Living The Dream, Part 12 free porn video

Living the Dream, part 12 By; Malissa Madison Darla and Charlene, were officially made part of our family, with Daddy's adoption of Charlene, and Darla's official name change adding yet another layer of protection from her being discovered by anyone that might wish her harm. Over the next few days Rachel forgot about her past as she helped me in the kitchen preparing everything for Thanksgiving. "Mom, umm, why are we making so much extra?" she asked. I hugged her tightly, "You almost said it." I kissed her forehead. "We're making dinner to take to the people that live in the streets," Tiffany piped in. "Gramma D said so." "That's right Sweetie," I told her. "Rachel, why don't you want to call Mommy, Mommy?" asked Sherry. "Mommy makes me sound like a little girl," the young preteen answered. "Sherry Lynn," began Sophie. "If your sister doesn't want to call us Mommy she doesn't have to." "That's right Pumpkin, Mom or even Momma are perfectly fine," Donnie added as he came through the door into the kitchen. "Of course I have surprises for little girls who call me Daddy." "Daddy you bought us surprises?" echoed Tiffany, Sherry and even Becca. He handed them each a little box. "Don't open them yet I still have one more." He looked at Rachel, "Dad will do just fine, or even just a big hug." Instead she hugged him as she said, "Thank you Daddy." She was still a bit uncomfortable with the whole family thing. Of course having two parents that were just five years older and another that was only two years older kind of did that to a person. but she was getting better about it. The phone rang and Sophie went to answer it, a moment later she called out "Malissa, Miss Clara wants a word with you, and Rachel too." I took off my apron and handed it to Tiffany, "Keep an eye on the pies, sweetheart. Mommy has to talk to Miss Clara about your sister going to school." "Miss Clara, thank you for returning my call," I began. "Always a pleasure Dear, Karen said you had something important you wanted to ask me." "Actually I was hoping you might have a opening in the Seventh grade classes." "Seventh Grade? Malissa you're not making much sense. If it's for a Jennifer grant you know it has to go through Vincent and be approved by your sister." "No Ma'am it's for my Daughter Rachel," "Another Daughter? Really, and she's in seventh grade?" "Yes Ma'am. I'm still in the adoption process. But I really want her to go to school where she can be a girl, and learn to be a proper young lady." "Is she with you at the moment?" "Yes Ma'am, she's right here," I answered. "Then bring her over to the Hyatt at Three, I've been invited to your In Laws for dinner tomorrow," she said explaining her being in town. "Thank you Ma'am, we'll be there." I hung up. "What's going on Mom?" I looked at the clock, it was already Two Fifteen. "We are going to meet the Head Mistress of our school. It is a very exclusive Girls School. Damn I wish we had time to change." I grabbed my purse, "Come on we've barely got enough time to get there." "I can't go looking like this Momma, what will she think of me." I tilted my head and looked at her seriously, "Spoken like a true young lady, but look at me," I kissed her cheek. "This is the reason she only gave us this much time. She wants to see you as you are, not all spruced up to look presentable. Now grab your purse and lets go." I walked out of the room, "Sophie don't let the pies burn. Rachel and I are going to meet Miss Clara." Rachel started to get into the SUV, but I shook my head no. "We'll take Julie, faster and if it goes well you may wish to celebrate." I could tell she was nervous as we rode in the elevator, Stop fidgeting you're fine." "Momma I have flour on my skirt and blouse. And these shoes are almost flats." She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror as we stepped out of the elevator, "Oh my god look at my hair, it's a mess." I'd stopped walking and turned around, "So is mine, now do as I do." Pulling out the ponytail holder I regathered it and fastened it up high on the back of my head. When she was finished I turned and knocked on the door. "Ah Malissa, come on in please. Rachel, you look lovely," Miss Clara said. "Have a seat please." "Ma'am I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to change, Momma kind of sprang this on me at the last minute," Rachel apologized. "That's because I didn't give her much time. I'd rather see a pretty young girl as she naturally is than all dolled up to impress me." After the interview Rachel sat there worried, "Rachel Honey what has you worried?" "Going to school where it's all girls, living in a Dorm room. I mean what if they find out?" "Rachel, your roommates will know as will all the rest of your class. But that's the great thing, they will accept you as long as you accept yourself." Miss Clara told her, "Besides you'll all be wearing the same school uniform." On the way home I asked her, "What would you like to do first? Get your school uniforms or go out and drive Julie at the Quarry?" "D, drive Julie? Really you'd let me drive your car?" "Yes, or we can just go home and shop for school clothes after the holiday." She made a face, "If we go shopping now can I still drive before we go home?" "Yes, you may," I smiled. "And thank you for letting me take you shopping." She giggled, "I love shopping, especially if I don't have to worry about not having any money." We parked just outside the J C Penny entrance, as it would be where the majority of her school uniform items came from. We took our time and got things fitted to make sure she wouldn't need any alterations later. She was absolutely thrilled to be wearing a school uniform. "Can I wear this one out of the store, please?" she asked. Smiling I said, "Yes you may. But we'll need to get you some knee socks, and a jacket." We carried everything out to the car then returned to find the rest of the items she would need. Bra's, panties, shoes, hair accessories, etc. As we walked toward a little jewelry shop she stopped dead in her tracks. I reached out to ask what was wrong, and she was shaking. Looking in the same direction I saw the woman she was looking at. "Your Mother?" I asked. "Yes, we better go a different way. I don't want her making a scene." "Nonsense, I have legal guardianship of you pending formal adoption. If she starts anything here she'll only be speeding things up for us. Now hold your head high young lady, You are an up and coming Pierce Girl." She giggled nervously then stepped out proud beside me. We soon passed the woman who stopped and stared at us as we went into the jewelry shop. I bought her the coveted Academy Tennis Bracelet that my sisters and I all had. She was looking at it smiling happily as we left the store. "Excuse me," we were interrupted as the woman stepped in front of us. Rachel took a half step behind me as I said, "What do you want Mrs Simmons?" "I just want to talk to my s, daughter. Please?" "Rachel, do you want to talk with her?" "I'm not going back Mother, you tell him that. I'm not going to get beaten and humiliated ever again." "Rich, Rachel, I don't want you to come back. Not to that, I can't leave him. But I'm certainly done with letting him try to force you to be other than god made you." People were stopping to watch, "Could we maybe go to the food court," I asked. "We can all sit down and talk less conspicuously." As we sat there the woman began to smile. "You truly are a girl in here," she touched Rachel's heart then forehead. "I should have seen it long before now, James saw it and tried to tell me before he ran off on his own" "You never listened to me, and you let me be beaten." "I won't ask you to forgive me, I can't begin to forgive myself. But I want you to know that I am happy that you found someone who will let you be who god intended you to be." She