The Wedding Date
By Jena Corso
Edited by No One
Chapter Five
"Oh hey Gary," said Mrs. O'Keefe rolling down the passenger window
waving as Lee got in. "Don't you look handsome and I heard it was a
beautiful wedding."
"Thank you Mrs. O'Keefe," said Gary waving. "Yes very nice."
"Drive mom," said Lee putting his finger on the button. "You're holding
up the valet line and I've had more than enough for tonight."
"Ok goodnight honey," yelled Mrs. O'Keefe to Gary as the window was
going up before looking at Lee. "Jezzz Keleigh?"
"What?" said Lee looking away. "It's late and you were holding up the
line."
"For like a second and they'll wait so what's your problem?" grumbled
his mother pulling away. "I had heard from Rita that you had a nice
time so what the hell?"
"Actually I did but that doesn't mean I'm not exhausted and I haven't
had enough?" said Lee leaning his head against the window.
"I bet," smiled his mother. "That I get but look at me honey."
"What?" moaned Lee lifting his face turning towards her.
"Nothing," smiled his mother shaking her head. "I just wanted a better
look at you?"
"And now you did?" said Lee with some attitude. "Can you please drive
us home now?"
"Watch it missy," scolded his mother as they turned out of the parking
lot.
"Sorry," said Lee looking away again. "Please mom. I'm spent."
"Ok but I'm your mother and I have a right to be curious," said his
mother glancing over as she drove. "I was the one that put you together
before today but admittedly Rita was right about that dress and what a
job Holly did. You're stunning in that!"
"Maybe but I didn't appreciate it," said Lee getting annoyed. "Do you
know how it made me feel to be in this dress mom?"
"I was hoping like a princess on the arm of your gorgeous boyfriend
almost like it was your own prom night," said his mother reaching over
patting his arm. "That was the idea you know."
"No the idea was to exert her dominance," moaned Lee stiffening up.
"Show me she was the alpha male."
"Maybe partially as she's even that way with her husband and sons but
she's been like that her whole life," reasoned his mother. "This entire
fortunate opportunity for you to explore your femininity has been
around her need to control Gary and you knew all this so now you're
complaining?"
"I'm not really complaining?" sighed Lee playing with his hair not
looking at her.
"Good because I don't want to hear it," said his mother getting
annoyed. "And I'm not sure how any of this could be a shock to you?"
"It's not," groaned Lee twisting it around his fingers. "But that
doesn't mean it's not shocking to be put in the same dress your prom
date was in just weeks before. It's belittling mom."
"The idea was to be more effeminizing Keleigh," lectured his mother.
"Not that you needed it but the result was exactly what all of us were
after. You couldn't have looked softer and more feminine and prettier.
Tell me I'm wrong?"
"I can't," acknowledged Lee turning glancing at her. "It's been two
days now and I never felt more girly."
"So what does that tell you then?" said his mother. "Or maybe what are
you telling me?"
"Gawwddd I wish I knew," said Lee confused looking at his nails.
"Like I've said before we're in no rush to answer that," said his
mother reaching over softly squeezing his hand. "And with Gary?
Anything new to report there?"
"Nothing to report mother!" said Lee turning towards his mother giving
her a look. "He was just waiting with me keeping me company so nothing
to gossip back to your bestie since I'm sure you know everything else
that happened already."
"Well not everything but all the juicy stuff," laughed his mother. "You
two ok?"
"We're fine!" nodded Lee rolling his eyes. "I mean not really we're
because you know that there's not really any we're at all but I'm fine
and he's fine but you know what I mean."
"I think so and whatever is fine anyway," giggled his mother. "That too
will sort itself out as we get through this."
"That's easy for you to say," moaned Lee looking out the window away
from her. "Your best friend doesn't want to kiss you."
"Ahhh there's the tension we've been needing to release," nodded his
mother before looking over for a reaction. "That is quite the dilemma
but one we anticipated. Right?"
"Maybe?" shrugged Lee staring into space.
"Oh please?" said his mother reaching over grabbing his hand. "So I
guess he hasn't kissed you yet then?"
"He wants too but I won't let him," admitted Lee looking at her getting
embarrassed. "And please don't look at me like that like you're
thinking I should?"
"I'm not thinking anything?" smiled his mother squeezing his hand. "I'm
listening to my daughter and I was a girl your age once too you know."
"Mom you were no girl like me and I don't want to kiss him," said Lee
raising his voice a little in frustration letting go of her hand
tossing up his hands before calming down. "If I did how could I ever
look at him again when once this was over? Be friends again? Hang out?"
"Those are things every girl wrestles with when she cares about a boy
Keleigh," enlightened his mother re-taking his hand trying to calm him.
"So maybe I wasn't like you but somehow you keep telling me that you're
still no different?"
"Oh gawwddd that does keep happening doesn't it?" thought Lee feeling
goosebumps. "But mom I can't ruin everything Gary and I have had
together all our lives."
"So now we're getting somewhere?" lectured his mother softly giving a
squeeze and rubbing his thumb. "So then you're at least curious about
it then aren't you?"
"I don't know?" said Lee turning beat red feeling his palms grow
sweaty.
"It's ok sweetheart," said his mother lifting his hand kissing his
wrist.
"Mom I'm only fourteen and didn't even start high school yet. He's
already sixteen and knows things I don't even want to know anything
about," rambled Lee. "I care about our friendship more than anything or
I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing for him! Thing is.... he's not
exactly thinking the same way I am."
"You'll be fifteen not long after you start school but why does that
matter?" said his mother as she pulled into the driveway. "What matters
is how you feel and just so you know girls mature much faster than boys
so the fact that you're thinking about all this and he isn't?"
"Means I'm making your point again aren't I?" said Lee answering
without being asked before yelling in frustration. "AAAAHHH!"
"Don't get frustrated," said his mother putting the car in park. "This
is all just part of life and learning."
"And what I'm learning is as much as I care about him.... well being my
best friend's girlfriend is so so much harder than I thought it would
be," said Lee getting emotional. "Plus I'm not staying a girl forever
either you know."
"Actually I don't and I don't think you know either," said his mother
grabbing her pocketbook. "But that's for another day ok?"
"Thank gawwddd!" said Lee getting out of the car. "I'm too tired to do
this anymore tonight anyway mom."
"Exactly and tomorrow's another day," said his mother putting the key
in the front door. "Go wash up and you know the drill now."
It felt fantastic to run up the stairs and take off his heels as into
the bathroom he went after shedding his dress. When he finally came out
in a simple nightgown after washing his face clean his mother came in
helping pullout the pins then brush out his hair. He was so tired he
almost could feel each stroke before finally she wound it up and off to
sleep he went.
Eight hours sleep would feel incredible as she came in to awake him
before his alarm would go off and then he looked up seeing his mother
in the morning sunlight.
"Morning sweetheart," said his mother touching his face. "You already
awake?"
"Hey mom and kind of," said Lee sitting up. "I woke up earlier and was
just resting."
"Oh," said his mother concerned. "Feeling ok?"
"Of course. I'm fine," said Lee looking over out the window. "Looks
like a nice day?"
"It's beautiful out today," said his mother as he stepped out of bed.
"Go brush your teeth and what would you like for breakfast?"
"Uummm just some cereal is fine and I got it," said Lee stretching. "I
know we both have to get ready so I don't want you to wait on me more
than you need to."
