Educating Danielle

by Karen E. Lea

  

Part Five

 

Chapter Twenty One

Next day dawned overcast, but no rain in sight. I had the Rover outside idling, when Danielle and Laura came out with lunch in a soft chiller bag. Laura looked good in a cotton dress and sandals. Danielle had on a white sleeveless top, a black mini skirt and her white sandals with the two inch heel, her makeup immaculate.

"Hi daddy."

"And where do you think you are going, dressed like that?"

"With you?"

"Not in a skirt that short you're not."

"But…."

"But nothing. These people are a church group; you'll give them a coronary on the spot. Back inside and change, above the knee skirt and quickly, we'll be late."

"But this is above the knee…."

"Don't get smart young lady."

"Yes daddy."

"Ah, parenthood." mused Laura.

Danielle quickly went inside and changed, and then we were on our way to the depot where the coach was kept. I parked the Rover and went in to the office. A balding guy in his early forties was sitting at a desk, looking at a roster. I introduced myself, he was a Jeff too. He asked to see my licences, which I showed him. Satisfied, he showed me out to the yard to a white Denning forty footer, three axle coach. An oldie but a goodie.

"Four fifty Detroit rear mount, seven speed Spicer, specced as an express coach, quite capable of exceeding the speed limit, so keep an eye on the speedo." the new Jeff warned.

"Okay." I answered. He showed me over the coach, explained its little quirks. He told me he had personally checked all the fluid levels for me, while talking, Laura and Danielle approached the coach and my new found friend became quite distracted. He finally gave me a list of emergency numbers and left me to it.

I fired the engine and checked the gauges, tank two on the air gauge came up slowly and finally the buzzer stopped. Closing the door, we slowly left the depot and headed for the church taking the long way round, to give me time to become accustomed to the constant mesh gearbox.

We arrived at the church and already there was a crowd of people waiting. I opened the door and bounded down the stairs where a slight man dressed casually, in his late fifties I guessed, introduced himself as The Reverend Kevin Peabody. He pumped my hand vigorously while thanking me. Telling him I was very happy to help, I introduced Laura and then Danielle as my daughter. Danielle just glowed.

Opening the underfloor hatches for everybody to put their bags and eskys, Laura and Danielle helped the old people up the steps into the coach. An old lady asked Danielle her name, she told her how pretty she was and what a pretty name. Danielle thanked her. Then the old lady asked if she had a boyfriend. Danielle replied to the negative.

"My grandson is twenty one and a lovely boy, you two would make a lovely couple." she said.

"Oh……I'm only sixteen; my dad won't let me date yet."

The old lady was very apologetic, and then climbed aboard.

"Very good, I wondered what you would say, if all else fails, blame daddy." She gave me a cocky smile.

There was a mixture of mostly retired people and a few young families. A young boy, about fourteen wouldn't stop staring at Danielle, even after repeated warnings from his mother. The coach was fast filling and I sought out Kevin for a destination.

"Ah. Yes. Now there's a problem and a half."

"How so?"

"Well. Bit of dissention in the camp. Half of the congregation wanted to go to the mountains; the other half would like some where near the coast. I finally convinced everybody that the decision would rest with you as you have been good enough to give up your Saturday."

"Okay. I'll see what we can do." I sat down in the drivers' seat and studied the map I had brought with me. After five minutes, it was clear that every body would get their wish, just a bit more driving involved than I first thought.

Finally, the last two people turned up, the luggage hatches shut, I climbed aboard and shut the door and eased out on to the main road and headed for the M5 motorway and south west.

  

Chapter Twenty Two

Once we were moving, there was speculation as to where I was headed, when asked, I told them it was a mystery. On the motorway, finally, and after paying the toll, the coach held a steady hundred kilometres per hour.

Fifty minutes later, the exit I required was coming in to view and my mobile rang. I deftly passed it to Danielle, she answered, "Good morning, Starburst…………….Lady Carrington." Everybody within earshot of Danielle certainly became interested in the conversation. "Hi…….it's Danielle, how are you?.......he's driving a tourist coach at the moment……...just a minute." she held the phone to her chest, "Dad, Kim would like a word."

"Won't be a minute." I pulled the coach up within half a kilometre. In the meantime Danielle spoke French to Kim, which sounded quite plausible, although I didn't understand a word. I took the phone, "Hi Kim."

"Darling, whatever are you doing."

"A favour. Long story."

"I'm not a betting woman, but Laura wouldn't be far away would she?"

"She's here."

"Darling. The reason I rang, and I apologise, I should have rang earlier, is that I sold photos of the wedding to a woman's magazine and I mentioned Starburst and Karen, Laura and Danielle by name to the reporter. Anyway, I expect it would be published very soon, if not already. Just in case of phone calls for Karen."

"Thank you for the warning."

"Now Danielle. I think I should take her under my wing, at least she listens to me and takes my advice."

"Your advice?"

"The other day, I told her to learn French, and already she is fluent in short phrases."

"Uh, that's good. Kim, I'm sorry to rush you, but I have people waiting."

