So Complicated

Although the Kansas sun shone down brightly, a cool October wind blew through the college town of Tequila Heights. The trees were straining to keep their green leaves, but already the colors of autumn were dotting the tree tops. As the cold wind gusted toward her, Sally clutched her jacket around her.

"Can you believe this weather? It was a perfect day yesterday." She stated to Daniel, who walked beside her.

"Well, it is Kansas," replied the young man. On campus he always dressed in shirt and pants. It hardly reflected the image of a gardener. 'Dressed for success' he called it. "There is that saying: 'If you dont like the weather, just wait a minute.'"

Sally rolled her eyes. How many times had she heard that before?

"Are you coming over after classes today? I need some help with some biology homework. I've got to classify plants." Sally asked, knowing Daniel, an aspiring botanist, could classify almost any plant on the spot. Plus she loved spending time with him, whatever the occasion. Sometimes she would even help him in the yard or garden on the MacMickle grounds.

"Well, I can't today," Daniel said in a disappointed tone. "I've got a project due tomorrow morning that needs some finishing touches. But I can some over tomorrow afternoon." He gave a little smile, hoping that would be okay.

"Oh, that's fine," Sally said with a smile. "It's not due for awhile, I just wanted to start early."

"Well, I'll talk to you tomorrow at lunch, then. See ya." He waved as he walked away. With a small smile on her lips, Sally watched him continue down the sidewalk. He's the greatest guy, she thought to herself. Then she went inside to class.
- - - - - - - -

As with any other time the crime waves were down, the girls took shifts watching over the city. That night it was Abra's turn. Because of the cold night air, Abra Pirata had added a long black cloak that complimented her pirate ensemble. She had checked the usual high-risk areas with no detection of evil-doing. As she was making her way through campus, a glow from a window caught her eye. The second floor lab room of Johnson Hall was aglow. Abra climbed her way to the second story ledge and peered in. At one of the black surfaced lab tables sat Daniel. Abra glanced at her watch. It was two a.m. Daniel's table was covered in stacked papers. His shirt was un-tucked and his hair was askew from the many times his fingers had run through it in frustration. His head sat in his hands, as he stared at the papers before him, unmoving. Sally thought about going in and giving him some encouragement, but then she remembered she was Abra Pirata at the moment.

Finally, Daniel jotted something quickly on the paper, gathered the stacks together and stuck them in his back pack. Abra watched from outside as he clicked off the light and left. After he exited the building, she followed him. She enjoyed watching him, whether he was mowing the lawn, trimming a tree, or just walking home. Abra watched and followed silently. Daniel stopped and zipped up his jacket to defend himself against the October nights air.

Daniel turned a corner, then took a short cut down a dark alley. As he approached the middle, two figures seemed to materialize out of the shadows in front of him. One was holding a gun. Daniel turned back only to realize that it had been blocked by another shadowy man. He turned back to face the man with the gun.

"C'mon, boy," came the gruff voice of the man with the weapon. "Give us everything you got!" Daniel looked around in horror at the men's shaded faces. All he knew was they were big and one had a deadly weapon.

Before Daniel could even think about handing his wallet over, the large man behind him, whirled him around and shoved him against the building. Daniel hit the bricks hard and instantly toppled over. As he was trying to get up, he heard a dull thud accompanied by an "Uggh" of pain from one of the men. He glanced over to see one of them was lying on the pavement apparently unconscious. He looked up just in time to see a figure unsheath a long sword and knock the gun from the other man's hand in a single gesture. Without the gun, the man charged the much smaller figure. As the man approached at top speed the figure stepped aside and jabbed the handle of the sword at the back of his head. The third man, who had turned his back to Daniel when the figure appeared, stood near by watching his colleagues' downfall. As his accomplice fell to the ground, the man turned to run down the long alley.

Daniel turned toward the figure, who stared intently at the fleeing criminal. Just then a metal trash can flew in front of the fugitive and knocked him over. As he scrambled to his feet another can hit him from behind. He fell forward and lay motionless.

The figure looked at Daniel, and he jumped from tension.

