Bebe in LaLa Land: 4

 

More problems at school and a date with Blaine.
Twenty year old John keeps facing the challenges of being a fourteen year girl.

---

 
Author's Note: Insurance, police reports, blah blah blah! Car wrecks are never fun. Especially when you have to buy a new car. I know this piece was done some time ago but year end business has kept me occupied. I do apologize! And again, Merry Christmas to everyone!

I hope you find Bebe having a great time and may you have one as well too! Please, toss me a review, good or bad? ~Clara.
 
This version of Bebe in LaLa Land: 4 has been updated with many corrections towards spelling and grammar.~Sephrena.
 
Image Credit: Image created through the use of ai at https://perchance.org/beautiful-people .~Sephrena.

---

 
 
FINDING HIS WAY -or- WHO, IN THE WORLD, AM I?
 

When his alarm went off on Thursday morning, John had a hard time opening his eyes. He'd been on the set till 10:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday night and the schedule was catching up with him. He kicked the blankets off of himself, trying to make the morning coolness wake him, but it wasn't happening. His eyes just didn't want to open.

The work on the set had been very rewarding. Since the exteriors on Tuesday, everything he'd worked on had been interiors on the set. Several scenes with Kylie, which all went well, eventually, but always took several takes due to Kylie's inexperience and
nervousness, and lots of small scenes with Marion and Rose. Everything could be classified as 'girl talk.' Some scenes were more important to the story than others, but all propelled the storylines and needed to be done as well as possible,

John rolled over, took a deep breath, welcoming more rest, but moments later, Ed's voice shattered his coma. "Hey! What are you doing? Your alarm went off. Come on, Lazy Lucy, Oscar will be here in an hour and it takes you that long to get ready."

"Can't," John mumbled. "Too tired."

Suddenly, John felt Ed's arms pushing underneath him and lifting him off the bed.

"No!" John pleaded and giggled as Ed threw him over his shoulder as if he were carrying a stack of lumber. "Please! Let me sleep!"

Ed carried him into the bathroom off of John's bedroom exerting no effort whatsoever. When he flipped on the lights, John let out a dramatic scream. "Oh! No! You're just cruel! It hurts!"

When Ed turned towards the mirrors, he couldn't help but notice John's purple, silky panties peeking out from under his short nightie. "Did you shower last night?"

"No," John replied as he hung, limp, over Ed's shoulder. "I was too tired."

Ed reached into the walk-in shower and turned the temperature valve three quarters of the way around and the water began flowing. "A shower will help you wake up and it'll wash the stink off of you."

As Ed lowered John to the floor, John argued, "I don't stink!"

"You were on set, sweating under hot lights. You stink, just like the rest of us."

"I'm a girl, I don't sweat! I glow!"

"Well, your 'glow' stinks, so take a shower and get ready for school." Ed walked out of the bathroom and into John's closet where he pulled out a clean uniform shirt and skirt, grabbing a clean pair of white panties and a white bra from his bureau. He walked back into the bathroom as John was pulling his nightie over his head. "Hey! I'm nearly naked in here!" He placed his arm across his little breasts to hide them. "Don't you know how to knock?"

"If you want privacy, then get your lazy butt out of bed in the morning," Ed gave John a playful slap on his bottom as he headed back out of the lavatory.

"Ouch!" John grabbed is disrespected bottom and called after his friend, "You're a very mean man, Edward McNeal!"

"But I'm a good Uncle, Bianca Foley, so, unless you want me to come in there and scrub you clean, get your ass in gear!"

Knowing full well that Ed was strong enough to do it, John hurried into the shower.

"Look," John was dressed in his school uniform and drinking his breakfast smoothie, "Kylie's not going to school today. She says she's too tired. See! Her mother loves her and is concerned about her health."

Ed looked at the message. Rose had already left for the studio. "Yeah, well, I'm sure your mother loves you, too, but she put me in charge, so you're going to school. I'd like to end this discussion, now, and talk to you about tomorrow night."

John sat back in his high stool at the counter, crossed his legs at the knees and his arms across his stomach and waited for Ed to continue.

"Have you told this boy that I want to meet him before your date?"

John let out a big sigh. "Yes, I have told him that you want to meet him, but it is NOT a date. We are going to a movie together. I am paying for my own ticket."

"Uh-huh. How old is he?"

"He's fifteen. He'll be sixteen in November."

"So, How is he getting here?"

John shrugged. "Uber? Lyft? A parent? I didn't ask."

"Well, I'd like you to ask because I'd like to know how you'll be getting to and from the movie theater."

"Seriously?"

"Yes, 'Seriously!' I want to know, so ask him, please."

"Ok," John nodded.

Ed watched as John waited for him to continue. "Now," Ed finally said.

"Now? Text him, now?"

"Yes. Now. I want to know."

John grunted his frustration as he typed and hit send. When he was done he tossed his phone onto the counter and folded his arms, again. "Are you doing this JUST to embarrass me?"

"Honey," Ed refused to be goaded into an argument, so he spoke slowly, deliberately and with parental authority. "You, above all girls, should know why I'm doing this. Remember what fifteen year old boys are like, Bebe. They are all coming of age, too, and they are VERY interested in being with a girl."

"Oh, my God..." John could not believe what Ed was saying.

"Now, knock it off and think, Bebe. You are a very pretty, little thing and I don't blame this boy for being attracted to you, but his intentions may be... shall we say, suspect. Both you and I know that if he got into your panties he'd have a pretty big surprise, so I don't have to worry about you going too far, but what if he got that surprise? What then? Do you think that ABC/Disney is going to put up with a scandal? Demi Lovato was huge with that company, then her drug problem became public. How many shows have you seen her in, lately? Huh? Not many. To them, you're a product and they'll drop you like a hot turd if someone finds out about what's hiding between your legs. You do see that, right?"

Reluctantly, John nodded.

"I, on the other hand, love you and want to keep you safe and that's turning out to be a much more complicated job than I expected. You're not exactly a low profile kind of personality, Bebe, and Rose and I are going to do whatever it takes to make sure that you're kept safe. Understood?"

John's phone chimed and he picked it up. "His friend, Matt, is driving us."

Ed shook his head. "Oh, no he's not."

"What!?"

"You heard me. Number one, you are not going anywhere in a car with a teenaged driver. You are too young and too important to me.

"Too young...!?"

"Number two, I am not allowing you to be put in a situation with two older boys and you in an unsupervised situation."

"Ed!"