Goodbye darling. Say hello to Laura for me."

"I will, goodbye Kim." I pushed END and passed it back to Danielle. I turned to Laura and passed on Kim's greeting.

I pulled back in to the traffic and we slowly meandered through The Southern Highlands town of Mittagong, in the centre of town, I veered left and headed for the next town, Bowral. Once through Bowral, I headed for Fitzroy Falls on a quiet country road. Twenty minutes later, I was parking the coach for morning tea.

Everybody alighted, while I stayed in the driver's seat and filled out the logbook. I made some notes in my diary of Kim's phone call, so I could remember to look out for the article in the magazine.

Laura brought me over a cup of coffee and said, "You've certainly made a name for yourself over there." pointing at the group. "The people at the front who heard Danielle answer the phone; have told the people who didn't. To coin a phrase, speculation is rife."

We left the coach, and as I drowned the last of the coffee, Danielle approached me with a plate of cake, "Dad, one of the ladies wanted you to have some cake."

"Thank you. Could get me another cup of coffee, darling daughter dearest."

"Yes daddy dearest." she said walking away, hips swaying.

The overcast day had cleared to a warm sunny day. "Did you know Danielle spoke French?"

"No. I was surprised when I heard her on the phone."

Kim told me she was quite good. She told her at the wedding that she should learn."

Danielle returned with my coffee, "Since when do you speak French?"

"Since when do you drive coaches?"

"I think I like Daniel better. He doesn't have a smart mouth like his sister."

"I'm sorry dad. I was going to surprise you both."

"You did that okay." I finished the coffee and threw the cup in the bin. "Seeing as we drove all this way, let's go down and see the waterfall." We walked along the boardwalk through the bush to the lookout overlooking Fitzroy Falls. It was quite a drop to the bottom. We watched the water for a few minutes, and then strolled back to the coach. I started the engine to run the air conditioning, as it had become decidedly hot.

Kevin approached me, while I watched people board. He again thanked me for my help. When a driver couldn't be found, everybody was very disappointed. It had been a long time since the church had an outing such as this. I beckoned over Laura, "This is the girl you should thank, she found me." Kevin thanked Laura so profusely, she blushed.

He turned back to me, "I take this is not your normal day job?"

"No. You would be very surprised at what I did during the week; you may want to walk home." Danielle announced that everybody was back on board. I shut the hatches and climbed into the driver's seat; Danielle was checking her makeup in her compact mirror and reapplying her lipstick. I gave her a big smile and she just glowed.

Settling back in the driving seat, selected first gear, I released the brakes and slowly left the parking area. Turning left on to the main road, I headed east towards the coast, dropping nearly straight away in to The Kangaroo Valley through some very tight hairpin bends, slowly wending our way to the township of Kangaroo Valley. We passed through without stopping and after another steep descent, reached the main highway and headed north for Kiama, a major township on the south coast famous for its natural blowhole. A huge natural cavern cut by water over time and depending on how the sea is running, depends on the size of the spout of water from the blowhole. It was my planned lunch stop.

We arrived at Kiama at twelve thirty-five. After parking the coach near the blowhole, and telling everybody to be back at two thirty, Laura, Danielle and I sat and ate our picnic lunch. During lunch, Danielle imparted her knowledge of French. I was no wiser, but the accent and her looks made her more beautiful. Laura threw in her limited schoolgirl French and we rolled around hopelessly laughing.

After we finished eating, Kevin came over to thank me for accommodating every body with the mountains and the coast. He told us that the church used to have regular outings, such as this, funded by cake sales and fetes. But the church, a very old building, now needs some expensive repairs. Every extra cent they raise goes to savings for the repairs and it had been a few years since an outing had been possible. He told me he had promised himself he would have the repairs done before he retires in six years.

"How much are you short?" Laura asked.

"Eight thousand dollars to go. Although inflation seems to be the stumbling block. Every time we get close to the target, the price has gone up."

We excused ourselves and after stowing the bag on the coach, went for a walk to the shopping centre.

  

Chapter Twenty Three

We walked slowly through, window shopping. At the jewellers, Danielle saw a pair of beautiful earrings. Heart shaped gold, with a small diamond nestled in the vee of the heart. They were for pierced ears, which of course she didn't have. They were lovely earrings, "You would have to go to school with pierced ears as Daniel." I said.

"They are lovely, but I guess it's a complexity I don't need." she said biting her bottom lip.

We kept walking. It was nice out walking with them both, except as attractive females, they attracted a lot of attention and stares. Danielle was just happy to be out dressed as a girl. We worked our way back to the lookout on the headland to see the blowhole. Danielle went down to a lower lookout, closer to the blowhole.

Laura edged in closer to me and said, "Jeff, I want to thank you for doing this today."

"That's okay. I must tell you I agonised over it before I said yes. I did know other people who would have done it for me. But it's good to know I haven't lost some skills."

"When you pushed me to tell you the problem that Saturday, it was just out of desperation."

"It's okay, I've enjoyed it." I said as I put my arm around her and looked in to her eyes. On a sudden impulse I kissed her on the lips. There was an awkward silence. "I'm sorry; I don't know what came over me."

