The Platinum Chef: A Tale Of Delacroix Part II free porn video

Chapter 4 Robb had drained about $1200 from the bank card that bore his name. He bought a backpack at a thrift store. He broke the card in half and threw it away. He walked and walked, and walked... ...and walked. During his internet musings he discovered the idea of the Walkabout. Walking until you meet yourself, considering the events of the week, that seemed like the most likely thing in the world. He knew that there wasn't an explosion behind him. He also knew that he wasn't walking in slow motion. But that's how he felt, happy and sad tears running rivulets of mascara and eyeliner down his face. Walking down the long, long road towards... Where? First thing's first... Frank. Frank was the Fake ID guy. Could damn near fake anything except money. This should be easy. He knocked on the door. It buzzed and he pushed. "Frank?" "Hey, Do I know you?" Frank put down his taco and wiped his hand on his well stained Mountain Dew shirt. He reached under the table for the little Seecamp.45 he kept there. "Yeah, umm." Bobbie looked down at her feet. "Melanie sent me. I don't wanna go back...." "She said you could help me. I left my parents, they were in some weird cult. I need to get some I.D., I just can't go back , I just can't...." Bobbie was trying to sound genuinely upset, luckily she already looked like she'd been crying. His expression became less hard. "... and Mel said you were the one to see. I need ID, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate and School Records. I've got money. I have no one else to turn to." "Close the door behind you," Frank said, Bobbie suddenly remembering where she was and who she was talking to. "That's gonna cost you. Three hundred at least, or you could blow me." That sleazy fucker. Bobbie threw three crisp hundred dollar bills on the table, careful to hide his horror. Tears came unbidden, slowly leaking down his face, creating new tracks of makeup. The hopeful look in Frank's eyes died, he grimaced. "Okay. Miss. Give me a few minutes to set up and we'll be ready. Ummm." Frank looked around. "I'm gonna need a picture. There's a bathroom over there to freshen up, if you want. Are you okay? Can I get you a coffee of something? It's gonna be a bit, Miss?" "Sharpe, Bobbie Sharpe," Bobbie said as she headed toward the bathroom. She saw the makeup that had ran down her face like a rural roadmap. God, she must have looked terrible. Well, Frank didn't think so. Blowjob, Bobbie forced the thought out of his mind, the thought of it was just... EWWW! The makeup came right off, leaving his{her} face clean, eyes slightly puffy. But there it was. For the first time in his life, he cared what a picture of him would look like. Ironically, he wouldn't look his best. Or, like him at all. Satisfied that this was the best he was going to be able to do for now, he went back out to face Frank. There were questions, things to fill out. He never realized how much paper a single life generated. Then the all important picture, he hastily parted his hair down the middle, allowing it to flow over his shoulders. An hour later, Frank had done his magic. And there was a Colorado Driver's License and Social Security card for One Bobbie Sharpe, Born 11/13/1995, even had school transfer records from California. Everything she would need to start fresh. Frank thanked her for her business, and told Bobbie to tell Melanie he said hi. "Okay, sure," she said. Fat chance, she thought. * ************ When Melanie came out of the bathroom, she expected to find Robb sleeping. When the body was gone, she was concerned. When she noticed the bank card was missing. She went ballistic. Nuclear missile ballistic. That....fucking bitch. Melanie thought. After all I did for him. She was so mad, she broke a few things, screamed. When none of those things were able to assuage her anger, she went to the drawer and pulled out the stash box she kept the drugs in. She started with the marijuana and cocaine. Then came the alcohol, then the oxycontin{which she crushed and snorted}. The anger started to subside, mellowness radiating out from her belly. Her reactions slowed as tiredness crept into her. She began to nod off. The cigarette she was smoking was fresh... half gone... burning her fingers as it dropped onto the carpet And everything went black. "Melanie," a sexy voice purred into her ear. She opened her eyes. They were in an old, abandoned hospital. Sort of. That's what was in front of her, her neck wouldn't turn. It felt like her body had been encased in wet concrete. All of her movements seems geologically slow. The stranger stood in front of her. She looked vaguely Asian, with large breasts and luscious hips. "You're probably wondering what's going on? Turn around and look. Suddenly released, she spun around. Melanie saw her body splayed out on the sofa, foaming at the mouth, unconscious. "Oh, You're in trouble, aren't you?" Melanie felt the wrongness in her body. Oh, God. She overdosed. She was always so careful about what she took and how much. Fuckin' Robb. Wait, what's that smell? Smoke? Fire? Oh, God. WAKE UP! Melanie was frozen in place. "Yes, Fuckin' Robb. Tell me about him." "Help me!, I don't wanna die," Melanie pleaded to the stranger. "Shhh! I won't let anything happen to you. just as long as you help," the stranger purred the dark light glinting off of her purple lips. "Tell me about Fuckin' Robb, we have just oodles of time." Melanie watched the flames start to rise. It was like watching slow motion footage of a car crash, everything gracefully moving, lapping up into the air. "I..."Melanie began, quickly turning from the flame to the stranger. "Tell me. I can just leave you here, you know?" "Tell me," she growled. "He's an ungrateful bastard," Melanie blurted. Fuck him. he just took the money and ran off, leaving you alone. "I helped make him a cooler person. All he ever did was a bunch of nerdy shit. I had him in the palm of my hand, who doesn't want that? After he became a girl I..." "Became a girl, yes, tell me about that." There was a kind of Cheshire Kitten look to her grin. "He got shot, I left. He was a girl when I got back. I didn't believe him at first. Didn't make any sense at all. But absolutely nobody could have known those things. He was all blond hair and blue eyes, and..." "OOOH! An Advocate. It's been sooooo long." She clapped her hands, jumping up and down. "Melanie, this may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship." "What do you mean?" The stranger came right up to her. Stroking her face. Fear replacing anger in Mel's face. "Don't worry, there won't be anything to be afraid of. Nothing's going to hurt you anymore, or ever again." Melanie saw her body sit up, and walk zombielike to the door. "You can get them back, get them all back." She smiled, a grin suddenly voracious. "They will beg for your forgivness. And, you don't have to give it to them." "Who are you?" Melanie asked, both frightened and fascinated "You can call me Lust. I think we're going to have some fun together. But first, we're going to HAVE to do something about that thing you're wearing." ********* Bobbie had been walking for quite a while. The feeling of wearing a backpack