Trixie slammed a book down on her desk.  Suddenly life just wasn't fair.  Life stinks, everything about life.  Why her?  Why did it have to pick her?

What's the matter?  Did you get a bad grade?” Her roommate, Claudia, looked over at her.

“What?  No, not yet.” Trixie kicked off her shoes and flung herself onto her bed.  She buried her head under her pillow, struggling against the tears.

“Do you want to talk about it or would you like me to disappear for a while?” Claudia finally asked, realizing that Trixie was upset.

Trixie didn't know what she wanted, other than to be home in the comforting arms of her mother.  At that moment, she wanted to be home more than anything in the world, talking with Moms and then the Bob-Whites.  I'm not being fair to Claudia.  She's not a Bob-White, but she's been a good friend and a considerate roommate.    Trixie rolled over and took a deep breath before slowly expelling it.  She stared at the ceiling.  “Have you ever known anyone who had cancer?”  Trixie asked quietly.  “Breast cancer?”

Claudia's eyes grew wide, but she nodded as she answered the question. “Yes, my Aunt Carrie had it.”

“Is she… did she… you know, make it?”

Claudia nodded slowly, “Yes.  It was tough on her and on my mom, too. She's my mom's sister.  But she's doing great now.”

“Moms called to tell me… to let me know that our friend, Margery Trask… has breast cancer.  She's going to have surgery immediately.”

“Miss Trask?  She's the one that works for Honey and Jim's parents, right?  Honey's former governess?”

Trixie nodded, rapidly blinking her eyes to keep the tears from flowing.  Why does it have to be cancer?

“Wow!  She's the one you told me about.  Chaperoning all of you on trips like   Cobbett's Island and Mead's Mountain.”

“Yeah, she's such a good sport.  You wouldn't believe what a great person she is.  She's not nearly as old as she looks.  But she's got that hair that's been gray ever since I first met her and she wears the most sensible shoes.  Old-lady-like shoes, but when you look closely at her face, you realize there's no way she's as old as she dresses or looks.  She's been a real friend to me, to all the Bob-Whites.”

“You know, Trixie, cancer's not a death sentence,” Claudia said slowly. She really didn't know what to say. Does Trixie want reassurance or does she just want me to shut-up? Claudia wondered as she stared at her friend's tear-stained face.

“I know,” she answered softly.  “But you remember Dan and Jim?”

“Of course!” Claudia answered, nodding her head.

“It's just that… Dan's mother died from cancer.  I think it might have been breast cancer, I've never been totally sure. But Jim's mother died from ovarian cancer.  I know because Mr. Wheeler made it a point to find out his parents' medical history for Jim. Why do so many people have to deal with cancer?  Why do some people not make it, like Jim's and Dan's mothers, but others, like your Aunt, they do beat it.  Now Miss Trask has to go through all that, and all of us are gone and at college, we can't even help her out!” Trixie concluded.  She didn't say the rest of what she was thinking.  Not to mention that Jim and Dan have to deal with it as well!

“Wow, I had no idea that's what happened to your friends' mothers.  So young, too.” Claudia shook her head as she counted her blessings with her healthy parents and siblings.  Even her aunt -- Sure Aunt Carrie lost all her hair, but it grew back, and it even came back thicker and curlier, as if to compensate for what she went through as she battled that horrible disease.

“This is really going to hit the Bob-Whites hard,” Trixie sniffed.  “And here I am miles away from everyone.  If I could just talk to them about it, everything would be okay.  But Honey's in Chicago, Di's in Boston and we're stuck here in Georgetown.”

“And you just want to be with them, in your clubhouse, where everyone can draw comfort from each other,” Claudia commiserated.

“Exactly,” Trixie responded, her tone despondent.

The two girls sat quietly before Claudia finally broke the silence.  “You could set up a chat.  It's not hard to do.  I'll bet everyone has internet, or if you wanted, you could do it on one of those new voice over internet conference call lines that are free.”

“You mean tell everyone to call in at the same time?” Trixie asked.

“Sure!” Claudia was enthusiastic.  “I can set it up for you.  I just did it for my family a couple of weeks ago.  It was loads of fun.”

“Okay, what do I do?  How do I set up?  How do I get everyone to call in at the same time?” Trixie's questions tumbled out

Claudia was already at her computer, tapping away as she searched for the details she needed.  “Pick a time, a time you know everyone will be available to at least phone in.”

“Gosh, Claudia, I have no idea.” Trixie chewed her bottom lip. “Everyone's schedule is so different.”

“Four in the morning, then!” Claudia replied, glancing over her shoulder.  “Everyone can do it then, right?”

Trixie managed a tiny smile, “They'll think I've lost my mind!”

“And see, I on the other hand, know you've lost your mind!” Claudia chortled.  “Just pick a time late enough at night or early enough in the morning. Midnight might be easier than four in the morning.  You decide. Email your friends, or better yet, text message them.  Give them the call-in number and the pass code I'm about to give you. You're set.”

“Do you really think, they'll do it?” Trixie asked.

“Sure they will!” Claudia was certain of it.

“Okay, but I think it's better to call Dan and Jim first, make sure they know and they don't mind talking about it.”

