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Adopted

By: Egmont0409



INTRODUCTION

Connie Shutter, the mistress of a small-time New York diamond merchant, was visiting her parents in Toronto when she was bent forward in pain. She suspected the arrival of her baby was imminent.

White-faced, Connie said she was returning to New York.

"But you still have three days left with us," Beryl her mom complained but Connie said, "Mom I think Barney will be arriving early and I want him born in America."

Frank her father took them to the airport and Connie reached New York safely. Three days later, rather than a boy she aimed to call Barney, she gave birth to a girl. She had no name prepared for her daughter, having been so sure it would be a boy. 

Within twenty-four hours Connie's disappointment had evaporated and she held her red-faced and fat-cheeked daughter in her arms and called Samuel Levy.

Checking he was alone she said, "Sam I'm sorry. I've had our baby and it's a girl."

"No matter, we'll try again. How are you?"

"Fine, surprisingly fine actually. Will you come to the apartment and see her? I go home tomorrow."

"No, it's a girl."

"Sam please don't be like that."

"You promised me a boy. My wife and I have three girls and only one of my daughters has a child to date and she's female."

"I know and I'm sorry. The next one is bound to be a boy. Boys run in the Shutter family. I told you I have four brothers and dad's brothers have five boys between them and only one girl."

"Yeah so you told me. Get rid of her Connie as soon as you wean her. What's her name?"

"I-I wanted you to name her."

Sam snapped a baby must have a name. "Call her Kelly after a pretty girl who lived in our street when we were kids. We became friendly and she invited me to her birthday party."

"What?"

"Must go. Contact me when you have got rid of the kid. Bye."

However later in the day Sam relented somewhat and went to the hospital to see Connie but refused to see his daughter. He voluntarily acknowledged paternity by signing a VAP form and paid the hospital costs.





CHAPTER 1

A social worker accompanied by a policewoman called on Samuel Levy in his first-floor office suite.

"Yes how can I help you?" Sam asked the social worker after the two visitors had identified themselves. "None of my daughters has been in trouble I hope?"

The policewoman took notes as social worker Mrs Peach asked, "Are you familiar with the name Miss Connie Shutter?"

Startled Sam went to his office door and told his PA he was in private conference, not to admit anyone. He closed the door.

"Yes Mrs Peach. I know Miss Shutter." 

Sam gave her the address of Connie's studio apartment on East 13th Street in East Village and said Connie had given birth to a baby three weeks ago.

"I regret to inform you Mr Levy that Miss Connie Shutter was knocked down by a speeding motorist this morning around 9:30 and the driver failed to stop. She died of severe internal injuries at the scene. When slammed to the ground Miss Shutter held up the baby and broke its fall. The little girl appears unharmed."

"Ohmigod, Connie. And little Kelly is only three weeks old."

"Yes it's very tragic. I found you because you are registered as the father. Will you accept custody of the child?"

"I-I need to speak to my attorney about that. Please give me details where I may find Miss Shutter. I'll take care of her."

"Her parents are arriving about now to do that."

"Tell me where Miss Shutter body is being held."

"Not until I have consulted about that with the deceased parents Mr Levy. What about the child?"

"My attorney and I will speak to Miss Shutter's parents about that."

* * *

Attorney Virginia Ricardo said, "It's a mess Sam. I suppose you want me to clean up for you?"

"Please," Sam said mournfully to Virginia. They'd gone through high school together.

"Right, I accept the task providing you allow me to do it my way."

"Yes," Sam said dully."

"You loved the woman, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"I can see that. Give me details of the funeral home. I'll go now. Her parents are probably still there, attempting to cope with their shock and grief."

"I don't have it but here's the card of the welfare worker. I'll come with you."

"No you won't. You agreed to do it my way. The parents might not want you there, perhaps thinking their daughter died because of you."

"Jesus."

"It's how people can think Sam. I'll keep you briefed. From what you have told me the parents will know you rejected the baby from the outset."



The arrangement was Sam could attend the chapel service but must stay at the back row and not go forward and not say anything and leave as soon as the brief service ended. Mr and Mrs Shutter had arranged to have their daughter's body taken home to Toronto for burial at a graveside service to be attended by immediate family.

Sam sat through the brief service grief-stricken, Virginia holding his hand. It was bad enough not being allowed to attend the burial but the Shutter's had shocked him by wanting nothing to do with him because of his callous treatment of their daughter and baby Kelly.

Back in Virginia's office she said bluntly, "We have a baby on our hands and she is in temporary foster care pending legal finality. What do you suggest?"

Sam wiped his eyes and ran a hand through his thinning hair. He was tall and lean and not unattractive, though right now his eyes were red with dark rings under them.

"You need sleep. We'll talk about this tomorrow."

"No Virginia. These are my instructions. You are to arrange for Kelly to be adopted, using some kind of agency to do this on my behalf to try to ensure she goes into a loving home. My identity is to remain unknown to her until she turns fourteen. You will be the conduit between us. I..."

"Sam my younger daughter lost her baby five months ago. They have been talking about starting over again. He's an attorney. May I arrange to take them to see Kelly?" 

"Yes of course. Providing you are satisfied I'll have no objection to them adopting Kelly. Just leave me out of it apart from the legalities. I will deposit with you $30,000 dollars into a trust for Kelly that terminates when she turns thirty and the assets then go to her. I suggest the trust buys a wide range of stock. Stock can be sold to pay for any taxation and to pay for her schooling and any other special needs as approved by you and two fellow trustees. In the event of Kelly's possible untimely death that trust automatically dissolves and the money reverts back to me or to my estate."

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"It is both generous and rather heartless but I understand your position Sam. Once that trust is formed you will be divorced from it so it no longer figures as part of your assets. I'll come back to you about this once I have consulted with the State Office of Children and Family Services."

"Just do your best for that tiny kid Virginia."

"Have you seen her yet?"

"No."

"Do you wish to see her?"

"No."

"I thought as much. You always were a hard bastard."

"Thanks. Just do you job Virginia and in this instance excel at it."

Virginia went to the door and Sam kissed her cheek and she watched him disappear into the elevator. She sighed thinking of how his callous, selfish actions had impacted dreadfully in this instance on so many people. She now had a strong desire to see this infant and his reaction was just the opposite. He'd been a good father to his daughters and as far as she knew always kind and affectionate to his wife Lily. But did he love his family, did he love anyone? Thinking about how once she'd thought she'd been in love with Sam when they were teenagers Virginia sighed, unable to understand how some people could turn on and turn off their affection. That ability horrified her. 

* * *

Until she was thirteen Kelly grew up assuming she was the daughter of Stephen and Leonie Armstrong. Her name was Kelly Armstrong and she called them daddy and mommy. But as she approached the age of fourteen, her mom Leonie (younger daughter of attorney Virginia Ricardo), began gently referring to adopted children at appropriate moments when talking to Kelly. Initially such references appeared not to particularly interest Kelly until one day she asked, "Am I adopted mommy?"

Leonie's breath caught and she shook and almost panicked but steadied and said yes.

And amazingly all Kelly said was "Oh?" and asked a question about something entirely different. In time of course she asked who were her real parents. Tutored by Virginia to expect this moment, Leonie smiled and said, "You will just have to wait. Daddy and I will tell you one day. Is that okay?"

"Yes."

"You must tell me if this worries you."

"I will but it really is okay. Daddy and you are daddy and mommy to me."

"And that won't change."

Kelly looked out the window and said, "I didn't think it would. You love me and so does daddy. You would not throw me away."

"No darling, you are quite right. We would never, never do that to you."

Leonie said under her breath, "Not like your hard-ass father Samuel Levy."

Tragically, just before Kelly's twelfth birthday, Sam had been fatally shot in front of his family when going to the aid of one of his friends who owned the restaurant. The working proprietor was being pistol-whipped by one of two gunmen. As Sam grappled with one of the men he was shot in the abdomen and bled to death. The robbers fled, jumping over dying Sam and with their haul of less than eight hundred dollars. The companion of the gunman who killed Sam was caught on security camera and he and his companion were arrested within twelve hours of the felony.

Virginia called Leonie with the news and Leonie surprised her by saying, "Well it seems Samuel Levy wasn't a total jerk after all mom."

"No I tried to tell you that, having known him since I was twelve."

"Do we go to the funeral and take Kelly?"

"For what purpose darling? To tell Kelly in two year's time she attended her father's funeral although she'd never met the guy?"

"Ah I get your point."

"I'll be going of course. He and I committed double adultery on six occasions over the years."

"Ohmigod mom, and I've always thought you were lily white. I'll come to the funeral with you."

"If you wish. Your father is coming with me."

"Well dad is so unreliable that might not happen. Anyway you might require a woman's shoulder to shed a tear on."

"That's lovely of you darling. I had kept telling Sam over the years that Kelly was in wonderful hands."

* * *

On a Sunday evening, three days after Kelly's fourteenth birthday, her adoptive parents took her to her favorite restaurant where they told her the time had come to tell her who her real parents were.

Looking worried Leonie said, "You wish to know don't you dear?"

"Yes of course mom. You won't be sending me back to them will you?"

"No of course not darling."

Her adoptive father said, "Are you really sure you are ready to hear about this Kelly? It may upset you hearing about your past."

"Are you expecting me to cry daddy?"

"It won't matter if you do. We just wish to be satisfied you want to hear about your past."

"Yes I do, I know I do."

"Right we are finished here. Let's park by the river and sit on a bench."

"Did my real parents drown?"

Stephen held out his hand and smiled. "Come on my girls. Let's do it."



As the story unfolded, Kelly listened quietly and without emotion.

When the story ended she said, "So my mother loved me and my father didn't although my mother probably didn't because she'd promised my real father I'd be a boy."

"We have no detailed knowledge about that," Leonie said.

"Well since they are both dead I suppose it doesn't really matter. It's so sad but I have you guys. So Grandma Virginia who loves me so much is not my real Gran?"

"No she isn't. But she knew your real father for most of her life and now she is ready to tell you about him. She says if you wish she'll make enquiries to find people who knew your mother where she grew up in Toronto. Regrettably her parents are now both dead but she had four brothers who are your blood uncles and there will be other relatives."

"No it's fine. I'm not really interested. Perhaps when I grow older I might look into it a bit. You see none of them really wanted me. Gosh I am so glad you two guys wanted me. That makes me feel blessed."

Leonie was the one who cried, hugely. It was a defining moment for all of them but it was Leonie who felt she had been carrying the burden of disclosure and now it had been made she felt huge release. Stephen cuddled her and Kelly cuddled them both.





CHAPTER 2

Kelly's best friend Sandra Wilks asked, "Do you feel sad about being told your real parents are both dead?"

"No."

Sandra wrinkled her forehead and sitting beside Kelly on a park seat said, "Don't you think that's strange thinking like that?"

"No because I never knew them but I'm annoyed my father lived until I was twelve and he lived within ten minutes of where I live and never attempted to see me. That stinks."

"Yeah Kelly I can see that. Life can be such a bitch."

On the next Saturday Kelly visited her grandmother Virginia Ricardo who had just colored her hair and had a towel tied as a turban. Virginia hugged her very favored visitor and said, "So I'm told you know and you'll realize I'm no longer your so-called grandmother?"

The lean blonde fixed her unusually pale blue eyes on the plump woman and said, "I think I understand everything that happened but not why my real father made no attempt to see me. That's why I'm here, to find out. I also wish to keep on knowing you as my grandmother because I don't want to lose you and create that gap in my life."

"That's very mature thinking. I'd love our relationship to continue unchanged."

"Are you married? Mom said yes when I asked her this morning and she knew I was coming here so said I should ask you if I wanted details."

"Yes I married when I was thirty and my Joey found another woman seven years later and walked out on me although he did say goodbye. He left me with two children. He didn't seek to divorce me and I didn't bother to apply for the annulment of my marriage because I was so busy with legal work and my marital status being left up in the air didn't bother me. Men have come and gone out of my life and now they are rare and that doesn't bother me."

"You are talking about sex aren't you?"

Virginia smiled and straightened Kelly's t-shirt. "Yes. The need for that diminishes as you pass through middle age."

"Are you happy in that situation?"

Virginia answered without hesitation. "Yes, I have my two daughters and their children and husbands as family."

Kelly looked a little uncertain. "Am I included as the children?"

"Oh yes and why not? You were legally adopted by Leonie and Stephen and we all love you so much."

"Was I? I was only told I was adopted. They said nothing about it being legal."

"Adoption can only be through a legal process darling otherwise it's not adoption. Oh you poor sweetheart. This must be confusing for you."

"That's why I'm here today to find out things, everything I suppose. But first it was important to learn if I still had a grandmother."

Virginia felt her heart miss a couple of beats but no way would she reveal Kelly was her favorite grandchild. "Come through to the kitchen my dear child for milk and cookies. Although it's still morning I must have a wine."

"Is that because you are upset?"

"What I'm feeling under this mild interrogation is called stress... worry and pressure is churning up inside me but it's okay, I often work like this when I fear I might have represented a client's interests below the best of my ability."

They sat on at the breakfast bar. Classical music played softly in the background. Virginia had long wondered when this moment would come and was delighted it was a young, confident and inquiring girl pushing for answers rather than being forced to sit and having no real interest. This was just so perfect. She thought of Sam momentarily and knew he'd approve.

"Shall I take it from the beginning, telling you everything I know?"

"Yes, the beginning is usually the best place to start. I think this is just like opening the first chapter of my life."

"Yes although it goes beyond your birth. I went through high school with your father Samuel Levy so we were the same age."

