Sleepyside Jr-Sr High School Gym

        “Okay, I need to stop.”  Josie smiled up at Dan.  “I’m dying of thirst and it is way too hot in here.”

        Dan led her off the dance floor.  They had been dancing for more than an hour without a break.  Partners had been swapped back and forth, but Dan and Josie had ended up together for most of the dances, while Ruthie and Lester mooned over one another. 

        “Let me get you a soda,” Dan shouted over the music.

        “No thanks,” Josie replied.  “I actually like fruit punch, even when it is Kool-Aid; it’s all part of the experience.”

        “It’s an experience I can do without,” Dan said, waiting for her to grab a cardboard cup.  “Let’s go outside, where it’s a little cooler.”

        Benches lined the quad, which was well patrolled by chaperones.  Dan and Josie sat down, as she took a sip from her cup, grimacing slightly.  “I offered to get you a soda,” Dan teased.  “I don’t know how anyone can drink that stuff.”

        “What do you have against watered down cherry Kool-Aid?”

        “Warm, watered down cherry Kool-Aid,” Dan corrected with a shudder.  “Just the sight of it makes me feel sick.”

        “I get that,” Josie said.  “Why?”

        “Because once you’ve had to live on a steady diet of bologna sandwiches, pop tarts and warm cherry Kool-Aid, it is hard to look at any one of those items without wanting to vomit.”  Dan leaned back, and closed his eyes.  “See, I am not looking.”

        “I have similar feelings about black licorice,” Josie admitted.  “I once ate so much of it that I puked.  Now I can’t even stand the smell.”

        “Exactly!”  Dan opened his eyes and grinned at her.  “So what do you do when you aren’t playing cupid?”

        “I go to school, walk the dog, dance, swim, read lots of books, work on the school paper and help take care of my Mom.”  A sad look crossed her face.  “She’s going through cancer treatment, and she’s kind of weak and sick.  Katie and I take turns taking care of her.”

        “Where’s your dad?”  Dan asked. 

        “He works a lot of double shifts.”  Josie took another sip of her drink.  “Mom’s treatments are expensive, and insurance doesn’t cover it all.  Plus, my brother, Charlie, is in his first year of college, back in Indiana.  Tuition costs money, even though he has a job and a scholarship.”

        “Is that where you’re from?  Indiana?”

        “Born and raised,” Josie replied proudly, taking a big gulp of her juice.  “And headed back as soon as I finish high school.”  She leaned in towards Dan.  “I’m hoping for a journalism scholarship to U of Indiana.”

        “One of the I states.” Dan mused quietly.

        “What?”

        “The I states.  Illinois, Idaho, Iowa and Indiana.”  Dan smiled at her confusion.  “Not long after my Mom died, a friend and I decided to head west, to one of the I states.  We never made it, but now I can say I have met someone from each of the I states.”

        She finished her drink, and set the cup on the ground.  “I can’t drink any more of that.  You were right.  It is bad. It tastes a little off.”  Josie sat up straight.  “Wait.  Did you say your mom died?”

        “Yeah.  Going on two years ago.”  Dan closed his eyes again.  “One thing you’ll learn about Sleepyside is that it seems to be a magnet for orphans and redheads.  I’m an orphan, my uncle’s an orphan, Jim is an orphan, and my uncle, Jim and Jim’s adopted father are all redheads.  Odd, isn’t it?”

        “Wow.”  Josie breathed.  “That is strange.  I didn’t know redheads were so common.  My boyfriend used to be a redhead.”

        “Used to be?” Dan asked.  “Did he dye his hair or something?”

        Josie giggled.  “No.  Gordon is still a redhead.  He just isn’t my boyfriend right now, ‘cause he’s in Bedford, and I’m not.  He’s not seeing anyone though, Angie said so.” 

        “Who is Angie?” Dan asked, rather amused by her random way of jumping from point to point.

        “Angie Branaman.  She is my bestest friend in the world, next to Katiekins, but she’s my sister so she doesn’t... “ Josie blinked rapidly.  “... Count.”

        “Are you okay?” Dan asked, noticing that Josie was swaying slightly, opening and closing her eyes as if focusing was a problem.

        “I’m dizzy.”  The girl was slurring her words slightly.  “Do you like me, Dan?” Josie clutched at his sleeve, looking at him intently.  “I hope you do, and all your frien-dsh too.  I need new friensh...I don’t...like being...‘All by myshelf’.” Singing slightly off key, she leaned back and nearly slipped off the bench.  “Whoops!”

