LIV. That's How You Know

(A Capella, Giselle)
How does she know you love her?
How does she know she's yours?
(Marlon Saunders - Calypso Singer)
How does she know that you love her?
(Giselle)
How do you show her you love her?
(Together)
How does she know that you really
really
Truly love her?
How does she know that you love her?
How do you show her you love her?
How does she know that you really really truly love her?
(Giselle)
It's not enough to take the one you love for granted
You must remind her or she'll be inclined to say
"How do I know he loves me?
How do I know he's mine?"

Well does he leave a little note to tell you you are on his mind?
Send you yellow flowers when the sky is grey?
He'll find a new way to show you a little bit every day
That's how you know
That's how you know he's your love

(Calypso Singer)
You got to show her you need her
Don't treat her like a mind reader
Each little something to lead her to believe you love her

(Giselle)
Everybody wants to live happily ever after
Everybody wants to know their true love is true
How do you know he loves you?
How do you know he's yours?

Well does he take you out dancing just so he can hold you close?
Dedicate a song with words meant just for you?
He'll find his own way to tell you with the little things he'll do
That's how you know
That's how you know he's your love
He's your love

That's how you he loves you
That's how you know it's true

Because he'll wear your favorite color just so he can match your eyes
Plan a private picnic by the fire's glow
His heart will be yours forever
Something everyday will show
That's how you know (x5)
That's how you know he's your love
That's how you know
That's how you know he's your love

(Calypso Singer)
That's how she know that you love her
That's how you show her you love her (That's how you know)

(Everyone)
You've got to show her you need her
Don't treat her like a mind reader
How do you know that you love her (That's how you know)
That's how you know that you love her (He's your love)
It's not enough to take the one you love for granted

Please read AND review!

That's How You Know and Ever After are the property of Menken and Schwartz and appear in the film Enchanted.

Note: Okay, here is where the timeline gets sorta funky. The Spin/Emma scenes are the same day as Manny arriving in Toronto to see Toby. All other storylines, namely Ashley's duet with Mark, and Sean locating Jay, will be suspended in time. Just think of Ashley and Sean's storylines as frozen. I think it'll make sense. If not, yeah...

It's nearly four in the morning and her eyes droop. She can barely move her hand to find the key, situate it into the lock. The cabbie kept asking her questions about the Andrews, maybe to keep her awake, maybe out of sheer curiosity. Emma couldn't answer any of them, which disappointed him. So what? She's been disappointed for hours now.

Emma pushes the door opens, immediately views a pair of purple satin pajama pants. Lia. Hannah's tear-stained cheek is against Lia's legs. Lia is sitting on the steps, Hannah's blonde head shooting up.

"Hey, guys...," starts Emma.

Hannah is climbing the steps in a hurry before the sentence is through. Lia glares at Emma.

"She was worried," informs Lia.

"What'd I do?" says Emma.

"Oh, I don't know," says Lia, sarcastically. "She had a nightmare, went to find you, and you weren't there."

A nightmare? But she and Hannah had such a great day yesterday with Spinner. It was probably the happiest she's seen Hannah.

"Nelson, what exactly are we paying you for?" says Lia.

"Not sure. What exactly did you do to Manny?" throws back Emma.

"You've got a big mouth," says Lia, shaking her head. "Dad said the same thing. Criticizing our family? I don't know what you're trying to accomplish, but..."

"I'm the only person who regularly talks to your sister!" exclaims Emma.

"Lying," says Lia, softly.

"It's the truth," insists Emma. "I asked you to talk to her, and you haven't. Your sister's really hurting, and I'd bet a million bucks it's more than you are."

Lia crosses her arms and her lips grow tight.

"Do your job, Nelson," says Lia, pointedly. "Stop playing psychiatrist because you're not good at it."

Though her shoulders are hunched, Lia seems to walk with her head erect. Perhaps she shouldn't have said all that. She just went by Hannah's feelings and she'd only seen a glimpse of how Ursula's passing had crushed Lia. Emma sighs and ascends the staircase slowly.

Approaching Hannah's room, the word "nightmare" consistently flows through her thoughts. Lately, she hasn't slept enough to have nightmares. She tried to think back on her nightmares as a seven-year old, and is unable to remember anything. All her dreams connected to her family were celebratory or warm or flowery until she became a tween. Being in a room with Jordan, the guy who was dishonest with her in their Internet interactions, inspired uglier dreams. Sometimes she sought her family members or Manny, woke them up to relive these dangerous dreams. For the past few weeks her sleep was limited. Her current, internal clock is so used to this deprived schedule. With Hannah, however, she got to keep busy and not pay attention to the time. She stood when the first flashes of sunlight draped across Edwina's room, entered Hannah's castle, and got ready for the day. The same schedule should be done today, Emma knocking on the door of Hannah's room.

"Come in," says a sob.

Normally, Hannah was chipper, answered with a bright attitude. Emma goes inside.

Hannah is laying face down on her bed, ears touching her pillow. She parts the canopy curtains.

"What's wrong, Hannah?" asks Emma, sitting with her.

The young girl manages to raise her head.

"I had a bad dream," replies Hannah.

"About what?" says Emma.

"I was alone," says Hannah, wiping her tears. "My mother was in it and told me I'd always be alone. Then I shouted that no, I have friends. I have you. I went to your room to find you and you weren't..."

Emma could feel her heart sink like a weight in her chest. Before she didn't mind that Hannah was so clingy, but now it's causing her to doubt Hannah would have anyone if she left. What is going to happen when Hannah's a teenager, or heading to college? Hannah wouldn't need her, Edwina, or another caretaker. Young adulthood meant you had to be on your own. She would definitely have to break out of her shell by then.

"We're going to take a field trip tomorrow," says Emma, lifting Hannah's blanket.

Hannah scoots to the side, finds herself under the sheets in no time. Emma isn't sure how Hannah will take the trip, how the trip will fare, yet she's sure she has to try. Spinner would be there, too, so Hannah would have two sources of support.

"Will I like it?" says Hannah.

"I hope so," answers Emma.

"Do you ever get lonely, Emma?" asks Hannah, touching her arm gently.

"Yes," admits Emma. "I think we all do."

II.

They couldn't ever convince her to go to a nursing home. She said they were meshugganeh for even suggesting it. Bubbe Isaacs is a stalwart. She didn't use her cane when Toby, without his father, came to visit. Her euchre skills were unmatched, and no one was able to cream her in badminton back in her girlhood days. Despite her arthritis, the grey hair, and the conservative clothes, she seems ageless to Toby.

