Sometimes, things don't go as planned. This story has taught me that repeatedly. I thought to write one thing and POW! Another segment simply appeared and before I knew it, I had a lot of stuff written. The saga draws closer to the end, but who knows when and how long away that end is. Please enjoy.

 

How Life Can Change

by Little Katie

Chapter XV

For every child there is a beginning; for some a new beginning...

The First Day

 

Emily felt a little strange waking up. Something was not quite right. It was not a bad feeling, just that something was different. Emily turned over and saw Barbara laying next to her. She realized where she was, her parents' bedroom, and accounted the distorting feeling to that. Emily felt warm and safe wrapped in Barbara's arms.

"Good morning, sleepy head." Barbara said cheerfully.

"Mornin'" Emily said with equal enthusiasm.

"So, how did you sleep?"

"I slept very well, thank you very much."

"Oh, such a polite little girl we are." Barbara gave Emily a little extra squeeze.

"Yes, that's me, a polite little," Emily paused for a second. "Girl," Emily smiled as she emphasized the last word.

"So, our little game helped a little, did it?"

"Yes, I think it did, I feel real good about who I am."

"And, who are you?" Barbara prodded.

"I am Emily Corsi," she said with confidence. "A polite, cute, little girl," Emily cracked up laughing.

"You find that funny?"

"I find it funny that I like it so much."

"Well, you were right, you are cute." Barbara kissed Emily on the top of the forehead.

"Thank you," Emily returned the kiss, landing one right on Barbara's cheek.

"I'm glad you are so happy, I have some good news for you."

"What, tell me, tell me." Emily got excited, assuming she already knew what it was.

"Well, your dad called me at 6 a.m. and you've got a brand new baby brother."

"I knew it," Emily couldn't contain her excitement, "I'm a brand new big sister."

"Yes, you are." Barbara reaffirmed.

"Cool."

"So, this is what we are going to do. You go wake up sleepyhead Sean and then get ready, looking very nice. After breakfast, we will go down to the hospital and you can introduce yourself to him."

"Great," Emily sprang out of bed, "I can't wait."

Emily adjusted her nighty as she got out of bed, not wanting Sean to see anything more then he bargained for. She walked down the hall, to her own room. It felt very strange to her, to enter her very own room, knowing someone else was sleeping there. She slowly opened the door, and looked at Sean laying under a sheet, the sleeping bag discarded. She quietly walked over to him, and gently shaking his arm, tried to wake him up.

"Hey, you," Emily said softly, "wake up, your foot's on fire."

"No it's not," Sean mumbled.

"Well there is something real ugly on top of your neck."

"Yeah, I know, it's my face, it's summer, I'm suppose to sleep." Sean pulled the sheet over his head.

"O.K., you leave me no choice then." Emily jumped on top of Sean, and as if she had a sixth sense, found his most ticklish spot and went to work.

"That's it, I'm up." Sean reached up and grabbed Emily's arm. He was much stronger then her, and with ease he rolled her over to the side and was now on top of her.

"Oh no," Emily laughed, "I'm in trouble now."

"That's right you are," Sean put on an evil grin, "because no one escapes the evil finger of doom." Sean put his finger in the side of Emily's ribs and began to wiggle.

"Stop, stop, that tickles," Emily kicked her legs as best she could with Sean sitting on top of them.

"Say, please." Sean smiled.

"Please, please, pretty please with sugar on top and whip cream and a cherry."

"Okay," Sean laughed, "But one please would've worked."

Emily laid there on her back, huffing and puffing, out of breath. Sean simply stared at her, even without her hair combed or face washed, she still looked pretty to him.

"You going to let me up?" Emily laughed and smiled.

"In a second."

"Why, you got something to do while up there?"

"Yeah," Sean gathered all his nerves together, he leaned down, puckered his lips and planted a kiss right on Emily's lips.

"Yuck!" Emily shouted and shoved Sean away.

"I'm sorry, really I am, I didn't mean nothing, honest." Sean removed himself from her, allowing her to sit up.

"I told you, I don't like boys." Emily wiped her mouth with her sleeve.

"But, I heard you with my mom last night, say you were born a girl." Sean looked confused. He must have sneaked out of bed to listen, and then gone back to bed. That was probably also when he discarded the sleeping bag that his mother had ordered him to use if he shared the bed with Emily.

