Chapter Three - Copycat!

"Mom suddenly announced last night that she thinks we should start having a mother/daughter evening once a week, can you believe it?" It was Wednesday morning, and Gia and Stephanie were conversing in their regular before school meeting place, beside their lockers.

Stephanie pulled her computer science book from her locker. "Actually it sounds kind of nice. I would have loved to do something like that with my mom, or Aunt Becky."

Gia's face fell, "I'm sorry Steph. I completely forgot. How stupid of me, complaining about spending time with my mom."

Stephanie rushed to reassure Gia, "It's okay. And you're not stupid."

Gia's expression brightened, "Hey, maybe I could ask my mom if we could include you. That would be so cool."

"I don't see how that would work!" Stephanie wagged her finger at Gia, "You're just trying to get out of it."

Gia grinned sheepishly, "Is it that obvious?"

Stephanie changed the subject, "Are you working tonight?"

"Naw, why? Do you wanna do something?"

"Actually I'm meeting Dean, and his best friend, at the Smash Club," Stephanie admitted. "So … I was kind of hoping you were available to make up a fourth?" She regarded her best friend hopefully.

But Gia was no longer listening, her gaze was focused on something past Stephanie, and a look of surprise crossed her face. Stephanie was about to ask her what was wrong when a voice behind her said, "Good morning Stephanie. Good morning Gia." Stephanie spun around and gave a start. Regina was wearing the same 'baby pink' top Stephanie had worn to school on Monday.

"What do you think?" Regina smoothed down the front of the top with her hands. "I liked it so much on you Stephanie that I decided to get myself one."

Stephanie was unsure how to respond. The top looked all-wrong on Regina. The ruching around the collar, which complimented Stephanie's ample bust, hung loosely on Regina's smaller frame. Added to that, the color clashed horribly with her red hair. Some red heads suited pink well, but Regina's shade of bright ginger was not one of them.

Stephanie silently appealed to Gia out of the corner of her eye, for something to say.

"As I said Monday, it's a cool top," Gia said neutrally.

Stephanie simply smiled, although the smile was strained, and nodded in agreement.

"Okay!" Regina seemed disappointed by their reactions. "Well Stephanie, we'd better be going. Class starts in five minutes."

"You go ahead. I'll see you there."

Regina frowned, but didn't say anything further.

When she was out of earshot Gia said, "Okay, just for the record, that top does not suit her at all."

Stephanie pressed her back against her locker, her arms hanging loosely at her sides. "Gia, don't you think it's a little weird that Regina is dressed exactly like me?"

Gia hooked a lock of chestnut hair behind her ear, "Not really. Girls copy one another all the time. What about that time we both wore midriff tops and jeans … well at least you tried to, until your dad saw you."

"I know, but that was back in Junior High."

"It's only the top that's the same. Yes, she's wearing jeans with it, but you can't claim that everyone wearing jeans is copying you." Gia laughed, but broke off upon seeing the troubled expression on her friend's face. "Look, if Regina starts dressing like you everyday, then we'll start to worry okay?"

Stephanie sighed, "Yeah, you're right … I'm overreacting. I don't know … there's just something really creepy about it."­­­­­

Across town Danny was making his way down the hallway at work, cup of coffee in hand. Today's show had gone well, and Ruth Hardy, who had replaced Becky as his co-host, was a lovely woman, and an excellent presenter, but even after two and a half years, Danny still missed Becky most days.

A tall, dark haired woman, dressed in a gray business suit, was making her way towards him, approaching from the other direction. Danny sidestepped to let her pass him, when she stopped, and said, "Why it's Danny Tanner from Wake Up San Francisco."

Danny looked at her closely, trying to place her familiar voice. "Oh my god, Julia Denyer," he recalled. "I haven't seen you in years."

Julia's blue eyes sparkled, "You know me, where there's a story, I'm there." Julia Denyer had been Pam's best friend throughout High School and College. Upon graduating with a degree in news journalism she had taken off overseas, and had been reporting in countries all over the world ever since. Julia had remained in contact with Pam through letters, and occasional phone calls. She had flown home briefly for Pam's funeral, but that had been the last time Danny had seen her.

"So," Danny said, "Back for a visit?"

