Jessica's Story - Part 17 free porn video

Jessica's Story - Part 17 The whole family were on their way to a shopping centre on the outskirts for an evening out, with a few things to do. With Julia and Kelly going along too, both cars were required. Sandra went along with Kelly in Julia's car while Jessica and Edward went along in Anne's car, with Helen in the passenger seat. There were a small number of these shopping centres in the region, all situated outside the main towns and cities. All had late opening hours and practically every shop required. Upon arriving, they went to find neighbouring parking spaces. After doing so, they went round the shops together. Anne was soon asking Julia for a personal piece of information. It did mean giving away her plan for the night. "Julia, how big is your ring finger?" she asked. "You're not thinking of getting me a ring, are you?" replied Julia. "I want to make this formal," said Anne. Julia thought for a moment and then relented. "Whatever you decide on, don't go overboard on price." "I won't. I just want a ring that reflects your beauty," said Anne. With the ring size now known, Anne went off to find a jewellers store. Julia stayed around with the children and while they waited for Anne, they went off to find a toy store. Upon finding a toy store, Helen took Edward to look at the boys toys, while Julia looked at the dolls with the girls. For Kelly, she went to look for the baby doll that both Jessica and Sandra had. They, on the other hand, were looking at the dolls which were designed to look like toddlers. They were especially interested in the dolls with long hair that could be styled. "You don't need a doll with hair to style," said Julia. "Not when you have each others hair to style." "But having a doll like that will help us practice," said Sandra. "What about clothes?" asked Julia. "Emily would like some new clothes." Jessica took Julia's advice and went to see if there were clothes available. They had to be compatible with her doll of course. But it was a case of just looking. They all came out of the store empty handed, something that they didn't like. "Ok, we'll just go and find Anne now," said Julia. "I hope she's finished what she was doing?" Sticking together, they went round looking for Anne. It was awkward as they passed a few shops with items that drew the childrens' attention. But eventually, they found her. "Anne! Over here," called Julia. Anne heard and noticed her and came over. "Ok, we're back together. Shall we go and have something to eat?" she asked. She had already decided on the place: a family restaurant. They walked a short distance to get there and upon arriving, were directed to a large enough table. There they were given a few minutes by the waitress to select their drinks and meals from the menu. The waitress was back a few minutes later to receive the drinks order. As soon as she left, they concentrated more on the meals. "Ok, don't take too long choosing what you want," said Anne to the children. There were a couple of childrens menus on the table. The girls looked at one while Anne helped Edward read the other. Anne was wondering what might happen when they were older, for Sandra's disliking for peas could prove awkward: most of the adult meals had peas as the vegetable side. Only the breakfast menu provided beans for adults. But for now, it wasn't a problem, as the child menu offered a choice of the two. By the time the waitress arrived with the drinks, the children were still deciding. The waitress didn't seem to mind, as it appeared that this was a common situation. She waited patiently as the children finally chose their meals. When the waitress had left with the meal orders, Anne turned to Julia, who was sat next to her, and reached into her handbag. "I know I asked you this back in January, but this time, it is going to be formal," said Anne. Helen and the children watched as Anne took the ring box and opened it. "Julia, do you still want to marry me?" asked Anne. "Of course I do," smiled Julia. She held out her left hand as Anne placed the solitaire ring on her third finger. They then kissed. Jessica felt a nudge in her side. She turned to Kelly, who was next to her. "What was that for?" she asked. "Get used to it silly," said Kelly. "I have." Jessica had winced at the sight of the two women kissing. "And your only kiss was with another girl," added Sandra. Jessica fell silent. She had to admit that her disliking of people kissing was getting a bit silly now. They were all caught out by a sudden flash. They looked and saw Helen holding a camera. She had just took a picture of Anne and Julia holding hands, with Julia's ring clearly on show. Helen