Altered Fates - Only the Strong Can Forgive

by:	Danielle J

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Rating: R	Add Review	Added: 06/09/2007
Complete: yes
Synopsis:	Two teenagers find the medallion and begin using it for innocent reasons. It is said that "To Forgive is Divine". But how strong does a person have to be to even consider such a thing when he or she has been terribly wronged? Just remember this: True forgiveness comes from the heart, not the mind. Warning- This story uses the 'N' word. While the author finds the word offensive, it fits a character portrayed in the story.
Categories:	Body Swap  Female to Male Transformations  Jennifer Adams' Altered Fates Universe  Magical Transformations
Keywords:	Pregnant / Having a Baby  Wedding Dress or Married

Altered Fates - Only the strong can forgive - 5
By Danielle J



"Daddy I can never forget that but I forgave Drew."

The living room got quiet. Julie Metzger was also there and, no one was saying a word. Loc's mother thought just once that her husband may tell Loc no.

Finally Tom Metzger spoke up. "I want to meet him tomorrow night before you go out."

"Yes Daddy of course." Then Loc went over and kissed her father before going upstairs to get ready for bed.

"What do you think of this?" Tom asked his wife once they were alone.

"It is Loc's decision. I feel she is the one to decide if dating Drew is right for her."

Tom shook his head. Had the women in his house suddenly gone insane?

*****

Loc was busy almost all of Friday before going on her date. In the morning, Loc went to have her nails done. In the afternoon Loc s kept looking at and dismissing clothes for the night. Loc was really becoming a woman now mentally. She was obsessing over her appearance and clothes before going on her first date with someone.

Loc settled on a pink blouse and white skirt. Julie Metzger approved of this choice.

The movie Loc and Drew were going to see didn't start till 7:30. After being told by Loc of her father's request to meet him before hand, Drew made sure to be at the Metzger house early. The young man arriving there at 6:45.

"Hi Drew," Julie Metzger told the young man after answering the doorbell. "Come on in. Loc will be down shortly."

Drew didn't have long to wait. Loc had heard the doorbell and after a few last minute preparations, hurried downstairs to meet her date.

Drew had dressed conservatively for that night's date. He came wearing a white shirt plus tie. Loc came right over and allowed Drew to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Hi."

"Where's your Dad?" Drew asked.

"In the living room, come with me."

Tom Metzger was waiting in living room, seated in his favorite chair. Drew walked up and shook the father's hand.

"Good evening sir."

"Good evening Drew." The room got quiet, like each man was waiting for the other to speak.

Loc decided to break the silence. "Daddy, you said you wanted to meet Drew."

"Yes I did. Young man......what were you planning to do with my daughter tonight?"

"A movie sir. After that, I don't know. Maybe we would go to central Wilmington. Then I'd bring Loc home after that."

Central Wilmington was a popular night spot in the city. Tom Metzger nodded his head.

"You take good care of my daughter."

"Yes sir I will."

"Curfew is 11:30, no later. Understood?"

"Yes sir. 11:30."

"You two have a good time," Tom Metzger said. Loc then went and kissed and hugged her father.

"Thanks Daddy." Loc and Drew then left the house.

Drew had the Aston Martin for that night's date. Being a gentleman, Drew opened the car door for Loc.

Once Loc was inside, Drew closed the door and went around to the driver's side. He then climbed into the car.

"What type of car is this?" Loc asked after buckling herself in. She had never seen a car like the one Loc was now in.

"An Aston Matin," Drew replied as he started the car's engine.

"Drew please buckle up."

"Will do." Drew did as Loc said before reversing the car out of the Metzger driveway. Ever since her accident, Loc would always wear a seatbelt when traveling in a car. A seatbelt and God were the only reasons she was alive that day.

Loc would explain all this to Drew at a later date. He would understand. "Aston Martin, that's a James Bond car, isn't it?"

Drew laughed. "Yes it is. This is one of my father's cars."

"I hope your father doesn't mind you taking it," Drew informed Loc. Claude Hamilton knew his son was going on a date but not who with.

"How's your ankle?"

"All better. I go out walking every day now."

"That's good."

"Drew I hope you're not dating me because you feel sorry for me."

"No Loc, that isn't it. I like you," Drew replied back.

Loc studied Drew when he replied back to her. His answer appeared totally sincere. "Good, I don't want anyone feeling sorry for me. I don't."

Drew smiled. "Loc, you look very pretty tonight."

"Thank you." Loc appreciated Drew's compliment. She was glad all her hard work and preparation had paid off. The days of taking ten minutes to prepare for a date were a thing of the past for the former Jeff Lockwood.

Loc and Drew went to the movie and then to Central Wilmington afterwards like they planned. It was a very nice first date for the both of them.

Drew made sure to get Loc home with fifteen minutes to spare. Before going inside, the two of them spent a little while kissing in the car.

"Would you like to go out again tomorrow?"

Loc may have felt a better question from Drew would have been if she had a good time that night. Loc had. "I have to work tomorrow and Sunday night."

"How about we go to the mall in the morning? I can pick you up around ten."

"I'd like that." After a few more kisses, Loc said goodbye to Drew.

Not surprisingly, Tom Metzger was up and seated in the living room when Loc got inside her home. It was 11:25. "Hi Princess."

Loc went right over and kissed her father. "Hello Daddy. Watching the news?"

"Yes I am. Have a good time?"

"Yes Daddy, I did. Drew and I are going to the mall in the morning."

Tom smiled. "That's good and I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I'll be going to sleep soon."

"Good night Daddy." Loc then went up to her bedroom.

*****

The next morning Loc was picked up by Drew at ten sharp. They went straight from the Metzger house to the mall.

Typical for people their age, Drew and Loc liked going to the mall. They spent three hours there walking around, holding each other's hand and doing a lot of window shopping. Again Loc was having a good time with Drew.

One store they visited was JC Penney. This was Loc's favorite place for clothes shopping, something she did passionately these days. Drew waited patiently as Loc looked at dresses and shoes. In the end Loc only bought a pair of sandals at the store.

On the way out of the store, Loc and Drew went by JC Penney's jewelry department. Being in no particular hurry, Loc decided to look at the selections there.

JC Penney had lots of nice jewelry and there was a sale on. "Loc, isn't that nice?"

Drew was pointing to a gold bracelet. "Yes, very."

"If you like it, I will buy it for you."

The offer from Drew was nice, but Loc didn't want expensive gifts from her boyfriend. She liked Drew, because he was a nice(and handsome) young man, not because of his wealth. They had just begun dating, and Loc didn't feel right getting a bracelet costing nearly a $1,000.

Loc also remembered the gift bracelet from when she was Jeff, that he bought and purchased for his girlfriend. The bracelet was lost the night of the accident. That was just too much of a memory for Loc at this point.

"No Drew, it's too expensive."

"Don't worry about that. I would like to buy you something."

"Drew, if you want to buy me something," Loc said as she looked her boyfriend in the eye. "Let me show you what I want."

In the end Drew bought Loc a pair of shoes costing $39.99 plus tax. That gift earned Drew a big kiss from Loc and didn't feel too extravagant either.

The next day Drew went with the Metzgers to church. After the Lutheran service was over, Drew and all the Metzgers went to lunch.

Over lunch, Loc's parents got to know Drew much better. He made a very good impression on Tom and Julie.

"You know that boy isn't half bad." Tom told his wife later in the day on Sunday. "I don't mind Loc seeing him."

"I agree. Drew seems to have learned a lot from last year. That goes for Loc also," Julie replied back.

Kathy Metzger's opinion was a little more mixed. Talking to Loc later in the week, the youngest Metzger daughter asked Loc how she could see someone who killed Jeff.

"Jeff died, and Drew was responsible for it but Kathy it wasn't deliberate. Drew made a terrible mistake, we all make mistakes. I forgave Drew for what he did, so did Jeff's Mom and Dad."

Kathy understood. "That was so special of all of you to do that."

Loc put an arm around her sister. "Being angry at someone never works. In the end you only hurt yourself." After lunch on Sunday, Loc and Drew kissed in the parking lot. Because of her work, and other obligations,(Tom and Julie wanted to see a movie one night. That meant Loc would have to babysit her siblings) Loc couldn't go out with Drew again till the following Friday.

Loc and Drew had done a lot in three days. It was time to slow down a little. Jeff's memory was still a little too recent.

"Mom is inviting you to dinner next Friday at our house. Would you like to come over?"

"Yes." Loc and Drew kissed one more time, before they parted company.

If Loc had no problem meeting Drew's parents, the same couldn't be said for Claude Hamilton when he discovered whom his son was dating. A blow up on Friday evening was definitely a possibility.

*****

Loc arrived at the Hamilton house at 5:45 on Friday evening. She knew Drew was rich, but was still shocked by the size of the Hamilton estate. It was like no other home Loc had ever visited.

Drew answered the door only ten seconds after his girlfriend rang the doorbell. "Hi Loc, come on inside. My Mom is waiting for you."

Once in the house, Loc and Drew shared a kiss. Then they walked hand and hand to the sitting room.

Elizabeth Hamilton was waiting there. As soon as Loc entered the room, Drew's mother came over to greet her guest. "Loc, it is so good to see you again. Welcome to our home."

After a welcoming kiss, Loc spoke. "Thank you for inviting me."

"Is there anything we can get you to drink?"

"Cranberry or any fruit juice if you have it," Drew said there was cranberry juice in the kitchen and went to fetch it. As he did, Loc and Drew's mother took seats in the sitting room.

"Drew's father is running a little late. Dinner will be served at 6:30." "That's all right Mrs. Hamilton. Very nice house you have."

"Thank you." Drew then returned with Loc's cranberry juice. After giving it to his girlfriend, Drew took a seat beside her.

Loc and Mrs. Hamilton talked till Claude Hamilton arrived home. Drew's mother discovering through her questions, much of Loc's childhood. Loc also learning that Drew's mother had been born in England. She hadn't known that.

Claude Hamilton got home at ten after six. After placing his briefcase in the foyer, the CEO went straight to the sitting room.

"Good evening sugar......"Claude said as he walked into the room. He was shocked to find Loc Metzger in the room seated next to Drew. It wasn't till just then that the CEO learned who his son's latest girlfriend was. Claude knew his son was bringing a girlfriend home that night, but was wrong in the belief his son was again dating his former high school girlfriend Cheryl Oxley or some girl he met at Emory. Maybe Claude should have known better.

"Claude darling," Elizabeth Hamilton said as she stood up. Loc and Drew did the same. "This is Loc Metzger."

Claude took Loc's hand. "Yes we've met."

"Hello Mr. Hamilton. Thank you for having me over." Claude Hamilton took a seat next to his wife. As soon as everyone was seated again, Elizabeth and Loc began talking again.

'Shit, he brought the nigger home and he's dating her.' Claude stewed quietly, fighting hard to keep his feelings from exploding outward.

As announced, dinner was served at 6:30. It consisting of Pork Picata, baked potato and green beans. Loc had never eaten the Filipino dish before, but found it delicious.

Over dinner, Mrs. Hamilton engaged Loc more in conversation. She wanted to know much more about the young woman she had so admired before that day and that same admiration continued to increase.

Loc talked but was a little shy. She was a little in awe of her surroundings plus this was the first important interaction Loc had with anyone other than her family in a long time. Loc was a little nervous, fearing she'd make a bad impression.

As far as Elizabeth Hamilton was concerned, that was not happening in the slightest. She found Loc positively charming as they talked that night. The mother sharing a large catalog of stories she had of Drew's youth, and Loc laughing along with Elizabeth at some of the funnier ones.

After dinner was completed, dessert was served. Loc getting a small portion of chocolate ice cream. Conversation continued as it did during dinner.

Claude Hamilton didn't do much talking. Instead he was boiling inside, and preparing a very frank father-son talk he'd have with Drew that weekend. This foolishness with the nigger girl was going to end or Drew would have to find somewhere else to live.

When Elizabeth Hamilton noted it was 8 p.m. on her watch, the mother got up from her seat. "Drew, why don't you show Loc a little of the house before taking her to the rec room."

"Ok Mother." Drew then rose, which Loc did also. Then they left the room.

Once they were out in the hallway, Loc had a question. "Drew, is there something wrong with your father? He kept looking at me in an odd way."

"Loc, let me show you around. When we get downstairs, we will talk."

*****

"I'm going to have a word with Drew tomorrow about that nigger..." Claude muttered to himself.

"Claude, what did you just say?" Elizabeth Hamilton asked. She was helping Josefa with the table.

"Nothing sugar, nothing."

Elizabeth didn't say a word again till Josefa was out of the room. "You just said the word nigger. Were you using that word in reference to Loc?"

"Yes....I was."

It was like a storm cloud formed on Elizabeth Hamilton's face. "You will never use that word again when referring to Loc. She is a very charming young lady."

"Sugar, she's a nigger. How can we.... "

"Claude William Hamilton you will stop this foolishness at once. Loc Metzger is a beautiful, charming and intelligent young lady. I will not have you ever insulting her again. Is that clear?"

"That girl is....."

"She is what?"

"The girl is Asian."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"It's not right, her and Drew..."

Now it was Elizabeth who had to control her temper. "There is not one thing wrong with Drew seeing this young lady. Loc's color or race is NOT important."

Claude then referred to the possibility Loc was just interested in Drew because of the Hamilton family's wealth. Elizabeth's angry response was quick in coming.

"That is not Loc at all," Elizabeth replied back to her husband angrily. Drew had told his mother of Loc's refusal of the bracelet the previous weekend. That wasn't the type of reaction that would be associated with a person Claude referred to as a 'golddigger'. The mother felt no need to tell Claude why he was so wrong. He'd just have to believe his wife "She is a simple girl. One that I will to go to bed tonight praying will be our daughter-in-law one day. You will not say or do anything to either Drew or Loc to prevent that from happening. Do you understand me?"

For the second time in three months, Claude Hamilton was beaten down by his wife. He'd have to do as Elizabeth said, and would hate every single moment of doing it.

"Understood, I'm going to my study." Claude then marched out of the dining room.

*****

It took almost a half hour for Drew to finish giving Loc a tour of the Hamilton house. The place was immense and like nothing Loc had ever seen, alone been in a house quite like it. When completed, Drew and Loc went to the home's basement. That was where the rec room was.

The Hamilton family rec room was a large studio like room. It had a large screen television, and all the most up to date electronics. There was also a bookcase holding a large video and audio collection, a refrigerator, sofa and a couple of other chairs in the room. In an adjacent room there was a ping pong table and pinball machine.

Later on Drew would tell Loc he and his brothers had spent a lot of time playing in the room when young. As they got older, the Hamilton brothers began bringing their dates to the room when they came over to visit.

"Want anything to drink?" Drew asked.

"Diet Sprite or Diet 7-up if you have it?" Loc said. A couple of moments later Drew gave her a Diet Sprite.

Drew had already asked Loc if she wanted to watch a movie. Loc had said yes. So while Loc waited on the sofa, Drew went looking for a movie to watch that evening.

"Want to watch this?" Drew asked Loc as he handed her a VHS box.

The movie Drew had chosen was 'Come See the Paradise'. After reading the description on the back of the box, Loc found out the movie was a drama set around and during World War Two involving an interracial couple, the female lead being Japanese-American.

"Interesting."

Drew smiled. "Want to watch it?"

"Yes, it's a good choice. I haven't seen that movie before."

Drew then went to put the movie in the VCR and turn the television set on. When that was completed, Drew took a seat on the couch next to Loc.

Before the movie started, Loc repeated her question from earlier. "Is there something wrong with your father?" Drew stopped the VCR. "My father is a bigot. He doesn't like you Loc, because you're Asian."

Loc instantly got upset. She had never met a person like that. "Maybe I should leave......"

"No Loc, I don't care what my father thinks. I like you. Do you believe that?"

"Yes."

"My mother likes you too."

Loc had gotten nothing but good vibes from her boyfriend's mother. Mrs. Hamilton had been very kind to Loc the whole time she was upstairs.

"But your father...."

"Don't worry about my Dad. I will deal with him. Let's not let his hatred ruin tonight."

Loc nodded her head. She still felt a little uncomfortable because of Claude Hamilton "You can start the movie."

It didn't take long for Loc to forget Claude Hamilton. First reason being the movie was good. Part romance and part drama.

The second reason was Loc and Drew were also beginning to get very familiar with each other. They were soon making out on the couch. Not just kissing, but fondling and touching each other in some very personal places.

Loc was enjoying this with Drew, but she had to put an end to it. "Drew, can we watch the movie?"

Drew got the subtle message. Loc had told her boyfriend already how important her faith was. "What ever you want to do Loc."

A couple of minutes later, the sound of the basement door being opened could be heard. Drew's mother was coming downstairs.

"Loc, I'm going to bed shortly. I'd just like to say I was glad you came over for dinner tonight and that I enjoyed meeting you."

"Thank you Mrs. Hamilton for letting me come over. The dinner was delicious."

Loc and Mrs. Hamilton exchanged kisses. "I'll leave you two alone. Please come back again Loc, I hope to see much more of you in the future."

