The late afternoon sun was shining through Josh's window. The smells of food being prepared were wafting upstairs reminding him that dinner was approaching. He texted Andy to ask if she was available. Within moments her image appeared on his computer screen.

"Josh," she said smiling. "My hero, come to rescue me from homework."

"It's more like a holding effort," Josh advised her. "It's not too long until dinner."

"A short rescue is welcome," Andy said. "I'm glad you don't have to work today."

"Me too," Josh agreed. "Aside from the fact I can't talk to you, it's a madhouse after school."

"Oh, so it's not ardent love for me that inspires you," Andy smiled. "You're just being a slacker, as usual."

"Hey, that's not fair. I do love you," Josh objected.

Andy became serious for a moment. She said, "I know, Josh."

"So, how's Cleveland today."

Andy frowned, "It's pretty cold. The kids here, they just don't get me. I try to bring a little spontaneity into their lives and they look at me like I'm a freak."

"They won't let you play G-Force in the boy's bathroom?"

Andy laughed, "Oh that really wouldn't work here." She paused and continued, "I'm just not in sync with anyone. I miss hanging out with you. You get me."

"You have to give them time," Josh advised. "I was clueless for quite a while. You need to first put them through a rigorous training program. I thought you were going to be starting the interview process."

"My pile of resumes is pretty thin." Andy's smile fading momentarily. She changed the subject, "What about you and Katie, any good gossip?"

Josh shrugged, "Nothing in particular. When I worked at the rack the other afternoon she came and did her homework there. We chatted some between smoothies, but that's all."

"You should take her to another dance," Andy suggested.

"Maybe," Josh said, half heartedly. "You know who is going to the dance? Kyle and Jessi."

"Together?" Andy asked. "I mean, I'm not surprised about Jessi, she was practically hitting him with a two by four to get his attention, but Kyle is thick headed. He seemed intent on Amanda."

"Amanda's off at the conservatory this semester and Kyle seems at loose ends," Josh told her. "Anyway, he's taking her to the dance and she's walking on air." He hastily added, "That's just an expression."

"I get it, Josh," Andy said scornfully. "I didn't think she could really levitate. Well, I like Kyle; he was very reassuring to me when I was scared and needed reassurance."

"Kyle is like that, he has an amazing ability to make you feel better," Josh smiled. "To cure what's ailing you."

"Well, that was beyond a little cheering up, but I was cured," Andy's voice got quieter, "I still am. I just had another test, no sign of it."

"I don't think it will be back," Josh said confidently. "That's good news, anyway."

"So if Kyle and Jessi are going to the dance, you really have to take Katie," Andy suggested. "And, this time, give the girl a little loving, maybe you ought to steal a base or two."

"I don't know," Josh frowned. "Every time I get interested I think about you and me and how it felt to touch you and, well…"

"Well, that's not an option," Andy reminded him. Then she smiled, "Although, if you give me a call after dinner, you might catch me getting ready for bed."

"That could be interesting," Josh agreed. "But I would like to touch you again."

"It's funny how a girl can miss those scrawny arms, but I do."

Josh smiled, "I think it's dinner time. I'll call you back in a couple of hours."

"I'll be here." She blew him a kiss as he logged off.