looked around then dug into her purse taking out an official looking envelope. "Mrs Pierce, Please take good care of her, I'm trusting you." She scribbled a signature on a form then pushed it across the table to me. Then she took off a broach she'd been wearing and handed it to Rachel. "This was my mothers, and I'm giving it to my only daughter. I remember catching you wearing it when you were only five." "This has been in the family for five generations," stated Rachel obviously aware of the pieces history. "Yes and always passed down to the oldest Daughter," her mother smiled at her. "I want you to have it, you don't have any sisters, well none in your birth family. And my giving it to you is my way of acknowledging that you are a young woman." I wrote down the address at home and the school, then handed it to her mother, "Please write any time. And as long as it's just you, you can call as well, I want Rachel to know that not all of her birth family has cast her aside." "Look at you," she smiled. "You are so pretty in that school uniform. You were even pretty in that outfit you wore into the Mall." "Would you like a picture?" I asked. Sheepishly she held up a camera, "I've two more rolls in my pocket. I'm supposed to be taking pictures to show what horrible perverted people you are to the judge. But I doubt any of them will turn out," she giggled. "Well none that he will ever see." She wrote down a PO Box number and gave it to us, "I get private mail there. My sister and brother are the only other people who know about it." "I'll have copies of her school pictures sent to you," I promised. She went with us as we finished our shopping. Then I took Rachel out as promised and let her drive. The next morning we loaded up the extra food we'd cooked and took it down to the shelter. She knew a lot of people there who recognized her and told her they were happy for her. We sat down at dinner in our new house, everyone crowded in and overflowing into the living room and family room. it went well and people were sitting around visiting when Grandma Night Bird said, "Rachel honey, someone needs to see you." We all looked at her waiting for more when the doorbell rang. Donnie and Vincent both answered it then stepped outside. Through the window I could see the police cruiser in front of the house. "Let me grab my coat Son, I'm going with you," Vincent said. "Malissa, Rachel," Donnie started. "Rachel it's up to you but your mother is in the hospital, and she asked for you. Your father won't be there I can promise you that." "What happened?" "If you want to see her we need to hurry. She's about to go into surgery." I looked at Donnie's face, there was something he wasn't saying. "Rachel, she really needs to see you before she goes into surgery." Momma wrapped her coat around her shoulders. "You better hurry Honey." By the way Donnie drove I knew it was more serious than anyone was saying. Then as John Andrews met us at the hospital and lead the way to ICU I knew it had gone from bad to worse. Her oldest brother was there, he did a double take but said nothing at first as Rachel rushed into the room. I could barely recognize the woman lying on the bed as being human. Donnie started forward, but the young man stepped in front of him. "Let my Sister have the last few minutes with our mother, please." It suddenly dawned on me this was the oldest son who had left home right out of high school. He was nineteen, legally an adult. A few minutes later we heard the audible steady unbroken beep of the heart monitor followed by her Wails of grief. Tears ran down the young man's cheeks before he spun on his heels with murder in his eyes. Donnie and Vincent caught up to him. As I went in to comfort Rachel, I saw a very pregnant young girl rush to them. "I was coming to find my sister and at least get her out of that hell," he said. "But my mother told me she was already free of the house that she'd signed the papers." "Dad got violent, Mom told me to get Gina out before she got hurt. But when I came back to get Mom they had the doors all barricaded shut. And then the cops were there, and they broke down the door." "What about your brothers?" Donnie asked. "They're on their own this time. They helped him do that to their own mother." He pulled Rachel to him, "I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner. Gina and I were going to take you with us out west." "Jamie, I, I can't go with you. You gotta think of Gina and," she touched the swollen belly. "And my niece or nephew." "Sis, I won't abandon you. Not again." Smiling she looked up into his eyes, "You aren't abandoning me, I have a new family that cares about me. And you can always come and visit and I can visit you." "Jamie, she's right," Gina said. "They seem better equipped to take care of her and get her all the right treatments to make her a girl the way she wants to be." "Excuse Me, Jamie, Rachel?" said a nurse urgently. "Yes," they both answered. "I never believed in miracles before today, but the doctor wanted me to tell you there's still a chance." Everyone looked at the nurse stunned, "They picked up a feint heart beat in the morgue and rushed her up to surgery. It's still a bit touch and go but we wanted you to know there's still hope." We sat and waited until she was out of Surgery, fourteen hours, but finally the doctor came out to talk to us. "We lost her four times on the table, but she's a fighter. She's stable right now, and if she makes it to morning she should be ok." When we heard how much blood they'd had to use we all went down to the donation center. Donnie had called home to let them know what had happened and we found most of our family already there. "Who's watching the girls," I asked Sophie. "Grandma is," she told me. "When I left she was helping them teach their lizards to do tricks." I talked Rachel and her brother and his wife into coming home with us to get some rest. Monica said she would call if there was any news before we got back. Jamie and Gina stayed until their mother was finally released from the hospital. Then waited until we were home from school to leave taking their mother with them. We promised to visit at Christmas. And let them know how the trial turned out. Rachel was doing really good in school, working hard to get caught up. And even enjoyed living in her own dorm room with three GG roommates. She would get a pass and come visit her sisters under the pretense of needing help with classes. But everyone knew better especially since she was tutoring two of her roommates in Math already. Vincent called us one evening to let us know that her father and two brothers had been convicted of attempted murder. Her father would be going away for life, the oldest of the two brothers got twenty years, and the youngest got Ten years but it would be in a juvenile facility with a Parole hearing in five years, he'd be twenty and if he didn't make parole he'd be transferred to an adult facility. She talked with her brother out in California for almost a hour that night. Then handed me the phone, "James, we'll be leaving here on Friday then heading up to the resort on Monday. Did Donnie and Daddy give you directions?" "Yes and plane tickets for the four of us, thank you." "Four? So is it a girl or boy?" I asked, noticing Rachel crossing her fingers. "Sorry but I Promised Mother I'd keep it a surprise till Rachel was with us." I actually had to laugh at that. "Well you be sure to get a SUV at the rental before leaving the Airport," I told him. "Your Dad already took care of that, I really don't know how we're ever going to pay your family back." "Well you're family now, so get used to it. we take care of each other the way family is supposed to." Momma and Daddy had paid the hospital bills, and Vincent and Monica were paying for the therapy and after care bills. After we hung up Rachel said, "He