“Hey, sorry I’m late,” I said as we hugged. “So I’m not going to lie; I’m way out of my element here,” I teased. Allison giggled as she led me over to where Joe and Jane were standing.

“Oh, I don’t expect you to shoot unless you want to take a gun safety class first,” she said, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. “I just wanted you to come down so you wouldn’t worry about me going all gun crazy or anything. Actually, I was hoping to talk to you first, before I talk to Nikki and Jenn. I’m glad Jane’s here too though because I could use her input.”

---

Saturday mornings had fallen into something of a routine for me lately. I typically spent Saturday, and a few days during the week at Mom’s to help out. Tuesdays were Margie days, Fridays were Mom days: that was the only definite, with everything else falling into place depending on if Mom needed my help, or if the girls wanted to hang out at Ally’s. But Saturdays, I’d always be up bright and early with a healthy breakfast waiting for Mom.

It had been eight months now since she and Dad were wed. On some level it still felt strange calling my sensei “Dad”, but in other ways it felt very right. I’d come to love him as a father and as a mentor, and I knew he would take care of Mom and me, and the bundles of joy to come.

After breakfast, I sat up in my room at my piano keyboard, waiting for Katelyn. I really looked forward to getting back into my piano lessons again, and naturally when Mom called up the stairs that I had visitors, my first assumption was that Katelyn must have brought Sarah with her.

Imagine my surprise when, halfway down the stairs, on the mid-stair landing, I very nearly literally bumped into Moira and another woman. Moira grinned. “Robin, hey!” she cheered as we hugged.

“Moira! The heck are you doing here? Who’s this?”

The other woman almost cackled. “Oh come now dearie, you don’t remember me?”

“Kristen! I didn’t recognize you without the stage makeup. Can I get you something to drink?”

They glanced briefly at each other and nodded. “Sure. Nothing hard,” Moira teased. Kristen laughed.

“What she said. Tea would be lovely if you have it.”

I nodded as I walked downstairs with the pair, glancing over my shoulder. “What brings you here?” I asked, setting a kettle of water on to boil. Kristen leaned against the island bar. She stared me up and down for a moment before replying, “I was in New Haven visiting Mo.”

Moira interrupted her, “She was going stir crazy back in London so I invited her out.”

Kristen smirked. “She was working on a new song. I thought it was something Jessica wrote, and I was getting ready to yell at her for not telling me so I could start working on the riffs.”

I of course had no idea where this was all going until Moira concluded, “And that’s when I told her who the real author is.”

I could feel my cheeks burning. I shook my head. “It was just supposed to be a gift for Nikki - a poem, originally, but Heedless Despair were my inspiration. Well, that and The Raven.”

As I set out five mugs - three for myself, one for Mom, and one for Katelyn, who I expected any minute - I just had to ask. “What did you think?”

Kristen shrugged thoughtfully. “Like I said, I thought it was one of Jessica’s.”

“She really did. She came in gripin’ about how Jessica never remembers to fax her copies of new pieces.” Moira laughed again as she accepted one of the mugs. “Thank you.”

Kristen added some sugar to hers as she continued, “It’s rough sure, but so’s every song at the beginning. I wanted to ask your permission to start working on a guitar part,” she said matter-of-factly as I picked up two mugs. As if on cue, Katelyn entered the kitchen.

“Hi Moira!” she called warmly. “Who’s your friend?”

I grinned, passing one of the mugs to Katelyn as I stepped into the living room to deliver Mom her tea. She sat with her swollen ankles propped up, smiling up at me.

“Oh, thank you honey. Who was that with Moira?”

I tried hard not to giggle as strains of Katelyn’s excited squeal drifted in through the closed kitchen door..

“That’s Kristen, one of Moira’s band-mates. She plays guitar for Heedless Despair. Katelyn’s now met everyone without their stage makeup, I think. Anyway, she liked my song,” I added, practically bubbling. “They want to work on it. I think they want to use it.”

Mom smiled proudly as she took a slow sip, the steamy black swill fogging her reading glasses just a little bit. “That’s wonderful, sweetheart!”