"Would you do it again?"

I kissed her again, only longer this time. "Laura. Can I tell you something at the risk of sounding foolish?"

"Yes." she answered breathlessly.

"Laura. I love you, I have since that first night I opened the door to you. I fell hopelessly in love with you. I was afraid to say anything in case you didn't feel the same way."

"Oh Jeff. I love you too. When I saw Karen, I couldn't understand my feelings for her. I never imagined myself gay……It doesn't matter now, I love you so much."

She put her arms around my neck and I pulled her in by her waist, we kissed a couple of times. When we parted, she said "The last couple of weeks have been hell; I kept thinking you were going to say something to me, but kept holding back."

"I'm sorry, fear of rejection." We kissed again. There was a tap on my shoulder. I parted from Laura and turned.

"Does this mean I have a mummy and daddy now?"

"Yes." We had a group hug where we stood, Laura and Danielle started to cry. "Girls, girls. Makeup."

Laura dabbed her eyes with a tissue. "To hell with the makeup. This is the happiest day of my life." she said laughing and crying at the same time.

I looked at my watch, "Whoops, two thirty. Every body will be waiting. I put my left arm around Laura's waist, held Danielle's hand and walked back to the coach.

  

Chapter Twenty Four

Unlocking the coach and starting the engine to run the air conditioning, I stood outside and apologised to Kevin for being late.

"That's alright son, your day out too."

"Thank you for understanding."

"You know, I'm not normally this nosey. But I'm intrigued by our earlier conversation, what is your normal vocation?"

"Promise you won't want to be dropped at the railway station?"

"You've got us this far."

"I'm a professional makeup artist and run a photographic studio." I could see him mulling this over in his mind; I stood there with a straight face. Deciding that I wasn't pulling his leg, "I wouldn't have guessed that one." he replied with a laugh.

"Most people think I'm joking." Kevin and I were the last on, I was about to sit when my mobile rang. Danielle answered, "Good afternoon, Starburst." Her next words were in French and I guessed who it was. "Dad. Lady Carrington."

I took the phone, "Hi Kim."

"Darling. Dad are we?"

"Long story Kim."

Darling. You must tell me all these long stories one day, I'm most intrigued. Do you have a minute?"

"Very brief couple of minutes."

Darling. I've had the most wonderful idea. I would like Danielle to come and stay with me at the next school holidays; I'll take her under my wing and turn her in to a lady." I left the coach, so I had no eavesdroppers.

"Kim…..um…..that would be normally a lovely thought, but I'm sorry, not possible."

"Can I ask why?"

"Um……Danielle is Laura's son Daniel. He's like Karen. I'm sorry; I should have told you before the wedding."

"I'm tempted to call your bluff. But you wouldn't lie to me would you."

"No I wouldn't Kim."

"Darling, the offer still stands. Boy or girl, she is a beautiful, charming young lady. The two of us will have a ball."

"I'll ring you back at afternoon tea, I'll have to talk to Laura, and she is his mum."

"Please, I would like an answer this afternoon darling. And darling, do you and Laura have anything to announce."

"Not really"

"Are you sure darling? Deidre was convinced you two were lesbians at the wedding."

"We were that obvious?"

"Yes darling. Like two love sick puppies. Goodbye."

"Bye Kim." I hit END on the phone and stared at the exhaust stacks of the Detroit burbling at fast idle. I shook my head and climbed aboard, raising my eyebrows toward Laura. Apologising for the delay, I slowly left the car park, turned right and headed up the main street through the shopping centre we had walked through earlier. As the traffic stopped and started, I saw there was a bus stop outside the jewellers where we had seen the earrings. Will I or won't I. Decisions, decisions. We moved closer. What the hell, I pulled in, maxis' on, door open and raced down the steps in to the shop. If the people on the coach thought I was bit loony up to now, they probably thought I was certifiable right at this moment. The people waiting for the normal route service weren't exactly impressed either.

The girl at the counter had luckily, just finished serving a customer. I pointed out the earrings and asked for two pair, telling her I didn't want to put the pressure on, but I was in a hurry. Glancing out at the coach, forty eight pairs of eyes stared back. We completed the sale, put the small bag in my top pocket, and raced out of the shop, up the steps of the coach, into the driver's seat. Shut the door, first gear, brakes off and forced my way back in to the traffic.

Five minutes later, we were on the Princess Highway heading north towards Sydney. I pushed the coach hard to make up a bit of time, Jeff was right; it easily exceeded the posted limit. Forty five minutes later, I turned off the highway to our last stop. Mount Keira has a panoramic view over the Illawarra area. The ocean, the city of Wollongong and the steelworks are all visible from this vantage point.

  

Chapter Twenty Five

It was very busy at the lookout, and there wasn't much room for a forty foot coach, eventually squeezing it between a tree and three cars. The passengers filed off, me, me receiving some funny looks. Once the last passenger left, I reached down for my briefcase, took out a notepad, wrote a brief letter, then a cheque and put it into an envelope. I wrote Kevin's name on the envelope and put it to one side. I brought the logbook up to date and then left the coach.

