Too cold to be wearing her normal dress or a skirt, Erika resigned herself to wearing a sweater dress over black leggings and boots. The outfit might have been appropriate for the December day, but it was a bit warm sitting in the stands that lined the indoor swimming and diving pool.

Erika waved at her girlfriend who just happened to be wearing a pink one piece bathing suit. Tricia waved back and lined up with the others all trying out for the diving team.

The smell of the heavily chlorinated pool stung her nose, which was a good sign since she had had a hard time smelling much since the surgery. The echoing of voices and other sounds made it impossible to make out let alone hear what the coaches were saying to the nervous group.

“She said she was clean.” Julian sat down next to Erika.

“I told you that it was an isolated incident. Why are you here?”

“As Swim Captain, it is part of my duty to be here to support the Dive team. They are like the Rally squad to the Cheer squad.” He smiled.

Erika watched as a tall thin girl climbed the ladder to the spring board. “I really don’t know much about diving. What am looking for?” She asked.

“Pointed toes, straight lines, grace, and little to no splash.”

Julian critiqued each diver as they entered the water and explained to Erika what they were doing wrong or right.

“Go Tricia!” Erika called as her friend climbed the ladder.

“Well that was clean.” Julian stated as Tricia’s feet disappeared under water.

“I told you she was good.” Erika beamed as she watched Tricia take a couple of strokes to the ladder and hoist herself out.

“That was just one dive.” Julian paused as another diver bounced from the board and tumbled into the water. “I thought that you were interested in trying out for the swim team.”

“I was, but I have a lot going on with Rally squad, homework, dealing with doctors’ appointments, and brain surgery.” Erika tapped the side of her head. “It just isn’t possible. Next year though.”

Julian nodded. “You have had a lot on your plate.” He agreed.

If he only knew, Erika thought.

After a while longer and many more dives, the coach excused the group back to the locker room to change, while he sat down with his clip board going over his notes.

Stan, padded up to his friends. “She made it.” He smiled at Erika. “You were right, she is very good.”
Erika beamed.

“Let’s just hope she can pass the drug test.”

“She will.” Erika stated with confidence she didn’t feel.

--oOo--

“Come on.” Erika pulled Tricia out of yet another store of the mall. “We are going to be late.”

“But that was really cute.” Tricia protested with a jutting lower lip.

If Erika wasn’t in such a hurry, she would have liked to suck on that pouty lip. But they were to meet Matt at the food court and she wanted to get some comfortable seats as well as a caramel latte.

They were in luck. Erika pushed Tricia into a love seat. “Stay here.” She ordered. “I’ll get us drinks. He should be here any moment.”

“I’m not sure if I like this pushy Erika.” Tricia grumbled. “It’s not like Matt is your boyfriend.”

Erika tossed a glare over her shoulder before heading to wait in line for their drinks.

He may not be a boyfriend, but I haven’t seen him since camp. She thought to herself. I wonder if he’ll recognize me. Why wouldn’t he? I haven’t changed that much. Well, physically I haven’t changed that much, mentally? Emotionally?

Erika returned to her girlfriend to find her wrapped up in a hug by her camp friend. Erika handed Tricia her drink and found herself wrapped up in a bear hug by the geeky writer friend.

“You look amazing.” He said pulling back and looking her up and down. Looks like brain surgery was good for you.” He smiled.

Erika flushed. “You are looking good yourself, Matt. How are things? How is the writing?”

The three friends sat down and began catching up on the past few months of events. Erika finally pulled out her sketch pad and pencils.

“So, Let’s get down to business.” She grinned. “I have been so busy, that I haven’t had much time to sketch. I may be a bit rusty.”

“As if that is possible.” Matt shook his head. He smiled at Tricia who took up her usual spot curling up next to Erika to watch and zone out as he began describing new as well as old characters.

The voice of her friend started to sound like it was coming through a tunnel. She shook her head as the edges of her vision began to gray out. Her pencil stopped as she stared at the sketch pad. She felt like she was losing the world around her. The gray edges darkened as her view of the pad narrowed. Erika slumped over as the world went dark.