wouldn't tell you either huh?" I looked at her and smiled, "He didn't have to Sweetie, you have a niece. I just listened to everything in the back ground while we were talking." "Thank you Momma," she said bouncing up and down. Then I pointed to the clock. "I better walk you back to your Dorm, it's getting late." Everyone we passed she said, "I have a new Niece, isn't it wonderful?" She seemed to float through the rest of the week, and she even helped Darla get packed up. Darla had her own car now too, so Momma wouldn't have to drive all the way up to get her. She played with the scanner on the way back and looked up in question when she heard, "Heads up the Academy Convoy is on the road. I'll be off the air waiting with my nephew till they get here." I'd just called Donnie and Chad on the radio to let them know we were leaving. "Who's that Momma?" Rachel asked. But it was Sherry who answered. "That's our Aunt Bernice, she's a state Fuzz." "Sherry Lynn," I warned her. "You will not talk like that. that term is not used in a nice way." "Sorry Mommy, but I heard Tracy Carter say that lots of times. I don't think her mommy likes police." "I don't care where you heard it, it isn't nice to say. If your Gramma D ever hears you say it you'll be sitting with a bar of soap in your mouth." "You're lucky you're a growd up, you don't get soap in your mouth." Tiffany said. "I don't have to sit with a bar of soap in my mouth because I don't talk naughty in front of your Gramma D." "Hey Sis what are you guys talking about up there?" Sophie asked over the radio. "I suddenly got a taste like Irish spring." "I'm expressing the value of not talking naughty in front of Momma to my girls," I told her. "Oh wow, they better not, I can still taste the ivory," Darla said. "Darla, really, you got the Ivory treatment?" Jennie asked. "Hey if it's outside the bedroom it's talking naughty, besides it was your fault." I sat back and listened to my sisters and very, very young step Mom who was my own age. It went on for a while before I heard Momma on the radio. "Ok ladies I count three bars of soap, anyone else want in on it while they're at it?" "But Momma that's not fair," Sophie complained. "We didn't know you were listening." "Sophia Loren Vandine Pierce, are you volunteering to join your sisters?" "No Ma'am." "Will she really make them sit with a bar of soap in their mouths?" asked Rachel. "My last offense was the day before we found you, I sat for twenty minutes." "What did you do?" she asked astounded. "Mommy cussed like a sailor cause she gotted a nail in her tire, didn't you Mommy?" "Yes I did and you little lady had better never let me hear you repeating any of those words. At least not until your thirty five." I told Tiffany. "I'm never going to get old enough to be a grown up," she pouted., and I heard her foot crush a pop can in the floorboard. I waited then heard it a second time as she stomped it again before kicking the back of my seat. "Donnie, I'm pulling over," I told him on the radio. "What is it love, is one of the girls sick?" he was pulling off behind me. "No it's a little matter of a temper tantrum, I think I'll let you deal with this one though." I walked her back to Donnie's car and waited until she was seat belted in. "You have the rest of the trip home to sit here and think about throwing fits." I got back in my car and we pulled onto the highway finishing the rest of the trip in pleasant conversation. Parking in the garage I saw Donnie waiting for me to get Sherry and Becca out and for us to go inside. "Tiffany, go to your room and get your ruler, then wait for me in my office," Donnie told her. She ran past everyone else into her room. then rushed to his office, tears already streaming from her eyes. "Donnie, she's too young for a ruler." I said. "Yes but I think the thought is enough don't you?" he grimaced. "Besides I think you are just about as much to blame as she is for her little tantrum. Or did she tell me a fib when I asked her, and she said you told she had to be at least thirty five before she could use bad language?" "Sophie, start Dinner. Rachel please keep an eye on your sisters, I'll be done shortly." In his office behind closed doors he said, "Come here young lady." Tiffany took her place over one knee as he drew back the ruler for the first smack. "Donnie, please. I didn't mean for this kind of punishment," I pleaded, biting my lip as the ruler came down with a loud crack. Tiffany wailed, then stopped. I was horrified at the sound of the ruler smacking. Looking at me hard he said, "Not a word Sweetheart, let them think you got the full punishment. He let her up and I realized he'd smacked his other thigh with the ruler. "Don't forget to rub your bottom and cry a lot." She kissed his cheek then holding her bottom she dashed out the door to her room, slamming the door behind her. "Let her be girls," I warned them. Then yelped as he grabbed my wrist pulling me to him. The door still cracked open. He pulled me across his lap then yanked yup my skirt and pulled my panties down. "You are her Mommy, you're supposed make sure it doesn't come the point they need a spanking." He told me, so now you'll take the rest of hers." I knew by the way my ass was bared it wasn't going to be a pretend spanking. Smack, "One" Smack, Two. Smack, three. I choked back the tears. Smack, "Four" I was really crying now. But he'd stopped and lay the ruler down on his desk. "Rachel Honey, would you bring the Aloe Vera lotion please?" he called. "Yes Daddy," she was there in seconds. "Thank you," she stayed and watched as he massaged it into my bottom. Then her eyes grew huge as I pulled his pants down enough to rub it into the welt on his thigh. "Should I go take care of Tiffany?" she asked. "Or is she going to be ok?" Winking he handed her the Aloe, "Go in and make it look good. Remind her to bring a pillow for dinner, please." "I'm so glad you didn't really smack her with that," she pointed to the ruler. "No the talk we had on the way home was enough." He said. "But if I need to when she's old enough I'll do what has to be done no matter how much it tears me up inside to do it." She kissed his cheek then left the room. "I think you just made huge leaps in restoring her faith in family values," I told him. "She cried most of the way home while I talked to her, then I told her what to do. I knew you'd react just the way you did." He kissed me. "I was more mad at myself for letting her get to me that way," I admitted it. "But it was the kick to the back of my seat that pushed me over the edge." He kissed my tears, then turned me around and lifted my skirt before kissing my bottom four times. "Now if you wouldn't mind I think Sophie needs help in the kitchen." I laughed, "You don't like scorched Macaroni and cheese?" "You know after you, Tiffany and then Sherry are the best cooks in the house." he said as we made our way to the kitchen. Sophie was pouring over a recipe book and Sherry was standing on her step stool at my stove. "Trust me Mommy, it tastes better with a teaspoon of cinnamon in it. that's why it's called Cinnamon Chicken." "Then why are you making beef and Broccoli sauce?" asked Sophie. "It's basically the same sauce, you just add Cinnamon," I answered. "Sherry you haven't started the rice yet." Slamming the cook book closed Sophie said, "I'm on it already, Geez gimme a break already." She grabbed a pan and filled it with water not measuring, then put it on her stove with a lid. Sherry hopped down and went to Sophie's stove and added two dashes of salt to the pan of water so it would boil faster. She'd already chopped up and seared the chicken in the huge wok. And now she was making the sauce, letting it simmer. "Mommy, will you teach me to do fried rice?" she asked. "I think it would be better than regular rice." "Fried rice? I can do that," offered Rachel as she