Charged~ Electric Book One
Chapter Two~ Socialize

Because Mr. Murphy isone of our favorite teachers, we try hard to match his excitement andenthusiasm for today’s class. He jumps right in, explaining exactly what hashim so pumped up. “Okay, so who can tell me what BioNano has been focusing on,anybody?” I glance around, surprised no one else has the answer. So I shrug andraise my hand, “Yes, Kat.”

“I believe they areleading ground-breaking research on nanotechnology?” This is more of a questionthan an answer.

“Precisely,” Mr. Murphycontinues. “This morning they have released to the scientific community thatthey have had a breakthrough, which they will be announcing shortly, and wewill get to watch history in the making.” He pauses to clean his glasses,another indicator of his excitement. “Since we have some time left, I’m goingto give you a brief background on the company, their research, and what it isgoing to mean for you.

“Since 1996, BioNanohas been a leader in the field of nanotechnology. They mastered many of itsfacets. Without them, all of your smart phones would be nonexistent, and manyother technological advances would not have been possible. After theirsuccesses in technology, they decided to begin research on utilizingnanotechnology for the greater good, such as medical advances. Can anyone tellme what kind of impact this could have if they were successful?”

This is way over myhead. Sure, I have a basic knowledge of it—I’m amazed everyone doesn’t with asmuch as BioNano is in the news. I’m grateful that before Mr. Murphy couldglance in my direction again, Jason pipes up. “They have been working on atomicsized self-replicating nanobots. If they succeed, they will have created a nanobotwith the ability to rearrange a single atom-using its properties to change itto something else. This can be incredibly useful externally, but the real focusis in the medical field. These nanobots will be able to eradicate bacterialinfections, repair damaged tissues and blood cells. The possible advances inmodern medicine will be astounding.”

If Mr. Murphy couldexplode with pride I think he would have. “Perfect, Jason. Any questions,class? I want us all on the same page.”

We all murmur our understanding.Though, I suspect some of us understand more than others.

Brie’s hand shoots upnext to me, and Mr. Murphy nods his head at her. “Mr. Murphy, can’t that bedangerous though?” My best friend, ever the pessimist; leave it to her to argueagainst anything. “I mean, what is going to keep these things in line? Are theygoing to make nano-police?”

Mr. Murphy chuckles.“Great question, Brie. Yes, there is a danger factor, but each nanobot isspecifically designed to do a specific task: no more, no less.”

My eyebrows raise and Iinadvertently say, “What’s to keep them from manipulating themselves aroundthis safety measure?”

Mr. Murphy claps hishands together and points at me. “And therein lies the problem. That’s a validconcern, and something I believe they will be addressing in today’s pressconference, which will be starting soon.” He glances at the clock on the wall.“If you need a drink or to use the restroom, please do so now. I want all of usto see the entire presentation if possible.”

During our short break,Brie turns to me. “So, how was your walk this morning?”

I feel my face warm andmy heartbeat accelerates. “It rocked. I keep waiting for something to happen,though. Girls like me can never hold the attention of a guy like Mason forlong.”

Brie shakes her head atme. “I don’t want to hear any of that nonsense.” She waves a finger in my face.“You know how I feel about your lack of self-esteem. I’m just shocked Mason is the first guy to notice.”

I stick my tongue outat her, but I’m saved from replying by the lights dimming and Mr. Murphycalling our attention to the television. It starts with a brief history ofBioNano, the company’s founders, and their recent advances in technology. Whenthe short film is over, the camera focuses on an older gentleman behind apodium. His name is listed below as Dr. Harris, and he jumps full speed aheadinto explaining their newest, self-replicating nanobots, and what this willmean for our medical community and beyond.

“Imagine being able toreset atoms as we need to, being able to change and remap atoms as we need to.This means we can create water from sand, or manipulate carbon into diamonds.An oil spill will no longer require months of cleanup and have such damagingeffects on our environment. We can now utilize our nanotechnology to changethese damaging atoms back into the natural elements they were prior to anyaccident.

