"Monday's Exams"

Rosalyn was slowly dancing her pawdigits along her mate's chest, purring softly as the morning light peered into their room.  She still didn't understand what got into Sampson's mind that Saturday afternoon; she didn't know what got into her mind either. Rosalyn was still trying to figure out why she just allowed Sampson to be her little preschool kitten the rest of the weekend.  She was also quite surprised that their kittens took the odd behavior well...though Rosalyn was pretty sure Sampson had something to do with that by telling Kyle who naturally shared that information.  It was a strange feeling for her to come back to something she buried about 10 years ago, but the strangest thing was she enjoyed it.  She enjoyed taking the wheel from Sampson and taking care of her big, strong mate as if he was a kitten.  It was about then when Sampson slowly woke up, his tired eyes gazing at his mate while her paw worked to undo the snaps on his sleeper. He wanted to say something, but all that came out of him was a soft cooing noise, which made Rosalyn smile.  She ruffled his chestfur and licked his nose, leaning into him.

"How did my Sampsie sleep?" Rosalyn asked with a sing-song voice.

"I sleep good, Rosie!" Sampson tiredly announced as she rolled him on his side, slowly undoing his sleeper, tugging his legs out of his clothes.  As his legs were exposed, she playfully shook her head as she saw that her so-called grown-up kitten was as soggy as the very kittens the two of them were raising together.

"My my, my Sampsie is all wet," Rosalyn cooed and licked his cheek, finally undressing him, then finding one of his fresh diapers and working it under him.

"Not in front of the kids!" Sampson fussed as she got him out of his soaked diaper and cleaned him up, "Rosie...Rosalyn, would you be bothered if I wore diapers all the time, not just to ageplay?"  Rosalyn blushed as he suddenly shifted back to his adult mindset.  He never wanted to be in diapers before when he was grown-up; something must have been different this time for him to ask this of Rosalyn.

"A-are you alright with that?" Rosalyn blushed furiously, "I mean...you never did before but knowing of how you grew up, I wouldn't mind doing that for you."  Sampson blushed in surprise that Rosalyn was going along with his idea for the second time in two days.  Was she so used to it now since Kyle and Jessie were in diapers all the time?  He shrugged as she gently lotioned and powdered him, then snuggly taped him in; Rosalyn must be since it seemed normal to her now.

"I'd like that," Sampson blushed as Rosalyn started to dress him up for work, still treating him like a little kitten.  He would have protested before, but now...he just wanted his mate to tend to him his morning as he was recovering mentally from his meltdown that past Saturday.  She cooed and smiled as she finally stood him up and kissed his cheek.

"Okay sweetheart," Rosalyn purred as she hugged him, "I'll get you a case or two them since that's what your wanting - maybe some clothes too."

"Thank you, Rosie," Sampson smiled.

"May I ask though?" Rosalyn smiled as she got herself dressed, "Are you feeling better; from Saturday I mean."

"I think I'll manage," Sampson nodded as he started to brush his fur out, "But, we both will need more time to face our fears."

"That's why I'm your mate," Rosalyn purred as she hugged him, then combing her own fur, "We're in this together, including our shared trauma over our Naomi." Sampson nodded as she gently walked with him to the kitchen, motioning him to get some bowls for cereal out as she picked out what they would all eat.  As she opened the cereal, she saw their two kittens scampering about, all dressed up for their field day and ready to play.  She gently petted there heads and helped them up to the bar, licking their cheeks as they giggled at their mom.  Shortly afterward, Sampson sat down between his two kittens, an audible crinkle and rustle was heard as he sat on the stool.

"Dad?  Did you actually go through with your promise?" Kyle asked quietly.  Sampson gave Kyle a hesitant nod, "It's okay dad, I don't mind if that's what you needed.  Just promise you'd be our big brother sometimes."  Sampson blushed softly as he started to eat his breakfast.

"Children," Rosalyn mewed softly as she poured the milk, "I got something big to tell you.  Your daddy for now on will be shopping with you at the cubs' store.  You see, he needs protection just like you do."

"Mom, I know," Kyle answered softly, "Dad told me a few days ago.  It's okay.  I only want dad not to be shy about it around us; we know what he's going through."  Rosalyn nodded softly and hugged her kittens as Jessie was also in agreement.

"You two are okay with this?"

"We are, momma," Jessie mewed softly as she munched on her cereal, "Just promise daddy can play with us like he's our brother."  Rosalyn blushed, but nodded.

