Chapter 2

Sportacus looked up from the table and stared into Stephanie's dark brown eyes. He could see she was really concerned about him. Swallowing hard, he told Stephanie the truth.

"That phone call I received during dinner was from your Uncle. He said that when we returned from dinner there was something important to discuss. It seemed kind of strange that he would bother to call the restaurant to tell me just that. I don't think he was telling me everything but something must be going on that he didn't want to discuss over the phone. I'm sorry if it ruined our evening." Sportacus explained. Stephanie got up and squeezed next to him in the little booth. She held his hand and interlocked their fingers.

"I'm just glad that I got some time with you alone. I missed you while I was away." She kissed his cheek. He turned to her and stared into her eyes.

"I never told you how beautiful you look tonight. I missed you too." Sportacus smiled and pulled her close. They kissed politely (since they were in public) and then they got up and left Sam's Apple Stand. Sportacus hailed a taxi and they rode back to LazyTown.

Arriving at the Mayor's house Sportacus got out and once again opened the door for Stephanie and paid the cabbie. Then she opened the door to her Uncle's house and found Bessie crying. She rushed over to her.

"Bessie what's wrong?" Stephanie asked. She had never seen Bessie that way. Uncle Milford walked into the room. It was obvious he had been crying too. Stephanie was now alarmed and Sportacus quickly walked over to the Mayor.

"What happened Mayor?" He asked. Mayor Meanswell pulled Sportacus into the living room.

"Bessie's mother died a few hours ago. The funeral is in a few days. We have to travel to the capital. I need you to stay with Stephanie. I know she is sixteen but I want someone with her anyway. I don't know how long we'll be gone." Milford explained.

"Take as long as you need. I will take care of Stephanie." Sportacus promised. The two returned into the kitchen to find Stephanie consoling Bessie as best she could. Milford came over to his wife and held her in his arms.

"Come on, sweetheart. Lets go upstairs." Mayor Meanswell said. Bessie nodded and continued to sob. Stephanie and Sportacus felt helpless. When Uncle Milford came back downstairs, Stephanie asked if she could help in some way.

"Could you pack our suitcases? We have to leave on the first train tomorrow morning. I have to stay with Bessie." He replied. Stephanie nodded and went upstairs. Sportacus followed and offered to help her.

With the suitcases packed and it getting late, Sportacus said he must go back to his airship. He told Stephanie to send a letter if they needed anything. She promised to do so if need be. Sportacus also promised to be back in the morning.

Stephanie went to her room and changed out of her dress. Slipping on some pajamas she crawled into bed. She could hear Bessie sobbing from down the hall in their bedroom. A feeling of complete helplessness washed over Stephanie as she tried to get some sleep.

The morning came early and Stephanie woke up to hear the shower running. Opening her door she walked out into the hall. The bedroom door was open down the hall and she walked down to see if she could help.

Bessie was sitting on the bed with a strange look on her face. Stephanie sat down next to her. Bessie didn't acknowledge her presence. Carefully Stephanie put her arms around Bessie and gave her a hug. Bessie grabbed a hold of Stephanie and hugged back. Neither one said a word to each other. The hug seemed to help though and soon Bessie turned to Stephanie and thanked her for her understanding. She nodded and heard the shower shut off. Then Stephanie asked if Bessie needed anything. Bessie didn't need anything and Stephanie left as her uncle entered the room.

Stephanie went downstairs and looked around for something to eat. She found some fruit and cereal. Soon Bessie and Uncle Milford came down. Stephanie handed them some food and the three ate in total silence.

The doorbell rang and Stephanie got up to answer it. She let Sportacus in and he helped Mr. and Mrs. Meanswell get their suitcases together and go down to the train station. When they left Stephanie went upstairs and took a shower.

To Be Continued…