put the camera backin her handbag. The sight of the camera did remind Anne of something. "Oh, the photos from the party!" she said. "I'll have to take them into town tomorrow to get them done." "So, have you decided on a date?" asked Helen. "Not yet," said Anne. "But Sally suggested we do it on the same day as she and Carol." "Might be a good idea," said Helen. "Save on time too." "She has planned to have hers sometime in August, when the children are away from school. It will allow John and his family time to get here," said Anne. "And I know that Emma and Michelle will want to be bridesmaids for that." "What about you three?" asked Julia. "You each get to wear a pretty dress." Sandra had a slight idea of what a bridesmaid looked like, but Jessica and Kelly were not sure. But the chance to wear a pretty dress was something they couldn't refuse. "And another thing," said Anne. "We were planning on going to the same place for our holiday as your Uncle John and his family." "Wow!" said Sandra and Jessica together. "What about us mommy?" asked Kelly. "We'll be going too," said Julia. "We are going to be part of the family soon." "If you want to call me mommy, then you can," said Anne. Kelly couldn't hide her delight. She was about to ask where they were going when the first of their meals arrived. * * * During their meals, they discussed possible destinations for their holiday in August. After having a pudding after their meals, they went on to their next port of call: a furniture shop. "Well, I hope you enjoyed your dinners children, because that was a special treat to celebrate us getting together," said Anne. "You or us?" asked Sandra. "All of us," said Anne. "After all, Kelly is going to become your sister." Kelly looked at Sandra and smiled. They were soon heading to the larger stores that were outside the shopping centre, but on the same site. They soon found the furniture store that they were looking for. The reason was to find a bunk bed for the girls' room, which would replace one of the single beds that were in there now. There were a number of bunk beds on sale, with some being simply two beds that stacked together and others that were an all in one assembly. Some also had storage space included. It was the latter that impressed the girls most, as the solid panels that made up the bed frame could be used as extra walls. "We could decorate the sides," said Jessica. "You could do," said Anne. "If you think that the all white is too boring." Some beds did have decorated panels, with designs aimed at both girls and boys. But the decision was made: a plain white one which they could decorate with pictures and stickers. "You're buying it now?" asked Sandra. "I am," said Anne. "But I'm having it delivered." The bed came with mattresses for both beds, but it didn't have quilts or pillows. The bed clothes from the one single bed could be used for the one bunk, which meant only one set of bed clothes were needed. By the time Anne had completed the purchase, it was time for them to head back home. It was still a school week and 3 girls needed to be in bed. As they needed to be home soon, they decided to say their goodbyes there and then. "I'll see you two tomorrow then," said Kelly. "Goodbye." "See you Kelly," said Jessica, giving her a hug. "It's going to be fun calling you sis." "Same here," smiled Kelly. There was only one way that Anne and Julia could say goodbye, and that was a with a hug and kiss. Jessica decided to avoid wincing at the sight this time. She had to admit that it wasn't too bad after all. "Come on then kids. Into the car with you," said Anne. They got in obediantly. They had certainly enjoyed eating out, and having a pudding too. When they arrived home, they were told to go and get washed before going to bed. Before going to sleep though, the girls talked about how the bunk bed would look in their room, and how they could decorate it. But they soon got a call from Anne. "Go to sleep girls." * * * The following day at school, Jessica and Kelly told Lisa and Rachel how they had been asked to be bridesmaids for their moms' wedding. "Can we be bridesmaids too?" asked Lisa. "I'll have to ask my mommy first," said Jessica. But apart from that, they talked about how Kelly was finally moving in with Jessica and Sandra over the holiday. "It's going to be a great place to be, your house," said Rachel. "Our room is going to be full of stuff," said Jessica. "It's going to be so much fun." At home, Julia had come over to help begin the moving in process. She had already brought several bag loads of clothes, both hers and Kelly's. She was spending more and more time at Anne's house now, and already, it felt like home to her. Her