Sandy's grip on Toby's hand told him she was frightened. He stopped walking, causing Sandy to stop and look at him. "Sandy, there's nothing to be frightened about. Sherry isn't a monster who'll eat your firstborn or breathe fire if you don't give her the right answer to a puzzle. She, we're, here to help you. Until I came here and later met with Sherry, almost every night I'd dream about what my brother did to me. Until I talked with Sherry, I'd wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. It got to the point I became afraid to go to sleep, fearful I'd dream about being beaten." Toby looked at Sherry, smiled, then continued with, "And ever since sitting down and talking with her, I've been able to sleep through the night, no longer afraid to go to sleep. Francis, Charlotte, and I, know how hard it is to talk about what we experienced, but though it was painful to recount our experiences, Sherry made it easier to do. I imagine trust is something you find hard to do because of what you experienced, but I can tell you from first-hand experience, you can completely trust Sherry."

Toby reached up and gently wiped the tears from Sandy's cheeks. She tried to say something but it caught in her throat. When she could finally speak, she asked Toby, "Why do you care so much about me? We just met today. Neither of us owes anything to the other."

Toby reached up and cupped Sandy's left cheek, saying, "I care about you, Sandy, because it's the right thing to do when you see someone hurting because of a terrible experience. And we all do owe something to each other called concern. Too often we ignore those we see who are hurting because we think there's nothing we can do. Well, we may not all be professionals, but we can just be there and listen."

Sandy nodded her head in understanding, then pulled Toby into a hug and thanked him for being there with her. She wiped her eyes, then sat down in the chair she first used, watching as Toby pulled out the chair next to her and sat down. There was a knock on the door before it opened and Jane brought in three bottles of bottled water. After setting them down on the table, she patted Toby on the back before turning and leaving the room, closing the door behind her. To lighten the mood a bit, Sherry turned her attention to Toby, asking, "So, young man. You fear being ravaged by two beautiful women, is it? Are you afraid you can't handle to beautiful women at the same time?"

Huge smiles formed on Sherry and Sandy's faces, watching as Toby's strawberry red coloring started to return. "Um… well… I… uh… I've never been with any girl, so I wouldn't know what to do if it happened."

After saying that, Toby hung his head, his eyes looking at his hands folded together on top of the table. It wasn't until Sherry saw his tears drip onto the tabletop that she realized her quip had hit another sore spot with Toby. She reached across the table and placed both of her hands on top of Toby's hands, saying, "Oh, Toby, I'm so sorry. I was trying to lighten the mood with my quip and never realized it would hurt you so much." When Sandy saw Toby's reaction to Sherry's quip, she'd put her arm around Toby's shoulders, leaning into him for support.

Shrugging his shoulders, Toby responded, "It's not your fault, Sherry. I had bigger problems to deal with besides not ever being with a girl." And as Sherry and Sandy watched, Toby raised his head, a beautiful smile forming on his face, as he said, "But I'm with two beautiful girls now, aren't I?"

Her own tears slowly sliding down her face, Sandy told him, "Yes you are, Toby. And if we were several years younger, we'd both teach you a thing or two. We'd make it a moment you'd never forget."

When Toby looked at Sherry he saw she was nodding her head, agreeing with Sandy. "Toby, you possess all of the qualities many young ladies look for in a boyfriend. You're concerned for the welfare of others. You're kind to a fault. You aren't boastful, and you know how to treat girls with respect, as you've shown on several occasions since you've been here. You are also not afraid to stand up with your friends, no matter the consequences. Those are all qualities young ladies with heads on their shoulders are looking for in a boyfriend."

In a soft voice, Sandy added while looking at Toby, "Toby, one day you're going to bump into a girl who's going to fall hard for you. She's going to see you as the boyfriend she's been waiting for. And you, young man, are going to fall hard for her. And when that happens, we want to meet her and be invited to your wedding, because there will be a wedding." Sandy and Sherry chuckled at the shocked look on Toby's face. When Toby looked at Sherry, she too was nodding her head at what Sandy said. Feeling much better than she had at the beginning, and after kissing Toby on the cheek, Sandy turned to Sherry and said, "I think I'm ready to tell you my story, Sherry, since we've now got Romeo headed in the right direction." Toby playfully swatted Sandy's arm before putting his arm around her shoulders as she began telling Sherry about the painful experience.

~~~***{}***~~~

"I met him when I went into an investment firm to start an investment portfolio with some money I'd saved up. He was a dream come true, Sherry. He was extremely handsome, rugged looking, and had a smile that'd melt butter. And he knew his stuff, guiding me through the maze of investments. He showed me the best stocks to invest in as a new investor and was right about the choices because my investment doubled within the first thirty days. I guess he was taken with me as well, because he called a few days later to ask me out on a date. He was like you are now, Toby, kind, considerate, caring, and respectful. After about a month, he asked if I'd move in with him, and was so taken with him, I immediately said yes. The first two months were wonderful, Sherry. We couldn't get enough of each other and did everything together. Then things started to change the third month we were together, just little things at first. Where he'd once been immaculate in everything he did, he started becoming sloppy. He started coming home late, telling me he was dealing with overseas investors. I was familiar with the time differences so didn't suspect anything. Then, one night during the fourth month, he came home dead drunk. I had fixed something he really liked, but he threw a fit when he saw what it was. He picked up his plate of food and threw it at me, narrowly missing me. I had fixed a mixed salad, which he picked up and threw it as well. I forget what he said after that, but he left and I didn't see him again until the next day when he came home and acted like nothing ever happened."

Opening one of the bottles of bottled water, Sandy took a long drink before she continued with her story. After setting the bottle down, she continued with, "When he got home that night, I asked what had bothered him the night before, telling him he came home dead drunk. After I said that, he looked at me as though I had two heads or something. He denied coming home drunk the previous night, told me he'd been dealing with overseas investors the entire night. I even showed him the dent in the wall where his plate hit it after he threw it at me. Again he denied it, saying the same thing he'd said before. I decided not to push it, just agreeing with him I must have been dreaming. Three days later he again came home dead drunk, and again started throwing the plates of food around. This time he hit me on the arm with one of them, when I saw it coming, and raised my arm to protect my face. I had a bruise on my arm for a week after that. He left again, only to come home the following afternoon as though nothing had happened. He asked about the bruise on my arm when he saw it, and I just told him I banged it against the kitchen cabinet when I reached for something. He just said I needed to be more careful."

Toby was rubbing Sandy's back as she told her story, wiping his eyes every so often. He and Sherry watched as Sandy drank the rest of the water in her bottle before she continued speaking. "I knew he needed to see a doctor for the lapses in memory, but if he didn't remember doing them, how was I going to convince him to go? I stopped putting food on the table because I never knew what state he'd be in when he came home. And the nights he came home stinking drunk, I headed to our bedroom to keep out of his way." Sandy's voice had started getting thicker the further into her story she ventured. Her tears were ever present, also getting more intense as she spoke. "One evening, about two weeks after I was hit with one of the plates he threw, he again came home blotted. I'd been sitting on the couch reading a book, and when I realized he was beyond sober, I put the book down and got up off the couch, intending to go to the bedroom." It started becoming more difficult to understand what Sandy was saying due to her crying while talking. Sherry reached across the table and took Sandy's hands, gently squeezing them, encouraging Sandy to continue. "I just turned to my left when he grabbed my hair from behind and threw me to the floor, causing me to land flat on my back and hitting the back of my head on the floor. I was woozy after that and had a hard time breathing. But he wasn't done, oh, no, not by a long shot. He reached down, grabbed the front of my blouse, and pulled me up. Then while holding me up, he began slapping me first with an open hand, then he'd backhand me. At one point, he slapped me so hard, he knocked me onto the couch. I don't know what happened after that because I must have passed out. When I came too, the apartment was quiet, I was lying on my side on the couch, my feet dangling over the edge of the cushion. I slowly sat up, feeling woozy again, and listened to make sure he'd gone out as he usually did. I was finally able to stand up and make my way into the bathroom, I had tasted blood in my mouth. When I looked in the bathroom mirror, I didn't recognize myself because my face was swollen. My left eye was almost swollen shut, I had a shinner under my right eye, and my lower lip was split."

Sherry pushed one of the unopened bottles of bottled water over to Sandy, who, with shaking hands, opened it and down half the water in the bottle. "After rinsing my mouth out, spitting out blood, I took a hand towel and made my way to the kitchen, where I got an ice pack out of the freezer, wrapped it in the towel, and placed it against my left eye. I made my way to the couch and lay down, shifting the ice pack around my face every so often. When I was feeling somewhat better, I took a shower and went to bed in the other bedroom which had a deadbolt on the door and a lock on the door handle. For good measure, I wedged a chair under the doorknob, I didn't want that bastard getting in the room. The next afternoon, when that bastard came home, I was standing in the living room holding the biggest butcher knife I owned. When he saw my face, and the knife I was holding, he asked me what happened to my face and why I had the knife. I couldn't believe it when I told him he did this to me and he denied it. Telling me he'd never do anything like that to me. He stepped toward me, only to have me tell him to stay back or I'd gut him like a fish. He said I was crazy. He said I should see a doctor. I laughed and told him it was him who needed to see a doctor because of his memory lapses. He laughed, telling me he didn't need to see a doctor, and his memory was fine. I told him supper was in the oven before going to the other bedroom and locking myself in for the night."

Sandy's crying had lessened, somewhat, but intensified as she told the last of her story. She had just begun continuing her story when she felt two pairs of arms encircle her from behind. Looking to her right, she saw Francis standing there. Looking to her left, she saw Charlotte. Francis told her, "It's okay, Sandy, we're here for you."

Turning back to Francis, Sandy stated, "After everything I've said to you over these past months, and you're here for me. You are a dear, sweet, young man Frank Winslow. Don't you ever change!" Sandy was quiet for several minutes, gathering her thoughts and the courage to relive the worst part of her nightmare. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, Sandy continued. "It seemed his memory problems hit him every two weeks, so after two weeks, I was on edge, waiting for the evening he'd come home plastered out of his mind. The swelling on my face had gone down by then, though I still had a bruise under my right eye." Sandy's tears increased, and her voice thickened, as she said, "It was on a Wednesday of the second week when he came home blasted out of his mind. He was so drunk he smelled up the living room. I was again sitting on the couch reading my book and when I stood up to go lock myself in the bedroom, he grabbed me and began punching me in the face. He kept calling me a bitch whore, as he punched me. I tried blocking his blows, but he'd punch me in the stomach when I did, causing me to drop my arms to my stomach."

Sherry and Toby had gotten out of their chairs and joined in holding the extremely distraught woman, who was close to wailing, as she spoke. Even though her words were thick, they understood her. "At one point, he punched me so hard I fell backward and landed on the floor. With a malevolent look on his face, he straddled me on the floor and continued punching me with his fists. I don't know how long I lay there on the floor, but when I came to, he wasn't around. My face hurt something fierce, as did my chest. I managed to crawl to the phone and pull it off the end table. I dialed 911 and told them my boyfriend had just beaten me and I needed help. I was later told when they found me lying on the floor, I was still holding the phone. When I came to, I discovered I was in the hospital, a doctor standing over me and a nurse next to him; an IV in my right arm. I tried to speak, but was told by the doctor not to, they had to wire my jaw shut. He went on to explain that my left and right cheekbones had slight fractures and I had three broken ribs, which they'd taped. I guess I fell asleep at that point, because when I awoke, it was the next day." Sandy reached out and took the opened bottle of water and drank the water left in the bottle. Still crying, and now shaking, she continued with her story. She chuckled a bit when she told them, "The next morning when they brought my breakfast, it was a glass of some green stuff with a straw in it. I was told I couldn't eat anything solid until my jaw healed; the green stuff was pretty tasty. It was while the doctor and nurse were there that he came into the room, causing me to flip out. With my jaw wired shut, I did my best to tell them to keep him away from me and to get him the hell out of my room. I guess I was going nuts, 'cause the doctor had to hold me down while the nurse pushed him out of the room before she got on the phone and called security. And just like before, he didn't remember beating the hell out of me. When I'd calmed down, I told the doctor everything about his memory lapses. How he'd come home stinking drunk, go into a rage, leave the apartment, then come home the next day like nothing ever happened. When the two security guards came into the room, they took one look at me and while one called the police, the other made sure he didn't go anywhere; he was still trying to get into my room."

By this time, Jane and Carolyn had come into the back room, Carolyn had first locked the front door, turned the 'open' sign to 'closed,' and pulled down the shades over the front windows. They both reached in and helped hold Sandy, now wailing as she spoke. "When the police arrived, the doctor left my room but the nurse stayed, as did one of the security guards. A woman officer came into my room and I heard her exclaim, 'Oh, my gawd,' after she saw me. She started asking me questions, and I told her everything as best as I could with my jaw wired shut. I later learned the doctor had somehow convinced him to undergo a brain scan, and that when the scan was complete, it was discovered he had a brain tumor that was so advanced there was nothing they could do to remove it. They told him he had about three more months to live. The officers asked if I wanted to press charges against him, but how could I do that and deprive him of what time he had left to live? I told them he was already under a death sentence, so no, I wasn't going to press charges. I was discharged a few days later, they'd called my parents to inform them what had happened to me. On the day I was discharged both mom and dad were there to help me. They even took me back to the apartment and helped me pack up everything before they took me home."

~~~***{}***~~~

With her story concluded, Sandy had a major meltdown, The six held her for all they were worth, none of them having a dry eye. Her wailing was worse than anything heard at Seasons House during the sessions with Sherry. Nothing at the moment mattered but being there for Sandy. Time wasn't important, lessons undone weren't important, absolutely nothing was important at that very moment, but Sandy and her welfare. Ratons laveurs (Raccoons) and Toby held Sandy as her wailing lessened to crying to eventually soft whimpers, her breathing coming in shudders after all the anguish she released. Eventually, that too regained its normal pattern, the pile of used tissues increasing in the middle of the table, many containing black smudges. Slowly the room became quiet, only the soft ticking of the wall clock breaking the silence. Then as abruptly as Sandy's wailing had started, she suddenly said, "Oh, crap. I have to pee," causing everyone to either snort, laugh, or chuckle. She must have had to really go, because she almost took Sherry and Toby with her as she quickly stood up, turned, and headed for the restroom in the salon. The others had released Sandy and stood back to let her out of her chair, finding it amusing as Sherry and Toby were suddenly sitting on the floor.

They all started laughing when Toby, sitting on the floor facing Sherry, and with a big smile on his face, said, "I guess going was rather urgent."

Charlotte had picked up the used tissues and threw them in a nearby trashcan, taking a seat next to where Sherry had been sitting as she held Sandy. The others did the same, finding seats on the opposite side of the table or either side of where Sandy had been sitting. Sandy caused more laughter after coming back into the room and saying, "Ho, boy, that was a close one. And me without any spare panties."

Before Sandy returned Toby and Sherry had picked themselves off the floor and were again sitting in their seats. Upon hearing Sandy's statement when she returned, he face palmed himself, shook his head, and announced, "TMI TMI TMI," forgetting Francis and Charlotte were also boys under their clothing, who, like the others, started laughing as Toby's pretty strawberry color returned.

Smiling because of what Toby said, and his now red coloring, Sandy sat down in her chair facing Toby. Sandy put a gentle hand on his left shoulder, asking, "Did I embarrass my prince Charming with my talk of panties?" As Toby nodded his head, Sandy saw the tears forming in his eyes, suddenly remembering their earlier talk. "Oh, my gawd, Toby. I'm so sorry," she told him as she pulled him sideways into a hug, his tears now flowing freely down his cheeks. "Oh, my sweet boy, I'm so sorry." Sherry quietly explained about the conversation when they'd first come into the back room, helping everyone understand why Toby was upset and Sandy's apology.

Carolyn hadn't seen Sandy pull Toby into a hug, but she heard Sandy's apology and Sherry's explanation, as she'd gone to get more bottles of bottled water. She did, however, see Sandy holding Toby as she returned to the back room, setting a bottle in front of everyone. Walking to stand behind Toby and Sandy, Carolyn laid a hand on Toby's back, leaned over his right shoulder, asking, "Will you be okay, Toby? If you want to talk about it we'll listen."

Toby's head gyrated in several plans before he shrugged his shoulders and answered, "Yeah, I'll be okay. It's just a wish I've had for some time."

Sandy and Jane knew Carolyn had a wicked sense of humor if she had the right opening. Both women knew what the big smile on Carolyn's face meant, and they weren't disappointed when she asked Toby, "What, getting into a pair of panties?"

Sherry, Francis, and Charlotte suddenly caught on to what Carolyn had asked, knowing she asked a question having a double meaning. Those three leaned over so they could see Toby's face, while those on the opposite of the table just looked at his face. As they watched, Toby frowned for several moments before realization showed on his face. He sat up, breaking Sandy's hold on him, slowly turned his head to the right, and seeing Carolyn's huge grin, said, "You do realize that's a double entendre question, right?"

Nodding her head like a bobblehead toy, she replied, "Yes, yes I do. You gave me the perfect opening and I just had to take it." Shaking his head several times, he thanked her before lightly kissing her on the cheek. Ruffling his hair, she told him, "Any time, kid. I hate seeing such a wonderful kid like you hurting."

Sandy looked at the women around the tables, saying, "I guess I don't have to ask how I look, I can see how I look." There were chuckles all around. Then Sandy got a serious look on her face and told them, "I can never thank all of you enough for being here for me. I've never had anyone show as much love and concern as all of you have shown me." Turning to Sherry, she said, "If you let me know when you have an opening, I'd like to continue talking with you for a while." She then turned back to Toby, gently stroking his cheek. "Toby, don't you give up hope finding the girl for you. She's out there, you two just haven't met yet. And don't you ever change who you are," and she playfully tweaked his ear. "Or I'll hunt you down and kick your butt, got it?"

Smiling, Toby answered, "Got it. And I'll be sure to invite you to our wedding."

Looking at the clock on the wall, Sandy sighed then said, "Well, looks like I closed the salon for today. I'm sorry about it, Carolyn."

Reaching across the table and taking Sandy's hand, she told Sandy, "Ah, no, I closed the shop. You are much more important than more clients today. But I am kind of hungry. How about you and I get cleaned up and go out to eat? Your treat."

Seeing the smile on Carolyn's face, a shocked Sandy jerked her head in Toby's direction and said, "He isn't the only cheeky bugger around here." The room erupted in laughter.

