I'm not dead...let's leave it at that

Changes

Lola got back home from school and dumped her bag on the living room coffee table. It toppled over and her calculus book fell out. She slumped on the couch and sighed. It was her first day as a high school senior and the teachers wasted no time in giving her homework. She knew she had a lot of work to do, but she just wasn't feeling up to it.

"Hello…" she shouted into the house as she reached for a pillow

"Hi Lola dear," called her mother from somewhere in the house, "Are you hungry?"

"No, I'm good,"

"Ok sweetheart,"

Lola just lay down on the coach and made a grab for the remote control. She flipped through the channels and found nothing that caught her interest. Gladys walked in from upstairs and saw her there.

"So how was your day?"

"It was ok," she said as she looked away from the screen, "teachers appear to be nice. But then again it always starts out that way. Other than that the school hasn't changed much."

"What did you have for lunch?"

"Andy and I went to the diner; they had the lunch specials so we had that. But then he had to go to work so I came home,"

"I see," she said as she sat in the loveseat opposite her, "did you make any new friends?"

"No not really, same faces from last year…" Lola looked back at the screen; the program was on a commercial now.

Gladys leaned forward and examined Lola's face. Lola felt her closer and looked at her with a puzzled expression as to why her personal space was being violated.

"Did something happen at school today?"

Lola sighed

"No,"

Gladys didn't believe her for a minute. She knew her daughter well enough to know when she was lying; but she decided not to prod anymore, at least not until later.

Later that night

The family was around the dinner table. There was an awkward silence around the table; everyone was absorbed in their own thoughts or just eating. Gladys kept looking towards Lola's direction. She then glanced over at Larry. Larry looked at the both of them and gave his wife a quizzical look. Gladys sighed and decided to break the silence.

"Lola? If something is bothering you, you'd tell us right?"

"Right," she replied after looking up and taking a sip of iced tea

"I feel like there's something going on,"

"No, nothing's going on…"

"Are you sure?"

Lola slumped back in the chair

"You've been too quiet lately," commented Larry

Her parents stopped eating and waited for Lola to answer. Lola felt a little uncomfortable with the weight of their stares.

"I'm just…bored," Lola confessed, "things just don't seem interesting anymore."

"In school?"

"Yeah," Lola put her fork down and looked at her parents, "the teachers are nice and all, but this year's work load is just…oh man. I don't know how I'm going to handle it. There was nobody for me to talk with during lunch…and Andy still has the job that he got over the summer. So he works during the week and we can only hang out during the weekends now."

Gladys was examining Lola's face; she reached across the table to hold Lola's hand

"Do you feel…lonely?"

Lola sighed

"Maybe a little," she whispered, "Andy graduated last year, I don't see him around the school anymore."

"There's more to it. You miss your brother and sister, too, don't you?"

Lola nodded.

"I thought it would be great to be an only child, but it's just too quiet around here. I even miss Mindy making a mess in my room…"

"Really? After all this time? It's been over a year since they moved out," asked Larry

"I know it's been over a year since she married Desmond. And even though we visit them in San Francisco once in a while, I can't help but miss her…"

"Aw, my poor little girl, why don't you call her?" suggested Gladys

"I do, but it's not the same as hanging out. Plus with Mindy, it's hard for her to find time for us. Then Brendan went off to college…"

"He will be back for the holiday break," added Larry

"But that's not for another four months,"

"And what about hanging out with your friend Petunia?"

"Petunia's nurse internship at the school is over; she went back to college to complete her degree,"

"And Rodney?"

"He's in the new school musical, and right after rehearsals he goes to help with his dad's shop. I hardly get to see him anymore,"

"Why don't you keep busy and join in on some afterschool activities too?" suggested Gladys

"The problem is that there are no girls' teams of any sport whatsoever in that school," Lola grumbled as she slumped back in the chair, "and I am NOT going to audition for the musical again…"

"Yes I know, you've made that clear…There has to be at least one club or something there that might interest you,"

"No, not really,"

"Lola, you have to do something to keep your mind preoccupied," interjected Larry, "you have to find something to do so you won't feel lonely."

