The Class Project - Chapter 13 free porn video

Author's note: Okay everyone I know it's been almost 3 years since the last installment. Maybe I'm going for the record of longest time to finish a continuing story? In any case, even though I'm in a completely different place in life than when I started this story I'm doing my best to remain true to the original concept and tone. I've also got at least three more chapters currently in editing, so in the famous words of California's Governor, "I'll be back." Enjoy! The Class Project by Janice Dreamer Chapter 13 Robyn threaded her way between the packed tables at Peepers. She paused at one of her tables, smiling at the cute guys as she collected their empties and nodded to acknowledge signals for another round. The room was filled with happy faces and the atmosphere crackled with a feeling of celebration. It was the end of finals and everyone was kicking off the start of the Christmas holidays. "Be right back boys," she said and boosted her tray high above her head to give her more room to maneuver through the crowd. Unconsciously the fingers of her free hand snapped and her hips swayed to the strains of "Jingle Bell Rock" blaring over the sound system. She felt a delicious little thrill as she caught several attractive customers out of the corner of her eye watching her bottom with mesmerized fascination as it wiggled to the beat of the music. Her cheeks were flushed and she glowed with excitement. Bob would have died of embarrassment but Robyn was becoming quite an accomplished flirt. She finally reached the bar and called out her order to one of the harassed bartenders then turned around to survey the crowded pub. Peepers was crammed to overflowing and the air of excitement was contagious. If someone had told her three weeks ago that she'd be waitressing in the wildest bar in town on one the busiest nights she'd ever seen she'd have called them crazy. Now here she was? in the words of Maxwell Smart, "And loving it." Donna arrived to drop off empties and put in a new order. Robyn turned to her, grinned broadly and squealed out an excited "Yee haw!" Donna smiled back and hooted along with her. "Whew! This place is jumping tonight," Robyn shouted to be heard above the clamor. "This is such a blast! and - bonus! - our tips're gonna be *huge*!" Donna nodded and called back, "Great! Just in time for Christmas shopping." She leaned her head down close to Robyn's ears so she could talk without shouting. "Didn't I tell you how much fun you'd have on nights like this? But enjoy it while you can, Robyn. 'Cause starting next week we'll be down to half full. Only diehards come out on weeknights once the college kids go home. But at least there's the football playoffs. Those nights'll be banging." "Ah." Robyn nodded, considering this bit of news. She wasn't hurting for money just now - she'd been taking home quite a bit more than she spent. But she'd grown to enjoy her work. She really liked the people she worked with and she was developing a following among the regular customers. She realized she even liked the craziness and hectic pace. She felt all charged up on nights like tonight; it was exhilarating. Even so, it might be fun to chill for a few days during the holidays. "That's cool. I can use a little break." Donna smiled. "Can't we all!" She gathered up her order and nodded toward a booth in Robyn's section. A new group was sliding into the seats as the former occupants collected their coats to leave. "Better hop to it, girl. Customers." Robyn picked up her own order and delivered it then headed for the new party. * * * * * Late that night Robyn and Donna sat at the bar with the other waitresses counting out their tills. Robyn finished her tally, signed off on her cash sheet and passed it to Peeps to be verified. She started counting her tips and was amazed at how much she'd made. "Oh my God! I'm rich!" Bob had never felt so satisfied with his paycheck from being Professor Smithfield's assistant. Somehow that had the feel of something he was given -- not necessarily earned -- simply because Smithfield had grant money to burn. But tonight dozens of people were pleased with her service and showed it with tips - a few of them quite extravagant. She was bone tired yet felt a sense of accomplishment. She and the other girls had made the evening more enjoyable for everyone here tonight. And it was more than just her looks; although that was part of it but not all - the most beautiful girl could be dull as anything. She was growing to be a fun person, someone people wanted to hang with. They liked her, they *really* liked her! That was something to be proud of. Donna giggled and elbowed her playfully. "Better not start spending like Jessica Simpson just yet. Don't forget we've got some slow weeks coming up. On the plus side, this is a good time to hit