Living The Dream, Part 16 free porn video

Living the Dream, part 16 By: Malissa Madison The next morning at breakfast I was helping Sherry with her times tables, when Sara stopped briefly at our table. "So what was it like Losing?" she asked giggling. Then hurried on past before I could reply. "Don't mind her," Joy her roommate said. "She'd never have seen the race if I hadn't shown her the web site. I think you still won though. You showed that Wolf guy that he couldn't cheat and win." "Web site? What web site?" both Rachel and Erika wanted to know. "Street Racers Dot Com. Oh you looked so cool both of you with those flames shooting out everywhere. And then that Camaro crashing down on top of the other one, Wow." "Yeah how much money did you make off that race?" someone else asked. Looking up I saw Miss Miranda, the Schools Drivers Ed instructor, "We weren't racing for money Ma'am." She cocked an eyebrow at me. "You expect me to believe that you took that rock through the windshield and finished the race and didn't do it for money? You could have been killed." Her voice had gotten louder as she said it, now it seemed like everyone was looking at us. "I wasn't racing for money Ma'am. I was just racing for the fun of it and to prove I wasn't afraid after my last accident. But that Rock really pissed me off My Daughter was in the car with me at the time." "Where did you learn that maneuver? They only teach that at the State Police Academy." Lowering my voice I said, "I learned it Rat Racing. I'd seen it done few times to slower drivers." "You learned it pretty good if you ask me," I turned slowly around to see Laura, Jeanine's Chauffer. "When we found out Mercedes was driving we decided to come and watch. I really want to talk to you before you go to class." She was waiting in the common room, her laptop plugged into the big screen TV and paused on a picture of the cars lined up at the start. Suddenly I remembered someone walking the double row with a Camcorder. She pressed play, and I could hear the person naming the cars lined up. Not the make and models, but the names used by the drivers. I recognized Goat before he was named. Then Jumper, Thumper, and Scout, and then came Julie Newmar. I barely registered the other names though I knew almost all of them, like Head Banger and Ghost. When he got to the end of the line he turned to show the starting lights as they flashed down the start, and saw two young girls race along the line to jump in cars moments before the lights hit green. "I know this was just supposed to be a fun race. Otherwise You and your husband wouldn't have raced with your girls in the cars with you." "No Ma'am they weren't even supposed to be with us then." "Jeanine has expressed a desire to learn to drive that way." There was a pause. "Her father and I would like for someone, less attached to teach her." "How about Mercedes? She can drive too." "I was thinking if you and Mercedes were working together it would give her and Porsche better experiences. More of a competition base to the lessons so they learn faster. Then maybe I might be free to spend more time on other things." Laura looked as if she'd already given away too much. "If the three of them could drive with skills half that good I wouldn't have to worry about them being abducted as much. Besides Porsche has had a bit of specialized training in other areas this summer." "So that's why she moves like a cat, and she has that almost British twang." "What are you talking about?" Laura was showing concern. I looked around to be sure we were alone. "She moves like you do. Like a bodyguard. And once in a while when she gets stressed I can hear an Accent trying to creep out. You took her to the SAS school didn't you?" "You are most profound Malissa. Yes and if her grades stay where they are, the Judge will erase her record by January and she'll be off Probation and We'll give her a cute little Audi to drive." I suddenly found myself hugging Laura. "I'll help any way I can, I promise. But you have to make me a promise too." "If I can," she said. I looked around again, it was still just us. "Jeanine thinks of you as her Mother. And she thinks that you are really good for her Dad. And well," I was unsure how to finish. "You care about her that much, and you know almost nothing about her." "She was my roommate and she's my friend. They're my sisters here," I answered. Now she looked around the empty room, "Please say nothing about this. I could lose my Credentials as a Bodyguard." She pulled a small box out of her pocket. "I promised as soon as she didn't need me looking after her every day." It was an Engagement ring almost as big as my own. "Now that would be a wonderful Christmas present. To see the two people she considers as her parents married. And yes I will help and I'll get a few others involved too but I won't tell them the game plan ok?" "Thank you Malissa, I'll send Jay a check for the repairs to Julie by noon." She smiled at me, "I'm glad your husband is understanding and that you are a woman of your word. Don't be surprised if Jay recognizes Jeanine. He's my half-brother." "Wait, he has a picture of you. I've seen it," I blushed. "I thought since it was in the lid of his tool box that you were one of his umm, special customers." "Oh I'm a special customer alright. But not in that way. I see him every three months when he replaces the Glass in the cars." "Why would you need the glass replaced in the cars?" I asked in innocence. "Ballistic glass degrades in sunlight. After three months it is only half as effective. At six months it's no better than normal glass," she explained. We chatted a bit more then I had to hurry to get to class, I grabbed my book bag off my desk and rushed out the door. "Alright class settle down, this is American History not Suicidal Driving," Miss Carson announced. That seemed to set the tone for the day. At Two just after lunch we caught the bus to go to MMA for Auto Maintenance. I suddenly realized there were several new faces on the bus. To be in the class students had to have a legally registered car, as well as a School parking permit. I didn't know that Jeanine or Porsche had either, but after meeting Laura I knew some things were possible no matter what your record said. Donnie and I shared a long kiss out in the hallway after the rest of the class went into the room. We were still in the boring classroom portion. "I guess you know we made the Net?" he asked me. "Yeah I saw it. they even got the rock going through my windshield." I said. We ended up spending most of the class Discussing what tires were best for what type of driving conditions. "What king of tires do you have on your Car, Mickey Thompson's?" someone asked me. "No not for the way I drive. Mouse's are fine for showing off on the strip. But they don't have the traction I need. "So you're running Cobra's?" "Oh Hell No!" kicked in Mercedes. "Those are for city street racers, good for a Quarter mile sprints when you got a straight stretch." "And before anyone brings up Pirelli Scorpions, those are better for mountain racing." Donnie added. Smiling I said, "I run Uniroyal Tiger Paws GTs, good take off Traction, excellent Braking Traction, and superior curve traction. The tread design gives me both paved and unpaved surface traction. I don't need to worry about changing tires as often. And they don't make a lot of noise just driving around." "If they're so great why did you lose that race?" Looking around the room I said, "Ok you want to know why I lost? I lost because at that time and place my husband was a better