The three of them were silent in their thoughts once more.

"I know!" chimed Gladys, "what about the new community center across town?"

Lola cocked an eyebrow

"I passed by and I saw they have a gym and a pool, maybe there's some classes there or something for you to do,"

"Aren't those places usually for elementary school kids?"

"They probably have programs for kids your age, or if not…maybe you can do some volunteering there?"

"Volunteer work?"

"Volunteer work looks good on a resume," added Larry, "You should at least check it out."

"I think I'd rather get paid to be honest…"

"Well then, you got to do something. I think having a job, whether you get paid or not, will be good for you. You need to do more things than just school,"

"Maybe…"

The next day

Even though Lola had been in that school for three years, she didn't feel like she was a part of it. It was like she was the only one without a 'club' or something to that extent. Well, it was mostly because what the school had to offer really didn't interest her. She was an athlete trapped in a school for the arts. It wasn't that she hated the arts; being raised by an actress, she had a profound respect for what the artists put into their craft, whether it was acting, singing, dancing, or painting. It was just that, she never saw herself as an actress, or a dancer, or anything like that…she was an athlete. And in this school, there really wasn't anything for an athlete to be involved in.

As for the students, they were all immersed in their art. It was not that Lola ignored her classmates, or that they ignored her. She was always friendly, but the thing was having priorities in order. The other students always seemed to put their 'club' and everyone involved in it on the top of their list. And since Lola had no club that she wanted to be a part of, by default she ended up alone afterschool.

Even though she, in a way, 'married' in to high society by being Andy's girlfriend; she didn't feel like this was the crowd that she belonged with. In the beginning, she felt weird being a year younger than the rest of his group, and for the most part she was ignored by them. Then when Andy's group graduated with him, Lola didn't need to feel awkward against the upperclassmen anymore. But still, she really wasn't well-known, so she avoided the popular kids that were still there who deemed her as the tag-along popular girl. She never really cared for being one of the popular people either way.

Lola put her stuff away in her locker and went outside the school building. She looked around, trying to find someone. The roar of a motorcycle caught her attention and she went in the direction of the sound. Andy was there on his bike. He kissed her on the lips and handed her a helmet. Lola put it on, adjusted her long hair behind her and sat behind him on the bike.

"So, where we off to?" she asked

"I have something special planned,"

"What are you scheming?"

"Just wait and see,"

He drove on, passing through familiar territory. They were at the track by Rodney's place. He went through the track and came to a clearing where riders usually go to have a break. There he had set up a blanket with a picnic featuring an array of fast foods.

"A feast for you, milady," he said as he parked the bike

"Aw, Andy, you're so sweet," she said getting off the bike and examining the display.

There were burgers, fries, sodas and a pile of ketchup packets. They sat on the blanket together; he raised a soda and she raised hers. They then proceeded to enjoy the feast. After a while, they started to eat less and talk more.

"How's work at the factory?" Lola asked after wiping her mouth with a napkin

"Boring," he sighed as he leaned back, "and the schedule sucks. But a job is a job I guess."

"Can't be that bad,"

"Yeah, I could be digging ditches…So how have you been?"

"Fine,"

"How's the family?"

"Quiet, I kinda miss my brother and sister,"

"You'll see them again,"

"I know… oh guess what?"

"What?"

"My parents want me to get a job,"

"They want you to get a job?"

"Is there an echo out here?"

"Shut up," he smiled

"Apparently they think I need some distractions, and I think they're right,"

"So, you're gonna go get a job?"

"Yeah, or do something else that's productive,"

"Hmm…productive you say?" he said as he leaned forward

Lola glanced over at him and gave him an annoyed look. He inched closer to her and was about to take hold of her…until the moment was spoiled by the roars of motorcycles going down the track. Lola turned around and looked at what was going on.

