A Christmas Carol 2 free porn video

A Christmas Carol By Jena Corso Edited By Angela Meyers Chapter Two Darlene walked down to the guest room and changed into her pajamas. Keith had already happily gotten changed for bed and was having a nightcap. "I'm going to go catch up on a few things with my mom," said Darlene, kissing him and smirking. "I'm guessing you've got no interest in joining us right?" "Good call on that, honey," said Keith turning on Sportscenter. "Good luck with that!" "You don't think she suspects anything, do you?" said Darlene unsure. "She's half blind and honestly if I didn't know myself," said Keith not caring. "Not a chance. You made the kid a freaking primadona. Who knew he make such a good sissy." "Stop it," said Darlene giggling before playfully slapping him and giving him a kiss goodnight. "You don't need to wait up." There were so many old memories in the big old house as Darlene headed downstairs, taking note in her mind of how many things hadn't changed. When she got in the kitchen, her mother was already there with her head filled in her customary rollers and her nightgown. "Not too much is different, mom," said Darlene taking her cup and sitting down. "The place still looks amazing." "It seems not too much is different with us either?" said Greta sipping. "Is there?" "Maybe not," said Darlene, immediately annoyed. "And could you stop trying to piss off my husband please." "Fine," said Greta. "But maybe you can let down on the bullshit? Haven't we had enough of the charade already?" "What charade?" gulped Darlene, thinking she was caught. "You know exactly what I mean. The big happy family bullshit show you're putting on for me," said Greta with a smirk. "How about you ease up on that crap and let me enjoy my granddaughter a little please. Come on, aren't you trying a little too hard with the matching outfits.!" "I thought being how damn particular you are that you'd appreciate it," said Darlene feeling some relief but immediately loving to argue with her. "In a way yes, but it's much too phony even for you Darlene! I can't imagine you ever did that at home right?" said Greta. "It's not like that grease monkey you married dresses like that normally when you sit down for your Sunday dinner having meatloaf and apple pie?" "Ok you got me there mom," giggled Darlene. "And he's a mechanic. It's a fine skill, whether you care about it or not." "You know I don't... But I do appreciate how well you put that little princess together today," said Greta with a smirk. "I'm glad the dress I picked looked just perfect on her, and you did a nice job on the curls." "Wow, a compliment?" said Darlene. "What are you trying to give me a heart attack?" "Of course not dear. I'm just surprised you've gotten so good with hair," said Greta, rolling her eyes. "I guess it's not a bad thing you've decided you'll spend your time on her since you've chopped off most of your own hair." "I thought you'd like it," said Darlene, getting self-conscious stroking her own hair. "Bobs are in right now mother. Back east it's very chic. It's just a little messy since I had in the headband." "What I think really doesn't matter anyway, does it? You've never cared before, so why would you now?" said Greta, so matter of factly. "You know I'd rather see you with some trendy short 'do' settling down with a more suitable partner since you've always worn the pants anyway, but since your happy playing the little soccer mom with the oil changer there's not much I can say." "Please mom," said Darlene getting angry. "I thought we agreed if I came out here you wouldn't be drumming up any of this old shit again. Dad's been dead for decades, and you still can let shit go." "You're right honey," said Greta standing up now. "I may struggle letting things go, but I do know what he meant to you and losing a lot of those years really hurt you." "Wow, I'm shocked mother," said Darlene rolling her eyes. "An admission." "You're welcome," said Greta looking away. "I know you were always a daddy's girl and still are." "You really are trying to give me a heart attack," teased Darlene. "See and I always thought that would be you trying to knock off me for the money," said Greta with a smirk. "But you never have." "Because it means nothing to me," said Darlene firmly. "I don't care about it and I never will. What I care about I can never get back! Can I?" "Don't you think I know that Darlene?" said Greta. "You're still your father's stubborn little girl and you always will be. Now let's get some rest and make the best of what little time we have together." "You're right," said Darlene nodding. "For both our sakes." "If not ours then for Caroline's sake at least," said Greta as they got up putting their cups in the sink. They went back upstairs and to their rooms to bed. When Darlene got there, her husband was already passed out as she tossed and turned until morning. When she got up in the morning, she was all business walking in and waking up Carl. "Caroline," said Darlene, shaking him awake and kissing his forehead. "Come on wake up honey. Mommy has a busy day, so I need to get you ready before breakfast. Go pee and brush your teeth." He was still a bit tired from the long trip, but felt a lot better getting a good night's sleep. It was quite weird getting a good look himself brushing his teeth staring at his hair, oddly pinned to the sides of his head filled with crisscrossed pins. When he came out of the bathroom, his mother had already laid his clothes on the bed and was ready for him the second he re-entered the bedroom. "I'm getting dressed up already," Carl looked over at the nightstand clock. "Can't I just veg in bed and watch tv or play some video games." "You're here to visit, and old people get up early honey," said Darlene grinning. "But who knew you'd like sleeping in my old pretty pink bed and want to stay there." "Not funny mom," said Carl, rolling his eyes as she lifted the nightgown over his head. "I'm just tired from all this." "Oh please," said Darlene, taking a wash cloth rubbing it all over his body. "Nana's already down having coffee and even with the three hour time difference, she gets up before you. Now just don't give me a hard time and let's get you ready to get down there." It didn't take her long as it was quite annoying when she towel dried him before smelling the flowery lotion as she skirted it into her palms and rubbed some on to him. He felt so embarrassed taking his clean panties from his mother as he turned his back, dropping off the red and steeping into the new ones. They were a little tighter than the ones he had on previously, and a little different shape as he noticed they hugged him a bit differently. "Those are so cute," said Darlene as he turned back around seeing the smile on her face. "Yup, they'll do the trick and they feel snug right?" "They're too tight mom," said Carl annoyed looking down at the emerald green color. "No they're fine," said his mother touching the sides of them. "You'll be in something more casual until tonight so I needed to make sure you stay a little flatter. The other panties were just cut a little higher on your hips, and I'm not putting you in tights right now so I like them just a touch more fitted on you. It shouldn't matter anyway, but if you really want to be in hose I'll got get you some tights." "They're fine," said Carl aggravated. "Please just dress me already." He was getting testy this morning as he looked down at his more stretchy green shiny panties. They really weren't that much tighter, but the cut and material held his tiny junk in just a little more securely and the complete lace waistline was something he had no interest in staring at further. "Oh so anxious honey," teased his mother giving him a hug. "I'm so proud you're doing so well at this. Sit please." He sat now as his mother rolled the little white socks over each foot and he stared at the big lace ruffles over each ankle. He could