Synopsis:

Sisters! What a pain. Well at least one of them. And, a trip to France?

Story:

Authors note: The translations from French to English may not be accurate.

Salt & Pepper, Sugar & Spice

Chapter 10

A Step Back?

Amy had said, “Did you see who else is here?”

“No. Who?”, Jaimie asked.

“Sara and Vicki for two.”

“Great. Who else?”

“Your mom and sisters.”

“Mom and Mary are here. Where?”

“I said sisters.”

Jaimie’s eyes got very big, she looked at Ronnie, and said, “Beth is here?”

“Yea.”, Amy replied.

“Where are they?”

“Over on the other side of the room.”

“Amy. Could you go over, and ask my mom to come over and talk to us?”

“Sure.”

Jaimie watched as Amy walked across the room to her mother, and say something to her. She saw her mom say something to Beth and Mary, and then follow Amy back across the room. As she walked up to the group, she gave each a hug, and kiss. And, she said to Ronnie and Jaimie, “The two of you looked so pretty. And, that wedding was so cute. But, those corsets showed a little too much.”

“Mom.”, Jaimie said, “Beth is here. Does she know about Jaimie?”

“Sort of.”

“Sort of?”

“Mary let it slip at dinner the other night.”

“So, dad knows!?”

“No. He was getting everyone ice cream.”

“What did Mary tell her?”

“We were talking clothes, and how good people look in different styles. And, Mary said how good you looked in girls clothes. Beth didn’t even blink an eye, but said, ‘Was he the one that was into my things?’ And, I told her that you were, and we had a long talk about you when you were little. She didn’t get mad, but just said, ‘I thought so.’”

“Does she know I’m here?”

“No. But, she knew Ronnie was doing the show. And, spotted her right away.”

“Did she recognize me?”

“If she did. She didn’t say anything.”

“Why is Beth home?”

“Peter has asked her to marry him. She said yes. And, had heard that Kathys’ was doing this bridal show, and wanted to come.”

“Peter and Beth. That’s wonderful.”

“Your dad isn’t too happy about it. But, that’s your dad, and his girls. He’ll never be happy with any boy.”

Just then, Sara and Vicki walked up. And, it was hugs all around. With Vicki finally saying, “Girls, you looked so fantastic. I’m jealous. And, Jaimie you looked so comfortable up there.”

Jaimie smiled, and said, “Thank you. That’s because it was Jaimie that was up there.”

“I thought so. You looked at ease. But, something’s bothering you right now. Want to talk?”

Jaimie took Vicki aside, and told her about Beth and Mary. Vicki’s reply was, “Think it might be time that Beth meets Jaimie?”

“I don’t know how she’ll take to this part of me.”

“There’s only one way to find out. Just remember that there are people that will never understand you.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Jaimie caught her sisters walking up to the group. They greeted Ronnie with a hug. And, chatted with her for a second. And, Jaimie said to Vicki, “It might happen sooner than I want it to.”

Ronnie called Jaimie and Vicki over to the group, and introduced Vicki to Beth. Then she said, “Beth this is my very special friend Jaimie from France. Jaimie this is Beth, Jason’s older sister.”

Everyone chatted about the show. Then the conversation turned to Beth getting married. But, a number of other guests came up to Jaimie and Ronnie, and commented on the gowns, and corsets, that they wore. So, the conversation about Beth’s upcoming wedding was constantly being interrupted.

As the reception started to breakup, Jaimie and Ronnie said that they needed to go change. And, Mrs. Blackwell said that she wanted everyone to meet for dinner later. Jaimie gave Ronnie a look of, ‘I don’t know.’ But, Ronnie said, “We’d love to do that.”

They chose a time and place to meet, and the girls went back to their dressing area to change. Dorothy and her staff were there, starting to cleanup the area. One of the staff went with the girls to help them change, and Dorothy said, “Girls, don’t worry about the corsets right now. You can bring them back to the store next week. And, you can keep the other corsets. Thank you again for all your help.”

“Thank you for a wonderful experience.”, Ronnie said.

“Let me know if you want to do it again.”

“We just might.”

After the girls had changed clothes, Jaimie looked at herself in the mirror, and said, “I look like a girl trying to look like a guy. I need to fix my hair, and makeup.”

Just then one of the hair dressers walked in, and said, “Jaimie. Dorothy would like me to fix your hair, if you have time.”

“I do. And, would really love that.”

