Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter thirty-seven of "Not Here." I'm glad it took just six days to get out. This chapter has Leo/Kendrix and Mike/Maya. I've changed the Angel Grove Teen Parent Supprot Group's monthly meeting to the first Saturday starting at two o'clock in chapter thirty-one. I felt it'd be better to be done during the weekend. Stay tuned for chapter thirty-eight.

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Chapter 37: Much Chatting/Sticking Up for a Girl

Biggs Café was somewhat quiet. A middle-aged woman entered while chewing gum somewhat loudly. She passed an employee mopping the floor and took great care not to step on the wet spot. She approached the cash register. She blew a large bubble in her gum, popping it. She used her tongue to get it back into her mouth. A cashier walked up to her, smiling at her.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. What can I get you today?" the cashier asked.

"I'd like coffee with sugar, young sir," the woman answered.

He nodded at her. "Okay."

The cashier headed to the coffeemaker behind him. He got a mug from beside it. He grabbed the kettle and poured coffee into the mug until it was nearly full. He returned the kettle to the coffeemaker and got the sugar to pour it in. He laid it down before grabbing a spoon. He stirred the contents. He tapped the spoon on the mug's side three times. He took it to the sink, placing it there. He went to the mug and picked it up. He returned to the woman, setting it in front of her. He typed in the price.

"That will be one dollar, ma'am," he announced.

"All right," she said and reached into purse to get her wallet. She opened it, pulling out a dollar. She gave that to him, and he typed in the amount and rung it up. She closed her wallet before returning it to her purse.

"You won't be getting any change today," the cashier said, moving his eyebrows up and down. "Thank you. Have a nice day."

"You too," the woman replied as she grabbed her mug. "Thanks for the coffee."

The woman walked away from the cashier. She passed Mike, Maya, and Leo, who were sitting at a table next to the window. She took the one behind Mike and Maya and sat down. She sipped her coffee, nodding in approval and chuckling quietly. She put it down before clearing her throat.

Mike and Maya listened to Leo tell them about how he learned of Ashley's pregnancy. Mike picked up his black coffee and took a long sip of it. He set it down, licking his lips. He folded his arms and laid them on the table. He chuckled once Leo was finished.

"Talk about learning of a teen girl's pregnancy in an unexpected way," Mike said, scratching the back of his neck.

"I'll say. Cassie told me Wednesday she, TJ, Carlos, Justin, and Kendrix overheard Tara bragging to students about spreading the news around at lunch the day before," Leo muttered in disgust. "I swear, that girl needs to have a metal plate over her mouth."

"It reminds me of when I heard Mr. Richards badmouth Donald and Nina over being teen parents several times. Bulk and Skull cheered him on every time. I wanted to yell at all three of them so badly, but I didn't because it would've given the teacher grounds to send me to detention," Mike said, sighing heavily.

Maya eyed him. "You're talking about Donald Tykes and Nina Martinez, right?" She touched his arm. "You told me about them once."

"Yes, I am, Maya," Mike answered, turning to her. "I wish they didn't have to suffer from constant harassment due to being teen parents." He let out a sad sigh as they looked at Leo. "They didn't deserve it."

"At least Ernie was kind enough to give Donald a part-time job at the Youth Center. That helped him and Nina not have to rely on their parents for all of their baby's needs. Andros told me Adelle gave him a part-time job working at the Surf Spot, so he could save money for the baby. He was scheduled to work this morning because he couldn't work this afternoon due to taking Ashley to her ultrasound appointment," Leo added.

Mike sighed in relief. "Thank God for the school's teen parent program. It has done wonders for so many teen parents. Of course, I didn't expect two former Rangers to be among them."

"You know what they say, 'Expect the unexpected,'" Leo said honestly.

"Yep, yep, yep," Mike quipped.

"Have you been watching The Land Before Time, Mike?" Leo asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Why, yes," Mike replied with a nod. "So has Maya. She loves hearing me imitate Ducky." He pinched her cheek, speaking baby talk.

"That I do," Maya said, taking hold of his wrist and pulling his hand off. She laid it in his lap. "It's horrible Judith Barsi was murdered by her own father." She showed some anger. "She didn't deserve that all."

"Freddie Jackson and Irene Cara's Love Survives was dedicated to her memory. Her final film role was in All Dogs Go to Heaven as Ann-Marie," Leo said seriously. "I believe she would've been a very successful actress had she and her mother gotten away from her father."

