Methinks Thou Dost Protest Too Much

by Teddie S

 

Part 2

The First Cruise

 

Two days later, very early in the morning, all four of us were back at the Hair Barn. We were all having our hair done. I also had gotten in another tanning session the day before, which should last for the cruise. Our plane was leaving at one, and it was a two-hour flight to pick up the cruise ship. We'd be boarding in the late afternoon with all the rest of the passengers. Mom drove the five of us, Katie, Abby, Pam, Mark, and me, to the airport. We worked it so that Mark sat in the front of the van with mom. And, all of our clothes were stuffed in behind the rear seat. Mom gave each of us a hug as we were getting ready to go through security, and she whispered to me, "Matty. Just relax, everything will be fine, and have fun. You'll do great." I was still wasn't sure about this whole thing. But, was it too late to back out now.

I whispered to mom, "Mom. I don't know if I can go through with this."

She pulled me aside, and said, "Matty. You can do this. Your sister is counting on you, and you promised her. Besides, you've become a very passable in a surprisingly short time. And, everything will be fine."

"Okay mom. I'll try."

The flight was uneventful, except Mark sat between Katie and me. Our staterooms on the ship weren't bad. Katie and I were going to share one, much to Mark's chagrin. The stateroom had two twin beds, two stuffed chairs, a table, a TV set, a fairly large closet, a bathroom, and a port hole. We unpacked our things, and then met everyone else for a tour of the ship. We found that there were four different stage set ups on board, none were very large, so that the passengers could choose from a different show each night. We were going to be sharing our stage with a band called The LDG. It was a group of five, late teen to early twenties, guys. They were going to do a few numbers, then we would do a few, then we would do the rest of the session together. Even though we were working for the cruise line, we were also allowed to participate in all the things that the regular passengers could.

The ship sailed at six, and it wasn't long before we were out of the sight of land. The first night there were no shows. But, a big welcome party, with all kinds of food, and drink. It was a lot of fun, everyone getting to know each other. We met the guys from the band, and they seemed really nice. We agreed to get together the next afternoon at one to practice together.

Katie and I ended up getting to bed at about two in the morning. And it was strange sleeping in the same room as my sister. But, it was when she said, "Goodnight sis.", that I felt comfortable being there with her. Of course, no more sleeping naked, I was wearing a nightgown. We both slept until late morning.

Our first gig on board ship was great. I wore a very pretty, black, full length gown that laced up the back, and was a little low cut for my liking. A pair of stilettos, yes I had finally learned to walk in them, a pair of very fancy dangly earrings, a mix of rings on my fingers, and one of the choker style neckless. And, Katie did my makeup. We worked well with the band, and my duets with Katie were very well received. But, I was as nervous as hell walking out on that stage for the very first time. I was glad I was singing background for the first three numbers. Out of no where, one of the boys from the band, during one Katie's solos, walked over to me, and asked me to dance. Why I said yes, I don't know. But, I did. We danced on the stage while Katie sang. It was a little awkward, Katie had never shown me how to dance as a girl, and I was a little unstable in the heels. But, it was a slow song, I relaxed, and just followed his lead. After the show, as usual with a cruise ship, there was a party going on in the Main Lounge, and the four of us partied with the members of the band and other passengers. As Katie and I were getting ready for bed, I told her, "You need to teach me how to dance like a girl."

"Why?", she asked.

"I nearly broke my ankle tonight dancing with that guy. I tried to lead, and it threw both of us off."

"Tomorrow little sister. Get some sleep."

When Katie and I were getting read for our second night's gig, she handed me a shinny gold dress, and said, "The bra has to go."

"What?"

"You can't wear a bra with that dress."

"Why not?"

"Because it's v-cut to just below your navel, and backless down to your butt."

"I don't remember seeing this dress before."

"I know."

"You know?"

"Nan told me about it, and said you'd look fantastic in it."

"Nan! Wait until I get a hold of her. And, I'm not going out on that stage, and let my boobs hang out."

"They won't."

"Oh yea! How?"

"Tape."

 

"Tape?"

"You'll find some thin double sided tape in my makeup case. You put the dress on, put the edges of the v where you want them, and then use the tape to hold it in place."

"Yea right."

"Trust me."

