Toy Story & Monsters Inc. Crossover
Welcome back! I'm basing the middle school schedule off mine. Sorry this chapter is a fast pace, going through all of middle school. Hope you enjoy.
Warning: There is a brief talk of 9/11.
Toys, Monsters, & Time
Chapter 3- The Awkward Middle School Years
August 21st, 2000, Monday
The line isn't long ahead of them, but to Andy and Mary it might as well be a mile long. Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Gibbs wait with them. They're talking back and forth about carpool scheduling. Another student ahead leaves the line.
"Middle school is going to be so weird," Andy sighs deeply.
"I know. What will it be like to have multiple teachers? I hope we have a least a couple classes together," Mary voices.
"I heard for most classes the same students are together. There's a core teacher that we have three classes with. If we don't have any main teachers, hopefully, we have the same elective," Andy notifies.
Another student grabs their schedule.
"Even if we don't have a single class together, we'll still have lunch," Mary holds her breath.
She hates the overwhelming feeling of fear she gets that Andy will leave or forget her. It's not fair Andy and the promises he's made. It's Mary's turn. The woman at the table smiles.
"Name?" the woman inquires.
"Mary Gibbs," Mary answers.
The woman searches her name on the list.
"Do you have all your paperwork?" the woman questions.
Mary hands over all the signed papers. The woman checks every area that required a signature. She checks boxes next to Mary's name.
"Everything is in order," the woman thumbs through a stack of papers. She finds a certain stapled packet. "In here you'll find your schedule with a list from all your teachers what you'll need for the semester. Also, a copy of the bell schedule, meals, and some other information you might need. Have a good last week of summer and see you next week."
Mary accepts the papers with a smile.
"Thank you," Mary nods.
She steps out of line as Andy goes next. Mary skims the schedule. She smiles at seeing she got the elective she wanted most. Her only hope now is Andy has a similar schedule. A couple moments later and Andy nearly knocks her over.
"What's your schedule like?" Andy wonders.
Mary hides her schedule from Andy's view.
"On three?"
"On three."
"One…"
"Two…"
"Three!" they finish simultaneously.
They both show their schedules. They gasp.
"They're the exact same," Andy marvels.
"Wow! What are the chances?" Mary beams.
"Anything is possible it seems. I'm glad. We can face middle school together."
"Me too. I was afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
Mary lowers her head slightly with a hint of a blush.
"That if we didn't have classes together our friendship would… fall apart," Mary voices.
Andy smiles lightly at the implication.
"That will never happen. Friends till the end of time. You're my best friend M and nothing is ever going to change that."
Mary smiles. A weight lifts off her chest.
"I know. I'm lucky to have you, Andy Davis."
"I'm lucky to have you too, Mary Gibbs."
Both their mothers wrap their arm around their shoulders.
"Ready to head back home?" Mrs. Davis starts.
"We have a surprise for you," Mrs. Gibbs adds.
Andy and Mary's eyes widen and light up. The four drive home. They head to the Gibbses' living room. Jason is there supervising the other children. The parents hand their children a small box.
"A gift?" Mary puzzles.
"Yes. You're both going into middle school. It's going to be different than elementary school. You two are growing up so fast. We thought these would be best for the next phase of your life," Mrs. Davis somewhat explains.
Andy and Mary tear the wrapped gift and box inside. Each has a Nokia cell phone in it.
"A cell phone!" Andy's eyes light up.
"For real?!" Mary can't believe it.
"Yep. Just as long as you two are responsible. You can only have numbers in it that we approve of," Jason tells.
"We already put our numbers and each other's in it," Sofia informs.
Mary and Andy hug their parents. Not too long after they sit in the treehouse and play with their phones.
"This is so cool," Mary marvels.
"I still can't believe it," Andy admits. "Growing up rocks."
Mary laughs.
"And parents say they miss childhood," Mary shakes her head.
"Are you nervous for middle school?" Andy changes subjects.
"A little. But I know I can do it with you by my side."
"Thanks, but you should make other friends too. Not just with me or my friends. Promise me you'll try."
"I'll try. But you know I'm terrible at making friends."
"You got us to be friends, didn't you?"
"I'm pretty sure that was all you."
"Either way, I know you can do it. You're an amazing person. Someone else will notice that too. I know it."