"Okay dear," Rosalyn nodded, "If he feels like a little kitten, I'll make sure Mommy Rosie allows her kitten to play with you."  Sampson eeped as Rosalyn told the kittens that he could play with them when he was feeling little, "Though, I think someone needs a diaper bag if he's gonna be in diapers all the time now."  Sampsom just gulped as Rosalyn finished up, then started to look around for something that'd be at least dignified for Sampson to use at work, finding a good black leather messenger bag, then going to her room to pack a few changes, wipes and powder for her mate.  While the kittens were overjoyed that their dad could be a playmate for them sometimes, Sampson was embarrassed about being a little kitten around his own kids.  It's the kind of role reversal an ageplayer would not involve themselves with most of the time...but most ageplayers he knew of didn't have a mate or kids of their own.  It would certainly be interesting for sure but how will his home life adapt to Rosalyn sharing this formerly secret part of Sampson's life.  He kept thinking about his odd circumstances as his kittens went off to clean up and get ready for school as Rosalyn kissed his cheek with a happy purr.

"Can't believe our kittens will be out of school in a few days, can you?" Rosalyn purred as she hugged her mate.

"Just yesterday I remember us getting up at 3 in the morning to take care of our fussy kittens," Sampson whispered, "Now it seems to be me who's getting up at 3 AM for you to soothe."  Rosalyn nodded as Sampson cleaned himself up and finished his morning grooming.  Just as long as he didn't draw much attention to himself, he surpised, it should be so bad if he needed protection like his kittens.  He gave his two kittens a big hug before they headed off to school, his kittens smiling as they scampered off to the bus.

When the two kittens boarded the bus, they looked around for their neighbors, finding them studying some books up towards the front of the bus.  The two knew that Charlie and Melanie were getting ready for a pair of tests that would eat up most of their day.  It was a bit of a letdown on a fun day, but for Charlie and Melanie, if it meant that they could get into an environment that would be better for them, it was something they had to do.  Kyle and Jessie plopped down in the seat across from them, looking at what the two kits were reading.  A little annoyed with the silence, Jessie decided to batt at Charlie's ear which made him squirm about.

"Getting ready for your tests, Charlie?" Jessie mewed softly as she looked at the two kits.

"Mhmms," Charlie nodded, "Mel and I didn't get much of a chance to play after we got home.  Dad shooed us along to study the rest of the weekend to make sure we were ready."  The two kittens nodded.

"Wow, that's boring," Kyle replied as he tried to see what they were reading as well.

"Did you two do anything fun?" Melanie asked softly.

"Mom had dad all tied up yesterday," Kyle nodded, "But this morning we found out why though.  I think our dad finally opened up to mom about being a little kitten again."  The two kits giggled and smiled a bit.  Compared to what they were doing, it was much more interesting to hear about their dad's infantile interest coming back up.  "Heard a lot of crying though...both mom and dad.  I think they were both facing their past when dad was playing."

"I bet he was, Kyle," Melanie nodded softly, "I wonder if dad feels the same when he looks for someone to be a good mate for him, knowing what happened with our mom."

"Isn't it weird," Jessie purred softly, "Our parents seem to have dark marks on their souls...and they are both facing them."

"That's the first time I've ever heard you use such words, Jessie," Charlie perked his ears up, "But, did you at least get your dad to agree to be your playmate?"

"We sure did," Kyle nodded, "Mom even called him Sampsie." The four kids giggled as the bus finally pulled into school.  "Well, it looks like you and Mel have your tests today. Good luck you two."  

"Thank you!" Charlie and Melanie nodded as they hopped off the bus, heading to their respective classes.  

Both Charlie and Melanie were extremely nervous for the exams coming up for them that morning.  As their dad told them, if they did well they could get the help they need to get the classes and preparation they wanted.  It could also mean they could finally be grouped with classmates who were more mature, open and intellectually interesting.  Even if the odds were stacked against them by the school, they had to take that chance.  Because of that, they were both having a hard time trying to focus before their examination time.  They had plenty of exams already in school, but these tests as they were told were to be the most challenging they would ever take so far.  Even the preparatory snacks the counsellor left them didn't help much to alay their anxiety.  As the clock moved forward to nine-thirty, Ms. Amazonus made her way around the school, collecting Charlie and Melanie from their respective activities and brought them to two seperate rooms so they would have no one else in the room as they took the two tests.  The cayman counsellor ushered Melanie into the first room, then Charlie into the second room, a light blue-walled room  that was just big enough for a couple of desks and a timer.  There were plenty of pencils and a sharpener so they didn't have to worry about running out of writing utensils.  After Charlie got situated in his desk, Ms. Amazonus made an annoucement over the special PA system for just those two rooms.

