Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Ted was sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee when Gwen came through the door. "Sweetheart! I'm so sorry you had to experience such tragedy yesterday. But, I'm extremely proud of the way you handled the situation. I would've come to the hospital with Paula and Lisa, but Kate was here with some of her friends. They were all pretty shook up and your mom and I felt it was important that one of us be here for them. She was very worried about you and Steve and feels terrible about the others. How's Steve doing?"

"He's healing, Dad. He's so brave. He killed the one terrorist with his bare hands, then took the guy's guns and shot the other four. He saved all of us. He knew they'd shoot him when he entered the gym, but he came anyway. I just can't imagine knowingly entering a place where people will try to kill you. He's a real hero."

"He's all of that," agreed Ted. "He could have simply left the area and been safe, but he took the much more difficult path. He put the lives of others before his own. That's pretty much the definition of hero. To think that I actually tried hitting him in the chin. What was I thinking?"

"As I recall, you were thinking that he had hurt your daughter, or dishonored her, and you acted as a good father would. Steve actually admires you for that. He told me he did. He always tells me what a good father I have. I guess he must miss his dad a lot and wants to be sure that I appreciate you and mom. I can't imagine what it must be like for him to have no mother or father."

"You look exhausted. You need to try to stop thinking about what's wrong in the world. Go to bed and get some sleep. Everything will look better in the morning, or in this case, the afternoon," laughed Ted.

Gwen managed a few fitful hours of sleep. She had frequent dreams of shootings and bloody wounds. She climbed out of bed before noon feeling more tired than when she laid down.

Lisa, Kate, and Paula were having sandwiches when Gwen made her appearance in the kitchen. "Want something to eat before we go visit Steve at the hospital? I knew I wouldn't be able to see him yesterday and I had some friends over. We were talking about the kids we knew that were shot yesterday. Stephanie stopped in for a while and told us how Steve just suddenly hit that guy and caught him before he fell to the ground. Then he twisted his neck really hard and Stephanie heard the bones snap! I'm so glad Steve killed that guy. If he hadn't we'd all have been blown up. He's amazing and I want to tell him exactly that.

"Lisa said that he told you and Mom that he loves us. I guess it's no secret that I love him, too. You've got the best boyfriend in the world. I bet no one else could've done what he did. I don't think I'll ever be able to find a guy anywhere near as good as him. He set the bar really high. Thanks for sharing your boyfriend, Gwen. I feel safer when he's around."

"So do I, Kate. I don't think he'd ever let anything bad happen to us if he could prevent it. If Lisa and Jason get close, you'll have two tough big brothers looking out for you. Not too many guys will risk pissing off a SEAL and an Army Ranger. You'll find the right guy someday and we'll all love him. You have lots of time. Remember that I didn't even have a date until my senior year. Good guys are worth waiting for," assured Gwen.

The hospital was still a busy place, but lacked the sense of urgency that had existed the previous day. The four Anderson women were allowed to visit Steve together. Kate broke into tears when she saw Steve wrapped in bandages with an IV in his arm.

"Oh, Steve! Look what they've done to you!" she sobbed as she leaned in and kissed him all over his face. "We were scared to death yesterday when we heard the gunshots and then the fire alarm went off. Then we heard that you had a shootout with terrorists and you killed them all. I wasn't surprised. Then I heard that you might be dead and my heart broke. Lisa told me that you said you love me. I love you, too! Thanks for being you and taking care of those terrorists like you did. You saved my life!"

"Kate, it's nice seeing you again. You don't have to get all emotional. I'm okay now, but maybe I was delusional when I told your mom and sisters that I loved all of you. I had a lot of drugs pumping through my system," laughed Steve.

"Hah! You can't fool me. I know you love me, maybe not as much as Gwen, but still you love me a lot. I'm good with that. I don't think two people could love each other more than you and Gwen. I'm just glad she's my sister and you're her boyfriend!"

"Kate, don't be putting words in Steve's mouth. You're going to make him feel like he has to tell me that he loves me," complained Gwen with a blush.

"Then you should tell him how we're going to have him stay with us to recuperate. He can tell you all about how he loves you while you nurse him back to health," reasoned Kate. "The four of us will take turns changing his bandages."

