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This story may NOT be archived in ANY FORMAT whatsoever in existence today or under development now or developed in the future for public display, FOR FREE or PAY without the expressed WRITTEN consent of the author. Midnight downloads is available electronically, for free. It will NEVER be found on a pay to access site with the author's permission!

This is a work of fiction. Any people, places or locations within are purely fiction and the product of the author's imagination, or their names are used to add realism and/or for satirical purposes. Their use does not constitute any type of endorsement or agreement, in part or in whole, with any belief or message, expressed, implied or otherwise inferred by the author and the story/story line, nor do they imply any endorsement of the story or author.

This story contains scenes of EXTREME VIOLENCE, mature subject matter and deals with alternative lifestyles. If you are not comfortable with these concepts and materials, STOP reading NOW. If you are under the age of seniority and consent where you live, or if these types of materials are illegal for you to read, possess or download, you must STOP reading NOW and you may NOT download this story. If you are very religious, this work will probably anger you. Do not read it. Do not download it. Hello, nice to see you, GO AWAY. You'll be more comfortable at http://www.disney.com please go there instead of here.

 

Midnight Downloads
by Wendy-J
Wendy-J@KimEM.net
© 1999-2004 Wendy-J All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized distribution or archival prohibited.

 

Part-12
Monday Morning September 7^th

Earlier that same day, Dr. Brandy Dewinter was making her rounds at Central Hospital. "...and the pain?"

"Oh, it's much better, Doctor, thanks."

"Great! Then you can go home as soon as the paperwork's finished. I want you to call my office as soon as you get home and arrange an appointment for a follow up in two weeks. The nurses will have some instructions for you on how to care for the sutures. Remember; keep the wound dry! Okay?" Her patient nodded and smiled. Brandy's pager, set to vibrate instead of beep, went off silently.

"Damn this thing, anyway," Brandy mumbled under her breath as she fumbled for the pager. "I'm sorry, Betty; do you have any other questions?"

"No, Doctor, thanks. I'll make the appointment as soon as I get home."

"You just take it easy and heal. I'll see you in two weeks then. And no slam dancing till I say so!"

Laughing, Betty, a forty-five year-old mother, said to her physician, "Okay, Doc."

As Brandy went to the nurses' station, she checked her pager. Turning to the charge nurse, she asked, "Ellen, could I use the conference room phone? Dr. Morley just paged me. I have a feeling he overdid it again this weekend."

"You'd think he'd realise that he's getting too old to play with the college set by now."

"What? Our Dr. Irwin Morley admit he's getting old? Not in this lifetime... Men!"

"Here's the key, Doctor."

"Thanks, Ellen."

Brandy went into the conference room and closed the door. She dialled the phone, leaned back in her chair, and waited. She began to speak the instant the phone was answered. "Irwin, when are you going to realise you can't keep up with those twenty year olds?"

"Hi, Brandy. It's nothing like that. I'm coming down with the flu and wanted to ask if you could take my patients for me today. I got three new ones in through emergency yesterday and last night as well as my regulars. Angie has the list for hospital visits, and my service can refer anyone new. As for my appointments at the clinic, I have an intern who can work with you; she's brilliant. Her name is Tricia Olmstead. Top of her class."

"Sure, Irwin, not a problem… but you owe me."

"Brandy," Irwin chuckled, "the day you start collecting, I'm doomed. Thanks, again. Call me if you have any questions. I'm going back to bed."

"Get well, Irwin. I'll stop in on my way home and check you over."

"Oh no… I really am doomed," Irwin groaned in mock fear.

"You sure are, Irwin. Get some sleep. I'll call you when I'm on my way over."

"Thanks, Brandy. I'll see you later." He broke the connection.

Brandy called Angie, Dr. Morley's receptionist and office manager and made the necessary arrangements. Taking the information on Dr. Morley's hospital patients, Brandy made some adjustments in her schedule, returned the conference room key to Ellen, and then continued making her rounds.

When she started on the admissions from over the weekend, she noticed a familiar surname - Boone, Donna M. Her blood ran cold. Brandy went straight out to her car and placed a call on her secure phone.

"Brandy?"

"Jenny, I think I have Sam's mother in the hospital. I need to confirm her name. Is it Donna M.?"

