Paulina

Paulina Rescues Mary Part 2C -- Friday Evening

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This is a work of fiction. The characters exist solely in my head. And, well, here too.

If you haven't read the other stories about Paulina's adventures, please do so, as they will offer some background and context. The collection can be found here:

https://www.nifty.org/nifty/transgender/teen/paulina/

I suggest reading "Paulina -- An Introduction" first of course. More stories will be added as they are ready.

This is part 2C of the multi-part story "Paulina Rescues Mary", which takes place Thursday evening through Sunday evening. This story takes place about four weeks or so after Paulina gave her virginity to Bernard and two weeks after her trip to the country to visit Big Jim and Mary Sue.

Please read parts 1 and 2A&B, as well as the prelude "Paulina and Mary's Pain" if you haven't done so. It will provide some context and background for this story.

This part covers Friday evening at Paulina's house.

Please let me know what you think. I have received wonderful feedback on my other stories. Email me at deviantigusti@yahoo.com. If you have criticism, please be constructive.

Here are the main characters in this piece:

Paulina/Empress, 15: Pretty crossdressing boy.

Mary, 15: Classmate of Paulina. Formerly included in the group of friends. Disliked by everyone due to her bitchy personality and her abuse of her best friend Hilary. Victim of harsh sexual and physical abuse by her uncle over a long time.

Hank, 33: Paulina's stepdad.

Dawn, Shawn, Ann, Joe (Pervert), Rick, Jonny: Adult family friends that Paulina is closest to.

Marie, 40: Paulina's mother.

Friday Evening

We arrived at my house. I couldn't help but look at it with disappointment every time I saw it from the outside. It looked poor and kinda trashy to me, and less kept up than most of the neighbors. I wasn't about keeping up appearances, but I did want it to look nicer. I often dreamed that it was kept up with and nice looking like Louis' house. His was similar to ours in size and age, but it was a mansion to me.

I was glad that Mary didn't seem to pay it any mind. I think she was so interested with what she'd seen so far inside. Her expressions from the night before seemed to look like she was in another world sometimes. In a way, she was, on more than one level. She never expected to spend time with me, and I was surely the last person she would ever expect to have sex with. Also, she never thought she would see such a free environment of adults, with drinking, drug use and sex. She knew what swingers were, but never expected to meet any. Her family, as well as all of her friend's families were traditional and kind of straight laced. Mine and my home were definitely not.

Walking in, we saw the group of close friends and my dad sitting around the coffee table, having their afternoon beers. They all gave us a wave.

"Hi girls" he said sweetly.

"Hey Paulina. Mary, nice to see you again" Shawn said warmly. Without thing about it, I went and gave him a hug as usual, while rubbing Dawn's shoulder as I passed. Everybody knew he was my favorite one of the friends.

"Mary, you remember Shawn, Dawn, Pervert, Ann and Rick. This is Jonny, who wasn't here yesterday. I pointed everyone out.

"Hi everybody" she replied politely.

I wanted everyone's attention so I could tell them about Benny.

"Everyone, I know that my Shithead is working today. He has been a good peasant and done everything I've asked for him to make up for what he did. Yesterday he was especially attentive and good. Therefore, tonight I'm giving him his name back. He will no longer my Shithead and will be Benny once more" I said in my imperial voice. Everyone cracked up laughing and clapped.

"Here here! Benny will be released from his servitude. He can party with us once more!" Ann exclaimed in between laughs. Everyone raised their beers in a toast.

"Paulina, you should still work on him about listening to our mom. I think he's a little lazy still living at home" Rick added with his own laugh.

With an imperial smile, I stroked my chin, like Bernard and my dad stroked their beards.

"Perhaps your right, Rick. I think he still needs to learn some things. I believe I will continue to instruct him." Everyone broke out laughing again. I made a little bow and blew everyone kisses.

"Come on, Mary. Let's go put our stuff away. Maybe we can come back and hang out with y'all for a while. I mean if that's okay." I gave my dad a questioning look.

"Sure, that's cool." He replied with his usual smile. "Mary, you probably know where everything is already, so help yourself to whatever you want."

"Thanks."

Just as they had the night before, everyone watched as Mary's ass and hips swished a little as we walked to my room. She was in a cute white blouse and a pair of tight jean shorts -- Daisy Dukes before they were really called that -- which fit her ass like a glove. It was a beautiful sight. And unbeknownst to them, it felt great too.

We sat in my room for a while, chatting about nothing important. I got the feeling that Mary had been holding something back since I told her and David the extent of the punishment their uncle had coming to him. I was usually direct with everyone, so I asked.

"Mary, there's something you're keeping in. Maybe it's something that wants to come out, but you don't know how?"

"I...um..." She looked down while pulling a few strands of hair around her cheeks. She did this when she was nervous or uncertain.

I reached over and lifted her chin a little.

"You don't have to tell me anything, but you might feel better if you do. I've...done it before and felt, um, maybe a little freer. Or lighter. Does that make sense?"

She gave me a curious look before speaking.

"What was it?"

I was not expecting a question in return, but I got the feeling that she wouldn't tell me what was on her mind before I told her my experience. Since she had already promised her secrecy many times since yesterday, I went ahead and told her. It was actually easier to say than it was when I told the colonies.

"This is very personal and important to me, so I know you will never mention it to anyone, right?"

"Yes. I mean no. No I won't. I promise."

"Do you remember me mentioning my sister? She was hurt too, though probably not as much as you were. At least I hope not. Anyway, she's five years older than me. She looks like she would be Kathy's sister more than mine. She's smart and quiet, too. I think part of the reason I care so much about Kathy is because of how she reminds me of her."

"My two older sisters were accidents. I was the only kid my mom planned on having. She blamed all her problems she had when she was young on my sisters. She would get drunk and mean and say they stole her youth from her. She's hated them for that since they were born. Especially my middle sister, Beth."

"She doesn't live with us because our mother kicked her out when she was in 10th grade. I never found out exactly why. I just came home from school one day and she was gone. She had to go live with our father in Jefferson. She still lives there."

"Beth looks just like our mother did when she was her age. A lot of her friends would tell her this. Instead of taking it as a compliment that her daughter was pretty and a good reflection on her, she always took it as people saying she was old and not as sexy or attractive as Beth. No one ever meant it that way, but that's what she thought."

"Everybody here used to party even more back then. A lot more people we didn't know would show up on the weekends, as they heard what a good time it was here."

I decided not to tell her about pervert since he was here. I don't know how she would react.

