Jessica's Story - Part 25 free porn video

Jessica's Story - Part 25 Sunday arrived, and with it, the first visit in a while from Sally and Carol. "So, you got back safely then?" asked Anne. "Very much so," said Sally. "Michelle is growing into a fine young girl." "I can believe it," said Anne. "John told me she is a good swimmer too." "She used one of those floats, but she is good. Her first time in the pool too," said Sally. They continued to sit in the living room, with Julia bringing in drinks. It was no small surprise that the children welcomed them warmly, and followed it up by showing Sally their copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. "I'll be with you in a while," she told them. "Just want to talk with your mommies first." They had just turned to the subject of Pam again. "So, she knows about me?" asked Sally, not amused. "All she knows is that you are a lesbian," said Helen. "She doesn't know the rest, and I wouldn't dream of mentioning it." "Besides, I doubt she'll want to step in here," said Julia. "She knows that homophobia is unwelcome here." "I told her to shove her opnions up her backside," said Anne. "Good for you," said Carol. "But it can't be good having her around even so. What if she learns about you?" "We have ways of keeping it secret," said Anne. "What about outside? Shopping trips for instance?" asked Sally. "We'll split up if we get wind of her being around," said Julia. "But what if she finds you first?" asked Carol. "After all, we had a similar problem outside Gateshead." "John told me. Michelle met her old friend at the shopping centre," said Anne. "It was lucky that John was able to alert us to the problem," said Sally. "So, if we do go shopping, then Julia and I will just have to split up from the start," said Anne. "Oh well, but just be careful," said Carol. "It's just the odd few that cause trouble." Sally saw this a cue to continue talking about their short stay in Newcastle more. Even so, a group of children were getting impatient. "You'd better go and read some Harry Potter, or they'll hate you forever," said Helen. "Have them hate me? I dread the thought," said Sally. "Ok, I'll read a couple of chapters." When she entered the girls room, she found Edward with them. "I hope you're here for the book and nothing else?" she asked him. "Yes," he replied. She also discovered that the audience had grown. All 4 (Edward included) were holding their new teddy bears on their laps. "New teddies? I suppose I might as well say hello to them," she said. After the intros, she took the book and began to read. The children were a good audience and never interrupted - until she stopped reading and closed the book. "That's it. I said two chapters," she told them. "Two more next weekend." "I want to hear more," groaned Kelly. "Next week," said Sally. "I promise." She got up and left the room. Edward followed her, returning to his room. When she arrived downstairs, she gestured to leave. "Back at work tomorrow," she said. "Need to get ready." "I've hardly had any time off," said Anne. "So, you read them enough Harry Potter?" "I've promised them more next weekend," said Sally. "They've only got 4 books, so not too much." "They do want to complete the set," said Julia. "You're in trouble!" laughed Carol. "The 5th book is huge." "I'm in trouble," said Sally. "Anne, whatever you do. Don't hurry to get the other books!" "I won't," she smiled. "To be honest, the next thing I need to get is a present for Edward." "Of course, his birthday is this month," said Helen. "And he wants Charlie to attend his birthday party," said Julia. "Ok, thanks for reminding me," said Anne. "But apart from that, I want him to have a proper party this year." They had to remind Sally and Carol of who Charlie was. It only reminded them of the problem with Pam. Even so, Anne wanted Edward to have a party with no problems. His last was marred by the absense of Adam. "So, how many guests to this party?" asked Julia. "From what I know, it will be just Rachel and Charlie," said Anne. "Rachel will want to come, just to be with the girls. I just need to remind them that this will be Edwards day, and they will not be permitted to upstage him." * * * The following day saw the girls return to school. Julia resumed doing the school run and helped look after Edward when she returned. Meanwhile, Dennis Turner, was sitting at his desk at work. He had with him the paper on which he had written the phone numbers of the parents of his daughter's friends. One by one, he rang each one, and apologised to them on the part of his wife Pam. The second number had proved unsuccessful though. The third and final number was the one deemed most important: the Smith household. Julia happened to be