Jennifer Winchester's body went stiff at the name. "Yes. I'll send someone over with the information right away. What are you planning to do?"

"First, I have to read the case notes and do an exam, then I'll let you know. In the meantime, get that information to me as soon as you can. If she is Sam's mother, some of the pressure's off, at least until she's released. Have Linda bring the info. I think she'll be the one we need on this."

"She's tied up right now. She's taking Tina shopping, remember?"

"Damn… I forgot. All right, just get me the info. I'll keep you apprised of the situation."

"Brandy..."

"Yes."

"Don't do anything rash."

"Don't worry, Boss, I won't. But this one's going down."

"Yes, he is. And I wish you wouldn't call me that. Keep me informed."

"I'll talk to you later, Jenny."

"Thanks for the heads up, Brandy. See what you can do for Mrs. Boone. I'll take care of the rest." Jenny broke the secure link and started to think.

"Who can I get out there who won't cause too much attention? Claire's is closed today..." With that she picked up the phone.

"Hi, Sandy? I need you to do something for me. Can you come down to the store?"

**********************

It took a while -- nine outfits, complete with all the accessories, to be exact -- but Tina finally started to enjoy herself and loosened up enough to look the part of an amateur fashion model. They bought the first dress she tried on and three others as well -- complete outfits with shoes, matching handbags, hosiery, scarves and two hats, just for the fun of it all. The whole time, Sam was a major factor in Tina's relaxing and enjoying the experience.

Two hours later, as they left the shoppe, the sales lady, happy with the commissions, suggested they pay a visit to "J-Crew" to reward Sam for his patience and help in the ordeal. At the mention of the store's name, Sam paled visibly.

"Oh relax, Sam, no-one's going to say anything," Tina said as they left the store arm in arm.

"Yeah, I guess so," he said, "but I feel awful funny thinking about going into the dressing room by myself."

"Well, I hardly think it's a good idea for me to escort you into one looking like this, do you?"

"I guess not."

"Besides, they only have little booths in the middle of the sales floor. No-one's gonna say a thing. Relax and enjoy the experience."

"Enjoy it?"

"Well, would y'-look at who's scared now!" The two broke into a giggle fit as they walked across the mall. Linda and Jan watched on in silent amusement.

"Do you want to go to The Under-World?" Linda asked.

"Why not. I think Tina can handle another go at some lingerie. Besides, I'd love to get her a nice peignoir or two."

"Oh my achin' wallet," moaned Linda.

"Sore loser," laughed Jan.

"No, but I will be when I get the bill," she laughed.

"Well, it looks like it's 'J-Crew' next. Seems like my cards get the workout this time."

"Lucky me."

"For now. We'd better catch up. Unless I miss my guess, Tina's scheming again and that can be trouble."

"Trouble?"

"Trouble. That little brat has a mind just as devious as yours when it comes to getting people to do things."

"This I've got to see!"

**********************

Outside one of the changing booths, Tina and Sam were having a heated discussion. "I'm telling you, Sam, it's perfect."

"But aren't they a bit, um... baggy?"

"That's the way it's s'posed t' look. Relax!"

"But..."

Tina pulled Sam close and whispered in his ear. "Look, guys are supposed to wear their clothes baggy and you're a guy now. Remember? Unless you want to look like a girl in drag, that is."

"But you never wore them like this..."

"And if I did, I'd have been called a wannabe. Which is worse? A freak? Or a wannabe?"

"But..."

"Gimmie the tags."

"But..."

Tina started pulling the sales tags off the cargo pants Sam was wearing.

"Tina!" Sam exclaimed.

"You're wearin' 'em home," she hissed at Sam. "Mom?" she called out sweetly.

Janice was looking on in silent amusement. "Hmmm?"

"Could you please take these to the register and pay for them? Sam wants to wear them home."

"I never…" Sam sputtered.

"Sure, Honey," Janice said with a smile. "Give them to me and I'll take care of it."

"But…" Sam continued his protests, to no avail. The moment he opened his mouth, Jan or Tina cut him off.

"Forget it, Sam," Tina said emphatically, "it's a done deal. Now, about those shoes…"

"You weren't kidding," Linda laughed. "God, Jan, she's worse than I am!