“This stands true forthe use of nanotechnology in medicine. Gone are the days where tissue takesweeks to repair itself, where we lose lives to bacterial infections. We areeven able to regenerate tissue, giving us the power to regrow lost limbs. Thisis the medical advance we’ve been striving for, and I’m proud to announce thatour day is here.”

We watch the rest ofthe special broadcast, and some of the same questions we had get answered.Something still bothers me, though. Dr. Harris is so quick to deem this newtechnology as safe. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great and all…if it doeswhat they say, how they say. Mr. Murphy switches off the television and flicksthe classroom lights back on. “How cool is that, guys?” Collectively theclassroom hums in excitement. “Well, I have even more exciting news for you. Wewill be taking a tour of the BioNano facilities this Friday, and you will allget a chance to see nanotechnology in action, first hand. This will be anall-day trip, permission slips on my desk.”

Brie turns to me, “Iwill take a Friday field trip anytime, even if it means going to Frankenstein’sfactory.”

I make a face at her.“I think it will be interesting. And yes, a Friday field trip is kickass,regardless.”

We make our way intothe congested hallway. Our high school has the typical institutional feel. Twostories: the large brick rectangle houses grades nine through twelve. Theinside walls are aquamarine, the floors tan pebbled tile, the lockers paintedfire-engine red, and typical high school flyers, posters and art dominate theinterior walls. There’s nothing outstanding about its appearance, but we makeit work.

Brie and I spilt up. Mystomach flutters at the thought of seeing Mason again in Calculus. I replace himwaiting, sitting in the seat next to the one I was in yesterday. I shyly smileand his brilliant, brain numbing grin is my reward. I manage to catch myself beforetripping over the last desk in the row, marking the journey to my seat anoverall success. I compose myself under the pretense of settling in and gettingout my textbook and notes.

When I’ve gatheredenough courage, I give him my best smile. “How’s your morning going?” I ask.

He gives me asmoldering look. My heart begins to race, and I almost miss him say, “Mymorning just got better.” He follows this with another grin which leaves megaping at him before he continues, “How about you?”

I shake my head minutelyto clear the fog, not missing his small chuckle. “My morning was good. Did youhear about the field trip on Friday yet?” Mason shakes his head so I give him abrief rundown before the bell rings. We both focus on Ms. Nahlik (a necessaryevil in Calculus) and don’t chat again until the end of class.

Maybe it’s because myodds are improved or because Brie and Mason are flanking me. Perhaps Kieradidn’t feel like it. Today, I brushed past Kiera and her minions with only asnarky look between us. We grab a table in the lunchroom, still attractingattention but not quite as much as yesterday. I’m sure everyone expected Masonto fall in line at Kiera’s table. She obviously had, as she glares openly atme. I roll my eyes, shifting my gaze from her to Brie and Mason.

“I’m grabbingsomething,” Brie says, getting out of her chair. “You want anything?”

I shake my head. All ofthis extra attention is making me queasy. “I’m good, thanks.”

Mason shifts a littlecloser to me. “You look a little…panicked, you alright?”

Blushing, I lower myhead and let my hair shield my face. “Everyone is staring at us. It makes me alittle uneasy.”

He smirks. “Says thesinger. So, what, you’re saying that you don’tlike to be watched?”

I shake my head. “It’sdifferent when I’m playing music. I’m preoccupied with the guitar, singing, andBrie’s rhythm in my ears. But this is awkward: people just gawking at us for noapparent reason.”

“I guess I can see thedifferentiation.” He glances around. “I suppose we are attracting a bit of attention.They’ll get over it, eventually.”

I shrug. “I hope so.”

By the time Fridayarrives, my life feels a bit surreal. I blame it on Mason, and part of me waitsfor him to realize that I am a totalloser and run off. Brie keeps telling me I’m nuts, and it’s about time that aguy picked up on how great I am. In my opinion she’s just biased.

We are all excited togo on our field trip. We pile onto the buses in a flurry of chatter andmovement. It feels good that Mason weaseled his way onto our bus and into ourgroup. He was supposed to stay with his class, but Mr. Murphy gave himpermission to stay with us. I have to remember to do something nice for Mr.Murphy in return.

