Kira - Chapter 17

Part One - Back at home.

Marla and I hugged as we split up and went to our separate cars. I was playing with my new necklace and deep in thought.

"A penny for your thoughts, young lady."

"Oh it's nothing, mom. Not really. I was just thinking about everything and how everything happened and I just sort of got lost in my thoughts."

"Like what, dear?"

"Well, if all of what happened in the past, didn't happen, and I started to grow breasts, what would you have done?"

"I would have taken you to the doctor and had you examined."

"Why didn't you ever take me to a doctor before?"

"I don't know sweetie, I just don't know."

"Well, that is all forgotten now, anyway. You know mother, it is too bad that Daddy and Danny can't spend the weekend away every now and then. That way you, Katie and I could have a girls night in now and then."

"That is a great idea, Kira. I will talk your father about it, and see what we can come up with. Oh we could have so much fun having a girls night in. We'll watch television, do each other's hair and nails, and talk dirty about boys and men," we both giggled. "We could order pizza and just have a wonderful time without the men being there.

"I'm not sure just what happened, but I see more clearly now. I guess after being blind for so long, and your eyes are suddenly opened, you kind of forget about the past, because it seems so long ago and so far away. But anyway, I am your mother and you are my daughter, and we are going to make the best of it. Did you keep my sewing machine, as well?"

"Yes, mother. Daddy has everything of yours, including your clothes. He always knew someday you would be back with us, he just didn't realize it would be so soon. I knew you weren't a bad person, you just needed a little oompf in the right direction."

"Are you sure you're only fourteen years old?"

"Yes, mother."

"Mmhmmm fourteen going on forty. I know I heard this before, but tell me, dear. How do the kids treat you at school?"

"They treat me like a girl. See mother, while everybody knew who I was, and you were the only one who was adamant that I wasn't, I decided to make sure you saw that your way was wrong. I am sorry about the jail thing, but I had to show you that I was your daughter. Mom, I really do care about you and I do really love you, too."

"Thank you, dear. That means more to me than you will ever know."

Mother parked in front of the house, and Katie and Danny came out to meet us. Katie and Danny each grabbed a bag, and then Katie saw my necklace and earrings, and screamed.

"Sis, are those re...real...uhm...diamonds?"

"Yes, sis, they are. Mom bought them for me at Kay's in the mall. But I am going upstairs and put them away. I am wearing them for mom and daddy's wedding." Katie gave me a sisterly hug.

"I always knew they would be back together again. Daddy never stopped loving her, even in her, well, he has always loved her."

"What was that, Katie? Your father never stopped loving me?"

"No, mother, daddy has always kept you in his heart. Now that you are back with us, he hasn't been happier."

"You all wanted me to come back to our family?"

"Yes, mother, but it was Kira who fought even with us to get you here. She is so adorable when she is on one of her quests as we have come to call them. But her quest to get you back home again seemed to consume most of her time when she wasn't in school. All she could think about, mother, was you."

"You did that for me? Oh honey, you are such an angel."

Mother gave me a big hug. I now understood more listening to mother talk. She really didn't know she was doing wrong. Well, family love will be the best therapy she can ever get. Love is the best medicine there is. We got my things put away, and then went back downstairs.

"Well, there isn't much to do until dinner, and I do have your father's credit card."

"Mom, he will not only kill you but us too and bury our bodies where we'll never be found."

"Oh pffft, it's just a shopping trip. We're not going to buy out the whole mall."

"Right, just a store or two."

"Now Danny. If you were a girl you'd understand better."

"But mom, if we're going to make it a family affair, shouldn't we wait for dad to get home?"

"You're right, Danny, of course we will wait for your father."

Daddy came a couple of hours later and mom got up to meet him with a kiss. We just sat there and smiled at the closeness that we had had a seemingly long, long time ago.

"Steve, we were just talking about going out shopping, and maybe making it a family affair. We could have dinner out instead of cooking. Then we wouldn't have to worry about dishes or cleanup. What do you say, darling?"

"I think that is a good idea. Is this a sort of an extension of the shopping you and Kira did?"

"Yes, sort of."

"Daddy, mom got me the most delicious necklace and earring set you ever seen. Wait here and I will get them." I went upstairs and put on my necklace and earrings. Then I went back downstairs to show daddy. "Mom bought these for me at Kay's in the mall. Aren't they just simply beautiful?"

Daddy smiled, "yes, punkin, they are."

"Mom said this was for all the birthday presents she missed."