on her front was going away, fading into the 'new normal', much like the new sway his hips had. Wearing a backpack helped, providing a counter weight. Five miles. Where to go? Only know one place. Home. Bobbie thought about everything that had happened. Memories cascaded. Ten miles, fifteen. The more walking she did, the clearer he felt, smelling the crisp air. There were things about what he was doing that set him on edge. What would he tell them? Well, I could have been Robb's girlfriend. Rehab?? It would sound good, he reasoned. It would at least sounded like I was trying to get better. Yeah, Melanie was cheating on me...him, damn. We met in the rehab clinic. For what, though? Painkillers? Black Tar Heroin? What if they didn't buy it? What if the records or ID didn't work. What if Melanie came back? All of these questions were asked, but went away as he stood there. He had blindly gone to the one place in the universe that, while you can occupy its space again, it's never the same. Home. He knocked on the door, and waited. Then she answered. She stood there looking at him, with no recognition in her eyes. Here Goes, and before any rational thought occurred. Bobbie leapt forward. "Oh, God. Mom," she whimpered, and hugged her. Startled, the woman eased and returned the embrace. "Mom? Do I know you? Are you one of Kim's friends?" Composing herself, Bobbie let the tears that were threatening to burst go. "No, I'm...I... I mean I was Robb's Girlfriend. He's... He's." The woman's face twisted. She collapsed to her knees. "NO!" she cried. Bobbie moved forward. "He wanted me to..." It was her turn she hugged Bobbie, who hugged back. Bobbie's voice went unheard. It felt like a geological age before either of them moved. She looked at Bobbie, wiped her eyes, smiled lightly. "Why don't you come in?" Bobbie walked into the house he had grown up in... Robb had grown up in. He stood in the room where, years ago, he had screamed and screamed. In a way, it was good to be back. In another, it felt very strange and awkward. The furniture was different. The carpet the same, memories hung there like so many dust motes. "God, when he was a kid it was all movies and comics. I knew the other kids thought of him as a nerd. I felt sorry for him. But when he brought..." Her mouth moved like something distasteful was in it. "...That girl, Michelle?" "Melanie," Bobbie said, nodding. "He told me about her. He wasn't happy about how things ended with her. And what she wound up doing to all three of you." "How did they end?" Sylvia asked. Bobbie exhaled, crossed her legs and hoped for the best. She told him about how Robb knew that Mel was cheating on him. How they had met at a rehab clinic, both seeking treatment in the medical wing due a former partner's indiscretion. She talked about how he tried to clean up, and get himself together. He was clean and about to start working, when the accident happened. With nobody around to make the decision, he'd been cremated. His ashes scattered in the Mojave desert. "Because," Bobbie admitted with a wan smile, "that's where they shot the jet car sequence in." "...Buckaroo Banzai. God, he loved that movie. "He wanted to come back. He felt so bad about the way he left things with you and Kim. Before he died... He wanted to come back to you so badly, always told me what he wanted to say. 'No matter where you go... there you are' Does that mean anything to you?... umm," The act seemed to be working, so far Sylvia chuckled through the tears. "Sylvia, please. It's from the same movie. When his father was alive, they would watch it together every weekend... I know the quote. Still don't think I've seen the whole thing." The door suddenly opened. "Hi, Mom." It was Kim. Bobbie remembered Kim just four years ago, pigtails and dresses. The teenaged girl before him looked radically different. Skinny jeans, brown hair cut into a faux hawk, Ear plugs and a Laberet piercing. A pink camouflage babydoll shirt that read "GRRL ARMY" emblazoned on the front. "This is..." "Kim?" Bobbie asked. Kim was taken aback. It had only been four years. Seeing her now, Bobbie really wanted to know about those four years. With the guitar slung on her back, she looked ready to trash an expensive hotel room. "Kim, dear. Come sit. I think we need to talk. It's about Robb." Kim slowly lowered herself to the sofa. It could only be one thing. How did it happen? She wondered. Overdose? Robbery? It didn't matter to her. She just wanted to hear him call her Kimster again. Her face contorted as she started to cry, her head in her hands. Bobbie went to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She batted it away angrily. She spun while standing, grabbed Bobbie by the shoulders, shaking her. "Where is she?" Kim hissed through clenched teeth. "I'll... I'll." From anger to tears, a switch was flipped. Bobbie reached out and hugged Kim. "Robb," she sobbed. "It wasn't her, Kim. It was a car accident," Sylvia said, she hated seeing Kim this way, the anger that constantly simmered beneath her surface. And now, with Robb gone she feared that Kim's anger might stay "He was so sorry. He wasn't even mad at you. He always said if there was one thing that he could take back. It would be the last thing he said to you. He knew things were screwed up. He only wanted to come home." Kim let go of Bobbie, grabbed her wrist. Sniffing, she said. "Mom we'll be back." So, she still did that, Bobbie mused. Grabbing him and leading him to whatever it was she wanted to show him. Bobbie felt like Robb did for a moment, being pulled along. It felt good, familiar. "Kim," Sylvia exclaimed. "It's okay, Mom. "She shouted over her shoulder. And, just like that, Sylvia was left alone in the house. She had to admit, at least Robert had straightened out there near the end. What had Robb said to Bobbie about them? She needed to know. But, she mused, at least now she could know. Bobbie seemed nice. At least someone could fill her in about her son. Once a block had passed, Kim turned around and looked keenly. Pulled a pack of Newports out of her pocket and fumbled with the lighter. She lit the cigarette. The light flickering, highlighting her red eyes. She inhaled and exhaled twice in rapid succession. Wanting to break the ice, Bobbie said, "You think I can get one of those?" Kim looked at her suspiciously, flipped open the pack and offered her one. Her lighter was out by the time Bobbie had the cigarette in her mouth. Leaning in to the lighter, Kim said, "Bobbie, tell me what happened." Bobbie inhaled, the smoke burned her throat, the menthol flavor doing nothing to make it easy. She coughed lightly. Kim chuckled. "Not much of a smoker, huh? You're not his type, y'know. Blond, way too hot. Too much of a good girl. How did you know him?" "Met at a clinic." Bobbie waved the cigarette. "Melanie gave him something. We were trying to get him clean and back to school. His death came out of nowhere. It's hard to believe that Robb's gone," It was so weird to say that. "Oh, how I wish she were here." She let the cigarette dangle from her lips as she smacked a palm with her fist. She flicked the cigarette away. "I wish I could have seen him one more time. Wish he could meet me now. So much has changed." "Yeah," Bobbie