Michelle's Story - Part 25 free porn video

Michelle's Story - Part 25 Tuesday arrived, and for the children, it was a stay indoors day. It was raining heavily outside and the only one to leave the house that day was John, who had work to go to. "I hope its better than this tomorrow," said Liz, as she looked out of the window. "I really hate this weather." Emma and Michelle were once more playing with their toys, and trying to ignore the sound of the rain peppering the window. Michelle was looking forward to the trip to the hairsalon tomorrow, even if the chances were good that her hair would be cut. She was already aware that her wig was going to be worn for a good many months to come. "Rain, rain, go away! Come again, another day," sang Emma, as the rain continued to fall outside. "Or better still, don't come back ever," said Michelle. Emma just smiled. "I know its not nice weather, but we need it. Plants and flowers need water to grow." "If it would make my hair grow, I'd stand outside all day," said Michelle. "But mommy says you could catch a cold in the rain," replied Emma. "I know," said Michelle. When they were called down for lunch later in the day, Liz offered to play a few games of Ludo with them, which they accepted. "How much hair will be cut, tomorrow?" asked Michelle, as they played. "I don't know," said Liz. "We'll have to see what Claire thinks." "I hope it isn't a lot," said Michelle. "How am I supposed to grow my hair if it keeps getting cut?" "Oh, just don't think about it," said Liz. "Now, we are wondering what to do about your hair for the wedding. I'll just check the date." She got up and checked the calender, before sitting by the table again. "Three more weeks to go. Now, as I was saying, we don't know what is to be done with your hair, but it is likely that they'll want your hair done up really pretty for the wedding," she continued. "I think Michelle will be better off with her wig on, seeing that all the girls have long hair." "Will they style my wig?" she asked. "I'm sure they will," said Liz. "Your Aunt Anne and Aunt Sally know that you're still wearing your wig, so there shouldn't be a problem." They continued to play Ludo, with Emma and Michelle seeming to have the luck. Liz was struggling to roll sixes, which were required to move a counter from the base, onto the main track. Emma and Michelle didn't seem to have this problem, and they'd got all 4 of their counters on the track. Liz was eager to try and catch up, and managed to roll two sixes in successive turns, allowing her to put 2 of her counters on the track. But the slow start cost her, and finishing last was certain. The only real contest was between Emma and Michelle, with Emma just edging her sister by several squares, after both had got 3 counters home. The next game proved a better contest, as Liz was able to start much earlier. Michelle won the game however, with Liz coming second, and Emma coming last. They were just beginning a third game when John arrived. "Afternoon all," he said, as he entered the living room. "All but one." "James is in his room," said Liz. "Important transfer business on his computer game." "Out to create the team that will never happen in reality," he smiled. "Oh well. You ok girls?" "Yes, daddy," replied Emma and Michelle. They resumed their game of ludo and upon completion, Liz decided to start the dinner. She checked Andrew again too. "Well, another step on your journey tomorrow," said John to Michelle. Michelle looked unsure. Though the trip to the hairdressers was something she was looking forward to, the prospect of losing more length from her hair wasn't. It showed, and John was quick to reassure her. "Don't worry about it too much. You're free to be as girly as you like now." He took her in a hug, just to help relax her. "I know, daddy. I just can't wait for my hair to grow long," she replied. "It can't be helped," he replied. "But it will be nice to see you with long hair." "Thank you daddy." Wednesday arrived, and for Michelle, her hair was to be the centre of attention. Her boyish long hair needed to be made more feminine, but her refusal to lose any serious length was a problem that the hairstylists at the salon needed to work out. With John at work once more, Liz had to look after all the children again, and this meant taking James along for his barber visit too. "Ok, I'll be taking James to the barbers first," said Liz. "And then we'll be heading to the hairdressers. Don't worry, Claire knows we're coming." They were using the car today, rather than the bus. It would be quicker. Liz made sure that the children were ready to go, with Michelle opting for a dress, while Emma chose a t-shirt and skirt. With Andrew now in his carry cot, they headed for the car and were soon on their way. As planned, they stopped at the barbers first, with Liz parking the car just down the road. With James' usual cut taking only a few minutes, Liz knew that they would be heading for the hairdressers soon. Even so, Emma and Michelle had to sit in the barbers and wait for James to be seen to. For Michelle, this was something she didn't want to do. "You think you have it bad?" said James. "You'll be in the hairsalon for a while longer." James was mentioning the obvious. Sitting around, waiting, in a hairdressers, was