As they walked out of the party center, Jaimie again looked like Jaimie, but a blond Jaimie. And, Ronnie said, “I still like you better with black hair.”

“Me too. I can’t wait to get back to Helens’, and at least to my boy color.”

As they were driving to the restaurant, Jaimie said, “I really don’t know if this is such a good idea.”

“Why love?”

“Being so close to Beth. Without her knowing about me.”

“It’ll be fine. I doubt that she’ll even make the connection.”

“We’ll see.”

They met everyone at a restaurant, and had a very nice meal. Most of the talk was about Beth’s engagement, the pending wedding, and the gowns that were shown at the fashion show.

Jaimie didn’t see it, but Ronnie did. Every once in awhile, Beth would look at Jaimie with a look of, ‘I know you. But, I can’t figure out where I know you from.’

Ronnie had to go to the ladies room, and normally Jaimie would have gone with her, but Beth beat her to it. And, the two chatted as they walked away from the table. Jaimie looked at Mary, and whispered, “She knows. Doesn’t she?”

“I don’t think so. She knows about you wearing her clothes when you were at home. But, I don’t think she knows about Jaimie.”

Ronnie and Beth were gone longer than usual. And, Jaimie kept glancing toward the rest rooms. When they came back, Beth walked up to Jaimie, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and whispered, “I love your hair and eyebrows little brother, but dad is going to go crazy.”

Jaimie turned, and looked at Ronnie with a look of panic. And, Ronnie said, “It’s all right love. I thought it was time that Beth knew, and we had a nice talk about you and Jason. And, I think Beth understands.”

Looking at Jaimie, Beth said, “I don’t really understand. But, this answers a number of questions. I don’t need another bride’s maid, and I think Peter was going to ask Jason to be a groomsman. Will he be able to do it? And, be Jason, not this Jaimie person!?”

“Yes!”, Jaimie said with a nasty look toward her sister.

“I hope so little brother. But, I want to know more. Ronnie told me a little. But, I bet there’s more. A lot more.”

This was starting to get a little ugly. Jaimie and Beth were almost glaring at each other.

Finally their mother said, “All right you two. Enough! Beth, don’t be pushy. She’ll tell you when she’s ready.”

“It’s all right mom.”, Jaimie said, “She deserves an explanation.”

“Mom. It’s not she! It’s Jason looking like a girl.”, Beth said.

“Beth.”, Ronnie, trying to defuse the situation, said, “Why don’t you come over to the apartment, and we’ll talk.”

“I guess.”

When they left the restaurant, Ronnie and Jason were driving together, and Beth drove her own car. And, on the way to the apartment Jaimie said, “This isn’t going to be good. I think Beth is going to have a real problem. Why did you tell her?”

“She kept looking at you in away that said, I know you from somewhere, but from where? And, when we went to the restroom, she said that she thought that she knew you. I told her you were in our wedding. But, she said, she knew you from some place else. So, I broke down, and told her a little about you. When we get to the apartment, just relax, and don’t get into an argument with her about anything. She might just be reacting to you taking some of the excitement from her engagement.”

“But, I didn’t.”

“I know. But, she may not see it that way. Besides, it was probably a shock to her, seeing her brother looking like a girl.”

“This isn’t going to be good.”

“Honey. If she can’t accept this part of you, it’s her loss. And, remember, I love you, and your mother and little sister love you.”

Jaimie sat in silence for the rest of the drive home.

As the three walked into the apartment, it was in silence, and Ronnie could feel the tension. They went into the kitchen, Jaimie and Beth sat at the table, and Ronnie fixed tea for everyone. Finally, Beth said, “All right little brother. Why do you look like this? Why do you look more like a girl than I do?”

“Because it’s part of me. Because I have a feminine side, and I’m not afraid to show it.”

“So, you’re a freak.”

“Freak! I’m not a freak.”

“Beth!”, Ronnie said, “Jason is no freak. There are a lot of crossdressers, probably better then two percent of the male population. He just happens to be one of them.”

“And, I suppose that you accept this?”

“You’d better believe it. I love Jason with all my heart. And, Jaimie is a part of him. So, I love her too. This makes him no less for a person. In fact I feel it makes him a better person.”

“Figures.”

“What do you mean, figures?”

“Everyone in high school knew the girl’s soccer team was a bunch of lesbians. Especially you and that Amy girl.”

“What! You’re nuts. There may have been one or two, but not the whole team.”

“What about you and Amy?”

“What’s that got to do with Jason?”

“It’s obvious that you prefer him as a girl.”