entered the kitchen. "And I'll keep an eye on the water so it doesn't boil over." Sophie huffed and left the room. Donnie went after her. "I can't cook, I can't do anything right in the kitchen except make Kool-Aid." "Sophie, you know that isn't true. You make Damned good Pies and cakes," I told her. "And you do a really mean Grilled Steak." She finally smiled, and let herself be lead back into the kitchen. "Sherry, I'll keep an eye on this while it simmers, if you want to help Rachel with the fried rice." I told her. "Get me the olive oil then pull up your stool," Sophie said as she got out the other huge Wok. "I'll just watch while Rachel shows you how to do it." I smiled at her knowing that this was how Sophie had always learned to cook. By watching others do it first. I was surprised though when Rachel slowly let Sophie take over. "Why is Momma Sophie so touchy about cooking?" she asked. "I'm not touchy, just intimidated. Malissa made Escargot for a school dinner her first year and now everyone expects me to be in the same caliber." "Have you ever heard anyone in this house really complain about your cooking?" asked Donnie. "No but they tease me a lot." "Because they love you," I said. "And they know how creative you get when they do that." Now even she had to laugh, I thought back to the Sweet and Sour Chili she'd made two weeks ago. She really was pretty good when she wasn't worried about sticking to a recipe. Sherry stood on the stool and helped her as she began cracking eggs into the Wok, sherry would stir them around. Then she added the vegetables. By the time it was ready most of the oil had cooked away into the mixture. With a wink she drained the rice and turned up the heat before dumping it into the pan adding Soy Sauce to keep it frying. When it was ready she said, "That's all there is to it, now we just add the chicken and we're ready for dinner." The girls helped Donnie set the table, and Rachel and I started dishing it up. At bed time, we tucked everyone in and kissed them goodnight. "You know we have to go shopping tomorrow," Donnie told me. "Shopping? Really, you want to go shopping?" I said. "We have Snow Suits to buy. And I think ski's unless you want to wait till we get there for the ski's." "Yes we probably should wait till we get there, at least for the younger ones. Rachel should be able to find a pair though." Sophie commented. "Of course I'm thinking I need a new pair this year." "You're tired of my hot Pink Ski's?" I kidded her. "No but they are a bit old, kind of like someone else I know." She stuck her tongue out at me. "Bitch," I spouted off. "Slut," she responded. "In Trouble! Both of you," Donnie ended our little play fight. "Yes Master, Anything you wish Master," we responded. "Now that's more like it," he said as he crawled into the middle of the bed. "I like seeing my ladies getting along together to please me." I giggled as Sophie pushed me onto the bed, then straddled my shoulders. "See we're getting along," she giggled before saying, "Now lick my pussy real good for our husband Slut." I was giggling and mumbled, "Bitch," as I pushed my tongue in deep. We were both walking a bit bow legged the next morning as we got up to find Rachel supervising the breakfast. "I wasn't sure what we had the turnips for but we were almost out of Potatoes," she began with an almost frightened look on her face. "So I chopped them up and added them into the mix." "Oh you are so wonderful, that's actually why we bought them," I told her. "But don't tell Sophie, she doesn't like turnips. Even though she's been eating them every morning for breakfast." We both had a giggle over that. "What's so funny?" asked Sophie pouring herself a cup of coffee. Turning I looked and actually found something not quite as funny to draw attention to. "The fact that your Panties don't match the rest of your nitie." "Well your nitie doesn't match your panties either," she said. then we all burst out giggling. When Donnie finally stumbled in Rachel said, "Excuse Me, I better go change into something decent." Reaching out he hooked his arm around her waist, "Nonsense your cooking honey. Besides I'm used to seeing my girls all pretty at breakfast, and if you go change right now I'll think you are ashamed of your looks." "You, you really don't mind if I'm parading around in my nitie?" "Why not your sisters and Mom's do it every day? It isn't as if you're stark naked," He said. "But of course you might want to get used to seeing that, we're a bit immodest. No one in this family has any tan lines during the summer." "What? You mean they lay out naked in the sun?" "We all do, even Momma and Daddy and Darla," Sophie said. "I wouldn't recommend frying bacon topless though," she giggled. "I tried that once, and it kept popping my breasts with hot grease." Donnie pulled Rachel up onto his lap. "Wait till this summer, we'll all go to visit at the reservation. No one has any inhibitions there, but no one goes around just ogling anyone else either." "And you are old enough to join us for our Sauna and snow ritual this year if you want to," I told her. "Yeah it'll be Darla's first time too," added Sophie "Sauna and Snow Ritual?" "Yes Sweetie," I said. "We all pile into the Sauna in the nude, and then after about an hour we all run out into the snow and roll around. It's great fun, I hope you'll try it." "I don't know about that, my brother will be there," she reminded us. "I'm sure Momma and Daddy will invite them to join us too. but it is one of those optional things we do each year." "That and visit Trinidad, and say hello to Santa," Sophie added. "Santa? As in Santa Clause?" "No," giggled Sophie. "That's what our Sister Connie calls Dr Santana. He's the surgeon who did their operations. Connie had asked Santa to make her a real girl for Christmas, and that was the first year we visited. It was also when they'd dropped the age requirement to having reached puberty, before the AMA decided that you had to be at least Eighteen. Before that it was Twenty One." "I never knew they'd dropped the age limit," Rachel admitted. "But then I never really believed that anyone would let me be a girl because I felt like one." We finished eating and got the girls around to go shopping. Then hit the Mall. The girls had to have snow suits, but Donnie said Rachel was old enough for a Ski suit. She wanted to know the difference. "Why don't you let your Moms take you shopping while I take your sisters?" "Remember they'll need at least three," I reminded him. "And Not too bulky, they'll want to ski I'm sure." Sophie giggled remembering her attempts at skiing in a bulky Snow suit. We picked out a suit each and she was amazed at how light weight they were. "You haven't tried it yet," Sophie giggled. "Trust me you want one with a Zipper that goes all the way down and Zippers on the legs too." We each got form fitting Ski suits. Rachel picked bright pink, and looked like a pretty princess. "My gosh, it's like so snug." "Yes and it will keep you from slipping out of place if you know what I mean." Added Sophie. Before long she was prancing and posing in her suit then did the same with each one. "Well hello my Snow bunny," said a young boy about her age. "Are you going Skiing or just modeling that Suit?" "I'm going to learn to Ski this year with my parents," she answered. "In Colorado?" he asked. "My parents have a resort rented out for the holidays," she answered. Seeing Sophie and I he asked, "Elk Haven?" "Yes Greg," Sophie said. "Are your parent's going this year too?" I could tell by the broad smile that they were. He kept flirting with her as she wandered through the shop with us looking at the girly long under wear. She picked out several sets, "Do you think I should get more to wear under the suit?" "No honey trust me you want as little on under the suit as you can, it'll get too hot otherwise." I told her. "What