Back with real friends, and Jason’s family. And, is it . . .
Salt & Pepper, Sugar & Spice
Chapter 14
Real Friends.
That evening as Ronnie’s mother was making dinner, she had also been in deep thought about what Ronnie had told her. She was sitting at the kitchen table when her husband walked in from work, saw the look on her face, and had asked, “Maryann. Is something wrong?”
“Ronnie told me something today.”, Maryann replied.
“Is anything wrong?”
“No. But, it’s something that I need to talk to someone about. Sit, and I’ll tell you.”
Ronnie’s dad pulled up a chair, sat down across the kitchen table from his wife, and asked, “What’s going on?”
“You remember Amy? Ronnie’s friend in the States.”
“Of course I do.”
“She and Ronnie had a lesbian affair in high school.”
He sat there for a minute in thought, and then asked, “How long did it last?”
“It was a one time thing.”
“Were they experimenting?
“Ronnie, I think, yes. It was right after she broke up with the boyfriend she had just before she met Jason. But, she told me that Amy is bisexual.”
“Why did she tell you?”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s been bothering her. We were just talking, and she told me.”
“Does Jason know?”
“Yes. I guess he’s known for a long time.”
“Is he all right with it?”
“Yes. He loves her very much, and can overlook many things.”
“And, it was a one time thing with Amy?”
“Yes.”
“Why are you telling me?”
“You’re her father, and I needed someone to talk to. And, I knew that you would understand.”
He sat there in thought for a few minutes, then said, “I guess, if it was a one time thing, and Jason understands, then we should just let it go.”
On Sunday, as had become a tradition, Ronnie and Jason met her parents for a late morning Mass at the parish church, then afterwards they would go out for lunch, and back to the Guischard home for the afternoon, and dinner.
This Sunday as they were leaving the church, Ronnie had noticed that her father was a little distant, she took her mother aside, and asked, “Mere. Is there something wrong with pere?”
“No honey. Why?”
“He seems distant. Like something’s bothering him. And, he hasn’t said much.”
“We had a talk last night.”
“About what mere?”
“You.”
“Me?”
“We talked about what you told me yesterday.”
“Mere! Why . . . why didn’t you tell me earlier? What did you tell him?”
“I had to talk with someone about it. And, I only told him about your time with Amy in high school.”
“Nothing about Jaimie or Ariane?”
“No fille, that’s for you to do. If you want to.”
“He’s going to hate me.”
“No. No, he won’t. You’re his little girl. And, he loves you very much.”
Just then Jason walked up, saw the look on Ronnie’s face, and asked, “Honey, what’s wrong?”
“Mere told pere about Amy and me.”
“What about you two?”
“Our lesbian thing in high school. She said that she needed to talk to someone.”
“How did he take it?”, Jason asked Ronnie’s mother.
“We talked about it. And, I thought he was all right with it. But, he’s been too quiet this morning?”
“Mere.”, Ronnie asked, “Should I talk to him?”
“Maybe you should.”
“Do you think you can?”, Jason asked.
“I think.”, Ronnie said, “Mere has always been my confidant. But, pere and I have always been able to talk.”
Ronnie looked around to find where her dad was, and saw that he was talking to a couple of his friends. Then she looked back at Jason and her mom, took a deep breath, and said, “I’ll be back.”
“Fille. It’ll be fine.”, Ronnie’s mother said.
“I hope.”
As they watched Ronnie walk toward her father, Jason asked, “Does he know about Ariane or me?”
“No. I told Ronnie that it was up to her to tell him, if she wanted to.”
They continued to watch as Ronnie walked up to her father, greeted his friends, and then a few minutes later started walking the church grounds with her father. They saw her father put his arm around her shoulders, in a fatherly way. They stopped out of ear shot of anyone else, and looked at each other. They could tell that Ronnie was pouring her heart out to him. Finally they saw them exchange a long hug, and walk back toward them.
On the way to the restaurant for lunch, Jason was finally able to ask Ronnie, “How did it go?”