Jane pushed her chair back, she started walking around the table before telling the girls and Toby, "Girls, Toby, I think it's time for us to return home. We all need to clean up before supper." Jane stopped behind Sandy, placing a hand on her left shoulder. Sandy reached up and held Jane's hand as Jane told her, "If you need anything, anything at all, call me." Sandy's throat tightened at Jane's offer, so she nodded her head in response. Carolyn followed Jane, the girls, and Toby to the front door, unlocking it before hugging the four and letting them out of the salon.

~~~***{}***~~~

Looking through a small pair of binoculars, the passenger said, "It must have gotten emotional in there. Jane would never allow herself to look as she does now."

His partner used his own binoculars, and replied, "Oh, you got that right. She was always sticky about that point."

Lowering his binoculars, the passenger asked, "How do you know that?" Realization hitting him, continued with, "Wait. You were her guest, weren't you? Oh, I'd like to hear that story."

The driver replied, "Yep, got the tee-shirt to prove it. We'll have time later for my story." They waited until Jane drove away, then started shadowing them, watching as another car pulled out from behind the salon and headed toward Seasons House.

~~~***{}***~~~

The drive back to Seasons House was somber, everyone's thoughts on Sandy's welfare. Francis and Charlotte, in particular, realized they'd not had it that bad compared to what Sandy and Toby had experienced. When they arrived at Seasons House, Toby was his usual gentlemanly self, helping first Jane then the girls out of Jane's car. The three quiet teens followed Jane up the sidewalk to the front door, and waited until Jane unlocked and opened the front door before following her inside her house. Turning to the three teens, Jane said, "Please shower and put on clean clothing. Girls, make sure you clean your faces thoroughly before showing." Their 'Yes, Aunt Jane' responses were also somber, there thoughts still on Sandy.

As the three started the short climb to the second floor, Francis turned and asked, "Aunt Jane. Will Sandy be alright? She was so upset then."

Proud at the concern Francis had for someone else, Jane asked, "Did you feel better after talking with Sherry? Do you feel better, now that you faced the hurt you carried? Don't you Toby, Charlotte, feel better now that you've faced your demons?"

With a synopated reply of 'yes,' the three teens turned and continued ascending the stairs. Marie came out of the study, turning to watch the teens disappear out of sight on the second floor. When three bedroom doors were heard closing, Jane asked, "Well?"

Marie turned to face Jane and told her, "Jeb sent them. Or maybe it's better to say he asked them to come and watch over us. Seems the three of them have a life debt, helping each other with no questions asked. They aren't leaving until it's all over."

Nodding her head, Jane asked, "How far?"

Smiling, Marie answered, "A thousand yards, if it's a fly. Longer if it walks on two legs. Oh, and if it goes south, the passenger said for you to stay away from the door opening. He didn't want your pretty face to be splattered with blood." Chuckling, Jane turned and started for her bedroom and a shower. She was part way through the living room when Marie said, "Oh, and Jane," causing Jane to stop and turn to face Marie. "The man driving was one of our girls some years ago." Jane nodded her head once, smiled, then turned and continued walking to her bedroom.

Marie was in the kitchen, gathering the ingredients for their supper when the three teens entered the kitchen. Right away, she could feel the atmosphere in the normally bubbly kitchen drop to somber, as the three went about their tasks mechanically. Francis and Toby were about to leave the kitchen to set the table when Marie ordered, "Everyone stop what you're doing and sit down at the table." She watched as the three sat down before asking, "Who wants to tell me why you three look as though someone took the last piece of your favorite pie?"

She had tried to lighten the atmosphere in the kitchen but saw it had no affect. She almost laughed as she watched the three look from one to the other, each playing a mental game of rock, paper, sissors. Francis sighed, then said, "We're worried about Sandy, tante Marie. She went through something even worse than what Toby experienced." Marie looked at Toby, the boy sitting in a chair, nodding his head. "She became even more upset than the three of us did when we talked with Sherry. The guy she was with ended up being Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde because of a massive brain tumor. And Sandy happened to be there when Mr. Hyde was around. He beat her several times, not remembering he'd done anything when Dr. Jeckle was present. Tante Marie, the last time Mr. Hyde came out, he beat her so bad he almost killed her. She ended up in the hospital, then with her parents help, they moved her back home so she could get away from him and let her body heal."

Marie placed her left hand on both of Francis' folded hands on the table, trying to offer her some comfort, as she watched tears escape the girls eyes. "Francis, I think you'll find Sandy has become a much stronger person because of her experience. You may have heard the saying 'What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger?'" And Marie looked at each of the teens as she recited the saying. "Aren't you three stronger because of the recent experiences you've had? All three of you faced your demons with Sherry's help, and you came out the other side. Don't you feel stronger because of that? It is admirable you three are concerned for Sandy's welfare, Jane and I would be disappointed if you weren't. But her burden isn't your burden, and you can't carry it for her. You can help where you are able. You can be concerned as you currently are, but you can't let it take control of your life. Understand you did what you could do when she needed you three the most. Now, you must get on with your lives and have faith Sandy will be okay. Do you understand what I'm telling the three of you?"

In unison, the three nodded their heads, with Charlotte adding, "Yeah, but it still hurts to see Sandy hurting, tante Marie."

Smiling, Marie told the teens, "Yes, it hurts, chère. It hurts because you care. It will always hurt if you truly care about someone's welfare. Now, perk up, know Sandy will be alright, and get about your tasks or supper will be late. And you know Jane hates a late meal for no reason." The three teens chuckled, then did perk up because of Marie's last statement, getting up from the kitchen table and going about their usual tasks to help get supper ready. Marie stood back and watched the three teens work, cooperating with each other like a well oiled machine. She once again took her own words to heart, as she tamped her own hurt down once again, knowing those three would be alright in the end.

Talk at the supper table that evening centered around Sany, brain tumors, their treatments and the effect the turmor can have on the brain and a person's actions. Charlotte was able to provide some information because of the physiology class she'd taken at the nearby University, but it wasn't until the following morning, when Jill arrive to check on Toby, that a better explanation would be heard at breakfast.

~~~***{}***~~~

Seasons House took on a normalcy unlike any Jane and Marie had had in the past. For the next two weeks, the teens kept their bedrooms clean and tidy, without being told. They were out the backdoor at 6 a.m. to muck out the stalls in the stable, trying not to play muck-a-boo with the mare and Pinto, without being told. They then showered and after getting dressed, helped Marie get ready for breakfast. Their time until lunch was filled with Susan's lessons, an activity causing Susan to plan much further ahead because of the speed the teens covered the lessons. They would then help get lunch ready, followed by more lessons until supper time. All of this done without being told to do so. Jane would have to tell them to relax after supper or they'd be back in the library studying. They also had the weekly trips to the salon, where the first thing the teens did was to make sure Sandy was doing okay, something she greatly appriciated. Much to their surprise, she was doing better than fine, as they found out she was as much of a practical joker as Carolyn. They also discovered her puns were more poignant, if not pungent.

~~~***{}***~~~

Jeb had been quiet of late, not sending Jane any undates about the shoplifting case. It was the Monday of the third week after helping Sandy, that two events occurred simultaneously. Jane and Marie were sitting at the dining room table after breakfast, and Susan and the teens were in the library studying, when the phone in the study rang and there was a knock on the front door. After getting up from the table, Marie went to the study, while Jane checked the monitor near the front door. The camera watching the front door showed two men dressed in workman's clothes. Both wore a blue work shirt with a company name and logo above the left breast pocket. The man in front carried what looked to be a toolbox, while the man behind him carried a roll of Romex insulated electrical wire. Both were wearing workbooks. With a practiced eye, Jane could tell neither man bore the marks of someone in the electrical trade.

Jane immediately went to the living room, pulled the rolling ladder over to the exact spot she needed, climbed it, took out the fake book spines, opened the small safe behind them, and took out her Glock, closing the door of the safe but did not lock it. After replacing the fake book spines, she climbed down the ladder and returned it to its storage location. She pulled the slide on her Glock back just enough to make sure a round was chambered, before quickly walking to the library and barging in, telling Susan, the girls and Toby to follow her and ask no questions. They followed Jane into her bedroom, where she stopped at a door near the far wall. After inputting a code on the keypad next to the door, she opened the door then told them, "At the bottom of these stairs, you'll find a panic room. After entering the room, turn the large wheel on the inside of the door, that will throw bolts around the parameter of the door into the door frame. Then pull down the bar at the top and bottom, both helping to secure the door. You'll be safe in that room, as there is food and water and fresh air will be pumped in after you secure the door. There are two phones in that room, a red and white one. The white one is a house phone, while the red one is a direct line to the police and sheriff office. I will call you on the house phone, the white phone. If I tell you 'bingo clear' you can exit the room and return upstairs. If I tell you 'Charlie bingo' pick up the red phone and tell the sheriff and police that Seasons House needs help, they'll understand. If the white phone rings and you don't hear my voice, or Marie's voice, pick up the red phone and tell them we need help. Got it?" When they all nodded their heads, Jane then said, "Alright, go. I'll stay here until I hear the bolts thrown on the door."

After hearing the bolts on the panic room door go home, Jane closed the door and quickly made her way to the front door, seeing Marie standing at the study door with her 1911 in her hand and the hammer ready to start a delivery. "That was Jeb," Marie told Jane. "Ask those two which side they butter their toast on. They should answer, 'the side you put cinnamon sugar on.'"

Jane thumbed the safety on the Glock off, then pulled the hammer all the way back, before putting her right arm behind her back and walking to the front door. After turning the knob pulling the bolt back, she opened the front door and stood next to the open door with her left hand on the doorknob. "Yes, gentlemen. How may I help you two?"

"Good morning, Ms. Thompson. My name is Robert Thomas and my partner is Jerome Roberts. We're with the District Attorney's office and have been sent here to interview Toby Camber."

Jane evaluated the man's statement for any lies or deceit. Satisfied he was telling the truth, she asked, "And which side of the toast do you butter?"

Jerome smiled before replying, "The side you put cinnamon sugar on, Ms. Thompson."

Giving both men a small smile, and dropping her right arm, she watched the surprised look in both men's eyes at seeing her 9mm. "Please, come in gentlemen," Jane told them, backing to her right so she was out of Marie's line of fire. "You may put your props there," and she pointed to a spot about five feet from the front door.

After setting the toolbox and Romex roll on the floor, it was only then they saw the 1911 Marie was holding. It was Jerome who said, "You ladies seem to have had a spot of trouble," as he pointed to the Glock and at Marie.

Jane looked Jerome in the eyes and replied, "Indeed we have, Mr. Roberts. It's why we are taking precautions. Do either of you have any material you need to acquire?"

It was Robert who told Jane, "All we need is in the toolbox. If I may?" He asked, not wanting to know what it felt like to be shot.

Nodding her head, Jane said, "Slowly, Mr. Thomas. No sudden moves, please. It'd be a shame if I had to have these floors replaced because of spilt blood." Robert did exactly as Jane said. He slowly flipped the two latches before opening the lid by holding the side of the lid. He took out two business folders, handing one to Jerome. After he stood, Jane said, "If you two gentlemen will follow Marie's instructions, I'll bring Toby to you in the study. You gentlemen understand Marie will be in the room the entire time you’re with Toby, for Toby's protection. And I would advise you to follow her instructions to the letter. She isn't always as patient as I am and might do something regreteable."

A statue in place, Jane waited until Marie directed the two men into the study before she headed for the library. Once in the library, she picked up the phone and dialed a two digit number, saying, "Bingo is clear. I say again, Bingo is clear." After hanging up the phone, she went into her bedroom, standing where she could watch her bedroom door and the door to the panic room. It wasn't long before the secure door opened and the four came into the bedroom. "Toby, please come with me. There are two gentlemen from the District Attorneys office who want to ask you some questions. You're not to worry, though, because Marie will be in the study the entire time. And if anything goes wrong, drop to the floor, don't hesitate. Just drop. Understand?" When Toby nodded his head, Jane then told the others, "You three can return to the library. I will be in the dining room, sitting at the table. If anything happens, I'll come and get you and you'll head to the panic room again. No questions asked. Do you understand me?" She watched as all three nodded their heads, before she led them out of her bedroom. She stopped Toby once they reached the library, giving the three time to enter the library and close the door behind them. She walked Toby into the study and over to the table near the window. Seeing that the two men were sitting on the bookshelf side of the table, away from the window, she said, "Gentlemen, please move to the opposite side of the table, I want Toby out of sight of anyone outside." After the men moved to the opposite side of the table, and Toby sat down opposite them, Jane told the two men, "And you need not worry about anything you say or discuss leaving this room. Marie only watches, not listens." After both men nodded their heads in agreement, Jane left the study, closing the door behind her before heading to the kitchen.

During the two hours of questioning, the men started by asking Toby how he became involved with the shoplifting. When they questioned the part where Toby talked about being beaten in to submission, he stood up, tore off his shirt and pulled down his pants and underwear before turning around and asking, "Do all of these scars look like bullshit to you? Would you like to see the pictures they took right after I arrived at Seasons House? Those would give you a better perspective of what I went through. Shall Marie have Aunt Jane bring them to us?"

Marie had reached the table just as Toby finished speaking. He was pulling up his underwear and pants and putting what was left of his shirt back on. She put an arm around his shoulders then said with a kind voice, "Beruhige dich, Schatz (Calm down, darling.). They mean you no harm. It they can't believe what you tell them, no one will believe what you tell them." Then turning to the two men, she told them, "This young man has been through hell and has only just come out the other side. Take that into account with your questioning. I will have some water brought to you." Marie walked backward to the study desk, picked up the phone and dialed a two digit number. "Would you please bring water and glasses to the study. Thank you." Without looking for the straight back wooden chair, Marie backed up until her calves hit the chair stretchers and she sat down, never taking her eyes off the two men. It wasn't long before Jane walked into the study, not bothering to knock on the study door. She offered Marie a glass of water from the tray she carried, before taking the rest to the table, all the while staying out of Marie's line of fire.

She backed her way to the study door before opening the door and backing out of the study. Once free of the study, Jane returned to the kitchen to monitor the study through the hidden cameras placed in the study. She had to fight the urge to storm into the study and pistol whip both men because of some questions they asked. But she understood the reason for the questions, since Marie had already explained it to Toby. At the two hour mark, both men decided they had enough information, and told Toby with the information they had in his own voice, he likely wouldn't be called to testify. Jane shut down the monitor and closed and locked the cabinet, before leaving the kitchen and taking a seat at the dining room table. When the study door opened, and the two men emerged, Jane stood up and walked toward the study. Toby and Marie had followed the two men out of the study, Marie sent Toby back to the library. As Jane reached the two men, she asked, "Did you gentlemen get everything you needed or wanted? If you must return, please advise us several hours before arriving, it eliminates a great quantity of stress. And the possibility of needing to replace the flooring in my house because of unwanted liquids."

Both men agreed before Robert opened the toolbox and returning the two business folders inside. He then took the large coil of Romex and placed it inside, giving anyone watching the impression their work had been completed. Jane opened the front door and closed it after both men had left, going to the living room window and watching as both men got into a work truck branded with the same company logo as was on their shirts. Once they were gone, she pulled the rolling ladder over to the right spot, lowered the hammer on the Glock and safteying it, she climbed it and set aside the fake book spines, before opening the safe and placing the Glock inside. Locking the safe this time, she replaced the fake book spines before climbing down the ladder and moving to its storage location.

Jane then walked toward the study, just as Marie came out of the study empty-handed. "I'll let our friends know we're okay," she told Jane as she started up the stairs. Jane nodded her head once, before turning and walking to the library, where she knocked on the door before opening it and giving everyone the all clear.

Marie turned left once she reached the second floor, walking to the door leading to the attic. Once she reached the attic, she pulled out her keys and unlocked a trunk near the front wall of the house. Taking out a spotter's scope and an led flashlight with a strong beam, she walked over to a small window, opened it and used the spotter's scope to find their friends. Once she spotted them, and saw the passenger was sighting in on the house, using Morse code, she told them they were okay and the men were from the District Attorneys' office. The passenger messaged back, 'Thanks, Marie.'

~~~***{}***~~~

The days went back to what had become normal for Seasons House this time with girls in her house, and Jane was in the kitchen rinsing out her mug at the sink when she spotted the teens gengerly walking back to the house wearing bath towels that were kept in a cabinet near the showers in the stable; they were barefooted this time. Without turning to face Marie, she said, "I wonder what their explanation will be this time." Curious, Marie got up from the kitchen table and looked out the window, laughing as she was the three towel-wrapped teens gently walking back to the house.

"Their explanation should be good this time," she chuckled, before following Jane out of the kitchen and onto the deck off the back door.

Hiding their amusement, both women put on their stern looks, Jane asking the teens when they reached the steps to the deck, "Well, who will explain why you had to shower at the stable instead of your own bedrooms?"

The teens looked at each other before Charlotte let out a sigh and said, "It was the mare."

Then Francis let out a sigh and said, "It was also Pinto."

The teens saw the looks on Jane and Marie's faces, knowing they were still waiting for an explanation. It was Toby who took up the story as he said, "We followed the steps we'd always used, taking one horse out of its stall, pulling everything out, cleaning it completely, putting down fresh straw and returning the horse to its stall before picking up the muck and putting it into the cart. And that's what we had done this morning until the three of us were knocked from behind into the piles of muck first by your mare, Aunt Jane, then by Pinto. Both had been put back into their stalls and the doors latched, only those two have figured out how to undo the latch and push open the doors to their stalls. And when they want to, Aunt Jane, they can be super quiet.

The teens saw the surprised looks on Jane and Marie's faces, as they suddenly felt unexpected weight on their shoulders. All three teens jumped in various directions, away from the weight, only to discover the mare and Pinto standing there, their heads lowered. The teens also didn't expect to be standing in front of Jane and Marie in their birthday suits, as they'd dropped the bath towels they held closed around them. It was too much for Jane and Marie, as both women broke down in ruckus laughter, holding each other up as they did so. The first thing the teens did was to snatch up their bath towels and cover themselves. They then walked over to the two horses and hugged both, telling them it was okay, that they were okay, "Just don't do it again," from Francis.

As all of them watched, both horses turned around and walked back to the stable, Jane saying, "You three go finish drying off and fix yourselves, I'll check on those two," pointing to the two retreating horses. Jane and the teens passed each other as Jane stepped down off the deck while the teens climbed the steps to the deck.

Marie had just put her hand on the back door doorknob when the four heard Jane chuckle. Turning, they saw her shaking her head, chuckling each time as she did. Shaking her own head, Marie finally said, "Come, you three. We still have breakfast to prepare and you must be dressed properly before that can happen."

As the three climbed the stairs, they could hear Marie chuckling as she walked toward the kitchen. It was Toby who said somewhat saracastically, "I'm glad we could be their source of amusement this morning."

Charlotte nodded her head in agreement, but it was Francis who said, "It's better to be their source of amusement than the alternative they could have had us doing." That statement caused Toby and Charlotte to stop on the stair tread they were on, trying to picture what alternatives they could now be doing.

As the three resumed their climb, Charlotte saying aloud, "I'd rather have Aunt Jane and Marie laughing then have them upset with me."

When Toby reached the second floor, he stopped and turned to faced Charlotte and Francis, who were one and two steps from the second floor. "You got to admit, it was kind of funny, being outsmarted by two horses." That caused all three to laugh, as they made up lost time by rushing to their respective bedrooms.

