I want to thank all the people that have helped me edit and critique this story and especially Maddy Bell for allowing me to join her universe and giving me permission to write in it.
Based on the story Gaby, Book # 4 - Once Upon A Time In America By Maddy Bell
All Characters portrayed in the story are copywrited to Maddy Bell for her Gaby series found at Maddybell.com
Scene 37
Saturday:
EEEEEEEH! EEEEEEEH! EEEEEEEEH!
I jumped with a start at the noise, and then realized it was only my alarm clock. “OOOOOOH SHUT UP!” reaching over to smack the alarm clock to turn it off.
I felt so whipped. I was really wiped out. I don't even remember setting the alarm last night. I wanted to go back to sleep, but then realized Ellen would be here in a couple of hours.
I heard Sandy's alarm go off. ‘I wonder how she is feeling today? Will she talk with me?'
I got myself up and stumbled to the loo. Taking care of everything and taking a shower. I started to realize I sure do take a lot of showers. I wrapped myself up in a towel and turbaned my hair. Walking out of the loo, I looked out the window and it seemed like it wasn't doing anything besides being cold and icy, I looked at the trees and they had a coating of Ice on all the branches from the rain yesterday. They looked like crystal glass, shaped in the form of trees, it was beautiful.
I walked over to the dresser pulled out a satin bra and panty set, put them on, then to the closet and looked for something warm to wear. I'm sure glad Sandy has all this clothes in here, or I would have been in trouble. I don't think I brought enough warm stuff with me from England to allow me to go a week without washing.
Speaking of washing, I need to gather my stuff up today and bring it over to the house to be washed. It sure is nice that they have the wash facilities here. It would be horrendous if I had to take it to a launderette. Especially out here. I really haven't seen one yet. It must be in the village somewhere. Glad I don't have to worry about it.
I looked through the closet, and found a cute pair of light blue trousers, with the zip in the back. I saw a cute white silk blouse with a crew neck collar, and a loose fitting, white, bulky jumper, which looked warm for today. I slipped on some white trouser socks and my white trainers with the yellow stripes. Finishing up with my hair and makeup for the day.
I was just doing the finishing touches, when I heard the outer door open and close. I poked my head out of the room to see who came in. I saw no one, and called, “Sandy, are you here?” nothing, “Sandy?” still nothing.
I walked around the apartment and didn't find Sandy, I looked out the window and saw she was backing out of her parking spot and left. That's strange, she didn't even say goodbye. Don't tell me she is still upset at me? This made me sad. ‘Sandy, why are you upset with me? I had nothing to do with what your mother pulled yesterday. Why are you doing this to me?' I started to cry. I was quickly losing my enthusiasm to do anything today. This hurt.
I didn't even feel like eating anything for breakfast, this alienation Sandy was doing to me really struck me a devastating blow. ‘Oh Sandy, please don't make me the bad guy.' I looked at the time and I realized Ellen would be here soon. I grabbed my bag and kit, then reluctantly left the flat to wait for her, the coolness of the morning invigorated me, and woke me out of my musings. Just then, a car pulled into the car park; it was Ellen.
I opened the door, Ellen said, “Morning Em, how are you this morning?”
I got in and said, “Not sure actually, Sandy left this morning without saying anything to me.”
“Hmmmm, sounds like she is still upset. Want me to try to talk with her? I could call the Diner?”
“No, this is something we need to work out. I first have to see her though.”
“Well, let me know, I'm sure I can get her to understand that this is not your fault.”
“I will.” I started to tear up again.
Why am I crying so much lately? I never cried. Here, it is the first thing I seem to do all of the time.
Ellen handed me a wipe. I wiped my eyes and blew my nose. “You sure you'll be alright? I certainly seem to be asking you that a lot lately.”
I just smiled at her.
We arrived at the school, and I got my stuff and headed to the ladies locker room. Rachael was already there and in the process of changing. “Hi Rachael, I'm surprised to see you so early.”
Rachael smiled and said, “I usually get here early, I want to warm up a bit, before we start the main practice session. This way I'm limber enough, so I will not get hurt.”
“Oh.”
“How are you doing Em? You look a bit better than last night.”
“Well, I still have to work out some problems, but I guess I feel better. Needed to get some sleep I guess.”
“Well good. That means I can put you through your paces today then.” she smirked.
“Hey, bring it on. I'll keep up with you.” I challenged.