"Oh! Looks like there's a race going on," she said getting up to have a closer look

Andy grumbled something then got up after her. They looked at the racers zoom by, they saw a few familiar bikes zoom by and turn the corner. The bikes disappeared around the bend, but then the sound of screeching tires zipped through the area. After awhile, the sound of a single bike came from the shop. They turned and saw Rodney on his bike with his tool box in the side car.

"Hey Rodney," waved Lola

"Oh hey guys!" he said as he stopped his bike in front of them

"What's up?"

"A lot of things actually," he said taking off his helmet, "right now it's racing season. The local bike club uses our track for practice runs. There's a tournament and everything,"

"Sounds cool,"

"So what are you guys doing here?"

"We were having lunch," said Andy, "until we were interrupted by the race…"

"Oh, sorry," chuckled Rodney, "you could've passed by the shop for lunch."

"Well, it was a…private party…"

"Oh…I see…well, I should be going now. Somebody lost control of their bike on the turn and hit a tree,"

"Ouch," said Lola

"Well, I'll be seeing ya then," he said putting the helmet on again and riding off

Lola waved after him. She turned to face Andy. Andy looked at her then smiled.

"So…where were we?"

"Andy…aren't you forgetting something?"

"Oh, you prefer the privacy of the woods?"

"No…Andy I mean…"

"I don't mind being out in the open…" he said as he held her close to him

Lola's face got serious, she pointed at her watch.

"4:30? Dammit…"

"Sorry…"

"I'm gonna be late for work…again! And I can't be late!"

"I suggest you hurry," she said as she pushed him back to where their picnic was

"But…"

"I'll take care of things here," she said as she handed him his helmet

"Don't you need a ride?"

"I'll be fine; I'll just ask Rodney,"

"Ok…but,"

"Andy! Hurry up! I don't want you to get in trouble with your boss!"

Andy then grabbed Lola and kissed her on the lips with passion. When they pulled away, Andy cocked a smile and put his helmet on.

"I wasn't going to leave without doing that…"

Lola shook it off and crossed her arms in mock anger.

"You could have just said so…" she said with a smile as she blew the bangs out of her face

"Where's the fun in that?" he said as he revved up the engine

The engine roared and he zoomed off to work.

"Thanks for lunch!" she said as she waved him off

After she cleaned up the picnic, Lola walked around the track. She found Rodney and the biker club, but he looked awfully busy fixing the broken bike, so Lola decided not to bother him. She walked out of the track and walked back into town. She wasn't in any hurry to get anywhere, so she just wandered around.

She passed by the ice cream shop and bought a cone of chocolate ice cream. She did some window shopping as she walked down the street and hummed some songs to herself. Before she knew it, she was on the same block that the new community center was on.

It was a large brick building with a bright mural around the perimeter. The sound of splashing was subtle, but the smell of chlorine was strong. There was a courtyard with basketball, and tennis courts.

"Hmm, this looks like a nice place," She took the last bite of her empty cone and wiped her mouth clean with a napkin.

She then proceeded inside. The walls were tiled and the ceilings were high, each step she took echoed through the hallways. She saw a billboard with pictures of athletes and the awards they earned. Next to it was a shiny trophy case.

"May I help you?"

Lola looked up and saw an old lady at the reception desk

"Hi,"

"Are you here to pick someone up?"

"No, actually…I was wondering if…there was anything available for someone my age?"

"Why, yes we do," she bent down and pulled out some brochures from the drawer, "what grade are you in?"

"12th,"

"Ah, you just make it in to our teenage division. But I'm afraid once you graduate you can't participate in the teams as an athlete. But you can volunteer here and be a junior coach,"

"Really? That sounds cool," as she took the brochures from her

"Registration for this season begins next week, and we have a lot of teams to choose from. Why don't you look over the brochures, it'll tell you everything you need to know."

The lady bent down again and pulled out a few forms from the drawer

"Are you 18?"

"Not yet,"

"Ah," she pulled out another sheet of paper, "ok, so I'm going to have to ask you to fill out these forms. Here's an application, here's a medical, and here's a permission slip for your parents to sign. You can bring these papers back to me anytime next week."