are you going to wear under yours?" she asked. Sophie held up scanty lace bras and panties that matched her suit color. She blushed realizing he was still there watching. "Do you mind," she told him. "I'm not going to model my underwear for you, go away." He frowned and blew her a kiss, "See you on the slopes Sweetheart." "What's his problem?" she asked us. "Rachel Honey, he's a bit taken by your beauty. He was trying to get up the nerve to ask you out," I told her. "Oh," she blushed. "Was he really?" "Yes he was," Sophie agreed. We paid for the suits and other accessories then I lead the way over to the Ski's. "We need to find you a pair that are right for you," I told her. "Of course I have an old hand me down pair you could use, but I think you need some that aren't so badly worn. I noticed the left one had a loose locking lever last year." "I'd forgotten about that," Sophie admitted. While we were looking Donnie and the girls came over. "Now that looks like a Snow Bunny if I ever saw one," Donnie said startling her and she almost fell over. But Greg was there to catch her. "Pardon my Princess, I could not let you fall." He helped her back upright, and continued to hold onto her hand with one arm around her waist. "I'm perfectly capable of standing by myself thank you. And umm, thanks for not letting me fall." As he continued to stand there holding onto her she asked, "What are you waiting for you can let me go now." "I was hoping to be rewarded with a little kiss for my chivalry," he answered. She moved to kiss his cheek, but he twisted his head at the last minute and it landed on his lips. She gasped, "Ewww, I didn't want your lips!" "Give it time," he said confidently as he licked his lips. "Mmmm, Strawberry. My favorite." "Your favorite what?" asked a woman behind him. "Mom, this is?" he started to introduce them. "Not your girlfriend," Rachel answered. "Oh I like you Honey, that was a good Burn," she actually high fived Rachel. "Gloria Dobson, I'm the mother of the wan to be Prince Charming here. I hope he hasn't been bothering you." Rachel smiled, "No he actually saved me from falling. But then he extorted a kiss from me." "Is this going to be your first time skiing?" "Yes Ma'am," Rachel answered. "We're going to the same resort Mom," Greg chimed in. "You girls might want to keep an eye on your sister here. Greg is pretty harmless but his older brothers are notorious for womanizing." "Oh I think our husband will be able to handle that." Sophie spouted. "Your Husband? Then I guess that would make you the Vandine-Pierce girls." She said. "I'm very happy to meet you." "Yes and this is our oldest Daughter Rachel, she's a bit shy." I said. "I'm Malissa and this is Sophie." "Oh god, I'm so sorry I didn't know, honest," Greg started to say as he looked around. "I'm going to kill my brothers." He let go of Rachel and started to back away. "Hey, come back here a minute," she said. "Did you really mean what you said or was it something your brothers told you to say?" she asked him. "No," he blushed. "I mean I really meant it, they just dared me to talk to you." "Good," she said then took his face between her hands and kissed him on the lips. "Maybe you can help teach me to ski." She took his face between her hands and kissed him on the lips again. "Whoa now dial it back a bit there girl you don't want to give him the wrong impression." I told her. "No Momma, that was a reward for being honest with me," she said. "He really is kind of cute but I never really looked at boys before." "Kind of cute?" Sophie giggled. "Girl he's down right gorgeous, and he'll be at the same resort." She looked at me, "We're going to have to keep an eye that one." "You watch that one, I'll be watching our girls learn to ski," I told her. She found a pair of Skis and poles. Then we found a pair for both Tiffany and Sherry, who were thrilled. Becca put up a fuss because they didn't have any in her size. "I know for a fact that they have skis in your size at the resort," Greg said. "Rewly? You not makun fun ob me are you?" "Yes they really do, I promise. And they come with free ski lessons." "Why you tellun me for?" Becca looked at him hard. "You wan kissy face my Sissy?" When he didn't answer Becca said, "Racho, pwease gib him kiss he berry nice boy." She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck then kissed him. When it finally broke she said, "Thank you for telling my Baby Sister she could get skis at the resort." "No, thank you for having such sweet lips, I, I mean such a sweet sister." He knelt down and said, "I'll see you there ok Squirt?" Then he winked at Rachel, "My family is leaving tomorrow." "We won't be there till Monday," she told him. "Excuse me young man," Donnie interrupted him. "Ummm, yes Sir," "Thank you, I've seen you up there before. Thank you for your help." "You're welcome sir, I work as a part time instructor on the kiddy slopes." "Ahh then perhaps you'll be able to help us teach Rachel to ski as well." We all saw the light as it popped on in his head. "I'd love that, and these three as well of course." On the way home she kept mumbling Greg Dobson over and over, when I asked why she said she wanted to remember it so she could ask and find out if he really was a ski instructor. "Then just ask your Grandpa Vincent, he can tell you for sure," Donnie told her. When we got to the house Donnie called his parents, "Mom is dad there?" "No he's wrapping up a few things at the office, can I help you?" "Actually Rachel has a name you might be familiar with," he handed her the phone. "Hi Sweetheart, now what's the name?" Monica asked. "Greg Dobson, I met him in the ski shop. He said he's like a part time instructor or some such." "Gregory Dobson? About fourteen, five seven, long brown hair?" "And deep blue eyes, yes." "Child he's been teaching skiing since he was Becca's age. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't get picked up for the Olympic team one year." Monica said. "His older brothers have trophies, but Greg never competes." They talked a bit more and then Rachel said, "Thank you Grandma, I'll see you Monday." My in laws were leaving in the morning, so I figured they'd be on the same flight as Greg and his family. The next day was a bustle of packing and repacking, I asked Rachel if she needed any help. "I don't know what to pack to wear under my ski suit," she confided. "What do you and Momma Sophie wear?" I stuck my head out into the hall, "Sophie, get in here it's advice time." She blushed as Sophie picked out the skimpiest satin and lace panties. And I picked out bras that matched. "Shouldn't I like wear something else? I mean like a top?" I picked up the phone by her bed, "Momma, Should Rachel wear a top under her ski suit?" I asked. "Only if she plans on keeling over from heat exhaustion or going to her grave as an Old Maid." She answered. "Or is she still self-conscious of her body?" "She's working on it Momma," I told her. "Throw in a couple of satin camisoles, she'll feel more comfortable." The girls were all excited as we stood in line at the Airport waiting to board our flight. Rachel was worried that they would lose her skis, or her bags. The rest just wanted to get on their first plane. Finally they announced the pre-boarding, "Vandine," the stewardess called out. "The Vandine family?" She checked everyone's tickets. "Right this way please. I was surprised when she lead us all up to first class. Then I looked at Daddy and mouthed the words, "Thank you Daddy, Merry Christmas." Daddy had said the airline tickets were his present this year. We sat a full thirty minutes waiting for the rest to board before we could take off. During which I asked Donnie if he'd done the same for Rachel's brother and sister in law. He had of course, as well as reserved the SUV for them at the airport rental center. When we reached the resort, we found