said, inhaling on the cigarette again. She looked at it distastefully, stepped on it. "What happened with you? From what he told me you should be sporting a pair of pom poms by now." Kim grinned a lopsided grin. "I'm gay. He wouldn't have known. I only came out last year," she chuckled. "Decided I liked girls more." "How did Mo... um... Sylvia take it." Kim looked at her unevenly. "Did you just almost call her 'Mom'?" Shit! "Ummm, I...I," Bobbie stammered. Like a flurry, Kim was on him. Bringing her right foot around Bobbie's left and positioned her hand for a blow to the chest. Bobbie saw it in slow motion, she brought her right foot back and absorbed the blow on her left breast, but the leg sweep failed. As it happened, she was amazed at how quickly it all came back, and how quickly she was able to call her limbs back into position. "Ow," Bobbie said, rubbing her chest. It hurt, much like a kick in the groin used to. Only, somewhere else. "Okay, what's going on? He taught me that, not much else. But I haven't lost a fight yet." "Kimster," Bobbie whispered, tears brimming. "Did he tell you that, too?" She moved in again. Raising her fist for another attack Bobbie brought up her hands. "No, no" "Who are you. What do you want?" "It's like I said, really. I'm here to fix what Robb broke. I think I'm the only one who can." Kim lowered her hands. "No Matter where you go..." "... there you are, right?" Kim said, softening. "I guess. You only get where you're going by being where you've gone. Bobbie's eyes widened. "You saw that?" "After he left, I watched his movies, read his books, stole his cds. I just wanted to feel close to him again. I missed him, the asshole," Kim said, sniffing back tears. "C'mon, we should head back. There's something you should see." She grabbed Bobbie's wrist again and ran back to the house. They re entered the house, Kim bolting up the stairs, Bobbie in tow. "Taking Bobbie into Robb's room." Up the stairs they went and then into the second door on the left, Kim opened the door. It was just like Robb left it. DVDs, videogames, comic books, The Bettie Page poster on the wall. Bobbie walked in, stunned. Was he so mad at the time? God, why am I so emotional? As if in a trance, Bobbie opened the top drawer of the dresser. I wonder if it's still there? She reached up inside to the secret spot, and pulled out a rolled up piece of paper. Unrolling it, she was stunned to see that it read "Drugs are bad, m'kay." Kim's eyes went wide, she turned around and closed the door. "Okay, there's no reason you should know about that. I got rid of that joint and left that note there. I knew he'd find it. If he ever came back," she said quietly. She looked up at Bobbie, eyes narrowing. "Who are you. Really? I scream, and Mom'll..." Fuck it, I need someone. Please let her believe me. "Kimster, it's me. Robb." "Bullshit. That's not possible. It's just... not." "And yet, here I am." Kim reached forward and squeezed Bobbie's breasts. "Hey," Bobbie said, trying to slap her hands away. Seizing the opportunity Bobbie pinned her to the wall, just like he did when they were kids. "You never could get out of this. So just listen. For once, listen to me. I am in here, you've gotta believe me. You've got to," Bobbie pleaded. "I just really needed..." As the crying started, Bobbie loosened her grip. She collapsed on Kim. "Oh, Kimster. I needed you guys... Mom." Bobbie flopped down on the floor. Head in her hands. "I don't know what to do." That moment crystallized it for Kim. Trust. Automatic, unflinching trust. The kind of trust she had been unable to have with anyone else, not since... "Robb?" She smiled, she saw it. It was him in there. Had to be. The joint, Kimster, calling Sylvia 'mom'. The 'Spider' hold. It made absolutely zero sense, but this girl who called herself 'Bobbie' was her brother. "Oh, God. Robb." She flung herself to him and clung tightly. "What happened?" Bobbie looked at his sister. "I got shot in a robbery with Mel. I just remember being cold and there being a lot of blood. Then this... Wait a minute. Just like that? You believe me?" Kim punched him in the chest, again. "Ow, stop doing that." "Regular girl would've tried to hit me. You walk kind of like a guy, you knew about the hidden joint." She ticked off the reasons on the fingers of one hand. "Maybe I don't believe you, and this is all part of my devious plan to get you into my evil clutches." Kim leaned in, as if to kiss. Bobbie let Kim go and released her. "Jesus, Kimster I'm your..." "And there's the clincher," To punctuate, Kim punched him in the opposite breast. "I Can't very well kick you in the balls, can I. You fucking jerk," She hugged him again. "Besides, you had to be telling the truth. How could you not wanna get with this?" Kim flaunted her body. "Bee Tee Double Ewe, you're really cute, bro." "Thanks," Bobbie said dryly. "I think I died, but then I woke up like this." Having this conversation was hard enough. She wasn't even going to try to explain Justice. "Like a second chance?" Kim grinned. "Cool. I get my brother back. Well, sort of." "Let's not get too excited. I still don't know what I'm doing. I don't have a place to live. I just barely got a new license. I knew I had to come here first, I needed to apologize to you both. I didn't really mean what I said, I needed to say I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm going to do. I am going to finish school, this time though." "Place to live, huh? I think I might be able to arrange that. I'll talk Mom into it. Since you left, it's just been the two of us. And, to answer your earlier question. Mom didn't handle my gayness very well, not at all. But, she also didn't want to lose both of us, she just kind of let me be. I think she finally accepted it." She hugged Bobbie again. "I'm so glad you're here." The embrace tightened. "But, if you ever die like that again. I'll kill you," They both laughed. "And, well..." Bobbie suddenly flushed, the red showing against the smooth, alabaster skin. "I've gotta be honest with you, Kimster. This whole 'girl' thing," She sighed exasperated. "What do you mean?" Kim asked. Bobbie looked at her embarrassed. "I had a period the day after it happened. I thought I was going to die... again. I freaked out. Melanie showed me how to sort of deal with it. But" Kim laughed, a lot louder than she should have. "I'm sorry," The laughing continued. She wiped her eyes. "I just can't picture..." Still chuckling. "Don't worry your pretty little head about it. Bro," Kim said reassuringly deepening her voice as she finished. Bobbie wished everyone would stop saying that. "You know I'm going to spend hours messing with you, right?" Bobbie Glared at her. "You know that 'Scanners' shit isn't real right?" "Yeah? Neither is having your 'y' chromosome grow another leg," Bobbie said, relieved that he open up to someone. "Fair enough," Kim surveyed the body her brother now inhabited. "There is one thing I've wanted to ask you for years," Kim said "Sure, what?" "Can I have your Bettie Page poster?" Kim asked sheepishly. Bobbie laughed, happy to see her sister acting happy. "Sure." "C'mon, Juete." "Hey," Bobbie shot back. "Juete had pink eyes, mine are blue..." They went back downstairs. o *********** Sylvia ordered pizza and they ate and talked, just the girls. It was nice to see Kim not being angsty for once. She and Bobbie were getting along. It did her heart good. She had brought down some boxes from the attic. "These are all of his old stories, school papers, and book reports. I...I just wanted him to come back." Was he still writing?" She kept all those, really? "He was trying, wasn't really finding anything that worked. I think that what happened with you threw off his rhythm. " She took some of the old pages out. Bobbie stared at them incredulously. "I can't believe you kept these," Bobbie felt herself wanting to cry, again. "Of course, he was my little boy," Sylvia cried. Bobbie put out a hand. "And now he's..." Her voice broke. "It's okay. It wasn't anything you did. He just wanted to be wanted. He was always so alone..." Bobbie started to speak. She went on for about an hour, with eloquence about Robb's shortcomings. Bobbie saw them with such striking clarity. When it was over, Sylvia was all cried out. But felt better than she had in the whole time he'd been gone, and went to bed feeling lighter than in recent memory. Kim offered some room space to Bobbie. "We've got a lot to talk about, Bobbie and I." Kim stayed up late with Bobbie. She snuck out of the window of her room to sit on the roof. Bobbie went with her. "So, when did you start smoking?" Bobbie asked Kim. "When I stole your pack right before you left," she giggled, inhaling. "You know that's bad for you, right?" "Not as bad. See, lights? And you should talk. How do you like being a girl?" Bobbie shrugged. "I'm not sure 'like' is the right word. I mean, it's still difficult to remember to sit to pee. It's been a rollercoaster these last few days. I was watching TV and I cried over that damn Sarah Machlachan commercial with the hurt animals." Kim nodded and smoked in silence. "Everybody cries at that commercial. So, do you like guys now or what?" she said, sending pieces of silence scattered by her warhammer. The question took Bobbie aback. "I... I don't know. Haven't really thought about it much. I did some stuff with Melanie after..." She waved her hand up and down. "This. Honestly I only remember part of it. She... we... I took ecstasy." "Just wondered. Y'know. Though maybe we could check out girls. Wanted to do that with you since I found out I was gay." She reached over and grabbed Bobbie's ponytail. "C'mon Whaddaya say? We get you a pixie cut and some Birkenstocks. And we can listen to Melissa Etheridge and The Indigo Girls all day." She dropped the still smoldering butt into the coffee can she kept there for that exact reason. Bobbie chuckled. "It's casual. Let's get some other things sorted out. First, I wanna finish school. I'm going to finish something. I feel so much better now that Mel's gone." "School?" Kim lit another cigarette. "You could always go back to Delacroix. Things are different now." "No shit," Bobbie said. "No, really. There are more people like you used to be there now. Somehow, being a little geeky became cool. Plus, you look like that. The greatest fortress is to be found in the love of the people and all that..." "Besides." She smacked her fist into her palm. "They'll have to deal with me this time." Bobbie looked at her, eyebrow raised. "Yeah, I'll be the first guy to say 'I'm gonna get my little sister to beat you up'." They both snorted with laughter. "You're not a guy," Kim reminded her. "Maybe you should learn all the Penny Priddy quotes." "Yeah, I wanted to ask you. Buckaroo Banzai? The Man Who Never Missed? Bug bit you, huh?" "Yeah, some," She smirked. "Hey, you like some cool shit." "And the bass?" "Oh, that. Just picked it up. Been playing for about two years. Started the band with some girls I met through Facebook. Y'know I wrote like five songs about you after you left?" Bobbie smiled. "Really?' "Yeah, you big jerk. I was so fucking mad at you. Choosing Melanie..." "Over it now, completely." "No, 'Choosing Melanie' was one of the songs." Bobbie looked down. "I'm sorry," She breathed "Look. I think I can get Mom to let you stay here. There's plenty of space. And, quite frankly, Mom needs another girl around. We'll go out tomorrow, I've got practice, you can come with me. Meet the other girls. Once we get you integrated, this should be fun." Integrated? Bobbie sensed a project, he was wishing that there could be an 80s movie montage that would just leave everything finished. But if she was going to get a new life, she had to start somewhere. Chapter 5 "I fucking want his head, her head, whatever," the One Who Was Melanie said, rage coloring every fiber of her being." Her body swayed, the difference in it's weight and proportion still new to her. Still riding the waves of hate from Lust, all of her senses were in overdrive. "And you'll have her, But you need to be patient. We can both get everything we want." The One Who Was Melanie looked at the mirror. Her features had softened, the damage from the drugs disappearing. Her face had changed, as had her skin, deepening to a golden hue. Her was body more supple, voluptuous. Her hair had changed to a vibrant red; all of her tattoos had disappeared save one. The 'tramp stamp' remained save one difference. Some purple Kanji characters sat in the center now. ##: The characters for Lust. Lust looked at The One Who Was Melanie. "We are going..." Lust slinked forward, raising her arms to feel her newest work press against her body "..to take." She slid an arm around her waist. "Her world." She bent in to Not-Melanie's face. "Apart." Lust kissed her passionately. The anticipation warming her loins in a way not felt since the last Thrall didn't work out. She thought of Faye. How she figured it out was beyond her. But, that plan would have to wait for the moment. Yes, Lust. OOH! The One Who Was Melanie thought. This was better than drugs, lost as she was in Lust's grip. Pleasure tingling every ending of every nerve. Lust smiled. She knew that The One That Was Melanie knew the Advocate, could help find and defeat her. It was just a matter of time. And Lust had all the time in the world. * ************ Sylvia woke up early the next morning to the sounds and smells of frying bacon and coffee. When she came down, there was Kim sitting at the counter, drinking coffee. "Hi, Mom," she said. "Bobbie thought we'd like breakfast. "Smells good. " Sylvia said. Kim was already moving to get her mother's coffee."What are we having?" she said, stifling a yawn. Bobbie was jumping around. Kim had put her band's disc on. The music orchestrated her movement as she skipped around like a ninja on a hot tin roof. Things were flipped and moved with a minimum of effort. There was a style to movement now. Bobbie still remembered Robb, the memories so much easier to grab now. She glided around the kitchen, flipping pancakes, making omelets and plating with an ease that surprised even her. Sylvia looked at the plate, containing a small vegetable omelet, two pancakes, two slices of bacon, and hash browns. "How long have you two been up?" "Not long," Bobbie yelled. Sheepishly, she turned down the music. "Sorry, Sylvia. Only about an hour" She nodded, sipping coffee. "I know all those songs, they used to practice