"Uncle Ed, Bebe. We've been through this. If that boy wants to go out with you then here are the rules. I want him here by 4:00 tomorrow night and I want him here alone. He will have dinner with your cousin and me and I will have a conversation with him before I drive you to the movies. After the movies, I will pick you up. If he wants to walk around the mall with you or go for ice cream, that's fine - just let me know when you want to leave. I will be happy to drive him back to Beverly Hills, too, but that's up to him. Those are the ground rules, Bebe. They are not open to discussion. Now, text him and tell him that or I will." Ed left the room to gather his pages for today's shooting schedule.

John wanted to fight. He was tired and irritable, but he knew that, if he challenged Ed, it would be a losing battle. Instead, he let out a huge grunt of frustration, grabbed his phone and typed:

'I'M SORRY, BUT MY UNCLE'S BEING A JERK. I WAS JUST TOLD THAT IM NOT ALLOWED TO TRAVEL IN A CAR WITH A TEENAGED DRIVER. HE SAYS THAT IF WE GO TO THE MOVIE, HE WANTS YOU TO COME HERE FOR DINNER AT 4:00 SO THAT HE CAN MEET YOU AND HAVE THE TALK. THEN HE'LL DRIVE US TO THE MOVIE. AFTER THAT, WE CAN HANG TOGETHER FOR AWHILE, IF YOU WANT, BUT HE WANTS TO DRIVE ME HOME. HE'LL DRIVE YOU, TOO, IF YOU WANT. IF THIS IS TOO MUCH TO DEAL WITH, WE CAN CANCEL. SORRY. SORRY. SORRY.'

It took a couple of minutes before a reply came.

'NO PROB. HES NOT BEING A JERK - JUST PROTECTIVE. I CAN HANDLE THAT. ILL BE THERE AT 4. I'LL USE UBER. IF HE DOESN'T MIND DRIVING ME HOME, THAT WOULD BE COOL. SEE YOU TOMORROW HOW'S YOUR EYE?'

John was relieved by the response. Being so vulnerable to the whims of his guardians was really getting to him.

'YOU'RE THE BEST EVA,' John text back. 'THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING. I REALLY AM SORRY. MY EYE IS FINE. YOU CAN BARELY SEE THE BRUISE NOW. SEE YOU TOMORROW'

"Well?" Ed asked as he reentered the kitchen with his postal-sack style satchel open and he stuffed the pages in.

"He'll be here at 4:00. If you don't mind driving him home, that would be good, too."

"No problem."

"So, should I talk to Oscar about scheduling a car for tomorrow night?"

"Nope," Ed smiled. "I leased a brand new Tesla, like the one Rose had during the summer, only mine is red. I'm picking it up today. We can't rely on the studio for everything." He smiled. John knew that the car Ed had been driving since he got his license was a 1999, champagne colored, Ford Taurus that he'd inherited from a great aunt when she passed away. It wasn't 'nice' by any measure and Ed had loved driving the Tesla all summer.

"Wow," John said quietly. "That's great, Uncle Ed. Does that mean that we've had more money deposited in our accounts?"

"Well, yes and no. Rose and I have access to our latest paychecks, but you'll need to talk to your mom about yours. She's holding yours in-trust until you're legally eighteen, remember. Rose and I made arrangements with her for your share of the rent, but you'll need to ask her for money."

John rolled his eyes.

"Oh, come on, Beebs. What would you spend it on, anyway? Clothes? She'll help you out with that. I'll give you money for the movies. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal," John huffed, "is that I EARNED that money! I should have access to it!" He put his elbow on the counter and rested his chin in his hand. "It's all just... unfair."

Ed bent at the waist and mimicked John's posture, Looking him directly in the face. "No, baby, it isn't. It's the deal you made." He leaned forward and kissed John on the end of his nose. "Now, please, don't keep complaining about a situation you created. It's not my fault, or Rose's or anyone else's except yours. You agreed to be a child. Now, be a child, Bebe. Please, don't fight with me all the time. I love you too much to be your enemy." He kissed his nose, again.

They remained face to face, but John nodded as much as his position would allow. "Ok. Sorry."

"No problem. Now, tell me you love me, too."

The request amused John just a little. Of course he loved Ed. He always had. He smiled and Ed mimicked the smile, too.

"Come on," Ed teased. "I say it all the time. It's time for you to say it back to me."

John laughed at Ed's teasing. "You know I love you."

"Then say it. Don't be a little brat. I'm doing everything I can to help you. All I ask in return is to hear you say three little words."

John controlled his giggles long enough to say it. "I love you, Ed."

"Uncle."

"I love you, UNCLE Ed."

"Thank you. That makes a world of difference."

John's phone chimed again. Without looking at it, Ed kissed his nose once more and stood back to his full height. "That's got to be Oscar. Get your backpack and get going."

John hustled to the mirror on the back of the door to the kitchen closet, checked himself, then ran back to the counter and grabbed his bag. He was headed for the door, but he stopped and turned to look at Ed, who was leaning on the counter by the sink, sipping his coffee. John ran back and hugged Ed as hard as he could. Surprised, Ed put down his coffee and hugged the little boy in the girl's body.

For his part, John marveled at the size and firmness of Ed's chest, while Ed considered how small and weak his former friend had become.

"Thanks, Uncle Ed. I really do love you."

"I know you do, Bebe. I love you, too. So does Rosie."

John let go and ran to the door without looking back. Ed watched, then looked at his tee shirt. Where John's eyes had been, there was a damp spot.

It was Lab-Day in science class and John had been paired with a girl he'd never spoken to before. She was a sophomore and John didn't know, nor particularly care, why she was in this Science class with a bunch of freshman. The girl's name was Glimmer, which definitely would have raised eyebrows on the east coast and probably have destined the girl to a career as a stripper, but here in the land of indulgence, no one seemed to find it at all odd. She was very beautiful and John found her intimidating. She was the kind of girl that held her breasts, and they were substantial breasts, out in front of her like they were weapons. She didn't seem all that bright, though. Just pretty - and strangely sexual for a girl in a school filled with other girls. John didn't like nor dislike her, per se, but he didn't like the way that she insisted that John do all the lab work while she read the instructions.

"Miss Bebe!" The teacher called from her desk. There was an older student standing next to her.

John stood. "Yes, Miss?"

"Miss Gabriella wants to see you in her office, immediately. Please go with Ann, here. Take your things, please."

"Yes, Miss," John gathered his books quickly.

"What about the lab?" Glimmer asked in an annoying whine.

"You'll have to complete that yourself, Glimmer," the teacher shook her head.

John made eye contact with both Ella and MK as he hurried to join the messenger. Both looked concerned, but neither looked as concerned as John felt. 'What did I do now!?' Kept running through his brain.

The student-messenger remained quiet and stoic all the way to the main office, where John was handed over to Miss Dorothy who told him to sit on the bench and wait.

Eventually, Miss Gabriella entered the main office from the front of the desk. She was moving quickly, as if she'd been hurrying to complete several things at once. "Ahh, Miss Bianca," she smiled at John and indicated the entrance to her office, "please go in and have a seat. I'll just be a moment."