She just laughed, “We'll see?”
I giggled and thought, ‘That just maybe, this is what I need, a challenge, something to take my frustrations out on.' I just smiled at her and got changed.
Sure enough, Rachael was in full teaching mode and she put me through a grueling amount of moves, but I kept up with her. She was getting frustrated she couldn't break me. I just kept up with her, and that made her get tougher. I could see she was trying to get me to quit, to admit she was better, but I refused. I just smiled at her and I could tell she got flustered. She started having me do more advanced moves and jumps, and she kept on me about being graceful.
I was about to give up and tell her I needed a rest, when she said, “Ok, let's rest for a few minutes. You did very well Em. Your moves are definitely more graceful than when you started. I guess Ellen was right when she said you just needed to learn the right way to do things.” Rachael was breathing heavily, and perspiring too. She went over and got her towel and started to wick the sweat from her body.
I grabbed my towel and looked at her, “Well, what more are you going to have me do today? I thought you were going to work me hard?” I tried very hard to keep a smile from coming on to my face. I didn't want to tell her, or let her know, that she reached the limit of my endurance too.
“Ah, well, lets just rest for a bit. I need to think what else I can teach you today. You are doing very well and I'm surprised you can do these moves. Are you sure you never took ballet before? You really do very well with some of the complicated moves, but your hips aren't moving like they should. Your body posture is, well, just something and I can't put my finger on it. It is almost as if you're being a boy, really. You do the boy stuff really well, but the girl moves, you seem to have trouble with. I know you're a girl, but still, your body moves awkwardly at times, not as graceful as you should. Maybe we can spend some time on that aspect of those moves.”
“Um, ok.”
So we spent the rest of the time working on the feminization of several moves, and some of them I just couldn't do right. She would grab me around the hips and move them into a position that is unnatural for a boy, and some of them were quite painful. She would ask me, “Em, have you ever been in an accident that damaged your pelvic region?”
“Not that I'm aware of. Why do you ask?”
“Em, your body just doesn't want to move like it should, a girl's pelvic girdle is jointed in such a way that you should be able to swivel from here down, but your hips won't do that, at least not easily.”
I started to get worried. She was moving me in directions I never moved before, and I didn't think my body could ever move like that. She kept using her hands on my pelvis, pushing me, and sometimes it was quite painful. I wanted to cry out quite a few times, but I couldn't, at least with me not giving myself away.
The practice finally came to an end, much to my relief, and my aching pelvis. Ellen said, “All right ladies, this was a very good practice session. Next week we are going to start putting together a dance performance and I want everyone to participate,” looking at me, “I want to do pieces of famous ballets to show off what we have learned. This will show your abilities to the fullest and I want to be able to perform this in about three weeks time.”
‘Three weeks!' I thought. ‘I'll still be here, and I will have to perform with them. Oh gees.'
“Ok then, let's get changed and head for home. Good job ladies, see you Monday.”
We all headed to the showers, and I definitely needed it. My outfit was soaked from the workout Rachael put me through, and by looking at her, she too needed a shower, her outfit was soaked too.
We stripped down, and went into the showers and Rachael kept looking at me and shaking her head.
“Rachael, what's up? You keep looking at me and shaking your head.”
“Oh sorry Em, I didn't mean anything by it, but I was trying to think why you couldn't put the moves together I wanted you to do. Why you were having so much trouble. If you were a boy then I would understand, but obviously your not. I'm just having trouble understanding your body's reluctance to move in a proper manner. If I weren't so busy this weekend, I would love to invite you over to my house. I would love you to meet my parents. I had told them about you, and they would love to meet you. It is not often they can meet a person that can keep up with me in ballet. Especially one that just started ballet over a week ago. I have been doing it since I was eight years old. They think you will be great, after you have had few years of ballet. They truly think you will be a great ballerina one day, if you stay with it that is.”
Some of the other ladies were listening in on our conversation and one lady said, “I truly believe what Rachael just said is quite possibly true, Em, you show great promise. I wish I had your energy and stamina. I was watching Rachael put you through her paces, and I would have been totally exhausted about half way through what she had you do. Yet, you did it, and were ready to do more. You are in great shape darling.”
I could see that this kind of rankled Rachael, She wanted to be the best, and I was getting the attention. I could see Rachael looking at the woman, and gave her the evil eye. I'm not sure what was going on between the two, but I am sure I will find out from Ellen.