Daddy turned away from us, and I could see his arm go up by his eyes. "Lillian, I love you not because we are getting re-married, but because you still have that kind heart. It may have had a rest for a while, but you have it back. Thank you for making Kira's day a special one. I agree, everyone, we should all go out to the mall, and we can get something while we're out. Is everybody ready?" We all said we were. "Then let's get going."

We all got in the car, and buckled our seatbelts, and daddy drove us all to the mall. Daddy had to park several aisles and parking spaces from the rear door or J.C. Penny, which is on the upper parking level. We entered the mall through J.C. Penny's and we looked around the store. Daddy and Danny went to look at fishing gear, while mom, Katie and I looked through dress after dress, skirt after skirt, top after top, and then we ended up in shoes. We tried on several pair, and then we decided that a pair of black slingbacks with open toes, would work with my diamonds. I figured alright, but I said I needed a pair to go with my rose brides maid gown.

"We're going to be wearing rose gowns, sis? That is so cool. What is mom wearing?" I whispered in her ear. "I think that is so cool, mom. When are we going to get fitted?"

"Well, your father will pick up the marriage license on Friday, and the wedding will be a week from that. Actually a week from Saturday. So we have this week to get fitted."

"Mother, I think that you and daddy getting married again is just simply beautiful and so romantic. It is so wonderful having you with us again."

"Thank you, Katie, I am really happy to be home again."

Mom decided that we needed a few special dresses, so we started looking at J.C. Penny first. We made mental notes of the ones we looked at, and then went to find daddy and Danny. We found them both in looking at electronics.

"Well, are we looking for a new television set?"

"Oh, uhm hey ladies. Yes, I was, actually. I was also thinking of putting on in our bedroom as well."

"That sounds really good, Steve. I think we could use one in every bedroom, so that if there is something the children want to watch, they can and then they won't argue about which program to watch."

"Yes, Lillian, but I'm just a lawyer, not one of the Rockerfellers. I say we get one for Kira's room, and one for our room. The one downstairs Danny can use if we want to watch something he doesn't. Katie and Kira can watch the tv in Kira's room, until we can get one for each room. How does that sound to everyone?"

"It sounds like a plan, daddy. Besides Kira and I should get to bond with each other. There hasn't been much time for bonding with all of the court and things."

"It's alright, Katie, we girls will have a lot of time to bond. I am going to talk to your father tonight about our girls night in plan. Girls, we will bond, because I am actually very happy to be home. I have a very handsome husband to be, a wonderful son, and two very pretty daughters. So, Steve, are we getting the tv's now, or are we going to wait here for the next model to come out?" Everybody laughed and giggled.

"Alright, Lillian, alright. We will get them two now, and in a few months we will get the other two. Is that agreeable to everyone?" We all said yes.

Daddy and Danny took the two sets we agreed on, and the man behind the counter rang them up, and Daddy bought the extended warranty for each, then daddy and Danny carried the two sets out to the car. This was going to be crowded because daddy said they couldn't put them in the trunk, so we had to hold them and a thirty eight inch tv set is not easy to hold, especially two of them and five people in the car.

We got them home, after a very uncomfortable ride, and then daddy and Danny set them up. Daddy set mine up with parental controls, so that means I couldn't access certain channels. Like I would want to in the first place. Anyway, I had my own tv set, and I was to share it with Katie until Daddy got her one.

After daddy and Danny set the two tv sets up, we all went back downstairs. Daddy looked at everyone and smiled.

"Well, I say this calls for a celebration. Who wants to go some place nice and have dinner?"

We all said me, together, and daddy said let's go. We all got back in the car, and drove out to Leo's. Actually the proper name is Leonetti's Fine Italian Cuisine. Leo is a nice man, always glad to see everyone and not just because they are customers. Leo has been invited to several of his "friends" houses for "dinner on the house" as it has become known. He has a receding hairline, and pudgy belly, but a very sweet disposition. Daddy parked half down the parking lot. Leo's was always busy. When we entered the restaurant, Leo came up to us.

"Steven, Lillian, it is good to see you again. And Kira, Katie and Danny. I have a very choice booth for all of you." I have to tell you that Leo's booths were not like you find in Big Boy's, Denny's or Omega. These booths at Leo's were spacious and you had enough arm and leg room so you could relax and enjoy your meal. "Right this way, please."

