Sunday morning, Grandma Toady decided they needed to go to church. Grandma Toady went to church when the mood hit or the Spirit moved her. Which ever one it was, it struck like once every month or so. Lolly didn’t mind going to church. The tiny country church was lovely with its old wooden pews and colored glass windows. The sermons left a lot to be desired as did the singing, but the Bible said to make a joyful noise and the choir certainly achieved that.

After church, they stopped at Dairy Queen for burgers. Lolly stomach was still feeling a bit off, so she just got a malt ands some fries. While they ate, Grandma Toady asked, “So, how did last night go?”

Lolly had been trying to figure out how to broach the subject of dating, and now was as good a time as any to do it hopefully. “Uh, it was okay. Mitzi decided she might like Trevor for a husband, Max drooled over Amber and Munch was okay.”

“How was Trevor?”

“Very patient with Mitzi.”

“Well, that’s good to know.” Grandma Toady smiled at her.

Lolly couldn’t manage to return the smile. “It was not great. Okay. I have had two ‘dates’ with Trevor that have bordered on near disasters. I really think it would be better if we could just go out by ourselves.”

For several seconds, Grandma Toady just chewed her burger. When she finally swallowed, she said, “Maybe so, but its not happening until you are sixteen.”

Lolly started to protest, but Grandma Toady placed her hand over hers. “I know it sucks. Right now, you are test driving Trevor so to speak. So far, he has done well. You are getting to know him better and learning to trust him. Good things. When you think of being alone with Trevor what do you think of?”

HORRIFICALLY embarrassing question! Lolly felt her face flush bright red.

Grandma Toady patted her hand. “Exactly. Do you even know what Trevor thinks about, when he thinks of being alone you?”

She didn’t, not really.

“Exactly.” She removed her hand from Lolly’s and said, “If I am home, Trevor is welcome to come over before 8:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday when you don’t have a test or finals. He can stay until 10:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. That is the best I can do right now. Dig?”

Grandma slang. Good grief. “Okay.”

When they got home from Dairy Queen, Mrs. Dutchendorph’s red Beetle Volkswagon was in the drive. Grandma Toady said, “Uh oh, I think there may be trouble in paradise.”

Great. What had Munch done now? They got out of the truck.

Seated on the front porch was Mrs. Dutchendorph. She was in a state, nerrvous, tired and looking a bit wilted. She stood up and gave Grandma Toady and then Lolly a hug. She said, “Sorry to show up unannounced. Lolly, could I talk to you?"

Grandma Toady said, “I will let you two talk. I’ll just slip over to Jessie’s.”

Honestly, Lolly wasn’t sure she wanted to be left alone with Mrs. Dutchendorph. There was a fragility about her, that was unlike her. What had Munch said or done? He had a pretty sharp tongue in his mouth when he was mad or in a mood. If she ever talked to Grandma Toady like Munch talked to his mom sometimes, she would be grounded for a month. He never called his mother bad names or anything like that, but his tone and his word choice could be devastating.

When Grandma Toady disappeared down the street. Lolly unlocked the front door and let Mrs. Dutchendorph inside. Before they could even sit down, Mrs. Dutchendorph burst out, "After Mass, Michael and I had a doozy of an argument.”

Munch had gone to Mass? What was today, attend your local church day? Lolly said, “Uh, sure.”

Mrs. Dutchendorph let out a shuddering breath that sent her whole body to trembling like a thin tree in a harsh wind.

Lolly asked, “Are you okay?”

Mrs. Dutchendorph shook her head. “No. I asked Michael to make me a simple dress for my wedding. I knew it was a risk, but I can’t sew. I designed the dress. Gave him the watercolor I painted of it and he said, he said...” Her lip began to tremble and she couldn’t get the words out. Munch could be such a jerk sometimes.

Lolly pulled Mrs. Dutchendorph into a fierce hug and asked, “Do you want me to talk to him?”

To her surprise and dismay, Mrs. Dutchendorph started sobbing. Not knowing what else to do, Lolly just held her. This was about more than Munch not making a dress. After a few seconds, Mrs. Dutchendorph regained control. “Sorry about that.”

“No, its okay. I’m here. Just tell me what you need.”

“A glass of water would help and some tissues please.” Lolly handed her the box of tissues that were on the table by the recliner.

“I’ll go get you some water.” In the kitchen, Lolly took several deep breaths. God, she wished Grandma Toady was there. She didn't know what to say or do. From the fridge she pulled out the water pitcher and poured two glasses of cold water. She took the glasses into the living room. Mrs. Dutchendorph was in the recliner dabbing her eyes with a tissue. She looked like a very frightened and hurt little girl. Lolly offered her the cold glass of water. Mrs. Dutchendorph’s hand slightly trembled when she took the glass. Not knowing what else to do, Lolly sat down on the end of the couch closest to the recliner.

Mrs. Dutchendorph took a slow sip of water. Her hands were definitely trembling now. In a small voice she said, “I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

Her lip trembled and she said, “Of everything.”

Wow, Munch must have done a number on his mom. Lolly asked, “Could you be more specific?”