driver. I'd just ruined my front end alignment because the asshole in front of me tried to wreck me. I got pissed off and rammed him then used an old trick to spin him into the ditch. That cost me the race. But that isn't the point of this class." "What is it then?" "Teaching you to stay alive on the road under extreme conditions. Keeping your car ready for whatever pops up." You almost died in a wreck last year," pointed out Denise Roberts. "Yes I was upset and distraught, and driving a car that I didn't know." I pulled up my shirt to show the scars from the post going through me. "Not even my quick reflexes, my honed skills, did me any good. I shouldn't have been behind the wheel of any car. There are some situations that no amount of experience or instinct can save you from." "The fact that Bambi kept her car in top condition contributed to Malissa's survival," Donnie said. Mercedes added her agreement. "It may have helped that's true. But I still Died, I died several times before they got that post out. But they brought me back, and if any of you don't take this class seriously I'll bounce you out on your ass, because this means a lot to me, being able to be here to pass on what I know that might save your lives someday." I dropped my top and walked out of the room, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Wow, talk about a Drama Queen," snickered Felicity moments before she was knocked out of her seat. "You better lay off her. The rest of us want to hear what she has to say. I don't care if you think it's a joke. But when someone tries to teach you something and shares a life experience I've found it's a good idea to listen really close." I heard Porsche saying. When the bus stopped in the Admin parking lot Felicity made a mad dash for the office holding her hand over the growing bruise on her right cheek. I looked at the driver and she shrugged her shoulders. As Miss Clara followed by Miss Karen met her half way. Everyone was off the bus now standing waiting to see what was about to happen. "Porsche, did you hit Felicity in class?" Miss Clara asked. "No she didn't Ma'am," began all the other girls before Porsche could respond. "She fell asleep and fell out of her seat." "She tripped over her own foot." Were just two explanations offered. Miss Clara didn't try to stop the others attempts at explaining away the incident. She just looked calmly at Porsche. "Ma'am, I'll go pack my things," Porsche said. "Not until I hear the truth as well as the reason young lady," "Malissa was trying to explain why everything they were teaching was important. And she talked about her accident last year, the one where she died. And she showed those horrible scars. And Felicity accused her of being a Drama Queen, and I just couldn't take her bullshit know it all attitude it was detracting from what the rest of us were there to learn." "Felicity go to the nurses office I'll be there shortly," Miss Clara said. Porsche, thank you for giving me the truth. You really have grown up quite a lot the last two years. Now run along and do your studying, I believe you have a report for English due in the morning." Everyone was stunned, but happy. "Ma'am, I know where she's coming from. She just needs some guidance in the right direction," Porsche said. "I'll keep that in mind when I talk with her parents, thank you. Now run along all of you. I believe it's almost time for Dinner." Dinner wasn't for another two hours, but we didn't argue. The next evening I found Porsche in the gym doing some exercises with both Mercedes and Jeanine. It looked a lot like Taekwondo, and then they sat and watched me teaching the first graders Tai Chi. "Malissa, we have a guest instructor here tonight to see how many students want to learn what Porsche and Jeanine are practicing with Mercedes," said Miss Trudy. "I think you know her." She motioned to the door. Laura entered gracefully dressed in a long martial arts robe with three black belts. "Sensei" the three girls bowed to her. "Please continue your practice," Mr West said entering behind her. When the returned to the practice mats he quickly wrapped his arms around Laura and kissed briefly before letting go. I smiled approvingly at both of them. Over dinner, my ex-roommate Laura floated over to our table. I saw the second Engagement ring. "I thought you were done playing around." "This is from Randy, Gretch, I mean Gregory finally talked him into letting him pay for the ring. They're both going to be here to pick me up on Friday, Officially," she giggled. It had been a while since I saw Gregory/Gretchen, and was looking forward to it. I was also secretly glad that she/he and Randy were still together. After dinner I was studying in my room with Sherry, Tiffany and Rachel when Donnie called. "Hey Babe, how'd it go with Porsche when you got back?" "It's all good, I think it was actually Felicity who was in the most trouble," I told him. "So did you know that Gretch, I mean Gregory and Randy are still an item along with Laura?" "Yeah they actually have a surprise for everyone. But you can't tell Laura, promise?" "I promise. Now tell me please." I said. "MMA just opened the doors to ?Female Cadets. Next week she will return as Gretchen, since her PDoc says she's not making the adjustment very well." "So your Academy is taking Female Cadets, that's way cool. How many are there so far?" I asked looking up as China entered the room. "We have seven that will be here on Monday, but I need to talk with you and Sophie about one of them this weekend. She's afraid to disappoint you." "Erika, oh Donnie, she I'm not going to be disappointed. And neither is Sophie," I told him. "She will actually have more opportunities there. And Sophie and I can take her to get her new uniforms and," he cut me off. "Love they don't have her uniforms available where you get yours. We'll have to go to the Mall here." I waited just a moment before I answered. "We'll stop on the way home, or we can meet you there tomorrow after school." "You're really taking this a lot better than I thought you would," he admitted. "I just want her to be happy, the same as you." I walked Sherry and Tiffany back to their dorm. Then stopped off at Rachel and Erika's dorm. "She's not here Ma'am. She said something about going to see you." Her roommate Kiki said. I hurried to my dorm and spotted her walking in circles outside the main doors. "Erika, I stopped to say goodnight and Kiki said you came over here. is everything ok?" She'd been crying, and I hugged her tight. Gently rubbing her back, I said "It's ok Sweetheart you can tell me anything you know that." "Momma, I, it's, I don't want you to be disappointed in me, Momma." She was crying softly, sniffling. "I like it here but," she began crying harder. "Erika, the only way that I could ever be disappointed in you is if you let yourself be miserable because you're afraid of hurting someone else's feelings." I saw Miss Georgia coming across the grass toward us, "Malissa, Erika, is everything ok?" Erika looked up at her, "Oh my now that's one seriously unhappy face." "Ma'am can I take her off campus to talk about things?" I asked. "As long as you're in class tomorrow. I'll take care of the sign outs." "Thank you," I guided Erika to Cinderella and we headed for the gate. "Momma, this is like too big for Ice Cream," she said. "That's why we're going to the big Mall. It's open all night. Besides you might find something there to cheer you up." I started asking about her classes, and her classmates. Then her roommates. Before long we'd reached the Mall. She seemed to relax a bit