"Did you have sex with him?"

"Yes and I was naughty about that. It was after we both were married. He knew I was alone by then and at times found me in need of company because we remained in close contact. I was of course his attorney by then. But please, let me take you right back to the beginning. It will be a résumé because there is so much I can remember and it would take hours to recite it. Do you know what a résumé is?"

"Yes it means a summary."

"Good girl. Right let's go back to the very first time I met you father. His family was long settled in New York and my parents had just moved into an apartment in the street where his parent's lived..."

During the monologue, broken occasionally for a question when the 14-year-old sought either understanding or greater elaboration, Virginia made lunch and they ate.

"May I have some wine?"

Virginia said, "Just half a glass and at your young age you must only drink alcohol with or immediately before food and consume very little."

"You must have educated your daughters with those rules because mommy allowed me my first wine the other day and said exactly what you have just told me."

Virginia said, "Well that's something that rather headstrong girl remembered her mother saying."

They laughed.

Thirty minutes later Virginia finished her narration and said, "Well that completes your history according to Virginia Ricardo darling. Now allow me to take your hands because I wish to say something very important to you. You are not alone in this world. You have your mother and father, your Aunt Kathy and Uncle James Greenway and cousins Miles and Milly."

"Yes I know you but you forgot to include yourself, my favorite grandmother."

"But you have only one surviving grandmother."

"Yes and I think I get my teasing streak for you. Anything else?"

"Yes and this could be very upsetting. I don't really know anything about your birth mother and your father rejected you because Sam wanted your mother to bear him a son whom he planned to pass on his business to you He and your mother were absolutely sure you'd arrived and be that son and Sam was bitterly disappointed. He didn't wish to see you."

"Because I wasn't a boy."

"Yes," Virginia said squeezing Kelly's hands gently, "But don't despair. He didn't walk away from you completely. He established a trust for you and instructed that the three trustees, of whom I'm one, to buy an apartment for you to enrich you in to future and to pay for your college education. That apartment, purchased expensively at the time for almost $30,000 is today in a building of one of the most sought-after addresses in this city. Even after the payment of taxes and meeting outgoings, the trust is building an impressive asset for you. You cannot capitalize on that asset until you reach the age of thirty so really you should just park this information at the back of you mind expect to understand you have the cash to go to any college or university in America without your parents contributing a single dollar, though who knows, they may wish to pay for your college education as your birthright."

Virginia had to spend some time explaining why Kelly's adoptive parents might wish to provide her college education and to define in terms the young girl could understand the meaning of birthright."

"Isn't understanding one's history so complicated?" Kelly yawned. "Look at me yawn, this must have been so stressful and so tiring for you."


Adopted



Another Halloween submission, quite different than most you might read. Thank you to WanderingScot for his editing and making this a much better read.

*

Here I was at Joe's Restaurant. It was one of the few places I hung out and they were throwing a Halloween party. I let my friends convince me to come and here I was dressed as Batman, mask and all.

Most of my closer friends knew who I was but I decided I was going to leave my mask on most of the night. The bartender who was one of my trusted friends was Missy. She was dressed as Robin. I've known her my whole life. In fact she helped raise me. She was sixteen years older than me and a friend of my cousin.

I watched with Robin as the place started to fill up with people; most dressed in costume. That's when I noticed her. She had blond hair and to me she looked like an angel. I couldn't keep my eyes off her. It was as though there was an immediate connection to her. I felt I had known her all my life, yet I didn't even know her name.

She came in with a group of people dressed as the 'Wizard of Oz' characters. All in all they looked pretty cool. Missy looked over at me - she knew who I was staring at. "I don't think so Jeff. Something tells me 'No'," she murmured.

Something you should know about Missy. She is somewhat of a physic. I'm not quite sure how to explain it. She gets these feelings and most of the time she's right. She doesn't know how to interpret what she feels, she just gets feelings and tells me about them.

"What do you feel Missy? Danger, trouble, she won't be interested in me, I'm wasting my time approaching her?" I smiled at my friend.

"I don't know Jeff. I feel you two will get along fine but something in me says, 'no'. It's not danger except for the guy dressed like the tin man. Actually I feel love."

"As usual Missy, it doesn't make sense till it all works out and then we'll know what your thoughts meant." I smiled at my friend.

I walked over and said hello to the group. Everyone except the tin man said hi back to me. I guess it was because I was staring at the Angel who I later found out was the 'Good Witch'. I mentioned that I was helping my bartender friend and would take their order. They all rattled off drinks and I told them I'd be right back with their order.

"But you never wrote it down," said the Good Witch.

"I have a very good memory and I feel as though I should know you. Have we ever met?"

"No, I don't think so. I've just lived here a few months," said the witch.

The Tin Man spouted off. "If your memory is so good then how come you don't remember taking our drink order? We're waiting!"

"Sorry, I'll be right back." I went over and Missy told me to take it easy. She made up the drink order and put it on a tray for me.

"Since when are you a waiter?" asked Missy as she smiled at me.

"Just long enough to get the name of the Good Witch." I took my tray over to their table and gave everyone what they ordered.

The music was already playing and a slow number had just started. "Would you do the honor of dancing with me?" I asked the Good Witch.

"We don't dance with the hired help," said the Tin Man. "Shouldn't you be working?"

At first I ignored him and put my attention where it belonged looking at the good witch.

I think he even pissed off his friends. "I don't remember anyone asking you," I said to the Tim Man. "I just asked the lady to dance."

"You're so rude Randy," said the Good Witch. "I'd love to dance with you Batman." As we got up to dance Missy came over to collect the money for the drinks.

As the Good Witch and I headed for the dance floor I heard Missy tell the Tin Man to watch his step. "Look, I don't know you but Batman is the last person you want to mess with. Believe me when I say he can kick your ass from one end of this bar to the other without breaking a sweat. Now, the drinks are thirty six dollars."

Missy looked at me and smiled as she went back behind the bar.

"So Miss Good Witch, what other name do you go by?"

"Sandi, last name is Wilcox, and you are?"

"Jeff Warner, and if I might add, you are one gorgeous woman. I honestly believe I know you. Even as we touch I feel so close to you. Do you feel it too?"

"That's one come-on line I've never heard, but I will say that something is different about you. Maybe it's the Batman costume," she laughed.

We danced and I looked over at the band and nodded I wanted another slow number. The band leader smiled back and started another slow one. Sandi saw the nod and asked if I worked there.

'Kind of, my uncle owns the place and I'm a CPA and do the books for many of his businesses. I hang out here once in awhile. Don't ever remember seeing you here before."

"As I mentioned I've only lived here a few months. I don't go out much but my friends from the office asked me to come to the Halloween party, so I did."

"So the tin man isn't a boyfriend or anything?" I asked.

"No, Randy's dad manages the manufacturing plant where I work. Randy runs the warehouse. I went out with him once but it was a mistake. I think I've told you enough."

"Don't you feel the static between us? Am I the only one feeling it?" I asked Sandi.

"Look, you seem like a very nice guy but I'm not looking for anyone," she replied. 

"You didn't answer the question. Do you feel something here?"

"Yes, I figured it was the static from shuffling our feet, nothing more," answered Sandi.

"Will you dance with me again later?" I asked.

"You don't give up, do you? Do you have such a hideous scar under that mask that no one will dance with you?" She actually laughed when she said it.

"I'm sorry, it was wrong of me to say that. In fact I rather enjoy your forwardness. I'll dance with you later," she said as she smiled at me as I walked her back to her table.

"So, how did it go?" asked Missy.

"I think I'm in love," I replied to Missy.

Missy stared at me. No one knew me as well as she did. "Jeff, I think you're telling the truth. What is it with this girl?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's love at first sight and will wear off. There is just something extra special about her."

****

I want to tell you about my life up to this point. The story of my early years was told to me by my aunt and uncle.

When I was born I had a twin sister -- we were both in intensive care in the first few days after we were born, and sadly my sister died a couple of days later. My parents were killed in a car-truck accident when they were coming to the hospital to see us. 

My Aunt Emma and Uncle Joe took me in and raised me. They cared for me my whole life. My mother who was killed in the accident was my Aunt Emma's little sister, June. There was over fifteen years difference between their ages. My father's parents lived in Australia. I've never met them.

Uncle Joe is the head of many businesses; some people have called him a gangster. To me he is family and I'd do anything for him.

Now his dad was reputed to be part of the mob. I've heard and read enough stories to know there was a lot of truth there. In today's day and age things are much different. My Uncle Joe's businesses are legit. He sent me to college to become a CPA (certified public accountant). He also had me attend Karate classes to learn how to protect myself.

It was now my job to stop by his businesses on a regular basis and check out the finances and make sure there wasn't any skimming going on. Uncle Joe was a pretty fair guy but he wasn't one to cross. I should say that he was respected by his employees and he did pay them well.

I wasn't to induce trouble but if it occurred, I knew how to take care of myself. I owe my life to my Uncle Joe. God knows where I would be today if it wasn't for him.

When he took me in he already had three grown kids. Two daughters and a son. The youngest was sixteen at the time. They all are business people today and all own their own businesses. Throughout my life they have treated me as their little brother even though they are my cousins.

****

Back to the Halloween Party.

I had Missy take a tray of drinks to Sandi's table and told Missy to tell them the drinks were on me. Most all waved to me except the Tin Man. I heard him tell Missy he could afford his own drinks. Without hesitation Missy asked him for four dollars for his drink. He had already made a fool of himself and coughed up the four dollars. Even his friends laughed at him.

A number of women I knew came up to me and asked me to dance. It was a Halloween party and most of them were dressed like hookers or glamorous movie stars. I kept looking over at Sandi while dancing close to these women. I think she was getting aggravated and even danced with Randy when he asked her.

I asked Missy to take another tray of drinks to Sandi's table. "Jeff, I'm not sure your uncle would approve of the free drinks," mentioned Missy.

"It's ok, I'm paying for them." I handed her the money.

"Damn, you really do have the hots for this girl. I've never seen you like this. What is it Jeff?" asked Missy.

"I've never felt this way so I don't know. I'll just have to wait and see how it turns out."

Missy took the drinks to the table and this time the Tin Man said thanks and accepted the drink. The woman dressed like Dorothy came up to me at the bar.

"I just wanted to thank you for the drinks and wanted to know if you cared to dance?"

"It would be my pleasure," I said as I took her by the hand and we walked to the dance floor.

"What is it with you and Sandi? She says she doesn't know you but looks aggravated when another woman dances with you," remarked Dorothy.

"I don't know. I feel I've known her my whole life but she says she just moved here. What can you tell me about her, Dorothy?"

"First, my name is Jody. I'm the receptionist at the plant where we all work. Not much I can tell you about Sandi. As far as I know her personnel records show she went to college in Pennsylvania. Dropped out in the middle of her senior year and moved back to Ohio. She went to a local college and finished her degree a year later."

"Does she date? She told me she doesn't go out much," I remarked.

"She went out with Randy once but I think he tried to get in her pants and they haven't dated since. Randy likes her but she doesn't feel the same. I don't know if I should be telling you this, but Sandi has a child. A daughter two years old and as cute as can be. Don't know anything about the father, she won't talk about it."

The song ended. As I walked Jody back to the table I thanked her for the dance and information. Everyone thanked me for the drinks and I got an odd look from Sandi. The music started up and Sandi asked me to dance. I could hardly believe it.

"Yes, I'd love to," I replied.

As we got to the dance floor Sandi asked, "What's going on? Why are you doing this? I don't know you and you keep buying our drinks. Why?"

"I want to get to know you better. This isn't just a come on to try and get in your pants. Look, I've dated a lot of women but none have ever affected me the way you do. I need to know why."

"I'm not what you think I am," replied Sandi.

"...and what do you think, that I think you are?" I had to smile even getting that out.

"God, I don't know. This just never happened to me before. Look, before we go any further with this charade, you need to know I have a daughter."

"I know, Jody told me. Don't blame her, I asked her about you. I want to see you again - maybe we can be good friends or even more. I promise not to push you. Ask anyone here that knows me, I'm actually a pretty nice guy."

I gave the nod to the band leader and Sandi smiled knowing another slow song was starting. Sandi told me where she worked but wouldn't give me her home number yet.

I danced with her the rest of the night and held her close. There was something very special about her and I wanted to know it all. The night was ending much too quickly. I asked her to stay and I would take her home.

She told me it was Thursday and everyone had to work the next day. I asked her when I could see her again and she just smiled. Missy asked me if I was giving up but I told her not by a long shot. I'd be at her place of employment the next day and ask her out to lunch and maybe even dinner. There was no way I was giving up on Sandi; and to be honest, I don't think she wanted me to.

I was at the manufacturing plant at noon the next day. Of course I was dressed up in a suit since I was also working that day. I recognized the receptionist as being Jody from the night before. I approached her desk.

"I would like to speak with Sandi Wilcox," I asked.

Jody looked at me with a big smile on her face. "Don't tell me, you're Batman from last night aren't you?"

"Guilty," I replied.

She paged Sandi to the reception area. "You look much better without the Batman suit," said Jody as she smiled.

I don't want to brag on myself but I keep myself in good shape. I'm 6'1, 210 lbs. and work out three times a week. I do have six pack abs and blond hair, the same color as Sandi.

"Can I help you?" replied Sandi as she entered the reception area. She stared at me when she found out it was me and I could just feel the tension we both radiated.

God, she was so beautiful. Maybe it was just me but why did I feel this way about a woman I've never met?

"I'm Jeff and I'm here to ask you to lunch," I replied.

"I can't...I...I have a previous..."