"Yeah, so?" Emily made a face as if the kiss had tasted bad.

"So girls are suppose to like boys, or do you just not like me?" Sean frowned, not one of his playing-around frowns, but a genuine one.

"I like you, as a friend. I don't like boys like that, all girls don't like boys you know."

"I guess," Sean replied, "I was just checking anyway, to see how much of a girl you were."

"Really?" Emily stared at him.

"Yeah, you're a friend, just like I'm your friend. Sorry, if I made you mad though, it was just a test."

"A test, did I pass?"

"No," Sean laughed.

"You tease too much." Emily playfully slapped him. "Now go to your mother and get ready, we got to go to the hospital."

"For what?"

"My new brother silly, the reason you slept over."

"He's here already?"

"Yeah."

"Wow, I heard sometimes it takes like 3 days for them to come out. It took me 30 hours," Sean beamed with pride, "My mother reminds me every time I don't want to take out the trash."

Emily laughed. "Now go, I got to get dressed. I can't have some silly boy watching me while I take my clothes off."

"My loss," Sean laughed and then ducked a playful swing by Emily. Sean sheepishly left the room and walked over to the master bedroom to be with his mother.

"I heard laughing, what was going on?"

"Nothing," Sean smiled, "were you worried?"

"No, if it had been quiet, then I would've worried."

Sean laughed.

"So," Barbara continued, "what do you think of John now that he's a girl?"

"Isn't John dead, now that Emily is here?"

"Heavens no, what gave you that idea?"

"Well Emily is so different then John was."

"Is she, or are you looking at her differently now?"

"Maybe you are right, maybe I look different at her."

"You like how you see her now, though, I can tell, you are transparent."

"But," Sean pouted, "she doesn't like boys like that."

"Honey," Barbara smiled, "all the girls your age don't like boys like that. Why should she be different?"

"Because, I really, really, really want her to like me, I like her."

"That's because you are a little Casanova in your own little head," Barbara chuckled. "But little boys your age are obnoxious little snots," Barbara teased.

"Not me," Sean objected, "I was raised right."

"Trying to earn brownie points."

"Yes," Sean smiled.

"You do a good job, now stay here while I go check to see if Emily is through with the shower.

"Oh, can't I do that?"

"Only in your dreams," Barbara laughed. "I don't even want to see your head pop out from that door, you understand?"

"Yes, Mom."

"Good, watch some television. I will get you when it's your turn to use the shower."

Barbara left the room and walked down to the bathroom door.

"Emily," Barbara knocked, "can I come in?"

"Yes, I guess," Emily called from the shower.

Barbara opened the door and let herself in. "So, sweetie are you almost done?"

"Yes, ma'am, I am just rinsing off."

"So, I heard you having fun with Sean this morning,"

"Yes," Emily said then got defensive, "but we didn't do anything wrong, okay?"

"I never said you did, the thought never entered my mind. You are a very good girl, and my Sean is a very good boy. Unless I need to know about something."

"Did he tell you that he kissed me?"

"No," Barbara laughed, "did you kiss him back?"

"No, yuck, I don't like boys. Does that make me really not a girl."

"No, honey, want to know a secret?"

"Yeah, what?"

"I didn't like boys at your age either, I didn't like them until I was in high school."

Emily turned off the water, and stood in the shower letting the extra water run off her body. "I don't know if I will ever like them."

"That's your choice. Whatever you choose won't make you less of a girl."

"Good, because I meant what happened last night, but that part didn't change."

"Don't worry about it, you are much too young to worry about such things."

"Okay," Emily said as she pulled back the shower curtain, not fearing that Barbara could see her naked. Emily bent down, got the towel on the floor and dried herself in the shower. She then placed the towel on the floor and stepped out.

"Want me to show you something?" Barbara asked.

"Um, okay?" Emily answered, unsure where this was leading.

Barbara took a fresh towel off of the rack and wrapped it around Emily, having it come just under the armpits. She then tucked it in the front and turned Emily towards her.

"How does that feel?" Barbara asked.

"Tight, how did you get it like that?"

"The secret is in the tuck at the end, and keeping it tight to your body. Nothing more embarrassing then losing a towel and showing the whole world what you've got to offer."

Emily laughed, "I don't have much, I'm a little kid."