        Dan grabbed for her, catching her before she fell.  “Josie!  Josie!”  She was swaying as he held her.  “What’s the matter?”

        “You...are...cute, ol’ blue...eyes.  Even...if...you...aren’t a...redhead.”  Josie managed to sputter, before her eyes rolled back and she collapsed against his shoulder.

        Dan looked at the unconscious girl in his arms, stunned.  “Mr. Stratton!” he called to the principal patrolling the quad.  “Mr. Stratton!!”

        Principal Stratton hurried over.  “What is going on here, Daniel?”

        “I think she needs an ambulance,” Dan said, trying to stay calm.  “She got all wobbly, and then she just passed out.”

        Principal Stratton reached for his walkie-talkie, and made a quick emergency call.  Turning back to Dan, he said, “Help is on the way.  What happened?”

        Dan let the principal help him stretch Josie out on the bench.  “I’m not sure, sir,” he said.  “One minute we were sitting here talking, and then she started acting funny, and then...this.”  His eyes darkened.  “It was like she...almost like she was drunk.”

        “Did you give her alcohol?”  The question came out as an accusation.

        “No, sir!  I didn’t give her anything.  She was drinking the punch from inside...” Dan broke off his defense as the ambulance and paramedics arrived, bringing with them a gaggle of students from inside the gym, and Sergeant Wendell Molinson.

        “What happened?”  Molinson growled.

        “I don’t know,” Dan said helplessly, as his friends gathered around him and the paramedics began working on Josie.  “She just passed out.”

       

        “Oh my God!!” Someone screamed from inside the gym.  Principal Stratton turned sharply, running toward the sound.  The paramedics picked up Josie, preparing her for transport. 

        Molinson turned to Dan and sternly said, “Stay here!” as he hurried away, shooing students out of his way. 

        The Bob-Whites, Lester and Ruthie clustered around Dan.  He was standing perfectly still, a stunned expression on his face.  Ruth stepped forward and took his hand.  “Why don’t you sit down,” she suggested gently.

        Dan shook his head, mutely.   Honey looked up at Brian with pleading eyes, and squeezed his hand.  Brian squeezed back, and released her, clapping Dan on the back.  “Sit down.”  Brian said it firmly, adding a little pressure as emphasis.  Dan sat, and Brian sat next to him.  “Do you want to tell us what happened?”  He asked.

        “At the risk of repeating myself, I don’t know.”  Dan squeezed his head between his hands.  “One minute we were talking, and the next she was out.”

        Sergeant Molinson materialized in front of them.  “It looks like someone spiked the punch,” he said grimly.  “I’ve got at least four other students having problems inside.”  He glanced at Dan’s face, which had moved from stricken to closed and worried.  “Go home.  I’ll need you to come in and talk with me tomorrow.”

        Trixie, who had been barely containing her curiosity and concern, exploded.  “You can’t think that Dan had anything to do with this!” she nearly shouted.  “That’s ridiculous!”

        Molinson glared at her.  “As a matter of fact, I don’t think that Dan had anything to do with this.  I do know, however, that he is an eyewitness to what happened with that girl.  So, unless you have information for me, young lady, butt out and go home.”

        “I’m not in trouble?”  Dan asked quietly.

        “No,” the sergeant responded.  “Not yet, at least.  Please, would you all just go home?”

        “Sir?”  Dan asked again, relief in his voice.  “The cup of juice that Josie was drinking is under the bench.  She was fine before she drank it.”

        “Did you touch it?  Drink from it?”  Molinson signaled to an officer with an evidence collection kit.

        “No, sir.”  Dan stood up, extending his hand to Ruthie.  “I can’t stand the stuff.  What time do you want me to come in tomorrow?”

        “How about eleven?”  Molinson was already focusing on his next task, so Dan simply nodded as the sergeant strode away.

        Lester, who had been silent through the whole little montage, blinked rapidly.  “I...I should call...someone?”

        “Josie said that her mom is sick and her dad is working doubles.”  Dan told him.  “Maybe we should tell them in person.”

        “I think that’s a good idea,” Ruthie agreed. 

        “Les, what did you drive?”  Dan asked.

        “Huh?”

        “Here.  To the dance.  What did you drive?”

        “Mom’s Pontiac.  Why?”

