In the waiting room Patti kept getting up and moving things around to make things better, picking up trash or a cup that just went empty. Repeating to people in the waiting room “Why my daughter wasn’t married and having kids instead of in this hospital?” Which had some of us laughing because our teacher had tons of kids her mom just never put two and two together. I went an got a coke when I got back into the waiting room to find several men in dark suits checking the ID of the people waiting for news of loved ones. Just as they were approached by a big guy in a suit, Christine heard a murmur from the crowd. Looking toward the entrance, Christine recognized Governor O'Malley. Ignoring the security guy, Christine headed for the Governor. They tried to stop Christine get to the Governor when the governor said, “Let her pass.”"Christine. How're you doing? I came as soon as I could," stated Governor O'Malley as he embraced Christine. "We'll do everything we can to help the injured. You

“I’m not going anywhere alone with you with this asshat next to you. I know my rights I have to have a parent, or I’d take the Governor,” Christine stated loud and clear. “I don’t trust you at all.”Everyone in the waiting room had heard the exchange and most were nodding their heads and agreeing with Christine. The older agent quickly realized that the bulldozer approach would not work with Christine Leonard. He could easily tell that those within the hearing were supporting Christine's position. Things like suicide bombings, especially in our country, should be prevented by law enforcement. That was the purpose for creating Homeland Security. Five adults stood up and walked to Christine “You’re not taking her anywhere after what you let happen,” Uncle Joe stated. “I’m calling her father and then you can talk to her.”“This is not necessarily,” the shorter agent said.“It’s very necessary after what you just did. Christine is right you are an ass hat,” Uncle Joe stated.“Your f

"I don't think so." retorted Christine quickly. "You're just jealous because I take my time picking a boyfriend. I make sure he has all the qualities I want in a man. I don't have enough experience to compare, but Laura just confirmed my suspicions. Mitchell is the complete package, if you know what I mean.""Mom. Make Christine let me help take care of Mitchell." laughed Maddie. "It sounds like there's enough for both of us. Besides, she doesn't know what she's got there, and she's not on the pill, so it wouldn't be safe to allow her within seven or eight inches of the guy.""I've already decided that the only fair thing is for us to take turns changing Mitchell's bandages," replied Melissa with a straight face."Did you just say 'us', Mom?" demanded Christine. "There's no 'us' taking care of Mitchell. You're a happily married woman. I can understand Maddie being so enthusiastic, but there's no excuse for you being a part of this.""Maybe Mom won't be so 'happily married' after s

"You came when I needed you, Dad. Mitchell is healing, Dad. He's so brave. He killed the one shooter 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," Christine said."He's all of that," agreed Dan. "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 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. Mitchell 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 l

Just as they finished dinner, the home phone rang. Melissa answered it and summoned Christine. "Hello, Christine. I don't know if you remember me. I'm John Dixon, but I go by William Ace. I worked the Mike Smith benefit, and you were girl dancing on YouTube. I've been asked to emcee a memorial tribute Saturday evening at the Church of Saints. It's that 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