Danielle and Laura were waiting for me. Taking the earrings out of my pocket, I gave them each a set.

"They're lovely, thank you, but you shouldn't have." Laura exclaimed and kissed me.

"Thank you Daddy. They're beautiful." Danielle said, kissing me on the lips.

"Danielle. Young ladies don't kiss their fathers like that." Laura gasped.

"Danielle has had the lecture before, time for it again, I think."

"I'm sorry." she pouted.

"If anybody from the coach saw you, they would never understand." I said.

"I'm sorry, just excited."

"Okay I forgive you. Just be careful."

"Why did you leave the coach to talk to Kim, before we left Kiama?" Laura asked. I told them the discussion I had with Kim.

"And she doesn't mind?"

"Quote, 'Boy or girl, she is a beautiful, charming young lady. The two of us will have a ball'. Unquote."

"What do you think, Danielle?" Laura asked.

"Sounds like fun."

"This is two weeks of Danielle, not a weekend." Laura said.

"The only thing that worries me," I said, "Is that you slip in to Danielle very easily. But you don't become Daniel again easily. After two weeks, would Daniel still be there."

"Danielle. I love having you like this, but we have reality. School." Laura said.

"Mum. This is reality, "Danielle said pointing to herself, would Kim offer Daniel the same opportunity….I don't think so."

Before we could continue the conversation, one of the ladies found us, to offer cake and coffee. As we walked over, I said,"You'll have to get your ears pierced, to be able to wear those earrings."

"Well, duh."

"Kim's right, you do need some polish." I said cuddling her.

We ate our cake and sipped the coffee. Kevin walked over and said," I'm going to be nosey again. How does a makeup artist and coach driver relate?"

"When you're young and starting out, you need both skills to eat regular. Eventually I got my big break and here I am driving for you."

"Aha."

We started herding the people back on to the coach, when the phone rang again. Danielle answered, "Good afternoon, Starburst." Then the French started. She handed me the phone.

"Hi Kim."

"Down to business darling." I recounted our concerns over the length of time Daniel would be Danielle, and going back to school as Daniel. I whispered to Laura and she nodded her head in the affirmative.

"Okay Kim. She's going to be all yours."

"Darling that will be wonderful. I have lots of plans; we'll talk when it gets closer. Bye darling."

"Bye Kim."

"Thank you Daddy. Thanks Mum." she said hugging us both.

Once every body was back on board, we headed for home. An hour and a quarter later we were parked in front of the church. People off, luggage out, swept the interior and checked the interior luggage racks. We said our goodbyes and gave Kevin the envelope with strict instructions not to be opened till after dinner. He gave me a curious look, shook my hand and we climbed aboard for the last time.

Ten minutes later, I parked the coach where it had been that morning at the depot, said goodbye to Jeff in the office, and headed for home and a shower. Laura asked me in for dinner. While Danielle put the Rover away, I went inside and had a shower, changed in to T-shirt and shorts and headed down to Laura's with a bottle of wine.

Danielle had changed into the mini skirt from this morning. Laura was busy cutting up a chicken salad and I walked up behind her and kissed her on the neck and nibbled her ear. She shuddered and goose bumps appeared on her arms. We kissed and our tongues briefly met. I helped her with the salad and soon we were eating at the table, chatting about the day's events.

Danielle thought the funniest thing was when I went in to the jewellers for the earrings. She mimicked an old lady who was sitting about half way, "Why have we stopped? He's left us; I knew he couldn't be trusted. Where's he gone? We'll be stuck here all night." We all laughed. Danielle resumed her normal voice. "Every body around her was going, 'quiet, he's in the shop'. Then the old lady started again, 'what shop? What's he doing?'"

Laura thought the funniest thing was when Danielle answered the phone the first time and said Lady Carrington." The gasps, oohs and ahs behind us were very comical. What was your highlight?"

"Kissing you and telling you I love you."

"You're right, that was my biggest highlight too."

I raised my glass to her glass and clinked, "To us."

"And me. To all of us." Danielle giggled.

Laura went and had a shower while Danielle and I washed up. When we had finished, she pecked me on the cheek and said, "I love you Dad."

"You don't have to call me dad now."

She looked crestfallen, "You don't know what it means to be able to say dad to you."

"I'm sorry. I didn't realise it meant so much, I should have guessed. Call me dad anytime."

She smiled and hugged me, "Thank you."

"I love you too and it's really cool having a daughter."

"Good night, Dad."

"Good night."

§§§

Kevin settled in to his comfy lounge chair. It had been a lovely day, every body raved about it after the coach had left, on the wonderful day it had been. Mr and Mrs Tomlinson's wedding anniversary today to the day and they had had their honeymoon in Kiama forty years ago. Brought a lot of memories back for them.

The driver was an enigma. He still didn't know whether to believe his story about the makeup artist job. Still, Kevin wasn't there to judge, he gave every body an enjoyable day out. But then there were all those phone calls from supposedly Lady Carrington. Kevin shook his head. It was too much for him to think about and it wasn't his business anyway.