"Good morning Mr. and Ms. Silverleaf," Ms. Amazonus announced, "Today, per the request of your father and with the approval of the school board, you two will be taking two tests today. The first test is an IQ test; the second test is a college entrance exam used by every college to determine admission.  The results of both tests will be vaild to determine if you are to be accepted into accelerated or gifted programs or if you are put on a fast-track to college.  The first test will run two and-a-half hours; after that you will have your lunch and nursing break.  The second test will run two and-a-half hours as well.  The timer up over the door will tell you how much time you have left.  You have all the tools you need to take the tests including scientific calculators.  If you have any questions, please tap the button on the upper-right corner on your desks.  Any questions?"  Neither kit needed to tap the button.  Seeing no questions, Ms. Amazonus tapped the timers to start and said "Begin," their exams starting upon the announcement.  As Charlie opened the booklet, he felt daunted by the first exam.  He found it tough to focus on the first question initially as all the studying had made him nervous and anxious.  Charlie started to panic as the timer ticked.  He didn't know what to do.  He didn't want to be left behind in school; other than Kyle and Jessie, there was no one he could really related to at all.  This test could give him the opportunity be that much closer to an engineering degree, just like dad.  As thoughts thoughts swrilled in his mind, an image started to form in his head.  Melanie?  Why are images of his sister appearing in his head - this was the not the time for such thoughts.  But these were not the thoughts that would distract someone if they were thinking about a girl.  Instead of distracted him, the vision of Melanie was grabbing his left paw and guiding his pencil through the tests.  As Charlie started take control of his pencil and started to answer the questions to the best of his knowledge.  The image of Melanie smiled as he continued to work, industriously answering the many tough questions in his first exam.  He didn't know why, but thinking of his sister helped calm him and brought focus to his work.  As he completed the first section of the exam, he could hear a faint voice; not a real one, but it was real enough to him.

"That's my Kit," the image of Melanie cooed into his ear, "Don't forget why we are both doing this. We brought ourselves up together, challenging each other and bringing out the best of each other.  Me, an aspiring artist who loves to study the nature of things, how the world dances and the chemistry of life.  You Kit, an industrious minded fox who loves to design things, to think deeply and stand up for what you believe in.  You study history to understand where you are going.  Kit...we compliment each other.  I hope it's more than just academic though...I want it to be spiritual too.  You can do it, Kit."  The voice quieted down as he kept working along, fighting his way through the exam as he completed every single question.  He didn't pay much mind to the time but managed to finish the exam just a few minutes before the timer fished; just enough time to double-check his answers to his satisfaction.  When Ms. Amazonus came up to pick up the booklet and shooed him along out of the room, he barely noticed Melanie; Charlie was too focused on making it through the examinations.  Melanie could tell that Charlie was too focused, she was too and she knew too well when Charlie was in that state of mind not to break up his attention.  The two quietly ate lunch and allowed the nurse to take care of them before they were ushered into the rooms once again.  The cayman counsellor again gave the announcement for the exam and again, nether kit had any questions as the timer started.  As Charlie opened the test booklet, he didn't feel as hesistant in working the exam.  He saw Melanie's image again as she laid a paw on her shoulder and just gave him an imagined lick on the cheek as he started to work on the test.  Charlie had no problem digging into the test this time around and time went much faster.  Whereas the last test he barely finished ahead of time, he was able to finish the test with ten minutes to spare. Once again, Charlie made sure his test answers were the ones he wanted and as the exam timer rang, he had let out a sigh of relief.  As Ms. Amazonus came over to pick up the booklet again, she noticed how calm Charlie was and gently ruffled his head.

"Well Mr. Silverleaf," Ms. Amazonus smiled, "You look much calmer than when you came in.  How did you do that?"

"I...I just had some calming thoughts," Charlie answered shyly, not mentioning that he was thinking of his sister who was peering in at him that very moment.