"Sorry, Florence Nightingale!" interrupted Paula. "You will not be changing Steve's bandages, at least not the ones below his waist. Let me make that very clear."

Lisa and Gwen began to giggle as Kate suddenly turned pouty. It was obvious that Paula was not going to yield on this point. Her statement also indicated that Gwen and Lisa would have the opportunity to care for Steve.

"Kate let the cat out of the bag," revealed Paula. "Gwen already spoke to Uncle Joe and he's fine with it. When you're well enough to be discharged from the hospital, we want you to stay at our house until you're healed. It would be our honor."

"Thanks, Paula, but it isn't necessary. Uncle Joe said that he'd find a nurse to help take care of me. You've done more than enough for me already."

"So you don't think I should have the opportunity to try to repay you for saving my daughters' lives? You don't like my cooking? These two nurses are maybe too homely for you? You don't want me to have the pleasure of helping the Spartan Nation's poster boy get over his wounds?"

"It's not that! I love your cooking. Heck, I love your daughters. I just don't want to put you out. You've done so much for me already. I feel like I'm taking advantage of you."

"Steve, this is not open for debate. As your girlfriend's mother, and as the mother of two other girls that adore you, I'm insisting that you stay with us. You'll be helping us get past this horrible event. We'll be able to fuss over you rather than stew over the mayhem those terrorists created. There will be no more discussion on this matter. It's settled.

"We promised the nurse that we'd only stay a few minutes. Girls, say your goodbyes. We're leaving now. Steve needs his rest and we need to shop for enough food to feed him for a week or two. Let's go."

Kate hurried back over to Steve and kissed him several more times. Then Lisa planted a slow, lingering kiss on Steve's lips. When she stood up, she smiled at Gwen. That was all Gwen needed as she leaned down and gave Steve a long hard kiss with some tongue. Kate and Lisa were laughing by the time Gwen allowed Steve the opportunity to breathe.

"I guess staying at your place won't be so bad after all," grinned Steve. "Maybe you can ask Stephanie to come over and help now and then?"

"It seems like you're healing pretty fast, Buster!" laughed Paula. "I'll let Diane know that you're asking about Stephanie. She was pretty upset about the things that she saw and heard yesterday, but she was unwavering in her support of your actions."

Gwen had everyone wait for her while she managed a few minutes with Jared. He had been transferred from intensive care and was allowed visitors.

"You were wonderful yesterday, Jared. I told everyone how you saved my life. I can't believe how brave you were. I owe you my life. Steve wanted me to tell you that what's his, is yours, and that from now on, you're his brother. He doesn't make statements like that lightly."

"I'm just glad you're okay and I'm really glad that Steve showed up in time to cap those bastards and save all of us. It's funny, but since I've been hanging with Steve, I feel more like helping people and being a better man. I guess I'm trying to be more like him. I respect him and that's one of the best things you can say about another man. Tell Steve that I'm proud to be his brother."

Gwen returned home and managed a restful nap. When she came down for dinner, the news was on television and her family was watching it closely.

"The head of the FBI in the state is giving a news conference. He's going to tell what law enforcement has found out about the attack yesterday," responded Ted to a question from Gwen. "He's coming on now."

"The terrorist attack on a local high school yesterday was a terrible event. History will reflect that fact. What it will also reflect is the amazing string of coincidences that prevented this heinous act from being anywhere near as devastating as was planned by the terrorist.

"How could the terrorist speaking on his cell phone in the Farsi language, apparently to his leader, guess that an American high school student walking toward the gym at that moment was fluent in Farsi? What are the odds that the student, Steve Hammer, would turn out to be trained in hand-to hand combat and have the ability to immediately kill the terrorist? Then try calculating the odds that the same student had learned the workings of IED's and suicide bombs from his father, a Navy SEAL Commander.

"This same student searched the dead man while sending a female student to pull the fire alarm, knowing that these evil men planned on destroying the building and everyone in it with explosives. Evacuation was absolutely the right decision under these circumstances.