not his idea of fun. "I'll be just a few minutes. Short hair is easier to look after," he added. "But its no fun," said Michelle. "Long hair is pretty, and it looks shiny. Mommy and sis have very pretty hair, and my hair will be pretty too, one day." "But long hair is for.." started James, only to be cut off by Liz. "Yes, we know that girls have long hair, and Michelle happens to be a girl," said Liz. "Just be grateful that you have two pretty sisters who enjoy their hair." Michelle felt nervous as she entered (rather reluctantly) the barbers shop and sat down on one of the seats. Emma sat beside her and held her hand. "This isn't a very nice place, is it?" she whispered into Michelle's ear. "The hairsalon is much nicer." They watched over Andrew, who had been placed on the floor by them, while Liz dealt with James. She was soon sitting by them and together, they started speaking to Andrew, whose only replies were broad smiles. It was a good distraction for Michelle, who had been unaware that the barber had been looking over at her. He remembered that James' brother was becoming a girl and was now wondering which of the two girls was him. "Ok, he's done," he eventually said to Liz, referring to James of course. Liz got up and paid him, while James went over and decided to say hello to Andrew (who was in a playful mood). "Come on then," said Liz. "Hairdressers next." Emma and Michelle were quick to their feet and were soon out of the shop. "That place is horrible," said Emma. "It had a horrible smell." "That would be aftershave," said Liz. "Men put it on their faces after shaving." "I thought I'd never see that place again," said Michelle. "I hope that was the last time." "I'll have to see what I can do," said Liz. "Anyway, your first trip to the hairdressers is next." * * * The hairdressers was in the main shopping area of Newcastle, and so, Liz had to park the car in a car park. Now it was James' turn to feel bad. The hairdressers was a totally different place as far as Michelle was concerned, and the musky smells of aftershave were replaced with fragrant flowery smells of hairspray instead. "Hi Claire," said Liz, as she led the children inside. "Hi Liz. Brought them all along, I see?" said Claire. "While John is at work, I haven't got a choice," she replied. "So, as well as myself, you've got Emma, and now Michelle too." Claire greeted Emma, whom she knew already, but looked at Michelle with interest. "You look really pretty. Just like your sister," she smiled. They all sat down, while Claire turned her attention to Andrew next. "James, Michelle. Look after Andrew for the time being," said Liz, as she and Emma were seen to first. Michelle had been busy looking around, looking at the photos of women on the wall, all sporting different hairstyles. This was where long hair was appreciated. While her face showed wonder, James' face was totally different. He was hating every second of being here, and wanted out. His only means of distracting himself from this boredom was to speak to Andrew again. Michelle was soon looking to where Emma and Liz were sitting. They were not the only customers, as three other women were all being seen to. One had had foil strips put in her hair, while another had her hair in curlers. The third women was just having a trim. Michelle could only dream for now, of coming here with her own hair down to the middle of her back. It was a dream that she certainly got lost in, as she was soon finding Liz looking right at her. "Wakey wakey daydreamer," she said. "Your turn now." Michelle's eyes came back into focus, and she saw that Liz and Emma were not much different . "Come on," said Liz. "You're being done in another room." James had been eager to get up, but his hoped destination of the exit was not the place that they were going. They all headed for a room at the back of the store. It wasn't too disimilar to the main store, with the usual chairs and sinks. Claire was with them, and she invited Michelle to take a seat. Emma and James took seats by the wall, along with Liz, who had Andrew's cot by her feet. "Now, I've heard that this isn't your real hair?" said Claire to Michelle. "Do you mind if I take a look at your own hair?" "No," said Michelle. "Ok," said Claire. She took the wig off and then the hairnet. She then brushed Michelle's own hair out. "I see what you mean," she said to Liz. "The length at the back is perfect, but the front is too short." "And she doesn't want to lose too much at the back," replied Liz. Claire continued to look at Michelle's hair, trying to work out the best solution. In her opinion, it would be best to cut it short and allow it to grow out again evenly. "I can only think of one thing," she said at last. "She'll just have to have a trim at the back, until the hair at the front catches up." "That's what John and I thought," said Liz. "She's going to be wearing the wig for now, but she wants to do away with it sooner rather than later." Michelle had hoped that it wouldn't come to trims, but there was no other way. "I'm sorry Michelle, but it's the only way," said Claire. "I'll take just a small amount off the back." Michelle just nodded. She then winced as she heard the snipping sound of scissors. She opened her eyes and looked ahead at the mirror. The hair at the back