"Ok, sounds great, thank you!"

"No problem hun,"

Lola left the center with a jolly pep in her step.

She decided to take the bus home. On the bus ride, she looked over and found a dozen teams and she wanted to sign up for all of them.

Ooh…basketball, soccer, fencing, volleyball, karate and…archery? Cool! But let's see…I have school, so I can't do all of them at the same time…I know! I'll go for basketball in this season, soccer in the spring….and…swimming in the summer! Ok, I got my game plan…oh wait…I graduate in June…I won't be able to do the swimming in the summer…dammit

Still…two out of three won't be so bad. And then I'll be able to be a junior coach! That'll be fun; I wonder how that would turn out…

Sometime later,

Lola arrived to her stop and got off the bus. She turned the corner and walked down the block to her house. Lola walked in the door.

"Helloooo!"

"Lola?"

"Hi mom,"

Lola walked into the kitchen

"So, how was your day?"

"Better than yesterday,"

"Oh, what did you do today?"

"Andy made a nice little picnic for me,"

"That's sweet,"

"After that I went to the community center,"

"You did?"

"Yeah, and check this out," Lola handed her the brochures, "they have a ton of stuff, like a pool and a basketball court and everything!"

"It looks like a nice place," she said as she examined a brochure for herself.

"The lady there said I was eligible for the teams there, I just have to fill out these forms," she said as she handed those over to her as well

"Alright, we'll talk to dad about this after dinner. Can you fix the table for me?"

"Sure thing mom,"

After dinner, Lola went upstairs to her room. She was so happy that her parents were delighted with the idea. Her dad was happy that she had finally found the right place for her. She threw her books on the floor and started to fill out the application at once. For the medical part, she saw that she had to go to the doctor. She decided that she'll make the appointment first thing tomorrow morning.

After finishing with the forms, Lola decided to give Katie a call. She went out to the hallway and took the cordless phone from the table. She dialed Kate's number and waited for someone to pick up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Kate,"

"Oh hi Lola,"

"What's up?"

"Oh you know…the usual, and you?"

"School, you know…"

"Yeah…so, to what do I owe this honor?"

"I just wanted to tell you…that I'm going to try out for a basketball team!"

"The Chicago Bulls?"

"No…" She laughed

"That's pretty cool, what does mom and dad have to say about it?" Katie laughed too

"Oh they're cool with it,"

"That's great!"

"Yeah, I just had to fill out a few forms and I'm all set,"

"Cool,"

"So…how's the family?"

"Oh they're fine. I bought Mindy some new clothes, that girl is growing up so fast,"

"I'm sure she's pretty big by now,"

"Definitely, and she's so hard to keep up with,"

"She has a lot of energy,"

"Oh man, no kidding… and how's mom and dad?"

"They're fine,"

"Have you heard from Brendan?"

"Nope…"

"Me neither…I guess he's too busy playing video games,"

"I wouldn't be surprised,"

"And how are things with Andy?"

Lola hesitated a bit

"Is something wrong?" Kate's tone changed to that of concern

"No...it's just that…he's getting a little too…grabby,"

"Grabby? Did he touch you inappropriately?"

"No not yet…"

"Not yet? What? Are you waiting for him to do so?"

"No!"

"Lola, you gotta put him in his place. It's one thing to be affectionate, and it's another thing to be a groper,"

"Yeah I know, I haven't let him touch me like that,"

"Because damn, that boy thinks he's some kind of Casanova or something,"

"That's one way of putting it," she laughed

"What? You like it or something?"

"N-no...ok maybe a little…" she confessed

"Lola!"

"Give me a break Kate…heh rhymed…"

"Girl, you can't just let him do whatever he wants. He has to understand that there are certain boundaries,"

"You sound like mom,"

"Well, maybe because I'm starting to see things her way. Being a parent has shed some light on to why mom is that way with us. And you know what, she was right…I had to learn it the hard way."

"Kate…"

"Listen sis, I am thankful for all that mom has done for us. Listen to her, and to dad. They really are looking out for you, and we don't want you to have to learn things the hard way."