        “Because I need to get Mr. Wheeler’s car back to his house, and since you and I are going to visit Mrs. Fisher and then go to the hospital, I wanted to make sure we had transportation.”  Dan turned to Jim. 

        Jim nodded.  “I’ll drive Dad’s car home.  Brian can drive the wagon.  We’ll let everyone know what happened, and come back to get you.”

        “Thanks.”  The single word held much meaning.  Dan handed the keys to Jim, and turned back to Lester.  “Are you driving?  Or am I?”

        “I am.”  Lester looked somewhat overwhelmed.  “I know where I’m going, and it’s my Mom’s car.”

        “Then let’s go.”  Dan started for the parking lot, Ruthie’s hand firmly in his, Lester hurrying to take point.  The rest of the Bob-Whites followed along behind.

        Lester drove like an old man.  Dan found himself grinding his teeth as they moved down Main Street at a zippy fifteen miles per hour, lurching at every stop sign.  Ruthie noticed his tension and squeezed his hand, but Dan remained on edge. 

        Finally, Lester pulled the Pontiac into the driveway of the house the Fisher family was renting.  It was small and a little run-down, but Dan noticed that the lawn was neat, and the front porch was swept clean.  Although he felt obligated to bring the news to Josie’s family, Dan forced himself to let Lester take the lead.  After all, Lester knew the family; Lester had taken Josie to the dance.

        Lester rang the doorbell.  The three teenagers waited anxiously, until the door was opened, revealing a girl who looked very much like Josie.  This must be Katie, Dan thought, as the girl’s large brown eyes grew even wider at the sight of them.  His assumption was confirmed when Lester blurted,  “Katie, something happened to Josie at the dance.  She went to the hospital.  This is Dan and you know Ruthie.”

        The girl in the doorway went pale, and Dan elbowed Lester aside and grabbed for Katie, steadying her.  Glaring at Lester, he explained.  “What Mr. Sensitivity is trying to tell you is that it looks like someone spiked your sister’s drink tonight.  She and a bunch of other kids were taken to the hospital.  Josie told me that your Mom is sick and your Dad is working.  We thought we could take you to the hospital.”

        “Is she all right?”  Katie asked weakly.

        Before Dan could answer, a voice called out from inside the house.  “Katie?  Who is at the door?”

        “Mom.”  Katie whispered.

        “Introduce me,” Dan told her, taking her arm and pushing her ahead of him.  Katie recovered somewhat, and led Dan into the family room.  Mrs. Fisher was propped up on the sofa, covered by an afghan.

        “Mom,” Katie began, “This is Dan Mangan.  He’s a friend of Josie’s...” The telephone rang, interrupting.

        Mrs. Fisher answered, smiling and holding up her hand.  Her smile faded quickly as Principal Stratton’s voice quickly explained the situation.

        Katie took the phone from her mother when the call was finished.  “Dan was with Josie when she got sick,” Katie explained.  “He and Lester drove over to tell us and to drive us to the hospital.”

        “Thank you,” Mrs. Fisher said to Dan.  “Katie, go and get my shoes and coat, then call your father and tell him what has happened.”  She turned her gaze to Dan.  “Young man, would you please help me to the car?”

        With Mrs. Fisher leaning heavily on his arm, Dan managed to get all three ladies into the car.  He then snatched the keys from Lester and got into the driver’s seat, leaving Les to scramble into the back with Katie and Ruthie.

        At the hospital, Dan let everyone out at the door, sending Lester to get a wheelchair for Mrs. Fisher.  After he parked the car, he located them in the waiting area of the Emergency Room.

        “Any news?”  Dan asked anxiously.  Katie, standing behind her mother’s borrowed wheelchair, shook her head.

        “The person at the desk said they have a bunch of kids from the dance in here tonight,” Mrs. Fisher told him.  “He said someone would be out as soon as there was any news.”

        Dan sat down on the couch, next to Ruthie.  “I’m sorry,” he said.  “This isn’t exactly what I planned.”

        “Really?” she asked with a teasing smile.  “Doesn’t every boy dream of escorting his date to the emergency room?”

        “Surprisingly, not.”  Dan grinned back at her.  Leaning close, he whispered, “You’re a great sport.  I hope Lester doesn’t blow it with you.”  He looked around.  “Where’s Lester?”

        “He went to call his mom, and mine.”  Ruthie patted Dan’s knee.  “I don’t think I’m going to make it home on time, and I didn’t want Mama to worry.”