The field trip consistsof two parts. The morning classes (and Mason) will first see the presentationwhile the afternoon classes take the tour. Then we will switch off. Mr. Murphysticks with our group, the substitute Biology teacher, Mr. Williams, stays withthe other group. They’re both great teachers, but Mr. Murphy’s excitement is waymore fun than Mr. Williams’ stoicism.

The presentation issimilar to what we learned in class. The three of us manage to pay attention,though I have to smack Brie’s arm a couple times for making faces. She leans intowards the end. “Not for nothing,” she whispers, “but I still have yet to hearhow they plan on keeping these things in line.”

I nod my agreement, andtry to focus on the rest of the presentation. Brie has a good point. Don’t getme wrong, everything they are showing to us is very exciting. It’s really lifechanging for every person. I’m just waiting to see the checks and balances theyhave in place. I’m also a firm believer that when something sounds too good tobe true, it probably is.

We take a break to eatour bagged lunches before we start the tour. Brie, Mason and I dump out ourpaper sacks, trading food until we are all happy with our choices. Mason takesa swig of his soda before he says, “I replace it a little creepy,” he takesanother swig, “that if I go break my arm in a month, they’re going to put thislittle robot inside me to fix me. I’d feel violated.”

Brie laughs, “I agree,it’s creepy. Just wait until they start using them for other things.”

My brow furrows as Ilook at her. “Like what?” I ask.

She swallows a bite ofher sandwich before answering. “Think about it, Kat. How long until they startusing them to gather information on everybody? Or using them to control people?I’m telling you, this is some freaky shit right here.”

Mr. Murphy passes byour table to throw away whatever was left of his lunch. I flag him down. “Mr.Murphy, during our tour, are they going to touch on the safety measures forthis new technology?”

“Good question, Kat.I’ll make you a deal. My good friend is the lead scientist in that department.If we can’t get you any answers on the tour, then I will take you three for aprivate Q&A session while everyone else visits the gift shop.”

I ignore the fact thatI think it’s odd for such a major company to have a gift shop, “That’d be cool,Mr. Murphy. Thanks!”

With that, Mr. Murphycalls us to order and we all fall into line for the tour. We are shown to adisplay area, filled with glass cases depicting different stages and advancesin nanotechnology. Our tour guide speaks, monotonously, regarding the company’shistory as we roam through the display cases. Brie, Mason and I goof off alittle, but not enough that I don’t process what I’m seeing and hearing aboutthe company’s history.

One glass case catchesmy eye. I stop and lean in for a closer look. It shows magnified pictures ofnanobots self-replicating. The card states: ‘Productive nanosystems are"systems of nanosystems" which will be complex nanosystems thatproduce atomically precise parts for other nanosystems, not necessarily usingnovel nanoscale emergent properties, but well—understood fundamentals ofmanufacturing.’

I imagine theastounding rate they can mass produce. These microscopic inventions are almostGod-like in a sense. They can manipulate atoms (the basic makeup of everythingon this planet) into whatever they want or need and then regenerate themselves.Maybe Brie isn’t as pessimistic as I first thought…and she’s right to be soskeptical.

My internal monologueis interrupted by the herding of everyone into the next area. Mason grabs myhand to pull me along, and to my delight doesn’t release it. I tell myself tolighten up, and enjoy the day. It’s not like it’s my responsibility to save theworld from nanobots. I’m sure they pay someone very handsomely to worry aboutit.

Mr. Murphy keeps hispromise. At the end of our tour he leads us to meet his friend and colleagueDr. Julian Ford. Dr. Ford is younger and more handsome than I expected. Helooks to be in his twenties, and has blond hair and piercing blue eyes setbehind thin rimmed glasses. Even Brie is a bit flustered, which never happens. He extends his hand firstto Mr. Murphy, then to the rest of us.

“It’s good to see youagain, John.” Dr. Ford says.

“You too, Julian.Please meet Kat, Brie and Mason. Brie and Kat have some questions for youregarding the safety measures in place for these new nanobots.”