never remember in his life having his socks and shoes on first, it was quite odd watching her buckle the straps across his ankles. When she dropped his second foot to the floor, she tapped him to stand and raise his arms as she dropped his dress over his head. There was no shock effect this time as he could see everything in his mother's big dresser mirror as he watched it slide down his body in the reflection and then her zip it up from behind. He basically stood at attention as she made sure the lace sat perfectly at the collar, and then twisted at the skirt from behind, making sure it was straightened to her liking as he stood taking it all in. He was now witnessing what little girls see as their mother's get them ready, which instead came mostly as shock value yesterday when he had shivered through every moment until his stunning reveal. In a way it was good that it all happened so quickly, as he stood there now frozen in an emerald green dress. It was quite different, being sleeveless with a much lower drop-waist and a slightly shorter skirt. On top the bodice was much lighter than the velvet he had on yesterday, and beneath it the underskirt was not loose or forgiving yet still nothing poked out with its double tiered ruffling knee length iridescent green skirt. A pewter flower pin atop a lovely lace bow with a rhinestone center decorated the dress at the left waistline, and for the first time he noticed his hairless knobby knees on display, barely peeking out from under his skirt above his fluffy ankle socks and white Mary Janes. He tried mentally convincing himself he was still a boy in a dress as his mother began removing pin after pin. That though grew harder to accept as he watched ringlet after ringlet uncoil, fall downward as with each springing curl his pigtails daintily transformed his appearance. It was an unwelcome sight that his tendrils were pretty well preserved and almost a nice relief to not stare at himself anymore when his mother stepped in front of him, unscrewing her wand and coating his lashes. It was hard not to glance over at the colorful pallet she had opened on her vanity to his right, but impossible not to watch her brush dip into the pink blush before spreading it across his cheeks. In a way he was curious about what colors she would select with her little soft applicator before she softly touched his lids and he knew he was almost done when the sweep sticky taste sweep across his lips. When she stepped back behind him, there was no sign of any boy as his eyes bugged out seeing her take a scissor to his left pigtail. "Easy silly! Did you think we'd be cutting it now?" said Darlene, seeing his worry. "I'm just cutting the scrunchie out so just stay like you are and we'll do something pretty. I've been dying to try a few things and it's be so many years." It happened so quickly as in a blink his face was surrounded in big tendrils before she dug in a brush at the hairline of his forehead and had a few clear bands clenched between her teeth. After a quite a few strong strokes, she snapped a big clip atop his head and then brushed feverishly behind his head. It actually hurt a lot more than he thought having his curls brushed out before mercifully she finally put down the brush. Finally she removed the clip and took a small section near his left temple, stretching it and nodding to herself. She was like a wizard, separating each distinct section with her comb and spinning his hair with her fingers as he watched this braid take shape intricately weaving its way towards the back of his head. He was pretty amazed as she took the band from her teeth and snapped it in at the crown before holding her palm above his eyes brows and coating the top in hairspray. She lifted the loose end of the braid now and then reach back grabbing a large white silk bow as he watched it snap onto his head. She took a moment now back combing and teasing the lose end before he watched her feather it out making it wide before sparing the back. It wasn't long before more hairspray was soaking his head and he realized he was just about ready. "Thanks for sitting so nice honey," said Darlene, admiring her work. "You always sat so nice for me when you were a little girl. You hated being without your pretty bows, so we always had to have them in." "Mom that can't be!" moaned Carl, annoyed searching his brain for the old memories. "I didn't know any better! I was little." "You're right. You didn't but you always made sure I showed you the back when I was done," said his mother, holding up a small mirror showing him the back. "Just a minute more and you can go eat, ok. Who knew your hair would still hold a curl so well, and it looks so pretty now that its full and wavy? Each year when I had them put your face on those fake cards I send Nana I'd always think about the old times when I was actually dressing you and curling it. It's just makes me feel young again making you look so pretty." "Ok mom?" said Carl, jumping up not being able to take it anymore. "Snap out of this. Only two days left thankfully." "Sorry, I'm just reminiscing. I can straighten it later and do something cute with different twists or braids and bows if that makes you more comfortable," said his mother, thinking. "Don't be mad at me honey, it's almost Christmas and I've got so many things running through my head." "Please mom no more," said Carl getting angry. "I understand but enough already." "Ok.. Ok. Let's have some breakfast," said his mother with a giggle, taking his hand. "You must be starving by now." "I was until now," mumbled Carl, taking one last glance as she led him from the room. He was quite refreshed from yesterday, but it wasn't as if this would be any easier as he had only passed the test of a ninety year old woman. Gracing the front of his head now, a temple to temple French braid interwove until it reached a huge white satin bow and from behind his ears across his shoulder his curls had been brushed into thick waves. He could see the little hints of mint green shadow at the creases of eye lids, and his lip color was more pinkish. His mother still cut no corners even early in the day, as he was arriving at breakfast fully dressed in his less formal yet still Christmassy green dress but looking still the precious little thing in his ankle socks and buckled shoes. He noticed the little block heels were much louder than his flats as walking down the circular stairs they clanked until he could see his grandmother's big smile as they entered the kitchen. "Well good morning, Caroline," said Greta. "Don't you look so pretty again this morning dear? Did you sleep well in Princess Darlene's old room?" "Yes Nana," said Carl. "Good, because it's been a long time since anyone's gotten to enjoy that lovely room," said Greta. "Your mother always was a good sleeper, and loved lounging around half the day in that room." "Oh stop," replied Darlene, taking a quick sip of coffee. "I just wasn't much of an outside person, but Caroline is more into athletics than I was." "Oh be careful at that stuff dear," said Greta. "Your mother was quite the klutz, so hopefully you're much more coordinated." "I am Nana," giggled Carl at his mother's expense. "She gets hurt just walking!" "Excuse me ladies," said Mable. "Your driver is here and your husband is already outside." "Thanks Mable!" said Darlene, taking one last sip of her coffee before kissing Carl on the forehead as she grabbed her purse. "Well, I'll try not falling today while I'm out and you behave for Nana while I'm gone." "You're leaving?" said Carl with his mouth full. "I'll be back soon and you just be a good little girl, ok?" said Darlene rushing out. "I won't be that long honey, but I need to run out and get a few presents for your cousins for later." He sat quietly eating his breakfast, being waited on like a queen by Mable. His grandmother came and went a few times as she was certainly very spry for a woman of her age. After