Leo knew of the divorce, he knew about the court thing, but one thing Leo never did was pry into someone else's affairs. Leo was to be even happier when he finds out that daddy and mom are getting married again, because he is going to cater the wedding. I knew that even if daddy hasn't mentioned it, because Leo minded his own business, and only knew what we told him. As we sat down, daddy told Leo what was going on.

"Leo, I have a couple of surprises for you. The first one is, you will be catering our wedding and the second is, Lillian and I are the happy couple."

Like all Italians do, he rubbed his hands together, and gave us each a hug. "It is my pleasure then, Mr. Spelling, that this is a happy occasion. Waiters! This table gets what they want and no bill. This night is on me." Leo did that from time to time, and it was our pleasure to be his friend. He always said he was lucky to have such good friends, but we considered ourselves the lucky ones. "When is the happy occasion?"

"A week from Saturday, Leo. I will want to talk to you about the menu, because I want this to be very special."

"It will be my pleasure, Steve. I will prepare a feast like you don't see on my restaurant menus."

"I will call you in a couple of days. I have to pick up the marriage license and then contact the minister. The wedding will be at our home, but I am also applying for a block party license. I am inviting the whole neighborhood."

"What about security?"

"I will take care of that. All you need to worry about is the menu and showing up." We all laughed and giggled.

"I shall send a magnum of champaigne to your table, Steve. You have to celebrate this the right way."

It was not a good idea to tell Leo that he didn't have to do that, but if you saw the look on his face when daddy said he and mom were getting married again, you would just accept his offer without complaint. I was allowed to have a half of a small goblet of the champaigne. After the waiter poured for each one of us, Katie said she would like to propose a toast.

"We were once a happy family, and we are happy again. Two of the most important people in my life are getting married again. To mom and dad, without whom we would not be here." We raised our glasses and clinked them together, and Danny and I said,"to mom and dad'. Daddy made a toast next.

"This is a happy day for all of us, my dear wife has come back to me, and my children's mother to them. Lillian Spelling, I give you our children, one of whom went to great lengths to spring the parent trap. To our children." We raised our glasses and again clinked them together, then took a sip. Then mom said it was her turn.

"This is indeed a very happy occasion. I was a fool, and I listened to dark reason, but someone I love, and who never stopped loving me, brought me out of the dark. I salute you Kira Spelling, you are an angel sent from heaven." They each took a sip of their champaigne after clinking their glasses, but I had to set mine down, because what mom had said was so beautiful, I started crying. "Oh baby, please don't cry. I really meant what I said."

"These...are...hap-py tears. What you said mom, was so beautiful that the tears just came." I got hugs from everyone, then after Katie wiped the tears away with a napkin, I pick up my champaigne glass. "To you mom."

Our dinner was not your usual restaurant meal, but a real feast. Leo had made sure that our night was a special one. Then, even though the restaurant wasn't licensed for dancing, Leo had musicians come in so mom and daddy could dance. They danced a few numbers, and then daddy said we had to be going.

"Steve, here is a pie made by me personally. I hope you all enjoy it. It is blueberry."

"Thank you, Leo, you are a good friend."

We left the restaurant and headed home. When we got home, Danny wanted to cut in to the pie, but mom said it was for tomorrow's dessert. Danny looked disappointed, but knowing Danny he would have some later tonight when everyone was sleeping. I swear, Danny is a walking refrigerator and never gains a pound.

The television in the living room was kind of disappointing next to the new ones daddy bought for us. But it was connected to the cable. A week from Saturday and we will forget that there ever was a divorce or that we were all once separated. We will be a united family again like we used to be, and mother in a few short days has come around to the way she used to be. That makes my heart so much happier.

We had a week to get our gowns fitted and the guys to get their tuxedoes, but I didn't know if daddy had bought the ring or not, yet. I will have to ask him when mom isn't around. But mom was going to be pretty. She was going to have the rose gown and the bride's maids were going to have soft pink gowns. Jessica, Darlene, Marla and Josie were going to be at our weedding too, as was Josie's mom. This I insisted on, because they were there when I needed help. Jessica, Darlene, Marla and Josie were the ones that gave me the confidence to stand up for myself. If I hadn't done that, then all of this wouldn't be happening. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, softly of course, just to make sure I am not dreaming. But after I had begun to think about mom not being really cruel, and fighting for her to come home, seemed an awful lot like a different version of the parent trap. I had seen The Parent Trap, Parent Trap 2 both with Hayley Mills, and the first remake of The Parent Trap with Lindsey Lohan. This was her first motion picture, and she did really good in it. But I had brought my parents together again by myself. Mother has come a long way in just a few days, and to be truthful, I knew she would, once she saw me for how my body really is.