"Are you alright?" came a stern question. Daniel just nodded. He stared at the figure, getting glimpses of details when the figure walked into patches of light in the dark alley. The graceful movements of the figure were definitely feminine. She sheathed her sword and reached into her long black cloak, pulling out some handcuffs. She handcuffed each man to a nearby fire escape. Again she reached inside her cloak, this time pulling out a small phone. She pushed a button.

"Three to pick up for assault, alley between 1342 and 1348 Terrace Street." She stuck the phone back into her long cape.

Daniel stared at her. The top half of her head was covered with a black cloth which knotted behind her head, the tail ends cascading down her shoulders. As she stepped closer, she passed through a patch of light. He could see that her eyes were a beautiful shade of blue. He smiled, for this sword wielding female pirate could only be:

"Abra Pirata." The words came softly off his lips as if he was afraid to speak them.

"Yeah," she gave a small smirk. "If you want to wait for the police, that's fine. But if not, go home, and I'll handle it."

"Abra Pirata," Daniel said more boldly. "I can't believe it's you. Where are the others?" He looked around as if the rest of the crime fighting team would appear as suddenly as she had.

"It's just me," she said. "I've got to go now."

"My name's Daniel." He said abruptly, hoping to strike up a conversation. "I've been a fan, ever since you started showing up in the news."

"I'm very flattered," Abra said flatly. "But I really do have to go." She turned from him.

"Wait, I..." he stuttered for the words. "I have something for you."

A puzzled look graced Abra's face, and she turned around. As she did, Daniel caught her cheek in his hand and pressed his lips to hers. His mouth slowly opened then closed upon hers. She took two steps back, leaving his hand hanging in the air. His eyes were filled with longing, but all she felt at the moment was confusion and fear. She turned and ran.
- - - - - - -

Sally hung her gear on the hook on the inside of her bathroom door, and climbed into her pajamas. As she lay on her bed, she knew she should try to get some sleep before the day of classes that lay ahead. But she couldn't shake the emotions running through her.

She had known Daniel for at least two months now. She knew him better than any guy she had ever known. And although it went unsaid, it was as if they were a couple. They had even almost kissed once. But after that they had never tried to again. And now she felt betrayed in some way.

"Daniel kissed Abra, not me," she told herself. "What does he know of her, besides what was printed in the papers, anyway? Abra's just a fantasy, like an actor or a musician. You can read all the bios and interviews, but you never really know the person. And what you don't know about them, you fill in with the ideal." Sally knew she couldn't compete with a fantasy, even if it was herself.

"But, Oh, that kiss!" It lingered in her mind. It was the greatest kiss she had ever received. It had even come from the guy she had wanted it to come from. "The only problem is, it wasn't meant for me."
- - - - - - - - - -

"Sally..." A voice invaded Sallys sleep. "SALLY! Get up." Tonya's voice awoke the girl. "You're gonna be late." Sally sat up in bed fully awake. She looked at the clock. The glowing numbers read nine ten. Sally sprang out of bed.

"Crap," she stated as she grabbed some clean clothes out of the drawers.

Tonya turned to go. "Do you want me to leave without you?"

"Yeah, go ahead." Tonya shut the door behind her.

Sally threw on some clothes and grabbed up her book bag. She raced to campus, glancing down at her watch. Only five minutes left. Sally flung open the door and ran down the corridor. As she flung open the class door the nine-thirty starting bell rang.
------ - - - - - - -

At ten-twenty the bell rang again. Sally streamed out the door with the rest of her classmates. She needed to get home and take a shower. As she exited Brooks Hall, Daniel was waiting for her.

"Hey, Sally." He exclaimed to get her attention. "Are you ready?"

Sally looked at him, puzzled. And then and there she vowed to just forget the incident the night before.

"Today's Friday." He explained. "We always eat an early lunch together before our 12:30 classes. Did you forget?" He looked at her disbelievingly.