about fifteen minutes, she returned, placing her coffee cup in the sink and then wiped the edge of Carl's mouth with a napkin. "Finish eating honey, and Nana will go get her purse," said Greta, patting his head like a dog. "It'll be nice not having her around so I can go out and enjoy my granddaughter without a supervisor." "Out where, Nana?" mumbled Carl, as his grandmother left the room. "Did she mean my mother?" "Oh she's a stubborn old goat your grandmother, and those two have always been like oil and water honey," said Mable, handing him a little white pocketbook. "Here, this was one of your mother's old bags and it matches the bow beautifully. Enjoy your time with your Nana." It was but just a few minutes until his grandmother returned, taking his hand as suddenly he was out feeling the warm sunlight on him, like it was almost summer yet December. It was his first time being chauffeured in a big shiny car as they sat in the back behind her driver as he could hardly stop looking around as he stared out the window looking at all the sights. It was only a ten minute drive until they stopped and the driver opened the door, letting them out in front of an elaborate gold building, as he wasn't sure what they were doing there. "Come on, Nana's got to get her done for this evening and we'll see about doing something a little better about those hideous nails," said Greta, taking him by the hand. "Doesn't your mother ever take you with her to get them done?" "No not really," said Carl nervously looking all around as they entered. "Well I think it's about time your mother starts taking you for proper manicures," said Greta. "Don't you, darling?" "My mom said ok to this?" said Carl, frightened by the smell now and seeing all the women at various stations. "Dear, grandparents never ask permission and it's almost Christmas. Now my job is to spoil you rotten and I'll deal with my daughter later," said Greta, before the woman came over welcoming her. "Well hello Rita. This is my granddaughter Caroline from back east. Isn't she adorable?" "Oh Greta! Why have you been hiding this little beauty from me?" said Rita, giving Carl a huge hug. "She's just precious." "Thank you! Now I'll need you to squeeze her in and do something with these nails! I think she's a bit of a nibbler but so was her mother when she was her age!" said Greta holding out one of his hands. "Oh dear," said Rita, taking his hand. "I see that, but we'll fix those right up honey." "Good, now let's go pick something wonderful and Christmassy, Caroline," said Greta following. "Then I'll feel better." He couldn't believe what they were showing him, quickly becoming overwhelmed by all the nail colors and incredible art as they were showing him design choices. "Do you know which one, Caroline?" said Greta, growing impatient. "Most of these are really pretty and look wonderful for Christmas. Now these people don't have all day dear." "Nana... I..I'm not sure," stuttered Carl, seeing dozens and dozens of nail designs with little Santa's, candy canes, reindeer and more. "So pretty, but still a blonde like her mother," said Greta pointing to a page. "Give her those. They'll look best with tonight's dress, and at least match her toes with the primary color. Now Nana will be just be across the room getting her hair done. See you in a bit honey." "Nana.. wait?" Cried Carl getting upset. "I...." "I'm sorry honey," said Greta seeing the fear in her eyes taking his hand patting it and looking at Rita. "We're not in a rush and she's not used to being alone. Can we still make the appointments work if I stay with her and then she comes over with me while I get my hair done?" "Are you kidding? Anything for one of my best customers Greta! It's still early, so how about I put her right next to you and we do you both together," said Rita, understanding. "I'll have my nail tech bring everything over there and she's got such pretty hair. Why don't we do something special with that too while she gets her nails done. Won't that be fun honey and it'll my treat for your grandmother being such a good customer all these years?" "You don't know how happy you just made me, Rita," said Greta getting a little choked up. "I used to bring Darlene with me when she was young and she'd love that." "I remember Greta. I remember you two getting a wash and set together," said Rita, feeling her eyes getting glassy. "Me too. It was like yesterday when we were under the dryers next to each other. Peaceful. No non-sense or fighting," said Greta as they walked across the salon. "Those were truly the good old days Rita." "And today you can have them back," said Rita, pointing to a big red chair. "Sit there Caroline." "Thank you," said Greta as she sat in a red chair looking over at Carl being placed in the one next to her. "Your welcome," said Rita dropping a cape over Carl as his chair went back. "Now is there anything in particular you'd like for her Greta." "Well she really likes her hair in...," said Greta as the water gushed on and Carl could no longer hear. He could hear them talking, but couldn't make out their conversations as it was quite relaxing as they massaged his head. He was content in a way zoning out about all the strange things that had been happening to him, until finally after a while the water was switched off. He really wasn't sure what to expect when they lifted the back of his hair and covered his head in a towel. "Come sweetie," said Rita softly as she led him to an elevated chair now as his grandmother sat next to him with a towel on her head as well. Rita spun the chair as she pushed a pedal a few times, cranking it higher and then spinning it towards Greta and away from the mirror. It was unsettling staring at his grandmother as Rita brushed through his hair and then began sectioning with some long silver spring pins. He cringed when he heard the first snipping from behind as he began spinning his neck to see as Rita instantly grabbed his head on each side with her fingers straightening it. "Honey, you have to be still or it'll be crooked," said Rita as she released her grip and gathered more hair inserting some jaw clips. Greta got up now, rubbing his fingers to settle him as he was scared shitless, recognizing he was getting his first real haircut in years and this time as a little girl. For a few years now he had only had little trims by his mother and now she was no longer there to protect him. "Ssshhh sweetie," said Greta, tapping his thigh through the cape. "She's just trimming, and I promise Nana would only let her make you look beautiful. Spin around like that again and you'll be getting a Dorothy Hamill." "Oooo Kkkkk," moaned Carl, softly confused about what she meant and troubled as she continued to move the clips, comb and trim until he felt her finger swipe near his ear. "So sorry Caroline," said Rita as he heard the clink on the floor and then she stopped for a moment bending to pick it up. "It's nothing honey as I know you're nervous enough and we'll just put these back on later ok?" He felt her fingers at his other ear now as she removed his other earring, then realizing she had knocked off the little magnet. It did feel better now without them pressuring his lobe but it was the least of his worries as all this snipping was really torture. What was maybe only a few minutes seemed like century until the clipping finally stopped before he felt her parting his hair down the middle and combing through it. It felt a little bit like what his mother was doing earlier as she seemed to lift and twist working on his left. This seemed much more intricate though as she pinched thin sections as opposed to his mother ultimately grabbing the entire front braiding. She didn't stop babbling to his grandmother as she circled his entire top section of his head and it was strange feeling just the little sections being tugged. Finally when she finished, she opened a drawer filled with a multi-colored rollers, and