Kevin remembered the mysterious envelope and retrieved it from the hall table, settled back in to his chair and opened it. He took out the letter and read. He read it again and then took out the cheque. He stared at it and read the letter again, and then looked at the cheque.

Kevin's wife, Elise, had just walked in to the room to see her husband staring off in to space. "Kevin, are you alright?" He looked at her, passed the letter and cheque to her. After reading the letter and cheque, all she could say was "Oh my."

§§§  

Chapter Twenty Six

Laura came out of the shower, smelling of soap and her perfume. She was wearing a cotton dress and no bra. We sat and watched television for about half an hour, petting like two fifteen year olds. "I better go and let you go to bed; it's been a long day."

She looked disappointed, "Before you go, could you help me with something?"

"Sure." She led me down the hall to her room, we entered, the bedside light was on. Thinking she wanted the main light repaired, I turned; she had shut the door and was right behind me.

She circled my neck with her arms and whispered "Please make love to me." Then kissed me so intensely, I was overwhelmed and returned the kiss with the same intensity.

"What about Daniel?"

"Asleep."

"I've got no….."

"I'm on the pill. I love you Jeff."

"I love you Laura."

She removed my shorts and shirt, leaving me only standing in cotton panties. I undid the buttons on her dress and it slid to the floor, leaving her naked. We sat on the bed and I kissed her neck working my way down to her breasts, teasing her nipples with my tongue till they stood erect. I continued my journey across her tummy as she slowly lay on the bed, fingering me through the panties.

The journey continued as I repositioned myself. After a few minutes I felt her tense and heard a stifled squeal, then, "Jeff, please don't stop, please don't stop." Finally I did stop and retraced the kisses up her body back to her lips. We both whispered our love to each other and kissed again. We came up for a breath and Laura rolled into the centre of the bed, I quickly followed her and as she parted her legs, I lowered myself into her. Laura shuddered to another orgasm and a few seconds later I orgasmed myself. We kissed and held each other.

"Please stay with me."

"What if Daniel finds us in the morning."

"I'll wake you up in time to go."

We laid in each others arms and drifted off to sleep, it had been quite a day.

I awoke at five fifteen, Laura was staring at me. "You okay?" I enquired.

"Fine. I woke up at four and couldn't sleep. I just watched you sleep."

"That must have been exciting." She hit me, and then giggled. "I better go."

"Well, I don't want you out of my sight. I've waited sixteen years for the right man to come and sweep me off my feet; I'm not going to lose you."

"Honey, I don't want Danielle to find me here when she wakes up. We need to talk to her first; she's old enough to deserve that."

"I'm just greedy and I know I shouldn't be, but last night was the first time I've had sex since Daniel was conceived." We kissed again and I rose from the bed, found my clothes and dressed. I kissed her again. "Can you give Karen a message for me?"

"Sure."

"She's next. And breakfast at eight thirty." She called after me as I left.

§§§

Laura sighed contentedly as Jeff's back vanished through the door. She pulled the pillow that he had slept on and cuddled it, inhaling his scent. Sixteen years in the wilderness, she finally had a man to love, and loved her in return.

Nearly every male she had come in to contact with over the years had hit on her, even married men. But none of them ever looked her in the eye. Their eyes were always fixed on her breasts. She had promised herself she wouldn't go out with a man, till the right one come along; she just never thought it would take so long.

She still couldn't get over how brazen she was to lead him to her room last night. It was worth it, she smiled at the memory, he was a gentle lover and she enjoyed every minute of his touch. Clutching the pillow tighter, she made a wish that Jeff would ask her to marry, a husband for her and a father for Daniel.

Daniel she thought, part son and part daughter. The effect that Jeff had on Daniel since they first met wasn't lost on Laura. He smiled a lot now, laughed and showed interest in a lot of things now. While as a parent she knew the dangers of such a relationship with a virtual stranger, but, she had an inexplicable trust in Jeff.

Stranger. She had fallen in love with a stranger. It just occurred to her, that she virtually knew nothing about him, except his job and Karen. Whenever we were on a date, he always steered the conversation to me. He seemed to be well off, although he always seemed to use a credit card, something she had never owned. Laura sighed again; she wished Jeff was still here in the bed snuggled up with her. There was something about the closeness and touch of another person. Slowly she drifted off to sleep with her thoughts.

§§§

  

Chapter Twenty Seven

The alarm woke me at eight. I had been in an extremely deep sleep and I was a bit disorientated. Last night seem to be a dream. Did I share Laura's bed? Slowly it came to me, it did happen. I showered, dressed and headed down to Laura's place for breakfast.

Laura met me at the door, halter neck top, shorts, four inch heels and the new earrings, "No bra, no panties, I can be ready in three seconds." She whispered as she kissed me."

"Can I have breakfast first?" I said returning the kiss.

Following her in to the kitchen, Danielle came over and pecked me on the cheek, "Hi Dad."

"Hello darling daughter." She looked uncomfortable and I commented on the fact.