Claudia shrugged. “I think you and your friends will soon discover that talking about it will go along way toward making everyone feel better.”

“You won't believe what we decided!” Trixie couldn't wait to tell her roommate about the outcome of the Bob-Whites' midnight chat.

“Huh?” Claudia said sleepily, as she peered at the clock.  It was almost two in the morning.

“Come on, Claudia.  Don't you want to know what we decided?” Trixie shook her friend's shoulder.

“Uh, I could probably wait until morning.” Claudia mumbled scooting further down in her twin bed.

“Claudia – wake up!” Trixie demanded, impatient with her friend's drowsiness. “You won't believe what we're going to do!”

“What?” her roommate mumbled.  “Just tell me… then promise you'll let me go back to sleep.”

“We're having a Halloween Party.  A fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. It's in honor of Miss Trask. We're going to sell tickets for admission, there will be food, dancing, door prizes, everything.  Everyone will wear costumes.  We're calling it Take the Fright out of Cancer.”

“Okay, I'll be there.” Claudia rolled over and instantly fell back to sleep.

“Claudia, don't you want--” Trixie broke off as she heard her friends soft snore. She grinned, thinking, I'll just tell her tomorrow.  But, gleeps, a Halloween party fundraiser.  It'll be so much fun.  Claudia was right; talking to everyone was exactly what we needed.

Trixie quickly turned into bed herself.  She would be busier than usual as she attended class, studied, and worked in the tasks she had volunteered to do for her share of the fundraiser.  She worried about Jim and Dan.  They both had participated but were not their usually relaxed selves.  Both had assured her that yes, they thought the group teleconference was a great idea. Both had already heard about Miss Trask and were dismayed by the news.  Jim had been the one to suggest a Halloween party fundraiser, and Trixie had quickly agreed.  All of the Bob-Whites were excited about the plan. Now, we just have to make it all come together.

“Can you believe we actually got someone to donate us the space?” Trixie marveled, as she reviewed her notes for the Bob-Whites' “Take the Fright out of Cancer” Halloween fundraiser. 

Claudia smiled inwardly.  She wasn't at all sure how to tell her friend that not only was she not surprised, but she would have been surprised if they hadn't managed to get the space donated.   The Bob-Whites were a tenacious bunch.

Trixie sold several of the $25 tickets to Georgetown students.  It helped that Halloween fell on a Saturday.  The boys had managed to get some prizes donated for raffles to help raise money for the event.  Now thanks to Diana, the facility, the disc-jockey and some of the food had been donated.  Thanks to the efforts of Brian Belden, free cancer screening visits had been donated by clinics as door prizes.  It was amazing how willing people were to take Halloween and make it something that was both fun and constructive.  But the best news of all had come from Sleepyside. 

“She came through the surgery like a trouper,” Helen Belden said to her daughter.  “They were able to just do the lumpectomy and she'll have to take chemo for a while.”

“How's she feeling?  Do they really think they got all of it?  What's the prognosis?”  Trixie was full of questions, even after researching breast cancer on the internet until she felt she knew the statistics by heart.

“She's doing wonderfully well.  I managed to talk Matthew and Grace into letting her come to Crabapple Farm when she gets out of the hospital.  I think a little home care and cooking will be just the thing for her.”

Trixie snorted, “Are you sure the closer proximity to Mr. Lytell's store isn't the real reason she agreed, Moms?”

“Trixie!” her mother chided her.  “Of course, not.  Your father and I would never condone that kind of behavior and besides--”

“Moms!  I was kidding, okay?” Trixie interrupted, rolling her eyes.  Her mother would have realized that at any other time. It just proved she had been worried about Miss Trask as well.

“So are we taking dates to this Halloween party?” Claudia asked, interrupting Trixie's musings.

Trixie shrugged, “Hadn't really thought about it, why?”

“Just wondering.  What are the rest of your friends doing?”

“Honey said she'll hook up with a friend from New York.  He probably has a trust fund.  He'll have the perfect costume from an expensive store… or else Honey will make him one and it will look like it came from some posh shop.  But he's rich and he'll make a nice donation besides buying their tickets.”

“Trixie!” Claudia admonished.  “Please tell me you're not evaluating your friend's dates by how much money they'll donate.”

Trixie flushed. “No, it's just both Honey and Di are bringing someone.  Diana said she's coming with one of our Sleepyside buddies, Nick Roberts.” Trixie grimaced.  Both of her friends from Sleepyside would have dates.  “Mart's been seeing some girl named Amy so I'm sure they'll be together.  Brian keeps talking about a fellow med student; someone named Gracie that he's been drooling over since before graduation last May, so I'll bet she's there.”

“That's not everyone,” Claudia said gently. 

“Oh, Dan will probably bring three or four girls.  Wouldn't surprise me at all if he came as a sheik with five or six girls hanging all over him.” Trixie giggled at the mental image.  It would be one way for Dan to cope with things that night.

“What about Jim?” Claudia studied her nails. 

“Jim's probably going to bring Bethany, his snooty lab partner.”

“That's not a real date,” Claudia retorted.  “They're just friends.”

“No,” Trixie shook her head.  “They've been dating steady since his graduation in May.  I think he's … serious about her.”