John sat in the center one of the three chairs in front of Miss Gabriella's desk.

She came in shortly, closing the door behind her and stopped at John's side bent to take a look at his eye. "Well, that seems to be healing well, hmmm? You'll be as pretty as ever in a day or so, I should think?" She continued on to her desk chair.

"Thank you, Miss." John said, a bit worried about why he was here.

Miss Gabriella sat and opened a manilla folder and perused it for a moment before speaking. "The reason I called you in here, today, Miss Bianca, is because I noticed that you are missing a Physical Education credit. Were you aware of that?"

"No ma'am. This is the first I've heard of it."

"Hmm," the Head Mistress looked over the file again. "At the time of your admission to Notre Dame, I discussed this situation with the studio representative. You see, we have no in-school Physical Education Program at Notre Dame, but the State of California requires that each student fulfill one credit of PE every school year. So, all of our young ladies are required to fulfill her Phys-Ed requirement on her own. Many play on our after school sport teams, or they take gymnastics, or dance, or horse back riding, or even logging her own running schedule. Regardless, of how, each young lady MUST fulfill this credit obligation on her own and, thus far, you have not done so,"

John was speechless. "Miss Gabriella... I... I... I..."

The Head Mistress smiled at John's confusion. "I've tried to reach both of your guardians, this morning, Miss Bianca, but they do not appear to be available right now. I felt that this was too urgent a matter to not call you in to discuss it. You see, we are well into our first marking period and you will not be in class next week because of your shooting schedule, so I need to hear from your guardians by the end of the day tomorrow to set up whatever program they feel is most appropriate for you."

She handed John a sheet of paper. "This is our Physical Education waver form. Please pass it along to your cousin or Uncle and have them return it to me by the end of the school day tomorrow."

John glanced at the form, overwhelmed. "Umm, Miss, between school and filming the show, I'm already..."

"This is a state requirement, Miss Bianca. I made it clear to the studio representative that you'd need to do this. Now, I know that your Uncle Edward seems to feel that I am persecuting you, but talk to your friends and you'll see that they all have some kind of athletic program after school. Now, I have things to do and you need to get to lunch, so please take that form home and have them get it back to me tomorrow. They can email it or fax it if that's more convenient."

John just stared dumbly. How could he possibly take on more, right now?

"That'll be all, Miss Bianca. Thank you."

John stood and said, "Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am," and he left the Head Mistress' Office.

"Yeah, I take an aerobics class three nights a week and MK takes karate. We all have to do something. It's no big deal." Ella had met John outside the main office door, concerned that he was being expelled. MK, who thought that Ella was nuts, had gone to the cafeteria to reserve their usual table. "At least it's nothing big."

"Ella, I'm already at school or on the set, like, eighteen hours a day! How do I add something like this?"

"I don't know, but if it were me, I'd let my mom handle it. Just tell your cousin. Let her deal with it."

That wasn't a bad idea. What could he do from school other than send a text? That made sense. After they grabbed their lunches, John pulled out his phone and typed, 'HATE TO BOTHER YOU, BUT I JUST HAD A MEETING WITH THE HEAD MISTRESS. I NEED TO GET A PHYS-ED CREDIT OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL AND I NEED TO BE SIGNED UP FOR SOMETHING BY THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY TOMORROW. I'LL TAKE A PIC OF THE FORM AND SEND IT TO YOU.' He took a photo and sent that as well.

"What did she say?" Ella, who'd been giving MK a briefing on why John had been summoned, asked.

"Nothing, yet. She's probably working."

"Ok, enough of that crap, look what I have!" Ella nearly sang the last part of that sentence as she was pulling a small, clear plastic bag with a yellow garment inside, out of her backpack and handing it to John. "Your dress arrived!"

"Ohh! Let's see it!" MK stopped looking at her phone and turned her full attention to the bag.

John smiled at their enthusiasm. He couldn't deny that the idea of a new dress excited him, too. "Ok!" He giggle as he opened the bag and pulled the dress out.

All three of them inhaled noisily as the dress pulled free.

"Oh! It's beautiful!" MK nearly cried.

"It really is!" John agreed, but then he said, "Hey! This isn't the cheap one! You bought the $700 dress!? Ella! I don't have $700 to pay you back!" He was genuinely scared to even hold the dress. If he told his mom he needed $700 for a dress, she'd kill him!

Ella smiled, "Oh, my God, Bebe, calm down! I don't want you to pay me back. It's only $700! Like I said, my parents won't even notice! I spend more than that on clothes and shoes all the time!"

MK patted John's shoulder. "She's telling the truth, Bebe. Her parents are stinking rich and Ella has bathing suits that cost more than my mom's car."

"Yeah, but I look cuter in my bathing suits than your mom does in her car," Ella smirked as she tossed a crouton into her mouth.

"It is awfully cute," John conceded. He hugged it to him, the very soft feel of the material making him want, more than anything, to go try it on. "Thank you, Ella. It's absolutely lovely."

"Let's put that away, young lady," Señorita Linda, a Spanish teacher who John only knew by name, said. "You know that you shouldn't have non-uniform clothes in school except in your locker."

"I'm sorry, Señorita," John folded the dress, carefully and slipped it back into the small, clear bag. He smiled at Ella and MK and thanked them both.

"The sandals are coming today," Ella assured him. "You'll look hot for your date."

"It's not..." John started, but his friends said in unison.

"Yes it is."

John's phone buzzed and he looked at the screen. It was a text from Rose. 'NO PROBLEM. I SET UP A CLASS THROUGH THE STUDIO. PAPERWORK ALREADY ON IT'S WAY BACK TO MISS GABRIELLA."

John told the girls that Rose had taken care of it.

"What kind of class?" MK asked.

"She didn't say. I assume it's aerobics or maybe just a trainer like she and Ed have. I'll find out this afternoon."

"You've got to be kidding me!?" John was wearing a simple, light brown, short sleeved, shirt-dress with a little red belt and a subtle petticoat beneath. Julia was buttoning up the back of the dress for him and fluffing his hair to make it lay correctly. This kind of shirt-dress seemed to fill his wardrobe area and they all made him feel a little old fashioned and very young.

Rose stood opposite him in a form flattering, dark grey sheath and spiky, pointed toed pumps. She'd just completed a scene in which her character and Ed's had gone on their first date together and her shoes made her tall and makeup made her look very grown up. She folded her arms across her abdomen and frowned at John in a disturbingly maternal manner. "Seriously? You're going to fight me on this, too? Your Uncle Ed told me that you'd had a talk this morning and you agreed to be more cooperative. Do I need to get him involved in this conversation?"