"Then the student arms himself with two handguns taken from the dead terrorist, and knowing there were more armed men in the gym, tells his friend to open the gym door on his signal. He enters the building and immediately double taps a terrorist, leaving three still shooting at him. As he places two bullets in the brain of the next terrorist, he is hit high in the leg, knocking him to his knees, where he is then struck in the shoulder by a bullet, rendering his right arm useless with two armed men still shooting at him.

"What are the odds that this young man is not only rated expert with a handgun, but expert with either hand? Unable to lift his right arm, he raised his left hand and shot both remaining terrorists in the head! Why was it so important that he shoot them in the head? They were wearing explosives. A bullet to the body could have detonated them. A non-lethal shot could have allowed them the opportunity to manually detonate the bombs.

"What are the chances that this young man, now unable to reach the dead men carrying explosives capable of being detonated remotely, can find a young lady, Gwen Anderson, with enough faith in his knowledge to follow his instructions without question? That she quickly severs the green wire on each body's bomb, rendering the remote detonation device inoperable? We now know that a signal to detonate the bombs was sent less than twenty seconds after the young lady finished cutting the wires!

"What are the odds that over a dozen students remain in the building with dead terrorists packed with explosives to render aid to the injured? That the same young woman that cut the detonation wires, has a doctor on her speed dial? She makes just one call that morning, and that was to an ER doctor. She is quickly given phone numbers for her fellow students to call for medical advice for treating the wounded. All the students listened to the medical staff and administered immediate first aid.

"Three students were killed instantly by the cowardly acts of the terrorists, but these brave kids somehow saved all the wounded! The attending doctors have assured me that without that immediate aid, several more students would have probably died. This event will become the framework for future contingencies in tragedies like this. These students did the Spartan Nation proud, very proud."

"It sure doesn't sound like the FBI is very pissed at you, Gwen. I guess you must have straightened out that agent that questioned your actions. Plus they got to see the entire attack on video. Apparently, they've come to the conclusion that you and Steve did everything right, as if that's any surprise," added Lisa.

Just as they finished dinner, the home phone rang. Paula answered it and summoned Gwen. "Hello, Gwen. I don't know if you remember me. I'm John Dixon, but I go by Johnnie Dee. I worked the Tim Archer benefit and you were 'the Lady in Red'. I've been asked to emcee a memorial tribute Saturday evening at the Church of Saints. It's that really big church over on Third Street.

"I've been given carte blanche for this affair. The governor has agreed to speak. So has your school principal. The Chief of Police will have his moment in the sun, but mostly, I'm looking for students to speak, or perform. I want this to be a time of healing. The kids need that, as you well know. Would you be interested in speaking, or performing in some way? I know that dancing wouldn't be appropriate, but poetry, recollections, recitals. Hymns or nice songs would be fine."

"A year ago, I would've been too nervous to do something like that, but I can tell you that I welcome the opportunity now. I'll have something appropriate for Saturday and I appreciate that you thought of me at this time. It's an honor."

"Thanks, Gwen. You've become a leader in the Spartan Nation and people will want to see and hear you. I just finished speaking with your boyfriend and he's agreed to the same proposal. You two could do something together if you like. The crowd would love it. We're going start advertising this and we're using your name and Steve's to draw a crowd. People would rather hear you than the governor or police chief."

"I don't know if Steve will be able to attend," worried Gwen. "He's still in the hospital. He has two bullet wounds. He said he'd be there? If he said it, then you can take it to the bank. He's definitely a man of his word!"

As soon as she finished speaking with Johnnie Dee, Gwen phoned Charlotte. "Johnnie Dee asked me to do something at the memorial Saturday night. I was thinking that I'd sing and was hoping that you'd accompany me on the piano."

"You're finally going to sing in public?" asked Charlotte in disbelief. "Everyone's been trying to get you to do that for years. Why are you suddenly willing to perform in public?"

"It's hard to explain, but I've lost my shyness over the past few months. I think it's at least partly because of the confidence I've gained being with Steve. He makes everything seem easy and he puts things in perspective. After the attack, most things don't seem all that scary. The worst that'll happen is that I get laughed off the stage. Hopefully, no one will die from my singing."

"What will Steve do? Will he talk about the attack and what he was thinking as he took out those killers?"