taking a bath, which was helpful in a way. As a result, Helen answered the phone instead. "Hello, this is Dennis Turner speaking. I want to speak with Anne Smith please." "Anne is at work at the moment. I'm her mother-in-law if that is any help? So, what do you want?" replied Helen. "It may do," replied Dennis. "I want to apologise on behalf of my wife. You may have met her? Pam?" "Yes, I've met her," said Helen. "So, you want to apologise?" "My wife is not a bad person," said Dennis. "It's just when the subject of gays is brought up, that she becomes irritable." "Well, I'm sorry, but she brought the subject up," said Helen. "I understand," said Dennis. "I can't bring her to apologise herself, which is why I'm taking it upon myself." "What is your stance on homosexuals?" asked Helen. "You are obviously not as bad as your wife if so." "I'm no supporter of them either, but I don't see fit to make my opinions known," he replied. "I want you to know the reason for why my wife is as she is, but please don't spread it around." "And why would you tell me?" asked Helen. "So you may understand her better." "All I understand is that she is a bigot. My one son is one, and as a result, I don't speak with him anymore," replied Helen. "But go ahead." "Ok. It was before I even met her. She was around 16 at the time, and very fond of both parents. She had been brought up to believe that being gay was wrong, so the incident that happened certainly made her feel betrayed in a big way." "So, what happened?" asked Helen. "I can't say how it exactly happened, but she stumbled across her father in bed, with another man. From what she told me, this other man was wearing lingerie and make-up." "Ok, so that obviously increased her hate for gays?" asked Helen. "Yes," said Dennis. "It turned out that the lover was a female impersonator. When her mom found out, the eventual divorce was inevitable." "So, that is why she hates drag artists, and any effeminate men. But back to the apology. You're saying sorry for her actions, but what if she continues to be like this?" asked Helen. "I'm going to have to convince her to not do it again," said Dennis. "We'll see," said Helen. "While you're here, I just want to say that my grandson Edward would like your son Charlie to come to his birthday party in a fortnight." "Sure. I've heard that Charlie is getting along well with him," said Dennis. "Oh, on another note, can you tell me anything about Julia Brier? I tried her phone number but got a dead line. She hasn't moved by any chance?" Helen wondered what to say. "She hasn't changed her number per chance?" she replied. "Possible. But wouldn't you know?" "Anne keeps a note of the phone numbers. I'll just have to ask her to contact you," replied Helen. "Ok, just do that," said Dennis. "Bye then." "Bye," said Helen. She put down the phone and wondered. It now seemed inevitable about Dennis at least, finding out about Julia and Anne. But if Anne did phone them up, what was the chance that Pam would answer instead? When Julia had finished drying herself, following her bath, she asked what was wrong when she saw the look on Helen's face. "I've had a phone call off Pam's husband," replied Helen. "He is phoning up the mothers of his daughter's friends, just to apologise for his wife's preaching." "Ok, but what's up? There's something else, isn't there?" asked Julia. "Yes. He wants to know where you are," said Helen. "Oh," said Julia, realising the problem. "He still has my old phone number, and he doesn't know that I live here now." "Exactly," said Helen. "I'll wait to see what Anne says," said Julia. But before then, there was the school run to do. She never said a word to the girls when she picked them up, and from what they told her, it seemed that there was no problems concerning Rachel. "We've got swimming again on Friday, mommy," said Kelly. "So we need our swimming costumes again," added Jessica. "Ok. We'll sort them out for you by Friday," said Julia. Once they were home, the girls were keen to get out of their uniforms and into something more casual. Julia was waiting for Anne to arrive, as was Helen. Helen hadn't explained the story behind Pam's fear just yet. She thought it would be better if Anne heard it at the same time. But, as always, Anne didn't arrive home until almost 6:00pm. When she arrived, Helen called her to the kitchen. "What's up?" she asked. "Pam's husband has been on the phone. He wants to speak with you." "What about?" asked Anne. Helen explained the situation. Anne listened and looked concerned. "But there is no other way," said Anne. "I'll just have to tell him, and hope he doesn't cause trouble." Julia was with them and she looked concerned. "But what if they do stop Rachel and Charlie