“Fine. I told him about Amy. Also, I told him that Ariane tried to seduce me, and that’s why she isn’t around any longer. I didn’t tell him what actually happened with her or what we did. But, I did tell him that Ariane and I were no longer friends. The only thing he asked was, did you know, how you felt about it, and if I’d confessed. I told him that we did visit Pere James.”
“Nothing about Jaimie?”
“No. I thought that was best left out.”
After they were back at the Guischard home, Ronnie and her mom went to the kitchen. And, Jason and Ronnie’s father went to watch soccer on television. During the game, Ronnie’s father asked Jason, “Ronnie told me that you knew about her affair with Amy?”
“Yes. She told me before we were married.”
“And, you don’t have a problem with it?”
“No sir. We had a long talk about it, and it was a one time thing.”
“What about what happened with Ariane?”
“Ronnie was very upset over that. And, it was very hard on her, telling her best friend that she no longer wanted to see her. We even visited a psychologist at the university to help her.”
They talked a little more about it, then went back to watching the game, and nothing more was said.
On their way home, Ronnie asked, “Did dad say anything?”
“We had a little chat during the game.”
“Dad talked during the game?”
“I know. His team was even playing the best game that they had in a long time.”
“How did he seem?”
“I think he was all right. He didn’t seem upset or anything.”
For the remainder of their time in France, it wasn’t unusual for Ronnie and Jaimie to be out together, in the shopping areas, at a movie, at a restaurant, or walking in the park. And, it wasn’t unusual to see Ronnie and Jason in the same places.
This Christmas was a special time for Ronnie and Jason. They drove down to the little fishing village for the Christmas Eve Mass. Spent the night in a small inn on the way back to Brest, and met Ronnie’s parents for Christmas Day Mass. After Mass, they went to the Guischard home for the rest of the day, having a big meal, and opening gifts.
When our couple finally made it back to their flat, there were still two gifts to be opened. They were sitting in the livingroom, when Ronnie got up, and said, “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be here.”, Jason quipped.
While she was gone, Jason retrieved something from under the couch, and slipped it behind a pillow. When Ronnie came back into the room, she was carrying a wrapped package. She handed it to Jason, and said, “Merry Christmas, Jaimie.”
Jason took the package, set it on his lap, pulled his package out of it’s hiding place, handed it to Ronnie, and said, “Merry Christmas, lover.”
Ronnie said, “You shouldn’t have. Open yours first.”
“No. You first.”
Ronnie slowly opened her gift. Under the wrapping was a velvet gift box. She slowly opened the box, and inside was a very pretty diamond necklace. She looked at Jason, there were tears in her eyes, and she said, “You shouldn’t have. It’s too much.”
“Love. It’s not too much for someone as special as you.”
She gave him a long kiss. Then said, “It’s so pretty. And, I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
“Now open yours.”
Jason slowly unwrapped his gift. It was a box from one of the local dress shops. Inside the box was a very pretty blouse, and a short, tight, gray skirt. Jason looked at Ronnie, smiled, and said, “This is so cute. It’ll look great.”
“I figured that you could wear it tomorrow night when we go out.”
“But, I’ll freeze in this short skirt.”, Jason said with a grin.
“Girls do it all the time.”
“Well then, I guess this girl can do it too. And, it will look really nice with the boots.”
The day after Christmas, in the evening, Ronnie and Jaimie were taking a walk through their favorite parts of Brest. They stopped at a favorite spot for a drink. And, sat in a booth in a dark corner, and necked like the two lovers that they are. And, as they walked back out onto the street, Ronnie turned to Jaimie, and gave her a deep kiss.
When they broke the kiss, Jaimie asked, “What was that for?”
“It was because I love you so much. And, I want the world to know.”
“They do.”
When they got back to their flat, Jaimie said, “I’ve been cold before. But, now my butt is even cold.”
“You have to suffer to look as cute as you do in that short skirt.”, Ronnie said, “And, I bet I know a way that I can warm you up.”
A few days after New Years, Ronnie and Jason were packing the last of their things for their move back to the States. All of Jaimie’s things had been shipped back, along with most of their things. And, they were going to stay with Ronnie’s parents for a few days before their flight.
