First Date Jitters
Part 2

As the new week started, Ace and his friends in the Magic Express found themselves in a strange position, between acts for about a month. However, this week would be strictly concentrating on getting Angie ready for her first date with Victor.
She awakened Monday morning, feeling a little groggy after she stayed up late. She could not resist watching the 18-inning baseball game on the sports channel the night before.
The sky was cloudy, but that did not stop her from getting herself into her meditative position. Taking a few deep breaths, she soon found herself in the mindscape and sat in a chair at the kitchen table of her old home. Her parents sat to her right.
"Well," Angie said with slight anxiety, "this week it's go time for me…preparing for my very first date."
"Yes, it is," Nancy stated. "The only problem is now the whole city knows what you're up to. You'll have to be on guard for tabloid reporters and anyone trying to make money for information."
"I know. I just don't want any mistakes on Saturday night. It's got to be absolutely perfect."
Robert put his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "Sweetie, I'm going to tell you something. When Nancy and I had our first date, almost nothing went right."
Angie was completely surprised. "Are you serious? Your first date was just about a complete disaster?"
"That's right. It all started for us when I rented a limousine for the evening. At first things were going fairly well."
"Yes," interrupted Nancy, "but the limousine broke down about three miles from where we were supposed to go for dinner."
"Oh, no," said Angie is dismay. "How did you get to the restaurant?"
"A passing couple was on their way to the same restaurant, so they offered to give us a ride."
"That's good."
Robert shook his head. "That's true, but then when we got there, we learned our reservation was bumped for a more…prestigious couple."
"You've got to be kidding me! That was completely rude."
"I know. I reserved a special booth for our first date for two weeks. I demanded to see the manager immediately, and he responded by saying, 'We would rather have someone of prestigious standing in that booth, not a couple obviously in the lower class."
"So, what did you and Mom do?"
"We both were angry with him and decided to leave. What was even worse was that I saved $200 for that booth, and I couldn't get my money back."
"Oh, no. How awful. Were you running out of money?"
"Yes, we were. Thankfully, we managed enough at a less-than-fancy yet very affordable restaurant. I certainly did not want to end up in a fast food joint."
Nancy then added, "When we would look back on that first date, we laughed about it because despite all the problems, it was still memorable for us. The important thing was that it ended being a better time than we expected. That's what makes the first date very special. Just because everything is planned perfectly, you should almost never expect it to go perfectly. Use what happened to us as an example and don't make expectations."
Angie nodded with a smile. "Yeah, when you put it that way, it's like an event. It isn't how you start…it's the journey and the ending that are most important. Thanks. I guess the best thing to do is just play everything by ear. I know the reservation is at the Planet Electric, but what I need are the right dress, make-up, hairstyle, and proper etiquette."
"That's why you have your friends, Angie. They're going to help you this week in getting prepared while at the same time keeping the story from reaching the tabloids."
"Thanks, Mom and Dad. I think I can get through this week…at least certainly try anyway."
The family held each other in a group hug.
"I love you both," she whispered.
Robert softly said, "And we will always love you, sweetie. Good luck."
As she awakened with a new sense of building pride, Angie quietly muttered, "Thanks, Dad. Thanks for your help."
She soon got out of bed and made her way to the living room on the way to the kitchen when she suddenly heard knocking at the door. "What? Who's here this early in the morning?"
She put her head up to the front-door window and noticed a bunch of people with cameras. "Angel, what's going on here? Why are all those people outside the Magic?"
"They are all reporters," answered the computer in hologram form. "I guess they all want the story of your first date."
"Great. It's only Monday, my date's not until Saturday, and it's already getting crazy. All I want to do right now is cook breakfast for the guys. Can you repel them away from here somehow?"
"I can set up a force field around the Express. If anyone tries to take a photograph, I can use a laser to burn through the camera."
"Do that, please, Angel. I want to get myself ready for the date without any interference."
As she walked into the kitchen to prepare breakfast, the telephone suddenly rang. "Hmm, I wonder if that's Mona with a wake-up call for me." She then went to answer. "Magic Express, Angela Jacobs speaking."