Mary blushes slightly, making a strand of hair out of her face. She notes the time.
"I have to go inside. See you tomorrow?"
"Of course."
The two climb down before heading their separate ways.
August 28th, 2000, Monday
Mary takes a deep breath as she looks in her mirror, hanging from her door. The first day of middle school. She has butterflies in her stomach. One last look. One last breath. Grabbing her stuff from her desk, movement out the window catches her attention. Mary sees Andy rushing to put on a shirt. He nearly falls over trying to put on shoes, his pants haven't been put on yet. Mary tries not to laugh. Shaking her head, Mary heads downstairs.
Mrs. Gibbs, David, Isabella, and Nolan are at the dining room eating. Mary sits down but doesn't grab any food.
"You should eat something mija," Sofia gestures to the food.
"My stomach is in knots. Eating will only make it worse," Mary grimaces.
"You'll be fine. But breakfast is the most important part of the day. It's a long time till lunch. Have a little something at least," Sofia insists.
Mary grabs a piece of toast and nibbles on it for a little bit. A few minutes later, Sofia is getting everyone ready for the car. David and Isabella hop into the van. Mary helps strap Nolan in. Next door, Mrs. Davis pulls her car out of the garage. Molly walks across the yard.
"Morning Molly, ready for your first day of Kindergarten?" Sofia smiles encouragingly.
"I am!" Molly hops into the van.
"Have a good first day Mary," Sofia kisses the top of her daughter's head.
"Bye mama," Mary gives her a hug.
Mary walks quickly to Mrs. Davis's car. She opens the back door.
"Morning Mary. You can hop in the front if you want," Mrs. Davis winks. "Andy is running a little late."
Mary smiles.
"Sure."
Mary sits in the front seat. As soon as she slams the door shut, Andy comes barreling outside. His hair is a bit of a mess but otherwise looks ready. He stops in his haste when he notices Mary in his spot. Andy hops in the back.
"Why do I have to be in the back?" Andy questions.
"Maybe you'll be on time tomorrow," Mary sticks out her tongue.
Emily laughs as she backs out of the driveway.
"Why can't we both just sit in the back?" Andy proposes.
"Where's the fun in that?" Mary smiles not-so-innocently.
"Remember to have each other's back. Especially today. Keep your phone in your backpack except for an emergency. Behave in class and have a good day," Mrs. Davis relays.
"We'll try," Mary nods.
"I'm excited," Andy interjects. "It'll be cool having multiple teachers."
"Sounds like more homework," Mary points out.
"I'm sure it won't be too bad," Andy assures.
"You're only saying that because you like homework," Mary laughs.
"I do not! Don't tell people that! I won't be cool then," Andy reprimands.
"Everyone already knows you're not cool."
"I am cool! And popular."
"Oh yeah. Mhm."
"Shut up."
Andy laughs. Mary does the same. Mrs. Davis pulls up to the line for the front gate.
"You ready?" Mrs. Davis turns to them.
"We'll be fine," Andy reassures.
Mrs. Davis looks to Mary. Mary returns the look with a nod.
"See you later Mrs. Davis. Have a nice day," Mary wishes.
Andy and Mary exit the car and walk onto campus. Many students are already talking and walking about. Andy looks at his watch.
"Class is going to start soon. We should head there," Andy recommends.
"Lead the way," Mary agrees.
Classes are arranged by letter blocks. The science and math classes are in the same area.
"Starting the day off with math. How cruel can school be?" Mary pouts.
"Math isn't too terrible," Andy argues.
"Not first thing in the morning," Mary counters. "It's definitely an afternoon type class."
"And what class would you like in the morning?"
"Hmm… lunch?"
"Wouldn't that just be breakfast?"
"Second breakfast."
The two of them wait outside their math classroom. There are a few students around waiting for the bell to ring as well. Someone nearly knocks them over by wrapping his arm around their shoulders from behind.
"Hey guys! You have Mr. Thompson for math?" Jordan surprises them.
"Yeah, our first class. You?" Andy answers.
"Sure do. This is great. We'll be like the Three Musketeers," Jordan cheers.
"What's the rest of your schedule like?" Mary inquires.
"Science after this. My core classes with Ms. Meilleur. Band. PE," Jordan replies.
"Band?" Andy tries not to laugh.