“I’d better go make sure Katelyn didn’t faint,” I said cheerfully as I stepped back into the kitchen. Katelyn was still upright, but quite giggly.

“-met Jessica when she gave me a ride over to the UK to support Sarah in the big dance contest. Well I mean I met you guys when Nikki subbed for Moira that one time, but never got to really talk to you off-stage.”

“I’m jealous,” Kristen teased. “Mo and Jess get all the awesome adoring fans. I get the thirty somethings who can’t keep their hands to themselves.”

Moira laughed. “Well dear, that’s what you get for making your persona a succubus.”

“Oh shush you. Anyway, I was in town to get fitted for my new stage costume and figured I’d stop by with Mo. I swear, every time we stop here, I’m reminded more and more why she comes back.”

Katelyn giggled, “The nachos right?”

Kristen stared at Katelyn for a second or two, and started laughing. “Damn it. Now I want nachos.”

Moira rolled her eyes. “Hey, Kate, you play piano. What do you think? Lucia thinks the song needs an organ intro. I’m playing an old woman in the final scene, so it would give me a reason to stay stationary until I’m scared off-stage.”

Katelyn and I both looked at each other, confused, and Kristen giggled.

“Well, since it’s Robin’s song that we’re viciously usurping...” She paused to grin, and Moira laughed.

“We’re putting your song to a kind of Little Red Riding Hood theatrics. You can guess who Jessica’s playing.”

Kristen giggled even more. She looked positively giddy. “I get to be the Big Bad Wolf!”

“Wait, so Moira’s Granny? Oh that’s priceless,” Katelyn giggled. “And Robin played a little of what she had so far for me. I love where all this is going. What kind of keyboard are you using?”

“Keyboards,” Moira answered. “I’m usin’ two Rolands stacked on a stage bracket to hit a slightly different tone at the start, and then transfer to a more hollow sound as the ‘story’ progresses. Only instead of a reaper, it’ll be Kris in this amazing wolf costume. She doesn’t look at all herself.”

“We should get going though. We have to be back in London tomorrow to make final preparations for the tour. By then we’ll have your song set though. We work good under pressure like that, aye?”

“One of these days,” Kristen snickered, “We should hire another publicist. I promise not to date the next one either,” she added sheepishly as she wrapped an arm around Moira.

Moira smirked as she shook her head. “I’m just glad Jess talked Regina into being our official tour photographer. Oh that reminds me! Kate, Robin, let us know how many people you want to bring to our last concert, hey?”

“Sure!” we both answered in unison. “It’s October 30th right?”

“Sunday before Halloween, aye,” Moira answered as we hugged. I had to laugh as Kristen offered her hand.

“What, no nug?” I asked, grinning before she could answer. “Just kidding. You take care of Moira. Keep her out of trouble.”

“Oh aye, I’ll keep her on the straight and narrow if only by setting a bad example,” she shot back. They both laughed as they left, and Katelyn shook her head.

“God, girl, you get around don’t you?”

“Technically, this one’s on Nikki,” I answered. “I imagine they’re heading over to her house next.”

“Sure, sure,” she teased. “You’ve been practicing your scales like I told you - at least five minutes a day right?”

“Just before bed,” I answered, as we walked upstairs together.

“You’re working on the haunted house this afternoon right?” she asked as we sat down at my keyboard. “Sarah asked if I’d come help a bit. It sounds like fun.”

“Yeah. I’m hoping Trina makes an appearance. I’m so worried about her.”

Katelyn blinked a couple of times. “Trina? What’s going on?”

“Her relationship with Laura’s getting kind of rocky from what I heard. Trina wants to live full-time as a girl, but she’s scared to death of coming to school as Trina and making ‘official’ what we all know already. She’s much happier as a girl.”

Katelyn nodded somberly. “I can’t begin to imagine. I mean, I’m attracted to guys and girls both, but that’s kind of “tame” in today’s society. Guys especially are bad though; it seems like as soon as someone starts talking about having his parts reshaped, it’s their gut instinct to assume the guy is insane, instead of the more obvious one - that he’s not a guy.”