On the other line was a fast-talking gentleman. "Hi, Miss Jacobs. Ronald Sikes for The Inquisitive. I'd like to do an exclusive interview with you about your upcoming date on Saturday night. I—"
"I'm sorry, but that is a private matter. Goodbye." She then put the receiver back in place. "Okay, I think some homemade blueberry pancakes are in order for this morning."
Angie then gathered her ingredients to make the pancake batter. "Let's see…flour, pancake mix, and just a teaspoon of oil should take care of things."
Preheating the oven with the pan on top, she was about to put the teaspoon of oil in the pan when the telephone rang again. "Maybe it's Victor." She went to answer once more. "Magic Express, Angela Jacobs speaking."
"Miss Jacobs, I really insist on having that interview with you about your date, and I get the story I want."
Maybe some politeness will get this guy off my back, she thought. She then spoke again. "I'm sorry, Mr. Sikes, but that story would be boring to you. Why not try covering the recent crime wave around here? That's more interesting than my personal life. Goodbye." She hung up for a second time. "Now back to breakfast."
She carefully poured the mixed pancake batter into the pan when the phone rang again. "If it's that same guy again…"
When she answered it, she did not have to say anything.
"You listen to me, Miss Jacobs," said Sikes, voice cold and angry. "I don't care about those stupid robberies! It's your story I want, and I will get it by any means necessary!"
The harshness of his voice started to frighten Angie.
In his room, Ace slept soundly until he started having a powerful feeling. Awakening with a jolt, he whispered, "Angie…she's scared of something right now, but what?"
He closed his eyes to concentrate on her heart. "She's afraid of someone on the telephone right now." Ace then got out of bed and put on his robe.
Going to the kitchen, he could see Angie freeze in fear.
On the phone, Sikes angrily stated, "I want that story, Miss Jacobs…now!"
Ace telepathically spoke to Angie. Hand me the phone, Angie. Let me handle this part.
She turned around and saw the Magician standing at the door. "H-here…please."
Ace then made his own angry comments on the telephone. "Listen, whoever you are. No one threatens my friends, especially when you put your nose into someone's personal business! Good day!" He then disconnected the line and placed the receiver back on its holder. "The nerve of that man." He then came up to Angie to comfort her. "It's all right, Angie, he won't bother you again. Who was he?"
"H-his name is Ronald Sikes…a reporter for The Inquisitive. He scared me."
"Obviously a tabloid reporter who will do anything to get the story he wants, even by threatening. Angel, block anymore incoming calls from Mr. Sikes, since he may resort to dangerous tactics just for a story."
"I have already traced the call," said the AI. "He can no longer make any calls to the Magic Express."
"Good, thank you."
Angie, still shaken by the trashy reporter's angry voice, said, "I've read a few tabloids before, but I didn't think I would become a trashy story myself."
"Angie, listen to me, okay? You are not trash. I promise you we'll get you ready for that first date with no interruptions or tabloids on your case. Now, let's forget all about that and have breakfast." He then took a whiff. "I think something's burning."
"Oh, no, the pancake!" She quickly grabbed the spatula to flip the pancake. Unfortunately, the side she was cooking had burned. "I don't believe this! That idiot messed up my cooking already!"
Her anger caused her eyes to start glowing in blue again. "Ace, help me! I'm losing control again!"
"Angie, channel that anger. Remember what I've taught you so far. Slowly channel the anger."
She closed her eyes and slowly focused her anger away from her heart. Placing her hands in front of her, her calm created a ball of blue light.
"Good, Angie, good. Now, think of something positive to create…the first positive thing that comes to your mind."
Soon, a baseball and bat materialized in her hands. When she opened her eyes and noticed, she said, "Ah, the baseball game from last night. I watched all 18 innings."
"Really, how did it end?"
"With Kerry Thatcher hitting the game-winning homer. That was a good game."
"Well, since you thought about how great the ball game was, that's why the bat and ball appeared. That was well done, Angie. You didn't fire it off at anything this time."
"Yeah. I guess that's an improvement for me, but I've still got a long way to go. I just hope nothing goes wrong on Saturday night."
"I know. Don't worry, things will go well now and on the date. You just have to think positive. Besides, I don't mind a burnt pancake."
