A few days later at school-

“Good news. You aced your final, looks like someone gets to graduate with his class.” Mr. Shank said handing Peter a paper with 99% written on it. Peter grinned ear to ear, this would round the rest of the semester up to a C. “Thank you.” said Peter.

“I don’t think it’s me you need to thank.” said Mr. Shank, giving Peter a pat on the shoulder. Peter grinned, he was very glad he had picked the paper up to help Therese. Peter tried to keep a low profile, but that morning, he had enough and he decided to break ranks. He thought that might be his first right decision in a long time.

“What are you doing to celebrate?” asked Kara. Therese was still going over her test, even though every answer was marked correct.

“Erin is throwing a party at her store after graduation.” said Therese, pausing from looking at her paper.

“Do you think I could come? I kind of don’t have any other friends anymore, actually, I don’t think I had other friends before.” said Kara.

Therese reached into her backpack, and pulled out an envelope and handed it to her. Kara opened it slowly, in it was an invitation to Kara’s own 6th grade graduation party. Therese had missed it because she had a hospitalization. Kara remembered being relieved she had not come. There was a small note tucked inside. Kara read it. “I am sorry I missed your party. I hope you will come to ours, Therese.” Kara put her head down and cried. She couldn’t believe Therese had saved it all these years, but more, she was still grateful to be forgiven.

“It’s the last invitation I ever got, to anything. I think we still need to celebrate.” said Therese, with her usual flat, but compassionate stare. Kara put her head down and sobbed the rest of the class. Eventually, the bell rang, and everyone stood up to leave.

“Peter, a word, please.” said Mr. Shank.

“I’ll catch up to you guys later.” Peter said to Kara and Therese, then kissed Therese on the cheek goodbye. Therese blushed and broke a half-grin. She had grown to like public displays of affection. Peter walked over to the teacher.

“I want to apologize, you have impressed me, and I apologize for never thinking you had it in you. I misjudged you.” Mr. Shank said.

“We’re good, thank you for not kicking me out of class.” said Peter.

“I mostly feared they might send me someone worse. Either way, you really pulled yourself together, and I hope you aren’t planning on stopping your education. You have guts kid, and guts go a long way, but so does math. Math is power.” said Mr. Shank.

“Why did you study math?” Peter asked his teacher.

“Well, my friends and I had some rough jobs once and one of them asked me why we had it so rough. The truth occurred to me that it was because we sucked at math and I explained it to him, that people who study math can get good jobs. So we did, and we worked those jobs until we retired, and somehow I ended here. Math is Power.” said Mr. Shank.

“I never really thought I could do it.” admitted Peter.

“Sometimes when we don’t believe in ourselves, it’s good to have those who believe in us. Maybe that’s all you needed. Now get out of here, go finish your day.” said Mr. Shank. Peter took off running for his next class.

Therese entered her English composition class, she went and sat down. Kara came in and sat next to her. This was a great start for both to an otherwise boring event.

Graduation night:

The next night Therese was scared. “I don’t want to go.” She told her parents. Therese knew the graduation would be loud and crowded. “You don’t have to go to graduate.” her parents reassured her. They were excited beyond their wildest hopes six years ago. Therese held herself, crossing her arms and hugging herself as she rocked. They were just grateful she finished and prouder that she did good.

There was a knock on the door, her mother opened it, and Vivo and Mr. Shank came in. “What a pleasant surprise, please come in.” said Therese’s father, inviting them in, He showed them to the living room, and they sat on the couch across from Therese. She looked up and kept rocking.

Mr. Shank said “In all the years I taught, honestly, I grew to hate it. The kids were terrible, and the parents worse (Therese’s parents shrugged in agreement), but three years ago a young girl came into my class. I worked with her tutors and the school therapists. They told me she should be in a special education math because of some outbursts (Therese sunk her head down), but she insisted on making a mainstream effort. My first thought was great, here comes a lot of paperwork, but when she looked up at me, (Therese looked up at him), I thought maybe out of all this crap comes a peanut. (Therese smiled). I never once, ever cut you a break, I helped you every chance I was able, but I held you to the same standard as everyone else. That was the condition of being in my class, do you remember? (Therese nodded). All my other students are walking tonight. I promise you I have allowed enough extra credit assignments to pad band participation forms and other activities, that your graduation will perfect if you go.”