Her house has a sort of zest to it as well, notes Toby as he pulls into her driveway. Sure, there were tulips and dandelions in the front yard, but no other lawn had statues of gnomes on mushrooms, with handmade yarmulkes on their plastic heads. There is a gnome for every grandchild. Amber and Jennifer had matching gnomes since they were twins. They never complained and found it sweet. So did Toby, especially since his gnome was closest to the house with its shiny blue yarmulke. Toby knew it was closest to the house because he was the oldest, but he liked to pretend that it was because he was Bubbe's favorite. Blue is his favorite color, after all, and hers too.

Toby walks to the door, rings the doorbell. He'd promised his dad he'd come early to visit her and it sure is early. Bubbe woke up around seven in the morning, and he's here at nine-thirty. Right after this, he'd go read Justin's e-mails. Clara may be upset that it took him this long, but at least he's doing it. His father kept him busy with constant reminders about the virtues of abstinence, and then stories about teenagers in his high school that were single moms or young dads. Toby doesn't believe the order of the subjects is coincidental. He does firmly believe that Jeff would like it if he and Manny would control their hormones, and Toby listened politely. That said, Manny wasn't here, and when she is here, he's pretty sure he would crumble under her affections.

The door parts and Toby provides Bubbe with a sweet smile. Other than Manny, she's the sole female who brought forth that reaction. Maybe in time his mom would too.

"My Tobias!" greets Bubbe, enveloping him in a firm hug.

"Hi, Bubbe," says Toby in her hold.

She releases him, and Toby shuts the door behind him. This is the one place where every visit is a happy visit. He feels at ease here, unlike at the Santoses', and occasionally at his own home. Bubbe always made him comfortable.

"How is everyone?" asks Bubbe, limping slowly to her plastic-covered couch.

Toby plops onto the couch. On the opposite table sat the usual Strauss chocolates. Bubbe liked that the company had Jewish origins.

"Good," answers Toby. "And I went to see Mom...in California? She's doing really great."

"Oh, Anne Marie," says Bubbe, appreciatively.

The divorce didn't sour Bubbe on his mother. She still sent Anne Marie a Hanukkah card every year and spoke nicely of her to others.

"How was your birthday?" inquires Bubbe.

"The best one ever," says Toby, smoothly because he's totally not lying.

There were some rough patches, certainly, but it all panned out in the end. It's hard to fathom that two months ago, he'd told Rabbi Miller that he wasn't happy having everything, that he doubted everything. Well, everything (with family, with his career, with Manny) is amazing today.

"So I guess you won't need a present," teases Bubbe.

"I'd be a yutz if I said no," replies Toby, grinning.

"Aha!" cries Bubbe, moving to a wooden drawer to the right.

As Bubbe sifts through the drawer to the right, Toby stands to look at the photographs on the mantelpiece. There were a few of Jeff, his uncle Paul, his aunt Helen, and Miriam, her youngest daughter and the sole sibling living in Israel. When Jeff was Toby's age, he was tall and gawky. His glasses were huge and most of his teenage years were spent at synagogue functions or in private music classes. His long limbs did help him make a couple of his high school sports teams, however. In the center picture, Jeff is holding his violin, Helen is holding an apple and a book, Paul is holding a briefcase, and Miriam is holding a sabbath candle. They were representing who they'd like to be when they grew up: his father a musician, Helen a teacher, Paul a businessman, and Miriam a religious studies professor. Jeff tried to talk Toby and Ashley into doing a similar portrait, but Toby wasn't sure he wanted to hold a computer in his hands, even a laptop, and Ashley was going through the Craig-Manny drama so she didn't feel like doing anything.

"Here," announces Anne Marie, holding a tiny, square box. "Found it."

Toby's never received a birthday gift that small before. It's a gold box with Hebrew lettering on the top.

"Rivka," reads Toby.

Or Rebecca, thinks Toby. That's his grandmother's real name.

"It means to bind," says Bubbe, though Toby was aware of that. "And what's in here binds two people together."

"Bubbe, I already have so much from you," demurs Toby. "I don't need anymore. Well, except your good euchre tricks."

Bubbe laughs, then smiles serenely.

"This isn't to bind us, Toby," shares Bubbe.

She lifts the lid and Toby views a beautiful silver ring, with a large black garnet at the top. It's set against cotton lining in the box. The ring looks both old and new.

Bubbe hands it to him.

"This is to bind you and Manny," continues Bubbe. "She told me her birthday is coming up so I set it aside for her after Confirmation. It's simple, but meaningful."

"Why?" asks Toby.

"It belonged to Jacob," sighs Bubbe.

"No...nah, I can't take it," insists Toby, trying to put it back into her hands. "Dad deserves it..."

"Jeff has his father's music stand. He'll understand," says Bubbe, pushing it away from her.

"Where'd Grandpa get it? Do you know?" says Toby.

Bubbe stares in different directions, her eyes teary. Man. He didn't want to make his grandmother cry. He shouldn't have opened his big mouth.

"Sit," says Bubbe, gesturing to the couch.

Toby does so quickly, anxious not to offend her anymore.

"Your grandfather loved me very much," begins Bubbe. "But there was a day, of course, when we separated. When he went to Krakow, and I went to Dachau. Well, we both know I was the lucky one."

Toby lowers his head and nods solemnly.

"We'd heard the horrors of Krakow from Jews who'd been there and I was inconsolable that Jacob was going. A lot of them ended up being moved to Auschwitz eventually. On one of the walks they let us go on, I looked down and saw this glint of silver. It was like a diamond on the ground, or I thought it was."

Bubbe stares fondly at the wandering Jew plants near her kitchen. They were always tended to the best. Toby holds her hand because it's the first action to comfort her that enters his mind.

"I'd discovered this marvelous ring, right there on the dying grass," says Bubbe. "We didn't know if it belonged to someone who died or fled or was liberated. Jacob told me that it was the ring of a woman who'd been saved from death. That might've been a lie. I like to think it wasn't. He said it was a symbol of freedom and that our family would reunite one day so I should keep it..for luck."