“Why?” Claudia asked.  “What makes you think he's serious about someone like her?”

“Well, for one thing, she could be a model.” Trixie shrugged, pretending not to care how many girls Jim dated.

Claudia knew exactly how much Trixie cared. Although Trixie had told her that the Bob-Whites were all “just friends”, she had chattered too much about Jim Frayne for Claudia not to understand that Jim was special to Trixie.  Jim this and Jim that, Jim can do anything, he's really the most wonderful boy in the world.  Trixie's crush had been easy to detect.

“He's not serious about her,” Claudia replied, causing Trixie to shoot her a suspicious glare.  Sighing she continued.  “Trixie, from everything you've told me, Jim's not the type to get serious with a girl like that.  He would stay far away from any entanglement that could potentially jeopardize his grades.”

“He's a man, isn't he?”  Trixie snorted.  “Besides, the last few times I've called their apartment, she answered the phone. If you could hear her voice!  She talks to me like I'm twelve!  And that makes me want to act like I'm twelve and just slam the phone down for the satisfaction of hearing the bang!”

“So, I figured you would be happy if your friend found someone.”  Claudia said scrutinizing her roommate.  “In fact, you told me you swore to everyone in Sleepyside that you and Jim were just friends.  You know, the bracelet isn't sentimental, all that hogwash.” Claudia's hand fluttered in the air to make her point.

“It isn't a sentimental gift,” Trixie insisted.

Claudia snorted.

“It isn't!”

“Listen to me, honey child!  This is Claudia, the girl that's slept with you for the past two years.  Well – figuratively, anyway.  So if this so-called bracelet isn't a sentimental gift, then what does it mean?  And why do you care if Jim's sleeping with Bethany the lab partner?  I told you to ask him what the bracelet meant!  All you had to do was bat those baby blue eyes of yours at him and ask him – ‘Jim, what did you mean when you said I was your special girl' – and if that man didn't become your slave for life…” Claudia shook her head, unable to finish.  “If you're not going to tell Jim how you really feel about him, there isn't a whole lot any of us can do, now is there!”

She didn't expect Trixie's reaction.  “Why couldn't he like me, Claudia?  Why couldn't I have been born beautiful like my friends?”  Tears welled in Trixie's eyes. 

Claudia scooted off her bed, moving to comfort her friend.  “First of all, you know he likes you.  From everything you've told me about him and the rest of your friends, it's obvious. The two of you… well you're shy around each other.  You never talk to him like a girl friend.”  She gave Trixie a quick hug.  “Finally, you are beautiful.  You're one of the prettiest girls at school.  You just don't spend a lot of time showing people your outer beauty because you're always focused on your inner beauty. Trixie, I wish I was half as caring and generous of a friend as you are.”

“You're just saying that because you're my friend.”  Trixie sniffed.

“No, I'm not.  In fact, you want to make a small bet?” Claudia offered.

“What kind of bet?”

“You spend the time between now and when we have to leave for this Halloween party wearing the clothes that I pick out, and letting me help you with your hair and makeup.  I bet that before Halloween there are at least three guys that either ask you out or hit on you.  If I'm wrong, I'll sell my iPod and give you the money for the fundraiser.”

“And if you're right?” Trixie asked.

“You have to wear the Halloween costume that I pick out for you and ask your friend Jim to dance with you, a slow dance!”

'

“What did Steve want?” Claudia asked Trixie with apparent disinterest.

“You know what he wanted,” Trixie grumbled.

“I do?” Claudia feigned innocence.

“Yes, he wanted to know if I had plans for Halloween.  He wanted me to go with him to the Sigma Chi Halloween Fright Night Party.” Trixie studied her fingertips, hardly recognizing the neatly manicured nails, gleaming with clear polish… another change Claudia had insisted on in her makeover of Trixie.

“Hmm, isn't that number three?” Claudia asked carelessly.

“Nooo… Trixie dragged out her answer.

“Yes, it is!” Claudia insisted.  “First was Bill, then Dennis, Steve is number three.”

“No, he's number four.  Bingo asked me this morning.” Trixie admitted.

“Bingo asked you out?” Claudia was incredulous.

Trixie nodded in response.

“Are you going?” she asked holding her breath. Bingo was the best-looking guy in their dorm, although he was on a different floor.

“No, he wanted to take me to a Halloween party and we're going to be in New York,” Trixie muttered.

Claudia jumped up with a squeal, hugging her friend. “I knew I'd win!  And on top of everything else we're going to New York for Halloween. Where are we staying?  Will we stay with your brothers and their friends? When do we leave?  Oh, I have the perfect costume for you, Trixie.  I can't wait.  Maybe you could ask Bingo to go with us?”

“No!” Trixie was adamant.  She was not taking one of the guys who had asked her out to New York with her.  She had too many responsibilities for the fundraiser.

“Look, Claudia.  Let's just have fun in New York, just the two of us.  You love going there and this is only your second time to visit the city.  There will be plenty of guys at the party.  If you don't want to travel alone we can ask Mike and Tim to go with us, you know, as friends.”

“Okay!” Claudia readily agreed.  After all – she was going to New York.  “You work out the schedule and I'll work on our costumes.  Oh – and Trixie,” she turned to look at her friend, “you will wear what I tell you to wear in New York, including the make up.”

