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Bob-White Cave

Kaye's Trixie Belden Fan-Fiction Site

Member Author of Jixemitri

Will You Dance,

If I Ask You to Dance?

 

 

AUTHOR'S NOTES

As always, a huge hug and a thank you to my intrepid editors, April W and Kathy (KayRenee).  You stick by my side, hold my hand, and warm my heart.  I'd be lost without you.

A very special thanks also to Wendy (Scarlett), for intense edits, encouragement, and saving my sanity.

The vast majority of the characters herein are from the Trixie Belden series and belong to Random House.  They are used without permission.  A select few are completely my own - i.e. Chris Zack, Merrissa Parkman, Paul Andrews, Beth Fleming, Coach Epperly, and the Boston crew.

The story title is from the song "Hero", recorded by Enrique Iglesias, and is used without permission.  I just love that line.

 

Chapter 1

I haven't taken French in 20 years, but I still have my books.  All translations taken directly from The New College FRENCH & ENGLISH Dictionary by AMSCO.

Niagara Falls is a real place (just in case you didn't know).  The roar of the Falls is so loud that I can hear them from my window in the morning, 2.5 miles away.  I simply 'dore that sound!

The Friday Night Phone Calls with Brian and Jim are a continuing theme in my stories.  Check out It Comes Back At You or Snippets - Mart

 

 

Chapter 2

I would like to thank Julie Campbell for Wimpy's.  What better place is there to arrange for all the players to be in the same room at once?

Yes, I'm sure I borrowed the concept of The Bluffs from some other fanfic writer or two, but every town has to have a favorite parking place, right?

 

 

Chapter 3

Are you all ready to shoot me yet?  Patience, my friends, patience...

 

 

Chapter 4

I have to thank Dana for saving this chapter, completely unintentionally.  You see, I completely forgot it was Brian's birthday!  Something that Dana said jogged my memory, causing me 24 hours of frantic worrying about how badly I'd screwed up... but saving me from posting a major screw-up.  Thanks, Dana!!

Progressive Rummy is one of my family's favorite games.  I hope you're familiar with it, but if not... it's complicated.

One of my editors suggested that Mrs. Vanderpoel wasn't old enough to chaperone Spider's grandparents.  I disagree - she's about the same age, and was the girlfriend who double-dated with them.  As a favorite aunt-type, she chaperoned his parents, as well.  Now it's Tad's turn.  If Spider would only find a girlfriend, he might know how it feels.  Unfortunately, he's too busy playing dad to his younger brother.  Maybe Spider will finally get a life when Tad goes away to college.

Are things okay with Moms?  Not quite...

 

 

Chapter 5

I know the chapter's short, but these things happen sometimes.

I'm sure you remember Eddie Haskell, from the Leave it to Beaver Show.  If not, go watch Nick at Night.  These days there's no such excuse as too young to remember.

Do the Bob-Whites play a lot of games?  Yes.  I'm trying to see how long it takes before I go through all the games on my shelves.  Can I write the entire uni before I have to duplicate?  Maybe.

 

 

Chapter 6

Okay, I should probably mention that Tylenol is a brand name that is used without permission.  Do I ever ask permission?

'Tell Uncle Jim all about it' is my LEAST favorite line in all of the books.  I hated it, and therefore it was necessary to completely mock it here.  All wrongs must be righted, after all.

"Terrance, this is stupid stuff" is both the title and the first line of a poem by A.E. Houseman.  I don't even remember what the poem is about, but I studied the poem in high school, and I simply adored that line.  My friends and I would often start our notes with it (the ones we passed back and forth in class, natch).  It is quoted here with deepest affection to the author for a treasured teen-age memory.

 

 

Chapter 7

Clay, John, Preacher and Ria are all mentioned in the Snippet: The College Men.  They are my very own characters, and will be appearing again, never fear.  I've rather grown to like them.