"Me too. Of course, we can't think of the what-ifs. All we can do is look to the future," Mike said.

Leo picked up his cream-filled coffee to take a sip. "That's exactly what Andros and Ashley are doing in regards to their baby." He laid it down. "I do hope the ultrasound went well."

"So do I, bro. By the way, tell Andros and Ashley they have my support," Mike said warmly.

"The same goes for me. Mike and I may never see them, but that doesn't mean we can't support them," Maya added.

"Thanks, guys," Leo said with a smile. "I really appreciate that." Suddenly, an idea clicked in his head. "Hey, why don't you two come to the Surf Spot and help decorate for the Christmas party? You can get to know my friends because they'll be there too."

Mike formed a big smile on his face. "I'd like that."

"So would I. I'd love to get to know your friends," Maya added.

"Great," Leo said in happiness.

Maya picked up her sugar-filled coffee, taking a long sip. She put it down, smacking her lips.

"It's interesting that teen marriage and parenthood are frowned upon on Earth. It's not unusual for teens to marry and have children on Mirinoi," Maya commented.

"Earthlings saw teen marriage and parenthood as acceptable not too long ago in most developed countries. Then they realized married teens missed out on a lot of stuff, including going to college and seeing the world. They started to frown upon it. Unfortunately, people are called selfish for waiting until they are older to get married," Leo grumbled in disgust.

"We live in a damned if you do, damned if you don't universe. It makes my blood boil," Mike growled, anger lining his voice.

Leo let out a heavy sigh. "As it does mine. No matter what anyone does, someone won't be happy." He shrugged. "It's the way life is. We just have to deal with it."

"So true. Earth culture may be strange at times, but I do like this world. There is so much to see and do," Maya whispered in a sweet voice.

"One of the best things about Earth is its great TV shows and movies," Leo said, a big smile crossing his lips.

"No denying that. I could see Xena hacking away at a water slide with her sword thinking it was a giant snake if she were transported to modern times," Mike said, snickering under his breath.

"The police would arrest her thinking she was one of those insane fans of Xena: Warrior Princess. She'd try telling them her name, but they wouldn't believe her," Leo yelled, laughing aloud and hitting his hand on his knee.

Maya chuckled in delight. "Now, that would be a sight to see. On top of that, Lucy Lawless is very beautiful. She has a wonderful singing voice."

"Burial is a perfect representation of her voice. I can't get enough of listening to it on the show's first soundtrack," Mike said in a warm voice.

"I'd love to sing that song, but all of us know I don't have a good singing voice," Maya muttered dejectedly.

"No one is good at everything, but everyone is good at something," Mike whispered comfortingly as he put his arm around her. He hugged her, and she settled into his embrace.

"It's unfortunate that Fraoch a Ronaigh didn't make it on the second soundtrack. It is a beautiful Gaelic tune. In English, it means Heather of Rona," Leo commented.

"It can be found on Mouth Music. Tabitha Mackenzie sings it. She has a wonderful voice, though it's not of Lucy's caliber," Mike pointed out.

"I'd love to find that album. Perhaps I could find in a garage sale or a music store," Leo said hopefully.

"Hey, you never know what you might find when you look for stuff," Mike said, letting go of Maya. He started talking about the time Bulk ripped his pants when he tried to leap at him after hearing a snide remark from him about his rudeness.

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The café was a little more crowded eight minutes later. Mike and Maya laughed at Leo making chittering sounds and sweeping his hands underneath his armpits as if he were a chimpanzee. Leo curled them into fists and acted as if he were beating on the table.

"Yeah. Hit that table, Leo," Maya encouraged.

Mike shook his finger at his brother. "You need to break it in half, bro."

Maya giggled. "It's been really mean to you."

"Okay," Leo said playfully. He hit the table with his fists seven times. He made the sound of it breaking in half. "There. It's broken it in half."

"Great," Mike and Maya yelled.

Mike was about to say something else when a girl yelled out. He, Maya, and Leo turned to see Kendrix peering over her shoulder angrily at Johnny, who stood behind her. She was seated at a table in the middle of the café. She had her hand on her chemistry book.

"You just had to play with my ponytail, didn't you, Johnny?" Kendrix growled.

"Yep," Johnny answered with a smirk.

"Just go away. I don't want to deal with you right now," Kendrix snapped.