After his mother left, Drew spoke. "See Mom likes you."

"Yes she does." Loc and Drew went back to watching the movie.

Loc enjoyed the movie and her time with Drew. When the movie was over, Drew rewound the tape while discussing what future plans he and Loc would have.

"Do you play golf or tennis?"

Jeff Lockwood had played both sports a little but not much. He had been better at golf. Loc Metzger was an athletic girl, who had played on both her high school softball and volleyball teams. She also played a little of the sports Drew mentioned.

"Both but neither too much."

"We can play tennis here tomorrow if you want?"

Loc looked at her watch. It was a few minutes past eleven. It was a ten minute drive from the Hamilton house to where Loc lived. Tonight Loc was only expected to be home by midnight. Mr. Metzger being a little more trusting in Drew by that time.

Playing tennis meant Loc would have to put shorts on. She was a little conscious of the scars on her leg and Drew being able to see them. "Tennis is all right. Do you have a racquet I can use?"

"Yes I do."

Loc exited the Hamilton house a couple of minutes shy of 11:30. Drew walking her out to the car.

"I had a good time," Loc said to Drew.

"Me too," Drew replied back before he and Loc began to kiss. "Drive safely."

"I will. See you tomorrow."

Before driving off, Loc allowed Drew one more kiss. Then after starting the Maxima, Loc put the car into reverse and began to drive home. *****

Loc came back to the Hamilton home the next day. She and Drew played tennis and it was good exercise even if Loc got her head handed to her by Drew. They played the sport for fun and exercise.

Over the summer Loc and Drew would play a lot of tennis and golf. With time Loc got better at both sports. Besides these activities, Drew would also take Loc to the movies, a concert, fishing and other activities in the days leading up to both of them leaving for college. No question about it, Loc had a new best friend.

As for Claude Hamilton, Loc didn't have all that much contact with him. The father was polite to Loc but distant. On the other hand Elizabeth Hamilton was always glad to see her son Drew's girlfriend and made sure Loc always felt welcome.

Loc also got to meet and know Drew's brothers Todd, Robert and Ted and their wives over the summer of 1994.(Camellia Hamilton's father was gravely ill in Florida, so Loc didn't get to meet her or Claude IV) All of them made Loc feel welcome when meeting her.

"We all like you Loc," Robert Hamilton said one July night in Wilmington. "Don't let our ignorant father bother you. Rest assured, our mother won't let Dad get between you and Drew.

Ted Hamilton also added. "Our father can be a real arsehole." Lauren Hamilton, Ted's wife, was a former Duke grad and full of information about the university and the city of Durham. Jodi Hamilton was also especially nice to Loc, her father even knowing the Metzgers and Lockwoods slightly. Loc appreciated this help and all the support she got from Drew's family.

Drew and Loc made a small trip together to South Carolina in order to meet Todd Hamilton and his wife Pamela. Bigger trips, to either London or the British Virgin Islands where Drew had relatives or a vacation home were offered to Loc by her boyfriend but she declined. Like when it came to gifts, Loc didn't want to take extravagant or fancy trips either.

Loc would thank Drew for the offers but said that she preferred staying close to home and her parents. Maybe some other day Loc would let Drew take her to those places.

Every Sunday Drew would accompany Loc to church. They usually went to Holy Word Lutheran Church, the Metzger's place of worship but on two occasions Loc went with Drew to Baptist services.

Not long after her cast came off, Loc joined Holy Word's adult choir. Loc having remembered Reverend Swan's invitation from the previous summer. Singing to God was one way Loc celebrated her new found faith.

Hearing Loc liked to sing, Drew invested in a kereoke for the rec room. There he and Loc would spend some nights singing. Loc found her boyfriend handsome, charming and tone deaf!

It was in early August that Loc settled on a plan for the necklace. A month previously, Loc had crossed the point of no return as she called it. Not like there was much thought by Loc of becoming Jeff Lockwood any more by then. One July night before going to bed, Loc put on the old shirt of Jeff's that still hung in her closet.

"Loc," Loc said as she looked in the mirror at herself. Jeff's old t- shirt hanging down to the knees of her current body as Loc squeezed it tight against her body. "I'm you forever now. I pray you approve of what I'm doing."

The next morning Mrs. Metzger noticed what Loc had gone to bed wearing the night before. The mother proceeded to ask Loc about it.

"I missed Jeff and just wanted to be close to him one last time," Loc told her mother who immediately understood.

As for the necklace, Loc never used it again. However there was one last thing to do with it.

*****

Two days before leaving for her freshman term at Duke University, Loc had one last place to go. She paid a visit to the Lockwood home.

Mrs. Lockwood was the one to open the door. "Why hello Loc, how are you?"

"I'm good, may I come in?"

"Of course," Mrs. Lockwood said as she held the door open for Loc. "It is so good to see you again."

Loc and Mrs. Lockwood made pleasant conversation for about a minute. Julie Metzger and Carol often talked. So Jeff's mother was fully aware her son's former girlfriend was now seeing Drew Hamilton.

Then Loc asked. "Is Tabitha home?"

"Yes, she's up in her room."

"I want to see her for a minute," Loc replied back. Mrs. Lockwood told her to go ahead.

Loc proceeded upstairs. Tabitha's bedroom was the last room on the right in the upstairs hallway. Before getting there, Loc would have to pass her old bedroom.

She had no intentions of looking in there, but the door was open. A quick peek showed the room to be devoid of almost all signs of Jeff Lockwood. The bed, dresser and other furniture were there but almost none of Jeff's belongings were. A few boxes were stacked in a corner, making the room look like it was being used for storage.

That was all Loc needed to see. Jeff Lockwood was no more, and his mother was coping well with her loss. Going right to Tabitha's room, Loc knocked twice on the door.

Loud music was emanating from the room but decreased in volume a few seconds after Loc's knocking. Then the door opened.

"Hi Loc," Tabitha said with a surprised look on her face.

"Can I come in?"

"Yes." Loc went straight into Tabitha's room, closing the door behind her.

Tabitha hopped onto her bed. "So why are you here?"

Loc got right to the point. "I thought I'd give this back to you." Opening a plastic bag she was carrying, Loc then took the medallion out. "Jeff said you were the one to find it, I thought I'd return it to you."

Tabitha was surprised that Loc was giving her back the necklace. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Loc replied back. "Just don't change any more cats into french poodles."

Tabitha laughed. "That is a deal."

Loc then said goodbye and was about to leave the room when Tabitha spoke again.

"Good luck at Duke, brother." Tabitha then winked at Loc.

It wasn't till Loc was halfway home that she realized how Tabitha knew the truth. Jeff Lockwood's sister had told the cat/poodle story to Jeff only and no one else. It was Loc's own fault that Tabitha now knew who she really was.

The trauma of the grad night crash and the ensuing coma had left some holes in the former Jeff Lockwood's memory. Loc had totally forgotten the deal she had made as Jeff with Tabitha Lockwood. The only part Loc did remember was the part about changing a cat into a french poodle.

"Shit, I hope Tabby never tells Mom or Dad," Loc said out loud as she drove home. As it was, Loc had nothing to fear. Tabby had a few secrets of her own to hide and therefore would never out her brother.

Loc would remain in contact with the Lockwoods, Tabitha included. Tabitha lost the necklace less than six months after Loc returned it to her.

On the way out of the house, Loc went to say goodbye to Mrs. Lockwood. The mother had something for her late son's girlfriend.

"Loc I want to give you something," Mrs. Lockwood said as she handed the young woman a bag. Loc opened it up immediately.

Inside the bag was a picture frame. It contained a photo of Loc and Jeff taken about two years earlier.

Loc had seen the photo many times. Jeff's mother had kept it on a table in Lockwood living room along with other family photos.

"Loc, I know how much Jeff meant to you. I thought you'd like this." Loc and Mrs. Metzger then embraced.

"Please write us while you're at Duke," Carol Lockwood said to Loc after their hug ended. "My husband and I still want to know how you're doing."

"Mom, I promise to write."

As she drove home, Loc remembered something Tabitha had said to her brother a little over a year ago. It was "I hope you like wearing dresses and makeup." Tabitha had said it as a joke but the statement had come true. Now dresses and makeup and in addition, bras, pantyhose, periods, purses, having a boyfriend and maybe even marriage and childbirth, were now or one day could be part of the former Jeff Lockwood's reality. They'd remain so the rest of her life.

Jeff had made the choice to remain as Loc, though the choice seemed more than a little forced. Circumstances had made a return to being Jeff too difficult. Loc may not have wanted to be a woman now, but that was who she was now. She would enjoy her new life as best she could.

On the same day Loc gave Tabitha back the necklace, she also visited the Hamilton home again. It would be Loc and Drew's last chance to see one another before leaving for college.

After having dinner with Mrs. Hamilton(Claude was away on business), Drew and Loc went downstairs to the rec room. Instead of watching a movie with his girlfriend like previous occasions, Drew put on some music over the room's stereo system.

After they were both comfortable and sitting on the couch, Drew spoke. "I'm going to miss you Loc."

"I will miss you too," Loc replied back before she and Drew kissed.

Because of her injuries, Loc had been given an extension by Duke so to start at the University in 1994 rather than 1993. This came after the Metzgers made a special application to Duke's Dean of Freshman students, detailing what had happened to Loc in June 1993.

Drew on the other hand had faced different problems. The news of his legal problems had traveled back to both Georgia and Emory University. Hearing of this, the school put Drew on indefinite suspension. Even after Drew received probation, he had to apply to Emory for reinstatement.

There were a few occasions when Drew mused to Loc that maybe he would be better off continuing his studies elsewhere. Maybe at one of North Carolina's many Universities, including possibly Duke.

Since his sentence, Drew had been doing his community service by either helping illiterate adults learn to read or by speaking to teenagers about the dangers of street racing or driving under the influence. Even when at Emory, Drew would have to see a probation officer and continue his community service in addition to attending classes and studying.

"Drew, you have to continue facing up to what you did. I forgave you and so did Jeff's parents. You need to go back to Emory, not run away from it."

"You're right Loc," Drew replied back. The young man had to still pay for what he caused to happen to Jeff Lockwood and to Loc. "You're as smart as you are beautiful."

Loc blushed at Drew's compliment. "Thank you."

Drew and Loc would be going to universities hundreds of miles apart, but would stay in touch by email and phone calls. Loc and Drew made tentative plans to meet in Wilmington Columbus Day weekend. They would also see one another over Thanksgiving break in November too. Drew also vowed not to look at or even touch another girl.

"I trust you Drew," Loc told her boyfriend. "Besides I'll cut your nuts off if I ever catch you cheating." That remark resulted in a big laugh.

No question about it, Drew was very serious in regards to Loc. Loc if not feeling as strong a feelings in return towards her boyfriend, did like Drew very much. She just wanted more time. Being a young woman was still a learning process for the former Jeff Lockwood.

"I got a couple of things for you," Drew said as he got up and walked over to a nearby cabinet.

"Like what?"

Drew opened the cabinet and removed two items. The first one he gave to Loc was a Platinum American Express card. It had the name of Loc Metzger on it.

"Just in case you have an emergency," Drew explained the card was connected to his own American Express account.

Drew was being very thoughtful but the card was unnecessary. For the financial settlement Loc and her family got because of the crash paid both for both her college education in addition to giving Loc a monthly income.

Loc spent almost none of the money she received every month. So far she had been socking the money away so to save for either buy a house one day or to pay for Kathy and Kevin Metzger's eventual college education. If Loc needed money, she used the pay she got from working at Winn- Dixie.

Nevertheless Loc took the card and placed it in her wallet. "Thanks Drew. I'll only use it for real emergencies. Like when I see a nice pair of shoes at JC Penney."

Drew laughed. "That emergency expense is always allowed." He had complete faith in Loc using the card wisely.

The second thing Loc got from Drew was even more surprising. It was that gold bracelet they had seen three months earlier.

"Drew, you shouldn't have," Loc said as she got choked up with tears. Up till then Loc had refused all expensive gift or trip offers from Drew. Still her boyfriend gave her gifts on a regular basis. Usually flowers, but on one occasion Drew gave Loc a locket with his photo in it. Loc was wearing it that night. "I don't deserve this."

"No Loc, I love you," Drew said as he put the bracelet on Loc's left wrist. "You like it?"

"It's beautiful. Thank you." Drew and Loc then shared a long kiss.

Elizabeth Hamilton was still up when Loc and Drew emerged from the basement. She too wanted to say goodbye to Loc before she went to college.

"Loc, I hope you'll stay in touch with me while at Duke. Please write or call, I so look forward to hearing from you."

"I will Mrs. Hamilton."

Elizabeth Hamilton smiled. "Loc, we think of you as family here. You can call me Mom or Mother if you wish."

"Ok Mom."

"I hope one day you'll consider not just Drew but the rest of us as family. God bless you." Loc and Mrs. Hamilton then shared a hug. *****

The day Loc left for Duke University began early. Rising before 5 a.m., she and her parents were on the road by a little after 6 a.m. The drive to Durham takes around three hours, plus time for any stops.

After stopping for breakfast on the way, the Metzgers arrived at the large university campus around 10 a.m. After getting lost a few times, the family finally found the dorm that Loc would be living at for most of the next year.

When they arrived on campus, it was beautiful late August Saturday morning. Sunny without a cloud in the sky. On arrival, Loc saw that some students were already checked into the dorm. While unpacking the car, Loc noticed one blonde haired woman dressed all in leather who had a motorcycle parked outside.

The dorm room was the size of an efficiency apartment, just without a kitchen area. No cooking was allowed in the dorm. There was a refrigerator and cabinet to store some food and drinks.

A quick check of the refrigerator showed some fruit juice and a pack of pudding. Both probably belonging to Loc's roommate. Later that day Mrs. Metzger would buy some extra things for her daughter.

The rest of the room consisted of two beds next to opposite walls, a table/sitting area and a computer desk. With two students sharing the room, it would be a little cramped but livable.

Loc was happy to discover she had her own private bathroom including a shower. She had heard stories of dorm living and having to go down the hall to either potty or take a shower. Maybe this was a new dorm?

Drew had offered to help get Loc an apartment but she declined. Loc felt more comfortable living on campus in a city she didn't know and knew few people from.

While checking in, Loc discovered her roommate was named Dawn Jacobs. The fellow freshman had been there that morning but was out when Loc and her parents arrived.

It was an exciting if busy day. A lot of work, consisting of hauling Loc's possessions inside and then getting her room set up, took up much of the morning and part of the afternoon. Loc and her parents only stopping to have something to eat around 1 p.m.

Loc was excited for her first day of college. New surroundings to see, new friends to make. As Jeff she had always wanted to attend school but her parents would have been strained to pay for it after Mrs. Lockwood's fight with cancer. Loc was much more fortunate.

If Loc was excited, Julie Metzger was feeling very different emotions. Her daughter was going out into the world to begin her life and this created a void for the mother sometimes known as empty nest syndrome. Mrs. Metzger could barely avoid crying.

Loc saw how her mother was getting emotional. In response Loc gave her mother reassuring hugs through the day while at the same time telling her Mom she would be fine.

It was the late afternoon already and Loc was all set and mostly unpacked. If Julie Metzger was in no rush to go, her husband was almost entirely the opposite.

"If we leave now," Tom Metzger said while looking at his watch. "And stop somewhere on the way home for dinner we'll be back to Wilmington around 8 p.m."

Julie Metzger tried to ignore her husband's clock watching. It truly annoyed her. "We could stay and have dinner with you."

"Mom, I'm not hungry right now. Maybe later around seven o'clock I'll go eat."

The Metzgers stayed about another hour before leaving. It was an emotional goodbye with Loc hugging both her parents and telling them she would be fine.

"Do you have enough money?" Tom Metzger asked Loc.

"$200," Loc replied back. She planned to be thrifty. Her room and board were paid, so she would eat at the university cafeteria to save money."Maybe I'll find a part-time job.

"Your grades are more important sweetheart. Don't worry about money" Julie Metzger told her daughter.

"I know and I won't." Loc was still thinking about getting a part-time job after she was more settled.

After a few more goodbyes and reminders not to forget to write, Loc's parents drove off as their daughter waved goodbye. After that was done, Loc returned to her dorm room.

*****

Loc did as planned that evening. She went to eat at seven. The cafeteria closed at 8 p.m and had few students there that night. After that, Loc returned to her room. Loc didn't know Durham at all and didn't feel comfortable going out yet in the evening. There was still no sign of her roommate.

After eating, Loc got ready for bed that night. She was tired and planned to go to sleep early. Tomorrow would be a busy day between church in the morning and a freshman orientation session in the afternoon. Before going to bed, Loc decided to familiarize herself with the Dorm rules. There were eight pages of these which she had to learn.

It was just after 9:30, and just a few minutes after Loc had turned off all the lights but a night lite, when Loc's roommate finally showed up.

"Someone must like going to bed early," said a female voice. Loc quickly sat up in bed, waiting to meet her roommate.

A light by the front door came on, allowing Loc to see who it was. It was the female motorcyclist from earlier. Still dressed in leather and with her motorcycle helmet under one arm.