“Wow. That’s really insightful,” I answered, smiling at her. She shrugged lightly.

“After I accidentally found out about your past, I did some research, talked to people like Sarah’s aunt Zoey. I learned a lot. Trina’s never going to be happy until she accepts herself, and the way I see it, that’s not going to happen until she realizes that Alpine Springs, even if we are a small town, are pretty progressive, especially our school.” She paused in thought for a moment as I started working on my scales.

“For me, it was a matter of being anonymous mostly, but I also learned how to defend myself after that maniac chased Allison and me. I flipped Jason on his ass when he touched me, as a complete reflex. Believe me, if I’d been thinking about it, I wouldn’t have done it.”

Katelyn laughed a little. “Hey, you know what? Maybe all Trina needs is a little self-confidence. Robin don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re freaking beautiful, and you know it. But you also know how to defend yourself. So maybe that’s what you need to show Trina?”

“That she’s beautiful? She’s an absolute doll.”

Katelyn nodded. “She so is. But I meant maybe you should teach her to defend herself. I know she’s not all into martial arts like you and Jason are, but if she had the skills to protect herself, she wouldn’t be so afraid to be herself?”

“That’s a great idea. When I first started taking karate, I was taught a purely defensive throw. Sensei Dad said it was-”

“Wait, ‘Sensei Dad’?” she asked, barely able to keep a straight face.

“Sure. He’s my step-Dad, and my Sensei. Anyway, he taught me a throw to protect myself. Even without any training I was able to pick it up. I don’t know what discipline it’s from, but I could ask him to teach it to Trina.”

“Well, there you go,” Katelyn answered. “Just between us, I’m kind of jealous. She makes those super cute dresses look so good. With my figure I just can’t pull that stuff off.” She laughed as she produced a new piece of sheet music. “Anyway, this week I thought we’d try something a little more advanced...”

~oOo~

Work wasn’t scheduled to continue on the haunted house until the afternoon, but I had plans to meet with Allison down at the gun range, so after Katelyn left, I took a quick shower, made sure Mom didn’t need anything, and hopped in my car.

I’d never fired a gun in my life. It just wasn’t something that crossed my mind, but like Nikki and her Dad, it sounded like Allison and Joe had a real father-daughter bonding thing going. I hated to intrude, but Allison sounded so excited about having me there. Plus, it had to be easier than spending time with Nikki working on her car would be.

Still I had to laugh at myself, as I pulled into the parking lot. Of all my friends, I was probably the most stereotypical in terms of gender roles. I wondered as I locked the door to my convertible, if that would change in time, as I settled into accepting myself completely. This was certainly a good first step.

I didn’t know what to expect at first. I’d only seen shooting ranges on those tacky reality shows on cable, so the fact that the one here in Alpine Springs consisted of both a massive, modern-looking facility and a clearly marked outdoor range surprised me a little. The lawn was well-manicured in front, and while I couldn’t really see the outdoor facility because of the protective barriers to keep people from getting in the line of fire, I could only guess it was as well-kept.

As I stepped inside, a friendly-looking, slightly heavyset woman with light brown hair motioned me over. Behind her, a small radio piped along an upbeat classic rock song at a moderate volume. She reached over to turn off the radio, just as the DJ came across with the local news stories - something about a trial ending in New Haven soon.

“Hi there,” she said cheerfully. “Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for my friend Allison?” I asked, adding a little nervously, “She’s supposed to meet me here with her dad, Joe Jones.”

“Oh, you must be Robin,” she said warmly. “Sure, they’re on the indoor pistol range. Head down that hallway, take your first right, about ten yards down you’ll find the door clearly marked.”

As she spoke she reached under the counter, setting a pair of earplugs and heavy duty safety glasses in front of me.

“Safety first,” she added.

Smiling back at her, I picked up the safety equipment and started down the hall.

