*All ages

I don’t own these characters; I am not making any money with them. It’s too bad Golden won’t reprint the books and make some money with them

The movie in the story is 16 Candles, starring Molly Ringwald as Samantha. She’s 16, a high
school sophomore, in love with a senior who doesn’t know she exists. Only he does. At the end of the movie, Jake finally catches up to her.

A Turkey Sandwich, Sixteen Candles, and You

By HeatherM

Fifteen-year-old Trixie Belden boarded the bus for the last ride home of the school year. She looked toward the back, crinkling up her nose. Her "almost-twin" Mart had just slid into the empty seat next to pretty Di Lynch, who was Trixie’s age. Di grinned up at him. "Hi," she said.

"Why hello, dearest," Mart replied. Mart Belden and Di Lynch had been dating since Christmas vacation, when a ski trip to Mead’s Mountain and a certain 17-year old French ski instructor had forced Mart to show his true feelings for Di.

Trixie’s gaze shifted to the seat occupied by her eldest brother, seventeen year old Brian, and her best friend, Honey Wheeler. Looks like they’re next, Trixie thought. She sighed, realizing that she was left out. Behind Honey sat Jim Frayne and Dan Mangan. Jim, Brian’s age, was Honey’s adopted brother, and Dan was nephew of the Wheelers’ groom. Trixie thought, Looks like I’m l eft out in more ways than one,  as she sat down behind Mart and Di. She slid over in the green fake leather bench, leaning her head on the bottom pane of the open bus window.

The three Beldens lived on Glen Road at Crabapple Farm. Beldens had lived at the farm for generations, but their closest neighbors, the Wheelers, were relative newcomers. While Crabapple Farm was an unassuming place, the Wheelers’ Manor House was anything but modest. Honey and Trixie were best friends. Di Lynch lived close to the two other girls. She had moved from an unpretentious place in Sleepyside out to the Lynch estate after her father had made a lot of money in business. All of the young people were not only good friends, but also the total membership of a semi-secret club, the Bob-Whites of the Glen.

"Hey Trix," Dan and Jim echoed.

Honey turned around and smiled, "Trixie! How was that last math test? It was kind of hard! I’m so glad we’re free for the summer!"

"Hi everyone." Trixie smiled at Honey. She intoned, "I’m sure all of Brian’s tutoring helped you through it! I think I made it ok. But it really was difficult."

Jim laughed at Honey’s blush and protested, "Trixie! You know Honey wasn’t the only one getting help in Algebra!"

"Ok, Ok, I thank you and Brian for your help!" Trixie laughed. Inside, she felt irritation. "Yeah, but Honey is the only one who got personal attention, and she says that they weren’t only studying!" Honey had reported that Brian had held her hand and had kissed her, before Celia had knocked briskly at the door, offering sodas to the supposedly studying youngsters. Trixie had laughed when Honey told the story, but she’d been so jealous that Honey and Brian seemed to be moving on, when it appeared that her relationship wasn’t even going to get off the ground.

Dan broke in, "Why don’t we go for a ride this afternoon to celebrate the end of the school year? Since Mr. Wheeler hired another game-keeper, I’ll have more free time this summer."

"That’s a great idea!" Honey exclaimed. "Regan was just complaining that the horses need exercise. We haven’t had a really good ride since exams began."

"And we wouldn’t want to anger my Uncle Bill!" Dan grinned. He knew his uncle was more bark than bite. "So what do you say, everyone?"

The rest of the B.W.G.’s agreed that it would be a great day for a ride. "Gleeps!" Trixie exclaimed. "I have to ask Moms if I can get out of watching Bobby!" Booby was the youngest Belden, 7 years old and quite spoiled. Though cute, he often acted much younger than his age.

Mart laughed. "My dear distaff sibling, our maternal parent this very forenoon indicated that our youngest kinsman would be accompanying her on a shopping excursion in White Plains, and that they would not return before the evening repast. I should therefore think that your assistance is unnecessary."