here," She dug into the omelet. Her eyes opened. "Mmm. This is delicious. You did all this in an hour? What.." "Eat mom. I finished mine already. Try the pancakes," Kim said, grinning. Sylvia looked at her daughter. When was the last time she saw Kim grin like that? The pancakes were creamy, fluffy, and delicious. "Oh, my gosh. Bobbie, you're a wonderful cook. Who taught you?" She added half and half to a cup. "Hmmm?" She looked around at Sylvia and Kim. Lost in seeing them all together, there was a love and joy that replaced the hollowness. This is what was missing, from Mel's presence,s he decided. "Me? Oh, no one. Just call it a knack," she said, sipping coffee and crunching a piece of bacon. "Mom, Bobbie and I were talking. She's almost done with school. D'ya think we can keep her?" Bobbie spluttered. "Kim, I..." "Mom, she came here just to tell us about Robert, she's got no one to go back to. She needs to finish school. I think she'll be good to have around. She nodded. "You stay in school." She looked down at the plate, It was gone. She was full from breakfast, but felt... somehow complete. Kim was probably right. "And you keep cooking, and you've got a deal." Kim looked at her mother. "Wow, that was easy." Bobbie would be good to have around. Sylvia decided. Kim looked... not so angry. She had to admit that she herself felt comfortable around Bobbie immediately, even though she couldn't understand why. It made no sense, but it felt right having her here. "Good, now that that's settled. I've got band practice today. Bobbie's gonna come with me, meet the other recruits." Bobbie went up and changed back into the jeans and t-shirt she had in the bag she came with. After leaving, Kim looked at Bobbie. "We need to build you a life. Clothes, friends, everything. Nobody's gonna believe that you just came up out of the concrete. You don't even have a facebook profile or a phone. Don't worry, Robb. This is going to be so much easier than it was last time." Bobbie gave a sideways look, eyes narrowed to the width of dental floss. Kim laughed. "I said easier, I didn't say it was going to be easy. No matter where you go, remember?" "Umm Kim. I think it would be better if you just called me Bobbie from now on. 'Robb' just sounds weird now," Bobbie chuckled. "What's so funny?" Kim asked shaking a Newport out of the pack. "Melanie gave me that name. Seems like the only thing she was right about." I am Bobbie Sharpe. She thought. And, I'm going to be a good person. Chapter 6 Bobbie had some cash left from retaining Frank's services. Not much, about $900. It was still sitting in 'Robb's' wallet. "Nice," Kim said. "Boba Fett wallet. That was weird... you know, with mom back there." "I just think she felt some part of me in here still," Bobbie said. "So, where are we going exactly? I mean now that you've got me out here and all." "Told you, band practice. You need to meet the others. Let's just rip that band aid off now," Kim said, flipping out her phone. "Call Heather." "Hey, I'm bringing someone.... No, I'm pretty sure that she's okay." She looked at Bobbie. "You guys are gonna wanna meet her anyway. Kaybai." "'Rip that band aid off'?" Bobbie eyed his sister suspiciously. "What's that supposed to mean?" "Well, that's the thing about us. We kinda don't fit. We're all different. See, that's the philosophy of the band. We're GRRL ARMY, we are all different kinds of girls, and that makes us different. But we're all girls, and that makes us the same. Well, Bobbie. What kind of girl are you? "It doesn't matter what kind of girl you are, just be the best kind of whatever girl you want to be." Bobbie whistled. "That's some deep thought. Worthy of Dr. Banzai." "I am occasionally brilliant," Kim said, shrugging. "So, what happened after you left?" Kim asked. "Lotsa drugs, lotsa sex, lotsa criminal shit. When you're high, things just kinda, I dunno, slip by. I thought I was happy, but now." It was Bobbies turn to shrug. "I'm not sure what kind of girl I am yet. There's just so many things. I..." "Don't worry, Bro...obbie. You might learn a lot. How many guys get this opportunity? I mean, if this kind of thing happened often, we'd hear about it right?" She deepened her voice. "In a secret government base, top soldiers were transformed into women..." Kim laughed loudly. "That sounds like the worst movie ever..." "It could work as a comedy." Bobbie sighed. "But this-" Bobbie covered his breasts. "Isn't so funny. I mean to live with." "I see what you mean. Don't worry. I'm sure this will all work out." The house loomed in front of them as Kim and Bobbie strolled up to the door. Kim's guitar looking like a samurai sword in the shadow. She knocked. The door opened, and a dark haired girl who was obviously living in the wrong decade stood there, in an ensemble that looked more at home on Rita Hayworth or Jane Russell. A large, purple flower attached to the left side of her head. "Hey, Heather. This is Bobbie, she's new around here. So, I thought I would introduce her to the most kickass band in all of Delacroix." Kim watched as Heather studied Bobbie. "Yeah," Heather looked over her sunglasses at Bobbie. "Everyone's here already. To the garage!" Heather's dress twirled as she spun. "Oh, boy. You're in for it now," Kim whispered. Bobbie shot a confused glance at Kim. "If she looks over her glasses at you. It means she sees a challenge." "Challenge?" Bobbie didn't like the sound of that. But before she could ask about what that meant, the garage came into view. The garage looked like a common garage. Old sofa. Musical equipment. Off in the corner was a full length mirror. Next to it was a sewing table, littered with scraps of fabric. "Bobbie, this is Bella on Drums." The blonde at the drum kit brought up her hand and flashed the devil horns. "...and Amber on lead guitar." The redhead nodded. "They wore similar GRRL ARMY shirts," Kim said, indicating the girls in turn. "You met Heather." Heather was crossing over to Bobbie. Removing her sunglasses, she took a good look at her. Sizing her up as if for a fight. She walked up to Bobbie, nervousness flooding her. Wait, is this like, girl hazing or something? Heather reached up and pulled the scrunchie from her hair. "Hey, I..." She ran her hands through Bobbie's hair. Heather opened her mouth, and Bobbie heard a beautiful mezzo soprano voice say. "You have beautiful eyes." She moved hair out of Bobbie's face. "Striking features. Hmm...Bangs. Definitely bangs" "Excuse me, I..." Bobbie was a little shocked by the sudden attention "No earrings?" Heather said, shocked. "Where did you come from?" "Jesus fuck, Heather. You've only just fuckin' met her. Give her some fuckin' time before you mercilessly rearrange her look," said Bella, resting her arms on the drum kit. "Well, excuse me," Heather said. "I see someone in need and I help. Oh, honey. Who did those eyebrows? And the shirt... none of this stuff fits right at all. Kim, you did the right thing bringing her here. C'mon." Bobbie followed along, was that what his life had been like? Constantly pulled this way and that. Heather stopped at the wardrobe, flinging it open. "So, are you a zero or a one?" Heather asked. "Is that a computer joke?" Bobbie asked blankly. "What's your size?" Heather