"That's good," the cayman nodded, "You were a nervous guy when you came in for the first exam."  Charlie slowly got up and walked over to his sister as Ms. Amazonus gave them their last instructions, "The results of your exams will be available in a couple of weeks, okay?  So be patient as they are scored and the school discusses what they mean.  So, you two just go on out and unwind; the buses will be here shortly."  The two kits nodded and walked out slowly to the waiting area.  When they were sure the cayman counsellor wasn't in eyeshot, the two gave each other a big hug and kissed each other's cheek.

"How did you do, Kit?" Melanie asked nervously.

"I did good," Charlie nodded, "But not at first...as Ms. Amazonus said, it was extremely nervous. Were you as well Mel?"  Melanie tried to shake her head but she knew she was lying to herself if she did shake her head.

"I had so many butterflies I could have had a butterfly house," Melanie blushed, "What calmed you down?"

"Would it be weird if it said it was you?" Charlie asked shyly as they walked over to gym where their classmates were waiting.

"K-kit?  I was going to ask the same thing," Melanie whispered lovingly, "I couldn't even start till I heard you whisper into my ear.  I saw you hug me and guide my pencil to the test booklet."

"I saw your image to the same thing," Charlie whispered back, "You gave me some wonderful words too as I completed the first section...it was almost in those love stories where two lovers confess their feelings."

"This is so weird," Melanie mumbled, "Weird, but I liked that.  Your image said the same thing to me."  Melanie started to feel a tad lightheaded as they whispered.  Thankfully Charlie managed to catch his sister and gently sat her down beside his classmates, apologizing the teacher for her being in the wrong place since she was about swoon and faint.  Though as with all good things (or at least odd things), the school day came to an end and Charlie carefully helped her into the seat and kept watch over her so she could breathe and recover.  Jessie and Kyle again sat in the seat across from the two kits, looking puzzled as why the two were so drained and exhausted.  The kittens were out and playing, the kits were taking two very rigorous exams and not being that physical.  Nonetheless, they were curious as to why Melanie was zoned out of everything.

"Charlie, what's up with Melanie?" Kyle asked as Charlie just allowed Melanie to gently lean to him.

"Melanie is a little light-headed," Charlie answered quietly, "We had a long day...and we both kinda saw each other in the exams."

"Ms. Amazonus would have a fit if you did!" Jessie mewed in panic, "She is really harsh on students to sneak out of those exam rooms...just like she hates the mean name the students call her."

"Nothing like that," Charlie blushed softly, "We both had mental images of each other giving us encouragement."

"That must have been magical," Kyle blushed softly as the bus made it to their neighborhood.

"It was," Charlie blushed as the bus pulled out Charlie and Melanie's house, helping his sister up as he started to disembark.  However, someone else was following them and it made Charlie suspicious.  After he got off, he finally got a view of who was following them; it was Julieanna, warmly smiling at the two.

"Don't worry about me you two," Julieanna smiled, her grey tail swished in the air, "Your dad invited my mom to come over and wanted me to watch after you two.  As tired as you two look, I think you need it."  Charlie blushed as Julieanna helped the two to the door, their dad waiting for the three to come to the door.

"Well Julieanna," their dad smiled, "Looks like you have two tired kits to watch after."

"Just Julie, okay Mr. Silverleaf?" Julieanna smiled, "Should I get these two changed?  All the test-taking probably pooped them out."  Their dad chuckled and smiled as he bowed, allowing her to escort the two kits inside.

"It's about that time, so go ahead," Kendrick smiled, "You better give them a paw as they look too tired to change each other."  Julie nodded and smiled as she walked the two to the playroom, making sure the "Do Not Disturb" sign was up.  She then laid out a blanket for the pair and their basket of changing supplies for the playroom.

"Okay you two, both of you on the blanket," Julie smiled as she patted the blanket, watching the two blush as they laid down.

"S-sorry Julie," Charlie mumble, "Daddy doesn't let us change together."

"It's okay, I'm here," Julie smiled as she gently undid their shorts and got them out of their soggy pants, bagging them in plastic grocery bags, "Besides...I don't mind if you two help each other if I'm around."  The two blushed, but smiled as Julie gently cleaned them up.

"O-okay," Melanie blushed shyly as Julie lotioned them down and powdered them, looking at Charlie tenderly as Julie fitted them into matching diapers, playfully fuzzing their cheeks up.

"I take it you two have changed each other recently?" Julie giggled sheepislhy, "And curiously, why do you two wear matching diapers...and girly ones?"

"It's a long story," Charlie blushed furiously, "M-mel looked so pretty in her pink diapers and so...I wanted to see what they looked like on me.  When she fitted me in them...I loved it so much. Boy's diapers aren't that cute."  Julie smiled and giggled as she got their shorts back on them.