"Someday you will, now watch this." Barbara took another towel and wrapped it around Emily's head, making a smart looking turban. "This way your hair can dry while we do other things."

"What other things?" Emily asked, not yet used to a woman trying to help her without expecting something that didn't feel quite right in return.

"Well, you want to look very pretty for the first time your brand new brother sees you."

"Yeah," Emily smiled.

"Okay, sit up here." Barbara said as she picked Emily up and placed her on the counter.

"Okay, now what?"

"Well, lets see what color lipstick will go well with your cute little face."

"Bright red," Emily called out.

"No, bright red is too loud, we want to put on makeup in such a way, that you can barely tell that it's on your face."

"Oh, I didn't know that," Emily said.

"Well, you'll learn, many girls make that mistake. I think for you, we will go with a light pink." Barbara reached into a bag that was on the side of the counter and pulled out a small tube. "Now, make a kissy face, like this," Barbara made a face, and soon after Emily puckered her lips out. Barbara gently placed the lipsticks on, making sure that it was just perfect. "Now, go like this," Barbara said then sucking in her lips and popped them a few times. Emily did in like fashion, over exaggerating the movements.

"Now what?" Emily eagerly asked.

"That's it, you got lipstick on, take a look."

Emily turned towards the mirror, her lips frosted with pink lipstick made her smile. If she didn't know what her lips normally looked like, she wouldn't have really noticed. "Cool!" She exclaimed.

"See, that wasn't too hard now, was it?"

"No, it's not hard at all."

"Okay, one more thing." Barbara said while pulling out a compact, "Blush."

"But, I'm not thinking of anything silly," Emily objected.

Barbara laughed, "Not that kind of blush, makeup blush, to make you look like you are thinking of silly things all the time."

"Oh, oops."

"Smile big for me, let me see those cheeks and dimples."

"Okay," Emily smiled big, she didn't really have to try, she hadn't remembered being this happy in quite some time.

"There you go, so pretty, for being born a girl yesterday, you certainly know how to look cute." Barbara put some light blush on the child's cheeks. "Tell me what you think."

Emily turned around again, "I don't know if that's really me or the stuff."

"That's the idea, remember that when you go to high school and the girls want to paint you like a barn."

"Okay," Emily said, without really knowing what she was saying okay to.

"Okay, let's get this off," Barbara said as she removed the towel from around Emily's hair.

"It still looks wet."

"Yes, it's a little damp, but not as bad as it would have been, we can blow dry it out."

"Okay," Emily said while placing her hands on the counter.

Barbara reached to her bag, pulled out a hairdryer and a few brushes. "You have nice, thick hair, let's use that to our advantage," she said while placing the hairdryer on low. She gently ran the brush through the child's hair, going slow and deliberate.

"If you pull back," Barbara instructed, "you get fuller hair, like this." Barbara was like an old pro while she brushed Emily's hair. Though she went slow and deliberate, making sure everything was perfect, it didn't take that long.

"How's it look?" Emily asked when Barbara turned the dryer off.

"Look for yourself, pumpkin."

Emily turned around, she couldn't help but smile when she got the full effect. "Wow, is that me, my hair is so puffy."

"Yes, it's you. How about we go to your room and get you dressed, and let Sean use the shower."

"Okay," Emily said, and then suddenly gave Barbara a big hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Oh my, what a lovely reward, what ever did I do to deserve it."

"For being so nice and helping me."

"Well, I know your mom is going to be busy with the baby, but any time you need this kind of pampering, you make sure to come on over. You understand?"

"Yeah, but why?"

"It's most women's dream to have a little one to pass down her knowledge to. Don't get me wrong, I love Sean, but I can't do this kind of thing with him."

"Okay, I understand."

Emily hopped down, checked to make sure the hallway was clear, and sprinted to her room.

"Sean," Barbara called out, "take your shower and get clean clothes on. Breakfast should be ready for you when you are done."

"Okay, Mom," Sean called out.

Barbara went into Emily's room; the little girl had already lost the towel that was keeping her concealed.

"Oh my, don't you get undressed quick," Barbara laughed.

Emily blushed, even though no one could tell with the makeup on. "Sorry, I was wondering what to wear."

"Perhaps start with underwear, or you may forget later and give someone a free show by accident."

Emily laughed and went to her dresser. She pulled out a pair of blue cotton panties as Barbara went through her closet. Emily pulled them on and stood by Barbara's side.