His grandmother's voice begins to falter as Toby stares at the ring. His uncle Paul and Jeff were his grandfather's biological children. Jeff was born six days after the surrender. They tracked down the music stand in his grandfather's ravaged apartment in Germany. The thiefs apparently saw no use for it. Helen and Miriam were adopted years later, but considered themselves Jacob's because he always said he'd wanted two daughters. Toby never met him either. Bubbe moved to her mother's native Toronto with Jeff and Paul, yet always looked back.

"I waited years to see if that was true, if we were going to be lucky," admits Bubbe. "I loved him dearly. Likewise, if you love...if you love Manny dearly, you should give this to her."

"Bubbe, are you sure this is for her?" says Toby.

"Are you?" says Bubbe, smiling as the tears stop.

He thought about it. Manny does love jewelry, and he does love her.

"Yes," provides Toby, earnestly.

"Then, it's hers," asserts Bubbe. "I especially had to give this to you after Confirmation."

What he wouldn't give to block out that day, or the moments where he was being harrassed. Still, Manny wouldn't have heard his speech if that day hadn't happened.

"Toby, there's always going to be hate in the world," says Bubbe, touching his knee. "But there's always going to be love, too, and we're blessed to have it. There will always be Jacobs and Mannys who love us through the hate. I'm proud and thankful for that."

The first gesture that enters his mind, right then? Toby hugs her, maybe a little too hard, because Bubbe is laughing heartily in his arms.

III.

"Make a left," instructs Emma.

Spinner raises his eyebrows, manuevers the car with a sharp left. Neither Hannah or Spinner know where they're going. In a way, Emma is in the same boat. She's informed on where to steer them, however.

This has to work. She didn't want Hannah to be depressed for the rest of her childhood. No kid, especially Hannah, should have to go through it, dealing with these dark moods by herself. If Emma extends a gentle hand, she can guide Hannah in a better direction.

"Smoggy today," comments Spinner.

"Welcome to L.A.," says Emma, smiling at him.

Like she had guessed, Spinner went along with her plans. The non-dramatic nature of their...well, whatever they were, is every kind of appealing.

"So, Hannah, what do you think?" asks Spinner, glancing at her for a brief second.

"I'd like the trees to have clean air," answers Hannah. "They can't walk away from it."

Spinner and Emma laugh. They're going down a road Emma's unfamiliar with so she pays closer attention. Boomer's car passes the La Brea Tarpits, and Emma's sure they're on the right track.

"Turn right at the second light," says Emma.

Complying, Spinner drives along the street, a few fast food restaurants whizzing by. Then, there's a rectangular, brick building in the distance.

"Here," says Emma, pointing.

"A school?" blurts out Spinner.

Hannah stares wearily at Emma and lets her head meet the carseat. Her blonde hair is down today, flowing to the floor.

"Cavalier Elementary," reads Emma, the grey sign shining in the sun.

It took her some time to recall the name of the school the little boy mentioned at the Tar Pits. She figured a familiar face would help Hannah get over her nerves long enough to be around him and other kids. If Marty Fischer wasn't there today, then that would make things difficult. Spinner parks.

"This is the school that boy was from," remembers Hannah.

"Mmmm hmm," says Emma. "I called them first thing this morning, and they have a class today."

She doesn't tell Hannah that she had to fib to get clearance. The secretary asked who the child was, and Emma told her, which caused the secretary to squeal. The thing was that she had to be accompanied by an adult and Emma wasn't. That's where Emma lied. She said Spinner was Hannah's cousin, a college sophomore at Berkeley. The secretary said she'd be glad to have them. Emma has yet to tell Spinner that he and Hannah were going to be related for the day.

Emma tugs on Spinner's arm, inching him closer to her. He seemed to enjoy it as much as she did.

"You and Hannah are cousins, for the record," whispers Emma. "And I'm your girlfriend."

"Part of a secret plan?" gasps Spinner, playfully. "Dude, I feel like I'm Inspector Gadget."

"Thanks, Spin," says Emma, smiling. "You're still Canadian."

"Better be," says Spinner.

Spinner and Emma exit the car, stare at a fearful Hannah whose eyes face the back of the seat.

"Hannah, I promise we'll have fun," says Emma, touching her leg. "Spinner and I will be with you every minute."

"So?" groans Hannah.

"You said you'd like to play with other kids, right?" continues Emma. "They'll be nice to you."

"And if they're not, I'll give them wet willies," adds Spinner.

That causes Hannah to giggle, prop herself up by her elbow.

"What's a wet willie?" asks Hannah.

"Follow me, madam," says Spinner. "And I will show you things you've never seen before."

Hannah undoes her seatbelt and glances at Emma, who provides her with a reassuring nod.

"Mwahahaha!" laughs Spinner, pretending to bite Hannah's neck.

Hannah grins and squirms.

"I actually like fangs," she says.

"She does," says Emma as they approach the front of the school.

Cavalier is a little larger than Degrassi, though their appearances were very different. Instead of Spirit Squad try-out posters or a quad, Cavalier had cartoon character posters and a media center with low shelves. Emma glances into the media center and spies three computers. Snake would've been in shock to see such a small amount of technological advances.

The three of them are greeted by a woman with stringy, grey hair and blue spectacles.

"Gavin Andrews, I presume," greets the secretary, cheerfully.

"Mason," corrects Spinner. "Had it legally changed. The press...they were always after me."

The secretary has a horse laugh when she opens her mouth. Yeah, thinks Emma, watching Hannah's eyes grow wider.

"Can I see your ID?" asks the secretary.

Please work, please work, please work, thinks Emma. Spinner is eighteen. He gives her his license.

"Thank you," she said, returning it.

"Picture sucks," demurs Spinner. "I bet you haven't taken any bad pictures."

"Oh, we all have. Even non-famous families. You know, I have a friend that has an aunt that's met Kevin Bacon," informs the secretary with pride. "Or she thinks it was him. Anyway, we're so glad you're considering Cavalier for little Hannah."

Hannah hides behind Emma's waist when her name is said.

"We hear it's the best public school," says Spinner, grinning at Emma. "Oh, this is my girlfriend, Emma."

"Nice to meet you," says Emma.

"Your voice sounds familiar?" says the secretary, raising her glasses and staring at her.

"No, it doesn't," waves off Spinner, guiding the secretary to walk with him. "Um...so what class are we observing today?"

"Kindergarten," replies the secretary. "Our summer programs are incredibly fun and creative. Mrs. Haskell has done wonders for the school. Enrollment has risen steadily since her employment."