~~~***{}***~~~

When Jane reached the stable, she was still chuckling, but witnessed something that totally surprised her. The stall doors were up against the wall, but before Pinto and the mare went into their stalls, each took a foreleg and placed it behind the bottom edge of the doors. They then pushed each door away from the wall, using the bodies to move the doors until there was enough room for both of them to enter their stalls. After turning around, they used their chins to pull the doors shut, causing the latches to engage. Looking at both sternly, Jane asked, "Okay, that's how you both returned to your stalls, how did you both get out?" Jane had watched as the teens looked at each other, appearing to have a silent conversation before one of them spoke. But she'd never observed her horses doing the same, as after looking at each other, they both lowered their heads, and using their teeth, lifted the latch and pushing against the inside of the door before both doors swung open, allowing both horses to walk out of their stalls. Shaking her head, Jane told them, "That's clever of you both," first walking her mare back into her stall and then Pinto, closing the stall doors afterward. "But you shouldn't just get out when you want, you could hurt yourselves and we wouldn't know about it until we came out to check on the both of you. So please, no more. Agreed?" Pinto and the mare looked at each other again, before both nodded their large heads, receiving an apple each from Jane; Jane’s other mare wasn’t left out of the apple giving. While she was there in the stable, she walked into the shower room to inspect it after the teens had showered. As their bedrooms and en suites were clean and tidy, the teens had left the shower room clean and tidy. They'd wiped down the shower curtains, cleaned the floor of any muck they tracked in, and their soiled clothing, which would have to be thoroughly rinsed before they could be washed, were in separate plastic bags sitting near the door. Jane chuckled again, until she realized how much she'd miss those three and reached up and knuckled her eyes.

Taking the bagged clothing with her, Jane returned to the house, dropping the bags off in the laundry room. From the laundry room, Jane went into the study to check her emails and the fax machine. After going into the study, and closing the door behind her, Jane saw the ready light on the fax machine blinking, an indication a fax was ready to be printed. After inputting a code on the fax machine's keypad she waited for the fax to print, then turned on the computer, entered her password, and opening up the email program. She had just started scanning the emails when the fax chirped, an indication the fax had been printed. She got up from her high-backed chair, took the two steps to the fax machine, and took the printed fax off the outfeed side of the machine. Sitting back down in her chair, she started reading the fax.

From: Jeb et al.

To: Jane Thompson

RE: Killer has been caught

Jane,

Great news, the person killing the kids involved in the shoplifting spree has been caught. The police used a decoy and let it be known where the "kid" lived, hoping to flush out the killer. It was on the third day when the bait was taken, and the killer surprised the decoy in a stakeout house. I was told she was more surprised by all the police who jumped out and forced her to give up, after the decoy coaxed her into telling why she was going to kill him, and they had it all on tape. Turned out to be Strom's mistress, probably not a surprise, since she was involved in the shoplifting spree in the other state.

They discovered where she was living, and after executing a search warrant, hit paydirt. She must have thought she'd never be found out, because they found mountains of documents, items from the other state with the sticker price still on them stored in two of the four bedrooms. They also found enough evidence on Strom to have him arrested, a big surprise when the police arrived at his home with the warrant.

The gun she was caught with, including the silencer attached to it, were rushed to ballistics, and placed at the top of the list of guns to be tested. Every bullet taking from the dead kids, and the three taken out of Tylor, matched a test fired bullet from her gun. And the nail in her coffin, the only finger prints found anywhere on that gun were hers, even though she tried to claim it wasn't hers.

Because this case involved killing kids, the Distric Attorney emphasized to the police the necessity of dotting every 'I' and crossing every 'T,' she didn't want any defense lawyer to find a flaw that you get her off. After seeing the evidence they had against her, if her attorney doesn't have her pled guilty instead of having a jury trial, that attorney has more guts than brains. Even if she requests a jury trial, killing those kids will get her a life sentence, plus however many years the judge adds on to the sentence.

As to Toby and Charles, Toby won't have to testify due to the recording Robert and Jerome made during Toby's questioning. With Strom in custody, and unable to following through with his threat to take Charles to Federal Court, and Toby's testimony, Ruth and dropped all charges against him, and expunged his record. As to Toby and his involvement in the shoplifting spree, the Distric Attorney has decided not to charge him with anything, deciding there are extenuating circumstances due to his being beaten into submission. I won't repeat exactly what she said when she saw the pictures of Toby when he first arrived at your home, but it also included a map, shovel, and a flashlight.

Not knowing how Toby feels about his brother, you might want to speak to him alone about his brother. Tylor did turn States evidence, but the DA is going to try and charge him as an accessory to the murders, Strom as well. Even if the accessory charges are denied, both are going to prison for a minium of ten years, no time off for good behavior; the DA whats them to spend every bit of the ten years behind bars.

The DA spoke with the DA of the city in the other state where all the previous shoplifting took place, and he agreed the charge of murder carried more weight than any shoplifting charge he could bring. So, Strom's mistress is all ours!

Now a personal favor. Toby's dad has been in contact with me, asking after Toby. Seems he has some good news and wants to meet with Toby to give it to him in person. It has something to do with getting a new job in your area, a much better paying job, and he's excited to move up there. Also, now that Charles has been cleared, Lynn and I would like to come out and break the news to him and take him home. Please let me know your decision soon, Toby's dad has a time limit before needing to report to work.

Give Charles our love,

Jeb

Jane sat the fax on the desk then leaned back in her chair, mulling over Jeb's request. She found the main portion of the news satisfactory, but allowing Jeb and others to come to Seasons House? That bothered her. She picked up the phone, dialed a two digit number, then said, "We need to talk," then hung up the phone. A moment later the study door opened and Marie came into the study, a worried look on her face, not that she left the teens in the kitchen, but because of Jane's tone of voice.

Jane picked up the fax and handed to Marie, who was now standing in front of the desk. She got up from her high-backed chair and walked to the window, her hands now clasped together behind her back. Marie slowly walked toward the window, reading the fax as she walked. "I think a map, a shovel, and a flashlight is the best for Strom and the woman. Tylor? Let him rot in prison, or let me teach him a lesson. Any brother who treats their brother as he did deserves no less. He cared nothing for his brother, so we should care nothing for him."

Jane released her hands behind her back and placed her left arm around Marie's shoulders, feeling Marie's anger from the tension of her shoulder muscles. "I agree with you about Strom and the woman, but I think the courts should administer Tylor's punishment and not you. You would be a bit too, um, enthusiastic in administering his punishment, and we would only want him to learn a lesson, not end up in a grave."

Marie chuckled after Jane's last statement. "Oui, je serais trop enthousiaste à l'idée d'administrer sa punition, car je me souvenais de ce que j'avais vu après avoir déshabillé Toby (Yes, I would be too enthusiastic in administering his punishment, as I remembered what I saw after undressing Toby.). I do not, though, see a successful outcome in trying to link him to the murders, having almost been murdered himself."

Jane listened quietly to her friend as the spoke, nodding her head in agreement in regards to Tylor being linked to the murders. "I am more concerned with Jeb's personal request, something we've never done."

It was Marie's turn to place an arm around Jane's shoulders, after Jane dropped her left arm and once again held her arms behind her back, her hands clasped together. "Chère, nothing we've been doing is anything like what we would normally do. Oh, we started our normal routine, and carried it out until Toby arrived and brought something to our attention. Even Charles brought something to our attention that gained us the results we were after. Look how they stand shoulder to shoulder if punishment is to be delivered. And you can't deny we've all gained much more this time than we've ever gained in the past. But the question you're asking yourself, the real question you're asking yourself, is whether to let Jeb and Toby's father actually see what we do here by how we have our boys present themselves. And if we let two see for themselves, shouldn't there be a third in the Willows? Perhaps instead of you and I answering this question, we should ask those who it would affect more?"

Jane released her hands behind her back and put her left arm around Marie's waist. "Keeping you around has been a wise decision, one that warms my heart."

Marie chortled before replying, "You keep me around because you can't boil water, and you know it."

Their decision made, the women turned as a unit and walked across the study arm in arm toward the study door. Opening the door, Jane let Marie leave the study first, and after closing the door behind her, they resumed their arm in arm walk across the living room and to the kitchen. When the teens saw Jane and Marie enter the kitchen, they froze, believing the boom was about to be lowered. "Charlotte, Toby," Jane addressed the two teens first. "Your fathers have important news they want to deliver personally by coming here. Francis, if we allow Toby and Charlotte fathers to come, we are thinking of allowing Penny to come as well. I want you three to think on the matter, not only your wanting to see your guardians, but in what manner you see them. We will discuss it more as we eat, so carry on with our breakfast preparations."

Having said that, Jane abruptly turned and left the kitchen, the teens still frozen in place. Francis broke the silence with, "Why is Aunt Jane upset, tante Marie? Is it something we've done?"

Marie shook her head, telling the three, "No Francis, it isn't anything you three have done. Come, sit down and I will explain, we have time to talk." After the three teens sat down at the kitchen table, Marie told them, "It isn't about your father, Charlotte, or yours, Toby, coming to Seasons House. It's about whether or not to let them see what we do here at Seasons House. Many in this area know what we do, and how we do it. Those who've been here are grateful for what we do, others not so much. Toby, it wouldn't be a problem for you because you haven't become one of Jane's girls. Your father would only be concerned with the scars he likely want to see. Francis, you and Charlotte are another matter. Jane is asking herself if we let your guardians see you as you now are or return you to the boys you are. She is worried how each of your guardians will react if they see the two of you as you are now."

Marie watched as the realization dawned on the faces of the three teens. "Aunt Jane is worried they'd go back and tell what they saw, isn't she Marie?" Toby asked as he stared into Marie's eyes. "And she's worried there'd be terrible repercussions, isn't she?" He added, his face now etched with worry.

"Yes, cher she is," Marie said, addressing Toby's concerns.

Charlotte chuckled before saying, "My parents would think it was a once in a lifetime experience, and glad I stood up to it. Plus, knowing my parents, it wouldn't be there story to tell, but you might gain additional wards because of it, if Jane explains everything to them."

Marie then looked at Francis, who was still mulling over what she heard Marie say. Finally getting the 'I'm ready to speak' look on her face, she told Marie, "I don't think Penny would be upset. I think she might even believe it was good for me to have this experience. I think she'd believe it'd help me be more cognizant of a girl's feelings and what girls often experience."

After hearing Francis use the word 'cognizant,' both Toby and Charlotte slowly turned their heads to look at Francis. "Where in the world did you dig up that word?" Charlotte asked, causing Francis to take on a haunting, upstart appearance.

Sniffing her nose, and trying to use a British accent, she replied, "In a book, peasant. You should try reading one once in a while."

Toby turned to look at Charlotte before saying, "Lift your feet, Charlotte. It's getting thick in here." All four then broke out in laughter, the tense atmosphere lightening considerably.