"Don't I know it? Keep an eye on her. If we're not careful, she'll buy out the store."

"Just you wait. I'll get you, my pretty!" Sam said, imitating the "Wicked Witch of the West." "And your little dog, too!"

"Oh yeah? How? And I don't have a dog, either."

"No dog, never any pets… I think it's time to change that," Linda thought.

"You know," Sam said slyly, an idea warming in his devious mind, "we still have to stop by the store to talk to Mrs. Winchester. … Or have you forgotten that?" Sam said with a smirk.

"Oh-ho no, you aren't getting me back in there for love nor money," Tina responded emphatically. "NO! Absolutely not! That woman's crazy."

"But I thought you were gonna talk to her for me," Sam said, feigning a pout. Then he smiled broadly and just nodded his head.

Linda, watching the exchange, started laughing anew. "I think Sam's right, Tina. If you made him a promise, I think you should live up to your end of the bargain, don't you? Besides, your mother was telling me there are some things you still need to get, and The Under-World is just the place to get them."

"But..." Tina started, her shoulders slumping. All the fire she'd been using to roast her friend seemed to leave her in a single breath.

"I think you're having way too much fun outfitting our 'Urban Commando' here. As soon as you finish getting him outfitted, I think it's time to get back to running up my credit card bill."

"But…" Tina tried again.

"For now, I think it's time to spend some of your mother's money, don't you, Tina? Let's see…"

The two teens were stunned into silence as Linda took over.

"Do you think he'd like this?" Linda asked, holding up a fatigue jacket to show Tina. "I think a couple of sweaters, and…"

**********************

Tina balked as they approached Jenny's store. "But..."

"Look, Tina," Linda hissed, "the sooner you realise that Jenny does NOT have it in for you, the better. Besides, remember that client I was telling you about?"

"Yeah..." came the glum response.

"Well, it's her."

Tina froze in her tracks. "Her?"

"Her. Come on; let's get a move on. Dr. Dewinter said Sam only has four hours, remember. We've already been at it for three and we still need to get you a vanity and several other things for your room."

"Yes'm."

**********************

When the party entered The Under-World and Marjorie spied Sam's battered face, she dropped everything she was doing. "SAM! Ohmigods! Are you okay?!?"

"I'm fine Marjorie. I… got into a scrap over the weekend."

Jenny, hearing the commotion up front, went to investigate. She smiled a pinched smile as she saw the four shoppers. Struggling not to rush to Sam and comfort him, the "Old Battleaxe" reared her prim and proper head.

"Marjorie, please remember where you are. I'm sure Sam will tell us just what has happened to him when he's feeling up to it. Right, Sam?" The pain in Jenny's eyes was apparent as she struggled to keep up appearances.

"Yes'm"

"Now then, Jan, it's nice to see you back so soon." Jenny's front wavered as she spoke. It was painfully clear that she was barely hanging onto her prim and proper shoppe keeper facade. "And you brought Tina back with you; how nice. Hello, Linda." At the mention of Linda's name her attitude changed completely. She seemed to stiffen and straighten as she spoke.

"Linda, when you get a chance, would you come into my office, please? I need to speak with you before you leave." It was a command. Never in her life had Linda heard Jenny issue one with such cold determination.

"Of course, Jenny. Jan was looking for some peignoirs for Tina. I think Sam and Marjorie can handle that, don't you?" At the mention of Sam's name, Jenny flinched.

"You know, Linda, I do think you're right. Jan, care to join us in a cup of coffee or perhaps tea?"

"Jenny, I don't know what you're up to, but… okay, sure, lead on, MacDuff."

"That's the spirit, dear. Come into my parlour…"

"…said the spider to the fly," finished Janice.

"We've had some interesting developments that I think you both need to be made aware of," Jen said and turned toward her office. As she walked off the sales floor, Jenny's back seemed to be "Ram-Rod" straight. She actually marched into the salon. The whole time, she seemed to be mumbling to herself.

Marjorie just stared after her. "What's gotten into her?" she thought as she watched her boss walk away.