was noticeably shorter, but not by much. "So, what do you think? A bit more?" asked Claire. "No more, no more," sighed Michelle. "Leave it for now," said Liz. "So, how long do you think it will be before her hair at the front is level with that at the back?" Claire pondered once more. She was just trying to estimate the difference between the back and front. "It will be a few months for sure," she said at last. "You're looking at around a 5 inch difference." "We did find out that hair grows about half an inch a month," said Liz. "Thats about right," said Claire. "The sooner the difference is nullified, the sooner I can style it." Michelle sighed. She didn't want to wait months, but it seemed like it would be that regardless. "Cheer up Michelle," said Claire. "Your hair will soon grow out again, and I promise to make it look really nice for you." With the trimming over for now, Claire put the hairnet and wig back on, brushing the latter. "So, how much do you want?" asked Liz, afterwards. "Just the payments for you and Emma," she said. "Michelle was just a simple trim. I'll wait till she can have her hair styled." "Thank you very much," said Liz. They headed back to the main shop, where the payment was made. Only then, did James get his wish to leave. "I can't believe she made such a fuss over her hair," said Claire. "Has she always been like this?" She kept her voice low, so no one else could hear. "She wants her hair really long, and I'm looking forward to seeing her with it," said Liz. "So, see you again in a month." "Will do. Bye Emma, bye Michelle," said Claire, as they left. "So, I've got to keep having hair trims?" sighed Michelle as they left and headed off for a walk round Newcastle. They didn't go too far, as Liz was carrying Andrew in his carry cot. "You need to, sweetheart," said Liz. "Your hair is short at the front, and needs to catch up, but it will." "I'll never get rid of this wig," she sighed. "I'll be wearing it forever!" "No you won't," said Liz. "Just calm down. You've just come to an obstacle that will take time to overcome, but overcome it, you will." They were soon heading back to the car, and home after that. Back home, Michelle was doing her best to get over another half inch of hair lost. The wig continued to hide the "damage", but she still worried. To help keep her mind off it, Liz decided to put a DVD on for her and Emma. She went and did them some lunch as they watched it. "I'll come and watch it with you shortly," said Liz. "But it appears your brother needs attention." She picked up Andrew and took him upstairs for a nappy change. "So, Andrew once again has a nice clean bum," said Liz, as she returned to the living room a short while later. "I'll be glad to get him potty trained, but he has to find his feet first." "They're at the bottom of his legs," said Michelle. "I meant he needs to learn how to walk first," said Liz. "But he'll start off by crawling." Once the DVD was finished, Liz looked down at Andrew, who was still half awake. She removed him from his cot and sat him on her lap. He seemed a little grumpy at first, but the sight of 3 smiling faces got his attention. "These are your sisters," said Liz. "Emma and Michelle." Andrew looked at them and seemed satisfied. Liz then started tickling one of his feet, something he clearly liked, as he started to laugh. Emma and Michelle continued to watch as Liz continued to play. She began to play "This little piggy" with his toes. * * * When John arrived back from work, he went over to see how Michelle was. "So, you lost some more hair?" he said sympathetically. Michelle nodded. "It's not going to be every week though," he said. "Once a month, just to give the hair a chance to grow. But as for photos, I'll do your next one after dinner, ok?" "Ok," she replied. "I'll see if your friends can come round tomorrow," said Liz. "Help cheer you up." Even though it had only been Saturday since they had last met, Michelle and Emma never tired of meeting their friends. Liz's offer was warmly accepted. James, meanwhile, was on the computer. He was just checking up on the pre-season fixtures, and disappointed that most were away from home. "I think most of the big teams play their pre-season games away," said John, who was now standing beside him. "Pity about the one game we'll be missing." "Yep," sighed James. "But I'm looking forward to the holiday." The week in Scarborough involved them missing one of Newcastle's home fixtures. The holiday had been booked before the fixtures had been released, so it was just unfortunate. "I doubt we'll be the only ones missing a game," said John. "Oh, and don't stop on there too long. I'll have another photo to upload later." "Ok, dad," said James. John was soon finding himself holding the baby, as Liz started on the dinner. Andrew was hungry, and it was John with the duty of feeding him. Andrew, once he had had enough milk, was content to sleep the remainder of the day. "Is that all babies do, eat and sleep?" asked James. "Very much so," said Liz. "And you were no different." She was minding the cot whilst eating her dinner. The children were eating very much the same thing, though Emma had baked beans on her plate. Everyone else had peas. Emma's disliking for peas was matched by her cousin Sandra, who also hated the