"Apparently it was the only place I could go. Which sucks because I can't play anything," Jordan grumbles before turning hopeful. "Do you have core with Ms. Meilleur?"
"No, we have Mr. Sanderson," Andy comments.
"Such a shame. Well, you'll at least have Lane in your class too," Jordan shares.
"Oh, he is? That's great. Does he have math with us too?" Mary wonders.
"No, he has science right now. Math next period," Jordan clarifies.
"And where's Christopher?" Andy looks around.
"Not here yet I don't think. He has science first. Not sure what after that," Jason informs.
The bell rings. Everyone promptly heads to their first class. After math, Andy and Mary go to science. Between second and third period is a fifteen-minute break. Then the two head to their core class. Mr. Sanderson prompts the class to sit anywhere they like. Four desks are arranged together around the room. Andy, Mary, and Lane, a boy with dark brown hair and bright green eyes, sit at one group of desks. Another girl sits with them. She's Asian, skin fair with long black hair tied in a braid.
"Hi, I'm Andy and this is Mary and Lane. What's your name?" Andy introduces.
"April," the girl speaks barely above a whisper.
She doesn't look directly at them much.
"That's pretty. Spring is my favorite season," Mary mentions.
"Mine too," April shows a hint of a smile.
"Alright class," Mr. Sanderson claps his hands once to get the students' attention. "I'll be your teacher for literature, language, and history. After which is lunch. Today we'll go over the syllabus for this semester and any questions you may have."
He hands out some stapled papers to everyone. Much like every teacher on the first day, they go over projects, assignments, test days, and expectations. It's quite boring but the only good news is none of the teachers go over enough to assign homework. Once lunch is over, much too soon, Andy and Mary have PE then exploratory. Their elective consists of taking care of a garden, different computer skills, and art. Some days it acts as a tutorial. In their class are some boys Andy knows well, though wouldn't consider one of his closest friends. April is also in the class with them.
Over the weeks and months, Mary and April become very close friends. Mary has never been truly close to any girl, so she's excited for the new friendship. No matter the growth between the two girls, Mary and Andy remain best friends. In between rec soccer and baseball season for Andy, the two participate in the science fair. They win first place. Sadly, for them it's the last year they can enter. At least it ended on the highest of notes. The two of them plus their friends go to the dance together. As six graders, they're allowed to attend only the end-of-year dance. The year goes by quickly.
On the last day of school, finals are over, so the day is spent talking to friends and signing yearbooks. Andy, Jordan, Lane, Christopher (a boy with light brown hair and brown eyes), Mary, and April are sitting on a bench near the basketball courts. They're signing each other's yearbooks. Chatter among them flies back and forth. Though April is quietly scribbling her words in Mary's yearbook.
"You're quiet April. What are you so busy writing?" Christopher speaks up.
"Just writing," April shrugs.
"Just because she's not bickering back and forth with you boys doesn't mean anything. She's quiet, like me. Would rather learn by observing than poking it out of someone," Mary defends.
April bites her lip from laughing. Andy laughs. Lane and Jordan join in at a lesser extent.
"Dang Mary when did you become all snippy?" Jordan laughs more.
Mary turns red from embarrassment.
"I'm sorry Chris, that wasn't my intention," Mary apologizes.
"It's fine Mary," Christopher waves it off.
April lowers her head momentarily before looking up at Mary.
"I'm actually quiet because… I'm not sure how to tell you this," April sighs deeply.
"What is it?" Mary grows concerned.
"My dad… he got a promotion offer and accepted. We have to move," April shares.
"Where to?" Mary worries.
"Texas," April reveals.
Mary's face drops. Her first real girl friend is moving away.
"When?" Andy questions.
"July. Sometime in the beginning of the month," April relays.
"Are you excited for the move? It gets hot here, I can't imagine the condition there," Lane interposes.
"I guess. I'd rather stay here but it's important for my father and family," April responds honestly. "I hope we can spend time together over the summer before I leave."
"Of course we will. I'll miss you," Mary admits.
Mary hugs her friend. Andy feels bad for his best friend. He knows how close the two have gotten.
That's why Andy ensures the two get to spend as much time together before April moves away. On moving day, Andy and all his friends help. They stand in April's old driveway until she drives away. Andy and Mary sit in the treehouse eating ice cream.