them waiting in the lobby. Rachel rushed over to see her niece for the first time. "Wow Sis, you're even more beautiful than the last time I saw you," her brother said. "Rachel meet Rachel Lynn, your niece," his wife said. the girls all crowded around to see the baby. "Rachel you take your time, I'm going to help Donnie and Sophie get our stuff to our rooms." She hugged me, "Thanks Mom but I'll come help you I think I have more bags than anyone else," she giggled. Her brother came to help as well. "I never heard you call anyone Mom before," he says to his sister. "I think I've never seen you this happy in your life." James said of his little sister. "You named her after me didn't you?" Rachel accused happily. "Yes and her mother, Gina's middle name is Lynn," he told her. She hurried inside ahead of us, "I really do want to thank you three." There was a tear in his eye. "She's always been a little sister to me ever since she told me she dreamed about it and wanted it to be so. And here she is free and happy and acting like any other girl her age." Suddenly she dropped her bags and ran toward a figure standing near Gina, "Mommy! You came! Oh thank you for coming, I was afraid to ask James." Kissing her cheek, her mother said, "And you called me Mommy instead of Mother." "Ma'am," I said. "Call me Deloris, please." "Then its Malissa and Sophie, I insist. After all we do share the most wonderful daughter in the world." Smiling she said, "Thank you. You were going to ask something?" "Yes I was going to ask if you wanted to visit privately with Rachel." "You mean it's ok?" "Of course why wouldn't it be ok? You are her Moth, Mommy, and you always will be." We hugged and between Donnie Sophie and I we took her bags up to her room for her. I spotted Greg knocking on her door, "She's not in at the moment. But maybe after dinner you can catch her for a few minutes." "Thank you Ma'am. I was hoping I could talk her into going for a walk." He blushed, "With your permission that is." "You might want to ask her Dad," I winked. Near dinner time our room phone rang, "Hello?" "Momma help I don't know what to wear to dinner," she said. "I'll be there in a minute, how's your Mom doing?" "She's recovering slowly, but I'm so glad she came." I tapped on her door and Deloris answered letting me in. "Here this should be casual enough, What do you think Deloris?" I asked her mother holding up a pretty flared knee length brown skirt and a Satin low cut top with long sleeves. "Yes and those cute little heels you showed me earlier," she added. "You don't think it's too over the top?" she looked between the two of us. "You are a pretty young lady, and no it isn't over the top," Deloris said. "Greg will be sure to spot you right away in that," I added. "Greg?" her mother asked. "He's a ski instructor, really just a boy I met the other day." "Who needs to pass five parents approval," I said. "James is older than Donnie so he gets a parental say as the oldest male of your family." She quickly dressed and then joined us in the hall as we all started down to dinner at the same time. In the dining room Gina said, Here hold her a minute." Then rushed off toward the bathroom leaving Rachel standing there holding her niece for the first time. I could tell she was terrified of dropping her. But I guided her to a chair and she sat there dreamily looking into baby's face as Little Rachel smiled up at her. Before long she was cooing and cuddling her as she kept her entertained. "Well that worked out pretty good, Thanks for the advice Mom," Gina hugged Deloris. "See Rachel you're doing just fine." "Where did you go? You just left me here, I might have dropped her on her head or something." "Sorry it was the only way to get you to hold her, you were so scared to even try." Gina told her. "You'll be a great Mommy yourself one day." "Only if I adopt. Or steal someone else's," she giggled. When Greg found us he looked at her with a huge question on his face, "Oh hi Greg," she said balancing baby Rachel on her knee as she wiped slobber off her face with a napkin. "Do you like Babies?" "Ummm, is she yours?" "Would it change your mind if she was?" He thought for a split second before saying, "No, not really it's just a bit of a surprise." "You better give her back before you give this poor boy a heart attack," Gina said taking her daughter back. Smiling she turned to look at the rest of us, and I nodded to James. "Hello, I'm her older brother James." He stood up and took his hand in a firm grip. "Don't break my sisters heart," he said leaving the rest as implied with the first. "I, I won't I promise." "Be sure that she is in before ten please," Donnie said. "And stay within sight of the lodge, I'd hate for you to get lost out there at night," I told them. "I'll keep an eye on them," Donnie promised. "No you will not," I told him. "Don't you trust her?" "Love she is a beautiful young girl, it's boys I don't trust." He told me. The three of us Donnie, Sophie and I went for a moonlit walk out in the snow. We kept a discreet distance as we watched them both sit on a snow covered bench. Before long they were kissing, and then fondling each other. Suddenly she put her hand in the center of his chest and pushed him back slowly. We were too far away to hear what was said, but I could imagine as we saw the look of disbelief cross his face. He shook his head and said something then she stood and said something before she ran back inside leaving him there looking shocked. Donnie started forward, and I grabbed his arm, "Where do you think you're going?" "To talk with Mr insensitive over there," he stated. "No you are not, you have no idea what was said. You and Sophie will go after our daughter. And I will go talk with Greg," I said. "Besides I think it might be that she is the one who broke it off, not him." I watched until they'd gone inside, then stood and wandered over to the bench. "A bit chilly to be sitting out here alone, did Rachel go inside already?" I asked. "Oh, Sorry, I, I wasn't paying attention." He had tears in his eyes. "Greg are you ok? Did something happen?" "She dumped me, said she wasn't good for me. Then told me she wasn't really all girl. I told her I didn't care." He looked up at me with hurt in his eyes. "Did you really mean it when you said you didn't care if she wasn't all girl?" I asked. "Ma'am, I'd love her if she turned out to be some kind of alien or whatever." He wiped his nose on his sleeve. "And I'd kick anyone's ass that tried to hurt her or give her any shit." I looked deep into his eyes searching for any hint of deception. "Give us time to talk to her," I told him. "But be prepared to prove yourself to her. She's been hurt so much of her life by people who claimed to love her. I'll see to it she ends up in your classes in the morning." I knocked on her door, "Rachel, open up honey." "Is he with you?" "No Honey I sent him to his own room to think about things. But I want to talk to you." The door creaked open, and I stepped inside. "Momma he said he loves me. That he doesn't care about anything but me." She threw her arms around my neck sobbing. "He doesn't he can't mean it he's just saying that." A soft tap on the door startled us both. It was her mother, and I let her in. "So you told him about yourself up front before you both got too involved. That's a grown up thing to do," her mother said. "And what did he say?" "He said he doesn't care that it doesn't matter. He said he wouldn't care if I turned out to be some kind of alien with ten heads, he'd still love me." "Oh my," her mother said. "I told him if he really meant it to be ready to prove himself," I said. "You talked to him?" "Yes Sweetie, it was that or let your Daddy pound him into a snow bank for hurting you." "I told Daddy to leave me alone when he tried to talk to me," she looked around. "Oh shit I better go talk to him, what