Chapter 15

Bobbie was a little grumpy, but felt lighter than she had recently.
Despite cramps, she smiled some, happy to see Beth and Amber who had
joined them for lunch to talk about the cupcakes.

"Cooking is all science, really. I mean, there's the art stuff, too, but
the physics of it... Those were so good. I was wondering if you could make
some for the bake sale?"

"Bake Sale?" Bobbie asked, Beth's expression mirrored Bobbies.

"Yeah, we do the big musical in the spring. We hold a bake sale to help
fund it. Last year, we used the home ec kitchens. I think it'd be a
really big hit."

To new experiences. "Sure," Bobbie said. "But only if Beth helps."

"Of course, silly." Beth said, suddenly bouncing.

Bobbie survived the rest of the week

The shopping list for the bake sale came through on the following
Monday, and Bobbie and Beth were on the case. They had even managed to
enlist Tim, who had his own ideas.

"...Well, there's this restaurant that won the James Beard award that has
something called a Chocolate Bacon Crunch Bar. I think we can pull off a
cupcake version of that. Thanks Chef Duff."

He turned to Bobbie and smiled broadly. "And you, Bobbie."

"Me? What did I do?"

"You got me interested in things again. I wasn't lost, I just didn't
know where I was going."

"Ah," Bobbie said, feigning wisdom. "A zen answer, nice one pilgrim."

Tim's eyes widened. "There is no way you know where that's from."

"Steve Perry's The Man Who Never missed, my favorite book."

"Get the fuck out of here," Tim said, pulling the battered paperback out
of his back pocket.

The timer dinged and Tim spun to pull the cakes out of the oven. Bobbie
stood still and noticed a smell, undertones of sweat, wood and leather,
it hung in the air. The smell was so... so...

Male.

She remembered that smell, that one of a general floweriness that girls
had. He'd been alone with women for over a month now. It seemed alien to
her now. Somehow faulty and misleading.

But the other smell, his smell...

It stirred something, something deep and ancient. The lizard part of her
brain sending signals that were familiar, faint and distant. Her cramps
faded for a second, she smiled. "Rest of the series wasn't all that, but
man...."

The cupcakes were finished, ten dozen each Mortal Choklate, Great White
North, and Tim's experiment, which he dubbed the Womanimal. "Chocolate
and bacon, and the restaurant's name is Animal."

Ms. Varney, the Drama Club advisor saw the output and was simply
overjoyed. "So many. They should sell. Hope you're ready..."

"Ready?" Bobbie said. "For what?"

"You're going to work the stand, right?" Ms. Varney asked. Beth answered
in the affirmative immediately.

"Umm sure," Tim said, glancing at Bobbie. "Bobbie? You in?"

"Alright," she said. "That escalated quickly." Tim laughed.

Where once was great trepidation, Bobbie felt optimism and hope.

"I'm gonna have to get ready for tomorrow," Tim said absently. "Beth,
want a ride home? I just got my dad's old Vespa fixed. Mean to ride it
around. Got two helmets?"

"Ooh, okay," Beth squealed, Bobbie smiled at him, turning to leave. Tim
flipped out his phone. After countless taps and a few moments, he turned
to Beth and said "Let's go."

As they left, Bobbie felt, well slightly down. Damn hormones. She left
to find Kim and walk home.

She found Kim with Roxx, trying to suffocate each other with their
tongues.

They separated when Kim's eyes widened at the sight of Bobbie.

"Hey, Roxx. I've gotta go. Until later tonight?" Kim said, a hunger in
her eyes.

Bobbie felt it the sheer otherness of her.

"Oh, yeah. See ya then, Tiger. Nice to see you again, Angel." Roxx said,
spiling herself from step to the next viscously like the heaviest cream.
Kim leered at Roxx's rear end as it swished from one side to the other
like the pendulum of a grandfather clock.

"MMM, I like her. We're gonna do such depraved and horrible things to
each other," Kim said uncharacteristically.

Bobbie saw the darkness in her, she had learned to tune it out. It was
present in everyone to varying degrees. Even when she saw it go away,
the same person would have it back soon. But the echoes of wrongness
followed Roxx out like a tide going out.

"I don't know about her. Something's not right."

"Geez, bro. Jealous much?" Kim looked defensive.

"Me? No. I'm not gay, remember?" Bobbie said defiantly. "C'mon, let's
get home."