Trixie rolled her eyes, but smiled.

Brian chimed in, "That’s right, Trix. I meant to tell you earlier, but you didn’t show up for lunch. Where were you, anyway?"

"Well…" Trixie hesitated, thinking quickly. She didn’t want to tell them her real reason- that she didn’t eat her lunch in the school cafeteria because she was tired of seeing both of her brothers and both of her best girl friends so giggly and happy. She couldn’t say it. It sounded so selfish! "I wanted to get some last-minute studying in for my last-period exam. History’s tough, you know…" Trixie trailed off as Honey’s brow furrowed. I know she doesn’t believe me, she thought.

Diana smiled, oblivious to Honey’s tension. "Maybe I should have skipped lunch! Anyway, I’ll have to go to my house and get Sunny. I’ll ride up and meet you all at the Manor House stable."

"Well, we have to change clothes, too, so we Beldens will meet you up at the stables, too," Brian interjected, his eyes shifting between his sister and Honey.

Just then, the bus rolled to a stop and Dan, Jim, and Honey got up. "Ok, then, see you all in about a half hour, then," Dan called as he walked up the isle.

*     *     *

Clad in jeans, tee-shirts, and riding boots, the three Beldens approached the stable, only to be intercepted by Dan on Mr. Maypenny’s old mount, Spartan. The others quickly saddled and mounted their usual horses: Jim on Jupiter, Brian riding Starlight, Honey taking the gray mare, Lady, Trixie on Susie, and Mart on Strawberry. They had to wait for a few minutes for Diana, who was riding to the Manor House on her palomino, Sunny. Brian and Honey had paired off, and Mart was clowning for the others. When Di arrived, however, Mart’s attention was captured.

Brian and Honey took the lead, riding into the game preserve. Jim, Dan, and Trixie formed the middle group, while Mart and Di brought up the rear. The seven friends laughed, talking about their summer plans and teasing Trixie and Honey about their mysteries. They pleaded with the two for a quiet summer. They talked about the preserve, lapsing into a quiet kind of companionship, enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

After an hour or so had passed, Trixie noticed that Brian and Honey talked softly between themselves, and Mart and Diana did the same. She looked at Jim, and wondered why he stopped thinking she was his special girl. She thought back to all of the special gazes, the holding hands, and the time he gave her the bracelet. She couldn’t help but wonder where they’d gotten sidetracked. Dan interrupted her gloomy thoughts. "Hey Trix, why the glum face? Today was the last day of school!"

Before she could answer, Jim took up the refrain. "Come on, Trixie! I’m sure you passed the math test!"

Trixie forced a smile and a laugh. "You guys are right, as always! This is not the time to think about it, anyway." She mentally gave herself a shake, hoping she could get rid of her gloomy thoughts. She raised her voice, calling to her eldest brother, "Brian! Do you think Moms would mind if we made hamburgers at our house tonight? It’s a good day for the first picnic of the summer!"

Brian and Honey exchanged a look, reining in the two horses. Jim seemed lost in his own thoughts. He thought, I sure hope the math test is all that is bothering her. She seems to be really upset at someone. I probably don’t even need to ask who. I can’t seem to get on her good side these days. She seems so hostile. His sudden frown wasn’t lost on Dan.

"What’s the matter, Jim? Are you ok?" Dan asked.

Before Jim could answer, they had reached Brian and Honey, and were forced to stop. "Uh, Trix, Honey and I are going to the movies tonight. We, uh, are going to eat somewhere first. Uh…" Brian stumbled, as Honey blushed.

A red flush spread across Trixie’s face, and, trying to cover her embarrassment, she turned to Mart and Di, who had reached the group in time to hear the last part of Brian’s announcement.

"Well, how about it? The rest of us can enjoy the hamburgers!" Trixie’s smile began to falter when Mart and Diana didn’t show their approval.