"Oh," Sally remembered, "I guess, I kinda did. Sorry." She bit her lip softly. "I forgot to set my alarm and was almost late to Professor Peach's class, and he locks the door when the bell rings. And I have to go home and take a shower." She saw that he was disappointed. "Well," she added. "Why don't you come with me. My shower won't take long, then we can just scrounge something up from the kitchen."
- - - - - - - - - -

Sally came down the stairs in some fresh clothes, her blonde hair still damp. She walked into the kitchen to find Daniel standing at the counter making sandwiches. She stepped to his side to see his creations.

"You like ham and cheese, right?" he asked, placing the sandwiches on plates.

"Yep," Sally replied. "Milk, pop, lemonade, or water?" she asked as she approached the cupboard and pulled down two glasses.

"Lemonade sounds great." Daniel brought the sandwiches to the small table. Sally brought over the two glasses and the pitcher of lemonade. She poured the refreshing drinks, then sat down next to Daniel.

"So how'd your project turn out?" Sally asked, taking a bite.

Daniel took a swig of lemonade to wash down his first bite. "Fine," he finally said. "I think I did pretty good. I stayed at the lab until two. I turned it in this morning." A smile came across his face and he took another bite.

"Did that good, that you're already planning your victory party?"

"Umm...no, actually I was thinking about early this morning while I was walking home."
Sally tried to look confused. "Ooo..kay."

"Not to frighten you or anything, but last night while I was walking home, Abra Pirata saved me from being mugged."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. But you should have seen Abra Pirata whoop those thugs. I didn't see how she did the first one, but the second one had a gun." Daniel started gesturing the actions of Abra. "She pulled out her sword and in a single swipe disarmed the man. Then he charged toward her and she clocked him with the handle. Then the third man started to run and she used her telekinesis to throw trash cans at him. It was an awesome sight. She was awesome." Daniel took an enthusiastic bite of his sandwich.
- - - - - - - - -

"Do you want any chips or anything else?" Asked Sally trying to be a good hostess.

"No, I'm fine." Daniel sat back in his chair, sipping the last of his lemonade. "I feel like a walk in the garden. Would you like to accompany me?"

"Sure, the garden is gorgeous in the morning." She and Daniel stood and brought the dishes to the sink.

They exited through the kitchen door, and walked down to the garden. They followed the pebbled path through the green bushes, tall trees, and beautiful flowers. Silently they walked together, talking in the astonishing beauty.

"I bet she'd love it here." Daniel said quietly, gazing around in wonder.

Sally looked at him, puzzled. "Who?"

Daniel gave her a quick look. He hadn't realized he had spoken aloud. "Uh... the ...uh...well...ummm..." His gaze avoided her eyes and his hands fidgeted.

"Well," Sally interrupted, knowing exactly who he was thinking of. "I know I love it here. And it stays this beautiful all because of you." She tried to meet his gaze but he looked away and continued down the path.

"Well, it's hardly my working that it blossoms all year round."

"But you do keep it from overgrowing and from being conquered by weeds."

He turned to face her. "You are giving me way too much credit."

Sally smiled at him, playfully. "You're welcome." She inched closer, thinking if she could get Daniel to kiss her, he would no longer be infatuated with Abra.

Daniel glanced down at his watch. "Gee, it's almost noon." He turned to head back up the path. "We better get back for classes."
- - - - - -

At three-thirty Daniel came walking up to the mansion. Poopsie met him at the door.

"Hi, Daniel."

"Hi, is Sally back from classes yet?"

"No, but you can come in and wait if you'd like."

Daniel stepped into the foyer, and Poopsie led him to the den.

But just as Daniel sat down, the front door opened and in walked Sally.

"Hey, Daniel." Sally said upon seeing him.

"Ready to go over that biology?"

"Yeah, sure. The books are up in my study. Come on." Sally escorted him upstairs. She led him down the hallway, thin into her room.

"Geez," he stared in awe. "Your room is huge!"

"Yeah, it's rather large." She went over to the corner and opened the studys door. "The study's in here."

Daniel sat down at the wooden table in the middle of the room as Sally grabbed her biology book and papers from the shelf. She set them in front of Daniel. She pulled out the worksheet with pictures of plants on it.

"Here." Sally reached over Daniel's shoulder to point at the pictures. "These are the plants we have to classify."