Dr. Ford smiles at us.“You know, most adults don’t even think ahead to the possible ramifications ofnanotechnology. I think it’s great you guys are doing it on a high schoollevel. What’s your main concern?”

Brie jumps right in.“Utter world domination? I mean, what’s to stop them from taking overeverything?”

Leave it to Brie tolighten the mood. Dr. Ford chuckles as he replies. “A valid concern, guys.Every nanobot is designed to have a specific focus, so the first safety featureis proper usage.”

“What about humanerror?” Brie counters.

“Well, that’s thereason it’s only the first precaution. The nanobots will also require an energysource. Other factors come into play too, such as environmental stresses. Andfinally, we’ve created them to be self-limiting. They would still be in need ofmaterials that they require for consumption—all outside parameters we control.”

Brie seems to thinkthis over while Mason pipes in. “See ladies, they’ve got this under control.”

I smack his arm. “Thankyou for taking the time to answer our questions Dr. Ford.”

Brie starts, “Yeah,thanks, I feel a bit better now. Not completely,” she grins, “but better.”

“I’m happy to help.”Dr. Ford holds his hand out to Mr. Murphy again, “John, not so long next time;stop by anytime.”

Mr. Murphy shakes hishand. “I’ll stop by again soon, Julian. Thanks, again.” He turns to us. “Wehave to get going, before we miss the buses.”

I can’t help being alittle excited when I wake up the next morning. It’s not only Saturday, butit’s also finally the day I turn seventeen. This means my mother’s requirementsto attain a learner’s permit are finally met, which I will be doing first thingafter school on Monday. I’ve been waiting for this day for over two years now:ever since my mom made it known I had to be seventeen to drive. Thank goodnessBrie has had wheels (albeit sporadically) for the past year.

If I’m being honestwith myself, I should fess up to the fact that I’m also excited to spend theday with Mason, and go to the party Brie is planning tonight. I have no ideawhat Mason has in store for me. I attempted to pry it out of him, but herefuses to give me even a hint regarding today’s activities. I try to figure itout as I make my way downstairs for my mom’s annual birthday breakfast. Eversince my dad left (when I was only about a year old), my mom and I have beenour own little family. As a nurse, she works crazy hours, and to accommodatethings like birthdays and holidays we celebrate with breakfast. As soon as Iwas old enough a clean house and a full fridge are ensured. We make a goodteam, my mom and me.

The kitchen smellsheavenly—a mixture of maple syrup and bacon. My mom is flipping the last of thepancakes. She greets me with a big smile, “Happy birthday, Kat!”

I give her a hug.“Thanks, Mom. It smells great in here.” I take my seat at the table and have asip of the orange juice she put out for me.

“It’s tradition, afterall. Except now, you’re the one with the busy evenings.” I can tell by hersmile that she doesn’t think of this in a bad way.

“I really can stay homeif you want.” This is the zillionth time I’ve offered.

“Don’t be silly. Gohave fun,” she wheels around and points the spatula at me, “but not too muchfun.”

I smile. “I’ll be sureto have balanced fun. I promise.”

My mom sits down,placing the plate of pancakes on the table. “So, when are you going to get yourpermit?”

I smile. She knows mewell, “First thing after school on Monday.”

“Good luck.” She smilesback. “Do you think you’re ready?”

I fight not to roll myeyes. “Mom, I’ve been ready for overa year now.”

She’s acting verystrange—impish almost. “I thinkyou’re ready.” Her Cheshire cat grin is still firmly in place as she lights thecustomary candle and sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to me. I blow out the candle andbegin eating, still a little suspicious.

We joke and tease as weeat. We’ve always gotten along well. After we finish, my mom looks at me, herhands wet from dishes. “Can you see if there are any clean dish towels in thedryer for me?”

I head to the garage,where the washer and dryer reside. Flicking on the wall switch, I open the doorand take one step in before noticing something. My mom drives a red SUV. Thisolder blue sedan I’m seeing is definitely not hers. Puzzled, I turn around toreplace her right behind me. “Happy Birthday, baby, do you like it?” She looksanxious.

