Chapter 3

Stephanie went back to her room and her mother was waiting. She sat back down on the bed and told Amanda that Uncle Milford and Sportacus had an idea about what to do for their emotional problems. Amanda said that she thought it would be a nice idea but she would have to talk it over with Stephanie's father.

"Now tell me what you were going to tell me." Stephanie begged.

"Ok. Well I met your father when I was only about 13 years old. From the day I met him I knew there was something special about him. However, I couldn't find the courage to tell him. So from a far I loved him. We graduated from high school and I went to the local community college and he went to the local university. I transferred over there after three years and by then I had waited long enough. I was nervous I'd ruin our friendship but I needed to let him know. So I got up the courage told him straight out. At first he didn't know what to say. But then he smiled and we started to go out. Now obviously you know the rest. But there was a time when he had to go out of town on business for almost nine months. I missed him. sure we wrote everyday but it wasn't the same. I moped and didn't go out a lot. At work I put on a good face and tried to act happy but I wasn't. We overcame our separation by visiting each other. I requesting two weeks off and I went to your father's project. We enjoyed those two weeks and then when I went home I wasn't so lonely anymore. I started to mark how many days were left until he came home. I cleaned up around the house and most importantly I smiled. Smiling is the best thing to cheer you up. If you smiled some more I bet you wouldn't feel so bad." Amanda finished.

"Well, I'll try. How do you think dad will take it?" Stephanie asked.

"Don't worry. I know he'll be nervous but if your uncle approves of him I'm sure there won't be too many problems." Her mother smiled.

Stephanie smiled back and said, "I'll call Uncle Milford and let him know that you and dad are going to discuss it."

"Good idea. Besides maybe you can talk to Pixel while your on the phone." Amanda smiled.

Stephanie went to the phone and called Mayor Meanswell. She told him the good news and asked if she could talk to Pixel. The Mayor said that he would go over to Pixel's and get him in the meantime Sportacus would like to talk to her. Sportacus came on the line and they talked about how things were going. Stephanie admitted that she missed Sportacus and her other friends as well as Pixel. Sportacus admitted that he too missed her and could hardly wait for the summer. In the middle of their conversation the Mayor busted back into the house and told Sportacus to put the phone down. Confused Sportacus did as he was told. The Mayor then told him Pixel was nowhere to be seen. Sportacus picked up the phone and told Stephanie that they would call her back. He explained that Pixel was in the middle of something that he couldn't get away from. Stephanie said she understood and hung up. Then Sportacus and the Mayor called everyone together and told them that Pixel was missing. They broke up into three search parties and split up.

Pixel made it to the train station and purchased a one way ticket to Stephanie's home town. It would take eight hours by train but that was the only ticket he could afford. He counted his money. He only had twelve dollars and thirty cents left. Oh well I'll make do, he thought. Then he put his suitcase on the shelf above his seat and stared out the window. The conductor came by and noticed Pixel sitting by himself and asked him if he was all by himself. Pixel said he was but that he was visiting family at the last stop. The conductor said if Pixel needed anything to let him know. Pixel said he appreciated that and promised to let him know if he needed anything. Then Pixel returned to his window and looked out at the passing countryside.

TO BE CONTINUED ……