"Well, this first one," He turned his head to look at her and his nose nearly brushed her cheek. He looked at her face a moment. "Would you like to sit down, maybe?"

Sally smiled, hoping her face wasnt bright red. She sat down beside Daniel.

"On this first one," he began again. "Notice the leaves. They're a big hint."

"Oh, yeah. Those are maple."

"See, this isn't as hard as you thought."

Sally dug through her book to find the scientific name.

"Now," continued Daniel. "What about his next one?"

She glanced over at it. "Hmmm... let's see." She scooted her chair closer to Daniel. "Compound leaves, three leaflets, small green flowers... poison ivy?"

"Correct." Daniel smiled. "You're better at this then you give yourself credit for."

Sally smiled and started to write down the answer.

"Umm... Sally?"

"Yeah." Sally looked up and stared into his eyes. This could be the moment she had waited for.

"Rhus is spelled with an 'H'." He pointed to the word on her paper.

"Oh...yeah." She gave a weak smile. "I never was any good at spelling."

"Hey... Is there a restroom around here I could use?"

"Yeah, you can use mine. Just go back into my room, and it's the other door on this wall."

Sally busied herself with correcting her spelling.

"Hey, Sally," Came Daniel's voice after awhile.

Sally walked out of the study. She found Daniel standing behind the bathroom door. Her heart started to beat faster as she realized her mistake.

"What's this?" He asked, pointing to Abra's costume which hung from the hook.

"It's..." Her mind was racing. "My costume."

"Costume?" He looked puzzled. "For what? Crime fighting?"

"For... Halloween?" she answered slowly. After all, it was October.

"It sure looks like the real thing," He pulled at the costume, trying to get a better look at it.

"I've been working on it for a long time. It's not quite done yet."

"Just like the real thing." Daniel repeated in awe.

"You must have gotten really close to her in order to get such a good look at her clothes." Sally began to feel the fumes of anger: at herself for leaving the costume out in the open, and at Daniel, for being so infatuated.

"I've got to get back to my homework now," she said trying to change the subject.

"Have you ever met her in person?" He stared at the costume.

"That's as close as I've ever gotten." She pointed to the costume.

"So.. how did you know what it was like?"

Was he deliberately trying to make her give something away?

"Just pictures from the news. But, I guess I did a good job if you're so impressed." She was starting to sound sarcastic.

Daniel turned his gaze from the costume to look at her for the first time the whole conversation. "What?"

"It's just that all day it seems you've been infatuated with Abra Pirata."

"She saved my life. I've got to be thankful for that."

"So did I. Or have you forgotten?" she was about to burst, either from anger, or tears, she wasn't sure which. She was so frustrated. "And I thought that 'lions den' line was SO cute!" She ran out of her bedroom, leaving him standing in the bathroom alone.

Daniel sat down on the edge of Sallys bed, hoping she would return.

"Why can't girls just tell guys what they are thinking? It would make things so much easier."

After half an hour, Daniel made his way downstairs. Tonya and Poopsie were in the den.

"Have any of you seen Sally?" He looked distraught.

"Not since this morning," replied Tonya. Poopsie shook her head.

"Weren't you two doing homework or something?"

"Yeah, but we got into a fight, I guess."

"What about?" Questioned Poopsie.

"I think she was jealous that Abra Pirata saved me last night, but I'm not sure." Daniel shook his head in defeat. "Girls are confusing. No offense."

"None taken," replied Tonya. "I even confuse myself sometimes."

"We haven't seen her, but we'll tell her you left if we do."

"Thanks," Daniel said as he got up to leave.

"Did Sally tell you about saving Daniel?" asked Poopsie after the door closed.

"No, but I haven't had any chance to talk to her. She was late getting up this morning."

"Hmmm... something really must be bothering her if she even forgot to set her alarm."

"Yeah."
- - - - - - - - - -

When Sally didn't show up for dinner, the girls started to get a little anxious.

"Maybe we should look for her at least," suggested Jed.

"She can take care of herself," Tonya announced.

"Well," asked Dee. "Whose turn is it tonight?"

"Mine," chimed Poopsie.