Vivo looked at her and said, “I am here to promise you, he is telling the truth, and to remind you, Space-Girls walk tall (Vivo cited a Space-Girl rule, Space-Girl Michelle always walked tall, even if she was going to lose and have to be regenerated as a new Space-Girl).

Therese stood up and lifted her head and she said “I will walk tall.”.

“You didn’t hear it from me, but the principal came in drunk once. Oddly enough, somehow the names got mixed out of alphabetical order and you and Peter are marching together.” said Mr. Shank, standing up, fixing his tie, and walking out. This was going to be the best night of his career. Maybe the last night. He smiled thinking how nice it would be to not have to deal with parents and leave on top.

“Mr. Shank?” said Therese.

“Yes ma’am?” The teacher turned and looked at Therese.

“Why did you become a teacher?” asked Therese, wondering why she never asked it before.

“When I was your age, I had someone make a difference in my life too. I decided to pay it forward. It is a vicious cycle of abuse that should be broken, so find some other way to make the world a better place.” said the teacher, again excusing himself and leaving. He left out the years of violence in distant places because the last few years as Therese’s teacher meant more to him than anything he had done before.

“Ben picked this up at your bookstore today. We knew you’d walk tall, little Space-Girl.” said Vivo while tossing Therese a bag with a cap and gown, with a pair of pink earplugs on top. Vivo excused himself and walked out of the house.

After everyone left, Therese asked her parents, “Mom, Dad, why didn’t you ever tell me about Kara’s dad hurting her, and that’s why she was here that summer in Junior High?” asked Therese.

“Wow. That’s out of nowhere.” said Therese’s father, trying to dodge the question. Therese threw him a scowling look.

“We promised Kara. It was all she asked of us. She knew you were going through so much, she didn’t want to make things worse for you.” said Therese’s mother.

“How bad was it for her, how bad was I?” asked Therese. She could not remember much of the summer, it was like her brain did a full reset. She spent years relearning everything and then trying to learn everything she missed.

“Getting better is a process. Look at the clock, it’s already six.” said Rodger. He dodged the question.

“Mom. Dad. Hurry. We need to get ready.” Therese told them as she hurried to ready herself.

That evening was as promised. Therese and Peter were told the schedule of names had been misprinted and they would be marching together to avoid disruption. Therese was unable to find Kara, and was sad she could not locate her. She looked in and out of the crowd. She walked over to Peter and held his arm nervously. They sat next to each other. Therese had her earplugs in. The usual boring speeches took place, and finally names were to be called. Several students went, and eventually, it was to be Therese’s turn to be called.

When Therese’s name was about to be announced, the graduation stage lights went dim. Peter held Therese’s arm, and helped her stand, she was unsure what was happening. Then the school band began playing the intro to the Space-Girl Michelle theme. Therese pulled her earplugs out so she could hear it. A spotlight shined on the principal who was stunned. Kara walked out in a Space-Girl costume and stepped between him and the microphone.

“Space-Girl, jij vecht tegen de robots Space-Girl, jij vecht tegen de Gopher King Space-Girl, je geeft nooit op en ik zal mezelf nooit opgeven Ik kan alleen maar zeggen dat mijn scannerweergave vrij duidelijk is. Ik kijk graag naar de meren van Haremar die regen krijgen En het enige dat ik kan doen is Earl Grey-thee gewoon heet voor twee schenken En mijn mening uitzenden, maar het is niet standaard Het is niet standaard Space-Girl je redt de dag . “ - the original Space-Girl Michelle theme from the Amsterdam tapes.

Therese smiled and walked tall, Peter holding her arm. “Is this really happening?” She asked Peter, genuinely believing she might be imagining the whole thing. Peter reassured her it was. Therese was careful, deliberate, and walked tall, as the band played the Space-Girl chorus movement. Mr. Shank walked up, took their diplomas, and handed them to Therese and Peter. Therese gave Mr. Shank a big hug and her and Peter stepped down and returned to their seats.

“You’re finished, Ed.” said the principal.

“Fuck you, buddy.” said Mr. Shank and he smiled.

The principal waited patiently until the two had returned to their seats. “If anyone else pulls that stunt, you are not getting your diplomas.” He said into the microphone. The band fired off a few defiant tones. Kara looked at the table, saw her diploma, grabbed it, and ran out to her family in the crowd. The graduation crowd cheered.