“No, I do not!. Having Jaimie around is fun. But, Jason is who I really love, and care for. If Jaimie wasn’t part of him, I’d love him just as much. What is your problem?”

“It’s just not right. A guy dressing in girls clothes. And, then looking so much like a girl, that you can’t see anything male.”

“Have you looked at some of the things that you wear? Some of the things that other girls wear?”

“Like what?”

“I’ve seen you in boy’s jeans, and shirts. Women wearing pants suits. Isn’t that crossdressing?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“It just isn’t.”

“Are there two standards, or something?”

“No. But, girls have always worn boys’ stuff.”

“No, they haven’t. And, there are girls that are crossdressers, and look like guys. Just not as many as guys doing it.”

“No way!”

“Way. We’ve met a couple of them. So, what’s your problem. Don’t you love Jason any more?”

“Yes, I love him. But, not looking like that!”

With tears in her eyes, Jaimie got up, and almost ran out of the kitchen.

“Now you’ve done it. Her psychologist told me that she’s very fragile. And, you’ve really hurt her. You’d better leave. I’ve got to go help her.”

“It’s not her. He’s not a girl.”

“Just leave!”

Beth got up, and left. And, Ronnie went to find Jaimie, who she found in their bedroom, laying on the bed, and crying her eyes out. Ronnie sat down next to her, and just put her hand on her back. Jaimie just continued to cry.

Ronnie said very quietly, “I’m sorry I told her. I never expected her to react the way she did. Everything will be all right. She’s gone.”

Jaimie just continued to cry. Ronnie got up, went to the bathroom, and came back with a cold cloth. She wiped Jaimie’s face with it, and it seemed to help settle her down a bit. The hard crying, became sobs. Ronnie crawled onto the bed next to Jaimie, held her, and whispered, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know she would attack you like that.”

Between sobs, Jaimie said, “I know. She was terrible. She’s never been like this before.”

“Honey. It’ll be fine.”

“No, it won’t. She hates me, and you. And, she’s my sister. I . . . I thought she’d understand. Maybe a little.”

“So did I. I’m so sorry that I told you that she’d understand. Just lay here, and try to relax. I need to make a phone call.”

“I’ll try. Who are you calling?”

“That’s not important right now. You just try to relax. And, I’ll be right back.”

Ronnie got off the bed, and went to the kitchen to use the phone. She called Jaimie’s mom, and had a long talk with her about what had happened with Beth. Mrs. Blackwell was upset, and not at all happy with some of the things her daughter had said.

When Ronnie came back to the bedroom, Jaimie was asleep, and still dressed, including the corset. Ronnie had to get Jaimie out of her clothes, including the corset, but first she changed. She then carefully woke Jaimie up, by saying, “Honey. Honey. We have to get you out of your clothes.”

Jaimie woke up just enough to let Ronnie help undress her. Then she was right back to sleep. Ronnie gave her a kiss, and whispered, “Sleep tight sweetheart. Everything will be better in the morning.”

Ronnie then went to the kitchen, made a fresh cup of tea, and sat thinking about Beth. And, trying to figure out why she had reacted the way she had. The phone rang, and it was late. Ronnie checked the caller ID, and the call was from Mark and Sara Braverman.

“Hello.” . . . “Hi Mark.” . . . “No. Not good at all. I couldn’t believe Beth. She really attacked both of us.” . . . “Jaimie, she’s asleep.” . . . “Well, . . . ” and, Ronnie went on to tell Mark what happened.

When Ronnie was finished, she listened to Mark for a little while, and then said, “Let’s do what you think is best for her. She probably won’t be up before noon. So, if you come over about one, that should be good.” . . . “Sure, Sara’s more than welcome.” . . . “Thanks. Love you guys too. See you tomorrow.”

Ronnie carefully crawled into bed, trying not to disturb Jaimie. And, just cuddled up with her. Jaimie didn’t stir.

Late Sunday morning Ronnie awoke. Still, cuddled with Jaimie. Normally this brought a smile to her, but now she was very concerned about Jaimie. She carefully got out of bed, slipped on a robe, and went to the kitchen. She sat there by herself until about twelve-thirty, and Jaimie hadn’t gotten up. She quietly walked back into the bedroom, checked to be sure Jaimie was all right, and grabbed some clothes.

Right at one o’clock, she heard a car pull up, she went to the door, and greeted Mark and Sara.

Mark asked, “How’s Jaimie?”

“Still sleeping.”, Ronnie said.