wish to find a long term lesbian relationship was finally reality, after one failed marriage and one failed affair. She picked up the children as usual and brought them all to the house. She stayed with them until Anne arrived home. Then she and Kelly made their way back to their rented property. For Anne, she had to make another journey as soon as she arrived home. She collected her camera and removed the memory card. It was a whistle stop trip to the chemist to get the photos from the birthday party processed. She would email copies to John later. Upon getting back home, she set about starting dinner for 3 hungry children. "Mommy, Emily wants some new clothes," said Jessica over dinner. "Does she now?" said Anne. "She'll be needing a wardrobe to put them in too, I imagine?" "Mommy, can I have a doll with long hair?" asked Joanne, getting in on the act. "Haven't you got enough dolls?" asked Anne. "I haven't got one with very long hair," she replied. "I suppose this is one of those dolls were styling the hair is one of the main features?" said Anne. "What about your own hair?" asked Helen. "You've got Jessica's hair, and Kelly's." "And these dolls don't have real hair," said Anne. "Your hair so much nicer to touch." Sandra was about to mention that Jessica's hair was still not long enough, but after Kelly and Rachel had told her off repeatedly for saying this, she thought otherwise. After dinner, Anne turned the subject to August. She had picked up some holiday brochures while taking the photos to the chemist. She wanted to see if there was anywhere that the children would be interested in going. The destinations had to be chosen so that John and his family wouldn't have to travel far either. This meant destinations in the south were definitely out of the equation. The following day (Thursday) required the girls to tidy up their room, as the bunk bed was being delivered the next day. This meant that the dolls house had to be closed up and all dolls and teddies were placed on the floor beside it for now. As if that wasn't enough, Anne spent the afternoon working out the money that could well be needed for a very busy summer. "I'll have to ask Sally about when exactly she is having her wedding. Having ours at the same time might be the best option, especially if we want to have a holiday as well," said Anne to Helen. "It depends on how many guests are going to attend," said Helen. "I have an idea that it will just be family. Just John's family, ours, and maybe a few of Sally's work collegues," said Anne. "As for the reception, we may just stick to something simple. Come back here for example." "Wait and see what Sally has to say," said Helen. "As for tomorrow, Julia is stopping here. You'll need some help bringing the bed in," said Anne. "I suppose it will need assembly?" asked Helen. "It will. But it shouldn't be too difficult," said Anne. "I wonder if Sally is any good at that sort of thing?" "You're not suggesting that you're not up to the job?" asked Helen. "I've never put together furniture before," said Anne. "But I'm not saying I can't manage." So, the following day, Julia did the usual school trip before coming back to the house to await the delivery of the bunk bed. It came around midday, with two men delivering the various boxes. The mattresses came rolled up and wrapped in air tight plastic wrapping. For now, the bunk bed could wait. Preparing the girl's room could be done however. Julia and Helen prepared the room by removing the bed clothes from the soon to be removed bed and various toys. They were all placed on Anne's bed for now. Even the dolls house was moved for precaution. So, when the girls came back from school that day, they found the room looking much emptier. Initial panic concerning the whereabouts of a dolls house and a number of dolls were put aside when they were shown to Anne's room. Anne arrived home later to see the various flat boxes leaning against the wall in the hallway. "It might be best if we did this tomorrow or Sunday," she said. "Oh, and we cleared up the room just so that we could put it together," said Julia. "We'll have more time tomorrow or Sunday," said Anne. "I suppose you're right," said Julia. Even so, Julia and Kelly stayed for dinner that evening. It also meant that everything was put back into the girls room for now. * * * Anne was at work once more Saturday, so the bunk bed would have to be done on Sunday. Julia once again came round to help look after the children; 3 of whom were keen on the contents of several large boxes. "The bed will be built tomorrow," said Julia. "You'll have to wait till then." Helen meanwhile decided to phone Sally, but got Carol instead. "Oh, it's you