"You going to be okay?" Andy takes another spoonful of ice cream.
They both have a small tub of ice cream in their hands.
"I will. I'm just sad at the moment. My first real friend that was mine, except for you, and she's gone. But I guess that's life. Not every friend you make is till the end of time."
"Unlike us."
"Yes, unlike us."
"You'll make other friends. I'm certain."
"Thank you."
Mary takes one last spoon of her ice cream before switching ice creams with Andy.
"I'll make sure we have a good rest of the summer," Andy promises.
"I know we will. We always have the best summers."
"To the best summer before seventh grade."
Andy moves his ice cream closer to Mary.
"To the best summer."
They bump ice cream against each other. Once again, the two spend practically every waking moment together. The longest they are apart is when Andy is at soccer camp and Mary attends art camp. Andy, Mary, and their families visit the carnival as tradition. Summer ends quicker than it came.
With only a week before school, Andy and Mary spend their day at Pizza Planet with their friends. Their plans start at the prize counter. Andy's jaw drops at the sight. His heart falls at the missing prize he wanted.
"Excuse me sir, when are you getting a new skateboard?" Andy asks the worker at the counter.
The worker looks on the display where the skateboard was before being claimed by someone.
"The manager isn't ordering another skateboard at this time," the man tells.
"Are you sure?" Andy presses.
"Look kid, I don't get paid enough to care. That's what he said. He's ordering something else. Don't know what," the man shares.
The man moves down the counter to help someone with their tickets. Andy's head falls to the counter. He'd groan out loud if that didn't seem pathetic. Mary comes up from behind and lays a comforting hand on his back.
"The skateboard is gone?" Mary figures.
Andy nods his head awkwardly on the counter.
"The manager's not going to get another one?" Mary guesses.
Andy shakes his head. He finally lifts his head.
"It's not fair! I've been saving up for almost year! I wasted money trying to trade it and now I'll have to spend more to buy one," Andy spirals.
Mary pats his head and offers a small smile.
"I'm sorry. Maybe you'll get some birthday money to help you out," Mary figures.
"I hope so. Not sure what the point of playing today is."
"To cheer you up. Besides, you can save up for something else… or help me get mine."
"You just get your prize, you don't care about my hurt feelings," Andy jokes.
"Maybe," Mary blinks dramatically with a convincing smile.
"Fine," Andy draws out with a sigh. "But I'm going to kick your butt in skee-ball."
"That would be a first," Mary teases.
Andy shoves Mary away from him. She laughs. That day they play more fun games rather than high paying ticket games.
August 23rd, 2001, Thursday
The sun is setting. Mr. Gibbs and Andy are setting up a screen in the Davis's backyard. Mrs. Davis is in the kitchen organizing some chips and various candy bowls. Mrs. Gibbs is in her family room with David and Nolan. Bella and Molly are in the Davis's family room. Mary is helping Mrs. Davis.
"Need anything?" Mary inquires.
"No, I think we have everything ready."
Mrs. Davis goes over her mental list one more time.
"I'm going to set a table outside. Listen for the door for me? Also watch Molly and Bella please," Mrs. Davis requests.
"Sure," Mary nods.
"Thanks, come get me if you need," Mrs. Davis exits to the backyard.
Andy comes inside.
"I'm here for the drinks. And ice," Andy shares. "What are you doing?"
"Supervising. And ensuring the pizza's arrival," Mary answers.
Andy looks at the clock.
"It should be here soon. And our friends. You okay being the only girl."
"I'll be fine. It happens most of the time. So, thanks for not picking any horror movies."
"My mother wouldn't let me anyway."
"That's because your mother loves me more."
"My mother does not! You're just sore about being the only girl. I know it."
"If you say so."
The doorbell rings.
"I'll check it," Mary offers.
Mary looks through the peephole.
"It's Jordan," Mary tells Andy.
She opens the door.
"Hey Jordan, come on in," Mary opens the door wider and steps inside.
"Thanks Mary," Jordan steps in.
Mary spots Jordan's mother in her car on the street. Mary waves, Jordan's mother returns the gesture before driving off.
"Welcome Jordan. Can you help me bring out the drinks?" Andy appeals.
"Only if I get have one," Jordan agrees.