if he goes after Greg?" "He knows if Greg hurt you I wouldn't leave him in one piece," I told her. "Now what about you? He obviously means or thinks he means what he said. are you prepared for that?" "What do you mean?" "Are you prepared to find out, or do you plan to destroy that poor boys heart if he truly does mean it?" I said. "I, I don't want to hurt him, that's why I told him. He's too sweet, too innocent." "Which is why in the morning you are going to let him give you ski lessons," I told her. "And like Sophie and I you are going to be wearing as little as possible under your ski suit." She blushed, "You mean?" "Satin and Lace, young lady. It will be just enough to hold things in place. But enough that he can see up close what you have. If he doesn't run away then, he isn't going to. But you still have to behave like a good girl." "Absolutely," agreed her mother. The next day as we stepped out into the hall for breakfast we found him sleeping next to her door, a dozen red roses in his lap. Before I could wake him up though she stepped out into the hall and saw him there. "Greg?" she knelt beside him. "Have you been here all night?" Shaking his head he said, "No I had to drive into town and find an all- night florist. Then I remembered the shop here stocked roses." He held them up to her. She kissed his cheek, "You are definitely one stubborn boy." "Can I take you to breakfast?" he asked hopefully. "Yes you can," answered Donnie behind us, smiling a somewhat sheepish smile. Walking along behind them, Rachel carrying the flowers he brought her I asked, "Is that what you were doing half the night?" "Let's just say I gave him a bit of help and some fatherly advice." "You are a very amazing and wonderful man you know that don't you?" I had to raise up on tip toes to kiss him when he paused in front of the elevator. "What about me?" giggled Sophie. "You are amazing too you little munchkin," we kissed her and the girls giggled. They stepped into the elevator, "Tiff, Sherry, you ride down with your sister. We'll be along in a minute," I said. "Ewwww, no kissing please," complained Sherry as the elevator door closed. "A few short years and She'll be the one doing the kissing instead of complaining," Sophie reminded us. "And then I'll have to have a talk with her about birds and bees." As we neared the dining room Sophie said, "Excuse me I need to go potty." Then rushed off toward the Ladies room. Later she hardly ate any breakfast, but drank lots of juice. We spent the morning on the kiddie slopes teaching the girls to ski. And watching Rachel as Greg carefully guided her through the learning process. After lunch Sophie said, "You two go ahead and ski, I'll watch the girls." "Sophie I'll take the first run then you take the next ok?" I said. "Yeah sure, me and the girls will watch you come down," she replied. When Donnie and I reached the bottom though she wasn't there. Momma and Deloris were sitting with the girls and Gina. "Where's Sophie?" I asked. "She was feeling a bit nauseous," Momma replied. "I told her to go eat something, she didn't eat much breakfast." We watched Daddy and Darla as they came down with Charlene between them. Sophie returned looking as if she was feeling better, "I sure hope it isn't the flu." "Hope what isn't the flu?" asked Darla. "Oh you know I was feeling a bit puckish at breakfast and then I about threw up a while ago. But I'm fine now, really." "Then in that case you and I can take Tiffany for her first trip down the mountain," Donnie informed her. "Oh I'm sorry Love I don't think I feel up to skiing today, you and Malissa go ahead though." She took Becca's hand and lead her over to the kiddie slope, then helped her fasten her skis. Donnie smacked my ass, "Come on lets go." Tiffany smacked my ass then too and giggled, "Please Mommy." "If you insist on acting like your Daddy then you can ski with him and I'll take Sherry with me. Go get your skis both of you." After they ran off to get them Donnie said, "That wasn't like you at all. I want to know what's up." "Huh," I jerked my attention away from Sophie. "I'm sorry what did you say?" "We'll talk about it when we get down from the top," he pointed to the girls charging toward us with their skis. Turning around I said, "Momma, keep an eye on Sophie please." "I'll watch her," Darla said and then wandered over that way as Momma and daddy got on the lift behind us. They let Charlene ride by herself this time. The girls squealed and screamed in delight as we came down together, then I saw Darla with Becca helping her stay upright on the bunny slope. "Darla, where's Sophie?" I was a bit upset and worried. "She'll be fine, she's just not quite up to skiing at the moment." "She shouldn't have left Becca out here by herself," I said. "Where is she?" "Malissa! You be nice to her, she's," I rounded on her my anger showing. "She's what?!" "She's pregnant, and it's a bit different than they teach in health class." "How, I mean how is it you know before Donnie or Me?" "You forget I've been through it before. Your Momma thinks she's catching a flu bug." "Are you sure?" asked Donnie. "She's up in the room taking the test right now." "The test?" Donnie was stumped. "She's peeing on a stick Love," I answered with a smile. "You two go ahead, I'll watch the girls. But I think right now she needs you two." I hugged her, "Thanks Mom." We passed Rachel and Greg sitting inside in a booth, with cooling hot Cocoa in front of them. They were holding hands talking and smiling. I let us into our room, and then tapped quietly on the bathroom door, "Sophie are you in there?" "Yes," she'd been crying. As we both came through the door she looked up at us and said, "I'm sorry I let you down." In front of her was one of every available brand of test stick. Smiling I said, "This isn't going to get you out of school young lady." "You aren't mad at me?" she looked relieved. "I really didn't mean to." "I know you didn't, and you've been studying so hard. I won't let you drop out of school." Donnie told her. "It just means we're going to Trinidad a bit early this year." "I, I don't want the operation. Please, if Darla could do it so can I." she begged. "Who said anything about the operation, I'm sure Donnie is just like me, he wants you to have a checkup and find out what we should be careful of." "Absolutely, your health is what matters to us." He confirmed. "You really aren't mad at me?" "Jealous yes, Mad No." I said. "Jealous?" "You are giving our husband what I can't." "Oh," she giggled. "You've already given us four of the prettiest girls ever." "Do you feel up to coming down to tell the girls the good news?" Donnie asked. We walked on each side of her as we went to gather our little family together. "Sophie why don't you wait here with Rachel," Donnie suggested. We'd intended to just gather our girls, but everyone else joined us. "Ok everyone, Sophie has some really terrific news for us. And before she tells you I want everyone to know that we are happy to know it." I could tell that Momma already knew as she listened with a smile to Donnie's little speech. "Momma, Daddy, I'm kinda knocked up." She smiled innocently. "I know I promised to wait until after high school, but accidents do happen, I'm really sorry." Daddy looked around the room, then raised his hand over his head. When a waitress came over he said, "I want a bottle, no two bottles of champagne and a bottle of sparling grape. And bring glasses for everyone." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, then looked around and found Daphne. "No pressure Sweetheart, but I'd sure love to hear you and Jennie telling the same thing someday." He kissed her cheek. "Don't worry Dad, we're working on it." she told him. Smiling he said, "I have four of the most wonderful grandchildren I could ever hope for, and another one on the way." Momma giggled, "Look out Darla, I think Gramps is feeling his oats." "Look at you two, the prettiest Grandma's ever." Sophie took just a sip of the champagne then switched glasses with Rachel when she thought no one was looking. The next morning after puking and not having to hide the fact from us Sophie felt better. She actually took Becca up to the top of the short slope and we all came down together, even Rachel joined us. It was two days after Christmas before Donnie could get Sophie an appointment. I let them go alone since I felt they really needed the time together. "Well when is it due?" I asked as soon as they got back. "Middle of July, they think," supplied Sophie. "Maybe sooner." "And none of Donnie's family saw this one coming," I giggled too soon. "Sophie, Grandma Night Bird want's a word with you." Momma told her holding out the phone. Sophie wouldn't tell me what she'd said but she was very pleased with it. Donnie went overboard at first treating her like delicate china or something. But he soon learned to let her choose her own pace. At home we resumed our routine for the most part. But in march Sophie had to give up driving when she couldn't fit behind the wheel. Both Julie and Cinderella got garaged, and I started driving us back and forth in the Expedition. I got called into Miss Clara's office one Monday afternoon near the end of the year. "I wanted to tell you that Sophie is graduating this year. Her college correspondence more than makes up for the last two years," she started off. "And I was also wondering if you've been teaching Rachel to cook." "A little bit yes but she is a self-learner. Why Ma'am?" "Because she submitted a recipe for Home Ec. that is a bit odd, seeing as we don't have the ingredients." I looked at what she'd slid across the desk to me and smiled. "I'm sure I can get her the ingredients she needs. How large of a dinner is she preparing?" "She says for twenty people, this is a homework project. To be graded by her Parents." Miss Clara was smiling, then it dropped and she said, "You might take the opportunity to remind her that practical jokes are frowned on. Miss Trudy was not amused at having her drawers turned upside down in the classroom today." But she was fighting the urge to laugh as she said it. "Is she in trouble Ma'am?" "Officially I don't know about it," I was told. She was in my room when I got there. "Mom, I can explain," she started to say. "I would hope so," I thrust the copy of the recipe toward Sophie. Who gasped. "Oh god, please don't tell me I've been expelled. Please Momma." "Expelled for what?" I asked her. Then saw her little sisters watching. "Girls go play outside for a few minutes." "Mommy I was dared to turn miss Trudy's drawers upside down." She was almost in tears. "You did what? Really?" I was smiling as if I didn't already know. "Wait, you didn't know about that, I thought that was why you got called to Miss Clara's office." "No I was called there because she wanted to make sure that I would grade you fairly on your homework this weekend. Seeing as it's the same thing I fixed my freshman year." "I kind of got dared into that too," she admitted. "I'm not sure we could even get the main course, but I really do want to try." "And that's seventy percent of your grade right there, trying." She looked up at me, "And I wasn't told that I am not allowed to help you." I looked up to see Miss Trudy approaching across the yard, "Oh crap." Rachel muttered as I stood up to open the door. "Come in cousin, how are you today?" I smirked. "God that was funny," she looked at Rachel. "But don't ever do it again or you'll be writing a ten thousand word essay in the seven tongues of the great plains." "Seven tongues?" Sophie asked. "Yes Starting in alphabetical order, Cheyenne, Crow," she was interrupted. "I really am sorry, really I am." "I know that, besides it would take me till after you graduate to teach you those languages." She turned to Sophie, "How are you feeling? Grandma says you'll pop by the time we all get there for the summer." "I'm trying to talk Donnie into buying a big RV with Air Conditioning. Could you see me in her house in that heat?" "No little cousin I can't. but she said she has a surprise just for you." "L, little cousin?" stammered Rachel. "Yes and that information will not get you any leniency in my classes." Later that evening I asked Momma if she could find us the Snails and start gathering what we needed for Rachel's project. I half expected Sophie to say no thanks. But then she asked if she could get me to run into town and get her some ice cream and Jalapeno peppers. Since Rachel was still there I asked if she wanted to go along. She did of course. "Why is it that pregnant women get really freaky cravings like that?" she asked. You should have been here last night when she asked for chocolate covered crickets, Jalapenos, and red rope licorice. Oh and Buttermilk." "Ewww, did you find all that for her, I mean surely not the, the crickets?" "No Sherry and Tiffany made those fresh for her." "Bugs, she ate chocolate covered bugs?" Rachel gasped. "I think I'm going to barf." She rolled the window down and I laughed. "That's not funny Momma, you were just kidding right?" "I never kid about food we've eaten," I told her. "Well I'd never eat anything like that." Smiling I said, "You've eaten a lot of things you didn't know about and loved them." "Like what?" "Those chocolate covered crispy treats the girls make, you like those don't you?" "Well yeah they're like super crunchy and tasty. I always like rice crispy treats. Even if they call them Ant Cakes." She said. "Have you ever seen us buy Rice Krispy's?" I asked. She almost turned green as I pulled into the store parking lot. "And you are planning to fix Snails for dinner Saturday night, aren't you?" "Well yeah, but that's different." "Not at all. It's exotic the same as grasshoppers, ants and crickets." I told her. "Ok next time they ask if I want to help I'm going to. I think I just got a lesson in being open minded." On the way back we ran into Donnie at the gate. "How's Sophie?" "Fine what are you doing here?" I kissed him. "Delivering something she called and asked for before you got out of your last class." He held up a large pie. "Well follow me then," I said after Rachel got out and got in beside him. "My god this pie smells so good," Rachel said carrying it to the outside door. Donnie was carrying a small sack inside another sack. "Chad cleaned the shell for the girls to make jewelry out of this summer," he said. "I bet they have a piece of shell big enough to make a bracelet for you too." he told her. Sophie squealed and hugged him hard, kissing him all over. He kissed her and then the children. "I wish I could stay longer but I have to get back and it's close to your curfew." "Thank you just the same," her smile was all he needed to know she was happy. We sliced it and dished it up, everyone eating a piece leaving most of it for Sophie. When she belched and giggled the girls giggled. "Now that was one good Armadillo pie," she said. "Really? Armadillo?" Rachel shrugged her shoulders and licked her fingers. "It sure was tasty." "Come here Rachel," Sophie said. she gathered her in her arms. "I'm so proud of you for trying new things and not getting sick when you find out what they are." "Thanks Mom," she smiled and laughed. Then said, "Thanks for having weird cravings." She helped me put her sisters in bed then I walked her back to her dorm, carrying the last three pieces of pie with her. "I think I know someone to share this with." At her room she said, "Momma I want you to come in and meet my newest roommate." "May, this is my Momma Malissa." The girl looked up from her English book and the first thing I noticed was her dark brown eyes and long black braided hair. Then her deep chocolate skin tone. "Momma, this is May Lightfeather, she's Ute." Rachel said.