"I wouldn't do that,"

"That's how I thought too. But things happen, and when we're young we tend to be stupid. But somehow, things always work out…maybe not at that instance, but over time. Right now, I love my life. I have a beautiful daughter, a loving husband, a place of my own…I'm doing great. It's just a shame that I had to take the hard road to get here. But I wouldn't go back and change what I've done,"

"Why not?"

"Because who knows how things might have turned out then. Maybe I would have gone off and done something worse. Or maybe not…either way, I'm content with where I'm at now."

"I see," she sighed

"So Lola, don't let him be so grabby, you are a lady and you should not be treated that way…"

"Yeah, I won't let him do that,"

"Ok,"

There was an awkward silence between them. Kate broke the silence.

"So…let me change the subject…when are we going to hang out?"

"I don't know; when are you not busy?" Lola perked up

"Friday, I can come by the house in the afternoon,"

"That sounds cool! I'm sure mom and dad would love to have you over,"

"Ok, but don't tell them…it'll be a surprise,"

"Ok,"

"All right little sister, I gotta go to bed now,"

"Alright,"

"Love you, Good night,"

"G'night, love ya,"

Lola hanged up the phone. She went to put it back on the receiver and came back to her room. She turned off the lights and went to bed. She pondered over what Kate had told her, until she finally dozed off.

Friday was here before she knew it. After hanging out with Andy, Lola went back home. Her parents were home.

"Hi Lola dear," said Gladys

"Hi mom,"

"How was your day?"

"It was nice, went with Andy to the park,"

"Oh?"

"Something funny happened though…so we were walking down one of the paths and we sit down on a bench. He leans forward to tell me something, but he got hit in the back of the head with a Frisbee. We ended up butting heads!"

"Oh my!"

"Yeah, but I thought it was hilarious. Him trying to be all serious and then BAM!" she chuckled, "I feel kinda sorry for the guy though. As soon as he saw Andy's face, he ran off as if Andy was going to kill him."

"Oh that poor boy…" Gladys chuckled a bit

Lola was about to continue her story, but there came a ring at doorbell. Gladys got up to answer; she nearly fell backwards when she saw who was at the other side.

"KATIE?"

"Surprise!"

Gladys embraced her.

"Oh sweetheart! It's so nice to see you!"

"Nice to see you too!"

They began to chit chat. Despite the fact that Lola couldn't get a word in edgewise, she was happy to see them getting along so well. They gabbed for about an hour, until Kate finally turned her attention to her little sister. It was then that Lola noticed that she was carrying an unusually large bag.

"Come with me,"

"Uh…alright,"

Lola followed Kate up the stairs and to her room. Kate put her bag on the bed and opened it up. Lola peeked inside.

"Oh no…Katie…" whined Lola

"Oh yes…" said Katie pulling out a make-up kit and hair accessories

Lola frowned

"Oh c'mon Lola, you have to wear make-up sometime,"

"But I don't want to…I'm not girly…"

"You're a girl aren't you?"

"Yeah,"

"Well then, what's wrong with looking like one?"

"But mom wouldn't let me wear make-up,"

"Oh yes I would,"

Lola turned around and saw Gladys in the doorway.

"It's time that you did, you are old enough."

Lola had a puzzled expression on her face.

"I'd teach you, but I doubt you'd like the style of an old fashioned woman like me; so I think Katie will do a good job."

"But…"

"But what?" interjected Katie, "Lola, it's really not such a big deal."

"I have a tomboyish reputation to uphold," she said in a feeble attempt to protest

"Lola, being a girl doesn't make you a sissy, cry-baby…or whatever it is you think the word 'girly' means. You don't have to be masculine to be tough. Women are strong too."

"It's not that. I don't think being girly means being weak or something like that…"

"So then, what is it?"

"I just…" Lola looked down and pointed to her clothes, and blew her messy frizzled bangs out of her hair.

"What?"

"I don't know how…to dress like a girl," she confessed

"Well, that's why I'm here,"

Lola looked between her sister and her mother.