"I don't know. He doesn't really like talking about himself, or things that he's done. He's definitely not a bragger. I think he'll have trouble just getting up on stage. He's supposed to be discharged pretty soon. He's in pretty good condition, now that they pumped a bunch of blood back into him. I bet he'll be surprised to hear me sing. I never told him about that. Let's try to keep it from him until I get on stage, okay?"

Lisa and Gwen went to visit Steve the next day. When they got to his room, they were surprised to find his bed empty. Knowing he couldn't have gone far, they found him hobbling out of Jared's room.

"Steve! Are you supposed to be on your feet?" demanded Gwen. 'Do you have permission from Laura or the other doctors?"

"I was bored. Besides, I wanted to tell Jared a few things. He's still in pretty rough shape and I wanted him to know how I felt about what he did for you and what that means to me. When he saved your life, he saved mine, Gwen. I don't know if I'd want to live if you'd been killed," admitted Steve.

"With friends like Jared and a boyfriend as capable as you, I'm going to be around a long time, so don't worry about that. But I know what you mean. I felt the same way when you were bleeding out and looked so close to death. I was really scared."

"If you're able to get around, can you come home with us today?" asked Lisa. "We're very anxious to nurse you back to health, aren't we, Gwen?"

"Maybe a little too anxious in your case," laughed Gwen. "We're looking forward to bringing you home and taking care of you for a week or two, Steve. We should be able to be alone now and then, if Lisa can get Mom and Kate to go shopping with her."

"I'm willing, Sis, but it won't be that easy to fool Mom. She wasn't born yesterday. She knows more than she lets on."

"Tell me about it! When I finally got her to take Dad shopping for Christmas, she texted both me and Kate that they were coming home early. Then when she got home she gave Steve and me a little talk about being responsible."

"Don't tell me that you two were doing it!" gasped Lisa. "What about birth control? Right in the house? What if Kate came home?"

"No! We weren't 'doing it', as you so nicely put it. We were doing some petting and Mom must have suspected it because when I didn't answer her text, she made sure that Kate came home to warn me that Mom and Dad were almost home."

"Wow! Mom's pretty cool. Dad's great, but fathers are not going to go for that sort of thing no matter how much they like the guy. You're just lucky that Kate didn't get an eye full when she got home. Why are you blushing?" demanded Lisa. "Don't tell me that Kate did get an eye full! I guess I'd better talk to her!"

"You two do know that I'm standing right here?" asked Steve. "You should wait until my back's turned before you discuss this stuff. I never had any sisters and if I did, I'm sure they wouldn't be so willing to share details like you sisters do."

"I wish you had a brother," laughed Lisa. "We have enough girls to go around, but we need more Steves."

"Getting back to your original question, Laura said I should be discharged tomorrow. She says that it's quite soon considering I have two bullet wounds, but I'm healing already and she thinks my spirits will pick up when I'm around your mom and Kate, and maybe Stephanie."

"Really? Mom, Kate, and Stephanie? Gwen and I can raise a lot more than your spirits, Stud. We'll take good care of you, won't we, Sis?"

"What's this 'we' stuff?" demanded Gwen with a big grin. "I'll handle everything that comes up just fine. You'll be out shopping with Mom and Kate."

"Well, be sure to check for text messages if you're alone with this guy. Where can we put your phone so we'll be sure that you check it? I have an idea. We'll tape it next to his bullet wound!"

Lisa, Kate, and Gwen all showed up at the hospital Saturday morning to take Steve home. Many of the nurses and several doctors stopped Steve as Gwen wheeled him down the hall. The females hugged Steve and the men shook his hand.

"It looks like it's a good thing that you're getting him out of here, Gwen. Those nurses must have gotten an eye full while taking care of our hero's wounds. They're all doe-eyed. I know that look, I see it in your eyes, and Kate's, every time you two are around Steve," joked Lisa.

Steve had come to accept that the Anderson sisters were going to tease him mercilessly every opportunity that they had. He appreciated the humor and the love the girls shared and he had long ago decided he would take everything they would dish out. He'd never let them get his goat.

