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Lemon to Lemonade Ch. 02

By: Mandy01



For those of you who still have an interest, the very absolute final chapter. That dog's been done to death. Again, I have to thank winterfoxx for invaluable assistance and insight with editing. Enjoy 

Lemon or Lemonade 

Chapter 2

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I heard was footsteps and there was no daylight coming in through the one small window in the basement. I heard mum and dad chatting amicably about how nice the wedding was and how good James and Michelle looked together.

I wondered why I didn't feel angry or even sad they were talking this way. I stepped out from the basement door. "Was it a nice wedding?" I questioned without malice.

Mum and dad looked at each other for a minute or two before mum replied, "Yes Kelly, it was. James looked dapper in his tuxedo and Michelle, well, she looked absolutely stunning in her bridal gown. I know you don't like your father and me staying friends with Jam..."

I held my hand up to stop her. "No mum...no, I think that you have every right to stay friends with James. He's a good man, too good for the person I was. I hope he finds happiness with his new bride. I mean it, I really do!" I know I was sad at this thought. But in a way I did feel better I could congratulate James and Michelle without feeling bitter."

There was a pregnant pause before dad said his first intelligible words to me since I had come back home. "How was your day?"

I had tears welling in my eyes and a lump in my throat and I didn't care. "I had a good day daddy, very informative and it's getting better all the time." I choked as I wiped at my face. "I'm sorry I haven't got dinner ready, but I wasn't sure when you two would be home."

Dad looked over to mum and scratched the back of his neck, something he always did when embarrassed. "Not to worry, I'll call for takeaway," he mumbled as he turned to go into the kitchen. "Chinese alright with everyone?"

Mum smiled as she winked at me. "Yes sweetheart, Chinese will do just nicely!" To me she said, "Your father and I didn't eat all that much. I know I was too nervous, worrying if everything was going to come together. In the end it was perfect."

The meal that evening was better than any I had ever encountered. I was included in the conversation, a lot of it was in relation to James and Michelle's wedding. Although still feeling a little uncomfortable, I was able to keep a smile on my face.

Just before dropping off to sleep I had a sudden idea, which cemented itself in my head the more I thought about it. As usual I was down at Beverley's next afternoon. "Bev, can I ask you for a favour?"

"Sure sweetheart, as long as I don't have to move fast. I'd be delighted to help out."

I smiled and asked, "Do you know anyone else in the neighbourhood who needs a helping hand? I need some money and I thought I could do some housekeeping or laundry for a small sum of money."

Bev thought for a minute and pointed to a little address book sitting beside her phone. "I was wondering when your impecuniosity would start to annoy you. Hand me that book if you will Kelly. I think I know just the person to ask."

"My what?"

Bev laughed. "Your lack of finances my dear. You have been penniless since your divorce. I was wondering when you'd be looking to improve that position!"

I just shook my head and commented, "Why don't you speak English next time? Did you swallow a dictionary when you were a child?"

I got another round of cackling from that statement. "No, but think about it for a minute. What else does an old woman have to do apart from knitting? I do crosswords to fill my spare time and keep my mind active. It's an old adage, use it or lose it!" 

An hour later, Bev had set me up with interviews with six working housewives in the neighbourhood. I started out with two or three hours a day. With the practice I had at home, I was able to set a routine that enabled me to take on two houses a day and still stay up with my chores at home. The ten dollars an hour made all the difference. The heartfelt thank you and compliments I received from work-harried wives was enough to make it satisfying as well. I asked Bev not to say anything to my parents and she reproved, "You better be doing this for good and not bad, child!"

I smiled right back at her. "Ohhh you have no worries about that. It's something I have to do, sort of atonement for my sins if you like. I realise like your knitting, there is only one thing I can do that is all mine, and I want to do something for some people that deserve it."

Bev frowned but said nothing. I know I was keeping this project close to my chest. I didn't know if I could do it at first and I didn't want to have the pressure of others knowing and waiting for the result.

It took three weeks of solid backbreaking work before I had enough money, just over seven hundred dollars. I bought the raw materials and took them to the basement. I read on the net about the technique and process involved with my idea. Even after all my research into the process, I still wasn't sure if I could do it. It all depended on the final step and that was the most expensive part and could make or break the whole package.

I worked diligently for hours, many times into the wee hours of the morning. Mum asked me on numerous occasions what I was up to. I just smiled and said if it works the way I want, then she'll never know. I laugh at the confused look on her face and tried to assured her it wasn't anything bad.

I found a place that could do the finishing touch, but they asked for more money than I had. They said they would start and I could pay it off. This meant I had to work for another two weeks before I had the full price. I completed the project and delivered the items for the final step.

When I got them back, I couldn't believe how nice they looked. I was actually excited as I carefully packed them up and wrapped the package in floral white wrapping paper I knew mum had. I added some flourish with a nice white bow on top. Tonight will be the night I delivered my present.

I walked into the house a week later after another afternoon of homecare. I'd decided I had to pay my parents back for the bill I incurred with the detective agency. Also having my own money felt good and I wasn't sponging off my parents. Mum was sitting in the living room. "Can I talk with you a minute Kelly?"

I moved to a chair opposite her, sat down and handed her two hundred and fifty dollars. She looked at the money and asked where I had got it and what it was for. "It's to repay the loan you and dad gave me to pay the detective agency. I've been doing housework for some working mothers in the neighbour. I thought it time to pay my way!"

My mother watched me with an expression I couldn't decipher. "I'm impressed Kelly. Doing this off your own bat is another good step forward and while I'm pleased you've taken this step, there's still something you're keeping secret. You want to tell me about it or is it still a big secret?"

I shrugged my shoulder. "I don't know what you're talking about mum. What's wrong? Have I done something to make you mad at me again?"

"Not that I know of, but you have been awfully secretive lately. You have to understand, it does worry me a little bit. I need to know what it is you've done."

"What makes you think I have done anything?" I know I was skirting the subject. I knew I had been caught out and I wasn't all that worried. I just didn't want any fuss.

"Kelly, listen to me girl. I'm not angry with you. I just want to know if you did it. If you did, then why?"

I sat with my head down wondering how she found out. "What is it you think you know and I may be able to fill in the gaps?"

Mum sighed in exasperation. "Kelly...you have a way of frustrating an angel. I was over at James's place today and they showed me a wedding present that mysteriously just showed up on their doorstep last week. They've been ringing around trying to find out who sent it, and to thank them for it. Being the sort of present it is, it's certainly an original! They want to thank the person responsible."

"So why ask me? I didn't even go to the wedding and they wouldn't have wanted me there even if I had. So to think I would give them a wedding present is unrealistic to say the least."

"Jesus Christ Kelly, Okay, I know it was you, I was hoping you'd come out with it by yourself, I haven't said anything to James. I wanted to talk to you first. The wedding paper was a one off print that I got in a special consignment. I know because James saved the wrapping paper. There is no way anyone else had access to it. It had to be you Kelly, and you've been working your arse off for the last month and a half. Now I know why! What I don't know is why you did it?"

I sat there for a minute and thought, and then decided to come clean. "Yes mum, it was me. Mrs Pascoe and I have been talking, and...and I don't know, I just had to do it. I could've bought something traditional, something cheesy and a whole lot less expensive. However, that would have just been some slap in the face to them and that's not the reason I did it. Mrs P. was knitting for the church fete and said she does it to show her appreciation for everything the community has done for her."

I was fidgeting with my purse, "She said it was the giving of one's self that made it important and worthwhile. I've never given anything to anyone in my entire life. I have always taken. I have now found out how good it feels to do something for someone without being push into doing it. I was always good at art. I managed to get hold of the photos you had of James, Michelle and the entire wedding party. Hand painting the plates was a challenge. Having the design fired was the most expensive part, but I got an amazing amount of enjoyment and satisfaction in doing it."

Mum just sat there and looked at me. Still fidgeting with my purse I asked, "You mad at me for doing this?"

Mum came around the table with tears in her eyes and wrapped me up in her arms. "No sweetheart, not in the least. However...." She held me at arm's length to look me in the face, "I think we need to let James and Michelle know who sent the special gift. They both think it's one of the best wedding presents they have received."