he looked over seeing his hair being stretched on the left. It was pretty strange watching out of the corner of his eye as she dipped her fingers into a substance and then coated the extended section, holding it outward. He stared intently now, amazed as she bent his hair over the green plastic cylinder and then he lost sight of it as she rolled and pinned it near his ear. "I think she's calming down now, Greta," said Rita, sectioning and rolling over and over noticing how Carl watched her take every roller from her draw. "This isn't your first set is it honey?" "Well probably by a real hairdresser," said Greta. "Her mother chopped off half hers and wears it straight these days, so I doubt my little princess gets much salon time. Do you Caroline?" "Uuumm not really," said Carl searching for anything to say. "My mom just uses that curling stick." The women shared a good laugh at his expense as he sat giving a fake laugh, not sure if his answer was good or bad. It was such a slow process as Rita stretched and wound over and over seemingly nothing like when his mother wound in the curling iron, and was done after a brief sizzle. He lost count, so many curlers were now on his head until finally she secured in the last one and then his head was blanketed with a stretchy hairnet. After a few pins, he looked over seeing her starting his grandmother's hair. There was no trimming, only sectioning as she basically went right into the set. It was so much quicker than his as it was certainly much shorter and she used bigger rollers but he watched curiously having nothing to do anyway. When Greta was fully set, they were brought to the other side of the room and seated under the dryers. He now found himself sitting side by side under a big bonnet as his grandmother reached over holding his hand as the hot air came on as soon as they lowered it. She looked so happy to be with him, as this all seemed so crazy as she gave a little squeeze before letting go as he looked up seeing a little table being wheeled next to him as a manicurist arrived. It was but a moment now until she began working on his fingers, and another woman arrived, taking off his shoes and socks. It was strange feeling his digits being separated by something rubber that held them in place as his nose grew more and more sensitive to the various pungent smells that surrounded him even with some of the hot air pushing them away. In a way now having them work on his hands and toes simultaneously was quite calming as he couldn't really fidget much yet he knew his grandmother was taking this further than even his mother had intended. He had no clue how long this was all going on until finally Rita eventually returned, lifting the dryer touching his head. When she dropped it back down, she lifted his grandmother's bonnet as Greta patted his wrist smiling at him as she stood up. "I'll just be right over there," said Greta as he could barely hear her under the dryer. "I'm going nowhere ok sweetie." He watched as she followed Rita back across the salon before sitting in Rita's chair and being spun towards him. It was comforting watching them remove her rollers as she made eye contact with him the entire time. She seemed so content just to stare at him as he wondered if this was what his head would look like once they came out as he stared at all these distinct rolls atop her head. It took him a few minutes to realize that probably won't be the case as they brushed and teased creating her old lady bouffant as he knew no little girl had hairdos like that but couldn't stop worrying about all the snipping she had done. For the entire time his head was being baked, he really tried to calm his nerves thinking about other things but each time he looked down he noticed his nails being transformed as the sensations differed so much from filling and buffing to feeling a soft brushing and coating as this all made it hard not to be worried. Finally they removed her cape and she stood up, following Rita back towards him as she lifted his dryer and switched it off. Watching had certainly passed the time as he then glanced down seeing that his nails were certainly longer now with their new tips and then stretched his neck looking down seeing the red polish on his toes. "Ok my darling," said Rita, tapping his arm. "I'd say we cooked you enough, and once you cool down we'll get these out. Come honey." It was strange taking a step hearing the flip flops smacking the floor as he followed feeling the cotton between his toes. "Just keep your hand fanned out until the girls finish you nails and follow me back to sweetie," said Rita leading the way. When he got up, he pressed his fingertip after fingertip together, sliding them up and down against his thumb as it was so weird feeling the little nail extensions he now had. They weren't really that much longer than his natural nails but certainly still quite disturbing. It was bad enough when his mother painted them red, but now this seemed insane seeing the protruding tips extended past his fingers and noticing he'd need to vary how he grasped things. He was confused now as they sat him back down in the red chair near the sink with seemingly a small army of beauticians that had followed. They dropped his head back into the sink as they placed his hands on small tables on each side. "Didn't it just get dried?" asked Carl baffled. "Yes honey, but this is just a better place for you to rest while we finish. We won't be turning on the water," said Rita. "Your Nana thought it would be best because you're so jumpy and we need to be a little more precise now ok?" "Ok," said Carl, as there was no other answer he could give and actually had to agree. "Good girl," said Rita. "Just be mindful of your rollers, and try not banging them around. If I could I would have put you in a chair with a head rest, but we won't want to take a chance crushing them ok?" "Uhh ugh," spouted Carl going with the flow at this point. They continued on his finger and toe nails now as he just stared at the ceiling. It was kind of tranquil in a way except his head just hung back, resting only at the neck as he rolled his head from time to time. "You doing ok, Caroline?" said Greta as he looked up, seeing his grandmother with her makeup really pumped up now. "I guess?" said Carl, trying to lift his neck as she gently pushed his chin back. "Why is it so long?" "Dear, back home you can be a tom boy, but while you're here with me, Nana will make sure you get pampered like you should," said Greta. "Beauty can never be rushed, my little darling." "Ok Nana?" gulped Carl anxiously. "I'm just not used to things like this." "I know dear, but you'll learn as you get older that it's a lot of working looking your best," said Greta smiling as she softly touched his face, sliding her fingers across his left cheek towards his ear. "But obviously your mother's forgotten this at times, as I can't believe she let these close up. Now don't be nervous Caroline, Nana will fix it for you because I'm guessing Santa might bring you some nice things this year that you'll want to wear!" "Oh no Nana! I don't think..." started Carl panicking as she pinched his ear lobe. "Shush darling," said Greta waving over someone. "Nana's got this. She's ready ladies." He already knew Greta could care less about what his mother thought, but she was definitely going too far as he looked up seeing a woman with a small silver gun. He couldn't watch, closing his eyes trying to convince himself that the cool kids in school had earrings, jerking upward and then back down convulsing as he felt the initial pop. It was hard not to tremble, feeling the next pop and just when he thought it was over as she added another in each ear. He mind raced, thinking of names of some boys that had an earring and knowing only one boy with both ears done. He couldn't think of anyone his age except a few girls with two on each side, feeling his legs twitching from his nerves