"Really?"
"Yes. I was so used to Cosmo doing that all the time."
"I heard that, dude," said the younger but more experienced apprentice who stood at the door of the kitchen with Zina. "I'll have you know that, like, you did it, too."
Angie giggled with delight. "Okay, I guess you guys finally have a real cook, then. Now wait at the table while I finish up with the pancakes."
When she went back to the oven, Cosmo whispered, "Dude, what happened?"
"The media's all over Angie's story, and a man named Ronald Sikes threatened her if he didn't get the exclusive. And I thought Paparazzo was bad."
"How are we gonna help Angie get ready for Saturday with all this?"
"We're used to this, Cosmo, but she isn't. We'll help her find ways to deal with the situation."
She then returned to the table with better pancakes. "Gentlemen…and Zina, breakfast is served."
All four residents enjoyed the fluffy pancakes to their heart's content.

Back at his office of the tabloid The Inquisitive, Ronald Sikes tried at least four more times to get through to the Magic Express, but all he kept hearing was, "Your attempted call has been placed on block. Please do not try to call again."
"Damn that Ace Cooper!" Sikes said angrily. "He got that stupid computer system to block any calls from me. I want that story, and I'll get it any way I can! Angela Jacobs must give in sooner or later. She can't hide behind Cooper or any of his friends forever. She's a celebrity, which means she must tell her story to me and only me. I'll just go out and about to follow her and her every move."
He then grabbed his hat, went to his car in the parking lot, and drove off, hoping to be the first person to have the story of Angie's first date.
"I've got to get to the Magic Express first. I'll show them that they can't block me out from a juicy story."
Unfortunately, when he arrived there, he noticed a number of other reporters wanting Angie to come out and issue a statement. "Hey! This is my story! Get outta here, the lot of you!"
"Sorry, buddy," said one TV reporter. "We have just as much right to be here as you do. We want the story also."
"No! This story is my exclusive, so buzz off now!" He then pushed his way through the crowd and tried to knock on the front door, but he found himself shocked by the defenses. "What!? Hey, open this door right now! I want the story, Jacobs!"
Angie's sensitive ears picked up the commotion. "What—who's knocking so hard that he'll risk getting shocked by the security system?"
Using the closed circuit system, Angel used the portable television set as a viewer. "I believe this is Ronald Sikes."
Angie thought carefully of what to do. "I think I can get him and all those reporters away from here without having to show my face at the door."
"How?" asked Cosmo curiously.
"Angel, patch me into the intercom system. I'm going to give them the wake-up call of all wake-up calls."
"Uh-oh," said Ace with a smirk. "You've found another way to take out your anger on the reporters with no magic necessary. Go for it, Angie."
"Cover your ears, everybody. Angel?"
"It's ready, Angie. I just hope it won't blow my olfactory sensors."
"If it does, I apologize in advance." As soon as she heard the beep, Angie spoke loudly into the intercom. "You all want a statement from me? Well, here it is! My first date will be just like any other date on Saturday night! That's all I have to say, and I have a personal message for Mr. Ronald Sikes! Stay out of my personal life, idiot!"
Her amplified voice outside the Express sent the reporters running away, all hoping they did not go deaf.
Sikes, being the closest, almost was unable to hear anything. He walked around disoriented for a couple of blocks. "Whoa, that girl can scream," he said while trying to regain his balance. "Man, she's gonna be a tough one, but I'll make sure I get the story I want. I've got to know who the date is."
Back inside, Angie calmly said, "I'm done now, Angel. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Angie. My sensors are fine. The reporters, however, are slightly unsettled, especially Mr. Sikes."
"Good." She then looked at Ace. "Well, um, how did I do?"
Ace smiled and stated, "That was great, Angie. Taking out frustration on those nosey reporters with the intercom was a great idea. Looks like you found other ways of getting your anger out without hurting anyone physically."
"I always want to avoid getting into conflicts, but sometimes, there's not much of a choice, is there?"
"True. You just have to understand when it's time to fight and not to fight. At least we won't have to worry about those reporters for now. Shall we finish breakfast under more peaceful circumstances?"