As they were taking a last walk through the flat, checking to be sure they had everything, the phone rang. Ronnie answered it, “Hello. . . . Why are you calling me? . . . No. I won’t forgive you. You hurt me very badly. And, like I’ve already told you, I want nothing more to do with you.” And, she hung up.
Jason asked, “Ariane, I’ll bet? What did she want?”
“Yes. She wanted to make up before we left.”
“I bet that won’t happen.”
“That’s one bet that you would win.”
On their arrival back in the states, Ronnie and Jason were met by his parents, and both of his sisters. They were expecting his parents, and maybe Mary, but not Beth. Beth had moved into an apartment with her fiancee just before they had gone to France.
After all the greetings were over, Ronnie asked Beth, “Where’s Peter?”
Beth became sad, as she said, “We broke up.”
“What! Why?”
“We fought a lot, and he was very controlling.”
As she hugged her sister-in-law, Ronnie said, “Beth, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m over him, and I’m actually happier. I just wish I’d have seen this in him before, and not wasted my time.”
Ronnie could tell that Beth was still upset over the breakup, even though she was denying it.
Ronnie and Jason were staying with his parents until they found an apartment. And, that’s where all their things had been shipped. Unlike when they went to France, most of their boxes were left unopened. But, a few, that had been marked clothes, had been opened, and some of the things unpacked, and placed in the closet, and chest of drawers.
As Jason was carrying their bags to his old room, Beth followed him upstairs. She stood at the door to his room, as he set the suit cases on the bed, and opened them. She just watched him for awhile as he started to unpack, then she asked, “Can I help.”
“It’s all right sis.”, Jason replied, “There isn’t much.”
“I . . . I see Jaimie went to France with you.”
Jason turned, and looked at his sister, and asked, “How do you know?”
“I was helping mom unpack some of your things, and I opened the box with her things in it. I thought that you might have stored her things with your furniture.”
“I can go that long without becoming Jaimie. Did it bother you seeing her things?”
“Not really. At first I thought it would. But, it didn’t. You really like being her, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Mary and I had another long talk about you.”
“And?”
“And, I guess, Jaimie is really something that is part of you.”
“Yes she is. So, I’m not a freak any more?”
“I’m really sorry I called you that. You’re not a freak. I’ve learned that.”
“Thank you for that. But, I thought that you didn’t want anything to do with her?”
“I . . . I didn’t, but I guess she’s all right.”
“She is. She’s really just another part of me. Someone to have fun with.”
“Did Jaimie go out while you were in France?”
“A number of times. Even to Paris for a couple of days.”
“Is it fun being Jaimie?”
“Sure. I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t. Why all the questions?”
“I guess I’m just curious.”
“Curious about what?”
“Why you do it.”
“You know. I don’t really know why I like to dress as a girl. It just started when I was young. Actually with some of your things. And, just grew with me. It feels good when I do it. And, it feels right.”
“It feels right?”
“It’s hard to explain. It feels like I’m another person. A girl.”
“You . . . You don’t want to be a girl. Do you?”
“No. Ronnie asked me that once. I’m happy this way. Being able to switch between Jason and Jaimie.”
“And, Ronnie really enjoys this?”
“Yes. Without her, Jaimie wouldn’t exist the way she does. Ask her sometime.”
“I will.”
Just then their mother called up that dinner was almost ready, and to come down stairs. As Jason was walking past Beth, she grabbed him, and hugged him. Then, whispered, “I’m so glad you’re home.”
“Me too sis. I missed all of you.”, he whispered back.
Right after dinner Beth and Ronnie disappeared for a long time, leaving Mary and Jason to do the dishes. When they reappeared, Ronnie smiled at Jason, and mouthed, “I love you.” He just smiled at her.
As our couple was cuddling together in bed that night, Jason asked, “Where did you disappear to with Beth?”
“She wanted to talk.”
“About what?”
“You and me. Her and Peter.”
“Us?”
“Actually Jaimie.”
“What did you tell her?”
“Everything.”
“Everything?”
“Well almost everything. I left out the really juicy parts. And, she asked one very interesting question.”
“What was that?”
“How she could find someone as gentle as you.”
“You’re kidding?”
“No. I guess that Peter wasn’t very nice to her.”
“Like what?”
“He beat her.”
“What!”