"Yeah, we should do that," Kim said, still staring after Roxx.

Dinner and homework taken care of, Bobbie was ready to go to bed. Kim
had taken off with Roxx, Sylvia was out with friends from work. She had
the house alone. The squeezing and general crappiness went away after a
hot shower, removing bits of batter and frosting. Once out, she began
the process of towel drying her hair. Ready for bed, she slipped into
her pajamas and...

BZZT! BZZT!

The phone vibrated on her nightstand.

Heather: HEY BOBBIE!! Need to pik u up 2mrw, early, lik 6. B rdy.

Bobbie: Y

Heather: Gt rdy 4 bak sal.

So much for 8 hours

Chapter 16

Bobbie was up at 5, slightly dressed in jeans and a tshirt, a cup of
coffee in each hand. Heather was, true to her word, there at 5:59 on the
dot.

"Come on," Heather said. Bobbie had never before seen her like this. No
make up, and a baggy shirt and sweatpants. And, Bobbie noticed upon
closer inspection, pink fuzzy bunny slippers.

"Thanks," Heather said, accepting the brew. " Late night. Be worth it
when it's over. I am so tired. Never got to say this before, but
thanks."

Bobbie sipped at her coffee. "Sure. For what?"

"Since you've been around, we've gotten band space. And I got to meet
Beth. She's sweet. She helps you a lot. I like her. She needs a woman in
her life so bad."

"And she's amazing. I wish I could do more to help her. Just glad to get
her into a kitchen..."

Heather guzzled a long swallow of coffee. "I'm gonna set up a camera one
day and film you two in action. It's like watching a fish get put back
in water." She guzzled again, finishing the cup.

"Okay, We're gonna get us dolled up at my house. Besides, you've got
some surprises coming. You're gonna be ready"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You'll see. C'mon, we're here." Heather practically jumped out of the
car.

Heather bolted up to her room, and Bobbie followed. What happened over
the next two hours left Bobbie transformed. Her hair had been done in
victory rolls, the back tied in with a blue bow. She was wearing a blue
swing dress with leopard print around the curves of her breasts. She
felt how it clung to every square inch, it felt, somehow right. She
randomly thought about the anime she watched while still a child, many
of them revolving around tightly fitting power armor. Heather was
wearing a similar dress, this one red. Her hair was pulled back in a
simple ponytail. They both wore nylons. Heather's make up was plain,
pretty. Bobbie's was... well, pinup was the only word he had for it. Bold
eye makeup and sassy style. She realized, the dress was her power armor.

Heather handed Bobbie a pair of low heels. "Bobbie, Kim tells me you're
not too confident in the heels. These should be okay, just carry your
other shoes in your backpack. Gonna want those back at the end of the
day. All part of my duty as costume department."

Heather and Bobbie stepped onto campus decked out like women on the
Olivia calendars and the Fargas paintings. They turned heads wherever
they went. Bobbie was self conscious. Having been a guy, she knew that
at least one person would be gratifying himself tonight over the sight
of her. She shook the thought out of her head.

Yeah, and you were one of those guys, enjoy the power. But, remember,
with it comes responsibility.

The first part of the day was uneventful until fourth period, which had
let Bobbie out early to set up the bake sale. When she walked up to the
series of picnic tables, she stopped, stunned. Beth was in a polka dot
dress and saddle shoes, ribbons in her hair. Simple, clean makeup. But
it was Tim that got her attention.

He was wearing basic jeans and a t shirt. The hair was mostly gone, cut
into a flat top, He looked better. Bobbie had to admit, stoner chic
making him look like someone who would have been at home touring with
Pearl Jam. He looked good, not flashy, clean. His broad shoulders and
smooth skin

"You like, Bobbie?" Tim said, his nervousness detectable but not overly
so. She smiled. "This is why Beth and I ran off yesterday." His color
changed. "Give you a ride today though." She could hear that his mouth
had gone dry. Her heart felt like an inflating balloon, one filled with...
what?

"Cool, Daddy-o," Bobbie said, smiling. Turning to Heather, she said,
"Why are we wearing this? You never told me, and what's with..."

"I told you guys, style interventions for both of them," Heather said,
pointing to each. "How'd I do? I mean they're only dressed like this
today. But." Heather looked right at Tim and enunciated very clearly.
"We will be taking care of that this weekend, won't we?"