green veggies. But catering for Emma was easy, compared to James. James' nut allergy meant that chocolate bars and breakfast cereals had to be checked for any sign of nuts, especially if they were not a main ingredient. Every time they ate out, they had to take his allergy kit with them, just in case the worst happened. Following dinner, John kept the promise to do Michelle's next photo. "Well. This is just your second, so you won't see any signs of growth yet," he said apologetically. "Just shorter!" she sighed. She really wished that her hair would grow quicker, but the only thing that was quick, was the taking of the photo. With the first as a guide, she was told to sit in the same position as last. "The hair at the front will start to get longer," said Liz. "Once it has caught up, you can grow it normally." When the photo was done, Michelle was helped into her wig once more. She then went over and watched her dad upload the photo onto the computer. "Well, there you are," said John. "Two photos done, and loads to go. You won't see much change until many weeks have passed, but this is the rest of your life." Michelle wasn't moved though. The simple fact was that it would take ages for her hair to reach the length she wanted it, and that was too long. The only good thing was that her next visit to the hairdressers was in a month. Her trips to the barbers had been every two weeks. If there was anything that could cheer her up, was the prospect of meeting her cousin Jessica in just over 2 weeks. Keeping her and her older siblings occupied was another thing. While Emma and Michelle had friends that they could visit, James didn't. He did have school friends, but they rarely did anything together outside school. In reality, his only company had been Michael, his brother, but that was no more. Despite the pushy behaviour towards his brother - now sister, James had really cared for Michael, and he missed him. The only other boy in the house was much too young, which left only John as his only companion at home, and for most weeks of the year, it was just at weekends and late afternoons. However, Liz was still willing to fill the gap when necessary. When Emma and Michelle had their friends around the next day, they spent most of it in their room. James was set to spend some time on the computer, or on his Nintendo DS. But Liz stopped him, and offered him the chance of some company, even if she would have to stop from time to time, to look after Andrew. "You spend too much time on that computer at times," she told him. "Try and do a few other things, keep your life interesting." He sat at the opposite end of the sofa and picked up the television remote. He turned on the television and went to the cartoon channels. "You miss Michael, don't you?" she asked. He didn't answer, but his facial expression did. "We all miss him," she added. "But in a way, he isn't gone. He's just happier now." "But he's not a boy now," sighed James. "I know, but that doesn't mean you can't spend some time together. There are things that can be enjoyed by both boys and girls." She moved up and sat right beside him, bring Andrew's cot nearer. "Besides, you do have another brother now," she added. "I think he should know what a wonderful big brother you can be." "But he's still a baby," sighed James, now turning towards her. But as he did, he noticed that she had lifted Andrew from his cot and now had him sat on her knee. "Someone wants to say hello," she smiled. James smiled and started to tickle Andrew's chin. The youngest Brook began to giggle, and started to hold his hands out. However, it was James who needed to hold his arms out, as Liz offered him his baby brother to hold. James was uncertain at first, but Liz made sure that he was able to hold his brother safely. He now held the infant in his arms and looked down at the smiling face. He overlooked the fact that Andrew was wearing a pale blue romper suit, and not the black and white one that he would have liked. "Will you get him a football kit for Christmas?" he asked Liz. "You're desperate for him to be a Newcastle fan, aren't you?" smiled Liz. "I suppose your dad might do that, if he doesn't buy him a Walsall kit next month." James took offense, but Liz smirked and shook her head. She was just teasing. "You have to remember that your dad and I come from that part of the country, so when we've visited there in the past, we are going back to places we know." But for Liz, there was less to go back to. John's family was all that was left. Liz was hoping to get a chance to visit her parents' grave when they visited the Midlands for the wedding. She knew John wouldn't mind. James continued to hold Andrew, who was now falling asleep again. "Come on, wake up," said Liz, stroking his forehead. Andrew stirred, but was clearly eager to sleep once more. "He's heavy, isn't he?" asked James. "Of course he is. He's a growing boy, and just think how I felt having him in my tummy for all that time." With Andrew making it plain that he wanted to sleep, Liz took him back and placed him back in the cot. "He'll wake up shortly and start crying for food," she smiled. "I think I'll watch a few cartoons first, before I start work on some lunch." And so, they watched the television for a short while, before she did just