"You're Dawn, right?" Loc asked.

"Yep, that's me," Dawn said as she walked further into the room, putting her helmet down on a table. "You're Lock?"

"You pronounce it like Luck," Loc said as she turned on a bedside lamp. She was still tired but felt like meeting her roommate.

On first appraisal, Loc didn't think Dawn was half bad looking. She had short blonde hair and a girlish figure.

Jeff Lockwood's body may be dead, but his mind lived on. He would have given her roommate a six or seven on a ten point scale.

"Nice meeting you Loc," Dawn said extending a hand to Loc who then shook it. "You're Chinese?"

"No I'm half Vietnamese. My mother was born in South Vietnam."

"That's cool." Dawn replied, who by then was sitting on her own bed and removing the boots she was wearing. "Mind if I go take a shower, I'm filthy."

"Go ahead."

"I'll try to be quiet. We can talk tomorrow," Dawn told her roommate as she began to undress. Loc left the room light on, but turned towards the wall as she tried to go back to sleep.

But Loc couldn't sleep as much as she was tried. After a few minutes of laying in bed, she decided to try reading a book for a while.

Dawn was soon out of the bathroom, She was buff naked with a white towel wrapped around her head. "I read that book."

Loc was reading Atlas shrugged. "I just began reading it yesterday."

"I read it back in the 11th grade. It's a good book," Dawn said as she dried herself off.

Not able to sleep or read, Loc got out of bed. Taking some of her favorite peanut crackers and a container of milk out of the refrigerator, she went to the table and sat down.

"Can't sleep?" Dawn asked as she looked around the room.

"I was just feeling a bit hungry."

Dawn was looking over at Loc's side of the room. "I'm rooming with the Pink Panther now." Loc didn't say a word, but got the message. She and her roommate couldn't be more unalike in appearance. Down to the night clothes they now wore. Dawn in almost male looking pajamas and Loc in a pink night dress.

"I'll call you Pinky."

"Please call me Loc instead."

Dawn laughed. "I was only joking. You like peanut butter crackers too?"

"Yes, want one?"

"Thanks, I would." Loc then handed Dawn one of the uneaten crackers she had out on the table.

Dawn and Loc talked for about an hour. They talked about where they grew up, their families, what they planned to major in at Duke and other topics.

As Loc soon discovered, Dawn Jacobs was from Virginia where she lived with her divorced mother. Dawn was studying to be an engineer.

"What will your major be?" Dawn asked. "Let me guess, you're pre-med?"

Dawn's question hit a nerve. For Loc remembered the real Loc's dreams of becoming a doctor. The former Jeff Lockwood didn't think of herself as bright enough to be a doctor. Even if he or she was, there was the problem the new Loc had. She was squeamish at the sight of blood. Not a good omen for someone going into medicine.

"No I'm not studying to be a doctor."

"What major have you chosen?

"I haven't made up my mind," Loc replied after swallowing one of the crackers she was sharing with Dawn. "Philosophy, Political Science or International Relations."

"Those are good fields."

"Or possibly even Education."

Dawn laughed. "You got to make up your mind Loc."

"I'll make a decision sometime this year. Maybe I will major in one field and minor in another."

"Yes that could be an idea."

Dawn then noticed one of the photos Loc had brought from home. "Is that a picture of your mother?

"Yes. Mom died when I was little," Loc said after getting the photo from the nightstand to show to Dawn.

"I'm sorry. Your mother was very pretty."

"Thank you."

"You look just like her too."

"Thank you. I'm sorry if I moved some of your things to put my photos out."

"It is all right. The other photo is, that your Father and Step Mom?"

Loc nodded. "I call her Mom. We're very close."

Dawn smiled. "That's good. My mother and I are best friends."

Loc was shown a picture of Dawn's mother. Her roommate looking like a younger version of Mrs. Jacobs. Dawn noticed the two other pictures Loc brought.

"You got two boyfriends? Or is one of those your brother?"

Loc explained both photos. "My high school boyfriend Jeff was killed in an auto accident. That was over a year ago."

"Bummer, I'm so sorry," Dawn replied.

"It's ok. The other photo is of me and Drew. He's my present boyfriend. Drew goes to Emory University. Are you seeing anyone right now?"

Dawn shook her head. "Nobody at present."

The two college freshman talked a few minutes longer. Then Dawn rose up out of her chair to yawn and stretch. "I'm tired."

"Me too," Loc said as she got up also. As Dawn went over to her bed, Loc straightened up the table while placing any garbage in the room's trash can.

Dawn and Loc were soon in their separate beds. "Loc I think I'm going to like rooming with you."

"I feel the same too about you too Dawn." Then Loc turned off the light and both she and Dawn were soon fast asleep.

***** Being a freshman at Duke proved to be exciting for Loc even if it meant a lot of hard work. She soon came to enjoy life on campus, making new friends plus seeing a different side of North Carolina than the places she was accustomed to.

The first week at Duke was hectic. Loc had to sign up for new classes, meet her Dean, and go to three freshman orientation sessions. On her second Tuesday after arriving at Duke, Loc attended her first class. It was Composition 101, a required class for all Duke students.

Since Loc hadn't declared a major, she took general courses that were prerequisites for graduation at Duke. In addition to English Composition, Loc attended classes in American History, Advanced Algebra, Chemistry and British Literature.

All of these classes demanded a great deal of studying. Jeff Lockwood had never been dumb, he had a 3.2 GPA at Wilmington High School. On the other hand he was no where near as smart as the real Loc. To get B's or A's in her classes took a lot of dedication but Loc supplied it.

Loc's freshman grades consisted of three A's and two B's. The B's were in her Composition and Literature classes. Loc's parents reacted with pride when they saw her first report card.

If any grade was a surprise to Loc, it was the A in Chemistry. Science courses had never been Jeff's strong suit and always required a lot of studying. At Duke it was no different, but Loc had help in getting her A. It came from her new friend, fellow freshman Corrine 'Cory' Petrauskas.

Like Loc, Cory was also Asian-American, A Korean adoptee raised by a family originally from Lithuania. The two girls attended the same History and Chemistry classes and that was how they met. It wasn't long before Cory was Loc's best friend.

Cory proved to be a big help to Loc with Chemistry. She was studying to be a doctor. Loc returned the favor by helping Cory through American History. The two would spend hours every week studying together and this helped make Cory and Loc close friends.

Other than Cory and her roommate Dawn, Loc didn't make any other close friends. Loc was still adjusting to life away from home and this made her tend to be shy.

Part of Loc's shyness was due to being homesick. She missed Wilmington and her life there, particularly her parents. Sometimes Loc would feel so homesick she would be on the verge of tears.

To help with homesickness, Loc wrote home two to three times a week and talked on the phone once a week to her family. Loc could have driven home on weekends, but felt this was too time consuming. The drive from Durham to Wilmington round-trip would consume six valuable hours Loc could spend studying. The Metzgers missed their daughter, but understood her need to stay at Duke.

Of course Loc stayed in touch with Drew. Talking on the phone one or two times weekly and emailing each other about as often. Loc also wrote occasional letters to her sister Kathy, Mrs. Lockwood and Drew's mother.

*****

October was an interesting and busy month for Loc. The first weekend of the month saw Loc travel with Cory to Greensboro North Carolina. Cory's parents were having their thirtieth wedding anniversary celebration and Loc was invited.

The party for Cory's parents was held in a hotel banquet room on Saturday evening. There were probably one hundred and fifty people in attendance. Plus the party had plenty of tasty food and live music and there was also a place in the banquet room for people to dance.

Other than Cory, Loc knew no one there. Still Loc had a good time and met some nice people while at the party.

While at the party, Cory's brother Matt asked Loc if she would like to dance with him. Loc accepted. Later on, Cory told Loc about her brother having a big crush on her.

"Didn't you tell him I had a boyfriend?" Loc hadn't done this. Other than the dance, she spent ten minutes talking with Matt.

"No, Loc, it had slipped my mind. I did tell Matt afterwards when he said something to me."

The following weekend, Loc returned to Wilmington. She was very happy to see her family for a few days. The same also applying to Drew, who flew in from Georgia for the weekend.

"You danced with another man?" Drew asked Loc after she confessed to what had happened in Greensboro.

"Yes. Matt was Cory's brother. It was just one dance." "Loc you promised to cut my nuts off if I touched another girl. What will I do with you?"

"Take me to JC Penney?" Loc replied. Drew laughed at his girlfriend's joke. He wasn't jealous, there was no reason to be. Loc and Drew had a good time that weekend in Wilmington.

*****

The next Saturday morning found Loc in her dorm room reading a book required for her British literature class. It was a quiet weekend for the freshmen, Cory had gone back to Greensboro and Dawn was out getting her motorcycle fixed.

Earlier that day Loc offered to help Dawn with the motorcycle. Her roommate shook her head in disbelief.

"You fix a motorcycle?" Dawn said with a laugh. "No femme would ever risk her nails to fix a car or motorcycle."

Loc knew Dawn was right. Looking at her nails as Dawn rode off, Loc remembered she hadn't worked on any vehicle since becoming who she was now. Her long polished nails were too good to waste on some motorcycle.

That Saturday Loc was more busy reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein for her literature class, taught by Herbert Pryce. Dr. Pryce was Loc's favorite professor so far in her short time at Duke.

She wasn't the only one to like the eccentric British Lit professor. Dr. Pryce was a favorite of many Duke students, mostly because of humorous commentaries on Britain's most famous authors and poets. They were often hilarious.

Like Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. Dr Pryce said the book was a re-telling of the author's honeymoon with her husband, Poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Loc was only thirty pages into the book and not yet able to determine if the Professor was right or just joking.

Loc had just used the bathroom and returned to bed, her favorite place to read, when Dawn returned to the dorm. She had jeans on plus a jacket and t-shirt. It was a sunny but cool day in Durham. The temperature would hit a high of 64 that day.

"Pinky," Dawn only used this nickname occasionally for Loc. Usually to chide her roommate about some habit or practice she had. "What are you doing in here?"

"Reading," was Loc's short reply.

"I know that. It's too beautiful a day out to be in here reading."

"Dawn," Loc said pointing to her book. "I got to read 150 pages by the end of tomorrow. Pryce is going to......."

"I know that. Come with me, I know a better place to do some reading. Just put on a jacket and boots, we're going out."

Loc decided not to argue but had one question. "Boots?"

"Yes boots, I'm driving," Dawn replied. She would take Dawn to the park on her motorcycle. Loc did as asked, in addition to putting a back pack on. This would be used to hold her and Dawn's books.

"Ever ride a motorcycle before?" Dawn asked as they left the building.

Loc had, but when she was still Jeff Lockwood. In each case to test a bike he had worked on. This would be different, she would be the passenger.

"No I haven't." "It's fun, trust me."

"Just don't drive too fast."

Dawn laughed at that comment as they neared the motorcycle. Loc and Dawn then climbed on the bike.

"Hold on tight," Dawn told Loc who complied by putting her arms around her friend's waist. Then Dawn began to rev the engine and shortly afterwards they were off.

The trip to the park took five minutes. It was a popular hangout for Duke students but Loc's first time to ever visit there.

"You survive all right?" Dawn asked after she and Loc got off the motorcycle.

"Yes I guess so," Loc said as she surveyed the park. There were a lot of other students there that morning. "Where are we going to sit?"

"Follow me, I know a perfect place." After securing the motorcycle, Dawn and Loc set off towards the park's southeast corner.

The perfect place Dawn was referring to was a large oak tree that was a part of cluster of other trees that gave lots of shade. Not that shade was needed, it was a beautiful sunny day out. After a stop to get a soft drink and some bottled water, Loc and Dawn sat themselves down on opposite sides of the tree. There they began to read and study.

"Isn't this so much better than the dorm room?" Dawn asked.

"Yes it is."

Dawn took a deep breath and exhaled. "I love fresh air."

Loc also liked the fresh air and the change of scenery. However, she had a book to read. "Yes it is wonderful. I better get back to my book."

Dawn showed her engineering textbook to Loc. "Wanna trade?"

Jeff Lockwood had once dreamed of being an engineer but that life was behind her. "No thanks."

Loc got done all but fifteen of the pages she needed read that day. The trip to the park had been an inspired idea. It was a perfect setting to get some reading and studying done and Loc later thanked Dawn for bringing her there.

"You're welcome Loc. I'm glad you're enjoying it," Dawn told Loc while the two of them took a break to grab lunch. There was a small snack stand in the park about two hundred yards from the tree.

"It's good to get out," Loc said after taking a sip of her Diet 7 up. She and Dawn were sitting on a bench near the snack stand.

"The winters are bad enough," Dawn said as she munched on a hot dog covered in relish and mustard. Loc was having a pretzel to eat. She would buy some chips before returning to the tree. "And we'll have no choice but to stay inside. Why let a day like this go to waste?"

"You're right. I'm too much of a homebody."

Dawn nodded. "Yeah, I have noticed that. I love the outdoors. Back home in Virginia I would spend my weekends and summers out camping, hiking climbing. Isn't nature wonderful?"

"I sometimes go fishing with my Daddy."

"That's cool."

"I used to play on my high school softball team."

"Really, what position?"

"2nd base." That was the position the real Loc played.

"I played third at my school."

Dawn made Loc smile and laugh. She was one of these people whose energy was contagious and made others feel good.

Looking into Dawn's sparkling blue eyes, Loc began to feel all tingly. Loc's bisexual side was flaring up again. Something was telling Loc that Dawn had similar feelings.

Loc got that confirmation later on in the day. On the way back from the park, Dawn and Loc bought some Chinese take out food and brought it back to the dorm.

"Would you like to go out tonight?" Dawn asked Loc as they ate their food.

"Where to?"

"A club I know. It's here in Durham and it is for women only." Dawn replied back. Loc accepted her roommate's invitation.

After finishing their dinner, Loc and Dawn took twenty minutes to get ready for their evening out. Both roommates had long grown accustomed to seeing the other in various states of undress. Of course by this time, Dawn had seen the many scars Loc had as a result of the grad night crash. Loc telling her friend what had happened that June 1993 evening.

'The Ladies place', which was the name of the club, was about a fifteen minute drive from Duke University. It was in a strip shopping center, and had only a small sign noting the club was even there.

"You've been here before?" Loc asked as Dawn pushed a button by the club's front entrance.

"Two times," Dawn answered back. Then a clicking sound could be heard. Loc and Dawn had been let in.

"Good evening Ms. Jacobs Tim, a heavyset man in his late thirties. Dawn would later tell Loc that Tim was the nephew of the bar's owner. Men weren't allowed in The Ladies Club but the place still employed two of them. Tim was one, he was the club's greeter and bouncer. The second male employee was a part-time bartender named Jack who wasn't working that evening. "How are you tonight?"

"Very good Tim. I brought a friend with me. Her name is Loc Metzger."

"Good evening Ms. Metzger," Tim said with a nod of his head towards Loc. "Now may I see both of you ladies' identifications please?

Loc and Dawn came prepared. They both had their driver's licenses out and ready. Tim checked these and then handed them back along with two red colored cards.

"Enjoy," Tim said as he held a door open. Loc and Dawn walked right in.

The Ladies Club was modestly lit and reeked of cigarette smoke. If Loc had to hazard a guess, there were about forty to fifty women present that Saturday night..

"What are these for?" Loc asked Dawn. She was referring to the red card both of them were given by Tim.

"It tells the bartender if we're allowed to have alcohol," Dawn explained. "Red says we can't."

"I get it now," Loc replied. A few women in the bar were looking Loc's way. Another shook Dawn's hand as they passed by.

"Want to get something to drink?" Dawn asked.

"Yes, I'm absolutely quenched right now." Most of the women in the club were either at tables or on the dance floor. Women were dancing with other women. What Loc suspected the Ladies Club to be was now confirmed. She was in a club for lesbians. "Hi Dawn," said a gray-haired woman bartender who was around fifty- years-old. "Who's your cute friend?"

"Nellie, this is my friend Loc. We both go to Duke University together."

"Welcome to the Ladies Club, Loc," the bartender said. Loc said hello back. "What can I get you to drink?"

"A Diet 7 Up."

"We got no 7 Up. Is a Diet Sprite ok?"

"Yes please," Loc said as she looked around the club. She noticed that almost all the women in club were white. There didn't look to be any minorities there other than Loc.

Once Loc and Dawn got their drinks, the two freshmen took a table about halfway between the bar and the dance floor. "This is a club for lesbians," Loc remarked as soon as she and Dawn were seated.

"For all women, but yes most girls here are gay or at least bisexual."

"Dawn are you gay?" Loc asked.

"No, but I'm bisexual. Aren't you?"

Loc thought for a few seconds. "Yes I am."

"You don't mind me bringing you here?"

"No Dawn, not at all."

"Good, I thought I'd just get you out and do something different."

Loc and Dawn did two dances together and talked with some of the other women there. Ninety minutes of being at The Ladies Club was all Loc could handle. The smoke and noise was giving her a headache. She therefore asked Dawn if they could leave.