“Claudia!” Trixie protested vehemently.  She was sick of dressing up, well mostly sick of it.  I can't believe the number of guys who have noticed me since I let Claudia choose my clothes and makeup.  I hardly recognized myself a few times - when I saw my reflection in a window on campus. I looked like a college coed, instead of harum-scarum Trixie Belden.

'

“Claudia, this costume is too much,” Trixie insisted for the umpteenth time as she once again tugged on the top of her costume, pulling it up higher on her chest. 

“No, it's very cute, and sexy.   If your Jim doesn't notice you tonight, he's a fool.” Claudia grinned.  She looked fetching herself in a costume that made her look like the spit and image of Judy Garland's Dorothy.  The only difference was a shorter, flirty skirt and a low cut bodice.  Claudia had even found a stuffed dog to poke inside a basket.  Her long dark hair was braided neatly and fit perfectly with her costume.

Trixie had been forced, fuming, into a skimpy orange top, complete with black tights, knee high stiletto boots, and a ragged but short black net skirt studded with orange sparkles that at second glance were stars and moons.  A matching witch's hat was perched on her curls, and Claudia been liberal with mascara and eyeliner, making Trixie's sapphire eyes pop.  Body glitter on her bare shoulders was the finishing touch along with a toy broom.  The orange and black suited Trixie's fair complexion, and she was indeed one sexy witch.

“Are we meeting Diana and Honey ahead of time?” Claudia walked around Trixie, surveying the costume.

“No, remember – they have dates!” Trixie answered scornfully.

“Mike and Tim would have come with us,” Claudia reminded her. 

“Yeah, I know.  But then I wouldn't spend much time visiting with my friends, I would have been worried about entertaining them.”

“Okay, I think you're ready.  You're an awfully cute witch, Trixie.  The only thing you're missing is a black cat.”

The Take the Fright out of Cancer Halloween Party exceeded Trixie's wildest dreams.  The New York City Fire Museum had donated their event room for the occasion.  It was perfectly situated and the place was packed. Every ticket had been sold, and demand was so tight that some tickets had been sold two and three times.  Diana and Honey had managed to get the food and catering donated as well, and the boys were able to contribute by finding a popular disc jockey.

Despite their duties as hostesses for the event, Trixie and Claudia immediately ran into Honey and Di, and were introduced to Honey's friend.  They talked for a while but didn't catch sight of any of their four local hosts – Brian, Jim, Dan or Mart. 

Once Claudia, Nick and Di began to talk about art, Trixie eased away and looked around the room.  Her eyes narrowed as she watched a girl dressed as a gypsy pick up drinks, sniff them and set them back down.  She couldn't figure out what she was doing.

“She's sure acting mysterious, isn't she?” a strange voice asked from her side.

Trixie glanced up in surprise to meet a dreamy pair of dark brown eyes.

“Yes, do you know why's she doing that?”

“Nope, don't have a clue,” he admitted cheerfully, giving Trixie a smile. “Do you?”

Trixie shook her head, observing the guy's crisp, wavy dark hair with a hint of auburn to it.  It was then she noticed that for once she wasn't craning her neck; he can't be more than five-ten, she estimated, using her powers of observation.  There's something different about him?  Is it his costume, or maybe I mean the lack of costume. Is he wearing a costume? Trixie wondered as she mentally checked off the components of his outfit.

Wearing a scruffy pair of deck shoes, a white sweater vest, khaki colored slacks and a pale blue, short-sleeved polo shirt, he appeared to be dressed for sailing.

“So how do we find out?” Trixie asked him deciding to ask him later if he were in costume or not.

“Oh!  So you're a truth seeker, I see.”  The stranger looked around with an exaggeratedly furtive manner.  “I have an idea!” His voice dropped low as he leaned closer to her ear. 

“Yes?” She felt a tingle of excitement that he might help her solve a mystery.

“I'll go ask her.”

Trixie's jaw dropped as he casually made his away across the room.  When he reached the gypsy, he stuck out his hand and spoke to her.

A few minutes later he returned.  “It's quite elementary, my dear Watson,” he grinned at her.  “She's looking for her tea.  She wanted the leaves to tell someone's fortune.”

“Oh!” Trixie smiled at his antics and then held out her hand to him.  “I'm Trixie Belden.  It's nice to meet another enquiring mind.”

“Hey!  You must be Mart and Brian's little sister,” he said.

“Yes, I am,” she admitted.  “I'm afraid you know more about me than I do about you.”

He shook her hand, “Jack.  Jack Whitfield.  Perhaps you would agree to dance with me and we could remedy your lack of knowledge about Jackson Arthur Emerson Whitfield, IV.”

'

The party became a blur as Jack Whitfield did his best to monopolize her time, dancing with her time and again, conversing and drawing her out.  He insisted he was dressed in costume. Early in the evening, he confided that sailing was his passion, and he went out on the water dressed like this on most weekends. She told him of the time they had spent on Cobbett's Island and her own experience with sailing.  He talked of his first sailboat, the Jennie Leigh, and the yet-unnamed one he was planning to build over the course of the next year.

