Chapter 21

Stephanie was surprised that her Uncle hadn't come by the sports field. Maybe he's already home, she thought. However, when she arrived at her Uncle's house he was nowhere in sight. Stephanie looked at the clock and realized it was almost five-thirty. She was going to see Sportacus but she looked at her outfit and noticed the grass stains and mud from the football game. So Stephanie went upstairs and jumped into the shower. Once she was out of the shower she wrapped herself in a towel and crossed the hall to her bedroom. There she saw the package from the hospital on her bed. She had completely forgotten about it and quickly she got dressed. Then rubbing her head with a towel she picked the package up. An envelope fell out of it and she bent over to pick it up. Sitting on her bed she opened the envelope. Inside was a note that read:

"To Stephanie:

We saved Sportacus' uniform from when he came into the hospital. The nurses noticed how anxious you were about him so we figured that you should give it to him. We repaired the tear in it and washed it. We know that he'll appreciate it.

The Hospital Staff"

Stephanie smiled as she picked up the package and felt the soft cloth on the inside. Then she heard some noises from downstairs and she hoped that her Uncle was home. Rushing downstairs with the package still in her hand she saw Sportacus wheeling around the kitchen.

"Sportacus, what are you doing?" Stephanie asked him as she hid the package behind her back.

"Looking for you." He replied. Stephanie stuffed the package in the cupboard behind her and went over to him. She gave him a gentle hug.

"Have you seen Uncle Milford?" She asked him.

"No, I haven't, but the phone rang while you were gone maybe he left a message on the answering machine." Sportacus suggested. Stephanie ran over to the machine and noticed it was blinking. She poked the play button and the message started:

"Hi, Stephanie and Sportacus! I'm going to be at the office until about six o'clock. I'll pick up something for dinner on the way home. By the way, Bessie will be joining us. Stephanie, make sure Sportacus gets everything he needs. I'll see you in a little while, bye."

Mayor Meanswell's voice stopped and Stephanie deleted the message. Sportacus realized that it was quarter to six and told Stephanie they had better set the table. Stephanie cleared the kitchen table while Sportacus got silverware and napkins. He brought them over to the table and Stephanie went to the cupboards to grab some plates. Sportacus put the plates on the table as Stephanie grabbed some glasses. Then she put them on the table. Looking at the clock she noticed it was now five to six and she went to the window to see if Uncle Milford was coming. She didn't see him or Bessie so Stephanie went back over to Sportacus.

Stephanie started to say something at the same time Sportacus tried to say something. She giggled and he grabbed his sides trying to make sure he didn't laugh to hard. Then Sportacus allowed her to go first.

"Sportacus, I think that we need to talk." Stephanie told him.

"I agree, there are some things that I want to discuss as well. But not with your Uncle and Bessie around." Sportacus half smiled.

"Well I was hoping to talk to Uncle Milford today but since he got held up at Town Hall maybe later. Anyway both that conversation and the one I have to have with you are important." Stephanie explained. Sportacus agreed that both conversations were important and then his stomach grumbled. He started to turn red as Stephanie giggled again.

"What is keeping you're Uncle?" Sportacus asked, quickly changing the subject. It was now quarter after six and Stephanie went to the window to see if he was coming.

"They're coming up the street." she called to Sportacus. Opening the door for them, Stephanie helped bring in the food. Mayor Meanswell explained that he ordered Chinese food. Stephanie smiled as she pulled out her favorite, Sesame Chicken. The Mayor and Bessie were splitting some Sweet and Sour Chicken, while Sportacus enjoyed his Cashew Chicken. They four didn't say much of anything during the meal as they were all starving. Stephanie stared at her Uncle realizing that something was different about him. He wasn't avoiding eye contact with Bessie like normal. Instead he was staring at her. Stephanie shrugged her shoulders and went back to eating her Sesame Chicken. She picked up a piece of broccoli in her fork and made a face. Stephanie loved vegetables but broccoli was not one she liked to eat. She nonchalantly pushed it off her fork and onto Sportacus' plate. Pretending he didn't see that Sportacus ate the broccoli. Then he made the offhand remark that he didn't remember Cashew Chicken ever having broccoli. Stephanie blushed and stuffed another piece of chicken in her mouth.

To Be Continued…