I’m literallyspeechless, so I wrap my arms around her and hug her tightly.

“I take it that meansyou like it?” I nod. “Good. Now, there are a few rules that go with it, and nodriving it until you’re licensed. We can discuss the rules after you pass yourroad test.”

I release her and thewords come out in a slightly garbled rush. “Mom, it’s awesome. You totallydidn’t have to do that. Thank you, very much.”

“Well, I couldn’t seeany other way around it. You deserve it. Just don’t abuse it.”

“I won’t,” I promise.Wait until I tell Brie and Mason!

By the time I’mshowered and dressed, Brie is sitting on my bed. She is in full on excited—Briemode, bouncing up and down and talking so fast that I’m basically gaping at herand wondering how she’s breathing. I attempt to keep up as she prattles onabout tonight’s party. I know she has secured her uncle’s lake house for theevent. I have no doubt that Brie has put together the party of year. I’m halfexcited and half nervous when she tells me that the band is going to let usplay a few songs. I hadn’t even been thinking about performing tonight.

When she has it all outof her system I look at her. “Want to see something awesome?” Not waiting foran answer, I grab her hand and lead her to the garage. Flicking on the light, Ipull her through the door. “Check this out!”

Brie’s reaction issimilar to mine, but she recovers much more quickly. “Is that what I think itis?” I nod. “Holy flipping crap, Kat, you have a car! This is epic!”

“I know. My mom got megood, too. And I can’t really drive it yet, obviously, but I still love that Ihave it.”

My cell goes off in mypocket. I grab it and read a text from Mason, wishing me a Happy Birthday andseeing if I’m up. I tell him to come on over. Brie sees my smile and can’tresist teasing me. “I can tell by your goofy smile who that must have been. Let me guess, he’s on his way.”

“Yep, I’m surprised heisn’t here yet.” I say as we go back into the kitchen and glance out the backpatio doors. “It’s just a yard after all.”

Brie sits at the table,and grabs an apple from the fruit bowl. She spins it in her hands. “You guysare getting kind of serious, huh?”

I shrug. “I guess so.It’s not like I really have anything to base it on. And it’s only been a week.”

Brie rolls her eyes. “Aweek maybe, but I can tell you both have it bad. I’m happy for you.”

A knock at the doorgrabs my attention. I see Mason and my heart races at the sight of him. Whileinviting him in I think about the past week. It’s certainly been a newexperience for me. Not only do I have a cute guy who seems to like me, he’salso the boy next door. This makes him astonishingly available. We have exuberantlytaken advantage of our mutual availability.

Spending so much freetime together over the past week with Mason has been more surreal to me thananything. I know the next step, logically, is to have him meet my mom. Whileshe’s a bit eccentric, she’s no dummy, and I can tell by her looks of late thatshe has been noticing the subtle changes in me. It’s a situation I’ve beenavoiding, but I know it has to be addressed soon. It’s not that I don’t thinkthey’ll get along, I’m more worried about being embarrassed. Horriblyembarrassed.

Brie winks at me asMason walks in. “Hey, Mason.”

He nods at her, “Hey,Brie.” He turns to me and smiles, “Happy birthday, Kat.”

My cheeks flush.“Thanks, Mason.” I take a quick moment to compose myself. “What did you guys wantto do until the party?”

Unsure if it’s myimagination, for a split-second I think I see a look pass between the two ofthem. I’m not able to even confirm it in my mind, when Brie says, “Actually,you two are on your own. I have a lotto do today.”

I instantly feel guiltyfor not being more proactive with the party plans. “Do you need help?”

She gapes at me inhorror. “Absolutely not! It’s your birthday, and you need to go have fun.” Shehugs me. “I’ll be back later so we can get ready together.”

“Bye, Brie.” Mason andI call as she walks out.

Mason looks at me. Ican’t help but smile as I say, “What do you want to do?”