seeing our children?" she asked. "I'll point that out to him," said Anne. "I'm not raising my children to be gay. If any do turn out to be gay when they're older, that is entirely up to them. He must understand that his wife's beliefs are nonsense." Anne decided to make the call later that afternoon. All she could hope for was that Dennis answered, and not Pam. * * * Dennis was expecting a call from Anne that afternoon, and he hoped that he could get to the phone first. He didn't really want Pam to know what he had done. He just wanted to complete the task and tell Julia Brier. He decided to wait by the phone, just so that he could be the one to answer it. Besides, Pam was working on the dinner. So, when the phone rang, he managed to answer it. "I've got it," he called to Pam. "Hello?" "Anne Smith here. Is that you Dennis?" "It is. Thanks for calling me back," he replied, trying to keep his voice low. "So, do you have Julia's number?" "I just want to be honest with you," said Anne. "Julia and her daughter live with us now." "She related to you?" asked Dennis. "She will be," said Anne. "She's my partner." Dennis tried to keep calm. He didn't want Pam overhearing him. "She's with you?!" he asked. He looked towards the kitchen and saw that Pam was still busy. "She is, and I want you to know that I'm not going to raise our children to be gay," replied Anne. Dennis once again looked towards the kitchen and got up. Their phone was cordless, which was handy in times like this. He left the room and went upstairs. "This is not good news. If my wife finds out, it will cause problems," he said, as he arrived in his bedroom. "We've been trying to keep this secret from her already," said Anne. "I bet you have," he sighed. "I won't mention it, for I for one, know how much my children get along with yours. Pam wouldn't hesitate in barring our children from seeing each other if she knew." "Thank you," said Anne. "Your wife is wrong about gay stereotypes. Gender bias does not influence sexuality." "I know that, but she won't budge. You have my word that I won't tell her," said Dennis. "But I just want to say that I'm sorry about what she has said to you." "Apology accepted," said Anne. "So, Charlie will still be coming to the birthday party this month?" "He will," said Dennis. "Thanks again for calling. Bye." "Bye," said Anne. Dennis hung up and took the phone back downstairs. "Who was that love?" asked Pam. "Work," he replied. "Just needed some details confirming." Pam smiled and went back to preparing the dinner. Dennis was hoping that she had bought his lie. Anne was happy that Dennis had proven to be sympathetic towards their children. The fact that he was prepared to keep his wife in the dark was an enormous boost. Even so, she knew that this was not going to guarantee her not finding out. For now, her attention was now on preparing for Edward's birthday party. It was another strain on the purse strings, with the wedding and holiday still to come. At least it would be a smaller affair with Charlie and Rachel as the only guests attending. It was just finding the time to get the all important things - like a present. The present had already been decided. It was an engine shed and turntable pack for Edward's train set. But Anne felt that Edward would want a another locomotive to push round the track too. To get an idea of which one he would like, she asked him one afternoon. He had resorted to playing in his room as his layout was getting big now. "So, are there any more engines you would like?" she asked him. "I would like Gordon," he said. "Gordon is the big blue engine." "Ok, Gordon," said Anne. "Any others?" "Duck, James, Edward and Henry," he added. For now, he had mainly tank engines, with Thomas, Percy and Bill and Ben. "I was just going to buy you the one," she said. "But I know you'll want loads more." "Gordon needs coaches," he said. "I'll keep that in mind," said Anne. She had only intended to buy a locomotive for him as an extra, not the whole train with it. She decided to stick with her original plan. He would get the engine shed and turntable, plus engine, but nothing else. Anything else would have to wait. She explained it to Julia and Helen. "You can always buy him some coaches later on," said Helen. "That's what I intend to do," said Anne. "Perhaps we can get him something while we're on holiday." * * * Jessica was enjoying school as always. Her first year at school as a girl was almost over, and the first anniversary of her going full time was fast approaching. All this term, as from Easter, Jessica and Kelly had been having more swimming lessons at the local baths. And since learning that cousin Michael was set to become an excellent swimmer, Jessica was hoping to