Steve insisted on visiting Jared and Billy before leaving. The girls listened to Steve state his unwavering loyalty and high regard to 'his brothers'. It was obvious that Steve was deeply moved my Jared's selfless act on Gwen's behalf. He couldn't have been more sincere if Jared had saved him rather than Gwen. Steve made it very plain to everyone in the room that Gwen's safety meant far more to him than his own and he would always feel in debt to Jared.

They swung by Uncle Joe's apartment to pick up some clothes for Steve since he would be staying at the Anderson's. "I asked Uncle Joe to have that nice dark tuxedo that I wore at the Inauguration ready with the other stuff. There aren't many pants that I can fit into with this bandage on my leg. I'll have to wear sweats like what I have on, or the tuxedo. How's that for a range? I know that my regular suit pants won't fit and I have zero chance of getting my jeans on. I'll be going to that memorial tonight dressed to the nines."

Paula and Ted met Steve in the driveway and helped him hobble into the house. Ted offered his hand as he told Steve, "I've got to thank you for everything you did to save the kids in that school, and especially Kate and Gwen. That could have been a catastrophic event. It was plenty bad as it was, but I can't imagine what I'd be feeling now if you hadn't been there. My home is yours for as long as you need it."

"Sir, I appreciate your hospitality and kindness. You and your family have been great to me. I hope to be able to repay you some day."

"You don't think saving my two daughters is payment enough?" asked Paula. "How about being shot twice while saving my daughters? Don't try to pay us back when we owe you more than we can ever say!"

Steve found that his arm and hand would function reasonably well as long as he kept his arm close to his body and only moved it from the elbow down. If he tried to raise his upper arm, his shoulder wound ached sharply. He was able to dress himself for the memorial, except for his tie. He had a real bow tie that needed to be tied. He wandered into the kitchen with the tie in his good hand.

"Can I help you with that? I've tied a few for Ted and I'm pretty good at it," boasted Paula with a smile as she took the tie from Steve's hand. "Bend over a little so I can get it under your collar and sling. Now stand still and let me tie it."

Steve stood like a statue as Paula fussed with his tie. He had his right arm in a sling to keep it immobile and when Paula pressed against him, to get the tie around his neck; her breast was against his hand. Steve blushed but said nothing. Paula smiled as she finished her task.

"There you go. You look very dapper, even with your arm in a sling. And thanks for standing so still. You look a little flushed. Did I upset you or something?"

"Paula, upset is not the word I would use. I'll stand still for you to fix my tie any time. Thanks!"

"You're such a charmer! Don't tell me that an old lady like me can get a young fellow like you ... shall we say flustered?"

"You know you can 'fluster' any man that still draws a breath. Small wonder your daughters are so beautiful, and such teases," replied Steve. "They just take after their mother."

"They do; even in how much they like a certain young man that keeps doing great things for my family. You feel that you owe Gwen for saving your life. Understand that this family feels that same way toward you for saving our girls. We'll try to never let you down, Steve. I promise that."

Ted drove the entire family, plus Steve, to the memorial service in his SUV. He dropped Gwen and Steve off near the rear of the building so Steve would not have as far to hobble to reach backstage. Gwen held his good arm as he tried to keep his right leg from moving very much. His bullet wound was high on his thigh and chaffed when he tried to walk on that leg. To lessen the rubbing, Steve tried to keep that leg immobile and rely on his left leg to provide motion. It all made for an awkward gait. Any step with either leg still caused some pain in his injury.

When they arrived backstage, Steve and Gwen were impressed with the caliber of speakers and performers present. A girl that finished in the top five in American Idol the previous year lived in their state. She had volunteered to sing "Amazing Grace". Nancy Burns, and Laura Watkins were scheduled to speak. Governor O'Leary was scheduled to speak after the first prayer. The mayor and the police chief were also on the docket. A choir from a local church planned several hymns. About ten students, including Charlotte had asked to speak briefly.

Charlotte held up her right hand as she rushed up to Gwen. "I just closed my hand in the car door! It hurts like the devil. I'm going to be able to give my little talk, but playing the piano for you is definitely out. I'm so sorry!"

"Oh, no! I'm sorry about your hand, but what am I going to do. My turn will be coming up before too long. I can't find someone to accompany me that quickly!"

