"Troy," I heard Zeke call over to me through the crowd of groceries shoppers. "Sharon."

I stretched, trying to see over the crowd of shoppers. Never shop on a Thursday around noon when everyone else wants to do their shopping.

I heard Zeke's voice again, this time with a whistle. I whipped my head around to see him waving me from the fresh produce section.

Great.

Fresh produce.

Zeke didn't do cans; it would've been way too easy to give me a list of groceries.

This was perfect; the perfect way to show off my stupidity.

Throw me into the deep end, and let me try to figure out what is good and what rots.

I paused for a moment, preparing myself for the failure I knew was coming. Sharon, no doubt, was way more prepared than I was as she headed for the produce section with the kind of confidence I wish I had.

It didn't long for me to see why she was so confident. Zeke knew what he wanted, and Sharon was able to help pick some really fresh selections, even giving him some advice on what to add. I was entirely out of my element. I wasn't sure what we needed, and half the stuff they were saying I was clueless about.

It wasn't that I didn't shop. I shopped with my mom all the time growing up. She even called me her special little helper. But, the kind of shopping I did was more list. I would follow a list mom had for me and help her put things in the cart. What little fresh produce we purchased would always be at the end, and all I ever really did was hold the bag.

Once I started living on my own, I mostly ate stuff from cans or take-outs. Maybe a couple of times, I've made some really simple, but none of it ever came from fresh produce.

I was sure that nothing from Zeke's list came from a can. Zeke never believed in the canned stuff and said it was junk. Not that I would argue with him since I don't know the difference. According to Zeke, one crucial factor of good food is getting it fresh.

Sharon's voice reminded me we were shopping with Zeke, "I have a list of stuff we need to get that isn't fresh produce, you want to take care of it or me?" She showed me the list.

I took the list from her and took a glance at it. "You mind taking care of it, I was hoping to give Zeke a hand?" I asked, handing the list back to her.

Sharon nodded, taking the list back from me. Zeke spoke as we watched Sharon head for the other isles. "So, I see Sharon is no longer glued to you."

I didn't bother to hold back my laugh, "yeah, after Sharpay's reality check, we talked."

"And," Zeke prompted when I didn't continue.

I took Zeke's full bag of celery and gave him an empty bag. "Now we're friends."

Zeke stopped turning around. "Friends," he repeated with confusion in his voice.

I nodded and continued to tell him about our conversation while we shopped. When I finished my story, I changed the subject. "So, did you work things out with Sharpay?"

Zeke sighed, "I'm in the guest room."

I frowned, fearing that Zeke would end up risking his marriage. "Man, maybe you should just tell Sharpay, who was at your guys' place," I suggested.

"I did," Zeke stated, "I told her that night that my friend was coming by."

"But you never mention anything about your friend," I reasoned, helping him tie another full bag. "For all any of us knows, she could be a quack who does want you."

Zeke chuckled, shaking his head, "I know my friend most definitely isn't a quick, nor are we more than friends."

"Just cause you're not more than friends now doesn't mean your friend wouldn't want more." I reasoned, hoping Zeke would see my point.

"And what makes you think my friend is a girl?" Zeke challenged, shrugging off my worries. "For all anyone knows, my friend could be a guy."

I wasn't falling for that so easily. "If your friend were a guy, you would've told Sharpay so she wouldn't be kicking you out of the bedroom. Plus, the bracelet and lipstick are a pretty big indicator that your friend is a girl, not a guy."

Zeke nonchalantly shrugged his shoulder. His face showed no emotion as he moved on. "OK, so my friend is most likely a girl. Still doesn't mean there's anything between us aside from friendship."

"All the more reason to say something. Don't let Sharpay feel that anything's more important than your relationship." I stopped Zeke and gave him a serious look. "Don't make the same mistake I did three years ago. Don't risk your relationship."

Zeke's face contorted into confusion. He shrugged off my concern and continued to shop. "I'm not risking my marriage. Every couple has disagreements, but that doesn't mean they're all headed for divorce court. And it's not like I know every little thing about Sharpay."

"You sure," I didn't believe him. I asked him some questions that he answered easily. "Seems to me you know her pretty well. My point is, three years ago, I thought Gabby knew how important our relationship was to me, so I started letting our relationship drop between everything else we had going on. I wasn't aware of just how upset Gabby was or that I was risking our relationship until it was too late. I don't want to see the same thing happen to you."

Zeke had a sympathetic look in his eyes that matched the sympathetic smile he gave me. "I know how hurt you were, bro, and I appreciate the advice. But it's not my place to tell. It's my friend's secret, and I promised her I wouldn't tell. If she doesn't give consent, I can't tell anyone who she is or anything about her. I promise there won't be a history repeat, though."

My lips curved into a small smile, giving Zeke a slight shove, "there better not be. One heartbroken guy in the group is more than enough."

He let out a little laugh through his smile, "no arguments there," He paused where he was and stared at me. He wanted to say something but wasn't sure if he should or how to. "Troy, have you ever thought about what you'd do or say if you saw Gabby again?"