The two take out the drinks. Lane is the next to arrive. The pizza delivery man is after. Christopher following the pizza man. Besides Andy's closest friends, a few others that he knows somewhat will attend the party too. The kids sit outside in camping, folding chairs. They eat pizza, chips, and drink soda. Once it starts getting dark out, Mr. Gibbs sets up the outdoor movie projector. The bowls of popcorn and candy are passed around. The sodas keep coming. Pizza gets eaten throughout the movie. A few hours later, all of Andy's friends head home. Andy and Mary are up in their own rooms. They both wave to each other and open their windows. Andy points to the treehouse. Mary nods. Despite having to carefully crawl across the garage roof, Andy is the first to get to the treehouse. Mary shows the skateboard from behind her back.
"The skateboard?!" Andy exclaims. "But how did you get it? I thought someone claimed it."
"Yeah, me," Mary confirms.
"Why?"
"I overheard Zack saying he really wanted it."
"But how did you get it before him? I didn't think you were near the ticket amount?"
"Well, I am a better player than you. I usually have more than you think."
"I'll remember that," Andy narrows his eyes. "Thank you, Mary. I love it."
"Of course. One thing though… think you could teach me?"
"Only if you wear a helmet and layers of bubble wrap. If you get hurt your mom will kill me."
"Probably. I better get back before my parents see we're up here. They would not like us climbing from our windows to the treehouse."
"Yeah, you're right. Good night."
Andy is about to climb back to the roof with skateboard in hand. Mary grabs it to stop him. Andy questions her action.
"If you fall off the roof carrying that across, your mom will kill me," Mary defends.
"Fair enough."
August 27th, 2001, Monday
Andy and Mary sit on a bench waiting for the first bell to ring.
"I'm sad we only have three classes together this year," Mary looks over her schedule again, confirming the class and room.
"Same. But we'll still be able to hang during lunch and help each other with homework," Andy comforts.
He looks over his own schedule.
"Why did we pick yearbook again?" Andy questions.
"It'll be fun! Taking pictures, writing. Plus, we can get out of class early every once in a while," Mary supplies. "You can pick the elective next year."
"I'll remember that."
"And best news, I don't have to start with math in the morning," Mary pauses. "Not that science is much better."
The bell rings.
"Okay see you during break. Let me know how science goes?"
"If you tell me how computer class goes."
The two head their separate ways. Like normal first days, the teachers go over the syllabus, class rules, and an easy start. After switching to the next class, everyone gets a fifteen-minute break. Both have PE third period. Then Mary has history while Andy has literature/language arts. They switch classes for fifth period. Then it's lunch. Andy and Mary have math sixth period and end the day with yearbook. Over the next few days Mary starts up a friendship with a red-headed, outgoing girl named Samantha, Sam for short.
September First. Mr. Gibbs is watching the news when Mary comes down for breakfast. The footage shocks her.
"What happened?" Mary waivers.
Mr. Gibbs isn't able to speak. Mrs. Gibbs notices.
"Honey, the children shouldn't see that," Mrs. Gibbs observes.
It takes a minute for Mr. Gibbs to respond.
"Are the children still going to school?" Mr. Gibbs decides to say.
"Whatever you want dear. Maybe it's important we're all together today," Mrs. Gibbs supports.
Mr. Gibbs turns to Mary.
"Do you have anything important today?" Mr. Gibbs starts.
Mary shakes her head.
"What do you want to do?" Mr. Gibbs leaves it up to her.
"I don't understand. What's happening?" Mary's eyes stray back to the TV.
"Come sit," Mr. Gibbs sits on the couch.
Mary sits on the couch as her father explains what's been happening all morning. A sinking feeling falls deep in her chest. Nothing traumatic has happened in her life. She has two loving parents, siblings that get along, and friends. She's never been to a funeral or been in a serious accident. She hasn't experienced loss or heart break or struggles. But this… maybe she doesn't understand the extent of this tragedy or what this will mean, but somehow, she understands that this changes things.
"I'll stay home," Mary comments. "I don't think I could focus."
"Family day?" Mr. Gibbs looks to his wife.
"And what about the hospital?" Mrs. Gibbs reminds.
Mr. Gibbs whips out his phone.