“Please don’t tell her I told you. I promised her that I wouldn’t. Your mom and dad don’t even know.”
“Why did she stay with him?”
“It’s one of those things. She still thought she loved him even though he hurt her physically and mentally.”
“That son of a bitch.”
“That’s mild to what I called him. But, he’s gone now, actually moved out of state.”
“Good riddance. I hope I never see him. Is Beth all right?”
“Physically, yes. But, mentally, I’m not sure. We had a good cry together. And, she said that she felt a lot better now that we were back. I did suggest that she see Mark.”
“So, Beth wants to find a crossdresser?”
“No. I don’t think so. She just knows how gentle you are, and wants someone like you.”
“How gentle am I?”
“Gee lover, I don’t know. Just how gentle are you? Why don’t you show me, then I’ll tell you.”
Almost an hour later, Jason asked, “So, how gentle am I?”
“Like a butterfly landing on a hand. But, what you do, drives me absolutely crazy.”
Within a week our couple had found an apartment, again not too far off campus, and had settled in. Jason still had one term to complete before graduating. Their first guests were Amy and Linda, who were over for Friday night pizza and wine.
Amy and Linda listened intently to what Ronnie and Jason told them about their stay in France. Amy became upset with the way Ariane had treat Ronnie. But, loved what they did to her, after they got over the shock of Ronnie allowing herself to be recorded having sex with her. Linda actually quipped, “Can we see?”
“No.”, Ronnie replied, “No one is going to see that ever again.”
“But, lover.”, Jason said with a grin, “I was going to set up a web page, and sell it on-line.”
With a glare that only Ronnie could come up with, she said, “Pas drá´le, amant! (Not funny, lover!)”
“Désolé. Vous savez que je blague. (Sorry. You know I was kidding.)”
“Hey, you two.”, Amy said, “English.”
Ronnie said, “Sorry. But, we’re use to French. And, sometimes it just comes out when I get a little upset. I just told Jason that it wasn’t funny. And, he said, that he was joking and was sorry.”
Changing the subject, Linda asked, “So, Jaimie was out in public a lot.”
“Yes. It was a lot of fun. Not worrying about someone recognizing you, or Ronnie being seen out with a girl, and kissing in public.”
“Kissing in public. You two are so bad.”, Amy said.
“We did get some real looks.”, Ronnie said, “A lot of frowns, and some smiles.”
“Are you still worried about being read?”, Linda asked Jason.
“You know, not really.”, Jason replied, “Especially when we were in Brest. Here maybe a little. But, I got to the point that I didn’t care. I was being my feminine self, and if someone read me. Oh well. They’d get over it. In fact I think the way I was treated at the drag club in Paris that had a lot to do with it.”
Ronnie added, “You should have seen him, I mean her, she was one-hundred percent girl. The girl that had read her our first time at the club, couldn’t believe that Jaimie was really a guy. If anyone should have been able to read her as a guy, she should have. And, I didn’t care if anyone thought we were a lesbian couple or not.”
“It looks to me,”, Amy said, “as if Jaimie is now really her own person. And, that the four months in France brought her out completely as a girl. That is so cool.”
“Speaking of four.” Linda said, “When are the four amigos going out?”
“You pick it.”, Jason said.
“Or, do you want to make it the six amigos?”
“Six?”
“Sara and Vicki.”
“You want to turn the six of us girls loose on this city? That could get dangerous.”
“Dangerous, but fun.”
Amy helped Ronnie take the dishes to the kitchen, and while they were there, Amy quietly said, “I felt a pang of jealousy when you told us about Ariane.”
“Really?”, Ronnie replied.
“Yes. I didn’t think I still felt that way about you.”
“Love. We had a one time thing, and I loved it. But, I have my girls’ lover in Jaimie. And, my guys’ lover in Jason.”
“I know you do. And, I love Linda as much as you love Jaimie.”
“Maybe it was more a pang of disgust for what Ariane was doing?”
“No. I felt that too.”
“Love. I will never, ever, cheat on Jason again. It just hurt both of us too much.”
“I know, and I would never ask you to do that. I just had to tell you.”
“I know. It’s good to talk about things.”