I looked up to mum. "They said that? They liked their quintessence imagery on the plates. I really tried hard to get their likenesses just right. James was easy as I could paint him in my sleep. Michelle's on the other hand was harder, especially when I tried to get her veil just right. I have a dozen disasters in my room if you're looking for china to throw at the next Greek wedding you're invited to."

Mum burst out laughing. "I'll keep that in mind sweetheart. Now, what are we going to do about this little secret of yours?"

I shrugged sadly, I hadn't done enough in keeping my present a mystery. "Do we have to say anything? It was what I had in mind when I decided to do it. I'm not looking for recognition, or thanks, or anything really. I suppose I'm still being selfish? I did it to make myself feel better. A little self-penance you might say! If you think James should know then I can't stop you. Although I'm a little worried they may throw the present back in my face once they find out who it's from. I know they probably have every right."

Mum didn't say any more about the present. That is at least not to anyone outside the house. Dad was coming around and talking to me more and more. I was happy to be back to square one.

~...~

I now saw it was time to move on and fend for myself. I said as much to mum as I handed her the money for my loan. "With this last payment, all my financial debts are paid in full mum. I think it's time I got myself a place and paid my own way in life. I want to thank you and dad for not giving up on me. I know there are parents who would have just sent me packing."

Mum held me and wept tears of sorrow and joy. I know I wasn't clear-eyed either. "I know I said some nasty things to you Kelly. I didn't say them because I hated you. I said them because what you did hurt so many people and I felt responsible for that hurt!" I understood her grief and held her until we both stopped crying.

Dad helped me into a small unit not far from a supermarket I had started working for as a check out chick. After all, I still had no car and public transport is so unreliable. With no real job skills and the job not paying much, I kept on with my housekeeping. Between the two, it was enough to keep the wolves from the door. Money didn't matter as much, I certainly didn't have enough time to myself to socialise to any great extent and truth be known I wasn't in the mood either. 

There were times when I needed to get out of my unit. I generally went to my parent's place after doing housekeeping for the neighbours or over to Beverley's. She had recovered remarkable well from her hip replacement and many a time she commented that I didn't need to be doing housework for her anymore. "I don't mind Bev, really. I enjoy the time we have and if we both get in and get it over and done with then that's all the more time for us to chat."

"Beverley shook her head. "You don't want to be spending your time gasbagging with an old biddy like me. You should be out there having fun and meeting people of your own age!"

I just smile every time and tell her to shut up and give me the gossip. "I missed out on a lot of tuition while growing up Bev. I need to do that now so I can make good sane decisions from here on in!" Beverley is a fountain of information. I found out some interesting things since I have been talking with her.

Then my past came back to haunt me. I was just knocking off work and walking out the employee's door when I heard someone call out. "Well there stranger, haven't seen you in years. I thought it was you Kelly, I just had to make sure it was."

I looked up to see Tracy Kenmore standing not more than five feet away. My eyes narrowed. The last person I wanted to see was anyone from that bunch of...as James put it, reprobates. "Yeah well, hi, now we can go another ten or twenty before you drop right off the radar totally."

"Ohhh that's nasty Kelly, especially when I wasn't involved in your marriage break up! If you remember, I left the group when I realised Carol was just using us all. I tried to warn Sue and told her Carol had a bull ring through her nose and was leading her around. I even tried to warn you, but by then, your mother had pulled you out of school and I thought you'd dodged the bullet."

"What do you want Tracy? I have no idea where Sue is. I haven't spoken to her in years!"

Tracy smiled and then giggled a little. "I know where my stupid sister is. She's gone to the States, chasing the glittering lights of Las Vegas from what mum says. She never did have a brain in her head. I'm almost certain she was only one grey cell heavier than that airhead Beth Veivers. I was wondering if you'd like to have a coffee with me?"

I debated for a while, still suspicious of her intent. "Okay, your shout. I'm on a budget!"

We sat and talked on nothing in particular until Tracy asked the question I was waiting for. "Have you seen Carol or Pam lately?"

I felt a surge of anger and snapped irritably, "I already told you I haven't and I don't want anything to do with them either. I have just got back in the good books with my family. I have no wish to destroy my one last chance!"

Tracy held her hands up as a shield. "Settle down Kelly, I'm not the enemy here. I think what those whores did to you was despicable. But you have to admit you did put yourself in that position for Carol and her sluts to con you again!"

I started to tear up all over again. I thought I'd gotten over the pain. However, rehashing it all over again showed me it was still an open wound. "Yeah well, it still hurts. I lost someone important to me because of them. It still wrangles me to think I was so stupid as to believe what Carol was shovelling."

Tracy sat there just looking at her cup before speaking up again. "You want to know something funny?"

"What can be so funny when it concerns those sluts?"

Tracy grinned. "What if I told you that out of everyone connected with that mob, you and I are the only ones to have a life worth living!"

I looked up at Tracy and her eyes were gleaming with wicked spite. "Really?"

She nodded. "Really! My stupid sister Susan is most likely on her back somewhere being used by some Yank punter as chip money. Beth is living in a world of her own. I have no idea how she survives. She hangs around with bikers and has more artwork tattooed into her stupid hide than the Sistine Chapel. She's certainly not with Norm any more. He was done for tax evasion and is serving a stretch in prison. I don't know when he'll get out."

"This is the biggie for you! Pam has been diagnosed with AIDS and won't last another twelve months."

My eyebrow rose at that bit of gossip. Tracy continued, "Chad dodged that bullet. Not because he was smart but because after he was kneecapped, he put on so much weight and turned into such a slob, Pam stopped having sex with him not long after. He's not that much better off though, hangs around St Vinnie's looking for handouts most days.

Carol flits between jail terms on prostitution charges and back allies trying to make a few dollars to buy her next fix. Between what the inmates have done to her in prison and her drug dependency she's nothing to look at any more. She does mostly blowjobs, since her pussy isn't what it used to be either. No one has seen Mal and Ben since James brought the curtain down on the lot of them."

I sat there not knowing what I felt about Tracy's revelations. I knew Carol used drugs on occasions. Maybe a little pot but never thought she'd get hooked on the hard stuff. "So there you go. You may think your life suxs, but I can say you're in a far better position than any of the others. You have a legitimate job. A place to lay your head at night, and family and friends you can turn to when you need help. You're not doing too bad sweetie!"

I smiled at the thought that what Tracy had said was true. I tended to concentrate on what I lost and not on what I had managed to gain back. "I suppose you're right Trace. I'm lucky I have a family that didn't give up on me. I thought for a while I was all alone. But now I think about it, it was me pushing them away, not the other way around."

Tracy and I chatted well into the afternoon on past events from our school days. I filled her in what I had been doing and how I'd started to straighten out my life. It was a rather pleasant afternoon considering.

Tracy started to smile and I enquired as to what she was thinking. "You know some bloke by the name of Steve Duncan?" She asked.

I thought for a minute. "Didn't he drive that American car?"

"Yeah that's him, a black Trans Am if I'm not mistaken. He got caught by some bloke knocking off the wife and spent a couple of painful months in hospital for his trouble. From what I heard, that little fucker wants to take it careful from now on. He only has one nut left to operate with."

"I think he's the one James grabbed to get into the party and then did a runner after that. I'm not surprised he's been worked over. Always thought he was a bit of an arrogant arsehole. He kept trying to shove his cock down my throat after being in my arse. I told him the fastest way to get it bit off was to try that again. What happened to his car, James said it was blocking his driveway and had it towed away. I think it went to the car crusher?"

"Nahhh, although Steve couldn't find the money to get it out of the police impound yard. A copper by the name of R. Hin SC rescued it from being crushed."

"SC?" I enquired.

Tracy nodded. "Senior Constable Ron Hin! It seems he has a soft spot to Classic American sports cars, couldn't stand the idea of it turning into a paper weight."


Lemon to Lemonade Ch. 02



I just nodded and thought about how some people don't ever learn from their mistakes. "So what about you, what have you been up too?"

"I'm a housewife and mother and loving every minute of it. I got away from Carol and her bunch at the right time. I met my husband Jake and we have two little boys Thomas and Steven and a baby girl Janelle. I love all of them to death and they keep me pretty busy."

Tracy then hit me with a dilemma. "Would you be interested in coming for a barbeque and meeting them?"