"One night, a guy neither of us recognized was here. It didn't look like he knew many people, maybe not even my parents. He had been watching her. She was sixteen but looked more like thirteen. This guy followed her into the bathroom when no one was looking. She was small and thin, so he overpowered her and got her pants down. He...raped her with his fingers. She somehow got out of his grip and unlocked the door and ran to her room. But her pants were unbuttoned and she was trying to pull them up and close them as she ran. This is her old room."

"Oh."

"She didn't know it, but our mother saw her run out, with her pants not quite all the way up as she was trying to button them. Then she saw the guy come out fixing his pants as well. He was probably adjusting himself when she saw him. This made her furious, but not how you would think."

"Later that night, like at three, she went in Beth's room and locked the door. She had one of her sex toys with her, a big, long dildo. I was in the room over there" I pointed to the wall, "and could hear everything. She woke my sister up and started to beat her. She said she was a little slut whore for letting someone fuck her in the bathroom. Beth cried and said the guy forced her, but she didn't believe it. At one point she stuck in her mouth because I could hear her choke on it. All the while our mother was hitting her. Then it got quiet for a few moments before I heard Beth try to scream. She said she stuffed her panties in her mouth so no one would hear her. Then she pried her legs open and...and she raped her with that dildo. It was big and long and she jammed it inside her as much as she could. Beth was a virgin before that."

I had to take a few breaths and stop myself from crying. It was hard, but I kept my composure.

Mary was listening intently to every word. Unlike the colonies, she didn't cry as I went on. There was a clear look of recognition on her face as I told the story. It was almost a numb look, but one of extreme interest as well.

"Our mother fucked...no, raped her for a while with the dildo before stopping. Beth said when she pulled it out, she was bleeding and wet. She hit her a few times as hard as she could with the dildo right between her legs. It bruised her little mound where her hair grows. Then she yelled at her and said she better put her panties on before she bled on the sheets and stained them, or else she'd beat her even harder. She pulled on the panties but she hit her one more time. It got quite again for a minute before I heard her open the door and leave. I heard Beth get up and lock it, and then she cried and cried. It seemed like hours but it really wasn't that long. Eventually it slowed down and she fell asleep."

"I was ten and too little and too young to help her. I felt guilty about that. I know I shouldn't, but I still do sometimes. I still cry about it now. Now that I'm older, and know how to help and protect people, I'll do it whenever I can. That's why I was so furious with that boy who tried to feel up Kathy. It's why I was so mad at you about Hilary, and it's why I helped you when you needed me. It's why me, and several others are going to punish your uncle. It's why I'm The Hungry Wolf. That's it."

We sat silently for a few minutes before Mary spoke.

"I, um, understand. I...I want to tell you...what he did to me. But, um, I'm afraid." She started pulling strands of hair again.

I pulled her close, until we were face to face. I could feel her breath on my lips. She was breathing faster than normal, and I'm sure her heart was beginning to race. I put my palm against her cheek.

"Mary, you don't have to say anything if you don't want to. I won't mind. But if you do, you don't have to be scared. I'm right here with you. Do whatever you feel you want. It's okay."

She gave me a little smile before sitting back against the wall. I moved next to her. I knew that sometimes people didn't want to look at other's faces when they talked about difficult things.

She took deep breath and spoke.

"Is it okay if I just tell you a little? I...can't say everything. I-I just...can't."

"Of course, sweetie. Say or don't say as much as you want. I'll just listen. I'm a good listener."

"...I know."

She hesitated, as if searching for what to say. Then it started to come out.

"When I was little, uncle came around a lot. He was always sweet and would play with me. He'd give me candy and tell me how cute I was, and how pretty I would grow up to be, just like my mom. I loved his attention and always wanted to be by him. He was still married then, and I remember that my aunt was real nice to me too. She looked younger than him but I had no idea how old they were."

"When I was eight, she stopped coming over with him. They got divorced. When he came, he started wanting me to sit on his lap. He would ask me to go get him beers out the fridge, and then tell me I was a big girl for doing it. Sometimes he would hold me in his lap and not let me up. I remember feeling something hard poke me in my butt. He would hold me tighter when I wiggled and squirmed trying to get away."

"When I was nine, he still wanted me to sit in his lap. But when I didn't want to, he would start to get grouchy at me. I didn't want to make him mad, so I'd sit. I always felt his dick pressing between my cheeks when he pulled me down tight. He even did this when people were around. They couldn't see that he was pulling me down on him. They just thought it was cute that I always wanted to sit on my uncle's lap. I was starting to not like it."

"On one day he was over, my mom was gone and my dad had to run to the hardware store or something. He said he would watch me. David wanted to go with dad, so he took him. As soon as they were gone, he said we were going to the bathroom. He lifted me off his lap and started to pull me with him to the bathroom, kinda hard. I didn't need to go and didn't know why he wanted me to go with him."

"We went in the bathroom and he locked the door. He stared at me a little, with that same creepy look he still has. I was getting scared and wanted to go. Then he grabbed my pants in front and started to undo them. I was about to yell but he covered my mouth with his other hand. He leaned down to my ear and said "You an' I are gonna have a lil' fun, Merry. This gonna be our lil' secret, so ya better not tell nobody. If ya do, ah'm gonna tell'em what ya did an' whut a dirty lil' girl ya are. Ya might have ta git a a spankin', too."

"I was gonna cry because I knew I didn't do anything bad and I didn't want to get in trouble. I really didn't want a spanking."

"He told me to hold my hands behind my back and to keep them there. He got my pants undone and pulled them down to my feet. Then he started rubbing the front of my panties. I was scared but it started to feel good. Then he pulled them down and stuck his fingers between my legs and started pushing and pressing my pussy. After a few minutes he stopped and pulled my panties and pants up. I thought we were done and I could get away. But he wasn't done."

"He moved me over to sit on the toilet. Taking a squirt of lotion from the bottle on the sink, he rubbed it into my hands as he undid his jeans. He pulled them down, along with his underwear. His hard dick popped out right in front of me. It wasn't very big, and it kinda smelled bad, like BO. He took my hands and wrapped them around it and said stroke it.' I didn't know exactly what me meant, so I started petting it like a dog. He slapped the top of my head kinda hard and said I did it wrong. He stroked it up and down with my hands until I figured it out. I didn't want him to hit me again so I kept doing it. He started moaning and moving his hips while I stroked him. Just before he came he said "Squeeze it girl, squeeze it tite!" Then he came. It squirted all over my face and in my hair. I wanted to scream but was afraid to. I felt it start to get soft in my hand so I let it go. He leaned back against the door and pulled his pants and underwear up. Then he leaned in close and poked me hard on the forehead and said "You remember whut ah tol'ja bout this beein' our lil' secret. You tell anybody anything an' you's gonna be in trouble. Ya hear me?" I was scared and just shook my head yes. He sneered at me and said "Good. Now clean yerself up. Ya look like a lil' whore wit' all that cum on yer face." Then he opened the door and left."