Carol," said Helen. "Is Sally in?" "She's at work," said Carol. "I'm holding the fort for now. Can I be of help?" "Sure. Anne is considering having her wedding on the same day as yours," said Helen. "You haven't fixed a date yet?" "Only that its in August so far," said Carol. "It's just that with a holiday still to be booked, Anne is looking to save on costs, and she was wondering what you were doing," said Helen. "Ok, I'll tell Sally. We can come round tomorrow and discuss things if you like?" said Carol. "That will be great. Thanks," said Helen. "Goodbye then." "Bye," said Carol. Anne was a little late coming back from work that afternoon, having decided to stop off at the chemist to pick up the photos. She had had some of the photos done more than once, so that Lisa and Rachel could have copies too. As soon as she got back home, she was just about to email photos to John when Helen called her. "What is it?" she asked. "I called Sally today, but got Carol instead. They'll be coming over tomorrow to sort something out about the weddings." "Oh that will be great," said Anne. "But we've got another problem: the cars. We need a bigger car to take us all to wherever we're going in August!" "Well, getting rid of the one car will help," said Julia, entering the conversation. "But you won't get much for either. Your car is old, as is mine," said Anne. "But mine is a 5 seater," said Julia. "So's mine," said Anne. "We'll need a 7 seater if we're all to go out together." "But you need one for work," said Julia. "I can go by bus," said Anne. "So you suggest us just have the one car?" asked Julia. "Maybe," said Anne. "But I need to get these photos sent to John. It's been a fortnight since the party." Anne went upstairs and turned on the computer that resided in Helen's room. She also kept her camera nearby as it could be connected to the computer. She put the memory card back into it and then hooked it up to the computer. Sally had shown her a few tricks of late, and she now felt more confident sending photos over the internet. She uploaded the photos first and then named them, before attaching them to an email to John. She decided to write the names of the children in them too (of those that John didn't know.). She also asked in the email how things were up in Newcastle and whether Liz was ok with her pregnancy, which was close to the finish line. She also put down the list of places that they had shortlisted for holiday destinations, plus the names of the brochures she had picked up, just so that they could get copies themselves. "That's done," she said to herself. "He must be wondering why it has taken so long." She then switched off the computer and went downstairs to sort out dinner. That night, when Julia and Kelly had gone home, and the children had gone to bed, Anne had a word with Helen. "This year is going to cost so much!" she sighed. "Weddings, holidays, new car! Where are we going to find money like that?" "You still have money from the sale of my house, don't you?" asked Helen. "Yes, but I arranged for so much to be put aside for the children. They can't touch it till they're 18." "But you still have some to yourself?" asked Helen. "Sure, but I'm not eager to go mad spending it," replied Anne. "You have a job, with decent money now," said Helen. "And as for cars, sell the ones you have and buy just the one." "But will we have enough?" asked Anne. "Be patient. Sally will be here tomorrow and she may have some ideas," said Helen. "Yes, you're right," said Anne. "I need some sleep. I'm off to bed. Goodnight." "Goodnight," said Helen. * * * Sunday was going to be a busy day, with the assembly of the bunk bed and wedding planning. It helped that Julia and Kelly arrived early that morning. They were soon helping to move toys and a bed from the girls room. It helped that the bed could be taken apart. As a result, removing it from the room was easy. "So, you've got Sally coming over to discuss weddings?" asked Julia as they finished taking apart the bed frame. "Yes, I'm hoping she turns up soon," said Anne. "There's a lot to discuss." The frame was three parts: the head and rear legs, the main frame and the foot with front legs. Anne was just bringing the head downstairs when Helen rushed to the door to let Carol and Sally in. "Ah, you're here," said Anne. "Don't mind me. Got some bedroom enhancements to make." "Like this thing?" said Sally, pointing to one of the bunk bed boxes. "It's a bunk bed," said Anne. "With Julia and her daughter moving in, we're replacing one of the single beds with a bunk bed." "Need a hand?" asked Carol. "I'm not bad with furniture." "Later on perhaps," said Anne. Even so, Carol gave them a hand in bringing the bed frame downstairs. With the bed now downstairs (including the mattress.), they went into the living room to talk about weddings. "So, what's the problem?" asked Sally. "Problems more like," said Anne. "So much in expenses, so little time." "Weddings don't have to be overboard," said Carol. "We're not expecting many guests. My family won't be attending, seeing how they love gays." "It's not just the wedding," said Anne. "We're planning on going away in August and we just don't have a big enough car." "How many are there in your family?" asked Carol. "Well, there's us," said Anne, referring to herself and Julia. "Then there is Helen and 4 children. 