"Which one do you think I should wear?" Emily asked.

"I think this one," Barbara pulled out a blue cotton Ralph Lauren dress that had a wide, red and white stripe going down the front center, "I like this one the best, do you?"

"Yes," Emily smiled, "it's the one you gave me for my party."

"Oh, I knew it was someone with impeccable taste; to be honest, I asked the girl that worked there to show me the current fashion."

"Why?"

"Well, you are going to be at the age where fashion matters, I hate for you to miss out on what the other girls wear."

"Cool," Emily said while she pulled the dress over her. "And it has buttons in the front, so I don't need help."

"Yes, it's a pain to be stuck, isn't it?"

"Big time." Emily laughed.

"Will you like to get on socks and sneakers and help me with breakfast."

"Sure, you bet," Emily said as she walked to her dresser. She pulled a pair of ankle socks out and put them on, she put on her white strapless shoes and checked herself in the mirror.

"You're a work of art, let's go to the kitchen."

Barbara put her hand on Emily's back and escorted her downstairs. They arrived at the kitchen and Barbara pulled out a big frying pan.

"Pumpkin, can you get me three egg?"

"Yes, ma'am," Emily said eager to please.

"We are going to make some scrambled eggs, quick and painless." Barbara said as she took the eggs from Emily's hand. "Now, I need some milk."

Emily came back quickly with the quart-size cardboard container.

"Okay, ever crack an egg?"

"No," Emily informed.

"Okay, it's a good time to learn. Watch me." Barbara cracked the egg against the frying pan and split it open with her thumbs. "Now you try?"

Emily tried to follow the example as best she could. She cracked the egg against the side of the frying pan, but when she split it some of the shell went into the pan.

"Oh no, I messed up," Emily frowned.

"You did good for your first time, don't worry about that little bitty shell. We will give it to Sean."

"No, we won't," Emily laughed.

"No," Barbara agree and used a fork to lift the shell out. "See, nothing to get worked up about, try again."

Emily cracked the last egg against the frying pan and dumped the content into the frying pan. "Look, no shell," Emily exclaimed, happy that she succeeded.

"You're a pro, I bet if you want you can become a world class chef when you are older."

"Really?" Emily's eyes grew wide.

"Certainly, you are a wonderful, bright and pretty girl, you can do anything that you want."

"Cool," Emily smiled as Barbara pulled a chair up to the stove.

"Hop up here, you aren't done making breakfast."

Emily stood on top of the chair and looked down onto the frying pan. Barbara put the heat on low and put a whisk into Emily's hand. For a few seconds, Barbara guided Emily's hand to make sure she did the technique correctly. Then she let go and Emily did it on her own.

"Keep stirring and we will add a little milk to make the eggs nice and fluffy."

"Like my hair?" Emily laughed.

"Yes, silly," Barbara poured in the milk, "you are such a good cook."

Emily smiled at the compliment, and kept on stirring until the eggs were fluffy, firm and all yellow.

"Now," Barbara instructed, put the eggs on the cool burner, even though I turned the flame off on this one it is still hot and we don't want to burn our breakfast do we?"

"No," Emily smiled as she was helped in moving the frying pan over.

"Okay, now get some bread and put four slices in the toaster."

Emily did what Barbara had told her, while Barbara put a serving of egg onto breakfast dishes. "Okay little girl," Barbara called, "put these on the table." Barbara gave Emily a plate at a time and Emily put them around the table. Emily also put a fork and knife at each station while the bread was toasting. When the bread popped up Emily put a slice on each plate and gave the grown up the extra piece. She then put the butter on the table.

"Emily?" Barbara called out

"Yes?"

"Congratulations, you just made breakfast, you are such a good girl."

"I had awesome help," Emily said as she walked in front of Barbara and received a huge hug. She felt warm and proud of herself. She also felt something else, something that made her feel even better than all that. For the first time since the accident happened, Emily felt totally accepted and wanted. She hugged Barbara back as tight as she could and buried her head into Barbara's belly.

"My, my, what is this all about?"

"Because you make me happy."

"You deserve it. Anytime you need me, I'll be there for you." Barbara said as she patted Emily's hair.

"What smells so good," Sean called out as he walked down the stairs.

"Breakfast," Barbara called out, "courtesy of Emily here.