They're lead to a room with an open door. Hannah peeks from behind Emma and takes in the class. Mrs. Haskell, the teacher Emma recognized from the Tar Pits, stands in front of the students. The students are sitting Indian-style on a colorful carpet. She's reading them a story.

"The young lady felt a strange sensation under the twenty mattresses," reads Ms. Haskell.. "Can anyone guess what it was?"

Several boys and girls shook their heads. A red-haired boy raises his hand.

"Yes, Marty?" says Ms. Haskell.

"A cockroach?" says Marty.

"Ewwww," cries the whole class.

"See, Marty, that's what happens when you don't listen," scolds Ms. Haskell. "Anybody else?"

"A pea," whispers Hannah.

"Wait...I heard somebody say it," says Ms. Haskell, checking among her students. "Say it louder so all of us can hear."

Emma bends to Hannah, and nudges her forward so that she's standing in the doorway. Hannah darts her gaze from Marty to Mrs. Haskell.

"Pea!" yells Hannah.

The whole class bursts into laughter, turning to Hannah framed in the doorway. Emma's well aware they'd interpreted it as "pee" and not the vegetable.

"You're right...um...um," stammers Mrs. Haskell. "I don't believe we've met before."

"Her name is Hannah," introduces Spinner.

"If it's alright, they'd like to observe your class," says the secretary. "Principal Duncan is in a business meeting, but I'm sure she'd give Hannah Andrews the okay. This is her cousin Spinner and their friend Emma."

The secretary put extra emphasis on Hannah's name. Emma wanted to kick her. Hannah felt singled out already.

"Sure," says Mrs. Haskell. "It's Story Hour and all are invited."

Spinner puts two arms around Hannah, and walks with Emma to the back of the carpet. Two girls scoot over to let Hannah have enough room. Emma found that sweet and hopeful.

"Now," continues Mrs. Haskell. "She couldn't get a wink of sleep. The girl was so restless that she finally went to the throne room and said, oh, prince, I cannot sleep because my bed is so uncomfortable. The prince and his parents were thrilled because you see, only a real princess is so delicate that she can feel a pea under twenty mattresses. The prince and the young lady were married and lived happily ever after."

"Yay!" applaud the students, Spinner and Emma joining in.

"What I'd like to do now is for us to tell our own story, using something called improv," says Mrs. Haskell. "Does anyone know what that is?"

"I do!" announces Spinner, raising his hand.

"Yes...um, what is it? Spike?" says Mrs. Haskell.

"Uh, no. Spinner."

A few boys and girls chuckle.

"It's a nickname, man," defends Spinner. "Oh, improv's like...where you go on the fly. You make a story with your imagination."

"Excellent, Spinner," praises Mrs. Haskell.

"Sweet," whispers Spinner, patting himself on the back.

"In fact, you can be our first volunteer," says Mrs. Haskell, brightly. "Come on. Up here with me."

"Um...okay, dude. I mean, yeah," says Spinner.

The children clap, apparently pleased that they don't have to volunteer themselves. Emma glances at Hannah. She's playing with the material of the carpet, but is smiling.

"Now...we need a girl," says Mrs. Haskell. "How about you, Emma?"

"Me?" cries Emma. "I...well..."

"Do it!" encourages Marty. "Do it!"

"Do it! Do it! Do it!" chants the class.

"The public has spoken," says Ms. Haskell. "And I happen to have a hat your size."

This requires her wearing a hat. Oh, boy, she's not sure about this. Emma reluctantly stands with Hannah staring at her. Hannah's smile leads her on and makes her take the tall, pink princess hat. Manny should so be doing this and not her. She hasn't acted in about a year, not since playing Mina in Dracula.

"The rules are that we support whatever story Spinner and Emma come up with it," says Mrs. Haskell. "Improv is fun and unpredictable...and in this case, very clean."

Her last remark is obviously a warning. Spinner and Emma indicate that wouldn't be a problem by nodding. Mrs. Haskell presents Spinner with a Peter Pan-like hat. He slowly puts it on his head, resulting in a wave of laughter. Emma bites her lip to keep from chuckling herself. It has a pink feather pointing to the ceiling and everything. Maybe feeling bad about the hat, Mrs. Haskell gives him a dull, plastic grey sword. Spinner smiles at it.

"And...action," says Mrs. Haskell as Emma dons her hat.

Spinner and Emma stare at each other in confusion. He finally clears his throat and bends on one knee.

"M' lady," says Spinner in a fake British accent. "I've traveled over hill, stream, the San Fernando Highway. Uh...all...all for you. For I hear that you will marry the guy that...the guy that captures the evil...badger."

The kids giggle. Badger? Then, Emma spies a badger on a book in the class bookcase. Emma stares frightfully at the kids.

"The wicked badger! Yes!" cries Emma. "For his fur is poison. Fur is bad, very bad."

Might as well work in an environmental angle for the next generation. Hannah's smile grows with this comment. As they tell their story, Mrs. Haskell is distributing other princess hats to the girls, smaller in size. Emma figures she's wearing Mrs. Haskell's. The boys get paper, gold crowns.

"Then, that settles it!" announces Spinner, hopping to his feet. "I will fight the evil badger with my trusty sword...uh, Kwan, the Killer!"

"Ooooh," breathes Marty and two other boys.

Kwan, the killer sword? Well, Kwan isn't his easiest teacher at Degrassi.

"And I...and I will await your return!" promises Emma.

"Thank you, Princess Emma," says Spinner. "Oh,if only...if only I had a trinket from the luckiest girl in the land. An...an earring, perhaps?"

Spinner looks purposefully at Hannah.

"Oh? Mine?" says Hannah. "I..."

"You don't want the badger to poison Emma, do you?" cries Spinner.

This is a great way to include her and Emma gaze shyly finds the floor.

"No!" exclaims Hannah, immediately unclipping her gold stud earring.

"Let's hear it for Hannah!" encourages Spinner.

"Woo!" shouts Marty, the whole class mimicking his approval.

"Now, I must face the badger or perish," says Spinner, flexing his arms. "Rowr!"

"Rowr!" echo the boys in the class.

For a minute or so, Spinner pretends to put up a good fight with an invisible villain. Hannah's earring is tucked safely into the pocket of his jean shorts. Emma covers her eyes until Spinner releases a pleased sigh.

"And the kingdom is safe!" proclaims Spinner. "Huzzah!"