"I jumped up and locked it. My heart was pounding and it was hard to breath. All of a sudden I got sick and threw up in the toilet. After I sat still for a few moments, I got a washcloth and got it wet and started scrubbing my face and hair. I was trying not to cry as I scrubbed his cum away. Then I washed my hands for like five minutes. I didn't want anything of him left on me. I was afraid my dad or someone else would see, and I'd get in trouble. After I thought it was all gone and I was clean, I went straight to my room and locked the door. I didn't open it until Dad and Dave got back. Dave wanted to play so I let him in. Uncle ignored me for the rest of the day and night."

She got quiet for a moment before ending the conversation.

"I, um, I-I don't want to talk about it anymore right now. Is-is that okay?" she asked meekly.

"Of course, dear. You can stop right here." I reached over and patted her hair sweetly.

A few minutes of silence passed. I was not surprised by what she said. I was trying hard to hold in my anger and disgust. I knew it wasn't what she needed to see at the moment. I leaned my shoulder against hers and took her hand and stroked it gently.

"I-I'm sorry that happened to you. I wish so much that it didn't." I didn't know what else to say.

"I...I know. I wish it didn't either." She looked away teary eyed. I grabbed a Kleenex off the nightstand and she wiped her eyes. "C-can I go to the bathroom? I...I want to wash my hands."

"Sure. Do you want me to come?"

"I, um, I-I don't...I don't know...um, yeah, I-I guess so." She sounded very nervous.

"Okay. Come on, we'll go clean up." I gently pulled her up.

We quickly went to the bathroom and locked the door behind us. She still looked nervous. I pulled her into a hug. She was a little stiff at first but then relaxed into it and hugged me back. After a moment I pulled back and took her hands in mine.

"Mary, I'm going to wash you and make you clean. I'm going to wash everything and make it all clean and it won't ever be dirty again. Do you understand?"

"...O-Okay. I-I think so" she answered quietly while she gave me a look of acknowledgement. Starting tonight, the whole situation was going to be cleaned. Her uncle, what he did, and the pain he caused. It would be cleaned up. It wouldn't be perfect, but it would be clean enough to no longer be scared and afraid of him hurting her and making her dirty again.

I looked in the linen closet and found the nicest, softest washcloth in there and ran it under hot water for a minute. While it soaked, I got my nice lavender liquid face soap. Ringing out the washcloth, I squirted a little soap on it and worked it into a warm lather.

"Sit down, sweetie." I pointed to the toilet.

I bent down to be face height with her. Starting on her forehead, I gently rubbed and scrubbed her hairline, then her cheeks, her nose, her chin, and finally her neck. I looked at her lovingly as I washed her face. She just stared back, almost in wonder. After a few moments, she closed her eyes and began to smile as I worked around her face.

I wrung the cloth out back under the hot water and wiped her face off. Then I added a little more soap. Taking her hands in mine, I proceeded to gently scrub them, from her fingertips to her wrists. I went slow and gave her palms extra attention, all the time giving her my most loving face.

When I was finished, I gently pulled her up and moved her hands under the warm water. I massaged them for a few moments while rinsing them. When I was done, I took a fresh cloth from the cabinet and dried each hand thoroughly.

"There, Mary. You're clean now. All clean. And you won't get dirty anymore."

She had tears in her eyes as she looked into mine as I spoke. I took her hands and kissed each one. Then I leaned close and kissed her forehead. I pulled her head down a little so I could kiss the top of her hair. She closed her eyes and reopened them, with more tears filling them than before. I knew the emotional dam was going to burst shortly so I led her back to my room.

We stood quietly looking at each other in front of my bed for a few moments before it happened. At first it was only something akin to a cough, but then it turned into a stream of tears and sobs. It finally became sorrowful wails of pain and anguish.

"Wahhhhhh! It hurt! It hurt so much! Why...why?!? WAHHHHHH!" The emotional floodgates opened and all the raw fear, pain and agony flowed out and rolled over us like a tidal wave.

I held her close like Shirley had held me in the past and just let her cry onto my shoulder. I could feel her shudder and gasp as she cried harder than she ever cried before. Years of abusive pain that had been waiting to get out were now escaping in a torrent of emotions. She held me tighter, pulling my hair and digging her nails into my shoulders as she wailed. I ignored the minor discomfort and let her do whatever she needed to do to release the poison from her soul.

After about three minutes of intense crying, her breathing began to slow down. The flow of tears lessened, and her sobs became sniffles. She released her grip on my hair and shoulders. Soon her breathing and heart rate were back to almost normal. I led us to the bed and we both sat.

I pulled her into another hug. Nuzzling her nose into my hair, she sat still for a few minutes and just breathed. I gently stroked her hair and her back as I held her.

"Mary? Are you okay?" I asked as I stroked her hair and shoulders.

She could barely speak in between sobs and sniffles. "Y-yes, I th-think so. I, um, I-I'm sorry for breaking down on you. I just---"

"Shhhh." I placed a finger over her lips. "It's okay. It had to come out. Somebody wonderful let me cry everything out on her shoulders before, more than once. She kind of saved me by letting me let it all out. She said that all the hurt and pain that we keep inside is just poison. It'll kill us inside if we don't find a way to let it out. You have so much inside you. I can see it and feel it. I don't want you to die inside. I don't want you to live in fear and pain. I want you to be able to relax and be happy and not be afraid anymore. You deserve to be happy."

"That...that's all I want" she said between sniffles. "I-I don't want to be pulled down anymore. I-I don't want to be dirty. I-I want to be happy and loved..." Another wave of tears and sobs passed through her.

I held her tight for a few more moments before I felt her relax. I reached over and grabbed a handful of tissues. She used them all wiping away her tears and blowing her nose. She laid back on my bed as a wave of exhaustion passed through her. I laid beside her and pulled her close. She nuzzled her nose back in my hair and neck while moving a hand to my stomach and gently rubbing it. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly, as if to release anything that might not have been purged previously.

"Paulina?"

"Yes Mary?"

"I-I'm really clean now, huh? Everything's really gonna be clean from now on? I-I won't get dirty anymore?" she asked nervously, as if hesitant to believe that things were changing.