"My own breasts are really sore."

"I think you should have a bra on, there's a lot weight there unsupported. I'll have a look after breakfast."

Laura served bacon and eggs, orange juice and coffee, and we all sat and ate. We made small talk as we ate, listening to the radio. I asked them if they would like to go shopping to buy some more clothes for Danielle for the wedding. She needed an outfit for the wedding, a coat because it can get very chilly at night down that part of the state, maybe some jeans and autumn tops.

"Jeff, I can't afford that. I was hoping to get a cheap dress, drive down in time for the wedding and come home straight after the reception."

"No way. Its two hours each way. I'll book a motel room for a couple of nights, we'll go down on the Friday and enjoy ourselves, make a weekend of it."

Laura shook her head. "Jeff, I really don't have the money for that and I asked you as my guest."

"Forget the money. I'll pay and I will pay to dress our daughter."

Before she could answer, the phone rang. She rose and answered it, "Hello."

"Laura." a male voice boomed, so, loudly, I could hear him from where I was sitting.

"Mister Faraday." It was Laura's boss.

"That driver you found for the church. Can you find him right now?"

"I guess so." She replied looking at me with raised eyebrows.

"Good. Get him to ring Reverend Peabody on this number straight away." Laura scribbled the number down.

"What's happened?"

"I don't know Miss Marsden. I just received a call from my mother that the good Reverend needed to speak to him. But I will tell you this Miss Marsden, if he has done anything wrong, I will make you personally responsible." Laura's eyes started to well with tears.

I rose from the table and crossed the room, took the handset and hugged Laura with my free arm, "Excuse me, if I ever hear you threaten my future wife in such a manner again, I will personally come down there and rip your bloody head off." I slammed the phone on to the cradle. "What an arsehole." I hugged Laura.

"Way to go Dad."

"You okay?" I asked kissing Laura on the cheek. She nodded, wiping her eyes with a tissue.

"What would Kevin want to talk to you about so urgently?" she asked softly.

"Probably about the cheque."

"What cheque?"

"A cheque for the money they were short for the building repairs."

"But that was for nearly…….."

"Ten grand."

"Ten thousand dollars." They said in unison.

"Anyway I better ring him." I said picking up the handset and dialling the number. It rang three times and a man's voice answered. "The Rectory."

"Kevin?"

"Speaking."

"Jeff…from yesterday. The driver…….."

"Jeff. I'm so glad they got hold of you. You surprised me with that envelope last night. I can't say that I slept. Thank you very much."

"Glad to help. Sorry about the sleep though."

"No need to apologise. I would like to read your letter at the service this morning?"

"Prefer if you didn't, in fact I prefer if you didn't say where it came from."

"This cheque has answered a thousand prayers, I must publicly thank you."

"I'm in the position to be able to help. If I wanted backslapping and personal thanks, I would have given it to you yesterday."

"You're being very humble."

"No. I don't think so. You had a problem. I was able to help. One day I might want a vicar, think of it as barter."

"Jeff. I don't want to argue with you. You have my personal thanks. Unfortunately I have communion this morning and I must go. Thank you and say hello to Laura and your charming daughter for me."

"I will, and thank you Kevin. Have a mouthful for me."

He laughed, "Goodbye Jeff."

I hung the phone up and cuddled Laura, "About this shopping trip."

"You can't keep spending money on us."

"And why not?"

"I'll be honest. I think this is a dream and I'll wake up."

"It's not a dream. I love you Laura."

"Well I hope I didn't dream the bit you told my boss."

"What bit?"

"Future wife."

"Did I say that? I'll have to be more careful in the future, you never know whose listening."

"Mum has a witness. I heard it too."

"Whose side are you on?" I said laughing. Looking at my coffee and realising it was cold. Laura grabbed the pot and poured me a new cup. I took a sip, then the door bell rang.

"I'll get it." Danielle said.

"Not dressed like that you're not." I said. "I'll go."

Opening the door and peering through the security screen to see a teenage boy, tall, blonde and large build. "Can I help you?"

He stammered nervously, "Does…. Danie….l live here?"

"Normally. But he's away at the moment."

He looked crestfallen at this news.

"Is there a problem?"

"Ahh…I was hoping……um…I've lost my….geography assignment sheet……..I was hoping Daniell still had his copy…….he's normally in front."

"What's your name?"

"Ahh….Rodney………Rodney Parkinson."

"Hang on Rod; I'll see if it's on his desk."

Walking down to Daniel's room, Danielle was there all ready looking for it. She pulled it from underneath her bra and handed it to me. "I'll talk to you in the minute young lady." I took it to the front door and handed it to the boy.

"Thank you...thank you."

"That's okay. See you later." I shut the door and counted to thirty. "Oh Daniel honey, do you have a minute?"

"Yes Daddy." he said sheepishly poking his head around the corner.

"Do you realise what would have happened, if you opened the door."

He nodded.

"Tell me how you would have explained that you have boobs?"

He shook his head, "I'm sorry Daddy."