I hesitated for a minute and Tracy commented. "I'll understand if you don't want to. I was just being fat headed and wanted to show off my family. Sorry if it upset you."

I smiled. "That's not it. I'd love to meet your family, but I have a little problem. Mum sees you as part of Carol's gang, and I don't know what she'll think if I tell her that I've met up with you. The last time I met up with anyone from my past, I almost destroyed my mum and dad not to mention James and my marriage."

Tracy patted my arm. "I understand, but if you really want to, you can bring your mum and dad along with you. We can have a barbeque and it'll give me a chance to apologise for some things I said to your mother while we were in school."

~...~

I was surprised that mum didn't go ballistic when I mentioned Tracy and her invitation. "So what do you think?"

"Kelly, I have no problem with Tracy, as long as she doesn't try to turn your head inside out like Carol did. The fact that you came to me straight away shows me that you're thinking along the right lines. How about we suspend judgement until after the barbeque?"

I sat relieved I had made the right decision. I was just getting over being touted as the moron of the century and it does have an effect on your self-confidence. The barbeque went off well, Tracy apologised for some of the nasty things she said while a stupid teenager and tried to apologise for her sister's part in my marriage breakup.

Mum wouldn't allow it. "You can't go around feeling ashamed and apologising for what your sister does!" We spent the afternoon and evening playing with Thomas and Steven. Mum went gooey eyed over Janelle. I have to admit that she did pull at my heartstrings too and I got that clucky feeling a lot women get when in the presence of babies.



~...~

I kept my head down and in two years, I'd managed to find some close friends. They knew I didn't have a lot of money and so when I begged off early from after work drinks they just waved and thanked me for coming. Tracy kept in touch. I think she appreciated a baby sitter that was reliable.

She wouldn't hear of it when I said she didn't have to pay me. I tried to tell her that I enjoyed playing with the children. It got her goat when she found out I was using the money she paid me to buy stuff for her kids, but I just giggled. "I earned that money as you so rightly put it Trace. And since it is my money, then I think I have the right to spend it as I see fit." Tracy just shook her fist at me and smiled through her frustrations while I smirked.

I worked my way up through the chain of command at work until a new manager took over. Michael Kincaid was a pleasant enough man if a little distant at times. Most of the staff got along with him and he would take time to have a chat with everyone most weeks. It may only be for five minutes, but certainly help the rest of us feel a little easier in our workday.

One thing that gave me great satisfaction was getting my very own bank account along with a credit card. When I applied for it, I was still living at home so that's where it was sent to. Mum rang me at work to say I had mail. When I got there and opened the envelope, I just stared off into space in thought. Mum noticed. "Is there something the matter darling?"

I smiled. "No mum, I was just thinking about the last time I held a credit card." I looked over to her and sighed, then waved mine in front of me, "James owned the last one, I just got to use it! I had no worries about paying it off, no hassles with the banks if I overdrew it."

Mum could see the misty look on my face. "This is all yours darling! This one you'll have to be responsible for."

Dad surprised me when he chopped into the discussion. I hadn't seen him standing in the kitchen sucking on a cold one. "My advice Kelly," He started as he pointed his beer at the card I was holding, "is to not charge anything that you don't have the funds to pay off at the end of the month! It may be nice not having to pay it all in one go, but it will cost you dearly in interest down the track!"

I thought back to the denouncement I received from James about using credit cards. Beverley was right. I had bought my husband and used sex as I did the credit card. I paid the minimum monthly payment, and as dad was saying, it cost me dearly for that error in judgement."I know dad, that's one lesson I will never forget!"

~...~

For the last six months, I have been doing some sign writing on chalkboards for the veggie department. The staff and customer thought doing little caricatures of vegetables with balloon text boxes was a great lark, as though the veggies were selling themselves. I got a wonderful sense of accomplishment by putting my artistic talents to work.

All this was done on my lunch break, or either before or after work. The reasons for doing it was because I thought it added a little personalisation to the supermarket. The fact that I got enjoyment out of it was just a side benefit.

Early Monday morning, Michael called me into his office. "Take a seat Kelly. I'll be with you in a minute." I was worried about my job. Michael had cleared out some of the slackers in the shop and I feared I was next. With little or no qualifications, the chances of getting another job were slim. I always thought I pulled my weight, but maybe Michael didn't agree? I sat nervously looking around the office.

Looking over a folder on his desk, Michael nodded then looked up at me. "You have a very good attendance record. The best we have in fact. Haven't missed a day or been late for work since you started here. Your work ethics are commendable Mrs Garret. It'd be nice if all our employees were as conscientious."

I smiled nervously, "It's Ms Garret, I'm divorced. I do my best. I have little training in anything else so I compensate by doing the very best I can at what I do." It was nice to know that my efforts were actually being noticed. Michael's eyebrow rose as he put the folder down and sat back interlacing his fingers together in front of his stomach as he tapped his thumbs together.

His facial expression was one of contemplation but it still worried me. I felt as though the other shoe was about to drop. "I'm sorry Ms Garret, I haven't been right through your file as yet. I just assumed that with you being around my age that you'd be married." Michael's face seemed flush as he apologised, he quickly continued, "I was talking to Ron in produce the other day and found out you're the one with the artistic flare."

I nodded not sure how to respond. "I have to admit that your drawings give a certain quality to the dull produce tickets. How would you like a challenge and tackle some artwork for the entire store? I've talked it over with upper management and they agreed to a trial. We wish to see how it comes across with the customers."

I sighed in relief at the news and then grinned. "It'd be my pleasure. I enjoy doing it. It's therapeutic you might say. If you let me know what you're after, I can do up some designs after work and see how you like them."

Michael contemplated this for a minute. "No, no I don't want to wait that long. I'm keen to see how this works and so are the guys in head office. You can have Ms. Wallace's old office to set up your own office. See Kathy for any art supplies you may need and you can get to work straight away."

We talked over possibilities for the next hour or so. Michael didn't make any promises but if I could do this right, then I had a chance to make something of myself other than a lowly paid checkout attendant. Not saying that anyone who does that job isn't worthy of advancement, but it did tend to be a dead end career to anyone who had little to no ambition.

I was astounded! I couldn't believe my good fortune. I had originally done some simple drawings to brighten up a drab uninteresting section of the store and now it looks as though it has turned into a full time job with something I love doing.

On the way home I had to tell someone, so instead I raced over to my parent's place to tell mum. She was smiling like a Cheshire cat as I related my good news. "That is wonderful news sweetheart, but it's only what we'll been telling you all along Kelly!"

I sat back and sighed, still trying to get my head around my good fortune. "I know mum! Give a little to get a little, the selfish not only hurt others, but hurt themselves as well!" I brightened and continued. "The best thing of all is that if this gets off the ground, then I'm looking at a promotion and salary package to go with it. Checkout chick to art designer, I'll finally be able to get a nicer place and maybe even a car." I shivered with excitement.

Mum patted my arm to calm me down. "No putting carts before horses Kelly, one small step at a time! I am pleased to see you now have ambition though. Anything your father and I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask." 

I thought about what mum had said and then shuddered about the last time I heard that statement. I certainly put the cart before the horse with my hair-brained scheme. If I had found out that James hadn't gone to bed with Michelle and come home early, then I wouldn't have been over at Pam's acting like such a stupid cum dump. Not that it would have made a great deal of difference. James had already found out what I was up to and that was enough to bring my whoring into the open.

I now realised I had doomed my marriage long before that fateful night when James burst into Pam's place and caught me red handed. All I would have done is prolonged the agony and maybe suffered just as much. I do think if I had used what little grey matter I had, I'd have saved James and my parents the initial heartache. However looking on the bright side, I do believe that if it weren't for the trauma that episode caused, I very much doubt that I'd have learnt anything from the destruction of the marriage.

I vowed never to do that again.

If mum's reaction was pleasing, then my father giving me a hug is something I'll never forget if I live to a hundred. We'd been getting along better than I'd ever hoped. Since the breakup of my marriage, he had never really touched me or held me in his arms and I did miss that. "I was wondering if your mother and I had wasted our money with all those art classes you took at school. Good to see our faith in you has been rewarded. Maybe we can get you to do a family portrait, signed of course. One never knows when you'll get famous and we'll have the first Kelly Garret original. "

I laughed and punched him on the arm. "I seriously doubt that dad, but thanks for the encouragement. Maybe for your next wedding anniversary I'll do a portrait of you and mum!"