Heather continued, "Oh, that's right. We dress in costume from the
musical we're doing. This year it's Grease. I'm excited, because we get
to use the whole band this year. We're going to use the Less Than Jake
arrangement of the soundtrack. It's going to be boss!"

"Well, as long as it makes sense. Let's set up." Bobbie said dryly.

It was crazy, there was a clamoring for the cupcakes from the moment
they opened. Faye was there first, flanked by two girls she introduced
as Rachel and Zoe. The cheerleaders and jocks were next. They had sold
every single item by the end of lunch. The only person shocked by the
sudden depletion of stock was Bobbie.

"Wait, that's it?" Bobbie said, looking for another tray.

"That was so cool," Beth squealed.

Tim was completely nonchalant about the whole thing. As if he knew that
this was the only possible outcome. "Better get used to that. Those
cupcakes of yours are gonna make you famous. Watch." Bobbie blushed.
"Hey," Tim said, stepping closer. "I mean it. Those things are a
goldmine, Peggy Sue."

Bobbie felt her hear leap at the nickname. She didn't know why, but she
liked the familiarity it conveyed. Bobbie walked carefully for the rest
of the day, her feet tender from the heels. She had changed back into
the sneakers and, despite the foot discomfort, floated on air. The
change in the air was palpable. It was like the darknesses she saw were
muted, subdued. It was during drama class when the P.A. system came to
life.

"Students. This is Principal Michaelson. I just want to congratulate you
on having the first day I've ever seen with no fights, or discipline
problems. Keep up the good work. Thank you and have a nice day."

As Bobbie slung her backpack over her back, she saw Tim on his Vespa. He
raised his arm and waved her over. She went over to the vehicle, waving
goodbye to Beth and Kim. She had to admit, he looked good. A pleasant
buzzing tingle at the pit of her stomach spread out evenly and made her
smile as he handed her a helmet.

She smiled as she put the helmet on. She could feel the helmet push her
hair down in ways it wasn't meant to. When she finally got on, she
grabbed the metal bar behind the seat. Tim slowly started riding away.

He pulled out into slight traffic and headed toward Bobbie's house.
After a couple of turns, she realized he was taking the long, scenic
route. She felt the wind on her face, she was with a friend. It had
been a particularly good day. Tim rolled to a stop at the light and
looked to his left. A hill slanted down toward the cluster of streets
where Bobbie lived. When the light turned green, he twisted the
accelerator. The moped threatened to jump out from under Bobbie's legs.
Thinking and moving quickly, she let go of the bar and grabbed onto Tim.
Pulling herself into him, she could feel his heat, smell the cheap
aftershave he used, and that light undertone of leather and wood. The
smells and proximity were so intoxicating. When combined with Bobbie's
already light mood, she hugged him, placing her helmeted head on his
back. His body sagged slightly as they reached the bottom of the hill.
The rest of the way to her house, Bobbie held on to Tim.

Tim smiled as the world slid by. There could have been zombies or
terrorists chasing him and it wouldn't have mattered. Now, at this
moment, he was the happiest guy in the world. He brought the Vespa to a
stop in front of the House. Bobbie swung her leg off of the bike, taking
care not to expose herself. Tim followed suit. Bobbie took off the
helmet, Her hair hung limply in some places where some had escaped the
pins, and slightly frizzy where the product was spent. Tim took the
helmet from her and locked it to the rear compartment.

"Bobbie, Beth told me about your conversation..."

Bobbie looked blankly at him.

"...I know you say you're not. But-" He reached out and hooked an errant
clump of hair over her ear. "You must be an angel. Everything just gets
better when you're around." Bobbie smiled up at him.

"See you tomorrow. Angel." Smiling, Tim remounted the vehicle and rode
away. Bobbie walked backward towards the house, smiling. The tingle
becoming a glow, there was an excitement inside her body that threatened
to burst.

Entering the living room, Kim was watching TV. "Good day, huh?" She
said, not turning her attention away from the news.

"Oh, just the best," Bobbie squealed. Kim looked at her, cocking an
eyebrow. "Everyone loved the bake sale and...and..." Bobbie was positively
beaming.

"Tim gave you a ride home, took you down the hill. It made you feel
special, huh?"

Bobbie's face fell.

"Beth and Heather conspired on that one. You like him, huh?'