that. * * * Michelle and Emma came down for lunch, as did their friends. It was just as they were finishing their jam butties that Andrew awoke and started to cry. "Someone needs his bottle," said Liz. She was soon cradling him and feeding him. The girls were all watching, as the sight of a real baby was far better than the dolls that they always played with. Michelle noticed that James was looking uncomfortable, not realising that she was the cause of it. "Whats up, bro?" she asked. James just turned away and sighed. The sight of Michelle looking so comfortable as a girl made him miss Michael more, as if he didn't any way. It was just that today, he was feeling more down than ever. "Just ignore him, sweetheart," said Liz. "He's just a little upset." "What about?" "He misses Michael," said Liz. "Oh," sighed Michelle. "It doesn't matter," he replied. He watched on, later in the day, when his sisters said goodbye to their friends. Michelle's behaviour had girl written all over it, and it only served to remind James that his brother Michael had indeed gone. It needed John to help James come round from his depressed state, and that came when the former returned from work that evening. "What's up, sport?" he asked James, when his son's mood was all too clear. "He misses Michael," said Liz, who was continuing to keep an eye on Andrew. "We all miss him," said John, turning once more to James. "But there will always be a part of him there." "How do you know?" asked James. "Because your Aunt Sally still has some of her old self in her," said John. "Yes, I missed my youngest brother too, but he never really left. He just became much happier. He was meant to be my sister." "You think Michael was meant to be a girl?" asked James. "What do you think?" asked John. "He, I mean she, seems happy as one," sighed James. "It appears so, and I think she was meant to be a girl," said John. "I just want you to be happy for her. This is important for her, as much you wanting to see Newcastle win a trophy." "I'm still dreaming," sighed James, reflecting on the fact that his beloved team hadn't won a major trophy in a long time. "Well, when they do, we'll celebrate with you," said John. "And I'm sure your sisters will too." "But they don't like football." "They celebrate your birthday with you," said John. "But back to what I was saying, just be happy for your sister. She'll thank you for it." "Ok dad," he smiled. The next few days were quiet, as the family prepared for the hectic weeks ahead, with a wedding and holiday all coming up within a two week period. The girls were especially looking forward to meeting their cousins again, while James was just looking forward to some time on the beach. It was the topic of the beach that led to Liz taking the children shopping one day. Michelle already had a bathing costume, but she still needed a few more things, including a pair of sandals. James needed a new pair of swimming trunks, as his current pair were starting to get small. "No Newcastle ones," said Liz. "For once, try not to be the clubs top advertiser." "Ok," he sulked. As well as more beach clothes, Emma and Michelle were looking in toy shops for small teddy bears. Emma's bear was still "pregnant" with a rolled up sock under her dress, and the sisters were eager to replace that sock with a suitably sized bear. But they had been told that the search for "Baby Bear" could be left till the trip to the Midlands. They were aware of a teddy bear shop in Birmingham - all because Jessica had told Michelle about it over the phone. Still, they continued to look for the bear now, regardless. They decided to look at clothes for their bears too. "All you need afterwards, is Goldilocks," said James. "Then the bears can eat her." "They didn't eat her, she ran away," said Liz, overhearing. "Roald Dahl says she did," replied James. "Roald Dahl? Oh, I see," said Liz. "You've been reading Revolting Rhymes." Liz had heard of the book, thanks to James borrowing it from the school library once. It was classic stories, written in rhyme, and with the late author's sharp dark wit. For now, they headed to the chemist to get some sun-tan lotion. Even if they weren't going to spend too much time on the beach, Liz didn't want the children to get sunburn. "I'll get some paracetamol too," she told them, as she went up to the pharmacy counter to pay for the few items she had gathered. "Just in case you get a headache when we're on holiday." "Mommy, is there any medicine for making hair grow quicker?" asked Michelle. "Sorry, but there isn't," replied Liz. "If there was, I would get it." The woman at the counter overheard and smiled. "Isn't her hair long enough?" she asked, not realising that Michelle was wearing a wig. "You know young girls," smiled Liz. "They are really into very long hair. Oh, can I have a packet of paracetamol too, please?" "Tablets or capsules?" "Tablets, and the capsule shaped ones, please," replied Liz. After the necessary purchases had been made, they headed home. Liz was keen to take them out again before the trip south for the wedding, and the local museums offered the best option as always. They had special exhibitions on during the year, usually during school holidays. They stopped off at the one museum on the way back to the car, just to see what was