Once the women went into the office, Marjorie and Sam started having fun playing dress-up with Tina, who was failing miserably at pretending she wasn't enjoying herself. The clothes were just so soft and pretty and…

While Tina was in the changing room trying on a teddy, Sam turned to Marjorie. "Uh… Thanks for not askin' about it, Mar," he said, pointing at his battered mug. "I really can't talk about it right now."

"Hey, it's like, no prob', 'kay? You gonna be all right?"

"Yeah… I'm fine," Sam said as he stared at his feet, embarrassed about the whole thing. "What's up with the boss?" he said, trying to change the subject.

"Y'-got me. Dr. Dewinter called her this morning and she's been a bear ever since."

"She's not mad at me, is she? I mean… She like…didn't even look at me when she came out."

"Her? Mad at you? No way, Kiddo! You're her favourite. There's no way she's mad at you. She might be disappointed because you're so…beat up, but there's no…"

Marjorie trailed off as Tina chose just that moment to make her appearance wearing the red silk teddy. It looked like it was made with her in mind. Marjorie's and Sam's jaws just dropped.

"Man…" Sam breathed.

"You said it," Marjorie replied, stunned at the sight Tina presented.

"What? No good? Okay, I'll try the other one on and…"

Sam broke the stunned silence. "You're getting that one!"

Marjorie rushed over to Tina. "Honey," she said as she adjusted one of the spaghetti straps, "the designer had you in mind when he put this little number together. I wish I looked as good in it as you. I'm way too big up top to carry it off."

"Why don't you try the white one on?" Sam suggested.

"Okay," Tina said brightly.

"You know…" Marjorie said as Tina disappeared into the fitting room, "people who are that bright and cheerful all the time really make me ill."

"You wouldn't say that if you'd known Ernie," Sam said. "He was miserable all the time. Imagine looking like that and trying to be a guy. Not even a macho one at that, just a guy. And because of it, everyone called him a faggot, candy-ass, pussy; I couldn't even walk down the hall with him because of it. If I did they'd say things like: 'Here comes Sam and her wife.' And all he ever wanted to do was be normal and have friends."

"I know, but still… Anyway, back to Ole Blood-N-Guts -- she knows what happened to you and she's blaming herself for it. Don't worry about her, okay?" Her statement went right over Sam's head.

"Are you sure, Mar? I mean… it isn't her fault that I look like this. It's mine. I should never've let…"

"Shut up, Sam! It's not your fault! Don't you even think it! Don't you ever say something like that again! If I could kill that bastard…"

"You know?" Sam asked quietly, a shocked look on his purple face.

"I know. And I'll tell you something else; it won't ever happen to you or your Mom again." Again, Sam missed the implication.

"Yeah, right; shows what you know."

"I know more than you think, short shit," she said half jokingly. "Just remember what I said, okay?"

"Yeah…sure…what ever. Look, umm… I uh… I really don't want to talk about this, okay?"

"I know, Sam," and Marjorie pulled Sam gently to her and held him in a gentle hug. Marjorie fought back the tears she so desperately wanted to let free and just held her friend.

**********************

…"She was admitted at two that same morning, Jan." Jenny was saying.

Linda looked like she was ready to kill someone. Janice just sat in stunned silence.

"Has he been to the hospital since she was admitted?" Jan asked.

"Not that we can tell. She's in a semi-private room, but they don't log her visitors. She'd be in a ward if it weren't for the questions raised by the nature of her injuries. She said she fell down the basement stairs trying to get to the breaker panel. It was just dumb luck that Brandy got the case. She said that Donna's injuries are inconsistent with a fall. Brandy said they looked more like the results of a systematic beating, than anything else."

Jenny was not holding up well. It looked like she was going to break into tears at any moment. She just sat there wringing her hands.

"I've got some things to do," Linda said quietly as she started to get out of her chair. The look on her face said she had murder on her mind.

"You aren't going anywhere except shopping, Tigger!" Jenny said forcefully.

"We'll put a tail on him and let you know what's going on. For now, there are two young adults who need to finish a day at the mall. Let them have their fun while they can. Things are going to be hard enough for them as it is."

"I'll tell Sam about his mother when we get back to the car," Jan said. "He's going to want to see her when he finds out. Will it be safe to visit her at the hospital?"

"Jan, I really don't think that that'll be wise. If that…animal should show up while he's there…" Jenny started.