When all of this started, I had no idea that I was physically female. I just thought I was a transgendered male, needing to be female. Well, everything worked out and we got to the truth. In just eight days we are going to be reunited again for the last time. That is what family love is all about; it comes from the heart. The necklace and earring set mom bought for me was a real surprise. I thought maybe she would get me a necklace and earrings from like Walmart or one of those little stores that sell a lot of costume jewelry. But not my mom, she took me to Kay's Jewelers and bought me a really expensive set. I can only wear them for special occasions, but it will be worth it. I have earrings and necklaces I can wear everyday, but these, because the diamonds are real, are only for special occasions. Besides, they could get stolen at school.

I went in the kitchen and looked at the calendar. There in big bold, ink pen letters someone wrote, LAST DAY OF SCHOOL. I then saw the date. Tomorrow was the last day of school for the summer. Where did this school year go to? I woke up, and it was the first day of school, then we had a mishap with mom, and we kept going to court, and court, and more court, and I cried and cried.

"Where did the school year go?" I queried out loud to myself.

"You know, dear, they say time flies when you're having fun. With everything that has happened, I am surprised that you haven't been committed to an asylum."

"Oh, me too, mom. I mean, you seem to be so much happier now, than you were when you were separated from the rest of us. See mom, I came over by daddy, Danny and Katie to visit. Then I met Jessica and the girls. The policewoman that came to the house that night, is Josie's mother. We are inviting Jessica, Darlene, Marla and Josie and Josie's mom to the wedding. Jessica, Darlene, Marla and Josie are going to be bride's maids." I gave her a hug. "We all love you mom, we do, and you seem like you are actually enjoying yourself more."

"I am sweetie, because I have a young daughter to buy for. I can still buy things for Katie too, but it is more fun buying for a teen than a teacher's aide. Besides, you, me and Katie will have a lot of shopping trips to go on. Not only that, but we will bond even further when we have talks and girls nights in, and just enjoy being a family. Thank you, Kira, for everything you have done for me." Mom started crying, and I just held her to comfort her.

Daddy and Katie came in and saw what was going on. I told them what we talked about, and they too comforted mom.

"Lillian, I love you so much I need to ask you a question."

"What, what question?"

"Will you marry me?" Mom flung her arms around daddy's neck and held on for dear life.

"Yes, you big ox, I will marry you."

Danny decided now was the time to make his entrance. He looked at Katie and me, and then at mom and daddy. He gave me a look as if to say what's going on.

"Mom and daddy just became engaged again, for the last time."

"Oh, is that all?" I promptly threw one of the place mats on the table, at him. Then I said, mocking him.

"Oh, is that all? Yes, you dumb jerk that is all. Mom and I were talking and she started crying, so when daddy and Katie came in here, daddy asked her again if mom would marry him, and she said yes to the big ox." We all laughed and giggled. "But truth be known, I was in a daze kinda. I was just wandering around, when I happened to notice that tomorrow is the last day of school."

"What? So soon? Where did the months go?"

"They flew north sis, and after tomorrow we won't have to worry about school for two and a half months."

"That means, I have to make sure I say goodbye to my students tomorrow too. Why does summer vacation come so quickly?"

I snuggled up to Katie. "It's alright sis, it took me by surprise too."

"Well, children since tomorrow is the last day of school and it is late, you should all get to bed. When you see your friends at school tomorrow you can make your summer plans." We all gave each other hugs and cheek kisses and went to our rooms for the night.

A girl never gets in bed without at least cleaning herself. I took a quick shower, and got in to my boy shorts pajama set. The shorts were a soft pink, while the cami was just a shade darker pink and had spaghetti straps. I looked at myself in the full length mirror on my closet door, and declared my hair could wait until morning. I did brush it though to keep it soft and shiny. I got under the covers and I don't remember much more than that.

I woke up in the morning to the buzzing of my alarm clock. I swung my feet out of bed, and went to pour my bath. I wanted lilac today, because it was the last day of school and there were all kinds of lilacs growing in front of houses around the school. Usually the last day of school is only half a day anyway, so why not. I was going to tell Jessica and the girls that they were invited to my parents wedding, and that Josie should bring her mother too, if she didn't have to work. After I was done making sure I smelled like a flower garden and washed all over, I patted myself dry and went to get dressed. I took out my lilac skirt and blouse, lilac lingerie, my stay up thigh high stockings, and my lilac slingbacks that had the open toe. I sat down to put on what makeup I was allowed, and then looked at myself in the mirror after getting dressed. I smiled as I said out loud, "knock em dead, girlfriend". Then I went down to breakfast.