"Back for good. They just offered me a job on the sixth floor, reporting the late news. I thought I might try staying in one place for a while. I love traveling, but fifteen plus years living as a nomad is taking its toll."

Danny nodded, "I've never been much of a traveler myself."

Julia grinned, "You and Pam both." Her smiled widened, "I guess that's one of the reasons you were both so well suited."

Danny smiled as well, "Yes, we were." They were both silent for a beat, both reflecting on what a truly wonderful person Pam Katsopolis Tanner had been. Danny broke the silence, asking, "Whatever happened to Chuck?" Charles Bryant had been Julia's steady boyfriend during her college years, and Danny and Pam had often double dated with them.

"Last I heard he was married, with two children, living in Michigan. What about Joey Gladstone? Are you two still in contact?"

"We actually live together," Danny said without thinking. Seeing the surprised look on Julia's face, he hastily corrected himself. "No, not like that. You thought – no we don't live together … live together. Joey moved in to help me raise my daughters after Pam died, and he's lived with our family ever since. My girls adore him."

"He always was a fun loving guy. How is Pam's brother? Pam and Jesse were so close growing up."

"He's good. Actually he also lives in my house, it's a big house. Same scenario, he moved in when Joey did."

Julia laughed, "It sounds a lot like that 80's movie, 'Three Men and a Baby'."

Danny chuckled, "There are similarities." Sobering quickly, he said, "Jesse married in 1990, and had twin boys the following year, but his wife – Rebecca Donaldson – died tragically nearly three years ago."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Rebecca Donaldson! Why does that name sound so familiar to me? Oh I know … she used to work here … in fact she was your co-host, there's a whole wall dedicated to her down in the lobby. She was killed in that plane crash, just before Christmas '95."

Danny looked down at the floor. "Yes, it was a difficult time. Becky's death left a big hole in our family." He was silent for a beat. Shaking his head to clear unhappy thoughts, he smiled at Julia, "Listen, you'll have to come over to dinner one night. I'm still in the same house in Pacific Heights. Joey and Jesse would love to see you. And you won't even recognize the girls anymore. Stephanie looks so much like Pam – you won't believe how much. And DJ … you remember DJ right? Personality wise she is Pam all over. Unfortunately DJ is attending Dartmouth in New Hampshire, so you won't get to see her. My eldest baby is all grown up. And Michelle … she's twelve now, doesn't time fly …"

Julia held up her hand for silence, but she was grinning, "It's nice to see some things never change – you still go on and on and on."

Danny laughed along with her.

Julia opened her handbag, scanning its contents, "I hate to rush off, but I have an appointment with a property manager to look at an apartment." Pulling out a notebook and pen, she hastily scribbled something, ripped out the page, and held it out to Danny, "I would love to catch up properly though. Here's my cellular phone number."

Danny accepted the piece of paper, putting it in his jacket pocket. "My … you are growing up – apartment and all," he teased.

"It had to happen eventually," Julia stuffed the pen and paper back in her handbag. "Well, see you again Danny. Don't forget to call. Bye." She started down the hallway, waving as she went.

"I won't," Danny called after her. "Bye Julia."

"Dean, over here!" Stephanie waved, spotting her boyfriend entering the Smash Club, followed by his friend.

Gia gave Stephanie a-thumbs up sign, "He's cute!" she whispered approvingly. The guy walking over with Dean was tall and handsome.

Reaching the table, Dean leaned down to give Stephanie a quick kiss on the lips. Straightening up he introduced the guy standing next to him, "This is my good buddy Tate Atkins. We went to High School together. Tate's at Stanford, studying to be a lawyer." Dean rolled his eyes.

Stephanie smiled, "Nice to meet you Tate. I'm Stephanie by the way."

Tate returned her smile, "I'm glad to hear that, since you were the one Dean was just kissing."

Stephanie blushed, while Dean smirked at him.

Gia gave Tate a wide smile, "Hi Tate. I'm Gia Mahan, Steph's best friend."

Tate gave Gia the once over, and liked what he saw. "Hey Gia. Can I buy you ladies a drink?"

Gia said, "A Dr pepper would be great." Stephanie asked for a coke.

"I'll give you a hand." Dean left with Tate.

Gia watched Tate make his way over to the bar, "Well, isn't he something."

