Educating Danielle

by Karen E. Lea

Part Eight

  

Chapter Thirty Nine

We entered into a large motel suite. It was chaos. A guy sat at the table reading the paper, obviously the father, and a young guy watching music videos on the television. Two girls sat on the lounge. It wasn't a happy room. There was crying coming from the bedroom; I know knew who had the room I had originally booked.

Tanya introduced her father Mark who was pleased to meet Laura, and her brother Gavin. The two girls were bridesmaids, Narelle and Ronnie, the latter very mannish in looks. Tanya explained that the makeup girl hadn't turned up, and Margaret was in tears, she wanted to call it off. She was supposed to be here over an hour ago.

"Have you rang the girl?" I asked.

"Yep. No answer."

I looked at my watch; it had gone two thirty, less than an hour to the service. A girl came out of the bedroom, sobbing, wearing bridal under wear with a bath coat over the top.

"Margaret. This is Aunt Laura, Karen and Danielle."

A woman followed Margaret from the bedroom; she was short, mousy hair, no breasts. "Mum. This is Aunt Laura, Karen and Danielle." Tanya repeated. The woman stared at Laura, sixteen years is a long time.

"Sharon."

"Laura it's good to see you, haven't you changed, what's happened to my little sister."

Laura hugged her sister, although you would have never said they were sisters, not by looks. Margaret hugged Laura, "Pleased to meet you at long last." She said between sobs.

Laura turned to me, "This is Jeff's sister Karen, and her daughter Danielle." We said "Hello."

"So where's this Jeff you've been telling me about?"

"Jeff had a special last minute job come up, Daniel went with him, they've become very close." Danielle giggled.

"Well as you can see, Margaret had only one thing to get right, the makeup girl. She hasn't turned up."

"MUM. You booked this girl, a trainee, save money you said. You've screwed every thing up. As usual."

"You bitch. I've gone out of my way to make this wedding successful."

"You've gone out of your way to screw my wedding up."

"Time out you two. This won't get you to the church." I said.

"Where are we going to get a makeup person this time of the day?" Sharon snarled.

"This is your lucky day. Sir, Mark isn't it, could you take muscles here down to a white Range Rover in the car park. Two aluminium boxes in the cargo section. Bring them up here please. Thank you."

The two men scurried off. I looked at Ronnie, the mannish bridesmaid. The dress was ill fitting and obviously home made, although the dress looked better on Narelle. It was if someone had given up on it halfway through. "What do you think Danielle?"

"Breasts and waist."

"I think you are right. Our room, one of my bras and waist cincher."

"Okay listen up. We'll do Sharon first; she can get down to the church and tell people we're still coming. Time is against us, but we'll get there."

Sharon had settled in to a chair with a woman's magazine. "I'll bet Lady Carrington didn't have these problems at her daughter's wedding."

"She didn't, we were on time."

"Pardon?"

"Danielle, Laura and I were the makeup team for the wedding. We were on time as requested." I said looking over her shoulder, "See there we are," pointing at the photograph in the magazine. She turned and stared.

"Okay Danielle, you do Tanya and Narelle, I'll do Sharon. Laura, how's the bride?"

"She's stopped crying, but her eyes are really red and puffy."

I grabbed some eye drops from the makeup cases, "Two drops each eye."

Just as I started the foundation, my phone rang. Danielle grabbed it, "Good afternoon, Starburst …Lady Carrington, Hi its Danielle." She spoke French for the next minute and the only word I caught was 'Karen'. "Mum. Kim would like a word."

I took the offered phone, "Darling how are you?"

"Fine. Yourself?"

"Fine thank you. Is everything okay for the school holiday?"

"Yes. I will drop off Danielle Friday afternoon, the sixth of April. By the way Jeff's going to make an honest woman of Laura."

"I knew he would. Could I speak with Laura?"

"Laura. Kim would like a word." Laura took the phone and chatted for the next three minutes, finally ending with a "Bye Kim."

"You never told me you knew Lady Carrington" Sharon said.

"They're old friends." I said, "Did she tell you what she got for her birthday."

"No."

"Jeff and Daniel bought her a new car."

"What sort?" Mark asked.

"Volkswagen Golf." Laura answered.

"Nice little car." he replied.

"Tanya's ready." Danielle announced.