"Good idea. So, what's my itinerary for this week, in terms of getting ready for Saturday?"
"Mona's your teacher for this part. She can help you decide what dress will work, what hairstyle is fitting, and how to act properly. It's not like going to a fantasy convention."
"Okay, so basically I'll be with her during the week. Sounds good."
Just then, Angel said, "There is an incoming call for you, Angie. Victor is on the line."
"Thanks, I'll take that in my room."
She quickly ran to her room and picked up her phone. "Hello, Victor."
Calling from the Raven home, Victor was in the living room. "Morning, Angie. I tried to call you a couple of times, but the line was busy. What happened?"
"Victor…I'm becoming a tabloid victim."
"Oh, no. This isn't what you need right now. How many snoopy reporters?"
"At least 30, and Ronald Sikes from The Inquisitive threatened me if I didn't give him an 'exclusive' about my first date. I mean, what's the big deal about it?"
"One word, Angie: celebrity. You're in the spotlight now, so even something as normal as a first date can get unbelievable coverage by any tabloid reporters, and Sikes is one of the worst. Some say he's worse than Paparazzo himself."
"He scared me on the phone so badly I started losing control again. Victor, are you sure you really want to go through with this, considering my…emotional instability at times?"
Victor gave her words of reassurance. "Angie, you are emotionally sensitive, not emotionally unstable. That guy made you angry, and you were justified. Some things in life need to remain private, like a person's first date, no matter the celeb status."
"Thanks." She breathed a sigh of relief. "It's just that…it's not only reporters I'll have to worry about now, it's also other people who really want to know who my first date is with and where it's taking place. How do I keep them off my case?"
"Maybe Dad can help out. I'll talk to him later on about what we can do. He and Mike do know about the first date, but I warned Mike not to tell anybody else or I'd skin him alive, no matter which form he took on."
"Wait a sec, Vic. The other shifters would already know regardless. They contact mind-to-mind like Ace and I do. I know they wouldn't tell anyone, even for money."
"Yeah, that is one benefit of having a shifter for a brother. Even he's smart enough not to take this lightly. So, who's going to help you prepare for our date?"
"Mona. I think she's the perfect instructor on proper preparedness for a first date."
He chuckled, "It's like you're going to school or something."
"Well, maybe it really is for me. At least I didn't have to attend charm school."
"I gotcha. Anyway, I wanted to make sure our reservation for Saturday night would stay reserved. You know how sometimes they bump lower class individuals…"
"Yeah, Mom and Dad had it happen to them on their first date. They told me about it. However, I am a celebrity, and you're a son to one of the most powerful people here in Electro City, so I would be surprised if they did bump us."
"I guess that's the nice thing about having some kind of status in the city, just as long as you don't let it go to your head."
"That's not what I want to do. I just want to be myself when I'm not performing or fighting crime."
"Okay, listen, I have to go right now. I've got to head over to the school for my course. I'm only about 25 hours away, and it's a three-hour course today. Will you be all right?"
"I'll be fine, Vic. Good luck in class today."
"Thanks. I'll see you on Saturday night. I love you."
"I love you, too. Bye." She then replaced the phone. "How come I've gotten so lucky to have someone who understands me, even after everything I went through?"
Because you decided to be more open with your feelings, said the darker shadow. Victor understands what you've been through, and he also knows what it's like to be part of an influential family here in Electro City. He's just as subject to media scrutiny as you are. I hate to say it, but I'm afraid you're just going to have to deal with it.
"I know, but I haven't been a celebrity that long. I was thrusted into this."
That's right, but Ace has seen you for who you really are, a person with incredible powers and so many emotions. In the time since returning from Washington, you've opened yourself more. Even though you're having problems controlling your magic when feeling emotional, you've got the best person helping you out and friends to support you. How did you feel when you got upset at Mona for that song she wrote without consulting you…honestly?
"Upset, somewhat angry. A first date should be a personal thing, not something for the entire planet to see. Mom and Dad were never famous."
No, but recall what they told you about their first date, all the things that went wrong. Dad was angry with the manager of the restaurant, remember?