Embarassed, she smiled. " I.. I think so. He even likes Buckaroo
Banzai."

"What a keeper," Kim said sarcastically. "Bobbie's got a boyfriend." The
old singsong voice teased.

Bobbie stared, eyes narrowing. "Shut up! I need a shower." Bobbie turned
and bounced up the stairs, buoyed by happy thoughts or helium. The smile
remaining plastered to her face.

Gathering her clothes, she looked around her room. It didn't seem to
suit anymore. She opened the blinds, hearing them creak, Robb had never
opened them. He eschewed natural light. Had stopped going outside,
playing with Kim. God, did I really close myself off that much? She
thought as the water sluiced the day off her body.

An errant jet of water came close between her legs. Her left knee
buckled. The smell of wood and leather.

The thought of how she felt when Tim spouted a familiar movie reference.

The way her body relaxed at his touch at the party.

Tim was part of every thought as the water caressed sensitive parts that
Bobbie was still unfamiliar with, sending sensation after sensation into
her brain. And then it stopped as the water moved away. Not wanting it
to end, she turned the water back to its previous position. Waves of
pleasure overtook her as she drowned in thoughts of Tim and a tide of
tactile bliss. When it finally ended and thought became coherent again.
Bobbie stopped.

Did I just... She couldn't tell if it bothered her or not, only serving to
make it bother her more. Finishing her shower, she toweled off and got
dressed. Looking in the mirror, the smile was still there, turned down
to 10. She went downstairs, back to Kim.

"You're loud, you know that?" Kim said, changing channels.

Bobbie blushed to her ears. "You.. heard?" she whispered.

"Um, Yeah," Kim said, smiling. "It's okay. I'm a little loud myself,
apparently."

Bobbie looked at her. "Roxx?"

Kim smiled impishly. "Yeah." It was her turn to blush.

"First time?" Bobbie asked.

"Yeah. Oh, it was sooo..."

Bobbie held up a hand. "Don't wanna know. Got enough pictures in my head
right now."

"Yeah, of Tim," Kim said, hitting her with one of the couch's throw
pillows.

Bobbie hit her back. "About Roxx. I don't know about her. Something's
not right about her."

"Oh, you're jealous because that was your type, and she's hotter than
your last girlfriend." Kim's smile wavered. The darkness had progressed,
Bobbie could see that now. Her face hardened imperceptibly.

"I just don't want what happened to me to happen to you. Kim, I died.
Remember?"

"Yeah, in more ways than one," Kim mumbled.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're not exactly the same person now. You need to face that."

"I think I have."

Kim looked at Bobbie and through her. "Then talk to Tim. I mean, really
talk to him. He likes you, he told me not to tell you. But you like him,
and you need Stevie Wonder to point it out to you. You're scared of
cock, aren't you?"

Bobbie looked at her sister, stunned. She'd never used that word before,
well not while Bobbie was around. Bobbie looked at Kim and realized just
how much she'd grown up. When did she find the time to get so wise?

Bobbie appreciated the situation. A young lesbian telling a girl who
used to be a guy that he was afraid of cock. It would have sounded
ludicrous...

...if it wasn't true.

Chapter 17

"There you are." Ms Varney said. "The bake sale was such a success, and
I understand it was your cupcakes that single handedly made the sale.
Just wanted to say thank you." She hurried of to her classroom. Bobbie
walked the rest of the way to Mr. Lesko's class

The glow from the bake sale carried over until the next day. When the
lunch bell finally rang, Bobbie went to find Beth. She found her picking
at her sandwich, she perked up as soon as Bobbie showed sat down.

"So, how was your ride home?" Beth asked smiling.

Bobbie smiled back. "Fine."

"Did you kiss him? Did he kiss you? Did he..." Beth was letting her
excitement show.

"Whoa, slow down. He just gave me a ride home."

"Yeah, on his moped." Beth said dreamily. "Did you lean into him? I did.
He smells nice." Beth turned scarlet. "I know he likes you, but it was
nice to pretend he was mine, even if for only a minute." She turned her
attention back to her lunch, where her sandwich had acquired something
fascinating.

"Yeah." Bobbie smiled, the scent of wood and leather replaying in her
mind, his warmth.

His closeness. How her stomach dropped when the seat threatened to drop
out from under her. How grabbing and pulling him close just seemed
right.