"Sure you can," interjected Steve calmly. "There's a pretty fair pianist back stage right now. All you have to do is rub up against him a little and ask real nice and he'll be happy to play for you."

"You want me to rub against some guy to get him to play? I don't think you know me very well. I will NOT be doing that! I will, however, ask him nicely and see if that works. Where is he?"

"Actually, you have no choice. You'll have to rub against him and bat your blue eyes to convince him to help out. He's standing right in front of you."

Gwen quickly looked around, but saw no one but Charlotte and Steve close by. "I don't see this mystery piano playing pervert. You'll have to be more specific."

"Gwen! For a smart girl, you sure can act dense! He's standing right in front of you. For God's sake, start rubbing up against him! It won't be so bad. If I thought it would help, I'd do the rubbing for you, but you have much bigger erasers than I do!"

"Bigger erasers? Oh, for rubbing. But who? You mean Steve? Don't tell me that you play the piano, too! This is a tough song and it'll require more than a little ability. Can you play 'Bridge over Troubled Waters'? Charlotte and I practiced it last night and she had to work to get it just right."

"Gwen, do you trust me?" asked Steve as he held Gwen's arm and looked into her eyes. "Can you simply walk out there and trust me to play your song for you?"

Gwen stared back into Steve's eyes and smiled. "Steve, I trust you with my life. I've never been one to have much faith in others, but I absolutely trust you. I'm sorry I seemed dubious. Now let me rub up against you to seal the deal. My, your hand seems to be well situated for a hug. I'll have to ask you to release me pretty soon. Someone might see."

"Don't worry about that!" laughed Charlotte as she stepped between Gwen and any possible onlookers. "I've got you covered!"

Gwen laughed as she stepped back. "Thanks, Charlotte, you're a true friend, to Steve! He really seemed to enjoy that hug. I just hope Dad doesn't have me dusted for fingerprints! Has anyone else hugged you with this sling on? You should come with a warning or something."

"A gentleman never talks about the ladies in his life. Let me just say that you had better be the one to remove my tie tonight, because there's real danger lurking there for the unsuspecting."

"How will you play with your arm in a sling? I don't think that's possible, even for the amazing Mr. Hammer. And who tied your tie anyway? Was it Lisa? I'll have to be sure I beat her to removing it for you!"

"I can pull my arm out of the sling and keep my upper arm pretty still and manage to play okay. Don't worry about me. I can do it. You just need to be ready to sing your song. Charlotte, do you have the music with you?" asked Steve.

The evening began with a somber prayer and then Governor O'Leary gave his short speech. While he was speaking, Johnnie Dee approached Steve and Gwen.

"I saved you guys for last. I know what the crowd wants and it's you two. Which of you wants to go on first?"

"It now seems that Steve is playing the piano for me, and I think he should be the grand finale. So introduce us together and I'll bow out after my song and leave the stage to Steve," replied Gwen.

"Actually, I want Gwen on stage with me, so just introduce us together and we'll improvise when our turn comes," stated Steve.

"That sounds perfect! You kids will really 'wow' them. I bet you bring the house down tonight!"

After Johnnie Dee walked away, Gwen turned to Steve. "Improvise? Steve, there's hundreds of people here tonight and God knows how many will see it on YouTube and everywhere else. We don't want to look foolish."

"Gwen, do you trust me, or not?" asked Steve calmly.

"Okay, you lead and I'll follow. Let the record show that I was concerned, but my faith in my boyfriend was greater than my fear of failing."

The girl that sang "Amazing Grace" was extremely good and had many of those in attendance in tears. The speeches were tolerated and the choir was genuinely enjoyed and appreciated by the audience. Just over an hour and half after it began, Johnnie Dee stepped to the microphone to introduce Gwen and Steve.

"Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let me introduce the two students most responsible for preventing the recent terrorist attack from being even more devastating to the Spartan Nation. Risking their lives to save others seems to be commonplace for these two. I give to you, Gwen Anderson and Steve Hammer!"