I put an apron on over my clothes so I wouldn't get grease from the sausages on my good clothes. Then I got out the sausages and eggs, and started making breakfast. As I was putting the sausage patties in the fry pan, Katie and Danny came in. I said have a seat, and they sat down and poured their milk and juice. The coffee was being made, in case Katie wanted some. I'm not a coffee drinker, but I love a good cup of tea. Mom and daddy didn't come down until after we were finished eating and had rinsed our plates. I started to ask mom what she wanted, but she said to get my things and get to school. We all gave each other hugs, and we left for school. Now the school isn't really that far from the house, and if we leave early enough we can make it there by walking, without getting tired.

"Katie, I think we're only having a half a day today, so will you call mom and daddy and have them meet us, and we can go for lunch?"

"I'd be delighted sis. What do you think, Daniel?"

"Oh, oh, I'm in trouble now," and we all lughed and giggled.

Just then I heard Jessica's voice behind us. I turned to see Jessica, Darlene, Marla and Josie running up to us.

"Hey, girlfriend, going to a fire. What's the hurry?"

"Oh, I don't know, but I do know one thing. A week from tomorrow, you are all going to be in nice soft pink gowns, at our house as bride's maids for my mother and father who are getting married, again, for the last time. Josie ask your mom if she can get a week from tomorrow off, because she is invited too. Daddy said he is applying for a block party license because he wants to invite the whole neighborhood. Leo from Leonetti's is catering the wedding, and we will also have a few of other things too. I think daddy is going to use the security section of his law office for the security detail. That way we don't have to worry about the police unless we have to call them. The party is by invitation only. You will all receive your invitations in the mail in a few days.

But, we are going to go and get fitted for our gowns on Tuesday. So we have the weekend and Monday to do whatever."

"You mean to tell us that we are going to be bride's maids at your parents wedding?"

"Yes, Josie, all four of you and me. Katie is going to be mom's Maid of Honor. Mom has really come around since she has been home. You know I didn't think today was the last day of school before summer vacation."

"It may not have seemed so to you, Kira because of all of the court dates. But I will be willing to bet that you passed in to your sophomore year."

"That's only because I had friends and a wonderful sister who brought me my assignments. My teachers gave me class credit because they said the court dates also coincided with my school work. So I got extra credit for civics and U.S. history. The rest of my teachers knew if it wasn't for being in court and the hospital, I would have been in class. Thanks guys for all the help and being there for me when I really needed it."

"Don't thank us, we were only too happy to help. Besides that first day we met in the cafeteria, you looked really lost. Now look at you. You have single handedly brought the mountain to Mohammed. You got your mother home, you have all our respect and our parents, not to mention the teachers and the principal too. You are one dynamite lady, Kira. I will talk to my mom tonight when I get home to see if she can pull next Saturday off."

"Thanks Josie. Be at my house by nine in the morning on Tuesday so we can get our gowns fitted. All of you."

We walked in to the class room, and we were told that there would only be one class for roll call. Our home rooms. After roll call we were free to leave or we could go to the cafeteria for a school day of dancing and music, with a lunch buffet provided. We would get our report cards sent to our homes. So we decided to go to the cafeteria for the dancing. I didn't have a boyfriend, but who knows, things can change.

The dance was very good, I danced with Ken several times, and then I had asked him where his girlfriend was. He pointed over to the far end of the cafeteria where she was busy inspecting the inside of another boy's mouth with her tongue.

"Ken, if she is your girlfriend, why is she kissing Luke?"

"Because she told me we were through."

"Oh! I am sorry. I didn't want to break up anything."

"No, Kira, it's alright, really. We were kinda on the outs anyway. Do you mind if I walk you home after the dance?"

"No, not at all. Jessica, Marla, Darlene and Josie will be walking with us too."

"I don't mind at all. I just want to be with the prettiest girl in school."

"I'm hardly the prettiest, Ken."

"Oh, but you are. Your beautiful on inside as well as the outside. You have a kind heart, you're always there to help others with schoolwork if they get stuck. You have a nice figure and you don't go around shaking it at anyone just to get attention. So yes, Kira, you are the most beautiful girl in the whole school."