I took off my bra, and slipped the dress on. It was really low cut, right down to below my navel, it tied at the back of my neck, and was very short. And, my back felt cold. Katie took two pieces of tape, and placed them strategically. I moved around the stateroom, and the dress did stay in place. My breasts moved more than I liked, but I guess I could live with it.

"See. I told you it would work. It's one of those little girl tricks.", Katie said with a smile.

"Girl tricks?"

"You're still learning little sister. You know, a piece of navel jewelry would look really cool with that dress."

My shoes tonight were gold, to match the dress. And, had open toes with three-inch clunkey heels, and an ankle straps. The jewelry was close to last nights, just different things all in gold. I was really nervous, and very self conscious, wearing that dress, and walking from our stateroom to the stage. Every man I walk by, did a double take. And, I swear that there was standing room only for our gig that night. Again, our set went very well. And, again, I danced with the guy, Gary, from the band. Gary was the leader of the band, well as close to a leader as the band had.

We were going to party again that night, but I didn't want to do it in that dress. So, I headed for our stateroom to change, and just as I turned down the hall, I heard someone behind me. I looked over my shoulder, and it was Mark. My stomach got a knot in it, and I just kept walking. Then I heard, "Kyla." It was Mark calling my name. I just kept walking.

Just as I reached my stateroom door, I felt a hand on my arm. I knew it was Mark. He said, "Kyla. What's the big hurry, honey? I just wanted to talk."

"Leave me alone.", I said.

Mark, as he spun me around, said, "I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to talk."

"That hurt!"

"I can make it better."

He pulled me closer, and kissed me. Not only kissed me, but tried to force his tongue into my mouth. I tried to push him away, but he was stronger than I was. He held me tighter, and kissed me again. I felt a hand on my breast. Then he said, "I know you want me."

"No. Let go!", I almost screamed.

As he pushed me hard against the wall, he said, "I know that you've wanted me since the first time you saw me."

"No. Let go of me!", I screamed.

By this time I was crying. But, I remembered reading something, and I came down as hard as I could on his foot with the heel of my shoe. He should be happy I wasn't wearing stilettos. But, just the same, it must have hurt. He let go, and stumbled back against the other wall on the other side of the hall. This gave me just enough time to open the door to the stateroom, go inside, and lock the door. I heard the door handle rattle, and then him yell, "I'll get you bitch."

I sat on the bed, and cried. Not like a guy, but like a girl. I was really upset. I wanted out of there. Off the ship. I was done.

I don't know how long I sat there crying. But, I heard a key in the door, and braced myself for Mark. But, it was Katie, Abby, and Gary. "Honey!", Katie asked, "What happened?"

I got up, wrapped my arms around Katie's neck, and just cried. She held me. Abby came over, and brushed the hair out of my eyes. Gary stood against the door, and just watched. Abby whispered, "Honey. We were worried when you didn't come back. And, came looking for you."

I looked at her through the tears. Katie again asked, "What happened?"

All I could get out was, "Mark."

"Mark what?"

All I could do was cry. Abby quietly said, "Mark must have done something really bad."

We heard the door open and close, looked over, and Gary was gone. Katie helped me back to the bed, and sat down with me. Abby got a cold cloth from the bathroom, and wiped my face. And, all I could do was cry.

"Honey. What did Mark do?"

I finally calmed down a little, and between sobs I told Katie and Abby what Mark had done. The more I said, the madder Katie got. And, when I said, that I felt like he wanted to rape me. Katie got up, and almost ran out the door. I yelled, "Katie. No." But, she kept on going.

Abby sat there with me, holding me while I cried even more. She actually rocked me, while softly saying, "Shhh. Everything will be all right. Don't worry little Kyla. I won't let anyone hurt you." Something inside me started to calm me down. I felt safe in Abby's arms. Finally I stopped crying.

Abby took me into the bathroom, and carefully washed my face with cold water. I was a mess, to say the least. I started talking again, "I knew that he was no good. I just knew it. He's a bastard."

"Shh.", Abby said, "You'll get upset again. He's not worth it."

Abby and I finally walked back into the bedroom, and she helped me removed my dress. Then she found my robe, and helped me put it on. Then she took off my shoes, and jewelry. I sat back down on the bed, and started shaking uncontrollably. Abby held me, and talked very softly to me. There was something about being held by her. It had a calming effect on me. I asked her, "Is this how real girls feel when things like this happen?"