"I don't mind honey," said his mother as he walked into the bathroom
brushing his teeth.
"I know," yelled out Lee spitting in the sink and then wiping his face
coming out. "And that's because you're the best mother any uuummm... I
guess daughter could have."
"Well someone woke up in a better mood today," said his mother with a
big smile on her face.
"Yup," said Lee with a little pep in his step. "Your daughter did! You
know why?"
"Very much so?" said his mother taken a back.
"Well of course I had a lot on my mind but you know what made me feel
so much better?" said Lee.
"What?" questioned his mother curiously.
"That even through all this today will really be the first time you're
with me?" said Lee grabbing her hand.
"Today?" said his mother making a face. "So then where have I been
exactly because I've always been here for you honey?"
"No no... not like that?" recited Lee letting go of her hand turning
looking her dead in the face. "Sure you've been with every step of the
way but this is different. You were there in the hair salon and nail
place. There when I tried stuff on and taking me places but none of
that is like today. I kind of feel like today we're actually doing
something together like mother and daughter?"
"Oh honey?" smiled his mother holding her chest. "I didn't realize this
was important to you but I love that!"
"I didn't either as everything has come together so fast," said Lee
glancing over at himself in his bedroom mirror. "But I've been thinking
about a lot of what we've been talking about so I'm glad we're getting
this chance."
"Please go eat your cereal before you make me cry my eyes out," said
his mother wiping a tear. "And just so you know we can do this mother
daughter stuff anytime you want. Not just today."
"I know but what I don't know is if I can," smiled Lee walking over
kissing her cheek. "But either way I love being this close to you so
stop or you'll start me crying too. Mrs. Baxter would not approve of us
showing up a wreck today."
"No she wouldn't," chuckled his mother sucking up her emotion. "So eat
then right in the shower young lady. I'll get everything ready for you
but that hair needs a good washing and conditioning."
"On it mom," said Lee heading downstairs.
After a basic breakfast he was back upstairs and headed into the
shower. She lectured him about exactly how to use his new products as
for the first time he'd be scrubbing a very long mane of hair. Shampoo
and conditioner for specifically permed hair wouldn't seem so different
but the amount of time and patience needed to both coat his locks as
well as thoroughly rinse them would be quite different.
One he dried himself and left the bathroom his bra and panties were
already awaiting him on his bed. Into the cranberry lacey panties he
stepped tucking himself back and then snugged them making sure he was
flat. He then looped his arms through the bra straps and reached around
snapping the clasp. He sat now rolling up the nude hose over his feet
and then as he pulled them up his legs snapping the waist band as his
mother walked in.
"Very cute color on you," said his mother coming in with her head full
of hot rollers and her hands full handing him the robe and dropping
some slippers. "Put on my robe honey and here are some slippers. Meet
you in my bedroom in two minutes."
Into the robe and slippers he went trying it and the walking into her
bedroom. When he entered he was given his first lesson into the use of
a big diffuser on his blow dryer as she taught how to him lift and
remove the dampness from some sections. A lecture on curl serums and
products to tame any frizz would be part of the morning's lesson until
she was happy with the texture of his slightly wet curls.
He'd sit now at her vanity as she slipped on a thin headband to keep
his hair off his face and then lined the top with cosmetics. She
instructed him on blotting his face and then she'd blend a little
before handing him the sponge observing and correcting. Back and forth
they went as she taught him how to use foundation and concealer until
slowly but surely they created the blank canvas better known as his
face. He was still more used to stage makeup being heavy and oily but
over the last week or so he was learning the difference like a real
girl would.
He'd leaned a little about blushes that worked on him the day before so
on it went as she squished in his cheeks and then highlighted adding a
touch of shine at the apples. He struggled with his eyeliner as she
tried to keep it simple with a pencil yet having to wipe it away a few
times before finally taking over.
She was patient teaching some tricks on his eye shadow yet they'd still
have a schedule to keep so she needed to limit his training. He could
at least now curl his own lashes and coat them with issue but outlining
his lips the way she wanted to make them full yet keep them natural
would be too advanced.
Painting on a lip color would of course be nothing more than coloring
inside the lines like in kindergarten but those stages of a little
girl's life he'd missed already. Back and forth he swooshed across them
with his mind wandering about what ifs and wondering if he should be
dealing with any ifs at all until she noticed his spaced out
expressions.
"Hey," said his mother snapping her fingers. "You zoning out or just
not happy with that color."
"Oh?" smiled Lee pulling away the lipstick. "Sorry. Zoning out."
"It's ok baby," smirked his mother taking a pick off the vanity and a
wide tooth brush. "Sometimes I forget too how overwhelming a lot of
this has to be and you're just learning a lot of this."
"How do you always know so much mom?" questioned Lee with a smirk on
his face as she began sectioning his hair and gathering it in her hand
above his head. "It's like..?"
"I can read your mind?" laughed his mother taking the pointy side of
the pick pulling some hair out of her grasp's gathering dropping it
into his face. "Lately I wish I could."
"I thinking you wouldn't?" laughed Lee as series of tight curls began
blocking his vision and then she slid a long straight silver hinge pin
through them. "Lot of weird stuff even I never expected seems to be
roaming around in there."
"Oh please honey?" laughed his mother using the back of the comb
creating a deep straight part down the left side. "But regardless I'm
still your mother. We're from the same genes and I know you
sweetheart."
"Glad somebody does," laughed Lee as his mother flipping all of his
hair over above the part then twisting it before squeezing open a large
hair claw clamping down the mass atop his head to keep it out of her
way.
"Being a teenager is always a confusing time," said his mother brushing
now through the sections beneath the deep part before she began
dividing the hair in her hands and began weaving.
"Yeah and I took that to a whole new level didn't I?" joked Lee as she
yanked a bit twisting the first part of her creation. "That's tight
mom."
"Oh stop and supposed to be tight. This will be so pretty," laughed his
mother as she began crossing each section working towards the back.
"And it's not a new level. It's just stuff all teens deal with and so
will you."
"I guess?" thought Lee before questioning her feeling it grow tight
down the side of his head past his ear. "You love braiding my hair
don't you mom?"
"Well I've never hid I always wanted a daughter?" laughed his mother
weaving and then holding out her hand. "So thanks for that and I'm
taking advantage while I can. Now hand me a clear band."
"I see that," cringed Lee a little not wanting to complain taking a
small band from the vanity handing it up. "Or maybe I don't with all
this hair in my face."
"Oh stop! Look right through the curls," giggled his mother winding it
and the pulling out the big clip releasing all his hair. "You'd look
just as cute with bangs you know if you want me to fix the little issue
quickly?"
"Like it matters," grumbled Lee as she flipped his hair to the other
side and then dug the sharp edge of the pick on the right now creating
another deep part on this side now. "I'm sure if you wanted me to have
them I would already right?"
"True but you ain't seen nothing yet and I have so many ideas," said
his mother pinching down the big claw clamp again and the brushing
below the part again. "Once Gary's done with you I might still have you
in pigtails yet?"
"But mom!" complained Lee as she sectioned and began weaving.
"I'm just teasing," frowned his mother tugging a little as he braided.
"And not that it wouldn't be fun and you wouldn't be adorable but..?"
"But let's not even go there please mom?" cringed Lee as she was moving
past his ear now.