Bev was just as excited with the news as my parents were, although she had a little advice to add to it. "It won't happen every time Kelly. There are people out there that will take advantage of your good will. The main thing to remember is not to do anything for one specific reason. If that reason falls through, then all you have done is for naught. The main reason for giving is so you feel good about it within yourself. That way if the gesture doesn't have the desired impact on those around you, you still have your self-satisfaction to fall back on. Anything you receive after that is pure gravy."

My life was finally back on track. It had been a dark and dismal couple of years interspersed with periods of clarity in the pursuit of learning to organise my priorities. I doubt it would have happened without the love and determination of family and friends. James was right again, without them, you're alone in a hostile world.

I have seen James and Michelle on a few occasions. Many a time I wanted to go up and make a formal apology, but chickened out at the last minute. I have sat outside their place on numerous occasions willing myself to go in and apologise for my stupidity and arrogance. I drove off every time with the notion they haven't any interest in hearing anything from me.

My life went on progressing in uneven leaps and bounds. Some days were good while others felt like I was going backward. Bev comforted me in those times and said it's all part of life. "As long as you're taking two steps forward and the occasional one back, then that's all you can wish for." 

Where was this woman when I was growing up?

Michael came in to my office about six months after my promotion. I'd been given more responsibility with extra stores to design artwork for. Not just in house promotions now, but I'd been given the opportunity to do actual advertising to be placed in leaflet drops, newspapers and magazines.

Some bean counter in head office did his thing and the big wigs found out they could save a great deal if they employed their own graphics designer and cut the expense of employing someone to do it from outside. This was a completely new area for me, as it required me to brush up on my computer graphics with night classes. It was a challenge that stretched my imagination and talent, but I was determined not to let Michael down for giving me this opportunity.

"Nearly finished for the day?" He casually enquired.

I looked up from my latest project. "I'm having a little trouble with this latest design; I have to admit to feeling a little frustrated. There's something missing and for the life of me I can't work out what it is."  I went back to the design I was working on, bending down to go over every detail with a critical eye.

"Hmmm, frustrated Ay? Might be an idea to leave it alone until something pops up, how about joining me for a drink?"

I stood up and turned to see Michael leaning against the door jam with his arms folded. I had the distinct impression that he was checking out my arse as his eyes rose to meet mine. His comment and the sly grin told me I wasn't wrong.

"Are you asking me out on a date? And what exactly is it you're expecting to pop up?" I don't know what came over me. I haven't flirted with anyone in such a long time that my face felt it bloomed in a red hot flush.

Michael shrugged and chuckled. "If you want to call it that, I was just thinking drinks to get you out of here and allow you to relax a little." I had the impression that he was comfortable with himself and didn't want to embarrass me any further, "You spend an excessive amount of time here. Just because you're on salary now, doesn't mean you have to work a hundred hours a week Kelly!"

I did relax, then I put my magnifying glass down and sighed over getting past that awkward moment. "I enjoy what I do Mike. I don't have much of a social life, so I need something to occupy my time!"

Michael laughed aloud. "Has it ever occurred to you the reason you have no social life, IS because you spend so much time at work?

I laughed along with him on that one. "Okay then, maybe you're right. Lead the way. I'm not getting much done here anyway."

That was the first of many drinks. I liked his humour and style. He never openly hit on me, but I could sense his developing interest. I did have a little heart ache as I realised that Michael resembled James in so many of his attributes.

It was the way he would shepherd me through a crowd one arm out in front, with the other hand in the small of my back guiding me. It was something James had done when we were married. It gave me a sense of protection that I loved.

Although not anything alike in looks, but as far as personality goes, they could have been twin brothers. I got the distinct impression Michael wanted more from our relationship and I anguished over how far to take it.

I asked Beverley for her opinion and she just laughed. "I have no idea Kelly, this is your decision, your life, and no one can make it for you. Just ask yourself two questions. "Have I learnt anything from my past, and have I punished myself enough?"

That caught me. "You think I'm punishing myself?"

Bev just smiled. "Ohhh, you're definitely still punishing yourself! You work hard at four jobs and rarely go out. If you're not working, then you lock yourself away in your unit. What does that tell you? I think it's time you stopped. James isn't vindictive Kelly, I doubt that he's petty enough to wish you a life of a shrivelled up old spinster, working her finger to the bone. I think you've proved that you can be a decent person, so go and get life, stop this mopping around.

I didn't know the answer to either of Beverley's questions with any certainty. I did understand what she was saying but found it hard to judge my own actions, so I spoke to mum about it. "Do you have feelings for Michael?" 

I chewed my bottom lip. "Yes, I think I do. I don't know if it's because he's so much like James or if it's something completely different. I know I'd like it to go further, but then I remember what I did to James. I get frightened that I might fail again. I don't want to put myself or anyone else through that ever again."

Mum gave me a big hug. "I doubt that you'll ever make that mistake again sweetheart. You will make different mistakes as sure as the nose on your face, but I doubt they'll be anywhere near as devastating as that one."

~...~

Michael and I dated for almost a year and I was feeling more comfortable every day with him. At work, we conversed like any other boss and employee would. When we were out together, we left work behind. I'd feel wicked and aroused every time he rubbed my bum in public when no one was looking, or whisper salacious comments when there wasn't anyone in earshot. It wasn't anything outrageous, but it made me feel naughty in the least and libidinous at the most when in his company.

Sometimes I'd go home with my panties literally saturated from the flirting. Some of the other girls at work asked on many occasions when the wedding bells were set to peel. I just smiled and shrugged. "I haven't even got an engagement ring yet, how would I know?"

It took Michael almost six months of very romantic courting and yes, wicked flirting before I felt sure enough this wasn't just a short term office fling. Finally, after a particularly romantic evening, I felt secure enough to ask, "Would you like to come in for a night cap?"

"Hmmm, let me see? Stay and try my luck with a gorgeous woman, who is worth every frustrating day I have been living these last six months? Or go home to an empty flat, a cold beer, and just as cold bed, then lay there wondering where my brains have disappeared to?"

"So I take it you'll be heading off then?" I quipped with a nonchalant wave of my hand.

Michael grabbed me around the waist and lifted me clear off the floor. I squealed in surprise and wrapped my arms around his neck holding on for dear life. He felt so strong. I was nothing more than a feather for him to wave around. "You are one hell of a tease Ms Kelly Garret. I do not intend to go anywhere. Now that you've open the door, I intend to see to it that you never ever want me to leave either."

That night I exploded in fiery passion! The years of abstinence and the last six months of constant flirting erupted into the culmination of all my sexual energy being released. Michael was a tender, considerate and accomplished lover. His raw sexual power made me hotter than a blast furnace and wetter than I can ever remember. Prior, my own fingers were the only release to the sexual frustration that had built in me from time to time. Now I let it all out and I believe even Michael was astounded as to my display.




Lemon to Lemonade Ch. 02



I was certainly shame faced once I recovered. "I'm sorry Mike, but it's been such a long time since I felt attracted to a man with such intensity."

To Michael's credit, he waves it off. "And here I was thinking I was god's gift to the female gender."

I dragged him to me and whispered breathlessly. "You have nothing to fear with your ability. I was blown away. You do again even half what you did tonight and I'll be a very happy woman." My pussy tingled as I said it.

Michael and I talked then made love again. I was in heaven. This wasn't the raw sexual battering I'd experienced during my disgraceful episode of infidelity. This was tender loving and I was impressed by his stamina and ability to recoup so quickly. The most I have seen one man ejaculate is four times in one night, and Michael out did that by fifty percent and sent me into a sexual daze along with it.

When I walked into Bev's place the following day, she must have seen it in my face. "Well well, if it isn't the cat that has stolen the cream? What have you been up to my dear? You're simply glowing!"

I felt the blood rush to my face as it reddened. Having to admit to Beverley that I'd been sexually active again was embarrassing. "Mike and I...we...Ummm...we..."

Bev held her hand up. "No need to explain your amorous dalliances my dear. I'm way past caring about that kind of gossip. I'm surprised it has taken this long for your beau to persuade you. He's either a real gentleman or an incompetent wuss." Beverley cackled her head off at her little joke.