"What about Jessica, or Darlene? Maybe Marla, too and Josie. They are natural girls and are far prettier and more beautiful than I am."

"Shall we put it to a vote?"

"Yes, we shall. We will ask them on the way home."

"Fine, but in the meantime, let's dance."

Luke Haskell, graduated, and Ken's girlfriend, Sharon Rogers, was considered to be a runaround anyway. What was a graduating senior doing making out with a much younger freshman? Anyway, Luke was never credited with having any brains. If he had to have that credit to graduate, he would be in school forever. I helped him with his algebra in eighth grade, and he never got the basics. Oh well, I tried.

After this last dance, Ken and I went by the buffet to get something to drink. I wasn't all that hungry, and I could wait until dinner to eat. Then Ken did something I was totally, and I do mean totally, unprepared for. He took me in his arms and kissed me on my lips. After the initial shock wore off, a second later, I melted in to his arms, and we kissed. Jessica came over at that time, and went ...

"Ehem. I hate to break you two lovebirds up, but the three thirty bell just rang. It's time to go home."

"It's that late already? Where did the time go?"

"On the dance floor and in Ken's arms. Girl, can you tell me how you just happened to be in Ken's arms, kissing him like a love sick schoolgirl?"

"It just happened, and I am a love sick school girl." By then the other girls had joined us, and we all giggled while Ken laughed slightly. "Well, we have a dilemma though."

"Like what?" Jessica asked, puzzled.

"Ken asked me if he could walk me home. I said you all would be walking with us. He said that was fine, he just wanted to be with the prettiest girl in school. I told him I was hardly the prettiest."

"But you are, girlfriend. Do you know what it means to be pretty? It means you have a kind heart, you have a personality that people find enjoyable to be around, you always help others with their schoolwork, and you always get involved in our girl talk, like you were born one of us. That is what it means to be pretty and you have all of that."

"Jessica, I hate to tell you this, but I was born one of you."

She smiled when she said, "yes, girlfriend, you certainly were. But you are the prettiest girl in the school."

"What about you guys? You're all natural girls, and far more pretty than I am."

"Nonsense, besides, our boyfriends tell us the same things. Take it as a compliment, girl, you got the best catch of the now Sophomore class. Let's get going before they lock us in."

We left the school, and the six of us walked toward our houses. Ken lived not too far from me either. On the way home, this bright, sunny, June day, Ken stopped to looked at the flowers people were planting in their yards. He asked a lady if he could have a white rose, and she looked at me and smiled.

"Yes, young man. Here is a fresh one. You know white stands for purity. Enjoy it." She smiled again as she looked at me, then she winked as Ken gave me the flower.

"Here is a white rose for the purity of my beloved's heart and soul." Then he kissed me.

I didn't hear the female conspiracy being hatched by my closest friends and the lady, but I did hear the lady say, "yes, they do."

I blushed I think the brightest crimson I could get, and then we all said thank you, and we started to leave.

"Young lady, any man who voluntarily asks for a white rose for his sweetheart also has purity of heart and soul. Take this for him."

"Thank you, ma'am." I took the rose and gave to Ken, who then drew me in for another kiss.

Was this the same boy who tried to flirt with me not too long ago? Was he the one I called a love starved grade schooler? Wow! I should have tried kissing him then. But he never looked at me like I was the enemy. I guess being allowed to be who I am, just broke through so quickly, I don't think I have had time to come up for air. Ken is very nice, and I want him to meet mom and daddy.

As we were walking off of the school basketball court, Danny came up to us. I looked around for Katie, but she must be busy with last day straightening up. In September she will have a new class of students and she will be a full fledged teacher. Maybe I will go to teachers college and be a teacher like Katie, only in grade school.

When we all got to my house, I invited Ken in. He kind of hemmed and stuttered and hawed a little, but he gave up and came inside. I told him to sit on the couch, and I went in the kitchen and got us all something to drink. Daddy wasn't home yet, and I hope he didn't get stuck in court on some corporate lawsuit thing. I took one of the tv tray things and put our drinks on that, and went back to the living room.

"Ken, why don't you call your parents and tell them where you are. Ask them if you can stay for dinner."

"Uhm, I don't know, Kira, I ..."

"Oh? I'm good enough to dance with and kiss, but not good enough to have you for company at dinner. Is that how it is, Kenneth?" Yes, I was laying it on thick, but I think he saw right through that.