Eventually, they were discovered by her brothers.  Brian, the most tiresome, pulled her aside and began to scold her on her choice of costume.  Finally his girlfriend, Gracie, put a stop to the lecture.

“Brian, you're being ridiculous,” Gracie spoke up.  “Trixie looks cute.  She's one of the cutest witches here.  If you think her costume is too, well… sexy, then I guess I'll go and get changed as well.”  Her laughing blue eyes dared him to challenge her.

“Well, if you think so, Gracie.  Your costume is absolutely perfect.  You still haven't told me what you're wearing under the lab coat,” he crooned into her ear.

“I've told you, sweetheart, it's just a little something, practically nothing…” she teased with a wink at Trixie as she steered Brian away.

Mart had given her a strange look up and down before taking a deep breath and apparently deciding to ignore the fact that his little sister was one of the sexiest girls at the party.  “So, Jack. I see you met my little sister.” His tone was almost threatening, so much so that Trixie pulled him to one side and asked if there was anything she needed to know about Jack Whitfield.

No,” Mart shook his head.  “Look, just be careful, okay?  I don't know him very well at all.  He graduated in May, same as Jim and Brian, but he's still hanging around campus and I don't know why.”

“Is he working on a graduate degree?” she pushed.

Mart shrugged.  “Honestly, Trix – it hasn't come up.  Ask him yourself what he's doing.  I figured him for law school, I'm pretty sure he was a history major or maybe even pre-law.”

However, before the night was over it was Honey and Di who enlightened her on exactly who Jack Whitfield was.

“Trixie! Honey squealed.  “You've danced with Jack Whitfield all night.  I think he has a thing for you!”

“Do you know him?” Claudia asked before Trixie could open her mouth.

“Of course,” Honey responded promptly.  “Jackson Arthur Emerson Whitfield, IV is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Jackson Arthur Emerson Whitfield III, Mrs. Whitfield, nee Carswell is the daughter of Horace Tennyson Carswell, the industrial magnate.  Mr. Whitfield number three is the only son of Whitfield two and heir apparent to the Whitfield-Eastman fortune.  They come from a long line of tycoons and each generation has always had a goal to double the family fortune.”

“You mean he's one of your rich boys, a trust fund brat?” Trixie exclaimed in dismay.

Honey nodded.  “I'm not sure if he's a brat.  He graduated with Jim this past summer.  I'm sure his father is planning for him to go into the family business.”  Honey frowned, “In fact, I would have figured him for Harvard this fall.”

“Maybe he didn't get in,” Diana suggested.

Honey shook her head, “Doubt it.  He wouldn't need financial aid.  But maybe he's taking a year off between college and graduate school.  Haven't you asked him yet, Trixie?”

Trixie shook her head, “No, I haven't really had a chance, he's been --”

“Hey!  There you three are!  I've been looking for you all night.”  A familiar husky voice interrupted her explanation.

Trixie turned, flushing a bit.  “Jim, do you remember my roommate Claudia Blackston?”

“Of course, and here I thought we were being visited by Dorothy!  Welcome to our humble, yet haunted party!” Jim replied, waving an arm.  “Are you having a good time, do you need anything?”

“Thanks, I'm having a blast.  I just adore costume parties!” Claudia replied, twirling.  “What do you think of Trixie's costume?  I designed it as well.”

Jim turned to study Trixie's costume, as yet his eyes hadn't made it past her eyes, they seemed different tonight.  He just caught the low-cut bodice, when she turned to look him in the eye.  He managed to keep his jaw from dropping, but only just.

He swallowed a drink of his beer before responding.  “You have quite a talent for costumes.  Trixie, would you like to dance?”

Before she could reply, they were interrupted by Jack Whitfield. “Hey!  I think she promised me the next dance!”

Trixie was the only one who failed to notice the murderous look in Jim's eye. “Hello, Jack,” he said in a voice that was obviously strained.

“Great party, Jim!  Come on pumpkin, let's dance!” Jack led Trixie out onto the dance floor.

“Well, Claudia – what do you say we make a twirl of it?” Jim asked giving a slight bow.

“Delighted, Sir James.  And might I say your own costume is quite magnificent.  You are aptly garbed for rescuing any damsels in distress.”

Jim quirked an eyebrow at Claudia, but said nothing as they started to dance.  When the song ended and the music changed to a slow number, Jim bowed and they continued dancing.  As the neared Trixie and Jack, Claudia whispered in Jim's ear.  “You could always cut in on them, you know.”

He gave her a piercing look, but shook his head.

She sighed and shook her head back at him.  “Fair knight, ye will rue your lack of gumption yet.”  Pulling away, she tapped Trixie on the shoulder.

“Excuse me, Trixie the Wicked Witch of Georgetown, but I should like an opportunity to dance with your latest conquest.  I see you had great success with your love potion, but I have yet to dance with this sailor!”

Trixie's glare was fulminous, but she graciously moved into Jim's arms.

“I'm sure glad you and Claudia could come this weekend,” Jim said, mentally kicking himself for his lame conversation.

“It's a great party.  I can't believe how much money we've raised for cancer research,” Trixie replied.