"You two going to the Winter Ball?" Beth asked, pointing to the poster
hanging from the awning of the lunch area. Bobbie looked up and saw the
sign proudly announcing "Delacroix winter ball 2013: Forever Young" in
silver, glittery letters.

During the first round of high school, Robb never went to any dances. A
part of Bobbie's mind drifted to thoughts of Tim and slow dancing.

"...this weekend? Bobbie." Beth's hand shook her shoulder gently.

"Hmm." Bobbie came out of her reverie.

"I said, were you doing anything special this weekend?"

"Oh, just hanging with the band."

"...and Tim. You know he's gonna ask you, right?"

"Heya, Bobbie." Tim's voice came up behind her, making her eep and jump.
Beth snorted laughter.

"Oh, you shit." She playfully slapped his shoulder as he sat. "We were
just talking about you."

"I can tell, you're blushing." Tim smiled. "So Bobbie. Since someone let
the cat out of the bag," he glanced at Beth, who turned back to her
sandwich while pulling a chip from the small bag. He cleared his throat,
and looked into those blue eyes that went on forever. The hum and munch
of the lunch crowd. A detached part of Bobbie's mind went into Bullet
Time.

...Beth slowed mid chew.

...The soda can who shot was at the trash can by one of the football team
twirled languidly through the air.

"Bobbie Sharpe, would you like to go to the Winter Ball with me?" Tim
asked, looking for all the world like he just killed the bear.

Her stomach knotted, thoughts of cupcakes gone. She remembered 'you only
have to be bold for twenty seconds. A fluttery feeling ballooned in her
belly, festooned with a curious warmth.

Their gaze held. Bobbie didn't know if it had been twenty seconds or
not, but it felt longer. She could feel his confidence; she could see
that the answer didn't matter to him. It was a courage 'Robb' never had
displayed excepting that one time. She understood the courage he was
displaying. Felt it radiating from him.

"Yes," she said, feeling like she was all that mattered to him at that
one, perfect moment. She reached forward, hugging him. She craved that
wood and leather smell, his warmth.

Time returned to normal, the sound of one Beth clapping. "Oh, I'm so
happy for you, Bobbie. Wish I could go." Her expression drooped a
little.

"Don't worry, it's early. I'm sure something will happen," Bobbie
reassured.

"Yeah, Beth. Plenty of time." Tim winked at Bobbie. "Bobbie, you got
anything going on today?"

"Helping Kim with homework, which means I'll probably write most of it.
Got another cupcake to try today." Bobbie said, wishing it wasn't true.
What she really wanted was to catch a ride home again.

"Well, Beth. Wanna ride home?"

"Oh, yes please." Beth said, eyeing Bobbie nervously. Bobbie chuckled
and waved her hand noncommittally. They were gathering their books when
the bell rang.

Kim was lighting a cigarette as they walked through the field. "So,
Winter Ball with Tim, huh?" She looked at Bobbie, who stared back in
surprise. "What?" She said, exhaling. "Like you were gonna hide that. He
asked me first you know. I told him I didn't know, he'd have to ask you.
Look, I knew this was gonna happen."

"You've been Bobbie for a little over a month now. I think the last of
your old testosterone worked out. Yesterday proved it, you should have
seen yourself." She smiled. "Giddy as a schoolgirl."

Bobbie thought about it. She had been noticing things differently, but
didn't really think about it. Now it came into focus. The way she
noticed Tim's muscles that first day in the bakery, The way he made her
feel when he was around, the way he smelled. She slowly smiled, it was
true, she realized.

"C'mon, princess, let's go. That paper's not gonna write itself..."

Chapter 18

The next few weeks passed as summer offered it last dying gasp before
the leaves began to change and fall began to lay the town under siege
with its unpredictable weather. Classes continued in sort of a blur of
days, weekends full of band practice and friends.

Heather had taken Beth under her wing. Bobbie had seen the confidence
she showed in the kitchen blossom into something more. She kept her
head up more, her movements more sure.

Bobbie continued working on cupcakes. They only had until March to open
the bakery. She had many flavors, all with names like Blue Velvet(Red
Velvet cake with blue food coloring instead), La Dulce Vita(Dulce de
Leche), and The Dragonslayer(That one had a green apple jelly filling
and a caramel frosting). They would be ready to open soon enough.