"Er … Gia – I'm not quite sure how to put this …" Stephanie shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I know I invited you … but would you mind maybe not flirting with Tate? I mean he's Dean's best friend, and if you two started dating and then broke up it would make things pretty uncomfortable …" She let the sentence hang in the air.

Gia looked affronted, "Steph, what are you saying?"

"She's saying that you go through guys like toothpaste, and to keep your hands off her boyfriend's friend," Kimmy supplied, passing their table with a tray of drinks.

Gia glared at her, "Oh shut up Gibbler!"

"Gibbler, I also asked you to keep your hands off my uncle," Stephanie said sweetly. "But as usual, you're not listening."

Kimmy smiled wickedly, "I would, but that wouldn't keep his hands off of me, would it!" And with that parting shot she left them alone.

"Eww!" Stephanie and Gia chorused.

"Hi guys," Regina suddenly appeared by their table. "I phoned your house Stephanie, and when you didn't answer, I tried the main line, and your cousin Alex said you were here." She pulled out a chair and sat down on Stephanie's right.

Stephanie didn't comment, but she was slightly annoyed over Regina's intrusion. With Dean and Tate present, Regina was definitely the fifth wheel. Why did Regina think it was necessary to hang around all the time just because she was a member of the band!

Stephanie glanced over at Dean. He and Tate hadn't even been served yet, as there was a crowd at the bar, and the girl serving didn't appear to be in any hurry. Trying to be diplomatic she said to Regina, "Dean's ordering drinks. What would you like?" Stephanie made to stand up.

Regina twirled a strand of curly hair around her finger, "That's okay … I'm not thirsty. You are so thoughtful though thinking of me Stephanie."

Regina was looking straight at Stephanie, so she didn't notice Gia rolling her eyes, and pulling a disgusted face.

Gia cleared her throat, "So Reg, are we still on for tomorrow … band practice … your house."

Regina slammed her fist on the table, causing it to jolt violently, "Don't ever call me Reg!" she said fiercely.

Regina's reaction was so unexpected that Stephanie visibly winced. Gia, on the other hand, leaned forward glaring at Regina. "God Regina, what is your problem?" she hissed.

For a terrifying second Regina expression turned so murderous, that Stephanie was afraid she was going to jump across the table and physically attack Gia. But just as quickly Regina's whole demeanor changed, and she looked down at the table. When she raised her eyes to meet Gia's, she wore an ashamed expression, "Gia, I'm sorry for snapping at you. It's just the last person who called me Reg was my grandfather on my father's side, and we were very close. Grandfather Powell died when I was ten, and since then I don't like anyone calling me Reg. You didn't know that though, so I had no right to speak to you like that. I hope you can forgive me?"

Stephanie relaxed, as Gia said, "That's okay – no problem Regina." This time there was no trace of sarcasm in her tone.

"Sorry about your grandfather," Stephanie added quietly.

Regina's entire face lit up, which to Stephanie seemed inappropriate, considering the subject, "Thanks Stephanie – I knew you would understand."

At that moment a welcome distraction arrived in the form of the guys returning with the drinks. Dean made his way around to the chair on Stephanie's other side. Once seated, he shifted the chair in close, sliding his arm across the back of Stephanie's chair.

Stephanie made the introductions, "Dean you remember Regina right, from our Fourth of July Barbeque?"

"Sure. Hi again Regina."

"And this is Dean's friend Tate Atkins. Tate, Regina Powell."

Regina smiled, and Tate gave a nod in return.

Kimmy sashayed past their table again, pausing to stare at Regina. Frowning she looked over at Stephanie, "Hey Rapunzel, isn't that the same outfit you were wearing Monday?"

Stephanie opened her mouth to reply, but before she could speak Regina said rudely, "Not that it's any of your business, but Stephanie and I have a lot in common, and we are allowed to wear the same clothes if we want."

Stephanie's face flushed with embarrassment, which didn't go unnoticed by Dean.

Kimmy simply shrugged and continued on her way to the bar.

Regina stared after Kimmy, "I can't stand that girl," she muttered under her breath.

While Regina was occupied in Kimmy's direction, Dean leaned in close to Stephanie. Indicating his head toward Regina he mouthed 'intense chick'. Stephanie gave a small giggle – she could always count on Dean to make her feel better.