I blinked, trying to process the question. None of my friends have asked me that before. They asked how I felt and what I'd do differently. And how different things could be.

But seeing Gabby again was new. None of us had ever really thought about seeing her again, probably because we weren't sure if we would see her again.

The sound of my phone reminded me I was shopping with Sharon and Zeke. I picked it up and immediately frowned, seeing Aspen's school number. Why would Aspen's school be calling me, I thought, picking up the call.

My stomach felt queasy as I listened to the school nurse. "Is she still throwing up?"

"No, but she is still looking really pale, her stomach still hurts, and she's still nauseous. In a case like this, we usually send the child home to rest if possible. If not, we keep them in the office until we reach a family that can take the child home." The nurse explained calmly.

I ran my hand through my hair, letting out a sigh. "Alright, I'll be right there."

Sharon came back with an armload of stuff as I was hanging out. She knew right away something was wrong. "What's wrong?" She set setting the things in the cart.

"The nurse from Aspen's school is saying she was throwing up." I caught her up. "They couldn't reach my parents, so Aspen gave them my number."

Sharon frowned, narrowing her brows. The concern in her eyes was a sign of her fear. There was more to this, something she wasn't saying. "Did she complain about nausea or stomach ache?"

"Both," I confirmed, trying to figure her out. "Why, did Aspen tell you something?"

Sharon shook her head, "no more than what she told anyone else."

Zeke wasn't as concerned. "Could Aspen be faking or lying to get attention from you?"

I shook my head at the idea, "I don't think so; I'm here for the entire summer at least. She knows that. Plus, she knows our parents won't let her off so lightly if she plays hooky."

"Then maybe the flu," Zeke guessed, "it has been going around."

I shrugged, "true, whatever it is, I better go pick her up."

"I'll come with you," Sharon offered.

"The more, the merrier," I answered, "Zeke, I'll call you later."

Aspen wasn't as pale or sick as I had envisioned when I picked her up. The nurse said she was much better from when she was brought in almost an hour earlier. It was a relief to know the nurse didn't find anything serious. She betted on the stomach bug or flu going around if she had to guess.

I phoned my parents again on the way home. It turns out, dad left his phone in his office before going to sub for another class, and mom left her phone in the car while she was photographing some engagement photos for a couple. Both of them were relieved to know that Aspen was OK. I assured them I could keep an eye on Aspen until they got home from work. They reluctantly agreed after talking to Aspen and calling the pediatrician.

I got a bad feeling realizing how quiet Aspen was. She usually was much chattier and energized. She looked like something sucked the energy right out of her. She barely said two words since I picked her up from school, aside from talking to our parents. The entire ride home, she looked pretty tired as she drifted in and out of sleep.

I opened the door and helped her unbuckle, "Aspen, are you feeling OK? Are you feeling sick again?" I tried hiding the concern in my voice.

Aspen just shook her head and reached out her arms. "Sharon, you mind grabbing her bookbag?" I requested, heading for the house.

Sharon stopped me, chasing after us. There was a spark of something in her eyes. It was almost like she was seeing her nightmare. "Troy, should we maybe take her to the doctor or something? Get her checked out just in case there's something wrong."

"The pediatrician said it's the stomach flu," I reminded her, "she's probably just tired from it. She'll rest the weekend, and if she's still sick Monday, I'm sure mom will insist on bringing her in."

I brought her inside and sat her on the couch in the living room before playing one of her favorite movies. Cupid was happy to keep her company while I helped Sharon with the snacks and drinks. Aspen perked up, seeing the snacks. She was able to eat and drink some while we watched the movie. Her nausea was gone, and her stomach ache started to subside when mom returned halfway through the film.

"How is she?" Mom asked, seeing that Aspen could barely keep her eyes open.

I picked her up, and she sank deeper into my arms. I took her to her room for a nap with mom behind me. I reported to mom as I tucked her into her bed. "She doesn't have a fever. She isn't throwing up anymore. All her other symptoms are pretty much gone, and she has her appetite back. Whatever this was, it came on suddenly. Good news, it's leaving as suddenly as it came."

Mom relaxed for the first time since she came home. She must have been worried about Aspen even after the call. "That's a relief; she probably caught a stomach bug, like the pediatrician thought. I'm going to make lunch; keep an eye on your sister."

"Troy, why don't you help your mom in the kitchen? I can keep an eye on Aspen." Sharon offered.

"OK, thanks," I followed mom out of the room.

Dad came home while we were making lunch. He peeked in on Aspen before helping mom in the kitchen. Before Aspen was up, Sharon had to run out real quick and disappeared before I could ask her more.

Aspen was definitely back to her old self after her nap. She was her cherry outspoken self with renewed energy until she discovered that mom and dad had decided to cancel her playdate with Olyvya. Then we saw just how much energy she had. Mom and dad had been trying to cheer her up for ten minutes, but Aspen was still upset.