"Worse."

"I can't imagine. I feel . . . feel . . . "

"Violated?"

"Yes. I just can't imagine how a girl would feel if she was raped, if I feel this way."

And, I started crying again. Abby just held me. And, I cried myself to sleep.

I don't know how much later it was, but the sound of a key in the door startled me awake. Abby was sitting next to me on the bed, and took my hand. The door opened, and Katie, Gary, and Pam walked in. Everyone was smiling, and I was confused. Katie, walked over to my bed, sat down, looked at me, and said, "Honey, are you all right?"

I said, "I think. How long have I been asleep?"

"About two hours.", Abby replied.

"Why are you guys smiling?"

Katie said, "When I found Mark, he was in the Main Salon, and security was trying to keep Gary from hitting him. I then verbally laid into Mark. I told him he was nothing but a womanizer, and a bastard. That he had hurt a very nice person, and that I never wanted to see him again."

"You didn't tell her the best part.", Gary said, "This whole scene, and it was a real scene, happened right in front of most of the passengers, the Captain, the Purser, and the Cruise Director. Katie told everyone what he had done. And, that he was no longer the group's manager."

"Then,", Pam said, "it even got better. Since he was no longer with the group, the Cruise Director told him that he would have to pay for the cruise. He took out a credit card, and gave it to the Purser. The Purser went to run the card, came back, and told him that it was no good. Mark gave him another one, and the same thing happened. Then, Mark called his dad, and it appears that his dad, who was carrying him, got tired of it, and shut off all of his credit.

"And, since he couldn't pay. The Captain told him he would have to leave the ship at the next port. And, we docked an hour ago. The ship's security people helped him pack, and escorted him off the ship."

I started to get a smile on my face. But, then I got to thinking, and said, "What happens when we get home?"

"Handled.", Katie said, "Or, will be. I called my mom, and boy was she ever upset! She also reminded me how my brother Mat had never had liked or trusted Mark. She is going to talk with someone about getting a restraining order. And, the Captain also has to write this up, so you'll have to tell him what happened."

"Oh.", I said. And, I started wondering if they were going to find out that I was really a guy. I must have gotten a very worried look on my face.

"Don't worry. You won't have to do it until later. And, we'll be there for you. Now, I think we all need to get some sleep."

Gary, as he was leaving, gave me a hug, and said, "Get a good nights sleep. And, I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled at him. Pam also gave me a big hug. I also got a big hug from Abby, who said, "Everything will be fine. It's all over. Just get a good nights sleep."

I said, "Thanks for staying with me." And, I gave her a kiss on the cheek.

She also gave me a kiss on the cheek, and whispered, "Only for you, love."

Later as Katie and I were getting ready for bed, she said, "What's with you and Abby?"

"What do you mean?", I asked.

"I've never seen her this way before. Usually she's very tough, and serious. But, with you she was . . . I guess, soft and kind."

"I don't know. Maybe she knew that I was really hurt, and needed someone."

"Could be. Oh. Mom wants you to call her tomorrow."

"This can't be good."

"No. She just wants to be sure that you're all right. You are, aren't you."

"Sort of. Knowing that Mark is gone helps."

"I know. Goodnight little sister."

"Nite sis."

I woke up with a start, with Katie shaking me, and saying, "Matty. Matty. Wake up. You're having a bad dream."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, honey. You had a rough time last night."

"I was dreaming about the whole thing all over."

"It'll be all right. It may take awhile, but all it will be is a distant bad memory."

"I don't know if I can finish this."

"Honey. It'll be fine. Mark's gone. Everyone is on your side. You can do it."

"I hope. What time is it?"

"About eleven."

"I'm going to take a shower."

"Okay honey. Wake me up when you're done."

As I got out of the shower, and patted myself dry, I noticed that some of the makeup around my breast forms was disappearing. When I work Katie up, I told her about the makeup, and she said, "Okay honey. Let me wake up, and will fix it."

A little while later, with my breasts repaired, I put on a pair of shorts, a loose top, the sandals, and went up on deck for a walk. I didn't feel like eating, I just wanted to watch the water, and try and relax. I had been standing by the rail for a while, when a hand touch my shoulder, and I jumped. When I turned around, it was Abby, and I smiled.