Marie stood up before saying, "Think about all of this as you continue getting breakfast ready. It's important Jane knows how you three feel about this."

~~~***{}***~~~

When breakfast was on the table, and Toby had seated the ladies then sat down himself, bowing his head after doing so, Jane and Marie could see the concerned looks on the three teens faces. Jane said nothing at first, taking a helping of scrambled eggs before passing the bowl to Marie. She then took a helping of hash browns, then bacon, passing each bowl or plate to Marie, who would then pass it to Charlotte. Once everyone had been served toast, Jane broke the silence with, "I can see you three have been thinking about what I told you. I can also see you have concern on your faces. Who would like to tell me why you are so concerned?"

The three looked at each other before Toby spoke. "We're concerned about you and Marie, Aunt Jane. Charlotte's parents may not say something about way she's dressed, or Francis' Aunt Penny. But I'm worried what my dad might say if he sees how they are dressed and what he might do to you and Marie, Aunt Jane. Charlotte and Francis feel the same."

Jane calmly took a bit of her hash browns, dabbed her mouth with a napkin, then said, "I'm honored you are thinking of Marie and myself before yourselves. That shows great maturity on the part of you three." Jane then noticed the look on Francis' face, concern and something more. "Francis, you have something else to add?"

Francis pursed her lips several times, each time trying to say something but shaking her head each time. Jane was patient, knowing now how difficult it was for Francis to organize her thoughts to say exactly what she wanted to say. Finally, she nodded her head and said, "Aunt Jane, if more people learn what you and tante Marie do here, I'm worried they might try and stop you two. Even have you both arrested for something they perceive as abuse. I've heard the whispers when we've been at the Mall and other places, how many of the men who've been here are glad you and Marie were here," She chuckled before continuing. "They weren’t happy how you straightened them out, but they're grateful you did. And while I will admit I'm not thrilled how you showed me a better way to behave and think about things, I too am grateful for the work you and Marie do. I just don't want to see anything happen to both of you." Picking up her napkin, Francis dabbed her eyes, then looked down at the plate in front of her.

Jane and Marie had to clear their throats after what Francis said. Both had to dab their eyes as well. It took several minutes before both could say anything, to the teens or each other. It also took several sips of water from their glasses before Marie told the three, "Never before have we had any of our wards be more concerned about Seasons House than themselves. Many were grateful, as you said, Francis, but not about Seasons House itself." She looked at Jane, who gave her a barely preceptible nod, before she added, "To put your fears at ease, Francis, some important people were with us in their youthful years, and have never forgotten us. So anything happening to Jane and myself over the work we do is slim. There are many out there who've been our guests over the years, and not all from this state. If they felt someone not totally understanding what we do were to make waves, they might step in and help explain things to them. That doesn't mean we still don't have to be watchful of some overzealous person who would take acception to what we do and try to hurt both of us. I'm so proud how much you three have matured as not only individuals but as a trio together. You embody the 'all for one and one for all,' line of the Three Muskateers."

Charlotte face palmed herself as she saw the gleem in Jane and Marie's eyes, before saying, "Oh, no. You wouldn't? You can't! Would you?" Toby and Francis looked at Charlotte like she was crazy, neither understand what she was going on about.

Frncis was about to ask Charlotte what she was talking about when the realization hit her like a slap in the face. She slowly turned her head to face Jane and Marie, and said in an unbelieving voice, "Oh, you got to be kidding me. You two wouldn't?"

Toby was looking between the two girls, trying to determine what had them questioning Jane and Marie. When Charlotte and Francis saw how confused Toby was, they said in unison, "'all for one and one for all'."

Toby was still for a moment, digesting what they told him. Then his eyes went wide, his head whipping around to look at Jane and Marie, seeing the big smiles on their faces. "Aw, you can't do that to us. Do you know what something like that will do to us if it gets out? All the questions we'll have to answer by those who know the story?"

Both women were nodding their heads as Toby spoke, their smiles remaining. Jane finally spoke, saying, "Didn't you three stand before me as one when you thought one of you was in trouble? Haven't you helped each other while you've been here, not asking anything from each other in return? And didn't the mare and Pinto pick on all three of you? Even they see the bond you three have formed with each other. And calling you The Three Muskateers is so wrong? You should be proud if someone calls you three by that name, you've earned it."

The teens looked at each other, then at Jane and Marie, then each other again before saying together, "Eh," and continued eating as though nothing had just taken place.

Jane caused the teens to pause as forks were in various positions of picking up food from their plates or putting food in their mouths. "Just to put your minds at ease, you three, your parents or guardians know what we do here at Seasons House. Judge Ruth asked to speak with all of them and explained what Marie and I do. She had a few with her who'd been with us, each telling where they'd be today if not for Ruth and Seasons House."

Francis was about to put a fork full of scrambled eggs into her mouth before Jane told them about what Ruth had done, her mouth hanging open. Closing her mouth, she shook her head then said as if she didn't have a care in the world, "If it isn't the mare or Pinto, it's Aunt Jane or Marie." As if she hadn't said anything, Francis opened her mouth and put the fork full of scrambled eggs into her mouth, an innocent expression on her face as she chewed. Toby and Charlotte did a slow turn of their heads to look at Francis. Jane and Marie had humorous shocked looks on their faces. And Francis was oblivious to it all, until balled up napkins came flying from Jane and Marie's direction; decorum again put aside at the dining room table.

The other four resumed eating their breakfast, decorum finally returning to the dining room table. When everyone had finished eating their breakfast, Jane saw the three teens about to ask to be excused, causing her to hold up her hand and tell the three, "You three haven't given me you opinions about your parents or guardians coming to Seasons House and seeing you as you are now. Because they know what Marie and I do here, I'm not worried they would tell a story that isn't there's to tell. However, seeing you, Francis, and you, Charlotte, as you are currently dressed, things could become... dicey. If you two believe your parents, Charlotte, and Penny, Francis, wouldn't be upset seeing you as you are now, then it would be Toby's dad we'd be concerned about."

Breaking the silence brought on by Jane's comments, Francis to Jane, "Aunt Jane, Penny would only be happy I'm going to live with her family again. She may be surprised, but would accept it as part of giving you my word of honor to do as you say. She's like you in that regard, Aunt Jane. If someone says they will do something, or not do something, she holds them at their word. And… I'd like to see how she would react seeing me like this," and Francis waved her hand from her head to her waist.

Charlotte snorted after what Francis said, adding, "My parents are the same, Aunt Jane. If I give someone my word, they expect me to see it through no matter how unpleasant it might be. And in a way, I feel the same as Francis. I'd like to see how they'd react to seeing me now. I'd also like to see how true they are to their words about new experiences. If they truly believe in what they say, then I believe they'll be proud of me for going through with this."

Toby had sat in silence, listening to Francis and Charlotte give their opinions. It was only then he realized all eyes were on him, causing him to clear his throat and try to speak. "Aunt Jane, my dad used to be a stickler for someone keeping their word. But ever since mom walked out on us, and his working three jobs to keep a roof over us, and food on the table, I don't know any more. I believe I was told he was shown the pictures of me when I first arrived here, so he may be more worried I'm okay, and want to see what Tylor did to me. He also used to be a live and let live kind of a person, but now, again, I don't know."

Both Jane and Marie were nodding their heads as Toby spoke, Marie waiting until Toby was silent again before asking him, "Then maybe it's time to let him see you and the girls for himself. Maybe he's still the man you remembered and will only be concerned about your welfare. You may discover he's more upset with himself for not paying attention to what your brother was doing and doing to you, than upset with you or how Francis and Charlotte are dressed. We always fear the unknown, fearful of something that has yet to occur. You three may discover your parent or parents or guardian are proud of you three for passing through this phase of your lives and emerging on the other side better than when you entered. Because of you three, Jane and I have learned something we will carry forward with out next girl."

When Marie finished speaking, she and Jane could see from the look on Toby's face that he was having an argument with himself. It was Jane then asking, "Toby, you're worried about how you dad with accept Francis and Charlotte, aren't you? You don't know whether to say yes or no to his coming because Francis and Charlotte have chosen to allow Penny and Charlotte's parents to see them as they are now."

His throat tight, and tears welling up in his eyes, Toby croaked out, "I don't want him to say anything that will hurt Charlotte or Francis. And I'm scared he might."

Francis and Charlotte leaned into Toby and held him, as his tears finally overflowed his eyes, slowly sliding down his cheeks. Jane understood how Toby was feeling, but also knew he had to overcome his fear or would question himself for the rest of his life. "Toby, it's alright to be scared of not knowing an answer to a serious question. But if you give that fright control over your decision, you'll continue questioning yourself for the rest of your life. It's better to face your fear headon instead of playing 'what if' for the rest of your life. If your father has a terrible reaction to Francis and Charlotte, then Marie and I will deal with him sternly. He will be made to realize the error of judging others without knowing the whole story. Though I still believe his sole focus will be on your welfare, and what occurred to you."

Wiping his eyes, then clearing his throat, Toby told Jane, "Alright, Aunt Jane, I see your point. It still scares me, but I'll agree he should be allowed to see Francis and Charlotte as they now appear. I can always kick him in the shins if he says anything derogatory." Toby's last quip brought not only smiles but chuckles. And it arrived just as they all heard the 'shave and a haircut, two bits' knock at the front door.

They all laughed out loud after Jane said, "Oh, gads! The child is here. Francis, would you be a dear and let the child in, please. And if you can, be as formal as possible. I want to yank her chain a bit." That last statement brought snorts and chuckles from everyone but Francis, who seemed to have converted herself into a stern looking young lady.

After opening the front door, and speaking loud enough to the four still sitting at the dining room table could heard, Francis addressed Jill by saying, "Ah, Miss Jill. So nice to see you once again. I do hope you haven't been thrown out of another outhouse again because of causing a stink. Please, won't you come in. And if it's necessary, please remove your shoes. Aunt Jane would not want any muck to mar her beautiful floors."

Toby and Charlotte were holding each other up, trying their best not to laugh out loud. Jane had closed her eyes and dropped her head, shaking it from side to side. And Marie? Marie had put both elbows on the table and was now resting her chin in the palm of both hands, waiting to see how Jill reacts to Francis' outlandish welcome. And it didn't take long, as Jill gave Francis a strange look before marching into the dining room and asking, "What the hell was that all about, Janie? Have you been force feeding her old TV programs, or something?"

When Jill marched off after Francis' welcome questions, she forgot she left Sherry and Susan standing behind her. Francis motioned for them to quickly come into the house, their faces aglow with quiet laughter. Both patted Francis on the back, a big smile hanging on her face. She held up a hand, then put a stern look on her face and quietly walked after Jill until she was right next to the excited woman. Jill was so intent on getting an answer from Jane, that she never realized Francis had quietly walked up and was now standing to her left, facing her. Jill did a bug-a-boo scare move when, Francis, in her best Lurch imitation voice asked, "Would madam care for a cup of tea."

Jill had jumped, turned, and crouched all in one motion. She was now looking up into the stern face of Francis, her eyes wide with fright. She only caught on what was occurring when Sherry walked over, looked down at her crotch, then told Susan, "Ah, nope. She didn't pee her panites. Now pay me the five bucks."

They all somehow knew Francis wasn't done yet, as she held out her hand and asked using her Lurch imitation voice, "Would madam find it more comfortable sitting at the table rather than the floor?" It was then everyone died laughing, as Francis helped Jill stand.

Jill saw Jane attempting not to laugh, but failing miserably. Jane had got her again, by proxy this time. "Thompson, one of these days, I swear, one of these days." After Francis seated Jill, she turned to her and told her, "You know, you're down right scary using that voice, and yes, if you please, I'd like a cup of tea." She then looked at Jane, a scowl on her face, telling her, "So, you can't do your own dirty work. You got to send one of your girls to do it for you. That's really low, Janie, even for you."

Putting on a haunting expression, Jane sniffed before replying, "I'm quite capable of doing my own, um, dirty work, as you put it. I simply asked Francis to answer the front door. Whatever she did was purely her own improvisation, I gave her no direction or instructions."

Francis returned from the kitchen carrying a try holding three cups on saucers, each filled with steaming tea. She served Jill first, giving her a kiss on the cheek then telling her, "I never do that to people I don't care a great deal about."

After Francis moved around the table to give Sherry and Susan their tea, Jill reached up and felt the place on her cheek where Francis had kissed her, only realizing right then what Francis had meant by what she said. She had looked down at the table in thought after what Francis had told her, and when she looked up to find Francis, she saw all eyes were looking at her. Francis had laid the tray on the sideboard and returned to her chair. Jill looked over to her and softly said, "Thank you, Francis. That's very kind of you."

Jill watched as Francis shook her head before saying, "No, Jill. It's us who should be thanking you for taking care of Toby. You not only helped him medically but helped keep him safe at the hospital. And when those men came to the hospital, you put his safety before your own by getting him out of there and to here with Aunt Jane and tante Marie."

Jill had a questioning look on her face as she watched Toby push his chair back and get up from the table. He walked around to where she was sitting, stood behind her and bent down, put his arms around her from behind, giving her a kiss on the same cheek as Francis before saying, "If it wasn't for you, twice, I might not be here right now to watch these people pull your leg as often as they do. You do realize, people only do that to someone they value and consider a true friend, don't you? I owe you whatever life I have left in this world, and all you have to do is call and I will be there, no questions asked. And if I do become the psychologist I want to become, any patient you need help with I'll do pro bono for you and you alone."

After wiping tears out of her eyes, she reached up and held onto the arms encircling her. "You are a sweet young man, Toby Camber. Don't you ever change that about you. And I'll hold you to your promise when you do become a psychologist. And I'll bet a hell of a good one." She turned her head in his direction and kissed him on the cheek, patting his arms, before he released her and returned to his place at the table.

Serious once more, Jane asked the three, "So we are in agreement? It will be Francis and Charlotte who will be seen and not Frank and Charles?"

All eyes turned toward the teens, as they waited for their responses. The three teens looked at each other, a silent agreement passing between them. Charlotte spoke fir with, "I agree, Aunt Jane."

Toby went next with, "I too agree, Aunt Jane. And we'll deal with any fallout then."

Now the eyes were on Francis, including Toby and Charlotte. As everyone watched, Francis wiped tears out of her eyes before saying, "If it wasn't for being sent here, I've no idea where my life would be right now. I owe each of you for being where I am today. I can do nothing more than agree too, Aunt Jane. If we run into muck when they arrive, then we'll get the tools and cart out and deal with it. But I'm done hiding from those who might object to my appearance or words. I no longer fear standing up for myself when necessary."

No covert signal was given. No signal of any kind could be detected by the women watching the three teens. But as one, Toby and Charlotte pushed their chairs back stood up, and both went over to Francis and put their arms around her, hugging her for several minutes until they'd felt she'd calmed down again. When the two returned to their places at the table, Jane then addressed Jill, Sherry, and Susan. "I'd also like you three ladies to be here day after tomorrow. Jill, because you can explain to Martin your first observations of Toby, his subsequent treatment, and what Thomas has said about treating Toby's scars. Susan, consider it a parent/teacher conference. Plus, I believe you'll have something of your own to broach the parents and guardian with? Sherry, for the obvious reason if everything goes south, I'd like you there to help calm everyone down. Help explain what you've learned during your sessions with the teens. And what your initial testing showed. I believe together with Susan, you two could make a strong case against the three being sent back to the hell holes they were attending."

Susan was nodding her head after Jane's last statement. When Jane stopped speaking, she said, "I've put a bug into the right ears, Jane. I have a feeling those hell holes, as you call them, are about to have a change of leadership and attitude. In fact, I think those I spoke with have had enough of the foolishness they've been hearing about and are bring in others who can do something about those on the school board who are pushing all of the crap. Anticipating being here when the parents and Penny arrive, I have their files ready to be presented. And yes, you are correct. I will have something to say day after tomorrow, but the final decision rests with Penny and the parents."

Satisfied with what she was hearing, Jane nodded her head before returning her attention to the three teens. "I take it by how clean you three were when you returned from the stable, you three had no more trouble being mucked yourselves?"

She watched as Francis and Charlotte looked at Toby, nodded their heads, and listened as Toby spoke. "No, Aunt Jane, we didn't have any trouble." He then paused, looking first at Charlotte, then at Francis, both nodding their heads again. "I don't know if you'll believe what we witnessed, but when we reached the stable, all three horses opened their own stall doors and walked out of the stable at the far end. I swear it's the complete truth, Aunt Jane. And when their stalls were ready for them to be put back into their stalls, they walked back into their stalls and closed the doors behind them. Again, I swear I'm not making this up, Aunt Jane. But Pinto picked up a dandy brush lying on the hay bales and gave it to Charlotte. She wanted to be brushed. So Francis went into the tack room and brought out two more dandy brushes and we groomed all three horses. And Aunt Jane, I swear all three were purring as we brushed them."

The worried look on Toby's face was replaced when Jane told him, "I believe you, Toby. You three have made quite the impression while you've been here, and not just with the people around you. Now, if no one has anything more to say or add, you three may be excused to attend to the table and kitchen. After, Toby, I believe Jill wants to check you healing progress, and then you three are to be in the library with Susan. And unless I miss my guess, Sherry is wanting to have a word with each of us." After Jane said that, they all saw Sherry nod her head. As the teens pushed their chairs back and stood, Jane added, "Oh, and tomorrow we go to the salon to get you three ready for the day after. Carolyn and Sandy will also be here the day after to get you, Francis and Charlotte, ready to go home. Now, off you three go." Knowing they were dismissed, Francis and Toby started clearing the table while Charlotte headed into the kitchen, leaving the women to talk amongst themselves. As the teens took care of the table and kitchen, Jane excused herself and went into the study to make a phone call, letting the person on the other end of the line know about the teen's concerns. He assured her there would be no problems from anyone.

~~~***{}***~~~

While the girls headed to the library with Susan after they all were finished in the kitchen, and Marie had pronounced it to her satisfaction, Toby and Jill went to Toby's bedroom upstairs, where Jill pronounced Toby's progress as excellent. Even though his body was doing well healing his wounds, it would yet be some time before he'd need to see Thomas.

~~~***{}***~~~

Sherry did pull each person into the study to have a chat to see if they were having any problems or to continue where they'd left off the last time they'd spoke. She covered more of the field of psychology when it was Toby's turn to visit her, giving him tips he could use in getting reluctant patients to open up and speak with him. She also told him not to be hesitant to be firm with his patients, getting them so upset they'd open up if only to get him to stop being firm with them; she didn't tell Toby, but she used the same application to get Charlotte to open up to her. Tody did tell her he was worried how his dad would react seeing to boys dressed as girls, hoping he'd understand the reason for it being done. She assured Toby that Jane had already thought of that and had planned for anything he might do or say. Jane would not let his dad hurt Francis or Charlotte. When she and Francis met, she asked more questions about the ideas and questions Francis had concerning biochemistry. She had to stop her and ask for the simple version when Francis went into great detail using more scientific terms than she was familiar with. In the end, she dearly hoped the right company would snatch up Francis and release her ideas to the general public. She and Charlotte mostly spoke of how Charlotte went on about her school life after the two restroom events, with Charlotte saying most kids went on to the next big event and forgot what'd happen to him. While they talked, she asked what he hoped to accomplish by becoming a psychiatrist, listening as she explained some of her reasons. Her main reason was due to a boy he knew in school who'd gone off the deep end after being taunted so much at school because of his looks. Even after speaking with the school counselor, and those taunting him were punished by a two week suspension, the taunting continued by another group of students, only out of sight of teachers and school staff. His parents were of no help, they kept telling him not to listen to what others said, something hard for a thirteen-year-old kid to do. His parents found him in their basement, a note sitting on a table nearby. It took his death for the school to make drastic changes in how they handled those who bullied others. The expulsion for bullying change came too late for him, but it did help others through the years.

Jill still had Sherry's ears over what had been done to Toby, and her want to do something in revenge. But as Sherry pointed out to her, if she did anything it would make her no better than the man who beat Toby. Jill saw her point, but still stewed over what occurred. Susan too was still upset, but over the teens denial of advance classes at their respective high schools. Still, as she told Sherry, the change in that situation was in the works. As to what she discussed with Jane and Marie? It was the teens, and how much they'd learned from them and would apply that learning to the next boy sent to them. They both individually confessed how they would miss having the three teens around. They always brought sunshine with them, even though they may be having a bad day. They each would like to see everyone get along and support each other as the three had been doing. Then as Marie sat with Sherry, it was Sherry's turn to tell tante Marie her troubles, a tale that never left Marie's lips for the rest of their lives.

~~~***{}***~~~

The established routine continued at Seasons House. Lessons for the teens, with a break after two hours, a forced break. More lessons until it was time for lunch. A distraction by Jane, usually taking the girls on a ride, since Toby was still unable to sit on a hard surface for long. A shower for the girls after their ride, then back to lessons until supper. In the evening, Jane gave them their own reins on what to do, usually finding them in the library hard at work on their lessons. When she'd find them there, she wished every student was as enthusiastic about learning as those three. But then, not every student thought the advance lessons they were taking would be snatched away from them when they left Seasons House. Then, at 9 p.m., it was bed time. And as the teens got ready for bed, later coming down to bid Jill, Susan, and Sherry a goodnight, Jane would assess the girls faces and inquire how Toby was feeling. After the teens left for their bedrooms, the five women sat around talking, with Sherry, Jill, and Jane reliving some of their antics for Susan from years agao; Jane actually correcting Sherry and Jill as they embellished their stories a bit. At around 11 p.m., Jane bid her three friends a goodnight, as she and Marie then put Seasons House to bed, thoughts of the day after tomorrow constant in the minds of both women.

~~~***{}***~~~

Things didn't go quite as planned the next morning with the teens cleaning out the stalls in the stable. All three horses had again opened their stall doors and calmly walked out into the paddock, waiting until they could get brushed and go back into their stalls. But as the teens were about to pick up the muck from the stall of Jane's third horse, the teens suddenly found themselves face down in that horse's pile of muck. When the three turned their heads to see if it was Pinto or the mare who had knocked them into the pile of muck, Jane's third horse was standing their with what appeared to the teens as a smile on its face. And to show they weren't mad because of what it had done, after helping each other out of the muck, they stepped up to the horse to reassure it they weren't mad. With the three standing directly in front of the horse, Pinto let out a snort and the horse stepped forward and turned sideways, knocking the three teens again into the muck, causing them to land on their backs.

Marie was alone in the kitchen and standing at the sink when the three teens again came gingerly walking over the ground with bare feet, towels wrapped around them. "Oh cher. Ils l'ont encore eu (Oh dear. They got it again.)," she chuckled, shaking her head as she walked across the kitchen, pushing through the kitchen door and walking to the study. She opened the study door and told Jane, "Ces trois-là l'ont encore eu (Those three got it again.)," chuckling again as she spoke. Leaving the door open, Marie walked down the short hallway to the backdoor, followed shortly by Jane. As Jane and Marie stood on the small deck outside the backdoor, both tried to keep serious expressions on their faces, even though it was hard to do while watching three teens, who looked like wet rats, walked toward them. When the three reached the deck, Jane asked, "Who was it this time, Pinto or my mare?"

Both women were a bit confused as all three said at once, "Neither one."

Then Francis added, "But Pinto was in on it."

It dawned on the two women, with Marie asking, "You don't mean… ?"

Before Marie finished her question, the three replied as one, "Yes!" Then Charlotte told the entire story, including Pinto's role in the drama. Even telling how the three horses walked over and looked down at the three lying in the muck, their upper lips pulled back in what could only be described as a smile, before the mare and Pinto walked into their stalls and closed the doors behind them. It was at that point Marie and Jaen's stern facade broke, and both held onto each other as they laughed. The three didn't wait to be told to go and get dressed. They walked past Jane and Marie, still laughing and holding onto each other.

As their laughter died down into snorts and chuckles, Marie told Jane, "I will miss having those three here with us. Their presents has been a joy to experience." Nodding her head, Marie and Jane turned and reentered Seasons House, Jane back to the study and Marie to her kitchen.

~~~***{}***~~~

The teens arrived back downstairs a few minutes later, the girls able to pass Jane's inspection and Toby smartly dressed. They were somber, something Marie picked up on as the three entered the kitchen to help get breakfast ready. Before Marie let Toby and Francis out of the kitchen with the plates and silverware they were holding, she had all three sit down at the kitchen table and told them, "Okay, give. Why do you three act as though you lost the last dime in your pocket?"

As Marie had seen before, the three looked at each other, holding a silent conversation between them before Charlotte said, "We're going home, tante Marie."

Marie puzzled over Charlotte's statement. Seeing the quizical look on Marie's face, Francis told her, "We won't get to see you or Aunt Jane again, tante Marie."

"Or get to do Susan's lessons, Marie," Toby added.

Marie sat down at the head of the table, capturing the three teens gazes. "Oh, no no no no no. No one ever said you couldn't come back to see me and Jane. We'd like to see you three again, hear how you're doing and what you're doing. It may not be for several years, but you are always welcome to come for a visit. Plus, you can visit your mucking buddies while you're here."

