Joe Hardy looked at his friend Brian, who was all dressed up in a suit and a tie. He looked a far cry from the same person who had wrestled Jenna Barkalow to the ground just a few days earlier. Once Jenna had been apprehended, she had been used as bait to lure her father into the open. Seeing that Thorton was caught had temporarily distracted Pogle, allowing him to meet his final demise at the hands of a sniper. Thanks to the Hardys and Brian, the nation’s capital remained in tact. Today, Brian, as well as several officers who were instrumental in stopping Thornton and Pogle, were being honored in a service at the White House.

"Nah," Joe replied with a smile. "I know that the President wanted to thank us, but it can’t be good for detectives to get national exposure! Besides, I’m sure my father would love to hear the name "Hardy" on national television," he concluded with an eye roll.

"Well, at least you got to meet him in private," Brian said happily. "That must have been pretty cool."

Joe smiled. "Yeah, it was." Just two days ago, the President had personally invited both Joe and Frank, as well as Vanessa and Callie, to the White House to thank them for their help with the investigation. Callie was still in the hospital, and Frank was still weak, so Joe and Vanessa had gone. It really HAD been a thrill.

"How long will you be staying in D.C.?" Brian asked Joe, glancing at his watch. He didn’t want to be late.

"I’m not sure," Joe responded at last. "We were supposed to have been gone a while ago. But, you know, with Callie and Frank hurt, it’s probably a better idea to stay here for at least a week more. I don’t know that Frank could fully make the ride back yet and be comfortable. I KNOW Callie couldn’t. Her parents are coming up here today," he finished sadly, thinking of her.

"Is she still in the hospital?!" Brian inquired.

"Yeah," Joe answered. "She could have been released, but she really wasn’t feeling well at all. It’s better for her to rest and be around doctors, anyway. Besides, why not? The government is treating us pretty well. They’re paying for the hotel and all amenities as long as we stay, and all Frank and Callie’s medical bills are being covered. I feel better with her being taken care of…"

Brian gave him an encouraging nod. "I know. She seems like a nice girl."

"She is," Joe replied.

"How did your brother handle everything?"

Joe sighed. This was probably not the best topic of conversation. "I don’t know," he answered, truthfully. "He’s barely seen Callie. He was in the hospital a few days himself, and it seems like whenever he visited her, she was sleeping. Don’t get me wrong—he’s always there, but I don’t know that they’ve actually… talked, you know? I’m still not totally clear about what went on with Jenna. Frank seems really upset about it, though."

"Well, I know they’ll be okay," Brian replied. "Then again, don’t listen to me. You know my taste in women."

Joe laughed at that.

"I have to go, Joe. Give me a call before you go. It was really great to work with you. I know that you’re going to be so successful in law, or investigations, or criminal pursuits- whatever you choose to do. Really, it was a privilege to work with you." With a final smile, he added, "Except for when you thought I was going to kill you… or when you thought I was related to Jenna… or when you told her to look out behind her… or…"

"Whatever!" Joe replied, laughing. "You’re just jealous of my deductive abilities."

"Yeah- that’s it," Brian cracked, and extended his hand to Joe. The two friends shook hands warmly.

"I’ll call you before I go," Joe promised. "Thanks again for everything. I’m really glad we met."

"You better call!" Brian laughed. "And treat me to dinner, since the government is paying. I think I’ll order the most expensive meal."

"Charge it to me," Joe replied.

"Nope! To Uncle Sam, maybe, but not to you!" Brian shook Joe’s hand again, wished him well, and bid him adieu.

Joe smiled, grateful for his new friend who really had come through to save the day. As he heard Vanessa in the hallway, he realized again how lucky he was to have her, and found himself hoping that Callie and Frank could find their way back to each other again.

*****

Knock knock.

Callie opened her eyes slowly at the sound of someone knocking on her door. Gingerly, she moved up, trying to disguise the grimace that she could only imagine came to her face each time that she tried to move. She pressed the button on the bed, moving it into a more upright position.

Today she was feeling much better than she had been lately. Each day she felt herself improving a little, although her back was totally unpredictable. The stupid brace that she had to wear was itchy and restrictive, and her movement was very limited. She could walk, but not very far. Some days, she felt merely sore; other days the pain was excruciating. Today was one of the better days. She couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel, relax, and finally begin to get her life in order. And she knew that meant speaking to Frank, whom she had barely seen in recent days.

"Come in," she said lightly, hoping it was Frank.

It wasn’t.

"Hi, there."

Callie looked up to find Dave Shaughnessey staring down at her with a smile. He had a large bouquet of flowers in his arms, and he looked as handsome as ever. Callie bit her lip, surprised. She hadn’t expected to see Dave there. Still, she knew what Dave had done for her and for Frank, and she was glad to have the opportunity to thank him in person.