"You are worse than a genetic girl. You are what my dad calls my sister; a minx." He grabbed me and pulled me onto the couch and we kissed. After he kissed me, he called his parents who said they were on the way over.

Parents have bad timing. Mom wasn't home either when we got there, but no sooner did Ken start kissing me, than they walked in. Mom started talking, feigning indignation.

"So first the blood, then the boys, hey. Well young man, are you just going to sit there with your mouth open, or are you going to kiss her again?" He wasted no time locking his lips with mine.

Then when we came up for air, he called his parents. His mother said they would be delighted to come, so we had four extra places for dinner. Just then Katie walked in, and got something to drink, then came back in the living room.

"Thank the Lord in heaven, school's out, school's out, teacher let the monkeys out." Then she flopped in the recliner and just let out a big sigh.

"Sis, you look like you could use a longer vacation than just two and a half months."

"Bet on it sis. But you know what though? Come September, I will ready to go for another nine and a half months. Who is this young man, sitting so close to my sister?"

I snuggled closer to Ken. "This is Ken, my new boyfriend."

"So that's how it is, is it. I turn my back and my sister goes renegade on me." We all giggled and the guys looked at us as though we had gone mad. "So, c'mon female, spill. Is he a good kisser?"

"Mhmm, and a good dancer, and he is has muscles, and he is very nice."

"This isn't the same boy you came home crying about because he wanted to carry your books, is it?"

"One and the same, sis."

"Okay, so why is he here, instead of at home with his parents."

"Guess who's coming to dinner?"

"I loved that movie. Did you know that was Spencer Tracy's last movie before he passed away? Anyway, Ken, I'm Katie, Kira's oldest and dearest friend and her one an only big sister. I teach ninth grade history at the high school. You just weren't in any of my classes, either one of you. I wanted Kira in other classes so that way they couldn't say she was teacher's pet because I am her sister. But anyway, Ken, when your parents and sister get here, they are in for a big surprise. But I am not saying anything until they get here."

Katie no sooner said that than the doorbell rang. It was Ken's parents and his sister. When they all came in the living room, his sister saw me and Ken sitting very close to each other.

"Hi, you must be Kira, the girl who had the guts to put my errant brother in his place. Now look at the two of you. When is the wedding going to be?" I felt the warmth in cheeks that said I was blushing. "Hey, don't worry about it. I'm Sasha."

It's nice to meet you, Sasha."

"Nice to meet you, too, Kira."

"Since we are all here, and since Ken has amorous feelings for my little sister, I have a surprise for you. My parents are getting remarried next week Saturday. We have gown fittings on Tuesday. Sasha, can you be here at nine in the morning on Tuesday? You also, ma'am?"

"You just met us, and you are inviting us to your family's wedding? That is so sweet. Yes, we can be here Tuesday morning at nine. Kira, how did you and Ken meet, again?"

"Well, way back a thousand years ago, Ken asked if he could carry my books. I lashed out at him, because I was being so defensive about strangers. I was also thinking at the time about a family crisis we had, and I just sort of blew up. Can you forgive me, Ken?"

"It's already forgotten. Listen, can I talk to you somewhere away from the "old" folks." I just giggled.

We went in the kitchen and we sat down to a glass of grape juice.

"Ken, you never told me your last name."

"It's Hoover, like the vacuum cleaner, or the dam or the President. Whichever you choose to remember it by."

"Well, Kenneth Hoover, tell me something. Why did you want to talk away from our parents?"

"Because before I say anything to them, I want to ask you something. Will you be my steady girlfriend?"

"Yes, I will."

"Good. I want you to know that Danny told me a lot of what was going on, that is why he asked me to look after his little sister. He didn't tell me Katie was a teacher at the same school we went to."

I giggled. "Yes, well up until vacation time, she was just a a teacher's intern. She will have her own classroom in September. She teaches freshman history, so I always had a lot of help if I needed it when I did my homework. Katie is such a good person. She said her students were all very considerate. I wonder what kind of a class she will have when she is by herself?" It was more of a question than a statement.

"Well, I just wanted to talk to you to let you know too, that there are no hard feelings and anything that happened in the past is forgotten. I would like to take you to the movies sometimes, and hang with you at the White Castle, and just be with you. Do you know how to play tennis?"

"No, nobody ever taught me."