"Thanks honey. Did Laura tell you Jeff proposed?" I said to Sharon.

"No."

Laura came over and showed the ring. Sharon gasped.

"It's beautiful." Margaret said. Sharon glared.

"She even cracked it for a millionaire." I continued.

"Millionaire?" Sharon croaked.

"You know. When somebody's got more than a million dollars, they're called a millionaire. There we are. Finished." I led her over to the mirror. She turned this way and that looking for a mistake, when she didn't find one, she conceded, "Not bad."

I looked at my watch. Three o five. "Okay muscles, get your mum to the church, we'll be there soon." Sharon left with her son. "Thank god she's gone, is she always like that?" I asked.

"Every bloody minute of the day." Mark grunted. Every body laughed. He opened a bottle of champagne and poured every body a glass.

"Margaret you're next, please. Laura, could you moisturise Veronica's face and neck please." I started on Margaret; luckily her face was straight forward and presented no challenges. Laura reported that she had completed her task. "Bedroom and strip her, please. I'll be there in a minute."

"Narelle's ready." Danielle announced.

"Great, can you finish Margaret please honey?"

"Yes mum."

"Mascara and lipstick. Just be careful, her right lip is not quite even with the left, you'll have to compensate for that." I checked the two girls she had already done. Sixteen year old boy in drag and natural makeup artist to boot. "When Danielle's finished Margaret, help her in to the dress."

"Aye aye." Tanya saluted.

Rushing to the bedroom, glancing at my watch, Three twenty eight. Can't be helped, we were going to be forty five minutes late. Veronica was standing in the centre of the room in her pantyhose. Even naked she looked like a guy. Her breasts weren't quite a B cup and there looked to be no difference between her hips and waist. "Sorry about this Veronica, but I can't let you go with the dress the way it was."

"Never wanted to be in the bridal party anyway. Margaret talked me in to it."

Grabbing the waist cincher, I pulled the waist of the pantyhose down and led her over to the wall, I had her reach as high as she could and breathe in. Finally we got it done up. "Okay, relax." She wasn't comfortable, but told her she would get used to it. "Small breaths for a while."

Asking Laura to go and retrieve a makeup box. While she was gone I had Veronica put on the D cup bra. When Laura returned, she said, "Karen, she'll never fill that."

"Oh yes she will."

From the box I took two silicone breast enhancers. "Sorry honey, time to get personal." Positioning the two breast forms in the bra under her own breasts, I turned her to the mirror. "Hows that, instant D cup."

"Do you have a boyfriend?" Laura asked.

"No. But there is a guy who I would like to be my boyfriend. He doesn't know I'm alive."

"Is he going to be at the wedding?"

"Yes. Margaret invited him to the wedding, hoping he would dance with me."

"Well I will guarantee it."

"How?"

"Just leave it to Aunty Karen. By the way, who made the dress?"

"Sharon. She reckoned it was the best she could do."

"Why am I not surprised. Okay sit and we'll get the makeup finished."

Setting to work, I advised her to use a good moisturiser, morning and night.

"I work outdoors with horses, I don't have time."

"All the more reason."

I worked quickly, Danielle came in to say everybody was ready, "Wow mum, she looks terrific."

Laura helped her in to the dress. It now hung better. Next problem, she couldn't walk in heels properly. "Honey work with me here. Small step, pretend you're walking a tightrope." I coached.

"Head up." Laura advised.

Two more trips across the room, she had it, sort of. My watch said four past four. I opened the door to the main room, "Here's Veronica."

Veronica walked in to the room. The girls squealed in delight. Mark stood perplexed, but impressed.

We grabbed the makeup cases and hurried down to the cars. Luckily the church was only a short drive away.

We pulled in to the church's circular drive, the wedding cars hot on our heels. We checked the girl's makeup, satisfied; we hurried in to the church, our heels sounding like gunfire on the old wooden floor. It was crowded, but found a pew for three. Danielle slid in first against a fifteen year old boy, who, judging the look on his face, nearly wet himself, "Hi," she said.

The organist started the 'Wedding March'. Narelle came first then Veronica, head up, small steps, she was doing great. Margaret and her father came next heading towards her new husband. The service was simple, unremarkable and not before long, we were standing outside the church again.