"Don't believe I have any surgeries today. Yes, no surgeries," Mr. Gibbs confirms. "I'll do my rounds and if there's no emergencies I'll be back for lunch. I'll have the hospital page me if there's an emergency. Dr. Rodriquez should also be at the hospital."
"I'll call the schools," Mrs. Gibbs heads to the kitchen.
Mr. Gibbs turns off the TV.
"You don't want to keep up with updates?" Mary wonders.
"The rest of the kiddos will be down any second. They don't need to see this. I'm sorry you saw it," Mr. Gibbs apologizes.
"It's okay."
"Help mom with the others. I'll be back when I can."
"Okay dad."
David and Bella are confused at first why they don't have school. David doesn't need convincing to stay home. Bella does. Eventually the five of them play together until Mr. Gibbs comes home early for lunch. After eating, the family play games and watch movies.
Things changed after. The United States had to heal but would it ever recover? It had to try. Throughout that day, Mr. Gibbs, like many of other folks, kept up with updates, waiting for the next thing to happen. When he returned home, Mr. Gibbs hugged his kids more, kissed his wife at every chance he got. He treasured this day together with his family and hoping he wouldn't take any moment for granted.
September 22nd, 2001, Saturday
Mary sits on a bench, untying her shoes and changing into roller blades. She tries to stand but nearly falls over. Luckily, Andy catches her elbow and keeps her upright.
"You alright?" Andy still holds onto her tightly.
A weird, unexplainable feeling passes over briefly.
"Yeah, thanks. How did I let you talk me into this again?" Mary laughs.
"It's your fault for telling me you've never rollerbladed before. It'll be fun, I promise."
"Fine. I'm choosing to trust you. Only if you promise to help me stay upright."
"Of course, I promise you won't ever fall with me by your side."
There goes that feeling again.
"Thanks Andy. Let's do this then."
Andy guides Mary to the roller rink where the rest of their friends are at. Lane, Chris, Jordan, and Sam are all already skating. Music is blasting and lights are strobing. Andy holds Mary's hand until they're safely making their way across the circle. Though they move slow, Mary still feels like she's going to fall.
"You look really stiff," Andy notices.
"I feel like I'm going to fall. And if I do that, there's no way I'm getting back up in these shoes," Mary reasons.
"I told you I won't let you fall," Andy reminds. "I think you just need to work on your balance."
Andy adjusts her arms.
"And spread your legs out just a tad… there you go," Andy instructs.
Mary smiles.
"This does feel better, thanks," Mary praises.
"Ready to go a little faster?"
"I thought you'd never ask."
They catch up to their friends and the six of them skate together. After a while they give their feet some rest and sit in the party designated area with the Davises and Gibbses. They just finished pizza when Mr. Gibbs hangs up a pinata.
"I'm so glad you wanted a pinata. They're so much fun," Jordan comments.
"It was Andy's idea," Mary admits. "He has the best ideas."
"Yeah he does. You'll have to plan my next birthday," Lane requests.
"Nah. I only do that for me and M. No one else," Andy declines. "But thanks."
"At least let me hit the pinata first," Lane changes.
"It's Mary's birthday!" Andy defends.
"It's alright. You can go first Lane, because I'm going destroy it no matter what turn I go," Mary teases.
The six teens have an absolute blast.
That school year, Andy continues playing soccer rec and then playing club most of the year. In the spring, he plays baseball. Overall though, it's a pretty uneventful year. That summer Andy and Mary go to the carnival as tradition and spend many days at the skate park. Andy goes to camp and Mary goes to the same normal camp. They go to a concert. Andy attends a soccer camp.
August 19th, 2002, Monday
Andy and Mary sit on a bench and compare schedules.
"I can't believe we're in eighth grade already," Andy shakes his head.
"Does seem just like yesterday when we were in first grade starting our friendship," Mary reminisces.
"Yeah, and next year we'll be in high school."
"It's so crazy. Better enjoy childhood while we can."
"Aw but growing up is so much better."
"Anyway, what's your schedule?" Mary focuses.
"Literature and language, history, math, PE, algebra I, science, and Spanish," Andy reads off.
"Algebra I? One of your electives is another math class? You're such a nerd," Mary teases.
"Ha, ha," Andy rolls his eyes. "What's your schedule like?"
"History, math, literature and language, PE, art, science, Spanish," Mary lists.