"And stop lying;" said Gladys, "I know I've done my job in teaching you in how to dress like a girl."

"Oh yeah," Lola and Kate nodded in unison

"Well then?"

She sighed in defeat.

"Fine,"

Gladys and Katie smiled.

"I promise it won't hurt a bit," chuckled Katie

Lola gulped as Gladys shut the door.

"Lola don't be so nervous," she said as she placed her hand on her shoulder

"This is all so new to me,"

"Not really, you did dress up all glamorous for your musical,"

"Yeah, but that was once, a long time ago…and even then I had help… well, it was more like the girls were dressing me up like some kind of life-sized Barbie…"

"Aw, well you are a doll…"

"Don't call me that…" she glared through her bangs

Kate just laughed it off while Lola pouted. Kate gained her composure and turned to her little sister, whom avoided eye contact.

"Yeah well, now this is the real world. You have to do it for yourself now,"

"I know…"

"Besides…I think someone would like a more feminine you,"

Lola turned towards her sister

"You mean Andy?"

"Ah huh," she said as she went over to Lola's closet. She opened the doors and was disappointed with the lack of skirts in the closet, "men love women that take care of themselves."

"I guess,"

"They do," she said as she searched for some clothes, "and besides, I'm sure Andy wouldn't change his view of you. You already won him over, didn't you? So it's not like your trying to flirt with him or something like that. He already sees how beautiful you are, you're the one that just needs to see it."

After rummaging through jeans and shirts, Katie pulled out an ensemble that Lola didn't even realize she had in her own closet. She held them up and smiled. Lola looked at her and nodded.

After about an hour of Katie using her make-over skills, she was ready to reveal her handy work. Gladys and Larry were waiting downstairs. Katie came downstairs first.

"So, are you ready?"

"Yes," they both said

Katie jogged towards the stereo and started a tape. She went to the switch and turned off the lights. She then grabbed the nearest lamp and reversed the shade on it to turn it into a makeshift spotlight.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" she said in her MC voice, "the Bunny household proudly presents the all new fall fashion collection! Please welcome our beautiful model, Lola Bunny!"

The family applauded and cheered, waiting to see Lola's transformation.

The creaking sound of the stairs seemed loud to Lola as she walked downstairs. She felt so very awkward and held her breath as she made it to the last step. The look on her parent's faces was that of surprise.

Lola wasn't wearing the baggy jeans with baggy shirt that she usually wore, but a pair of capri pants and a delicate white blouse. Her long hair was no longer wild, but was now tame and even appeared a little longer. Her eyes had a subtle purple eye shadow and her eye lashes appeared longer too. The changes made were themselves small, but they made a huge difference. Lola looked more like a young lady.

They cheered and applauded even louder.

"Wow!" said Larry

"Oh Lola! You look gorgeous!" squealed Gladys

Lola blushed a little.

"Katie, you did a beautiful job,"

"Thank you, thank you," bowed Katie

"How do you like it Lola?"

Lola looked over at the mirror.

"It's not as bad as I thought it was going to be," she managed to crack a smile

Katie laughed and gave her a playful punch on the shoulder

"Lola, I told you that it isn't complicated. Just keep doing what I told you to do and it'll become second nature to you."

"I like how you did her make-up," said Gladys taking a closer look, "simple, subtle…not like a clown when you did it your first time."

"Mom!" Katie laughed

"Well, you didn't have any help…" said Gladys as she hugged her

"Yeah," she then took at a glance at her watch, "oh wow! It's already late! I haven't even cooked dinner yet, I have to go."

"I'll take you home," offered Larry

"Thanks dad,"

"Alrighty then, I'll see you guys another time," said Katie as she kissed her mother and sister goodbye. She turned to Lola once more.

"Remember what I told you,"

"I will,"

Katie smiled and waved goodbye as she and Larry left the house. Gladys looked at Lola; she held her hand and twirled Lola around in front of the mirror.