inside the Mall, as we browsed the different shops. I knew where the uniform shop was but took my time guiding her that way. She found really sexy Camouflaged Baby Doll nitie, and then a pretty Teddy and a Bustier with matching Camo Stockings. I bought her a single strand of Pearls. "For your Birthday tomorrow," I told her and she brightened up a bit. I was looking for certain shoe shop I'd seen once before, I knew it was close to the uniform shop. She spotted it first, seeing the camouflaged four inch heels in the window. When she looked at me I said, "Why not, they'll match your new nities." She hugged hard then dashed inside to try them on. It took them a few minutes to find a pair in her size. Then she spotted a matching purse and we bought that as well. She was still wearing her school uniform and got lots of looks from people as we passed. "is there any place in particular that you would like to go to?" I asked as we stopped in front of the uniform shop. She looked up and down the line of stores across from her, "Not really Momma. What about you?" "I thought we might go in here," I gestured behind her as she slowly turned. "Momma, I, I, Momma, I really want to see what they have," she was choking back tears. "I talked with Daddy earlier Sweetheart, and if this is what you truly want we'll buy you everything you need." I said as I ushered her through the doors. "Oh, I'm sorry the uniforms for the girls academies are further down the Mall," said a woman with Irene on her name tag. "Actually now that MMA is accepting Girl Cadets my daughter wishes to transfer. You wouldn't happen to have a list would you?" "Oh yes Ma'am, the Colonel delivered them just this morning for each of the Classes. What grade are you in Sweetie?" "Ninth Grade Ma'am," Erika said straightening her back and squaring her shoulders. As Irene was getting the required list I noticed two other parents and girls shopping for uniforms. The girls introduced themselves to Erika. "I'm Candice but you can call me Candy." "I'm Rhonda," they all shook hands. "Girls we have a lot of shopping to do," the woman with Candy said. "I'll see you at Orientation tomorrow," said Candy. "Come on Rhonda, we have to figure out what you have to have on here. everything is so expensive. Said the man. I could tell Erika had put a lot of thought into this. She was just like Donnie as she went down the list. "Don't worry Honey, get what's on the list. You'll need a full complement so you don't wind up washing uniforms every night," I told her. She had two pairs of boots seven sets of Camouflaged field uniforms, and seven dress uniforms with Skirts. Plus all the other items, T-shirts, sports bra's cotton panties, Socks, two caps, a dress cap, dress purse, field purse, Dress heels, (black leather pumps with a two inch heel), we put in the order for her name tags. And she got fitted for having the skirt hems tailored to the proper length. I bought her the Camo wrist watch, and other accessories listed in the optional section. Then as we stood waiting the couple ahead of us said, "Please can you just give us the bare minimum for now we'll get the rest as we can afford it." when Irene presented them with the total the woman gasped. "Oh my god, that's going to more than max out our credit card, Steve what are we going to do we can't afford even half of that." I glanced sideways at the total, then at the obviously struggling couple, it was obvious to me that one of the girls belonged to each of them. Erika looked at me nervously as she saw the total that Irene had written down next to her order. I handed my Card to Irene, "May I look at that list please?" Glancing at my card then at me she responded, "Yes of course Mrs Pierce." "I see twelve girls here who don't have the full complement of uniforms and school supplies. Why don't you add them to my card so they don't have to start out at the Academy behind the curve." "Ma'am that's a lot of Money," Irene said. "And that card has no limit. So put Candy and Rhonda's bill on there too. and give this number to anyone who comes in that looks like they might need help with uniforms." I told her. "You don't have to do that Ma'am," Steve, Rhonda's Dad said. "I know that, but someone helped me out when I was your daughters age. And now it's my turn to repay the kindness. So I'll not take no for an answer." We talked while the other girls got measured, then headed over to the food court. The girls all talked excitedly about going to the Academy. They'd already met their company commander. But still had orientation to go through. "Who's your Company Commander?" Erika asked "Cadet Captain Pierce, he's over Easy company the one that is taking girls this year." Candy answered with a smile. "Momma, Daddy didn't say anything about being my company commander," Erika said. "You are in ninth grade," I told her. "So your platoon Sgt is going to be SFC Howell, Gretchen Howell." "Excuse me did you say your husband is still a Cadet?" "Yes he graduates this year, we adopted Erika and her four sisters. Three of which are attending school at Miss Clara's. both of Erika's grandfathers are MMA graduates." We talked a bit longer, and as they were leaving my new cell phone jingled Donnie's ringtone. "I tried calling Erika to see if she'd talked to you and they said the two of you had left together and she was very upset." "Oh I think she's doing just fine right about now, but why didn't you mention that she was going to be under you at school?" "She would have found out in orientation, Love." He said. "Which is tomorrow, you didn't give me much time." I accused. "I called Miss Clara, it was supposed to be a surprise for her birthday when I picked her up at school." "Donnie, you planned this without talking to me first," he could hear me getting upset. "Sophie said it would be ok, that you'd understand. And I thought you did, I really wanted to surprise her with this. I was going to take her to get uniforms tomorrow too." I was mad at him for not letting me in on it from the beginning and for keeping secrets from me. But I couldn't stay mad because he meant well, just like any man. I handed the phone to Erika as he was asking, "Where are you at, I want to talk to you." "We're at the Mall Daddy, Momma already bought my uniforms for me." "Tell him we'll see him at Oh Nine Hundred," I said. "At the Academy. No way am I going to let my Baby go through that without knowing everything else." "I think Momma's mad at you Daddy. Do you have one of those bullet proof vest thingy's?" I smiled at that remark, "Tell him I expect flowers when we get there." "I heard Honey, Don't worry I'll smooth things out with Momma," he told her. She'd kept out one un-hemmed uniform skirt. Along with the rest of the uniform. When we finally got back to school it was almost Eleven PM. I had her come to my room and then pinned up the hem before telling her to get some sleep. Then come to my room before breakfast. "Malissa, that looks like one of those West Point Women's Dress Uniform Skirts," China pointed out. "It's Erika's new MMA uniform," I told her with a smile. "No Shit!?" "Yes and she's going to wear it tomorrow for her Official Orientation." It didn't take long to hem the skirt, and I hung it with the rest of the uniform on my closet door. Then I took out the name tag I carried for Donnie in case he lost his when he visited. I used my ruler to measure and place it on her jacket before turning out the light and laying down. I'd just brushed my teeth and was getting dressed when Erika arrived. "Are we coming back here so I can change before we go Momma?" "No