I just said, “Thank you for saying so. I never thought about doing ballet. If it wasn't for Rachael, I may never have considered it.”
Rachael looked at me and smiled.
“Why do you say that Em? What made you decide you wanted to do ballet?” the woman said.
“When I first met Ellen, she offered Sandy Jones and I dinner, at the restaurant were Rachael works. When I saw her move, I was fascinated at how fluid she moved and how graceful she was. I just quipped to Ellen, I wish I could move like her, and then Ellen made me this offer of taking classes and then asked Rachael if she wanted to teach me. Well the rest is history, and I am thoroughly enjoying ballet. Rachael is a hard taskmaster, but I love to learn. I also do cheerleading, and I think that helps in doing the ballet.”
“Oh, that is why you are in such great shape. When I was in high school, I was a cheerleader too, many, many years ago. We won't go into how many years ago, but I was in much better shape then.” The woman replied. “Oh to be young again.”
We all giggled at that, even Rachael.
We all finished our showers, and got dressed.
“Em,” Rachael said, “I'll see you on Monday if not sooner. I need to go, for I need to be at Grace House in fifteen minutes, so I have to rush. Take care dear, see you later.”
“Ok Rachael, see you later, and thanks for the workout. I really appreciated it.”
“You're welcome.”
She gave me a hug, and grabbed her stuff and left.
I grabbed my stuff and found Ellen.
“Very good Em, you really put Rachael in her place. You really had her working hard, and you kept up with her. She has never had a person do that. You are humbling her. It was her idea to rest, because you broke her down. I loved what you told her, that you weren't tired yet, and asked her what you were to do next. I saw the look on her face of disbelieve. I think Rachael might not be the Prima Dona she always acted as. When it was just her that could do what she does, she figured she was the best. You kept up with her, and clearly told her you could do more without rest. I know this bothers her, but she needed to learn a humility lesson, and you were just the person to do it. Thank you Hun, sorry she made you work so hard.”
“I'll tell you what Ellen, I was almost going to quit. She did it, before I was going to ask for a break, but just barely. She almost had me, I was getting pretty tired.”
“I can understand; she really had you working very hard, harder than the others ever had to do. I think she feels threatened by you, because you can keep up.”
“I'm worried though.”
“Why Em?”
“Well she keeps wanting my body to move in certain ways, and my body can't do it. I'm worried she will figure out who I really am, eventually. I really worry about that. Won't she get upset when she finally figures it all out?”
“Remember what I told you last week? I will set aside a classroom for you, if you want to tell her the truth about yourself. You can if you want to, but then she could go back into a Prima Dona mode again, when she realizes you're not a girl after all, then she will get bigger bragging rights, knowing you're a boy. But if you want, you can tell her.”
“I'll think about it. I certainly don't want to hurt her. I like her very much. I don't want her to be upset with me either, for I think she will assume I was doing it on purpose to embarrass her.” Hanging my head.
“Oh Em, don't worry, I will back you up if you want me too. I am sure she would not be too angry with you. She would probably be excited and say I knew it! She is quite observant. She just can't understand why you appear to move like a boy, but believes you are a true woman. Thanks to my physical devices.”
“Yes, I want to thank you so much for them, they have truly saved me several times now. If I wouldn't have met you, a lot of things would have been different and I truly believe I would have been in such trouble, I would probably have been on my way back home, in shame. I think Mr. Jones would have probably killed me by now too, and it would have been worse for Sandy.”
“Very possibly, Em. I wouldn't have met you or Sandy, and never seen her. I am so happy I found them again. Especially Mary, I missed her a lot.”
“Can I ask you a personal question?”
“You can ask, but it doesn't mean I will answer.”
“Ok, that's an honest answer. Um, please understand, you don't have to answer me if it is too personal.”
“Ok.”
“When you and Mary were roommates, uh … did you two like … uh … well … did you two like, really like each other?”
“Sure, we liked each other. We wouldn't have stayed roommates if we didn't.”
“Oh no, that's not what I meant, I mean REALLY like each other, as in … well you know …”
“Oh, you mean like lovers?”
“Well, yes.”
Ellen laughed at that. “Oh Em, you are so precious and observant. Um, well yes we were lovers of sorts.”
“Did you two like … um … have any … uh … sexual relations?”