I covered her hand with mine and gently squeezed it.

"You are clean, Mary. Going forward, everything is clean and new. And you won't get dirty again. I promise you that I'll do everything I can to make sure nothing or no one will ever make you dirty again."

"Okay." Her hand squeezed mine in return.

A few minutes of silence passed before she spoke again.

"Paulina?"

"Yes Mary?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

She hugged me tighter. I knew what she meant but I wanted to play with her for a little bit. It would help keep any more negative thoughts and feelings away.

"Mary?"

"Yes, Paulina?"

"If you don't stop saying that, you'll really fall in love with me. Then I'll have two very unhappy girls on my hands" I said in a faux serious voice. I gave one of her nipples a pinch, earning me a shiver.

"Okay, I won't. But I'm gonna pretend to be when we're together. I mean if they're not around" she giggled.

"Fair enough."

We were silent again. Each of us were thinking of what to say to keep the little game going.

"Mary?"

"Yes Paulina?"

"I know what I'm gonna call you."

"What's that?"

"You're gonna be my third wife."

"Okay, dear." We both giggled.

More quiet moments.

"Paulina, my darling?"

"Yes, dear?"

"I'm not giving up my lover, so don't get jealous. I'm a liberated woman now, you know." She tried not to laugh.

Even more quiet moments.

"Mary, my heart?"

"Yes, love?"

"I'm not giving up my gentlemen friends, so don't be jealous. I'm a liberated Girly boy, after all."

It was getting harder to not laugh.

Yet another few quiet moments.

"Paulina, my dearest?"

"Yes, Honey?"

"If you're still gonna be a little whore and get presents, then, as one of your wives, aren't I entitled to some too?" She held in a laugh.

Another moment.

"Mary, my little snuggle bunny?" I could barely keep a straight face.

"Yes, my cuddly care bear?"

"Unless you stop teasing all the older men you tease and start putting out, you're not gonna get shit! Get your own presents!" I said in my most sugary voice. I couldn't help it and started laughing.

"Paulina, my sugar plum?"

"Yes, pudding pie?"

"You're a sonovabitch motherfucker!" she said in her cutest voice as she laughed.

"Mary, my lovely trophy wife?"

"Yes, my dazzling beauty?"

"You're...a...lazy...greedy...gold digger!" I replied in between laughs.

"P-Paulina, my...cute...call girl!

"HAHAHAHAH!!!" We both burst out laughing.

"Alright, you! A good wife doesn't talk to her wife that way!"

Before she could move, I hopped up and pounced on her, holding her arms together with one hand and tickling her stomach with the other."

"OHHH EEE STOPSTOPSTOP!!! HAAAAAAAAA!!!"

I leaned in so close that our noses almost touched.

"Now Mary, are gonna be a good obedient little wife from now on?" I asked in an imperial but silly voice.

"Yes, my love. I promise to be a good girl!"

"Good. As you should be!" I exclaimed in victory. I gave her a big exaggerated kiss on her lips.

We both giggled and laughed for a few more minutes before settling down. Our stomachs were hurting from laughing so hard. But I didn't care. It was all worth it to see Mary laugh and be happy and carefree. It was probably the first time in a very, very long time.

As we laid together side by side, we drew little circles on each other's bellies with our fingertips. After a few minutes, Mary propped herself up on an elbow and looked into my eyes for a few moments before speaking.

"Paulina?" Her voice was a little slower and more serious.

"Yes?"

"I love you. For this. For today. For last night. For yesterday. For rescuing me. Thank you."

I felt her soft, full lips gently close over mine. My lips parted and let her tongue in to meet my own. We kissed slowly, savoring each other's taste and touch. It was deep and heartfelt, without any fiery, immediate passion. It was a kiss of love.

After about a minute, the kiss slowed down and our mouths parted. Still looking into each other's eyes, I moved a few strands of hair out of her face.

"I love you too, for letting me help you. Any time I help someone, a little piece of my dark side goes away. It helps balance out my own pains and fears...and regrets. It might not seem like it, but all I've done for you has been just as much and just as important for me. So thank you for trusting me to help you, and letting me do it. I know it was hard, given our past."

"I just knew somewhere inside that if I called you, you would help. Even if we hated each other."

"You were right. Maybe you should listen to your intuition more. It will tell you interesting things. Some might even sound crazy, like you and I trusting each other and eventually having sex and sleeping with each other. But it is worth listening to. You just have to open your mind and listen and trust your feelings."

"I will from now on. Things already feel different."

"They do, don't they."

"Yeah..."

She lay back down and let out another deep breath. We pulled each other closer and closed our eyes.

The sound of the bathroom door opening and closing brought me back to the present and I opened my eyes. We fell asleep for about an hour. It was just the right amount of rest I needed after the emotional release we had earlier.

I got up, not wanting to wake Mary. She had a peaceful smile as she napped. I resisted the urge to run my fingers through her hair.

I needed a drink and was hungry. I had no idea what we were going to do for dinner. I had thought about cooking earlier, but that was before we talked. I ran a brush through my hair a few times and went to see what everyone else was having.

"Hi, y'all. How is everyone?" I gave Shawn and Dawn hugs as usual.

Everyone said hello.

"Hey, where's Mary?" my dad asked.

"She's napping. We fell asleep earlier."

"Hey man, did you...wear her out?" Pervert asked in his monotone but sly voice. He gave me a wink as he stroked the Coke bottle between his legs.

"PERVERT!" Ann exclaimed with a big grin as she slapped his knee. Everyone else laughed. My dad was trying not to but couldn't hold it in either.

With a straight face I replied "No, she's got pretty good stamina and has no problem keeping up with me." I gave him a sarcastic but sweet grin.

He coughed over a swallow of Coke. Ann rolled her eyes. Shawn and Dawn shook their heads `no', trying to hide their own smiles. Jonny and Rick were holding in their own laughs.

My dad replied with his own straight face. It was a struggle.

"You are talking about walking or running to her house and back, right?"

I gave him doe eyes and twirled the ends of my hair. I replied in my most innocent voice.

"Of course that's what I meant. I don't know what else he could have been talking about."

"That's what I thought" he said in a faux stern voice.

There were a few quiet moments before no one could contain themselves anymore and burst into laughter, including me.

"Shhhh! Y'all are gonna wake her up! I said in between laughs.

"You know foxes need their beauty sleep" Pervert replied in his usual voice. Everyone kept laughing for another minute.

"Annnywayyy, what are y'all gonna eat? We had lunch but that was it."