Diana said, "Trixie, I guess you forgot. Mart is accompanying my parents and me to the Club tonight for dinner. It’s their anniversary."

Mart laughed, rather nervously, trying to alleviate the tension. "Come on, Trix! You can’t expect me to miss all that wonderful food!"

Trixie mumbled a reply, unable to hide her hurt feelings. She wondered miserably to herself why she and Jim didn’t have plans. Well, I guess I know the answer to that, she thought. When Hallie gets here the week after next, even Dan will be paired off! Dan and Hallie had corresponded for a year or so now, and she had visited several times. Trixie knew the reason wasn’t to visit her dear Uncle Peter and Aunt Helen!

Dan came to Trixie’s rescue. "Well, I really ought to get back to Mr. Maypenny’s! Spartan’s not as young as he used to be." Mart and Diana quickly decided to go back, thinking they’d have just enough time to groom the horses and get ready for their dinner. As they departed, Brian and Honey seemed to hesitate. Honey looked as if she wanted to help, but was unsure what to do.

"Trixie, I… well, I think Brian and I should go back to the Manor House. I… I’ll call you tomorrow, OK?" As Trixie nodded her agreement, Honey and Brian followed Mart and Di toward the stable.

"I’m going to ride for a while longer, Jim, but you don’t need to join me. Don’t worry about me… I’ll be fine…" Trixie trailed off as tears welled up. She turned away, spurring Susie into the woods. Jim watched her go, wondering whether to follow. He decided that he would, at a distance, anyway. He could tell she was upset.

Trixie stopped in a clearing and dismounted. She buried her face in Susie’s neck, crying. As she finally pulled herself together, Jim and Jupe entered the clearing. "Trixie, are you ok? I mean, what’s wrong?"

"I guess I just feel left out. I mean, first Mart and Di, and now Honey and Brian. And you know Hallie will be here the week after next! Gleeps, why am I unhappy when everyone else is happy?"

"Trix, it’s only natural… I mean, I won’t tell you I’m not a little envious. But don’t let it get you down… Why don’t you come up the Manor House tonight? We can watch a movie. I think USA is showing 16 Candles and Better Off Dead tonight. Come on, Trix, I don’t like to see you unhappy. None of us do…"

Trixie hesitated. She wanted to watch movies with Jim tonight, but she didn’t know if she’d be able to hide her feeling during those two movies. When Jake came to the wedding and picked up Samantha, she was sure to explode. Jim would know, then, that she didn’t care about the others dating, really… It was simply jealousy… she wanted to be a part of a real couple, too… she wanted to date Jim...

"Trix, come on… the movies aren’t that bad!"

Laughing, Trixie agreed. They decided to head back to the stables. By the time they arrived, the other horses were groomed. Jim said, "Trix, I’ll groom Susie, if you want to go to your house. You should probably let everyone know where you’ll be…"

"Jim, no need to beat around the bush! I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be back up here around," she paused, checking her watch. "7:30? I think USA starts the movies at 8."

Leaving Jim to groom the horses, she headed toward the farm. Jim called, "Don’t worry about dinner! I think I can get Celia to leave us some sandwiches."

Trixie’s voice wafted back to him, "Make mine turkey and Swiss, and hold the pickles!"

*     *     *

Trixie, late as usual and dressed casually in gray clamdiggers and a blue tee shirt, walked with
trepidation toward the Manor House. She wondered why she kept putting herself through this.

She’d given Jim chance after chance, and nothing. Tonight was bound to be one more in a string of disappointments, destined to make her even more miserable than before. As she reached the door, she took a deep breath. Ringing the bell, Trixie exhaled. Miss Trask answered the door. "Why hello, Trixie! Jim told me you were coming up. It’s nice of you to keep him company, since Honey is out, the Wheelers are in Florence, and I’m going to White Plains for the night. Jim’s in the kitchen, I think; I’m going to let myself out. Have fun!" With that, Miss Trask left. Trixie smiled, thinking Miss Trask must have a date. She’d certainly seemed flustered! Trixie’s smile faded as she realized that she and Jim would be alone. Gleeps!