She laughed harder now. “My, my Em, you are quite the observant little minx, aren't you? Yes dear, we were lovers. We were inseparable, I guess. When I think about it, maybe that is why we did what we did to Bill, on that Halloween day. We weren't that squeamish about doing things like that.”
“Then why is Mary so against what Sandy is then? I have a tough time understanding that. When she herself helped your husband become the very thing Sandy is all the time. Can you explain that?”
I saw Ellen's smile change to a frown. She was thinking about this, I could tell. “I can't tell you Em, for I don't really know, except, it is now her own child and she is trying to protect her. Maybe protect her too much. Interesting question dear, I need to think about that myself.”
She pulled me into a hug, and held me for a bit. “Come on, I'll drive you home.”
We made the drive in relative quiet. I could tell Ellen was really thinking. I wondered if it was about my question?
We pulled into the car park at the house. I saw that Mr. J's car was still there. Great he is home. I wonder what words of wisdom he is going to throw at me. Oh well, I want to go up to the flat first.
“Here you go Em. You're home. Do you have any plans for this afternoon?”
“I'm not really sure what's happening yet, but if Mrs. J has her way, I may be going with her to the mall to shop, and she said she would take me somewhere to get my hair done. She wants me to look my best later this afternoon for my date. She wants me to ‘wow' him. I'm not sure I want to ‘WOW' him at all. I don't even want to go on the date. Ally told me to go, to find out what going on a date is like with a boy. She kind of insisted. I tried to sabotage it so I wouldn't have to go, but she wanted none of that. Originally Ally, Darla and I were suppose to go together as a threesome date, but because it was moved from Seven PM to when ever, earlier in the afternoon, I am now going with him, on a solo date. I don't know what to do. True his mum is chaperoning, but I have no clue on how to behave.”
“Em, relax. Just go and enjoy yourself and be you. You don't need to behave in any special way. You are just friends going out for a good time. Why do you have to behave any different? You'll be fine. Trust me.”
“Well if you say so, Ellen. I'm just not sure.”
“You'll be alright. I know it will be a bit strange, you being a girl, going out with a boy, but he is going to try and impress you. Let him show you a good time. It doesn't mean you are going to marry him. Just be friends.”
“Ok, I promise, I will.”
“If you want to talk with someone after, I'm here for you dear. Please don't hesitate to call.”
“Thanks Ellen, you are the best.” Giving her a big hug.
I grabbed my bag, got out of the car and headed for my flat. I turned and wave at her, as she pulled out of the car park.
I got to the flat and I heard the phone ringing. I quickly unlocked the door, and dashed for the phone. “Jones residence.”
“Hello, could I speak to Em please?”
“Speaking Roger.”
“Oh, hi Em. Ah … the reason I called … ah … how does three-thirty, or four sound, this afternoon? The show starts at five, at the mall. We can grab a bite to eat at the food court and then see the movie. What do you think?”
“Um I guess that's ok. I don't know what Mrs. Jones has planned for me, but that sounds good.”
“Ok then. I'll pick you up about three thirty at your place.”
“Do you know how to get here?”
“I think my mom knows. She knows Mrs. Jones pretty well, so it shouldn't be a problem.”
“Well, ok then, three thirty it is. I guess I will see you then.”
“Ok Em, See you later. Bye.”
“Bye Roger.” I hung up the phone.
Great three thirty and he will be here. I wonder what Mrs. J has planned? I started to walk to my room, when the phone rang again. Sighing, I turned and picked up the phone. “Hello? Jones Residence.”
“Hi Em. This is Mary. Did you find out what time your boyfriend will be picking you up for your date?”
“Oh, hi Mary. Ah yes, he just called and he wants to pick me up at three-thirty.”
“Oh my, that doesn't give us much time. Why don't you hurry up and get ready, and I will meet you in ten minutes. Will that be alright?”
“Uh, oh, … ah … sure. That will be fine.”
“Where is he taking you?”
“To the mall I believe, I guess the theatres are there.”
“Oh, you know what? Why not have him meet you there, then that gives us forty-five minutes more to shop and get ready. Have him meet us at the food court. How does that sound?”
“Um … ok I guess, that makes sense.”
“Ok then give him a call and let him know. See you in a bit then. Bye Em.”
“What? Oh yes Bye uh … Mary.”
Great, I need to get his phone number, now I have to rush again. Finding his phone number, I dial it.
“Hello?”