I just stood there with a quiescent smile on my face. "You finished laughing your silly head off. Michael is far from incompetent. He's the most wonderful lover I could possibly hope for. I dare say even a little better than James, but don't quote me on that. I think a little bias might be unfair to James."

Bev got herself back under control and started to make tea. "Okay Kelly, I can see you have something you need to get off your chest." I shook my head in wonder. Beverley could read me like a book.

"You do know you've finally made it Kelly? You've beaten the odds! I know there were many people who wrote you off, said that you were damaged goods, and only fit for societies rubbish dump. I have to admit it didn't look good at the start but my god girl; you certainly pulled your socks up and straightened yourself out. So what's your problem now?"

"I think I'm in love...No, no I know I'm in love. However that has brought up a lot of worries I don't know how to handle. Michael has been hinting for a while it might be a good idea to take our relationship to the next level. I don't know what I'll do or say if he pops the question."

Beverley frowned. "You worried you'll fail again?"

"NO!" I shouted in panic. Then a little more quietly, "I mean no, that's not it. I'm worried if or should I say when he finds out, I'll lose him. I'd be going back to being an 'A' class moron if I thought Michael wouldn't find out about my past. Right now I can walk away and although it'll be heart breaking, I know it won't hurt as much as if I go ahead with this relationship and he leaves because of something someone has told him."

Bev poured our tea and sat thinking. "Have you so little faith in Michael?"

I thought about it for a minute. "No, I don't think that. What's worrying me is if he finds out from someone else, then it can be said that I deceived him and he'd be right. I know what deception does to a relationship first hand. I don't want my next relationship, or marriage for that matter, to be under such a cloud!"

"Then you have only one avenue left to travel. You'll have to tell him!"

I sipped my tea and stared at the vase of roses on the table. "No...no, I can't do that either. I'll be tempted to sugar coat it. I need someone to tell him how it was, with all the gory details. Someone like you or mum perhaps."

I didn't get much sorted out talking to Bev, except that she agreed Michael needed to know what he was getting himself into.

Once I was home again, I remembered Michael was coming over for dinner. I thought of something James had said to me many years ago and because of that, I was racing against time as I looked at the clock. "Damn, I might not make it." I kept up the pace, flinging my clothes off as I checked the oven. I found out Michael loves roasts and pork was one of his favourites with plenty of crackling and applesauce.

With a quick peek out the window, I saw Michael pull into the visitor's carpark. "Yes!" I said to myself. One last trip to the bedroom to check myself over to see all was where it was supposed to be, I walked past the kitchen picking up the last item I needed on the way to meet my lover at the door.

The doorbell rang. "It's open!" I sang out then had an immediate frightfully thought. "What if he's not alone?" I had no time to panic any further as the door swung open. "Surprise!"

Michael stood there dumbfounded. Well he would be, wouldn't he? I was kneeling at the front door waiting my lover, clothed in nothing but stockings and CMF's. Trusting the beer in hand would add weight to what I hoped was a wicked and sinful smile on my face.

"Ohhh dear! You sure can say surprise, a gorgeous surprise!" My heart rate quickened and knew it was working as I saw the bugle in his trousers grow. Michael quickly glanced over his shoulder suddenly remembering the door was still open and anyone coming down the hall would get an eyeful of his girlfriend on her knees and naked.

He shut the door and I handed him his beer, starting to unzip his fly. "Dinner will be at least another hour, so I thought there was something you might like while you wait." With that, I had his gorgeous cock out and tenderly stroking it. Looking straight up into Michael's eyes, I slid his truncheon into my mouth and sucked it straight down to the hilt. I held as long as I could, swallowing incessantly, desperately trying to control my gag reflex, with my fingers digging into his butt cheeks.

Michael groaned and I could feel his knees shaking. I felt his hand on the top of my head, although he made on attempt to control my actions. I slowly lifted my head off his organ, still swallowing until I had just the head in my mouth flicking it with my tongue. My eyes were watering, but I could see enough to realise the beer was as good as forgotten. "Fuck me dead," was all he managed to exclaim.

I grinned and coughed slightly, clearing my throat. "Great minds think alike! That's what 'I' was praying for! Aren't you interested in your beer?" Michael suddenly laughed and snapped the top off his bottle and swigged a good mouthful as I went back to sucking his cock. I bobbed my head up and down with increasing strokes. I could feel his cock twitching uncontrollably. I cupped his balls and massaged them as I finished him off before he finished his beer I'm pleased to say. After swallowing his spending and sucking him clean, I neatly tucked him back into his trousers and looked up with innocent doe eyes. "Was that good my love?"

He took one last swig and putting his now empty beer bottle down on the hall table, Michael then lifted me off my knees and picked me up. He carried me through to the bedroom where he gave me his answer and the most wicked tonguing of my life. I was thrashing my head from side to side as he lathered me with his expert tongue. Much later as we sat eating, he commented. "Where did you get that idea from?"

I grinned. "You liked it did you?"

"Damn woman, what's not to like? What did I do to deserve that surprise?"

"I was reliably informed it was one fantasy that most men have. I thought I'd like to try it to see if the person was right. He was as a matter of fact, but I have concluded that he was right in so many things!"

"Well that's one I can cross off my list of fantasies, not that I wouldn't mind if you do it again sometime."

"If you keep up what you did to me in the bedroom, then I can guarantee that while it won't be every time, I'll certainly make sure you don't forget what it's like." I then had a small concern. "Will you be telling your mates down the pub what I did?"

Michael looked at me with a stunned look. "You have got to be joking. Let me tell you a little about men and what they talk about with their mates. If you were a casual ...ummm..."

"Fuck, lay, piece of crumpet?" I jokingly helped him.

Michael chuckled. "Yeah, a one or two nighter, then I'd be bragging like crazy and having my mates green with envy. However I can tell you, no sane man would say anything like that about his steady girlfriend or wife. One thing is the guys would think I was bullshitting them. Even if I could convince them it was true, I'd be then be worried my mates were tryin to backdoor me from then on. No, better to say nothing, agree with the bastards that we don't get enough blowjobs and sit back grinning to myself thinking, "Tough shit guys, but I'm on clover here, eat ya hearts out!"

I giggled and felt good that I had made Michael's day and thought to myself. "Thanks James, you were right again."

~...~

I don't know if it was my stunt a couple of days ago, or if he was planning it for a while. Either way Michael caught me totally unprepared. I should have guessed something was going to happen, but I was over the moon when he informed me that it was his turn to surprise me and invited me to dinner. On the day of our date, he wasn't in the office as normal. I didn't think anything of it when he rang and told me he had last minute things to take care of and was it alright if I came past his place before we ate.

I knocked on his door about seven. When the door open he was dressed immaculately, his aftershave made its presence subtly noticed and made my head swim with pleasant sensations. Offering me his hand, he drew me in. "Step this way my lady, dinner will be a little while longer!"

I could hear soft romantic music in the background and most of the lighting was subdued with candles spread around the room. Guiding me through to the dining room Michael picked up a glass of wine and handed it to me. The table was set with two lit candle, making it obvious that we weren't going out for dinner as I had first thought. The single long stemmed rose lying across my place mat was corny and charming none the less, certainly a thoughtful touch. "This is amazing Mike! You did all this for me?" 

Michael looked around the room as though he was looking at all the preparations. "Ahhh yeah sure, I can't see any other woman in here, so it must be for the one I love!"

All I could do was slap his arm. "You know what I mean, this so lovely. I don't know what to say?"

"How about you dance with me until you find the right words?" Michael led me into the lounge room where he'd shifted some furniture to give us room. It was like a fairy tale dream come true! I melded into my lover and he held me close. I felt so at peace, I didn't want this to end. We danced for a while until Michael indicated that it might be an idea to eat. "I think we both might be needing the strength to finish the night.

I marvelled at the Fettuccini Carbonara Michael had prepared. "You like? I certainly hope so! It's about the only thing I can cook to any degree that's edible! There's wine trifle for dessert, you don't need to cook anything to whip one of those up! " He stated with a silly grin on his face. I just shook my head.