"Sandi, please give me a chance here. Everyone needs to eat and this is just lunch. You can even pick the place," I said.

I could tell she was uncertain and I watched her take a deep breath, her chest heaving. 

"Ok, but it's just lunch. We can go across the street to the diner." She looked over at Jody who was smiling at her. "Jody, if I'm needed, you know where to find me."

"I'll just be a minute. I need to get my jacket," said Sandi as she went back down the hall.

When she came back out I could tell she had reapplied her lipstick and had probably run a brush through her blond hair. She smelled so good that I figured she had also sprayed on a little perfume.

The diner was actually a very nice restaurant. The waitress seated us in a booth near the back. "Thank you for having lunch with me. I thought about you all night," I said.

She looked at me. "Don't take this as a come-on but you look a lot better without the mask," she smiled and showed her dimples. "I have to be honest and tell you that I hoped you would contact me but I didn't think it would be so soon."

We talked and when I asked her about her life she told me pretty much what Jody had said. She did add that her father had died before she was born. Her mom was a nurse and raised her. When she was five her mom got remarried and she was adopted by her stepfather.

She had a half-brother and a half-sister. Her mom had the kids after she got re-married, and they were seven and nine years younger than Sandi. She didn't talk much about college except that she had her daughter, who she named Trina. I wanted to know more but I could tell she was becoming a bit uncomfortable.

Lunch time went by much too quickly. As I walked her back to her office I asked her out to dinner. "I can't, I have previous plans," said Sandi.

"Change them I really would like to take you to dinner," I replied.

"Jeff, I'd love to but I really do have plans. I have to take Trina trick or treating tonight. I'm sorry, maybe another time."

"Let me go with you," I asked.

"You want to go trick or treating with me and my two year old daughter?" Sandi was laughing and I could see Jody smiling behind her counter.

"Please, I'll even wear my Batman outfit." I was giving her a puppy dog look.

She was shaking her head and smiling. She handed me a card after putting her address and home phone number on it. "If you are serious, here is my address. Trick or treating starts at five and goes a couple of hours. If you wear your Batman outfit, don't put the mask on till after Trina sees you. I don't want you scaring her." She smiled at me and went to her office.

"Good work Jeff," said Jody. I've never seen her look so happy. She's never accepted a date from anyone that I know of other than the one time with Randy and it was only because he was the boss's son."

I showed up at her apartment with my costume on, all but my mask. She answered the door with a smile.

"I really didn't believe you would show up to go with Trina and me trick-or treating. But, I'm glad you did. This is my first year taking Trina house to house. It's been a lot of years since I've done this," said Sandi.

"I wouldn't have missed being with you for anything and I can't wait to meet your daughter."

No sooner had I said that, a little girl with dark curly hair came walking into the room. She was as precious as her mother. She was dressed in a princess costume and had a big smile on her face.

I stooped down and talked to her. "Hi Trina, I'm Jeff and I'm going to go Trick or Treating with you and mommy. I have a costume on and will be putting a mask on. I didn't want to scare you. I'm Batman."

Sandi didn't have a costume on. I really didn't expect she would but she looked as nice as ever. We got ready to go and I slipped my mask on. Trina said something like "Baman". Sandi said that Trina liked the Batman cartoons and watched them all the time. That actually made me feel pretty good.

The three of us walked up and down the street. The people actually gave me candy which I gave to Trina at the end of the night. I have to say that it was quite the experience walking with Sandi and Trina. I really felt good and it was fun seeing all the other parents with their kids going house to house.

It made me think that just maybe I could be a father. I can guarantee you that I never had thoughts like that before. Just watching Sandi smiling at her daughter made me smile. I don't know why but I wanted to be part of their life.

I ended up carrying Trina back to the house. I asked Sandi if she would do me a favor and let me take her to meet my Aunt Emma. I wanted my aunt to meet her and see how pretty Trina looked.

Sandi stared at me before answering. I wish I knew what was going through her mind. Finally she said, "Ok but we can only stay a few minutes. I know Trina is tired and I could use some rest myself. The only reason I said yes is because you've been the perfect gentleman, please don't change my opinion."

I took off my mask and took the car seat out of Sandi's car and put it in mine. While I was doing this I noticed Sandi just watching me. She seemed serious, I believe she was thinking about us but I didn't know for sure.

When I pulled into my Uncle and Aunts estate Sandi couldn't believe the size of the house. "My God, is your uncle rich?" asked Sandi.

"Let's just say that they are wealthy," I responded.

We walked in the door and my aunt came into the living room. Sweet little Trina said, "twik or tweet," she just figured it was another house we went to.

"Oh, my Goodness, how precious she is," said my aunt. "Wait just a minute honey and I'll get you something."

My aunt came back with a whole package of miniature candy bars and put the whole bag in Trina's sack. They didn't get trick or treaters in this neighborhood.

"So Jeff, are you going to introduce me to your friend?"

"Aunt Emma, this is Sandi and her daughter Trina. We just got back from trick or treating," I replied.

My aunt gave Sandi a hug. She was the type of aunt that everyone wished they had. She was like a Suzy homemaker but people knew better than to take advantage of her. You definitely wanted to be on her good side.

"Come sit down, I'll get us all a glass of cider. Is it alright to give Trina a cookie?"

At first Sandi was going to say that my aunt didn't need to bother but I think she caught on right away that my Aunt Emma was going to do it anyway. 




Adopted



"Yes, she can have a cookie but only one please. She doesn't need much sugar. She'll be going to bed when we get home."

While my aunt was getting the cider, Sandi asked me, "Why did you bring me here?"

"To let you know that I really want to get to know you better," I replied.

"I don't understand. What does coming here have to do with wanting to know me better?"

Just then my aunt came back in with the cider. She gave us each a glass and put some in a sippy cup for Trina. She had a number of grandchildren.

My aunt spoke first. "It's so nice to meet a friend of Jeff's. You are the first girl that he has ever brought here for me to meet. Too bad Joe isn't here tonight. He would be surprised to know that Jeff has a girlfriend."

"Aunt Emma, Sandi is just a friend right now. I know how much you love kids and knew you would love Trina."

"Nonsense, I wasn't born yesterday. I've asked you for years to bring your girlfriends here and you always told me you would when you got one you cared enough for. I must say she sure is a pretty one." My aunt was quite outspoken.

She talked to Sandi and asked her about herself and where she was from and about her family. The odd thing was Sandi had no problem answering any of my aunt's questions. Even when my aunt asked her if she was ever married, she had no problem telling her that no, she had never been married. My aunt didn't inquire any further about Trina.

Sandi went ahead and told her, "I wasn't in love with Trina's father so we didn't get married."

My aunt smiled at her and took her hand and said, "Too many people get married and they don't love their spouse. It's a mistake and hurts the kids in a long run. You did the right thing," said my aunt as she smiled at Sandi.

"I hate to leave but I do have to get home and get Trina to bed." Sandi stood up and so did my aunt and I. "It was very nice meeting you," said Sandi.

"Honey," said my aunt to Sandi. "You must come to our Halloween party tomorrow night. I won't take no for an answer. Our whole family will be here and I want them to meet you. They always tease Jeff about not bringing his girlfriends to our family parties. He always comes alone."

I knew it completely caught Sandi off guard. I didn't say anything to back her up because I wanted her to say yes. I just smiled at her.

"Um, I don't know if I can make it. I'll have to see if I can get my mother to watch Trina."

"Please try - it's only our family and some of the people who work for us. Probably seventy-five people at most. It's a costume party."

"She has a great costume she wore yesterday. She said she was a good witch but I thought she looked like an angel," I said and then of course smiled.

"Oh that would be wonderful," said my aunt as she gave Sandi another hug. She also hugged little Trina. "You're such a sweet girl," she said.

I could tell that my aunt really did like them. I picked up Trina, gave my aunt a kiss and took Trina to the car.

"You never mentioned the party," said Sandi. "I really like your aunt but you never mentioned you're rich or that there was a party tomorrow, why?"

"First off, my aunt and uncle are wealthy, not me. I didn't tell you about the party because you would probably have said no and besides, it's not me giving the party. It's my aunt and uncle. So will you go with me?"

She didn't say anything the rest of the way home. I figured she wasn't going to go. On the other hand I knew she was thinking about it. When we got to her home I carried Trina into the house. I went back out and took the car seat out of my car and put it back in hers.

I knocked on her door and when she opened it she said, "Ok, I'll go. Not for you, but because I like your aunt."

I smiled. "I'll pick you up at seven, and thank you." She did smile at me before closing the door.

****

I picked her up for the party and she looked gorgeous. Even better than she did for the earlier party. I smiled as I escorted her out to my car. She did say that her mom was going to watch Trina.

When we arrived at my aunt's house it didn't take long for my aunt to see Sandi. "My Lord, you are so beautiful. Jeff, you better hold on to this one, she's a keeper."

I didn't say a word but I was probably told the same thing fifty times that night. My aunt took Sandi around and introduced her as my girlfriend. I didn't say anything different and surprisingly enough, neither did Sandi.

I took my mask off after about an hour. I wanted Sandi to see me looking at her. I knew I was falling in love with her but how was it even possible? I had just met her a couple of days before. It's not like it's my first date, I've been with a goodly amount of women, especially in college.

I held Sandi close as we danced. We seemed so good together. I didn't mind the teasing from my cousins because I knew I was with the prettiest woman there at least in my eyes.

We danced, ate, had some drinks and danced some more. I just wanted Sandi in my arms and it didn't seem like she minded being there.

My uncle Joe showed up late as usual. He went around saying hi to everyone. When he got around to me and Sandi he looked surprised.

"Uncle Joe, what are you doing here?" asked Sandi.

"This is my Uncle Joe, who raised me. You know him?" I asked Sandy.

"Sandi, what a pleasant surprise to see you. Don't tell me you're Jeff's date," said Uncle Joe. I usually just called him Joe since I got out of college. Since he was my boss the uncle part just didn't seem right.

"I guess I am," replied Sandi. "Don't tell me you're the Uncle Joe he talks about?"

"Hey, can someone let me know what's going on. Is he really your Uncle?" I asked, but it worried me. If he was Uncle to both of us, then we might be related.

"No," said Sandi. He was my father's boss before my dad went into the service. I never met my father, he was killed before I was born. My mom told me to call him Uncle Joe out of respect. I've seen him every couple of years or so. He promised my father that he would help take care of us if anything ever happened to him. Mom said that Uncle Joe was always a man of his word."

"So how did you and Jeff meet?" asked Joe.

I replied, "Her office staff came to the Halloween party at the bar on Thursday night. I bothered her all night and all day yesterday till she agreed go out with me."

"So you've only known each other for a couple of days and yet she's the first woman you ever brought over for your aunt and me to meet," said Joe.

"That's about right, what can I say? She's just someone special Joe," I replied.

"Well you two youngsters have fun. Sandi, it's wonderful to see you again. Tell your mom I said hi." He hugged Sandi like you would a niece and smiled at her.

I know I shouldn't have, but I had to wonder if Sandi might be Joe's daughter. I know he was fairly wild in his younger days. God I sure hoped she wasn't. I'd never felt about any woman the way I did about Sandi. I knew I had to find out as soon as possible if Sandi just might be my cousin.

Sandi and I felt even closer dancing after she saw Joe. We talked about him and how he helped her and her mom out through the years. She did tell me that her mom had explained that she had never met Uncle Joe till after her husband died. She was already pregnant when she met him.

Her mom told her how he helped her with her medical bills and even gave her extra money to help her out. Later of course her mom got remarried and Joe only stopped by now and then to check in with them. He even became friends with her adoptive father.

It was a big relief to hear this. She did tell me that he knew about Trina. He was glad that she kept her. She told me more of the story at another time which I'll explain later.

It wasn't a surprise that Aunt Emma never met Sandi. There would have not been any reason for her to. Joe had a lot of people working for him through the years and was known to help many of them. She was actually pleasantly surprised to know that Joe had helped Sandi's family out. Joe even mentioned that maybe they could invite Sandi's parents over for Thanksgiving dinner.

On Thanksgiving Uncle Joe and Aunt Emma closed one of their restaurants and invited the whole family to have dinner together. It was usually just family but Emma thought having Sandi's family over was a good idea. I believe she thought Sandi and I made a good couple together and I know she was crazy about Sandi's daughter Trina. I thought it would be great because it would keep Sandi and me together and let us get to know each other better.

I do have to say that everyone kept Sandi's glass full. I know she had too much to drink but I was driving and I know she was having a wonderful time. Everyone loved her and the fact that she was with me was even sweeter.

When I took her home she invited me in. I knew she had drunk too much and I didn't want to take advantage of her. She had said earlier that she hadn't drunk like that since her college days.

I wanted to make love to her more than anything but this was one relationship I didn't want to mess up. When I kissed her for the first time; it was so soft, warm and passionate. I pt my arms around her and pulled her into me; she felt so good in my arms. I didn't want to stop but knew I had to. I kissed her one last time and told her I had to leave.

I did mention to her that I would be out of town on business for a few days but wanted to see her when I returned. I couldn't get her out of my mind. When I returned my first call was to her. I asked her out for dinner and she said she would get her mother to watch Trina. Just maybe she missed me too.

We went out and had a quiet dinner. We talked and she said her mother seemed surprised when she mentioned seeing my Uncle Joe. When she told her mom that I was his nephew she seemed even more surprised. She wanted to meet me.

After dinner we stopped by her mom's and picked up Trina. Her mom must have asked me a thousand questions. I was really rather surprised but did my best to answer them. She was very nice to me but she almost seemed worried. Maybe that isn't the right word but she did seem a bit concerned.