"Too bad. You will have to deal with this!" Johnny shouted and pushed her book off the table. He watched her get up and go over to the other end. He rushed over and kicked it under another table that was next to it before she could reach it. "Oops. It seems I got to it first. Ha, ha, ha."

"You're such a jerk, Johnny. It's no wonder Ashley wanted nothing to do with you! Then again, it's good you want nothing to do with her now," Kendrix growled fiercely.

"And I will have nothing to do with her again. That little slut deserves every bit of harassment that comes her way. The same goes for alien boy," Johnny said maliciously.

"His name is Andros," Kendrix retorted defiantly. "That term you use to describe him is derogatory." She flared her nostrils. "Now, if you will excuse me—"

Kendrix started to go toward her book, but Johnny got to the table and reached under it, grabbing it. He closed it and held it above her head. She jumped for it, but she was unable to get it. Leo couldn't take watching anymore. He stood up and stomped over to behind Johnny. He snatched the book out of his hands. Johnny spun around to face him.

"That is no way to treat a lady, Johnny," Leo growled in anger.

"Well, well, if it isn't Leo Corbett," Johnny leered as he narrowed his eyes at the young man. "Don't you know it's rude to interfere?"

Leo poked Johnny in the chest with his finger. "Don't you know it's wrong to treat women like crap? That's exactly what you were doing to Kendrix here."

Johnny pushed Leo's hand aside. "She deserves every bit of crap thrown at her. She's so pathetic. It's no wonder she got nothing from her parents after they died."

"She's not pathetic. She's human and deserves to be treated like one. On the other hand, I see you as a bastard who gets off on hurting others," Leo retorted, putting the book on the table. "Your parents are just as spoiled and selfish as you are."

"You better take that back right now!" Johnny demanded.

"No, because it's true!" Leo yelled defiantly.

"Take it back right now!" Johnny screeched, his hands curling into fists.

Leo shook his head. "No!"

Johnny became enraged and threw a punch. Leo caught the fist in his hand and twisted his arm, which made him cry out in pain. He went behind him, pulling it there. He ducked when the bully swung his other one at his head. He turned him toward the mop bucket. He threw him its way. Johnny landed on his stomach and slid across the floor, yelling loudly.

Johnny hit the bucket's bottom headfirst. The bucket slid across the floor somewhat, some water splashing out of it. Mike, Maya, and Leo broke out in raucous laughter as the bully struggled to his feet while holding his head. Kendrix joined Leo's side. She laughed just as hard they did. Johnny managed to make it to his feet. He looked very humiliated. He glared at Leo and Kendrix.

"You should walk out of this café with that mop bucket on your head," Leo blurted out.

"It'd make the perfect hat!" Kendrix added.

Johnny hissed in anger. "Oh, shut the fuck up!"

Johnny stormed out, mumbling inaudible words. Kendrix looked toward the book. She went to get it and picked it up. She returned to Leo, pressing her lips together.

"I don't think you'll have to worry about Johnny bugging you anymore today," Leo said comfortingly.

"I can see that. Thanks, Leo," Kendrix responded, giving him a sweet smile. "The way you handled him was really cool."

He showed curiosity. "So, do you do your homework here often?"

She nodded at him. "Oh, yes. It's so peaceful here. It's rare for this place to get crowded." She giggled gleefully.

"I agree. By the way, you are so cute when you giggle like that," Leo cooed.

"Oh, don't say that," Kendrix said as she blushed such a deep shade of red that she appeared to be a cherry.

"It's true. You are really cute when you giggle like that," Leo said honestly. He saw the redness fade from her face. "I've been having coffee with my brother, Mike, and his girlfriend, Maya." He jerked his thumb in Mike and Maya's direction. "They are over there."

Kendrix looked toward the couple. Mike and Maya waved at her, big smiles showing on their faces. She turned back to Leo.

"I see," Kendrix said.

"Would you like to come sit with us?" Leo suggested.

"I don't know if I should. I don't want to intrude," Kendrix said in uncertainty.

Leo shook his head. "Oh, you won't be intruding. Besides, it's better than sitting alone."

Kendrix still looked reluctant. "Okay. Just let me get the rest of my stuff."

Leo headed back to his chair and sat down with a light grunt. Kendrix went over to grab her backpack. She made her way to the chair beside him and slipped her backpack over the back of it. She laid her book on the table before seating herself.