Peeps up for some time off. Ben and I are visiting his grandparents, then we're going to spend New Year's with my family - that's one big party night at Peepers that I'd rather skip. I like to be with my family watching the ball drop on TV with Ben to snuggle with and kiss at midnight. I know it sounds corny but I think it's romantic. How about you, Robyn, what are your plans for the holidays?" "Nothing at all, really." Robyn shrugged noncommittally. With a slight pang she thought that Donna's plans sounded romantic too and wished she could do something similar. "I've never been all that close with my father and he's all into his new wife and second family, so going home is out. And Brad is going to Europe; some family thing that's he's been doing as long as he can remember. So I guess I'll just hang out around my apartment for a few weeks." Donna caught the wistful tone in Robyn's voice. She put an arm around her waist in a friendly gesture. "Well then give me a call if you're in town and not working, maybe we can go out for some girl time?" "Sure, that sounds like fun," Robyn forced a cheerful smile. She glanced up at the clock and realized Brad would be waiting for her. At least they'd have one more night before he left. "Oh gosh! I better go, I'm supposed to meet Brad. Well, I'm out of here for now. See ya, Donna." "See ya." Donna had a worried look on her face as she watched her friend hurry toward the door. Robyn was like a devoted puppy answering the call of her master. How could such a nice person be so taken in by a slimeball like Brad Franklin? Donna wondered once again how Robyn had grown up to be so beautiful and yet remained so na?ve to the mind games of players like Brad. Usually a girl with her looks had developed quite a bullshit detector by the time she reached Robyn's age. But Robyn was a rarity; a truly gorgeous woman who wasn't a self-centered bitch. When she'd first come to Peepers the girl had been almost painfully shy. It was gratifying watching her blossom over the past weeks into a vivacious, fun loving person. And yet she'd managed to retain her charmingly innocent nature. Donna wished her friend would wake up soon and realize what a snake Brad was. She just hoped it didn't crush her fragile ego. * * * * * Brad pulled Robyn close. His hands roamed freely over her body. He gazed down at her with his perfect sexy grin. "I'm going to miss you, Sweets." Robyn leaned into him. A part of her was embarrassed at how boldly he fondled her here in the main concourse with everybody watching. But she'd grown accustomed to just allowing him his way. Besides she was greedy for his touch with a month long separation looming before her. "I'm going to miss you too," she said huskily. She wished with every fiber in her being that she was going with him. "It'd be great if you could come but you'd hate it," he lied with a perfectly straight face. Actually, he thought, *Mother* would hate it even more. She'd be in a state if he brought some cheap blonde to his family's holiday gathering. But the real problem wasn't that Robyn was a bimbo; his parents would be thrilled if he were dating Paris Hilton. Robyn's mortal sin was that she was nobody - she didn't belong to the select social class that he did. Robyn buried her face in his chest, not wanting him to see how disappointed she was. "You'd be bored to tears." The south of France would mystify her; she'd never fit in; her bubble brain could never learn the intricacies of all his social obligations. And their annual ski trip would be worse -- with those boobs she'd be so top heavy he could picture her tumbling down a mountain. She bunched her hands into fists, twisting the fabric of his shirt. She bit her lip and reminded herself how much Brad hated it when she was too clingy and needy. "Besides, we wouldn't have that much time together anyway. I have a lot of? family obligations." He would be expected to spend most of his time with Rebecca Morrison, the heiress to the Morrison fortune. His family and hers were deeply intertwined in various business arrangements. Rebecca and Brad had been thrown together most of their lives. They were informally engaged, at least in their parents' minds - it was always assumed they would end up together. And both Brad and Rebecca were satisfied with the arrangement. He and Reb suited each other. They shared the same friends, enjoyed the same activities, and had friendly uncomplicated sex together. They'd begun experimenting sexually during their holidays from boarding school and had reached an understanding. There was no burning passion but they enjoyed each other. Both had their flings but it was always comfortable to get back together during their families' mutual holidays. They made a good team and the financial aspects of their eventual union were mind-boggling. Brad pulled away. "Well have a good