Jim gave a half-shrug.  “Yeah, it just kind of worked out.  So, where did you meet Jack?”

“Here, at the party tonight,” she answered.  “He's really funny.  He has a different way of looking at things.”

“Yeah, I can imagine,” Jim said as he glanced down at Trixie's low cut top, wondering how much Jack had been looking.

“I haven't seen your date yet tonight,” Trixie said coolly.  “Didn't Bethany come with you?”

“She's around here somewhere,” Jim didn't bother to correct Trixie's assumption that Bethany was his date.  As if I would be crazy enough to hook up with her.   She had a whole set of issues he wasn't interested in getting embroiled in; the first was trying to steal other girl's boyfriends.  He also didn't tell Trixie, that she hadn't seen much of Bethany because Bethany had been busy flirting with Honey's date.

“Where are you girls staying tonight?” he asked.

“At your parents place,” she replied.  “We'll hook back up with you guys tomorrow morning.  Moms is expecting us all for lunch with Miss Trask. Everyone is still planning on going to visit Miss Trask, right?”

“You bet, I'm glad your Mom changed it from  a late brunch to a late lunch!” He grinned.  “I don't think any of us are going to be very excited tomorrow morning.”

“Hmmm, you're probably right,” Trixie agreed.

Jim's hands moved to slide down Trixie's arm, noticing that it was decorated with a plethora of silver bangles.  He fleetingly wondered what she had done with the silver bracelet he had given her.  I would have given a lot to have seen that bracelet on her arm.  Taking a deep breath, Jim decided to ask.  “Say, Trixie.  Whatever happened to that--”

“Trixie, baby!” Jack interrupted since both Jim and Trixie had failed to realize the song had ended.  “Let's go get something to drink.  Great party, Jim!”

Trixie stopped and shook his hand off for a second, looking at Jim.  “What were you saying, Jim?”

“It's nothing, Trixie.  Go ahead and grab a drink.  I'll catch up with you later.”

Trixie turned and let Jack guide her to the side.  She glanced back at the dance floor and noticed Jim watching her progress.  I have the strangest feeling that I should go back and insist he tell me whatever he was trying to say.  She shook her head, as if to clear the feeling, and only caught glimpses of Jim for the rest of the evening.”

It was well after the witching hour of midnight when Jack insisted on escorting Trixie and Claudia back to their rooms.  Claudia slipped inside immediately, leaving Trixie to say goodnight to her new friend.

“I was wondering something, Watson,” Jack said carefully as he studied her. 

“Hmm, what's that?”

“Are you going to ask me in, tonight?”

“No.”

“I didn't think so,” he sighed.  “Can I ask you something else?”

“I don't know.  That's two questions, already.  Three's the limit for the first time a boy takes me home.” She smiled bewitchingly at him.

His mouth dropped to protest, when he realized he had indeed asked two questions. “Do you believe in love at first sight?” he murmured, stroking the side of her cheek.

“Yes.” She remembered a hot July day many summers earlier.

“I didn't,” he admitted.  “At least not before tonight.  Just because you're not asking me in doesn't mean I'm not going to hook up with you again.”

“We'll see.” She was noncommittal.  I bet that's his usual line.

Just wait,” he said, kissing her nose.  “You'll be seeing me again, you can bet on it.”

'

Trixie groaned as she opened one eye and looked at the clock.  It was already eight and they had to be at the train station in an hour.  She and Claudia had still been up talking when Honey and Diana arrived back at the penthouse, and the four of them had talked far into the wee hours.  All three of her friends swore that Trixie had a new conquest. 

By the time all four of them were ready, they discovered none of them knew exactly where they were supposed to meet the boys.  Honey and Di both thought they were to rendezvous at the guy's apartment. Trixie and Claudia were certain that the train station was the meeting place.  They finally decided that Honey and Di would go ahead to the train station and get their tickets.  Trixie and Claudia would swing by the apartment and make sure the male Bob-Whites were awake, ready, and not waiting on the girls.

Trixie and Claudia headed out.  “I think I'll give the boys a call and make sure they aren't already at the station.” Trixie grabbed her cell phone and arrowed through the numbers pressing the button that auto-dialed Jim's cell.  It was answered instantly.

“Hello.”  Bethany's voice!   Trixie froze, unable to move or speak. 

“Hello?”

Trixie pushed the phone at Claudia.  “It's Bethany, she answered Jim's phone!” she hissed in panic.

Claudia's eyes widened as she snatched the phone from Trixie.  “Hello, is Jim available?”

“Um, Jim's not available right now, could I take a message?”

“Well, is he awake yet?” Claudia asked.

“Who is this?” Bethany demanded.  “It's none of your business if Jim is awake yet or not.”

“Right, well… no message.” Claudia ended the call, and looked at Trixie's stricken face.   “Trixie,” she warned.  “It's probably not what you're thinking.”

“Oh?” Trixie stared at Claudia, her eyes suspiciously bright.  ‘It's probably exactly what I'm thinking.”  She took a deep breath before taking the phone from Claudia and dialing Brian's number. 

'

Jim was mystified at the cold shoulder he was getting from Trixie.  He had tried to talk with her as they hurried to the train station, but she seemed intent on prying every detail about Jack Whitfield from Mart and Dan.  Even Claudia seemed suddenly distant.  At the station everyone seemed immersed in conversations that excluded him; he wandered down the platform alone. 