"I wish there was a remote that could rewind time. We could watch Johnny slide across the floor as many times as we wanted," Mike said.

"I could try to invent such a remote, but I don't know if it's possible," Kendrix commented with a light chuckle.

Maya was surprised. "You invent stuff?"

Kendrix nodded eagerly. "Yeah. I've done it ever since I was a little girl. I also love fixing things. One time, my uncle's hair dryer broke for an unknown reason. I was able to fix it by taking it apart and tweaking some wires. Then I put it back together." She smiled proudly.

"Neat," Leo said in awe.

"Leo told us he's seen you reading in his second period art class after you finish an assignment. That must be one of your favorite pastimes," Maya said, picking up her coffee to take a sip. She put it down.

"It is. My favorite book is White Fang. I love Jack London's words. They have such meaning to them," Kendrix explained, warmth echoing from her voice.

"White Fang is my favorite book too," Leo said, gazing at her.

"Really?" Kendrix said as she turned to him.

Leo nodded at her. "Oh, yes. I can't get enough of reading about White Fang's journey through the hands of humans. It's incredible."

"It sure is. Who would've thought a wolf-dog would grow out of being such a vicious animal?" Kendrix wondered.

"I often saw Leo read that book while listening to music when he was younger," Mike said as Leo and Kendrix shifted their attention to him and Maya. "I occasionally joked he should jumped into it and become the wolf-dog himself."

"You'd make a handsome wolf-dog, bro," Leo said.

"So would you. Of course, I'd be the more handsome wolf-dog," Mike said, smugness showing on his face.

"Hey, don't get smug. It'll bite you on the ass," Leo warned sternly.

"Why don't you get rid of my smugness?" Mike taunted in a playful manner.

"Okay," Leo said determinedly. "I will."

Leo stood up and reached over to smack Mike on the cheek. Mike waved his hand in front of his brother's face. He raised it high, jerking it downward. Leo tweaked his nose, making a honking sound. Maya and Kendrix looked at each other as the boys continued goofing around.

"Do they always do this when you're with them?" Kendrix wondered.

"Yes, they do. I'm used to it, though," Maya answered honestly.

The brothers stopped their antics, and Leo settled back into his chair. They picked up their coffees and drank a little of them. They laid them down, smacking their lips.

"The way you two interact makes me wish I had a sibling," Maya whispered warmly.

"I wish I didn't have a sister," Kendrix mumbled sadly. "All that Erica has ever done is treat me like crap. My parents did the same to me when they were alive. It's well known in Angel Grove High that I'm an orphan." She sniffled while wiping a tear from her eye.

"Leo told us about your situation once. I'm sorry your own parents and sister treated you like that," Maya said sympathetically.

"Thanks," Kendrix replied, rubbing her nose. "I don't care anymore. I have my Uncle Carl. He treats me like a princess, though I'm not anywhere near as spoiled as Erica is."

"That's good," Maya said, happiness showing in her voice.

"There's something you should know about Maya, Kendrix. She isn't from Earth. She's from Mirinoi," Mike said, taking his girlfriend's hand into his.

Kendrix felt her eyes widen to the size of saucers. "No way."

"It's true," Maya answered with much eagerness. "My world was one of many picked to take part in Earth's planet exchange program." She giggled as her boyfriend tightened his grip on her hand somewhat. "I decided to try it as I've always wanted to see what life was like on another world. Elsa Carver took my place. I'm attending college in hers."

"This is so cool," Kendrix said, laughing. "Not once did I think I'd ever meet someone from the planet exchange program."

Leo folded his hands. "The best part is Maya had little trouble adjusting to Earth culture." He winked at Maya.

"One thing I like doing is snatching the remote from Mike and changing the channel when we watch TV in his dorm room," Maya whispered, placing her other hand over Mike's. "He always looks at me with mock-annoyance."

"At least you treat me a lot better than my last girlfriend did," Mike mumbled, his body turning tense. "Penny Reingold and I dated during our sophomore year of high school. Things stared out good with her. Then she tried to control my every move. She didn't want me to spend time with my own brother."

"I liked that girl at first, but I stopped liking her after she became controlling," Leo muttered, scoffing in anger.

"The last straw came when she claimed we slept together following a date to the lake. We made out, but she tried to take it further. I didn't want to because I didn't feel ready. I took her home. I broke up with her when I overheard her telling her friends we had sex," Mike said, hissing to himself.