"Beautiful," she smiled

Lola smiled back

I guess dressing up isn't so bad… I wonder what Andy will think?

Later in the week…

She looked at herself in the bathroom mirror. For a few days now she had been trying to replicate Kate's handy work. The first day on her own it was a bit messy, but a few tips from her mother helped her out. She still felt a little awkward having make-up on her face, and even more awkward by the stares of the people who noticed her transformation.

Lola finished washing her hands and came back to the waiting room in the doctor's office. She had made the appointment and was eagerly waiting for her turn to come. They called her name and she passed into the office. The nurse checked her height, weight, and blood pressure. She was then left on the examination table, fidgeting with her fingers, waiting for the doctor to arrive.

"Hello Ms. Bunny, I'm Dr. Asher," said the man

"Hi,"

"So, you're here for a check-up?"

"Yes, I'm trying out for a basketball team and I have this medical form that I need for you to fill out for me, please," she said as she handed the form to him

He examined it and nodded, "alright."

He then began his examination. He checked her eyes, her ears, her reflexes…everything that the form asked for. And then came the necessary, yet embarrassing questions…like…

"When was your last menstrual cycle?"

"Uh…two weeks ago?"

"Do you use drugs?"

"No,"

"Are you pregnant?"

"No," Lola answered that one quickly

Kids? Oh hell no…

"Ok…that looks like that's all the questions," said the doctor as he glanced over the form once more. He then signed it, and rubber stamped it, "here you go."

"Thank you doctor,"

Lola walked out of the office and sighed with relief.

My gosh, it's so unnerving to answer all those questions, Especially to a guy…oh man…this better be worth it.

She took her documents and went on her way. She walked out of the cold of the doctor's office into the warm late summer day. She decided to have another walk about town.

She walked along and noticed a few mechanic's shops and car dealerships in the area. There were a few nice cars on display. She stopped by one of the windows and looked in on a red convertible that caught her eye.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Lola turned around quickly, but let her guard down as soon as she noticed who it was.

"Rodney!" she said as she embraced him, "what are you doing around here?"

"I needed to get a part for a special project I'm working on," he said as he lifted up the bag he held, "so what happened to you?"

"Hmm?"

Rodney pointed at her reflection in the store window

"Oh, my sister gave me a make-over,"

"I like it,"

"Really?"

"You look more mature, it's good on you,"

"Thanks…do you think…Andy will like it?"

"Oh he'll love it, no doubt about it,"

Lola smiled and couldn't help but blush a little.

"So you've been keeping busy at the track?" she said changing the subject

"Oh, you have no idea…it really is a killer out there,"

"And the musical?"

"Oh, it's alright…I'm not the lead character this time so I don't have to do as much,"

"Who do you play again?"

"I play Wilbur Turnblad,"

"Oh, nice,"

"Yeah, Hairspray is one of those more happy-type musicals…not as heavy on the drama and sexuality like Phantom of the Opera…"

"Oh yeah," Lola blushed, "those were good times though,"

"Yeah, I miss it. We never get to hang out anymore…"

"No…we've both been so busy,"

"It sucks,"

"Very much so,"

"We should make plans," he said putting his arm around her shoulder

"Sounds good,"

"Why don't you pass by the track tomorrow? The club won't be there and so the track will be free to use,"

"Ok, I'll be there!"

"Alright, I gotta go…see ya!"

"See ya!"

Right after school the next day, Lola went outside to see if Andy had come for her; but to her surprise he wasn't there.

Maybe there's traffic …

So she waited awhile. After about half an hour, she got impatient. It did puzzle her that he hadn't showed up like he usually does, but she figured he had to go to work early today. However, she didn't like the idea of walking all the way to Rodney's shop.

After about an hour of walking, she made it to the track. She was a few feet from the garage when she heard a set of voices coming from the door. She edged in closer to have a better listen. They were engaged in a heated argument. They were a set of familiar voices and she could've sworn she heard her name mentioned a few times. She got even closer to the door that was open ajar.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Why are you doing this?"

"I'm not doing anything dammit; you're the one being paranoid!"

