Lars went home after he spent the day with Reggie. He was pacing his room
trying to cool down from being that close to Reggie all day well for like
an hour but it felt like forever. He still didn't want to admit he liked
her so he told him self; he hadn't just been nervous, it was just hot out.
However, as the night drew on the little nagging part of his brain, very
little, that kept telling him that he was madly in love with her, grew so
much that he soon just couldn't fight anymore. By the time the clock in
his room read eleven he was on his bed trying to think of a very logical
reason why he couldn't get Reggie off his mind but then he realized that it
wasn't logical and either was Love. Before he fell asleep, he convinced
himself that he was logical and so he could never be in Love. However, he
still dreamed of her all night.
The next morning at the Rocket's Reggie was up at her usual time, and, although, she felt awful she knew she had to go to school. She wanted to. She wanted to see everyone especially Lars. So even though her Dad begged her to take one more day off, like that ever really happens, when Sam came around to pick her up she left saying a quick good-bye to her Dad and Otto, who didn't leave until later when the elementary started. Sam asked her, "So did you sleep well?" as they walk to school. His question really meant 'Did you dream about Lars?'
"Ok, I had trouble. I was sick. I'm okay now," She says looking flushed and pale at the same time. Sam shakes his head.
As they reach school, Trish and Sherry run up talking a mile a minute about a new girl. Reggie could barely kept up, first of all she was so sick she barely heard them and just as they began Lars and his crew walked by, she dazedly nodded along so they thought she was listening. Sam noticed her gaze and elbowed her every now and then to keep her from losing it all together. Before the girls could finish the bell rang and they all went to class. Reggie still being sick could barely pay attention she was out of it. She tried, but she just couldn't concentrate on what the teacher was trying to talk about. Every period it was worse. She began to feel light headed, dozy. Yet, she couldn't get up the courage to leave. She knew she had to be there. She didn't want to fall behind. Sam kept asking if there was something wrong but she just said 'nothing.' After 3rd period Sam didn't see her again until 5th period that was the class that was having the whole 'Marriage' thing, everyone had to take the class two years in a row to pass Jr. High. Reggie slowly walked in just as the bell rang, she took her normal spot by Sam. Most of the 'Married partners' had moved their seats to sit next to each, but not Lars and Reggie. Lars still sat in the back with his friends and pretended he could careless about school. Most people believed him but Reggie knew him better then that.
"Today is an exciting day its Tuesday and you know what that means," the teacher Ms. Lynx says smiling as the class groans, "Who would like to tell me what today is?" No one raises their hand, not even Sam; who would have but everyone was praying they didn't have to tell. "In that case, today I want to find out what you have learned. That includes, about the project in general, about being married, about balancing money. Now let's see who should go first, Sam."
"Urggh why did I get stuck with the brainac, suck up," Trish moans, as she and Sam both stand up not too happy and go to the front of the class.
"It's not like I wanted to get stuck with you. You're always telling me what to do. This isn't a relationship this is a dictatorship," Sam says, "You probably don't even know what that is, do you?"
"I...Why would I want to?" Trish laughs, "Why would I want to go around being smarter then everyone in my grade and the grades ahead of me? At least I'm not a freak," a few of the kids lean forward this was good, almost like day-time talk shows. Every Tuesday before this the students managed to lie about what they learned not today though.
"Well you want to know what I learned. I'll tell you I learned that it's hard to stay married to some one who'd rather go to the mall with Sherry then work. I feel like I have to do everything. If we had kids, I know what would happen I'd have to stop working so you could still talk to Sherry. You complain all the time, but I should be complaining. You wouldn't even let me talk to my friends when you're in a 50-foot radius, which is a circle if you didn't know, because they're not cool enough for you. So now I have to hang with you're friends and I'm going to die if I hear one more, Maria said that, Shelly said that, Jenny said, can't you every say anything on your own?" Sam says. "I don't even think you like me; you just like bossing me around."
"Sammie," Trish frowns, "I do like you."
"You do but you're always making fun of me. Calling me names like brainac and slow," Sam says as Lars and his friend, in the back, bust out laughing.
"I only make fun of you because you're so much smarter then me. I tried to help you Sam. I was excited that you were my partner and not because I thought, it was an 'easy A.' When ever I tried to help you always said, 'no need,' or 'you don't have to.' From the minute this started, all you wanted to do was take over. It's like you didn't even want my help. So I gave you a hard time, to make you see that I could do this. I'm smart too Sam maybe not as smart as you but I am smart, but you wouldn't know that, would you," Trish says. "I just wanted to help, but you wouldn't even give me a chance because you were too afraid that I was going to ruin you're perfect grade; because you judged me Sam before you understood me."
"Trish," Sam says feeling bad, "I didn't think you'd want to help no one ever wants to help."
"Yeah well I did," Trish crosses her arms.
"I guess I could try and let you do some of the work, but you have to stop busting on me," Sam says.
"Really?" Trish beams, "That's this is...great!"
"Well I can see you two have worked though a problem and have learned something in the processes," Ms. Lynx says, "You've learned an important lesson and that is a relationships involve two people, one cannot do all the work."
"So, what's our grade," Sam says.
"Oh no, you wouldn't know today," Ms. Lynx says, as she looks up Lars and his friends are still laughing, "Lars you're next."