        “Probably a good idea,” Dan said, looking at his watch.  It was a little past ten.  “I wouldn’t want to have to face Garrett if I brought you home late without a very good reason.”

        Ruthie smiled, and shook her head.  “Garrett is only seven, but he takes his responsibilities very seriously.  Thank you for humoring him.”

        “I was in his position once,” Dan shrugged off her thanks.  “But, like I told Garrett, I didn’t have to worry about boys hurting my sister.”

        Lester arrived back in the waiting area, armed with drinks for everyone.  Kneeling in front of the wheelchair, he offered Mrs. Fisher a cup.  “Here, Mary,” he said.  “I talked one of the nurses into making you some mint tea.  It’s really hot, so be careful.”  She smiled her thanks, and patted Lester’s head, before taking the cup.  Rising, Les began pulling cans of soda from his jacket pockets and handing them to Katie, Dan and Ruth.  The last one he kept for himself.

        Seating himself on the opposite side of Ruthie, Lester suddenly became shy.  Blushing slightly, Lester said, “I spoke to your mother, Ruthie.  She said to call her if you need a ride home, but I told her that either Dan or I would make sure you get back safely.”

        “Thank you,” Ruthie said.  “It was nice of you to get us something to drink, and especially nice to get Mrs. Fisher some tea.”

        Lester blushed again, shifting uncomfortably.  “I’ve known Mary and Ken since I was a baby.  Josie and Katie are like the sisters I never had.”  His face contorted, and he struggled for control.  “I hate that something happened to Taz.  I’d trade places with her in a heartbeat.”

        “Taz?”  Dan asked, hoping to distract Lester before he broke down completely.  As a memory teased at his brain, Dan shoved it firmly back into its box and turned his attention to Lester.

        “That’s what we call her.”  Lester said, calming slightly.  “Ever since we were little.  Josie has always been a bundle of energy--like the Tasmanian Devil--zoom, zoom, zoom.  Hence the nickname.”

        “You’ve known her for a long time?”

    “Yeah.”  Lester smiled.  “Our moms were in the same parenting group.  Josie and I have been friends since we were in diapers.  Even when my family moved here five years ago, we still stayed in touch.  Dad got Ken the job out here, and we even went back to Indiana over Christmas, to help them move.”

        “So you don’t have...romantic feelings for her?”  Ruthie asked.

        Lester nearly shot soda out his nose.  “For Josie?” he said.  “Eww.  No.  I mean, she’s pretty and all, but she’s Josie!”  Recovering, Lester wiped his mouth and looked at Ruthie.  “Besides,” he said shyly, “I kind of like you.” 

        Ruthie blushed, her cheeks pink, her eyes glowing.  Dan decided it was time to leave.  Rising from his seat, he walked over to the Fishers.  “How are you doing, ladies?” he asked.

        “Worried.” Mrs. Fisher replied. Katie smiled weakly, her eyes sad.

        “Is there anything I can do for you?” Dan asked.  “I feel...”

        Dan’s next words were cut off by the doctor’s arrival.  White coat flapping, he strode toward them.  “Mrs. Fisher?” he asked.  Mary Fisher nodded.  “I’m Dr. Feinguild.  I treated your daughter.

        “Is she all right?” Mrs. Fisher asked.

        “I think she’ll be fine in a few days.”  Dr. Feinguild pulled up a chair.  “We pumped her stomach, since it was obvious that whatever caused her seizure...”

        “Seizure?!”  Katie interrupted, glaring at Dan.  “You didn’t say she had a seizure, you said she got sick.”

        “The seizure happened in the ambulance,” the doctor regained control of the conversation.  “As I was saying, since whatever caused the seizure and the loss of consciousness was ingested, it made sense to pump her stomach.  She may have a sore throat and stomach for a while, but as soon as she regains consciousness, she should be fine.”

        “What did cause this?”  Mrs. Fisher asked.

        “We don’t know for sure,” Dr. Feinguild told her.  “It appears to be some sort of barbiturate or depressant, most likely Gamma Hydroxybutyrate or Ketamine.  Both are relatively easy to get, and technically GHB isn’t illegal, so people think it is safe.”

        “What does it do?”  Katie asked.

        “Both depress the central nervous system.  Some people consider it to be like getting drunk without the hangover.  Unfortunately, it is hard to judge dosages, and the side effects can be nasty.”  Dr. Feinguild sighed and waved a hand towards the hall.  “Nine students tonight.  And another twelve with minor symptoms.  There is more vomit and other bodily fluids down that hallway than I’ve seen in years.  Fortunately, they’re all still breathing.”