"Well, what say I take you to the tennis courts and teach you. It is a fun game and you get lots of exercise too, because you will be doing a lot running back and forth to hit the ball to me. If you miss the ball it is my point, if I miss it is your point. There are 41 points to a game, 6 games to a set, and 6 sets to a match. That is where they get the saying from 'game, set, match'. That of course doesn't include tie breakers and games that end like say 5/6 or 6/6 because you have to win by two games and two points in the game. The scoring goes 15 for the first point, 15 for the second point, 10 for the third point, and 1 for the last point. You always call the score from the one who is serving. Say the game score is 15 to 30 and I am serving and I have the 15 points. The score would be called as 15/30.

"When you serve, you serve at an angle across the net to me. Would you like to see what it is like, at least?"

"Yes, I think I would like that."

"Good."

I went over by him and sat on his lap. He kissed me on my lips and we were oblivious to anyone near or around us. That is until we heard an 'ehem'. We stopped kissing and looked sheepishly at both sets of parents standing there.

"So, this is what teenagers do when they are alone. I would have never guessed." Both moms just giggled, and our dads were kind of looking at us and at our moms. I think they thought we had finally lost it. I giggled to myslef.

"Well, Mrs. Hoover, I heard a nasty rumor at school. Everybody was saying about their boyfriends that they kiss like gods. I just wanted to see if it was true."

"Well, Kira, what did you find out?"

"That Ken kisses like a god."

"I think you two better come back in the living room where we can keep an eye on you."

"But mom!!!!"

"Now, mister!" Ken looked so down. He took my hand and we walked back to the living room.

When we got back in the living room, we sat close together again. Ken's mother just had to say something about that, even while we were in full view of our parents.

"You know when we were dating, we had to sit apart. The boy on one end of the sofa and the girl on the other end. We weren't allowed to kiss, and when we were out together, we had to have a chaperone to make sure we followed the rules. We were allowed to sit together, but not for about three of four months. Then we had to let our parents or chaperone read the letters we sent to each other, and we were told to sign them 'your beloved'. You children are lucky today that we don't enforce that any more.

"We want you to be happy, but we also want you to be safe too. We don't want you two to get in any kind of a situation that you can't get out of. I realize that at your age, your hormones are raging, but you have to keep them under control. Humans are the only species on earth that can consciously control their number of offspring, but there are some humans who make stupid mistakes because they want to experiment with sex. I want your word...from both of you...that you will not go beyond the kissing stage."

"Yes, mom, I promise."

"I promise too, Mrs. Hoover."

"Now young man, there is one more thing. While you are here in this house, you are not to go in Kira's bedroom, nor you in Ken's bedroom when you are at our house, Kira. This rule will be strictly enforced."

"Yes, ma'am," Ken and I said together.

Mom motioned me to come in the kitchen and said we needed to get dinner started. Mrs. Hoover said she would help, and mother told her no because she was a guest in our house.

"Oh, don't be so silly. We are practically in-laws." Mom and Mrs. Hoover giggled at my expense, I think.

Anyway, she helped us with getting dinner ready, and tonight we were having liver & onions, baked potato, corn on the cob, peach cobbler for dessert and milk for me and Ken and coffee for the adults. I set the table, and Ken helped me, and then kissed me before our moms saw us. We went back in the kitchen and helped bring out the food and set it on the table. It doesn't take long to make liver and onions and only a few minutes in the microwave for the corn and baked potatoes.

We talked about the wedding ceremony and what was all involved. I said that mom was going to wear a nice rose gown while the Maid of Honor and the bride's maids would be in light pink. When I said that Katie was going to be mom's Maid of Honor, everybody said that was appropriate. When we had mentioned, again, that the wedding was going to be held here at the house, and that the whole neighborhood was invited, Mrs. Hoover said it would be wonderful to have the ceremony on the front lawn so that everybody will be able to see the newlyweds...again...say I do.

We thought about that for a while, and mom and daddy looked at each other, and then agreed that would be just so appropriate. Okay, so what do I know about marriage other than what I have seen? Absolutely nothing, but I know it is supposed to be for life, and from what I have seen so far, daddy has always lived by his vows even when he and mom were divorced. I thought to myself that for seven years our house was just that, a house. But now, it has become our home again, and we have the old laughter and gaiety back that we used to have.

Me? Well, I guess you could say that I have forgiven mother for everything, and I don't mention those dark days any more unless mother brings them up. I need to talk to Danny, Katie and daddy about not mentioning them too. This way we can seem to forget they ever existed. Mom is back with us and we have our family back together. That is all that counts.