"We can't control the situation at the hospital, Jan," Linda said. "We can protect Sam better at the house. Don't let him get near Memorial Hospital. I'll have Brandy tell his mother why he isn't showing up."

"Won't that be tipping your hand?" Jan asked.

"We'll handle it; don't worry," Linda said.

"I think you both had better get out there and…" Jenny started to speak again.

"If you're worried about my wallet, Jenny, this one's on…" She turned to Linda, lifted one eyebrow, and said, "Tigger?" Jan was incredulous.

Jenny was in the middle of taking a sip of tea. When she heard the way Jan said Linda's code name she almost choked on the liquid. Her unexpected laugh made the tea come out her nose. All three women started laughing at the sight of the very prim and proper Mrs. Winchester snorting her tea.

"Don't ask. Don't even go there," Linda said with a smirk, the strain of the last half-hour finally releasing itself in the laughter. "It's my code name. How I got it's a looong story. I'll tell you about it some other time. But, seriously, how do you plan to tell Sam?"

"When we get to the car, I'll tell him, Linda. You can drive."

"Great, just what we all need, an emotional circus in the back seat and an emotional wreck in the front," Linda said, shaking her head.

"You won't be able to get into trouble that way," Jan said, "and the driving will force you to concentrate on the present, not what you'd like to do."

Good thinking, Jan," jenny said. "After this ordeal is over, I think we could use someone of your…talents in 'The Organization.' Are you game?"

"I'm game, Jenny. I'm already in it up to my neck. Just don't go giving me any strange code names like 'Tigger' here." They all snickered at the way Jan kept saying the name.

"Deal," Jenny choked out.

Then she stood and spoke to the two women, "I believe you need to get those two home. I seem to recall a time limit on my employee's excursions. Besides, he needs to know that he has some time to get better… on the house, as it were." Jan and Linda took the hint and stood as well.

"Are you going to tell him, Jenny?" Janice asked.

"I really do think I need to, don't you? He is my employee, after all." Her back seemed to straighten as she stood there. It almost looked like she was turning into a superhero or something.

"Are we ready, ladies?" Jan and Linda just nodded, and followed Jenny out the door to the salon.

**********************

Marjorie, now with a part-timer to help her run the store on the weekends in Sam's absence, was in the salon playing "Barbie Dolls," with Tina as the doll, and having a grand old time. Sam, unable to keep his eyes off the real life doll, was just sitting in one of the wing chairs and enjoying himself immensely.

"Oh baby! That one's a keeper! Come to papa!" he said lewdly as the three women entered the room.

"I beg your pardon?" Jenny said in prim indignation.

Sam blanched.

Everyone laughed at his reaction. He looked like a puppy caught doing a "no-no."

"Mrs. Winchester! I uh…I was just…"

"Relax, Sam," Jenny said with a smile, "I know you were just joking. I certainly hope you don't joke like that with my other customers."

"Never! It's just…"

"Never mind, Dear," she said as she took the chair next to him. "I think we need to reassess your duties here at the store."

The look of despair on Sam's face was obvious.

"I'm not going to fire you, Sweetie. I gave you a promotion, remember?"

Sam nodded his head.

"Well, that was before you got hurt. And since you can't work with my customers looking like that…"

"I'll work the stock room, sweep the floors, anything! I really need this job, Mrs. Winchester; please, let me do that until my face looks better. You don't have to pay me the raise you gave me, I'll do anything…" Sam's words came out in a rush. He sounded like a man pleading for his life.

Jenny smiled at Sam, her eyes glistening with tears. "Do you like working here, Sam?"

"Oh yes, Mrs. Winchester! I love working here! You're a great boss and…"

"Then it's settled," she said, reaching out and putting her hand on his knee to ease his fears.

"Huh?"

"I feel partly responsible for what happened to you, Dear, so…as of now, you're on paid medical leave until your injuries heal. When you return, it will be with Dr. Dewinter's permission. She, and she alone, will determine when you may return to work. Is that understood?"

Sam nodded his head in the affirmative.

"And another thing, if you're work in my shoppe, you'll look like you belong here."

Sam's face fell. He looked like he'd been hit over the head with a baseball bat.

"Not like some…" she searched for words "…'guerrilla warfare specialist'. I expect you to wear makeup, a brassiere and to dress professionally at all times."