"No, but Rose..."

"Look, Bebe, you sent me a text asking for help with a problem and I solved the problem for you. QED. This is an easy fix and you can do it during your down time on set. Three or four hours a week to start and we'll see where it goes from there."

Julia guided him to the mirror to see himself in the dress. It was childish, so was his hair and makeup. He was childish and the petulance in his face made him look even more childish. He couldn't help it, though. There had to be another solution.

"I don't know why you're so upset," Julia said as she fussed with a few stray hairs. "It's just a dance class. I took dance from the time that I was a toddler right through college. It's a great way to stay in shape and the Disney has the best teachers and choreographers in the world! You'll love it."

"Listen, Bebe," Rose joined Julia's line of thought, "I took dance class most of my life, too. Most girls, especially actresses, have had a solid dance background. From a purely professional stand point, you should, too."

"I know, Rose, but it's just... well, isn't there something less... girly..."

"Oh, Lord, Bebe, not this AGAIN!" Rose shook her head. "Julia, may I have a moment alone with my cousin?"

Julia smiled and walked out of the room.

When the door was closed, Rose turned to John and in a scolding voice she said, "Alright, young lady, I have had just about enough of this crap from you. I'm at work and so are you. This is not the place for you to act like a spoilt little brat, am I making myself very clear?"

John nodded, genuinely frightened by her demeanor. "Yeah, but..."

"No 'buts' and no 'ifs' or 'ands' either. From now on, if I make a decision, you just say, 'Yes, Rose.' Is that perfectly clear, or do I need to get Ed in here to spank your argumentative little backside?"

Would she do that? John wasn't sure, but he knew that he'd never seen her this angry and it seemed that he'd been making her angry a lot recently.

"Well? Should I go get Uncle Ed?" Rose tapped he toe noisily.

John thought for just another second. "No."

"No, what?"

"No, Rose."

"And are you going to take the dance classes?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"And are you going to continue to challenge me at every turn?"

"No, ma'am."

"Alright, then." Rose paused, happy by the result of the
conversation, but still filled with adrenaline. "Now, let's have no more of this nonsense, ok?"

John nodded.

Rose opened her arms wide and invited John in for a hug, an invitation he gladly accepted. He was so confused and upset by everything, absolutely EVERYTHING, lately that he longed for some solace and Rose was his favorite place to get some. He felt like crying, but he choked that back and he just accepted her hug.

But something odd happened, too. Unexpectedly, John felt a twitch in his panties and that twitch grew and resulted in a full blown orgasm right there. He did his best not to broadcast what was happening to him, hoping Rose won't notice, but there was no denying what had just happened. Something about the way that Rose had treated him had overwhelmed him to the point of cumming in his panties. This was mortifying and he had to change them and clean himself before leaving the dressing room.

"So, let's get our heads back in the game, now, ok?"

John nodded and rose released him from her embrace. There was a knock on the door and Julia called in, "Rose! Bebe! You're both wanted on set!"

Rose headed for the door, but John held back, pretending to look in the mirror for a second.

Rose opened the door and looked back at John. "Come on, then."

"Umm," he searched for a reason to stay behind. "I'll be right there. I just need to talk to Julia for a moment. My hair looks funny."

"Ok. I'll wait."

"NO!" He didn't want her to know what he'd done. "I'll be right along. You go ahead."

As Julia pushed past Rose to get into the room, Rose shrugged and nodded, then departed.

"What's the matter, honey?" Julia asked as she closed the door. Obviously, there was something bothering this child.

There was no way to not tell her what he needed, so... "Umm... I kind of... ejaculated in my panties. Do you have some clean ones I could wear."

Julia didn't quite laugh, but she came very close. "Of course, baby. Here." She pulled out a fresh pair. "I forget that you're different down there, you know." She grabbed a baby wipe from the makeup table and knelt in front of John. Hold up your skirts, baby. I'll clean you up."

Thank goodness, Oscar was driving on Friday! It was an early release day for the students, so he picked them up at 11:30 and he agreed to bring John, Kylie, MK and Ella all to a nail salon that the girls of Notre Dame frequented.

"Have fun, girls!" Oscar said as he let them out at the salon. "I'll meet you down the street at Roni's." Roni's was one of Oscar's favorite places for take out food. This worked out great, for him! An order of Ronni's Asian Salmon Dinner was in his very near future.

The girls waved as John reached in and grabbed the garment bag containing his dress and sandals. "Thanks, Oscar. I know this is an imposition..."

"Don't be silly, honey," he smiled as he watched the young woman being as careful as possible with her treasured dress. "As far as the studio knows, you were in school all day." He gave John a cheerful wink and said, "Go have some girly fun with your friends. You take things too seriously for a girl your age. Go relax and enjoy yourself."

The girls and John were ushered into a small alcove at the salon and they were seated in a row of seats. Soon, each had a woman working on their toe nails. John had had his nails done by Stacy at her studio back on Cape Cod and Rose had polished them a few times since, but this... this was HEAVENLY! The technicians worked their tools around the edges of his nails as they shaped and colored them for him. Soon, his eyes were closed as he enjoyed the sensations of being pampered by a pro. It was wonderful!

"Girls' night out tonight, ladies?" The proprietress asked as she walked over to greet the young, rich clients.

"Just a girl's afternoon. One of us has a hot date tonight! The rest of us are watching Netflix at my house," Ella teased.

"Oh, who's the lucky girl?"

All three girls pointed at John who blushed a bit.

"She has to be home by 4:00, too, so that her date can meet her uncle," MK offered.

She smiled and asked John, "First date, honey?"

"Kinda," John shrugged. "We went to homecoming at his school together, but this is our first time out alone. It's not a date, though. We're going Dutch."

"Oh, shut up," Kylie threw a hand towel at John. "A date is a date is a date and you're going on one with Blaine, tonight."

"Ooh, Blaine, huh? Is he handsome?" The woman sat next to John and prodded him for information.

"He's gorgeous!" MK said. "Ella, show her his picture."

Ella held up her phone with a picture of both Blaine and John taken at the homecoming dance.

"Oh, my, he is gorgeous and look at how pretty you were in that dress! No wonder he asked you out, again! What color are you wearing tonight."

"Yellow," John said, shocked that this would interest anyone, let alone a total stranger.

"I bought it for her!" Ella enthused. "It's in that garment bag." She pointed to the pink bag hung behind John's chair.

The owner unzipped the bag and moved the zippers around the hanger so the pretty, little, yellow, peasant dress was completely exposed. "Oh, yes, this is just perfect for you! I'm sorry, what is your name, dear."

"Bebe, ma'am."

The woman chuckled. "This isn't Notre Dame, Bebe. You can call me Jess. What color were you planning to do your nails, honey?"