I squeal when he grabsme. “Well, first I want to give you your present.” A small box appears in hishand. I go to grab it, but he holds it just out of my reach. “But before youopen it,” he hesitates, and blushes slightly unless my eyes are deceiving me.“Kat, I’m really happy that I met you a week ago. And that we’re neighbors. Incase you can’t tell, I really like you a lot. I was hoping, that maybe we couldmake it official…so, would you consider being my girlfriend?”

I freeze momentarily ina state of shocked bliss. He looks at me expectantly while I absorb what hejust said. A huge grin breaks across my face, and I throw my arms around hisneck and smack a loud kiss on his mouth. “Yes!” I say exuberantly.

His return grin dazesme again and he uses the moment to kiss me, really kiss me, and when he’s done,all I can do is rest my head on his chest and sigh contently. I feel himchuckle softly, as he lays his head gently on top of mine. “Do you want yourpresent now?”

I giggle. I don’t thinkI’ve ever been quite this happy before. “Yes, please.”

He releases me andhands me my present. I unwrap the metallic blue paper to replace a small box inside.When I snap the lid open I see a pretty silver ring. At first glance, it lookslike a simple band, but closer inspection reveals its many intricatelypatterned bands in one. In the center of the ring, the pattern forms a row ofsmall hearts. I love it immediately, and I fumble to take it out of the box.

Mason takes it from meand gets it out without a problem. He looks a little sheepish. “I had themengrave it, too. I was really hoping you’d say yes.”

I take the ring fromhim and read the inside. It reads ‘To the beginning’ with our initials and thedate. It’s perfect. “Mason, I love it.” I look at him fervently. “Thank you,really.”

He places it on thering finger of my right hand. “It fits! I wasn’t sure that it would. But now wedon’t have to get it sized.”

I admire my new ring,and give Mason another quick kiss to show my appreciation. Then I remember thatI have to show him what’s in the garage. I tug him excitedly to the door. “Ialmost forgot, check this out!” I flick on the light and fling open the door.

His eyebrows shoot upand his mouth drops open. “This is awesome! Your mom surprised you?”

“Yeah, she rocks!” Itoccurs to me this is a good start to anotherconversation. “I think it may be time for you to meet her, right?”

“I’d like that. And Iguess that means I will have to subject you to meeting my parents, too.” Herubs the back of his head. It doesn’t look like he’s any more thrilled than Iam. This makes me smile.

“We’ll just have tomake a pact not to let them get to us.”

Mason looks in my eyes.“Deal! In fact, I think the pact should include more than just potentiallyembarrassing family members. I don’t think we should let anybody get to us.”

Brie flashes through mymind quickly. So far, they’ve gotten along better than I could have ever hoped,but if that ever changes, I can’t leave my best friend in the lurch. “Deal,” Iagree, “but Brie gets special privileges.”

“That goes withoutsaying.” He agrees. “Now, birthday girl, what do you want to do today?”

Talking about nonsense,we spend the mild fall day gazing at the clouds and leaves in my backyard. Brieshows up and demands we get ready. Mason gives me a quick kiss before headingback to his own house. He’ll meet us at Brie’s in an hour, so we can all gotogether. We’re taking Brie’s mom’s car. It’s exciting to think that in a fewmonths, we’ll be able to take mine.

Brie surprises me withmy present. It’s a skirt she knows I’ve been eyeing, and she insists I wear it.I put on my sneakers (I don’t need to fall into the lake at my own party) andlayer a tank top and hoodie to prepare for the chilly night. Our perfume issacrificed for bug spray. You don’t want to mess around with the bugs at thelake. I throw the bottle in my bag—just in case it wears off or some poor soulsforgot theirs. Brie’s full on punk. She’s rocking her skinny jeans and asequined top. Her hair is blue today, and I imagine it’s because she knows it’smy favorite color, to honor my birthday.

“I have some news.” Ismile.

Brie grins at me. “So,you said yes then?”

My mouth drops open,“You knew?”

“Of course I knew,” shelaughs, “he practically begged me to give him some alone time today. I wasn’tabout to give it to him without any explanation.”

“What do you think?”