Laura led me away from every body, "Karen Elizabeth Williams. Where do you get off telling my sister I'm marrying a millionaire?"

"Weelll. You are."

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"It's never come up before. I don't advertise the fact. Even my own family don't know."

"Oh well, I suppose a husband with a million dollars is not too hard to take."

"Try fifteen." Laura's mouth opened and closed.

"It's been a good career to me. When my shipped pulled in, I was there." I said, wishing that I could hug and kiss her. Instead I held her hand and squeezed it gently. She looked up and smiled. "Please don't be angry, I've got lots of things to tell you."

"I'm not mad; I can understand you not telling anybody."

Sharon was heading for us at full steam. "There you two are, I've got some people for you to meet."

"Where's Danielle?"

"Talking to the girls last I saw." Laura said.

Sharon led us over to a group of women in their early forties, "Girls, remember my little sister Laura."

"Hi Laura." They chorused.

Sharon went around the circle, "Kerry, Roxanne and Melanie."

"This is my fiancé's sister Karen and just over there is her daughter Danielle." Laura introduced.

"You're just engaged." Kerry asked. Laura held her hand up to lots of oohs and ahhs.

"He must love you, going by the size of that." Roxanne commented.

"We've heard you had a busy afternoon." Melanie asked.

"Just a bit." I answered.

"Laura, Karen and Danielle were the makeup girls at Lady Carrington's daughter's wedding." Sharon said.

"You know Lady Carrington?" Kerry asked.

"Yes. Danielle will be spending the holidays with her." I answered just as Danielle came over.

"Mum. Margaret wants us to have our photo taken with her and the groom."

"Okay, in a minute. This is my baby Danielle." I said introducing Danielle.

"Mother. I'm not a baby."

"You'll always be my baby." All the women giggled. I excused ourselves and went over to Margaret. We had our photo taken, then checked the girls makeup. Veronica needed a touch up and I led her over to the Rover.

After I finished, Laura came over, "My parents are over there, I guess I better go and say hello."

"Moral support?"

"Please."

We walked over to a group of older people milling around talking. A woman in her late sixties turned at our approach. She looked Laura up and down, then recognition dawned. "Laura?"

"Hi mum."

The old lady burst in to tears. Laura hugged her. "I never thought I would see you again." the old lady choked.

"This is my fiancé's sister Karen and her daughter Danielle."

We replied with a hello.

"You're engaged?"

"Officially yesterday." Laura showed her the ring.

"It's beautiful."

An older man in his seventies joined the conversation, "Laura Ann?"

"Dad." She introduced us.

"It's been a long time."

"A lot of hurtful things were said, takes a long time to get over it." Laura replied.

He shrugged. "Where's our grandson?"

"He's with Jeff up the coast on a special job. They're quite inseparable."

"He didn't want meet his family?"

"Yes, I guess he would, but being with Jeff was more important to him." Danielle giggled. Joe glared at her.

"So what's this Jeff do for a living?"

"He's a professional makeup artist and owns a photographic studio."

"Bloody pansy. Probably never done a days work in his life. Corrupting our grandson, gonna turn him in to a pansy as well."

"Joe. Calm down you old COOT. Our daughter has come to see us after sixteen years and your small minded bigotry rises to the fore." Laura's mother said with a steely glare at her husband. "Now apologise to these nice people and your daughter."

"I was just……"

"Apology. Now."

"I'm sorry."

"That's better; you keep your thoughts to yourself." She grabbed Laura's hand and led her over to the people who turned out to be aunts, uncles and cousins. After introductions and people admiring the ring, a man introduced as Uncle Arthur, who must have been three hundred and fifty pounds, studied the ring, "Your boyfriend is not a poor man, that's at least a twenty five thousand dollar ring."

That brought every body around for a second look. Laura's mum had calmed down and was more composed, "Happy birthday Laura, you must be thirty three now. How old is your fiancé and how long have you known him?"

"He's about thirty five and eight weeks, give or take."

"Eight weeks. You're engaged to a person you've known eight weeks."

"Joseph Marsden. Enough. You drove away my youngest daughter once; you're not doing it again." Laura's mum said. She turned to us, "I apologise for the retrobate."