“What? Erika?” she heard Matt call from a distance.

“Erika?” Tricia’s voice was full of worry. “Erika!?”

Eric looked into the mirror. His eyes ran over his male muscular body. His brain said that this wasn’t right, but he couldn’t figure out why. A baby’s cry sounded from the bedroom next to him. He glanced once more into the mirror, adjusted his boxer shorts and entered the room.

Samantha, her hair much shorter, was sitting in bed switching their daughter Summer from one breast to the other. Samantha smiled up at him warming his heart. She was so incredibly beautiful. Even more so since giving birth to their daughter. How could he possibly love her anymore?
Eric eased himself onto the bed next to his family and lay a hand on Summer’s head as Samantha lay her head against his broad muscular shoulder. Could live be more incredible than this?

Erika felt sick.

“She’s coming back around.” A voice said from nearby.

“Erika?” Tricia’s voice was full of pain and worry.

“The paramedics are here.” Another voice.

“What’s her name? what happened?”

“She just collapsed and started jerking about.” Tricia was almost in tears.

“Does she have any allergies?”

Erika wanted to cover her ears. It was as if the volume nob had been turned to twelve.

“Not that I know of.” Tricia’s voice cracked. “She had brain surgery a few weeks ago,”

Erika felt her body being lifted onto a something.

“Is she going to be alright?” Tricia asked.

“We are taking her to the hospital to have her checked out.” The paramedic’s voice stated.

Erika’s body felt like she had spent all day in the gym and adding rally practice to it. Her head felt very heavy and groggy. She tried to speak but couldn’t.”

“Has she had seizures before?” the paramedic asked.

“Seizures? Not that I know of.”

The ride to the hospital was horrible. Her already aching body cried out with every pot hole and her groggy head became a pounding headache.

By the time, they reached the E.R. Erika’s vision had returned, but it hurt to look around much. As if someone was shining a spotlight constantly in her eyes.

“Are you on any medications?” the Nurse asked

“Antibiotics.” Erika managed to get out. “Brain surgery.” She closed her eyes.

“I’m here, honey.” Erika’s mother sounded concerned.

“Mom?”

“Yes, dear. Your father is on his way.”

“What happened?”

“They think you had a seizure.” Her mother took her hand in hers and squeezed it.

“Everything hurts.” She complained.

“I’m sure it does a new voice said entering the room.

“You will probably be sore for the next few days. “How’s your head?”

“Almost a migraine.” Erika peeked through her lashes at the woman doctor.

“I’ll get you some medicine for that. I see that you prefer to be called Erika?”

Erika nodded, not bothering to open her eyes.

“Well, Erika, I know you aren’t feeling well, but could you tell me what happened before you lost consciousness?”

Erika nodded. She described how her vision narrowed and how sounds seemed to have come from down a long tunnel.

The doctor nodded as she typed on a computer next to the bed.

“I understand that you just had a tumor removed from your brain?”

“Yes. “her mother stated. “It was on the pituitary.”

“Okay.” The Doctor stated. “I’ve ordered a CAT scan and some blood work to be done. Sometimes this is just a side effect of the brain trying to heal its self.”

“Will it happen again?” Her mother asked.

“It’s hard to say at this point.” The Doctor backed herself to the door. “I hope to have answers for you soon.”

“I’m so tired.” Erika mumbled.

“It’s okay.”

Erika closed her eyes.

- - -

“How is she?” her father’s soft voice inquired.

“Resting. The doctor says that she’ll be tired for the next day or so.”

“Daddy?” Erika dared to open her eyes.

“I’m here. How are you feeling?”

“Like a bus hit me.”

“Your fan club is waiting out in the waiting area.” Her father smiled.

Erika smiled as she closed her eyes again. “I’m so tired.”

“Go ahead and sleep.

The next few hours were spent between tests and sleeping. The medicine for the head ache helped. Erika was able to open her eyes without pain, although she was still very groggy.