She turns from themirror we’re using to put on makeup, her eyes softer than usual. “I think it’sgreat, Kat. He’s great. I’m reallyhappy for you.” She turns her attention back to the mirror. “Plus he alreadyknows if he hurts you I’ll kill him.” She flashes me a grin. I laugh. I knowBrie well enough not to get mad. That’s just her.

Before I know it we areback in the yard meeting Mason. He looks great! Before I forget I toss him thebug spray. He shrugs and sprays himself down before handing it back to me. Wepile into Brie’s mom’s car, and I admit to feeling pretty excited. I’m going tomy birthday party, with my best friend and my boyfriend. Life is pretty sweet.

As we approach Brie’suncle’s lake house, my suspicions are confirmed. Brie has definitely gone allout. Uncle Joe’s house is impressive by itself, but add the dance floor, theband, food and lighting and it’s phenomenal. The downstairs kitchen and sittingroom opens directly to the stone patio where all the action is. We park and aregreeted by the man himself. He engulfs me in one of his bear-hugs.

“Happy Birthday, Kat!”He booms, and then holds me at an arm’s length, as though appraising me. “Youdon’t look any older.”

I laugh. “Thanks, UncleJoe, I guess I don’t really feel any older, either.”

Brie clears her throat.“Uncle Joe, this is Mason, Kat’s boyfriend.”

I’m torn at this. I’mthrilled to hear Mason addressed as my boyfriend for the first time out loud,but also a little nervous at Uncle Joe’s reaction to it. If Brie’s protectiveof me, Uncle Joe could be deemed ferocious. He’s been watching Brie and I sincewe were in diapers and feels every bit as responsible for me as he does forher. I give Brie a wide eyed look and she winks at me.

Mason steps forwardwith his hand extended, “Nice to meet you, sir.”

Uncle Joe laughsloudly, as he shakes Mason’s hand. “Nice to meet you, but none of this ‘sir’business, my father was ‘sir’. Joe is fine.”

Mason laughs, “Surething, Joe.”

I turn to Brie. “Whattime is everyone supposed to show?”

She glances at herphone. “The band should be here to warm up any minute. I let them set up thisafternoon to save time. Everyone else’s invite said to show in a half hour.”

That means anytime nowin a town like ours. Uncle Joe makes sure we are settled, before he points tothe downstairs sitting room. He gives Brie and I a significant look. “I’ll bethere, if you need me.” We nod our understanding as the first car pulls in.

It turns out to be theband. They jump right into sound checks and practicing. Before they finish onesong, two more cars have arrived. I wonder if Kiera and her clique will show.Although they hate me, they’re attention whores so I’ll doubt they’ll miss it.

I’m obviously not theonly one impressed with Brie’s handiwork. People begin to arrive—they ‘ooh’ and‘ah’ over her decorations and dance along with the band. The place is packedafter a half hour, and everyone (including myself) appears to be having a goodtime. My happy bubble slightly deflates when Kiera and her friends arrive. Asrude as ever, they ignore us and fall in with their usual crowd. I suppose I’lltake being ignored any day over a confrontation, although I still pick up onthe nasty look Kiera throws my way.

Brie falls into therole of hostess flawlessly. Adamantly refusing any help from me, she overseesthings I never would have thought of, ensuring that the party carries onseamlessly. It doesn’t surprise me because when Brie does something, she goesall out. Mason drags me to the dance floor, and we get lost in the music,making it easy to forget about Kiera and feeling guilty for not being more helpto Brie.

After a short time,Brie is tapping on my shoulder. We follow her to the patio, and as we pass thedrink table I grab a bottle of water. I take a swig and pass it to Mason. “Didyou finally figure out what I can help you with?” I tease Brie.

She grinsmischievously, and I know I’m going to regret asking. “Kat,” she says in asing-song voice, “I checked with the band. During their next break, we’re upfor a few songs.”

I recognize thefamiliar wave of anxiety that always washes over me when I know I’m going toperform: the rush of endorphins and adrenalin. I love the music, and unfortunately, performing it is part of the package.It’s much different in front of a crowd than it is in Brie’s garage. My trickis not to think about it until the last possible second. Then, don’t think atall.