"That's okay." I said, although it wasn't really, I had taken a disliking to Laura's father. Now I knew why Laura hadn't been in a hurry to return and who in the family Sharon took after.

"Aunt Laura, tell your mum what Jeff bought for your birthday." Danielle said.

"I don't think she would be interested, thank you Danielle."

"Yes I would like to know Laura."

"He bought me a new car."

"That's nice dear, it runs well I hope?"

"It runs great. It's brand new."

"Probably stuck you with the payments." her father scowled.

Laura's mum started to speak. Laura held up her hand and spoke, "Dad. Jeff is a perfect gentleman, he paid cash for a brand new Golf, and put it in my name. He is not a pansy, he's more of a man than you'll ever be and what's more, I'm glad Daniel is not here to see what an overbearing old goat his grandfather is." Laura let out a long sigh.

"Good on you love, it's a pity you didn't do that sixteen years ago." Uncle Arthur said. "Joe. She finally stood up to you. Good to see."

Laura and her mum hugged. The hire car driver came over and asked us to move the Rover so they could get out. We told every body that we would see them at the reception. We drove back to the motel and parked the Rover.

We all stumbled back in to the motel room; the ride back had been in silence. We stood facing each other and I let out a big sigh. "Well. That was interesting."

"Way to go mum."

"When I stop shaking, I'll come back to earth." Laura said. "But I can't tell you how much better I feel."

"Took sixteen years to work out the speech, huh." I said. Laura started to laugh. "I'll tell you one thing, that conversation filled a lot of gaps in your history and time hasn't wearied him." I said when she stopped.

We all used the little girl's room, checked our makeup while we waited for the cab I had booked to arrive.

 

Chapter Forty

Half an hour later we were at the entrance to the reception. We entered and found the netball team in the centre of the dance floor talking and approached them and said "Hi." in unison.

"Hi you three, been a busy afternoon apparently."

"News travel fast." I replied.

"We want to know what happened to Ron? She was supposed to be in the bridal party. There was a girl similar to her. Margaret must have had to get someone else."

"There was a Narelle, Tanya and a Veronica. No Ron."

"That's her. Veronica. Every one calls her Ron."

"I think it's sad when people don't recognise their own friends." Laura said. Danielle giggled. A waiter came and passed around a tray of wine, we all took a glass and a sip.

"But how?"

"How what?"

"Don't go cute on me, how did you make Ron look like that?"

"I watched him do it, and I'm not sure how. Sorry, her." Laura said.

"Just good makeup." I said ignoring the remark.

People drifted past and told Laura how pleased they were to see her. "Feel better?" I asked.

"I wish I had come back sooner, every one's been so nice, except Sharon and Dad, but I half expected that…..I'm sorry about that 'him', it slipped out."

"Did anyone notice?"

"I don't know, they didn't show it."

The bridal party arrived and we were seated for dinner. The courses came and went, then the speeches started. The usual people spoke, some quite funny. When the M.C. said the bride would like a word, she had every one's attention, as most brides don't make speeches. She thanked every one for coming and then launched in to the afternoons trials and tribulations. I then realised what was coming, a public thank you. My rule was to have a low profile, do not bring attention to thyself. Failure. She then proceeded to tell every one how Laura, Danielle and I had saved her wedding; even the phone call from Kim received an airing. Finally she raised a glass and toasted, "Thank you."

My paranoia stepped in, every body was looking at us and I had visions of someone jumping up and yelling, "Hey that's a guy." It passed and the bride and groom cut the cake and started the bridal waltz. I had found out earlier where Veronica's guy was sitting. She in the meantime, was dancing with the best man. Next trick was to bring them together. Laura said that she would cut in on the best man. Danielle would go and ask George for a dance. What could go wrong?"

Lots. Danielle had to pass four guys drinking and talking together. As she passed, the taller one, about six foot six, grabbed Danielle and tried to kiss her. Danielle reacted like any sixteen year old girl would. She screamed. The scream wouldn't have been so bad, except it came in the lull between dance tracks. One hundred heads snapped in Danielle's direction.

The guy looked like a rabbit caught car in headlights. A girl charged over to him and I was two steps behind her. It was Jackie; she launched a tirade against him and didn't let up.

Grabbing Danielle, I gave her a hug, "You okay?"

"I'm sorry mum, he grabbed me and I panicked." Tears welled up her eyes.