"The World Jello Olympics" really happened.  Sort of.  See, there was no tripping... Geo was kind of mad and threw the jello mold.  However, he didn't quite expect the ensuing explosion.  We had been in the middle of a loud argument, and suddenly we were laughing so hard we couldn't breathe.  The explosion happened in the L-shaped kitchen, which was on the middle floor of our three-level townhouse.  The jello exploded out both ends of the L, through several rooms.  The bathroom off the kitchen was covered.  The kitchen sat at the top of the stairs, and the front door was at the bottom.  The front door was covered in jello.  When we moved out a year later, I was still finding jello spots.  Bright red jello on white walls and tan carpeting.  A never-to-be-forgotten moment in our lives!

"Et tu, Brute" is a very famous quote from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, which I was required to read my sophomore year of high school.  I hated it.  For some strange reason, when I re-read it in college, I loved it.  Ever since college, I simply adore Shakespeare.  And since the Bard isn't exactly around to grant his permission to quote him...

Tad and brownie points... Sorry, April, but YUM!

Washington Park is a figment of my imagination.  I needed a park, so I plopped one down where I wanted it.  Although some things must remain constant, like Glen Road, I believe each author has their own map of Sleepyside, unique to their universe.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

The backstory on Molinson is completely my own.  I hope I did the good Sergeant justice.

 

Chapter 8

You were all just so sure it was menopause, weren't you?

 

Chapter 9

How very convenient for Trixie: she studies two foreign languages, she has two boyfriends, they can each tutor her in one.  I planned that rather well, didn't I?  *snort*  Oh, yeah.  Had that one planned all along.  Now about this bridge in Brooklyn I have for sale...

This chapter was posted to honor the release of the new Random House edition of The Mystery at Bob-White Cave.  This is also part of the 5-year Jixaversary Celebration.  Here's to many more!

 

Chapter 10

It's been so long y'all probably forgot about this poor old story, didn't you?

The Jixaversary gave me a much-needed break, but I'm so excited to be posting again!

I realize some people find speaking the words "I love you" to be very difficult.  I don't.  I don't imagine Trixie would, either.  And I figure Dan has no trouble saying it to her, because she was the one who taught him how.

The song is "Lean on Me", by Bill Withers, and is used without permission.

Making Chris and Tad best friends sure complicates matters, doesn't it?

 

Chapter 11

Wendy likes to stroke my ego and tell me I write good dialogue.  I deeply appreciate her for that.  It's been a very long time since I sat in a high school cafeteria.  I have the advantage of having a teenaged girl around me.  Of course, this would be the same girl who correctly used the word "actually" in a full sentence at the age of 18 months.  If my teenagers' vocabulary seems a little over the top, my only excuse is that my husband and I actually spoke like that, and have passed that particular habit along... 

The list of characters that are completely my own keeps getting longer.  I'm going to have to put together a separate Character Notes page sooner or later, if only so I can keep them all straight.  *sigh*

Dane Parkman first appeared in Snippets - Trix and Riss.  (Sorry, Wendy, it's too late to change his name.)  Sally Andrews is new, as is Chris & Tad's friend, Sarah.

 

Chapter 12

I have been remiss in giving credit where credit is due.  All the wonderfully descriptive accounts of Trixie's pain, especially the headaches and nausea, are thanks to Kathy W.  As a sufferer of tremendous migraines, she has a wealth of experience from which to draw, and she has been providing me with amazing adjectives.

As if I didn't have enough secondary characters, I suppose now I need to introduce Eric's mother.  And any siblings he may or may not have.

Of course there has to be a Trixie and Dan moment.  Is there ever not a Trixie and Dan moment?

Just to clarify matters, I do not advocate underage drinking.  On the other hand, a totally realistic portrayal of college life includes the fact that this is a very common activity.  Even the most honorable and responsible student indulges occasionally.  And everyone knows someone that will serve them, underage or not.  Flirting with the bartender helps.