"No problem Loc. I'm sorry you didn't have a good time."

Loc shook her head as she and Dawn walked out of the club. "Dawn I didn't say that. The noise and smoke were beginning to bother me, that's all."

"I understand."

After arriving back at their dorm, Loc and Dawn got ready for bed that night. Both women were tired and while it was barely eleven, both were ready to get some sleep. Before doing that, Loc and Dawn had a snack and drink.

When Loc finished her milk, she got up from her chair. Dawn was still up also and checking herself in the mirror. Loc went to put her glass in the sink.

"Loc, what do you think?" Dawn asked. Since Loc was facing away from her friend, the college freshman turned around in order to see what Dawn was referring to.

Dawn had pulled her pajamas up and was exposing her breasts to Loc. Loc had Dawn's breasts many times already. They were a very nice pair of mammary glands.

"Do you like?" Dawn asked Loc.

"Yes, they're pretty."

Loc tried hard to ignore her roommate. Making as if nothing odd was going on. Getting deliberately flashed by your roommate had to count as odd.

Loc was putting some things away in a drawer, when she suddenly felt a set of arms come in from behind her. Dawn was now cupping Loc's breasts with her hands.

At the same time she cupped Loc's breasts, Dawn began to nibble on the back of her roommate's neck. "Loc did you ever have a woman or girl say you're pretty?

"Not till you did," Loc said as her hormones began to rage. Dawn's presence was driving Loc crazy.

"You are pretty," Dawn said as she gently spun Loc around. Her lips extending towards Loc's. Getting very close.....

"Dawn?" Loc said with her roommate's lips only a few inches from her own. Dawn's blue eyes sparkling even in the dim light of the dorm room.

"Yes."

"Sorry, I can't do this."

Dawn pulled away from Loc, if only by a few inches. A pout forming on her mouth. "Why?"

"I got a boyfriend. It wouldn't be right if I cheated on Drew. Even with another woman."

That wasn't the only reason for Loc to say no. Her new found religious convictions and faith taught her homosexuality to be wrong.

"I'm sorry if I led you on to believe otherwise. Forgive me."

Dawn then released Loc totally from her grasp. After about thirty seconds of silence, Dawn finally spoke again. "Ok Loc."

Loc was glad Dawn wasn't upset. She feared this could ruin the friendship the two roommates had. "I like you Dawn, but it wouldn't be right."

"Some guys don't mind if their girlfriend sees a girl on the side," Dawn confessed. "They see it as a turn-on."

"Maybe but Drew isn't here for me to ask."

"Good point," Dawn said. "Then I think I'll go to bed."

"Good night Dawn."

What happened that night didn't ruin Loc and Dawn's friendship. The roommates remained good friends throughout their entire time together at Duke.

*****

The same weekend that saw Loc and Dawn go to the park and 'The Ladies Club, had Claude Hamilton visiting his son Drew in Georgia. The CEO was there for one purpose- To drive a wedge between Drew Hamilton and Loc Metzger.

Claude still had no intention of allowing a nigger to become part of his family. Remembering his wife Elizabeth's directive not to say or do anything to Drew or Loc, the CEO decided to take a indirect approach.

Drew had been forewarned of his father coming to town and was told to dress nicely for his arrival. It wasn't till Claude picked Drew's up on Friday afternoon why he had come to town. The CEO was there on business and wanted his son to accompany him to dinner.

The dinner was at posh restaurant in Atlanta's downtown area. There Drew and Claude met Phil Becker. Mr. Becker owned a small Atlanta based company that sometimes did business with Hamilton Enterprises.

Also at the dinner was Cecilia 'Cece' Becker, Phil's daughter. Cece was a nineteen-year-old University of Georgia student.

Claude's plan was simple. He hoped to take advantage of Drew being separated from Loc while they studied at universities hundreds of miles apart. Long distance relationships not being the easiest to maintain.

Cece Becker was a plain looking young woman, but was nice, personable, and intelligent. Over the next two days Claude did his best to gently push Drew towards the Becker girl. First at Friday night dinner, then by having them spend almost all of Saturday together, including being given tickets to see the Broadway show 'Cats' which was then playing in Atlanta.

It didn't take long for Drew to see through his father's ruse.(He had nothing personal against Cece. She was nice and if Drew wasn't seeing Loc or any other woman, the young man would have been open to knowing the University of Georgia student better.) When seeing his father off at the airport on Sunday, Drew let his feelings be known.

"Nice try Dad, but I am still going to see Loc. I love Loc and one day I hope to marry her."

Drew's love for Loc was real. It had nothing to do with the young man's contempt for his father's racial views.

Claude was furious with Drew but bit his lip. An outburst at his son would have had repercussions at home as soon as Elizabeth Hamilton found out what her husband had tried to do. Even still, Claude's wife did find out what had happened in Georgia.

Once again Elizabeth Hamilton got infuriated with her husband. She again warning Claude to leave Loc and Drew alone. Claude took his lumps and did as his wife said. He never again tried to interfere with Drew and Loc's relationship. Claude did however pray to God that the disgraceful relationship his son was having would soon come to an end.

*****

The rest of Loc's fall term at Duke kept her busy studying. Other than the one November weekend Drew visited Durham, the term was unexceptional.

Dawn got to meet Drew during his visit to Durham. Loc's roommate was quite impressed with the young man.

"He's very handsome," Dawn giggled.

Then Loc joked back. "Why do you say that? You don't plan on stealing Drew from me?"

"No Loc I would not do that. Drew is so nice to you. Maybe you can ask Drew if me and you could have some fun on the side. He may understand."

Loc wasn't so sure. How would one approach Drew. 'Hi Drew, do you mind if I bonk with my female roommate? She thinks I'm pretty too.' Loc just couldn't see a way of making such an approach, even if she wanted to. Dawn never brought up the topic again.

After taking her finals, Loc went back to Wilmington for Christmas vacation. Not long after getting home in December, Loc got phone calls from three high school friends of the real Loc, Cindy King, Paula Smith and Ona Colosimo. All were home on winter vacation from college and were asking if she wanted to get together.

Loc didn't know what to do at first, these weren't really her friends though Jeff had known who they were. After some thought, Loc went out with her classmates to the mall. Loc had a good time doing this and none of her three Wilmington High grad friends suspected they were with anyone but the real Loc.

Ona Colosimo and Cindy were surprised to hear Loc was dating Drew Hamilton. "How can you go out with Drew after what he did to Jeff?" Ona asked.

Loc had grappled mightily with this issue herself. She therefore explained to her friends the best she could.

*****

The Thursday after Loc's first date with Drew, but before going to the Hamilton home for the first time, Loc went back to Wilmington High School. This was her first visit to the school since her graduation. Drew was speaking to the Wilmington High's students that day as part of his community service.

Loc had learned about Drew's talk from a former softball teammate(and member of Wilmington High School's Class of 1994) named Luisa Torres. At the time Loc still had some questions if dating Drew was right and if he was only dating her to atone for what he did to Loc and Jeff Lockwood.

Drew would speak at Wilmington High's auditorium, first to the school's juniors and seniors at 10 a.m., then to the freshman and sophomores at 11 a.m. Both talks were to last fifty minutes. Loc arrived at the school around 9:30 and spoke to Asst. Principal Daly if she could sit in. Mr. Daly said yes.

Loc took a seat all the way in the back of the auditorium. She was wearing a ballcap and dark glasses so not to be recognized. This was so the students would concentrate on Drew rather than her. Still, a few students recognized Loc by waving to her.

The talk by Drew began very informally. He asked all students there to raise a hand if they had their own car. Loc didn't count, but the total at least a couple of hundred students had their hands up in the air.

Drew then began talking about what having his first car meant to him, and what it probably meant to all the students there. It gave a teenager independence from their parents along with signifying to others they weren't just a child.

Then Drew began talking about the responsibility that SHOULD go along with owning a car. Having a car also meant one had to act like a responsible adult.

Drew asked a few students in the crowd how it felt to drive their own car the first time. All said basically the same thing, the car gave them freedom.

"I got my first car when I was 16 and it gave me freedom too. The car meant everything to me. Maybe more than anyone, including the people around me."

Loc sat listening carefully to Drew. She could hear an occasional murmur from the students there. Listening carefully without being too conspicuous, Loc was able to discern what one female student was saying to a friend of hers.

"He's the one who killed that senior last year."

If Loc was right, other students were discovering this. Drew had spent most of nine months with his life on public display. Now Drew was talking about what he did the previous June.

"Last June I made a horrible mistake. Because I was dumb and foolish and thought of only myself and my car and not anyone else."

Drew then began to talk about that June night. Behind him there was a screen and a projector.

"I liked to street race with my friends. We would race for up to $500 sometimes. Last June 8th, this is what happened because of a race of mine." Drew then turned on the projector.

A wrecked and mangled car appeared on the screen. If it was the Volare, Loc couldn't tell. The pictured car being impossible to identify.

Then a student about ten rows from the front of the auditorium stood up. "Aren't you the one who killed Jeff Lockwood?"

"Yes I am."

"Jeff was my friend!"

Loc recognized the boy but because of the holes in her memory, couldn't name him or remember how Jeff knew him. Now the murmuring from the audience increased five fold.

Drew was having a hard time talking over it but he did. "Yes I killed Jeff Lockwood, and I put his friend and your classmate Loc Metzger in the hospital too. Because I was a selfish idiot who only thought about myself."

The next thing Drew put on the projector were pictures of Jeff Lockwood and Loc Metzger. This only caused the murmuring to increase in volume.

Loc listened as Drew aired his dirty laundry and sins to around 1,000 teenagers and she admired her boyfriend for being brave like and face an unruly audience. Many of the students were getting angry at Drew and talking back to him.

Some students yelled at Drew that he killed their friends, some got up and walked to the back the auditorium to be as far away from Drew as possible. One or two students cursed Drew out.

"Fuck you Drew Hamilton, you killed my friend!"

Loc recognized this student, it was hard to forget the large African- American teen who just cursed out Drew Hamilton. John 'Jumbo' Whelan was like that.

Jumbo was a Wilmington High Class of 1994 student and an offensive tackle on the school's football team. There he and Jeff met and became friends two years earlier. The powerhouse tackle that menaced defensive lineman and the skinny tight end who couldn't block for shit or run very fast, but had a way of getting open on pass routes. Jeff and John were two very different football players, but were the best of friends.

The real Loc and Jeff sometimes went on double dates with Jumbo and his girlfriend Tanika. Sometimes Jeff would call John 'Tiny' as a tease. Jumbo hated that name and the two would begin to rough house, but other than Loc, John Whelan may have been Jeff Lockwood's best friend at Wilmington High.

And right now he was cursing out Jeff's new friend. Drew deserved it, but the twenty-one-year-old also deserved to have a chance to talk.

"I didn't just kill your friend, I hurt Loc Metzger. A girl I liked so very much and a classmate of all of you."

More and more students were now making it tough for Drew to convey his message. The auditorium was getting out of hand. Who would step in to quiet everyone down or would Drew get heckled from the building? Drew had an important message to convey, unfortunately few students were listening to him anymore.

"Hell," Loc said as she stood up. "Here goes nothing."

Loc took her glasses and ballcap off. As soon as her hair was free, she shook her head and then started walking to the auditorium's main aisle. Once there Loc walked straight towards the stage that Drew was standing on.

"Will everyone please quiet down." Loc yelled. The first try didn't get much of a reaction, except for a handful of students who started staring at Loc, realizing who was there."Will everyone please quiet down!"

Loc walked right up to the front of the stage. By now most everyone there had their eyes focused on Loc.

Drew was dumbfounded to see his girlfriend there. "Loc, what...."

"Just give me the microphone," Loc told her boyfriend. Drew handed it right over without batting an eye lash. "Will everyone please quiet down!"

Loc had the floor, and it took a half a minute maybe but the auditorium did get quiet. You could have heard a pin drop.

"That's better. Hello fellow Jaguars," Loc said to the crowd.

The room went from silence to raucous applause in a matter of seconds. Right then the auditorium became almost a pep rally. Loc waving at the students like a cheerleader might except she was asking them to become quiet again and sit down.

"Drew is here today to convey an important message to all of you. Please listen to him," Loc said as he hopped up on the auditorium stage.

A female student in the second row spoke up. "Loc, how can you be here with him? He killed your boyfriend."

Loc recognized the girl as Deb Rasmussun, one of the real Loc's former volleyball teammates. "Deb I forgive Drew."

"How can you?"

Loc had asked herself that question many times. "Deb, Drew hurt me, more than you or anyone else will ever know. I was angry at him for what he did. Cursed Drew and swore at him and hated what he caused to happen to me and Jeff."

The auditorium got real quiet again. Loc wasn't there to talk, Drew was. She'd have to get the message across quickly.

"Drew has apologized to me, and to Jeff's parents. He is deep down in his heart sorry for what he caused to happen. If Drew wasn't truly sorry, I wouldn't be up here saying this." Loc climbed to her feet and walked to where Drew was. They then held each other's hand.

"I forgave Drew, so did Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood. He made a terrible mistake, and learned a lesson you should all hear about. We've all made mistakes in our lives, some of them that have hurt others. I've done that myself. If I'm not angry at Drew any more and none of you should be either."

Applause began to break out again. Loc then handed the microphone back to Drew.

"Loc, you're unbelievable."

"So are you, now kiss me."

Drew did just that. A tiny kiss on Loc's lips. After that message was relayed, Loc walked off the stage and over to where Asst. Principal Daly was standing. "I didn't come here planning to do that," Loc told Mr. Daly.

"No Loc, I don't think you were." Loc stood by the doorway as Drew had by then again started talking. The students in the auditorium now listening to every word he said.

Loc listened to and watched Drew carefully the rest of the time he spoke in the auditorium. The young man again admitting how dumb he had been and the terrible mistakes he had made.

'Are you really all different than Drew? Ask yourself that Loc?' Loc thought as she listened to Drew. Deep down, she knew the fault for the real Loc's death didn't just lay with Drew, but Jeff Lockwood as well.

If only he hadn't introduced Loc to the necklace, his beloved girlfriend would be alive today. Or if he'd been driving that night instead of the inexperienced Loc, Jeff would have known what to do when the car skidded. Or if they had just left Shelly Nelson's party a few minutes later or earlier. The whole accident wouldn't have happened, and Loc would be alive.

Loc had to be honest with herself. If not for Jeff Lockwood wanting a few extra dollars and Drew's joy of racing, the real Loc would be alive. Drew and her were equally at fault.

As she watched Drew, Loc didn't just see a brave young man facing the ridicule of others but a handsome and kind one also. Drew made Loc feel so tingly at times. Deep down Jeff still liked girls, but around Drew she felt so good. Loc felt so confused at times.

Loc was growing to admire Drew while at the same time appreciating how handsome he was. 'You better enjoy that full head of hair while you can Loc. Drew will go bald like the rest of the men in the Hamilton family. Then aren't bald men considered more virile?' Loc stayed till the end of the first assembly. She had to work that afternoon at Winn-Dixie and Loc wanted to take a rest(and watch All My Children) before reporting to work at 4 p.m.. When Drew's talk was finished, Loc waited to say hello one more time to students she had been classmates with only a year earlier.

Then as the students began filing out, Loc found herself getting greeted, hugged, kissed and wished well by so many of those in attendance. She had graduated Wilmington High, but Loc hadn't been forgotten.

Other than Drew's talk from the heart, the moment Loc remembered best from that day was her greeting from Jumbo Whelan. John shook hands with Drew before leaving the auditorium. That done he went to find his friend Jeff Lockwood's former girlfriend.

"Loc," Jumbo said as he gave Loc a great big bear hug that lifted her off the ground for a few seconds. "It's so good to see you again."

"Jumbo it's good to see you too. Now let me go before you break my ribs."

John laughed as he released Loc from his bear-like grasp. "That was some speech you gave."

"I meant every word of it."

Jumbo nodded his head. "Loc I know you did. Drew is still a shithead. for what he caused to happen to Jeff."

"Tiny we have to forgive."

Jumbo laughed. "You're right Loc, but never call me Tiny again or I will break those ribs of yours. Only joking! It was great seeing you Loc."

The second assembly was delayed fifteen minutes later than when it was supposed to start. Before talking again, Drew had to see Loc.

"You're not staying?"

"No Drew, you have to face the rest of the students by yourself."

"You're right."

"That's a great talk you did. Don't change anything."

"I won't." After a brief kiss, Loc went home. *****

By the time Loc finished telling that story, she had the undivided attention of Cindy, Ona and Paula. "It takes a lot of courage to admit to strangers the terrible things you've done. I admire Drew for being able to do that. Drew is deep down in his heart sorry for what he did. If he wasn't, I wouldn't be dating Drew. "

Loc spent a lot of time with Drew too over the Christmas holiday, though the young man was trying to use the Christmas break to fulfill his community service requirements. Drew and Loc spent Christmas day alternately at the Hamilton and then Metzger homes, in addition to going to Holy Word Church for Christmas service

Drew gave Loc got a pair of earrings as a Christmas present. In return Drew received a few books from Loc that he was interested in reading.