        “May we see my daughter, please?”

        “She’s being moved upstairs.  Fourth floor.  We’ll want to observe her for at least the next twelve to fifteen hours.  Two visitors at a time, and you have to be sixteen, minimum.”  He waggled his eyebrows at Katie.  “Now if you will excuse me, I have more patients to see.”

        “Thank you, Doctor,” Mrs. Fisher said.  “Thank you very much.”  He smiled, and waved as he made strides down the hall.  Mrs. Fisher looked up at Dan, patting his hand.  “If you would be so kind as to escort us to the fourth floor, I would appreciate it.”

        “Sure thing, ma’am.”  Dan grasped the wheelchair handles firmly, but as he started pushing towards the elevators, Jim and Brian came walking through the doors.  Stopping, he asked Mrs. Fisher, “Will you excuse me for a minute please?”  She nodded her assent, and he moved to his friends, briefly explaining the situation, before resuming his trip upstairs.

        When Dan returned, Jim and Brian were standing next to Lester and Ruthie.  The emergency room had filled up with family members of the students taken ill.  Tilting his head, Dan indicated to the others that he was going outside.  They followed, breathing deeply of the cool air after the crowded waiting room.

       

        “Mr. Fisher is on his way over,” Dan explained.  “He’ll take Katie and Mrs. Fisher home, so we can go.” 

        Turning to Lester, Brian asked, “Do you feel up to driving yourself home?  One of us could drive if you’d rather.”

        “I’ll be fine,” Lester replied, looking at Dan.  “Do you want me to take Ruthie home?” He still held her hand.

        “No, thank you,” Dan told him.  “She’s still my date.  I’ll take her home.  You can take her home when she’s your date.”  He held out his hand to Ruthie, and as she moved to his side, he leaned close to Lester and whispered something in his ear. 

        Lester gulped audibly and nodded.  With a halfhearted wave, he mumbled, “Goodnight,” and hightailed it to his car.

        “What did you say to him?”  Ruthie demanded.

        “Nothing.”  Dan grinned, relaxing for the first time in several hours.

        “Dan...”

        “Really.  It was nothing.”  Dan held the door for her, sliding in next to her.  Brian closed the back door for them, and climbed into the passenger seat.  Jim slid behind the wheel, and Dan directed him to the Kettner house.

        At the door, Ruthie asked again, “What did you say to Lester?”

        Dan smiled down at her.  “Fine.  I told him that if he gets lucky enough to have you as his date, he’d better treat you with respect, or he’ll answer to me, before I turn him over to Garrett.”

        Ruthie ducked her head for a moment, but her blue eyes twinkled.  “And what gives you the right?” she asked.

        “Nothing,” Dan said honestly.  “But you’re my friend, and I care about you.  If you and Les hit it off, great.  But if he hurts you...Let’s just say that he’ll be about the right size for a fair fight by the time Garrett gets his chance.”

        “I think that Daddy would like you,” Ruthie said.  “You’ve got a sense of humor just like his--twisted!”

        “Well, I hope to meet him when he gets back.”  Dan reached out and tucked a strand of pale hair behind her ear.  “Thank you for going to the dance with me.  I wish it had turned out a little differently.”

        “Thank you for asking me,” Ruthie responded.  “It was fun--up to the sudden stop, any way.  You’re a good guy, Dan.  Thank you, and thank Josie, too, for matchmaking.”  She reached up and kissed him softly on the side of his mouth.

   

        Dan grinned.  “Someday, I’ll have to tell you how that happened.  It was kind of funny.”  He leaned down and kissed Ruthie lightly on the lips.  “Goodnight.”  He left her there, one hand on the doorknob, and bounded back to the car.  Sliding into the back seat he buckled himself in and said, “I never thought I’d say this, but ‘Home James’.”

  

        Jim pulled the car out onto the street.  Brian turned to look at Dan.  “Meeting tomorrow?” he asked.

        “Definitely.”  Dan replied.

        “Before or after you see Molinson?”  This question came from Jim.

        “After.  I’ll know more.”

        “How about an early dinner at Crabapple Farm?” Brian suggested.  “Moms sort of volunteered earlier, and we can have our meeting during and after the meal.”

        “Sounds good to me.”  Dan stifled a yawn as Jim pulled onto Glen Road.

Spring Dance 1

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