"Then you can just keep an eye out while you make your rounds."

"Sure." Poopsie ran off to get suited up.

"Is that better, Jed?"

"Yeah, but... I can't just sit and wait."

"Then go take a walk. I agree with Tonya. If she wants to be found, we'll find her."

"Did anyone try her cell phone?" suggested Techno nonchalantly. He spoke up anytime he could suggest that technology would be the solution.

"She left it in her room, smart-ass. And stop plugging your stupid gadgets. Next thing we know, you'll be sewing tracking devices in ALL of our clothes."

"No, just the underwear."

"Well...HA! I don't wear underwear."

Techno smirked, and gave her a steady stare. "I know."

"Ahg!" Dee stared at him hexingly across the table.

"Well, we know she saved Daniel last night," Tonya recapped the facts. "But she never told anyone that anything went down. So something about her saving him must have gone wrong. It must have been something traumatic, because this is the first time she hasn't put her costume away in the cave. And she didn't set her alarm clock. Something happened during that rescue and now Sally has chosen to take it out on Daniel."

"Ok, Perry Mason," Dee said. "I think she just needs time alone. It's not easy living in a house with us freaks."

"Amen to that." Concluded Techno.
---- - - - - - - - - - - -

Sally sat up in a tree. The lowest branch of a large oak had become her secret place over the few months she'd lived in Tequila Heights. It was deep in the green forest that surrounded their home, out of sight of the house and the whole world. Sally always seemed peaceful sitting on her branch. She'd lean against the trunk and close her eyes. She'd hear the soft wind moving the leaves and feel the slow rocking. It was the meaning of peace to her.

But today, the longer she sat, the more her thoughts invaded and blamed each other. She was so confused and frustrated. It was hard to think. It hurt to think.

Sally heard some footsteps below. Techno came into view holding some sticks. He bent down to pick up a few more. Sally watched him in silence. Hoping he wouldn't see her.

"You're only one person." Techno's voice drifted up to her ears. He was still picking up sticks, he hadn't even looked her way. "You, are you, and that is all he wants. Just be true to that." Techno knelt to pick up another stick, then walked away, searching the ground for suitable firewood.

Sally sat in the tree awhile longer. The wind started to get colder as the sun set. She jumped down then walked back to the house.

On her trek across the vast grounds she thought about Techno's advice. It was true Daniel liked her for who she was. And if he was in love with Abra, it was only because Abra had the same uniqueness as her. No matter what she was wearing, she was sill herself, and that was what Daniel liked. It made her feel better.

Sally knew the girls would be full of questions, so she scaled the wall up to her room, and climbed in through the bedroom window, which she always kept unlocked. She looked into the study. Her biology homework was still waiting for her. She changed into her pajamas, although it was only 7:15, and turned on the radio. She laid down on her bed and closed the canopy's curtains. Picking up her big white bear, Paul, she kissed him gently on the nose, then wrapped her arms around him. Paul knew everything about her, he was her one true confidant. Last night she had told him about Daniel, before drifting off to a fitful sleep. Paul's reply had been to stare up at her with his brown eyes and demand a hug. That was his answer to everything, and it always made Sally feel better.

"But should I tell him that I know about the kiss?" she asked Paul. "I'll say 'Yeah, I was just taking a walk at two fifteen in the morning and happened to see you smooching with Abra Pirata. Just thought you'd like to confess now.'" She looked at the bear, and straightened his golden bow-tie and adjusted his boxers. "I know, it's stupid, but I've got to decide tonight. He'll be here tomorrow to mow.

"Techno said I should be who I am.... I know, but he sounded rather sincere. I've got to find a way to tell Daniel what I feel, or it's going to be awkward forever. Tomorrow I'll get him alone and say 'Daniel, I think I love you.' You're right, too Partridge family. How about 'Daniel, weve been friends for a long long time, well only two months, but.' Erg, this is so complicated." Sally shook her head. If we had just kissed the first time, then none of this would be happening, and I would have had the kiss, and not Abra. It's all their fault for calling and interrupting.... You're right, I can't blame them and I can't change the past. Stop being right all the time, and just tell me you've got a plan, Paul."

