Note: Yeah, yeah, I cheated on the timeline with Maxie. It's an alternate reality, maybe she moved in sooner. Oh, and Happy New Year everybody.

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3:

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Woody sighed. It was a few days later and dark clouds were rolling across the sky. Rainy days depressed him enough, but now he had other problems to exacerbate it.

"Problem, Cowboy?" said a friendly voice. Woody looked over his shoulder. Bo was approaching with a ready smile. Bo always had kind words and good advice for everyone. He liked talking to her in times of need. Jessie's advice usually consisted of things like, "Never drink downstream from yer horse!" and "Never squat with yer spurs on!"

He nodded and the two friends began to walk together. "Andy's having some problems in school."

"With the other kids?"

"With the teacher."

"Ah," said Bo in understanding. "I heard him tell Mom that she's…intimidating."

"A rotten apple is more like it!" Woody groused. "Some people just shouldn't teach children." He sighed. "It's just that…sometimes I wish I could talk to him. Let him know that I understand and everything's going to be ok. Don't get me wrong. I love being a toy and I wouldn't trade it for anything, but I just wish we didn't have to always follow The Rule."

Bo nodded. "I know what you mean. When Molly was sick back in September, all I wanted to do was give her a hug. But the only thing I could do was watch her from the nightstand."

Without thinking he slung an arm around her. "Not fair is it? I want to be there for him!"

"You are there!" Bo admonished gently. "No matter what kind of day he's having, Andy knows that he can always come home to his favorite Woody doll."

Woody smiled at her. "Thanks, Bo. You're a great friend."

"So are you. You're my best friend."

There were thudding footsteps. "I can't stand her!" They heard Andy shout.

Woody looked panicked. "He's home already? Shoot!"

Buzz jogged up to them and took Bo's arm. "C'mon let's go!" She nodded and let him lead her away.

Woody ran to the bed and scrambled up to the top. About two seconds after he lay down, the door slammed open. "She…is…evil!" said Maxie as she followed him in.

"I've never been more embarrassed in my life!" Andy complained as he set down his book bag. Inside, Woody's stomach clutched. What had that woman done now?

He didn't have to wonder for too long. "So I can't hold a ruler straight!" said Andy. "She didn't have to get angry and yell at me!"

"Remember that day I was wearing my boots and they squeaked on the linoleum? She got so mad!" Added Maxie.

Andy sat down on the bed and picked up Woody. "Why does she have to be mean?"

Maxie sat next to him. "My Mom said she's quitting smoking and that makes her cranky."

"So what was her problem before she quit?"

"Her personality." Maxie answered smartly. Andy laughed and Woody felt some relief. He stood up and took Maxie's hand. She blushed but he didn't notice as he pulled her up.

"Let's go play in the backyard before it rains."

Maxie looked outside. "Well, we better hurry then."

They both scooped up some toys and ran to the door. Woody noticed that under the crook of Maxie's arm were Bo and Jessie. The two women in my life, thought Woody. And I can't figure out my feelings for either one of them.