"Please don't cry."

"I'll be okay."

"My fault, I should have come with you."

Jackie finally let up her boyfriend, "You okay?" she asked Danielle, she nodded "Every time we go somewhere, he embarrasses me."

We walked back to the table and sat down, "Panicked and overreacted." I told Laura.

"I feel so silly now." Danielle lamented.

"Don't worry, every sixteen year old has had a similar experience." Laura said.

"Operation George is in tatters." I observed. Veronica had sat back down at the bridal table by herself looking dejected. "Okay, Laura and I will go and get George. Danielle, you get Veronica on the dance floor."

We intercepted George on the way back from the toilet, tanned face from working outdoors, honest face and no fat, he wasn't a hunk, but he'll do for Veronica. Laura and I grabbed an arm each and steered him towards the dance floor, "Hi I'm Karen and this is Laura, we have a friend for you to meet."

George was lost for words. Danielle had convinced Veronica to get up on the dance floor and we met in the middle. "George, this is Veronica. Veronica, this is George." They said hello to each other. "Rule number one, you have to dance to three songs and I'll be over there thinking up more rules. Okay."

Veronica laughed. George replied, "I'll try."

 

Chapter Forty One

We sat down and had a glass of wine. Emma and two other girls came up to the table physically dragging a young guy in his early twenties. "This is Robert, my bother." Emma said, "He wants to dance with Danielle, but too shy to ask."

Robert look mortified, he tried to say hello, but it came out as a mumble. Danielle rose from the table, took his hand and walked to the dance floor.

Emma seemed pleased with herself, "Mum and I are so worried about him, he rarely goes out with girls, I hope this is a turning point." She turned on her heel and headed to the bar with the two girls.

Ten minutes later they were doing a slow dance. Danielle seemed to be very relaxed with her head resting on his shoulder. Operation George seemed to be a disaster, they were no where to be seen, although they did stick to rule number one. Oh well, we tried.

Robert and Danielle came back to the table hand in hand. He sat Danielle in her chair and went to get some diet cokes.

"Well, well, well." I said.

"What?"

"You two were very comfortable up there."

"He was gentle and nice and I felt safe with him."

"It was obviously better than Laura's birthday at the restaurant."

"Yes."

Robert arrived back with the diet cokes and they chatted. In the meantime Laura had been asked to dance by Uncle Arthur, which she accepted. My fluid intake had caught up with me and a trip to the little girl's room was imminent. Picking up my handbag, I headed to the ladies room.

I had just sat down, when I heard two more sets of heels clatter on the tiles as they entered. The girls assumed that they were alone and started talking. "Have you seen the way my Billy's' looking at that girl?"

"Which one?"

"The dark haired one, she's like with the older blonde and brunette."

"They came in to the church late?"

"Yeah, her."

"Like, John's been doing the same, he denies it. But every time she moves, his eyes follow."

"If Billy thinks he's getting a head job tonight, he's got another thing coming."

"Robert asks her for a dance and she's all over him."

"I'm glad Billy and John aren't here by themselves."

"She's probably a slut out for a good time."

"Yeah, probably."

By this time I was dressed again, pushed the button and left the stall. The girls stared at me as I washed my hands and checked my makeup. "By the way, my daughter is not a slut, but undoubtedly you give lessons if asked." I said as I left the room.

Arriving back at the table, I found Danielle and Robert were back on the dance floor. Laura had lost Uncle Arthur and was now dancing with her father, which I guess was a good sign. The DJ announced the last song, which was a slow close one.

The song ended and the MC had every one form a circle, the bride and groom went around thanking every body. While we were standing, waiting our turn, I nudged Laura and Danielle. On the other side of the circle were George and Veronica, holding hands. Margaret reached us and kissed us, thanking us profusely. Margaret moved on to Robert and on seeing him holding Danielle's hand, said. "Robert, you sly dog."

We finally waved the newlyweds goodbye. Laura chatted with her relatives and parents. Robert and Danielle held hands and chatted. Eventually every one drifted off and I called a cab, which arrived quickly. Danielle said goodbye to Robert in a way he wouldn't forget, that kiss must have knocked his socks off.

We entered our motel room and I shut the door. Turning to Laura. I said, "What do you think? We announce the wedding or wait a couple of days."

