It Wasn't a Mistake by Tiffany B. Quinn How bad can things get? In his darkest hour, Jerry finds out that his life has been one big character test... And he passed! The angel's promises start to come true.

Chapter Three: The Hospital

It Wasn't a Mistake by Tiffany B. Quinn How bad can things get? In his darkest hour, Jerry finds out that his life has been one big character test... And he passed! So... what is his reward?

Chapter One: The Accident

Eventually, I join my Dad in the land of nod. The morning will start my journey back to what I was born to be. I shall really miss life as Tina.

Chapter 55: The Aftermath

The cooler we’ve just hauled out to the car signals the end of our preparations–everything is packed in the car and ready to go. I can hardly wait until morning when, finally, we will be on our way. I realize that I’m looking forward to heading to the mountains with almost as much anticipation as I would if I were still Chris. The thought of hiking to the top of the mountain overlooking the lake really appeals to me as does spending some time in the canoe with a fishing pole. It’s been a long time since I’ve done either. Of course, doing it with Andy really adds to the appeal. On the flip side, hanging out while waiting for Rana & Co. to drop the other shoe will be nerve-wracking. Maybe he won’t get the message. One can always hope.

Chapter 53: Andy's Secret

My relationship with Laurie suddenly comes into sharp focus. It was what? Two months ago that I was having this same conversation with her? Only then I was the one feeling like a fool. If she felt half as bad then as I do now, I really feel sorry for her. I know how Andy must feel having been there myself. I need to try to make him understand that I really do love him, regardless of the motivation which began the relationship. That’s how Laurie got through to me. I really, really hope this conversation has a similar ending to the one I had with Laurie. At least we won’t be fighting mosquitoes at the same time.

Chapter 51: It's Over–Or Is It?

The first indication something is wrong comes when I hear someone stumble over some shoes I left out just for that purpose. “Laurie?” I enquire as, groggily, I try to sit up. “Not quite,” a gruff male voice responds quietly, as I become aware of an aromatic cloth clapped over my mouth and nose. I begin to struggle and bite but I’m pinned to my bed and my world quickly turns black. My last thought before passing out is: Where’s the FBI––?

Chapter 49: Happenings

The tears have dried up by the time we reach the clinic. They are replaced with a resolve to do all I can to bring these guys to justice. I want to kick some butt.

Chapter 47: Stuck at Home

“Chill, cousin,” I try to soothe her, “I’ve got the best protection that the government can provide on my side.” “That’s what concerns me,” she pouts.

Chapter 45: Trouble Brewing

No one seems to be in a hurry to exit the mysterious SUV. My awareness level rises a few notches. I may be getting paranoid but I think we’re being followed. Technically speaking, it more likely that I am being followed. I just hope it’s Steph’s people.

Chapter 43: Am I Being Followed?

“Look, kids,” I joke playfully with them, “I’ve got an errand to run for the Director’s office. You two are both wonderful people so just relax and enjoy lunch.”

Tiff gives me a look that says this had better be good or the payback will be bitch as I leave them.

I just hope she gives him a chance.

Chapter 41: Decisions

Laurie gives a quiet laugh.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

“This was supposed to be an easy summer job,” she reminds me. “Just collect data and let the big folks do the analysis and all the hard work. Things have sure changed.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “Maybe we should ask for a raise––”

Chapter 39: Choice

"You're not bad, Miss Jeffers," he comments about half way into the song.

"Well," I reply, "I haven't done much dancing so don't expect much."

Smiling like a shark eyeing a meal, he informs me "It isn't your dancing that I'm complimenting, my dear."

Chapter 37: Threats and Success

There’s no response from Andy while the girls are gallantly attempting to hold back giggles.

“Are you okay?” I ask him.

I see his brain starting to reboot, as he stammers, “You… you… like, you’re amazing. I mean, like, you look absolutely gorgeous, Tina. I know you always look good, but… wow!”

I believe we’ve achieved our objective. The poor boy is stunned.

Chapter 36: The Country Club Dance

“That pretty much sums it up for me to,” I tell her. “So help me out here, girlfriend. Right about now I’m thinking that Andy is pretty sexy. He’s got wonderful hazel eyes that I get lost in, strong shoulders, a cute butt, and smells so manly. He’s also got a kind and gentle personality. I get all gooey just thinking about him. I also took a good look at Dan today and think he’s pretty cute too, but I know him too well and can’t imagine anything going on there. Am I going nuts or what?”