"You mean I…I have to wear a dress?" He looked like he was going to cry.

"No, Dear," Jenny said tenderly, "dress as feminine, masculine or androgynous as you like. So long as you follow the guidelines I've established, I really don't mind."

Sam smiled a lopsided smile as tears came to his eyes.

"And I expect you to be on your best behaviour at all times. That means no fighting, no swearing, and no lecherous comments to or about my customers; is that understood?"

"Yes'm," Sam mumbled, mollified.

"Good. I seem to recall someone saying you had a time limit on today's excursion. Is that true?"

"Yes, Mrs. Winchester, Dr. Dewinter gave me four hours to…"

"Then I suggest you follow her instructions. Don't worry about your job, it's here waiting for you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Winchester. I…" Tears started to run down Sam's cheeks.

Jenny got up, knelt beside the chair and gave him a hug.

"Enough of that now, Dear. It's rather unseemly for a boy to cry in public. Run along. Call me if you need anything, and I do mean anything. Do you understand me?" she whispered in his ear.

Sam nodded his head as he tried to stop the tears.

"Oh bother," Jenny said in her best blue-blooded British. She took a silk handkerchief from the sleeve of her suit and handed it to Sam.

"Cleanup your face, and go home. Call me once in a while and tell me how you're getting along."

She didn't wait for a reply, she just stood up and strode purposefully -- her back again ramrod straight -- into her office.

Marjorie looked on from the door to the changing room. She wiped a tear from her eye and busied herself with the clothes Tina had decided not to take.

"Damn her anyway. Just when I think I know her…" she muttered fighting back the tears that were filling her eyes.

Janice looked at her daughter, then at the pile of clothes on the counter.

"Are those the keepers?" she asked.

Tina beamed a smile at her and nodded. Linda winced.

"Are we ready to go?" her mother asked.

"Yep!"

"Good, we still need to get you two some furniture for your rooms. Why don't you take care of the bill, Honey," Jan said as she knelt beside Sam.

"Come on, 'Champ,' let's get you cleaned up," Jan said, placing her hand on Sam's thigh. He just nodded and stood. When they were both on their feet, he pulled Jan into a hug and started crying all over again.

"Great, just great," Linda bitched to herself. "She hasn't even told him about his mother yet and look at him. And how the hell am I supposed to drive when I can't even see?" she thought as she wiped furiously at the tears in her eyes.

**********************

In the car, Janice got in the back seat with Sam and her daughter. When she told Sam about his mother, he didn't cry, he didn't scream, he just sat there with a grim look of determination on his face.

"Sam, I know you want to…" Jan began.

"I have to get her out of there, Aunt Jan. I just have to. Please, help me get her out of there… before he kills her."

"We will, Honey, I promise you."

Jan, seeing Sam's reaction to the news about his mother, switched to the front passenger seat of the car before they left the parking space. She watched Sam carefully the whole trip home, never once taking her eyes from the teen. Tina just held on to Sam for dear life. The ride home was made in grim silence.

Tina feared the outcome of the battle raging in her friend's mind. "Oh, Sam," she thought, "it's just not fair; why you? Of all the people in the world, why did it have to be you?"

"Hey, Sam?" she whispered in his ear as she held on to him.

"Hmm?"

"Want another fashion show when we get home?" she asked shyly.

"You're a witch, you know that, Tee? You really are a witch." The thought of seeing Tina in one of the outfits from The Under-World was enough to bring him back to the land of the living. "You really want to get me in trouble, don't you?" he said, the hint of a smile at the corners of his swollen mouth.

"Maybe," Tina said with a smirk. She held her friend tighter than ever. They rode quietly in each other's arms.

**********************

Back at Jan's house later that day, Linda went over the receipts at the little table in the kitchen while Jan made some "Earl Grey" tea and brought it over to the table. "That's right Jan -- four thousand eight hundred eighty five dollars and thirty seven cents."

"Five thousand dollars? In under four hours?!?" Jan was incredulous. "That's it, she's on a budget! Five thousand dollars... It was only clothes and a vanity, for christ's sake!"

"And some pictures, and some drapes, and a few stuffed animals, and...."

"Okay, okay, Linda. She ran amok."