"Hi," she answered back, smiling weakly.

"These are for you," he said, extending the flowers towards her. "I can put them over here if you want," he added, indicating a nearby shelf.

"Thank you," Callie replied. "They’re lovely. That would be nice."

Dave sat down in the chair next to Callie’s bed and smiled at her. "So… how’re you feeling?" he asked.

"Eh…" Callie said, trying to sound upbeat. "I’m sure I’ll be okay--- thanks to you. David, I can’t thank you enough for everything that you did for me—for Frank. You saved our lives." She reached out to him with her good hand and squeezed his hand. He held hers back.

"Well, I couldn’t exactly leave you there," he replied. Not knowing how to continue, he said, "and I’m really glad I was able to help. I… I‘d feel terrible if something happened to you."

Callie blushed. "Thank you," she said softly, again.

"You’re welcome," Dave answered. "And thank you for forgiving me for acting like a fool. So…." His voice trailed off, but he continued to gaze at Callie.

"So?" she asked, unable to suppress a smile. She liked Dave, in spite of everything.

"How are things going with Frank?"

Callie was a bit taken aback. "How do you know anything is wrong?"

Dave smiled gently. "I’ve been here, checking on you a lot. I see he’s always here, but he looks, like, sad I guess. And you don’t look too happy, either."

Callie gave him a sheepish look. "Is it that obvious?" she sighed.

"Kind of—yeah," he answered.

"I don’t know, Dave," she responded, as she tried to hold her emotions in check. Despite that, she felt a small lump in the back of her throat. Over the next ten minutes, she found herself gushing to Dave about all of her fears about Frank. When she was done, she closed her mouth with an audible snap and lightly groaned. Where did all that come from? she asked herself. Normally, she was pretty private about her relationship with Frank.

To her surprise, Dave didn’t try to take advantage of the situation as he sat, quietly listening. She expected fully for Dave to tell her that Frank was a jerk for getting her into this, and for falling for Jenna. She expected him to tell her that there was no way they’d make it, and that college would hold too many temptations. She expected almost anything except for what she got.

"He loves you," Dave said quietly.

Callie looked up, shocked. She could see the awkwardness in Dave’s expression, and the regret in his eyes, but she was most surprised by his words.

"What?" she stammered.

"He loves you," Dave repeated. "Callie, when I found you two, you were both in and out of consciousness. Both of you were out of it. Still, when Frank was awake, he’d cling to you, and all he kept muttering was your name, over and over. And when I see him here, the look on his face—the way he looks at you--- I KNOW that he’s sincere. We all make mistakes, honey. I… I might be making one right now by being honest, but it’s the truth. I think you two will work it out."

Callie felt her eyes well up with tears. "Really?" she asked, softly.

"Yeah, really," Dave sighed.

"Thanks," she said as a few tears escaped. Dave gently wiped them away.

"BUT," he said, forcing a smile, "Are you sure I can’t change your mind? I’m really a nice guy, and I’d make a good boyfriend."

Callie smiled softly when she realized he was only half-joking. "I couldn’t date you, Dave," she said with a small wink.

"Oh," he stuttered. "Can I ask why?"

"I could never go out with anyone prettier than myself," she teased gently and softly laughed.

Dave returned the laugh and decided he wasn’t going to win. Teasing her back, he said, "Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful," mimicking a popular commercial.

"I’ll try," Callie replied with another wink. "I realize what a difficult life it must be to have everyone admire you so," she added, rolling her eyes.

Dave smiled, but said, seriously, "Callie, you’re a special girl. Really- you are. You’re beautiful, not just physically, but on the inside as well. I can tell. You’re just a …a… nice person," he managed. "So before I leave, I have two things to ask."

"Shoot," Callie said, the color rising in her cheeks.

"Can we be friends? You know—keep in touch? It’s be great, especially if you come to college here."

"I’d like that," Callie answered honestly.

"And…well, can I… can I kiss you? Just once—as a goodbye. This time, there are no cameras around."

Callie felt her heart beating in her chest. He was so handsome…and kind… and smart… BUT, he was not Frank Hardy. And none of that mattered to her. She simply loved someone else.

"No," Callie said. Then, as not to make him feel badly, she added with a small flirtation, "I like to play hard to get." She smiled.

Dave smiled back. "You’re a hard one, you know that?!" he quipped. Then, leaning over, he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Friends?"

"Definitely," Callie said with a grin.

And, with that, Dave Shaughnessey walked out of her room. Watching him go past, Callie knew that the real room that mattered was in her heart, and she’d have to talk to Frank…. And let him know her decision.