It was during Christmas break that Loc finally chose what her major would be at Duke. She told it to her Mom and Dad one night while they were watching the evening news.

"History?" Tom Metzger asked his little girl. "I thought you were going to do pre-med?"

"Daddy, I don't know if medicine is meant for me. I do think I'd make a good teacher. My plan is to dual major in Secondary Education also."

Julie Metzger was also surprised by Loc's announcement. Like her husband, Julie believed it was Loc who should decide what career she wanted. The parents would again support their daughter in an important decision.

Loc's return to Durham in January didn't just see changes in her courses but other aspects of her life. One was her taking a part-time waitress job at a pizzeria about a ten minute drive from the campus. Loc working there just two days a week for pocket cash.

Since she was declaring a major now, Loc's classes changed to suit the requirements for her future degree. In addition Loc joined a campus bible study group. There she met other female Duke students who wanted to be closer in their relationship with God.

Some of Jeff Lockwood's old interests still remained, like an interest in sports. Loc was a big Duke Basketball fan and attended two games over the winter.

Twice while working at the pizza place, Loc was asked out by male Duke University students. She said no quickly on both occasions, saying she had a boyfriend already. Such is the life of a pretty girl Jeff was learning.

If Loc had it easy saying no to boys, she still lived with the temptation that Dawn Jacobs provided. Deep down, Jeff Lockwood still lived inside of the body of Loc Metzger. When combined with her body's bisexual side, it was awfully hard at times for Loc to not to engage in lesbian love with Dawn Jacobs. Dawn was still very single, and very tempting(plus very attractive).

Only through her deep faith did Loc summon the willpower not to explore her lesbian/bisexual side. Her newfound faith in God had helped bring Loc up out of the depression Loc felt when she was hospitalized, in pain and feeling hopeless. There was also the faith Drew had in Loc, not to see anyone other than him. It was never verbally said, but it was still there. To love a woman would have been a betrayal to Drew. So Loc kept her lesbian desires in tight check. Loc and Drew saw each other at Easter, Spring break and one other weekend during the term. Two of the three times they met in Wilmington, and the other time Drew flew into Durham to visit Loc. In each case Loc and Drew had a good time together.

When the school year was over, Loc returned to Wilmington. Loc's report card arrived shortly afterwards in the mail Her grades were the same as the first term at Duke, three A's and two B's. Again Loc's parents were pleased with their daughter's grades.

Loc took another part-time job over the summer and while continuing to see Drew. Drew took the down time of Summer to catch up with the community service hours he needed to perform.

It was during the summer of 1995 that Loc finally met Drew's oldest brother Claude IV and his wife Camellia. Like the rest of the Drew's brothers and sister-in-laws, they were supportive of Loc. Claude V even began calling his Uncle's girlfriend, Aunt Loc.

Mrs. Hamilton as always was encouraging. Drew's father on the other hand, stayed distant and tried to have as little to do with Loc as possible. The father being clearly out voted by his family, had decided to become standoffish in regards to Drew and Loc.

"I'm applying to go to Duke for my graduate studies." Drew told Loc one May night.

Loc wasn't surprised. Drew had hopes all along to go Duke for medical school. The University had one of the best in the nation.

"Then we will be seeing a lot more of each other," Loc replied back.

Drew winked at Loc. "You bet and I'm looking forward to it."

Drew and Loc grew even attached to each other over the summer of 95. Their friendship by now resembling the one Loc Metzger and Jeff Lockwood had. Loc loved Drew Hamilton. One day she hoped to be his wife.

Sadly in July of 1995, Loc's cat Horatio died. The cat passing away in his sleep one night.

The summer of 1995 passed quickly for Loc. Late August was soon upon her. It was time to return to Duke University.

*****

It was during her sophomore year that Loc joined a sorority. She didn't live on campus anymore, but just a short distance away. Loc also made a new friend, her name was Stephanie Brooks. They shared a room together where the sorority lived.

Like they had before Loc's freshman year, Julie and Tom Metzger helped their daughter move her things to Durham. Getting settled was a lot of work again and Loc's father seemed to be showing his age. His back was not up to the heavy lifting he'd done in the past. So Loc had to ask some male Duke students if they could lend a hand. Two young men named Shane and Troy volunteered to help.

The fall 1995 term at Duke began with Loc more focused than ever on her classwork. She put aside almost any social life she had and didn't return to work as a waitress. Loc's goal for the term was to get straight A's in all her classes.

Loc was still friends with Cory and Dawn. She also went to a Duke football game and to the park when the weather permitted. In addition Loc remained active with her bible study group.

The college term was going smoothly for Loc when she went home for Columbus Day weekend. A weekend at home proved to be a refreshing break. Plus Loc got to spend some time with Drew.

What wasn't refreshing was the auto accident Loc was in on returning to Durham. A car ran a red light, striking Loc's car. She was all right, but her Maxima was damaged and had to be towed away. Temporarily without wheels, Loc would now be dependent on others to get around Durham. Loc was rattled by the accident. Only a little over two years had passed since that fateful ride home and the accident that killed the real Loc. While riding in a car with others, Loc was usually a nervous passenger.

*****

It was the Friday afternoon after Columbus Day. Loc's roommate Stephanie Brooks, who had been on the way to the library before noticing she was missing a notebook, was returning to the room she shared with Loc.

Stephanie wasn't surprised on her arrival to find Loc in the room. What did surprise Stephanie was to find her roommate crying.

"What's wrong?" Stephanie said as she sat down next to Loc. She had never seen her roommate so upset before.

"My Daddy, he's in the hospital."

"Do they know what's wrong?"

Loc shook her head. "No, not yet. Daddy collapsed this morning at home. Mom then called for the paramedics."

Stephanie didn't know what to say or do for her friend. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Loc shook her head. "No Stephanie. Go do what you have to. I'll be fine."

Stephanie left but Loc wasn't fine. She wanted to go to Wilmington but with her car out of commission, Loc didn't know how she would get there.

Loc thought of flying, so she called Usair, They were a major air carrier in the Carolinas and had a hub in Charlotte, but there were no seats on a Usair plane to Wilmington that night.

Then Loc thought of a cab, but that would be expensive. Loc had just spent almost all of her spare cash on birthday presents for Kathy and Kevin Metzger. She had less than forty dollars in her purse at present.

Loc wanted to get home but how? Not knowing what to do, she tried calling Drew. He wasn't answering the phone. Putting down the phone Loc couldn't help but feel both lonely and helpless. She needed advice.

There was one more person she could turn to. Loc called Drew's mother. After saying hello, Loc told Mrs. Hamilton what had happened.

"Your place is at home with your parents." ," "Mom," Loc explained. "My car was in an accident on Monday and I have no transportation and the airline can't get me home till tomorrow."

"I could send Nash but he wouldn't be able to pick you up for three hours at least," Mrs. Hamilton said referring to the family chauffeur. "You could call for a limousine service. One should be willing to drive you to Wilmington."

"Wouldn't that be expensive?"

"Dear don't worry yourself about that. Your place now is with your father."

Loc felt a little ashamed by what she had to say next. "Mom, I'm almost broke right now. I haven't had time to go to the bank to make a withdrawal."

Elizabeth Hamilton was silent for a few seconds, like she was thinking. "Didn't Drew give you a credit card?"

"Yes Mom, he did. Drew said to use it if I had an emergency." Loc didn't know why she hadn't thought of this earlier. Maybe because she had been so upset after hearing the news about her father. Not once had Loc ever used the American Express card given to her by Drew.

"Dear, this certainly qualifies as an emergency," Elizabeth Hamilton said to Loc. She then gave Loc some instructions on finding a limo company. Loc would need a yellow pages, which the twenty-year-old already had. "Place some phone calls, I'm sure you can find a service that will be able to help you."

"Thanks Mom."

"You're welcome dear. Please keep me informed, especially in regards to your father. I will try contacting Drew to let him know what has happened. God bless you."

Loc was able to find a limo service willing to take her to Wilmington after only two calls. A car would be at the sorority in an approximately one hour.

As soon as she was off the phone, Loc began to prepare for her trip home. First she packed clothes for three days into a small carry-on bag. Then she called back her mother at the hospital.

"Mom, can I speak to Daddy?"

"Sweetheart they just took your father downstairs for an MRI."

"I'm coming home tonight," Loc explained about the limo. "I'll be to Wilmington in about three and a half hours."

Mrs. Metzger tried to dissuade her daughter from coming. Her father's condition wasn't known to be serious and Loc had to concentrate on her schoolwork.

Loc stood her ground. Two years earlier her father had been by her side when she was injured and in the hospital. Now Loc had to be there for her father "I'm coming, tell Daddy I'll be there in three hours." Then after saying goodbye to her mother, Loc made her next call it was to Elizabeth Hamilton.. "Just keep me informed dear when you have time."

"Thank you Mom for helping me out."

"Loc you're like family to us. It was the least we can do." Loc then said goodbye to Mrs. Hamilton. She was feeling hungry and wanted to grab a snack before leaving for Wilmington.

"How's Daddy?" Loc asked after exchanging a big hug with her mother three hours later. Julie Metzger was much more shaken up in person than she sounded over the phone. Loc met her mother near the hospital entrance. Julie had just gone downstairs to the cafeteria to get a bite to eat "Resting right now. He has been asking for you."

"Where are Kevin and Kathy?" Loc asked her mother as they waited for the elevator.

"Home, I got a babysitter."

If not for the hospital setting and IV line into his right hand, Tom Metzger looked as if nothing had happened to him. When Loc arrived she found her father watching ESPN.

"Hello Princess," Tom Metzger said to Loc who hurried over to kiss her father. "You shouldn't have come."

"No Daddy I had to."

"This is all much fuss about nothing," Tom Metzger told his daughter.

"Daddy if you fell down there was a reason." "I just felt dizzy for a moment. I'm ALL RIGHT"

Julie Metzger had already explained to Loc what had happened that morning. Her father, who had been complaining of weak or sore muscles for a week to ten days, got up from bed at his usual time that Friday morning. After eating breakfast Tom Metzger had gone back upstairs to shave and brush his teeth. That was all part of the father's normal routine.

After a half hour passed, and after not seeing Tom come back downstairs and say goodbye as he always did, Julie went upstairs to investigate. Julie found her husband on the bedroom floor struggling to get up. She immediately called 911.

So far tests hadn't discovered anything wrong with Tom Metzger. Doctors were planning to keep Loc's father in the hospital till at least the beginning of the following week.

Tom Metzger, stubborn as almost all men are when it comes to their health, wanted out of the hospital that night.

"No Daddy, you need to be checked up on."

"Why? I feel fine. I'd rather be in my own bed."

"Drinking beer and watching football," Loc said to her father.

"You got that right."

"Daddy we all worry about you. Please stay for me?" Loc asked with a frown

"I'll stay but you young lady must go back to Duke on Sunday. Your mother and I want to see straight A's on your report card in December."

Loc then hugged her father. "I will Daddy. In December I'll make you proud of me."

"Princess, I am always proud of you."

*****

Loc and her mother got home that night around 9:30. As soon as they walked in the door, Kevin and Kathy Metzger barraged them with questions about how their father was.

"Any phone messages?" Julie asked.

"A couple. Grandma called," Kevin told her mother.

Loc was about to go upstairs to her bedroom when Kathy relayed her a message. "Drew called, twice."

"Thanks," Loc told Kathy as she continued upstairs. Her mother would be calling Grandma first, a call to Drew would have to wait.

Loc wasn't in her room very long, when a knocking sound came from the door. "Come in."

It was both of Loc's siblings, Kevin and Kathy. "Can we come in?"

"Of course," Loc told them. Then Kathy and Kevin hurried over to their sister and they all shared a hug.

"What's wrong with Dad?" Kevin asked.

"They don't know yet."

"Will Dad be all right?"

"I hope so," Loc said as she and her siblings continued to hug. All three of them had been shaken by that day's happenings.

"Can we go see Dad tomorrow?"

"Yes, we'll all go together. With Mom too."

Loc talked with her siblings a little longer. Then Kevin Metzger left the room but Kathy Metzger remained.

It had been a long day, and Loc began to undress. While she did, Kathy talked to her big sister. "I kissed my first boy yesterday."

"Who would that be?" Loc asked.

"Jason Banks."

'That pimple face?' Loc thought to herself. First love must be really blind. It hadn't been between Jeff and Loc. Then they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Kathy and Loc had a lot of these little sister to sister talks. One almost always occurring when Loc was home from Duke.

"You had a big week," Loc said as she put a bathrobe on over her naked body. Kathy Metzger had only turned thirteen on October 5th. Loc remembering her first kiss as Jeff with Loc coming when they were a few days short of turning thirteen.

Loc went to the bathroom to take a shower. Kathy trailed along. Loc didn't mind, she loved Kathy. Nor did she feel modest in front of the thirteen-year-old. Kathy had often helped Loc in the months after the 1993 crash.

As Loc showered, Kathy talked more to her big sister. Mostly about what was going on at school but also about their father. Some how Loc felt her sister was slowly building to some big news or question.

It was when they were back in the bedroom and as Loc got herself toweled off, that Kathy finally got to the point. "Are you going to marry Drew?"

Loc gave Kathy an honest answer. "If Drew asked me to, I would say yes."

"My friend Merrilee is going to be a bridesmaid at her sister Elaine's wedding next weekend. Can I be one when you marry Drew?"

Loc now knew what had been on Kathy's mind. "Of course."

"Thank you Lucky." Kathy then came up and gave her sister a big hug. After that was completed, the thirteen-year-old left the room.

About fifteen minutes later, Loc returned Drew's phone call. The first thing she did was give her boyfriend an update on Tom Metzger. Drew having learned already from his mother what had happened to his girlfriend's father.

"Loc, do you want me to fly to Wilmington tomorrow? I can get a flight that arrives around noon time."

"Drew it isn't necessary. I'm fine here," Loc told her boyfriend. Drew was scheduled to do six hours community service the next day at a center for handicapped children.

Loc sometimes felt bad about the hours of community service Drew had to put in due to his sentence. Then Loc would remind herself it was his penalty for killing Jeff. Drew never complained about it, or at least not to Loc.

"Are you sure?

"Positive Drew."

"Loc if you or your parents need anything, let me or my mother know."

"I will."

Loc and Drew talked a few more minutes. Drew offered Loc one of the Hamilton family cars for her to drive, but she declined. She'd get back to Durham one way or another, plus the Maxima was supposed to be repaired by mid-week.

It was getting late and Loc was beginning to yawn.

"Loc, I love you."

"Love you too Drew."

"Call me tomorrow night. Please?"

"I will. Bye."

"Bye."

*****

Loc was driven back to Durham by Nash late on Sunday afternoon. Tom Metzger was still in the hospital, whatever was ailing him was still undiagnosed. Keeping the promise she had made to her father, Loc went back to Duke with a renewed dedication. She would give her father those straight A's he wanted. Helping her father get well by making him proud of her was Loc's most important goal for the rest of the fall term.

Tom Metzger went home the Tuesday after his daughter's visit. The doctors at New Hanover not knowing what if anything ailed the man. Tom had some body twitches and cramping in addition to his muscle weakness, but this could be anything including normal aging. As a precaution, Tom was referred to a top neurologist in Fayetteville North Carolina.

The appointment with Dr. Neil Hirsch was set for Thursday October 26th at 10 a.m. Loc, having now gotten her car back, offered to skip classes at Duke that day and meet her Mom and Dad in Fayetteville but her parents said not to.

On October twenty sixth, Loc went to classes like she normally did. Fortunately there were no quizzes that day, for the sophomore was preoccupied with how her father's appointment was going. After classes were through, Loc stayed at the sorority house waiting for her parents to call.

The call Loc was expecting came a few minutes after five. Tom Metzger was on the phone. "Daddy how are you?"

"I couldn't feel fitter."

"The doctor said you are ok?"

"Absolutely. They couldn't find anything wrong with me." Loc knew her father well enough that he didn't like to worry his daughter. After a little more chatting with her Daddy, Loc asked to talk to her mother.

"Sweetheart it would be best if you came home this weekend."

"Why Mom? Is Dad sick?"

"The doctors don't know yet. They want your father to see another specialist."

Loc was getting scared. "Mom, what's wrong?"

The sound of Julie Metzger sighing could be heard over the phone. "Dr. Hirsch thinks your father could have ALS." *****

ALS is short for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a progressive, fatal, neurogdegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons. A person afflicted with ALS sees his body slowly become paralyzed. There is no cure for the disease.

The news was like a bombshell for Loc and upset her beyond words. Her Daddy could be dying and nothing could be done.

Loc hurried home Friday afternoon, crying throughout much of the drive back to Wilmington. On arriving home she found her father in a state of denial.

"I'm fine," Tom Metzger said. He was seated in his favorite living room chair at the time. "The doctors are clueless. Did you know I went to work today?"

"Yes Daddy. Mom told me."

"A week's worth of tests and nobody can agree," Tom Metzger said with a grunt. "They're all guessing."

Loc's mother was worried. "Dr. Hirsch says your father has all the classic signs of ALS. It is a hard disease to diagnose."