We took Trina home and I played with her on the floor. All the while Sandi watched us and just smiled. I knew I loved Sandi, I don't care if I didn't know her that long - I knew my feelings. I was finding that I really cared for Trina also. I had never thought much about having kids but I truly liked Trina.

After we put Trina to bed Sandi and I talked. She thanked me for not taking advantage of her after she had had too much to drink. I told her it was one of the hardest things I ever did to walk away when I really wanted to be with her.

"I'm not drunk now and I know what I'm doing," said Sandi as she leaned over and kissed me.

I kissed her back and she stared in my eyes. "Jeff, I haven't been with anyone since Trina has been born. I need for you to know that."

"Sandi, I know I'm in love with you. I've known it from the moment I first saw you."

"Jeff, as I told you, I'm not the sweet young girl you think I am. I need to tell you the truth if we are going to go any further."

"I'm not worried about your past, just our future together. That's all that counts," I told Sandi.

"Please Jeff, I need to be honest with you, you deserve to know the truth about me."

I could tell it meant a lot to her. I sat back as a tearful Sandi told me her story.

"I've told you about my past and that my mom was rather strict. I wasn't allowed to date till my senior year in high school. I played volleyball and even got a partial scholarship. That's why I went to college in Pennsylvania.

"I was young and stupid when it came to dating. I wanted to fit in and when I went to parties I let myself go. I had sex and drank a lot. I even smoked a little weed until I got sick on it. I now know how stupid and foolish I was to just have loose sex and not being responsible for myself.

"I was like that for nearly three years. I didn't care who I had sex with, it was just part of the party scene. When I was in my senior year I was still having sex a lot but I found a guy I cared for. One day I had unprotected sex with him and became pregnant. I approached him for the money to have an abortion and he laughed at me. He said how did he know it was even his? I didn't know what to do. After two more months I told him I was going to have the kid and take him to court for child support.

"He pushed me and I fell down some stairs. I started bleeding and I was taken to the hospital. I had no witnesses that he pushed me and he denied doing so and denied being the father of my unborn baby. I was scared. I had to call my mom and tell her the whole story. It was the hardest thing to do because she had given me everything and I know I hurt her.

"Your Uncle Joe sent someone to bring me back to Ohio. Mom and I talked it over and she said instead of an abortion I should have the baby and then give it up for adoption. I agreed to do that for her knowing how I must have hurt her.

"I had a rough pregnancy. I spent the last two weeks before the delivery in the hospital. The baby was born premature by a month. I don't know what happened but I cried and cried. I prayed to God to save my baby. I told him if he saved by baby's life that I would be the best mother I could be. There was no way I could give up my child.

"Mom was with me the full time backing me up. Uncle Joe stopped in and told me not to worry about the bills he would make sure they were paid. When Trina was born she was so tiny. I stayed at the hospital day and night just to be by her side. I can't believe that I ever thought of having an abortion or even giving her up.

"I had moved back in with mom and the rest of the family. When Trina was six months old I began going to night school to finish my education. Once I finished school your uncle got me an interview at the manufacturing plant. I got the job and a couple of months ago I got the apartment for Trina and me.

"While I'm at work I have a half sister who watches Trina. I just needed for you to know the truth about me. If we're going to be friends or even more we have to be honest with each other."

"Sandi, we've all made mistakes in our life. I wasn't a goody two shoes at school either. I also had sex with, let's say a lot of women. To the best of my knowledge I didn't get anyone pregnant. I really care for you; I know I keep telling you that but I want you to know that I've never been this serious about anyone. I'm pretty sure you figured that out when talking with my family.

"Jeff, there's one more thing you need to know. If you don't want to date me after I tell you, I'll understand."

She started crying and I took her in my arms and held her tight. "What is it Sandi?"

"After all the trouble I had with giving birth I had to have a hysterectomy. I can't have any more kids. If you want kids of your own you'll need to find someone else." She was still crying while telling me this.

"Sandi, it's ok, I understand but it's you I care for and if we should stay together I will always have Trina. Believe me when I say I never considered having kids but to me Trina is someone special.

We kissed again only this time we didn't stop there. She led me to her bedroom and we made love. She told me again that she hadn't had sex let alone made love since she became pregnant with Trina. I took my time and slowly undressed her and as she lay on the bed I began sucking on her breasts and worked my way down to her tummy.

She was so solid from exercising. I slipped two fingers into her moist pussy as I kissed her belly. She was getting so wet and asked me not to tease her but to make love to her right then. I slipped my cock into her; it felt so hot and good. I made long slow strokes until I was ready to come.

I held back as long as I could but had to come. I pushed my cock deep into her and held it there till I gave her all I had. She squealed and I felt her pussy tighten around my cock. I could feel a continuous spasm and it was a few minutes till it stopped.

I lay next to her for a while and we just cuddled. "Does this mean you're my girl now?" I asked.

With a tear in her eye she said, "Yes, I'm your girl."

I didn't want to leave but we both had to work the next day. I met her for lunch and we talked about our possible future and what we both would like. It was so hard to believe that we were so much alike and shared the same interests.

We both worked out and took care of our bodies. Both of us played sports in high school and college. We were both intelligent but didn't make the wisest decisions in college. It went on and on with the comparisons. I told her we were meant for each other.

We made love at least three times a week for the next few weeks. On the weekend we got either her mom or my aunt to watch Trina while we went out. Sandi's mom treated me fine but she really did seem nervous that we were together.

We told Sandi's mother that we planned on getting married for New Years. She acted happy for us but something in me told me she wasn't sure we should be together. I just couldn't figure out why, that was until she asked us over the Sunday before Thanksgiving. She told us she needed to talk to us.

Aunt Emma said she would watch Trina for us that day. After talking with Sandi's mother we were going out to dinner. When we arrived at her house her husband and kids had gone out. The only other person there was Uncle Joe. Both Mary, who is Sandi's mother, and Uncle Joe looked very serious.

"Ok, what's going on?" I asked Uncle Joe. "I have a gut feeling that Mrs. Wilcox doesn't want Sandi and me to be together. What is it Uncle Joe? Is Sandi my half cousin or something?"

"Let's all go into the living room so we can sit down and talk. We have some things to tell both of you," said Mrs. Wilcox.

"Please tell me what's going on," I knew I was saying it too loudly but I was getting both mad and scared. I was holding on tightly to Sandi's hand. I could tell she was scared also.

"Jeff, Sandi, please sit down. This is difficult enough without you getting overly emotional." said Uncle Joe. "I will answer your question before telling you the whole story. Sandi is not your half or even your full cousin. Mary and I have never been intimate with each other but have been friends just like we have told you. Her husband Jim worked for me and I promised him I would see she was taken care of. At the time of his death she was already pregnant."

"I'm sorry Uncle Joe. I was out of line but Sandi and I are in love and intend to get married. We were going to surprise everyone next week at Thanksgiving dinner. Sandi asked me if she could tell her mom, which she did, and now we are here talking to her and you. So what is the problem?"

"As I mentioned, she is neither your cousin nor half cousin. She is your sister." Uncle Joe blew me away with that statement.

"Mom, please tell me it's just a sick joke or something. I love Jeff more than I have ever loved anyone. It can't be true," replied Sandi with tears running down her face.

"Uncle Joe, that's not possible. That would make Mary my mother and I've never met her till a few weeks ago. What's going on?" I asked.

"This is going to take awhile to explain the whole story to both of you. Please listen and we'll tell you everything. We'll answer any questions you have when we've finish the story. We may even have solutions to your problems. Just give us a chance to explain before going off half cocked again," said Uncle Joe.

****

Uncle Joe tells his story:

Sandi is your twin sister that you thought died when she was two days old. Your parents, that is both of you here, were coming back from a trip to Canada when her water broke. They called us and said they were near a small Amish community but there were no major hospitals there.




Adopted



They went to the local clinic and luckily Mary and her sister Nora worked there. Maybe it was fate, luck or some type of divine intervention, but we don't know why they ended up there. Jeff you were born first and weighed less than five pounds. Then Sandi was born and weighed barely over two pounds. You were both put in an incubator.

Your mother, June stayed one night in the clinic. Your father, Charles stayed at a nearby motel. The next day the doctor who delivered both of you said you both, especially Sandi needed to be transferred to a major hospital. The nearest one was nearly forty miles away.

The following day they were going to take you kids and drive to the hospital. The doctor told them that it would more than likely kill Sandi. So your parents took off and said they would go to the hospital and make plans to have the babies transferred. 

They were both killed in a truck - car accident on one of the hilly curves. Mary and Nora got word from the sheriff's department and then I heard from Mary about you two kids and that she had been told your parents died.

Before I go any further I need to tell you about Mary and Nora. Everything we told you about her husband being killed and her being pregnant was true. What we didn't tell you was that a couple of weeks before you kids were born she found out her baby was dead and would be stillborn.

According to Nora, her sister, she was a near basket case. First losing her husband and now knowing her baby would be stillborn. When she heard that your parents were killed she was overly distraught knowing you kids would probably be put in child services custody. Mary induced her labor so she could have her baby.

Back here at home your Aunt Emma went into shock when she heard about the death of her sister and brother. She was also wondering what might happen to you kids. Our doctor told her to stay in bed for a couple of days and gave her some sedatives. I told her I would go and take care of the funeral arrangements and see what was happing with the kids.

I explained to the sheriff's department who I was and gave him the name of the funeral home which would take care of your parents' remains. I then went to the clinic and talked with Mary. She told me that children's services had called and said they would be there the next day to claim the kids.

It was now night time and the clinic was closed but Mary and Nora stayed there, mainly to watch over the babies. After inducing labor Mary lay there in pain giving birth to a stillborn baby. It was a girl.

It was then that Mary and Norma decided to switch babies. We all knew it wasn't right but the state was going to take the babies away in the morning and they would have more than likely have been split up anyway.

Mary's little girl was under three pounds and with my consent we switched the babies. Nora called the children's services even though it was the middle of the night and told them the one baby had died. They told her they would be there the next day to claim the remains and to take Jeff with them.

Mary was holding you Sandi and asked me to drive her to a hospital. It was a small hospital just fifteen miles away. I did so and she was admitted and so was Sandi. No one had any reason to believe that Sandi wasn't a newborn still being so small.

I stayed the night with Mary and made sure all the paperwork was made out and the birth information correct only being two days late. The following morning I was at the clinic when the children's services physician came in. Nora already had Jeff ready to be transferred.

I told the physician who I was and asked if I could have the baby's remains sent to the funeral home to be buried with her parents. He wasn't a bad sort and made a call and got it okayed. He told me what hospital he was transferring Jeff too, which was in Columbus, over seventy miles away. I had to wonder if Sandi would have survived the trip.

I told him I would keep in touch with him. He gave me his card and a card of children's services so I could get in touch with them also.

"So you're not my mother?" asked Sandi to Mary. Both had tears in their eyes.

She may not be your birth mother but she is the mother that saw that you got all the love and care that kept you alive. When you were admitted the doctors only gave you a fifty-fifty chance of making it. Mary, your mother stayed at the hospital day and night watching over you, holding you and helping to feed you.

She took a leave of absence from the clinic to be with you. She got a few extra privileges since she was a nurse. It wasn't until you finally got up to five pounds that the doctors considered you out of the danger zone. They actually said that they thought it was the love and prayers of a mother for her daughter that pulled you through.

Mary and Sandi were both crying when Sandi got up and went and hugged her mother.

Sandi, you know the rest of the story. Five years later your mom married Ed Wilcox and he adopted you. I stopped by about once a year just to see you and Mary. You are part of a great family. No one knows the true story about you except your mom, your Aunt Nora and me.

Ok Jeff, let's talk about you. When I got back home I talked with your Aunt Emma. I told her that you were transferred to Columbus and that your twin sister died. I explained that I had the remains transferred to our local funeral home where we had services. It was a closed casket for all three.

Your aunt was worried about who might adopt you. She asked me if I thought we could, even though we haven't had any little kids around for years and were about to have grand children.

She hounded me till I contacted children services and we became your guardians. Your aunt didn't want you to go through life with no family. For years you called us mom and dad till you became a teenager. Then for some reason you started calling us Aunt Emma and Uncle Joe. We always left it up to you.

****

"Why didn't you adopt me Uncle Joe?" I asked.

"Because you were already family and we were your guardians. The only thing that would have changed is your last name and you were probably much safer with your own."

"Mom, what was my name before you changed it?" asked Sandi.

"It was Sandra Lynn, but I changed it to Sandi June in honor of your mother." They both started crying again.

"Uncle Joe, doesn't Aunt Emma know anything about Sandi?" I asked.

"Just that she was the daughter of an old friend. Now if you two stay together she can call her Aunt Emma and me Uncle Joe. I think we would both like that."

"But, you said she is my twin sister. Uncle Joe, I still love her and want to marry her if she will still have me."

"Of course I love you, you crazy lug; more than ever. Mom, Uncle Joe, do you see any problems with us getting married?" asked Sandi.

"The main problems would be kids and you said you already told Jeff that you are unable to have any more," said Mary.

"Look, I love Sandi. Kids or no kids, I still love her. Besides we will have a beautiful daughter who I intend to adopt. Also we will have a special relationship that no other husband and wife have."

"What is that?" asked Mary.

"If my wife should ever need a body part like a kidney, or a part of my lung or even a blood transfusion, I can give it to her. Not many husbands can say that."

"Let's hope that it never happens," said Sandi. "Besides that works both ways."