holiday, Sweets." He kissed her once more, turned and strode off toward security without a backward glance. Robyn stood in place and watched him pass thru security. She followed him with her eyes as he headed down the ramp to the gates. Finally, when she'd lost sight of him for a few minutes, she lifted her hand in a forlorn gesture of farewell and slowly turned and started back to catch a taxi back to her apartment. * * * * * Robyn slumped on the couch watching Oprah. Something about holiday depression and how it affected millions of single people. She sighed dramatically and switched channels. The food network was having a marathon on yuletide celebrations. Even the history channel was running a special on the origins of Christmas. She flipped the TV off and dropped her head back to stare at the ceiling. Back when she'd been Bob being alone was something she'd grown inured to and had developed means to deal with it. Now she'd had a taste of a better life and facing the holidays alone seemed unbearable. She didn't even fight the tears as they welled in her eyes. Brad was somewhere over the Atlantic by now. And getting farther away by the minute. Peeps had posted the holiday schedule and she was on it a grand total of two days. Her friends were all leaving town to spend time with their families. How was she ever going to survive the next four weeks? Jim walked in burdened with an armload of brightly wrapped Christmas presents. "Hey Robyn. Better not lay around all day. Only eight more shopping days till Christmas?" He glanced at her face then paused and set the packages down on the coffee table. "Hey? Are you okay?" Robyn sniffled and buried her face in her hands. She didn't want Jim to see her like this. "I'm fine, Jim." He eased down beside her and gently pulled her arms down to her sides. His face reflected a series of emotions as he stared into her eyes. "No you're not. You've been crying. What's wrong?" "Nothing's wrong. I'll be okay. It's just?" she sought for the words to reassure him, then resorted to the phrase first uttered by Eve to Adam, "It's just a girl thing. You wouldn't understand." "Don't give me that, Robyn. It's me, not some macho frat boy you're talking to." She lowered her head and peeked at him through her eyelashes. Jim's bitter tone said it all; she couldn't tell him she was already missing Brad and dreading the holidays without him. But he was right, he'd been her best friend too long for her to hide behind clich?s. "It's just I'm sort of down 'cause everybody's heading home for the holidays and I'll be stuck here all alone. It's stupid of me, I know." Jim gently raised her chin to force her to look at him. "It's not stupid, Robyn. I understand how the holidays can get you down. Hell, remember how I was that first year when my parents broke up? And I remember how you helped me forget my problems and enjoy myself." Robyn smiled tentatively, remembering the hours they'd spent online competing against each other in video games. "Somehow I don't think a marathon game of Tomb Raider is going to help, Jim." "See? You're already smiling," he teased. "But we don't have to spend the holidays together online - why don't you come home with me?" "To your house?" Robyn asked incredulously. She felt panic clawing at her insides. "Your family *knows* me, Jim. What will your sisters think? God! What will your *Mom* think!?" "Jeez, don't have a cow. My family knows Bob, not Robyn. They'll just think you're a sweet girl." "Oh." Robyn felt suddenly silly. "I guess they won't know I used to be Bob, huh?" "Duh. So are you coming? You always liked my family. You should come, we'll have a great time." Robyn was silent a moment, considering. Jim was more right than he knew. She always loved his family. She was even a bit envious of Jim's connection with his family. She'd often wished she'd had that kind of closeness with her own family. She and her father were all but strangers and her own mother had passed away when she was very young. Bob had spent several vacations at Jim's house over the years. She'd cherished the times she spent at Jim's house because his family always made her feel welcome and she could dream that she was a part of a real family when she was there. Now Robyn worried it would be different somehow since to his family she was no longer Jim's best friend. But the fond memories won out over the worry and she made her decision. "You're right, it does sound like fun, I'm in," Robyn said. She was feeling better already. It would be good to see Jim's family again. She leaned her head on his shoulder and said, "Thanks, Jim. You're a real friend. I don't know what I'd do without you." Jim blushed and tentatively patted her shoulder. "Aw geeze, Robyn, what are friends for?" He sincerely hoped she didn't notice the growing bulge in his jeans. It was embarrassing how easily