(The next morning)
Teddy glanced in the mirror yet again, painfully aware of her mother's voice as it floated up the stairs.
"Teddy! Come down for breakfast! Now!"
She sighed and grabbed her backpack, not at all in the mood to be around her family at that moment.
As she expected, her appearance became the center of attention the moment she entered the kitchen. "Wow! You look nice!"
Teddy glared at her father. "You sound surprised. Are you saying that this is a first? Can't I wear a dress to school every once in a while? I just felt like dressing up! That's all!"
Bob rose from the table and kissed the top of Teddy's head. "Now Teddy, can't your dad pay you a compliment?"
"I'm sorry, Dad. Thanks. I'm just a little nervous."
She admired herself in the reflection of the toaster and then twirled around with a grin on her face.
Gabe made a face. "What are you so dressed up for anyway? The last time you wore that dress was when Spencer-."
"Gabe, knock it off!" Bob said.
"But Teddy you do look very nice. What's the occasion?"
"Since when does there have to be a special occasion to wear a dress to school? And why are you all giving me the third degree?"
"Why have you been acting so weird since you came home yesterday?"
"Wha-I haven't-."
"Gabe, leave her alone!" Amy scolded. "And speaking of leaving, you're gonna be late for school."
Teddy sat down and ate her breakfast in record time and then rose from the table to put her dishes away.
"Well, this has all been very entertaining but I really should get going."
Her backpack slung over her shoulder, she barely reached the door when Amy stopped her.
"Oh, Teddy? I need you to pick up Gabe after school today? I have a staff meeting tonight and I can't miss it."
Teddy turned around, unable to believe what she was hearing. "Today?"
"Yes, I believe that's what I just said." Amy replied.
"But Mom, I have something important to do after school!"
Amy put her hands on her hips. "What could be so important that you can't do this one simple favor?"
Teddy swallowed hard. "I-I have to meet someone... a-after school."
"Well call whomever it is and tell them that you can't make it." Bob said in a tone that said he meant business.
"But Dad-."
"Teddy, do it or you're grounded! Do you understand?"
Teddy sighed. "Okay, fine. I'll do it. But I'm not happy about it!"
"That makes two of us." Gabe said. "You think I want my friends watching me when I get into your car after school? I have a reputation to uphold."
Teddy rolled her eyes and walked to the door. "You don't have a reputation!"
"Are you kidding me? I've got the best reputation of anyone at my school!"
"That's not saying much." Teddy replied.
"At least I don't have to dress up to get attention! This is about some guy, isn't it? I hope it's not that loser Spencer again."
Teddy began to fume. She wished she'd never told anyone about her breakup with Spencer. Besides he was ancient history.
"Teddy, please pick up Gabe after school and drive him home, okay?"
"But Mom…"
"What did I tell you about talking back to your mother?" Bob asked.
"Sorry, Dad. But why does it have to be today? I have something majorly important to do!"
"You can do it after you drop off Gabe. And that's final." Bob said.
Teddy sighed. "Okay, I'll do it. But I don't have to like it."
"Neither do I." Gabe said.
Inside, Teddy was fuming. She just had to be at the park after school! Her love life, such as it was, depended on it.