responded like one would a slow dog. "Never did much shopping outside of shirts and jeans." Heather eyed Bobbie suspiciously. "Oh," Bobbie said. Remembering what Melanie said it was. "Zero." "I think," she said, glancing at Bobbie as she flipped through the dresses. "Yeah, blue... definitely blue." She pulled a blue dress out and thrust it at Bobbie. "Put this on." Bobbie looked at Kim pleadingly. Amber broke the silence. "Fuck, Heather. We gonna practice or play dress up? Bobbie, she doesn't have a concept of personal fucking space, sees everyone as the next makeover project." She sighed. "You better go fuckin' put it on, or we'll never get started. Bobbie pulled off her top, revealing the bra that obviously was slightly off in the size department. The undergarment sagged some, her nipples becoming visible. "Ummmm, Bobbie?" Heather began. When Bobbie turned to answer, Heather shielded her eyes. She pointed without looking. "There's a changing screen over there. Put the girls away." "Damn, Bobbie," Amber said. "You got balls." She turned to Kim. "I like her." Bobbie inwardly grumbled at the mention of balls. Hugging the dress to her chest, Bobbie went behind the changing screen. It took a couple of minutes to get settled. How in the hell do you put this thing on.? She thought. If you had told me a week ago that I'd be talking to my mom and sister again, but standing here, trying to figure out how to put a dress on. She fed her legs into it, pulling the garment up over her breasts. "You need help?" Heather asked. "I think maybe I made that zipper too long." Sure enough, Bobbie couldn't reach it. Sigh. "Yeah, I just... can't." Suddenly Heather was behind him, pulling up the zipper. "Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together. Liz Taylor said that. Smart girl. Life is too short to look normal. Stand out, declare your personness to the world," Heather said with a flourish. ZIP! "Turn around, let's see." Bobbie threaded her arms through the straps. Heather admired her work. "I think that is a massive improvement. Blue is certainly your color. Brings out those eyes..." "Fuck, Heather. Can't you see she's embarrassed," Amber asked, pushing up her glasses Bobbie was blushing, red creeping into her face. The openness of the bottom was all kinds of breezy, the fabric sensually brushed against her smooth legs. She knew she was covered in the important places, she felt almost naked. "That'll do for now." Heather stepped back. "Much better, okay. Carry on." The hum of an amp was heard as Kim plugged her bass into the Marshall Half-Stack, and started playing the bass solo from Rush's Freewill. Bobbie recognized it, nodded. Heather grabbed her keytar and slung it, The pink camouflage of the strap standing out against Heather's dress. "Alright, it's about fuckin' time," Amber said, turning one of the tuning pegs on her Fender. "What are we playin' first?" Kim, finishing the bass solo with only a few mistakes, turned to Heather. "Choosing Melanie, I think Bobbie needs to hear that." "1...2...1...2...3...4," Bella started, knocking her drumsticks together as the base, guitar, drums and keyboard all came together. Bobbie listened. It was an angry song, about being jilted and left alone in the world. To Bobbie's ears, it seemed more like a song about alienation, about having the only light in your world turned off. And with that, she knew. Felt what Robb had done to his sister. Her eyes misted. Kimster. I never meant to do that to you. ...Then you turned around and left with that bitch Knew I'd have to find a way to scratch my own itch. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Heather's scream... well, for lack of a better term, Bobbie jumped. It was the eldritch scream of angrydeathscreamometal And Bobbie couldn't believe it came out of Heather. The song finished. Heather smiled at Bobbie. "I guess I should have told you about that. No one ever sees it coming. Girl needs to keep some secrets," She batted her eyelashes. After a few more songs, the band broke for lunch. Lunch consisted of frozen pizza and Diet Coke, and the discussion turned to Bobbie. "What grade are you in?" "Why don't you have your ears pierced?" On and on, Bobbie sat silently, sipping her soda. Well, Bobbie, she thought, what kind of girl do you want to be? "Oh." Bobbie looked down. She hoped that this story would hold. "My parents were in some cult. No makeup, no fiction, you get the idea. When I got old enough, I...I ran away. I met Robb," She felt weird, talking about him as a regular person. "Hang on, I'll be right back," Heather said, suddenly getting up, forgetting the half slice of pizza. She disappeared out the door. "Now you've gone and done it. So much for practice..." Bella said, resting her sticks on the snare. Before Bobbie could ask what that meant, Heather came in carrying what looked like tackle boxes for fishing. "Project," Kim whispered in her ear. Bobbie remembered what Melanie had put him through, and felt a twinge of trepidation. "Don't worry. I got this look from her," Kim said, as if to reassure. "From the hair to the pants, she's got style." "...Something I am willing to give to you," Heather said opening the box. "Now, this isn't gonna hurt a bit." "OW, fuck," Bobbie exclaimed, drawing surprised stares. * Her ears hurt dully. Bobbie resisted the urge to touch them. They looked good, she had to admit that. Kim and Bobbie walked back home. Heather had insisted that she wear the dress, stating that the clothes she came in should be burned. "Yeah, Heather's like that. But, hey, I wouldn't be this sexy thing without her help. Earrings look good." Robb hadn't let Melanie pierce his ear, that being one thing he stood up for himself on. And yet, here was Bobbie with a matching set of studs. Kim lit a cigarette and said, "She's right, you know. If you're gonna go back to school. You're gonna have to..." And suddenly, she remembered High School... ...as Robb His obscure t shirts winning him derisive comments, his awkward nature and vocabulary not there for the assist, it was a terrible almost four years. "You're gonna need more clothes than you have. How are you for... you know... girl stuff?" "Just that bag. 3 panties, 2 bras, 2 shirts, 2 pants, some socks, and these shoes." Clothes shopping, ugh, just kill me now. "Oh, God," Bobbie lamented. "Well, I think we should probably hit the mall tomorrow. You have any cash?" "Yeah, about $900. Everything I have in the world is in my bag. "Where did you get $900?" Kim asked, eyes wide. "You remember when I said I did some stuff with Melanie? It was on a webcam show." Bobbie stopped, looked at her feet. "You little slut," Kim said jokingly. When Bobbie started to cry, Kim, seeing what she had done, flipped her cigarette away and rushed to her 'brother'(sister). "Oh, jeez, fuck, I'm sorry. I didn't mean... Oh, shit." Bobbie returned the hug. Ragged sobs and torrential tears shook and flooded Kim's shoulder as Bobbie explained. "... I felt, I don't know... used, taken advantage of. Plus, I was rollin' pretty hard. It just felt... wrong," That also being the moment when he saw his life as the sum of wasted time, meshed the two into a weird miasma of failure and regret. "Maybe we could go, just you and