"I see," Julie smiled as she hugged the pair, "So, how did your exams go?"

"They were tough Miss Julie," Melanie said tiredly, "We were both nervous...but we saw images of each other and it was alright."

"You two support each other all the time?"

"Sure do," Charlie nodded as she shooed the two to the kitchen.

"I barely know your sister, Charlie," Julie smiled, "But you two seem to be the best siblings I've ever met.  So supportive and so sweet to each other; is there anything you two get in fights over?"

"We still bicker sometimes, Julie," Charlie stuck his tongue out as the three started to make supper together, "Where's dad and Ms. Erica?"

"Oh, those two are out at the park," Julie smiled as she got the dry goods out, "I want to make something for supper my mom and I like to make."

"What's that Miss Julie?" Melanie asked the wolfess.

"I'm gonna make some Thai peanut curry," Julie smiled, "Charlie, mind getting the pork, bean sprouts and shoots?"

"Sure thing!" Charlie chimed in as Melanie helped Julie out with the vegatables.  The two kits were a little nervous about having a kitsitter help out with them, but to their relief Julie was a very good kitsitter.  They felt at home with her and she didn't mind if they helped each other change though she might be a tad puzzled if she saw the two really give each other a helping paw during their change.  Even still, Julie was also having an unexpectedly good time with Charlie and Melanie; she felt like they were just her little brother and sister as they helped her out making the curry, surprised when Charlie was boiling the vermaccelli rice noodles for her as she worked on getting the vegatables and meat all nice and cooked, then simmering in the peanut sauce.  Melanie even offered her a nice bottle of Shirley Temple soda which Julie happily accepted.  The three just bonded and started to get the place settings ready for everyone just as the door opened.  Kendrick and Erica finally came back from their walk, Erica's nose twitching from what was cooking.

"Supper is about ready!" Julie barked as she worked on draining the noodles and adding them to the simmering meat and vegatables.

"Oh, Kendrick," Erica smiled, "Hope you're not allergic to peanuts, Julie is making peanut curry for everyone."

"It's okay," Kendrick smiled, "None of us have peanut allergies. Kits, is the table set?"

"Don't worry about that," Julie smiled, "Everything is ready.  Just wash up and meet us on the table." The grown-ups nodded as the two families gathered together for a nice meal together.  The kits and Julie sitting on one side of the table and Kendrick and Erica sitting on the other.

"I'm surprised that you accepted my invitation," Kendrick blushed as he helped the children with their helpings.

"Not at all," Erica smiled, "Thought it might be a good experience to know the family of the fox kit who has been helping my girl with her science."

"Ehe," Charlie sheepishly laughed as he started to eat his meal.

"And Kendrick is pretty cute, I'll have to admit," Erica blushed, "Such a cute...Cross Fox with some touches of Siberian fox?"  Kendrick nodded as he started to eat as well.

"I usually take the nickname "Mutt fox" with some affection," Kendrick mumbled, "Though sometimes...especially if it was my ex, would use that as an insult."

"I prefer Kenny," Erica barked and smiled as the three children slurped on the noodles and made a general mess of their place settings save for Julie who at least kept her area tidy.

"Know something mom," Julie smiled, "I like 'Kenny,' too."  The two kits giggled as they finished up their plates as the older furs took their time to finish their plates.

"What did ya talk about dad?" Melanie asked as their dad reached over with a wet cloth to clean their muzzles.

"Not too much, kiddos," Kendric smiled, "Just the basics; what Ms. Erica does, what here interests are...that kind of stuff.  Don't worry, we're just going to be good friends."  Erica blushed softly, not because he said they would be good friends, but because she was already fond of Kendrick.  He smiled and shrugged a bit.

"You know Erica," Kendrick smiled, "I found that I'm happier just being a good friend.  That way no one is rushed into anything; if something happens, it will happen."  He then gently leaned over and whispered, "I can feel that you're a little more found of me than you lead on but be patient.  I like you just like this; two single parents who have much in common and kids who really like each other."  Erica nodded softly as she finished up her food with Kendrick being the last to finish.  Since no one was getting seconds, Charlie and Melanie immediately went to take care of all the dishes on the table, getting them nice and neatly loaded in the dishwasher.

"Mr. Silverleaf, what else would you like to do?" Juile asked, "It's Monday so maybe something short."