Toby caught the gleem in Marie's eye after her last statement, saying, "Double entendre, Marie." Francis and Charlotte understood what Toby referred to and all four burst out laughing.

Then they heard a shout from the dining room. "I heard that," coming from Jane. The kitchen door swung open and Jane asked, standing there holding the door open, "Might I suggest you four get off your brains and get breakfast ready. We do have an appointment to attend to today." She stepped back, letting the kitchen door swing shut, smiling as she heard laughter occur because of what she told them.

She sat down at her place at the table, watching as first Toby carrying plates came out of the kitchen, followed by Francis with the silverware. As each one placed their holdings at Jane's position, each gave Jane a kiss on the cheek before telling her, "Good morning, Aunt Jane." The two didn't notice how Jane had something in her eyes, since they'd returned to the kitchen.

As they finally sat down to breakfast, Marie caught Jane's eye and nodded toward the teens. Frowning at first, Jane observed the three, noticing how quiet they were and rather melancholy. Setting her fork on her plate, she asked, "Alright you three, why the horse faces?" Marie bit her lip after Jane used the expression, wondering if the teens would understand its meaning.

Francis looked a bit green as she said, "Aunt Jane, please don't talk about horses right now. I'd like to forget how we were beat by them again."

Toby had seen Charlotte drop her head and was now shaking it. "Is something wrong, Charlotte? Why are you shaking your head?"

Charlotte lifted her head, rolled her eyes, nodded once, then asked Toby, "Don't you understand what Aunt Jane was asking by using horses faces?" When Toby shook his head, Charlotte told him, "She's asking us why the long faces. Horses faces, long faces, get it?"

Jane and Marie had sat there with the left arms across their chests, supporting their right arms, with their right hands over their mouths trying to hold back both smiles and laughter at the teens antics. Jane realized, not for the first time, how much she would miss having those three with them at Seasons House. Marie and Jane almost lost what control they had as they heard Toby utter one word, "Oh."

Charlotte wiped her eyes with her napkin before telling Jane, "We've come to think of this place as our second home, Aunt Jane. We'll miss you and tante Marie, the house itself, and our mucking buddies in the stable." Jane almost completely lost it when she heard how Charlotte referred to the horses, and pressed her hand harder over her mouth. "It's like we've become a family, Aunt Jane, and going home is like saying goodbye to family members you've enjoyed being with." She wiped her eyes again before going quiet.

Charlotte's word caught in Jane's throat, rendering her mute for several moments. When she could speak again, she told the three, "Marie and I feel the same, Charlotte. We too feel as though we've developed a small family, and will miss not having out family members with us. However, as with other families, you may visit when it is convenient for you three to do so. And I require each of you to keep Marie and I up to date on your lives after you return home. Now… our breakfast is getting cold and we have an appointment at the salon after breakfast. So, eat." Jane's words lifted the teens a bit, but only a bit, as they then believed they'd be returning to the hell-holes of their respective high schools.

As they had done since arriving at Seasons House, they asked to be excused after everyone had finished eating breakfast. After being given permission to do so, Charlotte headed into the kitchen while Toby and Francis started clearing the table. The thought of leaving Seasons House weighed heavy on the three as they took a bit longer getting the kitchen squared away than they'd normally take. Without being told, the girls went to the bedrooms to freshen their faces, while Toby waited in the living room, already dressed casually smart. Even the footfalls of the girls coming back downstairs was subdued, each one taking one step at a time as in slow motion. Jane thought it best not to say any more as she did a quick inspection of the girls before the four walked out of Seasons House and were aided into Jane's car by Toby.

~~~***{}***~~~

The cheerfulness of past rides was gone during this ride to the salon, each teen lost in thought of what they'd miss being away from Seasons House. Scheduled clientele at the salon had been taken care of, so when Jane pulled her car in front of Marisha Chalet salon, no one was there to question Jane being with two girls and one boy. The atmosphere in the salon even changed, as the three teens walked through the door. Even Sandy and Carolyn could see something was bothering the usually boisterous teens. Both women met the four at the reception desk, with Sandy asking, "You three look like your pet rat has just been eaten by your cat. What gives?"

Both women snorted as they watched the teens form a mental picture of a cat eating a rat, and the expression it caused to form on the teen's faces. Then, after wiping her eyes, Francis told the two women, "We're going home tomorrow. We won't be coming here anymore."

Happier than she'd been in years, the real Sandy came out when she enthusiastically said, "But that's a good thing, right? You'll be with your families again, see your friends, you'll be yourselves again."

Toby spoke up by saying, "All you say is true, Sandy. But we won't get to see you and Carolyn, Aunt Jane and tante Marie, or Seasons House. Plus, we won't be able to take Susan's classes, we'll have to go back to boring classes."

The teens were standing shoulder to shoulder, with Charlotte on the left, Toby in the middle, and Francis on the right. Sandy walked around behind the three, put her arms around Charlotte and Francis' shoulders and pulled the three tight together. "Listen you three goof balls. Who said you can't come back and see it all, especially me and Carolyn? I bet Jane even told you she was more than fine with you coming back to see her and Marie, and that mausoleum she lives in." The three teens snorted when Sandy called Seasons House a mausoleum, which was Sandy's intention. "Carolyn and I owe you three so much and will give you the best hair cuts you've ever had on the house when you come back to see us." Sandy had looked at Carolyn as she said, 'on the house,' seeing Carolyn nod her head in reply. Dropping her arms, Sandy walked around to stand facing the three teens, looking into the faces of each one, and telling them, "If it hadn't been for the three of you, I'd still be tied up in knots inside. You three helped untie those knots and for the first time in years, I'm truly happy with life. I am going to dearly miss the three of you and the enthusiasm you always bring with you. But just because we'll be apart, doesn't mean you can keep in touch with Carolyn and myself." Then she tapped each teen in the chest with her right index finger and told them, "And I expect to see that sheep skin when you three graduate from the University or College you'll attend. You will bring it back here so we can have us a little party," and she winked at the teens, causing them to chuckle at her antics. "But for now, Toby, I'll butcher your hair first, so off you go to my station and into the chair."

Jane and Carolyn had stood back and let Sandy's true nature try and brighten the teen's mood, which it had, somewhat. Sandy looked first at Jane then at Carolyn, shaking her head slightly, before going to her station to trim Toby's hair. Stepping up beside Carolyn, Jane whispered, "I'm not sure those three truly grasp what they've done for Sandy. They've only seen her for a few months, not the number of years as you and I have, so they may not realize the torment she suffered all of those years. I believe even your customers will appreciate the new Sandy working on them." The two women stood and watched as Toby and Sandy carried on with an animated conversation while Sandy trimmed Toby's hair.

Their attention was redirected as both heard a whistle, and Francis say loudly, "Hey, how does a person get service around here?" When both women looked past Sandy and Toby, who were also looking toward Francis, they all saw Francis sitting in the chair at Carolyn's station, waving her hand at them.

Jane felt her ire rise, and took only a step before Carolyn put her hand on Jane's arm. "Don't. We all needed that. Look at Charlotte's reaction." As Jane looked, even Charlotte was smiling for the first time that day, rolling her eyes, shaking her head, but she was smiling.

Jane nodded, then said, "I believe you're correct, so I'll not say anything this time. But, only this time."

Shaking her head, Carolyn told Jane, "Jane Thompson, will you lighten up for once? Stop trying to be so stoic when the three best kids you've ever had are about to leave you. Let them see how much you're going to miss them, 'cause I can see it in your eyes."

Jane turned to look at Carolyn, a smirk playing on her lips. "Put you best 'angry' look on your face and follow my lead," Jane told Carolyn, as she put on her dragon face and started slowly walking toward where Francis was sitting, her hands behind her back. Unknown to both women, Charlotte had heard what Jane had said, and knew what was coming would not go as Aunt Jane planned.

Toby and Charlotte had taught Francis well, so she wasn't fooled by the angry looks on Jane and Carolyn's faces. She had a big smile on her face as both women stopped in front of her as she sat in the chair at Carolyn's station. "Since when does a young lady act like a drunken construction worker when she's out in public?" Jane asked Francis, trying to put as much venom into her words as she spoke.

"And I don't find it appropriate for a customer to make a scene in my salon," Carolyn, she too trying to sound upset over Francis' actions.

But the big smile on Francis face didn't falter, it got even bigger, as she told the two women, "You both forget I've see you both angry and upset. I've observed your body language and facial expressions when you both are angry and upset. While you are doing an adrimalably fine job looking angry and upset, your eyes say something altogether different." Looking at Jane, Francis said, "I love you too, Aunt Jane," then held her arms out wide, inviting Jane into a hug.

Jane shook her head before softly saying, "Damn," and stepping into Francis' embrace, wrapping her arms around Francis. Holding Francis tightly, Jane asked her, "So you think you know me, do you?"

With a thick voice, Francis replied, "Better than when I first arrived, Aunt Jane. Words alone can't convey the gratitude I feel for everything you've done for me. You have a heart bigger than Olympus Mon on Mars." Francis pulled her head back far enough and kissed Jane on the cheek, telling the woman, "I'm going to miss you and Marie and everything about Seasons House. And if you'd let me, I'd like to consider you one of my real Aunts. Because I'd like to come back and see you like I would one of my real Aunts."

Because Francis was facing away from the mirror behind the chair, she couldn't see the tears freely falling from Jane's eyes or the look on Jane's face. But Carolyn could, and was surprised when Charlotte, then Toby, both walked up and joined Jane and Francis. The two were standing to the right of the chair, and when Jane realized they too were holding her, she took her right arm and placed it around the two teens, pulling them in as far as the chair allowed. Then Toby told Jane, "What Francis said, Aunt Jane," and the four stayed as they were until their tears ran dry.

It took Carolyn a moment to realize what she took as a face of anguish reflected in the mirror, was actually a face of unexpected joy. She watched as more tears of joy made their way down Jane's cheeks, before Jane gently untangled herself and stroked the cheeks of each teen before saying, "Well, yes… yes, well… " then slowly walked toward the door for the back room. With her hand on the doorknob, she turned to look at the three worried looking teens and again said, "Well, yes… yes, well," before opening the door and walking into the back room, closing the door behind her.

Carolyn stepped up to the three teens, pull all three into a hug, then told them, "To answer the worried looks on your faces, no, you did nothing wrong. And yes, Jane is alright, just very surprised by your request, Francis.” Releasing the three, she stepped back then told them, "You three must understand how Jane has to run Seasons House when she has boys sent to her. You, Francis, must know that better than Toby and Charlotte, you know how she was when you first arrived. It has to be that way for her to gain the control she has to have if she is to start that boy in the direction she wants him to go. But then you, Charlotte, came along and did something she's never had a boy do. You volunteered to become one of her girls. Then, Toby, you arrived, and everything she was told about you turned out to be wrong. And because of you two," and she pointed to Charlotte and Toby, "Things as Seasons House changed, and changed for the better. Not just for you three, but for Jane and Marie also. Neither one had to do what they'd normally do to get the boy to do what they wanted, you three did it without being told. You gave them both the respect they deserved and acknowledged their authority without making them exert their authority over you. You also did something neither one expected, you showed them love and that you honestly cared about them. This is something neither one expected. Understand, you three, they both care deeply about the boys sent to them for help, but both have a hard time expressing that care because of how they have to run their program. And when you three openly showed your love and care to them, they don't really know how to react. You three are actually the best thing to happen at Seasons House in years. Now, Charlotte, go pester Sandy while she does your hair. Toby, Sandy did a nice job on your hair. Get yourself something to drink and/or snack on from the front case, if you want. You get to sit and wait on these two," and she waved a hand at Francis and Charlotte. "And Francis, I'll be with you in a few moments."

The three watched as Carolyn turned and headed toward the back room, opening the door, walking into the room before closing the door behind her. They were so focused on the door to the back room that they all jumped when they heard, "Hey, short dude! How does a gal get a customer around here to get his ass into her chair?" Regaining their wits, Toby and Charlotte turned around to look at Sandy, while Francis bent down while sitting in the chair at Carolyn's station, trying to look around Toby and Charlotte.

All three saw Sandy standing there, hands on hips, a big smile on her face, standing behind the chair at her station. Then, taking her left hand off her left hip, she pointed a finger at Charlotte, turned her hand over, then using her left index finger, made rapid movements with that finger, telling Charlotte to 'come here.' She then moved her left hand until it was above the chair, then made a pointing motion with her hand several times toward the chair. Then, looking at Toby then Francis, Charlotte asked, "Ya think she's enjoying herself a bit too much?"

Francis nodded her head before saying, "Yeah, just a bit too much."

Toby shook his head, saying, "Naw, I don't think she's even started yet."

As the three watched, Sandy started to slowly walk toward them, her hands behind her back, a mischievous smile on her lips. Francis was still bent over while sitting in the chair, as Sandy reached them. "So, you two think I'm enjoying myself too much, eh? And you," and she pointed to Toby, "Think I haven't started yet, eh? Well...." And as quickly as she could, and as awkward as it was with Francis sitting in the chair, Sandy threw her arms around all three and pulled them into a hug, hearing the protest, groans, and muffled cries, all the while laughing. Releasing them suddenly, she stepped back, a huge smile on her face, and laughed. The three watched as her smile faded before she told them, "If it wasn't for you three I wouldn't be enjoying myself right now. If you three hadn't been here, I'd still be taking my anger and hurt on every boy who is sent to Seasons House. Now, because of you three, I can once again enjoy my life, be myself, and have some fun with the next boy sent to Jane instead of being the ogre I was." This time when she stepped up to them, she gently hugged each one before kissing them on the cheek. She then put an arm around Charlotte and said, "Come on, let's go make your hair look purrttyy." As Toby and Francis watched, the two walked to Sandy's station, Charlotte's left arm around Sandy's waist.

It wasn't long before the door to the back room opened, gaining everyone's attention. As they watched, Carolyn came out first, followed by Jane. After Carolyn closed the door, she put an arm around Jane's waist and started walking her to the waiting chairs near the front of the salon, where Toby currently sat. As they passed Francis, Jane gently patted Francis' knee, garnering a smile from Francis. She did the same as she passed Charlotte, gaining not one but two smiles as she and Carolyn continue walking. When the reached Toby, Carolyn forcibly turned Jane and sat her down in a chair next to Toby, giving her orders not to move. When Toby gave Carolyn a questioning look, she told him, "She had other ideas on her mind, but I talked her out of them." With a final, "Stay put," to Jane, Carolyn turned and headed to her station and Francis.

Ever present concern for his Aunt Jane, Toby, still looking at Jane, asked, "Care to talk about it? I'm all ears, well, mostly all ears. Well, not mostly, but I listen well."

Despite how she was feeling at the moment, Jane chuckled anyway, telling Toby, "One day you will be a find psychologist, young man. I was, am, feeling extremely embarrassed after what you three did for me a short time ago. I wanted to leave, then come back to pick up the three of you. I was chastened and reminded I'm your guardian and couldn't leave you three to the wilds of those two women."

Joining in the conversation, Sandy said, "We ain't wild, Jane Thompson, we're just plain crazy."

As if they had rehearsed it, Jane and Toby said together, "Don't we know it," causing as six to burst out in laughter. Toby put his arm around Jane, causing her to lean into him. Then, the three pairs continued in their own worlds with laughter and talk.

~~~***{}***~~~

Across from the salon, and in an out of the way place, the two angels sat in the car and watched. The rear passenger side door opened and the car rocked slightly as a person got into the backseat, closing the door afterward. Without looking around, the driver said, "Thanks for meeting us, Marie." Shortly after Jane and the teens left Seasons House, Marie received a telephone call. The caller's message for short and to the point, "Meet us, same place," before he hung up. "We just wanted to let you know we'll be leaving after Jane and the kids return to Seasons House. Seems the bitch who put out the contract on Toby is now unable to finance the deal, seems she got her butt in a big sling and is now without finances. So the players who had wanted a payday are going elsewhere, even the crazy ones. According to what we were told by Jeb, she'll end up as dust in prison. So no one will be bothered by her again. Also seems that last State wasn't her only racket. Seems three other States had a problem with her, but like the last State, couldn't prove anything. Seems she liked to kill her partners, the ones who tried to take over from her. Strom was smart, he just became her 'yes man' and is still living. When everyone found she was killing kids this time, they sent all the evidence they had from her time with them, especially the bullets and casings they kept as evidence. Stupid woman kept the gun and silencer she'd been using, and everything matched that gun. Stupid bitch! So… after today, you, Jane, and the kids, should be safe until the key is turned one last time on her."

Marie chuckled after the driver told her they should now be safe. "Oh, it wouldn't be us you'd have to worry about being safe. It'd be those who tried anything who would be the ones to worry about. Me and Betsy and Jane and her little friends can do quite nicely when need be."

Incredulously, the passenger asked, "Betsy? You call that cannon you carry, Betsy?"

Sniffing, Marie told him in a haunting voice, "Yes, I call her Betsy. Like any good woman, she remains quiet until you piss her off. Then she gives you her opinion loud and long. So, what do you can that slug thrower you use, Jack or some other ominous name?"

At that point the passenger became super quiet. The driver turned and glared at Marie, inpreceptiously shaking his head. An erie silence hung in the air like fog when conditions are right for it to form. Then, "We were on deployment, two days until we'd be sent back to the states. We'd just returned from a nasty mission, and were kicking back waiting for the next assignment. I was told the commander wanted to see me, I was thinking it was another mission right away. He said my wife and son had been killed during a home invasion. Seems the two shitheads weren't content to just rob us, but one took my wife into our bedroom and the other had a thing for little boys." He nodded his head toward the driver before continuing with, "When I got back to the tent, he and Jeb had to basically sit on me because I was going back out to do some more, serious, killing, my way, the way I'm good at. When the commander found out, the three of us were sent back earlier, him," and he nodded to the driver again, "and Jeb to keep me under control. When I viewed their bodies, they looked worse than any I'd seen while on patrol."

"Oh, dear Lord," Marie said, before putting a hand on his shoulder. He reached up with his right hand and took Marie's hand and held it. "Thanks, Marie." Then, reaching into the right breast pocket of his shirt, he took out a business size card with his left hand. Pushing it into Marie's hand, he told her, "Any time you need us, no questions asked. We'll be there, even Jeb if it's necessary; his words, not ours."

Marie sat back in the rear passenger seat and looked at the card she'd been given. When she turned it over, all she saw was a phone number. "Day or night, Marie, any trouble, call," the driver told her.