Gwen held Steve's hand as they slowly made their way to the microphone. Steve's difficulty in walking required almost half a minute for the couple to reach it. As Gwen helped Steve hobble forward, the crowd stood and applauded. After they reached the microphone, the crowd continued the applause. Gwen and Steve both smiled slightly and nodded. Then Gwen stepped back from Steve and gestured toward him and the applause increased!

Surprised, Steve raised his flat palm toward Gwen in the same universal sign used when indicating others for praise. Once again the applause increased! Gwen smiled and stepped back to take Steve's hand. Gradually, the crowd began resuming their seats. Gwen finally gestured a couple times for the audience to quiet down and it went silent.

"Thank you for your support. We are the Spartan Nation! We take care of our own. We grieve for our own tonight, and we also offer thanks for those that were spared. I have to thank the fire and rescue personnel for their incredible courage. They say that firemen are the ones that run into a burning building. They're also the ones that rush into a building packed with explosives. Why did they do that? Because we badly needed them, and that's what they do!"

Gwen had to stop to allow the applause to die down before she could continue. "We'll never forget that day when hell came to the Spartan Nation, and we responded with courage and sacrifice. I used to wonder how our town of Sparta got its name. Now we all know. We're the Spartan Nation because we respond to violence and hatred with strength and courage, like the Spartans of Greek History. I have never been more proud of my school, my friends, my town and my 'nation'.

"I saw many incredible examples of courage and sacrifice that day. We all can be proud of our students, teachers, staff, rescue, police, and medical personnel. They were heroic in their response to the mayhem created by the cowards that attacked us.

"But I would be badly remiss if I didn't make a point of thanking Jared White for taking bullets intended for me and thus saving my life. Thank you Jared! I see his parents are here and they should be very proud of their brave, selfless son.

"Then there's this guy standing next to me!" began Gwen before applause forced her to wait. "Yes, he deserves your applause and appreciation. He's amazing. Tonight I planned on singing for the first time in public and my accompanist told me back stage that she was unable to go on because she hurt her hand in the car door.

"Steve offered to take her place and I questioned him about being able to play my song on the piano. He asked me if I trusted him. I told him that I trust him with my life! We've never rehearsed this. I didn't even know he could play the piano, but somehow I think we're about to learn one more amazing talent of this wonderful guy."

With that Gwen led Steve over the piano placed to the right side of the stage. Steve sat down and Gwen gently removed the sling holding his arm in place. Then Gwen took a seat to Steve's left and moved the microphone so it was located directly in front of her. Steve nodded to Gwen and began to play the Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel song.

Gwen waited for her place, and started to sing. By the time Steve heard her sing, "When you're weary, feelin' small, when tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all," he realized that Gwen was an exceptionally talented singer. She sang beautifully, but her emotion was the difference between a good rendition and a great one.

By the time she reached the lyrics, "And pain is all around, like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down," the audience was extremely emotional and it reflected back to Gwen. She began to falter as tears streamed down her cheeks. She choked and put her face against Steve's shoulder as she fought to regain her composure.

Steve played in circles a little while hoping Gwen would be able to continue. Finally he leaned into the microphone and began singing, "Sail on Silver Girl, Sail on by, your time has come to shine, all your dreams are on their way."

Gwen pulled her face from Steve's shoulder in amazement. She wiped her eyes. Then she joined her voice to his as they finished the song in perfect harmony. The audience was absolutely silent for about ten seconds. Suddenly the crowd erupted as everyone stood and clapped and smiled their approval through their tears. Gwen once again buried her face in Steve's shoulder as she sobbed uncontrollably. There were two large screens placed so that people in less advantageous seats could view the proceedings easily. The applause increased as Steve wrapped his good arm around Gwen and held her close for a few seconds.

Gwen began to gain her composure as the crowd returned to its seats and the applause started to subside. Steve spoke into the microphone. "Thank you! I guess our girl can sing! Everyone has been thanked tonight, but I really want to add my personal appreciation of the events of Wednesday.

"Jared White saved Gwen by willingly taking bullets intended for her. Billy Marsh saved my life in the river that day in November. Gwen Anderson seems to save me all the time. She cut the wires to the explosives without even asking if I was certain they were the right ones. That saved all of us. Then she worked to save me from bleeding to death, and make no mistake. If she had not acted so promptly and professionally, I would have died.