"Huzzah!" yells the class.

"So, dude, we need some tunes!" says Spinner, walking to a stereo and pushing play.

Hopefully, a Barney song doesn't come out. Emma grimaces. This gesture is probably performed because Spinner's fresh out of ideas. Ms. Haskell seems okay with the distraction.

Storybook endings
Fairy tales coming true
Deep down inside
We want to believe they still do
In our secretest heart
It's our favorite part of the story
Let's just admit
We all want to make it to

Spinner bows to Emma and extends his hand. Emma does a light curtsy as the girls "awww." Hannah smiles at a girl with multiple braids, who returns it.

"Where'd you come up with all of that?" whispers Emma to Spinner.

"Before she got into sports, Kendra liked fairy tales," answers Spinner. "And she still has a soft spot for Mulan."

Emma laughs as Spinner turns her.

Ever ever after
If we just don't get it our own way
Ever ever after
It may only be a wish away

"I wanna dance!" cries Marty.

Strangely, though, Marty's idea of dancing isn't the waltz or anything close to the waltz. He jumps up and down to the rhythm. Pretty soon, they're all jumping, except for Hannah, Spinner, and Emma.

Start a new fashion
Wear your heart on your sleeve
Sometimes you reach what's realest
By making believe
Unafraid, unashamed
There is joy to be claimed in this world

"Let's hear it for Spinner and Emma!" shouts Ms. Haskell over the music. "They did a wonderful job."

"Uh-uh," says the girl next to Hannah. "It's not over 'til they kiss. That's how all stories end."

Mrs. Haskell nervously stares at the two improv actors, but she's nowhere as nervous as either of them. Spinner tips his hat further down his face as Emma blushes.

"Yeah," agrees Hannah, the first word she's said since entering.

You even might wind up
Being glad to be you
Ever ever after
Though the world will tell you
It's not smart
Ever ever after
The world can be yours
If you let your heart
Believe in ever after

No wonder your heart
Feels it's flying
Your head feels it's spinning
Each happy ending's
A brand new beginning
Let yourself be enchanted
You just might break through

"Do it! Do it! Do it!" yell Hannah and the other girl, Marty scrunching his nose in disgust.

"Don't!" warns Marty. "Then you'll have to marry her."

"Girls are trouble," adds another boy.

Hmmm, they can either listen to the girls or the boys. This is one time when she's inclined to go with the boys, and that's only because she usually didn't kiss anyone in class.

Emma's protests are silenced by Spinner planting his lips on hers. The music grows in volume, in urgency. Her head is dizzy under the princess hat. Her mind wanders for all the right reasons.

Ever ever ever after

(I've been dreaming of a true love's kiss)

For ever ever after

"Yes!" exclaims Hannah, high-fiving the other girl.

"Gross," groans Marty, forgetting Spinner and hopping up and down again.

In fact, they all forget Spinner and Emma as the stereo is turned off and Mrs. Haskell gets them to do a group dance. Hannah's princess hat bobs on her head as she jumps. Then, Hannah is chatting animatedly with the girl with braids, telling her why she got the lucky trinkets, her earrings. Emma doesn't forget Spinner, though.

"I'm liking the end of this story," confesses Emma.

IV.

"Thank you, God!" cries Danny. "My prayers have been answered."

Manny parks her rolling suitcase onto the Van Zandt stoop, J.J.'s car behind her. The rain is drizzling, but the radio said it would pick up again later.

"Had no idea God delivered to doorsteps," says Danny, smiling.

"Where's Liberty?" says Manny, then sneezing lightly.

"Dude, I didn't want you to be all sick and stuff," complains Danny.

"Move it, Daniel," instructs Liberty, ushering Danny inside the house.

Manny offers Liberty a small wave when she appears in the doorway.

"What? Manny?" says Liberty. "You're supposed to be in..."

"California," fills in Manny, shrugging.

"California's loss is our gain," says Danny.

J.J. honks his horn, sticks his head out of the window.

"Happy birthday, Liberty!" yells J.J. "You take good care of her, alright? I only got one sister!"

"Yeah, not a great thing to have" says Danny under his breath.

Liberty elbows him as J.J. speeds away. Manny smiles and comes into the Van Zandt's foyer. Everything gleamed. Ms. Van Zandt kept the house immaculate.

"I gotta make a call," announces Danny, staring at Manny a final time.

"Okay, so when did my birthday change, exactly?" prompts Liberty.

"Uh, today?" shares Manny. "How's it feel to be one year older?"

"How's it feel to be ogled by Danny?" returns Liberty, smirking.

They peep into the next room, Danny grinning into the phone receiver.

"She's in a wet T-shirt, man!" says Danny. "Derek, you...uh-oh."

Danny hangs up the phone and races upstairs.

"Ugh," groans Manny. "Anyways, sorry for the lame lying. It's what I thought of short notice. And I do appreciate it."

"Don't you have auditions?" says Liberty.

"I'm taking a mental break from acting," replies Manny. "Besides, that's not what's really important. What's more important is your family and your friends...and your boyfriend."

"Oh," says Liberty, nodding knowingly.

"I miss the boy like crazy," sighs Manny. "The good kind of crazy. Don't get a straight jacket or anything."

Liberty laughs. "Fine. So you're heading over there?"

"If I can get a lift?" says Manny, hopefully.

"You might have to wait," says Liberty. "My dad's at work, and my mom's in a committee meeting. Maybe Danny could call Derek or..."

"Um, no," interjects Manny. "Waiting an hour won't kill me."

She does hate that she has to wait, though. Manny's afraid to touch anything with her wet hands or brush up against anything. She decides to stand in the living room with Liberty leaning against a chair.

"J.T. couldn't stop talking about you all trip," says Manny.

That was kind of true. She and J.T. weren't hanging out as much as her and Toby, but she'd heard him utter her name quite a few times.

"Really?" says Liberty, grinning. "It's strange that one of his exes is telling me that, isn't it?"

The two girls laugh, Manny suddenly recalling that she has a letter from her boyfriend's ex in her luggage. She holds up her finger to silence Liberty, fetches it.

"From Kendra," informs Manny.

"Uh-oh," says Liberty. "Should I be in the room for this?"

"No...stay," replies Manny.

She opens the envelope, removes the paper inside. Her eyes scan the words.