you are going to change before breakfast, I want everyone to see how proud I am of you." She giggled, "I hope I don't get in trouble." "Don't worry all they can do is kick you out the day before your last day here." I smiled at her. She did light makeup, she never wore much. Then got dressed and her eyes lit up when she saw the name tag. "Is this one of Daddy's?" "Yes so hold your head up Cadet Candidate. You're a Pierce Girl." She giggled, "Yes Ma'am." The salute was crisp and delivered with a perfect snap. I smacked her bottom as we started out into the hallway. People just stopped and stared, some with gaping mouths as we passed them. Bambi was standing outside the doors when we exited my Dorm. "Holy shit," she breathed. "I didn't think you'd do it. Let her go to the Academy that is?" Her sisters met her with enthusiasm, and so did Darla and Mai Ling. Charlene wasn't sure how to react. I heard the tinkling of a spoon on the side of a water glass as the dining hall fell silent. "Ladies," began Miss Clara. "No doubt you've noticed we have a young Cadet Candidate among us this morning. And while I won't pretend to understand her motivations, I wish her nothing but luck in her Endeavors. Erika Pierce," She stood up, "Yes Ma'am." "I am saddened to see you leave, but I know you have to follow your heart as well as your dreams. But always know you can return her anytime you wish. And congratulations on becoming one of the First Mixed Class of Cadets at MMA." "Thank you Ma'am. I'll do my best to perform as a lady should." Erika answered her. As we were walking to the car Miss Karen caught up to us and handed me a large Envelope with a string closure. I knew what it contained. Erika's school records folder, or a copy of it anyway. On the drive over she asked, "Do you think I should look inside?" "Well it isn't sealed, and no one said you couldn't," I told her. Her hands were shaking as she unwound the string from the closing tabs. Inside she found her school folder, paper clipped to the front of the cover was a personal note. "Martin, please take special care of this student/Cadet. She is very special, and very intelligent for one her age. I think she will do well as a Cadet, she shows leadership potential. If she changes her mind about the Academy I want her back in one piece, Thank You, Love, Clara" "Oh Wow Momma, she, she wrote a note to someone about me," Erika gasped. "Yes Miss Clara and the Colonel are quite close," I said. then noticed she reclosed the Envelope without looking at the rest of the contents. I got us both a Large Mocha Frappe' on the way, and we'd just finished when I pulled up to the gate. Good Morning Ma'am, oh I see you've brought one of the new Cadets." The young man checked his roster, "Pierce, Erika R. Go right ahead Ma'am. You know where the theater is?" "Yes Corporal, thank you." I drove on toward the theater/ auditorium. There were almost forty girls milling around with their parents as we walked up the side walk. There were three others in dress uniform already, and one very short redhead in Camouflaged fatigues, her boots were highly shined. And her hair was in a doubled up ponytail, as were the other three girls. I followed Erika as she made her way toward the front, "Excuse me Sgt," she correctly identified his rank. "May we go in for the Orientation yet?" "Sure thing," he opened the door. And she turned to the others. "We may as well get started Ladies," she said with more confidence than she'd shown earlier, as she lead the way, closely followed by the other four in uniforms. Once everyone was in and seated, the new Cadets up front, and parents in the back, the Colonel came out on the stage. "Welcome to the Midwest Military Academy, MMA. You Thirty Eight young women have been selected to take part in the very first Mixed Freshman class here at the Academy. It is you who will determine if there is another or if there is a Sophomore class next year." He said. "It is my intention to begin with a separate platoon for training purposes. You will however share classrooms. Next year, if all goes well you will be Integrated into the rest of Easy Company. And now I'll introduce to you, your Cadet Cadre. Captain Pierce, Lieutenant Howell, and Cadet first Sergeant Garret. One of you lucky Cadets will be chosen to fill the position of Platoon Sergeant in the weeks to come." He turned to Donnie, "Captain they are all yours." "Thank you Sir," Donnie took the podium. "Welcome Cadets," he looked over the gathered bunch. "Let me lay out the guidelines of conduct for you so there are no misunderstandings." "Duty hours are from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours. You are expected to be in the appropriate uniform during those times. You will not fraternize with the male Cadets nor will they fraternize with you in private barracks rooms. The common rooms have external entry doors for visitation hours. You will train hard, and your days will be long. You will be given additional duties such as CQ, and guard duty. It is your responsibility to check the posted rosters. Now for your Platoon leader," he turned it over to Gretchen. Once Donnie and the rest of the male cadre were out of the room she began. "You've heard just a brief outline of the conduct expected of you. Let me spell it out in my own words. You are not here to hook up with the male cadets. Anyone caught doing so will find themselves as well those they are with, Expelled. This is a pilot program, and has special meaning to me as well as a few others here." "The minimum clothing allowed in mixed company during off duty hours is a T-shirt, and pants. You will not go braless at any time outside of the showers. Nor will dressing or undressing in front of open windows be tolerated. Is that clear?" Ma'am, Yes Ma'am," Erika and the others in uniform jumped up and bellowed out. "Is that Clear?" Now everyone jumped up, "Ma'am yes Ma'am" "That's better," she said. "School officially starts at 06:00 hours Monday. I expect to see everyone here by 18:00 hours, in Dress Uniform, Sunday. You may take the rest of the day to tour the grounds and find your room assignments. You will find your welcome packets on your bunks in the Barracks, Building 501 across the parking lot. Will the following Cadets please remain, Cadets Pierce, Garret, Alton, C and Alton, R. the rest of you are dismissed." Once everyone was out Gretchen motioned them forward as she sat down on the top step of the stage. "Alright Ladies, get to know each other. Erika, Shelby, I know you both. Candy and Rhonda, you four are my Squad leaders. One of you will be chosen over the next few weeks to be my platoon sergeant. I expect you to work together. And when it's just us as it is now you can call me Gretchen." "Thank you Ma'am," both Candy and Rhonda said. "Don't thank me yet, you four get to stay over till tomorrow evening. When we go to the Barracks we'll begin divvying up the platoon. Anyone who shows any problems or needs assistance in obtaining uniforms or needed equipment please let me know. I don't want anyone going without. And I want to know about any prejudices, we are very non-prejudiced here. that's why there are five Transgendered Cadets in this Academy." Looking at both Candy and Rhonda she said, Myself, Erika, Shelby, Courtney Ransom and Tracy Collins. So if you find any discrimination I need to know about it. they will be mixed in the other rooms just like at Clara's Girls Academy. Now let's go find our ladies. Does anyone know who that short redhead is that was wearing a field uniform?" "Destiny Evans," supplied Shelby. "I think her