7 in total." "So an MPV is what you're looking at," said Carol. "So, planning on selling a car?" "Selling both," said Anne. "I can take the bus to work, while Julia uses the car for the school run." "Ok, but with two cars, that should give you a good amount towards the new one," said Sally. "And another thing, we were wondering about having our wedding alongside yours," said Anne. "We were wondering that too," said Sally. "Of course it would be cheaper than two separate weddings, but it would be easier for John too. I don't think he fancies coming down here twice from Newcastle. Petrol is already over taxed as it is." "To be fair, that would be the best option," said Carol. "We just need to decide the precise date." She took a pocket diary from her handbag and opened it at August. "We were looking at the end of August, but if you've got something planned?" said Sally. "No, not yet," said Anne. "We haven't decided our holiday yet. Got to hear from John yet." "Of course, you're planning on rendezvousing with John," said Sally. "So, you need to work out dates for that first." "If we have our holiday at the end of August, and the weddings at the beginning, we could call our holiday a honeymoon of sorts," said Julia. "That would be an idea," said Carol. "Though Sally and I are still undecided on that subject." "But you do want a honeymoon?" asked Anne. "Oh of course, been desperate to soak up some sun on the beach," said Sally. "Got a bikini?" asked Anne with a smile. "Need to get one," said Sally. "She certainly has the body for one," said Carol. "If anyone was told she was transgendered, they'd laugh at you. She is one hot woman." The talk was just about to move on when Kelly and Jessica came in. "Are you going to do our bed yet?" asked Kelly. "Hi Aunt Sally, hi Aunt Carol," said Jessica. "Hi girls," said Sally. "I think we need to get a bed assembled," said Anne. "You can help if you wish?" "Sure, I said I would," said Carol. So, as Anne and Carol went to take care of the bunk bed, Julia and Sally went to the kitchen, where Helen was starting on the dinner. "Sorted the weddings out?" she asked. "Not yet mom, but we've basically agreed to a joint wedding," said Sally. "You need any help?" "Not at the moment," said Helen. "Stopping for dinner?" "You offering?" asked Sally. "We've got enough, so if you and Carol are willing," said Helen. "Ok, we'll stay," said Sally. "We could do with some help with the boxes please!" called Anne. "Not needed in the kitchen, but needed elsewhere," smiled Julia. "Yes, lets give them a hand," said Sally. With their room out of bounds to them, the girls were forced to take their games to Anne's room where their toys had been put. * * * The girls looked on as the boxes were carried into their room. Some were left outside the room though, perhaps to ensure that Anne and Carol had some room to work. "Here's the instructions," said Anne, passing the paper over to Carol. Carol went over the checklist like a pro. She then read the instructions over until she was satisfied. "Ok, seems simple enough," she said. "No glue, just the screws and the allen key. Carol appeared to be quite the DIY queen, and Anne was grateful for her help. Sally and Julia had meanwhile gone to look after the children. To keep them all entertained, Sally decided to read a few books, ones that even appealed to Edward. Even so, as the day wore on, they were wondering how the bunk bed was coming along. They continued to hear Anne and Carol chatting away as went about the assembly. "Anne! John is on the phone for you!" called Helen from downstairs. "I thought I heard the phone ring," said Sally, who was half way through Matilda. "Coming!" said Anne. Sally continued to read to the children while Julia had gone downstairs to help with the dinner. Anne was on the phone for a few minutes. Sally guessed that she was talking about the wedding plans. She would soon get to know exactly what when Anne came into the room a short while later. "Sally, John wants a word with you," she said. "Ok, I'll speak to