"We all talked about poboys earlier. Y'all want some?"

"Mmm, that sounds good. Yes please!"

"What does everybody want? We'll go get it" Rick and Jonny offered.

"A half roast beef and a half fried shrimp, dressed. I'll go grab some money."

"That's okay, we'll---"

"No. I'll cover ours. Be right back." I cut him off in a sudden cooler tone. I went back to my room.

Rick looked at everyone. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, you didn't. She's just sensitive about that. When it comes to paying for things and buying stuff, she doesn't want anyone to do it for her. Not even me or Marie." My dad answered. He looked down for a moment.

"She said does a lot of work for old people in the neighborhood and stuff, like an after school job. She seems to be doing well with it" Shawn added.

"She must. Every now and then she has new jewelry. Nice stuff, too. And good perfume" Ann added.

"You know she loves us," he gave Dawn a pat on the shoulder, "but she won't let us treat her to anything except giving her rides places."

"Yeah, man. I took her to Time Saver once in the Charger. She wanted to see how fast it would go. When we got there I was gonna get her an Icee. She wouldn't let me. Then she bought my Coke. Wouldn't let me pay for it. Just the way she is." Pervert said in a normal conversational tone, which was unusual.

"Oh, okay. I'll try to remember not to offer in the future." Rick sounded a little unsure.

I returned with ten dollars for Rick. They all got quiet for a moment and looked at me, trying not to have inquisitive looks. But I saw through them.

"What? Y'all look like you want to same something, so say it." They had only heard that firm tone in my voice once before.

Dawn spoke first. "Why won't you ever let us treat you to anything? You know none of us would mind" she said sweetly.

I crossed my arms and replied in a defiant tone. I tried not to sound harsh.

"I make my own way and take care of myself and my girls. Does anyone have a problem with that?"

Shawn replied. "No P, that's cool. We were just letting you know that we would." He gave me a pat on the butt.

They could see me relax a little. My hand dropped this shoulder for a moment.

"Alright. Rick, here's ten for Mary and I. Keep whatever's left over. I appreciate you going get it."

"Y-yeah, no problem."

My good mood returned almost as suddenly as it appeared earlier. Everyone looked relieved that I was smiling again.

"Speaking of trouble, is my Shithead coming over later?"

"He might. He worked this afternoon, so he might have crashed for a while."

"I hope so. I want to let him know I'm giving him his name back. He has made things up to me and I'm pleased with him."

"Thanks, Paulina. That's really cool of you. I told you he wasn't a bad kid. Just a little overconfident sometimes. He can be stupid and not always use his common since sometimes, either."

"Well, he'll keep his wits and manners about him when he's around me. I'm sure he's learned that he better." I gave them all an imperial smile. Everyone laughed.

"Mary and I will be out in a little bit. If y'all get back before we are, can someone knock on my door to let us know?

"Sure thing."

"Thanks."

I made a glass of Coke and went back to my room.

They waited until my door closed before anyone spoke.

"Man, that temper's hiding right under the surface. Just like her mom" Pervert said with a low whistle.

"Yeah, I know" my dad replied. "She can switch on a dime from being a cutsie innocent little girl to a mean bitch when she needs to. I just hope her mood swings don't get worse as she gets older."

"Just how mean does she get? She was pretty pissed off when she punched Benny and bruised him." Ann asked.

"Um, If I tell y'all, you can't say anything. Not to her or Marie. Also, don't think about or judge her or treat her any different, alright?" My dad asked.

"Naw, we wouldn't do that."

"No, man."

"Of course we won't"

After everyone agreed, he looked down the hall to see if my door was still closed before speaking. It was.

"Y'all've all seen that she's got a serious protective and possessive streak. Well, it's extra strong with Beth. She came over one day and Marie started some shit with her. Y'all know she doesn't like her. Marie got up and was gonna slap her. Before I could stop her, Paulina pulled Beth behind her and pulled a knife on Marie. Threatened to cut her so bad that she'd never hit anyone ever again. I don't get scared easily, but that made me real nervous. Scariest thing was that I knew she was dead serious and would have done it in a heartbeat without worrying about it."

They all looked at him, speechless for a moment.

"Damn. What'd Marie do?"

"She backed down and I pulled her away. Paulina was wound up for a while. A few hours, I think."

"Holy fuck! That's some heavy shit! Remind me to never ever piss her off!" Ann said semi-seriously.

Dawn and Shawn didn't say anything but looked very concerned. After a few moments Shawn spoke.

"You know Hank, I could see that. We've talked a few times and I've definitely gotten how important Beth is to her and how protective she'll be. She's never said exactly why, but she hasn't hidden it either. She seems that way with her girls as well, maybe not as much as for Beth."

"Yeah man. Maybe that's why she tore outta here yesterday. Y'all think that girl Mary was in trouble?" Pervert asked.

"Yeah, I do. She wouldn't say anything but she implied she was."

"Well I hope some motherfucker wasn't hasslin' her. Might not have turned out well for them."

"God, I hope not. Whatever it was, Mary seems really grateful to her for bringing her here. But the strange thing was that she said they pretty much hated each other at school, yet she didn't hesitate to go help her. Well, y'all saw."

"Those two hate each other at school?!? If we didn't know better, I'd say they're girlfriends. Like close ones" Ann asked.

"I know. Me too. Anyway, y'all know she likes to help people, even ones she don't like. Remember she helped that chick Karen when she was puking in the bathroom that one time? Jan told us that she was trying to make a move on Bernie earlier and Paulina wasn't having it. They argued and didn't talk to each other again until they were in the bathroom. Paulina must have won, because she had Bernie to herself for most of the night. But then later, I think she arranged for them two to fuck and sleep in the guest room."

"Must've been somethin' heavy with Mary then."

"Yeah. I'm still kinda worried and don't like not knowing what's going on. She's always comfortable talking about anything with me, but not this. She won't say a word about it."

"She's the same way with us" Dawn added. "She's like Marie that way, too. I'm her best friend and she'll tell me just about anything, but there's a wall around some shit she just won't talk about."

"I know she tells you way more than she tells me, and I'm married to her."

"Do those two know how much alike they are? I mean, y'all all see that, huh?" Ann asked.

"Oh yeah. Not that either one would admit it. Shit, sometimes they gang up on me and don't even realize they're on the same side."

"Don't know how you deal, man. You're a better man than me." Pervert clinked his Coke bottle with my dad's beer can.