John looked blankly at the girls who all giggled. "You'll have to excuse her," MK said. "She's from Massachusetts. Believe it or not, this is her very first time having her nails done in a salon."

"Really!?" Jess feigned shock. "Well, then I guess we need to make this a special event."

She spoke to the nail technician, "Yuki, when her nails are filled and filed, find a red that matches these little red lines in the dress. Ok?"

The technician nodded.

"Tell you what, Bebe," she hung the dress on a nearby hook, "since this is such a special day for you, I'm going to have my best beautician, Andrew, do your makeup for you at no charge."

The other girls seemed much more excited about this than John, who just smiled and said, "Oh, thank you, Jess. That's very, very kind of you."

"You're very welcome, Bebe. Enjoy your mani-pedi." She walked away.

"Bebe," Ella was very wound up. "Andrew is the best beautician in the shop! My mom books appointments with him three months in advance! He's amazing!"

"He really is, Bebe," MK said. "He did my makeup for homecoming! I booked it in August, before I even had a date!"

The makeover was as luxurious as the mani-pedi and Andrew spoke nonstop through the entire procedure. He talked about the importance of making a good impression on a boy and about skin care and poise. He was meticulous and gentle, but not at all effeminate. When he'd finished, he made John put on the dress before he could look at himself in the mirror. When he saw himself he was very, very pleased. The makeup somehow complimented both him and the dress perfectly. His cheeks were plump and round and his eyes were big and curious. He still looked young and innocent, but there was a roundness of womanhood present, too.

"Wow, I look..." he stuttered.

"Beautiful is the word you're looking for," Andrew said with a deep, gentle voice. "You look beautiful because you are beautiful, Bebe. Young. Smart. Talented and beautiful. Now, I want you to to remember that forever. You will always be beautiful if you carry yourself beautifully." He kissed the side of John's head. "Always be beautiful, Bebe."

In the last few months, John had felt beautiful many times, but this was different. He wasn't 'Bianca' beautiful or 'Nancy' beautiful. He was just beautiful. He was 'Bebe' beautiful and he really loved it.

"Thank you, Andrew. Thank you." Was all he could say.

Oscar dropped John off at 3:50 and all the girls wished him luck before he ran as quickly as he could into the lobby of his building. Rose had been sending him texts for the last half hour.

'WHERE ARE YOU!?"

"ITS GETTING LATE AND YOUR FRIEND WILL BE HERE, SOON!"

"DAMN IT, BEBE WHERE ARE YOU? IF YOU DON'T GET YOUR SORRY ASS BACK HERE IN TEN MINUTES, YOU WILL NOT BE GOING OUT TONIGHT!"

John had responded to each text with apologies, but it was obvious that Rose was displeased that he had not been at home to help her prepare dinner. The last text had come three minutes ago and John had replied 'I'M IN THE PARKING LOT! I'LL BE THERE IN A FEW MINUTES. I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!!!!!!!'

When he burst into the condo, Rose was standing in the kitchen with a handful of knives and forks in her hand. "Well, it's about time!" She said with a great deal of irritation present in her voice. "Do you know what I have been doing all afternoon while you've been getting pampered at a Beverly Hills Spa? I've been cooking and cleaning and getting this place ready for your friend!"

"I'm sorry, Rose, really, I am so sorry! I didn't know it would take this long!"

"Oh, please, you knew I'd take care of all of this for you, so you didn't put in any effort."

"Alright!" Ed entered and put his arms on Rose's shoulders. "We're all stressed. This is new to all of us. Let's just take a breath and move on from here. Bebe, tell your cousin you're sorry."

John nodded, "Honestly, Rose, I am so, so sorry. I've never been to a spa before and I completely lost track of time."

"Apology accepted?" Ed asked Rose.

Rose nodded.

"Ok, now, Rose, think about what it was like when you were fourteen and had a date. Can you understand how she could have lost track of time?"

Rose took in a deep, purging breath and let it out slowly. "Alright, Alright, Alright. I get it. Jesus, Ed, you can be exasperating, the way that you never get mad."

He kissed the back of Rose's head and said, "It's my superpower."

Rose handed John the silverware. "Here, put these out and grab some napkins out of the linen closet. When you're done, fill the water glasses. There's a gallon jug of spring water in the fridge."

When he was putting the water jug back, Rose took him by the shoulders and turned him to face her. "Let me take a look at you, baby"

She looked at him with loving, maternal eyes. "Ok, well, you look absolutely perfect, I must say. I'm sorry that I got mad, it's just, I don't know, I'm really stressed about having my little girl dating... and I kind of wanted to help you get ready. I know that's foolish, but... God, I'm going to be a lousy mom, huh?" She gave a tired chuckle at that.

John hugged her. "I'm sorry, Rose. Really I am. You're being great. I just lost track of time. Thank you for making dinner. It smells great. What is it?"

"Roast chicken and stuffing. I figured it was a good, New England dinner and besides, it's all I really know how to cook."

The intercom buzzed. "I'll take care of that," Ed said. He pushed the button on the intercom. Blaine's Image appeared on the screen. "Yes?"

"Hi, Mr Foley. I'm Blaine. Bebe's friend. I'm here to meet you."

"Come on up," Ed pushed the buzzer and finished tying his tie. "Why don't you guys wait in the kitchen so it doesn't look like we're just standing here, waiting for him."

Moments later, there was a knock at the door. Ed answered and Blaine entered.

"Hello, Mr Foley. My name is Blaine." He extended a hand to Ed. "Very nice to meet you."

Ed took the younger man's hand and shook it. "My name is McNeal, Blaine, but you can call me Ed. It is very nice to meet you. Come right in."

"Thank you, sir. You're younger than I expected. When Bebe said I'd be meeting her uncle, I pictured an older person."

Ed nodded. "Happens all the time." He looked towards the kitchen and called, "Beebs! Your friend is here."

John stepped out of the kitchen and waved. "Hi, Blaine. How're you doing?"

"Great, but... wow! You look amazing, Bebe!"

John's grin could not have been bigger. "Oh, well, thanks, I guess."

They looked at each other awkwardly until Rose pushed past John, carrying a covered platter, and said, "Hi, Blaine. I'm Bebe's cousin, Rose. Let's all sit down and get started. I hope you like roast chicken."

He did.

Blaine did his best to keep up with Ed as the chicken, stuffing, potatoes, corn and peas were shoveled onto their plates and into their mouths. Rose kept the conversation going, asking Blaine about his family, school, interests, etc.

"Bebe," Rose stood and started piling plates to take into the kitchen, "why don't you help me clear the table and we'll leave the men to talk, so that you and Blaine can get to your movie on time."