him," said Sally. "Just a moment kids. I'll be back to finish the book." When Sally left to speak to John, Anne decided to see how the children were. "Who's John?" asked Kelly. "John is an uncle of Jessica, Sandra and Edward," said Anne. "He is also Emma and Michelle's dad." "Have you finished the bed yet?" asked Jessica. "Not yet," said Anne. "I suppose I'd better go back and continue." The girls were left to wait for Sally to finish on the phone. But Sally didn't come back straight away. She went to the room where Carol and Anne were continuing the assembly bed. "John is ok with the idea of the weddings being in August," said Sally. "Yes, I know," said Anne. "We just need to determine when in August." "Make it the second Saturday in the month," said Sally. "To be fair, a Saturday is better." "Ok, we'll look in the diary again," said Carol. "We could always get them booked up this week," said Sally. "Sure," said Carol. "I could go to the register office any time." "Yes, one date, two civil ceremonies," said Sally. "Couldn't you legally marry due to your birth sex?" asked Anne. "No. I'm officially recognised as a woman now," said Sally. "I made sure to do it too, though it only went through 2 years after my surgery." "I've heard about it," said Carol. "Sally is now legally a woman. Took a while for the government to approve the bill though." "And besides, if I was ever to marry, I always wanted an F in the sex column," said Sally. "Ok. We're close to getting this done," said Anne. "You don't mind holding up the top bunk while we put the screws in place?" "Not at all," said Sally. As soon as that was done, Sally went back to find some children getting impatient. "Where was I?" she asked. "Trunchbull has a newt on her face," said Kelly. "Ok," said Sally finding the page. * * * Sally had just about finished the book when Helen announced that dinner was ready. They all gathered in the kitchen to eat. The girls only had one question on their mind. "Is the bed ready yet?!" groaned Kelly. "Just got the mattresses to put on," said Anne. "But we need another duvet and pillow for the top bunk." "I think I can solve that," said Julia. "And if a certain girl eats all her dinner, she might be able to spend tonight here instead." Kelly's face lit up at that. "So, we want the second Saturday in August?" said Carol. She was looking at her pocket diary again. "Yes," said Sally. "Now what about your holiday?" "What about the Saturday after?" asked Anne. "Give us a week to get over the wedding." "I don't mind," said Helen. "Where are we going?" "Scarborough by the sounds of things," said Anne. "John's family are decided." After finishing dinner, Anne decided to phone John back and tell him about the dates. "Hi John. Not disturbing you?" "No, just finished dinner," said John. "Same here," said Anne. "We've got the dates for the wedding and the holiday." "Ok, let's have them," said John. "Saturday 2nd August for the weddings and 9th - 16th August for the holiday," said Anne. "Haven't chosen a hotel yet." "Don't worry about that. The dates are the main thing at the moment," said John. "Done that bed yet?" "Nearly," said Anne. "And in case I haven't asked, can Emma and Michael be bridesmaids?" "You have. They are very keen too" said John. "Bye then." "Bye," said Anne. Julia was soon off home to fetch a duvet and pillow. Anne went with her. "Can we see the bed yet?" asked the girls. "Not yet," said Carol. "Just need to do a few more things." "You can watch a DVD for now," said Helen. "And don't forget your brother, as he gets left out most times." "Maybe he wants to be a girl," said Kelly. "Then he can play with us." "He is a boy," said Helen. "He's happy with his trains." "Shame. He'd look nice with long hair," added Kelly. "You can't force him to be a girl," said Sally. "Would you like me forcing you to be a boy?" "No," said Kelly. "Well then," said Sally. "Edward is happy as a boy." So, they sat in the living room and watched a DVD. They were about two thirds of the way through it when Anne and Julia came back with Kelly's duvet and pillow. "You got my bed stuff!" she smiled. "I can sleep here!" "You can watch the rest of this first," said Sally, who had noticed that the girls had become distracted once more. Anne and Julia had taken the items upstairs and put them on the bunk bed. With that deemed finished, they went and fetched all the other items that were in Anne's room for the time being. They went downstairs to tell the girls, only to find that the film they were watching wasn't quite finished. The girls patience, already thin, was now at breaking point. "Don't worry. The bed isn't going to run away," said Anne. "Now, the film is nearly