improve as much as possible. She wasn't a bad swimmer though, and Kelly was quick to point it out. "You're good yourself sis," she said. "Why the need to be very good now?" "Because Michelle is good," said Jessica. "We've never seen her swim though," said Kelly. "So, how can we be sure she is?" "She is. Aunt Sally said so," said Jessica. Today, they had been practising the back stroke. They were told to hold the floats to their chests and lie on their backs. After learning how to float on their backs, they were then moved onto swimming on their backs. It proved awkward though, for they couldn't see where they were going. Even if they were proving good, they were stopping to see where they were. They feared they might swim into the side of the pool and bump their heads. "I'm going to swim on my front," groaned Kelly. "I can see where I'm going, that way." As she did, the instructor told her to resume the back stroke. "I can't see where I'm going!" she replied. "Just swim in a straight line and you'll be fine," he replied. "Until I bump my head!" she groaned under her breath. She was glad to finish the lesson, seeing that the instructor had them doing back stroke for the entire duration of it. "I hope we don't do this all the time," she moaned as she stood beneath the shower. "I think we will be doing it again," said Lisa. "He wants us all to be good at it, and there were some who are not." She found that the back stroke wasn't particulary popular with most, but mostly because they were finding it awkward. Miss Abbot explained that they would be doing back stroke for a few more lessons. Kelly wasn't pleased but put her disappointment to one side. She, like Jessica, would be getting a nice bath when she got home, to help get rid of the horrid chlorine smell. When they did get home, Jessica took off her gaff as was the norm. Though waterproof, it still needed washing and ridding of the chlorine smell. The whole procedure was done quickly, as she was soon putting on a clean pair of panties. She hated even the slightest glance of her male parts. "I wish I had another one of these," she sighed, as she took the gaff to the kitchen wash pile. "Just be thankful that you don't really need to wear it here," said Helen. Julia was already running the bath for Kelly. "Jessica! You can have a bath with Kelly," called Julia. Jessica and Helen heard her. "Go on," said Helen. "I know you enjoy baths." Jessica headed upstairs and found Kelly already in the tub. She went to her room and removed her clothes (except panties) and returned to the bathroom. "These clean on?" asked Julia. "Yes," said Jessica, her hands across her eyes. Julia took the panties of her and helped her into the bath. With the suds doing their bit to conceal her hated genitals, Julia commenced washing them down. By the time they were downstairs drying off, Anne was back from work and Sandra had been watching the television. "Enjoy your swimming?" asked Anne. "Did back stroke," grumbled Kelly. "Stupid way of swimming as you can't see where you're going." "Well, people do compete in back stroke races," said Anne. "So they must have some way of knowing where they are going." "Can I have some more special panties please?" asked Jessica. "I don't like not wearing them." "You put them on the wash pile?" asked Anne. Jessica nodded. "I'll get them washed tomorrow. You really only need them while you're at school or on an outing," replied Anne before remembering something. "We're thinking of going shopping tomorrow. I'll do them this afternoon. I can soon dry them for tomorrow." So, just before starting on dinner, Anne put some of the clothes on the wash pile into the washing machine. Over dinner, Anne heard Jessica's account of their swimming lesson. "It isn't too bad, but why swim on your back?" she asked. "The only ones who swim on their backs are professional swimmers," said Anne. "For racing. There are various types of stroke too, but most are front strokes." "I don't want to be a profeshy whatever you call it," said Kelly. "So why should we learn something if we don't to do it?" "It's part of the school curriculum," said Anne. "You have to do it. Just forget about not liking it and just do it." "We can always go to the swimming baths during weekends and holidays," said Julia. "And you can swim whichever way you like then." Despite this suggestion, no immediate plans to visit the swimming baths were made. For now, there was a shopping trip to look forward to." * * * The shopping trip was all for the purpose of getting Edward's birthday presents. Edward was aware of what he was getting, but he still needed to be reminded that he couldn't have them until his birthday. His birthday was in the week, and the party was to be held after