Disclaimer: see first chapter

AN: Thank you for all the fabulous reviews.

Chapter 1 – Back to the future

I woke to weak sunlight shining through my bedroom window. I sat up rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I was a little surprised to hear 'So What' by Pink playing, I didn't recall setting this to my alarm. I didn't remember setting my alarm; I turned to hit my phone and realized I wasn't in Joe's bedroom. I think it's pretty meaningful that I still consider it Joe's bedroom even after we married. I was in my teenage bedroom, with a clock radio, and I was holding Grey's Sports Almanac 2000-2020.

I had talked my dad into letting me paint my walls blue – Aqua Sky (pantone color of the year 2003) to be exact. We were supposed to paint the walls Antique White like every other room in the house. I absolutely hated every wall being white. My mother had taken Val to a cheerleading camp in Pennsylvania and told dad to paint my room. My father's brother, Uncle Mark, gave me the furniture from my cousin Katherine's bedroom after she got married and moved out. Uncle Mark had come over to help paint and when he saw the color he knew he had to help me. He helped dad see my way of thinking. Uncle Mark and my mother never got along very well. It was a pine queen bed, a dresser, stand mirror and a pair of nightstands. Val had gotten a new bedroom set when she was 13 but Mom didn't want to buy one for me. I was so grateful to my uncle. He knew I didn't get treated the same as my sister.

When Mom and Val got back, my room was painted and the furniture was moved in. I also got the comforter from Katherine's room. It was Shabby Chic from Target, a blue patchwork comforter with matching shams and two sets of matching sheets. I was glad because my mother only used plain white cotton sheets. She could easily replace one when it wore out. Val was mad because she had a pale yellow chenille bedspread. It was so boring but totally Burg. Mom was mad because of the walls. She felt everything should have gone to Val and I got Val's old stuff. Dad put his foot down and said everything was given to me and Val never wanted anything second-hand.

I shook my head trying to figure out what was going on. I mean sure I wished to go back and change things but I must be dreaming. I mean no one goes back in time except Marty McFly. I pinched myself and realized I was actually awake. There was a pounding on my door, my mother yelled, "Time to get up Stephanie. You have to be at work in an hour."

I stumbled out of bed and opened the door, "okay ma." I hid the almanac in my backpack, mom never looked in there. I ran into the bathroom to take a shower. I quickly blasted my hair with the dryer and put it up in a high messy bun. It was easier with the hair net at the bakery. I ran back into my room wrapped in a white cotton towel. I pulled on a pair of white cotton bikini panties and an underwire white bra. Guess who chose them? I remember the dress code for the Tasty Pastry – khaki pants and one of their bubble gum pink t-shirts. I pulled my uniform on with a pair of white Keds with white ankle socks. I never wore make up to work because I would sweat it all off.

I ran down the stairs and into the kitchen where I shoveled scrambled eggs, bacon and toast down. I was ready to leave and mom dropped me off before going to Giovichinni's Market. I ran in the back door with two minutes to spare. I took a quick peek at the calendar and saw it was July 16, 2008, and I was scheduled to work 8 am to Noon. This was the day I lost my virginity. Vanessa would call and ask me to stay and work the closing shift. The bakery closed at 5 but closers worked until 6 or 7 to put everything away and finish cleaning. She would offer to take my closing shift tomorrow.

I put a hairnet and gloves on and began to wait on customers. It was busy with people on the way to work. Later in the day we'd get the Burg housewives in to pick up birthday cakes or bread and maybe pastries for dessert. Wednesday in the Burg was pasta night, so fresh bread was essential. The phone rang and Judy Klein, the owner of the bakery, said Vanessa wanted to speak with me. Judy was in her mid-60's and would be putting the bakery up for sale before the end of the year when her and her husband retired. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and would pass away within two years.

"Hello," I cheerily said.

"Hey Steph, it's Vanessa. Would you work my shift tonight and I'll take yours tomorrow? Ivan Costanza wants to take me out tonight," she asked.

"I'm sorry Vanessa but there's no way I can do that. My Plum grandparents are coming for dinner tonight. It's why I asked for the early shift today. You know what will happen if I bow out," I explained. Little did Vanessa know my Plum grandparents had already cancelled because grandpa wasn't feeling well, which is why I had initially switched with her.

"Oh, okay. Do you think Joyce would switch with me? She's scheduled for tomorrow morning," Vanessa inquired.

I thought for a minute, "maybe," and read her the number next to the phone.

I finished my shift with no drama, just the way I liked it. I walked home from work and went to the kitchen with her two loaves of Italian bread and a box with cannoli, pasticciotti, and tiramisu, "hey ma."

"Oh Stephanie, can you run the vacuum while Val and I work on the lasagna and make the garlic bread," mom asked as Val stirred the sauce and mom pulled the meatballs and Italian sausage out of the oven.

"Sure, did you need me to dust the living room as well," I asked. The last time I didn't ask she yelled at me for not doing it.

She sighed, "Yes, you should know it needs to be done. Your Mazur grandparents are coming for dinner instead of the Plums. I'll need you to set the table when you finish. After your shower, be sure to wipe down the bathroom."

I went off to do her bidding. After vacuuming and dusting, I showered and wiped down the bathroom. I dressed in a pair of denim shorts and a purple tank top before setting the table. Dinner went off without a hitch, Grandma didn't go crazy until after Grandpa died. I had my tiramisu but also had a chocolate pasticciotti. I went up to bed but sleep eluded me. I needed to plan for my future. I wasn't going to waste my time on Joe Morelli or Dickie Orr.

I woke to pounding on my door and it burst open. My bestie, Mary Lou Molnar, barged in, "Steph, you're not going to believe this. Joyce Barnhardt had sex with Joe Morelli behind the éclair case at Tasty Pastry after closing last night." Mare took a breath, "he wrote about it on the stadium wall and in the bathroom at Mario's Sub Shop."

I was stunned. That was what happened to me and now I was clear and it was Joyce. Joyce already had a reputation as a skank. "Are you serious?"

Mare giggled, "Yup and he left this morning for the Navy."

I looked at the clock, it was almost noon and I had to be at work at 1:30. I scooted out of bed and we giggled at what happened. I explained how Vanessa asked me to switch but I told her I couldn't. We chatted for a few minutes when I told Mare I had to be at work soon. I was going to the beach with Mare for the week, her parents had rented a beach house. I didn't get to go the first time because I got grounded after Dad read Morelli's poem.

I got to work and Vanessa was working. I said, "hey girl. How was your date?"

"It was great, I have another date tonight. I'm so glad you and I didn't work last night. Judy called Joyce who said Joe showed up at closing and she took advantage. Joyce also told Judy to get over it because no one would pass up the best ass in Trenton. Judy fired her. I guess her daughter is covering Joyce's shifts this weekend and next week while she finds a replacement. Karen is 6 months pregnant so not really loving the idea of being on her feet for hours," Vanessa explained.

I nodded and was so grateful it wasn't me this time. I reminded Vanessa to use condoms before she left. I did my shift and Judy's son showed up at closing to help me and make sure I got home okay. He helped with the cleaning so we finished early and I was done by 5:30. He even drove me home. The Klein's were concerned that another young girl would be taken advantage of. Everyone knew Joyce was easy but they didn't want to listen to a mother complain, especially mine.