this girl who used to be his male best friend could get him so stirred up. * * * * * Jim closed his textbook and turned off the tiny overhead light. It was useless trying to read anyway; he must have re-read the same page a dozen times without comprehending a single word. His entire left side was paralyzed with pins and needles where Robyn lay curled up against him. As numb and uncomfortable as he felt, he was even more thrilled with the bittersweet feeling of utter contentment from having her in his arms if only for a brief moment. He reluctantly pulled his gaze away from her sleeping face and stared out the window at the darkened landscape. The bus rolled on interminably into the night. He must have dozed off from time to time but the trip seemed to take an eternity. Still, he had a mixed sense of relief and loss when he caught sight of a road sign picked out by the headlights and realized they were almost home. He nudged Robyn gently. He almost hated to wake her, she looked so peaceful, but he knew it had to end sometime. "Robyn," he whispered ever so quietly, trying not to startle her. Robyn stirred, still immersed in a pleasant dream. She snuggled up against the warm body she was cuddled with and smiled contentedly. Eventually she opened her eyes to discover she was using a strong male chest as a pillow. With a touch of embarrassment she noticed the damp circle where she must have drooled on him in her sleep. Hopefully Brad wouldn't complain about it as he had before. She raised her gaze a bit timidly, to gauge what kind of mood he was in. She was bemused when, instead of Brad's somewhat calculating leer, she met Jim's deep brown eyes looking down at her tenderly. "Jim?" she asked, completely dazed by this strange turn of events. What in the world had happened? Had she and Jim?? Strangely, the idea didn't disturb her like she thought it should have, but before she could contemplate the ramifications of *that* the bus lurched to a halt with a great whoosh of its air brakes and her memories came back into focus once more. "Come on, Robyn, time to wake up. We're here." * * * * * "Hey Mom, it's me," Jim called out as he held the front door and ushered Robyn inside. Once inside, he prowled from the archway into the dining room, over to the hallway leading back to the family room and back to the stairs leading up to the bedrooms, loudly announcing his presence to one and all. "Beth, Megan, Sara, Shanni, where is everybody? Mom? I'm home!" Robyn stayed back near the door and glanced around the living room. There were some changes since she'd last been in this house but it still gave the overall impression of a comfortable, loving home. It was something she'd always envied Jim for, and something she'd always been grateful to him for sharing with her. The times she'd spent in this house as a child were some of the happiest memories of her life. Then she heard pounding feet upstairs and a clattering from the kitchen out beyond the dining room. Then watched as a herd of happy females converged on Jim from several directions, hugging, kissing and shrieking greetings. "Jimmy! I'm so glad you're home!" Jim's mother's voice was thick with emotion as she clung to him. She had barely changed at all since Robyn had last seen her. Rita Harper had always been a neat, trim, and stylish woman. She was the kind of mother all the other kids admired. Bob had always been proud that Rita had assumed the role of proxy mother to him. Now she felt a lump in her throat as she wondered how Rita would receive a stranger into her home. Rita reluctantly pulled away from her son and just stood and drank in the sight of him. Her Jimmy looked thin, she thought; he probably wasn't eating properly. Well, she'd see he got some good home cooking over the holidays. She was so happy her only son was home for a bit. She worried about him constantly when he was away at college. He was so big and handsome and oh so smart! Her heart nearly burst with pride at how he seemed to be a mixture of his father's good traits along with some of her own, while missing the bad ones. But she despaired of him ever finding happiness. He needed a loving relationship, but he was so wrapped up in his studies that he never seemed to even notice that girls existed. She just hoped when he finally found someone that she was worthy of her wonderful son. After enduring his mother's tender embrace and maternal stare Jim stepped to the side and gestured for Robyn to come forward. "Mom, this is my friend, Robyn." A stunned silence fell upon Jim's mother and sisters. They all just stared at her like some exotic animal in a zoo. One of the twins nudged the other and whispered something but was quickly shushed by Beth. Everyone stood frozen as the awkward moment stretched out until finally Robyn visibly steeled her nerves, stepped forward, smiled and put her