“How long?”

“Almost twelve hours.”

“Why don’t you go wake her up.”

Ronnie went back to the bedroom, and Jaimie was gone. She checked the bathroom, the door was locked. She knocked, and said, “Jaimie?”

“No.”, was the answer from behind the door.

“Jason. Honey. Are you all right?”

“Not really.”

“Mark and Sara are here.”

“Why?”

“Just because.”

“All right. Give me a little while. I want to take a shower.”

“Okay love. Take your time.”

Ronnie went back to the livingroom, and said, “He’s up, and back to being Jason.”

“Is he all right?”, Mark asked.

“I think. He’s taking a shower. Lets go into the kitchen, and I’ll make some coffee.”

It was about twenty minutes before Jason walked into the kitchen. He just sat at the table, and Ronnie asked, “Can I get you something?”

“Just some coffee.”

“Jason.”, Mark said, “Do you want to talk?”

“I don’t know. It’s just that what Beth said hurt so much. I’m not a freak. I’m just me.”

“She hurt you very much, didn’t she?”

“Yes. Right now I wish Jaimie didn’t exist.”

“But, you know she does. And, we know she does. And, we all love you and her very much.”

“I know. But, having someone that’s a member of your family, and that you love very much, call you a freak, just tears at your heart. The only thing that would be worse, is if Ronnie would tell me that.”

Ronnie looked at Jason with a very concerned look. And, Jason continued, “But, I know Ronnie understands me, and accepts me for who I am. Why can’t people just let people be who they are?”

“Jason, it’s just the way people are. If you don’t fit into what they call the norm, they can’t accept it. You have friends who are completely outside the norm, and you’ve accepted them. And, they’ve accepted you. You have a lot of friends that understand you. Your mom, and sister Mary, understand you, and have even accepted Linda. You are a special person, and that’s because you aren’t afraid to be who you are.”

“I know. But, to have someone react like that. Not to mention what she said about Ronnie. I don’t know if I ever want to see her again.”

Just then the phone rang, and Ronnie answered, “Hello” . . . “Hi mom.” . . . “I’m not sure. He’s very hurt. Mark and Sara are here, and we’re talking.” . . . “Sure. Just a minute.”

“Honey.”, Ronnie said, handing the phone to Jason, “Your mom wants to talk to you.”

Jason took the phone, and said, “Hi mom.” . . . “No, I’m not all right.” . . . “I’m very upset with her. More so about what she said about Ronnie than anything else. She had no right to say the things she did.” . . . “I don’t care if it was a shock seeing me. She still had no right. Ronnie’s no more of a lesbian than you are.” . . . “Mom, I don’t know if I ever want to see her again.” . . . “Mom, don’t cry. It’s not your fault. It’s mine, for being who I am.” . . . “Mom, I’m who I am. If she can’t live with that. Then I don’t need her around.” . . . “No. I don’t want to talk to her.” . . . “She should feel bad. She hurt the two of us very much. And, I won’t put up with it.” . . . “Maybe Ronnie will talk to her, but I’m not going to.”

Holding the phone out to Ronnie, Jason said, “Here, talk to mom.”

Ronnie took the phone, and walked into the livingroom.

Jason, Mark, and Sara kept talking about the incident with Beth, what may have triggered it, and how to handle it. Mark could tell that Jason was really depressed over it. Ronnie was back in a few minutes, and said, “Honey. I’m going over to your parents.”

“Why?”, Jason asked.

“To talk.”

“With?”

“Your mom.”

“And?”

“Beth.”

“Are you sure you really want to?”

“Honey. I won’t let this ruin the relationship between us and your family. Mary and your mom are fine with this. And, I don’t want your mom to have to take sides.”

“All right. I guess.”

“I’ll be back later.”

“I think we’re going to get Jason out of the house.”, Sara said, “He needs to get his mind off of this.”

“I thought I was the psychologist.”, Mark quipped.

“But, I just want to stay here.”, Jason said.

“Jason Allen Blackwell!”, Ronnie said, “Do you remember when we were in France. When grand-pere was so ill. And, you told me we were going for a ride, and didn’t give me a choice. Well there’s no choice for you either. You go with Mark and Sara wherever they want to go.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“That’s better love. I’ll see you guys later.”

Ronnie, gave Jason a big kiss, and left.

Sara then said, “That girl really loves you.”

“I know. But, sometimes I don’t know why.”