"I want everyone to know that I will always have the backs of these three friends. Billy and Jared are now my brothers, and Gwen is ... everything. Anytime, anyplace, I'll be there if they ever need me.

"When I was a little more than a child, my grandfather died. My mother sang a beautiful song to me to help me feel better. She told me that her mother used to sing it to her in sad times. We all wonder why this terrible thing happened, and why it happened to us. There are no good reasons. How do you explain, intolerance, envy, hatred, and fear? Just know that there is either a plan for us all, or everything in life is totally random. Your choice, but either way, you have to learn to accept what we cannot explain. I hope that Gwen will help me with one final song, the song by John Lennon and Paul McCartney that my mother used to sing to me."

Steve began playing a familiar tune on the piano and at the appropriate moment, sang into the microphone. "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be."

Once again, Gwen wiped her eyes and smiled at Steve before joining him in song. They sang together, and then they'd take turns with the lyrics as Steve played through the song twice. They audience began to join in on the chorus. Gwen, Steve and the audience finished the song as everyone sang together. Just as Steve played the last chord; the lights on the stage dimmed and went dark. Then there was silence.

Steve and Gwen remained seated at the piano, letting the raw emotion of the moment wash over them. Perspiration beaded both their brows as exhaustion swept over them. The curtain closed.

"You're just full of surprises, Steve! I told you that when we first danced, and I've got to say it again. You were amazing just now! I never dreamed that you were so musical. You have a wonderful voice and your style is perfect. Everyone was stunned when you started singing, although we should be used to you doing everything better than anyone else."

Johnnie Dee hurried up to the couple. "I knew you'd bring the house down! That was fantastic! People were bawling their eyes out because of the power and emotion you guys delivered. It was the best tribute I've ever seen. You kids have a future in music, or you would if you weren't so good at football, dancing, and heroics. Would you mind if I call on you for a few benefits I have scheduled? You two are the stars of the Spartan Nation!"

Other speakers and performers began streaming on stage. They were all raving about the performance they had just witnessed. Steve and Gwen graciously accepted the compliments as they worked their way toward the exit.

"Thanks so much, everyone, But Steve was shot twice on Wednesday and he really needs to get some rest. I'm responsible for his health and I don't want him to get worse on my watch," announced Gwen as she led Steve out the door.

Both Steve and Gwen were surprised by the number of people waiting for them as they left the building. Gwen's family was waiting near the SUV that Ted had parked close to the exit.

"Steve!" cried Stephanie as she hurried up and gently hugged him. "I'm so glad you're okay. I was scared to death when I heard the shooting after you sent me to pull the alarm. I did exactly what you told me and the police said it was the right thing to do. I knew it was if you told me to do it. You're so brave. I was afraid you'd be shot. I know you were, but I was afraid you were killed. I was so scared!"

"Steph, you were great. You never hesitated or questioned me. What you did could have saved hundreds of kids' lives. They needed to get out as fast as possible. Thanks for being so brave."

"Me? I wasn't brave. I was scared to death!" replied Stephanie.

That's what bravery is, Steph. You did something even though it frightened you because you knew you had to help others. I'm so proud of you," repeated Steve as he hugged Stephanie.

As he released her, Gwen whispered into his ear, "Careful Big Boy! Remember that I know where that injured hand is now that you have your sling back on. Don't you dare hug Aunt Diane!"

Just then, Diane wrapped her arms around Steve and hugged him hard. "Stephanie told us how fast you acted and what you told her to do. You probably saved her from that horrible man, and for sure you saved her if she had gone into that school with those killers there. You've conquered the last holdout in the family. I'm as goofy about you as Stephanie and all the Anderson girls, including Paula. Is that your hand? Oh, you're wearing a sling again! I bet Stephanie liked that!"

"Kate! Don't hug him," was all Gwen managed before Kate had Steve in her arms. She didn't say much but held onto him for a rather long time.

"Okay, Kate. I know what you're doing. Let him go," ordered Gwen in frustration. "Okay everyone, he's tired out and all you girls, and all your 'girls' aren't helping any. Steve, stop letting them hug you. Mom! Don't hug him. Oh, Mom! You, too!"​