"I wasn't! Just give me a band and a few bobbi pins please," laughed
his mother reaching down her hand. "Ok well?.. I was but I wasn't?"
"Then don't please?" said Lee softly shaking his head as she stopped it
from moving and then wound in the band.
"Yup!" said his mother pulling out the clip and then stretching the
entire crown to the sky. "I'm done teasing and time to get serious."
"Thank you," said Lee softly as she began pulling some hair forward and
dropping the rest back.
"Verbally not your hair though?" said his mother brushing through the
stretched section and adjusting his head. "So chin straight ahead and
don't fidget but hand me my flat iron Keleigh."
"I would if I could reach it," said Lee reaching out his hand as she
began heavily spraying the strand. "Can't sit still, not move my chin
and get it."
"Just hold the hairspray and focus," said his mother rolling her eyes
handing him a can and getting it herself as he heard the sizzle as she
glided it through. "At this point I can't have you burn yourself not
paying attention."
"I was paying attention," complained Lee as she began backcombing and
then dropping the section into his face.
"Don't missy and hand me the hair spray?" scolded his mother taking the
spray dousing the next strand. "Save the arguing for you boyfriend not
your mother please."
"Mom, I wasn't," objected Lee as she was flat ironing again before
beginning to back comb. "And we don't!"
"You don't?" questioned his mother dropping down the next section and
lifting the next brushing. "Hairspray please?"
"Ok well?" thought Lee as she coated it and then flat ironed. "Uuumm
not that much?"
"Please don't ruin what was going so well for us with bullshit," said
his mother teasing harder now before dropping down the section and
grabbing the next. "After all I'm doing for you here all I ask is a
little respect."
"Yes mom," said Lee handing up the hairspray as she coated it.
"Thank you sweetheart," said his mother feeling bad as she flat ironed.
"Sorry maybe I got a bit sensitive there too."
"If you did it's ok and understandable," said Lee as she back combed.
"Thank you baby and hand me that big sponge attached to the comb plus a
few more pins," said his mother holding out her hand. "As hard as this
all is on you understand it's not easy on me either ok?"
"It's not hard on me mom and this goes on my head?" said Lee partially
moving some hair out of his face and grabbing it. "I'm helping out a
friend. That's how I look at it. Ok?"
"If you say so and you won't see it? It goes under sweetie," said his
mother lifting all the unclipped sections off his face that she just
tossed there and then digging the teeth of the comb from back to front
through his scalp. "But I haven't been pressing you? You know?"
"Sure you have and it's ok?" said Lee as she began softly combing
through them. "How could you not be?"
"Pins please and I can't pretend to imagine how all this is on you?
Being pretty, boys liking you and whatever else is rumbling through
your head," said his mother sliding in a pin towards the top of the
back of his head from the left and then cross it with another from the
right. "But again let's not forget you did volunteer! Hairspray
please!"
"Not a sole would let me forget that mom?" laughed Lee as she began
dousing the top of his head and then came out in front now pulling out
the hinge pin brushing in front of his face.
"Because no one forced you?" smiled his mother pulling the entire front
out taut and dividing in it two evenly before coating the left most
section in hairspray. "Eyes closed Keleigh."
"Can't we just not go back there mom?" moaned Lee as she ran her flat
iron slowly down the length straightening it. "Just want to be f..."
"Fabulous! I get it," interrupted his mother with a giggle dropping it
down coating the other length before squeezing it between the plates
ironing. "Finally and I just wanted to hear you say it. That took so
much courage and I'm proud of you sweetheart. You've always have been
fabulous in your own way and that was even before we started doing your
hair like this."
"I was going to say finished if you didn't interrupt," snarled Lee as
it glided down straightening the length. "Finished? Like done?"
"Oh?" said his mother stepping back looking at him. "But fabulous is?
Uuumm.. still more than ok honey?"
"Fabulous?" questioned Lee parting the hair with his nails pulling it
out of his eyes for a moment looking up at her. "Fabulous sounds like
you making me sound gay mom."
"Well...?" said his mother squishing her cheeks.
"And we were doing so well with our mother daughter time," objected Lee
frustrated. "Not having this discussion mom."
"It's fine we don't have to. Today?" mumbled his mother giving him a
look then getting right back to work. "Now be still so I can curl your
hair please."
"Ok and...Good!" said Lee frustrated as she rolled one side of his hair
with a thick silver barrel. "And I just took a girl to the prom! Mandy?
Did you forget already?"
"And I love her!" said his mother letting down the curl. "She fabulous
too."
"Again with that word mom," groaned Lee as she rolled up the other
side.
"Fabulous?" said his mother twisting the iron then letting down the
other curl. "It's just a word. You know a saying! And you are fabulous.
You look so so fabulous. So it is ok to be you know."
"Which still sounds really really gay!" Whined Lee as she lifted his
chin gently brushing out the curl on the left first. "So ok maybe I'm
fine with you talking to me like I'm a girl and making me look like one
but could we not go there please?"
"Ok? Whatever?" said his mother brushing out the other curl and then
holding her hand over his eye spraying. "Sure honey. Stand and turn
around please."
"Thank you," said Lee standing as she pushed the diffuser on the dryer
again turning it on low slowly making sure all dampness was gone at the
back of his head and setting all the hairspray.
"But then you're?" started his mother hesitating as she was worked
behind his head then he heard a big snap. "Well?.... Not?"
"Even fifteen yet and enjoying my time as your daughter?" said Lee
turning around looking at her. "Can't we leave it at that?"
"Yes pretty daughter," said his mother rolling her eyes and changing
his earrings.
"Now am I done so I can put on my dress?" groaned Lee as she was
screwing on the back. "And how do I look?"
"Almost and I guess I won't say fabulous," laughed his mother stepping
back looking and then stepping back in lifting his hair near his left
eye spraying then patting one side. "But really you do."
"I don't doubt that with you putting me together mom," grinned Lee as
she touched his neck with some perfume and dropping his shoes at his
feet. "But maybe that came out wrong?"
"Its fine and I love you sweetheart so let's get you dressed," said his
mother helping him off with his robe then letting him hold her shoulder
stepping into the shoes.
"Ok," said Lee as she kneeled buckling the shoes. "I know a lot is hard
to understand but just give me some time ok?"
"Who's rushing you?" laughed his mother getting up taking the dress
from its hanger and then kneeling again holding it open allowing him to
step into it. "How many times can I tell you I've always wanted a
daughter?"
"Not my point mom," said Lee putting his arms inside it as she pulled
it over his shoulders before zipping up the back. "But I guess never
enough?"
"Oh shush and give me your wrist," laughed his mother lopping on some
bracelets. "Now go look and I'll be right back after I change but tell
me you just don't love this color on you."
Lee walked over to the mirror curious anyway about how his mother had
put him together stopping and gently turning when he reached her
mirrored closet door. As always she had kept with the theme of keeping
him extremely feminine in delicate cranberry colored long sleeve lace
dress yet this was quite different than anything he'd been in before.
A lively cranberry non-stretch crochet floral patterned lace created an
eye-catching overlay atop a solid cranberry knit fabric lining. The
elegant crocheted lace overlay started at bateau neckline continuing
through the entire darted bodice delivering figure-flaunting look with
the snug bodycon skirt. Sheer long sleeves with dramatic flounce cuffs
and four inches of a lace hem with no underlining at the edge of the
skirt wonderfully delivered the soft unmistakably feminine finish.
