Just Try It

Chapter 47- Lacking in Family Loyalty?

Thursday, February 16th 7:40pm

Seymour Dojo and Fitness Center- Office

Braced for anger and surprise at her disclosure, Moe managed to shock her when he burst into laughter.  Sondra wavered between insult, confusion, and relief.  Didn't he understand that it would be best for him to avoid her until this was worked out?  After all, her new family was heavily involved in crime and included the guy who had just yesterday attacked him and took pictures of his scars to humiliate him with. 

Reluctantly, Sondra insisted, "You should avoid me until we get this worked out.  Okay?"

That made Moe stop laughing, but he didn't rush the door.  Instead, he came closer and took her hand as he explained, "You won't get rid of me that easily.  They aren't even related by blood.  How could I hold that against you?  You know about both of my families and don't hold it against me."

His family wasn't around to influence them, but she treasured every moment with him and couldn't bring herself to argue further.  Instead, she changed the subject by asking, "So, we are still on for tomorrow night and Sunday?  I asked Grandma and she said I could go to both things."

His eyes lit up as he nodded, and said, "Looking forward to it."  The light in his eyes dimmed and he frowned as he cautiously said, "Your mom is still pretty definite that you will be going with her.  Are you sure that she won't take you?"

Her pulse raced, but Sondra didn't want him to worry, so she answered, "The judge couldn't have made it much more clear.  She never has followed through before, so I'm not going to worry about it.  Besides, there is too much to do still," and slid the homework closer.

"Maybe for you, but I finished a little while ago."

A quick check showed that he really was done.  Obviously, she had been too distracted earlier.  It was no wonder since her mom would be picking her up soon.  She firmly put her worries about having to use her back up plan to the side as she hurried to finish her school work. 

As she was finishing, Danica burst in and announced it was time to massage Sondra's shoulder again, but this would be the last time she could do it. 

Moe and Sondra compared answers while Danica focused on Sondra's shoulder. Sondra couldn't help but smile when all of Moe's answers matched her own.  He seemed to have caught up again.  She wasn't really surprised.  After all, she knew how fast he could learn when he was able to focus.  Just as Sondra turned to congratulate Moe, Danica handed over the ice pack and interrupted, "I'm taking off now.  Moe will have to massage the next time or so.  Even with all of this your shoulder will probably be stiff in the morning.  A hot shower will help, and maybe more ice before school would be a good idea too."

"Thanks for all of your help," Sondra said truthfully as she took the ice pack.

Danica nodded her acceptance as she continued, "Don't forget to massage the shoulder." The arch of her eyebrows as she left made Sondra blush.  She hoped Moe hadn't noticed his cousin's teasing, but couldn't bring herself to look his way, just in case.  Instead, she stared down at the ice pack before slowly placing it back on her shoulder and beginning to awkwardly wrap the ACE bandage around it again.

Without a word, Moe took the wrap and helped position the ice pack in the right spot.  When Sondra chanced a glance, he seemed completely focused, so Sondra gradually relaxed.  Maybe tonight would be the perfect time to figure out how to let Moe know her real feelings.  Now that the time was close, Sondra started to have doubts though.  Her heart started racing just as fast as when her mom had talked about Malcolm.  She had been so appalled by the thought of being related to him, but her mom had nothing but praise for his family values.  With a jolt, Sondra suddenly looked at her plans and wondered if there was something wrong with her.

Helping Sondra with the bandage had given Moe an innocent excuse to stand close to her.  Since she hadn't said anything, he assumed that she had missed Danica's hints.  When Moe finished setting the timer, he turned back and noticed Sondra's pale and worried face.  With a sinking heart, Moe wondered if Danica had been too obvious after all.  Anxiously, Moe asked, "What is wrong?"

After a moment, Sondra admitted, "I was thinking about something my mom said earlier."

Relief rushed through him, and right on its heals was guilt.  Now wasn't the time to be glad, he firmly corrected himself as he settled in next to her again.  Hoping to redeem himself, Moe asked, "You shouldn't let her upset you.  You told me yourself that she probably is just trying to intimidate you again.  Besides, I'm going to stick close to you.  Even if she means it this time, I won't let her take you."

That got Sondra's attention, but she didn't calm down.  To his confusion, she almost seemed more anxious, but then she explained, "I wasn't worried about that."

"What then?" asked Moe in confusion.

Sondra stared at the table top as she traced imaginary patterns.  Moe almost asked again, but then Sondra looked up with her dark eyes and asked, "Am I a bad daughter?"

The question took Moe by surprise, and without even thinking he snorted and shook his head.

Sondra didn't look convinced.  Instead, she insisted, "I don't want to be with her, and she went on and on about how Malcolm knew about family loyalty."

This time, Moe watched her fingers constantly moving as he took some time to consider her words.  When her fingers stopped moving and clenched into fists, he over and saw her tight expression.  He smiled reassuringly before reassuring her, "I still think the idea of you being bad at anything is laughable, but I'm trying to think of the right words."

Her hands unclenched, but Sondra continued to stare at him as she waited in companionable silence.  Minutes clicked by but finally, Moe explained, "I don't think you lack loyalty.  The only reason you are worried is that you don't have a regular family."

Sondra opened her mouth to argue, but Moe shook his head and quickly continued, "That isn't on you though.  That is all on Pamela.  She is the one that abandoned her responsibilities.  You accepted her infrequent visits much better and longer than anyone else I know."

"That was acceptance, not family loyalty," Sondra protested.

Moe brushed her hair back and held her eyes as he insisted, "Maybe so, but I've seen you with your grandma and your friends.  You would do anything for them, and they are your family more than your mom ever was."  At her surprised silent stare, he continued, "I should know.  You even forgave me for being stupid."

Finally, Sondra smiled, and Moe knew that he had finally convinced her.  In the silence, the timer dinged quietly.

Moe walked around to Sondra's right and propped a hip on the table as he removed the ice pack. Once that was done, he put the pack to the side and wondered where to start.  He had been looking forward to having a chance to be close to Sondra, but now that the time was here, he was worried that he would hurt her.  He started to put his hands on the outer edge, but hesitated just before contact and felt the cold radiating off of her chilled skin.  "Does it still hurt a lot?" he asked.

Sondra shivered and said, "Not as bad as earlier.  It is kind of numb.  I'm getting tired of Danica giving me the cold shoulder though."

Moe gave a small smile at her joke, and finally laid his palms gently against the vivid purple and green skin.