"Mrs. Wilcox, are you alright then with having me as a son? I promise I'll be the best husband and father you could want for your daughter. I would like to have your blessing to marry her."

"Jeff, I've liked you since the first time I saw you with Sandi. I was worried about the relationship for obvious reasons. Once she told me things were getting serious between you two and that she loved you I worried even more, that's when I called Joe and he suggested we have this meeting. Yes Jeff, you and Sandi have my blessing and I know you'll have her father's as well."

Sandi and I were happy, we got her mom's and our uncle's blessing. The four of us made a pact that no one else would ever know. There was no reason that anyone else needed to know. Of course Sandi's Aunt Nora knew but we weren't even letting her know that we knew. She had already kept it a secret for over twenty-five years.

Over the next week Sandi and her mom had talks and discussed any questions that Sandi had. It was quite a trauma for Sandi to find out her mom was not her birth mother. She told me how hard it must have been for her mother losing her unborn child and her husband in the same year.

Sandi said she knows what her mother did wasn't right, but under the circumstances, she understood. She remembered what she went through with Trina. She was also happy that her mom convinced her not to have an abortion. She couldn't imagine life without her daughter Trina.

I had a talk with my uncle Joe. I asked him if he knew anything about the birth father of Trina. Sandi had told me that she believed he had taken a video of her during her college days and was worried that he might use it against her.

Uncle Joe just said, "Jeff, he is no longer a threat and the video was found and destroyed. The asshole made a mistake when he messed with my family and Sandi is my niece and always will be."

****

Sandy and I attended the Thanksgiving dinner together. Mary and her husband plus their other kids also attended the dinner. After everyone was seated Uncle Joe said grace and before anyone got up he told them that I had an announcement to make.

"Everyone, this won't take long. Sandi and I will be getting married on New Year's Eve. Everyone here is invited. We'll let you all know the particulars in the coming weeks. Just leave that day open if you plan on attending."

You would have thought the Cleveland Browns had just won the super bowl with all the cheering and noise. During dinner and afterwards, everyone came up to congratulate us. The look on Aunt Emma's face was one of total joy. She hugged and kissed Sandi until Sandi was crying.

"I liked you from the first time I saw you. You belong in this family." She had no idea how true this was.

"You can call me Aunt Emma or mom, I don't care as long as Trina calls me Grandma," said my aunt.

The time flew by and the wedding was great. Everyone from Thanksgiving dinner plus a lot of the people we worked with attended. Sandi's boss and even his son Randy showed up. Jody told Sandi she was one lucky woman. That made me feel pretty good.

None of my old flames were invited. The last thing I needed was for Sandi to know more of my past than she already did. Missy came but we were just good friends, never intimate even though she knew more about me than most anyone.

"Boy I missed on this one. My physic powers aren't what they used to be. I do see happiness in your life. I'm really happy for you meeting your soul mate. You two seem to have so much in common it's almost eerie." She hugged both Sandi and me and went to enjoy the party.

Sandi's father and siblings were happy for us to. Her youngest brother was now eighteen and her sister who babysat for her was twenty.

We lived in Sandi's apartment for about a year before looking for a place of our own. Life couldn't be any better. We made love at least three times a week and other times just cuddled up on the couch and watched TV together with Trina playing on the floor in front of us. Her adoption went through without a problem. She has been calling me daddy ever since we announced our engagement on Thanksgiving day.

Epilogue:

We'd been married for about three years and everything was fine. One day we heard that there had been an accident on the freeway. It was a single mother and her three year old twins, a boy and a girl. The mother died on the way to the hospital. The children were hurt but not seriously. We called Uncle Joe and he told us he would see what he could find out. This accident with the twins really hit home with us.

Uncle Joe said children's services would be taking the children. The girl's parents had disowned her and there was no mention of a father.

Sandi looked at me and was crying. I know how she felt because that was close to what happened to us.

"We can't let them get separated Jeff. We have to do something," said Sandy.

I knew what she meant. The only thing we could do was try to adopt them. 

I made a call back to Uncle Joe and asked him to see if we could be the twin's foster parents. He had the connections to get things done.

A week later the shy little boy and girl were at our house. Trina acted like she was their big sister and they followed her everywhere. After three months we put in the adoption papers.

We are now the proud family of five - Sandi, me, Trina, and our twins, Erin and Andy.

*

Life is good.

Thank you for reading my story

Comments are welcome and appreciated

DG Hear



Adopted



"No, my adoptive parents provide for me."

There was a pause and then, "When do you wish to meet?"

"I suggest at a café for lunch one weekend. You guys can choose. I would prefer to meet all three of you together. Will you guys resent me?"

"If we were Kelly you'd be brave meeting us together."

"My thinking was you being the oldest would be in control."

Helen laughed and said that sounded logical but as sisters they were competitive. "No you'll be okay. You called me on my cell phone so I have your number. I'll set this up and advise you. How will we recognize you?"

"I'm eighteen and blonde and will wear a black choker."

"No wear a hat and we'll all wear hats and that will encourage my sisters to act as ladies. To tell you the truth we have intense interest in you."

"Likewise. Bye and thanks for being so friendly. My palms were sweating."

"Oh darling, none of this was your fault and I told my father his behavior towards you mother at the time of your birth was boorish."

"Oh god, you said that. Thank you for your compassion."

"Kelly how old are you?" asked Helen as if not believing she was talking to a kid.

"I turned eighteen last Friday."



Helen called both sisters and they arranged to meet at Molly's Bar late that afternoon.

Settled down with drinks the middle sister said, "So the little bitch does want to front up and say she's sorry?"

"Doris what a stupid comment," Helen said. "What has she to be sorry about, being born?"

Doris looked caught out. "Sorry guys, I've had a tough day. Was she pleasant?"

"Very polite for an eighteen-year-old. She wants to meet us for lunch one weekend."

The café was chosen with a booking to made for the coming Sunday.

Helen said, "Now listen you two. This kid has guts fronting up to us together like this. She is eight to ten years younger than us, exactly ten years younger than me. Her unfortunate birth is not her fault. I intend treating her pleasantly and am interested in finding out about her. If you don't share my thoughts on that, then don't turn up."

"Don't be bossy Helen," Marlene said. "Stop treating us like kids."

"Well you know I was in the gun when dad died and mom went to pieces. But you are quite right Marlene. You are my dear sisters and we are into this as equals and making dad proud of how we treat his illegitimate offspring."

Doris sighed and said Helen was making them feel guilty about their father's indiscretion.



The three reasonably solidly-built although not unduly fat sisters wearing wide-brim hats with their long hair down sat facing the entrance just ten minutes late. 

"The little bitch is keeping us waiting," Doris said.

"Ohmigod, here she comes," Marlene gasped. "She'd beautiful and as slim as a pencil apart from those two cute looking bumps on her chest."

They looked at the lithe blonde, hair up in a French roll and wearing high heels, a white trouser suit and a pink fedora.

Helen stood and waved, smiling and her sisters climbed to their feet, Doris complaining, "Why are we doing this."

"Hi Kelly, I'm Helen."

"Hi Helen. Do we kiss?"

"Yes please, lightly on the lips with me. You are my half-sister."

"Me too, Marlene said, ignoring the whispered "Jesus" from Doris.

When Doris kissed her half-sister she said in surprise, "You are wearing Escape?"

"Yes I thought you were too. Well we obviously share our good taste. How is Kitty?"

"You know I have a daughter?"

"Yes, Marlene has the twins Sam and Mike and Helen has Philip. You may see this something like an invasion of privacy but those names were on the investigator's report enquiring into your whereabouts for him. I apologize for..."

"No it's fine," Doris said. "I just can't believe you know my daughter's name and yet we've never met before this and you also know my sisters' children."

"Well I just read the report twice and I have a good memory for things that interest me. The three of you married early I take it?"

"Yes we all married early but only Doris had a baby early," Marlene said as they sat. "Helen was nineteen, I was twenty-one and Doris was twenty. You have made quite an impression on me being so beautiful, so well dressed and knowing the names of our children. Let's get the wine waiter over. Do you drink alcohol Kelly?"

"Two glasses is my limit. I'm only eighteen."

"Just eighteen and a lovely eighteen too," Helen said. "Shall we have bubbles? I'll pay."

The others agreed and Helen ordered non-vintage Mumn's champagne.

They chatted as they watched the waiter pour and then Helen said, "I wish to propose a toast on this auspicious occasion and Kelly I invite you to share in the same response as my sisters.

"To our father."

The other three chorused, "To our father."

"Thank you," Helen said. "That establishes the bond between us."

"I have a copy of my birth certificate with me to show you," Kelly said.

Helen smiled and said there was no need. "My husband Mike is an insurance investigator. After your investigator contacted me I gave his card to Mike who investigated him and established he was engaged by your attorney and confirmed the purpose of the commissioned investigation. I must say you are awfully young to have an attorney."

"She is my grandmother, ah the mother of my adoptive mother."

"Well she is your grandmother then," Doris said. "Mike also researched into your birth mother's accident and it was just as your investigator said it was. Helen told us Mike was also sent a copy of the photograph on file of your mother obtained from her parents in Toronto for positive identity of the body before her parents left Toronto to take her body home when released."

"Yes and Mike said her parents wanted nothing to do with you and he said neither did our father. Why was that?"

For the next fifteen minutes Kelly related the story. The sisters were shocked.

"It was so sad, so unnecessary," Marlene wept. "We did produce sons but he didn't give us time."

When everything settled Kelly shocked the sisters again. "Helen could you kindly get me a copy of that photograph of my mother. I have no photographs of me mother and don't recall ever seeing her because I was only three weeks old when she died. And, um, a photograph of my father if you can bear to do that for me."

"Oh god, of course I'll do that for you. Give me your email address and I'll send you digital copies that you can get printed out professionally. You poor darling I cannot imagine what it must be like not to have photographs of one's parents."

There was one more shock to come. Doris asked where did Kelly live and she gave the address.

"Ohmigod, Marlene said. "That's only six to eight blocks from where our parents lived when you were growing up."

"Yes I did learn that but what's done is done; one cannot change things like that."

"Order another bottle of champagne Helen," Doris said.

"I must pay my share," Kelly said but Doris said the sisters would split the bill. "You are our honored guess and speaking on behalf of we three sisters although not consulting with them, I say emphatically you have exceeded our expectations. You must come and visit each of us, staying for dinner and we meet like this once every second month and you must join us."

Helen and Marlene agreed.



Kelly would visit her half-sisters at their homes three times before she left for go to college with Sandra in upstate New York. They had decided to take a break from living ant-like in Manhattan and experience urban living in a near rural setting.

* * *

Companionship with males began to gather pace with the two teenagers in an expansion of social life. They both liked tennis and to dance and Sandra and Kelly began to receive invitations that included 'and partner' with increasingly frequently after they turned sixteen and so boys became a social necessity in that respect. Sandra lost her virginity first and it had been in a somewhat forgettable fashion and when Kelly was told about it she decided she was in no hurry to engage in going all the way.

The eighteen-year-olds were enjoying a summer with some glorious patches of weather and they were now staying out late and sleeping away from their homes and it appeared bound to happen. Tennis was still largely associated with lemonade or coke or mineral water but when players began to tire and watch the finals drag out alcohol would appear and so moods would begin to soften and petting would slowly emerge along with smoking and louder laughter. 

Quiet unexpectedly it was not a young guy who really awoke Kelly's lurking sexuality and the female was not the now more experienced Sandra. Kelly was standing in the kitchen, leaning against the bench one Saturday morning around 11:00 when her mom came in from being out shopping for food. Stephen had gone fishing with two buddies.

"Hi, what are you doing?"

"Touching myself," Kelly said without thinking.

Leonie giggled putting down her purchases on the kitchen table.

"What?"

"What you just said."

Kelly blushed and said, "Ohmigod, I did say that didn't I?"

"Yes. Sorry for breaking into your privacy."

Kelly turned and smiled. Her relationship with her mother had never seemed to have boundaries unlike Sandra and her somewhat regimented mother. "It's okay, I have been doing it a bit lately."

This also seemed a natural conversation for Leonie, who was in her mid forties and worked as a doctor's nurse in a group practice. She asked Kelly how did it feel.

"Sharon said it feels great and sends her away emotionally, although said that's short-lived. Perhaps there's something wrong with me?"

"I think that's rather unlikely darling. Would you like me to assist?"

Leonie must have expected a negative reply because she'd just lifted the coffee to put it into the cupboard when Kelly said yes. She only just caught the pack as is slipped out of her hand. She went to her daughter.

"Pull your panties off darling. Now reach in and gentle massage a breast, sometimes drawing a hand over your nipple. I'll play around your vulva."

"That's it and how does that feel?"

"I like you touching me like this but my feelings remain unchanged. Push in a finger if you wish."

"I think I should if you wish to be aroused. Possible two fingers."

"Gone on then."

"Are you sure? Some people would think of this as doing something dirty."

"Well this is not us. We are liberal people. Go on, this is completely between you and me. I don't want you mentioning this to daddy or anyone else including grandma."

"Okay. That's how it should be because this is meant to be a very intimate engagement."

Leonie reversed her hand so the palm was upwards and slowly inserted a finger.

"Have you done this with a female before?"

"Yes but not since college."

Kelly giggled, "Oooh is that what girls go to college for?"

"Yes."

They giggled.

"Kelly feel free to move but I suggest you close your eyes and imagine seeing what we are doing. Is you nipple firm now?"

"Yes very firm and my breast feels tighter."

"Excellent."

Leonie began moving her finger and when hearing the squelching she heard Kelly moan and shake.