Lars grows quiet, and then grins evilly everyone in the class shivers including Ms. Lynx, "All right babe I'll go, come on Reg." He gets up and goes to the front of the class as Sam and Trish sit still talking.
Reggie follows quietly, "You wanna tell what we learned Rocket?" His friends in the back laugh.
"Well I learned not to judge people by how they act around their friends," Reggie says dizzily trying to stay up. Most of the guys in the back laugh, and even Lars, grins as if he's on the verge of laughing, "I learned sometimes you have to..." she pauses as the room begins to feel like its spinning.
"You have to what?" Pi calls from the back. Reggie doesn't hear him as she leans back and nearly falls to the ground. Most the class gasps before Lars barely catches her.
"You okay Reggie," Lars says his eyes turning from his tough guy act to his caring eyes that Reggie had only seen Lars use a few other times.
"You should continue Lars," Ms. Lynx says as Reggie stands shakily.
"Well I guess I learned something," the whole class grows quiet. Lars looks at Reggie; she looks flushed and sick worse then the day before. Lars shakes it off thinking that this is his grade, "that Rocket I guess isn't that bad especial when I make her do..." Reggie leans her hand on the teacher's desk to keep from falling again, "Hey Babe can Reggie go to the Nurse's?"
"Lars if she leaves I'll have to take points off," Ms. Lynx says.
Lars looks at Reggie and then to the ground, then once more at Reggie who doesn't even seems to know what's going on, "I'm taking her to the nurse."
"But you're grade," Ms. Lynx says surprised.
"Are you blind can't you see she's sick? She doesn't need a nurse she needs to go home. So I'm taking her to the nurse who cares about that grade, it's just a grade," Lars says anger that Ms. Lynx can't see that Reggie's sick.
"Very well Lars," Ms. Lynx says.
"Thanks Ms. Lynx," Lars says as another gasp fills the room, Lars only called teachers by their proper name when his friends weren't around, "Come on Reggie."
"I'll take her," Sam jumps grabbing Reggie's stuff.
"No it's cool, Sam you and Trish have to 'talk,'" he says grabbing Reggie's stuff from Sam and leading her out.
"I can't believe it!" Sputz mumbles.
"What is that?" Ms. Lynx asks.
"Lars was nice to a Rocket, he called you Ms. Lynx, and he carried Reggie's things," Pi says.
"Not to mention he blew off a grade," Sputz mumbles.
"Well maybe Lars learned to put some one in front himself for a change," Ms. Lynx says all of the students think for a minute and then bust out laughing. Sam stops laughing maybe Ms. Lynx was right, and maybe Reggie was right Lars had a heart and it worked!
On the way to the nurse Lars didn't say anything. He kept looking at Reggie with either, feelings of hate which, he felt when he thought about his grades, or of love which, he just felt all the time, but still wouldn't admit. Reggie wasn't sure what to think about this; but then again, she was having trouble thinking because she was so sick. "You ok wife?" Lars finally asked giving up on hating Reggie.
"Yeah I'm fine we can go back," Reggie smiles although she felt horrible.
"Sure Reggie," Lars looks skeptical, "What were you going to say in there?"
"I don't know. I can't remember," Reggie says as they reach the nurse's. Lars follows her in.
"You again?!" the nurse asks.
"I just need to lie down," Reggie says.
"She needs to go home," Lars says.
"No I don't I have to go to class. I have 3 more today I can't miss," Reggie says.
"What classes do you have I'll get your stuff for you. You go home and rest," Lars offers. Reggie shakes her head in argument, "Reggie you could barely stand in there. You're going home I'll come over and give you your gear tonight."
Reggie was going to object, but Lars was being so nice to her that she agreed and then gave him a list of her classes. Before calling Ray and sitting down in a chair to wait for him to pick her up. Lars leaves before Ray gets there, he goes back to class.
Later that day Reggie had just woken up on the couch Sam was standing over her again. "You feeling better?"
"Worse," Reggie whines, as Sam sticks a thermometer in her mouth. "Did...."
"Don't talk, I want it accurate," Sam says. "Trish said I could stay over here if I spent tomorrow with her. Ray had to work the Shack was packed so Otto and Twister went to help; I said I'd watch you. Lars called he said he'd come over when you're up." He takes the thermometer out and gasps, "104, that's high Reggie."
"Is it?" She says.
"I thought you took that flu medicine?" Sam says pointing the thermometer at her. "I did. It didn't help..." she says as the bell rings.
"I'll get it," he runs to the door and answers it, "Oh hey Lars."
"Hey she up yet?" Lars asks.
"Yup," Sam says and Lars lets himself in. Jumping over the couch to sit next to Reggie, "I got your stuff just like I said, just don't tell anyone I'm being nice to you," Lars says.
"That's okay. I think, I might be dreaming it," Reggie says grinning and Sam rolls his eyes.
"Your teachers said don't worry about tomorrow, you rest oh and Thursday is Thanksgiving so you wouldn't have to go to school," Lars explains.
"It is? I didn't know that. Sam, call Ray and tell him. I don't know if he knows. I bet we'll have barbecue," Reggie says and Sam leaves to call.
"Don't you have turkey?" Lars asks.
"Don't you?" Reggie says.
"I use to. Now I just have the other stuff," Lars says, "Have you ever had a real Thanksgiving dinner?"
