Alan did return after school like Dawn had said. He did remember Dawn and Jessi were there.

"Alan, are we free to go?" Dawn asked.

"Free to go where?"

"You should know there's a club meeting at five - thirty this afternoon? We'd like to be there. We were talking. How would you like to come along with us?" Dawn asked.

"I don't think so. Thanks for inviting me anyway. Why would I want to tag around for? It's all girls anyway. Don't you have boys?"

"Not really. One member is, but he doesn't come to the meetings. He's an associate member."

"The only boy in the club? I'd like to join the club."

Dawn and Jessi rolled their eyes.

"You'll have to talk with the president about it."

"Who is that?"

"Kristy Thomas," Jessi answered.

"How do I qualify?"

"Talk to the President," the girls said again.

"Guess I will. You guys can go, but I'll stay here."

"Oh, no, you don't. You're coming and that's final."

Alan didn't want to turn it into argument, so he only played along.

"What time do you want to leave?"

"Five - fifteen. Get there fifteen minutes early."

"All right. I'll go."

Dawn and Jessi silently laughed. He didn't seem to notice.

"You'll just have to follow us where we're going," Jessi said.

"Tell me where the location is. I wouldn't have a hard time finding it."

"This might be your only time, Alan Gray."

"That's fine with me too. Just let me know what time to leave."

"Dawn already said the five - fifteen," Jessi pointed out.

Alan nodded.

"How come you didn't tell us why we couldn't be at school," Dawn replied.

"You don't need to know, Dawn. You both can go now."

"Are you sure, Alan? There has to be a reason why me and Jessi are in your basement. That's why you're coming to the club meeting to explain to everyone at the same time."

"Of course I'm sure you can go back to school tomorrow. Only today you girls will hang out here."

"That means we can meet your parents," Jessi told him.

"No need to. I didn't see any reason to meet them."

He was right, they could see. There was no need to try this mother's cooking. Dawn is a vegetarian, so that's why she wouldn't eat here.

Before they knew it, five - fifteen showed up.

"What time is it?" Jessi asked.

Alan looked at his watch.

"Five - fifteen. Shouldn't you be leaving?"

"already that time? We should leave now," Dawn said.

"You go ahead. I have homework to do."

"That can wait, Alan. You're coming with us like we talked about. Then we can see what Kristy says about joining the club."

"I was just teasing. Why would a boy be in a business that's with girls only? But I'll go anyway. I'll follow you."

"Fine with us."

Alan opened the door and let the girls go first.

"Thank you, Alan. You're such a gentleman."

"Not a big deal, Dawn. Just trying to be nice."

"I didn't think of you being a gentleman either. I have to agree with her."

That was the truth. He didn't care what the girls thought of him.