 

Chapter 13

Yes, I picked on Peter for thinking Helen's problem was menopause.  But at one point, you all did, too.  Didn't you?

I already used the quote "Et tu, Brute" in Chapter 7, but tough.  I told you then it was the most-quoted line from Shakespeare.  And just to be specific, it's actually taken from Julius Caesar, Act III, scene i, line 77.  Yes, my Riverside Shakespeare is well-worn.

Chelsea's nightmares from watching a movie are based on my own experience with the Count of Monte Cristo.  For years, I dreamed I was in the body bag, I couldn't cut my way out, and I was drowning.  For that reason, I have absolutely refused to ever read the book or watch any version of the story.  It's such a shame, really, because I understand it's great literature.

Poor Trixie.  Nightmares, now, as well.  I just keep heaping it on, don't I? 

The New York Post is a real newspaper.  When choosing which paper Matt Wheeler was reading, I opted for the RL paper which is smart enough to employ a reporter named Dan Mangan.

Yep, those descriptions of Trixie's vicious pain just keep getting easier and easier.  Keeping her in pain keeps me creative.  I could keep this going forever, you know.

 

Chapter 14

As you know, I have made many comments about Chapter 13 being cursed.  Well, Chapter 14 didn't fare much better.  This chapter has been rewritten so many times that I no longer remember what it originally said.  I sincerely hope it was worth it.

I must issue very special thanks to KayRenee.  Kathy was not afraid to tell me, in her first edits, that the chapter was crap.  She pointed out many very flawed areas, and demanded more.  She insisted that she knew I could do better than that.  I'm awfully glad she loves me enough to push me so hard.  And patient enough to edit the same thing over and over again. (not to mention providing me with descriptors left and right)

Also, Scarlett is a saint.  My dear Wendy nitpicks everything, especially my commas.  She also is a marvel at suggesting alternatives when my own wording is just plain awkward.

AprilW saves my sanity every day.  Without her shoulder to cry on, I hardly get by.  Have I mentioned how terribly glad I am that she is back safe and sound from her vacation?  And that I will be seeing her in just a few days?

 

Chapter 15

This one didn't cause me nearly as much stress as the next two.  Good thing, too.  Cause the next chapter is stressing me badly.  I really needed this break of a nice, easy chapter.

What?  You don't like the ending?

 

Chapter 16

I love Dan's wicked sense of humor.  Don't you? 

Wouldn't you just love to be the mahogany table in Matt's study? 

So now you know... Chris Zack is Eric Zack's little brother.  Naturally, we'll get back to that later.

This chapter has tormented me endlessly.  It has been written and re-written, and edited and re-edited, over and over again.  April and Wendy have been wonderful, and Kathy deserves an award for the number of times she has re-edited this thing.  I'm not even sure I'm satisfied with the result, but it is what it is.

FairyGodMom, who won (in the FUNdraiser auction) the right to preview all future chapters of Dance, seems to think I did all right.  Thanks, Patte, for the vote of confidence.

And the Dance itself is still such a long way off...

BTW, I love being a member of the Trixie Belden Fan Club.  How about you? 

 

Chapter 17

This is part of my submission for my first anniversary as a Jix Author.  I can't believe it's been a year already!

I would like to take this opportunity to express what an honor and a privilege it is to be a member author of Jixemitri.  It is a responsibility I take seriously.  The other authors are an amazing support system, and the readers are the most encouraging group of people I have ever known.

Thank you to Cathy, for creating this community, and granting me the gift of membership.  Jixemitri has taken on a life of its own, but it wouldn't have happened without you.  I am forever grateful.

Special thanks to Susan.  Without your encouragement and friendship I never would have taken the chance of letting my stories see the light of day.  Some day maybe I'll write something that won't drive you crazy.    I love you, Dearheart.