Loc had done some quick research the night before and spoke with her friend Cory. What she found out about ALS scared Loc to the bone.

"That's why the Doctor said to go to Duke and see Dr. Roche. Dr. Roche has seen a lot of ALS patients and is some kind of expert. I've already got an appointment for a week from Monday."

"What happens if Dad does have ALS?"

Julie looked Loc in the eye. "There are experimental treatments that could give your father more time. Nothing is guaranteed."

"I want to go to Dad's appointment."

"I'd like you to be there too." Julie told her daughter. The mother said she and Loc's father would come up the Sunday before the appointment. Loc would be waiting for them.

Drew flew into Wilmington that same weekend. Loc really appreciated the moral support she got from her boyfriend. More than once over the weekend Drew had to console a crying and distraught Loc. "Loc if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." Drew as he offered financial help to his girlfriend and her family. Before Loc got a chance to answer, Drew took a check out of his shirt pocket. It was made out to Loc and it was for $20,000.

"No Drew please..." Loc said as she tried to refuse Drew's generosity.

"Loc I love you and your family is important to you and that means they are important to me. Your Dad will have bills and will miss time from work."

"Drew he may not even have ALS."

"If your father doesn't, you can give me back the money if you wish. Please take it."

Loc took the check, the only reason being her family could use it. There was Kathy and Kevin to think of too.

(Little did Loc or Drew know but the $20,000 check almost caused a blow up at the Hamilton home in early November. Claude Hamilton on discovering this payout in addition to Loc's limousine ride back from Durham, was again planning a very frank father-son talk. Only Elizabeth Hamilton's intervention prevented it.)

On Saturday night Loc offered to quit Duke and come home. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger told their daughter absolutely not to drop out of school.

"Princess, I will be at your graduation day in two years. I promise, nothing will be able to keep me away. Do you believe me?"

"Yes Daddy of course."

"Then you're not to quit school. The day you graduate will be the proudest day in my life. I've got many years to go yet. One day I'll see you marry and have your own children."

A great many things were on Loc's mind as she drove back to Durham the next day. She was shaken by the recent news but determined to take care of her family. Whether she would quit Duke or stay and graduate, Loc didn't know yet.

*****

When Loc did get back to Duke, she felt distracted. Her father's illness was so heavy on her mind.

It showed in a quiz on Thursday. Loc only managing a C plus grade in a class she felt was a cinch A for her. Loc was not happy at all with that result.

Stephanie Brooks was trying to be a friend and source of support for Loc. On Thursday Stephanie had a novel idea to get Loc to forget her problems even for a short time.

"Some of the girls are playing basketball downstairs," Stephanie said to Loc. "Lets go join them."

"Don't you see I'm studying."

Stephanie tried pulling Loc up by the arm from her bed. "Come on, you need a break."

Loc continued to resist her friend. "I got a fucking 79 today on a quiz. Leave me alone!"

Stephanie would not be thwarted. She finally dragged Loc to her feet. "Give yourself a break for an hour. That schoolbook isn't going anywhere and it will still be there when we get back. I guarantee we'll be back up here in an hour."

What is the saying about the best laid plans? It certainly applied to Loc and Stephanie that night.

After changing into gym clothes, Loc and Stephanie joined their sorority sisters in a pickup game. It was a friendly, if rough game. Some of the girls liked to elbow their way to the basket.

Not fifteen minutes after joining the game, Stephanie went for a rebound. A dorm mate named Rochelle went for the ball also. Neither would end up with it in the end.

"Ow!!" Stephanie yelped after her collision with the ground caused by an earlier impact with Rochelle. The sophomore immediately grabbed her left wrist.

"Let me see it," Loc said after hurrying to her friend's side. "I think it's only bruised."

"It hurts like hell!" Stephanie said to Loc. "And you're a History major not pre-med."

Loc helped Stephanie to her feet. "I better take you to the hospital then."

Five hours later, Stephanie and Loc were back to their room. The former having suffered just a sprained wrist but with the hospital ER busy, the two college students had to wait nearly two hours in the waiting room before being seen. So much for Stephanie's proposed one hour study break for Loc.

In the days leading up to her father's appointment, Loc was praying very hard to God. It was the only thing keeping her from feeling hopeless right then.

*****

Loc paid a visit to her friend Dawn Jacobs the following Sunday right after church. Dawn was still living on campus at Duke.

There was a reason for that. Dawn had a girlfriend.

"What's her name? Loc asked

"Lori, we met a month ago."

"That's good."

"How have you been?"

"Not too good," Loc replied back. Dawn asked what was wrong and Loc told her.

"I'm sorry. Your father will be in my prayers."

"Thanks."

Loc had to be back to the sorority house by 2 p.m. That was when her parents were expected to arrive. So she and Dawn only talked for a short time.

Since Dawn had somewhere to go too, she left the dorm at the exact same time as Loc. Her motorcycle was parked right by the dorm's entrance. Loc said goodbye before heading on to her car.

To get out of the parking lot, Loc had to pass by the dorm. When she did so, she found Dawn still by her bike. Loc then rolled down her car window.

"Is something wrong?"

"The drive chain is busted. Second time that's gone on me in the last three months!"

Loc still remembered a lot about motorcycles from her days as Jeff Lockwood. While rusty, or seemingly far off in another life, those skills still stuck with Loc.

"That's not a tough repair."

Dawn looked at Loc like she had just encountered a Martian. "No it isn't hard Pinky. What do you know about motorcycles any how?"

"A little. You have a crescent wrench and a set of channel locks?"

"Yes I do. You can't fix a motorcycle."

Loc parked her car in a nearby space and then walked back over to where Dawn was. "Wanna bet?"

"Ten bucks says you can't do it."

"You're on."

Fixing a drive chain if one has the equipment doesn't take long. It is just greasy, painful work. Especially for a girl whose body had trouble getting jar lids off.

But Loc's motorcycle knowledge didn't fail her. She did get Dawn's motorcycle fixed, with just one minor mishap.

"I broke a nail!" Loc exclaimed looking at her finger. She wasn't cut out for automobile repair work anymore, the sophomore immediately concluded.

Dawn began laughing very hard. "Femmes! Can't live with them, can't live without them."

Two minutes later Loc declared the work finished. Dawn checked the bike out immediately, it was working again.

"You surprise me Pinky. Thanks a bunch," Dawn said as she offered Loc the ten dollar bill she now owed her.

"Keep the money," Loc said before going back to her car.

"You're really something Loc Metzger. Thanks a lot," Dawn called out.

Loc had gotten filthy from the motorcycle repair. Her next planned activity when back at the sorority house was to change clothes and take a shower. She just didn't anticipate her parent's early arrival in Durham.

"Hi sweetheart," Julie said to her daughter. Loc then kissed her Mom and Dad.

"Daddy, how are you feeling?".

"Good, I can't complain," Tom Metzger replied back. "Princess, what have you been up to?"

The Metzgers had noticed how filthy Loc was. Loc now wished she hadn't ruined a good dress to win a $10 bet. "Dawn's motorcycle needed fixing and I helped her. Jeff taught me what to do."

Tom Metzger bought his daughter's explanation. "We haven't had lunch yet. Want to come with us?"

Loc hadn't eaten lunch yet either. "Yes of course Daddy. Let me go inside and change first."

*****

The next day, Loc joined her mother as Tom Metzger went to see Dr. Roche. The doctor took a thorough health history of his new patient. In addition the doctor examined Loc's father and ordered more tests. Some of which were done at Duke but others were to be done in Wilmington. When all of Tom Metzger's tests were done, he was told to come back to see Dr. Roche, bringing any films and reports with him. Another appointment was made for two weeks after the first one.

Loc was there at the second appointment. Drew Hamilton was there also, having flown into town to give moral support to his girlfriend.

"I'm afraid Mr. Metzger that you do have ALS," Dr. Roche said announcing his diagnosis.

As expected, the news went off like a bomb. Treatment and general prognosis for Loc's father were discussed but both Tom Metzger's wife and daughter knew the bottom line. The husband to Julie and father to Loc was terminally ill and had only a few years to live.

Loc and Julie were greatly upset by the news, but Tom Metzger remained in a state of semi-denial. Before leaving to go back to Wilmington, Loc's parents took her and Drew to lunch. In the parking lot afterwards, Tom Metzger had a few messages to relay.

"I'm going to live a long time with this ALS, do you understand Princess."

"Yes Daddy."

"I'm going to be here for your graduation. No ALS will keep me away. Do you believe me?"

"Yes Daddy."

"So concentrate on your classes and don't worry about me."

Loc then gave her father a big hug and kiss. "I love you Daddy."

Then Drew said goodbye to Mr. Metzger. The father had a message for him too.

"Drew, you take good care of my daughter."

"Yes sir."

"Cut out that sir crap. If you're going to be my Loc's husband one day, you can start calling me Dad or Father. Understood?"

"Yes Dad."

Later on before leaving for the airport, Drew said. "I hope the doctors are wrong about Dad."

"Me too," Loc replied back. Unfortunately the passage of time proved Dr. Roche to be right. Tom Metzger did have ALS.

*****

Loc came home to Wilmington at Christmas. A few days later her report card arrived., 4 A's and one B. Loc knew the B was due to the distractions there were during the term, but she was still unhappy with herself. Loc's goal of all A's hadn't been fulfilled.

On the other hand, Loc's parents were very pleased with their daughter's grades. Julie Metzger was a little surprised to learn that Loc was unhappy about her one B.

"Sweetheart, your father and I are very pleased with your report card."

"Yes Mom, but I wanted to bring home all A's to make Dad happy."

"Why would you think your father isn't happy?" Julie asked her daughter. "We both know you do your best at school."

Loc was very determined to not have another B blemish her report card ever again. As it happened, none would. She would receive Straight A's straight up till graduation. <-- xxx -->

As to Tom Metzger's health, Loc's father went back to work with a vengeance after his diagnosis at Duke. The father acting like he was trying to disprove what Dr. Roche said.

Julie Metzger knew better. Tom would come home at the end of the day more tired than he ever had in his life before. Often complaining of some weakness, and always saying it was nothing. Tom began taking long hot baths. That was how he'd get better, Tom told his wife.

Over the Christmas holiday, Loc spent time with her siblings. Kevin and Kathy had been shaken by the news too. They were both in need of their big sister's support.

Kathy Metzger was coping with her father's illness by going to church. "I go every Sunday to pray for Daddy."

"That's good," Loc told her sister as she hugged her. "We all got to pray to God for Dad. For Mom too and all of us."

Loc also saw Drew over the Christmas holidays. He made an unusual request of Loc. Drew saying he had something to ask her parents.

"Mom, Dad, I'd like to take Loc to the Virgin Islands for Spring Break. Would it be all right?"

At first Loc thought Drew was going to ask her parents if he could marry her. Loc was just slightly relieved it was something else.

Tom and Julie Metzger exchanged looks with each other before Loc's father answered. "We have no objection."

But Loc did. "Drew, I don't want you taking me on fancy trips. I said that before."

"Loc, my family has a home there."

"Yes I know but that isn't the point."

"Loc, I want to take you. Please?"

"There's Dad too. He's sick and I would prefer to stay home."

"I understand. Just think about it for a while. Your parents said you could go."

Loc did go to the British Virgin Islands with Drew. They spent five days on the island of Tortola and had a wonderful time. Most of Loc's time there was spent at the beach and it proved to be a welcome relief from the many things troubling her at the time.

Then two days after Loc arrived back in the states, Dan Metzger died of pneumonia. Loc's grandfather was seventy-five at the time of his passing.

After the funeral, Loc got angry at herself. Loc feeling she should have been in Virginia at her grandfather's bedside rather than having fun in Tortola. At Easter break, Loc told her mother how guilty she felt. "Sweetheart, don't feel that way. Grandpa died suddenly, none of us expected it to happen. If we did, your father or I would have called. "

Loc realized her mother was right. She was just being too hard on herself.

Julie patted Loc on the shoulder. "Sweetheart, we can't beat up on ourselves for matters we sometimes can't control. Take this for instance. Your father blamed himself for your crash three years ago. He also feels guilty about your Mom and that he made a mistake ."

"Dad thinks he made a mistake in my mother?"

"No sweetheart," Julie explained. "Your father blames himself for what happened to your mother. He has told me that many times."

"Why? The attack that killed mother wasn't Dad's fault."

"It wasn't, but your father blames himself for not protecting Nu by not making sure she got out of Saigon earlier."

Now Loc began to understand.

"His failure with your mother, makes your father very protective towards you."

"Dad is over protective sometimes."

Julie smiled. "Maybe sweetheart but you usually end up getting what you want."

Loc knew her mother was right. The former Jeff Lockwood had become a complete Daddy's girl.

"Sweetheart we all make mistakes, it is what we learn from them that is important. We also need to learn that sometimes, things are not our fault either and simply beyond our control."

"You're right Mom."

Other than that, the Winter 96 term was a quiet and uneventful one for Loc. Loc succeeded in her goal of getting straight A's and this pleased her parents very much.

Drew had news for Loc when they got back together in May. "I got accepted into Duke for my post graduate studies. That means we can see each other a lot more from now on."

"When I'm not studying for a test."

Drew laughed. "You're smart Loc, and beautiful too."

A week later, Loc came down the stairs at the Metzger house. Drew was supposed to be picking her up at 7 p.m. but to Loc's surprise her boyfriend had gotten to the house early.

"You're early," Loc said before she and Drew shared a short kiss. It would have been longer except Loc's parents were close by.

"I was talking to your parents for a few minutes."

"What about?"

"I asked if it would be all right for you to go to England with me for two weeks next month."

"England? Drew I told you before...."

Tom Metzger spoke up then. "Princess, you can go to England with our permission I'll be fine."

"Daddy but...."

"Sweetheart, enjoy yourself. You study so hard, it is time to take a break," Julie Metzger said.

Something fishy was going on but Loc couldn't put a finger on what it was. "How long will we be gone?"

"A little over two weeks," Drew replied back.

"Where will we be staying?"

"With relatives. My mother has family in London and Scotland."

Julie Metzger spoke up. "I always wanted to go to England."

'Something REALLY odd is going on.' Loc mused to herself.

"Are we going?" Drew asked.

After a few seconds thought, Loc gave in. "We're going to England then. I hope you know how to drive on the left."

Drew reassured Loc he did. Two weeks vacation in England with your handsome boyfriend. Why complain?

*****

Loc and Drew had a great time in England. They spent seven days in and around London. Going to The Tower of London, Hampton Court, Stonehenge and many other famous places. Loc even got to shake the Duke of Marlborough's hand outside of Blenheim Palace.

In London Loc and Drew went to see several theater shows. Including Miss Saigon, which they both loved. So much so Drew and Loc were singing songs from the show for weeks afterwards.

Loc and Drew also went to Scotland. There they stayed in a Scottish castle for two days. Wow was all that Loc could say.

While in Scotland, Loc and Drew got in a little golf. By this time Loc could beat her boyfriend at the sport, she was shooting in the high seventies by then.

"What do you think if we go to Paris for a few days? Drew said after the round of golf was over.

"I don't mind but we're supposed to be going home in three days."

Drew had a quick answer. "I'll call the airline and see if we can change reservations."

"I'll have to call Mom and Dad too. They're expecting us home on Thursday." Loc and Drew were in Paris four days later.

One of the first places they visited was the Eiffel Tower. It would prove to be the highlight of the trip.

"Isn't the view beautiful up here," Loc said from one of the tower's observation decks. "You can see the whole city from here." It was a beautiful summer day in France. Only a few scattered clouds in the sky.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Loc asked again. Drew wasn't answering for some reason. "Drew? Drew?"

Still not getting an answer, Loc turned around to look for Drew. That's when she got the surprise of her life.

Drew was on one knee. He had a jewelry case open in his right hand. There was a diamond ring in it. "Loc will you marry me?"

Loc threw a hand over her mouth in shock. There were twenty to forty other people on the observation deck at least. Half of them were staring at Drew and Loc. An elderly Asian couple was even taking their photo.

"Loc will you marry me?"

"Yes of course, I'll marry you," Loc replied. Then Drew slipped the ring onto to his fiance's right ring finger. It fit perfectly.

Loc and Jeff then kissed. As they did, many of the people on the observation deck began applauding.

"Lets get out of here," Loc told Drew. She felt so happy but embarrassed also at the same time. Loc wanted to be somewhere else right then.

*****

Later that day, Loc and Drew returned to their hotel. For the whole day Loc had been marveling at the ring on her finger. She would be Loc Mary Hamilton one day. It almost felt like a dream.

Outside their rooms, Loc and Drew were kissing. Not small kisses but long and deep ones with their hands all over the other. Would they go inside and make love for the first time?

"Drew?"

"Yes."

"Let's wait till our wedding night."

Loc took her religious faith seriously. She was engaged not married. Having sex with Drew wasn't right yet.

Drew wasn't too disappointed. "What ever you wish sweety."

"I want to call my parents and tell them our news."

Then Drew smiled. "They already know."