A little while later, Mark, Sara, and Jason had driven to a part of town known for its small shops, and restaurants. They parked the car, and started walking. They walked, and window shopped, for a good hour, until Jason finally said, “You know, I’m hungry.”

“You should be.”, Sara said, “I don’t think you’ve had anything to eat since yesterday, and it’s late afternoon. Why don’t we go to Mary and Ted’s?”

“All right by me.”

Mary and Ted’s was a small restaurant just down the block from where they were, that had a patio area between it and the next building. They went in, placed their orders at the counter, and told the girl that they would be on the patio.

There was only one couple sitting at a table, so finding a table wasn’t a problem. As they sat, Mark said, “Jason. Are you feeling any better?”

“Not really.”, Jason replied, “I just feel really sad inside.”

“I understand. I know Beth hurt you. Lets hope that Ronnie’s talk with her and your mom goes well.”

“I know. Can we talk about something else?”

Ten minutes later, their food was delivered. And, they sat, and ate in silence. Just as they were finishing, Ronnie walked up with a tray of drinks, and said, “Hi. Thought that you might like these.”

“How did you find us?”, Jason asked.

“I knew that you guys were coming down to this part of town, and that Sara liked this place. So, I took a guess.”

Ronnie sat down, and passed out the drinks.

Jason finally said, “Well. What happened?”

“Getting through to Beth was like pulling teeth. Mom tried. I tried. But, it was Mary that finally got through to her.”

“Mary?”

“Yes. She must understand you more then anyone else does. Even me. She just sat there, and told Beth, in a very straight and matter of fact way, how she felt about you and Jaimie. And, why you liked to be, and needed to be, Jaimie. Your mom and I just sat there, not really believing what we were hearing from Mary. Then she really laid into her about what she had said about me.”

“My little sister?”

“Yes. And, when she was done, Beth was in tears. And, it took mom a good while to calm her down. I’m glad dad was playing golf, or he would have heard the whole thing. But, once Beth had calmed down, she apologized for acting the way she had. She told us that she and Peter had a fight that morning, and she had still been upset. Both your mom and I feel that she was very sincere in her apology. But, she did say that she really didn’t want to see you dressed that way again.”

“As far as I’m concerned, she doesn’t ever have to see Jaimie again. And, just because she and Peter had a fight, she doesn’t have the right to attack someone the way she did.”

“Honey. She knows that. In fact, she said almost the same thing. I think she may have realized that you’re the same person that you’ve always been. It’s that she’s never seen the Jaimie side of you. And, it’s more then she wanted to know.”

For the first time that day Jason relaxed, sitting back in his chair, and sipping on his drink. All of a sudden he sat straight up, and said, “My hair!”

“What about your hair?”, Sara asked.

“I was supposed to go back to Helens’ today, and she was going to dye my hair back to its normal color.”

“Don’t worry love.”, Ronnie said, “I though of that. I called her, and told her that we had a problem, and couldn’t make it in today. But, would see her later this week.”

“Good. At least someone was thinking.”

Ronnie just smiled.

“Wait.”, Jason said, “Not good. I’ve got class tomorrow. ”

“Lover.”, Ronnie said with a smile, “Got it covered. Helen said to get some hair coloring, and do a temporary dye job, until we can see her. I stopped at the drug store, and the hair color is out in the car.”

Jason sat back in his chair, with a look relief on his face, and said, “What would I do without you?”

Ronnie whispered to Sara, “Think we should show him the paper?”

“I don’t know.”, Sara whispered back.

“What are you two whispering about?”, Jason asked.

“Nothing love.”, Ronnie said.

“Ronnie. What?”

“Something in today’s paper.”

“What?”

Ronnie found a copy of the Sunday paper on one of the tables, and the Life Style section from that paper. She opened it to a page, and as she set it on the table in front of Jason, she said, “Remember the photographers yesterday?”

Jason started to say, “Yes. What abou . . . “ and, he just stared at a full page montage of the bridal show, with Ronnie and Jaimie’s bridal picture right in the middle. Not to mention other pictures. Luckily none of them in the corsets.

Jason looked at Ronnie with a look of panic, as he said, “Oh God. No! Everyone will know.”

“Honey.”, Ronnie said, “Look again. You really don’t look like you. Even when you’re dressed as the groom.”

“Jason.”, Sara said, “Relax. Those pictures are fine. I see Jaimie, not Jason.”

“She’s right.”, Mark said, “In the gowns you look very pretty, and I don’t see Jason anywhere. And, the wedding pictures, I see a girl looking like a guy.”