"Ohmigod, that feels gorgeous." 

"That's a series of small physiological sensory transmissions called orgasms darling. Enjoy."

When Kelly calmed Leonie inserted a second finger and dug deeply and gently.

"Oooh, oooh, that's great, so lovely. I feel as if I'm floating."

"Stay relaxed darling. Thrust in sharps bursts against my fingers if you wish."

A little later, "Oooh, oooh, mom. I feel as if I'm going to explode. Aaaaaaaaaagh."

Leonie withdrew her fingers and held on to Kelly and gradually the young girl's racing heart slowed and her high color began to subside.

"How was that darling?"

"Mom is was so wonderful. I really am normal aren't I?"

"I would think so darling. When you have sex with a guy his penis could well give you those sensations, possibly much more to have you scream into a huge climax of release and feeling."

"You mean an ejaculation?"

"Possibly. My hand and fingers appeared to become wetter just after you cried out."

Kelly smiled cutely and said, "Do you wish me to give you release?"

"That's very kind of your darling but I think that's enough for now. My objective was to try to demonstrate you can achieve sexual arousal and be taken beyond that. I feel we succeeded."

"I feel we really did mom. Thanks. Would you please hand me the kitchen towel."



Sandra invited Kelly over to her place for company because her parents were both at work and she was bored sitting round reading and had tried making come cookies but burnt them.

The girls squeezed fresh juice from the chilled oranges Kelly had bought on the way over and had just finished their drinks when the phone went. Sandra went out to answer it and returned to ask, "It's Kevin Shanks wondering if he can come over."

"Why are you asking me?"

"Well Kevin has this cousin staying with him and wondered should he bring him over for you."

"For me?"

"That's what Kevin said."

"Has Kevin been having sex with you?"

Sandra turned pink and said guiltily, "Yes, now and again."

"Was this planned?"

"No he has been visiting his cousin in Vermont and they arrived here this morning."

"Okay I'll talk to the cousin while you and Kevin do it but that's all."

Sandra said well she and Kevin could just talk too but Kelly said liar and giggled and Sandra looked happy again.

She returned from ending the call. "I told Kevin you were not into sex and he said he knew that and the whole school had known that.

"What?"

"I'm sorry Kelly but that's true. You were in a group of around thirty who were known as The Untouchables."

"Oh god, is that why dates for me virtually dried up?"

"Yes darling. It's a foul world isn't it?"



Kelly didn't particularly like Kevin Shanks who was loud and very impolite at times. But she though he was big and strong so probably had a big dick and that would please Sandra.

The door buzzer sounded and Sandra who had been in her bedroom changing rushed out and checked the caller was Kevin and let him in.

"Hi babe," Kevin said, kissing Sandra and then holding an arm around her possessively said, "Hi Kelly. This is my cousin Walter Finch."

Kelly greeted them both politely and they sat in the living room listing to a tape cassette Kevin had given them to play.

"She doesn't hold her top notes well," said Sandra, who'd had singing lessons for the past six years.

"Yeah but she has big tits," Kevin said and roared with laughter.

Walter looked at Kelly and appeared embarrassed. That surprised her.

"What are you taking at college Walter?"

"Public administration. Have you any idea what that is Kelly?"

Kevin snorted, "Walt you way-off asshole. Kelly finished high school with honors and second in our class and as an AP scholar so knows just about everything."

"Actually Walter six of our top 10 graduating students were females," Sandra said, not revealing she was one of them and also an AP scholar.

"Will you be content with a BPA or will you go on to an MPA or DPA Walter?"

"Er I'm just eyeing a BPA at the moment Kelly."

"Come on Sandra, this is high-brow chat," Kevin said, "Let's go and study the religious masterpiece painted on your bedroom ceiling."

Sandra, flushing, asked Kelly and Walter to excuse them and led Kevin off.

"Come over and sit with me Walter. You may have to place your hand over your ears when they get going. Sandra is known as a screamer."

"Y-you mean they will have sex?"

"Oh dear Walter. Sandra's ceiling is totally finished in white paint."

"Y-you must think I'm from a seminary?"

"Just kiss me Walter. Play around a bit if you wish."

"You mean sex?"

Kelly smiled kindly and said her thinking hadn't quite reached that stage. They had only just met.

They went out the next two days as a foursome and surprisingly get along very well together, Sandra appearing using Kevin's interest in getting back between her thighs to demand he behave more civilly and she had success in calling him to heel at times when he became too excessive and boisterous.

Holding Kelly's hand as they walked behind the other two, Walter said, "What on earth do you think Sandra sees in Kevin?"

"She probably regards him as a great fuck."

"What?"

"Oh Walter," Kelly giggled, squeezing his hand.

After lunch at the apartment of Sandra's on the fourth day Kelly said after the other two went off to Sandra's bedroom, "Do you want to do it Walter."

"D-do it?"

"Yes Walter. Mom gave me some condoms recently."

Walter looked shocked but wisely said nothing.

"Come on Walter,"

"Okay but I'll n-need guidance."

Kelly said no problem and hoped she wouldn't bleed all over him but she'd been told by girlfriends because she played hockey so full on the first dick she received would probably slide in without obstruction. God she would die of embarrassment if that weren't true because Walter would probably become hysterically, thinking he'd harmed her.

Poor Kelly. Her first time at going all the way could loosely be described as a bungle.

Walter jammed his zip but wriggled out of his pants. He was a wet kisser and his underpants looked grubby and throughout he was clumsy and couldn't get the condom on and so Kelly had to do it for him but had to wait a couple of minutes before proceeding because Walter stopped her. He was worried he was about to ejaculate because he'd never 'had such a good looking chick' touch his penis before.

They both fumbled a bit. He asked Kelly to guide it in so she rolled her butt up to facilitate that and the end of the condom landed right over her rectum and she only just averted screaming in panic. The next try was spot on and Walter, who until them had tended to act as if he was the son of a devout clergyman, said in awe, "Jesus I'm in and it's not even tight."

"Thank you Walter," Kelly said icily. The retard, he had a skinny cock and that's why it wasn't tight. She was sure that was the reason.

Walter completed eleven thrusts. Kelly knew that because she'd counted them and then he wheezed, "I've just come. Thanks for the experience Kelly. You were quite okay."

Oh really?

Walter pulled out with a plop, pulled off the condom and holding it as if it were radioactive disappeared down the hallway and into the bathroom. He locked the door and ran a bath.

Kelly sighed and began talking aloud: "Oh thank you for your best effort Walter, you got yourself away I gather. And how did you like it? You thought you'd do better. I would agree with that Walter. Oh Walter don't bother thinking about giving me some real satisfaction next time because with me Walter there will be no next time for you. Absolutely never. This has been one of the most disappointing moments in my life."

Kelly grinned hearing Sandra screaming. She went and cleaned up in the parent's bathroom and returning and having coffee heard Sandra screaming at two more intervals.

Walter was around for another day and Kelly avoided being alone with him again. The jerk never handed back the two unused condoms.

Sandra went away with her parents for the weekend. Kevin called Kelly and invited her out by Kelly declined, knowing he'd only want to fuck her and really she could barely stand the creep. On Saturday Kelly went to a late afternoon movie and was wondering about eating somewhere but decided there was no fun in doing that and began the long walk home. Dick Hudson suddenly loomed in front of her.

"Oh hi Kelly. You look sexy."

"Don't kid yourself you are getting to me. It's just some stuff I threw on."

"Makes your tits look great Kelly."

Kelly though oh why not. "Interested in my tits are you Dick?"

"What? Oh shit, did I really say that?"

"You did."




Adopted



"And you're not offended? You were prudish at school... Um sorry, that was not said as a slur."

"School was school Dick. Are you going to a movie by yourself?"

"Yes. Um want to come with me?"

"No but choose going to a movie or having me. I guess a guy like you does it?"

"What? Oh yeah. Are you on medication Kelly?"

"No," she grinned. "It's just that I don't wish to go to college with scarcely any experience. I was hoping... well you know?"

"God you are serious?"

Kelly pushed her chest forward. "It's you call Dick."

"Fuck the movies Kelly. Let's go and eat and then we'll go to my place. Mom and dad won't be home till very late and Chloe is out with her guy and will be even later."

"Take me home now, we'll do it, then order in pizza and you know what we can have for dessert?"

"Yeah, great idea."

"I'll call home to say I'll be late."

"Tell them about midnight, perhaps earlier."



Dick, who was big into track and tennis, was the answer to Kelly's hope to engage with a real man. She warned him repeatedly she was inexperienced so was not up to speed. He delivered her home that evening with Kelly being almost legless.

He thought it was so funny and kissed her at the door and paid homage: "Jesus Karen, you are so tight." He then kissed her so beautifully and said, "Please date me again. I really like you and you fuck surprisingly well for a greenhorn."

"Promise you'll tell me what I should be doing and what you'd really like me to do to you to maximize your enjoyment."

"Yeah I promise and you tell me what you like being done to you. We can also experiment if you are game. I know positions I've never tried yet."

The thought of that make Kelly even weaker at the knees and she slumped but Dick caught her. He used her key to open the door and pushed her in, slapped her butt and said very happily he'd call her in the morning.

Kelly and Dick dated until she and Sharon left for college.



CHAPTER 4

Kelly was thrilled to possess good photos of her birth mother Connie Shutter and she now had a complete album on photos of Samuel Levy, her birth father, given her by his three daughters Helen, Doris and Marlene who had copies taken off photos each of them possessed.

She wrote to the Shutter brothers, Victor, Hayden, Seth and Nolan requesting photos and information about her mother. Kelly explained she was their late sister's daughter and said she was eighteen and wished to know more about her mother.

But she received no responses until almost six weeks later Kelly received a call and a woman with a Canadian accent asked, "Is that Kelly Armstrong, daughter of the late Connie Shutter?"

"Yes, I'm Kelly."

"I'm Mrs Monique Shutter who married Hayden, the second oldest Shutter boy. I remember your mother well as my family was close neighbors of the Shutter's. I'm a designer and am in New York to attend an industry seminar. If you wish I could meet you somewhere tomorrow night from 4:30 to 6:30 at the latest."

"If I wish. Oh how I've wished for such contact Mrs Shutter. Yes oh yes I'll come to you. I know nothing, absolutely nothing about my mother as a person and my father never saw me."

"Oh you poor child."

Arrangements were made to meet at the tea and coffee bar in Mrs Shutter's hotel. Kelly said she was blonde and would be wearing a short blue dress and white leggings.

Kelly re-read the investigator's brief references to the Shutter family and confirmed her mom who would have been the youngest of the Shutter children and who would have been forty-one now had she lived meant this Mrs Shutter who married Hayden would be about fifty. She went to Virginia that evening with the news.

"What do you think about this Kelly?"

She smiled when Kelly burst forth, "I'm wildly excited. Do I tell mom and dad?"

"They have always been open with you."

Kelly nodded and said good, that answered that. "Should I meet Mrs Shutter?"

"You had written to the family inviting approaches."

"Well that answers that. Am I dumb or am I what?"

Virginia said, "You did say you were wildly excited and that could cloud your thinking. My advice is remain calm when you talk to this woman. You may have to probe but probe gently. She may feel guilty about her intervention knowing her husband and brothers apparently wanted nothing to do with you knowing their sister wasn't married when she gave birth to you."

"You think that's the sole reason?"

"They may not have been thrilled when learning the man's name was Levy, possibly Jewish."

"But that's being racist or religious discriminatory."

"That's how some people are darling. Hug me so I may share your happiness."

That evening when Leonie sat down with Stephen for a martini before dinner, Kelly carrying a coke joined them."

"So the countdown for leaving to college begins tomorrow as it will be exactly two weeks till you leave," Stephen grinned, patting to space on the sofa beside him."

"Oh that?"

Her parents looked surprised.

"Mom and dad, I have some astonishing news to tell you. I've waited to get you both together to tell you that earlier today a woman called me, a Mrs Shutter who sounds Canadian."

Kelly was sure her parents would react favorably but her mom's reaction astonished her.

Leonie jumped to her feet, dropping her drink on to the mat with the glass not breaking and held out her arms and shouted, "Darling!"

Leonie, practically smothering Kelly, waltzed her around the room cooing, "Oh I so much wanted this to happen, oh I so much wanted this to happen."

Kelly was now red-faced and excited. She partly pulled out of Leonie's grip and turning to her father grinned, "Is this news okay with you dad?"

"Very okay. I'm for anything that makes you girls happy."

Kelly sponged the floor mat while Stephen fetched Leonie another drink. He returned and Leonie said, "This woman married one of the sons is in New York and meets Kelly tomorrow. I think Kelly should go alone don't you?"

"I think that's preferable but where are you to meet?"

"At the coffee bar in the foyer of her hotel."

"Good, a public place. Yes you'll learn more and the woman will be more relaxed without other people there. She'll be aware she is breaking the wall of silence although must have decided the men shouldn't have acted like they have."

Leonie asked what did Kelly know about the woman.

"Not much, the call was friendly although short. Her name is Monique and she married the second oldest brother." 

Karen was surprised when Stephen said instantly, that would probably mean she's in her late forties unless she was considerable older or younger than Hayden.

"Hayden, you remember he is the second in line?"

"Kelly I looked at that investigator's report ten days ago and thought I ought to write a formal letter to each of them as an attorney but decided not to mention I had done that to you to avoid your disappointment if no replies came back, and I received none."

"So this is why Mrs Shutter is responding in person?"

"Possibly if she read my letter."

"Thank you daddy."