"Not since my Mom, since my Mom," she gulps not being able to say it.
"You're Mom was a great cook," Lars nods, "She use to surprise us one time when my Mom was sick your mom came over with a whole dinner for us. Twister and I had never had anything except Mexican dishes, but when we tried your mom's food we liked it so much that my mom soon had to get your mom to teacher her how to make the food. Your mom agreed only after she got my mom to show her how to make Mexican dishes. Your mom turned around and made them better then my mom. They were good friends your mom and mine. I think that's why Twister and Otto got so close. My Dad and your Dad were close to but that's because of our Moms, I think, 'cause when your Mom died our families stopped hanging out. Even Twister stopped coming over here for a while, but Otto and Twister were little, and got over it easily..."
Reggie looks at Lars shocked she hadn't asked him to tell her that but then again, it was comforting. "I didn't know that."
"Oh...sorry Reg," Lars says, "Oh so I talked to you're teachers. You math teacher gave you pages 561-563 to work on. He said they learned it in class so if you don't understand its okay."
"Yeah I'll explain it," Sam walks in. "In your English class, I guess you have to read a new book, anyone you want so I got you a book. I liked it when I read it. In your other class the babe said not to worry there was nothing new," Lars says beginning to leave.
"I'll show you how to the math Reg," Sam says.
"No, Lars can he's been in the class, and last time, he explained it really well," Reggie says. As Lars stops, opens the book, and sits. Reggie moves closer not really being able to pay attention one because she was sick and two Lars was so close to her, she could feel him breathing.
Sam looks at them and then says, "I'm leaving," but neither one of them looked up as he went.
At one point Lars looked up and says, "Are you paying attention?" "I'm trying, its just I'm so sick," Reggie says and Lars reaches over and feels her head.
"Reggie you're burning," Lars says, "You need to sleep I'm going." "No, don't go Sam left. I don't want to be alone," Reggie says pleading.
"I...All right Reggie, I'll stay until you're asleep," Lars says as Reggie tries to get comfortable.
"Tell me more about my Mother," Reggie yawns closing her eyes.
"Okay well let's see. Your mother was very understanding. She understood me, sometimes I told her things I wouldn't tell other people just because I knew she'd understand. She taught us things. When I was little I was really shy, I wouldn't talk to people and not just because English was my second language just because I was quiet. I was the good child I had to be with Twister. One day when I was little, I was having one of those days where everything I did was wrong, jumping on the couch, yelling, the works. By the time Twister had to nap my Mom had had enough she sent me outside and told me not to come back until I behaved. I was so mad that I kicked the wall before noticing you and your Mother across the street. Slowly and quietly, I made my way over. You were playing roll the ball with a medium size blue ball. Well your Mom rolled it you heaved it at her but it still looked fun so I walked over. Pretending like I could careless but you two were laughing and having fun and I wanted to, too. So, I waited for you two, to notice me. When you missed the ball and it rolled over to me, 'you want to play,' you asked and I shook my head and then your mom said, 'come on Lars it will be fun.' I did play and we did have fun you and me. We always had a lot of fun that is until your Mom died and I stopped going over," Lars says noticing that Reggie fell asleep. He stands up and heads to the door. Stopping to look back as he opens it, just then, her eyes flutter open, Lars sighs shutting the door. Reggie begins to shiver so hard that the couch shakes. "Reggie you okay?" He says walking back over to her.
"I...I," she says barely able to speak she just felt so sick she could barely think.
Lars leans down and feels her head; "You are burning Reg."
"I...my head," Reggie says.
"You stay here Reggie I'm going to call Ray," Lars heads to the kitchen to call. Reggie looks around to find something to make her better; she leans over, grabs the thermometer, and puts it in her mouth. In the kitchen, Lars listens to the phone ring, once; twice it picks up, "Mr. Rocket?"
"No it's Otto," Otto says, "We're really busy Lars so we don't need any pranks now."
"It's not me. Its Reggie she's sick," Lars says.
"We know she should be here helping but she goes and fakes sick," Otto says.
"Otto she's sick she needs a doctor or something," Lars says.
"It's the flu Lars. Isn't Sam there?" Otto says as Lars hears from the back round, "Sam's here," Twister yells.
"Look Rocket..." Lars starts just as Reggie drags in with a few hundred blankets around her. Lars drops the phone so it dangles by the cord, "Reggie." He walks over she was so pale she looked like a ghost. He leads her over to a chair by the table. "Are you okay?"
"No...my head is," Reggie hands him the thermometer and he looks at the sliver mercury.
"114! Are you kidding me is that possible," Lars says, "I'll get your Dad to come home." He grabs the phone pulling a chair close to Reggie and sitting next to her, "Otto."
"What is it Lars we're busy," Otto says annoyed.
Reggie reaches for the phone, "Otto, I need to talk to Dad," she says leaning her head on the table. Lars watches she looked so horrible all sick like that but he couldn't help but feel something for her.
"Okay fine," Otto says putting the phone on the counter. Reggie waits for five minutes when Ray answers, "Hey Reggie?" "Dad I'm sick," Reggie says.
"I know Reggie do you want me to get you something for tonight," Ray says.
"No I'm sick sick, I'm pushing 114, it's just getting worse," Reggie says tearing in the pain of her flu.