We finished eating, had a couple more dances and sat on the couch playing tongue tag. The whole evening was so wonderfully romantic, I couldn't help feel mellow and very amorous. I just couldn't have asked for more. This was the full court press, right down to the intimate sweet little nothings he whispered to me while dancing.

I could see something was on his mind as we sat there looking into each other's eyes and I started to get anxious myself. Then he did what I was afraid of from about half way through this wonderful evening. He dropped to his knee and asked the very question I was dreading.

"Ms. Kelly Garret! Will you marry me?"

The look on his face and the way he nervously fumbled with the engagement ring broke my heart and the tears fell like a waterfall. The confused almost sad look I got made it worse and all I could do was sit and weep. Michael wrapped his strong arms around me, not saying anything. Then soothing and reassuring me that everything was all right, "I understand if you don't want to get married right now, but I thought we were getting to that stage that...." He trailed off not knowing what to say next.

Once I got myself under control, I suddenly realised through the sadness and confusion, who could help me try to help Michael understand my reluctance to accept his wonderful offer. I got up, took out a pen and paper from my purse, and wrote down an address. Handing it to Michael I sniffed, "There's something about me that you need to know."

Michael put his finger to my lips to silence me. "The only thing I need to know is if you love me as much as I love you!"

I shook my head, removing his finger from my quivering lips. "Tonight has been so wonderful; I do love you more than you could possibly know. In a perfect world that is all we need, however, I'm not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. I have done some terrible and evil things in my past Michael, things that I'm ashamed of, things that should never have been done."

I took a tissue from a box on a side table and dabbed at my eyes. "The nightmares will haunt me for a long time to come. Before you make your offer again and I sincerely hope you do, if you do, you need to talk to this person. I could tell you, but I have to admit I'd be guilty of watering down the severity of my actions. I believe this person will give it to you straight. Talk to them and then come to me if you still want to pursue this."

Michael looked at the address on the paper for a long time and then put it in his pocket. "I can't see how anything can change my mind, but if it's what you want Kelly, then I'll do as you ask."

I smiled sadly. "It not what I want, but it's what has to be. I couldn't live with anything else."

I got a text message the next day. "Kerry's Café in the mall. Tomorrow at noon, we need to talk!" I shivered at seeing that message. It didn't look to be abusive, but it made me uneasy just the same."

I was sitting there drinking my coffee as a familiar voice broke my thoughts. "Why did you send him to me Kelly? Why not to someone else, someone who might give you a better hearing?"

I stiffened at his voice, a voice I hadn't heard in years. Without turning around I spoke. "Because you are the only one who could possibly get through to Michael just how bad I was, James. Anyone else would pull his or her punches. You're not a vindictive man James, I know that. I knew you would tell it like it was and be truthful til it hurt. I'm praying that you did just that."

James sat opposite me saying nothing until a waitress came to take his order. "I told him everything like it was. I told him what you were like and how you manipulated our marriage. I told him every single detail. I left nothing out, not even what transpired at Pamela and Chadwick's place." James's eyes bore into me to emphasis what he had just said. "Every little detail Kelly, I felt no malice as I related it. There was no emotion Kelly, just facts. I'm not sure he believed me, but he certainly listened."

I shuddered at the possible ramifications of what I'd done. I could feel the tears of loss as James sat there gazing off down the mall. "Thank you James. I appreciate your truthfulness. I don't know where this will go from here, but at least it's out in the open now and I'll deal with it from here."

We sat there not talking for quite some time. It was a strained silence that neither of us could seem to break. Before James got up to leave, there was something I needed to say, "I'm sorry for what I did to us James." James looked me straight in the eye but said nothing, just waiting. "I know I've said it a million times, but I know now exactly what I'm apologising for."

James scratched his ear as though he was debating with himself what to say, finally he came out with, "That man is probably as big a moron as you, so you two should fit together well!" James quipped nonchalantly with the flick of his hand, and then smiled and it raised my spirits. "I forgive you Kelly." My eyes misted as he went to get up, then he stopped with a sly grin on his face. "Mikki says thank you for the wedding present. Most unique wedding present we received. Got double and triple of everything else, but yours was certainly a one off."

"I smiled as I dabbed at the tears tracing their way down my cheeks. "No problem, I enjoyed making the plates. Did mum tell you?"

James smile broadened and shook his head. "No you idiot, you just did! Some day you'll learn to keep your damn mouth shut! We asked everyone who went to our wedding and no one knew anything about it. While discussing it with Mikki, I remembered you took art classes in school and excelled at it then put two and two together. It wasn't too hard to work out."

I grinned as I shook my head. "I never could pull the wool over your eyes, could I James? Did Michelle really like them?"

James winked. "You bet she did. Your mum has been keeping us abreast of your recovery. Mikki's been after me to thank you for some times now, but I didn't know if you wanted the exposure. In addition, for what it's worth...I also told buggerlugs that I really think you have changed for the better. I told him you spent a lot of time and effort scrubbing at those leopard spots of yours. Took yourself back to bare metal from what I can understand. I told him as far as I'm concerned; you're as clean as a whistle."

"Buggerlugs? Mikki? What's got into you James? Hypocorisms aren't your thing!"

James shrugged. "I still rather be called James, but I don't get antsy about it anymore. You're not the only one who needed to get their head out of their arse. I figured if you can do it so can I."

I giggled as James finally got up to leave. "Don't be a stranger! Drop over sometime, there's a china cabinet Mikki wants to show you." He started to walk off throwing over his shoulder in a louder voice, "You owe me Kelly, you have a habit of running up my credit cards. Which reminds me, Mikki and Sarah think you have a wicked taste in clothes! Apart from that, pay your bloody debt; don't let the five grand I paid for that damn china cabinet go to waste!"

He slid his hands into his pocket as he casually disappeared into the crowd. "I pay all my debts, and you've just stuck me with the damn bill for coffee, a coffee you invited me too, you bastard!" I shouted after him, those close to me frowned at the giant grin on my face. I was giggling, I could see his head throw back and his shoulders jiggling up and down as though he was laughing heartily, still with his hands in his pockets. I just shook my head. "At least Michelle and Sarah had got the use of all those clothes I bought on James's credit card, just before he threw my arse out with the trash."

That's when Beverley's little saying came back to me. "Never do anything for one reason only!" I took a chance to make myself feel better, hoping that it would be well received, but not expecting anything to come of it. Now I know my present had a twofold benefit. Beverley? She's a damn smart woman, that woman!

~...~

My coffee with James was Saturday, I was nervous all weekend waiting for either the phone or my doorbell to ring. I somehow managed to get through to Monday morning. I was sitting at my worktable trying to finish my latest design. I had my elbows on the table and my head in my hands, I just couldn't concentrate. 

"Do you have a gambling problem as well Kelly?"

I looked up to see Michael again leaning against the doorjamb of my office with his arms folded. My brain took a few seconds to register what Michael had just said. "Do you always lean against doors when you ask stupid questions?" I took a breath and let it out slowly, "As far as the gambling goes, for what it's worth, no, not that I know of!" My face was neutral and belied the emotions running rife through me. My heart felt like it was beating itself to death, I could feel the pressure of my pulse in my temples. I was worried ever since my meeting with James about Michael's reaction, and now he was here. 




Lemon to Lemonade Ch. 02



"You took an awful chance!"

I nodded. "I know, but it was that, or pray you'd never find out.  I couldn't take the chance. While there is a chance I'll lose you now, there would be no chance of keeping you if I hadn't arrange for you to talk to James. I figured that if anyone was going to lay down the facts straight, then it was him. Everyone else would have sugar coated what I had done."

I was dying inside wanting to know what Michael had decided. "If there's one thing I learnt out of my marriage to James, was that my deceit and disrespect were what ultimately brought our marriage down. Everything else was just a by-product of those two failings on my part."

I sat there like my seat was on fire. I wanted to get up run to him and then on bended knees plead with him not to leave me. At the same time, I wanted to turn away so I didn't have to look at the disgust that might, at any moment, erupt on to the features of his gorgeous face.

"So? Where does this leave us? I'm done with lying, done with manipulating for my benefit."

Michael frowned at the statement, so I clarified it for him, "Everyone manipulates someone, or thing at sometime in their life Mike, it's not bad until you do it for selfish reasons. You manipulated me the other night when you popped the question. You led me to believe that it was just another dinner out. It wasn't a selfish reason so it was more than acceptable."

