Chapter 5

I woke up the next morning about 9AM. Andy woke up a few seconds after I did. We looked at each other and smiled.

“Morning, Andy.”

“Morning. That was a really fun night, wasn’t it, Shirley?”

“Yes, it was. That was quite an interesting conversation we had just before we fell asleep.” He nodded in agreement. “I think that was the first time we actually talked about sex, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it always felt a little weird to broach the subject, given what you’ve been through this year.”

“I know. But I’m glad we got things out in the open like that.”

“Me, too.” He kissed me.

“I think we’ll know when it’s time, if it ever is.”

“Exactly! So, why don’t we go out and get some breakfast before class?”

“Sounds great. I’ll go back to my place and shower. I’ll be back in twenty minutes.”

“Great!”

We both got out of bed. He walked towards his bathroom while I yanked on the few items of clothing that I’d removed and grabbed my keys.

After letting myself back into my place, I glanced at my answering machine as I passed it, and it was blinking. It was then that I realized I’d forgotten to check in with everyone last night. I stopped and pressed play.

“Heiress, we got home ok. Hope you did too, and that the reason you’re not answering is because you’re over at Andy’s. Call us when you get this. Thanks again for a great weekend. See you at our home station in a few weeks! We’ll need to blow off steam after all the work that’s ahead of us. Send us funny postcards if you can—we’ll need the laughs. Love you!”

I laughed at Fred’s lifelong ability to know what I’m up to.

“Dollface, let us know if you got home okay. Our Moms are going to spend Christmas and New Year’s with some other old school friends in Jamaica. So you can have their place during break. We’re going to have a New Year’s Eve party, so feel free to invite anyone you want. Yes, even Andy! Love you!”

I smiled, as that sounded like a wonderful way to spend the holidays. Then I dialed Fred & Joe’s number.

“Morning.” Joe’s voice sounded a little hoarse.

“The Heiress Benton is checking in.”

“Heiress! Good to hear from you. Was Fred right?”

I laughed. “Yes, he was.”

“So, how’d it go?” I could tell that Joe was still a little wary about my sleepovers.

“Great! We did a lot of serious talking, and we’re on the same page about what we want from each other.”

“Which is?”

“To keep things exactly as they are.”

“Good!” Joe laughed.

“Well, I’ve got to call Melvin back. Party at their place on New Year’s Eve, apparently. I’m staying in the upstairs apartment during break, so you guys can crash there.”

“Wonderful! I have to wake Fred up now, ’cause we gotta get ready to essentially move into one of the editing rooms for the next couple weeks. We’ll try to keep in touch.”

“Best wishes for your usual brilliance. Tell Fred I’ll buy some silly postcards at the student store today and send them out when I feel like it.”

“Great!”

“Take care and give my love to Fred.”

“I’ll try, but he’ll probably deck me. Aloha!” Joe said.

I laughed. “Sayonara.”

I pressed the switch on the phone down and dialed Melvin’s number. His answering machine picked up. I looked at the clock and realized that they were already at school. “Hi Melvin. I made it back fine. Sorry I missed your call. I look forward to the party–already invited Fred and Joe. Love to you both!”

I hung up the phone and took a shower.

Andy and I had breakfast at the Student Union, as they make decent pancakes.

“So, we’re finally in the home stretch of this semester.” I said, cutting up my pancakes.

“Yeah, it flew by faster than I thought it would.”

“I know! I guess time flies when you’re having fun.” I smiled at him and took a bite of pancake.

He took a long sip from his glass of orange juice and looked at me, thoughtfully. “I think we should spend the next few weeks prepping for finals. I don’t know about you, but I really don’t like the idea of staying up all night during finals week.”

“I think that’s a great idea. But that means we won’t see much of each other, then.” I tried to sound casual, but I knew I’d miss seeing him nearly every day.

“I know, but wouldn’t it be cool if we aced all our finals?”

I nodded, chewing on a piece of bacon. “We sort of owe it to ourselves, don’t we? I mean, we’re here to learn, primarily.”

“Yeah, we do.” He finished his coffee. “I may need a little help with Algebra, though, if you don’t mind.”

“My pleasure.”

Ten minutes later, Andy departed for his Psychology class, and I went downstairs to the arcade to play a couple rounds of pinball before my American Studies class.

Andy and I kept to our agreement and spent the majority of our free time until finals week studying. We had dinner together a few times, which was followed by me helping him through his Algebra study guide, which was a great review for me as well. One of those study sessions ended in a sleepover that nearly made me late for my last English 101 class. It was a good tension reliever, at least.