It was a dress made for a young woman with a slim build and delicate
frame showing off his minor curves and emphasizing his daintiness. On
his feet his shoes would be no different as his pumps were in a
matching cranberry but in a soft velvet finish. The closed toe pumps
would be extremely pointy in front but slightly cut out sides would
give them a dazzling look. Finishing off the exquisite shoe would be a
halo ankle strap binding them to his foot above a very thin four inch
heels as he'd need to be more careful than ever in these chic ankle
breakers.
His daytime makeup would wonderfully accent his outfit yet not appear
as dramatic as it did for the wedding. Simple thin brown liner and
thick fanning lases would seem more teen natural and above them natural
pinks would fade into a mauve at the outer crease. Taupe brows accents
would emphasize his arch and mild hint of translucent glitter inside
the crease would still sparkle at his every blink. A softer apricot
blush would accent his cheeks now and powdered peach highlighted his
cheeks with a dewy radiance. A more natural pink rose lip color with a
shimmer finish would give his lips a healthy glow sticking to the girly
daytime theme of not being a bit too ostentatious.
Across his back his original kinky permed curls had returned but this
time as part of a more formal hairdo. In front a short middle part now
framed a soft curved wing outside of each cheekbone that quickly turned
away from his face before twisting down in a few big loose curls
sitting delicately on each collar bone. Behind that his hair had been
pulled back from temple to temple in a flat weaved four strand braid
sitting above each ear serving as the base for the crown to be teased
into a wondrous pouf. The mini-helmet head sat curved above the hidden
bump sponge before being pinned at the back of his head above his tight
curls. Little clips and pins that held it from moving were expertly
hidden and the daintiest satin bow which divided the curls from the
bump in matching cranberry.
He'd barely spend a second the whole weekend without his feet pinched
inside in shoes to die for or a moment in the most darling dresses so
that wouldn't change for the bridal shower.
Even after days like this he would still be amazed he was the girl
looking back at him as his mother scurried by hoping on one foot
getting her shoes on.
"Be a dear and put all the clips back in the case with the hot
rollers," said his mother tossing some clips on the vanity. "I'm just
about ready ok."
"Sure," said Lee doing as he was told placing them in.
"Thanks and here's your bag," said his mother hitting him right in the
stomach with his pocketbook as she handed it off hurrying around the
room. "One second to spray my head and we're gone."
Over his shoulder went the strap of a much bigger pocketbook than he'd
ever carried as mother had returned dressed and with her hair brushed
out digging through the closet. He waited patiently for a second seeing
her only from behind as she tossed a few items out of her way hastily
and seemingly excited as this time they'd be off to spend the day
together as mother and daughter.
"Why is this so big and why does it weigh so mu...Wow mom," said Lee
stopping mid-sentence looking her over as she turned around. "Holy
crap! Wow mom!"
"Thank you sweetie," said his mother spraying her hair in the mirror
next to him. "Mommy doesn't clean up too badly does she?"
"Not bad at all mom," smiled Lee nodding. "Maybe you're not used to
seeing me like this but today that makes two of us so right back at you
mom!"
"No princess that only makes one of us!" winked his mother. "Oh and
about the bag it's a bridal shower so consider yourself now prepared."
"With what?" said Lee lifting it up and down. "Bricks?"
"What did you get soft on me all of a sudden?" said his mother checking
her makeup quickly and touching her hair. "Sure I loaded it pretty good
but I don't think it's that heavy? Is it?"
"Soft? Do I really need to answer that?" laughed Lee shaking his head
and unzipping it looking in. "Now come on what's in here? Or did you
need me to fight off the men when they see you like that with this
thing?"
"It's just things girls' need at these things and that won't be
necessary," laughed his mother with a big smile on her face. "But thank
you it's nice to get a compliment from a daughter for a change and I do
like getting dressed up when I get the chance if that's what you're
asking."
He just rolled his eyes having to grin as he followed his mother down
the stairs and out the door. She was in a stylish women's sleeveless
jumpsuit that features a halter styled pleated neckline and spikey
heels peeked from her flaring bell bottom pants. She normally wasn't
this made up or had her hair so coiffed with thick wavy loose curls but
regardless she always looked flawless.
"Mom can I tell you something?" said Lee looking over as they got in
the car.
"Sure honey," nodded his mother starting the car. "But we need to get
moving so did you forget something?"
"Yeah and I'm sorry," said Lee buckling his belt looking over at her.
"I guess I forgot to compliment you yesterday when we went to the
Baxter's. You looked amazing then too mom."
"It's ok and thank you doll," said his mother backing out of the drive.
"I know you were a lot more nervous then so this shows even more
progress. One step at a time sweetheart."
"Progress?" thought Lee squishing his face. "What do you mean? It was
just a compliment mom and I'm sorry I felt bad with all you've had to
do that I haven't given you more of them over the years."
"Girls do those things and notice more," said his mother driving.
"Don't feel bad about that."
"Ok?" sighed Lee looking down his sleeve cuff pulling off a piece of
lint dropping it to the floor and noticing her feet driving with her
pants slightly hiked as she sat. "Uuumm? Are we wearing the same
shoes?"
"Yes! Don't you just love them?" smiled his mother getting a little
giddy as she drove. "Use the lint brush in the glove compartment and
see what I'm talking about Keleigh?"
"Oh gawddd.... yeah," said Lee cringing taking it out. "And I'm almost
afraid to say it but the same color outfit too?"
"Oh honey! You're doing so well today!" said his mother with a grin on
her face. "Chic yet age appropriate for where we're going. It's so cute
right?"
"Never been to a bridal shower so sure I guess?" said Lee thinking. "Is
it like a mother daughter thing?"
"At these things it could be but it didn't have to be," lectured his
mother glancing over at him. "I just liked both our outfits and thought
it would be adorable so it just worked out that way."
"You mean it just worked out by accident that we matched?" said Lee
sarcastically with some attitude. "Seriously mom?"
"I never said it was an accident. I said it just worked out," said his
mother taking off her sunglasses making full eye contact. "And isn't it
just as ironic that I'm wearing the pants these days and you're not!"
"That appears to me the story of my life this weekend," said Lee
looking away.
"Like you didn't know any of that ahead of time?" said his mother
pushing them back on shaking her head. "Now don't be a smart ass so
watch the snide remarks today! I'd just like to have a nice time
please."
"Yes mom and you know I want that too," smirked Lee reaching over his
hand rubbing her arm. "Promise we will."
"That's my girl," said his mother reaching down squeezing his hand.
"And let's hope so since sometimes these things can be boring."
"Then I really can't wait?" said Lee trying to be funny as they pulled
up at the valet.
"Good and we'll see if you still feel that way later," smirked his
mother with a big grin as they got out. "There's your honey."
"Jeezzzz," sighed Lee as he stepped from the car smoothing his dress.
"I didn't even make it two steps yet. What's he got radar like his
mother?"
"Actually no but I just texted his mother to send him to empty the
trunk," said his mother as Gary came over. "There are a few gifts in
there for Holly that are heavy so I'd rather have the guys take them
in."
"But I still could have..." started Lee looking down at his nails and
dress. "You know let me just shut up."
"Hey Mrs. O'Keefe," Waved Gary as he approached immediately. "Afternoon
Keleigh and don't you ladies look beautiful as always."