"Okay baby don't worry I'll come home you sure its 114," Ray says.
"Yes," Reggie barely manages out before hanging up. Lars leads her back to the couch and sits close to her to make sure she okay. Any other time Reggie would have noticed this as sweet but she was too sick to notice anything.
At the Shack Ray turns to the guys, "Let's close up your sister not okay at all. I give you fifteen minutes."
"Okay Dad," Otto says and the guys run around kicking people out and cleaning up. Soon all of the guys but Tito are piled in the woody heading home.
"Okay Otto you're going to stay at Twister while I take Reggie to the doctor's," Ray says.
"All right a sleep over on the school night," Otto says high-fiving Twister.
"I'll pick you up when we get home later," Ray says as the pull up to the house.
Sam, Twister, and Otto pile out, "We still have time to hang out." Sam says. "Hockey" Otto says and the guys head home to get their gear.
In the Rockets house, Ray thanked Lars for staying with Reggie and then started getting ready to take Reggie to a doctor.
"Do you think your parents would mind if I left Otto with you," Ray asks.
"No, well I'm watching Twister until they get home at 10," Lars says.
"Do you mind or do you want me to call Violet?" Ray asks.
"Of course not," Lars grins evilly.
"Thanks Lars, come on Rocket Girl," Ray says carrying her out to the car and going back inside for one more thing. Twister, Otto, and Sam gather around the car with Lars hanging in the background.
"If you don't come back can I have your stereo?" Twister asks.
"What bro it's just the flu?" Otto says, "Besides, I bet she's faking."
Sam feels her head. "Doesn't seem like it to me."
Twister takes his turn, "Ow, Ow, Ow, my hand hot, hot burning."
"Let me see," Otto moves Twister's hand away and frowns as he feels Reggie's head, "Get better Reggie."
"I will," she says weakly.
"So about that stereo..."
"Okay guys we have to go," Ray says getting in the car and driving away.
"So I'm in charge," Lars grins.
"What?" Otto says.
"My parents aren't home so Ray left me in charge of both of you. Hockey, now, Sam you're on my team," Lars says already suited to play.
"Me!" Sam says.
"You're going down Lars," Otto says, skating around. They begin to play being evenly matched. They go on late into the night not noticing the time and not scoring a single point. They play even after the sun goes down. No one stops until Paula comes out and looks at the boys.
"Sammie its time for bed," Paula says, Sam blushes, as Otto and Twister laugh. Lars looks at his watch and is surprised to see that it is nine.
"Sleep tight Sammie," Otto says.
"Don't let the bed bugs bite," Twister laughs.
"Later guys," Sam leaves.
"Bed now," Lars says pulling Twister inside Otto follows.
"I don't have to go to bed," Twister says.
"Its nine," Lars says, "And little kiddies need to be in bed."
Otto laughs, "I don't have to listen to you," Twister argues.
"Yes you do or I don't get paid," Lars says.
"Not my problem," Twister grins and Otto copies.
Lars gets angry; "Do you like the color blue?"
"Yeah," Twister says grinning still.
"You wouldn't when you're black and blue all over," Lars growls and Twister dashes up stairs.
Otto backs away, "I don't want to be blue or black."
"You can stay up until your Dad gets here," Lars says heading into the living room Otto follows grabbing the remote. They watch TV, for a while until Otto falls asleep on the couch, Lars started to worry not because his parents weren't home yet but that Otto would have to stay in house all night that grossed him out. Yet, what was he suppose to do when Ray called and asked if Otto could stay? Lars sighed and answered, "My parents aren't home right now but I'm sure it would be okay to have him stay."
"Thanks Lars that would be great. Its just they put antibiotics in Reggie and they want to make sure they help so they're going to keep her over night and I want to stay with her. So she isn't alone," Ray explains.
"But she's okay right," Lars asks.
"She'll be fine Lars it's just the flu," Ray says
Lars sighs, "I mean I don't think it would be a good thing if I let her not be okay. I don't think I'd score good points."
"She'll be fine Lars, look I have to go," Ray says hanging up. Lars heads into the living room and shakes Otto awake violently well violently for anyone besides Lars.
"What?" Otto says groggily.
"You're staying the night twerp so now you're under Rodriguez rules. That means little kiddies have to go to bed at nine so you better get up there, you can room with Twister," Lars says.
"But where's Ray and Reggie," Otto says sleepily standing.
"Urggh they are staying in the hospital, because Reggie's sick and they want to make sure she'll be ok," Lars explains, "Twister will get you something to wear, bed now."
"All right I'm going," Otto says heading up stairs. Lars sits on the couch and waits for his parents to get home. They eventually get home at 10:45 Lars explains everything to them and they tell him that he choose well and then paid him extra for taking on Otto and Twister. He then climbed the stairs to go to bed as well. On his way, he passed Twister's room he could hear them whispering so he stopped to listen.
"What if she's really really sick?" Otto's voice asked.
"She just has the flu," Twister's voice says.
"Yeah but what if it isn't," Otto's voice sounds worried.
"I was just kidding about the stereo Reggie's not going any where," Twister's voice tells him.
"I'm just worried," Otto's voice says.
"She'll be okay bro its Rocket Girl she's not going anywhere," Twister's voice tells Otto.
Otto sighs and then his voice says, "Yeah you're right thanks bro."