"I vote we sit down now and write out the invitations."

"What are you two talking about; you told people that you are getting married." Danielle said.

"We were talking about you. What were you thinking with that kiss?"

"I felt comfortable with him, he made me feel special."

"He's probably at home wondering whether to book a restaurant or a room."

"He's not that sort of boy." Danielle pouted.

"All boys are that sort of boy." Laura said, "Present company excepted of course."

"Of course." I smiled.

"Come on you two, like lighten up, I only kissed him."

"Kissed him. You had your tongue halfway down his throat."

"I did not."

"Look Danielle, I just worry, okay."

"I'll probably never see him again anyway."

"Don't bet on it." Laura said.

While we undressed, I told them about the two girls in the toilet. They both had a giggle as I turned out the light.

 

Chapter Forty Two

Next morning, I was awoken by Danielle at seven thirty, "Mum, you awake."

I opened one eye, "This is a trick question, right?"

"I'm sorry, I had to apologise for last night."

"It's okay honey."

"It's not. You were right, I don't know what I was thinking." she burst in to tears. I pulled back the covers for her to get in to the bed and cuddled her.

We drifted off back to sleep. The next thing I remember is Laura calling to wake up. Which was fine, it was nearly eight thirty. What wasn't fine, was Danielle being startled awake, she drew her knees up, which caught me somewhere where boys or girls shouldn't be hit. Laying there trying to absorb the pain, Danielle started to apologise, "I'm sorry Mum…….Karen…....Jeff… Dad.......please say something."

"That…effing….hurt." Laura was no help, she convulsed in laughter on the end of the bed.

Laura had already showered. Danielle went next while I recuperated. When Danielle returned she said, "You know what's amazing? A daughter kneeing her mother in the balls."

"You know what's more amazing?"

"What's that?"

"Daughter is still walking." Laura just lost it. She laughed so hard, she cried.

After showering and dressing, I started my makeup and Laura was calm enough to do her own. Danielle had dressed in the clothes we had bought Friday, with her high heeled boots. Even without makeup, Daniel was no where to be seen. Dressed in black pants and a pink long sleeved knitted top. I did my makeup and wig and slipped on my three inch black sandals. My balls weren't happy with their hiding place, but unfortunately this was my last clean outfit. Laura checked that I had no unnecessary bulges, and then we headed for breakfast.

We clattered in to the restaurant for breakfast. The bride and groom were there, and Margaret couldn't get us sitting at their table fast enough. We had just ordered, when Jackie arrived. She wanted to see us and apologise for her boyfriends behaviour, or as she explained, ex boyfriend. We told her it was okay, but really Danielle overreacted, she was only sixteen. There were cries of, "You're joking." We explained, but left out the bit about Daniel.

"Anyway, it's not the first time he's embarrassed me. God knows what he gets up to when I haven't been around." Jackie explained.

Our meal arrived; Margaret and Jackie talked about the previous nights events. Margaret asked what happened to Ron. "Veronica." I reminded them. She had vanished last night and nobody had seen her, she hadn't gone home. No sooner had they discussed it, and George and Veronica walked in the door, still wearing last night's clothes.

"Where have you been?" Jackie demanded. "Your mum is having kittens at home."

Veronica blushed; "Umm…." she looked at George.

"I…I had a room here." he explained. George was a man of few words.

"George has asked me to marry him." she said.

Margaret and Jackie jumped up and screamed, hugging the couple. After they eventually quietened, Margaret's new husband observed, "He might take it back after that little demonstration." Margaret shot him a look. George just stood there with a silly look on his face.

Veronica's wedding planning started on the spot. I offered to come and do the makeup. "You may get my brother, that's all."

Jackie shot me a glance, "You make a lot of decisions for your brother?"

"I've got to, he's a male."

She gave me a withering look. At that moment, at the door, Robert appeared with Emma and he was carrying flowers. Emma was urging him on in to the restaurant. He haltingly walked towards the table, upon reaching Danielle, he held the flowers out, "I love you Danielle, and these are for you."

Danielle whirled in her seat, "Robert?.....how sweet…thank you." She stood, and then it suddenly struck her what he had said. "You can't…..I mean….I'm sorry…" She rushed from the restaurant.