Patting the passenger's shoulder, Marie told him, "You know how to reach me if you want to talk. I'll show you my tee-shirt sometime." When the passenger nodded, Marie opened the rear passenger side door and got out of the car, causing the car to rock slightly before she closed the door and was gone.

Looking at his friend, and saw the silent tears slide down his cheeks, the driver told him, "You should take her up on her offer. If she's got the 'tee-shirt,' then she knows how you feel."

The only response the driver heard was, "Yeah, I'll think about it." They watched as Jane and the kids came out of the salon, and watched as Toby opened the doors for the women. They both chuckled when Jane looked at them, nodded her head at them before getting into her car and having the driver's door shut by Toby. They were really shocked when after opening the driveside passenger door, Toby looked at them and signed 'thank you' before getting into Jane's car. Both men chuckled, afterward the passenger saying, "Gawd that kid is preceptive. Sure hope he gets to follow his dream. Maybe we should pay a visit to the Prosecutor or that judge, Ruth, I believe is her name."

Shaking his head, the driver replied, "Naw, from what Jeb said, with Toby's voice testimony and the way he was forced to shoplift, neither one is going to do anything but nothing to him. They should be far enough ahead, let's go, we got things to pack." And in no particular hurry, the driver started their car and shadowed Jane and the kids back to Seasons House, then where they uncovered their spotters nest and put everything into the car. A glint from Seasons House caught the passenger's eye. He pulled out the spotter scope and read it as it flashed. Picking up a powerful flashlight, he flashed back, 'You're welcome, Jane.'

~~~***{}***~~~

When they'd returned to Seasons House, Jane told the teens to shower and put on clean clothes, she did it to give them something else to think about. When Francis and Charlotte returned to the first floor, Jane carefully inspected everything about them, not really needing to reestablish her authority but making sure both girls were okay. Toby arrived just as Jane had thrown her head in the direction of the kitchen, since it was close to noon. Toby caught the last of Charlotte entering the kitchen, so without Jane saying anything to him, headed for the kitchen, running into Francis as she came out of the kitchen with untensiles laying on the top plate of the pile of plates she was carrying. Taking the utensils, Toby followed Francis, laying forks, knives, and spoons, everywhere Francis placed a plate. They then returned to the kitchen for the drinking glasses, which they placed at each place once they'd exited the kitchen.

As Jane watched, she realized they were only going through the motions, lacking the gusto they previously had while setting the table. She realized something had to change, so after getting up from her place at the table, she walked over to the kitchen door, pushed it open and in a firm voice said, "You three, couch, living room, NOW! Jane stood back and watched as the kitchen door swung open and the three teens, led by Toby, came out of the kitchen. She followed Francis into the living room, and waited until Francis had sat down on the couch before she began. In the past, when she'd be standing in front of them, they'd be looking at her intently. But now, all three were inspecting something they found on their hands. "Please, look at me," Jane said to them, trying to sound authoritative but sympathetic as the same time. When Charlotte had finally lifted her head and was looking at Jane, she continue speaking. "Look, I simply cannot have you three acting like you're about to have your last meal and are heading to the gallows. That simply won't do." Jane kneeled in front of the three teens before continuing. "We have explained to you three how you are welcome to return and see us. We insist upon it. We want to know how you're doing, not only in your studies but once you start your careers. Yes, Francis," Francis was about to say something, but Jane already know she was going to bring up leaving family, once more. "We have formed our own little family, and Marie and I are going to miss all three of you. But it isn't going to be forever. Think of how much all three of you have changed by your visit here. Think of how much you'll have to tell us when you come to visit. Think about all of the new adventures you're about to embark on once you leave Seasons House."

When Jane stopped to take a breath, Toby said in a depressed voice, "We know all that, Aunt Jane, and we will come back, we want to come back to see you and Marie, and those mucking horses. But it's going back to our high schools and being bored out of our minds. I can, the three of us can, learn more on our own rather than sitting through all of those boring classes."

Realization struck Jane like a hammer, and she reached up and grabbed Toby's chin, hard. She kept her dragon caged for some time, but it was out now and spiting fire. "You listen to me, Toby Camber, all three of you. None of you will drop out of school. I don't give a damn how bored you are at your high schools, you will stay there and face the situation you're in with the same determination you've face situations while you've been here, however unpleasant they were at the time." Releasing Toby's chin, and caging her dragon again, she went on with, "If you drop out of school to pursue your own learning program, it may give pause to any University or College you apply to. They'll see you as someone who might quit at any time, and feel you aren't worth their time, when there are others who endured the grind of high school." Jane paused for several moments, choosing her words carefully, hoping to play on the teen's desire to return to Seasons House. "Marie and I will be deeply disappointed if you three give up and walk away from your high schools, from you possible futures. And we'll have to reconsider your being welcomed back to Seasons House." She let her last statement hang in the air, as she stood and stepped back a step from the couch. "Now, no more of the sad faces. You're returning home tomorrow, starting the beginning of your future careers, careers I demand you be the best you can be while in that career. But for now, there's a lunch to prepare, and I'm getting hungry. So, off you three go, help Marie where she directs you."

Jane watched the three teens look at each other before getting up from the couch. When they did, they didn't start directly for the kitchen, they took a small side trip. A side trip that had them hugging Jane, with Toby on Jane's right, Charlotte in the middle, and Francis on Jane's left. She pulled them tightly to her, squeezing her eyes tightly shut or the tears she felt would escape. Before they saw the water inching its way out of her eyes, she said, "Yes… well, off you go. Marie wants your assistance."

Releasing the three teens, she watched as Francis and Charlotte headed to the stairs, not the kitchen, likely to repair their faces. Toby, by contrast, wiped his eyes as he slowly walked to the kitchen, his head down, a hand wiping his eyes a second time. Jane was about to tell him, 'chin up,' but realized the words had caught in her throat. Jane then headed to her bedroom.

Conversation during lunch was like searching for a Yeti, hard to do, frustrating when nothing proved its existence. Even when asking about their studies, their answers were less than enthusiastic. Jane tried another tact, saying, "Enduring something you don't like is part of growing up. You will find times during your lives where you have to do something very distasteful, but it must be done. But by enduring it, you're proving you have the fortitude to take something on and see it through, you can be counted on to complete what you start. Yes, the three of you hate your high schools. Yes, you're bored out of your minds, but you study on your own when you have free time. But only one of you is doing the best you can do given the garbage you're given, and that's you, Charlotte. Francis, Toby, you two slack off because you don't want the attention you deserve. You two are worried what others will say if you ace your tests, speak up in class, and prove you have what it takes to take AP classes. If you two only do the minimum to get by, what do you think those at University or College with think when they see your lackluster grades? You might be questioned as to why you think you have what it takes to study the fields you two want to enter." Jane had no intentions of telling the three teens they wouldn't be going back to the idiots at their respective high schools, she'd let them think that until they heard it from Susan tomorrow. She was trying to impress on them to do their best no matter the circumstances, to always do their best even when they were given crap to work with. After targeting Francis and Toby, and the possibility they might not be allowed to pursue their field of choice, she saw a spark in their eyes, as though they'd never considered the possibility they'd never reach their goals because of their grades. Jane also saw both had made a decision, causing her to smile inwardly, knowing now they'd do the best they could and to hell what others thought or said. "Susan will be here after lunch to continue your classes. I expect the three of you to be as diligent in your studies, now, as you shown yourselves to be in the past few days. You will not slack off because you believe this is the last time you will have the opportunity to take AP courses. Do I make myself clear?"

As Jane watched the three teens, she wondered if they understood what she just told them without telling them anything specific. Judging by the expressions on their faces, it was possible all three fully understood what she had told them. The realization first hit Charlotte, who's face lit up just as though she'd realized the solution to a problem. The same expression occurred on Toby's face then on Francis' face, their enthusiastic "Yes, Aunt Jane," telling Jane they understood what she had told them without being specific. Their enthusiasm was back, as was evident as they when they'd finished their desserts and asked to be excused from the table. Jane had to remind them how they are to act while in her house, slowing them down some, but not enough to dampen their desire to get back to their studies.

Marie had sat silent throughout their lunch, only now asking Jane, out of earshot of the teens, "Why didn't you just tell them outright? Was it wise to tease them as you did? If it falls through, they'll be crushed."

Jane patted her dear friend's hand lying on the table, telling her, "Charlotte will do her best no matter the situation, her currect grades prove that to be true. Francis and Toby needed the reminder of what minimal grades might not get them. As to teasing them, didn't you see their faces light up at the realization of my statement to them? All three realize they have more AP classes in their future. Besides, it won't fall through, Susan has told me it's set in stone and I wanted her to be the one to explain it all to them. She also has another surprise for them, one which depends on them finishing high school."

The kitchen door didn't exactly blast open, but it opened a bit harsher than either Jane or Marie cared to have happen. Just as all three teens had entered the dining room from the kitchen, it was Marie who came close to hollowering, "STOP! Was denkt ihr drei, was ihr da tut, wenn ihr so ​​aus MEINER Küche kommt? Ihr wisst, dass das KEINE akzeptable Art ist, MEINER Küche den Rücken zu kehren. Geht zurück und versucht, MEINE Küche ordentlich zu verlassen (STOP! What do you three think you're doing coming out of MY kitchen like that? You know that is NOT an acceptable way to remove yourselves from MY kitchen. Go back and try leaving MY kitchen properly.)."

Not one of the three hung their heads, instead, they looked Marie directly in the eye, then at each other, then they lined up next to the sitting Marie, and one at a time, told her, "Sorry, Marie," bent down and kissed her on the cheek before going back into the kitchen. This time when they came out of the kitchen, they did so as they'd done countless times, before going into the library, Charlotte closing the door behind her after entering the library.

Marie was semi-shocked after what the three teens did. Sitting at the dining room table, she had a questioning, curiously puzzled, look on her face. "I've lost my touch," she softly said. "I've lost my touch," she repeated, looking at Jane. "I no longer can put the fear of God into our wards, Jane. I'm losing it!"

Just as Marie finished speaking, there was a knock on the front door. Jane patted Marie's hand as she started pushing her chair back, telling her, "No, my sweet friend, you haven't lost it. You've gained their respect, something more precious than gold." Patting Marie's hand again, Jane stood up and walked to the front door, checking the monitor for the camera watching the front door. Surprised, she stepped to the front door, unlocked it, and opened it, finding Susan and Sherry standing there. "Ah, a surprise guest, I see," Jane said to the two women, both smiling at Jane. "And what bids you visit today, Sherry?"

Stepping aside, Susan and Sherry entered Seasons House, as Sherry said, "Well, those three are leaving tomorrow and I wanted to make sure they were okay. They seem happy being here and leaving might cause them to be unhappy, anxious, sad, scared, pick the word you want."

Jane chuckled, then said, "I believe all of the words you just used will suffice. But I'll let them explain it to you. They're in the library."

Jane followed the two women after closing and relocking the front door. As they reached the dining room, three cups of tea waited for them on the dining room table, courtesy of Marie, who welcomed Susan and Sherry. Knocking softly on the library door, Susan opened the door and walked into the library, followed by Sherry and Jane. As expected, as was their habit by now, the teens had looked up from their work to see who was coming into the library. Sherry saw their faces brighten before it faded, replaced with a melancholy look. After Susan sat down on the couch, next to Toby, and Jane had closed the library door and stood by the door, Sherry walked to the table, sat her cup of tea down and asked, "Okay, who wants to be the first to tell me why you three look like you lost your best pair of underwear?"

Toby and Charlotte snorted, Francis face-palmed herself before saying, We're leaving tomorrow, Sherry. No more mucking horses, or Aunt Jane and Marie, and Susan." She quickly put in, "Or you," which wasn't missed by Sherry.

Smiling, Sherry told her, "Oh, gee, thanks, Francis, for remembering me last. I'll miss you too."

Charlotte saw the hurt expression on Francis' face, elbowed her in the ribs and told her, "She didn't mean it like that, you dingbat. She's pulling your leg… again."

And Francis’ response, as usual, "Oh."

Sherry pulled an empty chair around to the head of the table and sat down, asking, "So, you're leaving tomorrow. Shouldn't you be happy about that. I understand both you, Charlotte, and you, Toby, are free birds with the Courts, so that should make you both happy, right?"

Toby and Charlotte exchanged looks before Charlotte said, "We are happy that's no longer hanging over our heads, but it's like Francis said, we won't be here anymore. We're going to miss this place and Marie and Aunt Jane, oh, and the mucking horses."

Sherry turned so she could see Jane, who looked up once then shook her head in resignation. While looking at Jane, she asked the three teens, "Hasn't Jane told you three you can return to visit? Hasn't she said it's like leaving a relative's home after a long visit?" Seeing Jane nod her head, Sherry turned back so she could look at the teens. "Well, didn't she say that? Didn't Marie say the same thing to the three of you?" Getting a mornful, 'yes' from the three, she continued by saying, "Look you three. This is not a hotel where you can stay for as long as you like by paying your bill. Think of this as a summer camp, you come, you go, at the right time, and the time for you three to leave is tomorrow."

In a saddened voice, Francis told Sherry, "Yeah, but no more Susan either. And no more AP classes." The usual observant teens missed Susan biting her lips, or the knowing look that flashed across Sherry's face.

Exasperated, Sherry tried another tact with the three. "Haven't you three ever heard the expression, 'make lemon aid out of lemons?' Haven't you three had to do things while you've been here you haven't liked? Such as mucking out the horse's stalls? Or helping get your meals? Or, Charlotte, Francis, being models for Carolyn and The Style Shoppe? Has any of that harmed you in any way? Toby? Look what you endured at the hands of your brother? While it harmed you, you survived, didn't you? Aren't you three stronger for those experiences? Hasn't it given you a new perspective, a different way to view events, actions, life in general? Toby, Charlotte, I can tell you from experience that the fields you two have chosen are not easy fields to survive in. You both will hear the troubles of those who come to you, expecting you to come up with some clever words to help the person get through a difficult time. But who do you tell your troubles to when it all gets too much? And how will you handle it when you lose one by their own hands? Life is full of unpleasant situations that must be endured or they won't get accomplished. Those boring classes you three have to take are easy examples of what much be endured if you are to reach the goals you've set for yourselves. And… you have to do the best you can do regardless of how you feel, how you make others feel, or what you're told." Sherry let everything she said hang in the air, as she got up from the chair, replaced it where it had been and walked toward Jane, who had opened the library door and stepped out of the library.

Closing the library door behind her, Sherry said to Jane, "That will give them something to think about for the rest of the day. Now, how about you, Marie, and I go have a chat. My tea has gone cold."

~~~***{}***~~~

Chuckling, Jane led the way into the kitchen, where Marie already had more water boiling for fresh tea. The three sat down at the kitchen table and rehashed the feelings about the three teens leaving Seasons House. Jane and Marie went on to explain to Sherry all they'd learned by having the teens with them, unlike previous times. They wanted to include her and Susan as part of their program with the next boy sent to them. After what Sherry had witnessed, she felt her involvement could be beneficial but only after Jane and Marie had established their authority over the boy. By doing this first, he might be more willing to speak openly to Sherry and at the same time, help himself. But Jane made it abundantly clear, they would not change their overall program, they would still use Petticoat Punishment as a means to get the boys attention and establish their authority. But they would also listen to Sherry after she'd spoken with the boy. Their talk then focused on the adults who would arrive tomorrow, and the steps they'd put in place to deal with any unexpected events. Jane and Marie didn't feel there'd be any real problems, since the adults arriving tomorrow had already been told about Seasons House, but Jane and Marie were prepared just in case. Jane reminded Sherry that her presence was requested, as was the presence of Jill and Susan, the latter already confirming they'd be there for breakfast, and Sherry now doing the same. With the important matters taken care of, the three women then sat and chatted about all of the unimportant things they could think of, mostly of the antics of the three teens and again, that Marie and Jane were going to miss them.

~~~***{}***~~~

Sherry left Seasons House after about an hour, telling of patients she had scheduled. She left Jane and Marie with a final thought, telling them, "After those three leave tomorrow, you two should take a break. Go somewhere for a while, do something you've wanted to do, just don't dwell on missing those three after they leave. Reflect on everything they've unexpectedly taught the two of you. And, when you're ready for me to get involved, call, you have my number." And with that, she hugged both women before disappearing from the kitchen.

Jane and Marie looked at each other, similar thoughts running through their minds. They needed to stay busy or risk total breakdown. Jane suddenly remembered work she needed to do in the study, while Marie suddenly realized she had something to get read for supper. They hugged before going their separate ways, neither one seeing the other wipe tears out of their eyes.

The rest of the afternoon was nothing to write home about, because nothing special happened. It was just another afternoon at Seasons House, with Jane in the study, Marie in the kitchen, and the teens in the library frustrating Susan with how fast the were completing their lessons. The usual for Seasons House.

~~~***{}***~~~

The kids were somewhat more lively when getting the table set and helping Marie get their evening meal ready. Their jovial banter had returned, but with an untone of melancholy they couldn't shake. Instead of Jane drilling them on their lessons, Susan took up the mantle and was merciless in her questions and required answers. Even when she asked a few questions incorrectly on purpose, she wasn't disappointed when the three corrected her and not only said what the question should have been, but gave the answer to the question. The speed at which the questions were asked and answered, made Jane and Marie feel they were the audience of a game show, and the teens the contestants. Soon, though, supper was finished, the table cleared, the kitchen cleaned to Marie's satisfaction, and no sooner had the three been allowed the evening to themselves, it was time for showers and bed. The regular pre-bed inspection was more than somber, as tears flowed as each of the teens hugged Jane before wishing her a 'good night.' Jane did her best to keep herself composed during this time, but the teens could see how wet her eyes were. What they didn't see after they'd climbed the stairs and entered their bedrooms, was the tears that freely flowed as Jane slowly walked to her bedroom. Or Marie's eyes, as she checked the house before climbing to her bedroom, stopping at each bedroom door and muttering, "Portez-vous bien, petite, dans votre vie renouvelée (Be well, little one, in your renewed life.)," before going into her bedroom at the end of the hall. They never saw all the tears she shed as she readied herself for bed.

~~~***{}***~~~

As usual, Marie entered each bedroom to make sure the teens were up, their beds made, they night clothes folded nicely and under the pillow, except for Toby, who's pajamas were neatly folded and lying on top of his other clothes in his open suitcase sitting on his bed. With a sigh, Marie headed downstairs and to the kitchen, taking a detour after hearing a knock at the front door. After checking the monitor, she opened the door to the three women standing there, a mixture of expressions on their faces. The usual boistres Jill asked somberly, "Where are they?" Before she hugged Marie and made room for the others to follow by going into the living room. She never saw each of the other two ladies hug Marie as they entered Seasons House, or the wet eyes each tried to hide.

Marie followed Susan after closing and locking the front door. Jill had turned around to look at Marie, waiting for an answer to her question. Marie chuckled then said, "They're out with the horses, performing their morning duties, and likely saying their goodbyes." As Marie walked past Jill, she told the three women, "Come into the kitchen and have some tea while I start breakfast. No one is expected until 9 o'clock anyway."