but quickly now his worrisome thoughts were interrupted when they began raising his chair. "Ok last time back to my chair I promise honey," said Rita leading the way. "Just don't forget those nails might still a bit tacky." He was happy this would finally be ending soon, but was it an illusion he thought that now painted they seemed even longer. Again he pressed his fingers together below the tips, noticing how white round tips extended past his fingers, again they still felt like they did before they were polished. Below the white tip a thin gold line separated the white end from the main body of his nail which glistened like an ornament in a lacquer covered red shimmery color. To even more highlight the season, each nail featured sparkly white snowflakes, except each ring finger where a small glittered reindeer outline decorated the nail center. It was tough to accept these were now his nails, as he looked down noticing his fee,t shaking his head. He had seen the red color being painted and the cotton between his toes, but certainly Nana had made sure Christmas spirit wasn't missed down there either, as obviously that was only the base as they now consisted of red and white angled stripes resembling candy canes. Rita made sure he didn't touch anything with his nails, helping him into her chair as he held his hands out to the sides as she began finishing his hair. Immediately he realized, he could see everything now as he was facing forward as she stepped behind him taking a picture of his reflection. The faintest shriek leaked from his mouth as his jaw dropped when she removed the hairnet before snapping another shot as he stared at his new earrings. He could barely accept the image of himself as a wide eyed open mouthed curler clad girl, with her fingers extended like she had just seen a mouse. This was unbelievable as he twisted his neck, noticing how three neat rows of curlers sat below a thin braid that circled the top of his head, around an off-set middle part as his grandmother looked on. "So anxious," chuckled Rita, straightening his face so she could work. "Almost done honey!" It had been surreal watching his mother braid and brush his head, but now he became trancelike, barely blinking as he stared watching each and every curl take shape as roller by roller was removed. When they were all out, she snapped another picture and then took her fingers separating each one once or twice until the springy rolls became thick corkscrews surrounding his face. He felt himself getting emotional, noticing that his hair barely touched his shoulders now as he really wasn't sure how much had been cut vs how much the thick curls made it look shorter. It was hard to accept how much had happened to him so fast as she squirted small sections with her purple pump spray, setting each curl as she circled around him. He couldn't fight back the tears anymore as one flowed down his cheek when she lifted and sprayed near his left ear exposing his earrings as he noticed his grandmother getting chocked up as, well turning away. "Don't do that to me, Caroline," said Greta, trying to act tough and wiping her cheek. "It brings back too many memories. Your mother always loved her curls too." "I'm so glad you love it sweetie," said Rita wiping her cheek and nose. "She's so precious Greta." "You look so beautiful, Caroline," said Greta hugging and squeezing him. "You've warmed an old woman's heart." "I did," said Carl quite surprised as she let go. "Oh.... I mean I'm so glad Nana." He closed his eyes, trying not to focus on what had transpired and shook his head for a moment, feeling them slide against his nape. He saw that Rita was behind him reattaching the white bow towards the back of his head and then finally pulled off his cape. When he stood watching his grandmother graciously tip Rita, he looked around noticing he was just like any of the other young girls in the salon getting their hair or nails done for the holidays as finally this weird sequence of events had ended. When they arrived back to his grandmothers, he ran inside instantly seeing his father's eyes pop followed by a soft belly laugh as he was sitting on the couch, watching tv. "Honey! You're daughters' back," yelled his father. "You might want to come see her?" "Oh finally! Where were you all this time and you knew I need time to get her ready for company right?" said his mother coming in before pausing, covering her mouth the moment she saw him. "Huuuuhhh. Motherrrr!"! "So Darlene?" started Greta pride fully. "Tell me she's not the most beautiful little girl you've ever seen?" "You didn't," said Darlen,e racing over inspecting him everywhere. "Holy smokes... You did!" "I did nothing dear, and now all you have to do is dress her," said Greta with a sheepish grin. "All I did was bring her with me when I was getting my hair done like I do every day. You asked me to watch her, and obviously I won't leave her with just Mable while she's so busy preparing the house." "You know what I meant mother," said Darlene fuming. "I didn't ask you to do any of this! I was going to get her ready myself later! I can't believe you." "Oh please Darlene! The poor child deserves a little pampering, and there were a few little things I noticed you neglected so I took care of them. For goodness sake, its Christmas and you can thank me later as no way you could do all this at home," Greta scolded Darlene. "Don't you remember how much you liked getting your hair and nails done when you were little. You should have seen the look on her face when she saw how beautiful she turned out. It was priceless!" "I bet it was," said his father downing a beer. "We'll talk more later mother," said Darlene steaming as she grabbed Carl by the wrist. "Let's go get you changed young lady, as your cousins should be here before you know it!" Once they got upstairs into Darlene's old room, she slammed the door ready to explode. "Mom, I ..." started Carl as she put up her hand holding back her emotions. "I know you didn't honey," said Darlene, taking some deep breaths hugging and kissing him. "Mommy's sorry. So sorry I left you with her but never again. Never!" "I'm fine mom and I'm sure you'll fix everything when we're done! Let's just get this over with please," said Carl, feeling guilty she was upset. "I'm actually looking forward to finally meeting my cousins, even if it's like this." "You're the best honey," said his mother as stood up composing herself. "I guess I'd be curious too if I never met my family before. Ok let's get you changed and I hate to give her any credit, but she just did save me a lot of work." She unzipped his dress now and then dropped it down as he stepped out of it. She had him sit on the edge of the bed then took off his shoes and socks shaking her head when she saw his toenails. "I should have known she wouldn't miss a single detail," giggled Darlene as he nervously wigged his toes. "How cute are those?" "Yeah, remind you of somebody?" said Carl having to share a laugh. "Oh shush my little princess," said Darlene, tickling him as he wiggled all over the bed on his back. "Oh easy, easy... Sorry.. sorry." "It's ok I'm fine mom," said Carl feeling more normal for a moment. "That felt good." "I know it did honey! It was so nice to see you laugh after all you went through today," said Darlene, squeezing his face lovingly. "Thing is I can't have you rolling all over destroying your hair. I may want to kill your grandmother but our company will be here soon and I have to admit you look even prettier than yesterday. Your hair came out gorgeous." "Ok enough mom," said Carl jumping up. "I have to pee." "Good idea before I dress you," said Darlene as he ran into the bathroom. "You might need my help if you have to go later in this." Carl shook his head sitting on the bowl as he happily emptied his bladder. It was a momentary place of solace until his mother knocked on the door, hurrying him. As he came out of the bathroom, she