Laura and I followed, but not before apologising to Robert, "I'm sorry, she's a very hormonal sixteen year old."

"Sixteen." he echoed, "I thought she was my age."

We found Danielle outside crying. I hugged her. "Did you hear what he said?"

"Yes. What did we say last night?"

"I know. He was so nice, I was just thanking him."

"Danielle. Remember the kiss in the kitchen? What did I say then? Some people think it's a signal for something else." She nodded.

"Well, what are we going to do?" Laura asked.

"Get in the car and get the hell out of here." Danielle said hopefully.

"Besides the obvious." I replied. We calmed down Danielle, and told her it had to be sorted now. Just as we were about to go back in, Robert appeared.

"Danielle. I'm so sorry, I……"

"No it's my fault. I shouldn't have kissed you last night."

"No you don't understand. The three of you are from the city, you'll understand. This wasn't my idea, Mum and Emma put me up to this."

"Start at the beginning." Laura said.

"Okay. Last night my sister thought Danielle and I would make a cute couple. She dragged me over to ask for a dance."

"And?" Laura asked.

"Well the problem is, my family don't know……"

"You're gay." I said finishing the sentence.

"I'm that obvious?"

"No. But it's the logical answer to this conversation."

"Yes I'm gay. Mum and Emma don't think I've met anyone yet, till last night. I mean I just had a good time with Danielle, strangely, I'm attracted to her, but it was a good night, a dance and a chat."

"Do you have a boyfriend?" Laura asked.

"Yes, he's in Sydney, we have a very good relationship."

"But the flowers."

"Mum and Emma went out this morning to buy them, god knows where and Emma made sure I came down to deliver them."

"And you couldn't say no without a confession." Laura said.

"I knew you would understand."

"What do we do now?" Danielle asked.

"I think we tell everybody that Robert didn't realise you were sixteen, you're just friends. How's that."

"Nice and simple." Robert agreed.

"When are you going to tell your mum?" I asked.

"I couldn't…..I could…..I don't know."

"It would be easier to tell her."

"I don't think Mum would understand, Emma might, who knows."

"Well, you've always got plan B." I said.

"What's that?"

"The truth. Nice gesture would to give the flowers to Veronica. Let's go back in." We went back in to the restaurant, the kids hand in hand. Presenting the roses to Veronica, they explained that they were friends. Meanwhile my balls were screaming in agony, the pain was intensifying.

Finishing off our coffee, we started to say goodbye and asked the newly weds where they were honeymooning.

"We aren't." Margaret replied. "Mum like run over budget on every thing, we can't afford to go away."

"If I got you accommodation, can you get to the Central Coast for your honeymoon?" I asked.

"Yes. But we can't afford the accommodation."

"Back soon."

We went to our room, finished packing our bags. I changed in to Friday's denim skirt. Stripping off the gaffe to release my balls from their prison, Laura gasped, "My god Karen."

"What?"

"Your balls are black and blue, I'm so sorry Mum." Danielle said. I put on cotton panties and pantyhose; it wasn't perfect, but felt better.

Once I was comfortable, I grabbed the phone and made a call. It answered and asked for John. Explaining the situation to him and which holiday unit I wanted used and who to expect.

"Going soft on me?"

"No. Helping out some newly weds. You're just worried about your commission?"

He laughed. "Okay, not a problem. Hope your voice gets better, thought I was talking to a woman at first."

"Bye John." The next person that tells me that, I swear I'll…. We put the bags in the Rover and paid the account, and then headed to say goodbye. We gave the details to the happy couple, "Any problems ring this number and ask for Jeff." They gave us a hug and thanked us profusely.

We worked our way around everybody saying goodbye. When I got to Jackie, she said, "Thank your brother for me, but some how I think that I'm doing that."

"Sorry?"

"You're very good."

Resigning myself to being read, "What gave me away?"

"No one thing. Just lots of little things, like a signed cheque, holding Laura's hand at the game yesterday, you making lots of decisions for him and Laura referred to 'him' last night."

I hugged her and said, "I'll be more careful next time."

"Don't you dare, another netball team might not be so lucky next time." We laughed.

We were finally on the way home, and would eventually have to tell Laura's parents about Danielle and to meet Jeff, although I wouldn't care if I didn't meet her father again. I said my thoughts aloud to Laura.