hand out. "It's so nice to meet you, Mrs. Harper." Robyn said brightly. She felt her heart thumping. She wanted more than anything to be taken in her arms and hugged just as Bob used to be hugged by her as a child. "Thank you for letting me stay with you and your family." Rita blinked. Jimmy had called to tell her he was bringing a friend home with him. She'd been prepared for one of his computer buddies, like Bobby Wilson who'd been Jimmy's friend since they were little. But instead of a badly dressed, pasty skinned engineering student - a *male* engineering student -- she was presented with this elfin woman-child. Rita swallowed and forced a tentative smile as she scanned the girl from top to bottom. She wasn't any bigger than a minute, Rita thought, and she was almost impossibly *cute*. She was dressed in jeans, red cowboy boots, and a periwinkle chenille sweater that clung to her curves and bulged impressively up top, making the simple outfit extremely sexy. Not your everyday girl next door image; more like Playboy's girls of winter. And the girl seemed excessively nervous so Rita automatically assumed she was hiding something. The inevitable conclusion was that she and her Jimmy were sleeping together. The moment stretched out; Robyn's hand still extended in greeting although her smile began to waver. She struggled to remain calm. This was the woman who'd soothed her hurt feelings when she was a little boy teased by all the other kids. The mother she'd never had. And now she was looking at her as if she were something nasty she'd discovered on the bottom of her shoe. Robyn wished she were ten again and could cry in Rita's arms, but that wasn't possible. Far from a comforting embrace, Rita's cold appraising look sent a knife into her heart. Despite her wish only moments earlier that Jimmy find a girl, Rita felt a sudden and intense maternal reaction that this little sexpot wasn't good enough for her son. She wasn't the type Rita'd always imagined for Jimmy and she felt a deep sense of foreboding. A girl with those looks was trouble. Rita knew her type; she could take her pick of dozens of men. A classic man-eater. And her poor Jimmy had no idea. It would be so easy, and so human, to hate this person - she'd surely steal her son away and eventually break his heart. But Rita finally remembered her manners and she consciously clamped down on her fears and took the girl's outstretched hand. "Oh you're more than welcome, hon," Rita said, hoping her sweet tone didn't sound overly false. She flashed a searching look at her son. "Jimmy didn't say he was bringing home a *girl*friend," with one eyebrow raised inquisitively. Robyn blushed and tried to think of something to say. "Mom!" Jim protested. "Robyn is just a friend. That's it, nothing more." Rita alternately studied her son and then Robyn. Their faces told the true story. No matter how much he might deny it, Jim cared for this girl much more than as a friend. He was already very much in love with her. And Robyn seemed to care for him as well, but appeared conflicted. There was a strong emotional current running just beneath the surface between these two. In spite of her first impression Rita realized her son's happiness was tied to this girl and she resolved to do all she could to make her son happy. "Of course not!" Rita's frozen smile melted into a genuine welcome. She gently pulled Robyn into her arms for a warm hug. "It's so nice to meet you, Robyn. Welcome to our home." Robyn couldn't stop the tears that welled in her eyes as she was enfolded in Rita's loving arms. When Rita pulled away she saw the emotion on the young girl's face. "What's wrong, child?" she asked. "Oh?" Robyn's chin quivered and her stomach clenched. "I? I?" she couldn't explain her tears even to herself. The concern written plain on Rita's face broke through the last of her barriers and all the confused feelings just spilled out. "It? it's? just been so long?" she all but wailed. "Aw, honey." Rita took her back in her arms again. "There, there. Shhh. It's going to be all right," she crooned comfortingly into the wounded girl's ear while looking askance at Jim. Something was deeply troubling this tiny woman her son had become involved with and her maternal instincts sought a way to ease her pain. Robyn sniffled like a little girl. The warm motherly embrace was helping her regain some of her composure. She drew a ragged breath and felt better. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, embarrassed at her outburst. "What you must think of me!" She briefly looked up with watery eyes then bit her lip and murmured very low and wistfully, "It's just been so, so long since you've held me like this?" "Since I've held you?" Rita's gaze locked on her son. What was going on here? Was the girl somehow mentally unbalanced? Jim moved forward and patted Robyn on her back. Apparently she hadn't realized how close she'd come to letting the cat out of the bag. His brain was working furiously. How could they explain this without revealing too much of the completely unbelievable truth? "She means it's been so long since her own Mom held her," he said quickly. "Robyn's mother died when she was very young. She's been feeling depressed with the holidays and all. She doesn't have any family so I invited her home with us. And, well, I guess you just seem like her own Mom." There, that was actually the truth, Jim thought, which would help them keep their story straight. "Oh you poor thing!" Rita clucked in sympathy. "The holidays must be awfully lonely with no family," she touched Robyn's cheek and locked eyes with her. "You just make yourself at home, honey. We've always felt Jimmy's friends were just like family. Isn't that right girls?" Right on cue Jim's sisters came forward and gave Robyn hugs. She felt overwhelmed with all the good spirits. Getting friendly contact with these girls felt almost surreal to Robyn. They'd never treated Bob like this. They used to have a sort of good natured competitive relationship. Beth always treated Bob and Jim like icky geeky younger brothers who were mostly annoyances. Megan was closest to them in age and they had an unspoken agreement to cover for each other from Jim's parents and Bob's father. She shared gossip about mutual acquaintances at school but she'd always been more involved with her own friends. And the twins, Shannen and Sara, were usually underfoot. Always wanting to join in with their older brother and his friend but always pushed off as too young. Robyn's thoughts flashed to past Christmas holidays spent with her father and step mother. He'd always felt like an outsider invading his father's new family and his father made no effort to change that feeling. The last happy Christmas he could remember was spent right here in this house with Jim and his family. Now she had come full circle and it felt like coming home again. * * * * * "Oh look at this!" Megan exclaimed, as she held up a midnight blue cocktail dress. "Isn't it gorgeous?" Robyn glanced over where Megan stood holding the dress out at arms' length. "Oh that's you, Meg! You should try it on." "You think so?" Megan's expression became thoughtful as she considered the dress. "I was actually thinking it would look good on you, Robyn. But? maybe I will try it on; I've been looking for something to wear to the Christmas party." She smiled, showing dimples. "Absolutely! Let's go try this stuff on," Robyn had several items slung across one arm. She steered Megan towards the dressing room. Robyn was really glad Megan had asked her to go Christmas shopping. She'd known Jim's sister most of her life but she was getting to know the real Meg for the first time. They were less than a year and a half apart in age and Robyn was discovering they had a lot in common. Bob had always been awkward and tongue-tied around Megan but Robyn was finding it very easy to talk with her and quite natural to bond with her. With unself-conscious ease Robyn walked into the dressing rooms chattering with Megan all the while. It never even occurred to her that less than a month before she would have died before entering the women's dressing rooms. She was too focused on talking about the latest fashions, particularly how Megan's college roommate had such a cool sense of style that Meg wished she could adopt for herself. "She reminds me of you, Robyn," Megan said. "Not that you wear the exact same outfits but both of you have the confidence to wear the wildest, hottest clothes. I really admire that." "Why thank you, Meg," Robyn smiled proudly. She was still creating her own personal style and had learned much from Cathy, Donna and her other friends. Being with them had almost seemed like a crash course in fashion. The outfit she was wearing today was something she'd selected for herself and they'd all approved. Maybe it was her years as Bob fantasizing and staring at girls from afar that helped her develop her own style in only a few weeks. That and the fact that girls were so supportive when trying on clothes together - she couldn't imagine a group of men critiquing each other on how a shirt looked on them. Whatever the reason, she was quite proud of how she was learning to combine separates into a trendy and sexy ensemble. "So enough about my style, let's see some of yours, Meg," Robyn shooed Megan into one of the stalls while she took one beside it to try on her own selections. A few moments later the two women were critically assessing themselves in the three-way mirrors. "I don't know?" Megan said doubtfully, looking at her image in the mirror. "It's? very revealing. What do you think, Robyn?" Robyn stepped away from her own reflection and stood behind Megan. The dress came to