"Yeah… and it was a blast, too, wasn't it?"

"It sure was," Jan giggled. "I can't wait for the store to deliver the rest of it. Remember when I had her try on those bras?" Jan giggled so hard she snorted. The sound was so unlike her that Linda broke into peals of musical laughter.

"Hey, Miss Piggy," Linda said as their laughter died down.

"Yes, Kermie?" Jan replied, doing a credible Miss Piggy then snorted in laughter again.

"Don't you think we ought to go upstairs and see what those two imps are up to?" Linda asked when she had her giggles under control again. "It's just too quiet."

"Let them be, Linda. Sam's playing interior decorator and, unless I miss my guess, Tina just had to write a program to help her do it."

"Write a program?!? To arrange a room?!?" Linda exclaimed.

Then she thought, "Maybe I corralled the wrong person for this project after all. I need someone who's going to get the job done, not write programs for the rest of their life."

"This I've got to see," she said aloud. "Come on, Miss Piggy, we've got some spying to do."

The two women crept up the back stairs and down the hall. Tina's door was partly open and voices could be heard inside.

"See, Sam? Like I said if you move the bed like this…" She pressed a few keys and the bed on the screen rotated and slid across the virtual room.

"Yeah! And then we hang the pictures of the ballet slippers on the wall where the head board was and…"

"I don't believe it!" Linda whispered in astonishment. "She has it done already!"

"I have to say it."

"Jan, don't you dare!" Linda hissed.

"Told y'-so!" Jan laughed out loud.

The heads hunched over the computer screen snapped around so hard and fast it was hard to believe they didn't suffer whiplash from the sudden movement.

"Oh! Hi, Ma, we were just looking at how we should arrange our rooms when the new furniture comes."

Sam ran across the room as fast as his injuries would allow and gave Jan a hug and a peck on the cheek. "Thanks for everything, Aunt Jan."

"Don't worry about it, Hon, I enjoyed it." Jan replied with a smile.

"Tina, don't you think you should put the rest of your things away?" Jan asked, looking at the bags on the bed.

"What?!? I put all my things away! Those are Sam's!"

Linda lost it. Everyone stared at her in confused silence. When she finally calmed down, she said, "I heard it, but I just don't believe it. Miss Disaster over here has cleaned up and put away all her pretty things, and the little Pug Nosed Snot has left his in a heap on the bed. If you'd told me about it and I hadn't been here to see it for myself, I would've called you a liar, Jan."

Sam blushed and said, "I'll put my things away now, Aunt Jan. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologise, Honey. It's all right. I just think it's ironic. You, the reigning Miss Neat as a Pin crown holder, have become Oscar Madison. And the all time champion in the Oscar Madison competitions over there seems to be more like Miss Felicia Unger!"

Sam smiled ruefully as Tina piped up, "C'mon, Sam, let's get those things of yours into your room. Besides, I need to get some measurements for the CAD software. I have some ideas that just might be really cool to try out!"

As the teens left the room, Linda and Jan both started giggling again.

"Are you sure you're ready for this, Jan?"

"No, but I'm loving every second of it. C'mon, let's get out of their hair. I have a feeling we don't want to be around when 'Young Miss Frankenstein' starts assembling the nightmare I'm sure she's cooked up in that head of hers."

"Nightmare?" Linda asked.

"Remember the hole she cut in the front door when she was ten? She had mirrors and wires hanging all over the house. It was clever, I'll say that much. All so that she could open up a window in the door, from her room, and see who was there. She didn't want to have to go downstairs to answer the door."

"Seems to me that door cost you a pretty penny to replace, too," Linda laughed.

"Tina!" Jan called out after her child, "no holes in any of the walls or doors!" She waited for a reply and, not getting one, shouted "DO YOU HEAR ME?!?"

"Yes Mo-therrr! Sheesh, cut one little hole in the front door as a kid and...."

Just then, Linda's cell phone rang. You could barely hear its quiet chirp in the carpeted hall.

"Damn, and I'm up here..."

"Well, if it's important..."

"Jan, when that thing rings, it's always important. I think I know who it is, though. Can I use the phone in your room?"

"Sure, be my guest."

"Thanks, I'll be down in a minute."