“Oh good, Roger this is Em. Is it possible you can meet me at the mall instead? Mrs. Jones and I are going to be there soon to get a few things. It seems kind of a waste for me to rush and be back here just for you to pick me up and then rush to the mall again, don't you think?”
“Oh, hi Em. Erm … ah … sure … that ah … sounds alright to me I guess.” Sounding disappointed.
“Are you ok with that arrangement?”
“Ah … yea, sure, no problem.” Trying to sound upbeat.
“Ok then, I will meet you at the food court at around four then, sound good?”
“Ah … yea ok. Who will be bringing you back home?”
“You of course, silly.”
“Oh, ok.” sounding more thrilled.
“Well I have to run. Mrs. Jones is waiting for me to get off the phone. See you later alright?”
“Sure Em, see you later. I can't wait. Bye!” We both hung up the phone.
Going to my bedroom, I removed my wet things from the bag and hung them up in the bathroom to dry. I checked my makeup and my appearance, and figured this will be fine for the afternoon, anyways. Then it dawned on me. We won't be coming back home to change. Gees now what do I need for tonight? Jewelry, what type of shoes should I wear? What type of out fit will I get? Oh this is not going to be easy, maybe bring some black flats, I am sure it will go with what ever we buy. I grabbed some gold jewelry, figuring it would go with almost anything. Stuffed some makeup in the bag, this will have to do. Grabbing my coat and handbag, I headed over to Mrs. J.
“Hi Em, ready to go?”
“Yes, I'm ready.”
“Did Roger say it was ok to meet at the mall, instead of here?”
“Yes he did.”
“Good. Well let's head for the car.”
“Where's Kevin?”
“Oh, he and his dad are down stairs working on something or other. I guess they're having fun.”
“Oh, ok.”
We headed for the mall. Mrs. J told me on the way what she had planned, and I was starting to feel uncomfortable. I didn't want her to treat me like I was her daughter. She was going to pay for everything and I figured this would tick Sandy off even more. But it was apparent that nothing I would say would change that.
“I brought a few items with me for whatever we buy today. I hope they will work?”
“Don't worry Em, if they don't, we will get something that will.”
“Mary, please you don't have to buy me things.”
“Hush Em. I will hear none of that. I've always wanted to go clothes shopping with my daughter, and now I get my chance.”
“What do you mean, ‘Now I get my chance?' Don't you take your daughter shopping for clothes?”
“What? Oh … ah well … um … no actually … ah umm well, … She never wanted to go clothes shopping with me.” I could see that Mary was uncomfortable saying this.
“Ummm … why not? Sandy can always use clothes. I thought she would jump at the chance to go shopping with you. I mean, what girl wouldn't want to go shopping with their mother? Unless that mother has outlandish styles in clothing, or something.”
“Um … well it just is, is all.”
“I guess I have to persuade Sandy to go with you then. I never thought Sandy didn't want to go shopping with you.”
“Oh please Em, don't bring it up to her. I am sure she would be embarrassed about it.”
“You think? Well ok, if you say so.” I noticed her relax all of a sudden. I hadn't realized she was holding her breath there for a moment.
“Promise you won't say anything to her?”
“Oh, … ok I promise.” Keeping my fingers crossed behind my back, “I won't tell her that her mom misses the clothes shopping experience with her.”
Arriving at the mall, she quickly changed the subject as we got out of the car and headed for the mall entrance, “Em, we have a little less than an hour to look for some clothes, for you. I have you scheduled at the Master Cut hair salon at two thirty, to get your hair styled, and your nails done. I should have you ready shortly after three fifteen, I hope. If not, well, we'll just make the boy wait. It is a woman's prerogative. It's what we women do after all. We get beautiful and make them wait; it drives them nuts. But they'll love you for it.” Mary giggled.
Oh gees, Sandy is going to be so pissed tonight.
“Oh Em, we'll be having company tonight. I forgot to tell you. The Walters are coming over about seven-ish. We'll be having a late dinner. So if you make it back in time, you can have dinner with us, if you wish.”
“Is Gaby going to be with them?”
“Yes she will, but they were going to be a bit late. I think I heard from Jocelyn, that Gaby and ah … Maddy is it? The other one that looks like Gaby? They look so like each other, they could be twins, they are having dinner at Diane Biggs house.”
“Yes, Maddy.”
“I guess it was planned earlier in the week. They should join us about nine or so.”