John stood and started picking up plates. Blaine smiled a smile that said, 'Don't worry. I've got this.' Then he turned to Rose and said, "Thank you, Mrs McNeal. It was a delicious meal."

Rose giggled and looked at Ed with a grin. "We're not married, Blaine. Just call me Rose."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I mean, Bebe said that Mr McNeal was her uncle and you're her cousin..."

"Don't worry about it, Blaine," Ed said. "I'm not actually related to Bebe or Rose. I'm just a family friend and we all got onto the same show, so Rose and I are Bebe's guardians. Her mom is back east."

"Oh... ok. I get it."

John smiled at Blaine. It wasn't a big deal, but he could see that, just this little misstep had unnerved the pretty confident boy a bit. He hoped that Ed wouldn't leave him a complete mess.

John cleared his place and Blaine's, then brought that load to the kitchen. Blaine watched as the loose fitting peasant dress flowed around Bebe's upper thighs. Everything about Bebe was just... cute. He really liked her. Maybe, if things between him and his girlfriend in Florida were different...

Suddenly, he realized he was staring. He hoped that Bebe's uncle didn't notice. The boy glanced at the older man, who seemed oblivious to Blaine's faux pas. Whew!

John and Rose returned to grab the rest of the table setting. Blaine felt that he should probably occupy himself rather than just stare, so he initiated the conversation with Ed. "Umm, Mr McNeal, about my date with Bebe, tonight..."

Ed placed his hand on the younger boy's arm and shook his head. "Let's wait till the girls have finished clearing the dishes."

Rose smiled at Ed. He'd become such a good father-figure lately. What a great guy.

John rolled his eyes at Blaine and grabbed the last of the setting that needed to be cleared. He mouthed the words 'Good Luck' to him as he disappeared into the kitchen.

Ed waited a moment, until the sounds of water running and dishes being rinsed could be heard.

"Blaine," Ed said, "I want you to understand something. Bebe's mom put me in charge of her well being and I take that very seriously. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, sir."

Ed nodded. "Good. Now, you probably aren't aware of it, but that girl is one of the most talented young actors in this town right now, so as seriously as I take my responsibilities to Bebe's mom, I take my responsibilities to the studio nearly as seriously."

This time, Blaine just nodded.

"So, if you want to take my niece out, there are a few rules. No drinking. No drugs. No riding in cars with inexperienced drivers. No sex - at all. And I want to know where she is at all times, so - if you say you're going to the movies, you'd damned well better be at the movies. If you're going to the mall - same thing. Violate these rules and you will be very, very sorry. Do we understand each other?"

"We do, Mr McNeal." Blaine smiled and extended a hand, which Ed accepted and shook.

"So, having said all of that, what EXACTLY are your plans for tonight?"

"Well, the plan is to go to see the new Marvel movie at the AMC Theater over at the Century City Mall on Santa Monica Boulevard, then, maybe, go into the mall and have an ice cream at Halo's or Rori's or Smitten... something like that. I was thinking, maybe, a little window shopping, you know... stuff like that."

Ed nodded. "And will it just be the two of you?"

"Um, well, no... We're supposed to meet my friend Matt and his girlfriend at the movies. I don't know if they'll hang in the mall with us. Sorry... I wasn't keeping that from you. I just didn't think it was all that important."

Ed raised his eyebrows. "It is. This guy Matt, he drives, right?"

"Yes, sir. He's nearly eighteen."

"And what are the rules about Bebe getting into a car?"

"No inexperienced drivers, sir. Don't worry, though. I didn't plan on doing anything other than walk around the mall."

Ed nodded.

"He is really cute," Rose was saying as she and John rinsed the dishes. "Is he a nice boy?"

John nodded, "Yeah, he is. He seems to know a lot about literature and movies." John bent over to load the dishwasher and Rose watched and listened. "His theater knowledge has a lot of holes in it and he doesn't know much about classic rock, but that can be fixed."

When he stood, he saw Rose grinning back at him.

"You like him."

John shrugged. "Of course I LIKE him. I wouldn't be going to the movies with him if I didn't LIKE him."

Rose shook her head and spoke is a hushed, teasing voice. "No. I mean you REALLY like him. Like, you 'LIKE' like him. Like, you've got a crush on him." Her grin had grown huge as she tease him.

John was blushing. He looked towards the dining room and shook his head before looking back to Rose. "No I don't..."

"Yes, you do, little girl." Then she sang quietly "You liiiiiike him. You think he's seeeeexy. You liiiiiike him. You think he's
dreeeeaaaamy."

John couldn't help but laugh at the way Rose was behaving. "Rose, come on! I'm not gay! I want to be with you!"

Rose giggled, "I've got news for you, cutie-pie. Whether you're with me or with Blaine, you're kind of, a little bit, gay. There's no way around it, honey. You're part boy and part girl. If you're with me, your upper parts are gay and, if you're with him, your lower parts are. Enjoy it, though, baby. You'll be able to experience sex in ways that men and women have only dreamed about."

"Sex!?" John was shocked. "Rose, the boy is fifteen years old. He's not thinking about sex!"

"Oh, Yeah?" She giggled at John's protestations. "I've never met a fifteen year old boy who wasn't thinking about sex and, seeing you in that cute, little dress... trust me Beebs... he's thinking about it. And to be perfectly honest, so am I."

"Yeah?" John cuddled up to her.

"Yeah," she breathed and kissed his lips, slowly, her hands creeping around to squeeze his bottom through the shear material of the soft dress. I don't know why it is, but the cuter you look, the more I want you. I swear, if I were to dress you in a diaper and a onesie, I'd have a heart attack and die."

John squinted and smirked at her. "You're just weird, you know that, right?" He kissed her again, slowly and lingeringly.

"I know," she whispered when the kiss ended, "but I can't help it. I've never felt this way about another girl, Bebe. There's something very, very sexy about a guy with a nice sized thing and a cute pair of boobs. Especially when he's such a little cutie, like you."

She kissed his neck, then pulled back, "But, before we get carried away out here, you've got a date with that stud-ly young fella in there, tonight. So, go fix your lips and get ready to go. Uncle Ed will be done soon, I'm sure, and he'll be thrilled to go for a ride in his new Tesla."

Since it was a good long ride to the mall, Rose came along. She was happy to drag Ed around the mall to do some shopping for the three of them while John and Blaine went to the movie.

"Thank you, sir. I like your car, a lot. Congratulations," Blaine said as he got out of the car.

Ed slipped three, folded, twenty dollar bills into John's hand as John leaned in the window for a kiss, and Rose whispered "Be a good girl," when John leaned in to kiss her.

Blaine took John's petite hand in his larger one and they headed towards the entrance.

"You guys are close, huh?" He asked as they entered.

"I guess. We love each other, if that's what you mean."