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When the ceremony was over, Therese’s chemistry lab partner Benjamin found her in the crowd. He had run frantically not wanting to miss her. “Hey, Therese, Therese I just wanted to tell you, thank you, I couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for not giving up on me.” said Benjamin.

“He is not going to exist anymore, you will kill him when you forget about him. There is only one Ben.” Yelled a voice at Therese.

Therese turned and looked at Benjamin and said with a smile and a tear in her eye, “You didn’t give up on you, and the days you did show up, those were pretty good days too.” said Therese with a half wink.

“I just wanted you to know that, that you made a difference. There were some rough days for me, but I knew showing up to that class, you’d remind me to get through the rest of the day.” said Benjamin.

“I wouldn’t have traded you for any lab partner in there. So, you guys are leaving in a couple weeks?” asked Therese.

“Yah, it’s going to be an awesome summer.” replied Benjamin. Therese thought him slightly optimistic but hoped the best for Benjamin. She worried about him but was never less than absolutely supportive.

“He is leaving forever because you are forgetting him.” The voice yelled at Therese.

“Well, make sure you stop by the Cowffee shop before you leave and get my address so you can write me.” Therese said, fixing Benjamin’s collar over his graduation gown. “Good luck out there.” Therese said, patting the collar down. Benjamin might have needed a lot of help, but like his collar, he responded well to direction and Therese had grown fond of him. She knew she would miss the boy.

“Good luck too, and thank you, thank you for the help in class. You give good advice too.” said Benjamin, before running out into the crowd. Benjamin didn’t like goodbyes, and as far as the year went for him, Therese was one of the few people he had to really say goodbye to.

“Was that your lab partner Benjamin?” asked Peter, somewhat jealous, as he was of any boy who took Therese’s attention. Therese was relieved Peter had seen Benjamin, she needed reassurance he was real, the voices were being loud jerks in the stress of the crowd.

“Yes, don’t worry, we had chemistry together, but I’m only yours.” Therese said teasing, then turning and giving Peter a big hug. She squeezed Peter in the middle of the football field, so glad high school was over, and yet sad, it had gone so fast.

“I’m okay, I swear he looks just like this guy Lee in one of my classes. I guess everyone has a twin somewhere.” said Peter, but Therese did not hear him in the noise of the crowd.

Therese saw Elijah up on the stage, having worn a kilt under his graduation gown, had hiked his gown, and was doing a dance to taunt security for one last run. This time she saw, he continued his jig while their security officer stretched out, they were both going to make this a run for the memories. Therese smiled while she squeezed Peter, and hoped Elijah made it clear one more time. He might, she thought, if he doesn’t have to stop and help anyone while the pursuit is in progress. Therese was unsure if she should hope for Elijah’s final victory or the officer’s first because she had tried so hard all year, although Therese knew it was mostly in sport because the officer could have grabbed Elijah out of class anytime she wanted.

Megan and her two lackeys walked up to Therese, just as Kara came up behind Therese and Peter. Peter stepped in front of Therese to protect her instinctively, but Therese pulled Peter back and stood in front of him. Kara made fists.

“Whoa.” said Megan to showing her hands were empty. “I came here to apologize. “I’m very sorry for being a bitch.” said Megan. “I got caught up in all this, and it isn’t even real anymore, is it? But, I’m sorry, and I hope one day you’ll forgive me.” said Megan. Even apologizing, she looked glamorous.

“She flicked something at you because she hates you. Everyone hates you.” The voice said to Therese.

'If I can’t forgive, how can I expect to be forgiven? At least that is what is said in the Good Book.” said Therese, offering her hand.

Megan took her hand and shook hands. “Is that the Bible?” asked Megan.

“No, The Good Book, Episode 142 of Space-Girl Michelle, she becomes overcome with dark energy and seeks out an ancient text, The Good Book, to purge herself of it.” answered Kara loudly and unembarrassed to be a Space-Girl Fan.

“Can we just go back to the teen movie ending?” asked Megan.

“Yes, sure, have a great summer, can I ask you though, why were you mean to me?” asked Therese.