*     *     *

Jim stood between the fridge and the kitchen island, putting together a monster sandwich. "Boy," he thought to himself. "Nerves sure make a guy hungry. I feel like Mart! Well… not like Mart, the girl he likes returns his feelings… I just wish Trixie… well, I…"

"Jiii-mmm," the girl in question called out, and soon appeared at the door. "Can I make myself a sandwich?" Trixie asked.

"Sure, what do you want to drink? We have iced tea, root beer, cola…"

"Root Beer for me. Can you take it into the den for me? I’ll be right in. Sure is nice to eat in front of the TV!"

*     *     *

Trixie and Jim sat stiffly on the couch. The first movie was more than half over, and the two had long since lapsed into a rather tense silence. As the scene between Jake and Samantha outside of the church approached, Trixie became more and more afraid she would just burst into tears. All the while, Jim was trying to figure out how he might scoot a little closer to Trixie. He was close enough to hold her hand, but not to put his arm around her. "Want some popcorn, Trix?"

"Uh… sure, Jim, that’d be great." Trixie exhaled deeply. The tension seemed to be broken. As Jim returned with the popcorn, he brought another root beer sat down pretty close to her. The popcorn was in only one bowl. Trixie smiled at Jim, and was surprised when he seemed to blush slightly. They ate rather mechanically. On screen, the bride was stumbling out of the church. She and the groom climbed into the limo. As Samantha ran back into the church to retrieve the forgotten veil, the rest of her family got into their cars in the front of the church. Trixie stole a  quick look at Jim, who appeared to be intent upon the movie. As the cars pulled away, Samantha realized that Jake, the boy of her dreams, was standing in front of his car on the other side of the street. He smiled at her.

Jim turned and smiled at Trixie, as Samantha and Jake talked, Jim cleared his throat, stretched, and causally laid both arms across the back of the sofa. "There," he thought. I did it!

Trixie was having trouble keeping her tears from falling. She felt Jim shift, and realized he’d laid his arm across he back of the sofa. She turned slowly, looking up at him, an unwitting question in her eyes.

On screen, Jake and Samantha sat on the dining room table in his parents’ house. On a cake between them, 16 candles burned. Jim looked down at Trixie, his heart in his throat. Jake asked Samantha to make a wish, and told her to blow out the candles. Jim told himself, "Good grief, Frayne, you’re 17 years old! Have some courage!" As Jake and Samantha leaned toward each other for their first kiss, Jim shifted his other arm and leaned toward Trixie, his intent clear.

Trixie’s breath caught was she realized Jim’s aim. Jeepers! she thought, as his lips softly touched hers. She returned his pressure, and a tear slipped out of her eye. Jim leaned back and saw the track of the salty drop. A frown marred his handsome features, and he started to pull back. "No Jim… It’s not… I just…." Trixie put her hand on Jim’s arm. "It’s just… I…" At a loss for words, Trixie took a deep breath, closed her eyes, leaned toward Jim, and kissed him.

"Thank God," Jim expelled a breath. "I thought I’d messed everything up. I didn’t, did I, Trixie?"

Trixie smiled up at Jim’s anxious face.

"Oh Jim, I think everything’s going to be ok, now. I’ve been so upset, I thought you didn’t want me to be your special girl anymore…"

"And I thought you didn’t want me," Jim returned. "You’ve been so hostile and cold the past few months."

"I wanted us to be like Mart and Di, and then when Honey and Brian… well, I felt so jealous and so left out…"

A broad smile spread across Jim’s handsome face. "In that case, do you think you could be my real girlfriend, Trixie, and not just my special friend?"

Trixie launched herself into Jim’s arms, looping her arms around his neck. Her only answer was a sound kiss.

Some time later, Jim said, "I think I’ll take that as a yes!"

The End