The pistol range was surprisingly quiet, save for a single pistol being fired. I put on my earplugs and safety goggles before approaching the shooter - Allison. She and Joe were standing next to a woman with blonde hair that I didn’t quite recognize until Allison stopped shooting and put down her pistol. I had to laugh. It had a really cute pink grip along the back of it, with a small breast cancer awareness ribbon etching.

“Hey Robin!” Allison cheered, and as she raced over, the woman turned her head to smile at us; it was Officer Garrett! Her hair looked different somehow - probably because it wasn’t in a French braid today.

“Hey, sorry I’m late,” I said as we hugged. “So I’m not going to lie; I’m way out of my element here,” I teased. Allison giggled as she led me over to where Joe and Jane were standing.

“Oh, I don’t expect you to shoot unless you want to take a gun safety class first,” she said, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. “I just wanted you to come down so you wouldn’t worry about me going all gun crazy or anything. Actually, I was hoping to talk to you first, before I talk to Nikki and Jenn. I’m glad Jane’s here too though because I could use her input.”

Jane seemed to have already been forewarned because she hardly moved, waiting for Allison to continue. I nodded. “Sure Ally. You know you can tell me anything. What is it?”

She looked up at Joe, and he gave her a reassuring nod. “I’m thinking about enlisting after graduation, and following in Dad’s footsteps. I still have nightmares even now. I was completely helpless the day that raggedy guy attacked us. I never want to feel that helpless again. If not for you Robin I wouldn’t even be here. That’s why I want - and I need, to do this.”

Jane lay her hand on Allison’s shoulder, but she and Joe both seemed to be waiting for me to say something. I wasn’t really sure what I should say, so I just hugged her again.

“I understand where you’re coming from. For me studying martial arts has been enough. If you’re sure this is the only way you’re going to be free, then I completely support your decision. You’re still going to college though, right?” I added. She laughed.

“Oh! God yes! There’s a Juniors day college fair every year at Yale. I’m hoping to talk to some professors and figure out what I want to study, and make sure enlisted service won’t conflict with that.”

“Well, I think it’s a great idea,” Jane answered as Allison looked up at her. “And hey, if you decide not to enlist in the armed services, I’ll write a personal endorsement for the police academy for you instead - and for your college applications.”

“Awww,” Allison giggled as she hugged Jane. “Thank you. I actually haven’t decided which branch I’d even want to join yet if I did, so becoming a cop is definitely on the table too. I just want to do something with my life where I’m protecting people: where I’m no longer helpless.”

As Joe picked up a large-looking pistol, I had to ask, “So do you have a permit... thing?” I wasn’t sure what the right word was.

Allison shook her head, but waited until Joe had emptied his clip into the approaching paper target before answering, “No, state law prohibits anyone under 21 from carrying - concealed or open - until they’re 21 unless they’re active duty. I get around it by coming here with my dad. Hey, you want to see something really cool?” she added with a broad grin. “Jane, can you break out the big gun? Pleeeease?”

Jane laughed. “The Remington? Sure. I had planned to get some time on the sniper range today anyway. C’mon. It’s in the back of my squad car.”

Sniper range? This I had to see.

~oOo~

Work on the haunted house had really come along well so far. It turned out that Laura, being a drama and theater “nerd” - her words, not mine - came with a keen sense of set design, and when Allison and I arrived after meeting Nicole and Jennifer for lunch, she was already talking to Marry and Kris, with a large art sketch pad in-hand. She seemed really bubbly and excited, which surprised even Nicole.

“Laura?” she asked as we approached. Laura glanced up, a broad grin crossing her lips.

“Hey guys! I was just going over some of the set designs you might want to try out, like I was thinking we could hang a mannequin in the morgue that drops down as a nice ‘boo’ scare.”

Before either of us could ask, Trina snuck up behind us and covered Nicole’s eyes with her hands. She was dressed in a pair of denim overalls with a cute “Grrl Power” t-shirt underneath, and her face was lightly made up.

“Guess who?” she said in an all-too-cheerful tone that easily rivaled Laura’s.