parents are having some financial problems." "I got that taken care of," Erika said. "Momma paid for her a full complement of uniforms last night. But I don't think she knows about it." "Then she's yours," Gretchen said. "Oh I almost forgot, here let me pin these on." She went to each one and pinned on Shiny brass Sergeants stripes to their lapels. Then handed each a clipboard, Shall we?" As they headed toward the Barracks she said, "You will get a chance to go get your uniforms after you divvy up the troops." "Malissa," she air kissed my cheek. "I thought this young lady belonged to you and the Captain. But he refused to say anything." "That's just like him, afraid to show preferential treatment." I said. "Hell he doesn't even do that at home." We wandered the barracks as the girls discussed and made their choices. "Did you hear there are Trannies in our class?" one girl asked Erika. "I sure hope I don't end up in a room with one." Erika made a note on her clipboard beside the girls name. "She's mine," Shelby said. "I know how to handle her." They passed the platoon office. "Here you'll need these. I want you each to have a team leader." She handed out Corporal stripes to them. "Destiny Evans," called out Erika. And the girl came running. She stopped and quickly took in the rank, "Yes Sergeant?" Erika quickly pinned the stripes on her. "You are my Team leader, let's go round up our Squad I'm in room Five. Destiny quickly rounded up the girls on Erika's list. "Alright we're all in the same Squad, I want to see each of you here before 6PM Sunday. Go pick up your uniforms, get your field gear and have a good weekend. I have a few administrative things to take care of so I'll be here tomorrow if you need to reach me." A young woman tapped at the door, "Destiny?" Go ahead," Erika told her. "The rest of you have fun while you can." "Sergeant? Can I speak to you a minute?" asked Destiny. I followed both her and her mother into the room, it was her mother who spoke first. "I wasn't expecting my daughter to be able to come home this weekend. So we went by and got her field gear and uniforms yesterday. Except they said it would be later today before her dress uniforms were ready, and the lady at the store said they could deliver them here." she seemed to be having trouble finding her words. "I'll take her when I take Erika to get hers," I told her. "Oh thank you, I really don't have enough gas to get home and then back here by Sunday. I'm hoping now that the Colonel will let her stay until next weekend so I can get back to work and then come pick her up Friday night." "We can't have you running out of gas now," I dug out some cash. "Here, you need it, so don't worry about it." I pressed the money into her hands. And began talking to her about when I first started at Clara's how desperate Momma and I were. And Erika slipped out of the room then returned a few minutes later smiling. "The Lt says anyone who wants to stay is welcome. We could use the hands tomorrow to get things ready for Sunday." Said Erika, "And you get extra credit for initiative." "Oh that's great, I know Blue Springs isn't really that far, but my car doesn't get good mileage." Blue Springs is on our way home, we could drop her off on the way and pick her up on Sunday if that would help?" I told her. Donnie tapped on the door, "Love if you're going to get Erika to the shop for her uniforms and back before you have to get back to Clara's for dinner you better get moving. Or do you want me to take her?" "Daddy you can't show preferences." Erika told him. "Oh Mrs Evans, I believe this is yours," he held out an envelope. She opened it and saw that it was her car title. "How did you get this?" "Another Cadet's Father runs the loan company he informed me and I decided to take care of it. Your husband was a Graduate here after all. And we look after former as well as current Cadets and their families." I winked at Donnie, "Sylvia would you like to ride along to the Mall?" "Oh crap I better be getting back or I'll be late for my shift. But thank you." Mother and Daughter hugged each other and Sylvia said, "I think you should tell them. They seem like people you can trust. And I'm sure I heard someone say there were others like you here." It caught both Donnie and Erika's ears as well. "I'll think about it Momma. Daddy said I should be careful though because even people who say they understand don't." "I'll have Dr Fielding call the Dr here when I get home. You know you can't hide it forever." I decided to walk Sylvia to her car. "Sylvia, I'm sorry but I caught part of that last conversation. She'll be just fine here, trust me." I said. "Oh Malissa, I hope you're right but how could you be so certain?" "Erika and my oldest daughter are Transgendered girls, and I'm Post Op, obviously they are adopted. And my husband knows all about it." But what about the other girls? The platoon leader?" "Gretchen, spent a year here as a Female to Male TG before they decided to open this class. And Shelby and two others in the class are Transgendered as well." I saw the relief on her face. "And just so you don't get surprised, last night I looked at the list of cadet uniforms ordered at the shop and paid to have the rest of the girls who couldn't afford it, to have full sets of uniforms. My daughter means that much to me too." Looking up I saw Gretchen and the other two approaching the cars. "Ma'am, I'm really glad that Destiny told us. We can get her HRT monitored here so it will be safe to take them during training. I'd hate to think what could have happened otherwise." After dropping Erika off at her barracks I headed back to school. I'd promised to take care of Mina and get her home safely. But Rachel had that under control. I felt a bit sad that one of my girls wasn't going to graduate from my school. But at the same time I was happy that she was getting to go to the school she really wanted to go to. Rachel was late getting to breakfast the next day, "Momma Florence is acting weird. She didn't come this morning when I called her and I had to go find her. She was with Sir Pew in Miss Myra's room." "I think maybe it might be a good idea to take her home this weekend before you end up with more than you can handle." I told her. "Besides she's too young to be having her first litter and it's going to be too cold soon for them to go outside for very long." "No it can't be that, she's only four months old." "Yes and domesticated skunks are not governed by nature. She's at the right age to start." I told her. "Rachel, I'm sorry. I didn't notice in time this morning to prevent it. but I think you'll have plenty of offers to take a kit off your hands." Miss Myra said. "They did the deed?" I asked. "Twice before I could get then inside, and again before I could separate them." She answered. "Oh no!" Rachel said. "What can I do?" "Take her home tomorrow night and let her pick out her nesting spot. Then make sure no one else disturbs it until after the Kits are old enough that she lets them be handled." Was Myra's advice. Sherry giggled, "Florence and Pew Sitting in a tree. K. I. S. S. I. N. G." "Sherry be nice, you can tease her on the way home tomorrow." "Is Erika going home with us Mommy," Tiffany asked. "She'll be riding with Daddy and a friend from her new school," I said. "Marcus?" "No her name is Destiny Evans. Her Daddy graduated from MMA and she's following in his foot step's." "Why isn't he taking her home then?" Tiffany persisted. "Because he died last year," I said. "So please be nice and don't ask a lot of questions when you meet her." "Ok Mommy" The