"Hm, so that means we have three classes together. And thankfully one of them is Spanish. I'm going to need you to pass."
"Only if you help me with math."
"Deal. Now, when should we put our plan into action."
"In the car on the way back home when they don't have a chance to escape?"
"Perfect."
In the car ride home, with Andy, Mary, and their moms, Andy starts a conversation by clearing his throat.
"So, we were thinking that instead of being picked up from school, we could walk home," Andy brings up.
"Walk home? All the way from school? But that's so far," Mrs. Gibbs points out.
"Only a few miles. We'll be together. It'll be safe," Mary assures.
"I don't know…" Mrs. Davis hesitates.
"At least think about it? Please?" Andy asks.
"We will," Mrs. Gibbs promises.
Andy has an uneventful birthday. Mary, not so much. She wakes up to womanhood. That's right, a bloody mess she has to deal with for many years to come. What a way to enter becoming a teen.
About a month into school, Andy and Mary's parents let them walk home from school. It takes them about an hour to get home, but the two enjoy it. They do it three times a week.
October 1st, 2002, Tuesday
Mary and Andy walk to the front of the school. Just outside the gate, Mary stops while Andy takes a few more steps before noticing.
"Waiting for something?" Andy puzzles.
"Lauren. She's hanging out at my house for a few hours," Mary discloses.
"Ugh, I thought you would be able to help me with the Spanish project," Andy grumbles.
"I can. You can stay over before soccer practice to do homework," Mary invites.
"You sure?"
"Of course. Jordan should come over too. You have practice together later anyway."
"Okay! We'll have to take a slight detour to stop by his house."
"No problem."
"I could go ahead to his house."
"Better wait. Our moms will be upset if we separate."
"You're right… what does Lauren have last period?"
"Math. She should be here any minute."
And then she appears.
"Hey you two," Lauren greets.
"Hi Lauren. Is it okay if we take a detour to Jordan's house?" Mary returns.
"Of course. I don't mind. Is it okay if I stay a little longer? My mom can't get me until after dinner," Lauren brings up.
"That should be fine. Let's head out," Mary nods.
The three take the quarter mile detour to Jordan's house. He's the one to answer the door when Andy knocks.
"Want to come to Mary's to work on homework until soccer practice?" Andy asks.
"Let me ask my mom," Jordan closes the door.
It takes a few minutes before he returns. Jordan opens the door when his backpack and a grocery bag.
"I'm ready," Jordan steps outside.
The four of them walk the rest of the way to Mary's house. Mrs. Gibbs, Molly, David, Bella, and Nolan are in the living room watching a show when the group arrives. Mrs. Gibbs meets them at the dining table.
"I brought two extra people. I hope that's okay," Mary gives her mom a hug.
"Of course, all your friends are always welcome. You four can sit here at the table and do your homework. I'll make you some snacks," Mrs. Gibbs offers.
"Thanks mama," Mary gives her mom a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks Mrs. Gibbs," Jordan and Lauren smile.
"Thank you, Mrs. Gibbs. Do you need any help?" Andy extends.
"That's very sweet Andy but I got it. You sit down," Mrs. Gibbs thanks and gestures to the dining table.
The group works on homework until the boys have to go to soccer practice. Lauren and Mary go upstairs and hang out in her room.
Andy and Jordan continue with soccer in club when rec season is over. In the spring, Andy plays baseball. His athletic skills grow with every game. Before any of them know it, June arrives, and middle school is over. The day of the promotion is quite hot. The end of the month brings another child in the Gibbs family. Her name is Elena, and she looks so much like her mom and Mary.
Andy has a summer fling with a girl named Hannah. It only lasts about a month and a half, but he has his first kiss. The two decide that dating isn't something they really want. It also doesn't help that Hannah is a grade younger and the two probably wouldn't see each other during the school year. No hard feelings.
In July the annual carnival trip is made. All the kids minus Nolan and Elena go to summer camp. In early August Mrs. Gibbs takes her two youngest children to her parents' house in Mexico while the rest of the family plus the Davises go on a Mission trip about an hour away. They help with a medical clinic and day camp for local children.
Of course, the summer goes by too quickly for either of their tastes. On the last day of summer, Andy and Mary spend all day outside in their treehouse. Mary leans against a wall with her head back. Her eyes are closed to enjoy the small breeze that's able to pass through the window. Andy is doing the same though every once in a while, he plops a grape into his mouth.