Dear Manny,

The better woman won. I'm not saying that I think you're better than me. What I'm saying is that you're probably better for Toby, and that I now think your relationship has a better shot than what I believed. You do seem to make him happy. He never talked you down or made a move on me or did anything to show he wasn't a good boyfriend. When Toby loves, it's thorough and whole, and I think you know that too.

I'm sorry for the names I called you. Put me in competition mode and I get sort of ugly. That is really true when the prize is...well, priceless. Please take care of him, Manny. You're fortunate to have him, and I'm convinced he thinks he's fortunate to have you. Good luck with your acting, and tell Tobes I'm positive he'll do well in the world of animation.

Sincerely, Kendra

"Good news?" says Liberty.

"Good news," affirms Manny. "How long is your mother going to be gone?"

"Forty-five minutes," says Liberty. "Want a soda?"

"Sure," says Manny.

Manny rereads the letter, touching her heart through her soggy shirt. Kendra was courageous to send her these words. They must've been hard to write, hard and heartfelt.

She grabs her rolling suitcases, her shoes making a squeaky sound. Danny starts to go down the steps towards her.

"Awww, where are you going?" inquires Danny.

"Tell your sister I walked," whispers Manny.

V.

"Any other teenage boy would have a guys' night while their folks are away," laments J.T.

Toby methodically washes a dish, his cellphone to his ear. J.T. phoned him the moment he got home from Bubbe's.

"A party with no Manny would be no fun," says Toby.

"Ah, that's the beauty of it," sighs J.T., appreciatively. "It'd be a total guy fest. We could do whatever we wanted, no girlfriends to tell us not to burp, scratch, or chew with our mouths open."

"No, J.T.," says Toby. "This is my first weekend home alone, and I'm not going to ruin my dad's trust in me."

Ordinarily, he'd consider it more, but after breaking a few rules at his mom's, he doesn't want to chance it. J.T. must've figured as much because he stops pressing the issue. It made sense. Their last guys' night turned into a massive party, and a night Ashley and Toby haven't forgotten.

"Well, another chance for us to hang or kick it or whatever you call it...the Sci/Com/Tech convention!" says J.T.

"When?" cries Toby, nearly dropping the phone.

"Hello? Tomorrow!" exclaims J.T. "We so have to go. Candy, computer games, collector editions of comic books, sci-fi paradise...need I go on?"

"Um, who are you talking to?" says Toby. "Yes!"

"I'll get the tickets first thing in the morning," promises J.T. "Boys rule and girls drool."

"Uh, Manny doesn't drool...," starts Toby.

"With that, I'm getting off," groans J.T., clearly not wanting to hear any of Manny's habits.

Some of them were so cute, though. Eh, he better stop before he sickens himself. Those e-mails were waiting. He's still trying to wrap it around his head that Clara is with Justin. Justin probably does love her. There is certainly a number of things to love about Clara. She was dedicated, hard-working, pretty, and computer savvy. After all, Toby was attracted to her last semester. But what in the world did she love about him?

"Don't judge," he mumbles as he goes to his room.

The house is so quiet. He almost expects to hear music streaming from Ashley's room. No, she's in London. He almost expects to hear his dad and Kate discuss bills or relatives through the thin walls that connected his bedroom to theirs. No, they're in the British Virgin Islands. He's all alone.

Toby's computer sputters to life after he turns it on. He's only been on it lately to IM Manny. Other chores, such as e-mailing Darcy a response, float to his brain. He'd love to do that before replying to Justin, to delay replying even further. No, he should've done this yesterday.

He pulls up his e-mail inbox, reads the address. eaglerabbiofdoom..Toby has no idea what that means. It's probably some nickname. Toby clicks the earliest message.

"Hi. You got a Disney gig? How? Where are you now? I'm okay. E-mail me. Justin."

That's simple enough. Toby raises his glasses, rubs his eyes and yawns. He dials Clara's number. No answer. The beep sounds after her voice mail.

"Hey, Clara. Justin is fine," says Toby. "He hasn't told me where he is. Although, it must be a decent enough place if there's Internet access. Call me. Bye."

He reaches for his Student Council handbook so the minutes will go by faster. The handbook is pretty long and dry. Liberty had talked about revising it, and Toby might take that into consideration during his term. He'd e-mail Darcy, then read the next message from Justin.

"Darcy, I'm back in town," types Toby. "We can go over fundraiser issues on Monday. Have any proposals written down by then, alright? Thanks, Toby."

Sending the message, he hears a set of rings. Is it coming from his computer? No, it's the door, realizes Toby. He didn't order a pizza or anything. Toby looks out at the rain-covered street. No car. He exits the room and goes to the front door.

He opens the door, rain pattering on the pavement. Her suitcase is more black because of the downpour, darker than her hair. The porch light, which he accidentally left on, highlights her smile.

"I'm soaked," says Manny. "Let me in?"

"Manny...," begins Toby, feeling a tightness in his chest.

His heart is practically doing somersaults, joyful somersaults.

"I couldn't wait fourteen days," breathes Manny.

"Neither could I," says Toby.

He pulls her to him gently, and lets the rain drip from her lips to his, his dry hand folding over hers, looped on top of the suitcase handle.

VI.

Spinner and Emma are in the principal's office. He'd been in Raditch's office continuously when Degrassi was only a junior high, and of course, he was in there when Ms. Hatzilakos told him he was expelled. Spinner would be willing to guess that Emma had been in there, too, because of her protests.

The lights are low in the office. The dimness makes it seem like dusk. Principal Duncan's office had fading light bulbs, and she told the janitor that he could get around to it on Monday since she expected no important visitors. There's an orange tint to everything, and his skin is lucid. Emma, filling out forms, is more pink in this light. Her long, blonde hair sways to the side as she stares at Principal Duncan's desk for a second. He likes how it sways in the hint of sunlight.

It's so hard for him to believe that he's here with her. They barely crossed paths until last year. In fact, their single meeting at length was due to his participation in her science fair project. He'd said yes without reservations. Emma mentioned food, and he didn't hear the negatives until the next day.

"Dude, can I eat a raisin?" complained Spinner. "Those are like candy-ish."

Emma sighed heavily, jotted notes on a clipboard. Okay, so maybe free food is free food, and yes, Emma did remind him that there are people his age in the world that didn't get any. That wouldn't stop his stomach from growling. He felt bad, but hungry.

"Spin, this is for the good of science," said Emma. "Experts think that psychology and nutrition are related. The values of a healthy breakfast are crucial."