“Oh, ok. That sounds great.”
“I guess Juliette Bond, Debbie, and Britney will be with us too. You think you'll be back in time?”
“Not sure, Mary. I'm sure it will be around that time though.” Wow, that's great, maybe now I can talk with Drew for a change and see what is going on. Things are looking up.
“Oh one more thing. John got tickets for us to go to a play tomorrow, it is in Richmond Virginia so it will be about a two-hour trek one way, so we want to hit the road early. You don't have anything planned do you?”
“I don't know about Sandy, but originally we were going to take Diane out to the mall to shop for stylish clothes for her and get her to a salon to get her hair taken care of. What time is this play? Will we be back in time to do some shopping?”
“Oh, the matinee starts at noon. I think the play will be about three hours before it is finished, and then two hours to drive back and possibly a dinner. I doubt you would be back before seven actually.”
“Oh.” Sounding a bit down, “Will Sandy be going with us?”
“Ah, no. She is going to be working, since she knows we are going to this play.”
“Oh … um … I guess, I will go. What play are we going to go see?”
“It is ‘Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat'. I hear it is quite good.”
“Well, I guess I really don't have a choice do I?”
“Sure Em, you always have a choice. I just thought you might like to see it, since it played on Broadway to sell out crowds. One of John's customers got the tickets for him. He didn't know you were staying with us, or I am sure he would have gotten us four of them.”
“Does Sandy know about these tickets?”
“Um … sure she does. She turned them down, so you could go with us.”
“That's not fair to her, you should really be taking her to this play. I'm sure I can find someone to stay with, while you three go.”
“Nonsense Em. You are our guest, and as such, we want to show you not only Virginia, but also what it has to offer. These tickets are not cheap, even though John got them for nothing. They are almost front row center seats to the theatre. Quite expensive I hear. So please take them Em.”
Oh God, one more reason for Sandy to dislike me. I feel so for Sandy, here is a chance for her to shine, and her parents aren't even trying to think of her. I bet Mary is just saying those things to make me feel better.
“That is all the more reason you should be taking your daughter. She may never, ever, get a chance like this again. Please take her.”
“Em, she already told us to take you. She said she needed the money, so she wants to go to work on Sunday. So with that settled, we now need to get you something nice for both functions.”
“I think the dress I bought last week will do for the theatre, don't you think?”
“Oh I forgot, yes you are quite right, that dress will suit you for the theatre, most definitely. Ok, so we just need to get you something for tonight then. Ok, let's do a little power shopping, shall we?” Mrs. J said.
We ended up looking at a few dress shops. She made me try on all of these dresses, sure they were sexy and all, but I just didn't feel it was the right thing to wear to a movie, for it would have given Roger ideas, and those ideas are not what I want Roger thinking about.
We finally found something in a store called DEB. It wasn't a dress, but a pull over blouse and skirt ensemble. I liked it as being sort of semi casual. It was a black, crew neck, tank, with a stylish ‘flower like' display on it. I also found a cute purple skirt, with a ruffled fringe. The two went well together and I liked it. I got some white tights and when I wear my blue trainer style shoes, it should all go well together and feel comfortable to wear anytime.
“Em, you sure this is what you want to wear? I mean those dresses we tried earlier were so sexy. They would drive the boys to distraction. This is kind of plain. I mean it is cute an all, but Em, you are trying to knock his eyeballs out of his head. This just won't do that.” Mrs. J definitely wanted me to get something dressier.
I told her, “I wanted something comfortable instead of something stylish and sexy. I really wasn't interested in having a relationship with this boy and it was his idea to go to a movie. I just want to stay friends and not go any further, Mary. I mean, those dresses were lovely, and yes they would do some serious damage to the male population, but I'm not after that. Matter of fact; that is the furthest thing on my mind right now. I'm only fourteen. I don't need a relationship now anyway. Besides, my mum would have a stroke if she knew I was going out with a boy.” I wasn't to far from the truth with that last statement. Mum would probably have a stroke if she knew.
She sounded disappointed, but finally relented and gave in. “Ok Em, if this is what you want, I will get it for you.”
“Mary, you don't need too, please let me pay.”
“Nonsense Em, this was my idea, and I will pay for it. Before you argue at what I'm about to do, I understand your concerns and Sandy. I promise I will do the same for Sandy soon, so you don't need to feel guilty. I realized why she left so suddenly last night, and I really feel bad about it, and you have made me aware how wrong I have been on how I have been treating her. Instead of trying to get her to change her mind, I have been forcing her away. I now see I was wrong and changing her mind will never happen.”