Jason looked at the others, and said, “Are you sure?”

Ronnie smiled, and said, “Yes, love. We’re sure.”

Mark said, “Yes. Remember, you know that it’s you in the pictures, but no one else will.”

“God. I hope you guys are right.”, Jason said.

“We are.”

Early that evening, as Ronnie was dyeing Jason’s hair, they were talking, and Jason asked, “Did you know that they were going to print those pictures?”

“No, honey. I didn’t. I didn’t even see it until Sara showed me earlier today.”

“Did we sign releases or something?”

“We may have. We signed a number of things at that meeting.”

“I wish I’d known they were going to do this.”

“I know. And, Beth is going to stop by at nine.”

“What?”

“Beth is going to stop by.”

“Why?”

“I think she wants to apologize.”

“I don’t know if I want to see her.”

“She’s your sister. You love her, and she loves you. Give her a chance.”

“I guess.”

At nine the door bell rang, Jason looked at Ronnie, and Ronnie said, “She’s your sister.”

He got up, walked to the door, and opened it. Not only was Beth standing there, but also Mary. And, Mary said, “Hi.”

“Hi.”, Jason said, “Come on in.”

Beth, looking very sheepish, followed Mary into the apartment. Jason gave Mary a big hug, and she whispered, “Give her a chance.” Jason then looked at Beth, she looked at him, and started to cry. Jason then hugged Beth, and just held her. And, she whispered, “I’m so sorry that I acted the way I did.”

“Please don’t cry. It’ll be fine.”, he whispered back.

When they broke the hug, Beth wiped her tears away, Jason took her hand, and led his sisters to the livingroom, where Ronnie was. Ronnie got up, and gave both Beth and Mary a hug. Everyone sat, Ronnie and Jason on the couch, and Beth and Mary on chairs. And, they just looked at each other for a few minutes.

Finally Beth, again with tears in her eyes, said, “Guys, I’m so sorry that I acted the way I did. I love both of you so much, and I hurt you. Ronnie is more then a sister-in-law to me. She’s a sister. And, Jason, you’re my only brother, and I know that I hurt you very much. I shouldn’t have reacted that way, but it was a shock seeing you looking like a girl. In fact a prettier girl than almost anyone else there. And, I was upset over the fight that Peter and I had, and I should have never let that enter into it. I said things to you guys that should have never ever said.”

“You did hurt us. Both of us.”, Jason said, “What you said about Ronnie, hurt me more then what you said about me. I know seeing Jaimie was a shock, but she is part of me. I like having fun with her, and the bridal show was a lot of fun. You’ll never see Jaimie again, if I can help it. But, I want you to realize that she is part of me, and always will be. There’s nothing I can do about it. And, actually I don’t want to do anything about it. You’re my sister, and I love you. And, we shouldn’t hurt each other.”

“I know. Mary and I had an even longer talk about you after Ronnie left. She made me really see that you were still you, and that you just have a side I never knew about. I . . . I still don’t really understand, but I know that I love you very much, and will never act that way again. It hurt you, Ronnie, mom, and Mary. And, I never, ever, wanted to do that.”

“Have you apologized to mom?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“She read me the riot act, and we had a big cry together. But, everything is fine.”

Jason looked at Ronnie, and said, “Well, I guess if mom can forgive her, I can. How about you?”

Ronnie looked at Beth, and said, “Like you said, you’re more than a sister-in-law to me, you’re a sister. And, if Jason can forgive you, so can I.”

“Thanks guys.”, Beth said, “I love both of you so much.”

Jason looked at Mary, and said, “Now, little sister. Ronnie told me about what happened at moms’, and you surprised both of us. Thanks for being so understanding.”

Mary replied, “I just think it’s so cool that you can show your feminine side. And, be who you feel you are. And, I’m happy that Beth understands at least a little bit.”

At the end of the week, a large envelope arrived. It was addressed to, Jaimie D'Aubigne and Ronnie Blackwell. Ronnie opened it, looked at the contents, and smiled. Then she wondered if she should show it to Jason.

That evening right after dinner, Ronnie handed Jason the envelope, and he asked, “What’s this?”

“Look inside. I think you’ll like it.”

Jason opened the envelope, pulled out the contents, and laid them out on the table. He looked at it, then a Ronnie, and said, “Did they send these from Kathy’s?”

“Yes. Like them?”

“You know. We’ve taken pictures before. But, these are professional ones. And, I’m very surprised.”

“They are good, aren’t they?”