"Oh gawwdd! You are such a kiss ass," sighed Lee whispering towards him
before he was being hugged and kissed Gary's cheek. "Oh thank you. Nice
suit."
"Yeah well I didn't even know I had to wear one but you know my
mother," said Gary as the hug ended. "She has me dressed up just to
carry shit and empty the car."
"Wait?" said Lee surprised. "You're not staying?"
"No it's a bridal shower," said Gary making a face. "Me, my brother and
a few of my cousin are just here to be the grunts bringing in
everything and then we won't be back until it's almost over to I'm sure
carry even more shit out. It's really just for the girls."
"Then why did I have to come at all mom?" said Lee looking over at his
mother. "He's not even going to be here?"
"Because you're one of the girls?" said his mother giving him a look as
Gary was taking bags from the trunk. "So did you like flip flop or
forget? Or am I just seeing things?"
"As if mom?" sighed Lee as she closed the trunk and opened the rear
passenger door. "You know what I'm saying. I was doing whatever for
Gary. As his date?"
"And as his girlfriend," said his mother taking a box from the backseat
piling it atop Gary's arms. "You got all this honey."
"Sure," said Gary with his arms loaded. "No problem Mrs. O'Keefe."
"Thank you sweetie. That should be all of it," said Mrs. O'Keefe
patting Gary's arm. "And don't you think his girlfriend would be
represented at his future sister in laws shower Keleigh? You're
representing Gary of course and yourself."
"Crap," snarled Lee making a face as she closed the door. "I guess that
does make sense."
"Did you not learn anything with the entire bridal party yesterday and
come on let's go in," said his mother shaking her head and beginning to
walk and throwing up her hands. "Seriously Keleigh? You were with Holly
like all day?"
"Not all day," grumbled Lee before thinking about that smirking as he
followed behind with Gary. "And yeah I learned plenty with those
girls."
"You know I did hear a little about that," grinned Gary giving him a
nudge with his hip. "Can't wait to talk about some of that when I see
you later."
"Yeah good luck with that and uumm.. you're walking to slow!" smirked
Lee patting his arm and hurrying in front of him. "It's girls only so
just carry the shit like the trained monkey you are and focus on not
dropping things or falling on your ass."
"Oh I'm focused," Whispered Gary. "Really focused especially when I'm
walking right behind you and on a different ass."
Lee just leaned out his arm that was holding his big pocketbook in his
right hand and slid the handles over his forearm allowing him to free
his hand raising his middle finger as indiscreetly as he could.
He could hear Gary chuckle as they walked inside immediately mingling
with the girls as Gary put everything down. He looked over noticing Lee
roll his eyes at him and he got the signal leaving as now it be shortly
be just the girls.
Lee would be hugged by all the girls from the wedding party and then
Holly as they made their way around the room doing all the greetings
before finding their seats.
"Oh Allison," said Mrs. Baxter coming over. "Again you do not
disappoint. How amazing do the two of you look?"
"Thank you Rita," said Mrs. O'Keefe hugging her. "This is so exciting!
And you look beautiful. We're so excited to be here today."
"I could not even imagine sharing today without you," said Rita
breaking the hug and then hugging Lee. "Either of you?"
"Thank you," said Lee being gracious.
"Holly could not look better in white already! That dress is to die
for," said Allison looking over at her. "So finally is it sinking in
Rita that you're getting that daughter you always wanted?"
"Well the wedding is still a long way off and I've got my fingers
crossed," said Rita crossing her fingers then looking at Lee winking.
"But who knows? Maybe we both are?"
"Uumm," started Lee doing anything to deflect that. "I love Holly's
dress too. Very nice Mrs. Baxter."
"I love that you noticed that dear and I was only teasing!" smiled Mrs.
Baxter. "But you still know we only want what's best anyway Keleigh?"
"Yes of course," said Lee biting his half tongue.
"Then but we can hope can't we?" chuckled Mrs. Baxter half sizing him
up.
"Have I even been here five minutes yet?" gulped Lee trying not be
allow her to get under his skin.
"She just loves pushing your buttons honey," laughed his mother. "Did
you forgot how excited you were about our mother daughter time?"
"You're right?" said Lee holding his head up high. "Not at all."
"Then loosen up today dear," said Rita softly patting his arm. "Not
that you don't look as gorgeous as ever but there's really no pressure
today to live up to being my pain in the ass son's girl being dragged
around. It's just us ladies so just be your pretty little self and
enjoy it for what it's worth."
"Great," nodded Lee. "I'll try."
"Good and try to smile while you're at it without being an old stick in
the mud. Half the girls here would kill for your looks with those
stunning big blue eyes," lectured Rita. "Standing next to her you look
just like your mother did when she was a teenager."
"Really?" thought Lee looking over at his mother. "I guess that makes
sense."
"Anyone that doesn't know either of you would not for a moment not
think you're not mother and daughter," laughed Rita. "The woman should
have been a model and she still looks young!"
"Please Rita," said Allison getting flustered. "I wish and that's tough
when you stop growing at 5'3."
"Ok shortness aside?" joked Rita. "You have no idea how lucky you are
to take after her."
"Believe me she's the best and I know I do," said Lee putting his arm
around her back. "And she's always been sensitive about her height so
no comment!"
"Smart girl my daughter," nudged his mother. "Because sorry but I'm
thinking you're not going to be tall either!"
"No kidding! I'm one of the shortest kids in class," laughed Lee half
frowning. "And now that makes a lot of sense now why she made my hair
tall and never letting me out of heels this weekend."
"I'm thinking it doesn't," laughed Rita patting his arm. "But see I
like how you're loosening up now Keleigh."
"Thanks," laughed Lee shrugging his shoulders. "Me too actually."
"Good then let me steal her Allison so I can show her what she'll be
helping with," said Rita looping her arm through Lee's. "One minute and
I'll send her right back to you."
"Oh perfect," said Allison walking away. "I'll get us some champagne
Rita and meet you at our table Keleigh."
"Sure mom," said Lee being led away with Mrs. Baxter. "Be right there."
"What a great frame of mind you're in today Keleigh and you're a lucky
girl," said Rita putting her arm around him as they walked. "If I was
your mother there'd be no maybe and I'd never be letting you out of
heels at all."
"No kidding? I think you've made that awfully clear," started Lee
objecting.
"Again I'm half joking dear," smirked Rita rubbing his back. "But did
you see your mother today? My goodness is she a knock out and back when
she was around your age did you know your mother was the teenager the
boys went bonkers for?"
"Well no?" thought Lee looking over at her. "But I bet."
"Well she was," said Rita letting go and turning facing him. "Perfect
hair. Amazing figure. Gorgeous smile and she was the girl other girls
were jealous of and every boy wanted to talk to.... Just like her
daughter?"
"Not interested in any other guys," said Lee feeling like he was being
tested. "I'm just here for your son."
"Which is part of the dilemma I may have created?" said Rita leaning
back tapping her nails against the wall. "So I do wonder how am I ever
going to find another girl like you and you know Holly already is
infatuated with you? Now your mother is a gem like you and I'm selfish
like that so I thought maybe since we have a minute alone I was
wondering if you'd given this anymore thought?"
"Honestly I haven't decided anything yet Mrs. Baxter and her wedding is
a long way off," interrupted Lee. "Can't we just talk about that when
we need to and if we need to?"