mid-thigh and was a deep midnight blue with tiny silvery sparkles. It was cut very low in back, revealing everything down to just above the gentle swell of Megan's buttocks. Her friend's back was bare except for tiny straps that crisscrossed like shoelaces making the fabric of the dress in front cling to her like a second skin. It was a departure from Megan's normal comfortably baggy clothes. She was always so wrapped up in her studies she never took time to worry about her appearance. Robyn had worn similarly sexy clothing and knew how it could make you feel vulnerable but it was also a rush to attract male attention. Sure the dress was daring but Megan certainly had the body to pull it off, she just needed more confidence. It didn't occur to her that those thoughts were purely female. "It's perfect for you, Megan," Robyn said with a smile. She pulled her friend's shoulders back and gathered her dark brown hair up on top of her head. "You'll absolutely knock them dead, girl." "You think?" Megan asked, turning slightly to see her backside in the mirror. Her expression was thoughtful as she searched for imperfections. "I know," Robyn said with finality. "With a pair of strappy sandals, some silver jewelry, and a whole lot of attitude you'll be the hit of the evening." Megan studied herself a moment longer and her expression slowly turned impish. "I'll do it. Let them all see a new side to old bookworm Megan!" "Hallelujah! Sister Meg has seen the light," Robyn teased as she gave Megan a hug. "Can I get an Amen?" "Amen sister Robbi!" Megan joked back. "I can hardly wait to see everyone's faces." "I'm sure you'll make all the girls envious and all the guys? well, you know what all the guys will be thinking." Robyn grinned devilishly and rolled her eyes. "You're gonna have to tell me all about it." Megan's eyes widened. "Oh no, sister Robbi is coming along or else sister Meg's going to chicken out. I need you for moral support." "But, I'm not invited." "Oh it's not like it's a formal thing," Meg said, waving her hand dismissively. "It's just a bunch of friends from high school. We get together at Christmas break to keep in touch and it's like a tradition now. We go to a nice restaurant that has dancing in the lounge and everybody dresses up. We all have a great time. And if you're worried you won't know anybody, I'll make Jimmy come along too, then you'll know two people there." "Well, I suppose?" "Oh we'll have fun, I promise," Megan said. She grinned and turned Robyn to face the mirror. "Besides, we'll be the hottest girls there - you said so yourself." "Okay." Robyn dimpled and gave Meg a high five. "I'm in." "Great! Now let's go look at some shoes," Megan answered. * * * * * "Okay girls, is everyone ready?" Rita asked. She settled down on the sofa with a fresh cup of coffee. The living room could have been straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting with its gloriously decorated tree, stockings hung from the mantelpiece and piles of gaily wrapped presents. Rita felt a brief pang as she glanced at the empty armchair where Steven always sat in Christmases past. Jim noticed his mother's face as he walked out from the kitchen carrying two cups of coffee. He knew his Mom missed his father -- they all did -- but he reminded himself that the man didn't deserve their devotion. His father had given up his family for a younger woman and cruelly wounded his mother. Jim resolved every day that he would never treat a loving woman the way Steven Harper had done his mother. Jim set coffee down on the end table nearest Robyn with a smile and continued on toward his father's armchair. Slowly and deliberately he settled into the armchair as if to say forget that loser, I'm the man of the house now. "Girls? Hey, what about me?" he asked teasingly to lift his mother's spirits. Rita noted the thoughtful gesture of bringing Robyn coffee - she'd bet anything that her son knew exactly how she liked it too. She felt pride that he was so considerate; hopefully the father's flaws hadn't passed on to the son. Her face cleared and she smiled. "You? You've been ready since the day you were born, Mister. Jimmy I think growing up with a houseful of sisters has spoiled you." "Oh please, Mom!" Beth interjected. "Spoiled isn't the half of it." "Spoiled? Me?" Jim teased back. "Robyn, I swear they work me to death. It's been all I could manage to keep this gaggle of females alive long enough to grow up. Somebody's got to deal with the stuff too yucky for their delicate sensibilities. Like killing bugs, taking out the trash, and mowing the lawn. And do I complain? Never! Not even when I put up with the longest lines for a bathroom in the history of mankind." Megan rolled her eyes and shot Robyn a commiserating look. "Don't let him fool you. He's been the little prince his whole life!" She got up and skipped