*****

Several days later, Frank was sitting in his hotel room, feeling physically much stronger. Emotionally, however, he couldn’t remember feeling so drained. While Joe and Vanessa tried to keep him company, he could only think about Callie. Finally, her parents had left her room for a few hours to get dinner, and Frank knew this was his opportunity to sit and really talk with his girlfriend. Joe and Vanessa would be back soon, so he had only a narrow window of opportunity. But what would he say? For once, he decided not to plan it out. Joe’s advice long ago to trust his heart had proven to be good once. He only hoped it would be that way again.

Making his way to Callie’s room he knocked on the door, and opened it when he heard Callie’s voice saying, "Come in."

As soon as he did, he took a moment to look at her in silence. She was sitting in a chair looking out of the window. Other than the cast on her wrist and the bulky clothing she was wearing to hide the brace, she looked okay. Frank felt overwhelmed, the desire to hold her almost too much. But… he couldn’t hold her, and he couldn’t be with her anymore. The thought was oppressive.

"Frank? Hey, what’s new, you?"

Callie’s voice brought him back to the present. He looked at her smiling face, and gave a small smile in return. Walking over to her, he pulled up a chair and took her hand with his good one. "We look pretty pathetic, huh?" he said lightly to her, indicating his left shoulder and her left wrist.

"Speak for yourself," she teased.

Frank smiled in spite of himself. The smile quickly dissipated, though, when he thought of what he had to tell Callie.

"Frank—what’s wrong?" Callie asked, deciding to be direct. They’d spent too much time being vague. Honesty was the one thing, if any, that could get them through this. Seeing Frank look at her, she continued. "I know you’ve sort of been avoiding me, and I’d like to know why." She squeezed his hand.

Frank was surprised at her candor, but he found it refreshing. Here was Callie, whom he’d always been able to be up front with. She wasn’t playing any games, and neither would he. That much he did know.

He hadn’t planned on a speech, and he didn’t know what would come out of his mouth. He thought of Joe’s advice again, and followed it. Turning to Callie, he said, simply, "I love you."

Callie took a deep breath and realized her heart was pounding. She was much more nervous than she thought. "I love you, too," she said softly.

"And," Frank continued, blurting everything out as he held Callie’s hand tightly, "I was an idiot about Jenna and I am so sorry… more than you will ever know." Frank choked out the last words, almost unable to finish his thought.

"I forgave you for Jenna, silly," Callie said back to him. "Jenna is not the issue."

"I know," Frank whispered.

"Then what do you think the issue is?" Callie prodded. Deciding to be honest, she continued, "I really want to cry right now, and just cuddle up with you and have you tell me everything will be all right." Pausing to collect herself, she managed, "Will it be?"

Frank wiped back the tears from his eyes. He hated crying, or appearing vulnerable, especially with Callie, but he also couldn’t remember being so distraught. "I… I wish I could say it would be," Frank said, seeing Callie, herself, fighting back tears. "But Cal," he went on, struggling to remain in control of his emotions, and realizing that he was losing the battle, "I don’t know if we can be together anymore." Uttering those words were one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do.

Callie was crying freely now. "Why? Because of Jenna?"

"Callie, don’t cry," Frank pleaded with her, blinking back his own tears.

"Frank," she said, pulling back her hand, "If I was physically able to storm off right now, I would… after I gave you a huge slap! You’re being impossible!"

Frank was startled. "Wha… what do you mean?" he asked, more in surprise than sadness.

Callie wiped away her tears. "Okay, fine," she said resolutely. "Give me three reasons why we should break up if you really love me. If they’re satisfactory, I’ll let you do it."

She said it so seriously that Frank had to smile. He noticed that Callie had just the faintest trace of a smile, herself.

"You’ll LET me?" he had to ask, incredulously. "I didn’t know I needed your permission to break up," he finished, shaking his head and smiling at the lunacy of the whole situation.

"Well, you do," Callie said, keeping a straight face.

"Um, okay."

"I’m waiting."

Frank stumbled on his words. "I… I was a jerk with Jenna."

"Yeah, and I forgave you. Been there, done that, move on."

By now, Frank was almost laughing. The heartbreak he had been feeling for the past few weeks seemed trite at the moment. How on earth had Callie managed to do that?! She was unbelievable.

He decided to be serious. "Because, baby… whenever you’re around me… things seem to happen to you." His eyes clouded over, and he had to look away. "I almost lost you… and this isn’t the first time that you’ve been hurt on one of our cases. It comes with the line of work. And I’d rather give you up and see you safe than endanger you any more."

There. He had said it. He expected Callie to either start crying, or to try and comfort him. He did NOT expect her response.