"That's why Mom and Dad were acting weird before we left. You spoke to them!"

Drew laughed. "I actually asked their permission."

"You didn't ask mine! I'll forgive you but never do this again!" Then Loc and Drew began to kiss some more.

Loc and Drew got home to North Carolina three days later. The Metzgers were waiting for them and congratulated their daughter and soon to be son-in-law.

Elizabeth Hamilton was also happy, and like Loc's parents, had been in the know before the trip to Europe. Drew's Mom telling Loc she felt honored to have her as a daughter-in-law. Drew and Loc's marriage was tentatively scheduled for June or July of 1997.

Claude Hamilton's reaction? He shook Drew's hand but didn't appear pleased. Loc gave her future father-in-law a hug and kiss, but Claude showed little reaction. He still couldn't stand the idea of a nigger being part of his family.

Loc and Drew left for Duke University together a month later. They didn't live together. Loc continuing to live at the sorority house, and Drew living in an off campus apartment. Things would of course be very different after the summer of 1997.

Tom Metzger had to retire from his job in October of 1996. The father did get disability payments, but this wasn't adequate financially to support his wife and Loc's two younger siblings. Having no other choice, the family began using the income supplied to Loc by the Hamilton family.

Loc offered to quit Duke again. She already had an associates degree from the University, Loc told her parents. This would allow her to find work. Again the Metzgers told their daughter absolutely not to quit school.

By February 1997 Tom Metzger could only walk with the help of a cane or walker. Seeing her father waste away was very tough on Loc mentally. The once strong man who carried his crippled daughter in his arms in September 1993, now could barely hold anything in his hands.

In January 1997, Tom Metzger began experimental treatments for ALS at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. The grim fact was even if these treatments succeeded, Loc's father would only gain a few more months of life.

*****

One weekend in February while she was home from Duke, Loc paid a visit to the Lockwood home. She wanted to talk to Tabitha.

"Loc it is so good to see you," Mrs. Lockwood said as she held the door open for her Jeffrey's former girlfriend. "Excuse the mess, I've been busy with Scott."

"It's all right Mom," Loc told Mrs. Lockwood. Her real mother's home wasn't really dirty, it rarely was. Right then the downstairs living room showed signs of a small child playing there. That was probably what Carol Lockwood was referring to.

"Congratulations again," Carol told Loc. The mother had heard about Loc's engagement to Drew Hamilton. While Loc had only been to the Lockwood house once(Just before Christmas 1996) since coming home from France, she did write her real mother letters one to two times a month and sometimes talked on the phone. "Have you and Drew set a date?"

"Yes, July 6th."

Right then a half naked two-year-old boy ran by. "Is Tabby home?"

"Yes she is," Carol told Loc. "Excuse me, I got to go put some clothes on Scott."

Loc found Tabitha in her bedroom listening to music and studying for an algebra exam.

"Hi Tabby."

"Hello brother. You're getting married I hear."

"Yes I am," Loc said as she sat down in a chair a few feet away from where Tabitha was. "That's why I'm here. Tabby, would you like to be a bridesmaid at my wedding?"

Tabitha smiled from ear to ear. "I'd love to. Are you inviting Mom and Dad?"

"Of course. Thanks for keeping my secret."

"You're welcome brother."

Loc and Tabitha talked a little about the wedding and its details. Also about how Jeff and Tabitha's parents were doing.

"They're doing great. Mom talks about you sometimes and still goes to the cemetery."

"Tabitha," Loc has so much she would have liked to say to Tabby "The Metzgers consider me the most precious thing in the world. Now I know why Loc was so special, it was because of her parents. It wasn't that I don't love Mom and Dad. They were hurt but if I told Loc's parents, I would have hurt them. I just couldn't do it."

Tabitha smiled. "I understand."

There was another reason Loc was there to see Tabitha. "You don't have the necklace any more, do you?"

"No Loc, I don't. I lost it a few months after you gave it back to me."

"I was just asking."

"Because of Mr. Metzger?" Tabitha had learned from her mother that Loc's Dad was sick with ALS.

Loc now bemoaned the fact she had given the necklace back to Tabitha. If Loc only had it, she could make her Daddy well again with it and make the ALS go away.

The only flaw in that plan was if Loc did make her father well, maybe the Metzgers or even the Lockwoods would have started asking funny questions. Like where did Loc get the necklace and how did she know how it worked? Who knows, but Loc could have ended up outing herself by taking that route.

"Yes. I was hoping you still had it."

"Sorry Loc but I lost it. I'll pray for Mr. Metzger."

"Thanks Tabby."

*****

It was a late April 1997 evening and Claude Hamilton was in the study of his Wilmington home busy paying household bills before going to bed. Then his wife Elizabeth appeared.

"Are you coming to bed soon?" Elizabeth asked her husband. She had only stuck her head in the door.

"Shortly sugar. Could you come in for a moment? I'd like to ask you a question."

Elizabeth Hamilton walked over to her husband's desk. Claude handed her a copy of that month's American Express card statement.

"What is that charge for, the one listed as CJ of Wilmington Inc?"

"Don't you remember? That stands for Claudia Jean's bridal," Elizabeth explained to her husband. "That is where Loc went with her bridal party to get their dresses."

Loc Metzger, along with her bridesmaids plus Julie Metzger, Elizabeth Hamilton and Camellia, Jodi, Lauren and Pamela Hamilton(The wives of Drew's older brothers) had all gone together to Claudia Jean's bridal the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Drew and Loc's wedding was less than three months away.

It was at Claudia Jean's that Loc and her wedding party chose their dresses for the big day. Loc and her bridesmaids all had to measured for their gowns also so they would fit properly. A future bride picking out her wedding dress is an exciting activity for any woman and one best celebrated with friends and family, present and future. Elizabeth and her daughter-in-laws were all there to join in the excitement with their soon to be newest family member.( Another addition to the Hamilton family would come a few months after Loc and Drew's wedding. Jodi Hamilton, wife to Robert, was pregnant with a due date of September 19th 1997.)

"That's what I thought," Claude said as he took back the Amex bill back from his wife.

"Any problem?"

"No sugar, none at all."

Elizabeth Hamilton was studying her husband's face closely. "I'm going upstairs to get ready for bed."

"I'll be up shortly."

Claude was pretty certain what the CJ charge was, but had wanted to confirm it with his wife. Having seen four sons of his get married before Drew's upcoming nuptials, the CEO knew a Hamilton family wedding was never a cheap proposition.

In fact of his son's four marriages, Only Ted Hamilton's marriage to the former Lauren Kenney, had seen a Hamilton bride's family pick up more than a very minor share of the wedding costs. The Kenney family who made their family fortune in the Oil Services industry, had contributed close to half the cost of their daughter's wedding.

Loc Metzger's family wouldn't be picking up much if any of the tab for their daughter's wedding. The young lady may have come from the humblest origins of any of Claude Hamilton's daughter-in-law's. Only Jodi Hamilton, whose father James Wilson was an Insurance Office Manager, came from anything similar to Loc's background. Among his daughter-in-laws, Jodi whose infectious sense of humor made everyone she know smile and laugh, was Claude's second favorite only to his son Claude IV"s wife Camellia.

Claude had two open files out on his desk(The CEO still having not learned from his error with the auto registration for the Camaro), one was for the bills that were starting to accumulate for Drew and Loc's wedding. The other file was for the expenses Claude had paid in regards to his son Todd's wedding to Pamela Ryder.

When Drew began dating Loc, the first motive Claude could see for the young lady's interest in his son, was money. He could have sworn all Loc was interested in was the Hamilton family fortune. She had to be a golddigger in other words.

In spite of his wife Elizabeth's statements to the contrary, Claude clung to his evaluation of Loc Metzger's motives. When Drew wrote his girlfriend that $20,000 check in October 1995, Claude felt he had confirmation. Then Elizabeth stepped in, telling her husband what that money was for. Loc's father who was sick at the time, and still was.

Claude Hamilton had been called many names, a Son of a bitch, a bigot and a cold-hearted bastard. It all came with the territory when one is the CEO of a major corporation. A company can't survive without someone who can make hard and often painful decisions. Claude would admit to himself, and only himself, that he deserved being called the names people called him.

If Claude was cold hearted in his business dealings, he didn't feel the same applied to his family. Yes he could be both tough and strict, but he loved all of his sons. Each had given him much to be proud about. That included Drew, who having learned his lessons from June 1993, had become a young man any father would be proud of. Drew spending money to assist his ailing soon to be father-in-law, rather than spend the same money on himself, was a sign of maturity in the eyes of Claude Hamilton.

Which brought back to the one thing Drew was doing that bothered Claude. His engagement to the nigger, Loc Metzger. Claude had been out voted by his family, who readily welcomed the half Asian girl with open arms. Not wanting to cause a family brouhaha, namely another showdown with his wife Elizabeth, Claude had gone along even as it turned his guts inside out knowing a nigger was coming closer with every passing day to becoming his daughter-in-law.

That evening Claude had begun comparing some of the expenses he had for his son Todd's wedding to those for Drew's upcoming affair. So far, they didn't compare. Where as Loc Metzger used a local bridal shop, Pamela Ryder had taken herself and her six bridesmaids in addition to her future mother and sister-in-laws all to New York to get her wedding dress and the gowns for her bridesmaids. All bought and designed by a bridal gown maker known around the world for being one of the best at that trade and also one of the most expensive. Claude Hamilton footing the entire bill for both the trip and the expensive one time only use clothing. Over a quarter of a million dollar Amex charges wasn't something the wealthy CEO considered a small expense.

On the other hand, the total cost of Loc Metzger's bridal gown and the dresses of her five bridesmaids would come in at less than a 1/20th of what Pamela Hamilton's had. Plus the girl's wedding party along with the Hamilton women, had come straight home from the shop to spend a day of gabbing and gossiping at Claude's home in comparison to Pamela and her party spending even more money seeing parts of New York City. Just tonight, Claude was beginning to question if Pamela Hamilton was the real golddigger among his daughter-in-laws, present and future.

As Claude sat there thinking, he looked at two photos. One of which was placed on his desk. The Hamilton family had a tradition of having family photos taken every Christmas. Every year, the photos on Claude's desk were updated. After he and Elizabeth married, a photo of Claude's wife was always prominently placed on his desk. As their sons were born, an additional photo on Claude's desk was added. A group photo of the Hamilton boys.

Then when Claude's sons began to marry, the first photo was updated. Now it consisting of Elizabeth Hamilton posing with her daughter-in- law(s). As granddaughters were born, Claude and Elizabeth had five at this time Rose, Diana, Marilyn, Emily and Lorraine, they also became part of the Hamilton women photo that sat on Claude's desk. When one of Claude's sons's got engaged, the fiancee would be included in that photo.

Loc Metzger's face was in the latest Hamilton women Christmas photo. Seated in the front row, next to Jodi Hamilton as both women held one of Claude's granddaughters in their lap. On a table behind Claude's desk, were other photos of his sons and their wives and children if they had any. Among those photos was one of Drew Hamilton standing behind Loc Metzger, the young man's chin on her shoulder with his arms gently around his girlfriend's waist. Loc's neck arching her head backwards towards and touching Drew's face. Anyone looking at the photo and the two smiling faces of Drew Hamilton and Loc Metzger in it, had to conclude these were two young people very much in love with each other.

Claude knew his son loved Loc Metzger, the CEO was a lot of things, but being blind wasn't one of them. That love disgusted him for a litany of reasons, just one of which was Claude's strong opinion that Loc Metzger was a golddigger who only loved the Hamilton family money. Now Claude was having second thoughts on that subject. Was Loc Metzger's love for Drew Hamilton genuine?

If Claude would just allow himself an honest evaluation of Loc Metzger, he would have to conclude the love she had for Drew was genuine. Someone has to have a big heart to love a person who nearly crippled you and made your best friend die in front of your very eyes. Right then Claude if for only a second was thinking just that.

There was also the birthday card from Loc on Claude's desk. The CEO would be turning fifty-eight in two days. The greeting card had a few handwritten words from Loc. In the top left hand corner they said To Dad and at the bottom said Happy Birthday with love, your daughter Loc.

With Love? Claude wondered if the love Loc was expressing to him was as genuine as that she showed to Drew or was it all fake. For Claude didn't feel the same emotion towards his daughter-in-law. In fact the emotion Claude felt was almost the total reverse and did Loc know that? She had to know, Claude concluded.

Was Loc the one who influenced Drew Hamilton to reform? Claude still remembered what his wife said in court three years earlier, that Loc would be a good influence on Drew and the Hamilton family. The CEO loved his wife and respected her especially when it came to family matters. Elizabeth Hamilton was almost never wrong in that area. Was she right about Loc's influence on their son Drew?

If Elizabeth Hamilton was right, that made Loc Metzger unlike any girl or woman Claude had met in his life. Had Claude been wrong in so many ways about Loc all along?

Looking upward at the ceiling, Claude asked the Lord for an answer. Not getting one, the CEO finished paying that month's Amex bill. When done, Claude left his study, turning off the light as he exited the room.

*****

July 6th 1997 was the day Loc and Drew got married. It was a beautiful and memorable experience for both of them. In all over 200 people attended the couple's nuptials and the wedding reception that followed.

The couple was married at Holy Word Lutheran Church with Reverend Swan presiding. Loc's maid of honor was her best friend Cory Petrauskas. She also had four bridesmaids, Kathy Metzger, Stephanie Brooks, Dawn Jacobs and Tabitha Lockwood. Drew had two best men, his brother Todd and his friend Alex Townsend.

Carol and David Lockwood were invited to the wedding, but didn't come. Only because they were in South Korea at the time finalizing the adoption of their daughter Sarah Loc.

Loc wearing a traditional white wedding dress, was walked down the aisle by her Uncle Paul. Tom Metzger being too weak to do this task, but the father was still there. Nothing would prevent him from seeing his little girl get married.

After the wedding ceremony, the reception was held at an auditorium/large conference room on the grounds of Hamilton Enterprises. It was there that Loc had what she considered the highlight of her day.

It is tradition, that at a wedding party the bride will dance with certain people. Her husband of course, her father-in-law, and maybe most important of all, her father. Tom Metzger, by then confined to spending most of his days in a wheelchair, would not miss this important event.

When it came time for the dance to take place, Tom was wheeled out to the dance floor. The music then began playing.

"Daddy, take my hands," Loc said to Tom Metzger. The father did as told, and with his daughter's help he stood on his own two feet. Immediately almost everyone there broke out in applause, as the father and daughter began to slowly sway to the music.

Tom Metzger stayed standing as long as he could. Which was all of about sixty seconds. Then Loc lowered her father back into his chair. Without missing a beat, Loc and her father continued their waltz. Loc holding her father's hands as they slowly moved back and forth, she on her feet and her father in his wheelchair.

This scene left very few dry eyes in the building that night. Even Claude Hamilton was moved by what he witnessed. The CEO seeing Loc with her father, and realizing if it had been him in the wheelchair, Claude's newest daughter-in-law would have done the exact same dance with him.

That in spite of all the hateful and vile things Claude had said or thought in regards to Loc over the last four years. Loc in return had always replied with love, kindness and respect toward Drew Hamilton's father. A behavior and character that was only now reminding Claude of another young woman he met over thirty years earlier. His wife, Elizabeth Hamilton.

"Maybe I was wrong about this girl," Claude Hamilton muttered to his wife Elizabeth. The CEO seldom if ever admitted to making mistakes. Even to family members.

Elizabeth Hamilton took a moment to turn her head back towards her husband and smiled. "Claude, I'm glad you finally realized that."

After the wedding reception was over, Drew and Loc were taken by Nash in the Hamilton family Rolls to their wedding night hotel. The couple would be staying overnight at the Hilton Riverside in Wilmington before leaving on their four week honeymoon to the Orient.

The couple didn't waste much time once inside the hotel. First Drew picked Loc up and carried her into their room. Once this was over, the couple quickly undressed. They had waited three years. The time had finally come for Drew and Loc to have sexual intercourse. Loc was excited for the 'big' event. Then an unexpected delay happened. Drew announced he had to go potty. Loc could barely avoid laughing. Drew was so nervous about what they were about to do, he had to go take a dump.

As Drew took care of his business, Loc laid in bed deep in thought. She had come a long way since that night in 1993. It was while waiting for Drew, that Loc began to formulate a plan.

Finally Drew was back. The couple both marveling at the nakedness of the other. Drew climbed into bed next to Loc, and began to softly kiss his wife.

"Honey, Drew, I'd like to say something before we begin."

"All right sweety."

"I'd like us to try making a baby right away."

Drew and Loc had of course discussed their desire to have children. Two or three if God was willing. Loc and Drew's original plan was to wait two years before starting a family. Being both young and in college, there was no need to rush yet. Except for one important reason.

"Is this because of your father?" Drew asked.

"Yes," Loc replied back. She knew just how serious a state of decline her father's health was presently in. "I'd like us to give my Daddy a grandchild before he dies."

Drew understood both the urgency and sadness his wife was feeling. "I'd like us to do that also."