Lars moved on as he heard them yawn followed by silence. He went into his room and slowly got ready for bed. Thinking about Reggie and even though he was convinced, he didn't love her, he still worried about her. So after getting ready he did the only thing he knew that could, help he prayed about it. At some point he came to the realize that he did Love her no matter how difficult it was to comprehend or think about he did and that was all there was to it.
The next morning at the Rocket's Reggie was up at her usual time, and, although, she felt awful she knew she had to go to school. She wanted to. She wanted to see everyone especially Lars. So even though her Dad begged her to take one more day off, like that ever really happens, when Sam came around to pick her up she left saying a quick good-bye to her Dad and Otto, who didn't leave until later when the elementary started. Sam asked her, "So did you sleep well?" as they walk to school. His question really meant 'Did you dream about Lars?'
"Ok, I had trouble. I was sick. I'm okay now," She says looking flushed and pale at the same time. Sam shakes his head.
As they reach school, Trish and Sherry run up talking a mile a minute about a new girl. Reggie could barely kept up, first of all she was so sick she barely heard them and just as they began Lars and his crew walked by, she dazedly nodded along so they thought she was listening. Sam noticed her gaze and elbowed her every now and then to keep her from losing it all together. Before the girls could finish the bell rang and they all went to class. Reggie still being sick could barely pay attention she was out of it. She tried, but she just couldn't concentrate on what the teacher was trying to talk about. Every period it was worse. She began to feel light headed, dozy. Yet, she couldn't get up the courage to leave. She knew she had to be there. She didn't want to fall behind. Sam kept asking if there was something wrong but she just said 'nothing.' After 3rd period Sam didn't see her again until 5th period that was the class that was having the whole 'Marriage' thing, everyone had to take the class two years in a row to pass Jr. High. Reggie slowly walked in just as the bell rang, she took her normal spot by Sam. Most of the 'Married partners' had moved their seats to sit next to each, but not Lars and Reggie. Lars still sat in the back with his friends and pretended he could careless about school. Most people believed him but Reggie knew him better then that.
"Today is an exciting day its Tuesday and you know what that means," the teacher Ms. Lynx says smiling as the class groans, "Who would like to tell me what today is?" No one raises their hand, not even Sam; who would have but everyone was praying they didn't have to tell. "In that case, today I want to find out what you have learned. That includes, about the project in general, about being married, about balancing money. Now let's see who should go first, Sam."
"Urggh why did I get stuck with the brainac, suck up," Trish moans, as she and Sam both stand up not too happy and go to the front of the class.
"It's not like I wanted to get stuck with you. You're always telling me what to do. This isn't a relationship this is a dictatorship," Sam says, "You probably don't even know what that is, do you?"
"I...Why would I want to?" Trish laughs, "Why would I want to go around being smarter then everyone in my grade and the grades ahead of me? At least I'm not a freak," a few of the kids lean forward this was good, almost like day-time talk shows. Every Tuesday before this the students managed to lie about what they learned not today though.
"Well you want to know what I learned. I'll tell you I learned that it's hard to stay married to some one who'd rather go to the mall with Sherry then work. I feel like I have to do everything. If we had kids, I know what would happen I'd have to stop working so you could still talk to Sherry. You complain all the time, but I should be complaining. You wouldn't even let me talk to my friends when you're in a 50-foot radius, which is a circle if you didn't know, because they're not cool enough for you. So now I have to hang with you're friends and I'm going to die if I hear one more, Maria said that, Shelly said that, Jenny said, can't you every say anything on your own?" Sam says. "I don't even think you like me; you just like bossing me around."
"Sammie," Trish frowns, "I do like you."
"You do but you're always making fun of me. Calling me names like brainac and slow," Sam says as Lars and his friend, in the back, bust out laughing.
"I only make fun of you because you're so much smarter then me. I tried to help you Sam. I was excited that you were my partner and not because I thought, it was an 'easy A.' When ever I tried to help you always said, 'no need,' or 'you don't have to.' From the minute this started, all you wanted to do was take over. It's like you didn't even want my help. So I gave you a hard time, to make you see that I could do this. I'm smart too Sam maybe not as smart as you but I am smart, but you wouldn't know that, would you," Trish says. "I just wanted to help, but you wouldn't even give me a chance because you were too afraid that I was going to ruin you're perfect grade; because you judged me Sam before you understood me."
"Trish," Sam says feeling bad, "I didn't think you'd want to help no one ever wants to help."
"Yeah well I did," Trish crosses her arms.
"I guess I could try and let you do some of the work, but you have to stop busting on me," Sam says.
"Really?" Trish beams, "That's this is...great!"
"Well I can see you two have worked though a problem and have learned something in the processes," Ms. Lynx says, "You've learned an important lesson and that is a relationships involve two people, one cannot do all the work."
"So, what's our grade," Sam says.
"Oh no, you wouldn't know today," Ms. Lynx says, as she looks up Lars and his friends are still laughing, "Lars you're next."
Lars grows quiet, and then grins evilly everyone in the class shivers including Ms. Lynx, "All right babe I'll go, come on Reg." He gets up and goes to the front of the class as Sam and Trish sit still talking.
Reggie follows quietly, "You wanna tell what we learned Rocket?" His friends in the back laugh.