“Well, one, I was jealous, all the guys were attracted to you before, and then once you started doing your makeup, hair, and dressing nice, I was really jealous. And two, in sixth grade you called me a fucker and threw my backpack at me and it cut me. Wasn’t going to bring that up, you asked.” Megan told her, pointing to a small scar on her chin.

Therese hung her head down, she was very embarrassed about her past, and said “I am so very sorry about that, and everything else. Please forgive me.”

“Hey, that whole thing about forgiving.” said Megan as she stuck her hand out. Therese took it and shook hands again. Megan turned and walked away with her entourage in tow. Kara gave Therese a big hug, they were both glad it was over. Peter nodded at “Herpes Girl” and she nodded back, both consenting to end their own feud.

Therese was glad when the graduation ended, and she found herself in the familiar sights of the Cowffee Cup. She bounced Ana on her knee and made funny sounds. Peter sat next to her enjoying seeing them both happy. Ben ate a muffin, and then some cake. Buck had ridden with Erin and Vivo, but was now trading never-ending sea stories with Ed Shank. Erin was telling stories about working with Therese to her parents, nice stories, to which every once and a while Therese would look over and let out a flat grin.

Kara was slumped out on a couch, exhausted, watching the group. Vivo walked next to her and plopped down. “You did good today.” He told Kara.

“I should have done more sooner.” said Kara.

“You did it when it counted, a big thing to do too.” Vivo told her. He was calm and supportive, Kara appreciated being welcomed into Therese’s circle of friends. She found herself particularly drawn to Ben.

“When you are 10 years old and your best friend starts yelling at the cafeteria and calling everyone fuckers and assholes, you start looking for a new best friend. I looked, she didn’t.” Kara said. She was embarrassed, first at distancing herself from Therese and finally being mean to her to keep her away.

“She wasn’t looking for a new friend, she was waiting for an old one, and from what I can tell, her parents were waiting too.” said Vivo.

“By the time I was twelve, I started being mean to her so she would leave me alone, I was embarrassed. My mom made me go over to play, I hated it. The only good thing was living with her when my parents divorced. Her parents were the closest I had to normal. It ended after that, something I always regretted. Well, I guess I went all out tonight, I don’t have any other friends anyways.” Kara said. Vivo could tell she was very guarded about why their friendship ended.

Vivo pulled up his sleeve and showed her a Space-Girl Michelle tattoo. “Shut the fuck up.” said Kara while looking at it.

“I would have got beat up if I had it in high school. Graduation night, I went out and got it. The world just quit caring about you being a nerd.” Vivo told her. Kara saw Ben get up to go do something, and she started to get up to go take the seat next to Therese.

“Thank you.” She told Vivo as she walked away.

“Once a Space-Girl forgives, she forgives.” Vivo told her as she walked off. Erin came and set next to Vivo, squeezing his knee to show him she was proud of him. “I know that look, you’re going to give that girl a job.” Vivo told her.

“Mr. Vivo, you are a clever man in any time period. If you really want that week in Malibu, I can’t leave Therese by herself, not yet.” said Erin.

“I want that week in Malibu.” said Vivo. “What do you want for it?” he asked.

“A baby.” Erin told him. Vivo was surprised, he loved taking care of Ana, but knew Erin’s reservations. “Would you be proud to be Therese’s dad?” She asked Vivo.

“I always believed that I didn't need children in my life. Now, after Ana, I couldn't imagine life without one.” Vivo said watching Therese who was now walking Ana around the store and holding her little hand. Erin grinned and snorted. “What’s so funny?” asked Vivo.

“You know how pissed Ben is going to be when we leave him in charge of three teenagers.” said Erin. Vivo laughed and snorted too. “Kara, Therese, come over here.” Erin called them. The two girls came walking over, each holding one of Ana’s little hands. When they came up, Erin asked them, “How would you girls like to work together?”.

“I want you both to work for me.” said Erin as Therese and Kara both grinned, Therese flat and Kara wide.

“I’ve never actually had a job before.” said Kara.

“Good, there’s no references to call.” said Erin as she pulled her store key off her key chain and handed it to Therese. Therese took the key in awe and held it. “You’re my new assistant manager. You’ll need this. Close up tonight, I am going home with my man.” said Erin, grabbing Vivo and heading out the door without looking back, because she trusted Therese. Therese grinned her big flat grin and carefully and deliberately put the store key on her key chain.