"All we need to talk about is your job which will be as Holly's little
helper," said Mrs. Baxter ignoring his point. "When we play games and
women call out you'll run over to the tables to get what's asked of
you. The bridesmaids will handle much of it so you can also play but
you'll just hurry around as she needs you to. You're young, you handle
the scurrying and then at the end she'll have you hand out favors.
Normally we'd have this done by her junior bridesmaid but as you know
that job is still open. Hope this isn't too much to ask or should I
find another girl?"
"Of course not!" nodded Lee. "Seems easy?"
"Honey it's all been easy for you but you're always quite indecisive?"
said Rita patting his arm. "Now you sure or should I really find
another girl?"
"No anything for you or Holly," said Lee flipping his head back and
forth. "I got it. Seems like something any girl could do in her sleep."
"Honey not any girl is you which makes all this so hard on me since I
love you dearly," said Mrs. Baxter touching his face tenderly. "But
thank you again for helping my family and yes eventually we will talk
because this does seem too easy for you. I just keep asking myself so
are you really and I mean really that good an actress?"
"I'd like to think so," frowned Lee shrugging his shoulders.
"Of course you would my darling and rest assured I'll be sure to be
there when you get your Oscar for best actress," smiled Mrs. Baxter
squeezing his hand. "But in the meantime go sit and enjoy the shower
until Holly calls you. You and your mother deserve the time together
and you know she's so so cherishing every moment of it."
"Yes Mrs. Baxter," sighed Lee walking away. "Me too."
He sat with his mother not wanting to feel pressured about continuing
his time as Keleigh but already knew he gotten himself in deeper than
he expected. He actually enjoyed most of his time in the female role
yet she had his head spinning about how much he was actually acting
versus what seemed to come natural.
He's always been close to his mother but also had to admit this was a
different type of bond they'd never before achieved. In no time now he
was in full-fledged conversations with all of the women at their table
thrust into topics that guys would never even think about discussing as
Allison's daughter.
He mostly nodded and chimed in when questions were directed his way and
actually felt more relaxed when some of the little girls he babysat
came over interrupting the adult conversation.
"Hi Keleigh," said Emma tugging his sleeve.
"Emma, Erin!" said Lee happy to see them and get a break from wedding
talk. "Don't you girls look so pretty today? I didn't know you were
coming?"
"Why not?" said Emma giving him a look. "We're family you know?"
"Yes I do," laughed Lee as Emma started climbing onto his lap and then
Erin. "And I guess sitting with me for now."
"Yup Aunt Rita and my mom said we could," said Erin as quickly they
were on both sitting on his lap.
"Honey were these some of the girls you were sitting?" said his mother
impressed. "Don't you girls look adorable today?"
"Thank you," smiled Emma. "And dancing with. Keleigh is a really good
dancer?"
"I know she is and that must have been fun," questioned Mrs. O'Keefe.
"I'm Keleigh's mommy Allison."
"We know," said Emma innocently. "You're almost as pretty as Keleigh
and Aunt Rita told us you're her good friend."
"No her bestie," chimed in Erin.
"Almost?" laughed Allison holding her chest giving Lee a look. "Well
thank you that quite flattering and yes we're besties."
"Ok got to go," said Emma climbing off his lap. "Come on Keleigh. Come
say hi to my mom."
"Ok then?" smiled Lee being instantly dragged off. "Gotta go mom."
Over to meet their mothers he was brought as the kids ranted and raved
about him as he enjoying sucking up their parent's accolades. It was a
nice distraction that didn't last long as soon the shower games began.
He'd be the girl running to table grabbing objects as women raised
their hand trying to win "The what's in your purse" game. To each table
he went followed by Emma and Erin like tails helping out with each
scamper around the room as slowly but surely the other half dozen
little girls there would be just as attached to him.
Lunch would nicely break up the monotonous tasks as finally the kids
would sit down and his feet would welcome the break. Bridal bingo and
bridal word scrabble would be games that wouldn't require him running
around but then he soon be the girl chosen to represent his table in a
game called Paper bride.
He stood as both kids and adults began formed a wedding dress atop his
own made of toilet paper and then came is chance to model as all the
contestants paraded to laughs in their dresses made of Charmin.
After once around their room their dresses all mostly feel apart but
being the youngest chosen he was the clear cut winner. He was such a
good sport laughing in stride as they crowned him in a 99 cent store
plastic tiara and then stood with all the little girls posing for
pictures who stood with him like his bridesmaids.
He almost died of embarrassment during the last game called Fantasy
Date asking his mother for help as everyone needed to write their
fantasy date partner on a back of an index card and then Holly and her
bridal party would try guess who wrote what answer.
He was beat red as they argued what a cute couple he'd make with
Charlie Puth or Nick Jonas before eventually he had to fess up who he'd
chosen once they linked him to Shawn Mendez.
Desert never tasted so wonderful once the game ended as he casually
dined with the girls and then was called on to work with the
bridesmaids to help Holly open her gifts. It was mercifully winding
down as she finished and then he knew his job was to hand out favors as
people came up to say their goodbyes. He'd survived his first event
with all women in one piece not having a single one doubt him for even
a minute as Lauren walked up getting her favor and hugging him.
"So what a great event this was Holly and well done ladies," said
Lauren giving Holly a hug. "And you look amazing."
"Thank you," said Holly hugging the younger sister Linda then.
"Our sister sends her love from her honeymoon and she said to tell you
she's sorry she missed it," said Linda as the hug broke.
"On the cruise she's on? Oh please," laughed Holly flicking her wrist.
"Tell her thank you and not a girl here wouldn't trade places with
her."
"I'm so jealous of her too but our times are both coming soon!" said
Lauren smiling. "It's so exciting and you're going to looking amazing
I'm sure."
"Thank you and so will you," smiled Holly squeezing her hands eating up
the praise. "Please take a favor and see you soon."
"These are absolutely adorable and I hear you made these Keleigh," said
Lauren sliding down picking up the bag looking in and taking out the
three tiered box.
"Thank you and we made them together," said Lee humbly.
"Aren't you just the sweetest and we wish we could have been there to
help," said Lauren making a little frown.
"So much! I still feel terrible about it," said Linda with a little
fake smile. "It was just too crazy being it was my sister's wedding and
all yesterday."
"Of course! I knew you girls were getting ready and so busy," smiled
Holly. "Please help yourself to another bag for your sister if you'd
like. I know she's counted in."
"Thank you and could I steal you for a minute Keleigh?" questioned
Lauren looking over at Holly. "Just a sec and I'll give her right back
ok Holly?"
"Oh?" said Holly giving her a glance. "Sure."
"So here's the thing Keleigh," said Lauren with her hand on his arm. "I
had a little falling out with one of my fianc?e's nieces that was going
to be in my wedding so she's out and I'd like you to be in it in her
place."
"You're kidding?" gulped Lee. "Aren't you getting married in like three
months?"
"Well two and a half actually and it would be easy," explained Lauren.
"I'd pair you up with a cousin that's even younger than you and Gary's
in it anyway so I'm sure you'd be comfortable? So what do you say?
Excited?"
"Did I just hear that right?" said Holly interrupting. "Are you
seriously stealing my junior bridesmaid?"
"Stealing?" said Lauren annoyed. "Why would you say that Holly?"
"I said help yourself to another favor not help yourself to my junior
bridesmaid," said Holly angrily.