“Why are you trying to change her mind? What is it she is doing that she even needs to change her mind? This sounds pretty serious? Will you tell me what is going on?”
“Oh, Em. I wish I could, but I can't. Again this is family business and not for outsiders to know about, I'm sorry.”
“I thought I was now considered family, Mary? Please, if it concerns Sandy, please tell me what it is so I can help her. You have been alluding to things that not only concerns her, but it concerns me too and I feel you should let me know. I know I can help. If you'll let me that is.”
“Em, trust me, one of these days I will probably tell you, but the time is not right, and I don't want to hurt Sandy. Please be patient with us. I need to talk with Sandy first before I can say anything.”
Sighing, “Ok Mary, you guys sure have a lot of secrets, and it seems to be pulling your family apart at the seams. I truly want to help, if you will only let me.” I can't believe that she will not tell me Sandy's desires, after all the yelling I did at Mr. J even. She has got to know I would not be upset at knowing the news about Sandy's transsexual status by now. Gees, what's it going to take to get her to tell me.
We had to hurry to get to the Master Cut salon, that she had made arrangements at.
“Hello Ma'am, what can I do for you today?”
“Hi, I have an appointment for our foreign exchange student, Mfanwy Morgan.”
“Oh yes, here it is, I'll let Susan know you are here. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
We took a seat. While we were waiting, I picked up a hairstyle book and started to look through it. I saw several cute styles. I wonder if I could get my hair to be styled like that, looking at a cute long wavy, over the shoulder style?
“Hello? You must be Mfanwy? I'm Susan, I'll be your stylist today.”
“Hi Susan. This is Mary, my host while I am here.”
“Pleased to meet you Mary.”
“Pleased to meet you Susan.” Mary said.
“Well, what do you want done this afternoon?”
“Mfanwy has a date later this afternoon, and she just wants to get her styled and her nails done. Do you think that can be done before three thirty?” Mary explained.
“I don't see why not. Please follow me and we'll get started. She led me to a stylist chair. I noticed you were looking in the style book, did you see anything you like?”
I showed her the style that kind of interested me. “Do you think you can style my hair like this?” Showing her the style.
She looked at the style and looked at my hair, she ran her comb through it and looked at the hair close. “Hmmm yes I could, your hair is a bit short, but I don't see a problem giving something that is close to that style. Do you want me to put in highlights?”
“No, not today. I don't think we have the time anyway. I know it takes a bit of time to process.”
“Sounds like you know what you're talking about.”
“I should, my mother owns a salon back home. She is hoping that someday I will work with her.”
“My, that is interesting. Well let's get started then.”
Mary took the seat next to mine, since it wasn't being used. She watched what was going on and she talked with Susan. I was just listening in as Mary talked with her. I am glad she is talking with her, leaving me time to think and relax. The stylist washed and conditioned my hair, and then she cut some of it, to get rid of the split ends she said. Once she got my hair done, she took me over to a manicurist station I guess. It is this table where you get your nails worked on. She gave me a manicure and asked, “Do you want tips?”
I wondered for a moment what she meant, and then realized she was asking if I wanted nail extensions. “No thank you, they will only get in the way when I do the gymnastics for our cheers.”
“Oh, are you a cheerleader?”
I told her all about our cheer program and that we were going to compete in a local cheer competition.
She finished my nails and then led me over to this chair with a sink at the base of it. I had never seen one of these chairs. She told me, “Take your shoes and socks off, and climb into the chair. Have you ever had a pedicure?” she asked.
“Ah, no I haven't. What does this chair do?”
“Well sit back and relax Hun. Here is the control for the chair, and I will take care of your feet.”
I looked at the remote and I saw it said vibrator and heat controls. I started to push buttons and the seat started to vibrate. OHHH that feels good. I tried a bunch of the other settings and found one that moved the massager up and down your back. This felt delicious. In the mean time, I saw Susan filling the tub with warm water. She pushed some other buttons and I felt my feet were getting massaged from a few jet sprayers and a vibrator in the base of the tub. I could really get addicted to this I thought.
Susan let me soak for a few minutes and I think I just had a dreamy smile on my face enjoying all of these sensations. I saw Mary looking at me with a satisfied grin on her face. “Enjoying it Em?”