The bear looked up at her. His eyes seemed to say 'just give me a hug'. Sally gave him a hug.

"You're just in this for the hugs, arent you?" she smiled and shook her head. She knew the answer would just require another hug.

"It might go better if I just wing it, huh? Feelings are best expressed while you're feeling them, I suppose." She pulled back the covers and crawled under them, tucking Paul in alongside her. "Night, Paul. Thanks for the help."
- - - - - - - - - -

In the morning there was a knock on Sally's door.

She opened her eyes slightly. The morning sun was not even coming in the windows.

"Go away," she called, as she rolled over. "Estoy dormiendo!"

But the knock came again. Sally rolled onto her back and glanced at the clock, it was only six. She stared at the ceiling, hoping they'd go away. Sally's eyes started to close again, but another knock sent them flying open. The knocking wasn't coming from her door. Sally sat up in bed, climbed out of the sheets and opened the curtain. She got up and walked over to the window. There, staring at her was Daniel, standing on a long ladder. He was still wearing the same shirt and pants that he had on the day before, but they were wrinkled. He smiled hopefully at her.

Sally fidgeted for a moment. She was standing there in her long flannel pants and a t-shirt, staring at him nervously. Well, I'm gonna have to talk to him sooner or later, she thought to herself. As she opened the window, the crisp air blew in.

"Sally," he started. "I'm not quite sure what I did yesterday, but I'm sorry. If you're mad that I kept evading your passes, I'm sorry about that too. It's just that I value our friendship and I don't want to take this relationship too fast. And I'm feeling really guilty because of something I didn't tell you." He took a quick breath and looked like he was trying to blurt everything out at once. "The other night, when Abra Pirata saved me, I kissed her. I'm sorry and I won't blame you if you hate me forever. But there was just something about her, and all last night I stayed up trying to think of what it was. Then I took a long walk, and saw T. At first I didn't even see him, he just came out of a shadow, but all he said was 'Just tell her the truth.' And then he walked on, as if he didn't even know me, he's kinda strange. But then I realized that the truth was that I kissed her because she reminded me so much of you, I'm not really sure how, but.... But then I realized that kiss was meant for you, not her. And I just had to tell you, because I can't stand it when you're mad at me. Sorry if I woke you." He started to climb back down the ladder.

"Daniel," Sally stopped him. His grey eyes looked up into hers. She didn't know what she was going to say, she just knew he shouldn't leave. Then the words came. "I feel the same way." She leaned out the window into the cool October air and touched his shocked lips to hers.

Daniel lost his balance in her boldness and the ladder tumbled to the ground below him as he grabbed the window sill. Sally reached out and helped him into her room. Then they tumbled onto the floor.

"Gee," remarked Daniel. "I think I've fallen in love."

They started to laugh, forgetting the whole house was still asleep.

Tonya burst into the room. "Is everyone okay? I thought I heard a bang."

"Daniel was trying to go down the ladder and it fell over, but we're okay."

Tonya glanced around the room. The bed was un-made. Sally was in her pajamas. Daniel was in the clothes he had been wearing the day before. The window was open, and a two stories down, on the yard below, lay a ladder.

"Ummm... okay?" Tonya said with a smirk and an accusing expression.

"Tonya!" Sally reprimanded her.

"So if you were alone all night, why'd I hear you talking to someone?"

"I was just with Paul."

"Oh."

"Who's Paul?" asked Daniel. Tonya began to chuckle and left.

"Paul R. Bear." Sally gestured to the bed.

Daniel looked over and saw Paul resting on a pillow, his eyes pleading for an early morning hug.

"Jealous of a bear?"

"Not really." He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

Sally's face beamed. "Want to get an early breakfast?"

"Sure," Daniel stood, then held his hand out to help Sally off the floor.

The couple exited the room and walked down the hall, hand in hand. They stopped at the top of the stairs. From the second story windows they could see the sun rising over the low Kansas hills. A small blue horizon bloomed into a vast rainbow of color, as the sun exploded into the sky.

Daniel put his arm around Sally and pulled her closer. "What a great way to start the day."