“Ummm, Sarah?” Nicole teased, spinning around to goose Trina’s sides before she could get away.

Trina yelped a little and laughed, hugging Nicole.

“What’s... going on?” I finally asked. Trina giggled again.

“I made a decision this week,” Trina said more seriously now. “I decided that I can’t live a lie anymore, nor should I have to. If people can’t accept me for who I am, that’s on them.”

Laura giggled. “Yeah, but tell them what changed your mind!” she insisted. Trina nodded quickly.

“Oh that’s the best part. You guys know I’ve been working at Annabell’s goth-punk boutique since the summer? Well she’s been teaching me her craft. I mean, she’s been teaching me how to sew. I put together some dress designs that she showed to a client, and they absolutely loved it.”

“Trina sold three dresses at $500 - each!” Laura concluded.

“And I figured, if I’m making that kind of money doing something I love, then what right do I have to worry about what other people think of me? Most of the kids at school don’t know who I am anyway. Trent just kinda blended into the background, so the worst I’ll get as Trina is an odd stare or two.”

“Plus you’ve got all of us in your corner,” Jenn added cheerfully, and Trina nodded again.

“I had a long talk with Mark this morning too. I’m not really at liberty to discuss what it is we talked about, but... Well, we’re a lot closer friends now. Ally, I think he’s going to want to talk to you soon.”

Allison blinked. “Um... Okay?” she answered slowly. “Not sure what ab- Oh... Valentine’s day right?” she asked.

“Yep,” Trina said. “He still feels bad about breaking up with you so close to V-day. I can only tell you that he had your best interest at heart, but I’ll let him explain it.”

“So anyway,” Laura said as she held up her sketch pad, “We need to talk set design. I’m pretty sure I can direct the girls’ creative energy to make any of these work. I just need to know which ones you guys want to use.”

As discussion turned to design, I decided to take a final look around before we started decorating and building. I felt a small chill up my spine as I rounded one corner, and I couldn’t shake the sensation of someone watching me, but when I looked back, there was no one there. Even with full power restored, this place felt very foreboding, which made it the perfect location for our needs, but it was still creepy.

I found myself in a wing of the asylum that I didn’t recognize. I thought I had been all over, but this area, though as clean as any other part, just felt unfamiliar somehow. I felt compelled somehow to stop outside one room with no windows. At the center of the room sat a rickety-looking wooden chair with worn leather straps.

“This is the dentist room,” Marry spoke up behind me, causing me to squeal and jump. She laughed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

I shook my head as I smiled back at her. “It’s okay. This place gives me chills. Why does this look more like an execution chamber without the electrodes?”

She smiled grimly. “Patients who tried to bite staff would have their teeth pulled - usually without any anesthetic. We’re told they continued to practice that until the facility closed, but they at least learned to use nitrus eventually.”

I cringed. “God, that’s gruesome. You know we could have a lot of fun in here though. Have someone in the chair screaming with someone dressed like a dentist coming at them every time a group passes.”

Marry laughed. “I like the way you think. With some dark lighting at the right angle it would really sell the effect too. C’mon, the others are looking for your advice on how to set up the entryway.”

I noticed she gave the room a glance as we walked away, and I felt compelled to hug her. She smiled back at me.

“What was that for?” she asked, but not defensively. I shrugged.

“It seemed like the right thing to do. Just walking through these halls, I get a sense of the kind of pain you and Kris’ relatives must have gone through, and even then I can’t begin to imagine what the reality was like. What you’re doing here, turning this into a youth center after Halloween... I think it honors these people’s memories. It’s like a final ‘screw you’ to the monsters that ran this place.”

Marry laughed again, her smile brightening considerably as she returned my hug. “Like I said before, I love the way you think.”

I smiled back at her as we rejoined the others. I still wanted to offer Trina that self-defense lesson - or rather, offer to talk to my Dad for her, but for now, she seemed happy. I still wanted to get more details about when she wanted to transition, but for now I decided to leave it alone. Trina was happy, and Laura was exceptionally happy.