Michael nodded his understanding without saying anything. "I have learned a painful lesson at the expense of one marriage to a wonderful man. Fate has chosen to give me a second bite at the cherry. I thought I knew what love was, it turns out I didn't! I was just in love with the idea of being in love! I had to make sure that the man I now truly love knows the unadulterated truth." I'm sure my heart had stopped as I waited for him to reply.

"James is a little on the stupid side you know!"

I nodded wanting to scream, wishing he would just come out with it, "Yeah, you might say that. He said the same about you, although if you saw his wife, you might have a different opinion."

"I saw a blonde there...and a red head. Which one's he planting?"

I smiled with a sly grin, "Both from what I hear, the blonde's name is Michelle and his wife, the redhead is Sarah, their good friend and play partner!" I leant back in my chair. "Doesn't look so stupid, now does he?"

Michael just laughed and I pressed him again. "I need to know where this leaves us Michael!"

"You haven't answered my question!"

"Yes I did! I told you why I sent you to James!"

"No, I don't mean that question. I want to know if you'll marry me."

I wouldn't have slammed my hip into the corner of the desk if I hadn't got up so fast while crying so hard. I threw myself into Michael's arms. "I want nothing more than to marry you Mike. I promise I will love you with all my heart, I'll never lie to you, and I won't disrespect you ever. I will worship the ground you walk on." 

Michael held me off him and looked into my tear stained face. "That last bit isn't necessary, as long as you love me."

I hugged him again and wept tears of joy. I had finally dragged my sorry arse out of purgatory. I had paid for my sins and felt good for doing it.

~...~

Michael and I stood waiting for the door to open. Michael had told me little of today, just that James had rung him to make sure to have me over to see the cabinet and then a barbeque afterwards. He did say that there were people he wanted to introduce us to, but didn't elaborate. I was as nervous as if I was on my first date and Michael felt it. "Don't worry it's just a barbeque, not the Spanish Inquisition."

"That's easy for you to say. You haven't been on the receiving end of Michelle's acid tongue. She makes my mum's sound like maladroit vituperation. I still bear the mental scars of our last meeting."

Michael looked as though he wanted to ask me to repeat what I had just said as the door opened and I froze, like a deer caught in the headlights of a car. It felt like time had stopped right at that moment. "Kelly, Michael, so good of you to come...please...come on in. Michelle stepped aside and beckoned, looking as gorgeous as ever. I still couldn't get over just how tall and elegant this woman was. I felt dwarfed beside her and yes, still very intimidated.

As we walked through the lounge room, I stopped and gasped. There, taking up one whole wall was the china cabinet that James had told me about. Five thousand dollars was a bargain if I knew my furniture, which I did. Don't forget, I was once a shopping guru with Visa Card credentials.

Michelle's grinning face met me as I turned to her. "You like?"

I walked over and went to touch it, but hesitated, it was solid timber, not your crappy compressed woodchip imitation stuff. The leadlight glass panels set it off just right. "It's beautiful! I just love the woodcarving and it suites the room to perfection." I marvelled.

"It's exquisite, beautiful!" My plates were sitting centre stage, with the one of James and Michelle together arm in arm taking pride of place. It was a larger serving platter style plate, bigger than the rest. That plate was the one I thought of as my masterpiece. From there, flowing out either side and graduating smaller were ones of James and Michelle individually, and then on the bride's side was James, Michelle and my parents. On the other side beside James were the ones of his parents with the bridal couple and on the outer most sides were the ones of his best man and Michelle's bridesmaid. I was amazed and speechless.

"I want to thank you for the wedding present, I was truly touched when I finally found out it was yours. I think something from the heart is so much more valuable than anything you can pick up at the shops. It shows a lot of love and thought. I just love sitting here and looking at it. I sometimes feel a little guilty for what I said to you that day at the courthouse. We've been complimented so many times on it, and it frustrated us that we couldn't tell anyone who sent it."

I was wiping the moisture from my eyes. "Please don't feel that way Michelle, I deserved what you said and more, it certainly woke me up to just how stupid I was. I want to thank you for ripping my head out of my arse. You were right, it wasn't roses I was smelling. I didn't do this for any recognition at all. I did it because I felt I needed to and just hoped you would like it."

Michelle touched my shoulder gently. "Well you got your wish, but now this is out in the open, we'll be letting everyone know who sent it...all our friends have been intrigued by this mystery. Now everyone's out the back, come and I'll introduce you."

As we emerged out the back, a chorus of cheers broke out. "Congratulations!" There were whooping and hollering from all parts of the back yard. I stood gobsmacked. I really thought I wouldn't know anyone apart from James and Michelle. And I didn't really know her apart from our meeting at the courthouse and that was less than a stellar meeting, so to say this was a surprise was an understatement.

Michael grinned at me. "Well, you did want an engagement party. Well here it is."

I just stood there stunned, staring at Michaels smiling face, "Enga...what?"

"Engagement come debut party, if I have any say in it!" I spun to see James standing there with a big grin on his face. He walked over and gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek. "Congratulations on landing the fish and welcome back from Hades."

I felt a hot flush of embarrassment. As I lowered my gaze, I could feel all eyes on me. I looked back over to Michael, worried what he may be thinking. I needn't have worried, his smile was still stretched across his face. "Thank you James, that means a lot to me!" I said sheepishly.

James shook Michael's hand. I still think you're an idiot as well for letting this minx trap you. Well maybe you'll be a better man then me in keeping her in line?"

Michael grinned. "Likewise James, I think you'd have to be a simpleton not to be able to understand this wonderful woman! However...in your defence I have to admit that you probably took the sting out of the scorpion's tail! "

I had so many emotions flooding my brain. I was feeling lightheaded and faint. I sat down and that's when everyone started to file past.

Both Michael and James wandered off to grab some drinks, now leaving me to wonder if I made a mistake in introducing them to each other. "I understand I have you to thank for a certain front door surprise I got from Kelly the oth...."Michael's voice faded as they walked off.

What happen to not bragging mates about their girlfriends? Then I realised that James would be the last person Michael would feel worried about. I can see James giving Michael the heads up when it comes to any slight disagreements we may be having in the future. Looks as though I won't be winning so many this time around, but hey, who cares, as long as we love one another, that's all that counts.

By the time Mum and dad came up to me...I had sneaking suspicion they may have been invited, Michael was back standing with a wine in one hand and a beer in the other. Both mum and dad gave me a hug, kiss, and congratulated us on our upcoming marriage. Dad admonished as he shook Michael's hand. "Don't you be making a habit of this Kelly! This is the last damn time I walk you down the aisle. You can pay a drunken monkey next time if you intend to go for a third wedding!" He winked at Michael with a smile on his face, showing us he was chiding me good-naturedly.

"I promise dad, this one's the last if I have anything to say about it!"

Mum winked at me and dragged dad away with an admonishment of her own. "If I hadn't gone for a third, I wouldn't have married your sorry ars...." Again their voices faded as my attention was brought back to more people wishing us well.

All my friends from work wanted to see my engagement ring, which I showed with great pride. I had no idea how all this was organised without me even having an inkling as to what was going on. Beverley winked at me and cackled her usual laughter. "First time I've seen you speechless without being down in the dumps my dear!"

I smiled in wonder. "Has everyone got an eye twitch today?" More laughter broke out. "Ohhh well, forgive me if I'm still trying to get past the fact that my Michael has seen fit to ask me to marry him." Then something came back to me. "Mike, you looked like you were going to ask me something at the front door, what was it?" Knowing full well what it was.

Michael scratched his head a little embarrassed and I had a sudden fright. He had looked sheepish at the front door when I said it and it looked as though I was big mouthing myself. Now I had put Michael on the spot and if he took it the wrong way then it could well make him feel slighted. He came out with it anyway, "What does 'maladroit vituperation' mean?"

I looked around at everyone and there wasn't one person amongst the crowd of well wishers who seemed to know what it meant. Just as I thought and I could see the relief on Michael's face to know he wasn't the only one not to know. I looked over to Beverley and she cackled as usual, but yet again she could read me like a book. "You have an ulterior motive for asking Kelly, I can see it in your eyes."

