The lights came back on and the movie theater began to empty out.

Race stood up and looked at Jessie. "Ponchita? Ready for dinner?"

Jessie nodded and stood up. She walked out of the theater silently.

Race watched her worriedly. She wasn't acting like herself. She usually cheered and laughed when the Chef Louie chased Sebastian in the kitchen. She usually sang along with all the songs. But not tonight. Tonight, she just sat in her chair, staring at the screen. Race was very worried about her.

Jessie and Jonny were always fighting, but never had he seen such a change in Jessie's behavior.

Jessie was always outgoing, stubborn, and full of life. But today, she was quiet and withdrawn.

Race picked Jessie up and carried her out of the theater. Jessie laid her head against Race. "Daddy? Can we go home? I'm not really hungry."

Race felt her forehead. "Do you feel sick, Ponchita?"

"I dunno. I just want to go to bed."

"Okay, honey."

As Race drove home, he kept glancing at Jessie out of the corner of his eye. When they finally reached the Compound, Jessie was sound asleep. He walked around to her side and unbuckled her. He carried her inside and put her to bed.

Race checked around for Benton and the kids. Just as he walked back downstairs, they walked in the back door.

Benton's eyes widened when he was Race. "Is everything okay?"

Race sighed. "I think Jessie's coming down with something. I'm going to call her pediatrician."

Race flipped through a small address book until he came to Dr.

Kingston's number. She was Jessie's favorite. She answered on the third ring.

"Dr. Kingston, this is Race Bannon. I'm not sure, but I think my daughter's sick."

Race explained what little he knew. Dr. Kingston said she'd be right over.

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Dr. Kingston closed her bag. "Well, she has a slight fever, and she's very tired. It may be nothing. Just let her sleep late tomorrow, which means no school. Call me in the afternoon, and I'll personally come check on her."

Race shook her hand. "Thank you so much for coming here so late."

Dr. Kingston smiled. "Jessie is one of my favorite kids."

After she left, Race went back upstairs to check on Jessie. He sat down nest to her on the bed, gazing at her sleeping form. He pulled the covers up under her chin. Race left, quietly closing the door behind him, and leaving Bandit lying next to her like a guard dog.

Race returned downstairs, and made himself a cup of coffee. Benton walked in and poured himself a cup as well. "What did Dr. Kingston say?"

Race sighed. "She's not sure what's wrong either. She also said that

Jessie needs lots of sleep and shouldn't go to school tomorrow."

Benton nodded. "Maybe she'll feel better in the morning. It might be a twenty-four hour bug, or she may still be upset about this morning. Did you find out anymore?"

Race shook his head.

Benton stood up, pushing back his chair. "I'm going to have a talk with Jonny. This is ridiculous."

The phone rang and Race answered.

"May I speak to Race Bannon, please?"

"This is Race."

"Mr. Bannon, this is Mrs. Smith, Jessie's school teacher."

"Mrs. Smith, I'm glad you called. Has Jessie been acting unusual at school lately?"

There was a pause before she answered. "Jessie has always been a wonderful student, but today was different. She came to school in a good mood, but she and Jonny had their usual fight. Then Brittany teamed up with Jonny against Jessie. She's been quiet and withdrawn ever since."

Race sighed. "You're telling me."

"I'm sorry I can't help you much. I had stepped out of the room for a minute, and when I came back, markers and glue were flying. By the way, how is Jessie feeling?"

Race told her about the evening. "So, she won't be in class tomorrow."

"Mr. Bannon, please tell Jessie that we will miss her. I'll send her work home with Benton Quest tomorrow."

They said goodbye and hung up."

Benton joined him. "Race, Jonny told me that he and Jessie were arguing about Bandit. Jessie called Jonny stupid. Jonny told Jessie that they were no longer best friends. Brittany joined in and took Jonny's side.

She said some things to Jessie and said that she and Jonny were new best friends. Jessie got upset and threw a marker. The top of the marker came off, and the marker hit Jonny in the face. That prompted the marker and glue to be thrown around.

Race stood up and leaned against the counter. "Mrs. Smith called. She was concerned about Jessie."

"Well, Jonny's in bed, Brittany's asleep in the guest room, and I'm going to turn in."

"G'night, Benton."

"Goodnight, Race. Try to get some sleep."