At last, Finals Week arrived. I had only one final a day from Tuesday through Friday, lucky me. The air was buzzing with the vibration of nervousness mixed with sleep deprivation. I kept my mouth shut as my classmates compared how little sleep they’d gotten the night before as some sort of badge of honor. I said a silent prayer of thanks for my college fund before every test. While it was a little dull to take classes that reminded me of high school, I was happy that I lacked the distractions I had back then.

Andy met me after my World History final on Wednesday night. He surprised me by ordering pizza for us for dinner. We took two hours for dinner, eating, laughing, and celebrating our friendship and the near-end of our first semester of college. I departed for my Algebra studies with a full stomach and a happy soul.

Andy’s last final was Thursday, so he left late on Thursday night. We had a quick dinner and a reasonably long make-out session before he left. I enjoyed giving him quite a long and lovely good-bye kiss as the bus to the train station pulled up, as a few of the girls he’d dated in the complex were watching us with slightly hurt looks. I practically floated back to the housing complex. I was going to miss Andy a lot during break, but I was also looking forward to spending time with Louisa, Melvin, Fred, and Joe. These few weeks would be a chance to reconnect with the four people who seemed to become my new parents and siblings. I certainly liked them better than my adopted parents and that idiotic half sister/nanny of mine.

My last final was American Studies on Friday afternoon. Melody showed up towards the end of the exam. She went around at the end of the exam, collecting the test from each student, wishing them a pleasant break. When she got to me, she picked up my test booklet and handed me a card for a beauty school.

“My number is on the back. I’m going to get my hair dyed a week before next semester starts. Give me a call–maybe we can go together.”

“Sounds great!” I said. “Thanks! Have a great break!”

“You, too. Be safe!” Melody smiled at me. I sensed she knew something about my upcoming break that I didn’t.

I had two hours to kill between the end of the exam and the time I’d have to leave to catch the bus to the train station. I cleaned up a bit and turned off the fridge, which had been emptied the night before when Andy took the few leftovers I had with him to eat on the train ride home.

At last, it was time to go. I grabbed my backpack and keys, and walked out the door. I reached into the outer pocked of my backpack and retrieved the portable CD player I bought in the bookstore as a going home treat and listened to Nirvana as I walked to the bus stop. I’d managed to spend four months in a place where I barely knew a soul, and even found time to enjoy myself while I was learning. It felt like a good way to transition into adulthood where I’d have to create my own family, for the most part.

The train home was extremely crowded. Much to my dismay, the First Class car was mostly filled with older sorority girls who were all too happy to partake of the wine and cheese snacks they were given once they produced their ID’s. (So much for my brilliant plan of avoiding just that crowd!) Not even Led Zeppelin could drown out their shrill laughter and constant chatter. I accepted my cheese and sparkling cider and told the attendant that I wasn’t planning on staying much longer, as my fellow travelers were too loud. He gave a sympathetic smile and suggested the observation car two cars down, which had a small, roped-off section for First Class travelers upstairs. I thanked him and headed in the direction he pointed.

The observation car contained just the quiet I desired. For some reason it was oddly meditative to listen to the Billie Holiday CD that Louisa gave me while staring out into the darkness, watching the suburbs passing by.

When we hit the tunnel that’s two miles from my home station, I gathered my things and headed for the stairs.

Fred and Joe were waving frantically when my train pulled into the station. I exited the train and ran towards them. I hugged them both, as I was very glad to see them again.

“We have fantastic news! We won the film competition!” Joe exclaimed.

“Congrats!” I exclaimed, and hugged them both again.

Fred lifted his pant leg to show me his new leg. “This one is the best yet! Climbing stairs doesn’t take forever anymore.”

“Awesome, because I’m staying in a second floor apartment. Louisa’s got food for us back at her place. And Melvin’s looking forward to seeing us again, as well as the films we did.”

“Cool!” Joe and Fred exclaimed together. We headed for the parking lot and to Joe’s car.

“How’d your car get here?” I asked.

“My folks dropped it off for me this afternoon”

“How sweet of them.” I smiled. “I can’t believe you guys won the competition!” I exclaimed.

“It took me about ten minutes after we received the award for it to sink in.” Joe admitted, as he opened the car doors for both Fred and I.

“You know, we’re the first freshman to win the competition since the year we were born!”

“Awesome!” I said, putting my seat belt on. “I’m proud of you guys.”

“We couldn’t have done it without you, Heiress.” Fred said from behind me.

Joe started the engine and looked over at me. “A couple seniors balked that we used someone from another school, but it’s not against the rules.”

Fred snorted. “Ah, they’re just pissed because this is the second time they got second place.”