"Y'all just keep an eye on her, alright?"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

I sat next to Mary, gently stroking her hair. She let out a little `mmm' but didn't wake up. I let her sleep a little while longer and sat in my chair.

Reflecting on the whole situation, I still wouldn't believe everything that happened so far if I wasn't involved myself. Mary and I? And David too? We were like oil and water at school. Then I heard her voice, and the fear in it. There was no way that I wasn't going to help her.

I knew that I was putting so much effort into rescuing her and taking care of her because I couldn't do anything to help Beth years ago when she needed it. It was a chance to make up for that in a way, yet there was truly nothing to make up for. But helping Mary would feed and nourish my light side, which I did whenever I could. Tonight however, was going to be a short trip to the dark side, and I was prepared for it.

Looking at the list of instructions that Big Jim gave me, I had to a little research to make sure I knew exactly what I was doing. I found a car repair manual in the garage and made it my reference. Jim's instructions were very general and not specific to one make or type of vehicle. The manual was general enough to show what I needed to do. My only worry was how long it would take me, and that someone would happen to walk by and see me and wonder what I was up to.

I started to get my gear together:

Black long sleeve shirt and military pants -- check.

Belt -- check.

Watch -- check.

Pocket knife -- check.

Boy Scout flashlight (military style) with red lens -- check.

Tools -- David would set them out for me at his house.

I folded up Jim's instructions and hid them in the pants pocket, just in case I had to refer to them. One more thing that might be useful came to mind -- one of the x-mas ornament bells. I would hang it on the outside of the kitchen door to warn me if anyone opened it before I was done.

I was ready.

I heard the front door open and everyone started talking, so I knew Rick and Jonny were back with the food. It was time for Mary to get up.

"Wake up, Sleeping Beauty" I whispered in her ear.

"Unh uhh" she mumbled.

"Come on, dinner's here."

"Unh uhh." She hugged the pillow she was laying with tight.

"What do I need to do to get you up, my dear?"

She brought a finger to her lips and kissed the tip.

"Oh, is that what it'll take?"

She kept her eyes closed and didn't answer, but I saw make a mischievous smile.

I leaned in and kissed her lovely lips for a few moments before she opened her eyes. She gave me a sweet look as she stretched.

"Geez Paulina, took you long enough. I thought you knew how to wake up Sleeping Beauty."

"I know, I was just playing with you." I was trying to cover the fact that I forgot.

"How long was I asleep?"

"About an hour and a half."

"That's all? It felt longer. Um, when did you get up?"

"About thirty minutes ago."

"Oh. Thanks for letting me sleep. I got really tired."

"Letting out your emotions will do that."

"I guess so. Um, what's all this?" She pointed to the things I set out for tonight.

"Nothing you have to worry about. Now let's go eat."

"You're wearing that black army looking stuff later, huh?"

"Yes, I am. It's gonna be pretty dark I need to make sure no one can see me."

"Oh. Will David be able to see you when you get there?"

"I'm gonna call him before I leave. It'll take about fifteen minutes to walk to your house."

"Oh. Okay." She didn't ask any more questions. With that, she was ready to go.

We walked out unconsciously holding hands until we got to the dining room. The shopping bag holding all the poboys was cut open so they could all be laid out. Several big bags of chips were open, along with a few two liters of Coke and Sprite.

I pointed out a chair for Mary. She pulled another one close so I could sit next to her.

"I got us half roast beef and half fried shrimp. Which would you like? I asked sweetly.

"I don't know. Can we just share both?"

"Good idea."

I got a knife and carefully cut the halves in half. Putting the sandwich quarters and some chips on a paper plate for her. I placed it down in front of her and then got a paper towel and folded it and placed it on her lap. I had a sweet smile and was almost humming to myself while serving her.

She was blushing because of how attentive I was being to her. Almost as if she were a child. Part of her thought it was ridiculous, but another part really liked it. It made her feel special. Like she was the only one there that I cared about.

She felt like she was being watched, so she subtly looked up. Dawn, Shawn and my dad were watching us with sweet expressions of their own. She immediately looked down and blushed even more.

When I went to the kitchen for our drinks, my dad got next to her and leaned in.

"Don't be embarrassed" he said in a low voice, "she does this to me all the time when it's just the two of us here. Sometimes to Dawn and Shawn, too. She doesn't do this for everybody, so enjoy it."

"O-okay, thanks."

Everyone proceeded to serve themselves.

We all talked and laughed as we ate. I was embarrassed a few times when stories about me when I was little came up. I would try to shush them when parts about me came up doing something goofy or getting away with things I wasn't supposed to. She was surprised at how easily everyone talked about me as a he' when I was younger, but as she' once the stories were past a certain age.

Of course, questions about how we knew each other came up.

"So Mary, she said y'all have gone to school for years. Do you remember him from years ago?"

"Um, yeah, but we really didn't know each other, even though we had all the same classes. We never talked."

Most of the friends looked surprised or confused. We looked like we were friends from way back.

"Why not?"

"He, um, was just quiet. And shy. I don't remember him talking to anyone really."

"No way. This one? Quiet and shy?" Ann asked while pointing towards me and laughing.

It was my turn to look down and blush.

"Yeah, that's what I remember."

"Huh. Well he wasn't like that here. He was like a little cat. Always watching people, like he was stalking them. Then when we would see him, he'd run and hide." They all laughed sweetly.

"And he was sweet like a little cat, too. Always rubbing up against people and wanting to talk and be with us. We'd be on the couch and he'd come sit and ask us about what we were doing or what was on TV, or just lay next to us, put his head in our lap and fall asleep. Or he'd come around just `cause he wanted some attention and to be petted." Shawn reached over and exaggeratedly pet my hair. I made a big show of trying to stop him.

"Yeah, but he could be mean like a cat, too. When kids would pick on him, he'd fight and bite them. We saw more than one kid running home screaming and bleeding." My dad added.

She looked at me and let out a knowing giggle before I gave her a stern look.

"Thanks y'all. I'm sure Mary's heard enough about me." I crossed my arms and pretended to pout.

"Oh come on, you were a sweetheart. Everyone loved you, and you loved everyone back. We still do" Dawn said as she gave my hand a pat. I gave her a sweet smile in return.

"She's still got that cat personality, too. She'll be rubbing all over you before you know it, man." Pervert said in his pervert voice.

I gave him a faux glare and kicked him under the table. Rick and Jonny were trying to not laugh. Shawn coughed and almost spit out his drink. My dad just looked down and shook his head. Ann smacked him on the leg, trying not to laugh herself.