school, just so that the girls could get ready. But going to the big toy store to get his presents did have problems. Three to be precise, and all were told that they couldn't have anything. "You know it's Edward's birthday next week," said Anne. "You've had your birthdays." "I know of another birthday a week later," whispered Julia into Anne's ear. "I don't bother with that one," replied Anne. Julia just smiled as Anne took the items for Edward (the engine shed/turntable set and Gordon) to the cashier and paid for them. She was followed by three disappointed girls and a rather pleased son. "We'll get you some things when we go on holiday," said Julia. "Promise?" asked Sandra. "Promise," said Julia. As they headed around the shops, they passed the bridal store where they intended to get their dresses from. "Do you think we should order the bridesmaid outfits now?" asked Julia. "I think we need to sort our own out first," said Anne. "And since we need to avoid knowing each others outfit before the day, we need to plan that too." As well as giving the children chance to explore more shops, they also went into the local supermarket to pick up some more groceries. All day, they put into motion, the plan that was made to keep Pam oblivious of their relationship. This meant that Kelly remained close to Julia while Edward, Sandra and Jessica stayed close to Anne. If they did meet Pam anywhere, then the idea was to suggest that they had met up and stayed to talk a while, as their children were keen to do likewise. Even so, the day went without meeting Pam. So, after eating at a chippy, they headed home. Upon arrival, Edward had forgotten already that his presents were not for him to look at just yet. "I'm going to wrap them up for you, and you can have them next week," said Anne. "I want them now," he sighed. "Birthday presents are for birthdays," said Anne. "You'll just have to wait." "Don't worry bro," said Jessica. "Not long to wait." Anne was soon heading upstairs with the presents and wrapping them up in her room. Julia was talking with Helen about ordering the dresses but keeping Anne in the dark over which one she had chosen. "It seems we need to get Sally and Carol involved," said Helen. "It won't matter about you knowing which dresses they want, just as long as you don't know which dress Anne wants." "Well, to be honest, I don't know which dress to have yet," said Julia. "I did have some in mind, but I can't do anything without the catalogue. Sally and Carol still have it." "Even more reason to invite them round then," said Helen. "But Sally may still be in work at the moment." "But Carol is likely to be in," said Julia. Anne was just coming downstairs when she noticed Julia dialing a number on the telephone. "Well, that's Edward's present wrapped up," she said. "Who are you calling, love?" "Just seeing if Carol is in," said Julia. "I need to look in that catalogue again." "Good idea. Invite them around. The girls will be keen to remind Sally of her reading appointment!" replied Anne. "Oh hi Carol. Wasn't sure you were in," said Julia. "Yes, I'm in. Someone has to watch over the fort," said Carol. "How can I help you?" "I need to look at the wedding catalogue again," said Julia. "Any chance of popping over later?" "Sure. Sally and I will bring it over," replied Carol. "And tell Sally that her reading skills are required," added Julia. "Ok," said Carol, seemingly puzzled. "I'll see you later." Julia put the phone down and went back to the living room to watch the television. * * * Carol was getting used to having a permanent address now. The last time she had had such, was before she had become involved in the London fiasco. During that 10 year period, she had hired accommodation, which wasn't helping her pocket, no thanks to the money pit that she was working on. But now, that was over and she could look to a brighter future, one with the woman she loved. Sally arrived home to find Carol looking at the wedding catalogue. She went over and looked over her shoulder, kissing her on the neck. "You're back early?" asked Carol. "Roads were clear," said Sally, now planting a kiss on Carol's lips. "So, let me guess, you're searching for the perfect dress?" "Julia was on the phone," said Carol. "She wants to discuss dresses, and to see this book. She also metioned that your reading skills are required." "Of course, it's Saturday!" said Sally. "I'd buy them the CDs, but they'd prefer my voice to Stephen Fry's." Carol was still puzzled, and showed it. "Harry Potter of course," said Sally. "I've promised to read 2 chapters each weekend till I've done the lot, and that is a lot of weekends!" "Well, shall we go?" asked Carol. "Give me a few minutes to get changed," said Sally. Once