was sitting on the edge of the bed holding some shiny gold panties. He knew the drill, turning away as he dropped down the green ones and then pulled up the gold panties. They were much softer, being made of silk and fully cut, not really pulling him in like before. Across the waist band they had a silk red ribbon trim weaving in and out like a belt through its loops, and a small flat gold bow in the center. "It's almost a shame to cover these pretty toes," said his mother, rolling down his tights as he stepped into them. He didn't concur though, making a face as she tugged them up tightly and then held up what looked like a second oversized panty. "Another one?" whined Carl as she wasted no time lifting his leg before he could give her much lip. "Better safe than sorry honey, in case you forget to sit ladylike," teased Darlene as she saw his expression change to panic. "Just kidding silly. It'll help give you some fullness in what you're wearing. You looked pretty this past day and a half but tonight we go a quite bit fancier." "Great?" moaned Carl rolling his eyes as he looked down seeing the gold ruffled panty now over his tights and the other panty. "Nana bought this dress too, right?" "Of course! You'll learn Nana always has something up that sleeve of hers," said his mother, taking some red pointy toed shoes with a two inch block heel from a box. "You think your hair looks amazing for no reason?" "I guess not?" said Carl thinking as she buckled on the first shoe. "Well I think either way she would have fancied you up any chance she got even if it wasn't a big night," said Darlene buckling on the other shoe now. "She always loved dressing me like I was her china doll, and this week it's your turn. I got you out of this for the last six or seven years, but not unfortunately today. Now let's get you in it as I have to say I fell in love with this dress the first time I saw it and now I'm dying to see how it looks on you." As she took the dress from the closet, he felt weak in the knees, seeing nothing he expected as it looked tremendous on its little hanger. She tapped his elbow, signaling him to put his arms up as ever so slowly his mother guide the dress over his head. It actually felt nothing like he expected, based on the sheer size he expected it to be much heavier but it seemed pretty light. It was certainly a much more precise fit though across his waist and chest as he could feel it taper in as she fastened each button on his back. "Son of a bi--," started Darlene before stopping herself midsentence as she stepped back gazing at her son. "Oh crap mom," said Carl nervously seeing her get upset. "What happened? Did I rip it or something?" "No honey. Just turn around and let mommy fix your hair and tie your bow," said Darlene choked up. "Everything's just perfect for a change." As she turned him back around, he was facing his reflection as his mother leaned down tying the big bow at the back of his dress. He recognized his grandmother's motives now as even not understanding much about fashion or little girls as everything seemed so coordinated. Whether he knew it or not, she had made sure he was to be the belle of her Christmas ball with his ears freshly pierced and his blonde locks now coiffed in a fairytale style of cascading curls from a waterfall braid. Even on the West coast it was to be modern day Victorian style Christmas with his nails unmistakably done for the holiday and him dressed in an exquisite plum burgundy red velvet and taffeta party dress. The rich looking crushed velvet bodice had short capped sleeves bubbling up in a delicate infantile manner and small scattered ruby's adorned the ends of the sleeves and collar, creating a very subtle jeweled neckline. Around his waist, the matching satin sash was tied in an oversized double bow in the back, and in the front featured a large burgundy poinsettia with gold glittered accents in an offset placement to the right. These were all lovely decorative touches, but paled in comparison to the detail in his huge bell skirt that cascaded almost down to the floor, just short of being a ballroom gown. The slightly contrasting taffeta material was still a warm plum burgundy color, yet its shinny extravagance was impossible not to admire with the skirts raised texture, scattered gold glitter shimmer and harlequin diamond seemed pattern. When he moved ever so slightly, the dress swayed, not breaking shape as he could feel nothing but the thick under liner which held it's fullness and felt so soft against his body. His dark red patent shoes matched beautifully, but he still didn't understand the need for the ruffled panty as you could barely even see his white tights. It was amazing as he noticed how his new nails reflected the light when he touched his dress as there wasn't a direction he could turn without a series of glimmers. He realized now the red ruby stud in his second hole matched the ones on his dress and that the little dangling snowflake in his first hole was just like the ones on his nails. That precious snowflake earring ever so delicately would peak in and out of his hair as he twisted his neck, staring at how his entire head was encircled in perfectly formed layers of cascading curls. Around the top, a thin braid stemmed from each temple before meeting in the back, where his white bow had been replaced with a large glittered poinsettia that matched the one on his waistline sash. Beneath the floral clip a few velvet ribbons matching his dress made their way across his curls but what really finished off his look was the diamond snowflake from a thin gold chain that she now dropped around his neck and sat across his chest. "Is that them?" twisted Carl, hearing the doorbell as his mother turned him back towards the mirror. "I'd say so," said Darlene cracking a grin. "Just let's fix that face and you're ready sweetie." Quickly she wiped off his eye shadow and redid it, adding a natural pink with a hint of translucent glitter. She then added another coat or two of mascara, hearing the commotion downstairs knowing they were coming in as his mother gave his face one last inspection. "Ok, rub your lips together softly when I'm done and you're ready Caroline." said Darlene as she unscrewed a lipstick now before twisting him towards her as Carl watched the red tube slide across his lips, tasting the wild berry flavor. It was only a light red, but heightened his natural color a few shades and added some shine as he turned, taking one last glance at himself, noticing his mother using the same lipstick on herself. "Am I done now?" asked Carl, half forgetting his situation, seeing his mother nod as he took off from the room while she quickly touched up her mascara. "Just mind your dress honey, or you'll be tumbling down those stairs," yelled Darlene, pulling back the strap of her sling back as she practically hopped into her heels trying to hurry to catch up as he scurried to the rail looking down. They seemed so old, being teenagers and young adults as he stared down at them until he noticed a woman look up at him. "Oh Greta," said the woman. "Is that her?" "Yes, there's my girl," said his grandmother waving to him. "That's my little Christmas princess. Doesn't she look beautiful! Come down dear!" He certainly was the princess in the family in more ways than one, as he ever so carefully held the rail taking that first step. It took concentration just not to step on his dress as cautiously he took each step aware all eyes were on him. "Hi everyone," shouted Darlene from behind him as quickly she caught up as he felt his mother's hand on his shoulder making sure there could be no slip or tumble. When they reached the bottom, they were mauled with hugs and kisses by people he didn't know as he did his best trying to get down the names. She tried helping him by giving little tidbits and stories as his father stood their being mostly anti-social. He looked up at her, surprised in a way