Blaine snickered. "I love my mom and my brother and sister, but I don't kiss them goodbye before I go to a movie for a couple of hours."

"Is that weird?" John asked, actually a bit confused.

"Maybe. Who knows. Maybe my family is the weird one. Now that I think of it, we probably are."

They both laughed at that.

At the ticket counter, Blaine refused to let John buy his ticket. Same at the concessions. All John wanted was a Frozen Coke, but Blaine bought a huge tub of pop corn and some candy as well.

"Dude, we're up here," someone shouted as they entered the theater.

Blaine waved to the boy in the back of the theater. "That's my friend, Matt," he explained as they walked towards the back of the theater - a seating location that John hated. He preferred to be in the center of the theater - better sound - but he chose not complain.

"Dude, she's cute!" The boy said as Blaine and John approached. He sounded a little drunk or high. Not wasted, but feeling his oats.

Blaine made the introductions, "Bebe, this is my friend, Matt, and his girlfriend, Meg."

"Hi," John waved from his position behind Blaine.

"Bebe?" Meg said as she laughed too hard. "What kind of a name is that?" She showed signs of intoxication, too. John knew that rudeness and drinking or getting high went hand and hand and that was one of the many reasons he'd avoided it when he was a man. It was a little more awkward tonight, though. He was the youngest person here.

"It's a Knick name for Bianca," John said, politely.

"Bianca!" Meg laughed as if John had just delivered a joke with the precision of a seasoned standup comic. "Fancy, huh? BIANCA! Oh, my God."

Blaine looked back at John, a little embarrassed and a little confused. John just shook his head and sat down. Blaine sat between John and Meg and Matt sat beyond her.

"So, Dude," Matt leaned across Meg and whispered, loudly, "I got some stuff to make the movie better. Here."

He held his hand out and tried to pass something to Blaine, but Blaine just shook his head. "No thanks man. I'm fine."

"Well, what about your friend. Maybe she'd like some."

Blaine just looked forward and said, "We're Cool, Thanks."

"What's the matter," Meg's nasal voice cut through the entire theater like a laser, "you guys too good to party with us?"

Blaine turned to John and started talking about anything other than what was happening.

"I thought you said he was cool," Meg said loudly to Matt.

"I thought he was," Matt scoffed. "I figured if he was going out with a Notre Dame bitch, he'd need a little something."

John leaned forward, "Did you just call me a bitch?" John couldn't believe someone would call him that. He always tried to be polite to everyone. Why would this jerk call him a bitch!?

Matt just chuckled and shrugged.

"Come on, Blaine, let's sit somewhere else." John was gathering his purse, but Blaine held up his hands, asking John to hold on.

"Look, Matt," he said, calmly, "we just came to see the movie. If you guys want to hang with us, fine, but you gotta stop this stuff."

There was a silence in the back row while they all looked at the trivia questions flashing across the screen until Meg said in a stage whisper, "What is she, like a nun or something? What's Notre Dame, a convent?"

"Matt..." Blaine started, but Matt interrupted.

"Naw, but all those girls are synced up together, you know. It's like, if one's on the rag, they all are, and you'd better stay away from them when they are. Must be that time of the month."

"HEY!" Blaine yelled as he turned towards his friend.

"That's it," John said, "I'm leaving." He grabbed his purse and stormed down the stairs, leaving the drinks, pop corn and candy behind.

Blaine stood, "Bebe, Wait!" Then he turned to his friend and said in ambushed, angry voice, "You're a fucking asshole, Matt, you know that?" He grabbed the food and hustled after John, who was already down the stairs and headed for the exit.

Lacking any filters due to the drugs, Matt called after him, using his outside voice, "You're the fucking asshole, dude! What? Your leaving 'cause of some frigid cunt? What's wrong with you?"

Meg joined in, yelling, "Bitch! She's not giving you a blow job tonight, moron! Mousy little bitches like that never do!"

By now, the other patrons had had enough and were shouting at the back row. As Blaine exited, an usher was running into the theater and another was running for a manager.

By the time Blaine caught up with him, John was entering the main lobby and his phone was out.

"Bebe! Bebe, please, I'm sorry! I've never seen him like that. I'm sorry! I really am! Please, let's go see something else! Or, if you want, there's another showing of that movie in like a half hour. Look, I'm sorry. I really am!"

John held his phone by his side and considered what to do. When he turned to face Blaine, Blaine was surprised to see that his date was crying.

"Bebe... I'm so sorry. Honest. Please... don't leave." She looked so hurt and so sad, that Blaine's heart nearly broke. He stepped closer, uncertain as to what to do. A space remained between them. "He's an idiot. Guys are like that."

"No they're not, Blaine," John was trying as hard as possible to stop himself from breaking down. "I know lots of guys. He's a pig. I'm not a bitch, Blaine. I'm a nice person. I don't deserve to be treated like that."

"I know." He waited for Bebe to say something else, but she just stood there and waited for him to say something. "I'll make it up to you. Honest. I'll never let something like that happen, again. I promise. I'll take care of you. Please. Let's not end the night like this. I really like you, Bebe. I really want to be friends."

John nodded and sniffled back his tears.

"Come on," Blaine tried to smile. "Let's see when the next showing is."

He took John's hand and they headed towards the ticket counter when, from the side of the lobby, Matt's voice could be heard shouting, "Yeah, big deal, you're going to call the police! Well, up yours, asshole, we're leaving, so screw you."

They looked and saw a group of ushers and managers leading Matt and Meg out the side door. At the same time, blue lights could be seen flashing in the parking lot.

"I don't think I have to worry about Matt driving home under the influence tonight. I think he'll be sleeping it off with the police."

John nodded and watched the commotion, too.

"Want to go back into that theater and see the movie we bought tickets for?"

John shrugged. "Sure."

Ed had already walked a huge collection of bags of clothes back to the trunk of the Tesla, twice, by the time Rose suggested that they stop and have a coffee and dessert. Both enjoyed a cup of bitter coffee and a selection of small pastries.

"You did very well with that boy, Ed," Rose smiled. "You're a good guy, you know. To be honest, you surprise me. I kind of thought that I'd be the mature one, but I find myself acting like my mother did when I was Bebe's age."

Ed laughed at that. "I don't know, I think you're doing great in an odd situation. I mean, not many women your age have a boyfriend that's a fourteen year old girl." He thought for a moment before he asked, "You don't think we pushed him too hard to go out with this boy, do you?"

"I don't know," Rose shrugged, "but it would seem odd if a pretty girl wasn't interested in dating a handsome boy. I don't think there really was a choice. I do wonder, though, if this goes on too long, how far he'll go with a boy."

Ed looked confused, "What do you mean? He can't, you know, go all the way without letting the boy know that he's a boy, too."