"Well I learned not to judge people by how they act around their friends," Reggie says dizzily trying to stay up. Most of the guys in the back laugh, and even Lars, grins as if he's on the verge of laughing, "I learned sometimes you have to..." she pauses as the room begins to feel like its spinning.
"You have to what?" Pi calls from the back. Reggie doesn't hear him as she leans back and nearly falls to the ground. Most the class gasps before Lars barely catches her.
"You okay Reggie," Lars says his eyes turning from his tough guy act to his caring eyes that Reggie had only seen Lars use a few other times.
"You should continue Lars," Ms. Lynx says as Reggie stands shakily.
"Well I guess I learned something," the whole class grows quiet. Lars looks at Reggie; she looks flushed and sick worse then the day before. Lars shakes it off thinking that this is his grade, "that Rocket I guess isn't that bad especial when I make her do..." Reggie leans her hand on the teacher's desk to keep from falling again, "Hey Babe can Reggie go to the Nurse's?"
"Lars if she leaves I'll have to take points off," Ms. Lynx says.
Lars looks at Reggie and then to the ground, then once more at Reggie who doesn't even seems to know what's going on, "I'm taking her to the nurse."
"But you're grade," Ms. Lynx says surprised.
"Are you blind can't you see she's sick? She doesn't need a nurse she needs to go home. So I'm taking her to the nurse who cares about that grade, it's just a grade," Lars says anger that Ms. Lynx can't see that Reggie's sick.
"Very well Lars," Ms. Lynx says.
"Thanks Ms. Lynx," Lars says as another gasp fills the room, Lars only called teachers by their proper name when his friends weren't around, "Come on Reggie."
"I'll take her," Sam jumps grabbing Reggie's stuff.
"No it's cool, Sam you and Trish have to 'talk,'" he says grabbing Reggie's stuff from Sam and leading her out.
"I can't believe it!" Sputz mumbles.
"What is that?" Ms. Lynx asks.
"Lars was nice to a Rocket, he called you Ms. Lynx, and he carried Reggie's things," Pi says.
"Not to mention he blew off a grade," Sputz mumbles.
"Well maybe Lars learned to put some one in front himself for a change," Ms. Lynx says all of the students think for a minute and then bust out laughing. Sam stops laughing maybe Ms. Lynx was right, and maybe Reggie was right Lars had a heart and it worked!
On the way to the nurse Lars didn't say anything. He kept looking at Reggie with either, feelings of hate which, he felt when he thought about his grades, or of love which, he just felt all the time, but still wouldn't admit. Reggie wasn't sure what to think about this; but then again, she was having trouble thinking because she was so sick. "You ok wife?" Lars finally asked giving up on hating Reggie.
"Yeah I'm fine we can go back," Reggie smiles although she felt horrible.
"Sure Reggie," Lars looks skeptical, "What were you going to say in there?"
"I don't know. I can't remember," Reggie says as they reach the nurse's. Lars follows her in.
"You again?!" the nurse asks.
"I just need to lie down," Reggie says.
"She needs to go home," Lars says.
"No I don't I have to go to class. I have 3 more today I can't miss," Reggie says.
"What classes do you have I'll get your stuff for you. You go home and rest," Lars offers. Reggie shakes her head in argument, "Reggie you could barely stand in there. You're going home I'll come over and give you your gear tonight."
Reggie was going to object, but Lars was being so nice to her that she agreed and then gave him a list of her classes. Before calling Ray and sitting down in a chair to wait for him to pick her up. Lars leaves before Ray gets there, he goes back to class.
Later that day Reggie had just woken up on the couch Sam was standing over her again. "You feeling better?"
"Worse," Reggie whines, as Sam sticks a thermometer in her mouth. "Did...."
"Don't talk, I want it accurate," Sam says. "Trish said I could stay over here if I spent tomorrow with her. Ray had to work the Shack was packed so Otto and Twister went to help; I said I'd watch you. Lars called he said he'd come over when you're up." He takes the thermometer out and gasps, "104, that's high Reggie."
"Is it?" She says.
"I thought you took that flu medicine?" Sam says pointing the thermometer at her. "I did. It didn't help..." she says as the bell rings.
"I'll get it," he runs to the door and answers it, "Oh hey Lars."
"Hey she up yet?" Lars asks.
"Yup," Sam says and Lars lets himself in. Jumping over the couch to sit next to Reggie, "I got your stuff just like I said, just don't tell anyone I'm being nice to you," Lars says.
"That's okay. I think, I might be dreaming it," Reggie says grinning and Sam rolls his eyes.
"Your teachers said don't worry about tomorrow, you rest oh and Thursday is Thanksgiving so you wouldn't have to go to school," Lars explains.
"It is? I didn't know that. Sam, call Ray and tell him. I don't know if he knows. I bet we'll have barbecue," Reggie says and Sam leaves to call.
"Don't you have turkey?" Lars asks.
"Don't you?" Reggie says.
"I use to. Now I just have the other stuff," Lars says, "Have you ever had a real Thanksgiving dinner?"
"Not since my Mom, since my Mom," she gulps not being able to say it.