as he had been mostly staring at himself now realizing how different she appeared. He certainly wasn't used to his mother looking like she did in short trendy red dress with her hair in an chic French roll, all made up. It was also such a different setting then his little subdued Boston holidays as these people were loud yet so friendly making a fuss over him every second. It was awkward being their little princes, but in a way he enjoyed the attention. Within an hour, he had become numb to all the conversation about his dress and how pretty he looked, noticing all the guys had filtered out of the room and into the den watching football reruns. He had little choice but to become comfortable sitting with the women, listening to gossip as one of the girls and not much changed over dinner. It was nice just finally feeling like he did actually have some family even if this was not how he'd envisioned it. He really enjoyed the old stories about his mother and grandfather, but he could tell they infuriated his grandmother. They seemed to go on endlessly until after dessert they headed to the family room where they all sat around near the tree exchanging gifts. It was his first time ever opening presents with the family, but in a way it just seemed so normal like it should always be this way. "Cross your legs, sweetie. You're giving everyone a little show," whispered his mother, gently tapping his head as he quickly crossed them and sat up on his knees, understanding now what the big ruffled panties were for. He realized right away his family didn't know any better, giving his best fake smile as he unwrapped box after box of girl's outfits from his cousins. With each tunic or legging he was mindful of his expression, noticing his parents carefully watching him. He was comfortable now playing the little cutie role, hugging and thanking them for things he didn't want figuring his mother could return them once this was all over with. When the night finally ended, he felt so proud just to feel like a part of the big family he never knew. He actually felt comfortable being hugged and kissed good night, but he was really looking forward to getting the big dress off as his mother took him upstairs to bed. "I'm so proud of you, Caroline," said his mother, closing the door to her old room and unbuttoning his dress. "You did beautifully." "Thanks mom," said Carl proud of himself. "I actually really enjoyed it.... Not the dress part though." "I know silly," giggled Darlene as he stepped out of the dress. "I've always cared for my father's side, and I guess things would be different if we lived out here." "Well maybe we'll visit some other time," said Carl, sitting back on the bed as she pulled off his shoes. "Really?" said Darlene, surprised twisting her neck as she stopped half way through pulling off his tights. "You'd do this again?" "Ohhh?" stopped Carl slapping himself in the head. "I didn't mean it like that." "Well what could have been a disaster wasn't so bad was it?" said Darlene, returning to pulling them off. "At least if we did ever do it again, you'd now know what to expect and we could practice a little at home first. You're a pro at this already though." "At home!" replied Carl, panicking as she dropped his nightgown over his head. "No way mom." "Honey, if we ever came back in a few years, you'd be at the least a tween or even a young teen," said Darlene, taking the clip from his hair and untwisting the waterfall braid. "Plenty of new things to learn about being girl. Those are the ages you graduate from being a little cutie and begin finding yourself as a teenager." "Ok enough. I'm exhausted," said Carl, getting upset as she was picking through his hair with her fingers. "I'd rather not think about that now ok?" "Me either honestly," giggled his mother, separating and gathering his hair with her finger into little pigtails. "Because let me just enjoy this last bit of time with you being so cute in pigtails." "Mom please," screamed Carl, annoyed as she wrapped in the scrunchies. "Ok, ok! Somebody's getting overtired I see and hopefully with your hair tied up it'll preserve the curls a little and we won't have a disaster in the morning. Obviously there's no chance I'm pinning all this up now," said Darlene, tugging at the ends pulling them in tightly. "Get a good night's sleep and when you wake up it'll be Christmas sweetie." His mother kissed his forehead now and tucked him in as he was fast asleep. He tossed and turned a little, dreaming of what life would be like with a family and woke up a few times looking over at the clock. Finally when he woke up again it was seven thirty and he jumped out of bed. He cracked open the door to his room and peaked out, seeing no one before running down the hall and looking over the rail. He was thinking about waking his mother but couldn't wait as he hurried down the stairs and ran to the family room. He was so excited seeing all the presents around the tree, quickly racing over to see if his name was on any of them. "I see someone's been a good girl this year," said his grandmother, startling him from behind. "Don't worry honey, Santa knows you're here, Caroline." "I was hoping he did Nana!" yelled Carl, very excited. "Remember he travels everywhere, not just on the East Coast," said Darlene as he looked over, seeing his parents there now too, sipping their coffee. "That's so awesome," yelled Carl super excited. "Can I open now. Can I?" "Of course dear," replied Greta, enjoying his eagerness. "Go ahead honey," said his mother, nodding before she came over whispering in his ear kissing and hugging him good morning. "But I'm sure he's also left you a few things back home too honey that he knew we couldn't bring back on the plane." "Oh," gulped Carl quickly grasping what that might mean. It really didn't crush his enthusiasm very much as searched through the pile of boxes, realizing most of them were for him. He ripped open the first box becoming instantly elated yet relieved as he got the latest iPad and looked up seeing the flashbulbs as he held it proudly. Both his parents and grandparents were really enjoying his zeal as he tore through the next package, jumping up and down as he got his first cell phone. Like any other kid he could barely contain himself, quickly switching it on and playing with the settings. In some strange way this was shaping up as his greatest Christmas ever as he waited years to have these things some of his friends had at a younger age but now finally he had them too. He had almost forgotten his current bizarre situation, caught up in the moment until he was quickly reminded as he stared at his screen after taking his first ever selfie. It was himself looking up, making a silly face with two messy curly pigtails at each side of his face draped in a long sleeve red nighty with a big fluffy skirt. For his first shot he did a good job, snapping it at the perfect angle because he seemingly missed nothing from the frilly bows across the nightgowns neckline to gingerbread men across his chest to even the candy cane striped toes nails beneath his long skirt in his bare feet. "Why don't you open some more and play with that later, honey," said his mother, quickly picking up on his reaction. "I'm sure you've gotten so many other wonderful things from Santa." He nodded, putting it down composing himself as he was still pretty excited to open more stuff. It grew tougher now though, opening each box as the next contained glittery phone cases and then girly ipad covers. It only got worse as he opened a box filled with nail polishes, then a body wash perfume kit followed by a huge makeup set. He tried convincing himself to just take this in stride, but it wasn't easy seeing the pink zebra striped flat iron and multi-sized curling iron combo set. He was sucking it up as best he could as his grandmother asked him to hold up outfit after outfit for quick pictures, as it was only clothes now as he