me?" Bobbie asked, memories of school shopping with his mother leaping into memory. "Ahh, that might not be too good an idea. Heather pretty much defined my look, I don't go shopping without her anymore. She seems to know what she's doing. Y'know, you might just wanna let her make you over. School doesn't start for a few days yet. That dress is definitely a keeper," She leered at Bobbie. "Kim, Jesus." Bobbie wished he could pull the hem of the dress down further. "Hey, 'Robb' may be in there, but that body, hawt!" Kim said sheepishly, then smiled. "Didn't think I was you're type? What was it you said 'too much of a good girl'?" "Honestly," Kim began, "I don't really know what my type is. Oh, God, I hope I'm not into good girls. Or maybe..." An evil, sly grin looked out from behind her face. "I'll get to corrupt them," Bobbie and Kim both laughed as they continued their way home. Entering the house, Kim bolted up the stairs. The door to 'Robb's' room was open. Sylvia was putting sheets and blankets on the bed, something that obviously hadn't been done for a while."Oh, there..." She gasped. "Bobbie! You're stunning," She turned to Kim. "Heather, right?" Kim looked at her. "Who else hasn't figured out what decade she's in?." Sylvia nodded approvingly. "I just thought, we should move this stuff out." Great, back to my room. "Hold it. You don't have to get rid of it. I'd kind of like to see some of the things he told me about." "Yeah, Mom. Let's just leave it. I'm sure Bobbie will find some use for it." She glanced sideways at Bobbie. "Well, if you're sure," Sylvia said, encasing a pillow in its case. Bobbie went in a trance to his old DVD of Buckaroo Banzai, he picked up, fingered the spine. "No matter where you go..." she breathed. "There you are," Sylvia finished, choking back a sob. Keeping the DVD in her hand, Bobbie hugged Sylvia. "I know... I know." Kim joined the hug. Bobbie was the first to laugh. "Why don't we go downstairs, I can get dinner done, and we can watch it. Have you seen it?" "Not all at once," Sylvia admitted. "But, you know what? I'm game." Bobbie went through the kitchen. Hmmm, eggs, ground beef, crackers, potatoes... meatloaf. She began mixing the ingredients as the oven heated. Turning on the radio, she stopped at KGIG, the dance pop station. Some throbbing bass and keyboard loops stopped her, she synced her movements to the music. Lost in the beat and the act of creating, Bobbie felt... connected, to everything, in a way that seemed to put her in phase with the heartbeat of the world. ...As if listening to the Music of the Spheres. Before she knew it, it was a waiting game for the forces of heat to do it's work on the meat. After it finished, Bobbie took it out of the oven and allowed it to rest. She served out three portions, inserted the DVD and watched 'Robb's' Favorite film, with his sister and mother. Sylvia laughed in most of the right places, punctuated with "That's, (insert name of random actor here.)" When it finished, she declared it weird, but good. She saw why her son loved it so. "Mom, Bobbie and I were wondering if we could hit the mall tomorrow? With school starting soon, she's going to need clothes, and we should probably set up Robb's old desktop," Kim said, using her persuasive voice. "Sure," Sylvia laughed, "Let me just..." she said, moving toward the dishes. "Mom, it's cool, we got this," Kim said, indicating herself and Bobbie. Sylvia stretched herself out, said goodnight, and went off to bed. Later that night, Kim and Bobbie went off to the rooftop again. "Okay," Kim began. "Looks like we are a wardrobe and room straightening from getting you into the realm of 'normal'" She made quotation marks with her fingers. "I'd kind of like to still have some Robb in here." Bobbie tapped her head. "Bro, 'some' Robb? What is it exactly that you want to keep? Your clothes? Interests? Sorry, dude, the clothes don't fit. Interests, on the other hand..." Kim waved her hand dismissively. "None of that shit really matters anymore. Yeah, there's still jocks and cheerleaders, drama nerds, all that shit. But it's like everybody is allowed to like everything now. Where did this cooking thing come from by the way?" "I don't know really, I was watching some Cooking Channel and looking up recipes for cookies. Next thing I know, I'm reading up on cooking methods... It just kinda seemed to stick." "Yeah? Well, we don't normally eat this well around here. I might get fat." Kim put her hands on her stomach. Bobbie chuckled. Kim extinguished her cigarette. "Well, we should get to bed. Big day tomorrow." Bobbie sighed. "Yeah." Chapter 7 The next day had everyone up early and ready to lead their assault on the edifice of consumerism that was Delacroix Mall. As the trio passed the entrance, Bobbie noticed the mass of long haired, shabby clothed, skater "dudes" that laid claim to the mall. Bobbie noticed one of them, while he was dressed like them and had the same mannerisms, he just didn't belong. A darkness hung around him like a comfortable cloak. Bobbie hadn't seen anything like it. It just seemed so... wrong. Shrugging it off, Bobbie walked in her ill-fitting 'Robb' clothes. She realized she kind of looked like them. One caught her looking, nodded approvingly. He pointed Bobbie out to the rest, causing their attention to shift focus. Bobbie just ignored them. They went and found Bobbie easy to shop for, picking up enough bras and panties to get her through at least a week. Bobbie realized that while 'Robb' would have been bored stiff, this was different. When school shopping all those years ago, it was all pants and shirts, which all pretty much look the same. She'd seen the necessity of bras as soon as she put one on. The new ones fit better than the ones Melanie had picked up, so had the panties for that matter. They passed a cell phone kiosk, where Sylvia had said Bobbie needed a phone. Bobbie insisted on paying for it, Sylvia wouldn't hear of it. "You took care of Robert as he was getting better. This is the least I can do," She looked at the two of them "Who's hungry?" They were in the food court, sitting with their Bamboo Panda boxes. Bobbie found the food pleasant, which was strange because it was never something she liked before. In fact, after Kim asked about the cooking last night, it struck her. ...The connectedness she felt. ...The Completeness. ...The Joy. Cooking, huh? Bobbie mused, the train of thought derailed by the distortion laden sound of Kim's phone. Bobbie recognized the song as Slayer's War Ensemble. "Hey... yeah, food court... alright, seeya." Kim flipped her phone shut. "Heather'll be here in a minute." Kim wanted to laugh so badly, knowing Bobbie's secret. Heather showed up in another dress befitting the red carpet of 1947, This one a one a forest green. Her oversize sunglasses giving her an air of aloofness, she was carrying a large purse. "Hello, Ms. Pointe, Kim. Bobbie, let me see," Bobbie looked at her, puzzled. Uninvited, she reached over and moved her curtain of hair. "Hmmm, they seem to be healing fine. Okay, Bobbie. We should talk." They talked, about music, current events, Bobbie clammed up when it came to guys, not having any idea of what to say. "You've obviously had boyfriends, what were they