Lisa reached across Gwen and gently slapped Steve's face. "That's for taking liberties with 'the girls'! No matter how much I rub them against you, or parade them in front of you, never think you can take advantage of them, or me! Seriously, we learned our lesson. I don't ever want you to feel uncomfortable around me. I don't want to lose what we have. It's special. Gwen has been very understanding, and when I find that special guy for me, Gwen and Kate had better tease him mercilessly, like we do to you. That'll be the proof that they think my boyfriend is a keeper.""I didn't do anything wrong," laughed Kate as she sat on Steve's lap. "That means I can still flirt with you. I tried to talk them out of it, but they wouldn't listen.""Yeah, right! Kate was the one that thought of it and wanted to be the one to cover your eyes. This would have turned out much worse if she had been the one you groped. I know how you feel about her being underage and appropriate behavior, and how much yo

Most of the students had fled the building, but about a dozen remained. They were trying to help the injured. Gwen saw Charlotte gently move Billy off the bleachers and place him on the floor. Blood covered his front. Jared was still lying where he had dropped as blood spread across the back of his shirt.Kneeling by Steve, Gwen pulled out her phone and pressed a programmed number. It was answered on the second ring."Hey, Gwen! Shouldn't you be in class now?" asked Laura as she answered her cell."Laura! There's been a mass shooting at the school. We need ambulances and any help you can give us. I count at least 14 people shot and bleeding here in the gym. There's probably a few more wounded that managed to leave the building. Can you help us give first aid to the victims?""A shooting at the school?" echoed Laura loud enough so others at the hospital could hear her clearly. "Multiple injuries? Let me give you some phone numbers. Repeat them to the others so they can call and talk to

The Macy's department store manager found Gwen thanking more blood donors outside the Wellness Center. "I understand that you two aren't cleaning up or changing until a hundred units have been collected. I also understand that they are very close to your goal and will soon surpass it. Macy's wants to help you girls any way it can. We have a clean changing room with a shower. We'd be honored if you'd pick out whatever clothes you want to wear when you're prepared to clean up.""I don't have my pocketbook with me," responded Gwen. "And I don't feel like shopping right now anyway.""No, you misunderstood. Just take what you need to wear. We won't charge you for anything. It's just our way of trying to help you girls in a very difficult time. It would be our honor to have you select whatever you need from our store."Before one that afternoon, Gwen and Charlotte were clean, and dressed in new underwear, jeans, and sweaters.Amber Stahl called Gwen and asked for an interview to update the

"Uncle Joe and I got to visit with him for a couple minutes. He's really weak, but he seems to be doing pretty good considering he was shot twice this morning. Governor O'Leary and the President stopped in to see him before they left. The President told Steve that he thought it was very likely that he would get into the Naval Academy!""So besides being on national television today, you rubbed elbows with the Governor and the President?" marveled Paula. "I heard he was in town. Roads were blocked and security was super tight. I should have guessed that you'd meet him, Gwen. You seem to growing in leaps and bounds right before my eyes. You and Steve have become household names. I don't think anyone has ever seen anything like the way you two are. You're building reputations for doing what others don't even dare attempt.""Can I get in to see Steve?" asked Lisa. "I drove here as soon as I could and it wasn't easy with so many roads blocked because of the President's visit. What room is

After they finished dinner, for which Billy's father refused to accept payment, Charlotte and Gwen returned to the hospital. Gwen sat by Jared's parents and gave them each a sandwich that Mr. Marsh had sent for them. She noticed some strangers sitting across the room watching her, so Gwen rose and introduced herself to them."We know who you are, Ms. Anderson," replied an older lady. "We're Angela Walker's brother and sister. I'm Roberta and this is Edward. Angela has spoken about you on numerous occasions. At Christmas she made us watch some videos of you and your remarkable boyfriend. We thought she was a bit overenthusiastic, shall I say? After hearing and seeing what you and Steve Hammer accomplished today, I realize that Angela had every right to be excited and proud. She told us all about the Inauguration and how much she enjoyed it. We're pleased that she had that opportunity. Can you give us some idea of how badly she was injured this morning?"Gwen spent some time describing