"How is it the last day of summer already?" Andy sighs deeply.
"Time flies when you're having fun," Mary comments.
"Well time should slow down."
Mary tilts her head forward and opens her eyes.
"And here I thought you were in a hurry to grow up."
"I kinda am. But time can slow down for summers."
"You can't fool me. You love school you nerd," Mary sticks her tongue out.
"I resent that!" Andy opens his eyes too.
He throws a grape at Mary, and it hits her on the cheek!
"Ow!" Mary laughs.
She reaches over, and Andy's reflexes are just a touch too slow. Mary grips the edge, causing the grapes to spill from the container. The two stare at each other before simultaneously grabbing as many grapes as they can and throw them at each other. They laugh and cry out when a grape lands somewhere sensitive. The fun ends when all the grapes go missing or squished.
"What classes do you have tomorrow again?" Mary inquires.
"World geography, English, geometry, and biology," Andy recalls. "You?"
"World geography, English, algebra I, and biology," Mary grins.
"That's right, we almost have all our classes together. Is it like that on the other day. What are the two different days called again?"
"Blue and grey. Blue is the first day and grey the second. I think we have all of grey day together. Spanish II, PE, health/driver's ed, then tutorial?"
"Yep. That's pretty lucky of us."
"I know. It'll be so easy for us to do homework together. You'll still tutor me in math, right?"
"Yeah, only if you help me with Spanish. I wish I started learning when we were kids. I'll probably never remember it now."
"I'll help. We can even talk more in Spanish outside of class if you want. Not all the time. We choose a day or something."
"That's not a bad idea. Maybe a little later into the semester when I know some more."
"Sure. Are you ready?"
"For school?"
Mary nods.
"Not really," Andy continues. "I've been enjoying doing nothing most days. We'll be so busy soon."
"Too busy for each other?"
"Never. Forever till the end of time remember?"
"Yeah… but we should do something."
"What do you mean?"
"We're in high school now. We should do something special that we can look back on years after. We'll be with friends a lot, but we should do something just for us."
"I agree. But what?"
"Not sure yet," Mary laughs.
"Andy!" Mrs. Davis calls from the back door. "Time for dinner."
"Coming mom!" Andy shouts back before addressing Mary. "Guess it's time to leave summer behind."
"It had to end eventually," Mary frowns. "Meet me here after lights out?"
"Of course. If you manage to stay up this time," Andy teases.
Mary smacks his arm as he exits the treehouse. The two meet back in the treehouse from their windows. The two sit close to each other and huddle under a blanket.
"So, I came up with a "something" we could do," Andy starts.
"Oh?"
"Every Saturday night we watch a movie. Start with "A" and make our way to "Z". One person picks the movie while the other picks snacks with the same letter," Andy shares.
"I like that," Mary smiles with approval. "But what happens when we come to a letter that doesn't work? Like X?"
"X-Men," Andy smirks.
"And food for that?" Mary challenges.
"We'll get creative," Andy assures.
Mary laughs.
"You win. Let's do it."
"Since my name starts with "A" I'll go first this weekend."
Mary counts in her head.
"But then I won't get "M". But I get X! Ha-ha, good luck with finding food for that. I've got an idea for the movie," Mary laughs victoriously.
"Dang it! That's not fair!"
Mary sticks out her tongue. She grabs two papers, pens, and envelopes from her pocket.
"What are those for?" Andy inquires.
"Letters we can write ourselves. Then last day of senior year we'll read them," Mary explains.
"That's so cheesy!" Andy breaks out into laughter.
"Hey! I'm a girl, we're cheesy sometimes," Mary defends.
Andy takes the letter and pen.
"What am I supposed to write?"
"Anything you want. What you hope to do during high school, advice to give your future self, whatever," Mary comes up with.
"Alright. I'll give it a try."
The two move farther apart so the other doesn't read their letter. Mary looks up at Andy occasionally with a smile on her face. After finishing the letters, they seal them in an envelope and head back to their rooms to sleep. They each find a hiding spot to keep their letter until the day they open it years from now. With the end of summer, this story is just beginning.
Another chapter done! Keep reading and please review!