"Crucial?" cried Spinner. "Man, my hunger is crucial. I want chips."

"If you eat Doritos, you'll taint my findings," said Emma in a panic. "Please don't."

Spinner thought it over for a few seconds.

"J.T. is going to last longer than you," remarked Emma with a sly smile.

"What?" cried Spinner. "I can outlast J.T. in anything."

He didn't want to show he was weak, especially in front of a girl. Emma nodded triumphantly. Make that two girls. Toby and Manny pass them in the hall, Manny carrying a large, grey, square box.

"Can I put your robot head on?" asked Manny.

"Yeah," said Toby.

Manny put on the grey box, red shiny eyes gleaming. She wavered from side to side.

"I feel like Rosie from the Jetsons," remarked Manny, turning to Emma.

"That'd make Toby Elroy," teased Emma. "The computer genius."

"Whatever," said Toby, with annoyance.

"I don't watch that stuff," admitted Spinner. "Don't you guys watch South Park?"

"No," said Emma and Toby at the same time.

"Manny?" asked Spinner.

"I can't hear anything," cried Manny.

Toby raised his eyebrows before taking the robot head off Manny. She squinched her eyes to adjust to the hallway lights.

"Feel strange," said Manny. "I think I need some chocolate."

"Manny!" cried Emma. "A healthy breakfast! Have our talks meant nothing? My subjects aren't eating that junk."

Too bad Manny was already fishing around in her pockets.

"Sixty-five cents!" said Manny. "Come on, Toby."

"I'm getting potato chips," said Toby, going after her.

"Man!" cried Spinner. "I bet he gets the barbeque kind."

"Spin, if it helps, I think you're cool for doing this," said Emma.

Cool? Him? That was a remark Jimmy often received, and Spinner thought he was cool by association. But no, he rarely was called cool. Even Terri, the sweetest girl in the class, hadn't said it. Suddenly, he felt bad for teasing her about her shirt at last year's formal.

"Hmmm, I guess it's cool to see what a healthy breakfast does," said Spinner, grudgingly. "I can have bananas, right?"

"Yeah," said Emma.

"What about...banana pudding?" asked Spinner.

Emma held her clipboard to her chest. "Spinner, don't push it."

What he'd like to push in the president's office? He'd love to talk to her about their kiss. It was a kiss in front of kids so that was strange. He essentially did it to complete the improv story, had other reasons attached to that reason. To his relief, Emma let the kiss happen. Why won't she let other things happen?

"Done," said Emma. "I wrote that Hannah is a well-adjusted child who's a little shy."

The piece of paper is an information sheet regarding Hannah's physical and mental needs. Kel would have to fill out a more professional form if Hannah was accepted. Hannah is still in Mrs. Haskell's class, though Principal Duncan was observing her in there.

"Sounds right to me," offers Spinner.

"Too bad I'm not sure Kel will go along with this," admits Emma.

"Mr. Andrews should do what's best for his daughter," says Spinner. "My parents' motto."

"For Jack, Snake's was...don't let him put his finger...in anything," says Emma.

Spinner chuckles. "I was the same way."

"Spin, do you think we should be the same way?" questions Emma, turning so that her cheeks now appear orange and glowing.

He has no reply for her, since he was hoping that she'd answer first.

"We've known each other for years," continues Emma. "Our first kiss was at the start of the year. I'd like to start our final year...with you."

He beams and shifts his chair in her direction.

"I'd really like you to be my boyfriend, Spinner," says Emma, his knees knocking against her knees.

"You can't change your mind," jokes Spinner.

"I won't," guarantees Emma.

"Knew eating all those bananas would pay off," says Spinner.

Emma smiles more as Spinner kisses her. He's hoping Principal Duncan doesn't return so they won't get in trouble. Then again, the risk is half the fun.

VII.

Two mini marshmallows plop into the brown liquid in a pink mug. The mug is Kate's. Toby lowers the hot chocolate onto the tray, then checks the microwave. The bowl of chicken soup is done. He puts it next to the hot chocolate, and goes into the living room.

Manny is hugging her knee to her chest as he approaches. She changed her clothes in the downstairs bathroom, but her hair is still mildly wet.

"You're spoiling me," says Manny as Toby joins her on the sofa.

"Ponchos are easy to pack," says Toby, setting the tray on the table. "They're light and do the job."

"Okay, Mr. Isaacs," sighs Manny, then lowering her knee. "Instructions will be heeded."

Manny reaches for the hot chocolate, blows on it. Toby's gaze is fixed on her.

"Stop," pleads Manny, face growing flustered.

"I can't believe you're here," says Toby. "Okay, fine."

Toby picks up the TV Guide, starts perusing it.

"You're not going to look at me anymore tonight?" asks Manny, a twinge of disappointment in her voice.

"Said to stop," replies Toby, grinning.

"You can't have this then," says Manny, grabbing the remote control.

"Might as well turn the TV on," says Toby.

Brow furrowed, Manny hits the power button, the DVD sign criss-crossing the screen. Toby chuckles, then digs out the DVD remote control from a pile of magazines. He'd set this up when she was in the washroom.

"Oooh, tricky," condemns Manny.

"Tricky? No," says Toby. "A surprise? Yes."

Manny's entire expression brightens as Toby presses play. Movie previews start to run. He ordered the movie off of Amazon as soon as he saw that it was available. It came to his house while they were in California.

"This isn't a bootleg copy of my film, is it?" says Manny, wearily.

Toby laughs. "We both know that I respect copyright laws."

"I don't know what you've been up to the past couple days," says Manny, setting her mug on a coaster.

"Robbing banks, hacking, that sort of stuff."

"See?" says Manny. "A total outlaw."

They both laugh as the previews end. A familiar theme starts to play throughout the room. Manny gasps.

"The Simpsooooooooons," sings along Manny.

"Yep,' says Toby.

"This is our movie," says Manny, laying her head on his shoulder. "Our..."

"First date," fills in Toby.

"The wonders of Spiderpig!" proclaims Manny, pointing at the screen and then Toby. "And the wonders of Toby."

He'd take that as a compliment. Manny kisses his cheek. While he relishes every moment she's here, he's really starting to question why. She could call him or IM him at any hour of the day and she knows that. Maybe he should ask tomorrow, when she's dry and rested.

"We should watch your movie when it comes out on DVD," says Toby.