Abby said, "Mind if I keep you company?"

"No. I was just about to go for a walk around the deck."

 

"Great."

We started walking, and Abby held onto my arm as we walked. As we approached the bow area, I heard, "Miss Harris." Then again, "Miss Harris." Then it hit me, that was Nan's last name, and someone was calling my name. I turned around, and it was one of the ship's officers. He asked, "Are you Nan Harris?"

"Yes.", I answered.

"The Captain was wondering if he could speak with you?"

"I guess."

"Can I come with her?", Abby asked.

"That should be all right miss.", the ship's officer said.

We followed the officer to the Captains quarters. And, what a nice stateroom it was. It looked almost like a house. The Captain walked in, and said, "Thank you for coming Miss Harris, and Miss?"

"Robinson." Abby replied.

"Miss Robinson."

"Very nice stateroom, Captain.", I said.

"It's my home away from home. And, sometimes my wife sails with us. So, the company makes our life as comfortable as possible."

"The officer said that you wanted to speak to me?"

"Yes. About last night. If you're up to it?"

"Sure."

"First I want to apologize for what happened. We try to run a very safe ship, but security can't be everywhere."

"I understand."

"Could you tell me in your own words what happened?"

I went into every detail that I could remember. And, when I was done, the tears were running down my cheeks, and Abby was holding my hand. The Captain said, "Thank you. That's all I need. Are you planning on pressing charges?"

"I'm not sure yet. I want to talk it over with my friends."

"If you decide to, I'll be sure you have copies of all of our paper work. He did admitted to it, in front of about a hundred people, so you have a lot of witnesses. Also, I'd like you, and your friends, to have dinner at the Captains table tonight."

I looked at Abby, back at the Captain, and said, "I think that would be nice."

As Abby and I continued our walk. I said, "If I press charges. I'm afraid that it would come out that I'm a guy. And, it's really his word against mine."

"You're probably right about people finding out. But, he did admit to it in front of a number of people. Feel like getting something to eat?"

"I am feeling a bit hungry."

We went to the buffet, got a light meal, and found a table. Abby was quieter than usual, and I just played with my food. Finally Abby, looked at me, and said, "Kyla. What happened to you last night, also hurt me very much."

"I think it affected everyone."

"More than you know."

"What do you mean?"

"Well. This is kind of hard for me. . . . I like Mat. But, I really like Kyla."

"What are you trying to tell me?"

"It's that . . . "

Just then Katie and Pam found us, and sat down before Abby could finish. I could tell by the look on Abby's face that she wanted to finish her thought, but couldn't with the others there.

Abby and I didn't have another chance to get together that day. And, that evening, the four of use ate at the Captain's table, and had a wonderful time. I was wearing another evening gown. This time a strapless one, a pair of fancy heels, more jewelry, and another choker style neckless. And, at Katie's insistence, I had also gone to the ships beauty shop, and had my hair done. And, it made me feel good to be pampered that way. At dinner, Katie sat on one side of the Captain, and I on the other. And, I overheard the Captain tell Katie that everyone on the ship's staff was impressed with the two groups, and were happy that they had come on the cruise.

Just before our performance, I called my mom from our stateroom. "Hi mom." . . . "Yea. I'm fine now." . . . "No, I'm really fine with Mark gone. It was a traumatic thing. And, I just wish that it had never happened." . . . "That was funny, when they tossed him off the ship." . . . "I just hope that this doesn't come back to haunt me." . . . "That's what Katie said, a restraining order." . . . "We'll just do what we need to do. And, Kyla will be gone in a few days. I've got to go." . . . "Love you, and see you in a few days. Bye."

During the performance that night, again I danced with Gary. And, he whispered to me, "Do you and Abby have something?"

"What do you mean?"

"Are you guys together? Like, lovers."

"No. We're just really good friends. Why?"

"Oh. I just saw the two of you together on deck today, and it looked more than friends."

"In what way?"

"The way she was holding your arm while you were walking. And, the way she looked at you."

"No. Just good friends."

With that Gary held me closer. Did he like me? And, what did he see between Abby and me?

After the party, when Katie and I got back to our stateroom, I changed into a nightgown, and lay on my bed staring at the ceiling. Katie came out of the bathroom, and asked, "Got something on your mind?"