over behind Jim's chair and rubbed her knuckles in his hair. When he turned a mock outraged face up to her she laughed and said, "And speaking for all of us, we wouldn't have it any other way, bro." She planted an affectionate kiss on top of his rumpled head before returning to her chair. "Now that the preliminaries are over, why don't we start opening our presents?" Rita said. All regrets over Steven's absence were completely forgotten. It was his loss if he chose to turn his back on this wonderful family. She looked at the twins seated on the floor in front of the tree and said, "Girls, do you want to do the honors?" It had always been their tradition that the youngest distributed the gifts to everyone. Sara and Shannen immediately began sorting the presents and stacking them within reach of their recipients. This was always a happy time, filled with excited chatter and good-natured teasing as everyone tried to guess what was inside. Robyn was a bit taken aback by the pile of presents that were stacked in front of her. She'd always been treated like a member of the family in the past but that was as Jim's oldest friend, Bob. The way Jim's family opened their hearts and home to her made her realize anew just how special they were. She was glowing in the warmth of the moment when Rita told everybody to pick out a present to open. "Okay, one-two-three-go!" the twins sang out in unison and everyone began opening their gifts. * * * * * Finally all the presents were opened and everyone was in a happy mood. Robyn had several very nice gifts from Jim's Mom and sisters. Rita was directing the cleanup effort when Jim pulled Robyn off to the side. He took the trash bag out of her hands and held out a small box wrapped in bright red paper. "You missed one, Robyn." "Oh?" Robyn took the box from Jim and glanced at the card: To Robyn from Jim. She smiled and said, "Jim! The gloves you gave me are beautiful, not to mention bringing me home to your family. You shouldn't have gotten me anything else." Jim smiled shyly and murmured, "I want you to have this. Open it." Robyn carefully tore the wrapping off and opened the box. Inside was a lovely enameled butterfly pendant in richly iridescent purples, pinks and greens. It was utterly feminine, not at all like the latest video games they'd always exchanged in the past - and what she had given him this year. Robyn gasped, gently lifting the pendant out by its delicate gold chain. "Jim, it's beautiful! But? for me?" "Yes, for you. Especially for you," Jim was blushing. He actually felt himself trembling with the emotional charge of the moment. He looked deep into Robyn's eyes and said very low, "For Robyn." He dropped his voice to a whisper so only she could hear, "Not Bob. He was a caterpillar. Now you're a gorgeous butterfly, wonderfully free and fragile, floating on the breeze. This is so for you." Robyn felt herself tearing up. Frustrated, she brushed her eyes with the heels of her hands and sniffed. She looked into his face and felt a flutter deep inside her. He was really good looking, she realized, surprising herself with the thought. And he was so thoughtful and considerate and such a good friend. She dropped her gaze, feeling suddenly very uncertain of everything. Maybe Jim was coming to terms with her change? Maybe? "I? I don't know what to say," she stammered. "That's the sweetest thing anybody's ever said to me. Thank you, Jim." "Here, let me put it on," Jim said, stepping very close and taking the chain from her. Robyn reached up and back to hold her hair out of the way while Jim leaned over her shoulder and clasped the chain around her neck. She shivered when she felt his chest brush against the tips of her breasts. He let the chain rest on her neck but remained very close, their bodies ever so slightly touching, drinking in her scent. Noticing the shy way she lowered her eyes and the flush rising in her cheeks. He gently ran his hands down from her shoulders to rest ever so lightly under her elbows. He swallowed nervously, fearing he was about to make a total mess of things but he couldn't resist any longer. The moment was right. Robyn's eyes flicked up, she felt the pendant resting against her breasts. Her heart was beating faster as his face came closer. Jim's hands on her arms sent shivers down her spine. She felt like she was in a trance, unable to move yet sensing every least touch more intensely than ever before. Her lips parted of their own accord. She could swear she heard music. "Whose phone is that?" Rita called from the kitchen. "Shit!" Jim swore vehemently and turned away. Robyn was left standing alone and confused. What had just happened? Then she recognized the music. Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' was blaring out from her cell phone. It was the ring tone Robyn had assigned to Brad. * * * * * To be Continued?