On a Wednesday in late October Tim called Bobbie. She'd been doing
government homework when the phone played it's ringtone. As a practical
joke, Kim had changed it to play One Direction's 'Beautiful', and Bobbie
had left it to annoy her.

"Hey, Bobbie. Great News."

"Remember when I said we should try to sell some of these to Daily
Grind? They said yes." He was so excited.

"We've got an order for five dozen for Friday. I figure you, me and Beth
can knock that out pretty quick. Tomorrow?"

"Sure."

"Till then. Sweet dreams. Later, sweets."

She smiled. "Do Svidanya." She hung up and called Heather.

"Heather? I was wondering if you could give Beth a ride to the bakery
tomorrow? Cool, thanks Heather."

The following day, they all gathered at the student parking lot. Classes
forgotten, idly chattering, Heather turned to Beth. "So, any luck
finding a date to the dance?

Beth pouted slightly. "No. Not yet. Keep hoping though. No one seems
interested"

"Don't worry kid. You're going if I have to kidnap someone to go with
you." Heather said, winking at Bobbie.

What's that supposed to mean? Bobbie wondered.

"Ready, Bobbie?" Tim asked, handing her the helmet, strapping his own
helmet to his head and mounting the bike.

"Alright ramblers, let's get ramblin'," Bobbie said. Affixing the
helmet. She swung her leg over the back of the moped. Bobbie snaked her
arms around Tim and scooted her body closer, trying to get as much
contact as she could. The thrum of the engine tingled her thighs. She
turned her head and leaned in, inhaling his smell deeply. She smiled.
All was right with the world as they sped off, into the rapidly cooling
afternoon.

* * *

"Kim." Roxx purred, massaging that spot between the shoulder blades.

"MMmmm?" she responded.

"We should go to the Winter Ball." Roxx moved her hands further down.

"The ball? O...Ok, didn't think you'd wanna go."

"Why?" She bent down to whisper sensually in her ear. "Give up a good
reason to see you in a suit?" She nibbled an earlobe."

Kim quivered with pleasure. "Mmm. Anything for you, baby."

Standing up, Roxx said, "You carry way too much tension. I'm never gonna
get anywhere this way." Reaching into her purse, she pulled a slightly
twisted with cylinder. "This'll help." She put it to her mouth and lit
it like a cigarette. Kim recognized that smell."

"It's not a big deal. Lots of places give prescriptions for this now.
They are doctors." Roxx passed the joint to Kim. She inhaled, it was
harsher than her cigarettes.

"Hold it in," Roxx said, "Don't choke." She laughed.

Kim felt a little light headed, she giggled a little at some
unidentified humor. "I don't know why I'm laughing." The giggle became a
full laugh.

"That's because you're stoned, dork." Roxx said as she leaned in for the
kiss, bringing her free hand up to caress a breast. Kim reached around
to rest her hand on Roxx's ass.

***

Bobbie was winding down from working in the bakery when Kim came in,
grinning ear to ear. "Hey, Kim. Was wondering if you were gonna..." She
stopped when she saw Kim's face.

"What?" Kim said, grabbing a roll from the baking sheet. Bobbie was
pale, her eyes wide with surprise.

"You're fucking high. And don't bullshit me. Your eyes are red, and I
could blindfold you with dental floss." Bobbie pointed accusingly almost
feeling her darkness.. Kim started laughing, a lot more than she should
have.

"Well, OK miss pottymouth." Kim continued laughing.

"I'll tell mom. Remember what happened to me? I'm not gonna let that
happen to you." Kim's face went serious as Bobbie went over and hugged
her.

Kim wriggled out. "Jeez, Robb. Jealous much?"

Bobbie looked as if she'd been slapped, she stepped back. "What's wrong,
Kimster?"

"Nothing. I do one little thing, and you think I'm gonna get all stupid
like you did. I'm not robbing anybody." Bobbie jerked her head, stunned.
"So, I got a little high? Roxx is right, you all baby me too much." She
turned and head up to her room. And that was all.

Was this how I made them feel? If so, I'm so sorry. Bobbie stood there
and tried to hold down the tears, Can't let that happen to her. Not
again.

She tried to hold the tears back, gave up, and wept silently. Sylvia
came home, and dinner was a quiet affair, with Bobbie eating silently.
Afterward, she put food on a plate and went up to Kim's room. She
knocked, hearing nothing she let herself in. Kim was asleep face down on
her bed. Bobbie shook her gently.