"Sort of."

"Want to talk?"

"As what?"

"As what?"

"Brother and sister, or girlfriends?"

"Which ever."

"Girlfriends?"

"Okay. So, what's going on?"

 

"I'm trying to figure out Gary, and something else."

"Well. Gary is easy. He's seeing a very pretty girl in you, and is smitten by her."

"But, Kyla isn't real."

"He doesn't know that. And, probably shouldn't. How do you feel about him?"

"I'm not sure. I like him. He stood up to Mark. But, I don't like guys in a girl sort of way."

"I know you don't. But, maybe you're letting a little of you feminine side show. And, are feeling things like a girl would. The past couple of days, I've noticed that you've really fallen into the role of Kyla. You like being her?"

"It's been interesting, being treated like a girl. And, you may be right about falling into the role. Maybe a little too far. I probably won't ever see Gary again after this week."

"Probably not, at least not as Kyla. And, no. Not too far. Kyla has been great. She's become part of the group, and added a lot to it. And, I love her like a sister"

"A sister. So, you like me as Kyla?"

"It's been interesting watching the change. You do have a strong feminine side. And, having a sister has been fun. Now. What's the something else?"

"Abby."

"Abby?"

"Tonight, Gary asked me if Abby and I were lovers."

"Lovers! You and Abby. Why did he ask you that?"

"Something he saw earlier today."

"What?"

"When Abby and I were walking on deck, she was holding onto my arm. And, I thought nothing about it. He also said something about the way she was looking at me."

"Hmm. Abby has always been the quiet one. Even more so than you. Maybe she sees something she likes in Kyla."

"Something in Kyla? She did start to tell me that she liked Mat, but really liked Kyla, and that's when you and Pam walked up and joined us. She never got a chance to finish."

"I know that she's always liked you. But, I thought it was because you were my brother. Maybe you need to let her finish what she was telling you."

"Maybe."

"How do you feel about Abby?"

"I like her. But, I also like Nan and Pam. Abby was very sweet with the Mark thing. It was like she was really concerned about me, and didn't like seeing me hurt. But, you know, I kind of felt different when she held me."

"How so?"

"I'm not sure. It was just a calming thing. I felt at ease. It felt nice."

"Maybe she does really like you."

"The Mat me or the Kyla me?"

"Good question."

"Besides she's almost four years older than I am."

"Not necessarily a problem. But, right now you're jail bate for her if anything would happen."

"Jail bate?"

"You're sixteen, and she's twenty. If anything would happen between the two of you, she could be in big trouble. Remember Sally and Jimmy?"

"But, he was the one that got in trouble."

"Exactly. He was nineteen, and she was seventeen. And, her parents went nuts when they found out they were having sex. And, he went to jail."

"Oh."

"I think you need to let Abby finish what she was going to tell you. Maybe go to breakfast with her tomorrow. If she wants to talk, she'll find you. And, I'll be sure Pam and I don't bother you."

"You think?"

"You need to find out what's going on with her."

 

"Okay."

"Sleep on it. Goodnight sis."

"Night sis."

We had two nights left, and they went better than the others. We noticed a number of people in the audience that had been there more than once, and there was always people standing at the back of the auditorium. The last night, I wore another long evening gown, and I'd had my hair done in the beauty shop again. I was beginning to like being treated this way. I was wearing the usual rings, bracelets, and a neckless. Gary and I had our last dance. And, the group received a standing ovation.

The last night on the ship, there was a big fair well party for all the passengers. And, it was a blast. The group ended up being talked into singing a song. There was dancing, Gary and I did dance some more. And, Abby and I even had a dance together, as did Katie and I. As the party started to break up, Gary grabbed my hand, and led me out onto the deck. The full moon was casting its light across the water, and something felt right. We stood there for a few minutes, just holding hands, and looking at the moon light on the water. Gary put his arm around me, I rested my head on his shoulder, and he said, "I'm really glad that I met you."

"Me too.", I replied.

"It's been an almost perfect cruise."

"The bad parts are over. And, the good parts are all that I'm going to remember."

"What were the good things?"

"Just being on the ship. The group being received so well. Meeting you."