"Just be careful, no opening doors at this address, in fact it might be better when you're dressed to come up to my place, especially now that somebody knows where you live. And anyhow, how does he know, I didn't think you were particularly friendly with any one at school."

"I'm not. He's in my geography class. That's all. He's a bit of an outcast at school, not that I can talk, but he's not very bright."

"Guessed that. Let's look at your boobs." I said changing the subject.

We went to the bedroom and Danielle took off her baby doll top. I looked around the false boobs. The skin appeared to be a bit puffy, but it could have been just the weight of the boobs pulling on her skin. "We'll keep an eye on it when we strip the boobs off tomorrow night." She nodded her head. "Get ready for shopping."

Laura was finishing cleaning up as I walked back in to the kitchen and cuddled her from behind. "Why do you put up with your boss?"

"I don't know."

"Why don't you quit?"

She thought for a minute, "Afraid. Afraid I wouldn't get another job. In three weeks I have been there ten years. I was toying with the idea of taking it and looking for another job."

"Come and work for me."

"Doing what?"

"I don't know. Do you know how to use a toilet brush?"

She turned to me, "Jeff!" I kissed her.

"Aren't you ever serious. You joke about everything."

"I'm serious about you."

"As that may be………" I silenced her with a kiss.

"Remind me to get a sports bra for Danielle to sleep in when we are out shopping"

"Okay. You know what?"

"What?"

"You are very good at changing subjects when I'm talking to you."

"Have to be good at something. Now get ready for shopping."

"Yes master."

  

Chapter Twenty Eight

Forty five minutes later, we met at the garage. Danielle was wearing a three quarter sleeve blouse in crimson, denim skirt and her three inch black court heels. Her makeup immaculate and sunglasses perched in her hair.

"You look very sophisticated, but I don't remember the skirt and blouse?"

"She bought them with her work experience money."

"Very good taste."

We headed to Chatswood, a shopping metropolis on the north shore, very trendy and hopefully a dress could be found for Danielle. On the way to Chatswood we discussed what clothes would be needed for the weekend of the wedding. My thoughts ran to some jeans, more skirts and tops to suit cooler weather, maybe some high heeled boots.

We parked the car and walked across the footbridge to the mall. We window shopped for a while, and eventually came across a shop that sold shoes. In the window were most the most beautiful pair of Italian leather ankle boots with a four inch heel.

We passed inside quickly and asked for a size eight to try on for Danielle. The assistant brought a pair from the storeroom. She slipped them on and walked around the shop. She thought they were very comfortable. She sat down and I asked for a pair of knee high boots to try. While the assistant was retrieving this item from the storeroom, I had Laura try on the ankle boots. She thought they were very comfortable. Meanwhile Danielle sashayed around the shop in the knee high boots, receiving admiring glances from men.

Wandering over to a clearance table, I found a white pair of strappy sandals with an ankle strap and four inch heel. Danielle changed again and did another circuit of the shop. Happy that every thing fitted, I pulled out my Amex card. Laura was aghast that I was going to spend that much on her. I signed the docket for twelve hundred and explained to her it was nice to spend money on some one other than myself for a change. She shook her head.

Moving on, we came to a jeweller. Here I brought a gold locket, some rings and bracelets. Laura sidled over to a showcase of rings, sneaking up I whispered in her ear, "See any thing you like?"

"No." she said jumping

"Pity."

Next stop was a bra shop, for a sports bra for Danielle to wear to bed. Weighed down with our purchases so far, I called a halt for lunch. The girls went to a coffee shop while I took the purchases to the car.

When I returned, lunch had been served. We ate and chatted, Danielle telling me what a cool Dad I was. We lingered over coffee, trying to get the energy to continue shopping. Finally rising, I paid the bill, but not before Laura and I fought over it.

Next stop was for a pair of stretch jeans and a figure hugging black knitted top. Moving along to Spencer's department store we found a black velvet pea jacket, bought some more bras and panties and looked through the formal dresses for the wedding. We found nothing that took our fancy and I said, "It doesn't matter, we will go in to the city next Saturday morning, although that will be the last weekend to find something. The wedding is the Saturday after."

Danielle made the decision to have her ears pierced, deciding to leave a stud in her left ear for school and take the other one out. We found a salon to have it done and while we waited for Danielle, Laura apologised for arguing over the bill. She felt that she should have some input to the day.

"It's fine, the only input I want is your company."

"I'm not used to people spending money on me. Can I be honest?" I nodded. "I'm afraid this is a dream, I'm going to wake up and find this huge debt, and no you."

"It's not a dream and anything you or Danielle or Daniel need is on me. Okay."

She nodded, although she didn't look convinced. I kissed her and told her I loved her. There was a "Ahem." behind us.

We turned to Danielle, "I was about to get a fire hose."

"Why? Where's the fire."

"Oh. You two."

We went next door to a shop that sold running shoes. Danielle selected something she liked the look of and sat down and tried them on, which we bought. After looking a couple of more dress shops, we finally called it a day.