Amy looked at Ronnie, and gave her a sisterly kiss.
When they walked back into the living room, Ronnie asked, “Well when are we going out on the town?”
Linda looked at Amy, and said, “Tomorrow night?”
“Fine by me.”, Amy replied.
Ronnie said, “Sounds good. What about Sara and Vicki?”
“Call them.”
Ronnie picked up the phone, made a call, and after a bunch of welcome backs, and how are you, exchanges, she asked Sara and Vicki to join them tomorrow night for a girl’s night out. As she hung up, Ronnie said, “I hope this town is ready for the six of us.”
“They need to know that we’re back in town.”, Jason said with a grin.
On Saturday evening everyone was meeting at Ronnie and Jason’s apartment. And, seeing it was January everyone was dressing for the cold weather. Jaimie was wearing the same outfit she had worn on her last outing in Brest, but had added a pair of silky opaque black tights. It looked so good with the short tight gray shirt, and the low-cut black top. And, when she added the retro shoes, that she had purchased in France, and Jaimie was ready to go out on the town. Ronnie seeing her, said, “Girlfriend, you look so good.”
“Thanks lover. At least I’m going to look good, and be warm.”
Once they were all at the apartment, and all the greetings were over, they were off to dinner. It was to a small restaurant, and a nice meal. And, like they had done with Amy and Linda, our couple filled Sara and Vicki in on their time in France. The trip to Paris for Halloween, going out as two girlfriends, shopping, the trouble with Ariane, etc. Vicki told them that she had heard back from the psychologist that they had visited, and knew a lot of what had gone on. Vicki did agree, that the way they handle Ariane wasn’t the best, but that it was over. And, that it was good that they found out about Ronnie’s strong bisexual tendencies.
After dinner Sara and Vicki took everyone to a new club that had opened while our couple was in France. The club had a really diverse clientele, couples, singles, straight, gay, lesbian, and so on. Finding a table for six took a little while, but they finally did. There was an all girls band playing, they were really good, and the dance floor was crowded.
Vicki leaned over to Ronnie, and whispered, “I heard that one of the girls in the band, isn’t a girl.”
Ronnie looked very closely at the band, and said, “I can’t tell.”
“I know.”
The girls danced, drank, and just had a good time. Once, while Sara and Ronnie were dancing, four guys walked up. And, Jaimie whispered to Vicki, “I’m surprised it took so long.”
One of the guys said, “Hi ladies. My name’s Bill. Would you lovely ladies like some company?”
“Not really.”, Jaimie said.
“Oh come on. We’ve been watching the six of you all night, and you need some male companionship.”
“Love. We’re fine. And, we are just having a girl’s night out.”
“But, honey, it won’t be any fun afterwards.”
“Afterwards?”
“Sure. You know, when you go home.”
Just then, Sara and Ronnie walked up, and Sara asked, “What’s up?”
“Oh. Bill here, and his friends, thought we’d like their company, and maybe to go home with them.”
“Oh really.”, Ronnie said in a sexy way, with a nice smile.
“Yea.”, Bill said, “We thought that six lovely ladies like you might like some male company.”
“Billy.”, Jaimie continued, “Why don’t you just come out and tell us what you want, and that‘s to pick us up, and have sex with us?”
“Ah . . . Ah . . . “
“Billy. Sweetheart. Just ask.”
Bill looked at his friends a little nervously. It was the first time that he’d run into girls that were so forward. One of his friends, who looked to be the drunkest, said, “Go on Bill, ask.”
The six girls were all looking at the guys, and smiling. And, Jaimie said, “Billy. Cat got your tongue?”
“Ah . . . No. Ah . . . Would you guys like to join us, and then go have sex with us?”
“Billy boy. First we’re not guys. We’re ladies. And, second, we’re not interested in guys. Remember, I said that we were having a girl’s night out?”
“Yea.”
Billy’s drunk friend said, “Are they lesbians?”
“Billy.”, Jaimie said, “Your friend, even though he’s drunk, is very perceptive.”