“They are. It’s a shame we can’t show them to anyone.”

“Maybe someday.”

A few weeks later school was over for the year, and Ronnie had graduated with honors. Jason was so proud of her, as he watched her walk across the stage to accept her diploma. Afterwards he took her to one of the best restaurants in town to celebrate.

One of Jason’s degree requirements was an internship, during the fifth year of his program, with a company doing work in his field. Jason applied to a number of companies, and was accepted by three of them, so he had a choice to make.

One of the three companies was Briard. The same company his dad works for, right in town. He didn’t want to work for his father. Another was a large research and development company on the west coast. And, the third was medium size manufacturing company.

One Sunday, during dinner, Jason and his father had a long discussion about the three companies. And, his father agreed that it wouldn’t be good for Jason to work for him. They decided that the company on the west coast would be the better choice for Jason, as they did a lot of government research.

On Monday, Jason wrote his letter of acceptance to the one company, and letters of thank you for considering me, but I’m taking a position with another company, to Briard, and the third company. He set them on the table to take to the post office the following day, when he and Ronnie went out.

On Tuesday, they were in a rush to go to the park for the day, and he forgot the letters. Later that day as they walked back into the apartment, Jason saw them, and said, “Shoot. I forgot those letters this morning.”

“Don’t worry love.”, Ronnie said, “You can mail them tomorrow.”

Just as they finished dinner, the phone rang, and Ronnie answered it, “Hello.” . . . “Pere! How are you, and how’s mere?” . . . “Good. We’re doing fine. Jason decided to take the position with the company on the west coast. We’ll be about two-thousand miles from his family, but it’ll be fun.” . . . “Sure, just a minute.”

Handing the phone to Jason, Ronnie said, “It’s pere, and he wants to talk to you.”

Jason took the phone, and said, “Hello pere.” . . . “Yes, my dad and I had a long talk about it.” . . . “Yes, it is along way from home.” . . . “It’s fair. Ronnie hasn’t forced me to keep up with it.” . . . “I know, it would be a good thing to have.”

Ronnie gave him a questioning look. Jason, mouthed, “My French.” , and continued his conversation with Ronnie’s father, “Yes sir, I’ll get on her about it.” . . . “You have.” . . . “I see.” . . . “That’s even farther from here, but would be fantastic.” . . . “Let me ask her.”

“Honey.”, Jason said to Ronnie, “How long would it take to get my French up to speed?”

“Pas longtemps. Mais, pourquoi ?” (“Not long. But, why?”)

“How would you like to spend four months in France?”

“What!”

“Your father said that they have an internship for me in Brest, at the main office.”

“Your kidding me!?”

“No. But, my French has to be better then it is.”

“Rien mais le français a partir de, mon amour.” (“Nothing but French from now on, my love.”)

“Think we can do it?”

“Oui. Nous aurons vous parlant comme un vrai Français dans aucun temps.” (“Yes. We’ll have you talking like a true Frenchman in no time.”)

Jason went back to the phone, and said, “Pere. I assume you heard all of that?” . . . “Yes, I think Ronnie is a little excited.” . . . “No. I was going to send them today, but we forgot to take them to the post office.” . . . “Yes. I’ll redo them, and send the one for Briard directly to you.” . . . “All right, here’s Ronnie.”

Handing the phone to Ronnie, Jason said, “Ici l'amant. Parler a votre mere et au pere.” (“Here lover. Talk to your mother and father.”)

Ronnie was so excited, and she talked so fast, that Jason had a problem understanding her. But, he tried. And, as she was beginning to say goodbye to her mother, Jason said, “Les dire je les aime les deux. Et, nous les verrons dans l'aout.” (“Tell them I love them both. And, we’ll see them in August.”)

From that moment on, everything between the couple was in French. Except when they were around his parents, or friends. Mary was an exception, she had taken four years of French in high school, and was still taking it in college. So, when Mary was around, the three spoke only in French.

In early August, Jason and Ronnie were shipping some items to France. There was some of Ronnie’s things, and some of Jasons’. As well as most of Jaimie’s things. On the way home from the shipping office, Jason said, “What if your mother unpacks our stuff?”

“I don’t think she will. She knows we are only staying with them until we find an apartment. And, that we don’t want to pack twice. Besides, she knows about Jaimie.”