rest of the day went by pretty quickly, though I found myself worrying about Erika all day. When we loaded up to go home for the weekend someone asked. "Are you going to check out the street racers on the strip before you leave?" "Not in my sisters car I'm not." I told them, much to their disappointment. When we met up with Donnie, Erika was really talkative. "You should have seen it Mom. This Sophomore decided to cop a feel of little Destiny since she's only four foot seven, and she broke his frea, err, arm. It was self- defense all the way." Destiny was blushing, "I just got so mad that he would try that." "You did good Cadet," Donnie told her. "Don't worry about it." Both were still in their dress uniforms, and Sylvia came out of the house taking pictures. "I'll see you at Four on Sunday," Erika told her before we left. And Donnie gave her our numbers if she needed to call. When we got home Sherry said, "Your friend Destiny is really cute, is she a midget?" "No she's just short for her age." Erika responded. "How old is she?" "Fourteen, Don't you want to know about my school?" "Yes, but momma said not to pry." Tiffany said. "I meant about Destiny," I told them. And that did it. they were in her room asking questions nonstop until dinner time. After dinner Erika went to her room to lay down, she didn't come out until Momma and Daddy came by to ask about how she was liking the Academy. "It's really great Gramma, I'm a squad leader. And my platoon leader says I have real potential." Daddy handed her a little box, "Happy birthday Sweetheart." She opened it to find a MMA ID bracelet like the one that other Cadets had given to girlfriends. "I guess I really can't wear my charm bracelet anymore huh?" "Sure you can, just not in a field or work uniform," Donnie said. "You can't wear that either." He reminded her. "You were a Clara's girl first and always," I told her. "Now you're also a Cadet Sergeant." She, Daddy and Donnie disappeared into Donnie's office. And Rachel pouted. "Hey why the long face," Momma asked. "Where's Florence by the way?" "Oh Grandma I'm so sorry. I should have paid more attention to her. Now she's upstairs trying to turn my closet into her own personal nest." "Her nest? What on earth for?" "That white skunk that hangs around the school, got to her this morning," I said. "So she's picked your closet? She'll change her mind a few times between now and when she has them." Assured Momma. Just then Florence and Tank came bounding down the stairs playing. Then Becca took out after them both. Then they headed for Becca' room with Becca riding Tank and holding Florence in her arms. "She, she never let Becca hold her before," stammered Rachel. "I think she's been missing her. Maybe that's why she's been in your closet." "Yes it's a bit early for her to start nesting," Momma added. When we looked in Rachel's closet most of the damage was at the air vent over Becca's room. That night I paid more attention to Florence's rounds. I'd gotten up to get a glass of milk from the fridge when I saw her and Tank wandering the house. Tank would nose a door open then Florence would go in and check around before they moved to the next room. When they were finished Tank lay at the foot of the stairs, and Florence lay at the top. Slipping back into bed I said, "Sophie, Does Tank always sleep at the foot of the stairs?" She giggled, "You noticed, is Florence at the top?" "Yes, why?" "Poor Tank was beside himself all week trying to figure out why she wasn't there. Haven't you noticed one or the other always wakes us up when the babies need changed in the middle of the night?" I decided to talk to Rachel about leaving Florence at home. It would be easier on everyone, as well as a big help for Sophie. At 4:30AM Donnie rolled out of bed and slipped on sweats, then as he was tying his running shoes I heard a soft tap on the door. "I'll be down in a Minute Honey," he said. "Is Momma going to run with us?" Rachel asked. "No Sweetie I'll go for a jog later," I told her as I pulled my nitie back on and followed Donnie to the kitchen. "I got the coffee started already Momma. Here Daddy I got you a bottle of water," she handed one to Donnie. I decided to make SOS for breakfast, and had just finished crumbling the sausage into the skillet when Rachel came in. "Are they gone?" she looked around sheepishly. "Ok, you get the biscuits, and you can tell me why you're avoiding your Sister, or is it your Daddy?" "Momma I'm, Erika takes all the fun out of our morning jogs. Ever since Grandpa told her about the Academy accepting Female Cadets her and Daddy keep running harder and farther. Really I don't see how Tiffany thinks she can keep up this morning." "Tiffany? You must be mistaken. She wasn't here when they left," I pointed out. "She was outside waiting for them. She's like this little Eveready Bunny all of a sudden." Rachel was really whipping up the biscuits. "Well I'm sure she'll slack off after she gets a good hard run this morning. I mean how far can she run and keep up anyway?" I asked. "So it's the length and pace that's keeping you at home," I said when she didn't answer. "No Momma, my girls hurt like hell after we run like that." she admitted. "You need better Sports Bras, yours aren't giving you enough support. I thought you just liked the way you bounce." "No Momma they really hurt." I looked at her and it struck me she'd not gotten any serious Sports Bras. "After breakfast we'll go get you some that fit properly, and give you the support you need. I'm sorry I hadn't thought about it with you being so well endowed." She blushed. As Sophie came in followed by Sherry and Becca. Florence bounded in and curled up under Becca's chair. "Where's Tiffany did she already take Tank outside?" Sophie asked. I stood in the open garage door watching as they returned. Their pace was a lot slower than I expected, then Tiffany broke out into a full run followed by Erika and Donnie who let her win. When she collapsed onto the front lawn Rachel said, "Oh no you don't. you can't just stop running, you have to walk down and cool off first." She pulled her back to her feet. Come on lets walk to Gramma's and back. Then we'll take a shower." Donnie followed them as far as the mail box, then returned smiling. "I get the shower first." "Sophie, I'm taking a shower," I said. "I guess you're happy as a lark now," I kissed him under the running water as I hopped up, wrapping my legs around him before settling down onto his stiff cock. "I am now, how about you?" I nuzzled his cheek, "Ecstatic, I was worried that you'd have to wait till little Donnie to grow up to have someone follow in your footsteps." We shared a wonderful orgasm together and then he sank to his knees and gave me another one. "Thank you for understanding," he said looking up into my eyes. I gently pulled up on his hair as he stood, wrapping my legs around him as I reached to turn off the water. "Next time Don't worry about it so much and just tell me. Erika was so afraid she'd disappoint me because of all the sneaking around about it." "I'm Sorry Love, I should have known better." I was still getting dressed when Erika hurried into the room and said, "Jay just called and said Julie is done." Then she went back to doing laundry. I carried our dirty clothes in to add to the pile and saw Mina sitting on her shoulder. "Erika, the window is wide open," I warned her. "yes I know, and Mina does too." she answered. When she picked up the basket of dry clothes Mina flew out the window, and I gasped. "She'll come home Momma, she always does." We sat on her bed folding