Jaimie started pointing at the girls. Pointing at Vicki, she said, “Lesbian.” Pointing at Sara, she said, “Lesbian.” Pointing at Amy, she said, “Bi. But, really prefers girls.” Pointing at Linda, she said, “Lesbian.” Pointing at Ronnie, “We’re not really sure about her, but she knows how to drive a girl crazy.” Then pointing at herself, she said, “A full blown, died in the wool, lesbian. And, I want nothing to do with guys, their egos, or what’s between their legs.”
Bill looked for his friends, and they had already slunk away. And, as he backed away, he said, “Sorry ladies.”
The six girls had a good laugh over it. And, then Vicki said, “You surprise me, Jaimie.”
“Why?”, Jaimie asked.
“I never thought that I’d ever see you this way. You stood up for yourself, and us, to those guys. A lot of girls would have just accepted their invitation, at least for a drink.”
“I learned a lot about myself in France. You have to be who you are, and not let anyone push you around. Be who you are, and not worry about what others think.”
Ronnie added, “You should have seen her at the Halloween party when this guy hit on her. She showed him her fangs, and told him that he was the wrong sex for her, and that if he liked, she’d help him change his.”
“Girlfriend.”, Linda said, “Are you the same girl that I met a few years ago.”
Looking at Linda, and smiling, Jaimie said, “No. I’ve found myself. I know who I am. Who I love. Who my friends are.”
“Has she ever!”, Ronnie said, “She’s even surprised me. I thought at one time that I had a stay at home girlfriend. But, was I ever wrong. She’s become a very outgoing person. She loves to go out to dinner, to movies, for walks, and the shopping we won’t even talk about.”
“So.”, Vicki asked, “Is Jason going to start living full time as Jaimie.”
Jaimie looked at Ronnie, then said, “No. Like the doctor in France told us, I could easily do it. But, there are people who I really care about, that would never understand, and I don’t want to hurt them. I think Ronnie could live with it, and so could I. But, as long as I get chances like tonight, and at home, I’m happy. And, what adds to it, is being able to share it with good friends.”
Ronnie took Jaimie’s face in her hands, looked at her, and then gave her a long kiss. Linda, who was sitting on the other side of Jaimie, after Ronnie broke the kiss, also gave Jaimie a kiss. The kiss was nothing like Ronnie’s. Just a friend kissing a friend.
The other three girls just looked at Jaimie, and Amy finally said, “Jaimie. When I first met you in high school, I never knew such a pretty, nice, and friendly girl was inside you. I thought you were a typical boy. Little did I know that I had another girlfriend, who my best friend would bring out to her full feminine beauty. Jaimie, you are a wonderful friend.”
The others smiled more, and Amy picked up her glass, and said, “A toast to a very pretty girl, a fantastic woman, and an even better friend.”
The others joined in the toast. Jaimie actually blushed, and started to cry. Ronnie looked at her, and said, “Love. You’re going to ruin your makeup.”
“I can’t help it.”, Jaimie replied, “You guys are so wonderful.”
“Remember. Like you told Bill and his friends, not guys, but girls.”, Sara said.
This brought a smile to everyone. Jaimie carefully wiped the tears away, but Ronnie said, “All right girlfriend, to the ladies room. We need to fix your makeup.
Ronnie and Jaimie walked together to the ladies room, and before Jaimie redid her makeup, they exchanged a deep kiss. And, then Ronnie said, “Lover. You are the greatest.”
“Baby.”, Jaimie replied, “It’s all thanks to you. You saw something, and helped nurture it. And, we’ve had some problems, but we’ve worked through them. You make me so happy.”
Jaimie then spent a few minutes redoing her makeup, and then they rejoined the others.
Just as they were walked out of the ladies room, Ronnie grinned, and said, “You surprised me when you let Linda kiss you?”
“Why?”
“Well. She’s really a guy.”
“No she’s not. In my eyes, she more of a girl than I am.”
“Really?”
“You know she is.”
“I know. So, it was a girl kiss.”
“You know it.”
That night, as Ronnie and Jaimie were laying in bed, Ronnie said, “I know I’ve asked you this before. But who are Jason and Jaimie?”
Jaimie looked at her, and replied, “Both are someone who loves you more than life itself. Both are complicated. Both love who they are. And, both want more happy years with you than exist in time.”