On the way back to the car, I saw a small shop that sold signs. I asked them to wait, I entered and I found what I was looking for, a small sign declaring 'Danielle's Room'. Paid for, I rejoined them outside, with both of them giving me quizzical looks.

Heading for home, I told Laura of the plan for Danielle to dress at my place, as we couldn't take the risk of discovery, know that someone knew where Daniel lived. Laura thought it was a good idea.

After doing some grocery shopping closer to home, we arrived home near five o'clock. We took Danielle's new purchases to the second bedroom, which had an ensuite. Laura and Danielle went to get the rest of her clothes. While they were gone, I affixed the little sign to the door.

Admiring my handiwork, they finally returned, "I was about to send out a search party. You two get lost."

"We had a situation." Laura said. Danielle was quiet and sheepish.

"Oh."

"The doorbell rang and our young damsel answered the door didn't she." Laura continued. Danielle stared at the floor, hoping it would swallow her up.

"Danielle. Weren't you listening this morning?"

"Yes Daddy."

"Well, which part of Do Not Answer the Door, didn't you understand?"

"I'm sorry……..I just didn't think…….I'm really sorry." she sobbed.

"Who was it?"

"The boy from this morning, returning the assignment note." Laura said.

"Oh, just great. Did he say anything?"

"He was too busy standing on his tongue." Laura said giggling, "I'm sorry, he looked so funny."

Danielle was sobbing her heart out now. "Did you explain her?"

"No, just took the paper and thanked him. Shut the door."

"I know what the problem is; you're too comfortable as Danielle."

"What do you mean?" Danielle sniffed.

"Well….when I was your age, I was sneaking around the house when everybody else was out, dressing in mum's clothes. If I heard a car door slam, I'd be peeping out through the Venetians, checking on that it was not a visitor for the house or someone coming home, ready to change and run for cover. You on the other hand, are relaxed dressed. Nobody takes you for anything else than what you appear, a beautiful young girl. If I went out like you did this weekend when I was sixteen, I would've got out the front door for fear."

She brightened at this; I hugged her and said "I love you, but no more door opening. Your mum doesn't need that sort of crisis at home."

She turned and hugged her mum, "I'm sorry mum, I didn't think."

"That's okay honey; I know you didn't do it on purpose."

I showed them my handiwork, then we put her clothes in the built in wardrobes. Her makeup in the ensuite, till I could get a dressing table for the bedroom. I was about to make a suggestion for dinner, when Danielle asked her mum.

"Can I leave school and get a job, I'm old enough."

"S..sorry?"

"You know, leave school and get a job."

"Daniel or Danielle?" I asked.

"Danielle of course."

"Doing what?"

"I thought dad might able to help."

"Sure, know a bloke who packs containers of dog food for Japan. Heavy work though, twenty two tonne per container, always looking for new blood."

"Daadd! You know, your place."

"Who would you like me to sack, so you can have a job, Cindy or Charlene."

"Neither." she said looking at the floor.

Laura stepped over to her, "Honey, I know school is not your favourite place, but you need that piece of paper at the end. I don't think you want to work in a burger joint?"

She shook her head.

"If it's okay with your mum, when we're flat out at the studio, you can come and help and on school holidays. Then you've got the two weeks with Kim coming up, plenty to look forward to."

"You're right dad, thank you."

"Well, that's settled for the moment, I'll go put some dinner together." Laura said leaving the room.

"Okay young lady, let's find Daniel."

"Oh dad."

"Don't oh dad me. Most sixteen year old transvestites don't dress this often. You're doing pretty well I think." Danielle grabbed me and kissed me again on the lips.

"Danielle. Stop that."

"Just thanking you for all the clothes and shoes today."

"A simple thank you is fine. Now strip." She took off her blouse and wiggled out of the skirt, then off came the bra, her false breasts hanging free. Applying the solvent, I gently removed the forms. Daniel removed the makeup and showered.

After the shower, I studied his breasts, they did look puffy. He said that they had always been puffy, but now they were itchy and sore. He put a pair of panties on and asked if he could wear a skirt and top to dinner, which I okayed. I told him we'll keep an eye on the other problem.

Laura had prepared some sandwiches, we sat and ate. When we had finished, Daniel rose and cleaned the table, washed up, wiping down the bench tops without being asked. He came back to the table, "Mum, what do you want for your birthday?"

"Birthday?" I echoed.

"It's next Friday, she'll be thirty three."

Laura glared at Daniel, "I don't think Jeff is interested in my birthday, thank you Daniel."

"Oh, but I am. I'll buy you a present and we'll go out for dinner Saturday night."

"That'll be nice." she said. "Anyway we better go, I have to be up early, I'll be glad when I can afford another car and not rely on public transport. Thirty minute drive, takes an hour and a half by bus and train."

I walked them to their door, kissing Laura good night, "Can I see you tomorrow night?"

"Of course, as long as I get one of these." she said kissing me.

"Jeff." Daniel asked.

"Yea."

"Um…can I call you dad as well?"

"Sure. Alright with your mum?"

"Fine with me."

"Goodnight dad." he said hugging me.

"Goodnight."

 

End of Part 5 (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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