Mary turned beet red. She wondered if they knew we had already rubbed all over each other. She thought they probably did but realized that it would likely be no big deal.

All of us continued eating, and they all laughed at my expense a few times. I was going to have to plan some fun payback.

We all finished eating and started to clean up a little. I wouldn't let Mary pick up any of her garbage and put her drink glass away. I even refilled it when she wasn't looking. She caught my eye at one point with a dreamy look. I just smiled sweetly and continued to pick up.

Everyone was watching how sweet and attentive I was being to her. They also noticed how she was eating it up but seemed to be sincerely touched by it. It was as if I knew what she needed.

"Man, looks like Mary's got herself a pretty little housewife" Pervert said with a grin.

"Don't let Paulina hear you say that. She'll have your ass scrubbing the garbage cans!" Shawn chuckled.

"Or she'll just beat your skinny ass!" Ann laughed as she slapped his ass with a loud `smack!'

"Y'all gotta admit, she is being a little sweeter than normal. Maybe it has something to do with whatever's going on?" Dawn asked.

"Or maybe they just really like each other. They've already showered and slept together." Shawn added.

"But she usually sleeps with the girls she likes. And I bet she's had a shower or two with Jan. Maybe others."

"Do you think they...?"

"Who knows. I'd bet yes, though."

"Like I said, man, it's a hot little fox den down there." Pervert pointed his bottle towards my room with a sly grin.

"Fucking Perv!" Ann smacked his ass again.

We finished cleaning up and went to the family room and sat under the big picture window. The cover was off the pool table and Mary was looking at it like a child trying to hold in their excitement.

I took her hand and squeezed it, getting her attention.

"Do you want to play?"

"Yeah but I don't know how."

"If you want to learn then you might be in luck."

"Um, yeah. That would be cool."

"K. Stay here, I'll be right back."

"I won't go anywhere." She gave me the sweetest `thank you' smile.

I went and grabbed my dad. He was just sitting down with the friends.

"Hank, are you busy?" I asked sweetly, twirling the ends of my hair, and giving him almost-doe eyes.

He gave me a suspicious but playful look.

"Oh oh, what do you want? Better not be the keys to the car..." Everyone laughed.

"No, not that. If you have a few minutes, could you come teach Mary how to play pool? She really wants to learn, and you're the best, so I figured you'd teach her well."

He sat back in his seat, stroking his beard like Bernard did, deliberately looking like he was in deep thought.

"Hmm, do I want to go teach an attractive, smart young lady how to shoot pool? I don't know..."

"Pretty please?" I turned up the cuteness. I moved up to puppy eyes. I had several strands of hair wrapped around my fingers in several loops, slowing adding more.

It worked. My powers of sweet persuasion were irresistible. He gave me a big deliberate faux frown.

"Oh...I guess I have to now..."

"Man, if you don't do it then I will. I'm pretty good with a stick..." Pervert said matter-of-factly. Ann elbowed him playfully.

"I can do it. I'm pretty good, too" Rick added.

"Me too!" Jonny put in.

"Y'all are a bunch of horny pigs! I'll do it." Ann said with a big laugh.

"No, she asked me, so I'll do it. Lead the way!" He stood up.

"Thanks!!!" I gave him a big hug and led him away by the hand.

"Man, lucky motherfucker..." Pervert said with a grin.

"Fuckin' dogs, every one o' ya!" Ann laughed.

I arrived back at the sofa with him in tow.

"Mary, Hank's gonna teach you. He's the best player and beats anybody he plays. I'm not so good, so I'd be teaching you how to lose."

"Well, if you played more and practiced, you'd be better!" he said as he ruffled my hair.

Mary couldn't help but laugh and smile at how fun and sweet we were to each other. It made her think about how she'd like to be closer to her dad. Maybe if she was sweet like me sometimes, they would be. She was going to work on that, after...things in their lives were cleaned up

"Come on, Mary. I'll teach you how to beat all these amateurs around here." He gave her a look to follow him.

"Go on, go." I made `shoo' motions with my hands.

She got up and followed him to the table.

I finally got Mary occupied for a few minutes, so I went to the living room.

"Hey y'all."

"Hey P" Shawn said as he gave me a pat on the butt.

"I guess your girl is in good hands if you're in here" Rick pointed to the other room.

"The best. I, um, need a favor. An important one."

"What's up?"

"It's kind of early still, but I know people will probably show up as the night goes on. Not like Saturday, but you know some people will come. I need y'all" -- I pointed around to everyone -- "to keep an eye on Mary for me. Like I would do."

"But you're gonna be with her. What's wrong?"

"Scoot over." I pointed to Rick. He made a space so I could sit between him and Shawn. I sat down.

"I'm gonna need to leave and go do something outside, and it might take me a little while. Maybe like an hour or hour and a half. She won't be able to come with me. So I need to know that she'll be watched over and not fucked with by anyone that she doesn't know. Nobody trying give her drinks or try cigarettes or share a joint or anything. Know what I mean?"

"Just what are you talking about, P? What do you need to do?" Shawn looked concerned.

"I'm not gonna say, so don't ask. It's important though. If y'all don't want to do it, that's cool. I'll ask her to wait in my room for me. But I thought that would be boring for her. And y'all seem to like her."

"No, no, don't do that. We can watch her."

"Yeah, that would suck sitting in a room by herself, hearing everybody partying right outside" Rick added.

"True."

"Alright, P. We'll keep an eye on her."

"Thanks, you're the best" I said sweetly As I gave him a hug. I gave Dawn one as well.

"I don't know if we'll need to. Look." Jonny pointed to the family room.

I was sitting in a spot that didn't have the full view that he did, so I got up and looked. To my surprise, my mother had taken over teaching Mary. She was showing her how to properly hold the que. It looked like she was smiling a little bit. My dad was sitting back and watching. I was very surprised.

"Man, you ain't got no worries now if Marie's taken a liking to her." Pervert gave me a salute with his Coke bottle.

I immediately got concerned. I looked at Dawn with a worried look. She gave me a reassuring smile and said "Don't worry, I'll make sure everything's cool." She got up and went to the family room.

I almost flinched when Shawn put his hand on my knee.

"Hey, hey, calm down. You okay?"

"Why is she being nice? I don't trust her. What if she says she has to leave? I won't be here to stop her. What if---"

Shawn could see my breathing start to quicken. My nipples were starting to get hard. Neither he nor the rest of the friends we're used to me looking upset. They had really only seen it once before. He put his hands on my shoulders and turned me to look at him. I looked agitated.