and sorting out the wash when she asked, "Why did Rachel Lie to me about not having a Sports Bra?" she looked sad and hurt. "Erika, I know she has some here. but they aren't the kind she needs to really run the way you and Daddy run now. She's got much larger breasts, and it hurts for her to run in those light weight Bras. And if she keeps it up they'll be sagging down to her knees by the time she's thirty." Erika giggled. I knew she was self-conscious of Rachel's 34C's especially since she was only Thirteen. While Erika was only a 32A at most, but Erika was only Eleven. "Tell you what, the two of you are going to go shopping with me and I'll make sure you both have proper bras for running. But in the mean time I have something for you. I'll be right back," I picked up Sophie and I's laundry and hurried to my room. Quickly I peeled the label off of a new bottle of Rose scented skin lotion, then carrying it to her room I said this, "Should help. Two squirts on each breast one at a time and massage it in for five minutes each or until the lotion is absorbed. Twice a day." "What is it Momma?" "It's Grandma Night Bird's secret breast cream," Sophie said as she entered the room and sat down on the bed. "Does it really work?" Opening her blouse Sophie asked, "What do you think?" Erika giggled, "Thank you Momma's" as she ripped off her T-shirt. "Of course it's more fun if you have someone else rub it in for you," Sophie chuckled as she got up and said, "I'll give you a ride to Jay's." "I better go make sure," I was interrupted as Mina flew in the window to her open cage. "I'll make sure Rachel is ready to go shopping." "Donnie, I'm taking Malissa to pick up Julie, and she's taking Rachel and Erika shopping." He was busy crawling in the floor with the twins, and giving Becca a horsey ride. "We'll be fine, take your time," he said. "Won't we?" Becca giggled and dug her heels into his sides, "Yaaaaaa." Readjusting her seat and mirrors Sophie said, "Hi Baby did you miss Momma? I missed you too." I had to giggle. I'd babied her car not wanting anything to happen to her while I was driving. In the Mall we were at Sports World picking out Bra's to try on. Rachel you don't really want a pull over, here try this one." I handed her one that had four hooks in front. "Lean over and let yourself hang free then fasten it up the front before you straighten up." She was almost finished when I heard, "Your Momma knows what she's talking about. That should give you the best fit." I turned to see my Sister Pamela, "Hi Malissa. I'm happy I ran into you. I thought I recognized you." "Hi, How's Mother and Lynn?" "Do you really care? Sorry that sounded Catty, they're fine and would be furious if they knew I was talking to you." "yes I care, but then I'm not the one that threw me out into the cold am I? or the one that refused to let me come my own sisters funeral." "But you were there, I saw you. And the flowers were over the top. I think Mother was mad about those." "Momma, are you ok?" Rachel and Erika were beside me. "Hi girls, Rachel, Erika," She nodded to each of them. "I'm your Aunt Pam." "Is that true Momma?" "She is one of my blood Sisters, but it remains to be seen if she is your Aunt or Not." I said staring her Pam down. "Look I didn't come here to fight, I came to say I was wrong. And I'm sorry." She held out her hands to me and I heard Rachel gasp. Looking down I saw the scars. She pulled her sleeves down to cover them. "Damnit, I really need to get them new Sports bras, but I want to know about those scars." "I've got time. Can I help you find the right ones they need?" asked my Pam. "Momma?" "It's ok Erika, Rachel, let's look at some of the designs for running, you're going to need them to keep up with Daddy." "You'll be grateful for them at MMA," Added Pam to Erika. And I looked at her unsure of what to do next. "You know I'm at MMA?" "Yes a friend of mine has a Daughter that started this year too. I think you might know her. Cadet Corporal Destiny Evans?" "You know Sylvia and Destiny?" I asked in amazement. "Sylvia helped me through a lot of really rough shit after Becky died." I could see she was near tears. "Girls can you find what you need without me for a bit?" "Yes Momma," they echoed. "Please, can we stay and help. I really want to get to know my two oldest Nieces." The way she said it, I knew she knew that both were Transgendered. And she was willing to accept them. As the girls tried on bras, we talked about things, "I really should have listened to her. If I had things might be different today." "What happened, was for a reason that neither of us can understand," I told her. "That's what Sylvia said to me while I was laying there strapped to the bed in the hospitals mental ward waiting for my wrists to heal. That's where I met Destiny. It wasn't until about four months into it that I found out she was Transgendered, and then I couldn't deny that she was meant to be a girl. That you were meant to a girl too." I hugged her. "Thank you." "You know you really are a much better Mother than we had." "That's because I'm a Momma, not a mother," I told her. "Momma, can we get the matching Panties, they give us almost as much support as the Gaffs?" Rachel said. We both looked up. "Those look really cute too. I can't see a thing," Pam giggled. Before we knew it Rachel hugged her, "Thank you Aunt Pam. Are you coming to our birthday party tonight at Andre's?" "Sorry I won't be able to make it. but I'd like to buy you both something." "Why can't you make it?" Erika asked. "Because I have to go to work. I came down here hoping I'd catch your Moth, Momma and be able to talk with her. And here I've met both of you as well." She bought them both a butterfly necklace, and then we sat and talked a bit more. "I missed you by twenty minutes yesterday. The bus was running slow." She looked at her watch, "Oh crap I've got to hurry or I'll miss the one home." "Home?" I asked. "Blue Springs, I live in the Apartments down the block from Sylvia and Destiny." "And you came all this way on the chance of running into me?" I asked. "My Shrink has been telling me I have to face you before I can move on. And, well I sort of camped out down the street hoping to get up the courage. Then I saw Donnie and Erika running with Tiffany and chickened out again. But when you three left in with Sophie, I called a taxi and took a chance you'd be coming here." "You know a lot for someone that just showed up," I pointed out. Dropping her eyes she said, "I've been trying to get up the courage for a couple of months. I almost made it when I saw Erika sneaking in when you were on vacation." "Do you really have to be home tonight, or could you wait till tomorrow?" "My shift at the hospital starts at Eight." She said. "Then you have plenty of time to stop by the house, and we'll rent you a car so you can drive home." When we got home Donnie and Sophie both recognized her, but welcomed her as if she'd always been welcome. She'd gotten little gifts for everyone. Momma stopped by to make sure we remembered the dinner party and saw her sitting in the living room. she turned around and stormed into the kitchen. "Momma, Don't Do this to me. She's my Sister. And she's apologized to me and she is trying to make amends for everything that happened." I told her. "D, Dotty, I'm Sorry, I know I hurt you. I treated you like shit and you didn't deserve it. you helped my Brother when he needed it most and you gave me the Sister she always should have been. I'll understand if you don't like me or trust me. Hell I don't like who I was and I sure as hell wouldn't