gave his best fake smile. With the last few big boxes, he was hopeful for the motorized scooter he wanted but instead he was getting his first doll house and a big doll. The last box gave him absolutely no relief as he peeled back the tissue paper, seeing a complete outfit for himself and a matching one for his doll. "You always loved dressing like your American girl dolls, Darlene," said Greta seeing his stunned expression. "My poor Caroline looks so shocked, so obviously you haven't let her enjoy this like you always did. That will look so beautiful on both of you honey. Not don't forget your stocking my darling." "Yes Nana," said Carl happily putting down the clothes. He walked over, reaching inside his stocking, feeling some relief pulling out candy and chocolate. It settled his belly for a few moments, stuffing his favorite Hershey kisses in his mouth and then reached in taking out the last two little boxes. When he unwrapped the first he realized his grandmother wasn't joking yesterday when she pierced his ears, seeing the series of small studs, hearts and dangling earrings in their packaging. He was completely dumbfounded as he opened the last one though, seeing his name in diamonds as the script "Caroline" name plate shined endlessly from its dark velvet packaging. "Are you kidding me!" yelled Darlene, shooting her mother a look and running over as she saw it. "I think Santa went a bit over the top, don't you think." "Why would Santa skimp on my lovely granddaughter, Darlene?" Chirped Greta back at her as Darlene took the box staring at the extremely expensive name plate. "Out here in California, Santa's not thrifty and obviously she's been a very good girl this year, so she deserves a few lovely things. Now try it on her." "Wow!" said Darlene, shaking her head from behind Carl's back as she fastened the clasp. "It's gorgeous." "Yes she is," said Greta. "Now you play sweetie. Mable will help put your dollhouse together and we'll be in the kitchen having coffee." "Good idea mom," said Darlene annoyed kissing his forehead. "Be back in a few honey." He was suddenly thrust into putting together a doll house and dressing his doll as Mable played with him. He couldn't believe how many little parts and items there were, as he found himself putting on stickers and setting up furniture. "I'd love to kill my mother," snarled Darlene to her husband as they walked to the kitchen. "Why's that?" said Keith. "We got him the only two things he cared about and he'll get the rest back home?" "But that's not the point," said Darlene, rolling her eyes at him. "The point is she's always trying to show me up. A diamond name plate by itself costs twice the phone and ipad together. And that's without all the other shit. She's ...." "She's what Darlene?" said Greta as she walked in now. "You wouldn't be talking about me? Would you?" "Of course not mother?" said Darlene giving her a look. "But you obviously overdid it especially with the name plate." "Well you never said that when you were her age and I got you one?" said Greta smirking. "Did you?" "Mom seriously, that was different," said Darlene. "Times were different back then." "You're right, times have changed but its Christmas and we're both trying at least for my granddaughter's sake right?" said Greta sitting down. "So why don't you and Keithie boy eat your breakfast so you'll have time to change and be back in time for Christmas brunch?" "Be back from where?" asked Darlene, surprised, taking her plate. "From visiting your father, dear," said Greta with a soft smile. "I arranged to have a car take both of you rather than have you rush there tomorrow on your way to the airport. I know you're dying to get out there and how much it means to you." "Oh mom," said Darlene tearing up. "You know I'd really like that, but I can't leave now it's Christmas." "All the reason why its better to go now Darlene. You wouldn't even be up yet normally, and Caroline will be occupied with all her new things," said Greta sipping her coffee. "Now go, and I had his site cleaned up for you. I knew you'd want to pay your respects while you were out here, so it was the least I could do since you finally brought me my granddaughter." "Wow, I'm shocked mother," said Darlene, feeling her chest touched. "I didn't realize you even knew about that!" "Did you forget?" said Greta smiling. "I'm still the woman who gave birth to you and I know you better than you think." "We really have gotten somewhere on this trip, haven't we?" teased Darlene. "I guess we have," said Greta. "Now go." "Thanks mom," said Darlene, getting up and running inside. "So honey how about we give poor Mable a break, because she has some chores to do and we get dressed ok?" said Darlene, knowing he'd be happy to get out of playing dolls. "I'm sure you're getting hungry too right?" "Starving!" said Carl, happily getting up. He followed his mother upstairs, giving her little trouble as they entered his bedroom. He knew the drill now as she helped him off with his nightgown and handed him some clean underwear. He could do little but even chuckle when he saw them, changing into the thin bright red bikini cut panties. He sat back on the bed, knowing the deal as he was glad not to be in tights, seeing the red ankle socks with a delicate layer of crinoline tugged around his ankles and the white patent Mary Janes that slid over them were certainly more comfortable than yesterday's shoes. His dress was thankfully soft and simple, as she dropped a bright red silk dress over his head. It was nothing like the big heavy dress he was in last night, as the sleeveless bodice was plain and tapered tightly, form fitting over his flat chest. The skirt felt so light and airy, like a little breeze would blow it up as delicate layers of the baby doll style skirt hemmed just past his knees. She broke the solid red color now as she looped the white silk sash around his waist and tied the back in a bow. She had never dressed him this quickly before, adding just a touch of mascara and blush before tying a white and red ribbon in a bow at each pigtail. "Ok go eat and I'll be down in a few?" said Darlene, escorting him from the room as she hurried down to hers. In twenty minutes she was downstairs, dressed in her best black suit with a red blouse as she entered the kitchen seeing him having breakfast chatting with his grandmother and Mable. "He's dead you know," said Greta. "He can't see you?" "Yeah I do know that part mother?" said Darlene, fussing with her makeup at the table. "I guess it's just me and I'd rather be appropriate than not." "Darlene the car won't be here for a half hour if you'd rather change into something more comfortable," said Mable. "There's plenty of time." "Thanks Mable, but I'd rather feel overdressed than under you know," said Darlene, fidgeting a bit and looking at her watch. "Thirty minutes you say?" "Yes," said Mable. "Good because I really hate these and her looking messy on Christmas," said Darlene, looking stressed pulling out the ribbons she tied in his hair. "Be right back!" "Don't Mable," said Greta stopping her from helping out. "She gets like this when she's consumed with things on her mind. It's been a long time since she's been to the cemetery, and it's been weighing on her. I know her too well." She was back in a moment with the new hair iron set Carl just got for Christmas. As she dropped the box down on the table, she plugged in the flat iron and the proceeded to pull out one of Carl's pig tails. Mom, I'm eating," started Carl as she stopped him. "Just chew and make like mommies not here?" said Darlene, taking a small section and stretching it. "This stupid dress only came with a bow or headband and obviously that doesn't work with pigtails does it Caroline? I've got a half hour to kill and I rushed improvising with the ribbons. They just don't match properly and I'm hating them on you with this dress." "But they look like they match," said Carl annoyed