"Yeah, I know. He worked so hard to save the money, and it was almost all taken from him when the restaurant bumped him and Mom. But…I guess it's the journey that matters, not necessarily the beginning or end. Thanks."
No problem, Angie. I'm glad you're being more open with this part of yourself.
"Me, too."
She came back to the living room where Ace and Cosmo were sitting quietly. "Okay, guys, phone call's over."
"How's Victor doing?" asked Cosmo.
"He's fine. Still needs a little more time, and he can finally open that horse-riding school he's been wanting to do for a long time. Well, I guess the first thing is for me to practice with controlling the magic in emotional situations."
"Right," said Ace in agreement. "To the practice room with us."
"Um, you guys mind if I get in on this, too?" Cosmo requested.
Angie looked at Ace first, and then back at Cosmo. "Sure, I don't see why not. It's just…you'll have to get out of the way if my magic gets out of control."
"I'll be ready for it."

Meanwhile, Ronald Sikes somehow managed to get back to his office at The Inquisitive, but he still had a bad ringing in his ears. "Wow, that really hurts."
He was about to sit down when he heard someone screaming in the intercom. "Sikes! My office!"
Sikes quickly ran into the editor-in-chief's office and shut the door. "Yes?"
A mean female voice said, "Sikes, have you gotten anything about Angela Jacobs's first date?"
"N-no. I can't get any story because she's hiding behind Cooper in that Magic Express."
Turning around, the woman looked like she belonged in her position as editor-in-chief: Professional business attire, but very rotten attitude. "She can't stay behind that Magician forever! I want the dibs on that date, Sikes. Do it by any means necessary, even if you have to follow her every move. I want to know who the lucky man is and where the date will be. Take pictures any way possible, bug phone lines if you have to, but I want that information! Angela Jacobs's date is the hottest story in town right now, and the public have the right to know, so go out and get it!"
"Yes, Miss Corliss. I'll get it, one way or another." He then left her office.
Victoria Corliss was not one to take lightly. The owner of the tabloid since inheriting it from her father several years ago, she had tried and tried to follow the constant movements of Ace Cooper, but to no avail. Most of the time Duke Paparazzo would beat any of her reporters to the story. Since Paparazzo's demotion from the Sensa-News Channel's star reporter, though, she had sent her staff of rather ruthless reporters on the scene, trying to get any information on Ace or any of his friends. Kendra Rayler would beat them, however, as she was able to use her new star status to get to them first, always reporting on them accurately, no real "juicy" story.
"You can run and hide, Angela," Corliss whispered, "but we will get your story, any way we can. We'll find out who your date is and where you'll be. Then, the exclusive is ours to print."
As for Sikes, he walked to his car and sat in it for a few minutes, thinking about how to follow Angie. "She doesn't have any favorite hangouts…but then, she's not a teenager, so that would rule that out almost immediately. Wait a minute…if this is her first date, then she needs help in getting the right equipment…dress, hairstyle…yeah. That's how I can keep an eye on her. Just go to any place she goes which will help her be ready for her date. Perfect. Now I just have to find her away from the Magic Express."

After lunch was completed in the Magic Express, Mona came over to pick up Angie. "You ready to shop for a dress?"
"Yes, I am, Mona. Let's go shopping!"
As Angie went into the passenger seat of the car, Mona looked at Ace. "This could take at least three hours, since the dress has to be just right."
"Take all the time you need, Mona. After all, you're the fashion expert, not me. Angie, have a good time dress hunting, okay?"
"Okay. See you guys later."
The ladies were soon off to find the perfect dress for Angie's first date.
Little did they know that Inquisitive reporter Ronald Sikes started following them from a safe distance. "Good, she's away from that crazy Magic Express. Now I can stay with her and find out everything, maybe even get the information as to who her date really is."
A few minutes later, Angie and Mona went into a special shop filled with dresses designed for specific occasions.
The female owner of the store said, "Hello, ladies. How can I help you today?"
Angie looked around the store and then at the owner. "I need to find the perfect dress to wear on a first date. Mine is this Saturday night, and I need the right dress."
"Very well, Miss Jacobs. We'll try some dresses for you. If you don't find the right dress here, don't worry about it. The dress must be just right for you, so let's get started."