I know I mention April frequently, but I really don't think it is possible to over do it.  Without you, I seriously doubt I would be active on the boards, I know for certain I would not be an author, and I'm pretty sure I would have lost my mind quite some time ago.  Your love and support are an amazing gift.  And your talent for making people smile never ceases to amaze me.  You are a beautiful person, and a blessing.  Thank you for being my friend.

Kathy is a joy to know.  She never fails to cheer me up, even when she is miserable.  She never fails to worry about me, even when she is suffering.  And she never fails to pull through for me, even when she doesn't have the time or energy.  She is also a wonder at descriptions, and a taskmaster at getting me to put more into everything I write.  I am better for knowing you, darlin'.  One of these days, we'll paint the town red together.

Wendy... you, my friend, are a true kindred spirit.  Sometimes I think we are the same person.  You never fail to give me new insights, whether it be to my characters or to myself.  I hope to someday be as much of a help to you as you are to me. 

 

Chapter 18

This is also part of my submission for my first Jixaversary.  In addition to all my thanks listed above, I'd like to gush a little more.  Sorry!

Thanks go out to Geo.  Despite his constant mockery, he is always doing little things to show his support.  He recently upgraded my website with all kinds of little perks that I have no idea how to use.  Maybe I should learn.

I'm especially thrilled that Trixie is a love I share with my girls, Mary Kate and Gabby.  Mary Kate adores this story, so this one's for you, sweetie!

And the crack about "weapons storage devices" is just for Mary - she of the wonderful rack. 

 

 

Chapter 19

I can't believe it's been more than four months since I've posted on this - or anything else, for that matter.  I've had such total writer's block; it's been both annoying and depressing.  I can only hope that this releases the floodgates.  This one is dedicated to the patience of the readers.

It seems that great minds think alike.  There's been a rash of Maddie and Honey stories written lately.  I guess that's because it's so hard to work with these two characters without understanding why they were so distant in JC's stories.  With hats off to the much better explanations recently offered by April W. and Mary N., I offer you my version.

 

 
 

Chapter 20

Once again, this chapter is dedicated to the patience of the readers.  I can't believe how long this story is taking.  I'd almost figured that people would have forgotten it by now, but a few recent emails have cured me of that notion.

I have to thank my beloved and always faithful April W.  She sticks by me through thick and thin, takes care of my edits when she has too much else going on in her own life, and is just about the best friend anyone could ever have.  I love ya, Sweetie!

My other two editors have fallen away from the boards, and I've pretty much lost touch with both of them.  I will admit, this has been a serious hang-up to the continuation of this story.  Fortunately, I have been rescued from despair by the lovely Trish B!  Thanks so much for stepping up to the plate, my friend.  You're a lifesaver.

 

 
 

Chapter 21

When I posted this chapter, I completely blew off doing any author's notes.  I was having a bad day/week/month and was lucky to have posted the chapter, let alone any notes.

I do recall that I posted this for my third Jixaversary.  It shocks me that this story isn't finished yet, but at least it's my one constant for all my time at Jix.

Thanks to AprilW, Trish B, and Cathy P.

 

 

 
 

Chapter 22

Officially, I'm posting this chapter in honor of the Jixaversary celebration.  Our community is honoring eight years of Jix and 60 years of Trixie.  Naturally, special thanks go out to Cathy P and Julie Campbell.

Unofficially, this chapter is being posted as a birthday present to my darling daughter, for Mary Kate's Sweet 16.  (God, I am so old!)  As someone who writes pretty well herself, and will most likely publish a song or two someday, I'm honored that she loves my stories so much.

Lastly, it would be a crime to post anything without thanking my lovely editors, April W and Trish B.  Despite all the personal hardships these ladies have endured this past year, they have always been there for me.  I'd be lost without them, and I'd have never found them without Jix.

 

 
 

Chapter 23

Okay, so I took the hint.  The board being down for several hours is a good time to work on your website.  So I cleaned up some broken links, tweaked a few things, and looky here!  I found an unposted chapter that was ready to go!

