-court. Rose Derrick, our freshman forward handed the ball off to me as we raced closer. I started to move into position to take the three-point shot, but the Panther defense read me like a book, and before I knew it, they had me completely blocked.

I faked left, shifted right, putting pressure on my sore ankle as I passed the ball to Brittany. I couldn’t stand it any longer, crying out as I collapsed, holding my ankle. The ball was already in the air when the ref blew his whistle. It bounced off the backboard, and I could hear the net swish and the buzzer sound, as both the crowd and the other players grew deathly silent, watching me.

The referee approached and knelt, followed quickly by Coach Wilson and one of their medical staff. “Robin, what happened?” she asked, concerned.

“I stepped wrong,” I cringed, holding my ankle. The referee looked at me with some skepticism. “Are you sure that’s all that happened?”

“Yes sir,” I responded quickly. “It was my fault,” I offered. The medic, a short woman with wavy brown hair quickly removed my shoe and sock. She cringed.

“That’s a nasty bruise. Why didn’t you mention this sooner?”

I bit my lip. “I felt bad for the other girl. And it really wasn’t this bad earlier, I swear.”

“Tell me if this hurts,” she responded, placing pressure on various points of both my ankle and my foot, ending in gently pulling my foot back toward my leg. I shook my head.

“A little, but not like searing pain or anything.”

She nodded. “It looks like you’ll be okay. Keep some ice on it tonight, and absolutely no strenuous activity for at least twenty-four hours, understand?”

“Yes ma’am,” I offered meekly as she and Coach Wilson both helped me to my feet. I tentatively put pressure on my foot to be sure I could walk on it, then smiled, nodding. The crowd on both sides started cheering as they walked me off the court. A taller girl from the other team with long, wavy black hair pulled into a tight ponytail approached as I sat, with my sock and shoe in-hand.

“Hey, are you okay?” she asked hesitantly as she knelt in front of me. I nodded.

“Yeah. It’s just a bruise, maybe a little joint strain.”

“Sarah was worried about you. At first I thought you were faking it to try and distract us at the last second, but she said, and I quote, ‘There’s no way Spirit would do that!’.” She chuckled as she patted my knee.

“I don’t pretend to understand what happened at Girl Scout camp — I mean, I wasn’t there, but Sarah’s my best friend. If she says you’re honest, then I’ll throw the Panthers’ vote in for not going into overtime.” She smiled as she stood. I hadn’t noticed the Captain’s ‘C’ on her jersey until that moment. As she turned to walk away Mom came over, Ash and Andrea following.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?”

I nodded as I hugged her. “Yeah, it’s just a bruise, honest! I just shifted my weight wrong when I passed to Brit, and lost my balance.”

“She just needs to keep it propped up and avoid any strenuous activity for a day or so,” Coach Wilson added. “If you want you can take her on home with you. We’re going to be here waiting for the officials’ decision anyway, but even if they do ask us to re-play the last ten seconds, I’m not letting her back on the court tonight.” She paused, smiling at me. “Besides, I think you’ve got enough on your mind. Go home, get some rest. You’ve earned it.”

“Thanks Coach,” I offered as I re-bandaged my ankle, pulling my sock and shoe back on. Andrea offered her hand, pulling me up into an unexpected hug.

“That really was an amazing game,” she spoke softly. “I had no idea you were so athletic. Anyway, I guess I’ll see you later tonight.”

I shook my head. “Come home with us. There’s no point in you having to ride the bus back if I won’t be.”

“You’re… sure?”

“Yes I’m sure,” I responded sincerely. “Go get your suitcase and we’ll meet you in the parking lot. It’s the red soft-top convertible. I’d come with you, but…” I glanced down at my foot with a sheepish smile. It wasn’t as though I had seriously injured myself. It wasn’t even as bad as when Maria sprained her ankle not long ago, but it still hurt!

“I’ll go with you Andrea,” Mom added, following the girl as she rushed off out of the gym. Meanwhile, Ash and I walked out to his car to wait for them. I dreaded telling Nicole about all this. Nicole and Andrea had a very neutral relationship the short time they actually spoke to one another, and old girlfriend crossing the entire country to see me was likely not going to sit well with her.

But it wasn’t as though Andrea really wanted to be with me anyway. She always knew there was something just not right about our relationship, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t still be friends. I’d have plenty of time to think about it, and how to handle Andrea’s Mom, on the ride home.

I did have to wonder, as I watched Mom approach carrying Andrea’s beat-up old suitcase, if I could expect a visit from the police when we got home? Andrea’s Mom had to have filed a missing person report by now, after all. I suddenly had a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.