~~~***{}***~~~

The teens had been up much earlier than Marie had believed, and had gone riding without telling anyone, a big no no. But it was something they needed, and as Jane watched the three ride off toward the pond, she wished them well. Only something had occurred neither Jane could see or the teens expected as they entered the stable. All three of the horses were standing outside of their stalls, Pinto holding her halter and the mare and other horse holding their bridles. "Well," Francis said to the air, "It looks like we're going riding before we clean their stalls. I'll get the brushes."

After showing Toby how to brush down the other horse, Francis brushed down the mare while Charlotte brushed down Pinto. "This is the last time we'll get to do this, 'ol girl, we're going home today. I guess this is goodbye," she said before dropping the brush and desperately holding onto Pinto's neck as she cried. Pinto rested her head gently on Charlotte's shoulder, doing her best to comfort the teen as she cried. Finally regaining herself, somewhat, Charlotte pulled her head back and told Pinto, "I'm going to miss seeing you every day. And those stupid antics you keep trying to pull." When Charlotte said that, Pinto snorted the whinnied, her lips pulled back in what seemed to be a smile.

With all three horses brushed, and a halter on Pinto and bridles on the other two horses, the teens led them out to drink their fill at the water tank, while they went to the tack room and got blankets and saddles. Charlotte and Francis helped Toby blanket and saddle the third horse, helping him to mount and making sure his butt wasn't bothering him, before saddling their horses. As they left the corral, all three horses jerked their heads hard enough to jerk the reins out of their rider's hands, making Francis and Charlotte realize they were not doing the driving that morning. Gripping the reins, but keeping them loose, the let the horses slowly walk them to the pond, where they saw another unexpected sight. Usually, when someone needed reassurance, they'd sit on the bench near the pond and wait for the animals to come to them. On this morning, the day of departure, the animals were waiting on the three teens. The deer were lying in their usual location. The skunk and racoon the same. The frogs and ducks lining the edge of the pond and the fish bobbing up and down a short ways off shore. And the porcupines, sitting within an arms reach from the bench, all just waiting. The teens didn't need coaxing to dismount as the horses stopped near the bench, they did so without saying a word. All eyes watched them as they walked the short distance to the bench and sat down, as soft, unknown, voices were brought to them on the suddenly gusty wind.

The teens took the time to look at each group of animals, lingering on them as though listening to each group was speaking to them individually. Then, as happened previously, when the message had been delivered, all of the animals slowly made their way back to what they'd been doing, leaving the teens sitting on the bench by the pond. Even the wind died to a soft breeze. Francis and Charlotte leaned over onto Toby, who'd sat in the middle. They put their arms around each other, having become much closer than they wanted to admit. They knew it was time for them to leave, and get the stalls cleaned, as each one felt a muzzle push them from behind. The ride back was much the same as it was on the way out, except now they had to muck the stalls. They took care of the horses after the ride, before starting on the stalls, leaving all three in the corral. They were quiet as they worked, saying one last goodbye by giving each horse an apple after returning them to the stalls. As they walked back to the house, they walked with arms draped over shoulders, silence speaking louder than they did as they walked. No one greeted them as they entered the house, or reminded them about removing their shoes before entering the house. Thirty minutes later, the three made their appearance in the kitchen, greeting the four women before going about the duties they done a number of times. Neither of the three said a word as they worked. Jill interrupted Toby after he'd helped set the table, by telling him she needed to see how well his body was healing. He never replied, never said a word, as he silently left the kitchen with Jill behind him and together they climbed the stairs to his bedroom. When they returned, Marie tried to get the teens to respond by telling them in a stern voice, "Ach… ihr drei seid heute Morgen nutzlos. Setzt euch ins Wohnzimmer (Ach… you three are useless this morning. Go sit in the living room.)."

As the four women watched, the teens just nodded their heads, before slowly walking out of the kitchen. It was Jill who quipped, "Wow! Tough crowd this morning, Marie. They're really taking leaving hard, aren't they?" Marie nodded before turning back to their breakfast.

Jane then came into the kitchen, shaking her head as she walked. Addressing Marie she asked, "You know they went riding this morning, though I don't think it was their idea."

Nodding her head, Marie replied, "Yes, I knew, but it was something they needed to do. Also, you are right, it wasn't their idea. After leaving the corral, all three horses jerked the reins out of their hands, actually taking those three to the pond. When they arrived at the pond, they had quite the reception waiting for them. Those three have made lasting impressions while they've been here."

Suddenly, Jill jumped up and asked Marie if she had a small paper bag. Marie pointed to a lower cabinet, then stood and watch Jill, as did the other three women. She pulled out four paper bags before finding the size she wanted. With a mischievous smile on her face, she gathered the top of the bag then blew it up the bag. She then walked to the kitchen door, quietly pushing it open and looking out. "Oh, this is perfect," she said, then quietly left the kitchen. Jane, Marie, Susan, and Sherry, didn't sit on their thumbs as the all tried to position themselves at the kitchen door so they could see what Jill was up to. The teens were sitting on the couch, looking down, wiping there eyes at times. Jill quietly walked through the dining room and into the living room, stopping when she was right in front of the teens. She turned her head to look at the four heads watching her, then raised the inflated bag in front of her, and with all the force she could muster, slammed her left hand into the bottom of the bag, causing a loud BANG to occur. Jill's antics had the desired affect, as all three suddenly jumped where they sat, then fell off the couch. When they regained their wits, they looked up to see a smiling Jill standing in front of them. As they watched, she waved at them then said, "Hi," before walking back to the kitchen.

The teens were still sitting on the floor as laughter broke out in the kitchen after Jill's return. The women laughed even harder when Charlotte yelled, "You'll pay for that, Jill. You wait and see if you don't."

After the laughter died down, Jane pushed the kitchen door open and watched the teens. She bit her lip when she heard Francis say, "Aw, crap. I need to go change my panties."

That was followed up by Charlotte adding, "Aw, jeeze, so do I."

After Charlotte and Francis stood up and took one step each, Toby chimed in with, "I can't believe it! Hey, wait up you two. Someone should teach that menacing imp a lesson."

The teens were so focused on their wet undergarments, they didn't notice Jane watching them. They did, though, hear the laughter start again as they were walking up the stairs.