He desperately wanted to talk to Trixie about seeing Miss Trask.  About how much he hated cancer and how it had destroyed his family.  Thinking he heard a voice he spun around, but no one was there.  With a shake of his head, he continued his musing.  On more than one occasion he had second-guessed his career choice of education and considered medicine, with a specialty in oncology.  Being surrounded by all that  sickness and death, I would become someone else, someone different.  No, I need to be around kids and I need to be able to be outdoors…  Is someone crying? He wondered as he heard the soft cry again.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, Jim wondered about Trixie and Jack Whitfield.  He didn't like the fact that Whitfield seemed so enamored of his special girl.  He shook his head; there was that noise again.

He had heard it twice before, and it sounded like a girl crying.  He walked around the area, but there was no place big enough for a human to be that he couldn't see.  Finally sitting on the bench, he pushed a hand through his hair in frustration.  Then the noise came through plainly.  Kneeling in front of the bench he could see it, huddled in the back corner, it was blending in with the legs of the bench and the station house and seemingly wedged behind a huge terracotta flower pot.  While trying to tempt it out, when he heard the train whistle.

“Jim.”

He jumped, as he hadn't heard anyone approach.

“The train's almost here, what are you looking at?”

He looked up at Honey.  “It's a kitten.  I think it might be hurt.”

“Oh!”  Honey loved cats, but would be sneezing her head off if she touched the kitten.  “Let me get someone to help you.” She hurried away.

“One of the girls!” he called after her.  “I need someone with a small hand!”  A small sturdy hand would be perfect, he thought staring at Honey's retreating back.  Jim didn't want to scare the kitten, but felt certain that if he didn't rescue it, the chances for its survival would be slim.

“Need some help?” Trixie's voice was polite but distant.

“Yeah, I can't get my hand back in the crevice.  Yours might be small enough.  But be careful, Trixie, don't get scratched or bitten.  Why don't you use my--”

 Trixie interrupted him.  “Okay, I see how it's stuck back there.  I can get it, just unzip your jacket, I'm going to stuff it in there and then you zip it up so we can smuggle it on the train.”

Jim looked at her in astonishment.  “We can't take it on the train.  They don't allow--”

“Jim!” She exclaimed.  “What are we doing here if we're not taking it with us?  Hurry up, unzip your jacket, they're already boarding.”

Jim obeyed, holding his breath as she reached for the kitten.  In a matter of seconds, she had the now-squirming and howling kitten by the scruff of its neck, and snuggled it close to her chest, speaking softly. 

“Are you ready?” She scanned the area to see if anyone was watching them. “I think it'll work.  It's more scared than anything.”  She handed the kitten off to Jim, who placed it in the inner pocket of his jacket.  It just fit and he managed to fasten the zipper.

“Stay close!  It's wiggling and I'm going to get some funny looks,” Jim pleaded, as he grabbed her elbow with one hand and cuddled the kitten through his jacket with the other.

Trixie nodded.  They managed to grab two seats in the same car with the others without attracting any undue attention.  Trixie wasn't pleased to have Jim as her seat mate, but at least the kitten seemed to relieve the strain she felt at being so close to him.

Jim had the window seat and Trixie served as the lookout.  Once the coast was clear, Jim gingerly extracted the tiny kitten, cuddling it in the crook of his arm.  It was a beautiful creature, coal black, mixed with a few patches of white and orange.  Its black nose had a narrow streak of orange, and the pads of its feet were speckled with pink.  The tip of its tail and the two back feet looked as if they had been dipped in orange paint while its belly was almost entirely white. 

“It'll be a girl,” Jim murmured, tracing the calico markings.  “It's very rare for male cats to have that coloring.”

“Well, look and see,” Trixie was impatient.  “We have to know before we can name it.”

“We're naming it?” he stared at her.

“Well of course, we are.” She returned his surprised look.  “If Regan doesn't want it in the stable, I'm sure Moms and Dad will let it have a home at the farm.  It's our kitten now, the Bob-Whites'.  We rescued it.”

“Here, it's your kitten,” Jim handed it to her. “You're the one that rescued it.”

“But Jim, you found it!” she protested, cuddling the tiny, soft animal close.

“You're the witch and you need a Halloween cat,” Jim's gaze was fixed on Trixie's face.   A diamond ring, an orchid, a silver bracelet and now a kitten – that's pretty much everything I've given her, except my heart…   I just wish I knew for certain that she wanted it.

“We can't have pets in the dorm.” Trixie's protests continued, although she stroked the kitten and it purred contentedly for the first time, kneading its paws into her leg.

Well, your parents and Bobby will take care of it while you're at school.  What are you going to name it?”

Trixie studied the kitten.  “Are you sure it's a girl?”

“Positive.”

“Then its name is Harriet, but I'm going to call her Harry for short.”

“Harriet?  What kind of name is that?” Jim was puzzled.  “I would've bet you were going to name her Agatha or maybe Lucy.”

“Harriet is for Harriet the Spy,” Trixie replied loftily.  “Not to mention I like the idea of Harry the Halloween Cat.”