After thanking her husband for being so understanding, Loc spread her legs wide for the next big moment in her life. Drew and Loc were about to consummate the journey they had set out on in 1994. They were now husband and wife.

*****

Loc and Drew's honeymoon in the Orient lasted four weeks. With time spent in Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok and Thailand, Cambodia and the place of Loc Metzger's birth, Vietnam. It was a wonderful trip.

While in Asia, Loc and Drew didn't just see the cities of Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, but also got out into the countryside. They would spend several days backpacking in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia each.

It was while the Hamiltons were in Cambodia, that something interesting happened. Loc and Drew were backpacking about 100 miles northwest of Phnom Penh. It was a blazing hot day, but then it was summer-time near the equator. Drew and Loc were trekking by foot down a dirt road.

Loc heard the sound of the truck first, there had been so few vehicles on the road that day. The Hamiltons were really out in the boondocks, Cambodian style.

Stepping to left side of the road, so the truck could pass, Loc and Drew were surprised when the vehicle slowed down and stopped.

"You guys look lost," the driver of the truck said. He had an Australian accent and looked to be in his mid to late forties. "Need a lift?"

"Not really we're walking to Philat," Drew told the driver.

"We and my wife work and live not far from there. Want a lift?" The driver asked again.

Loc and Drew exchanged a look with each other. It had been a long day, they decided to accept the man's offer.

Once they were in the cab, the driver introduced himself. "My name is Jack, Jack Hedges. Yours?

"My name is Drew and this is my wife Loc," Drew Hamilton replied back as the truck started down the road again.

"You're Yanks, right?"

"Yes we are," Loc replied. She was seated in between Jack and Drew.

"We're from North Carolina."

"My wife Linda went to college there."

"Wow, small world."

"Sure is. I'm sure Linda would love to meet both of you. Want to come to our place? It's not far out of your way."

Drew wondered if they should accept the stranger's invitation. He whispered in Loc's ear and she replied likewise. "Yes, we would like that."

"You're backpacking your way around Cambodia?"

"A little," Loc explained. "We're on our honeymoon."

"Congratulations," Jack replied back as he extended a hand to both Drew and Loc. The Australian was speeding down the road with one hand on the wheel and this was making Loc nervous. "First time I met honeymooners up this way."

As Loc and Drew were soon to find out, Jack Hedges was an Australian born doctor who along with his American wife Linda who was a licensed nurse, ran a small clinic in Northwest Cambodia. The couple had been doing this for five years, and prior to that had done the same in Kenya. Jack telling this as he drove along.

"You aren't Cambodian?" Jack asked Loc.

"No, my mother was Vietnamese," Loc replied back. While on her honeymoon, Loc had been mistaken for a local Thai, Vietnamese and Cambodian and spoken to in each of those country's native language. Not even the real Loc had known a word of the language her birth mother spoke.

Jack, Loc and Drew soon arrived at the clinic run by the Hedges. It was about thirty kilometers from Tonle Sap Lake and consisted of three buildings. One of which was the living quarters for Jack and his wife.

On arrival, Loc and Drew helped Jack unload the truck. The doctor had been on the way back from Phnom Penh with medical supplies when he picked up the Hamiltons.

After that was done, Jack showed Loc and Drew to their room for the night. It was small and spartan but had its own bathroom and a/c unit.

"We eat here at 7:30," Jack told Loc and Drew. "I'll go tell Linda we got company. If you need anything holler. Just use water sparingly if you can."

Loc and Drew met Linda Hedges at dinner. She was thrilled to have visitors, more so when she found out Loc and Drew were Duke University students.

"I'm class of 1975." Linda told her guests. "I got my Masters in Business Administration from Duke. Whereabouts in North Carolina are you from?"

"Wilmington," Drew answered.

"Never been there myself. I'm from Alabama originally," Linda told Loc and Drew. She later told her guests she had been to her home a grand total of three times in the last nineteen years.

Loc and Drew talked with the Hedges till almost midnight before calling it a night. Other things the Hamiltons learned were that the Hedges had one son, Jack Jr who was studying in the US, that Linda had also had eccentric Duke Professor Dr. Pryce as a teacher, and how the clinic was funded.

"UNICEF, Save the Children," Jack said listing some of the organizations that funded the clinic. He and Drew each drinking a beer over the course of the evening while Loc stuck to Dr. Pepper. "We work for a foundation that has offices in London and New York. Linda goes back there occasionally for consultations, but operations wise they exert little control over the medicine we do here. It's a good relationship, people five or ten thousand miles rarely understand what is going on out here."

"Do you have many AIDS or HIV positive cases here?" Drew asked.

"Thank God, no," Jack said before pointing westward. "Over there in Thailand it is a whole other story. I just hope it stays away from here."

"Want to stay tomorrow and see how we operate?" Linda Hedges asked.

Loc and Drew looked at each other. They had planned to move on the next day. This was only day two of their backpacking journey. Loc and Drew had planned three more days of doing it.

"We're doing prenatal checkups tomorrow," Linda explained. "We get between a dozen and thirty women when we do these. I'm not ashamed to say it, but we could use help tomorrow."

Loc and Drew volunteered. Maybe it would be educational.

Twenty-six Cambodian women came to the clinic the next day. They were at all stages of pregnancy, from early in the first trimester to only days from delivery. Every single one was examined by Jack and his wife.

Both Loc and Drew helped out. Loc by pulling former patient's medical records, and Drew by drawing blood. The clinic had the equipment to do blood testing, x-rays and ultrasounds.

In addition to the expectant mothers, there were other patients. It was a long day, but a rewarding one for Loc and Drew. They learned a lot about both Cambodia and medicine in rural areas of the world. Loc and Drew were also impressed by the Hedges, and stayed at their clinic three days in all. That really gave the couple an education.

Their last night at the clinic, saw Linda and Jack invite their new friends to join them in going to a nearby village's fiesta. Once there, Loc went with Linda and Drew with Jack.

"We'll be joining the men folk," Jack told Loc. "Don't mind us if we get a little drunk. It's what they do here at these things."

Loc reminded Drew to be careful. He was still on probation.

"Okay no drunken lorry driving then," Jack said with a laugh before slapping Drew on the back. "Come on mate. Let me show you around."

While the guys did their 'guy thing', Loc and Linda joined the women of the village. They had their own music and entertainment. Loc had a great time that night.

The next day Jack dropped Loc and Drew off where they could catch a bus back to Phnom Penh. As they waited, Loc and Drew were thinking almost the same exact thing.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do something like what Jack and Linda are doing?" Loc asked Drew.

"Sweety, I was thinking the exact same thing." A dream had formed in both Loc and Drew's mind. One they hoped to make a reality one day.

*****

It was October 28th and Loc felt like screaming. Her husband's singing was driving her up the wall as she tried to complete an important task.

Loc and Drew were in their Durham apartment. It was a little past 7 p.m. and Loc was trying to do a pregnancy test.

One or two days late didn't necessarily mean anything. Some women have twenty-eight-day cycles that are so regular you could set a calendar by them. Not Loc Hamilton, she would go twenty eight days one month, thirty another, back to twenty eight, then twenty nine the next month and so on. Right now Loc was thirty-one days since her last menses.

"Loc be with a baby tonight." Drew sang from outside the bathroom. "Loc be with a baby tonight...."

The repeating lyrics, a parody of a song from 'Guys and Dolls', had finally gotten to be too much for Loc. She screamed at her husband.

"If you're going to sing, at least be on key!"

Loc could hear Drew laughing. "I sense a mood change. That sounds like a good omen!"

'Errrrr.... Men,' Loc thought as she waited for the pregnancy test to finish. Would it turn blue?

As Loc continued to wait, Drew changed tunes. "Nobody does it better....."

The result was coming. Loc was waiting............it was blue!

Loc began to cry. "I'm going to have a baby!" Drew in spite of his singing, heard what his wife said and came into the bathroom and immediately hugged and kissed his wife.

"I got to call Daddy," Loc said as soon as Drew released her. ALS sometimes worked slow, sometimes fast. In Tom Metzger's case it was fast. Doctors already fearing Loc's father had a year or less left to live.

As Loc waited for the Metzger family phone to be answered, Drew talked to his wife. "Any ideas on baby names yet?"

"Yes, one in particular."

Drew nodded. "Let me guess......"

Loc wasn't paying attention to Drew. The phone was being picked up on the other end. "Hi Kevin, it's Loc. Could you please put Mom on the phone?"

As she waited for her Mom, Loc said a prayer. That her father would live long enough to see her both graduate college and give birth to his first grandchild.

*****

Tom Metzger made it to Loc's graduation day. Bedridden for the previous six months, it took all of the father's energy to make the trip to Durham but Tom made it. His little girl had graduated from Duke and this filled his heart with joy.

In addition to Tom Metzger, Julie, Kathy, Kevin and Mary Metzger plus Drew were there for Loc's graduation ceremony. The first thing Loc did after the ceremony was over, was to go look for her family.

Loc didn't need to look for long. As soon as she saw Mom and Dad, the college grad ran up as fast as her seven months pregnant body and feet would allow her. She then gave her ailing father a hug and kiss.

Tom Metzger didn't have much time left on earth. Only a matter of months the doctors were saying. His speech was already impaired, and the man needed to be fed by others and get help with every aspect of his life. Tom, slurred speech or not, still managed to tell Loc how he felt, smiling the best he could.

"I'm so proud. If only your Mother was here."

Loc kissed and hugged her father again. "Mom was here Daddy, she was."

Loc also felt the real Loc's presence that day. Almost five years had passed, but the former Jeff Lockwood still thought often of the true Loc Metzger. Today's Loc hoping the life she had carved out met with her late girlfriend's approval.

Then it was time for photo taking. Loc posed with all her family there that day. Dawn, Cory, and Stephanie also came by to say hello too and have photos taken with their friend and her family.

"Dad, isn't she something?" Drew said pointing to Loc's pregnant stomach. "I'm so proud of both of you," Tom Metzger replied back.

On July 2nd 1998, Loc gave birth to a baby boy via caesarian section. The child was immediately named Thomas Allen Hamilton.

Drew and Elizabeth Hamilton were both present at the time of the child's birth.(Julie Metzger was home with her ailing husband) Claude Hamilton, now a grandfather to nine(Judith Hamilton, Todd and Pamela's daughter born in March 1998 and Melanie Hamilton, Robert and Jodi's daughter born in September 1997, being other recent Hamilton family additions) but only two of whom were grandsons, was on a business trip to Toronto Canada at the time of his grandson's birth. On arrival home in Wilmington, Claude went straight to the hospital.

"Congratulations, son," Claude said to Drew as the two men shook hands. Then the father turned to Loc.

"Dad, say hello to your new grandson," Loc said to her father-in-law.

Thomas Allen Hamilton was sleeping quietly in a bassinet next to Loc's bed. Claude Hamilton picked up the boy and held him in his arms for a few minutes as the grandfather looked at his latest grandson.

When he was through, Claude handed his grandson over to his wife Elizabeth. Then the CEO bent down and kissed Loc on the forehead.

"He's a handsome boy. Thank you." Loc swore she saw a small smile on her father-in-law's lips. Claude Hamilton was usually of so few words when it came to Loc but his actions spoke louder that day. Loc had finally gained acceptance.

The next day after Loc and Thomas Allen were released from the hospital, Drew drove his wife and son to the Metzger home. Loc and Drew were bringing their infant son to meet his other grandfather.

By then Tom Metzger couldn't talk any more, and almost the only thing he could do was blink his eyes. His health having declined rapidly since his daughter's college graduation. Loc took her son and laid him on her father's chest.

"Daddy, this is your grandson Thomas." Tom Metzger physically unable to do anything else, began to cry.

Four days later Loc's father, Thomas Allen Metzger, died of ALS. He was only forty-six years old.

Epilogue

Thomas Metzger was buried on July 11th 1998. Loc was very upset at losing her father, but took solace in knowing his pain and suffering were now over. The new mother feeling certain her father was in heaven and re-united with his first wife and the real Loc.

Loc would never be a full-time student again. She, Drew and their son Thomas returned to Durham in August of 1998. Being a mother to a newborn was a full-time job, and Loc dedicated herself to her new profession.

That doesn't mean Loc didn't have other plans for herself. Beginning in early 1999 she began studying Southeast Asian languages at Duke. In particular Vietnamese. There was a reason for this.

Drew and Loc still remembered their visit to Cambodia and meeting Linda and Jack Hedges. The Hamiltons decided this was the type of the future they wanted for themselves too. Loc and Drew's goal was to open a similar clinic/hospital in Vietnam.

This was a complicated and costly task but Loc saw to it. With the financial support of the Hamilton family, Loc began what would be a six year long process to get permission from the Vietnamese government to open a clinic and then build and staff it. The goal for Loc and her husband was to open it once Drew's medical residency was over. That would be in the summer of 2007.

To achieve their goal, Loc had to make over two dozen trips to Vietnam between 2001 and 2007. Sometimes accompanied by her father-in-law Claude Hamilton and on other occasions by her sister-in-law Lauren, whose family also donated to Loc and Drew's cause and dream. On other occasions Loc traveled by herself. Complicated negotiations had to be done and contracts agreed to. Donors also had to be found to help finance the dream venture Loc and Drew had.

It wasn't easy, but Loc made it work. Along the way she earned even more respect from her father-in-law, Claude Hamilton. The CEO becoming very impressed by Loc's ability as a business negotiator.

"Lucky I wish you'd reconsider," Claude Hamilton said to his daughter- in-law on a spring 2003 day. Loc was visiting the Hamilton home in Wilmington along with her three children. At the time Loc was breastfeeding her youngest. "Between you and Ted to turn over control of Hamilton Enterprises to when I retire, I'd feel certain the company would be in good hands."

"Daddy, Drew and I still have our dreams."

Claude Hamilton always became mush when addressed as 'Daddy' by his daughter-in-law. The CEO was retiring in three years, and Ted Hamilton would be taking over as CEO of Hamilton Enterprises. If Claude had his wishes, it was that Loc Hamilton would oversee the Corporation's overseas operations in addition to Ted being CEO. "I understand. That was my dream but I respect those you and Drew have."

Loc and her father-in-law talked a little while longer till Thomas Hamilton came into the room along with his grandmother and sister. The four-year-old boy had just taken a nap.

"If you don't mind, I'll take Thomas outside and we'll play some ball together," Claude said to Loc as he bent down to kiss his daughter-in- law's forehead. Then the CEO addressed his grandson. "Thomas, want to come outside and play catch with your Grandfather?"

"Yes Grandpa." Loc's son then went outside to play with his doting grandfather.

Loc of course remained close to her Mom, plus Kathy and Kevin Metzger. The twins both going to college in 2000.(Tabitha Lockwood began college in 1999) Julie Metzger also remarried again in 2001. Loc's relationship with her adoptive mother not changing in the slightest after Tom Metzger's death.

In 2004, Loc lost one of her Moms. Mary Metzger died after a brief illness. She was eighty-one-years-old. Before moving to Vietnam, Loc and Drew kept busy. They had three more children in addition to Thomas Allen. Nu Elizabeth was born in October 2000, Julie Carol in March 2003 and Drew Christian Jr. in April 2006. After settling in Vietnam, Drew and Loc adopted two local children after their parents died in a fire. In all, the couple would raise three boys and three girls.

It was August 2007 when the clinic opened in the Annam highlands region of Vietnam. It was located a little over one hundred miles northeast of Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon. Loc and Drew were happy there. Drew was one of the clinic's two doctors that also employed five nurses. Loc was the clinic's head administrator.

It was a simple if busy life in Vietnam for Loc and Drew, but they loved where they settled. This they both hoped to be their home for many years to come.

Drew and Loc had found love, happiness, and success. Far away from monetary riches, but wealthy in a ways that was much more pleasing. By helping others and raising a family together.

As Robert Muller may have said, Loc and Drew had found untold peace and happiness.

The End



Author's note- Some of you may note similarities in my story to what happened to Bruce Murakami and his family.(Just do a Google Search if you don't know who Bruce is) I did not use that tragedy as a basis for my story. Actually I didn't know of the Murakami story till 'Only the strong can forgive' was almost 75% complete. A made for television movie was shown here in the United States and my wife watched it. The idea of a fatal drag or street race was totally my invention.

My story did draw from the story of Stephen Bromstrup and the family of Sarah Stone. I also used a small bit of the Mary Karen Read/Virginia Tech tragedy. Mary Karen was one of the students murdered at the university. Like the television movie, Virginia Tech happened after I began writing 'Only the strong can forgive'.

In both instances, I took how the Read and Stone families are coping with the terrible loss they have suffered and used it as inspiration for my story. Remember my wife and I lost a son, and I honored him with a story 'A Great Shift Tale- For Daniel.' We can empathize a little bit with these parents. The Reads and Stones are trying to forgive those who took their loved ones away. As you read in the story above, I had a similar theme. I admire these families for the strength they have after losing so much and hope they it serves as inspiration for others. 'Only the strong can forgive' was meant to honor that strength. I just hope my writing was up to the task. God bless the families of both Sarah Stone and Mary Karen Read.