"How about we sit down and watch some cartoons with the kiddos," Kendrick suggested, "Might make us grown-ups all silly but I like to spend time with my kids so once they are all cleaned up, let's go over to the couch."  Erica and Julie nodded and agreement as Charlie and Melanie picked up a few bananas for themselves to eat.

"I think your kits are already ready," Erica smiled, "Let's meet them over there." The three agreed, with Erica and Kendrick sitting up on the couch as Charlie and Melanie got cozy with their bananas on the floor and Julie sitting right behind them.  As the television was set to the cartoon shows, Charlie and Melanie started to feel the rest of the world peel away from them as they slowly at their bananas.  Melanie was the first to finish, softly cooing as she leaned into Charlie while Julie discreetly peeled the banana from her paw as she cling to her brother.  Charlie followed about a half minute earlier with Julie taking care of their banana peels; the peels didn't matter to the kits as they were so tired they melted into each other.  Erica and Kendric didn't pay any mind as Charlie and Melanie did that; even if the two were doing anything, they were too tired to notice anything else as they gazed at the cartoons playing, Charlie nuzzling Melanie's cheek as she murrmurred softly.

"Thanks Kit," Melanie cooed happily, "Those tests wore me out."

"Me too," Charlie smiled sleepily, "Didn't think they tired me out as much as tug-o-war does."  Julie giggled as she heard the two tiredly talk to each other; it seem so sweet that the two were watching after each other. However, she noticed something unusual though; when Charlie had just nuzzled Melanie, she affectionly murred and pulled him in.  It seemed a little more than just sibling affection to her. "Could it be?" Julie was thinking to herself, wondering if the two kits were being more than good siblings.  She wanted to ask the two but she felt that was something better suited for their dad to sort out if he did notice.

"Think Miss Julie would have to bathe us too?" Melanie whispered.

"She might have to," Charlie mumbled, "Don't think I can stay up." The two kits tiredly cuddled each other as they kept watching cartoons. Charlie was right though as the two basically drifted off to dreamland by eight.  The two parents smiled as they noticed the two falling asleep.  Without being asked, Julie decided to take it upon herself to help the two bathe and get ready for bed.  She was serectly hoping for the two kits to be amorous while she bathed them; no luck, the two were basically out for the night.  So after getting them dressed up, she gently tucked each kit into their own beds and ruffling their hair as she told the two good night.  When she came back up, she noticed her mom was trying to cling to Kendrick who was just watching the shows.  Like the kits, she did wonder if her mom was already attacted to the kits' father; perhaps why she made the invitation was that she wanted to get to know him better because she was interested in Kendrick.  Julie did gently remind her mom that it was time for them to go too.  While Kendrick was disappointed, he didn't mind since it was still a school night.

"I'm glad you came over Erica," Kendrick smiled as he gave her a warm hug, "I really enjoyed our evening with the kids, made me feel a little nostalgic."  Erica blushed softly as Julie helped clean up things around the house before they left.

"I did too, Kenny," Erica smiled, "Made me feel a little nostalgic too - that brief period of time where I still had my mate with me but before he got sick."

"Come over again sometime," Kendrick answered, "I like this much better than those single mingle events; much calmer, much more peaceful.  And my compliments to the cook."  Julie blushed and barked in agreement.

"Don't thank just me, Mr. Sliverleaf," Julie smiled, "Your kits helped out too.  I'd thank those two in the morning."  Kendrick smiled and hugged Julie.

"I think I will be calling you often if I need a kitsitter it seems," he smiled as the two wolfesses made their way to the door.

"Don't hesitate to call then," Julie smile, "Even if you don't need one, I'd like to come over just to play with them."

"Sure thing Julie," Kendrick smiled as Erica gave him a very shy kiss on the cheek, "Good night you two.  Hope to see you two soon."  As the two went out to their car, Kendrick sighed happily.  He really did find a normal family evening with a friend to be comfortable and tender; Erica was a good mother to Julie and Julie really took good care of the two kits.  As a teenager, he knew Julie might have a summer job but he was really thinking about having Julie around often for his kits.  He really enjoyed how she treated them like her own siblings and was involved with their activites.  But like Erica, the thoughts she had were mutual; he just wanted to take his time.  Erica was just the friend he needed.  Before he retired for the night, he made sure his kits were snuggled up and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek, then slowly closed the playroom door knowing that they were safe and sound; a peaceful end to a wonderful evening.