I smiled and nodded, "I didn't know what it meant either until you told me. I felt a fool for not knowing, although it's not a common expression. I let it slip at the front door and Mike had that same look that signalled that he felt the same, you're the crossword expert, so tell them all what it means!"

Everyone turned to Bev and waited; she smiled and shook her head. "So now you're embarrassing me, touché Kelly. Maladroit means, lacking in skill, awkward, tactless, clumsy, and Vituperation is verbal abuse, castigation, condemnation. Put together it signifies someone's inept ability to put someone down verbally. Bit like a college English Professor having a verbal slanging match with a neanderthal!"

Michael started to smile and I had to say it. "Whatever you do sweetheart, please don't tell mum I said it!" Michael burst out laughing and everyone just stood there wondering what the joke was about."

This awkward situation was defused by Thomas and Steven racing up and jumping into my lap. "Happy engagement!" They both sang, then Steve frowned and almost strangled himself trying to ask his question. "What is an ... gage...ment?" Tracy came up and whispered in his ear and little Stevie's eyes popped wide open and he slapped his tiny hands to his mouth. "Ohhh yucky, that's ...that's...Nahhh, don'wanna know." He jumped off my lap and disappeared into the crowd to the laughter from us all.

I sat there for hours and watched everyone. I remembered the parties I had literally dragged James to and this was nothing like them. While there were groups of people talking and laughing, they slid from one group to another, making small talk, flowing as smoothly as oil on water. I felt comfortable talking to each and every one of them, no one person being left out or excluded from the festivities.

This was what James had tried to get me to understand all along. This was true friendship amongst all our friends. This was not little cliques of people spreading gossip about each other or harbouring secrets. Even those that I thought of as James's friends were happy to finally meet the reformed Kelly Garret, although they had the good grace and manners not to say it in those words.

However, it was what James's father said to my mother that made me turn in astonishment, "You know Marcie, you once said that James did well, trading a lemon in on two peaches. It now seems to me that bitter tasting lemon has turned into some very delicious lemonade!"

I saw mum standing there smiling and heard her reply. "Yes Graham, I think you're right. All she needed was to find the right recipe!" I walked off feeling smugger than I ort too. That recipe was one that took a lot of heartache and tears to find, but then, I can guarantee it being one I will never ever forget.

~...~

I lay in my wedding bed with my wonderful husband's powerful arms circling my body, his right hand lovingly encapsulating my left breast. His thumb and forefinger idly working my taunt nipple, his manhood snugly entrenched within me from behind. I felt an overwhelming sense of contentment and peace, something I had never had before. I knew that it wasn't a condemnation of James, but the realisation that I had found what real a marriage was all about.

I wriggled my way back into him and felt him stir. "Ready for round five?" His breath was hot on my neck; I moaned and squeezed his cock with my pussy in reply. I was here because I wanted to be, not for any other altruistic motive. I was making love to show my husband just how much I loved and adored him. I had finally understood James's finally question, and I again mentally thanked him.

Michael started to move again. "My arse this time lover, I want you to take my arse. By this time tomorrow, I don't want any part of me you haven't sampled. This body is yours to do as you wish." I heard Michael groan with lust as he withdrew and then gently applied pressure to my anus as he slowly re-entered me. "Ohhh God, don't tease me sweetheart, shove it in and take me. Fuck me hard like I've never been fucked before!"

Michael rolled me over onto my stomach and as he did he rolled on top, applying a little more pressure as he did. It had been years since I'd been taken like this and the initial pain caught me unprepared, I gasped and screwed my face up into the pillow trying not to scream out. Michael stopped with just the head of his cock penetrating my arsehole.

"Nooooo..." I screamed out in frustration, I felt virginal as on my first night and that brought its own sense of pleasure. I shoved my arse back and up, giving Michael no chance to retreat and impaling myself on his manhood, "Ahhh fuck meee!" I pleaded though gritted my teeth. Michael waited for a little while until I got used to the feeling, then started a slow and rhythmic sawing in and out of me.

I grabbed handfuls sheet in order to fight off the first pain of entry and before long, I was feeling the familiar tingle between my thighs. Pushing my hand down between my pussy lips, I strummed my clit working in unison with my loving husband as he took me. Michael grabbed a hank of my hair pulling my head up and back and that only drove me on to higher delights. My breathing became ragged as I started to moan in time with Michael's thrusting. It didn't take long before I was withering beneath him, a blinding orgasm taking my breath away, then another cascading in on top of the last.

I had never been multi-orgasmic, and this was a new experience for me. Yes, I'd had many orgasms in one day, but never one after another, until I couldn't tell one from the other. It drained me. After we finally regained our senses Michael commented, "What was that all about? I must have hurt you. Are you alright?"

I still couldn't think properly but managed to touch my hand to his cheek in a loving gesture. "There is only one way you can ever hurt me sweetheart and that is to not want anything to do with me! I may be walking or sitting a little carefully tomorrow but it was what I wanted."

I was kissing his neck and could feel his cock hardening. I whispered seductively in his ear, "I love the way you grabbed my hair. It's one of my fantasies no one has ever tried before. You make sure you remember that!" I felt his cock twitch several times as he groaned. "There's something else I want as well."

With that, I slide down his body and took his cock properly in my hand. I was about to slide my mouth over it when Michael held me. "You sure you want to do that knowing where it's been?"

I smiled wickedly as I engulfed his cock then kissed the tip. "I cleaned myself out thoroughly before coming to bed sweetheart. When a woman gets married and if she loves her husband enough, there is nothing she won't do for him. Most brides take pride in giving their husbands their virginity. I couldn't do that, and there is precious little else I can make totally yours. This is the one thing I vowed never to do, and would not do it for love nor money. This feels right. I want you to have it as a token of my love for you!"

Michael settled back and smiled. "How did I ever get so lucky?"

After sucking him clean and bringing him to another earth shattering mouth filling eruption, I giggled. "I keep asking myself that same question. I don't deserve you Michael. I'm just happy that you disagree with me."

As we dropped off to sleep, I murmured. "Love me for the rest of my life and I will return it tenfold, I'll see to it that all your wishes and fantasies come true." My mind wandered as sleep took hold. Another one of Beverley's statements was again proved correct, "Most times helping others gains you ten times the help back." I now know it also to be true, loving someone gains you ten times the love back!"

Michael drew me to him, and kissed my forehead. "You won't have a thing to worry about my love.  I can see us growing old together with a tribe of grandchildren to bounce on our knees."

I fell asleep secure in the embrace of my loving husband, what more could a woman want?" 

Epilogue

Michael and I now have a pigeon pair. A boy named Michael James Kincaid and a girl named Sarah Michelle. Michael allowed me to name both. I may have lost James as a husband, but got him back as a pseudo-brother. Well you see, mum and dad took to Michelle like a daughter since she doesn't have any family of her own. After having dad walk both of us down the aisle, me twice, I suppose it was only natural.

We now treat each other like sisters, and that goes as far as sibling fights and calling each other stupid names when we disagree. Michelle may no longer intimidate me; however, I do have an enormous respect for her.




Lemon to Lemonade Ch. 02



It turns out that while Michelle was fertile, there was something wrong and she couldn't bear her own children. She says with a slight grin that belies the vanity flowing from her, that there had to be something wrong with her, she just couldn't be that perfect. I smile and shake my head. "Bitch!" Sarah donated the use her uterus and services as surrogate mother to have Michelle's eggs fertilised by James, implanted, and bringing their twins, again one boy and one girl into the world. Everyone thought it was a loving thing to do and Sarah is the favoured aunt with all our children. It has also brought Sarah, Michelle and James closer as a family in their own right.

With Trace and her brood, that makes camping holidays rather fun with thirteen of us. Sixteen when mum, dad and Sarah decide to join us, playing, laughing and generally enjoying each other's company as good friends and family do. I have no idea what has become of the others, and nor do I care.

I know it may sound selfish. However, I really don't care. I have now got what I really wanted all along, the perfect husband and family, with a good selection of loyal friends.

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I really do hope you enjoyed this final chapter and walked away with something to feel good about. To all my friends and family, thank you for being there for me. I truly appreciate it.

As per usual, nice to see you views or opinions on how the story ended. Please put your mark on it by sending me a vote or comment.