“Why do you love me?”
“Love, enough of the questions for tonight.”
Jaimie kissed Ronnie, and . . .
The next few years were a very happy time for our couple, with the exception of Ronnie’s remaining grandparents passing away within a year of each other. They found out that Jason wouldn’t have to keep his promise about moving to France, as Ronnie’s parents, when her dad retired, were moving back to the States.
Jason did graduate from college, and went to work for Briard. But in a different area than his father worked. The department that he worked for did secret research, and it required Jason to travel to France a few times a year. And, when he did Ronnie usually went along, as did Jaimie. There was just something about being Jaimie when Ronnie wasn’t around that just didn’t feel right. So, if Ronnie couldn’t go, Jaimie didn’t either.
And, when Ronnie and Jaimie had time, on their visits to France, they’d visit the drag club in Paris. And, Rose always welcomed them with open arms. She even got Jaimie up on stage a couple of times to perform. And, Jaimie actually had a great time doing it.
The six amigos where always going out on the town. Dinner, clubs, and movies. But, the special times were when Ronnie and Jaimie had their time alone. They would do the movie, and dinner thing. There were the walks through the park, the shopping as two girlfriends, and just being together at home.
There was one small glitch in the relationship between Ronnie and Jaimie, and her name was Mary Beth. Mary Beth was born almost exactly ten years after Jason and Ronnie were married. Ronnie had difficulty becoming pregnant, and after Mary Beth was born they found out that Ronnie wouldn’t ever be able to become pregnant again.
Mary Beth’s full name was Mary Beth Renae Guischard Blackwell, a real mouth full for a little girl. But, we know who she’s named after.
Mary Beth’s arrival, at first, didn’t put a crimp into Jaimie being around. But, as she got older, it was hard for Jason to be Jaimie around the house like he use to do. But, there was no end to someone willing to baby sit, Jason’s mother was always ready to be with her granddaughter. And, his sisters, yes both Mary and Beth, were happy to sit with their name sake. And, if they weren’t going out with them, Mary Beth’s godparents, Amy and Linda, were always willing.
When Mary Beth was very young, Jason could become Jaimie at home before going out, as Mary Beth went to bed early. This continued until one evening, when Mary Beth was about six, and Jaimie’s mother was over to baby sit while our couple went out.
Jaimie, Ronnie, and Jaimie’s mother were in the kitchen chatting, when they heard a little voice say “Mommy. Who’s the pretty lady?”
Jaimie looked at Ronnie with a look of panic. But, Ronnie just smiled at Jaimie, and said to Mary Beth, “Honey what are you doing up?”
“I heard you talking with nana. Mommy, who’s the pretty lady?”
“That’s mommy’s friend Jaimie. And, you need to go back to bed sweetheart.”
Mary Beth ran over to her mother, who picked her up. Then Mary Beth said, “Can you and the pretty lady tuck me in?”
“Sure honey. But, then you have to be good for nana, and stay in bed.”, Ronnie said.
“I will mommy.”
Ronnie carried Mary Beth back to her bedroom followed by Jaimie. And, as Ronnie was tucking her in, Mary Beth said, “Goodnight pretty lady.”
“Goodnight Mary Beth. Sweet dreams.”, Jaimie said.
Still looking at Jaimie, Mary Beth asked, “Can I have a goodnight kiss?”
Jaimie looked at Ronnie, and Ronnie just smiled. Jaimie then bent down, and gave Mary Beth a little kiss.
As Ronnie and Jaimie were walking out of Mary Beth’s room, and closing the door, Ronnie said, “Sleep tight baby.”
“Night mommy. Night pretty lady.”
As they walked back into the kitchen, Jaimie said, “That really scared me.”
“Why?”, Ronnie asked.
“I thought for sure she’d figure out who I was.”
“Honey. She was very sleepy, and you do look like a pretty lady.”
“Jaimie.”, her mother said, “She was fine with you. She was so sleepy that she probably won’t even remember you in the morning.”
From then on Jason changed at either Amy and Linda’s, or at Sara and Mark’s (Vicki). Or, if Mary Beth was having a sleep over at her nana’s, she would still change at home.