"I want to play with Lulu," Aspen continued complaining as Braydon came through the back with Skylar. Joel and Madyson were right on their heels, "you said I could play with her today."

"I know, but you wouldn't want Lulu to catch your stomach bug." Dad stated, "you can play with Lulu another day when you're better."

Aspen frowned, pushing her soup aside. "I'm not sick, daddy; I feel fine. I want to have a playdate with Lulu," Aspen huffed in a pout.

Skylar clapped her hand in agreement, "Playdate with Lulu."

"She's my friend," Aspen snapped with an attitude we hardly see from her, making us all jump, "not yours."

"Aspen, being sick does not excuse your attitude." Dad gave her a warning look, "Watch it, or you will be losing Monday's playdate with Lulu too."

Aspen huffed, folding her arms across her chest. Turning her back away from everyone, she shut everyone out. No matter what we said, she wouldn't respond. After thirty minutes, we ran out of ideas to cheer her up.

"Come on, A," I pleaded, "it's not so bad. Today's already half over, and then it's only three days. In between, then we can do all sorts of fun stuff."

Sharon emerged through the back door, and confusion took over as soon as she saw us gathering around. "What's going on?"

Mom sighed, throwing her hands in the air, "Aspen was supposed to have a playdate this afternoon with her new friend Lulu today, but we canceled it since she's sick. Now she's really upset about it."

Aspen scrunched her nose in disapproval at what mom said, "I'm not sick," she grumbled.

Sharon raised a brow, "mind if I try?"

We stepped aside, "go ahead, can't do any worse than us."

Sharon bent down and got Aspen to turn around. Her voice was soft and sympathetic when she spoke. "I know you're sad about missing your playdate and probably even worried that Lulu won't play with you anymore."

Aspen nodded, dropping her head. "Lulu won't play with me anymore if she thinks I lied. She'll be Sky's friend…."

"And you'll be left out." Sharon finished knowingly.

Aspen spoke in a soft whisper. "Lulu's my friend too."

"When I was your age, I had a friend who was sick. We would plan playdates, but more often than not, she had to cancel because she was too sick to play, and it would make me sad. Just like how you're sick now, so your mommy and daddy had to cancel your playdate."

Sharon paused, letting Aspen take in want she said. "Are you still friends with her?"

"She's still one of my best friends in the entire world." Sharon assured her, "But when my friend was sick, and we couldn't play together, we found ways to play apart. When my friend had the energy, of course."

Aspen's smile lit up a Christmas tree, "you did; how?"

Sharon chuckled, "many different ways. We played online games together, drew pictures that we cut up and turned into puzzles, and wrote stories of the adventure we would have when she got better, and that's just the start of the list. There's so much you can do to stay connected to a friend, even if you don't get to see them."

"Can I play an online game with Lulu?" Aspen asked with a new excitement in her voice.

Mom and dad exchanged glances. They were having one of their famous silent conversations. We've seen enough of it growing up to know when it was happening.

"How about we try something we can do right now without calling Lulu's mom?" Dad suggested, "what about the puzzle idea? You love puzzles."

Aspen scrunched her nose as she considered the idea. We held our breath, expecting Aspen to throw another fit. Surprisingly she didn't. "How did you play with your friend when you couldn't call them or play games with them?"

Sharon thought for a moment, "I read books she was reading, wrote in our journal, and made invitations inviting to the online games and other stuff we did. They found that one really funny. But they loved it."

Skylar giggled, "I want a friend far away too."

We all laughed at Skylar's request. We were sure she wouldn't be so excited if she had a friend she couldn't play with all the time. Sharon turned her attention to Skylar, "I'm sure you'll have lots of friends far and near." Sharon assured her, hugging her, "in the meantime, how about we make an invitation inviting Lulu to come over to play on Monday? You and Auntie Aspen can both make one; I'm sure she'd love it."

"Can I make her a special invitation to Sharpay's pool party instead? It could be a surprise for Lulu that she's invited."

"That's a great idea," Mom praised, "I'm sure Sharpay wouldn't mind inviting your friend."

Sharon held out her hand for Aspen to take. "How about you show me where your colors are?"

Aspen took her hand and raced off up the stairs. Braydon stopped them, "Aspen, why don't you go grab the colors? Sharon will be right behind you."

Sharon let Aspen go before turning around. She was calm, almost like she was expecting us to stop her, when she started apologizing. "I'm sorry if I overstepped. I should've realized that idea might inspire her to invite her friend to an already existing party she was excited about."

I shook my head, "You didn't do anything wrong. We actually wanted to thank you."

"And it was really nice of you to include Skylar in your idea too." Braydon added, "you have a special way with children."

Sharon's face started turning a blushing red at Braydon's compliments. "Thanks, I uuuhhh, I better check on her."

She rushed off before any of us could stop her. Could she like Braydon, I thoughts, watching her disappear up the stairs after Aspen. Turning around to help clear the table for the art project, I noticed Braydon was blushing a little too. Could Braydon like Sharon too, I thought with a smile.