she was ready, they set off. "I wonder if they've started dinner yet?" asked Carol as they made their way. "Hoping for a free meal?" asked Sally. "No," said Carol. "I'm not fussed. I'll do something when we get back," said Sally. When they got there, Anne was just serving dinner. Julia answered the door and apologised for the timing. "We'll just sit in the living room and wait for you," said Sally. They did just that, waiting patiently. Sally decided to flick through the pages of the catalogue, looking at the dresses on offer. This was the type of dress that she had always dreamed of wearing one day. Not that she was any different. Many women dreamed of their wedding day and the chance to look wonderful in white. It was just that Sally needed to become a woman first. She was too busy to speak, and Carol realised this. She just watched as her auburn haired girlfriend perused the catalogue. "Whatever dress you pick, you are going to look beautiful, no matter what," she said at last. Sally just looked up and smiled, before returning her eyes to the catalogue. "Have you decided yet?" she asked Carol at last. "I've got an idea," said Carol. "But even if I had, you'll just have to wait till the day to find out." Sally offered her the catalogue, but Carol declined. The sounds from the kitchen suggested that the others were close to finishing their meals. The girls were rushing out of the kitchen, glanced into the living room, said quick hellos and were soon heading upstairs. "Does it take all of them to fetch a book?" asked Carol, guessing the reason for the girls haste. "No, but they'll be waiting up there for me," said Sally. "They'll just have to wait," said Anne. "So, have you two decided on your dresses yet?" "Perhaps," said Carol. "Why?" "I was just wondering about putting our orders in at the store," replied Anne. "But since we don't want to let on to our respective brides about which one we want, we'll have to arrange someway of doing it." "So, what do you suggest?" asked Sally. "That perhaps, one of you comes to the store with me, and the other goes with Julia," said Anne. "Sounds ok," said Carol. "So, planning on doing it this week?" "Whenever you're ready," said Anne. "We've got the bridesmaid dresses sorted." "Almost," said Sally. "I've got the measurements for Emma and Michelle here." She took a piece of paper from her handbag and handed it to Anne. "They're similar sizes to our girls, but that's no surprise," said Anne. "We got the sizes without needing to ask specifically," said Carol. "They got new dresses from Gateshead while we were up there." "So, wouldn't it be best if Anne and I went to the store together, since we have jobs?" asked Sally. "Perhaps," said Anne. "But does it matter?" "Just as long as we can get to the store during opening hours," said Sally. "Sally. You'd better get upstairs and fulfil your promise," said Julia. Sure enough, the sound of 3 impatient girls could be heard. "Ok, I'm coming!" called Sally as she headed upstairs. The girls, plus Edward, were sitting in their room with the second Harry Potter book. "Ok kids, you'll get your two chapters, but your Aunt Carol and I will be heading home to have our dinners soon," she told them as she entered. Even so, she took the book, sat down and began to read. Downstairs, Carol passed the time by talking more openly about her wedding dress. "I have chosen one," she told Anne and Julia. "I just hope Sally doesn't choose the same one." "That is always a possibility, I suppose," said Anne. "But since we won't be revealing our choices until the day, there isn't a thing we can do." Julia made them drinks, including one for Sally. She took hers to her, but by then, Sally was almost finished reading. "That's your two chapters for this week," she said at last. "Well, I'd better be going. See you soon. Bye." She finished her mug of coffee and headed downstairs. Soon, she and Carol were heading home. * * * The first chance to order dresses came later that week. Carol and Sally had left the catalogue for Anne and Julia to look at once more, and it wasn't long before they too had decided. With that, Julia was given the all clear to visit the store along with Carol. They were going to order their dresses, plus the bridesmaid ones too. After doing the school run on the Tuesday morning, Julia had to wait for Carol to arrive before they headed into Walsall to do the orders. "I just hope they realise our situation," said Julia. "What, like the fact that our beautiful brides are going to visit at a later date to order their dresses?" replied Carol. "Yes," said Julia. "I should imagine they get this a lot now. Ever since they introduced civil ceremonies, gay couples have been able to wed in the way they've always