Jason and Ronnie did talk about telling Mary Beth about her dad. But, had decided to wait until she was older, and could understand it. If they did tell her at all.
One of the interesting things that happened was with Jason’s sister Beth. Beth became very accepting of Jaimie, and actually looked forward to seeing her. She treated Jaimie as a girlfriend, and went out with them a few times. And, then there were the special present on Jason’s birthday.
Jason’s sisters, Mary and Beth, did find the loves of their lives, and both married. But, they still had time to spend with Ronnie, Jaimie, and Mary Beth. And, Mary Beth did end up with cousins to play with.
Authors note: And, yes it is. It’s the final chapter of the story of our two lovers, Ronnie and Jason/Jaimie. Jason has evolved to a point where he is very comfortable when he’s Jaimie, and Jaimie has become a very self assured woman. Jason/Jaimie and Ronnie are very secure in their relationship. They have some great friends, who know about Jaimie, and Ronnie’s bi tendencies. They both have family that knows about them. And, most important, they love each other. Hope you enjoyed the story.
Someone asked me to go on for 400 chapters with Salt & Pepper. And, that was sweet. But, fourteen chapters felt good for this story. My story of Mike and Sam spawned a sequel, and maybe Salt & Pepper, Sugar & Spice will too, or maybe a book two. Will it be about their daughter Mary Beth? I doubt it, but you never know. Or, more about Jason and Ronnie. Only time will tell.
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Comments
effects of time
Like Bobbie Sue, I read this almost ten years after its first appearance. I must say that time has added a feel to it like old china. It remains a beautiful story. and love that it was complete before being introduced to it. thanks for presenting this material in a gentle but credible fashion.
An airport scene
repeatedly during the development of this story, there were departures from loved ones at the airport and the sadness this means to the traveler and the person left behind. This ending reminds me of that. It has been a pleasant journey from beginning to end and it's finality will leave an empty place in me until I get to see a new day: another tale written by this author. Thank you again for a delightful journey.
Great Story!!
I really enjoyed the whole thing. I waited until the end to comment because I don't have the endurance you do -- to write fourteen instalments? -- I can't do it. I'm not creative enough to think of fourteen different things to say. But I can appreciate the work of someone like you who CAN do it.
Thank you so much for sharing your talent with those of us who have none but can only enjoy a good read.
Yours from the Great White North,
Jenny Grier (Mrs.)
x
Yours from the Great White North,
Jenny Grier (Mrs.)
All I can say is:
Thank you for such a lovely story, Teddie. It's been a sweet ride that I enjoyed very much. At times I was concerned for the three of them, but it all came out right in the end. Bless you, dear.
Hugs!
Karen J.
Change is inevitable, except from vending machines
"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.”
George Carlin
Lovely Wrap-Up
Tears of joy, tears of sorrow
The story was fun
But now it's done
No more to read for tomorrow
Saddened by the End
... I just love your story so much Teddie I am hurting a little inside that it has ended. While it went on, I was always looking for your story being posted on BC. It was like coming home. It was comfortable and fun to read, very tender to my heart. Now... its over. *cry*
I wish Jaimie and Ronnie the very best and am very glad I had the chance to live inside Jaimie and experience both of their lives. I am really looking forward to whatever you write next Teddie.
*waves goodbye to Jaimie and Ronnie*
Sephrena Miller
This was an excellent story a
This was an excellent story and I enjoyed it tremendously. I eagerly look forward to your next adventure.
Thanks everyone.
I want to thank everyone for their great comments. Salt & Pepper has become my favorite story, and your comments helped me write this,
Hugs,
Teddie
well finally
Sorry it took so long for me to read
Thanks Teddie,
A lovely end to a lovely story.
with love,
HER
with love,
Hope
Once in a while I bare my soul, more often my soles bear me.
Truly outstanding.
Teddies S.
You did an outstanding job! I can't say enough good things about you style and handling of some really delicate areas. Even though I am reading a long time after it was written, it will never grow old.
Bobbie Sue
Hi Bobbie Sue,
Hi Bobbie Sue,
Thank you for the comment. This is one of my favorite stories too. And I do go back and reread it from time to time.
Hugs,
Teddie