"Cool, what can't she do?" Sean laughed.

"Nothing," Emily beamed.

The trio sat down and ate their breakfasts. Both Sean and Barbara congratulated Emily on a very tasty breakfast. Emily had to admit to herself that it was pretty good.

"Okay, Sean, clear the dishes." Barbara instructed.

"Only fair, Emily did cook it deliciously." Sean smiled at Emily.

After the table was cleared, Sean went out to the car as Barbara and Emily stayed behind for a second.

"Emily, I'm really glad we got to spend this time together, I know you have probably been having it rough. It's not an easy thing to adapt to what you have."

"I know," Emily replied stoically.

"Well, I wanted to tell you, that even though I'm not your mother, I care about you. If you ever need someone to talk to and don't feel like you can go to your parents, will you please come to me?"

"Okay. But, why?" Emily asked, wondering if Barbara knew some secrets.

"Because you are very special and I think I can help you some, it will be my honor."

"Okay, I will, Promise," Emily smiled.

"Good, you make me happy, just being next to me." Barbara tweaked Emily's nose and hugged her.

"Thank you," Emily said sheepishly.

"You're welcome. And, if I'm not readily available, you can do like we did last night and go to a special place where you feel safe, until I'm around."

"Cool," Emily smiled as she thought of the little game she played the night before.

Barbara escorted Emily out to her minivan, "Sit in back," she instructed as she slid the door open.

"Not upfront?" Emily asked quizzically.

"No, it's safer back there."

"For some." Emily said, thinking back on her accident.

"Don't get flippant." Barbara used her motherly tone.

"Sorry," Emily said politely, "I didn't mean to sound like I was talking back."

"Okay," Barbara smiled at Emily and patted her leg, "you guys talk nice and quiet as I drive."

Barbara got in the van and proceeded to drive to the hospital. Sean couldn't help but look at Emily in her dress and smile the whole way to the hospital. Emily didn't even realize that he wasn't always looking at her face.

The hospital wasn't that far away, the trio arrived there in short time. As Barbara finished parking, Sean made sure he got to the door first and slid it open.

"May I help you down, ma'am?" Sean said sweetly as he hopped to the ground.

"I guess," Emily answered, unsure what was going on.

Sean held out his hand and Emily grabbed it as she carefully stepped down. When Emily was on the pavement, Sean didn't let go.

"You don't mind if I hold your hand, do you? Just until we get to your dad, okay?"

"Will it make you happy?"

"Yes, very," Sean gave a toothy smile.

"Oh, okay, but I still don't like boys that way, understand?"

"Yes, you said it enough, but I'll take this." Sean laughed.

The two kids walked five steps ahead of Barbara, hand in hand. They didn't speak to each other. Sean was in his own version of heaven and Emily just watched the big building get closer as she wondered what her new brother looked like. After a few steps, Emily realized that she was walking hand in hand with a boy. The fact that a friend wanted to be close to her and accept her as she was, made Emily felt good. Even though she didn't have romantic feelings towards Sean, she did appreciate him and enjoy his company.

Barbara, checked in with the receptionist and found that Vivian was staying on the forth floor. The kids walked, still hand in hand, into the elevator. The ride up was slow, but the more Emily thought about where her hand was, the more she enjoyed it.

The elevator ride was much faster then Emily had hoped. Barbara had been glancing down and smiling. She left the elevator first and lead the way to Vivian's hospital room.

"We are going to see my dad soon," Emily told Sean.

Sean let go of her hand, "I understand."

"I still don't like boys that way, but thanks."

"You're welcome," Sean said as he gave a faux tip of the hat. "But for what?"

"For accepting me the way I am, I appreciate that."

"No problem, I will always be, at least," Sean emphasized, "your friend."

"Thanks." Emily said as they arrived at the room.

Barbara knocked on the door and opened it slightly, "You decent?" She called into the room.

"Yeah, come in."

The trio walked into the room, Emily saw her dad sitting in the corner.

"See," Barbara said, "I brought her back in one piece."

"Thanks," Vivian smiled.

"Need me to take her back, or what?"

"No, I will be going home in an hour, thanks for the offer."

"Okay, if that's all, we will go see the baby and be on our way."

"He's a big one," John smiled.

"Now, Emily, remember all we talked about, okay? I hope to see you real soon."