"I don't understand?" said Lauren getting upset. "We're about to be
family and why would this be an issue?"
"Exactly? It's about to be but we're not yet?" scolded Holly pointing
her finger at her. "And you don't think waltzing into my bridal shower
and asking girl that's total stranger over someone who's about to be
family isn't rude?"
"Oh gawwd," said Linda rolling her eyes stepping between them. "I told
you this Lauren?"
"Move sis!" said Lauren pushing her sister away then putting her hands
on her hips as they looked ready to square off. "So that's what this is
about?"
"Damn right and she's my junior bridesmaid not yours," yelled Holly
getting pissed. "You and both your sisters are in my bridal party
aren't you?"
"Again?" said Linda trying to keep the peace. "Told you sis and let's
all calm down."
"Ok? It's just Holly if I asked you then I'd need another guy and there
are no more guys I'm close to," said Lauren taking a breath. "I don't
want just some asshole in my bridal party just to have one and I'm
sorry but I can't afford a wedding party with a freaking army in it
like you can. All I want is a junior bridesmaid to be with my twelve
year old cousin."
"Fine that I can understand but you're still not getting her," scolded
Holly almost having a tantrum. "She's supposed to be debuting in my
wedding and she's not even committed to that yet so forget it."
"Your wedding is not for over a year!" argued Lauren tossing up her
hands. "Mine is way earlier than yours and by then she'll be like a
year and a half older."
"Exactly so barely a junior bridesmaid," argued Holly not backing down.
"So I am not letting you spoil that."
"The only thing around here that's spoiled is you!" said Lauren getting
vicious. "Who has a bridal shower like a year and a half before her
wedding? It's fucking ridiculous and so is this thinking you own her.
You don't!"
"It's only this early because my mother in law has been nice enough to
fly in everyone on her dollar, so I can keep my events spread out and I
did not say I owned her," screamed Holly. "I'm sorry if you're jealous
of my future mother in laws generosity but I'm pretty sure her wealth
has also found a way to help you out hasn't it?"
"She's amazing! Of course she has and I love her dearly but are you
seriously going to make my little cousin walk in alone or you rather I
kick him out?" said Lauren with her hands in a huff. "Maybe I should
kick out Gary or your fianc?e? But I'd never! I'm the one that grew up
close to them not you. You're not being fair."
"What's not fair is what you're asking," said Holly fighting. "She gave
uniqueness to my bridal party that would be different and that meant
something to me."
"Please stop fighting over me," said Lee covering his ears. "This all
sounds crazy and you're making me sick about this!"
"I'm sorry Keleigh," said Holly taking his hand. "I know this is all a
lot on you and I'm being a bitch."
"Me too," said Lauren taking his other hand. "Forget I said anything
and she's right. We're being idiots and I don't want to fight."
"Me either," said Holly hugging Lauren. "Whatever Keleigh wants is
fine. We'll figure shit out!"
"We will and I agree," said Lauren looking at Holly as they got
emotional. "And I'm sorry if I caused any drama here at the end of your
shower. You can freak out at mine in two weeks if that'll make you feel
better."
"Ok maybe I will and why don't we talk tonight. I'll call you," nodded
Holly wiping a tear and smiling.
"I'd love that," said Lauren wiping a tear now you. "Love you guys."
"We love you too," said Holly taking a breath. "Now let me get back to
my goodbyes."
Lauren wiped a brief tear as Holly took Lee now back to hand out
favors. The momentary fight was luckily when most guests were gone yet
the bridal party and some family overheard everything. It would be the
final whispers of gossip for the day as finally Gary returned with the
guys loading the cars.
Before he could even say hello to Gary, Allison took Lee aside checking
on how he was handling his first time inside quite the unexpected girl
fight.
"You ok baby?" said his mother as outside the in the hall they went.
"That came out of nowhere."
"I'm ok and I really wasn't sure how to handle it mom?" said Lee a bit
rattled. "Girls can be vicious!"
"And you're just learning that now?" laughed his mother rubbing his
back.
"Yeah?" smiled Lee thinking. "Maybe not?"
"So what are you going to do?" said his mother looking him dead in the
face now. "Looks like you got put in a hard spot."
"Mom I'm not looking to be in any spot," said Lee shrugging his
shoulders and tossing up his hands. "Lauren is one of his closest
cousins his whole life and Holly will be his sister in law. I was more
thinking I did what I had to do and didn't need to worry about all this
right now. I know you and Mrs. Baxter are pushing me but you know I
didn't want to commit after today and needed a break from all this."
"I wasn't pushing just discussing things and educating you along the
way," lectured his mother. "Sure maybe Rita was pushing a little. I
can't argue that but she has her reasons and it's not like she's hiding
them from you."
"A little?" laughed lee. "And no she's hiding nothing when it comes to
her expectations around me. She's made it quite clear I'd be better off
as a girl."
"Not better off," thought his mother. "Just maybe it could be more
normal for you? Natural?"
"Mom the woman thinks I should have never been a boy?" said Lee tossing
up his hands. "That's what she sees as natural."
"So is she right?" questioned his mother folding her arms.
"Do you think she's right?" said Lee annoyed.
"I asked you honey?" said his mother getting more serious. "I'm your
mother and I want what's best for you! So is she?"
"So I don't know," said Lee looking down. "Mostly I want to say she's
wrong and I want this to be over but the truth is I've enjoyed at least
some of it."
"You don't have to hide that when it comes to me," said his mother
lifting his chin with her finger looking at him so lovingly. "I know
you did?"
"But that doesn't mean I want to become a girl mom?" moaned Lee. "And
I'm still acting when I'm Gary's girlfriend. Trust me I am."
"I'll take you at your word but I'm not so sure you're confident
yourself in that answer?" said his mother softly touching his face.
"Sure it may be weird to suddenly be bound to your old friend as his
pretty kind of squeeze but something tells me you still seem to excel
in the role a bit too much to be totally faking it."
"I'm good at acting mom?" reasoned Lee. "You've told me so yourself
many times!"
"That I have," said his mother thinking.
"But what mom?" said Lee looking at her. "Just say it!"
"Say what?" smirked Allison. "That you make just too cute a couple even
though I do know you're truly not dating."
"Really? That's your answer?" said Lee rolling his eyes. "I don't even
know what that means mom?"
"It means you need to decide if you should be?" said his mother tapping
his arm. "Dating? Because the way he looks at you is not going to
change."
"Mom, I think I'm going to be sick," gulped Lee feeling his head grow
sweaty.
"No you're stronger than that and you will not," said his mother
rubbing his back. "What you need to do is just understand who you are
and what you want then go for it. If it works then it works and if it
doesn't then it doesn't. No regrets and no worries. Now pull yourself
together!"
"Ok?" said Lee fighting back some emotion. "But can I at least go home
and have some time to think then we'll talk. Things are happening way
too fast."
"You mean like beside the bridesmaid invitations," said his mother
opening her pocketbook and handing him some cards. "Guess you should
see these?"
"What's all this?" questioned Lee.
"Well things that are backing up your need to make some decisions
sooner than later," laughed his mother. "The first card is Emma's
invitation to her birthday party. It's a princess party and she wants
you there. The note is from a little boy's mom you sat named Brandon
requesting you babysit next weekend and the third is the invitation to
attend Erin's dance recital. The family loves their Keleigh so nice job
getting in so well that they want you as a sitter and much more."