Finally, the release papers were delivered. Her dad helped her to her feet and let her balance for a moment before she took her first steps.

“Erika!” Tricia ran across the waiting room towards her. Erika braced herself for impact and was pleased when Tricia pulled up short and gently folded her arms around her in a gentle but long hug. “You scared me so bad. Are you alright?”

Erika nodded.

Tricia pulled back. “What happened?”

Erika looked to her parents then back to Tricia. “The doctor says that sometime that seizures can happen after brain surgery.”

Tricia wrapped her up in another hug. “I’m so sorry. Matt stayed for a bit, but had to go home. I’ve got your sketching stuff.”

“Thank you.” Erika gave her a thin-lipped smile. “I need sleep.”

“Tricia, we can drop you off at home on the way.” Mr. Martin offered.

“Really? Thanks.” Tricia took Erika’s hand and walked out to the car with them.

--oOo--

“Are you sure you are for this?” Erika’s mother asked.

“Yes. It is important to me.” Erika affirmed. “Does this look alright?”

“Yes.” Her mother glanced at what she was wearing. “You always surprise me at how well you are trying this.”

“This?” she asked.

“Your trying to be a girl.”

“I’m not trying anymore.” Erika growled. “I am a girl, now.”

“Let’s not start fighting before we get to church her mother waved her hand as if to wave away the argument.

Erika took a deep breath and let it out to calm down. Her mother was right. They shouldn’t try going to the house of God while arguing.

Erika pulled on her coat over a white sweater and red leggings which she paired with the red sandals that Aunt Carrie had bought her. It was a bit cold outside for sandals but they just looked to cute with the outfit.

“And you want to go back to that church?” her mother turned on the cold car.

“Yes. That’s where the twins go. I want them to know that they have a friend.”

Mrs. Martin nodded.

It didn’t take too long for Erika to find Allie and her brother at church.

“Hi Allie. How is Annie doing?”

“She is being released tomorrow.” Allie greeted. “How are you, Erika?”

“Better.” Erika embraced her. “I’m glad to hear that your sister is doing better.”

Annie looked to her brother “It was touch and go for a while. But she made it through. My dad is with her. Mom wanted to get us out of the hospital and what better way to feel better than church?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Evan snorted. It may have been an attempt at a laugh, but he honestly looked miserable.

“Will you join us?” Allie asked.

“I would love too.”

“Mom, this is Erika. She is the cheerleader from Washington High that stopped by the hospital last week.”

“Hi Erika?” Mrs. Wilson greeted. “It was very thoughtful of you to see Annie.”

“I felt a kinship with your daughters.” Erika smiled. “You all were so nice to me when I joined you here a few months back.”

“Oh, yes. I remember you now. Is your mother here?”

Erika waved her mother over and introduced the two women.

Erika and her mother walked into sanctuary and sat with the Wilsons. Erika didn’t know why she needed to be there, but she knew in her heart that she had to be there.

“Erika?” a familiar voice called.

Erika looked around and spotted Julian. “Julian? What are you doing here?” She looked up from her pew to her friend.

“I go to this church.” Julian looked to Allie. “You two know each other?” Julian shook his head. “Small world.”

“We’ve met a few times.” Erika nodded.

“Erika was nice enough to stop by the hospital last week to see how Annie was doing.” Allie explained.

“Are you going to start coming here?” Julian was skeptical.

“I don’t know. Mom and I are shopping for a church.” Erika gestured towards her mother who was speaking with Mrs. Wilson.

“Why, Hello Julian.” She smiled a greeting to him.

“Hello.” Julian nodded. “It’s good to have you here. Welcome.”

During the sermon, Erika looked up to the cross. Was this why you wanted me, needed me here She asked. Because of the Wilson family as well as Julian? Is this where I belong?

The three walked out of the sanctuary and ambled off to one corner.

“I’m happy to see you here.” Julian beamed. “I hope you find a church, and I hope even more that it will be this church.”

“That would be so great.” Allie agreed.