Just outside, Sikes started taking photos of Angie as she tried on each of the dresses. "Wow, this is getting somewhere. The boss will like these photos."
However, a passing police officer noticed. "Excuse me, sir, but you're not allowed to take pictures here."
"I…um, I'm a tourist here. It's my first trip here to Electro City."
"Nice try, Mr. Sikes, but do you really think I don't recognize you? Now get lost before I run you in for loitering and trespassing."
"Now you listen here, Officer. I have a right to do this under the First Amendment. Freedom of the Press."
"Not when it comes to taking private photos of someone in a shop. Now go!"
"I'll sue you and the police department for this!"
"Oh, and I'll take this." The officer grabbed the camera and took the film out, ruining it completely. "Now, if you want to take photos of people, ask for their permission first." He then handed the camera back to the reporter.
Sikes found himself in a terrible position. "I don't believe this! How am I going to get that story for Corliss? She'll be furious if I don't have a shred of information about that date."
In the shop Angie was pleasantly surprised that most people were not asking her about the date. "I don't get it. I thought people would hound me to death about my date."
The owner happily said, "Believe me, I don't allow something like that around here. My first priority is to the customer, and celebrity status has nothing to do with it. The customers that do come in here are individually worked upon, which won't let any two customers get together to start a rumor."
After a couple of hours, though, Angie still had no special dress to wear. "I'm sorry, but none of them have the right feel. No offense to you."
"None taken," said the owner graciously. "We normally are about the third or fourth shop women come to for the right dress. I hope you'll be able to find just the right dress."
"Thank you. Come on, Mona. On to the next dress shop."
"Sure thing." As the pair went to Mona's car, Mona was happy that Angie was still her friend at all, after the singer accidentally spoke of the date. Angie is getting better. Even though I did something I shouldn't have, at least she wasn't afraid to express how she really felt. She is truly healing herself.
They took off for the next shop near the Croesus Palace, a shop Mona normally went to when she needed special dresses for special shows.
Of course, Sikes stayed a safe distance behind Mona's car. "I've got to stay with them at all costs. Corliss is gonna want something from me soon enough."
When Mona and Angie arrived at the Razz-Dazzle shop, the owner immediately recognized her. "Miss Malone," he said happily, "what can I do for you?"
"My friend Angie here needs some help. She is looking for the perfect first date dress."
"Ah." He then shook hands with her. "Hello, Angie. I will be glad to assist you in your quest for the right dress. Let us start with your measurements and see what dresses are available in your size."
"Thank you, sir. Believe me, this is seriously my first date, and I'm 26 years old!"
"Don't worry, Mademoiselle. I met someone going on her first date, and she was in her 60s. Do not feel bad."
Angie laughed heartily at the comment. "Thanks. That makes me feel better already."
Sikes found his way into the store and found someone taking a break. "Hey, buddy. Want $100 to take off the rest of the day and let me work for ya?"
"You bet!"
Sikes gave the employee the money and grabbed a suit to make himself appear as an employee. "Now I can stay as close to Jacobs as possible."
The owner called for the employee come assist. "Please, get some dresses for Miss Jacobs so she can find the right one for her first date Saturday evening."
Sounding like an employee himself, Sikes said, "Of course, sir."
As he found at least 10 dresses, he started a miniature cassette recorder in his pocket. "This is gonna work, this is really gonna work."
Angie started trying on each dress while Sikes started asking questions. "You're 26 years old and going on your real first date?"
"Yes. I'm very lucky. I just hope nothing goes wrong. It's so important to me. I only wish…my parents were still alive to see this."
"You must miss them very much. Where are they?"
"In Heaven."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought that up."
"It's okay. It's still hard on some days, but I've been able to deal with that…one day at a time."
"That's good. Anyway, who's the lucky man?"
"He's a really nice person. I kinda fell in love with him, but I got scared to admit it for a little while. I'm just surprised he would still love me after all the nightmares I went through."
"Never mind that, who's going out with you Saturday night?"