“I am afraid Michael is never going to accept this marriage.”

Lolly said, “He’s being a dick.”

Startled by Lolly’s word choice, Mrs. Dutchendorph almost dropped her water. With wide imploring eyes, she asked, “You think so?”

“Yes. No offense, Mrs. Dutch— er, uhm anyway, but Munch told me the other day he likes the idea of us moving onto the farm. He wasn’t hateful about it at all. No he still isn’t crazy about Pa or the wedding, but he didn’t sound like he hated the idea anymore.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. He is just jerking your chain. Don’t let him ruin your and Pa’s day. We could go shopping and find something you like. Besides, I bet if you told him you and I were going shopping for a dress, it would probably really piss him off, in a good way, in your favor. Do you honestly think Munch would miss an opportunity to show off his skills to a captive audience?”

A slow watery smile spread across Mrs. Dutchendorph’s face. “I hadn’t thought of that. I was just so hurt. Even if he didn’t decide to make the dress, it would give me some time with you, and I’d really like that. I’ll tell him we are going to be hitting the stores after Christmas when they have the best sales.”

“Oh, God, he will hate that. Even if he still refuses to make your dress, we will find you the best dress. And Pa is going to think you are beautiful.” Once again, Mrs. Dutchendorph erupted into tears. Alarmed and confused, Lolly didn't know what to say or do.

Mrs. Dutchendorph stuttered, “I’m I'm not, not beautiful. I’ve never been beautiful.” A ragged edge came to her voice. “I’ve overheard a few whispers about how could a handsome man like Trace Phelps settle for the likes of me.”

This made Lolly angry. She knew too well what it felt like to be underestimated and ridiculed because of her appearance. “Don’t take to heart stupid comments like that. To Pa you are beautiful. He has been single a super long time, and he asked you, YOU, to marry him. Grandma Toady didn’t think he’d ever risk his heart again after what my mom did. And he has risked it on you.”

“Thank you Lolly. I will try to remember that.” Her mouth quirked into a goofy smile and she said, “Michael is just going to have to get over himself.”

“He is and he will.”

“You think so.”

Lolly grimaced and said, “He better.” Mrs. Dutchendorph gave her another watery smile. The name Dutchendorph reverberated in Lolly’s head. She really needed to call her soon to be stepmother something else. She asked, “Is it okay if I change the subject?”

“Of course dear.”

“Uhm, it sounds weird, but I have been practicing calling you, Estelle. I think, I will call you that if its okay.”

A soft light came into Mrs. Dutchendorph’s eyes. “Of course its okay.”

*

After Estelle left, Lolly hit the books. Tomorrow finals started. She had her Literature final first thing in the morning. Mrs. Beasley’s tests were always challenging. Half way through her notes, the phone rang. She picked up the receiver and said, “Hello.”

“Hey Lolly.” It was Trevor.

“Hey.”

“I was wondering if I could come over this evening.”

“Uh, no. I’m studying for finals.”

With obvious disappointment, he said, “Really? You are so smart I bet you could pass without even studying.”

“Maybe, but I need to do more than pass.”

“Why?”

Grades were something Lolly and Trevor never talked about. All she knew was that he did his homework and had a B average. She said, “I have to keep my GPA up and maintain my class rank for scholarship applications.”

“But that’s like two years away.”

“Not really. I’ve got to be on top of things now.”

He coaxed, “I wouldn’t stay long.”

“We've got finals and Grandma Toady already told me, you couldn’t come over.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I asked her about us just going out as us and she said, no. But she did say you could come over, except when I have tests or finals.”

“Well, I guess that’s something. But it means I won’t be able to come over until Thursday.”

“Pa's coming home on Thursday."

"Friday then?"

"I don't know yet."

“Okay.” He sounded a little miffed.

"I do want you to meet my dad." They talked for a little longer, but the conversation was bumpy.

After about ten minutes, he said, “Well, I guess I better let you get back to your studying.”

“Okay, thanks for understanding." Did he understand?

"No problem." His voice was flat when he said, “Bye.”

“Bye.” She hung up the phone. Trevor didn’t have to worry about getting scholarships or even paying for college. It must be nice. It was a luxury she didn’t have.

*

The next morning, Munch was a sullen bear when he got on the bus. He spoke not a word the entire trip to school. Lolly was pretty sure his mom had told him about the dress and he was pissed, not only at his mom, but now, also at Lolly. When Trevor got on the bus, he smiled, but it was not that smile or the smile that was just her smile. He too seemed irritated with her. Well, if he was he was just gonna have to get over it. Nothing and nobody would keep her from acing her Lit final.

When they got off the bus, Munch headed to the art room without a word. Trevor caught up with Lolly and slipped his his fingers through hers. He asked, “To the library?”

“Yup.”

Trevor grinned at her and shook his head. “The sacrifices I make for my smart girlfriend.”

The words, ‘my smart girlfriend’ ricocheted inside of her. Until this moment he had never called her his girlfriend and Lolly had never been referred to as a girlfriend, EVER. She smiled at him, but inside she was shouting, I am Trevor Long’s girlfriend!