Two weeks later Ronnie’s parents were meeting them at the airport, along with Ronnie’s friend Ariane, and her boyfriend Henri. Ariane and Ronnie greeted each other like long lost sisters. And, as Ronnie’s mother was giving her a big hug, she said, “Shanta. I unpacked the things you shipped. I hope you don’t mind. And, I noticed that Jaimie came along.”

“Mere. You shouldn’t have. You know we’re going to look for a flat.”

“I know, fille. But, I thought you might want some of these things.”

“That all right mere. You don’t mind that Jaimie is here. Do you?”

“No, fille. That’s between you and Jason. But, pere still doesn’t know about her.”

“And, he won’t.”

As they were walking to the car, Ronnie whispered to Jason, “Mere knows that Jaimie is here, and is cool with it.”

“She unpacked our things. Didn’t she?”, Jason said.

“Yes. Mad?”

“No. Of course not. But, I told you so. Didn’t I?”

As Ariane and Henri were helping carry Ronnie’s and Jason’s bags to her old room, Ariane took Ronnie aside, and whispered, “Henri asked me to marry him.”

Ronnie reacted like any girl would, got very excited, and hugged Ariane. But, Ariane calmed her down, with a “Sh. No one knows, but you.”

Just then Jason and Henri walked in with the last of the bags, and Jason said, “What are you two so happy about?”

Ronnie looked at Ariane, then at Jason, then back at Ariane, and asked, “Can I tell him?”

“Can he keep a secret?”, Ariane asked.

“Better then anyone.”

“Yes.”

Looking at Jason, Ronnie said, “Ariane and Henri are getting married.”

Jason shook Henri’s hand, hugged Ariane, and said “Congratulations you two.”

Then Ronnie asked, “Have you set a date?”

Ariane looked at Henri, then at Ronnie, and said, “While you guys are here. I want you to be my maid of honor.”

“Really!?”

“Yes. You are my best friend even though you’re in America most of the time.”

Ronnie again hugged Ariane.

Jason and Henri went down to the kitchen to get something cold to drink. And, Ronnie and Ariane continued to unpack, and put clothes away. As Ariane was hanging up the last of Ronnie’s things, she noticed all the feminine clothes, she said, “You sure brought enough clothes with you.”

“We’re going to be here until after Christmas. And, you never know where we’re going to be going while we’re here.”

“You must have four times the clothes that Jason has.”

“You know boys. They never change their clothes.”, Ronnie said with a smile, as she thought, ‘Love. If you only knew.’

Ariane picked up a suitcase that Ronnie recognized as the one containing Jaimie’s special things. Breast forms, glue, wigs, and other things. Ronnie though quickly, so that Ariane wouldn’t open it, and said, “Here, let me put that in the back of the closet. We won’t need that until we move to the flat. I wish mere hadn’t unpacked all of this. We’ll just have to re-pack it to move.”

Ariane handed the box to Ronnie, as she asked, “What are you going to do while Jason’s working?”

“I thought that I’d find a part time job, and maybe take some classes at the university.”

Two weeks later Ronnie and Jason were moving into a furnished flat, and just like at home, it was only a couple of blocks from the university, and close to transportation to Jason’s work. Ronnie had found a part time job, and was taking a couple of graduate level courses. Jason along with his job, was taking a course to improve his French.

The one problem that the couple had was Jaimie. Jaimie just couldn’t be around as much as they would like her to be. And, it wasn’t because they didn’t try. It was because Ariane was around. To the point of almost being a pest. She would drop in unannounced on weekday evenings. Saturdays she was around most of the day. Sunday she would find them at church, and hang around until they went to Ronnie’s parents.

One day just after Ariane had left, Jason finally said, “I can’t take this much longer.”

“What honey?”, Ronnie asked.

“Ariane. I know she’s your best friend. But, I have someone inside me that wants out.”

“I know love. I want Jaimie too.”

“Does she have to be around all the time? What about her and Henri. Don’t they have a life?”

“Yes. But, you know he’s gone a lot on business. And, she’s lonely.”

“I know. But, we need our time together too.”

“Ronnie and Jaimie?”

“And, Ronnie and Jason. I miss just cuddling up with you for an evening alone.”

“I know honey. I’ll have a talk with her.”

“No. I’ll live with it. I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

“She’ll understand.”

“No. Just drop it.”

“If you say so.”

A few days later at dinner, Ronnie said to Jason, “Honey, what would you say if I told Ariane about Jaimie?”

“You didn’t! Did you?”

“We were talking the other day. And, the conversation drifted to people with an alternate life style. And, . . . ”

- End Chapter 10 -

Notes:

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