"My only movie," murmurs Manny.

"What?" says Toby as a naked Bart zooms across the streets on his skateboard.

"You don't remember the Bart part?" says Manny, looking up at him.

"No, you said this would be your only movie," explains Toby.

"Oh, there I go, thinking aloud again," says Manny, more to herself than to him.

He's perfectly clear that her auditions didn't go well. That doesn't mean he wants her to quit, though. Manny isn't a quitter. She's a fighter.

"Ummm..maybe acting isn't for me," says Manny.

Toby pauses the film.

"Yes, it is," insists Toby. "You and acting are like...peanut butter and jelly."

"Kosher peanut butter," kids Manny.

Manny gazes into his eyes. He hopes she finds some comfort there. She sighs, apparently giving up with the jokes.

"Toby, it puts me in situations I don't like, makes me into someone I don't like," shares Manny. "It takes me away from you."

The last declaration is true. He's not fond of it, but acting gives her so much joy. He gets joy from it, too, because she's where she wants to be, doing what she loves to do.

"You'll always stay you, okay?" says Toby. "That's why I love you, among other things. And I'm not going anywhere."

Toby's relieved to see Manny's eyelashes flutter and a smile cross her face.

"When's your next audition?" asks Toby.

"Colleen's supposed to call me," says Manny, hesitantly. "There probably won't be any. I left her a message that I'm here for a couple days. Dad and Mom don't know I'm at your house."

"You...you mean here?" stammers Toby.

"If that's okay," says Manny. "I can take the couch? Slept on it the last time and it was nice."

Oh boy, if Jeff discovered that Manny had slept over, he'd really hear it. But they wouldn't be back for a week. And she has nowhere to go. And she travelled all this way. And he doesn't need another reason to say yes to her.

"Are you tired yet?" asks Toby.

"Not of you," says Manny, raising her head. "Thanks. Is Ralph Wiggum still your favorite?"

"Yeah," admits Toby, leading Manny's head to his shoulder again.

VII.

"Perfect," says Krusty the Clown. "Cut. Print. Kill the pig."

"What?" cries Homer. "You can't kill him if he's wearing people clothes!"

Toby's stretched across the sofa and can barely hear the dialogue. Manny's mouth moves against his, Toby's head digging into the soft armrest. His fingers slide across her back, rests on her thighs. Manny moans.

"You don't want to watch?" says Toby as his lips leave hers.

"Like we haven't seen it before," replies Manny, silencing him.

Toby arches his leg, his shoe hitting the other armrest. Mid-movie, they couldn't stop staring at one another. On their first date, he was too nervous to stare directly at her. Manny kept her head close to him and laughed at the jokes and paid attention, and wasn't doing what she's doing right now.

"Manny," breathes Toby, pushing her shoulders down gently.

Unfortunately, this makeout session also reminded him of the night Manny came to him during the evening of Hanukkah dinner. That was another time where Jeff commented on the potential for intimacy. They were friends back then, but now...Manny's laying across his body like a blanket.

"Your heart's really going," comments Manny, giggling as she kisses his nose.

Yeah, that's not all that's going. Toby closes his eyes and allows Manny access to his mouth. Her fingers trail down his stomach, unzip his fly.

"Mmmm," sighs Manny, starting to undo his belt buckle.

"Do you...do you want my bed?" stammers Toby.

"Yes," whispers Manny. "Do you sleep on the left or the right?"

"No," says Toby, stopping her hands. "I mean, do you want to sleep in my bed tonight, and I'll take the couch?"

"What?" says Manny in disbelief.

He can't believe he just said this. Toby rises slowly, Manny's legs dropping to the floor.

"Manny, we can't...not here," apologizes Toby, stroking her cheek.

"Tobes, I'm not tired," guarantees Manny. "I'm dry...and very attracted..."

Before Toby can say anything else, Manny's lead his face to hers, and their lips are smacking. The belt's on the floor in a few more moments.

"Promised my dad," breathes Toby, breaking free from her. "No girls while he was away."

"He...he like knows?" cries Manny.

She slides away from him in a hurry. Manny covers her mouth.

"Manny, he adores you," assures Toby. "Told me himself."

Manny releases a sigh of relief, nods at Toby.

"I just killed the mood, didn't I?" says Toby.

"Uh...no, I'm still pretty turned on," admits Manny, eyes finding the belt cast on the floor.

Toby's jaw falls as Manny grins. He stands with his pants falling to his ankles. Manny smiles as she views his boxers.

"I better go upstairs," says Toby, yanking his pants up.

"XYZ, Tobes," says Manny.

"Right," whispers Toby, zipping his fly.

Manny stands and strokes his arm.

"For future reference, if you don't want to, we won't," says Manny. "Though this playing hard to get thing? It's hot."

Toby laughs nervously. "Sorry. Well...good night, Manny."

He leans into her, but she sits and stares at the movie screen.

"Good night, Toby," she says, laying down and grinning at the movie.

Ugh. What's that saying? Two can play at that game. He looks at her as he climbs the stairs and goes to his bedroom. He wishes his dad hadn't found anything.

He wishes Justin hadn't said anything. The computer monitor has remained on for almost the entire day. His inbox has received two e-mails from Darcy. No, he better read Justin's e-mail before Clara calls. In the first ten minutes of the movie, his cell went off and he missed it. It was Clara and she said she'd call tomorrow, too, since she was working a shift at the store.

Toby clicks on Justin's second message after shutting the door. If he didn't shut it, he'd be with Manny in a heartbeat. Stupid rules.

This message is longer, and definitely has a different tone-- a hostile one. The script is bold and hurts his eyes.

"Goy lover,

Your mom's name was in the Confirmation program and I researched her. You undeserving freak! How are the rest of us supposed to do? Nepotism rears its ugly head. She's on the film preservation committee with Disney goyim. You and your mom are liberal jerks! Just because some of us choose to associate with the right people doesn't mean we shouldn't get the same opportunities. You better put in a good word for me, or you'll be sorry. That isn't a threat either, dork. It's a promise. Funny how money changes a situation. Watch your back, idiot."

He immediately shuts it off. He couldn't...couldn't have just read that. But he did. He did. Justin is a jerk, through and through. Watch his back? For what? More startling is the realization that he has no idea where Justin is, and neither does Clara and probably Justin's grandfather.

Toby puts his hands against his desk, bracing himself.