Erika was aware that Evan was ever present. He gave his sister her privacy, but he seemed always nearby. Almost like a body guard. Well her sister had been shot. Would someone try shooting Allie too? Or was this just a case of a big brother being a big brother. Erika would never know, being and only child.

“I know we go to different high schools and across town from one another.” Allie stated, but I’d like it if you would come hang out with us skater girls some time.”

“I haven’t skated in a long time.” Erika thought back. The last time she or should she say, Eric had used his skate board was before he had discovered Erika. Back before the summer spent at Camp Kumoni. “I’m nowhere close to the level of you and your friends, but I would like that.”

“It’s my turn.” Allie held out her hand. “Let me see your phone.”

Erika handed it over and watched as Allie entered her info in Erika’s contacts.

“Thanks for coming to church with us today.” She handed the phone back.

“Let me know how Annie is doing.” Erika begged.

Allie waved as she and her family started for their car.

“Were they the reason for coming to church today?” Erika’s mother put her arm around her.

“I’m not sure. I think so.” Erika was lost in thought. “Is it stupid that I asked God that very question?”

“Not at all.”

Erika and her mother walked back to their car and headed home.

--oOo--

“You really think you should go to school today?” Erika’s mother was concerned.

“The Doctor said that if I was feeling up to it, that it would be alright.” Erika nodded.

Her mother sighed.

“Mom, I took it easy all weekend. I’m going crazy staying in the house.”

Her mother nodded.

Erika squealed and grabbed her coat and backpack before heading out to Samantha’s car.

“She let you” Samantha smiled.

“Barely.” Erika put on her seatbelt.

“So, what was it like?” Samantha pulled away from the house and headed to Tricia’s house.

Erika explained the best that she could about losing control of her body and waking up with a head ache and every muscle in her body being sore. She cringed as she told some of the details.

“And they think it is because of the brain surgery?”

Erika nodded. “The doctor says that some parts of the brain that were affected during the surgery are trying to heal and that this is one of the side effects.”

Samantha pulled up to Tricia’s house and honked her horn.

A moment later, the blonde dressed in pink bounced out of the front door. A huge smile covered her face when she saw Erika. She slid into the back seat and kissed Erika on the cheek before buckling in.

“Are we on for Christmas shopping after school?” Samantha looked to her two friends.

“Sorry. Dive practice.”

“My mom would freak if I didn’t go home. I’m lucky she let me come to school today.”

“We need to go soon. Christmas is just around the corner.”

“What are your plans?” Tricia asked Erika.

“According to my mother, my grandmother is coming for Christmas.”

“Is that good or bad?” Samantha pulled into the school parking lot.

“I don’t know.” Erika unbuckled. “When my mom and dad got into that huge fight, after mom called the cops on me, she spent a few weeks with my grandmother. When she came back she seemed to have changed her mind, but I just don’t know.”

“Sounds like a good thing.” Tricia got out of the car.

The three girls walked towards the front doors of the school. Erika realized that she didn’t cringe while walking by the flagpole any more. In fact, she barely took notice of it anymore. The thought made her smile.

“There you are.” Victoria greeted them in the hall.

Erka smiled.

“The rumor is that you had a heart attack at the mall.” Victoria giggled. “Should I smash the rumor or let it run?”

Erika shrugged. “I really don’t care.

“You are doing okay, right?”

“Yes.”

“Whew. I was worried about you.” She stated. “Hey, I gotta go. See you at lunch?”

The three nodded.

The three girls walked into Mrs. Anderson’s class and walked back to take their seats.

“Hey spaz.” Jake remarked as Erika passed.

Samantha walking behind Erika Smacked Jacob across the back of the head.

“At least I have an excuse.” Erika snapped. “What’s yours for being a dumb ass?”

Tricia and Samantha giggled as well as several other girls in the class.

“Alright everyone!” Mrs. Anderson started class.” Find your seats and pull out your pencils. Pop quiz.”

A grown went up through the class.

As much as she hated pop quizzes, or dealing with Jacob for that matter, Erika smiled to herself. It was good to be back at school.