"You're Mom was a great cook," Lars nods, "She use to surprise us one time when my Mom was sick your mom came over with a whole dinner for us. Twister and I had never had anything except Mexican dishes, but when we tried your mom's food we liked it so much that my mom soon had to get your mom to teacher her how to make the food. Your mom agreed only after she got my mom to show her how to make Mexican dishes. Your mom turned around and made them better then my mom. They were good friends your mom and mine. I think that's why Twister and Otto got so close. My Dad and your Dad were close to but that's because of our Moms, I think, 'cause when your Mom died our families stopped hanging out. Even Twister stopped coming over here for a while, but Otto and Twister were little, and got over it easily..."
Reggie looks at Lars shocked she hadn't asked him to tell her that but then again, it was comforting. "I didn't know that."
"Oh...sorry Reg," Lars says, "Oh so I talked to you're teachers. You math teacher gave you pages 561-563 to work on. He said they learned it in class so if you don't understand its okay."
"Yeah I'll explain it," Sam walks in. "In your English class, I guess you have to read a new book, anyone you want so I got you a book. I liked it when I read it. In your other class the babe said not to worry there was nothing new," Lars says beginning to leave.
"I'll show you how to the math Reg," Sam says.
"No, Lars can he's been in the class, and last time, he explained it really well," Reggie says. As Lars stops, opens the book, and sits. Reggie moves closer not really being able to pay attention one because she was sick and two Lars was so close to her, she could feel him breathing.
Sam looks at them and then says, "I'm leaving," but neither one of them looked up as he went.
At one point Lars looked up and says, "Are you paying attention?" "I'm trying, its just I'm so sick," Reggie says and Lars reaches over and feels her head.
"Reggie you're burning," Lars says, "You need to sleep I'm going." "No, don't go Sam left. I don't want to be alone," Reggie says pleading.
"I...All right Reggie, I'll stay until you're asleep," Lars says as Reggie tries to get comfortable.
"Tell me more about my Mother," Reggie yawns closing her eyes.
"Okay well let's see. Your mother was very understanding. She understood me, sometimes I told her things I wouldn't tell other people just because I knew she'd understand. She taught us things. When I was little I was really shy, I wouldn't talk to people and not just because English was my second language just because I was quiet. I was the good child I had to be with Twister. One day when I was little, I was having one of those days where everything I did was wrong, jumping on the couch, yelling, the works. By the time Twister had to nap my Mom had had enough she sent me outside and told me not to come back until I behaved. I was so mad that I kicked the wall before noticing you and your Mother across the street. Slowly and quietly, I made my way over. You were playing roll the ball with a medium size blue ball. Well your Mom rolled it you heaved it at her but it still looked fun so I walked over. Pretending like I could careless but you two were laughing and having fun and I wanted to, too. So, I waited for you two, to notice me. When you missed the ball and it rolled over to me, 'you want to play,' you asked and I shook my head and then your mom said, 'come on Lars it will be fun.' I did play and we did have fun you and me. We always had a lot of fun that is until your Mom died and I stopped going over," Lars says noticing that Reggie fell asleep. He stands up and heads to the door. Stopping to look back as he opens it, just then, her eyes flutter open, Lars sighs shutting the door. Reggie begins to shiver so hard that the couch shakes. "Reggie you okay?" He says walking back over to her.
"I...I," she says barely able to speak she just felt so sick she could barely think.
Lars leans down and feels her head; "You are burning Reg."
"I...my head," Reggie says.
"You stay here Reggie I'm going to call Ray," Lars heads to the kitchen to call. Reggie looks around to find something to make her better; she leans over, grabs the thermometer, and puts it in her mouth. In the kitchen, Lars listens to the phone ring, once; twice it picks up, "Mr. Rocket?"
"No it's Otto," Otto says, "We're really busy Lars so we don't need any pranks now."
"It's not me. Its Reggie she's sick," Lars says.
"We know she should be here helping but she goes and fakes sick," Otto says.
"Otto she's sick she needs a doctor or something," Lars says.
"It's the flu Lars. Isn't Sam there?" Otto says as Lars hears from the back round, "Sam's here," Twister yells.
"Look Rocket..." Lars starts just as Reggie drags in with a few hundred blankets around her. Lars drops the phone so it dangles by the cord, "Reggie." He walks over she was so pale she looked like a ghost. He leads her over to a chair by the table. "Are you okay?"
"No...my head is," Reggie hands him the thermometer and he looks at the sliver mercury.
"114! Are you kidding me is that possible," Lars says, "I'll get your Dad to come home." He grabs the phone pulling a chair close to Reggie and sitting next to her, "Otto."
"What is it Lars we're busy," Otto says annoyed.
Reggie reaches for the phone, "Otto, I need to talk to Dad," she says leaning her head on the table. Lars watches she looked so horrible all sick like that but he couldn't help but feel something for her.
"Okay fine," Otto says putting the phone on the counter. Reggie waits for five minutes when Ray answers, "Hey Reggie?" "Dad I'm sick," Reggie says.
"I know Reggie do you want me to get you something for tonight," Ray says.
"No I'm sick sick, I'm pushing 114, it's just getting worse," Reggie says tearing in the pain of her flu.
"Okay baby don't worry I'll come home you sure its 114," Ray says.
"Yes," Reggie barely manages out before hanging up. Lars leads her back to the couch and sits close to her to make sure she okay. Any other time Reggie would have noticed this as sweet but she was too sick to notice anything.
At the Shack Ray turns to the guys, "Let's close up your sister not okay at all. I give you fifteen minutes."