We turned, and looked at each other. Our lips met in a quick kiss. We looked at each other again. And, again our lips met, but this time in a long, deep, kiss. We broke the kiss, and just stood there looking at the moon light. Why had I done that? Why had I kissed another guy?

"I'm going to miss you.", Gary finally said.

"Me too."

"I wish we lived closer."

I just cuddled closer to him. We stood there for a long time, we saw the first hints of the sun rise, I realized that it was almost morning, and I had more packing to do. I said, "I've got to go. I've got so much packing to do."

Gary looked at me, and kissed me again. And, I returned it. As he said, "Here's my address. Please write me.", he handed me a slip of paper.

I took the paper, smiled at him, and said, "I will. Bye."

He wouldn't let go of my hand. He pulled me back to him, and gave me another deep kiss. I finally pulled away from him, started walking away, turned, and blew him a kiss.

As I walked into the stateroom, Katie looked at me, and said, "Where have you been young lady?"

"Watching the sun rise."

"With Gary? You kissed him, didn't you?"

"Ah. . . . Yea. How did you know."

"You little hussy. Your lipstick is a mess. I didn't think you liked guys?"

"I don't."

"You kissed him."

"I know. I don't know why."

"The passion of the moment? And, you were feeling feminine, weren't you?"

"Maybe. Don't tell?"

"Our secret, little sister."

"Thanks."

"I've got most of your things packed. We just need to pack that dress your wearing, and we're done. I've laid out something for you to wear on the trip home."

"Thanks sis."

"You owe me."

"Nothing compared to what you owe me.", I said with a big grin.

We just made our flight back home. Then it hit me. I was tired. I hadn't slept last night. I was sitting next to Abby, and it wasn't long before I was sound asleep. I don't even remember the plane taking off. It felt like only minutes later, when Abby was shaking me, and saying, "Hey sleepyhead. Wake up. We'll be landing in five minutes."

"Huh?"

"We're almost home. You slept the whole time."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. You had a long night."

Wait. How did Abby know about last night?

Mom met us just outside of security, with big hugs for all four of us. Her only question to me was, "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine mom. The rest of the time was so much fun. I've all but forgotten about it."

Katie grinned at me.

Mom then said, "There's someone that wanted to see all four of you as soon as you got back. Want to stop, and see Nan?"

Everyone got excited, and agreed that it would be a wonderful idea. We drove over to the hospital, and found Nan sitting in a wheelchair, in the hospital atrium. Everyone gave her hugs, and kisses. We sat, and talked for an hour. Filling her in on all the details. As we were leaving, she called me back, and whispered, "Girlfriend. Come back after you're rested, and fill me in on everything. And, I mean everything."

I smiled at her, and said, "Sure will."

Mom dropped Abby and Pam off at their homes, and then took Katie and I home. We unloaded our stuff, took it to our rooms. I laid down on my bed, and was fast asleep in seconds.

The next thing I remember was my sister sitting on my bed, saying, "Hey. You want some supper? Mom ordered pizza, and it'll be here in about ten minutes."

We sat, and ate pizza like three girl friends. Mom, Katie, and I. Mom said, that she and Katie had a long talk about everything that happened on the cruise. I gave Katie a questioning glance, when mom said, 'everything.' Mom asked me about the Mark incident, and we discussed it for a while. Then I said, that I'd like to just drop the subject.

Later Katie and I were helping each other unpack some of our things. And, I said, "You told mom everything about the cruise?"

"You know better. Sisters always have secrets."

"I should have guessed."

"You get a chance to talk to Abby?"

"No. She seemed a little stand offish during the rest of the cruise. Except on the plane, when I used her shoulder for a pillow."

"You still should talk to her."

"I will."

"Pam and Abby will be over tomorrow. Maybe you can get her alone for a while."

"A practice already?"

"No. Just a girl's get together. And, you're invited."

The following evening, the four of us got together again. We just sat around like four girlfriends, eating pizza, talking about the cruise, and everything that had happened. After awhile, I looked at Abby, and said, "Can I talk to you alone?"

"Sure. I guess.", she replied.

I got up, and offered her my hand. She looked a little strange at me, but took it. Then she followed me out to the backyard, and we sat at the table. We sat there, and looked at each other for some time. Finally I said, "During the cruise you tried to tell me something. And, I've wondered about it since."

 

-End Part 2-

  

  

  

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