want to trust me after all that." She dropped her head and started to leave the room, "Pamela Gayle, don't you walk away from me. Sit down and let's talk about this, Please." Pam turned around, afraid to hope. She sat down across from Momma who took her hands in both of hers. They sat for a long time, just looking at each other. Then Momma Turned her hands over and looked at the scars on her wrists. Raising up she leaned across the table and kissed Pam's forehead, "I forgive you Pam, you've gone through Hell and emerged on the other side. Your future is ahead of you now. Don't dwell on the past ok?" "Yes Ma'am." "Ma'am?" "Mom" "That's better. I want you to come and visit whenever you can, please. And no more hiding out in the park, promise?" They hugged and cried, then we hugged and cried and finally Donnie said, "Hey Sis, can you drive a stick?" "Yes, I, my first car was a pinto wagon." I looked at him curious. "We don't need the learner car anymore," he said and gave her the keys. After she left Momma said, "I wouldn't hold out much hope for Lynn or your Mother." "Me either Momma. I really didn't expect to see her here though." "She's camped out in the park almost every weekend for the last year," Momma said. "It was hard to make sure nothing happened to her. I had to hire a PI to keep her safe from the riff raff." "Momma why didn't you say anything?" "It had to be her decision." I knew Momma was right. And I had one of my blood sisters in my life again. We all got ready and loaded up in the family bus to go to dinner. Donnie was busy finding a parking space and Sophie and I followed Jennie and Daphne inside. I heard Jennie yell, "Clarice? Look Malissa it's Clarice. Why aren't you saying anything usually your talking ninety miles an hour." "Jennie is that Clarice?" I asked. "I'm. sorry about my sister she tends to forget her manners. We went to school with your daughter," I said to her parents. Clarice held her throat and slapped the table shaking her head no. "I'm sorry Clarice suffered an injury to her throat, and her parents refused to take her to a doctor," the woman said. I'm hoping it isn't as severe as we were told but I plan to take her to every specialist I can find. Malissa, Jennie, Daphne, your Momma's are waiting. Oh John I didn't expect to see you here." Daddy said. As we were walking away I heard Daddy say, "I'm not impressed with that ass you have assigned to my account. He made a pass at my granddaughter in Bangkok. My Ten year old Granddaughter." I had to hurry away before I said something that might cause even more problems. But Clarice might know how I could find the man Gerard. I really wanted to chop his Balls off still. But as the dinner party got started I soon let it slide to the back of my mind. It was Rachel and Erika's night after all, and they were both so beautiful in their Dresses and heels. Andre' even did the birthday cake, and the girls had fun feeding it to each other. I felt a bit sad for Rachel, neither Greg or Robert had been able to come. Donnie had left for the party early to pick Marcus up, and had called both the other two who said no they couldn't make it. It was at three in the morning when I overheard the conversation. "But you promised. You both said you would be there. Marcus was there for Erika. It's not fair that you just stood me up. I had to sit there between two empty chairs Greg." "What do you mean it would be easier if I was going to the Academy? I'm not interested in all of that stuff. That's Erika's thing not mine. I'm going to the central bus stop, I'll be there in thirty minutes, and if you care about me at all you'll be there." She hung up, and I heard her crying. When I started to get out of bed Sophie stopped me. "She already talked to Robert, Donnie heard it. he's going to be at the bus stop waiting," she told me. "Get out of my way Erika, you have no idea how pissed off I am right now." "Yes I do, and you aren't going alone. Not at this hour of night," I heard Erika tell her. "That's easy for you to say, you still have a boyfriend," I heard Rachel say. "What's that bag for? You don't take a duffle just to go meet someone." "It's over Erika, don't you understand that? I just got dumped by both of them. And I'm not going to stick around to be pitied." I heard Rachel's door slam and more arguing between them. Sophie finally let go of my arm as we both scrambled out of bed "No you can't go with me. Someone has to stay here and help our Momma's with the little kids. I'm taking Florence with me." "Rachel, what will you do when she pops, she needs a safe warm place to have her kits." "Fine I'll leave her here then come back for her once I find a safe place." Sophie and I both scrambled for the garage I knew what she was going to do. I'd done it myself at her age, leading the way I lead Sophie to the car Monica had bought for Rachel and we both got into the back seat. I put my cell phone on silent and texted Donnie. "Rachel's running away from home. Sophie and I are waiting for her." "Waiting at the bus stop," was his reply. "How bad is it?" "Not good," I texted back then closed my phone as light spilled into the garage. "Please don't run away from this Rachel, please." Erika pleaded as Rachel opened the trunk then slammed it closed. The garage door started opening and she got in. "Let go of my arm or I swear I'll punch your lights out. And don't you dare tell Momma or Daddy." She started the car and it was in gear before her door closed. She slowly cruised past the bus stop four times before she stopped and began squalling her eyes out. She never noticed Donnie's approach, until he opened the door and got into the passenger's seat. "D, Daddy?" "You were going to leave without saying goodbye?" "Daddy I, I can't face everyone. They'll all know I got dumped." "You don't honestly think your Daddy was the first one I fell in love with do you?" I said from the back seat. "You, you knew what I was going to do and you didn't try and stop me." "Would it have done any good? Rachel you are my daughter. I love you more than you can imagine. And the only thing stopping us from ripping both of them apart is wanting to know why they did it. then they might find themselves staked over an anthill, or singing Soprano the rest of their lives." "R, Robert I can understand, really he never said outright that he loved me. It was, was just curiosity. I, Greg," she began to cry and I hugged her even harder. "When I called him, s, s, someone else answered," she looked into my eyes and I could see the deep searing pain that was ripping at her heart. "She said sure I could talk to him, then she giggled as she gave him the phone." As she said it I knew that she knew who it was. "I, I can't go back to school Momma, I just can't." "Rachel Pierce," Sophie said. "You can and you will. You are my daughter as much as Malissa's. you are going to go back and you are going to hold your head high. You aren't the one that's getting someone else's cast offs. Tasha is, and you are a much better Fencer than she is." Both Rachel and I gasped when Sophie mentioned the name. "I'm sure his mother is behind it anyway, she called to tell me I should try to let you down easy that she'd found someone more suitable for her son." "Now you know what we're going to do now?" Sophie asked. Rachel shook her head no. "We're going to go drop Daddy off and get your sister and her car and then we're going to drive until the anger and hurt doesn't feel so bad." "Why?" "So you'll be thinking clearly when you go back to school, besides driving always clears my head when I get mad," Sophie said.