Jim nodded, a lopsided grin on his face.  I wasn't too far off; she did pick a detective kind of character.  Wonder who Harriet the Spy is?

Before long, the kitten made the rounds of the Bob-Whites with the exception of Honey.  Mart had suggested giving the kitten to Miss Trask as a get-well gift, but Trixie had demurred.  “We don't want her to think she has to accept it,” Trixie argued.  “I think she's more of a dog person.  She was always pretty fond of Patch.  But if she wants it, then of course we'll let her have it.”  Jim gave me the kitten and… She couldn't justify why it was important for her to keep the kitten, so she kept this thought to herself.

“Trixie!” Moms exclaimed as she saw the ball of fur nestled in her daughter's arms.  “Where on earth did you get that kitten?”

“Jim found it,” Trixie replied.  “He rescued it from the train station.”

“I see.”  Trixie's mother looked at Jim with curiosity.  His innocent eyes met her own.

We couldn't leave it there, Mrs. Belden,” he told her respectfully.  “But Trixie's leaving out her part.  She's actually the one who managed to get it out from behind the planter where it was stuck.  That's why I told her it was her cat.”

“Actually, we wondering if Miss Trask might want a kitten,” Trixie interrupted hastily, turning to glance at Miss Trask.  Please say no, please say no… she thought, studying the older woman.

“Oh!  Normally I would love to have a kitten,” Miss Trask answered, as she reached out a tentative hand to stroke the ball of fur.  “But since I'm starting chemo soon, it's not such a good idea.  Besides, I've got Patch to keep me company as long as Jim's in school.”

Trixie sighed with relief, and gave her friend a grateful look.  “That's fine Miss Trask.  I'll just keep Harry then.  That is -- if Moms and Dad will let her stay here while I'm at school.”

Helen and Peter eyed each other.  “Of course, Trixie.  There's not much trouble a little kitten like that can get into around here.  Besides, Bobby will help us take care of it, won't you, Bobby?”

“I thought you said it was named Harry, Trixie,” Bobby complained.  “But you just said it was a her.  Harry is a boy's name.”

“Harry is short for Harriet,” Trixie explained to her younger brother. “Will you to help, Bobby?  You won't leave all the work to Moms?”

“I'll help,” he promised. 

The late brunch was served and conversation was lively as the group discussed plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  The Belden Thanksgiving Day Open House would be a welcome relief from the intense studying of the coming month, and each Bob-White promised to attend. Trixie glanced at the clock on the wall. “Claudia and I need to leave soon,” Trixie said.  “We have to catch the five o'clock train back to school.  We'll be getting in pretty late as it is.”

Trixie told her kitten good-bye after insuring it had a soft cushion in her old room for sleeping.  There were many hugs for Miss Trask, who promised to keep all of them updated on her condition.

“Don't be surprised when you're  home at Thanksgiving,” she warned them.  “I've already decided I'm not going to do a wig.  Grace Wheeler insists that I should at least try a few styles, but I just don't think I want to go that way.”  

The young people nodded.  They understood that Miss Trask would spend several months feeling very sick before she was better.

Don't worry, Miss Trask.”  Trixie hugged her again.  “Mr. Lytell won't care if you're wearing a wig or not.”

“Trixie!” her mother admonished.

Margery Trask laughed as she returned the hug.  “That's okay, Helen.  Trixie doesn't realize that I don't care if Mr. Lytell cares or not!”

The ride back to the city was the last opportunity for the Bob-Whites to be together until Thanksgiving.  This time Trixie managed to sit next to Honey, while Claudia slid into the seat next to Dan.

Claudia, safely away from Trixie's range of hearing, continued her Project Stealth:  Operation Jim Frayne.

“Bethany?  His lab partner?” Dan asked.

“Yes.  Have they been together very long?” Claudia asked innocently.

“No, they're not together at all,” Dan answered.  “Why did you think they were?”

“Oh, just something she said to me,” Claudia answered.  “I'm pretty sure she thinks they're a couple.”

“Listen, Bethany is totally whacked,” Dan told her.  “Jim humors her way too much, we've all told him.  But he's just trying to get through this last lab with her without rocking the boat.  She's always at the apartment, but she's put more moves on Brian than she has on Jim.  That's because Brian has a thing for Gracie Morrison.  Bethany likes to take boyfriends away.  I promise you, Jim would never have anything to do with her.”

“Dan, I think Jim may at least be attracted to her. I mean she's drop dead gorgeous.  She could easily be a model.” Claudia pushed harder.

Dan shook his head.  “No way in hell is Jim going to be attracted to a girl like that.  Can't you see what type he likes?” Dan nodded his head toward Honey and Trixie.  “That boy has only ever liked one girl, but he's so afraid of scaring her away, he won't tell her how he really feels.”

Claudia shook her head sadly, deciding not to tell Dan about Bethany answering Jim's phone that morning.  “She doesn't have the self confidence to see it for herself,” she told him.  “If he doesn't tell her soon, she's going find someone who'll give her what she needs. She's pretty sure that Jim has a thing for Bethany.”

“What does she need?”

“The words, Dan.  Totally unambiguous words about what she means to him.”