"Not good enough," she said flippantly, brushing him off. "Unless you created cancer, bad guys, or guns, I don’t see how you’re responsible for anything. Move on."

Frank stared at her in disbelief. She had just tossed aside what had been gnawing at his heart for all this time. "You’ve GOT to be kidding me," was all he could manage.

"I’m not. Number three better be really good, or else you’re stuck with me," Callie said, matter of factly.

"Callie, I’m serious about what I just said. Honey, I mean it. I can’t endanger you anymore." He didn’t know how else to make his point.

"And I was serious, too, that that’s a lame reason. I don’t see you holding a gun to my head forcing me to be with you. I think the rewards far outweigh the risks."

Finally, Frank gave in. Callie had a way of always reassuring him and calming him down. As he looked at her, he realized that he, for once, really wanted to be selfish. He’d kill himself protecting her, but he DID want her. And he didn’t know if he could give her up. Finally, he said the last thing he had been dreading.

"We’re going to college."

"And?" Callie asked. "I hope there’s more to it than that because this is your last reason."

He couldn’t believe how serious she was being. Only Callie could keep a straight face at a time like this. No—that wasn’t true. Joe could do it, too.

"You said that you’re not sure it could work," he said to her.

"Yup- and I meant that," Callie said with a sigh. "You hit on a good reason for once."

"Oh," Frank stammered.

"Because, Frank--- Jenna is only one of a long line of girls who will be after you. I don’t want to tie you down. Me? I kind of like being tied to you," she blushed. "But I’m willing to give you the space and time to come to your own conclusions about… your future. We’ve been together a long time. I don’t want you ever to regret that you spent your youth with the wrong person." Callie had to stop. She hadn’t realized how the truth would hurt, and she didn’t want Frank to see her cry again.

"I want to be with YOU," Frank said, forcefully, reaching out to her and turning her face to him.

"But…"

"Give me three reasons why I shouldn’t be," he said gently, his eyes showing his concern as he teased her.

"Really?" she said at last, her voice barely a whisper.

"Really," Frank replied, and leaned over to kiss her. "Besides," he added after a few minutes, "we can’t break up."

"Why?" Callie asked, feeling enormously relieved, as Frank did.

"You forgot already? You won’t let me break up with you," he responded, his dark eyes twinkling.

"Oh, yeah," Callie said with a laugh, as she kissed Frank again.

After a little while, the couple finally broke apart.

"Frank? There is one thing I’d like to show you, then," she said, clinging to Frank’s hand. Despite her pain, she’d never felt so happy in her life. If she and Frank could get through this, then she had a strong feeling they could make it through anything.

"Anything," Frank said, touching her cheek.

"If you could check in my luggage for a minute, I need you to help me make a decision about something."

Perplexed, Frank responded, "Okay," and went o get Callie’s bag. With one arm in a sling, maneuvering was rather difficult, but he managed, bringing the bag to Callie’s chair.

"Can you get the envelope out?" she asked him, and Frank nodded. Reaching into her luggage, he pulled out a large manila envelope. "This one?"

Callie nodded, and took the envelope from Frank. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Well, here’s the list of colleges I was accepted to." She reached into the envelope and pulled out about seven smaller white envelopes. "Let me read them to you. Tell me what you think."

Frank nodded, and said reassuringly to her, "No matter where you go, we’ll make it work."

Callie smiled at him, and handed him the envelopes, one by one. "You choose."

"What?" Frank asked her. "I can’t choose your college! That’s a big decision!"

Callie met his eyes. "Chose one. This way, I can always say it was up to fate what happened."

"Oh, Callie…" Frank began. "I can’t do that."

"Do it," she insisted.

Shaking his head at his girlfriend, he began to flip through the envelopes. This was crazy. He kept glancing at Callie. Why would she have him do this? With a sigh, he flipped through the names. Georgetown. Stanford. American. Boston College. NYU.

And then he knew why she had asked him as he felt a smile take over his face.

"I choose this one," he said to her, handing her an envelope.

Looking at it through tear-filled eyes, Callie smiled. "That was my first choice, too."

At that moment, Joe and Vanessa burst through the door, laughing. They stopped when they saw the smiles on Frank and Callie’s faces.

"What’s going on?" Joe asked.

"Callie picked out a college," Frank said, simply.

"Oh, yeah?" Joe asked, pleased that Callie and Frank actually looked happy together. "Where are you going, Cal?" he asked of her.

Looking at each other, Frank and Callie said, simultaneously, "Princeton."

Joe felt himself grinning from ear to ear, and he saw that Vanessa was doing the same.

"Well, go get ‘em, Tigers," Joe quipped, playing on the name of the Princeton team.

Groaning at Joe’s humor, the four teens laughed, knowing that, finally, everything would be okay.

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