"Well, Yeah, but, you know, if a girl dates a boy long enough, she's going to find herself on her knees at some point. It's kind of inevitable."

"Geez," Ed shook his head, "I hope he's ready for that if it comes to it. To tell you the truth, Rosie, sometimes I wish he really was just Bebe. You know, like Bebe was really... Bebe. I worry about him, a lot. He's not the guy I used to hang out with. He's a lot different, now. He's... well, he's not a he at all... she is a such a baby, now. The worst part about it is, even though I worry about her, I really like being her uncle. I feel like I'm a dad and I really enjoy it."

"I know, Ed, and believe me, she knows it, too. When I first met you guys in June, John was kind of the leader, you know? You even told me that you only stuck with theater to hang out with him. Now, he'd be lost without you. She's turned into your little girl. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Do you have a 'thing' for her?"

He smiled and shook his head. "No. I had a thing for Bianca, once, I guess, but... Can I tell you something? Something I need you to keep just between us?"

"Of course."

"For a long time... well... I kind of had a thing for... John."

"Really? Huh? That does surprise me a little, but, now that I think about it... it shouldn't. I can see it. Did you ever tell him?"

He scoffed. "No. Of course, not. I mean... I'm not really, a hundred percent, sure of where I fall on the sexuality scale, but John's the only guy I ever felt that way about. Usually, I'm attracted to girls, but... well, John definitely pushed some buttons for me and when he became Bianca... he was kind of my perfect partner for a little while."

"And now?"

"Now? No. Never, now. John's gone and so is Bianca and Bebe's just...d my little girl. I can't think of her any other way. It still love her with all my heart, just... not like that."

Rose reached across the table and rubbed her hand along the back of Ed's. "Thank you for sharing that with me, Ed. I know it wasn't easy."

"It's easy if you trust someone. I trust you, Rosie. We make a good team."

"We do. Thank you, Ed."

"Thank you, Rosie."

The movie had been a lot of fun. Typical of the Marvel Movie Universe, the action, humor, spectacle and human drama were perfectly parsed out throughout the film. They'd both enjoyed it.

'JUST GETTING SOME ICE CREAM AT HALO'S' John had text to Ed and Rose when they'd left the theater. Now, as they threw away their napkins and headed back into the mall, John text, 'ALL DONE. WHERE SHOULD WE MEET YOU?'

'MAIN ENTRANCE. 15 MINUTES.' Rose had replied.

"I had a nice time," Blaine said as they walked hand in hand. "I'm really sorry about Matt..."

"I had a good time, too," John interrupted. "I'm glad Matt and Meg had to leave. They were..."

"Pigs," Blaine finished the thought. "Yeah. I'm sorry." He hesitated, obviously considering how to say something. "Hey, ummm, could I, maybe, kiss you goodnight before we meet your family?"

John stopped walking and turned to look at the boy who had been his escort for the evening. Blaine was tall, strong and handsome. Truly the opposite of John, who was small, weak and cute. Maybe Rose was right. He was just as different from Blaine as he was from her. Shy of finding a flat chested person with a vagina, John would always find himself in 'gay' situation, whether he was with a man or a woman - or, in this case, a boy. His smile grew as he considered how nicely Blaine had kissed him at the homecoming dance. That had been lovely. Why not, then. "Sure. If you want to."

"If I want to!?" Blaine laughed. "I've wanted to all night, but between Matt messing everything up and my fear that your uncle, who is much younger and stronger than I expected, by the way, was somewhere in the theater behind me, I was afraid to do it."

That made John giggle. "Well, am I scaring you, now?"

"Kinda," the boy teased. "Can I, then?"

John nodded.

Blaine moved in, slowly and gently, and wrapped his arms around the adorable image of a teenaged girl that stood before him. God, he had such a thing for her! Just her touch and her smell was intoxicating. He savored every second as his embrace brought her closer. And she never closed her eyes! She looked right at him. She wasn't imagining someone else. She was kissing him and thinking about him.

Slowly, their lips touched. She was warm and tasted of lipstick and vanilla ice cream. He felt her arms wrap under his, so that her arms reached up the back of each of his and her hands rested, small and dainty, on his upper back, unable to clasp each other.

The kiss lasted several seconds and when it ended, they didn't break their embrace. They didn't even separate. They held each other, their lips centimeters from each other.

"I had a really nice time with you," Bebe said quietly. "Thank you for taking me."

"Thanks for coming," Blaine replied, just as quietly. It was as if they were alone in this giant mall. All he could see, feel or sense, was her. "You look beautiful. Did you buy that dress just for tonight?"

Bebe smiled and giggled a little. "Ella bought it for me. I'm glad you like it, though."

The boy hugged her, just a little more tightly. "Ella wouldn't have looked half as pretty in it as you."

Something about that remark stirred a girlish part of John. It was the nicest thing a boy could have said to him. He was lost in all things feminine, now. 'Just be soft and pretty for this boy. Be what he wants you to be.'

Slowly, again, Blaine's lips closed the gap between them and their lips met even more gently than before. This time, the kiss lasted longer and felt even more right. Blaine was losing track of time, of place and of himself, lost in the feeling of holding this amazing girl in his arms, when his new reality was interrupted by the sound of someone, someone very close by, clearing his throat.

"Ah Hmm," the nearby person said, again, and much louder.

John peeked out of one eye to see who it was and the sight scared the daylights out of hi. "Oh, shit," he muttered, causing John's eyes to fly open.

"Uncle Ed!" They separated quickly. "We were just..."

"Yeah. I know what 'you were just...'" Ed's expression seemed more bemused than angry. "Come on, you two. Let's get going." He threw his arm around Blaine's shoulders and led him towards the exit.

"I'm sorry, sir," Blaine said, as he looked over his shoulder to check that Bebe and Rose were following. The last thing he wanted was to be alone with Bebe's uncle, right now. Thank goodness, the girls were following, arm and arm, behind.

"It's ok, son," Ed said kindly. "Maybe you could be a little more discreet - a little less... public, in the future. I guarantee, a month from now, a picture of you two kissing will be captured by TMZ. Let's avoid making that possible, ok?"

"Ok. Yes, sir. Thank you for not killing me."

Ed laughed as he shook the boy's shoulders.

"You've got to be more careful than that once the show starts airing, Beebs," Rose whispered as she linked her arm into John's and they followed the men towards the exit. "You can't let photographers catch you kissing a boy in the mall."

"Ok," John whispered. He was both enthralled in romance and horrified with the shame of being caught kissing a boy.

They walked in silence for a moment, before Rose whispered, "Did you like it, though?"

John smiled, giggled a little and shrugged.

"Ooh, you little slut." She kissed his cheek as he blushed.
 
 
To Be Continued...