"Oh gawwdd! The kids love me," sighed Lee with a smile on his face
looking at the papers. "They really do."
"How could they not?" said his mother rubbing his back. "You're an
amazing young lady?"
"And therein lies the problem?" reasoned Lee. "Obviously I'm not?"
"Kids don't miss much honey," smirked his mother.
"What does that mean?" grumbled Lee.
"It means you've got a lot to think about and go say hi to your
boyfriend. He's been waiting there patiently," said his mother patting
his arm as she walked away. "I've got a few calls to return so don't
rush I need a little time and I'll meet you in the car."
"Crap," sighed Lee taking a breath and turning around walking towards
him.
"Hey!" said Gary kissing his cheek. "So you look beautiful as always
Keleigh!"
"Why did I not this morning?" smiled Lee stepping back.
"Did you not hear the as always part and I'm pretty sure I told you
that you did then too?" smiled Gary flexing. "Maybe distracted by my
guns? So miss me today?"
"If that's what you need to hear and don't be an idiot?" smiled Lee
before being sarcastic rolling his eyes. "Then sure. So so much."
"Fine! And I'll take that anyway," laughed Gary. "So how was the
shower?"
"Uuumm? Like I needed a different kind of gun to use on myself,"
started Lee before looking around. "Oh my gawwddd. I have no idea how
these girls do these things. I want to kill myself half way through
it!"
"That bad?" said Gary surprised.
"Well yeah but in a way no. Holly, some of your cousins and some of the
girls are awesome," said Lee smirking. "But some of the games are so
fucking boring?"
"You didn't look that bored to me wrapped in toilet paper," Teased Gary
giving him a look. "Honestly you seemed to be all smiles from what I
saw."
"They posted that?" said Lee embarrassed. "Already?"
"Yup?" grinned Gary spinning his phone. "I bet my mother loved you in
that."
"I bet?" grumbled Lee pushing away the phone. "Well whatever and it's
over. I did it for you guys and I hope I'll never have to be at one of
these again."
"Doubtful," Stated Gary. "I've got a big family as you know and my
cousin Lauren's is pretty soon I think."
"Not committed! The weekend's over Gary," said Lee not wanting to hear
it. "I did what I was supposed to so don't push it please."
"I know! I know!" said Gary holding up his hands. "I wasn't?"
"You're like the worst liar ever," giggled Lee rolling his eyes.
"EVVV...ER!"
"I know I know! but I'm thinking we're just beginning?" said Gary
meekly.
"Stop saying you know about anything because trust me," chirped Lee
pointing his nail at him. "You don't?"
"OK fine!" said Gary lifting his chin looking into his eyes. "But tell
me you're not? You know thinking we're just..?"
"I'm not," moaned Lee pushing away his hand. "Now please Gary. It's
been a long weekend and I'm spent!"
"Spent?" laughed Gary. "Maybe the shower itself was boring but I know
you had a good time for a lot of this. Come on! Admit it!"
"Don't be a dick," scolded Lee turning away and then looking back at
him. "Sure of course I did. Why wouldn't I make the make the most of it
since I was stuck like this but I can't stay a girl forever you know?"
"No I don't know that?" said Gary getting more serious. "And I don't
think you know that either?"
"I don't know what I know," said Lee tossing up his hands. "All I know
is I did what I was supposed to do and now it's over. I'm done! Get it
done!"
"But you don't have to be?" said Gary touching his back. "Don't over
react and you know my mom will help you?"
"No don't you over react!" scolded Lee pushing his hand off his back.
"That's what I'm afraid of Gary."
"I'm sorry," apologized Gary backing up. "I know she's a control freak
and a pain in the ass but I know she only wants what's best for you."
"Yeah if it fits into her agenda?" said Lee folding his arms. "So by
best you mean how to best use me?"
"Oh come on," said Gary touching his arm. "She's known you all your
life so you know it's more than that?"
"I know she means well but you're not a girl so how could you
understand?" slumped Lee.
"Weren't you just arguing with me that you aren't one but now again you
are?" laughed Gary touching his arm.
"I don't fucking know anymore," said Lee tossing up his arms. "I just
need a break from this shit maybe."
"Keleigh relax," said Gary trying to calm him.
"Don't Keleigh me!" yelled Lee pointing his index finger in his face.
"I need a break from being ON every second nonstop and I just need a
break to get my mind straight. You get it! You know!"
"Maybe?" nodded Gary. "But you know you always overthink shit but don't
this time. Now don't get mad at me but this has come too natural to
you."
"Why is everyone saying that!" yelled Lee tossing up his hands. "That's
bullshit! There's nothing natural about me?"
"Jezz," said Gary backing down. "You don't need to bite my head off and
be a bitch about? I thought that would be a compliment."
"AS FUCKING IF asshole! You know I guess being a bitch does come
natural to me," scolded Lee with some attitude. "So fuck it! You wanted
a bitch as a girlfriend and you had one but It's over now! Over!
Fucking over!"
"Wait?" panicked Gary. "What the hell do you mean over! Don't freak out
on me Keleigh! I need you!"
"No you need a real girl with her head screwed on straight," said Lee
getting emotional. "Or more likely one that could screw your brains out
because we both know that's all you really want anyway."
"No I want you and don't pretend that part is my mother's doing because
you damn well know it's more than that," said Gary pissed off. "Now if
you hate the way I look at you then fine but don't blame me that you're
so fucking beautiful and excuse me for being a man!"
"Shit," sighed Lee looking down. "What are we doing here? Last person I
want to fight with is you?"
"Me either," said Gary looking almost teary.
"I'm sorry," said Lee swallowing hard. "I went too far."
"Forget it," said Gary shaking his head.
"No I didn't mean to hurt you and I can also tell when you're telling
the truth so please," said Lee touching his own chest feeling horrible.
"I'm really sorry I said that."
"It's ok," nodded Gary shrugging. "We've always been able to tell each
other anything right so why should now be any different."
"It shouldn't and I appreciate that," sighed Lee reaching out taking
his hand. "That part I love about you."
"So then you don't want to kill me anymore?" said Gary as Lee was
rubbing his thumb.
"I didn't say that?" said Lee coming in hugging him really tightly
before whispering in his ear. "Still want to kiss me?"
"If you're still my girlfriend and don't tease me like that Keleigh?"
sighed Gary squeezing Lee in the hug. "More than anything honestly."
"Remember I can tell if you're lying," said Lee running his finger
through Gary's hair.
"I'm not," said Gary as Lee nuzzled his head in under his chin.
"Yeah I can tell?" said Lee feeling Gary rock hard against him pulling
back his head looking into his eyes. "Close your eyes."
Lee took two fingers softly closing Gary's eyes and then Gary felt
something soft possibly wet touch on his lips snapping open his eyes
but it was gone.
"Did I just imagine that or did you kiss me?" said Gary stunned staring
right as Lee as he pushed back.
"I'm not sure what's in that warped imagination of yours but girls
never kiss and tell?" grinned Lee stepping away further taking a
breath. "And it was nice while it lasted but I'm still breaking up with
you!"
"You're kidding? But we're not even actually? I mean we are but we're
not?" mumbled Gary reaching up touching his mouth. "Wait? What was
nice? Everything about you is nice! It can't be over and I think you
did kiss me! Please I'm so confused Keleigh."
"Welcome to the club bestie," said Lee turning and strutting off.