"It's a pleasure. Invite her here if you wish; this is your home."

"I will."

"Oh yes, I'm so eager to meet her," Leonie said. "If she can't come ask her if you can photograph her with your phone camera and oh don't forget to ask her to send family photos and details. She'll know the Shutters are also your family otherwise she'd not be doing this. She sounds a nice woman. What kind of designer is she?"

"I'll find out."

* * *

The hotel lobby was fairly crowed but to Kelly's relief she couldn't see any one of blondes wearing white leggings. Then a voice behind her right shoulder said, "Hi Kelly."

Kelly spun round. She'd rehearsed to remain cool to avoid spooking the woman but that preparedness failed to fire. She burst into tears and clung to the smiling woman who fortunately was bigger-framed than Kelly and managed Kelly charge without being knocked over.

"There, there. It's all right. Come, let's sit at the coffee bar. I know this is a huge moment for you. You don't need to call me aunt, please call me Monique."

"Y-you appear to be Connie's age?"

"Yes. I was one of her friends. We lived in the same street and we went through school together. I visited their home a great deal, even when they moved twice and that's how Hayden came to take a shine to me."

"Ohmigod, ohmigod, you knew my birth mother THAT well."

"Yes dear and I know she would have despair at the way Mr Levy rejected you. Oh but Connie would have been so proud of you being so beautiful. Indeed really dressed up you'll look stunning and I know how people look with lithe bodies like you when dressed up because I'm design fashion dresses and coats and all the time deal with models and elegant women. You appear to be of college age."

"I begin college in two weeks."

They chatted for the next two hours, Kelly finding the Shutter's had two young teen daughters and finally Monique said, "I have to go now darling. I have this for you. She handed over a memory stick containing a digital copy of the Shutter's family history compiled by Nancy, Victor's wife and then a white leather-bound photo album. 

"This is my real gift to you. It's a photographic record from my photo collection that gives you a pictorial history of your mother from the time of her birth until only a week before you were born, which was the last time I saw her."

Every so excited, Kelly hugged and kissed and hugged Monique and both were wet-eyed.

"I'll email you photos of me and my potted history," Kelly said as Monique handed across her business card. "Could you do one wee thing for me."

"Of course darling."

"This is my adoptive mother's mobile number. Could you find a moment to call her for a brief chat. As I said earlier her name is Leonie Armstrong. She is so happy for me to be meeting you and I know she would be bursting out of her skin to say hi and to thank you for being so kind in setting up this meeting with me. And tell her about Hayden and your children Jacki and Ella. Oh this has been so wonderful."

Monique hesitated and said, "No let's do better than that. You and Leonie meet me here in the morning at 7:00 and have breakfast with me. I'll have to leave at 8:15 for our first workshop where I'm on the panel."

As soon as Kelly was outside the hotel she called Leonie.

"Slow down," Leonie laughed, all your words are running together.

Leonie was astonished to receive the invitation to breakfast next day and yes, she'd be there. Nothing but a massive tidal wave or earthquake would prevent her from going with Kelly.

Later they sat on the sofa and slowly traced the life of Connie Shutter pictorially. Later in bed Kelly fell asleep over the album,



* * *

In early September Sandra's mother Tammy Wilks drove the girls accompanied by Leonie in her Lexus to Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, midway between New York City and Boston where Sandra would study education and Kelly would be an honors student in business and management studies. Both mothers approved of the roomy three-bedroom apartment and were delighted their somewhat lively daughters had a year-older late-starter girl of German descent to share with them. Claudia Wagner appeared polite, friendly and very lever-headed.

The girls worked and studied rather diligently and it was Claudia who produced the first dates for the girls from Manhattan. Although Claudia was conservative by nature that certainly did not preclude her from being a devotee to carnal stimulation. In fact before long Sandra learned that Claudia had a growing reputation among freshman as being The Tigress. She told Kelly that and they giggled and discussed what did they really know about other women and their desires.

"My mom has a least a couple short-term affairs a year," Sandra revealed.

"Your mother... but butter wouldn't melt in her mouth."

"What? Oh I think I know what that means. Yes quite."

"I picked up that saying from my Gran Virginia who learnt it off her mother."

"Wow, that's it."

"What is it?"

Sandra said she write a paper on some aspect of language study and colloquial sayings would be easy to compile and interesting as well.

"You'd get higher marks for greater in-depth research on a topic like Manhattan dialects."

"Oh yeah, where would I start and finish on that one? But you are right, I'll try to get back to the origins of those sayings."

"The Internet will be a good place to start. And don't forget Shakespeare's huge contribution."

"Ohmigod, that's the heading for my paper, 'The Bard's Stimulation.'

"Oh god no, that has an undertone of masturbation."

They were shrieking with laughter with Claudia entered the room. "Laugh now and scream tonight. I have three guys lined up for us."



One Saturday morning after Sandra and Claudia had gone off shopping and Kelly had made her mandatory call home, she pulled out Monique's business card and called her.

A guy answered.

"Hi may I please speak to Monique."

"She's out buying food. Are you the girl?"

"Excuse me?"

"Connie's kid."

"Yes I am. Hi Mr Shutter."

"I don't wish to speak to you."

"May I ask why not?"

"No and don't call again."

Kelly was only a little upset. She knew with the Shutter men she was dealing with a conspiracy to shut her out. The idiot. His piles were probably hurting him.

She giggled and realized she'd called the home number rather than Monique's cell phone number. Well she'd never make that mistake again."

Her phone went.

"Um this is grumpy Hayden Shutter."

"How the hell did your lovely wife marry a dick like you!"

Now Kelly was wild and had the chance to hit back.

"No wait, don't go. I apologize. I'll be in the crap from my wife for talking to you like that."

"Ah attempting to save your butt, eh?"

"You sound intelligent as well as look pretty."

"You bothered to look at my photographs?"

"Yes."

"Yes what?"

"Um I had to swallow hard and sniff to avoid bawling. You exhibit Connie's likeness to some degree."

"Ohmigod, Monique married the most sensitive of the Shutter brothers."

"How old are you? Monique said eighteen but you talk like a mature woman and if you must know I'm not big into that psychological stuff."

"I would have thought you would have understood sarcastic teasing."

He laughed and said he ought to have known that was what it was. "My mistake. I thought I was talking to a giggle teenager."

"That phase is behind me."

"Yeah and I've just been verbally lashed to received confirmation of that."

They talked for a couple more minutes and then Hayden said, "Look Monique's parents live in Rochester and we cross to visit them with the kids every three months. If you are willing to get to Rochester we could all meet. We could do that soon before the snow season starts."

"Yes I'd like that but it's a drive of about two hundred miles so could I bring a girlfriend for companionship?"

Monique called back later that morning and said Hayden had told her Kelly had called.

"I hope he was polite; he had a big night with his pals last night and can be grumpy."

"No he was okay and we talked for a while."

"He's invited me to meet you guys when you all visit your parents."

"What?" Monique said, amazed her husband had said that. 

"I said you obviously had married the most sensitive of the brothers."

Monique laughed and they arranged a date.



The girls provided driving record details and decided Sandra should make the hire because she'd had been driving longer than Kelly. Kelly paid and because of their young age were required to appear in person to make the booking.

Early morning on their weekend adventure they drove off in a Cadillac G5 two-door and arriving without mishap booked into their hotel and then went to the address in Brighton after confirming the Shutter's had arrived.

Two dark-haired girls, Jackie who was sixteen and Ella almost fifteen, rushed out to greet then.

"Hi, I'm Kelly," she said for easy of identification because Sandra was also blonde, and this is my friend Sandra.

"Oh hi cousin Kelly," Jacki said, rushing in to hug and kiss. Kelly put out and arm for the somewhat shy Ella to join them. 

The adults then came out from the house and introductions were made.

Kelly who was taller than Monique found she was the same height as the clean-shaven Hayden who was well overdue for a hair trim and she knew at the way he was looking at her that he was impressed.

"Ohmigod you are beautiful," he said, and you have so much of your mother about you."

"Yes I agree," said Barbara, Monique's mother. "Hello dear."

Monique took both Kelly and Sandra by the hands and led them inside for coffee.

After lunch Hayden had almost to tear his elder daughter away from Kelly. Jacki was besotted by her new-found cousin.

"You girls entertain Sandra. Kelly and I are going for a walk."

"Aw dad, can't I come?" Jacki whined.

"No Jacki," Monique said. "Your father wants to talk about family. Do Jacki's hair Sandra, she loves that." Sandra grinned, knowing that was a diversion.



Uncle and niece walked towards the Oak Hill Country Club.

Hayden said, pushing a hand through his dark brown hair, "This is very difficult for me."

Kelly took his arm and said sweetly. "Hayden (he's invited her to drop the uncle title) please, I don't want you apologizing to me every five minutes. That can be done when I get you all to accept me, if that's possible, but if that happens or I accept I've gone as far as I can I'll want us to all meet for a Connie Remembrance Day and people will be free to say what they wish and put that dark side to this affair to rest."

"You'll probably find Seth is okay, willing to bend eventually, but it will be tough going with Nolan who was still a kid at the time and adored Connie. But I'm afraid I can see no way you'll influence Victor to bend. He was born a hard bastard and nothing will change him."

"Well I'll take this slowly and perhaps I may surprise you and, after what you've just told me, surprise myself. I think little a little like my mother will help more than what I presently think."

"Look, why don't you come and live with Monique and me during your summer break?"

"That's very kind but as you know I'm doing a business degree and wish to proceed on for an MBA at a top university if I can and so I must work for at least part of summer."

"Then I'll find you a position in our office administration. I'm in a practice with four other architects."

"Oooh, a position with some responsibility?"

"Yes of course. We often have Canadian undergrads passing through. I ended my latest two-year spell as managing partner earlier this year so have some idea of what your requirements are."

"Oh that's wonderful. Come on, let's go back and join with the others. Look may Sandra and I take the girls out tonight to places where teens go. My feeling is Ella is finding things difficult because she feels Jacki is zooming away from her. She may find being out with us she has tasted experience as a young adult and will be better for it."

"Yes do that. You are so kind."

"Hayden that's lovely of you but please put the proposal to Monique. Assure her there will be no booze, no drugs and no smoking or bad behavior."

"Er yes. I should have thought of seeking Monique's opinion."

"Who cares so long as it's done," Kelly laughed. "Come on, I'll race you back."

The young gazelle left her uncle in her wake but stopped well short of the house in case her cousins saw Kelly in the lead."

"You run well," Hayden puffed.

"And your exercise is lifting glasses of beer, I know."

He laughed and they were still laughing about something when they walked into the house. Monique smiled and said, "You have finished already."

"It was out of my hands darling. Kelly cut my off about apologizing and said they can come later. She wants to work on my brothers, picking them off one at the time I think. So she's coming to stay with us this summer and will work at my office in admin to count towards business department credits."




Adopted



"Oh that's wonderful," Monique said, kissing both of them. "That is such a sound idea."

Kelly walked off to give Hayden the chance to talk to Monique about plans Kelly had for the girls that evening. She found Ella happily talking to the other girls and her grandma while Sandra worked on Jacki's hair.

"Come on Ella, I'll do your hair. Run and get your comb and brush. May we borrow a pair of scissors Mrs Malcolm?"

"Do you think you should cut Ella's hair without consulting her mother?"

"Yes. I don't intend decimating it."

"My word you are a confident lady. When you are working on Ella I'll tell you what I remember about your mother."

"Oh Mrs Malcolm, you darling."

Mrs Malcolm practically ran to fetch the scissors.

* * *

When Kelly and Sandra were returning to Saratoga Springs after lunch, Sandra said, "You must view that as a most successful weekend?"

"It was beyond my expectations. I'm so happy."

"I had a great weekend and when both girls where clinging to you not wanting you to leave I saw the way Monique was looking at you. Obviously Ella had been burbling on to her about last night."

"Yes she did have a great time and I talked to Jacki when she commented that Ella appeared to be coming out of her shell. She had no idea whether or not Ella realized it a gap was opening between them and the impact could be lessened with good management."

"You often surprise me Kelly. You are a sole child. How can you know about such things?"

"I can see it because I grew up as an only child."

"Ohmigod, of course. Are you pleased Monique practically loves you."

"Very pleased and she's probably hoping her daughters will grow up acting a bit like me."

"You mean like you totally. You are a fabulous role model you know."

"What, you mean me?"

"Jesus, I'm actually telling you something you didn't already know or suspect."

After dinner Kelly called her mom to report on her weekend away and they chatted for almost an hour.

* * *

A couple of week ends later both sets of parents arrived to stay in Saratoga Springs for the weekend and watched Kelly and Sandra play soccer in opposing teams on Saturday morning. Claudia, whose parents lived in Maine, was invited to join them for meals and went out with them on Saturday night. 

The reunions were joyously emotional, at least for the women. Sandra's father Paul was somewhat more conservative than Stephen and said to his daughter she was looking well and happy whereas Stephen, looking at Kelly's breasts, said she was putting on weight, drawing a sharp rebuke of "Stephen!" from his wife and a scowl from his daughter.

Kelly and Leonie looked at each other, rolled their eyes and everything was sweet again.

Later when Stephen and Kelly were alone for a few minutes he said, "It's okay with your mother but I'm not okay about you not coming home for the summer."

Kelly was shocked having expected his support. Her mind buzzed like a circular saw and she came up with what she initially thought was a stupid counter-punch.

"Daddy do you have it off with other women?"

She saw Stephen's eyes bulge and he sat forward in a fake-sounding coughing fit.

Kelly stared at him fascinated.