like?" Heather pressed. "I dunno," Bobbie shrugged. "Broken, I guess." Heather laughed. "Not going to get at a straight answer? That's jake." Sylvia got up from the table. "Well, I'll leave you girls to it." Bobbie flushed, she opened her mouth. Kim cut her off. "Bye Mom. Heather will give us a ride, right?" "Absolutely." Shopping was different with Heather. Bobbie watched as she looked at thing with the eyes of a jedi ninja. Her face was a mask of impassive calm. There was a moment when she stopped, removed her sunglasses and put one earpiece in her mouth. The red of the earpiece disappeared in the red of her lipstick. She looked back at Bobbie, then back at the window. "Yep, I think we'll do most of our shopping here," Heather declared. Kim stifled a laugh, Bobbie shot her a glance and a scowl. The girls entered the store. "Don't worry, Bobbie. I can tell, you could use some help. I try to help whenever I can. But you have to trust me. Here," She thrust out some separates, Bobbie took them and scanned for the dressing rooms. She found them and headed in. Here I am again. Please let this be easier to put on. But, pants were pants, and shirts were... well, tops. After a few adjustments it met with Heather's approval. Bobbie opted to wear it out, just wanting clothes that fit right for the first time in. She checked her memory. Five days? It's only been five days? Heather insisted on stopping for a chocolate milkshake. "If I'm shopping, there might as well be some chocolate? Right?" Bobbie did insist on two pairs of jeans and three shirts with bands on them(Rush, Depeche Mode, and The Clash) Sipping the shake, Heather looked at Bobbie. "Now, Bobbie," She reached out and took her ponytail. "Hmm," She studied. "No split ends, healthy. We've got to do something about that hair. We're going to go where I get mine done. Do you trus... * ******* ...two years ago. "You trust me, right?" Melanie said, brandishing the clippers. "I...I guess." Robb was stoned, as usual. His hair never did what he wanted it to. He had too many cowlicks, his hair kept trying to do that emo thing, drooping over his right eye. So, Melanie had decided to get rid of it. All of it."It'll look good," She whispered. It didn't take her long, and soon his hair was everywhere except on his head. Robb studied himself in the mirror. His brown eyes looked darker, he noticed. He wasn't too sure about it, thought it made him look thuggish. Melanie, on the other hand, couldn't keep her hands off of it for the first week, insisting that he shave, with a razor. Worst reason to keep a haircut. But, whatever works. His mother hated it. "Do you want to look like a...a... skinhead?" Kim laughed, not sure what to think. * ******* ...t me?" She put out her hand. Kim nodded from behind Heather, mouthing 'yes'. "I...I guess so," Bobbie said. "Good," Heather said. "Kim, shall we?" Heather had a car waiting in the parking lot. It was old, but it was hers. They began the drive to the salon. Kim turned to Bobbie. "Heather gets the whole style thing." Heather turned to Kim. "Oh, please. Anyone could see you were screaming for help. I knew your secret," Bobbie blushed, again feeling sorry for leaving the Kimster to stew in her own juices while... "So, Bobbie. What's your story?" Melanie asked, changing lanes. "Not much to tell. I guess I'm kind of a blank slate. I only know what Robb showed me."Bobbie said. Melanie eyed her mirror. "Oh, don't worry, Bobbie. We'll have you dolled up in no time. Frankie'll have this sorted out, that's why she's the best. Trepidation crept into Bobbie as they pulled into the parking lot. The salon was called Shear Ecstasy. Seeing the word 'ecstasy' sent a shiver up her spine, remembering the webcam and all the horrible, trashy ways it made her feel. Going into the salon they saw another woman, Her hair was red, an obvious dye job. More to color than quality. "Hi, Heather," The new woman looked at Bobbie. "New Project?" she said, implying this was a common occurance. "Hi, Frankie, this is Bobbie. She's new, starts school with us next week, and... Bobbie, pull that scrunchie out of your hair," She did, and like quicksilver it spilled over her shoulder. It hung just below her bra strap. Frankie and Heather spoke in hushed tones for a moment. Frankie nodded. "You're absolutely right," Frankie said, turning her chair toward her. Bobbie sat in the chair, apparently this was a full service salon. Bobbie was shampooed, conditioned, and cream rinsed. It seemed to last forever. She was lost in it, the warm water jets relaxing her muscles. She was moved back to Frankie's chair. There was combing, spraying, and cutting. It seemed like an eternity of cutting. Finally, Frankie turned the chair around and allowed Bobbie to see a new reflection for the umpteenth time that week. Just like Heather had said earlier, 'Definitely Bangs.' She had Bettie bangs, resting just about a quarter inch above her eyebrows. "Those came out perfect. Might have to call them 'Bobbie bangs', now. Come back every three weeks for a trim," Frankie said, handing Bobbie her card. Bobbie paid and left. "Okay, Bobbie. One more stop and then we are done." One more stop? Heather pulled out of the parking lot and headed for her house. It wasn't long before they were back at Heather's. "C'mon. My room is easier for this." The three girls went into the back of the house... And walked into, to Bobbie's eyes, a cathedral of girliness. Makeup, musicians, clothes everywhere, and a closet that seemed to go on for miles. "My mom's a costume designer. She's in New Zealand for that new Wheel of Ages movie, so I'm alone until March. I make clothes, too. Plan to go to school for that." Kim started to protest. "Only if the band doesn't work out, hey, I could transition. Anyway, Bobbie. What size shoe do you wear?" Bobbie looked down at her feet. She was still wearing Melanie's shoes, hadn't thought about it. Heather looked down. Oh, honey, those shoes came from the same person who did your eyebrows, didn't they," she tittered, Bobbie looked down. "Well, come on. We'll get you fixed up." They found some shoes that fit. Thankfully, Heather was the same size. Then, when Heather called Bobbie to her makeup table, he felt dread again. There was more tweezing and plucking, but it strangely didn't bother him. Heather was gentle, where Melanie was ripping off chunks of her face off. She worked quickly and professionally. "Now, that's more like it," Heather said. Bobbie looked, she had to agree. It was more elegant looking, the shape more defined. Bobbie was a little shocked at what a difference was made. "Makeup," Heather said, lowering her voice to a bass. Kim practically howled in laughter. "You are lucky I'm going to teach you. What I don't understand is..." Bobbie looked down. "Well," she instantly brightened. "That's all the more reason to learn now," Heather worked on her for forty five minutes. When she was finished, Kim pulled out her phone and snapped several pictures. Kim went to Heather, speaking in the whisper of complete silence. Heather nodded, left, then returned with a pink box. They left, gathering their things. In a small way, Bobbie wondered what was next. 'Robb' wasn't visible to her. Girl: absolutely no way to hide it anymore.