going on. Sure enough, there was a special event going on, and the children were promised a visit before going away. Visiting the museums was just one day out though, and with almost two weeks before the wedding, Liz and John were pressed to find things to keep the children occupied. Emma and Michelle did have their friends, which they either invited over, or visited. If they were visiting friends, it left James alone with his mom at home, and that either meant spending further time doing one of his usual pastimes, or watching DVDs with her. There were just two more visits for Michelle and Emma, before they headed off to see their cousins. The first was to Lucy's house, while the second was to Maddy's. Lucy and her parents were also going away for a week, the same week as the wedding. The other girls were going away the following week, which was the week that Michelle and Emma were going to Scarborough. The girls were still very much celebrating Michelle's official change of name, and Lucy's mom, Sharon, had taken the opportunity to congratulate her in person. Sharon was the only adult in the house, as her husband was at work. So, with the holiday plans for all 8 girls arranged, it was just a case of planning for the time when only so many would be around. For Lucy, this meant that for one week, she would be without her friends. Her friends were really important to her, especially at school, for she had been teased for her red hair. She still got taunts thrown at her, but with her friends close by, the bullies didn't get too close. She was a fan of the Little Mermaid, all because Ariel was a redhead too, and thus, she had a number of items related to the film in her room. She still liked all other princesses, but had never been able to understand why her hair colour got abuse. She just knew that none of her friends disliked it, and that pleased her. * * * But hair colour was far from anyones mind for now. It was just playing games, and talking about what they had done so far in the school holiday, which wasn't much. Just like Emma and Michelle, everyone seemed destined to wait until they went away before they would do anything exciting, and as a result, they were all looking forward to their getaways. Emma and Michelle were getting more attention though, just because they would be getting a chance to dress up really pretty. Undoubtedly, their friends wanted to see them as bridesmaids, but were just going to have to settle for photos of them instead. They were also keen to meet their cousins too, but since nothing was certain, they couldn't say if that would be happening. They were hoping that they would visit for their birthdays later in the year, but it hadn't been confirmed. As had been the case for a while, Emma and Michelle were taken to meetings by Caroline. This allowed Liz to not worry about having to get Andrew ready for a trip in the car. It was also practice for the new school year, in which Michelle would be pretending to be her niece. Caroline was therefore calling for them, as well as her own two daughters when she came to collect them at the designated time that afternoon. When she dropped them off at their house, Liz invited her in for a drink. ?It's no bother at all,? said Liz, as she went to the kitchen and put the kettle on. Amy and Jenny were happy to come into the house, as it offered them more time with Emma and Michelle. All four headed upstairs, despite calls for them to stay in the living room. They came back down minutes later. Emma and Michelle had taken their dolls back, and brought down their teddies instead. Amy and Jenny still had their dolls. James had been having a few games of snap with Liz when the girls arrived. He was just waiting for Liz to resume the latest game. She did, eventually, after making the drinks. But it was the last game, as Liz decided to start a conversation with Caroline, with Andrew being one of the subjects. Feeling slightly disappointed, James accepted an offer from Michelle and Emma to take over from her. He felt outnumbered when Amy and Jenny asked to participate too. ?Go on James, be a sport,? said Liz, as he contemplated playing against 4 girls. ?Come on bro, they don't bite,? said Emma, as suggested they move to the floor where there was more room. ?Why don't we let our teddies join in?? asked Michelle. ?You do remember Henry, don't you?? ?How are they going to play?? he asked, trying to ignore his former teddy bear. ?They can sit and watch,? said Emma. He just sighed and dealt out the cards. Explaining the rules wasn't required, as Jenny and Amy were well aware of them. Emma and Michelle knew the rules too. But with 5 players now involved, the game became longer, and by the time Amy had won, it was time for her and her sister to go home. ?I got beat by a girl,? sighed James. ?You came second,? said Emma. ?So it wasn't all that bad.? He said nothing more and gathered up the cards. Meanwhile, the girls got up and said goodbye to their friends. ?Goodbye aunty,? said Michelle, her comments aimed at Caroline. Caroline just smiled and said goodbye. The charade wasn't set to happen just yet, but glad to see that the routine was being practiced now. They would meet again, when the visit to Maddy's house came along. For Emma and Michelle, it would be their last meeting