Melvin answered the door wearing a Led Zeppelin t-shirt and jeans. He greeted me by giving me a huge hug.

“Dollface, congrats on getting through your first semester of college.”

“Thanks.”

“Fred! Joe! So wonderful to see you two again!” Melvin exclaimed, shaking hands with them both.

“Hi!” Louisa walked over and hugged us all. “I made vegetable lasagna. I figured you guys would be hungry.”

“After three weeks of mostly junk food and a lot of caffeine, I’m definitely ready for decent food!” Fred exclaimed.

We stayed up late eating Louisa’s fabulous cooking and watching Fred and Joe’s final projects. I could see why they won–Fred’s idea of using multiple cameras worked amazingly well. I was amazed at just how close the film was to my dream.

Fred and Joe ended up spending the night with me upstairs. One of the bedrooms had a king sized bed, so the three of us slept together, with me in the middle, the way we used to do when we were babies.

Melvin treated us to his scrumptious French Toast the next day, even though we didn’t make it downstairs until 12:30 in the afternoon. Fred and Joe left around 2. They were expected to stay home until Christmas, as their older siblings and their families were arriving tonight. I bid them good-bye until Christmas Eve, and promised to call them both.

Over the next few days, I spent my time watching Clint Eastwood movies, playing board games with Louisa and Melvin, and reading a book that was on the upstairs coffee table called “Freaks’ Amour.” It was kind of bizarre, but very interesting.

Andy and I spoke a few times before Christmas Eve. His brothers were annoying him slightly. On the bright side, his ex was home from Vermont and apparently had just broken up with her boyfriend, so they were spending a lot of time together. I wished him luck with the ex. He laughed.

Louisa, Melvin, and I showed up at Joe’s large-scale, old-style Craftsman home at brillig on Christmas Eve. It was a half-mile from Auntie Shirley’s old house, which was more of a home to me than Mother and Father’s house had been. Both those houses were off-limits to me now, but at least there were places in town I was still welcome.

Both Joe and Fred’s parents were delighted to see me, and absolutely adored Melvin and Louisa. They’d been very good friends with both my namesake and my birth mother. They were always very kind to me, and sided with me when my parents kicked me out. They retired right after my namesake died, leaving Father to fill three key positions only a few short months after achieving his goal of running the company.

After dinner, they brought out two bottles. Apparently, these two bottles were the bottles of champagne given as presents by my namesake when Fred and Joe were born. They opened the bottles and started passing glasses around, including tiny sips for Fred, Joe, and I. We toasted to my namesake. Then Fred’s father proposed a toast to Fred, Joe, and I for our winning the film contest.

We had a spectacular feast at midnight, which was topped off with Tiramisu. We left Joe’s at 3AM, full, tired, and very happy. We opened presents, put away the mountain of leftovers Joe’s Mom packed for us, and agreed to meet in the kitchen at noon. I dragged myself upstairs to bed, not bothering to change.

Christmas was spent listening to the local jazz station while working our way through the leftovers while playing Monopoly. It was a very fun and relaxed holiday, and it really felt like I was spending Christmas with family, something I never expected after my namesake died.

Andy and I spoke for about fifteen minutes during a break from the game, as he was on his way to visit his ex. They still didn’t want a long distance relationship, but a holiday fling seemed like a good idea. I wished him luck and reminded him to buy condoms on the way to her house. He laughed.

Boxing Day and the next few days were spent preparing Louisa and Melvin’s apartment for the party. I helped clean the apartment from ceiling fans to carpet. Louisa was determined that this party be spectacular, as she was formally introducing Melvin to some of her “computer friends” as she called them. She’d known them about a dozen years, and they usually got together once or twice a year. Four of her friends were attending, and they were staying until January second. Fred and Joe were going to spend the night upstairs with me and were going to help me put the finishing touches on the food and decorations.

The morning of the party was spent prepping food and decorating. Louisa and Melvin took a nap from noon to two, when Fred and Joe arrived. Louisa and Melvin headed to the kitchen to cook while Fred, Joe, and I decorated the living room. We cranked the local alternative rock station while getting ready.

Louisa and Melvin retreated to their room at 4:30 and emerged at 5:45, looking quite attractive. Louisa was wearing a very pretty deep rose dress made of raw silk, and Melvin was wearing a midnight blue suit with what appeared to be a citrus colored Jerry Garcia tie.

“You two look sexy!” Joe exclaimed.

“Thank you.” Melvin blushed. “I don’t remember the last time I got this dressed up. But for my Lou, it’s no trouble.”

“Well, I guess it’s my turn to run upstairs and get dressed.”