Jill's antics had changed the mood of Seasons House that morning, and it continued throughout breakfast. Even through clearing the table and the kitchen, the teens were more jovial. It wasn't until the Grandfather clock struck nine, and a knock was heard on the front door, did the teens finally returned to their somber moods. Jane sent the teens into the library, telling them to wait until she came to get them. As they walked off, she called after them, "Thinks will work out, wait and see."

~~~***{}***~~~

Jeb had sent Jane pictures of everyone who'd be coming to Seasons House to take their boys home. As Jane looked at the monitor for the front door, she saw only those who were to be coming to Seasons House that morning. Marie came out of the study, her hands behind her back, her 1911 held in her right hand, thumb on the hammer, finger on the safety lever, and one in the pipe. As Jane looked at her, she nodded her head once, telling Marie it was safe to open the front door. Taking the step to the front door, Jane unlocked the door and pulled the door back so she was standing out of Marie's line of fire in case her line of fire was needed. "Jeb Thorton," Jane said to the man standing at the head of the line. "Welcome to Seasons House. And who is this lovely women who puts up with you?" A smile crossed Jane's lips as she said it.

In mock anger, Jeb replied, "Jane Thompson, you are nothing but a scallywag, always have been, always will be. And this lovely lady who puts up with me is my wife Lynn. Lynn, this is Ms. Jane Thompson. And the other lovely lady, though rather deadly, you see standing there with her backup behind her back, if I'm not mistaken, is Marie, the other cohort of the duo." Hearing what Jeb just said, Marie smirked and nodded her head, confirming Jeb's guess.

After shaking Jeb's hand, Jane shook Lynn's hand, telling her, "It's finally nice to meet the better half of your duo." Both women laughed as Jeb went along with the gag by acting shocked at Jane's words. "Please, come in the both of you." Jeb then hugged Jane, whispering in her ear as he did so.

As the two walked toward Marie, Lynn asked her husband, "What did you just say to Jane back there?"

Jeb put his arm around Lynn's waist and said, "I thanked her for taking care of Charles." Lynn smiled, then leaned over and kiss him on the cheek.

When they reached Marie, she and Jeb stared at each other, stern expressions on the faces. Lynn saw the looks and started to become uneasy until both broke out in grins and Jeb stepped up to Marie and hugged her tightly. Marie still holding her 1911 in her right hand, hugged Jeb with her left hand. She looked over to Lynn and asked her, "How in the world do you put up with this 'ol war horse. The last time I saw him he needed a bath desperately."

Lynn laughed, then replied, "I remember that time, and you're right, he smelled horrible. But I fell in love with him that very day, and it's only through love that I endure."

Looking incredulous, Jeb said, "Hey, what is it, roast Jeb day?"

The three heard a voice behind them say, "Children! Please play nicely. I don't want to have these floors replaced because of spilt blood." The all looked at Jane, who was looking at them with a smile on her face.

Jane turned back to the lone man standing in the door way, Martin Camber, Toby's dad. "Martin, welcome to Seasons House. Toby is a wonderful young man you should be extremely proud of. I'm only sorry we're meeting under these circumstances."

Martin stood a good 6'8" or 6'9" and weighed around 265. His hand enveloped Jane's hand as they shook hands, Jane being told, "I blamed myself for how things turned out. Had I known what Tylor was doing to Toby… well, let's just say I might have found it necessary to make sure Tylor was never found. He may be my son, but no one treats another person the way he treated Toby, or the trouble he got Toby into."

Looking into Martin's eyes, Jane told him, "Many of us had the same thoughts about Tylor after we saw what he'd done to Toby. However, Martin, we knew we couldn't do that as it'd make us no better than he was, then they were. Be proud of a boy who went through hell and emerged on the other side a stronger person. Please, come in." Jane then gestured toward Marie, telling Martin, "The woman standing there is Marie, my partner in crime."

Jane turned back to the door as Martin walked up to Marie and shook hands with her, her helper then being held in her left hand behind her back. As Martin had walked toward Marie, he could tell she was packing, and was not to be trifled with when it hit the fan. As they shook hands, Martin leaned toward Marie and softly said, "Oorah," then straightened and gazed into her eyes. He watched as she slowly nodded her head several times, before directing him toward the living room.

As Martin was greeting Marie, Jane had returned her attention to the couple standing in the doorway. "And you must be Penny Willows, the wonderful woman Frank spoke about."

The two women shook hands before Penny told Jane, "Ms. Thompson, this is my husband, Tom."

Shaking Tom's hand, Jane told him, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Tom. Actually, a pleasure to meet the two of you. There's a lot the two of you need to be told. Please, come in. The woman you see there," and Jane pointed to Marie, "Is my cohort, Marie. Please, please, come in." After Penny and Tom entered the house Jane closed and locked the front door, something not lost on Tom.

"You seem to take security seriously, Ms. Thompson," Tom told Jane.

Jane looked from Tom to Marie, seeing Marie nod her head once. "We do, Tom. We've had a few, um, experiences in the past that made us very cautious. And please, it's Jane and Marie. There's no need to be so formal."

Tom and Penny walked over to Marie, both shaking hands with her before being directed to the living room. When Jane reached Marie, they exchanged a look, before Marie stepped into the study, returning with both hands empty. After Marie returned from the study, Jane said to everyone, "If you will make yourselves comfortable around the dining room table, we'll get started with the explanations you all need to hear." After everyone had taken a seat at the dining room table, Jane stood behind Jill and introduced her. "This woman is Dr. Jill Peters. Martin, she and the hospital treated Toby and kept him safe." She saw Martin was about to ask a question, and held up her hand, telling him, "Please hold you question, Martin. All will be explained in a moment." Moving behind Susan, Jane told the group, "This is Susan Toliver, the tutor who worked with the boys." Stepping behind Sherry, Jane said, "This is Dr. Sherry Daniels, a licensed psychologist, who has been instrumental in helping all of us deal when this unusual situation."

"I understand it has been explained to all of you what Marie and I do here at Seasons House. so I'll forego the entire explanation again. The method Marie and I use, Petticoat Punishment, is used to drastically snap the boy out of his current thought processes by having him live as a girl in every way physically possible. He is dressed as a girl during his entire stay, even participating in those activities many girls might participate in. We use his own ego against him, his fear of being discovered as a boy dressed as a girl. The boys sent to us are deemed redeemable by Judge Ruth Walinkiewicz, a juvenile court judge. Frank was just such a boy, Penny, Tom. Did either of you hear why Frank couldn't return to your family after your cancer was in remission, Penny?"

As Jane looked at the couple, Tom's face started turning red with anger. Penny laid a hand on his arm, telling Jane, "Frank's case worker said they were concerned the cancer would return and they'd have to go through the whole process again of finding Frank a place to live. So staying with Agnus was the best solution."

Even though Penny had calmed Tom, he said through gritted teeth, "It was a bunch of BS, pure and simple. The doctors told us there was zero chance the type of cancer Penny had would return. We even showed that cow the doctor's reports."

Jane didn't tell the couple she'd also seen the reports, but went on with, "There was a simple reason the case worker wouldn't allow Frank to return to your family, she was getting kickbacks from Agnus. Agnus was giving her half of the support money she received for Frank. None of that money was ever used for Frank's living expenses. Agnus was only keeping Frank for the money. If it hadn't been for a neighbor lady, I don't believe Frank would be with us today. It was also the neighbor lady who contacted the right people to get an investigation started. It was discovered that not only Frank's case worker was receiving kickbacks, but several other case workers were doing the same. Agnus and the others are now spending time behind bars, contemplating their misdeeds."

Jane paused while Marie sat cups of tea before everyone sitting at the table. Once Marie returned from the kitchen, Jane continued. "I want Susan to speak next on her and Sherry's discoveries, you might be surprised and angry once they're finished telling you what they discovered."

Susan gave Frank's folder to Penny and Tom. Toby's folder went to Martin, while Charlotte's folder went to Jeb and Lynn. "Jane and Marie have a fine educational program set up while a boy stays with her. It's a much better program than he'd find in the school he'd been attending. When I was called in to help them, my first step was to have the three fill out an assessment paper." Susan chuckled before saying, "I had to repeatedly remind them it wasn't a test, just an information paper for me so I know what they knew or didn't know. When I saw the results of those papers, I knew something wasn't right, given their school grades, except for Charles, who we discovered would do his best even if he hated every minute of it. Toby and Francis, we discovered later, were bored to death with the classes they were taking at their respective high schools, but their assessment papers told a different story. If you'll look at the IQ test scores in your folders, you'll see what Sherry discovered after we had her give them an IQ test. We later learned each of them had asked to take AP courses, but were turned down because the administration didn't want to upset the social structure of their entire class."

It was Martin's turn to speak through gritted teeth, asking, "You mean to tell me with an IQ that high, those dic… um… morons wouldn't let Toby take any advance classes? Did those as… um… dopes even test him?"

There were smiles around the table, as everyone realized what Martin was about to call the administration at the schools, catching himself in time. "Martin, we've use worse words to describe the administration at those schools, but thank you for trying not to be so, crass." Susan thanking Martin caused him to chuckle, even apologizing for almost crossing the verbage line. "To answer your question, Martin," Susan continued. "No, they didn't test him, they wouldn't test him. Toby told us they said his grades didn't warrant him being tested. So, he did the bare minimum of school work to get by. However, during his free time at school, he'd go to the library and read those textbooks used in the AP classes, and any he could find the library had on psychology, a field he wants go enter. It is my feelings, and I believe Sherry's as well, all three of those boys could test out of high school without any problems. We don't recommend it though, for one glaring reason. If they tested out of high school and entered University or College, they'd be the youngest students attending those schools. Research has shown that while young students do well in the higher learning atmosphere, they are social pariahs, often harassed by the older students. Sherry and I have tried to impress upon those three not to give a toot to anything anyone says if they do the best they can. We've especially tried to make that point with Frank and Toby, since both were doing only the minimum to get by. The school might not like it, but they need to blow the doors off the Bell Curve and not care if it bothers anyone."

Susan nodded to Jane, who took over with, "Thank you Susan. As I told all of you, this time at Seasons House has been most unusual. Marie and I usually only have two boys with us at one time, the experienced boy helping the new boy. This time, we had three boys, one who had walked through hell and come out the other side without losing who he was going in. If you would, Jill."

A moment of anger passed over Jill's face before she began speaking. "Martin, in all my years of practicing medicine, I've never come across another person who was beaten more severely than Toby. All of us who saw Toby's condition when he first arrived wanted to deal with Tylor using a map, flashlight, and a shovel. But as Jane said, it wasn't our lot in life to be like those people. That morning, after seeing Toby for the first time, I couldn't understand how he was still alive. Many of his wounds were infected, and the new ones were deep, almost bone deep. He was rushed to our hospital where we cleaned out the infection and put him on a heavy dose of antibiotics, keeping him sedated throughout the procedure. Once we removed the sedation, he finally came around the following day, when he told Jane everything. I was told you were shown the pictures we took, Martin," and when he nodded, Jill went on with, "Well there was more. Jane was told those animals had started killing the kids who were involved in the shoplifting, probably to shut them up. Our police department had received a heads-up that an attempt would be made on Toby's life. They worked with the hospital and set up a plan to deal with anyone coming into the hospital asking for Toby. Toby would have stayed in the hospital longer, if not for the two men who came into the hospital acting like his Uncles and asking if he was there. Those two never knew what hit them, as the hospital and police's plan worked perfectly. Both were discovered to be armed, with one having a silencer on him. When the alert had gone out in the hospital, two of the hospital's best security gurads, both vets, stayed in Toby's room until the all clear was given. But I was still worried others would come so I called Jane and told her I was bringing Toby to Seasons House, where I knew he'd be safe. And he's been here ever since, and his body is healing nicely. Also, a plastic surgeon I know, Dr. Thomas Glean, has volunteered to treat Toby, pro bono, after his body is completely healed. Martin, pictures don't display what you'll see with your own eyes, he'll need Dr. Glean and his team's help."

When Jill looked at Jane, Jane said, "Sherry, you're up to bat."

Sherry took a sip of her tea before she began to speak. "Except for Toby, how much to you, Jeb and Lynn, and Penny and Tom, know about what Charles and Frank have been through? Penny and Tom, are you aware what Agnus did to him while he stayed with her? Locking him in his bedroom for the day? Refusing to let him use the bathroom while he was locked in his bedroom? Refusing to let him out for meals? Or the times she slapped him around?"

Penny's face took on an expression that would make statues cringe. It was Tom who put an arm on his wife's arm as she said with restrained anger, "She did all that to him? Not feeding him or letting him use the bathroom?" Calming down a bit, she then asked, "What’d he do for food or when he had to use the toilet? No one said he had to be hospitalized for malnutrition, so he must have eaten. And using the toilet, what'd he do?"

Sherry smiled then replied, "Your Nephew is a resourceful person, Penny. Agnus forgot his bedroom had two windows, and he took the screen off one of them and went to the neighbor lady's house. She let him use the bathroom, even showering, and fed him too. If it hadn't been for her, he'd have been in a world of hurt. And as we said previously, it was she who contacted the right people who found out what was going on between Agnus and the case worker. But there's more, Penny, Tom, much more. Frank bottled up his feelings about what he was being put through, which came out during one of our talks. It's out in the open now, but I'd like to continue meeting with him on a regular basis."

She then looked between Martin and the Thortons, taking another sip of her tea before saying, "The same applies to Toby and Charlies. Martin, you already know what Toby went through, but he too bottled up his feelings and they emerged much like Frank's did during our talks. Jeb, Lynn, do you remember what happened to Charles in elementary school? The time two boys forced his head into the toilet, then the time the same two boys put him into the urinal because they were suspended from school because of the first incident?"

Lynn looked thoughtful for a moment, then said, "Yes, I remember those incidents. But it didn't seem to bother Charles at the time. He seemed to have shrugged it off."

If was Jeb's turn to look thoughtful as Lynn spoke, saying, "I remember something about it, but because Charles never made a big deal out of it, I just put it aside. I take it he was still harboring feelings about what happened?"

Nodding her head, Sherry told him, "Yes, Jeb. He was still harboring feelings about what those two boys did to him. During our first talk, he kept answering my questions evasively, always trying to counter my questions with a critique of my attempts to get him to talk to me. He finally broke down when I grabbed both of his arms from across the table, and his bottled up feelings surfaced. I never again want to hear boys cry the way those three cried when they let their bottled up feelings out. It's a sound you'll never forget once you've heard it."

Marie had just poured more tea into Sherry's cup, just in time for Sherry to take another sip. "Toby is outgoing, while Francis chose to remain quiet because of his experiences at school. Charles is the more intellectual of the three, though he has started opening up more while he's been here. Martin, now that Toby doesn't have to fear Tylor, I think you're going to find you have a much different son than the one you remember. Penny, the same goes for Frank. But beware, he has a sense of humor that'll take you unaware. Jeb, Lynn, you've done a wonderful job raising Charles, but don't let him close himself off again, he can be as bad as Francis if he wants. Also, I'd like to set up a schedule to meet with all three of the boys at least once a month. Given what each one has been through, I'd like to make sure they don't revert to their former selves."

Sherry nodded her head to Jane, who then said, "Okay, why don't we take a break before the boys come out to see everyone. We've a bit more to cover before they'll need to change to go home. There's a restroom there," and Jane pointed to the door for the downstairs restroom.

Most of the adults took advantage of the break to use the restroom, others talked amongst themselves. They watched Marie carry a tray holding three glasses and a pitcher of water to a room, knock on the door before opening it and going inside. The same door opening caught their attention, and they watched as Marie came out of the room carrying an empty tray.

After the restroom break was over, and their tea cups had been refreshed, Jane got everyone's attention before she told them, "I've explained how Marie and I get the boy's attention by having them dress and act like girls while they're here. Frank was the first sent to us, so he was Francis, and very convincing dressed as a girl. Charles came next, though he already knew about Petticoat Punishment. So I gave him a choice to stay himself while he was here, or have an experience he'd likely never get an opportunity to have anywhere else. He chose the experience and became Charlotte, and more than convincing dressed as a girl. Toby, for obvious reason, could never have the experience, but he was very supportive the entire time he has been here. Marie and I are very protective of our girls, so if any of you says or does anything to make Frank or Chalres feel more anxious than they are already, you WILL be bodily thrown out of my house." Giving Martin a stern look, she answered his silent question with, "Yes, Martin, I can do it without any trouble. Don't test me!"

Giving the Thortons, the Willows, and Martin, one last stern look, Jane walked to the library, knocked on the door before opening it and going into the library, closing the door behind her. It was a few moments later when the library door opened, causing Jeb, Lynn, Penny, Tom, and Martin to stand, watching as the teens filed out of the library. Martin reacted first, rushing over and picking up Toby in a bear hug. "Oh, God, Toby," he said, sobbing as he spoke. "I'm so sorry son, I'm so so, sorry. I should have paid more attention to what Tylor was doing."

Tears were streaming down Toby's cheeks, as he held his dad tightly. "Dad, it's okay. You had to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. I'm so proud of you for doing that after mom left." Martin then carried Toby back to where Martin had been sitting, sat down and sat Toby in his lap, never letting go of him.

Lynn and Jeb stood in front of Chalotte, Lynn placing a hand over her mouth. "Oh, my. Jane was right. You do make a very cute girl." She then kneeled and held out her arms, which were quickly filled with Charlotte's presence, as she too cried on her mom's shoulder. Jeb stood next to the pair, his arms hugging both his wife and son.

Penny had done the same as Lynn, put a hand over her mouth in surprise. Francis stood there, tears welling up in her eyes, saying, "You're ashamed of me, aren't you? Ashamed I'm dressed this way, aren't you?"

Then, to the parents and Penny's surprise, Charlotte said, "Oh, gawd, not again." Not only did she stand up and walk over to Francis, but Toby got off his dad's lap and walked over to Francis. "You dope, they aren't ashamed of you. Can't you see how happy they are to see you, no matter how you're dressed," Toby told Francis as he and Charlotte took Francis' by the arms and led her over to where Penny and Tom were standing.

Kneeling in front of Francis, and wiping her eyes, Penny told Francis, "Francis, Frank, we are not ashamed of you in any way. Tom and I are just happy you're alright and are going to be living with us. We've also talked about adopting you, that is, if you'd like us to adopt you."

Trying to comprehend what her Aunt just said, Francis asked, "You want to adopt ME? ME? Why? I've been such a mess and I still could be."

Tom kelt in front of Francis and told her, "Yes, Francis, we'd like to adopt you if it's what you'd want. As to why? If we make you our legal son, no one can take you away from us ever again. And judging by what I've seen right now, I don't believe we have to worry about you still being a mess. If I might also say, like Charlotee, you're cute dressed as a girl." With tears in her eyes, Francis fell into the arms of Tom and Penny, crying as they held each other."

As the teens became reacquainted with their adults, Jane and Marie heard a knock on the front door. Looking at each other, Jane walked to the monitor by the front door, while Marie made a quick trip into the study. When Marie came out of the study, Jane told her, "It's Carolyn and Sandy, right on time." Making another quick trip into the study, Marie emerge empty handed, and stood near the stairs, waiting to take Sandy and Carolyn up to Francis and Charlotte's bedroom. After unlocking the front door, and letting Carolyn and Sandy into the house, she quietly told them to follow Marie, she'd take them up to the bedrooms where they could set up. Both women remained quiet as they walked to Marie and followed her up the stairs to the girl's bedrooms.

After closing the front door and locking it, Jane rejoined the group in the dining room, waiting a few more minutes before they continued. She wasn't Sherry, but even she could see that those three boys were deeply loved and would do fine when they returned home. Getting their attention, Jane said, "I think Jeb has something he like to say at this time."

Standing up, Jeb opened a business case he'd been carrying, taking out several sheets of paper. Addressing Toby first, he said, "Toby, you're voice testimony was invaluable to the District Attorney. That testimony, and what you suffered at the hands of your brother, the District Attorney has dropped all charges against you. You're record is clean once again." At that point he handed Toby an order by the Court and one from the District Attorney, both exclaiming the charges against one Toby Camber were dismissed. He then turned to Charlotte, saying, Charles, or, um, Charlotte, Judge Ruth, Terry, and the prosecuting attorney knew everything against you was a lie. But Strom threatened to take you to Federal Court if Ruth didn't find you guilty. Like Toby, all of the charges against you have been dropped, as stated in these two papers. And like Toby, your record is clean once again." Jeb closed the case then sat down, taking Lynn's hand after sitting.

With smiles on their faces Toby and Charlotte high-fived each other, until Charlotte said, "We may be free of the courts, but we have to return to our schools."

Letting out a groan, Francis said, "Do we have to? That place is so boring it's more fun watching paint dry. Or watching grass grow. Or...,"

Francis never finished her third comparison, as Toby told her, "We get it, pea brain. It's super boring."

Looking at Toby, Francis asked, "Who you calling pea brain, muck for brains?"

Charlotte shook her head before saying, "Oy vey! They're at it again." Turning to her parents she said, "Francis does have a point. Even though I was getting 'A's', it was boring. I can handle it, but they," and she pointed to Toby and Francis, "Need another school."

Clearing her throat, Susan said, "I think I can help with that small problem." She then pulled out six pieces of paper, handing two to each teen. "The top sheet is an acceptance letter from a private high school not far from here that will fit the needs of all three of you. They're offering full tuition, room and board, books, and meals. All you three have to do is work at your studies. The second paper is a letter from a University offering all three of you a full ride when you graduate high school. And, that University offers majors in each of the fields you three want to pursue. It's all up to the three of you and your parents."

The three teens were standing together comparing their papers, talking excitedly. Martin cleared his throat, stood, and said, "Toby, I, um, lost those three jobs I had. Because I was offered a job not far from here as a manager in the field I first started in. We'll be moving up here, out of that city and into God's country."

Toby stood dumbfounded, until Francis and Charlotte took him over to his dad. "You're not just saying that are you? You really got a job in this area?" Toby asked, still stunned over the prospect of moving into the area, living not far from Seasons House.

Martin pulled Toby into him, telling him, "Yes, son, it's the truth. I've already found us a nice place to live. It even comes with a few animals."

Toby was hugging his dad when Jane spoke up. "Francis, Charlotte. Carolyn and Sandy are waiting for the two of you up in your bedrooms. You'll also find all of your clothing lying on your beds. So you best go and not keep them waiting."

Jane never told the girls which woman would be in their bedrooms, though Sandy chose to undo Charlotte. As hard as the tears flowed downstairs, they flowed just as hard upstairs, as prosthetics were removed, makeup thoroughly removed, and this time hair cuts given instead of stylings. One last shower and Frank and Charles were ready to once again face the world. Last hugs to Carolyn and Sandy, with promises to come and see them, and the two boys, carrying their suitcases, made the last trip from their bedrooms to the first floor. As if on cue, when Toby saw the two boys, he said, "My gawd, you two clean up nicely." Frank and Charles looked at each other, a silent message passing between them. Charles started walking around the head of the dining room table while Frank started walking around the end where they'd sat for so many weeks. Looking between the two boys, malice on their faces, Toby said, while holding up his hands, "Joking, I was only joking," and had backed himself up against the wall next to the kitchen door. The two boys looked at each other again before both grabbed Toby and started carrying him toward the back door, Toby yelling all the way.

Marie was standing by the back door, opening it as the three reached her. "Thank you, Marie," Francis said as the two boys carried the still yelling out the back door and toward the stable.

Everyone followed the boys out of the back door and onto the back porch, while Frank and Charles carried the still yelling Toby into the stable, Martin asked, "Have they always been that close, Jane?"

Thinking back, Jane replied, "No, Martin, not always. Only when they decided to be open with each other and support each other, did they become that close," and she pointed to the three disappearing into the stable. Then Jane added, "I don't think we'll have to worry about Toby needed another shower. I think they're just going to say goodbye one more time."

Jane was right, it was a last goodbye to the horses by the three boys. Frank and Charlotte set Toby down, then the two walked over to the basket holding the apples and each took one. Charles walked up to Pinto's stall, the horse giving him a questioning look before Charles spoke to her. "Yeah, you crazy horse, it's me, back to being Charles. Here, one last apple before I leave. You be nice to Jane and Marie, and help the next boy sent to Seasons House, you hear?" Pinto accepted the apple, then as Charles hug the horse's neck, Pinto laid her head on Charles' shoulder, whinnying softly, her way of saying goodbye and thank you.

Francis told the mare much the same, and received the same response as Charles received. Toby, not having ridden but the one time, gave the third horse her apple and thank her for the nice ride, getting a cheek rub by that mare. Looking around one last time, arms around each other, the three walked out of the stable and back to the house for the last time as teens; everyone was still on the small back porch, waiting on the teens to return.

When the boys reached the porch, Jane said, "So, it was goodbyes and not mucking?"

Looking happy and sad at the same time, Francis answered with, "Yes, Aunt Jane, just saying our goodbyes one more time. And we're not dressed to be mucking anything or anyone," and he looked at Toby who held up a fist in Francis' face, causing all three to laugh.

Toby sighed before saying, "Well, if we're going home, I guess we better get going. If I remember right, it's a long trip."

The three took a step toward the porch, then looked at the smiling faces of everyone standing on the porch. "Okay," Charles began, "What is it you all know that we don't? It's as though we've been left out of a gag of some sort."

Susan stepped off the porch and put a hand on Franks and Charles' shoulders, who were standing to Toby's left and right. "Well, boys, you aren't going home. At least not right away. You're going to school right after you leave Seasons House." The three had blank looks on their faces, then looked at the faces of their parents, each on nodding their head. "You remember that paper I gave you about being accepted to that private high school? Well, they meant for you to attend starting today, not after you go home."

"But we're still enrolled in our other high schools," Toby said, looking to his dad, who was shaking his head.

Looking at his son, Martin told him, "When Susan got confirmation from that high school, she contacted all of us. And we withdrew the three of you from your high schools, and basically told them where to go at the same time. The five of us came in a van pulling a trailer, with all of your things inside. We are going directly from here to that school, and help you three move in. Plus, they've put you three in the same dorm room, so you'll still be together to help each other when needed. And Toby, Jill will still want to see you, and will contact the school when it's time."

When Martin finished speaking, Jeb spoke up with, "And boys, we've set up a schedule where you three will meet with Sherry twice a month. And you will speak with her, won't you Charles? Oh, and Charles? I think you'll be glad to know you won't get to slack off on your training. We've been told they have a sensei on staff, she teaches the math courses."

Smiling, Charles answered, "Yes, dad, I will speak to her. And it's good to know I can continue my training, though I might be a bit rusty."

Turning, the adults went back into the house, and continued on toward the front door, Jane and Marie following the three boys. When they reached the front door, Sherry, Susan, and Jill stood off to one side, while the parents saw what was needed and continued out to the van. None of the boys could speak, but they did hug all five women one last time before running out of Seasons House, wiping their eyes as they ran. The five stepped outside and waved as the van pulled away from Seasons House, Marie suddenly saying as the van disappeared down the road, "I believe tea and cake would be the order of the day right now." Her voice was raspy, but no one disagreed with her either.

Epilog

Strom's mistress, the mastermind of the shoplifting ring, received life in prison plus 150 years, without the possibility of parole.

Strom, because he'd supplied her with pictures of the kids she killed, was deemed complicit in the murder's and given life without the possibility of parole.

Don Obler, the former store manager of Taylor's Department store, was given ten years in prison for his role in the shoplifting. As was James Conner, the former head of security at that store.

Tylor Camber, because he turned state's evidence, had his ten year sentence cut in half to five years, with the possibility of parole after serving three years.

Mary Myles, the woman corporate sent to that Taylor's Department store as assistant manager, and who helped uncover the truth about the store, was voted by the board of directors to become the new CEO of the Taylor's Department store chain.

The State Board of Education investigated the claims made by the parents of the three boys. As a result of their investigation, all of the administration and counselors at the three school were summarily fired, and replaced with people who cared more about academics than the social structure of the schools. And the administration of those three schools, fired any teacher who refused to follow the new program to bring back academic excellence - teachers who felt social structure was more important than academic excellence.

After the State Board of Education finished their investigation, and replacement of administrations, the State School Board ordered all eighteen school board members of the three high schools to report and answer allegations against all of them. In the end, the State School Board didn't like the answers given by all of the eighteen school board members, and removed them from their school board positions on the spot. There were angry shouts from the former school board members of lawsuits, but their lawyers told them they'd have zero chance of winning in court, as they had brought it all upon themselves.

And the boys, Frank, Charles, and Toby? Just as they drove Susan to frustration over the speed they learned the material she gave them, they did the same at the private high school they were attending. Upon graduation, there were three valedictorians named, Frank Willows, Charles Thorten, and Toby Camber. The three did receive a full scholarship from that University. Studies at the University slowed them down a bit, but only a bit. Sherry was right when she told Charles he wouldn't be allowed to speed through the medical school, but he turned out to be number two upon graduating from medical school. Frank and Toby went on to get their Masters then their PhDs. As luck would have it, Frank was offered a job at a chemical manufacturing company being built by a major chemical corporation, not far from where Toby and Charles opened a private practice together, about twenty miles from Kingston, and after their intern periods. And one more small fact about the boys. There is now a Mrs. Beth Willows, Frank's wife. Toby met and married Tina Moore, a sharp young lady from Kingston. And Charles? He acquired his high school sweetheart, Sandra Glean, (yes, Thomas Glean's daughter) while attending the private high school, they married after Charles graduated medical school and they're expecting their first child in seven months.

Dr. Thomas Glean and his team worked with Toby after his body completely healed. The scar cream they used slowly started reducing the severity of the scars after three months. After a break of two weeks, and a bit of tweaking of the cream, they continued the treatment. Given the results of the tweaked cream, they believe when his treatment is completed, all that will be seen are white lines where the horrible scars had once been.

And when time permits, the mare, Pinto, and the other mare, guide the boys to the pond, where the animals are always waiting for them to arrive.