with their friends before the busy two weeks. That evening, John was able to get James off the computer and book up accommodation for the wedding weekend. Despite it being short notice, it wasn't hard, for only the coastal areas would have provided problems for available rooms. Landlocked Walsall was no hot destination, but the motel was located just a few miles from the town centre and was on the M6 motorway. ?Ok, that's that sorted,? he said. ?Nothing else left to do, but ensure we get the packing done. James, I want you to dress smartly for the wedding. I'm not asking you to wear a suit, but a shirt and tie would be nice.? ?Ok dad,? he replied, less than enthusiastically. ?You wearing a suit?? ?I am, for I'm giving your Aunt Sally away,? he replied. ?Giving her away?!? exclaimed Michelle. ?We like her, we want to keep her.? ?It's not like that,? said John. ?I'll just be escorting her down the aisle. Usually, the bride's father does it, but since your granddad is no longer about, I'm doing it.? The final weekend before the trip south saw Liz take the children to the museum for the promised visit. The special exhibit was all about physics, and had a good number of interactive exhibits and gave the children plenty to keep them occupied. There were plenty of other children there, and as a result, they had to wait to get a go on some of the exhibits. For any parents, these sort of exhibits were a win-win situation. Their children were having fun and learning at the same time. James was eager to go and explore by himself, but Liz prevented him from going too far away. The girls stayed close, but still played around with the exhibits. They were interested in seeing how different prisms broke up pure light into all the colours of the rainbow. The children were happy for the most part ? until Andrew spoilt things by wanting his nappy changed. They had to accompany Liz to the toilets and wait for her to do the change. They wanted to look at, and get involved in, all the exhibits, and some were interesting enough for them to want to go back to them. But in the end, they did agree to leave. It was time for something to eat, and Liz took them to a cafe that they had been to a number of times before. After eating, they went and had a quick look around the shops before heading for home. The final week went slow, or so the girls thought. They were eager to see their cousins, and to dress up as bridesmaids. But with little happening each day, their impatience grew. On Tuesday, they had their final meeting with their friends ? at Maddy's house. The situation with June, Maddy's mother, hadn't changed, even if Michelle was now officially full time. She refused to see her as anything but a boy in girls clothes, and the other parents, Caroline especially, had opted to not say anything. ?Have a good day, girls,? said Caroline, as she dropped off her own daughters, and Emma and Michelle. June looked on and continued to show doubt towards Michelle. Her husband was at work, and thus she was under no pressure for now to say anything. Caroline noted her expression and just shook her head. June understood but said nothing. The girls had just headed inside and were racing up the stairs, where Maddy and the others were waiting to greet them. ?I wish your mommy would stop looking at me funny,? said Michelle. ?Sorry,? said Maddy. ?But she still thinks you're a boy, which is rubbish.? Maddy decided against going into one of her tirades aimed at her mother's refusal to accept Michelle as a girl, and proceeded to start on the usual routine of playing games and talking about the holidays. Still, she couldn't help but look hurt when June came up with drinks and sandwiches. June did notice but said nothing. She too was arriving at the conclusion that she and her daughter seemed unlikely to see eye to eye over Michelle, and was willing to leave it at stalemate. With it being the last meeting for most, before the various seaside breaks, there was once again talk of what everyone would be doing, in case any of the girls had learnt more since their last meeting. There was also a reminder to Emma and Michelle to get photographs of them in their bridesmaid dresses. The meeting was soon over though, and Maddy was soon saying goodbye to all. This would be the last meeting involving all the girls for a fortnight, and they hoped that the next one would involve plenty to talk about. Tuesday evening saw the Brooks make all the final arrangements for the journey south, and the girls especially, were just too excited to help. Liz came into their room and helped them choose some clothes to take. She then headed next door and saw to it that James took a variety of clothes, including any that were not football related. The journey wasn't set to begin until late next morning. They would at least be having dinner with Anne and her family before heading to the motel for the night. Before going to bed, Emma and Michelle looked at the photo from the birthday party back in March. They were looking at two girls in particular, and the knowledge that they would be seeing these girls tomorrow, filled their stomachs with butterflies. However, it made getting to sleep hard, and Liz had to enter their room and tell them to do so, since they couldn't stop talking. Eventually, they did.