“Yes, I’m curious as to what you’ll wear.” Fred smiled at me. Joe, Fred, and I went to my storage space two days ago, and I picked up a few dresses. Fred dared me to wear the authentic navy blue flapper dress that had belonged to my namesake’s eldest sister, my Grandma Claire, who had died a year before I was born. I’d decided to take him up on the dare.

When I arrived downstairs ten minutes later, the first guests had arrived. They were a man and woman, dressed as nicely as Louisa and Melvin.

“You wore it!” Fred exclaimed.

“Ready for the Charleston?” Joe teased.

I laughed. I couldn’t take my eyes off both the man and the woman.

Louisa turned to me. “Shirley, this is Rael Electric Razor and Lovely Rita Meter Maid.”

“Pleased to meet you both.”

Rael Electric Razor was wearing a dark purple suit with a carnation, and a black shirt with no tie. He had dark brown hair that was chin length, and he had a very nice smile. He was rather attractive, too. Lovely Rita Meter Maid was true to her name—she was beautiful, dressed in a very flattering black velvet dress that complemented her curves and her light brown, waist length hair.

“So, you’re the Heiress Benton?” Rael Electric Razor asked, taking my hand and kissing it.

I blushed. “Yes, I am. I take it you knew Ruby Benton?”

“My parents were good friends of hers. It is an honor to meet her Heiress at last.”

I giggled. “Thanks.” I turned to Lovely Rita, not wanting to be rude. “Did you know her as well?” I asked her.

“I met her once. Lovely woman. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks.”

“So, I know where you got your name from, Rita. Where did Rael Electric Razor come from?” Fred asked.

“My name is taken from a Genesis album probably older than the three of you are.”

I laughed. “We turn 19 this spring.”

“I’m not too far off.” Rael smiled. “And you can call me Rael.”

“You guys can call me Hera—that’s my real name. I stopped using my nickname years ago, but Louisa–or should I say Portia–still loves using it.”

“So, what’s your real name, Rael?” Joe asked.

“He doesn’t tell anyone his first name anymore.” Louisa teased.

“Why not?”

“Rael suits me a lot better.” Rael said simply.

“Yeah, it does.” Hera laughed. “I know his real name because we were living together when I joined the BBS.”

“You two used to live together?” Fred asked. I could tell he was slightly disappointed at the news, as I could tell that Hera was the type of woman both Fred and Joe found attractive.

“It was just for a summer. We both got internships in the same huge office building, so we shared an apartment.” Hera explained.

“I picked up the phone once and heard all these strange noises. When she explained what she was doing, I decided to join in.” Rael added.

“Rael loved it so much, he bought my computer off me when I decided to buy a better one.” Hera laughed.

I laughed. “I’d love to buy a Powerbook, but they’re really expensive.”

“I bought one a few months ago after saving up for it. I totally love it–I get so much more work done.” Rael said.

“What do you do?” Joe asked.

“I edit software manuals. I also write a little fiction on the side.”

“Wow, really?” I said.

“Yep. The manuals pay the bills and the fiction is a creative outlet that brings in a few pennies here and there.”

“I’d love to write for a living.”

“It’s a hard thing to do–you’ve really got to want it enough to work hard for it.”

“As are most things in life.” Hera commented.

“What do you do for a living, Hera?” Fred asked.

“Number crunching for a utility company.” Hera wrinkled her nose. “I’ve been saving every penny I can to turn the house my grandfather built into a bed and breakfast. If all goes well, I’ll be able to quit in a year and a half.”

“She’s trying to talk me into helping her. I love to cook, so it’s a very tempting offer. It’s a bit of a move for me, though.”

“Oh, Hera, give him time. You know he’ll come around.” Louisa teased.

There was a knock on the door. Louisa ran over to answer it.

“Tom Slick and Marigold! So wonderful to see you!” Louisa stepped aside, and another couple entered the room. The man was wearing a black suit and carrying a large suitcase, and the woman was wearing a periwinkle satin dress.

“Hi, Portia.” They said in unison. Melvin stepped forward.

“Allow me to introduce my boyfriend, Melvin.” Louisa said, giggling as she took the suitcase from the man.

Tom Slick shook Melvin’s hand. “Great to finally meet you. Please, call me Bart.”

Marigold hugged Melvin as if they were old friends. “Portia, you were right–he is cute!”

“May I present Shirley Bennington the Second, also known as the Heiress Bennington.” Louisa said.

Bart walked over to me and shook my hand. He had short black hair, dark green eyes, and a very kind face. “I was one of your namesake’s scholarship recipients. It’s an honor to meet you.”

I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Bart. Thanks.”

Marigold walked over and shook my hand. “Hi, Shirley. I love your dress!”