"Okay Dad," Otto says and the guys run around kicking people out and cleaning up. Soon all of the guys but Tito are piled in the woody heading home.
"Okay Otto you're going to stay at Twister while I take Reggie to the doctor's," Ray says.
"All right a sleep over on the school night," Otto says high-fiving Twister.
"I'll pick you up when we get home later," Ray says as the pull up to the house.
Sam, Twister, and Otto pile out, "We still have time to hang out." Sam says. "Hockey" Otto says and the guys head home to get their gear.
In the Rockets house, Ray thanked Lars for staying with Reggie and then started getting ready to take Reggie to a doctor.
"Do you think your parents would mind if I left Otto with you," Ray asks.
"No, well I'm watching Twister until they get home at 10," Lars says.
"Do you mind or do you want me to call Violet?" Ray asks.
"Of course not," Lars grins evilly.
"Thanks Lars, come on Rocket Girl," Ray says carrying her out to the car and going back inside for one more thing. Twister, Otto, and Sam gather around the car with Lars hanging in the background.
"If you don't come back can I have your stereo?" Twister asks.
"What bro it's just the flu?" Otto says, "Besides, I bet she's faking."
Sam feels her head. "Doesn't seem like it to me."
Twister takes his turn, "Ow, Ow, Ow, my hand hot, hot burning."
"Let me see," Otto moves Twister's hand away and frowns as he feels Reggie's head, "Get better Reggie."
"I will," she says weakly.
"So about that stereo..."
"Okay guys we have to go," Ray says getting in the car and driving away.
"So I'm in charge," Lars grins.
"What?" Otto says.
"My parents aren't home so Ray left me in charge of both of you. Hockey, now, Sam you're on my team," Lars says already suited to play.
"Me!" Sam says.
"You're going down Lars," Otto says, skating around. They begin to play being evenly matched. They go on late into the night not noticing the time and not scoring a single point. They play even after the sun goes down. No one stops until Paula comes out and looks at the boys.
"Sammie its time for bed," Paula says, Sam blushes, as Otto and Twister laugh. Lars looks at his watch and is surprised to see that it is nine.
"Sleep tight Sammie," Otto says.
"Don't let the bed bugs bite," Twister laughs.
"Later guys," Sam leaves.
"Bed now," Lars says pulling Twister inside Otto follows.
"I don't have to go to bed," Twister says.
"Its nine," Lars says, "And little kiddies need to be in bed."
Otto laughs, "I don't have to listen to you," Twister argues.
"Yes you do or I don't get paid," Lars says.
"Not my problem," Twister grins and Otto copies.
Lars gets angry; "Do you like the color blue?"
"Yeah," Twister says grinning still.
"You wouldn't when you're black and blue all over," Lars growls and Twister dashes up stairs.
Otto backs away, "I don't want to be blue or black."
"You can stay up until your Dad gets here," Lars says heading into the living room Otto follows grabbing the remote. They watch TV, for a while until Otto falls asleep on the couch, Lars started to worry not because his parents weren't home yet but that Otto would have to stay in house all night that grossed him out. Yet, what was he suppose to do when Ray called and asked if Otto could stay? Lars sighed and answered, "My parents aren't home right now but I'm sure it would be okay to have him stay."
"Thanks Lars that would be great. Its just they put antibiotics in Reggie and they want to make sure they help so they're going to keep her over night and I want to stay with her. So she isn't alone," Ray explains.
"But she's okay right," Lars asks.
"She'll be fine Lars it's just the flu," Ray says
Lars sighs, "I mean I don't think it would be a good thing if I let her not be okay. I don't think I'd score good points."
"She'll be fine Lars, look I have to go," Ray says hanging up. Lars heads into the living room and shakes Otto awake violently well violently for anyone besides Lars.
"What?" Otto says groggily.
"You're staying the night twerp so now you're under Rodriguez rules. That means little kiddies have to go to bed at nine so you better get up there, you can room with Twister," Lars says.
"But where's Ray and Reggie," Otto says sleepily standing.
"Urggh they are staying in the hospital, because Reggie's sick and they want to make sure she'll be ok," Lars explains, "Twister will get you something to wear, bed now."
"All right I'm going," Otto says heading up stairs. Lars sits on the couch and waits for his parents to get home. They eventually get home at 10:45 Lars explains everything to them and they tell him that he choose well and then paid him extra for taking on Otto and Twister. He then climbed the stairs to go to bed as well. On his way, he passed Twister's room he could hear them whispering so he stopped to listen.
"What if she's really really sick?" Otto's voice asked.
"She just has the flu," Twister's voice says.
"Yeah but what if it isn't," Otto's voice sounds worried.
"I was just kidding about the stereo Reggie's not going any where," Twister's voice tells him.
"I'm just worried," Otto's voice says.
"She'll be okay bro its Rocket Girl she's not going anywhere," Twister's voice tells Otto.
Otto sighs and then his voice says, "Yeah you're right thanks bro."
Lars moved on as he heard them yawn followed by silence. He went into his room and slowly got ready for bed. Thinking about Reggie and even though he was convinced, he didn't love her, he still worried about her. So after getting ready he did the only thing he knew that could, help he prayed about it. At some point he came to the realize that he did Love her no matter how difficult it was to comprehend or think about he did and that was all there was to it.