"You're right; my little boy has grown in to a beautiful woman."

"Thanks mum."

We drove in silence for ten minutes, then Laura said, "There's another little problem."

"What's that?"

"My parents will eventually meet your parents and they say they have met their daughter Karen."

"And they'll say, we don't have a daughter." the genius from the back seat said. I hadn't thought that one through, I'll have to out myself to my parents.

 

Chapter Forty Three

Just after one, I pulled in to the Carlingford Court parking area. We had a quick coffee and did the grocery shopping. One hour later we were parked in the garage. Laura and Danielle took the bags in to the house; I quickly changed in to jeans and tee shirt.

We decided to bring up Laura's clothes first. I made room in the walk in robe and then walked all the clothes up from her room. When we had finished, I lamented, "Kay's going to kill me."

"Kay who?"

"Kay from the real estate."

"Why would she want to kill you? Hang on a minute, I've got a twelve month lease on this place and only been here three months. The landlord could force me to pay for the next nine months."

"I don't think so."

"Yes he could. I've been renting a long time, I know the law."

"He won't."

"You seem very sure?"

"Very sure." I said kissing her.

"Why are you so sure?"

"I'm the landlord. Kay is going to have to find some more tenants."

She stood back, hands on hips, "Why didn't you say before?"

"I wasn't sure how you would take it and thought it wasn't really an issue. Like I said, I've got lot's to tell you. Lots and lots." I went to the study and turned on the computer, "While it's loading, let's do Daniel's room."

We moved Daniel's clothes and belongings in to the third bedroom, emptied the fridge and defrosted it. After clearing out the pantry, Laura said she would finish the rest on her break and decide what to do with the furniture.

Leading Laura back to the study, I clicked on Excel and opened a file. The page loaded a database of thirty properties stared back at us. "Oh my." Laura breathed.

"Welcome to my retirement fund…….I mean our retirement fund."

"I am totally flabbergasted."

"Would you like to work for me?"

"Doing what?"

"Property manager, looking after this lot, work from home, forty thousand a year, plus, you get to screw the boss."

Laura giggled, "Yes."

"It's become a monster, and I don't spend the time on it I should." I looked at my watch. "Time to find our son Daniel."

Taking Danielle to the bedroom and removing the makeup, I brushed his hair and tried to pull it in to a ponytail. No go. Just as I had figured, the layering of the cut meant that all the hair didn't reach the ponytail. He had tendrils of hair either side of his face, plus the fringe, he was beyond androgenous now. He looked like Danielle without makeup. Daniel fiddled with it, but it was no use.

"Oh well. Down the barbers tomorrow, number four with the shears." Daniel burst in to tears, it became a dam burst, and he cried and cried. I hugged him and told him I was joking. He kept crying. Laura came in to the room and we had a group hug.

"Honey calm down, what's the matter?" Laura asked.

"Oh mum, I've been really tearful lately; I thought I could control it."

"Is that what happened this morning, why you fled the restaurant?"

"Yes. I felt it coming."

"Well you can't go to school tomorrow; you'll get pinged for sure." I said.

Darling when did start having this tearfulness?" Laura asked.

He thought for a moment, "On and off for the last couple of months I guess."

"But not all the time?"

"No, just seem to go through phases."

"Once a month say?"

"Yeah."

Laura stood deep in thought. "Okay, tomorrow, you can stay home and catch up on the washing from the weekend." Laura said.

"Thanks mum. I love you and dad."

"We love you too." I said.

Laura cooked a light dinner of eggs and toast. After cleaning up, we watched television and made serious in roads on a family block of chocolate. Turning off the television at eight thirty for an early night, we kissed and hugged Daniel goodnight, although I think Daniel's days were numbered.

Laura and I went to our bedroom. Our bedroom I thought, eight weeks ago I was single and now had a loving family who loved both sides of me. I was very lucky.

"A penny for your thoughts?" Laura asked.

"Just thinking how lucky I was meeting Daniel and you." We got in to bed and snuggled in to each other. "What do think about Daniel's tears?"

"If I didn't know better, I would say he was having mood swings like I had when I was twelve and started my periods." We laid there thinking, eventually drifting off to sleep.

 

End of Part 8 (to be continued)

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  

  

  

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