Enjoy your reading.  I'm just going to go die of the heat now.

The real question is:  will I finish the next chapter before Trixie Camp 2008?

Thanks, as ever, go to the wonderful editors that make all these things possible.  Trish and April are keep me going.

Thanks also to Cathy for creating Jix, and for our Magnificent 7 for keeping it going.  Love you lots!!

 

 
 

Chapters 24 - 26

I never wrote Author's Notes on these chapters, and I'm not going to try now because I have no recollection of what was going through my head at the time.

 

 
 

Chapter 27

Seven years to get through 27 chapters.  I didn't realize I was writing Gone With the Wind!  And we're not finished yet.  Not that there's that much left to go in this story, but this universe is just beginning.  Perhaps this guarantees that both Jix and I will be around for a very long time to come. 

Then again, I just reviewed some of my notes.  One year to get through 16 chapters, and six years to get through 11 chapters.  I seriously need to find more time for writing!

Thanks go out to BonnieH, for stepping in as my editor when I felt a little lost.  KayRenee is going to get her butt kicked soon, and if I had the money I'd buy AprilW the new laptop she needs.  But Bonnie has saved me on many, many occasions, and is totally awesome. 

WendyM, all your bugging for more only got you an editor's job.  Seriously, thanks for everything!

 

 
 

Chapter 28

Seventh Jixaversary, Part 2.  Dear God, we're almost to the game!  The dance can't be that far away, can it?

Thank you Bonnie, for your never-ending support and editing prowess.  I'd be lost without you.

Special thanks to all of the Jixemitri community for welcoming me, supporting me, and giving me a home.  I wouldn't know what to do without all of you.  It is an honor and a privilege to write for all of you.

 

 
 

Chapter 29

This chapter has been sitting on my hard drive, languishing, for months.  I had to re-read half the story to even remember what was going on.  I'm sure many of you will have to do the same.  For the newer readers, it's probably just nice to get another chapter.  For those that have been around since the very beginning... WOW!  I can't believe how long it's been.  I just read all my author's notes, and the trip down memory lane was amazing.  So much has changed over the years, and yet so much has stayed the same.

This is posted for my 8th Jixaversary.  And no, I will not be posting eight stories for eight years.  Sorry, but last year was an anomaly.  That doesn't mean there won't be a few treats today.

When I was in seventh and eighth grade, after every basketball game half the school went to DeFranco's for Pizza.  What fun is being in control of your universe if you can't litter it with your own happy memories?

BTW, in naming the two teams I cheated.  I couldn't remember if Sleepyside's mascot was ever named, and I didn't feel like looking it up.  I just named them the Crusaders after my son's team.  As for Croton, I know they have a hydroelectric dam.  Living in a town with a bit of a reputation for hydroelectrics, I can assure you that the Power Cats are completely appropriate (as well as a nod to Niagara Falls).  Having the Crusaders crush the Power Cats is symbolic; after all, my son is a Crusader, not a Power Cat.

Thank you to all the readers who make it a joy to share my stories.  Smooches!

 

 
 

Chapter 30

THE END!!!!!

I know I've sung an entire chorus of hallelujahs, how about you?

Thanks go out to many people who have been instrumental to this writing over the years.  The most profuse must go to she who has been most constant through all the years, the lovely AprilW.  My wonderful friend has been such a blessing to me, as she has to all of you.  I love you, Sweetie!

Thanks also to BonnieH and WendyM who have stepped in as editors along the way.  You rock!

For those of you who wanted to me wrap up all the loose ends nicely... are you kidding?  Do you know me at all?  More importantly, do you want me to ever write anything else?

When I started this, I had a vision for the entire universe and grand ambitions.  After how long it has taken me to get through this particular story, I wonder if I'll ever get through the rest of the uni.  I wonder how much of my vision I've lost along the way.  I wonder why people still read what I write.  But mostly I wonder if Jim will wait...

 
 

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