As soon as Linda closed the door to her room, Jan stuck her head into Sam's room.

"Gir… umm… children…uh…" Jan tried to get the teen's attention and managed to stumble over every form of address she tried. Finally, seeing she had their undivided attention said, "I'm sorry, Sam, I really don't know if you want me to call you a girl or a boy. Which is it?"

"Oh! Uh...well... I guess it all depends on how I'm dressed, Aunt Jan." She giggled, "Gee, I guess that wasn't any help, was it? It's really confusing for me, Aunt Jan. I mean…I've been thinking and acting like a guy all day. Heck, I even thought of myself as a guy all day, but…I guess you can call me a girl…at least for now. I don't mind. Besides, I guess I really haven't decided which way it's gonna be. So…it really doesn't matter. Either or neither's fine."

"Okay, Sweetie. I have a feeling Linda is going to have to leave here in a minute. Why don't you two go downstairs and wait for her so that you can thank her for all the gifts she got you."

"Okay," the two chorused as they got up and made their way down the stairs. As soon as they were out of sight, Linda came out of Jan's room.

"Is everything okay, Linda?"

"That was Jenny. He's on his way home. I should get myself into place."

"I don't know if I like the idea of you..."

"Don't worry about me, Jan. I've been doing this for a lot longer than you think. I'll be fine. Besides, I'll have a backup right around the corner.

"If Sam decides not to press the point, his father only gets a shake-up. But if Sam wants more..."

Her smile chilled the blood in Jan's veins.

"All right, Lin, the girls are downstairs waiting for you. We'd better get moving."

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Sam and Tina smothered Linda in a massive hug.

"Thanks for everything, Linda," Tina said as she planted a kiss on Linda's cheek that left a big lipstick smudge. Seeing the damage, Tina blushed and giggled.

"Um... Linda? I think you'd better wipe your cheek off before you go anywhere."

"You little snot! I'll bet you did that on purpose!" she joked as she pulled out a Kleenex and wiped at her cheek.

"I have to go now. I'll see you two later. Behave yourselves, understand?"

"Aw... Linda, you're no fun," Tina complained.

"Go play with your computer, geek. And you... You take care of yourself and get better. Do you understand?"

"Thanks, Linda. I will," Sam replied.

"You're going out to get him, aren't you?" she asked.

"How did you…"

"It's not rocket science, Linda. Look at it from where I stand. I get hurt and suddenly the house is full of visitors and you're running the show. We go to the shoppe and you go into the office looking like a happy-go-lucky rich aunt. When you come out, you look like an 'Urban Commando' in a dress. You have a credit card with Tina's name on it virtually overnight, Tina's school records are doctored, she has a new driver's license and a brand new identity, all overnight, and all immediately after you got involved.

"Like I said, it's not rocket science. You're going out to get him. I don't want him hurt, Linda. He may be an asshole, and he may well deserve it, but I need my father. Just because I don't like him and what he does, doesn't mean I don't love him."

"Well, Jenny did say you're a sharp little shit," Linda said to no-one in particular. "Don't worry about him, okay? Just you never mind where I'm going and what I'm doing, Imp. You just get better. We'll have some things to talk about in the next couple of days. For now, I only want you to concentrate on getting better. We'll worry about what I'm doing later. Okay?"

"Uh huh, right. Just promise me he won't get hurt."

"I promise, Sam."

"Thanks, Linda... For everything."

"You're welcome, Sam… For everything." And with that, Linda stepped out the door and pulled it closed behind her.

"Aunt Jan, I'm worried."

"About Linda? Don't be. She knows what she's doing. Besides, she'll have backup near by if she needs it. Why don't you two go back to what you were doing? She'll be fine. Your father will be, too, though lord knows he shouldn't be."

"Can we go visit my mother?"

"I don't think that that's going to be a good idea, Honey. Remember what I said in the car? What would happen if your father showed up? Why don't you give her a call and let her know you're all right. You can tell her that there's a place for her here if she wants to leave him. Okay?"

"Okay, Aunt Jan. I wish I could go visit her, but I understand. Do you think I could call Dr. Dewinter? I'd like to talk to her about Mom."

"Sure, Honey. I'll get her number for you."

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Continued in Part-13

  

  

  

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