Just Try It

Chapter 50- Fixing It

Thursday, February 16th 8:30pm

Seymour Dojo and Fitness Center

Sondra hurried upstairs, but paused at the top. She looked around and it seemed that Moe was alone as he finished putting away the dishes. To Sondra, he seemed distracted and worried. When he saw Sondra standing at the top of the stairs, he looked around like he was wishing for an escape hatch.

Dreading the conversation, Sondra slowly walked to the kitchen, but she tried to sound casual as she said, "I'm sorry I left all the dishes for you. You didn't have to run up and do dishes for me just because I was clumsy."

Moe blinked and asked in astonishment, "What do you mean? I was the one who hurt you when I was supposed to try to help your shoulder."

Sondra forced a smile and said, "You were just trying to take off the ice pack. I was the one that turned too early." She blushed as she said, "I completely forgot about my shoulder when I went to give you a hug. I know it is stupid after all the time and effort people went to tonight, but it was feeling so much better, and a little numb. It isn't your fault, and it mostly surprised me when it hurt again."

"But I, " then Moe paused and seemed to pick his words carefully, "I should have paid closer attention."

Sondra made a face and said, "You can't hold yourself responsible for everything that happens to me, but I hope I always have people around to help as much as you do."  Then she asked, "Is there anything left to clean up?"

Moe glanced around before replying, "Nope. If you want to get ready, Ill go pack up our bags."

Sondra nodded and went to change into her own shirt. She hoped it wouldn't take her too long to figure out the knot Danica had tied. After all, she only had one hand to untie it with.

When Moe arrived at the office, he saw that the books were already packed up, and Sean was waiting for him.

Moe plopped down across from Sean and said, "Thanks for packing our books up, stopping me from running off., and even talking to Sondra. She's convinced that she hurt her shoulder by being clumsy."

Sean shrugged and answered, "Maybe she did."

Moe shook his head and said, "It doesnt matter. She was relying on me to help her, not hurt her. She has so much going on right now with her mom, court, a tennis injury, and worry over my grades. I can't worry her with anything else."

Sean shook his head and warned, "If you try to wait for the perfect time, you will wait forever. There is NEVER a perfect time, and you shouldnt try to wait for one." When Moe didn't answer and looked at him doubtfully, Sean sighed and suggested, "Even if it isn't the right time, you can at least start making steps in the right direction."

Moe felt the world settle down around him and he nodded more confidently before he asked, "Like taking her to the dance tomorrow?"

When Sean nodded, Moe gave a quick grin and said, "Anyway, thanks for your help tonight."  Before Sean could say any more, Moe had gathered the backpacks and gone out the door to wait for Sondra. The last thing he wanted was for Sondra to come down while he was still getting advice. He didn't hear Sean mumble, "Going to the dance? Maybe I should be giving the advice to myself instead of to teens," as he reached for his phone.

It was almost 9:00pm and Sondra wasn't downstairs yet. Moe was about to go back upstairs when Sondra hurried down.

When she saw Moe waiting, she blushed and blurted out, "I had some trouble changing."

Moe reassured her, "That is okay. There was no rush. Did it hurt that bad to put on the T-shirt?"

Sondra shook her head and said, "Not really. That part went fast. The part that gave me trouble was the knot Danica tied to fasten the halter top."

"I could have...," Moe began absently before he realized what he had been about to offer, and quickly substituted, "waited longer or gotten Jamie. No problem."

When Sondra began to pick up her bag, Moe grabbed it quickly and swung it over his extra shoulder. The thankful grin he received made the extra weight lighter and he smiled.

As she hurried out the door, Sondra said over her shoulder, "You may have been able to hang around a little longer, but Grandma will worry if I'm not back soon," then she hurried out. When the door swung shut and Moe lost sight of Sondra his heart raced. Anyone could be outside, including her mother. He hurried out the door, and tried to settle down as he saw her calmly walking towards home.

When he caught up, he couldn't help insisting, "You should have waited. You know that I am here to walk you home. Let me go out first.  Being alone even for a few moments in the dark, isn't a good idea right now."

Sondra looked down, and Moe couldn't help wondering what was wrong with him. Here he had Sondra alone, and he used the time to critisize? If that was the best he could do, he had better get used to being single.

They walked the rest of the way in silence, and Moe hoped Sondra wasn't too mad. Finally, the silence seemed to much and Moe desperately blurted, Don't forget to reset your alarm so you can sleep in tomorrow." Even as he said the words, Moe wished he could take them back. Every moment with Sondra was precious, now he was letting her slip away. With a shake of his head, Moe reminded himself that there was no way Sondra could practice in the morning, and forced himself to accept his temporary loss.

It was a relief Whalen Sondra gnawed her lip before hesitantly protesting, "I was just starting to get used to getting up at that time, but if you don't want to practice anymore we don't have to."

"I like our morning workouts, but I don't want to hurt your shoulder more," Moe reassured her quickly.

Moe was instantly rewarded with a smile. He felt even better when Sondra suggested, "How about a morning run instead?" as they went up the last flight of stairs. His plan was working! He was getting his life under control and Sondra was enjoying spending time with him.  He hadn't even ruined everything earlier. As Sondra came to a stop in front of her door, Moe reeled in his feelings and gave a nod of agreement. After all, there was no need to scare her off now. Instead, he reached around Sondra, opened her door, and put her bag inside. After a brief internal debate he gave Sondra a gentle hug. He felt her jerk of surprise, so he kept the hug short. Even as she turned toward him, he was letting her go as he ordered, "Take care of yourself. I'll see you in the morning," before quickly escaping to his own apartment.