"Hey, Kim. Get up. Brought you dinner," Kim stirred.

"Hey." Bobbie said. "I'm still mad at you, here's your dinner."

"I'm sorry, Bobbie," Kim said, turning over to accept the plate. "Didn't
mean to be a bitch. But, I can handle it. Don't worry."

"That's what I said."

"Yes." Kim said, spearing a potato. "But, Roxx isn't Melanie."

"You better hope not," Bobbie said. "See you in the morning." Bobbie
closed the door and went to bed.

Chapter 18

The Daily Grind order was a success and they wanted a weekly delivery.
The Signs were due to be delivered just before Thanksgiving and
everything seemed to be holding together. Band practice continued.
Bobbie walked home alone for the first time in recent memory. Beth and
Tim had to do some studying, Heather, Bella and Amber were going to the
mall, and Kim was with Roxx... again. It was starting to get dark,
Daylight savings time taking its toll on the visible light of the day.

Walking up to the house it seemed quiet, eerily so. The silence and
darkness seemed almost absolute. She inserted the key and turned the
lock...

"SURPRISE!!" Bobbie nearly jumped out of her skin. Deafening sound and
blinding light exploded around Bobbie.

"Why didn't you tell me, you had the same birthday?" Sylvia said,
hugging Bobbie close. "Happy birthday, Bobbie."

Never before had a birthday happened this way. There was Beth and Bella,
Heather and Amber...

...and Kim, who seemed to be partially attached to Roxx.

They've all been so nice to me, made me feel at home. The dam broke, and
Bobbie dissolved into happy, joyful tears. Sagging against Sylvia,
Bobbie sniffled. She stepped away and turned to everyone.

"Oh, you guys," Bobbie began, not noticing the slight smear of her eye
makeup."You... nobody's ever done this for me before." She tasted her
salty tears and bitter makeup through her smile. She sniffled and
regained composure.

Beth burst forward first, full of unbridled energy. She hugged Bobbie
and gave her her present. It was wrapped in pink wrapping paper, but
upon touching it, she knew it was cloth. Ripping it open, she unfurled
the cloth, revealing it to be a blue apron. The front had "Cupcake
Angel" Embossed on it's front in purple sequins. A cupcake forming the
'u', and a crooked halo resting on the 'l'."When I saw it, I had to get
it for you. Oh, happy birthday..." Beth hugged her again. "You're the
best friend I ever had." Bobbie could feel emotion swelling.

Heather had a clean, white box, tied simply with a powder blue ribbon.
Bobbie opened it and gave a quick hug. "I know you need a dress for the
Winter Ball, and I know you're busy with the bakery. So, I pulled this
out of my closet and altered it. This kind of dress never goes out of
style." She lightly stamped her foot."Oops," she said. "Let the cat out
of the bag." She opened it.

It was shiny and blue, the same blue as the ribbon. Holding it up, The
gown tumbled down to its full length. Bobbie looked at it. The shimmer
of the satin, the play of the light on the bodice, it was beautiful. A
slight burning began behind her eyes. "It's beautiful."

"And don't think, you're going out in that dress without hair and
makeup." Heather admonished harshly. A smile broke her expression.
"Don't worry, I've got you covered."

Amber and Bella came up together. "This is from us." It was heavy and
rectangular. Ripping the kitten wrapping paper off, she noticed it was a
book, An older book with a battered dust Jacket. "We found it, and knew
you would like this." Amber said. Bobbie gathered them both in her arms
in a group hug. She felt a phone vibrate. Bella flipped open her phone,
glanced at it and flipped it shut.

Looking down at the cover, she noticed it was a cook book. Not just any
cookbook, it was an old edition of Larousse Gastronomique, The essential
handbook to all things food. "Now if only there was some food here."
Bella said.

"...Some Food HERE!" she repeated, cartoonishly loud.

Ding, dong.

"Bobbie, could you get that, dear? You're closest." Sylvia said with a
beaming smile. The kind, Bobbie absently noted, from before the death of
her husband.

It was Tim, carrying two large pizza boxes. "Hey there, Birthday girl."