dreamed of, and I know plenty of couples who did it within the first few weeks." They were soon heading to the bridal store and approaching the counter. "Morning ladies, how can we help you?" asked the assistant at the counter. "We'd like to hire some dresses please," said Julia. She took the catalogue from her handbag and opened it at the pages she had noted. "There will be two more of us coming at a later date to hire dresses too," said Carol. "Ok," said the assistant. "Big day planned?" "It will be two weddings together," said Julia. "We've got the date here." As the assistant took the details of the dresses, Julia gave her the date on a piece of paper. "Wonderful, plenty of time. We can arrange the fitting date when the dresses arrive." "It may have to be close to the day, as two of the bridesmaids are coming all the way from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne," said Julia. "No problem," said the assistant. "I presume they'll be spending a few days here?" "Yes," said Julia. "Ok. Just need a deposit now," said the assistant. Julia made the payment for the dresses, with Carol planning to pay her back for her own dress. After that, they spent a while looking around the shops. Julia was under instructions to get some birthday cards for Edward. Carol took interest and bought one too. "Just getting one for each of the girls to fill in," said Julia. "Anything boyish will do, but Thomas the Tank Engine or trains would be better." "It's ok. I've got one," said Carol. "I'll get Sally to sign it too." As they headed back to Anne's house, they continued to talk. "So, are you still considering selling the club?" asked Julia. "Eventually," said Carol. "I want to do things without having to worry about it. I should be able to get a good price though, for it is running a good profit." "Even so, I'll bet you'll miss the place?" added Julia. "Sure will," said Carol. "Made some good friends there. But I feel the time is near right to move on." When they arrived home, Carol hung around for a short while and had a drink. Edward was spending his last day as a 4 year old by playing with his train set once more. Helen had helped him bring some of his track down, and now he was introducing Carol to his engines. She decided to leave just as Julia went out to do the school run. Soon, the girls were back and letting off steam. Jessica and Kelly had both had a boring final lesson (in their opinion) and were glad to see the back of it. But before they could settle down into playing their favourite games, Helen called them over. "Got some birthday cards for your brother and I need you to choose one and fill it in," she told them. Soon, all three girls were busy writing their names inside the cards and putting them in envelopes. "I've ordered your bridesmaid dresses by the way," said Julia, as they finally headed upstairs. "Does that mean we're getting them?" asked Kelly. "Yes it does," said Julia. "But you won't be getting them yet." "Why not?" they all groaned. "Because you won't be needing them till the day of the wedding," replied Julia. When Anne came back later, Julia filled her in on the details, and told her about the birthday cards. "Sally and I will try to get to the shop as soon as possible," said Anne. "I could go tomorrow, but I don't know about Sally." "If you knew which dress she wants, couldn't you get both?" said Julia. "I could, I suppose," said Anne. With the next day being Wednesday, and Edward's birthday, Anne knew she was going to be busy helping to prepare the birthday tea for her only son. Later that evening, she phoned Sally and enquired about getting both their dresses herself. "Well, I am in work all day tomorrow," said Sally. "But if you want to get mine for me, do so by all means. Hold on a second." Sally went and retrieved a piece of paper from her handbag with her dress details. She then made sure that Carol was out of earshot. "Anne? Have you got the catalogue?" she said, returning to the phone. "Yes," said Anne. "Ok, my choice is on the 6th page, second from the left." "Ok. Found it," said Anne. "And your size?" Anne was soon writing down the details on a piece of paper and adding them to her own. "And another thing. Are you coming over tomorrow evening for Edward's party?" asked Anne. "I'll come over," she replied. "Can't forget Edward." "Ok, I'll see you tomorrow," said Anne. She had to remember that Rachel and Charlie were coming over for the party too, and that meant Pam was likely to be dropping them off. All that could be hoped was that Pam didn't come face to face with Sally or Carol, let alone Julia. But the chances were that Sally would come later in the evening, due to her work hours. Even so, Anne wanted Edward to have an enjoyable party.