"You better watch it,"

It was Rodney and Andy. She looked inside, Rodney had got up from his work and Andy was standing across from him. They looked like they were going to start taking swings at each other any second. Lola wasn't sure what was going on but something told her to go and stop this before it got out of hand.

"Hey!" Lola came between them and separated them, "what's going here?"

"Ask your boyfriend…" said Rodney crossing his arms

Lola faced Andy

"What are you looking at me for?" he grumbled

"Aren't you my boyfriend?"

"Could've fooled me…"

"Wait a minute, what? What made you think you weren't?"

"Well for one thing, why are you coming all the way out here without me? And dressed like that?" he said noticing Lola's new look

"What! First of all, I waited for you at the school for like half an hour, and you never showed up. I had to walk all the way here. Second of all; what the hell? I'm not allowed to hang out with my friends without your permission? I don't need you as my bodyguard…oh! And by the way…I changed my look for you!"

"Why are you sneaking around in here?"

"Sneaking? I just walked in! I'm not hiding anything from you! Rodney is one of my closest and dearest friends; he's like a brother to me! And that's it!"

"See? Andy, you're being a jerk," said Rodney

"No, I'm being cautious. Experience has taught me to be this way,"

"I'm not like Nicole," said Lola putting her hands on her hips

The three teenagers were silent for a moment, facing each other. It seemed like an eternity to Lola, but Andy was the first to shift and put his hands in his pockets. He seemed to have cooled down a bit. Then he cracked a small smile. The others then eased.

"Nope…not at all. You're nothing like Nicole,"

There was a sigh of relief

"Andy, you really have to chill out," she said as she dropped her arms to her sides

"You look beautiful,"

Lola looked at him, he smiled a full smile.

"Thanks,"

Lola desperately wanted to ask what was going on but decided not to bring it up again. She went to his side and held his hand. He turned to her and kissed her forehead.

You jerk…why do I love you?

Two months later, Lola was in the locker room putting on her new basketball uniform. It was six weeks since she received her letter of acceptance. She had tried out for the girls' basketball team and made the cut. It was the first official game of the season. The coach came into the locker room and called them to the court.

The gym was filled with eager families. She looked around and spotted her parents on the second bench. She waved to them and took her starting position.

As the game progressed, it was apparent that Lola was in her element. When the game ended, Lola's team had won. And to top it all off, Lola was named MVP of the game. She walked out with her parents from the gymnasium, with a medal wrapped around her neck.

"That was a nice game," said Larry

"It was so much fun!" said Lola as she swung her duffle bag happily

"Lola you were great," said Gladys

"Thanks,"

"So when's the next game?"

"Next week. Y'know the coach spoke to me before the game,"

"What did she say?"

"She was talking how I was really helpful in the practices and that I should really think about becoming a junior coach,"

"That sounds nice,"

"Yeah, she said I don't have to wait until I graduate in order to file for the application,"

"Are you going to do it?" asked Larry

"Well sure! Money sounds real nice," she giggled to herself

The family had reached the van. Lola opened the sliding door and put her duffle bag on the far seat. She climbed in and sat behind her mother. Larry started the engine and they were on their way home. After a while, Lola's mood seemed to change.

"I just hope that Andy can come watch me play," she sighed

"You know he's working," said Larry as he turned into their driveway

"I know, I just wish it wasn't the night shift,"

"Maybe there'll be a game on the weekend he can come to?" said Gladys

"Maybe…"

Once they got home, Lola took a shower and went to her room. She got dressed into her pajamas and went to the window. The moon was aglow and the evening air was cool and breezy. As she looked on she noticed something on the roof. She opened the window and climbed out. It was a rose with a note.

"Dearest Lola,

I'm sorry I won't be able to make it to your game tonight. You know how my job is. But I promise I'll make it up to you. Dream of me, because I know I'll be dreaming of you…

Love,

Andy"

Oh Andy…

She held the flower close to her heart and looked at the moon. She sighed and climbed back inside. To dream with her first love…