Kim swept in and relieved him of the pizzas. When she had taken the
boxes from Tim, Bobbie noticed a pink box with a gold ribbon in his left
hand. She felt an irresistible urge to grab him, she gave in. Tim
meeting her halfway. He hugged Bobbie close, whispered "Happy Birthday"
into her ear. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. She felt his lips long
after they left her face, and a warm glow in the pit of her stomach.
"Here, this is for you. You've helped me so much. With the bakery, with
everything." He hugged her again. That feeling of closeness was better
than any drug, if it could be bottled...

She glanced sideways at Roxx, inwardly she hoped that Kim would figure
that out quicker that she did. Bobbie moved aside, allowing Tim
entrance.

"Well go on, open it," Tim said.

Bobbie lightly shook the box, listening. Pulling the bow open, she
opened the box. Inside, was a small silver charm in the shape of a
crossed spatula and whisk. It sat on a thin gold chain.

"You've got a baker's soul, Bobbie. Why fight it? Here, let me help you
put it on." He took the necklace from the box. Bobbie turned around and
held her hair off her neck. He moved in close, raising his arms to lower
the charm in front of her. He clasped the necklace. She could feel his
breath on the back of her neck.

"There." Tim said, letting it go. Bobbie turned, feeling like the only
person in his world that mattered. She spun.

"Perfect," Tim said, lightly touching the charm as it lay on her chest.

"Tim, that's so... I'm gonna cry again." Bobbie started. Bobbie laughed,
tears leaking. The smell of pizza drifted around the room. Tim stepped
past Bobbie to see the candles put into the pizza. "Oh, you guys."
Bobbie said.

Kim and Roxx were next. "Happy birthday," she said. It was unwrapped,
save for a pink ribbon. The ribbon was tied around several small
graphic novels titled Iron Wok Jan. "Comics, cooking. Seemed like a
perfect fit."

Roxx touched Bobbie's shoulder.

Wrong, wrong WRONG, WRONG... the thought tattooed itself inside her brain.
The happiness of the evening strong enough for Bobbie to shake most of
it off, leaving a small, suspicious part of her mind to watch.

Roxx handed her an envelope. Opening it, the card said "Happy Birthday,
Roberta."

"I couldn't find a card that said 'Bobbie'. But I figured that it's
Roberta, right?" Roxx said, trying to hide a sly smile. A look of
mischief behind her violet eyes.

Bobbie looked down to see the card to see that Roxx had signed it "Happy
Birthday 'Bobbie' xoxo in red.

Bobbie looked at Roxx for a minute. "It's casual," she said.

Even though it wasn't.

After the pizza was gone and the evening wound down, Kim and Roxx
disappeared into her room, and the rest of the friends slowly filed out.
Promising to see each other the next day.

Left alone, Bobbie walked up to Sylvia. "Oh, Mom. That was the birthday
I ever had."

"Okay," Sylvia said, lauging while patting Bobbie's back. "I just wanted
to say thank you."

"Thank me? For what?" Bobbie asked.

"I haven't felt this good in years. You seem to be good luck for
everyone. Beth, Heather...I don't think Kim's been happier. Bobbie, we're
all glad you're here."

Bobbie thought about that. She felt wanted, For the first time in recent
memory.

"You better get off to bed, school tomorrow. I'll clean up," Sylvia
said, smiling. "Good night, Bobbie."

Bobbie smiled, gathered her presents and went upstairs. The boxes and
books went on the dresser, next to her lamp. But it was the card that
drew her attention.

Has to be a coincidence...

Has to be.

She heard Kim's door open and close. The telltale click of Roxx's heels
dopplered down the hall and the stairs. Bobbie quietly snuck over to
Kim's room.

"Kim?" She knocked, opening the door.

Kim was sitting on the bed, staring off into space. "Huh?" She said
distantly.

She could see that Kim was high, but she seemed in control. Bobbie
hadn't caught Kim high since that first time, and decided now wasn't the
time for that argument.

"It was a great birthday. Thanks, sis."

Kim smiled. "Just didn't think you should be alone, like usual." She
looked ruefully at Bobbie through her slightly glazed, reddened eyes. "I
hope you like Roxx, she's a tough girl, been through a lot."

"If she really likes you, then she has nothing to worry about. Ow."
Bobbie said, smacking her fist into her palm. Too hard, she shook her
hand. "Alright, I won't do that again, get some sleep. Good night."

"'Night," Kim said.

"Sis," she finished after a pause. Bobbie smiled as she went to bed.