“Um hmm.” I replied, nodding my head.
Susan started working on my feet, trimming and generally cleaning up the cuticles on all of the nails. She used some sort of shaver on the bottom of my foot, which tickled; it took everything I had to keep from jerking my foot out of her hand. She told me she was removing the dead skin and calluses from the bottom of my foot, to smooth it out. She rubbed the feet with sea salt, and cleansed the foot. After she had cleaned off the salt, she put some kind of lotion on my foot and legs, and gave me a foot and leg massage. Oh did that ever feel good. She then wrapped a towel around each leg and foot, and I felt my leg go all tingly and turn cold. Susan stated it was the camphor oil in the cream she put on my leg, that it would soften and moisturize the skin. I was definitely in dreamland when she finally finished and asked what color I would like my nails. I told her a deep purple red would be nice. She put something on me that was called Blushing Kiss. It really looked lovely.
I have but one thing to say about this experience and that is, if you have never had a professional pedicure, go have one; it is well worth the money. Susan told me that many men have it done too, and that all men should have it done. It keeps infection from working its way into your feet and it gets rid of the hard calluses.
I looked at my toes, my fingers my hair, wow I looked great!
“Thank you Susan, you have done a wonderful job. I love the way my hair looks. The pedicure was awesome, I never new they were so great.”
“Why don't you go and get dressed in your new outfit Em, while I take care of the bill.” Mary Said.
I looked over to Mary who was paying the bill. “Thank you Mary, this was very delightful, and I truly look great.”
“You're welcome Em. It is so nice to be able to treat girl as beautiful as you.” I felt embarrassed at this remark. I'm sure Sandy never got this treatment.
I went back and put on my new things. I looked in the mirror and just went, “Wow!”
I touched up my makeup, then left to go find Mary.
“There she is. We thought you got lost. We were just about to send out the dogs to look for you.” Susan said giggling.
As we left, I heard Susan exclaim, “Hope to see you again sometime, Em. If I don't, have a great time, and a safe journey home.”
“Thanks Susan. I will.”
Mrs. J looked at her watch and said, “Oh my goodness, we are late. We better hurry up and get to the food court.”
We sped up our walk to get to the food court.
Once there, I heard my name being called, “Em! Em! Over here.”
I looked around and spotted Roger sitting with a woman, I guess would be his mom. Mrs. J and I walked over to where they were sitting. “Hi Roger, How are you?”
“Wow, Em look at you, you're gorgeous.”
I smiled at him, “Thanks for noticing?” Giggling a bit.
“Oh, ah Em, this is my mother. Mom this is the girl I was talking about from the UK. She is the foreign exchange student Mfanwy Morgan.”
“Hi Mrs. Stoller. Please call me Em.”
“Pleasure to meet you Em. My, but you do look lovely dear. I love that outfit you are wearing.”
“Um, Thank you, I guess.” Smiling at her.
“Mom this is Mrs. Jones, she is hosting Em while she is in the states.
“Pleasure to meet you again Mrs. Jones.” Mrs. Stoller exclaimed.
“Oh the pleasure is all mine. You truly have a wonderful considerate son Mrs. Stoller.”
“Oh thank you. We think so too. We are lucky to have him,” She smiled over to her son.
“Well since you are all here, I will take my leave, and head for home. Em, you sure you'll be alright?”
“Sure Mrs. Jones, I don't see any problems.” Mrs. J smiled, “Take care you two, and you mind Mrs. Stoller Em.”
“I will.” Mary gave me a hug, said goodbye to the Stollers and then she turned and left us.
“Well Em, I suppose you are hungry aren't you?” Roger asked.
“Um, well just a bit, yes.”
“What do you want to eat?” He asked.
“Well, how about a chicken salad; that would be nice, and a diet coke will do it.”
“One chicken salad and a diet coke, coming right up.” He turned tail and left for the food vendors to find someone that could make that fare.
“Em is it?”
“Ah … yes, it is a bit easier to say than Mfanwy.”
Mrs. Stoller smiled at that, “Yes it is actually. I see you have stolen my son's heart. Are your intentions to be friends with him, play him, or are you up to something else?” She looked at me with a snobbish sneer.
“WHAT!”
To be continued:
Joni W 27.05.07 © 2007
If you enjoyed
this story please let me know click here 
to Email me