He looked up at her and said submissively although ignoring her question, "Well it will give you opportunity to get to know you lost relatives better and international experience for a freshman in business practice even if it is only Canada ought to impress your tutors."

"Thanks dad. Just make sure you keep your tracks covered, eh?"

He looked at Kelly unblinkingly as she thought an accomplished attorney should and she smiled and blew him a kiss. He remained looking a little unimpressed with her when Leonie breezed up to them with fresh coffee and said, "What has you two spellbound?"

"I was asking daddy about his sex life, er before marriage."

Stephen's eyes focused on his daughter appeared to be smoldering.

"That's a closed book as far as I'm concerned darling. My only interest is in his sex life after I entered his life."

"I'm sure daddy wouldn't think of straying mom, not the way you two go at it."

Kelly's parents looked at each other embarrassed.

That was the end of that conversation.

After sipping coffee, Leonie asked, "Is there any particular male in your life darling?"

"Well not until this week. There's a guy called Donald who has dated me twice and wishes to date me again."

"But that's quite normal isn't it?"

"Mom!"

"Oh sorry, where did I go wrong on that one?"

Tammy who's rejoined then said, "It hasn't changed since our day Leonie. College guys are still engaged in babe hopping or so I understand."

"Kelly?"

"Yes mom, the majority aspire to keep on plugging away."

"Kelly that's foul."

"It's the way it is mom, probably even for seminarians."

"Kelly!"

"Sorry mum." Kelly said, grinning at Tammy who had only just managed to grab the table to stop herself rolling off the bench seat and on to the grass, her face turning almost purple from unrestrained laughter.

* * *

Kelly met Donald Watson who'd found she'd played field hockey at high school. He attempted to enroll her for hockey but she said she had committed to soccer.

"But why, you apparently excelled at hockey."

"What sport do you play Donald?"

"Soccer."

Kelly smiled and he said what and then, "Jesus, outsmarted by a woman."

"Oh you'll become use to that as you immerse more in the outside world David."

"It's Donald. You are all right."

"Oh really. What part of me do you like best Donald?"

He looked at her breasts, licked his lips and said, "Er your brightness that comes with a tad of aggressiveness."

"Oooh Donald. You must ask me for a date."

"I um have someone I'm working on."

"Working on. Oh Donal, swap her for me. We'll do it tonight if you are looking for that sort of activity."

"T-tonight?"

"Yes Donald or is there some reason that prevents you maintaining an erection on Monday nights?"

Donald swallowed and said he'd meet her in the quad at 7:30. 

"Fine, bring condoms."

Although Donald was only about Kelly's stature, he was well hung. In face when she first saw the saw of it Kelly couldn't avoid a gasp and that pleased him immensely. They banged away on and off for three hours and Kelly finally left him almost legless while she bounced back to her room feeling as she'd been sexually satisfied for the first time by a male.

They remained together for almost two months although to Kelly's disappointment she found that didn't set a new college record for a pairing.





CHAPTER 5

Kelly returned home to Manhattan with Sandra for four days when the spring semester ended in mid-May and then flew from Newark to Toronto where Hayden met her at the airport just after 8:00 am.

They kissed.

"It's so lovely to see you again," he smiled. "Monique apologizes for not being here to meet you by will call you later this morning. They have a huge rush job on their hands and the external auditors arrive about now."

Hayden loaded her luggage into the trunk and asked, "Did you leave anything behind?"

She just laughed and said wait until his daughters were a few years older and packed to go away on vacation.

They went straight to the office.

The architectural practice was located on the third and fourth floors of a conservatively designed building of around twenty floors in King Street West, the core of the city's financial district. Hayden introduced Kelly to the office manager and left. Mrs Philips introduced Kelly to all senior personnel and everyone in accounts before Kelly was signed on after producing her documentation including her work permit granted on arrival under the student program she was traveling under. She felt like a fish out of water, not knowing anyone and scarcely knowing even Hayden.

Suddenly an attractive young woman of around her age appeared beside Kelly.

"Hi Kelly I'm Phyllis Chambers an architectural student assigned to your uncle's team. He has asked me to keep an eye on you and to introduce you to the city socially."

"And me likewise for negotiating this office and coping with the lunchtime rush," said a blonde for four desks behind Kelly who Kelly remembered was called Carla Girard. "I'm a freshman, going for my BCom and like you here for work experience.

All at once Kelly's confidence returned. "Oh this is great and please accept me for being American and from NYC of all places."

"It's my favorite city after Toronto," Carla said and the older Phyllis smiled and said. "We would we Canadians be without the US?"

Kelly found that refreshing and hoped she would do nothing to alter those agreeable opinions.

Shortly after Kelly returned from coffee break her cell phone went.

"Hi darling, welcome to my home town."

"Oh thanks Monique. I'm rather taken with what I've seen so far, having expected a few stone houses round a duck pond."

"Now that's a tease if I've ever heard one. I'll be able to take you to lunch tomorrow but not today I'm afraid."

"Your apology was delivered to me, thank you. Is your man reliable?"

"Actually being an architect he can be a pain being so fussy to have things right but in the main he's a very good boy. Oh god the girls became next to impossible over the past twenty-four hours about your imminent arrival. You'll be mobbed when you arrive home."

"Well that interest in me will pass."

"Oh yeah. Must dash. I look forward to tonight chatting over drinks."

* * *

Driving Kelly home to Victoria Park that evening Hayden said he usually traveled by subway. Although the office was only twenty minutes away by car, that was at off-peak times. Kelly couldn't help but notice they were crawling away from the office. Of course she was aware Toronto had a population of around 2.5 million and that meant it was only a little smaller than Chicago.

Ella rushed out to greet them screaming to the others and waving. Monique and Jacki were right behind her.

The girls and their mom also hugged and kissed Hayden and it pleased Kelly to see that, reminding her she and Leonie would always rush out to greet Stephen who usually arrived home later than this.

She was surprised to find the house was old, Tudor in style. She'd expected an architect to be living in a glass and street creation. She found out later it had been Monique's parent's home where she and her sister had lived all their life until they both left home.

The three-level house was huge and Kelly was amazed how it had been modernized inside with little of the original remaining, apart from the main stairway and some dark-stained oak paneling and the ceilings and lighting remained untouched except in the kitchen, family room, TV room and study. The kitchen looked straight out of a kitchen design magazine. Monique had designed it, adding the rebuild and total new fit-out had cost 'an arm and a leg'.

"Let's get your luggage up to the guest suite before we have a drink," Monique enthused. "Oh it will be so lovely having you here all summer."

That really gave Kelly the real feeling of being welcomed because Monique had not been emotionally charged when she said it.



A week later Kelly answered her office phone and the mail caller said, "Would you like to come for lunch on Saturday."

"Excuse me the invitation sounds lovely by who's speaking."

"Your Uncle Nolan."

"Sorry but you must have the wrong... um oh, I apologize. You must be Nolan Shutter."

"Yes. Well?"

"I'd be a fool to decline so yes, I do accept with thanks."

"Hayden will tell you how to get to our residence."

Kelly shrugged and thought perhaps his wife might not be so curt. Nolan really was uncivil to speak to her like that and end the call so abruptly. Some people really were pigs. She found later Hayden had suggested to Nolan he invite his niece to visit.



Kelly drove to the Shutter's home in Monique Ford Focus and managed not to get lost. The couple came out to greet you, both finding it difficult to smile for some reason. They kept their distance as Nolan said hi and introduced Kelly to his wife Sadie. Kelly handed flowers to Sadie who managed a light smile and Nolan said thanks when handed a bottle of wine and immediately said they only drank red wine.

"That is red wine, a Pinot Noir from California."

"Never heard of it."

"Oh I'm so happy to be giving you a new drinking experience Nolan."

He flicked a look at Kelly and said Sadie didn't drink wine. Kelly offered no response.

They immediately sat down for lunch. Monique had said they didn't have children and lived very much to themselves.

Nolan poured the Pinot for Kelly and himself and held it up and said it looked weakly colored.

Kelly said she believed that was a characteristic of the variety.

Nolan took a sip and screwed up his face as if he'd just tasted cat's piss but then his face changed, he took a bigger sip, smacked his lips and said "Jesus!"

"I was hoping you'd like it," Kelly smiled.

They asked her what she was doing in Canada and seemed surprise that she was doing a business degree and yet working in an architectural office.

"The practice has to be driven as a business in order to succeed," Kelly said and Sadie said, "That's logical Nolan."

Sadie and a friend ran a small clothing store, selling to people at the lower end of the market. "We are working class people in this area, not like where you are living with Hayden and his wife.:

Hello, Kelly thought, 'his wife' rather than Monique? Did that indicate Sadie was envious of her high profile Monique? Kelly had already read a newspaper and two magazine articles referring to design successes by Monique Shutter. Nolan was a vice-principal at a private high school and yet to Kelly appeared surprisingly unworldly. Perhaps that was only because he was defensive in her company.

"I had lunch with Hayden on Monday and he mentioned you with living with them and working in his office," Nolan said. "We meet every couple of months to keep in touch. He comes to the village restaurant near the school because I don't have the flexibility he has with his work time."

"Flexibility yes but he works very long hour," Kelly said. "He works in his office at home on calculations and other stuff to midnight at least three nights a week."

"He works that long?" Nolan said in surprise. "I thought he had it sweet?" 

Sadie then came out with it. "Are you here in Canada to apologize to the Shutter family for what you did to them?"

The couple looked at Kelly intently but she was strong. "And what am I supposed to have done to the Shutter family Sadie?"

"Your birth caused the death of Connie."

Kelly said calmly, "And the little innocent me, aged three weeks, was responsible for the actions of my mother?"

"She had been carrying you in her arms at the time of the accident," Nolan said. "If you had not been born she would not have been there in that place at that time. She would have been in a classroom teaching children. That tragedy had a devastating effect on our family because Connie was so loved, being our bright light, and after her death mom was never the same again... it seemed her light had gone out."

"Cannot you separate emotion from reality?"

Nolan stared at Kelly and said she should not make excuses.

"So your position on this is fixed; you blame all of this on me, a three-week old baby?"

"Put like that, yes."

Kelly was seething. With her chicken salad not yet finished she rose and said politely, "Thank you for inviting me here today but I cannot tolerate anymore of this brainless accusation being heaped on me. I recommend a psychologist to try to cleanse your minds. Goodbye."

Sadie and Nolan sat motionless and muted. Kelly let herself at and drove off, still seething but proud of herself she had not ripped into them, shouting abuse and calling them ignorant and other names. Perhaps Nolan had been psychologically blighted by the tragic loss of his sister and the way in which it had happened but for goodness sake, that was eighteen years ago. Get a life Nolan, seek help.

Kelly slowed down her speed and her racing heart and was relieved when half a mile later went through a laser speed trap. "Oink, oink," she muttered to herself and then realized if anyone would have been to blame for her speeding it would have to be her. "Oink, oink. Sorry officer; you are only doing your job."

Monique kissed her and asked, "How did it go."

"Dreary, almost uncivilized and a pain in the butt."

Monique smiled and said they were having friends to dinner that night, a lively couple who'd cheer Kelly up. "Nolan and Sadie= would have been only interested in seeing what you were like. I thought you'd run into a brick wall but thought I should not tell you that just in case you managed to negotiate even a truce.

"There was no chance of that happening; none at all."

"The key is Victor. Win him over and it's all over but go face to face with Seth first."

"But Hayden more or less suggested Victor would be my stumbling block?"

"Darling my husband is an architect. What does he know about the finer points of manipulating human beings?"

"He successfully courted you didn't he?"

Monique laughed and said Kelly was a mile off mark. "You have no idea how handsome and athletic Hayden was eighteen years ago. I went for it and nailed him just before the tragedy and I like to think it was my influence that held him together over that. After the family burial Hayden wanted to marry me as quickly as possible, that he realized just how much he needed me."

"Oh that's a really sweet story. You two seem to me to be a perfect match and I think part of the reason is you have intense primary interest in your respective careers and give each other breathing space."

"You know a lot for an 18-year-old Kelly. I cannot fault that assessment. Come on let's go shopping. I need new underwear and you need a present. Both of the girls have gone off with friends."





Winning over the brothers to accept her was proving more difficult that Kelly had expected. If she failed to move Seth she faced returning home empty-handed, apart from having established a great relationship with Hayden and his family.

But Kelly sighed because she knew she hadn't established a great relationship with Hayden. She could claim to have done that with his family but emotionally Hayden remained at arm's length to her, unlike how she would expect an uncle to react to his niece. It appeared that Hayden regarded her little more than someone who worked in his office and someone other than family who currently lived in his house.

On Friday night Monique returned from taking the two girls to a movie the wanted to see and Kelly had already seen it in New York. She sat talking with Hayden over drinks and made them supper, grilling chopped micro-waved potato and bacon pieces and then cooked them in an omelet. That was one of the few dishes her father could cook.

She served it with thick crusty bread and Hayden raved about it, making her think perhaps it was a male-oriented dish because she thought of it as being greasy and fattening. He'd eaten most of it and sat back replete. Without appearing to think about it, Kelly realized this was the time to talk to Hayden about it, to try for the real breakthrough.

"Hayden, do you mind listening to me for half an hour?"

He grinned, holding out his glass. "Another wine please and I am a dedicated listener."

Fetching the hand-held digital voice recorder from Hayden's office and switching it to record, Kelly said she would like him to hear about her childhood from her perspective and he nodded and said proceed.

She said no blame had ever been placed on Connie for stepping out on to the road in front of that car that police enquiries had established had not been speeding.