finished." Still, it couldn't finish soon enough. Anne and Julia then led the girls to their room. Once inside, they fell silent with awe. "Well Kelly, welcome to your new room," said Anne. "And I think it safe to say that you're living here now." "Does that mean she is our sister now?" asked Sandra. "Not officially, but if you want to call her your sister now, you can," said Anne. "Is that ok Julia?" "Fine by me," said Julia. The only thing that was left to do, was to test the bed. Kelly was instructed to take her shoes off and climb into the top bunk. She climbed the ladder with ease. "Don't jump around too much," said Anne. "Ok mommy," said Kelly. "But it is high up here." "Alright. Come down now," said Anne. "So, Sandra has the single bed by the window. Jessica has the bottom bunk and Kelly has the top bunk." Kelly found it a little harder to get down, as she needed to find the ladder with her feet. Anne and Julia were sure she would get the hang of that quite soon. "To think, Sandra had this room all to herself until a year ago. Now she has two sisters to share it with," said Anne. * * * With this, it appeared that the move in was almost complete. But it wasn't quite. Julia had a number of things which she still needed to fetch from her house. Kelly's dolls house was one of the items. There were items that she no longer wanted. She intended to sell those items if possible. Some items were best left with the house though. Carol and Sally decided to stop a while longer, hoping to discuss the weddings some more. "So, civil partners, that's what they'll call us," said Anne. "Can't we just say wife and wife?" "You can," said Carol. "It's just the legal crap that calls us civil partners. I've known people get married in such ceremonies. I've actually been to one." "So, are they like weddings?" asked Anne. "Very much, but just no religion thrown in. You know how the church is anti-gay," replied Carol. "But it means I can wear a wedding dress," said Sally. "I might stick to a skirt suit," said Anne. "Same here," said Julia. "Since we are divorcees." "Ok, so the date is decided," said Helen. "What about guests?" The women looked among themselves. Sally broke the silence. "I'm inviting the staff from my store. They have been really good friends to me," she said. "I've got no one really close," said Carol. "You're my family now." "So, apart from Sally's work collegues, it's a family affair," said Anne. "Ok, so I take it we'll have 5 bridesmaids. But what about the boys? James and Edward," said Helen. She was taking notes. "I'm not sure," said Sally. "You know James is a boy's boy. Dressing up smart for him is photo day at school." "But as a pageboy?" asked Helen. "Don't count on it," said Sally. "He's likely to refuse, though he'll attend the wedding." "I think we should just stick to the 5 bridesmaids," said Julia. "And by the time we get to August, Michael will be Michelle," said Sally. "John is preparing to send him as a girl, to school in September." "Just like Jessica," said Anne. "Actually, he never gave me an update on Michael. How is he?" "His best friend has left school as feared," said Sally. This required a brief explanation to Carol. "Hope he copes," said Carol. "It can be tough alone." "He still has friends there, but they are girls," said Anne. "The problem is that the children segregate themselves by sex." "But if the teacher makes him sit with girls, there isn't a rule against that," said Helen. "But back to the main subject. Michael will be a bridesmaid along with his sister," said Sally. "Ok, what about a reception?" asked Helen. "If you want one?" "I can always get my night club to host it," said Carol. She got a negative response. "What's wrong with my place?" she asked. "It would be in the daytime, out of hours." "I don't know," said Sally. "But can you fix the hours?" "We may be celebrating into the evening," said Anne. "I guess you have a point," said Carol. "But it was just a suggestion." "I'm sure there are a number of pubs and hotels that have function rooms for hire," said Helen. "And it can be arranged nearer the date," said Julia. "To be honest, I think we've done as much as we can for now." With that, Carol and Sally decided to go home. The children said goodbye to them before they left. Julia decided to stop the night, seeing that Kelly was eager to spend her first night in the bunk bed. After a supper of jam sandwiches, the children were led upstairs to bed. Kelly discovered that one set of her pyjamas had been brought along with the duvet and pillow. Once they had all got into bed, Anne switched off the light and shut the door. "Goodnight girls," came Anne and Julia's voices. "Goodnight mommies," said three girls.