“I hope I am a good boss.” Therese told Kara. Therese walked over to the group and told them the good news. Kara smiled, even if Therese wasn’t a good boss, she was prepared to follow her anywhere.

“See Peter, if you try real hard, in a few years, you might get promoted.” Ben told him. Peter slumped. “Oh cheer up, Erin already told us we are paying community college tuition to ALL the employees, even if she didn’t tell me about the new hire.” finished Ben.

Buck and Ed Shank excused themselves and left, Ed giving Buck a ride home. Ben excused himself and said he was leaving so he could open early. Therese’s parents said congratulations and good night. A minute later, Therese’s mother came back in. “I told your father I forgot something, if you want to stay the night at Kara’s, you can, just be careful. And no drinking girls. No drinking.” her mom said before she left. ‘You are staying the night at my house?” asked Kara.

“Uh No, just if my mom asks.” said Therese, pointing at Peter, “We had better clean up, let me show you how I mop.” Therese told her. Kara helped Therese put the chairs up, sweep, and then mopped the floor. Therese was the last one out, she grinned at the empty shop, and locked the door.

“Therese, can I ask you something?” whispered Kara.

“Anything.” said Therese.

“Do you believe in love at first sight, does it really happen? How far does it really go?” Kara whispered. Kara felt awkward asking Therese the advice, but one thing Therese had that Kara never knew was a real love. Kara didn’t need to say who she liked. Even she could tell who Kara was infatuated with.

“The sky’s the limit.” Therese said before she turned, put her feet together and walked up to Peter.

Kara said goodnight, and left unsure if she should be confused or if Therese’s answer was to all her questions. Kara took it to mean as love was a gamble, but the more you bet, the more you stood to win. Kara thought Therese was telling her to bet everything. She was right.

“Is this goodnight?” asked Peter.

“My mother said I could stay at Kara’s house again, but we need to be careful.” said Therese as she texted a phone number in her contacts to Kara.

Peter lifted Ana, “Don’t worry, we have supervision.”

Therese rode with Peter to his house. He was mindful and careful with Ana in the car seat. Therese liked it when Peter was careful driving. Therese reached over and scratched Peter’s knee. She had seen Erin do that to Vivo and thought he might like it. Peter did, he grinned and smiled. Ana had fallen asleep before they arrived, and Peter carried her up to the house. “I’ll put her to bed, if you want to get ready first.” said Peter, taking Ana to her crib, changing her, and tucking her in. “Good night little princess” he whispered, turned on the night light, and walked out the door.

Therese stood in the doorway to his room, wearing one of his work shirts. She left the upper bottoms undone. “I thought we were going to be careful?” asked Peter. Therese reached into her pocket and pulled out a box of condoms.

“Ben will still kill me.” said Peter, backing up.

“I made him ring them up when I bought them.” explained Therese, “You are already dead. I beat the Maru.”

“He’ll still kill me, he really will.” said Peter.

“Then it’s your last night on earth, live like it.” said Therese as she grabbed Peter and kissed him.

“If I’m going to die for something, I guess love is the best reason.” said Peter.

“It appears we will be required to ignite the midnight petroleum." said Therese while grabbing Peter and pulling him to bed.

“I think you mean oil.” said Peter.

“Good, find some and rub it on my back.” Therese told him, removing her shirt and lying face down on their bed. Peter grabbed some lotion and took a knee on the bed next to her. He carefully touched Therese, she nearly jumped off the bed. He backed off, she reached over, grabbed his hand, and pulled it to her. He began messaging her back, amazed how soft it was for someone who always stood so rigid. The first time he saw Therese he never would imagine he would be there now, squeezing her back in his hands. He never imagined she would be a focus in his life, he never imagined he would love again.

Peter’s touch was soothing, and relaxed Therese. She never imagined a boy would love her, and never imagined it would be him. She thought he was cute, but mostly felt sorry for him getting in trouble for sleeping in class. She knew what it was like to be misunderstood. Her medications began making her feel sleepy. Peter’s strong hands made her feel safe. She felt tired, sleepy, and knew she would not last for what they wanted. Peter could tell she was as sleepy as he is. Therese turned and lay on her side facing him. “Look at me.” she told him. Peter did. Therese smiled, and fell asleep. Peter lay down next to her and embraced her. “But, I wanted you.” was her last whisper before falling asleep.