"Talk about a bitch," Kendrix said, rolling her eyes.

Maya gave a sharp nod. "I agree."

Mike turned to give Maya a kiss to her temple. He let go of her hand and put his arm around her. He gave her a big hug. She settled into his embrace, sighing in content. He looked at Leo and Kendrix.

"TJ, Cassie, Carlos, and Justin told me all about Ashley's scheduled ultrasound at lunchtime on Wednesday. I can't help but wonder how it went," Kendrix said thoughtfully.

"I can see Andros and Ashley expressing excitement at seeing their baby for the first time," Leo commented, chuckling.

"Everyone knows ultrasounds are used to confirm pregnancies and to determine the health of unborn babies," Mike pointed out.

"I remember when you showed me an ultrasound image of a baby on the internet," Maya said, eyeing him. "It looked so interesting."

"It sure did," Mike said with a laugh. He flicked her chin twice. "There is so much stuff to find on the internet, including jokes." He snickered.

"I'd rather find jokes on the internet than read them from joke books. Jokes from joke books suck big time," Kendrix grumbled with a huff.

"Yes, they do," Leo agreed. "Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing what Andros has to say about the ultrasound on Monday. I do hope the baby is healthy." He smiled.

"Me too," Kendrix said, looking at him. "Perhaps he'll have pictures to show you."

"That'd be nice," Leo said, propping his head up with his elbow. "After all, Andros will be dealing with Ashley's mood swings and weird food cravings over the next seven-and-a-half months."

Mike, Maya, and Kendrix voiced their agreement. They continued to talk about Ashley's pregnancy. Unbeknownst to them, Veronica was sitting at the table behind Leo and Kendrix. She had overheard everything they had been saying. She was determined to listen to more of their conversation.

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Mike, Maya, Leo, Kendrix walked out of the café thirteen minutes later. An elderly man entered while smacking his gum. Mike and Maya went left down the sidewalk. Leo and Kendrix headed right. They peered over their shoulders at the couple. Two young men passed them on either side.

"It was nice talking to you, Mike, Maya!" Kendrix called.

"It was nice talking to you too, Kendrix!" Mike responded as he and Maya looked over their shoulder at the duo.

Mike, Maya, Leo, and Kendrix waved to each other. Leo and Kendrix looked ahead. They decided to come to a stop. She dug the heel of her white tennis shoe into the pavement.

"Your brother and his girlfriend are so sweet," Kendrix said, warmth lining her voice. "They make such a cute couple."

"I know. I feel very lucky to have a brother who loves me. I wish everyone could have a sibling who is like that," Leo said with a small sigh.

"At least I don't have to deal with Erica often. Last year, Uncle Carl wouldn't even allow her to join us for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner because he knew she'd treat me badly. She demanded that he invite her to both dinners, but he wouldn't give in," Kendrix said with much pride.

"It's great that your uncle is no pushover when it comes to your sister," Leo commented, pressing his lips together. "My parents aren't pushovers when it comes to Mike and me either."

Kendrix couldn't hold back a chuckle. She and Leo looked up to see a northern mockingbird fly overhead. They listened to its chirps for thirty seconds before turning to each other.

"I was wondering. Would you like me to walk you home?" Leo asked curiously.

Kendrix looked shocked. "Are you serious?"

Leo nodded at her. "Yes. We could talk about stoplights, birds, trees, and who barfed in the cafeteria." He laughed.

"I'd love to," Kendrix commented gratefully. "By the way, thanks for sticking up for me and inviting me to sit with you, Mike, and Maya. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome. I will defend a woman against anyone who harasses her," Leo answered sweetly. He flicked her chin twice. "You'll amount to something, Kendrix. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Kendrix smiled, which made Leo chuckle. She slipped a lock of hair behind her ear and pushed her bangs out of her eyes. They resumed walking and began talking about what they were going to do for the weekend. She tightened her grip on her book somewhat.

Unbeknownst to the duo, Veronica came out of the café. She stopped next to her blue car, which was BMW and very new. She had managed to hear every word about Ashley's pregnancy from them, Mike, and Maya. She wouldn't pass up the opportunity to spread it around, especially at Angel Grove University.

Veronica smiled deviously and got into her car. She reached into her purse, pulling out her cellphone. She dialed her mother, Joanna's number. She put the it to her ear and listened to it ring three times before a click came. She started telling her about what she learned.