"Why would you want to know that? That's personal business, friend. I—" Angie stopped talking after she heard a slight clicking sound. "Hey, that's a tape recorder!" She used her magic to levitate the cassette recorder out of his pocket. "So, you're out to invade my privacy, too, huh? Well it won't work!" Clenching her right hand into a fist, she made the recorder break into small pieces. "Mona, can you get Monsieur Cardón, please? I've got someone bothering me over here."
Mona and Cardón came up to where the "employee" was.
"Wait a minute…you are not one of my employees!" Cardón shouted angrily. He then saw the broken recorder. "I should have known, it's Ronald Sikes!"
Mona looked at him angrily. "You jerk! How dare you try to invade Angie's privacy! I've got a good mind to call the police!"
Sikes rushed out of the shop as fast as he could before Mona could get the chance to contact the authorities. "Good grief! I still have nothing! I've got to do something about this…wait, I think I know what I can do. I'll get that information with the help of the listening public!" He quickly took off in his car to the nearest radio station.
As for Mona and Cardón, they could do nothing to stop him.
"Blast that idiot," said Mona. "If Ace were here, he'd hypnotize Sikes into forgetting his memory completely."
"Mona!" yelled Angie excitedly. "This is it! This is the right dress!"
When Angie came out from the dressing room, she wore a stunning dark-blue laced dress with spaghetti straps. The lights reflected the shine in the material.
Mona gasped, "You look gorgeous! That is the right dress for you to wear Saturday night! Monsieur Cardón, we'll take this one!"
"Very well. Who will pay for it?"
"I will, sir," said Angie. "It's time I was just a bit selfish…and enjoy it."
Mona smiled with some excitement. "There you go, girl. Now we're definitely on the way to you being ready for the date."
They went back to Mona's car with the dress in a special garment bag.
"So, where's our next stop?" asked Angie.
"Home. We spent a long time looking for a dress, and Ace is probably worried."
Angie closed her eyes to concentrate on Ace's thoughts. "No…he isn't. I sense no worry."
"Good. Let's go home, we've had a long day."

In his car, Sikes used his cell phone to contact the local radio station KECR. "Hello, I'd like to make this plea to the general public. Can you make this announcement for me?"
He made details about what he wanted and would soon get his wish.
Mona and Angie were on the way home when they heard this on the radio. "Hey, listeners, get this. Ronald Sikes of The Inquisitive has announced he will pay 100,000 electro-dollars to anyone who can get information on Angela Jacobs's first date, particularly the lucky man and the location."
Mona and Angie gasped in shock, with Angie going into near panic. "Oh, no! Sikes is gonna play on the people's greed!"
"I know. People will do anything for money, including come after you by any means necessary. The sooner we get you back to the Magic, the better. Trust me, this is one situation we have to avoid at all costs."
"Yeah…I don't want to hurt anyone again, not after what happened to me before."
Mona patted her shoulder. "I know you don't. The concern right now is to protect you from any more trouble."
Angie then heard Ace's thoughts. Cosmo and I heard on the radio about Sikes's reward. Do you need any extra help?
Not right now. Besides, I got the dress. I'm on the way home. But…considering this situation, should we move the Express somewhere else?
No, we shouldn't. We have the barriers, remember? We'll be waiting for you at home.
Sure thing. I love the dress I chose. I'm gonna keep thinking positive for the rest of the week, at least I hope I can. Sikes found a way to play on the greed of others.
I know. We'll help make sure your date goes through without a hitch.
As Mona drove down each street, many people started following her car, most wanting that information so they could collect the large reward. "When greed overtakes them, they don't care who they hurt."
They managed to get back to the Express, where Angel was able to erect a special barrier to keep anyone from passing through the tunnel leading to the Magician's home.
"Thanks, Angel," said a relieved Angie. "I owe you one."
"No, Angie. You do not owe me anything."
When they entered through the garage, Angie was happy just to make it home. "Things are getting more complicated now…but I'll get through this. Thing is, what's next?"
"We choose the right hairstyle," answered Mona, "and we'll need to use the holographic system. Will that be all right with you, Ace?"
"Of course. Angel is always at your disposal. By the way, I saw the dress in your thoughts, Angie. It's beautiful."
"Thanks. The first part of the personal operation has been completed, but I've still got a long way to go."