Laurie smiles and gives me a hug, “No, Tina, you’re not going nuts. You’re just a normal teen girl who is learning about love and life. Welcome to the club. Oh, and you might want to add a few panty liners to your purse.”

Chapter 34: New Opportunities

As I drive home, I keep an eye on the rear view mirror in case I’m being followed.  I even take a few odd turns aimlessly down residential roads but don’t see anyone following me. I’m sure that the Major is being cautious, but I’m starting to think we need to keep from getting paranoid. After all, who would be worried by a simple teen girl working as an intern?

Chapter 32: Hormones

Something Feels Strange…

A minute or so after I ring the bell the door opens to reveal Dr. Lang–and he doesn’t look very happy once he figures out who I am.

“You’re that girl from the office,” he observes. “One of Susan Harrison’s lackeys. What are you doing here?”

It’s not quite the reception I was expecting–so much for being subtle. I must look pretty stupid standing here with a shocked expression on my face. I mean, what’s a girl supposed to say?

Chapter 29: Fireworks

“So,” Laurie says as we bike back to her house in the dark, “you’re actually going on a date.”

“This is not a ‘date’ date,” I try to explain. “Just a couple of friends getting together to work on a project then hanging out at the fireworks with my favorite cousin.”

“Whatever,” she says with a knowing smile as if she’s not really buying the argument.

I’d like to think I can trust my Dad. He’s always had high integrity and he’s always been there for me. I’ve got to trust somebody.

Picking up my cell phone, I text Dr. Quinn: “Going 4 very short jog @ 7a. Want 2 come? - Kris”

The reply comes back within minutes: “C U @ ur tree - Dr Q”

Chapter 25: Who are the Good Guys?

Laying in the dark waiting for sleep to claim me, I review the day and feel pretty pleased with life in general. I’m feeling more comfortable as a girl and am making progress with my assignment. I’ll just be glad to get past this period. Tomorrow I can begin looking for mislaid secrets. I wonder how long it will take to find something useful. I think back to my father’s–that is, Dr.Quinn’s–statement on the way to the airport; “you will probably never know if you helped or not.”

Chapter 23: The Slumber Party

With mixed feelings, I say, “I don’t know how this will all end, but yes, I will do my best to put away Boy Chris and become Girl Tina. This means that I must stop thinking of you as my girlfriend, Laurie. That’s the hardest part of all and will take sometime to implement. We’ll have to make some modifications to our ground rules for this to happen. You will have to treat me just like any other girl and I will need to behave like one. I just hope that we can make the transition back to what we had when this is over at the end of the summer but I’ll try not to worry about that until the time comes.”

Laurie and I embrace each other with tears that could either be happiness for our new relationship or sorrow for the one we are giving up. They could be mix of both. It is hard to say.

Before going to bed, I log into my email account and what do I find? Another email from Joey! Laurie gives me an I-told-you-so look when I tell her.  He sent the email late in the day and attached another of the pictures taken yesterday. He asks how my day went and if I've found out anything about the race on Saturday.

Ugh!  What do I do? I decide to ignore it for the time being. I feel bad to ignoring someone who is trying to be friendly, but Laurie has me concerned that Joey is looking for more than just a friend. Maybe if I send him a thank you email late tomorrow he'll take the hint that I'm not interested in establishing a romantic relationship. Why can't we just be buddies?

Chapter 19: A Night Out

"But we're just friends," I mutter.

"Yeah," she smiles, "get used to it, when you're a girl, it's hard to be 'just friends' with any guy you didn't grow up with. They all get the wrong idea. If you want to flirt with a guy though, don't worry, I won't get jealous. I know Chris'll be back at the end of the summer and, somehow, I don't see Tina stealing my Chris from me."

Chapter 17: Odds & Ends

"There are some real side benefits to this new job," I admit.

"Such as?" she asks.

"I'm learning all the secret girl tricks for fooling and influencing guys," I smile. "I won't be such a push over when I return to being me. You won't be able to play those tricks on me anymore."

"Don't be so sure about that," she says while giving me sad puppy-dog eyes.

I hate it when she does that!

Chapter 16: Dealing with Boys