"P, calm down. Take a breath or two. She's gonna be okay. No one's gonna make her leave. If Marie wants her to go, me or Dawn will bring her to your room."

"You promise?"

He couldn't remember the last time I was so concerned or questioned if he would do something or not. He wasn't sure if his feelings should be hurt for not totally trusting him like I always did, or if he should be more concerned and worried about me being upset.

"I promise. You know you don't have to ask." He stroked my hair for a few moments.

"I know. Sorry. I'm just..."

"What?"

"Nothing." My tone was cool but I looked like I relaxed a little.

I closed my eyes and took a few breaths. I opened them a few moments later. I looked calmer.

"I'll come tell y'all when I'm leaving. I'll leave her in your care. I won't be gone for more than like ninety minutes. I trust y'all to take care of her just like you would me."

"You got it."

"Okay." I held out my hand for fives, which I received from everyone.

"Um, Paulina, I have an idea. Not sure if it'll help though."

"What is it, Rick?"

"Well, Benny might come over. He's 19, younger than the rest of us. Mary looks older than she is. What if Benny could hang out with her and keep her company? It might look like they're together to others, so no one would get any ideas."

"That's a good idea. What do you think, P?"

"Hmmm..." I stroked my chin like Bernard. "I guess that would be alright."

"And I'll tell him he better not try----"

"No worries about that. We've already discussed how I expect him to behave around her. I'm confident that he'll remember everything I said."

"Oh...okay."

"Cool. I'll tell him if he shows."

"Thanks." With that, I got up and went to the family room.

"Shawn, you think there's gonna be trouble? Looks like she's going over to Marie." Jonny asked.

"I hope not. But Dawn's there, so she won't let her start any shit. Hank's still there, too."

"Well, I'm gonna go see too." Ann got up.

"Man, I hope everybody stay's cool. Too early for a fight." Pervert added.

"Right on, man. Right on." Rick agreed. "Y'all wanna roll one?"

"Yeah, sounds good."

I got closer and saw that my mother was pointing some things out to Mary. She was even letting her use her pool que, which most people knew not to touch. I was a little surprised. Dawn was standing close to them. My dad was a few feet behind, like he was supervising. Mary had a big smile on her face as she listened and paid attention to what they were showing her.

My mother spoke to me first, in a cool but slightly lighter tone than usual.

"Paul, your friend here is picking things up quick. She listens well."

"Thanks" I replied in the same tone. "Y'all know she's been in gifted classes as long as I have, so she's really smart, too."

"That's good."

"Mary, why don't you show her how Marie showed you to rack the balls then shoot and break" my dad asked. My mother gave him a little look, likely about calling me `she'. But she didn't say anything.

"Put them in the order like I showed you" she instructed. "Now slide your fingers in the back side."

Me and Mary shared a look, both blushing. She did what she was told.

"Now go back and put the que ball anywhere behind the line. Remember to hit the set from the side. You have a better chance of knocking one in."

"Okay, here goes. Wish me luck!" She gave me a sweet look.

She concentrated before she took a shot. It wasn't as strong as it should have been to really scatter the balls, but it was a first try. She looked a little disappointed in her effort.

"That was good but put a little strength behind it next time" my mother pointed out.

"Okay, I will" she replied with a smile.

"Well, Mary, you did better than me the first time I did it. I didn't listen and hit it head on. Not much happened" I told her.

"Try it one more time. This time hit it harder." My mother gave her a slight encouraging look. I couldn't remember the last time I saw her make that expression.

Dawn looked over at me with a smile, as if to say everything was okay. I smiled back.

She went back, lined up and shot it a little harder this time. It broke them up more, pushing all the balls from their rack positions. One almost fell in a pocket.

"Look, Paulina. I almost got one!" She looked very pleased with herself.

"You're gonna do better than me soon" I replied sweetly.

"Very good. You almost had one. Keep doing that and you'll start getting them in" my mother told her in a cool but praising voice. It was something else I had not heard in a very long time.

I gave Dawn a surprised look. She just smiled back.

"Thanks for showing me! Learning this isn't as hard as I thought it would be."

"You might be a natural there, Mary. Keep it up!" my dad praised her as well.

"Thanks! Um, I'll be right back. Gotta use the bathroom." As she walked past me her hand touched mine for a second.

My mother looked at me for a moment with a neutral but almost warm face.

"Mary is nice. I like her. She listens."

I was shocked for a moment before responding.

"Thanks mother. I like her a lot too."

Dawn and my dad looked like they were shocked also.

"They are very similar, aren't they?" Dawn poked my mother's arm. She was probably the only person who could get away with saying that.

"Hmpf. I guess so."

She gave me a once-over but kept a neutral face.

"Tell her I said to keep trying. She'll do better. I'm going change." She almost smiled a little before walking away.

"I will."

It was about the time on a weekend night that she usually changed into something a little more revealing than a regular t-shirt before a lot of people would show up.

When she was out of view, I turned and stared at Dawn and my dad. It was a moment before I could speak.

"What...how...???" I sounded both surprised and confused.

My dad just put out his hand, saying stop. "We don't know either. Who knows? Maybe she's just in a good mood, so go with it. Alright?"

"Yeah...okay."

"Hey, could've been worse, right?" Dawn asked as she poked me.

"Yeah, that's true. I'm not gonna think about it. If I do, my head's gonna hurt." I rubbed for emphasis.

"Us too."

Ann could not believe what she saw and hurried back to the friends.

"Y'all ain't gonna believe what I just saw!" She sounded more exuberant than usual.

"What, man? Hope it wasn't trouble" Pervert asked.

"No...just the opposite. Marie was showing her how to rack and shoot. Like all nice and patient about it."

"Man, go walk outside and see if it's raining frogs or the sky's red or somethin'. Maybe there's an eclipse or some other shit that's not normal."

"Then she talked to Paulina almost nice like. She told her that she liked Mary. Said she listened well."

"Wow. My mind's blown. We definitely need another joint for that!" Rick exclaimed.

"Yeah. Better roll another one" Shawn added.

Mary returned from the bathroom and we played a few games. Both Dawn and my dad played with her as well, offering advice along the way. She really was good at it for a beginner. Better than I was when I learned how to play.

During one game, I saw my mother watching us from the dining room, smiling slightly. She had changed into shorts and a tight fitted shirt. It looked like something I would wear. She looked a little too old to be wearing that outfit, in my opinion.

She watched us for a few minutes but didn't come over and talk. Mary saw her at one point and gave her a little wave and a smile, which she returned. I was keeping an eye on but tried to be subtle about it.