"Yes ma'am," Emily smiled, "very soon, I promise."

Barbara and Sean left and an awkward silence filled the room. Emily stood by the door, not knowing really what to do. She knew she had told on her mother, she heard the fight, and was afraid her mother might be mad for what she had done.

"Honey, will you leave me and Emily alone for a second."

John gave Vivian a knowing nod, he gently put his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm right outside the door," John said and then walked out of the room.

"You look very pretty today," Vivian complimented.

"Thank you," Emily looked down at her shoes.

"Come here, please?" Vivian practically pleaded

"Yes, ma'am." Emily shuffled her feet and slowly made her way to her mother's bed.

"I think someone owes someone an apology."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to tell Daddy and get him mad."

"Honey, no!," Vivian sat up. "I owe you the apology, not vice versa. You were very brave for what you did, I am in no way, shape or form mad at you. You did the right thing, Mommy was the one who did bad stuff. I am very sorry, really I am. I should not have done the stuff I did. Daddy arranged for me to talk to a special doctor about Mommy's problem. I didn't want to hurt you," Vivian began to cry, "My baby, I love you so much, and I hurt you so bad."

Emily started to cry to, she couldn't stop herself.

"Can you ever forgive me?" Vivian asked.

"I'll try," Emily said, choking on tears.

"Come here," Vivian opened her arms. Emily fell in them and allowed her mother to rub her back. "I'm sorry, so sorry, I promise I will get the help I need. I don't ever want to hurt you. I love you, you know that, I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

"I know," Vivian cried, "go with your dad, see little James, Mommy is going to stay here a few more days. Okay?"

"Yes, Mommy." Emily quietly retreated outside of the room, while Vivian still cried.

"Is she okay?" Emily asked her father.

"She needs help, she wanted to tell you herself that you didn't do anything wrong. We thought you might worry about that."

"Are you to staying together?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"Because, a lot of parents break up when things go bad."

"As long as Mom keeps her promise and gets help and doesn't try to hurt you anymore, then I will stick by her. If not, we will take that road when we get there."

"Oh," Emily couldn't think what to say, she didn't want to cause her parents to break up, even if it truly wasn't anything she did.

"You know what?" John asked gently.

"No."

"I think Mom loves us both too much to allow that to happen though. I am sure she will see it through, we've just got to be supportive."

"I'll try."

"I know, we both will." John smiled at his daughter. "So did you have fun last night?" He changed subjects as they walked down the corridors.

"Yes, I was born a girl last night."

"How's that?" John asked about the seemingly nonsensical comment.

"Mrs. Montgomery helped me pretend in my head that I was born a girl, this way I don't have to worry about people knowing that I was once a boy."

"And that helps?"

"A little, it makes me feel better thinking about it."

"Oh, good. So you didn't do anything with Sean that is for boys and girls?"

"Daddy!"

"Just checking," John paused, "but you didn't right."

"No, I don't like boys that way."

"Still?"

"Yes, still."

"Okay," John smiled as he patted Emily on her head. "By the way you look especially pretty today."

"Mrs. Montgomery helped me with the make-up. I wore it special for little Jamesy."

"Okay, you did a good job," they arrived at a window and stopped. "There he is," Dad pointed to a bassinet towards the back.

"Is that him." Emily said, surprised at how small the baby seemed.

"Yes, thought he would be bigger with how big Mom's tummy was?"

"Well, yeah, he's so little."

"Yeah, I bet you thought he would come out ready to play games with you."

"Kind of," Emily admitted.

"Well you're his big sister now, he is going to need you to protect him and teach him."

"Yep, that's me, the big sister." Emily smiled and made funny faces through the window.

"You'll do great." John put his arm around his daughter and gave her a small hug. The two stood there for fifteen minutes, just watching at the baby.

"Ready to go, sugar?" Dad asked Emily.

"More then ever." Emily smiled.

 

It looks like everyone turned a corner in this chapter. It may be the feel-good chapter of the whole series. I think there is a lot of cutesy stuff in here, but also a lot to go with the conflict resolution. But, does Vivian go through with the help? Emily seemed very comfortable with Barbara, is that an option? Will she ever like boys? Does it matter?

  

  

  

*********************************************
© 2004 by Little Katie. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, and compilation design) may be printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without the express written consent of StorySite and the copyright holder.