“Thanks! Apparently it belonged to my Grandmother first, then to my namesake. These are my friends, Fred and Joe.”

Fred and Joe smiled at Marigold and Bart while they shook their hands.

“You guys named yourselves after that cartoon.” Fred observed.

“Yep. We love Jay Ward’s stuff.” Marigold said.

“So, are Lady and Lord Godiva coming?” Bart asked.

Louisa shook her head. “They got a foot of snow yesterday, so they’re staying put.”

“Bummer. I haven’t seen them in ages.” Rael said.

“Well, they should be able to make the dinner party in July.” Bart said. “It’s their turn to cook, anyway.”

While everyone devoured the first course, the story of the BBS was told. Bart used my namesake’s scholarship to study computers. He kept in touch with her, and she gave him and Marigold, his college sweetheart and fellow computer major, the money to buy the equipment to start a local BBS as a wedding present. They named it The Chicken Coop, apparently in reference to an invitation-only BBS Bart had heard of in Orange County called The Pig Sty. Bart advertised the BBS in both the local and college papers, and soon Louisa, Hera, Lady Godiva, and several others signed up. Rael and Lord Godiva joined in a few months later. Most of the members moved on once technology advanced or they moved away. There were a half dozen of them who still kept in touch on a regular basis, and a few others drifted in and out of touch every few years.

We all had apple pie for dessert while watching the now infamous Contest Winning Film. All of Louisa’s friends were very impressed.

After dessert, I gathered up some dirty dishes and took them to the kitchen. Rael followed me.

“I really enjoyed that film you guys made. That was based on your dream, right?”

“Yep.” I sighed. “I turned down the proposal that would have started the marriage in my nightmare a few hours after I had that dream.”

“Wow. Looks like you dodged a bullet.”

I sighed. “Sort of.”

“What’s the deal with Fred and Joe? Are you dating either or both of them?”

I laughed as I shook my head. “They’re kinda like my brothers. We grew up together.”

“Cool. They’re both very decent guys.”

“Yeah, they are. We had quite a blast during Thanksgiving filming all that stuff.”

“Looks like it. Well, the funny stuff. I’m sure filming your dream wasn’t easy.”

“It was a little surreal.” I said. I was becoming quite attracted to Rael, and it surprised me a bit. I guess I was used to being the follower when it came to this sort of thing.

“I’ll bet.” Rael smiled at me, and somehow I just knew that we were going to end up in bed together. It was a strong, gut feeling that didn’t scare me one bit. Maybe Rael could help me heal in ways Andy couldn’t.

“So, will I ever get to know your real name?”

Rael smiled mischievously. “I only reveal my name to those I’m intimate with.”

“Then maybe I will find out.”

“Is that a promise?”

I replied by kissing him for what seemed like an eternity. Yes, indeed, this was a man that would help me heal. I could trust Rael with my life as well as my body.

“Oh, sorry!” Fred’s voice broke Rael and I apart. I could feel myself blush.

“No worries.” I said. “What’s up?”

“It’s nearly time for the ball to drop. We’re assembling around the TV. We underage folk get sparkling cider to toast. I take it we’ll go upstairs later and celebrate properly?” Fred looked at me, smiling.

I laughed. “Definitely. We’ll be out in a sec.”

Rael looked at Fred, curious. “What do you mean by celebrating properly?”

“I’ve got a couple jazz cigarettes.” Fred replied, grinning his trademark evil grin.

“Oh, really?” Rael perked up. “Have you informed Louisa about this?”

I blushed again. “No.”

“Tell her. You’ll be glad you did.” Rael smiled.

“Will do. See you in a sec.” Fred left the kitchen.

“You’ve got very protective friends. That’s good.”

“Like I said, they’re like my brothers.”

When we entered the living room, Fred was handing Louisa a joint and a lighter.

“Did you guys do this over Thanksgiving?” Melvin asked. I nodded, blushing. He smiled at me and looked at Fred and Joe. “Be careful, guys, and keep to this stuff.”

The three of us nodded in unison, looked at each other, and burst out laughing at the realization that we were going to get high with our favorite teacher from high school.

Ringing in 1994 consisted of a very intense and arousing kiss from Rael. I could tell he was trying to convey a lot of things to me in that kiss.

Fred and Joe hugged me at the same time.

“We need to talk to you.” They whispered.

I nodded, and we walked over to the hallway.

“Do you mind if we take the bedroom with the king sized bed tonight?” Fred asked.

“Why do you guys need the bigger bed?” I asked, pretending to be clueless, just to make them have to tell me.

“Hera, uh, would like to get to know us both better.” Joe said.

“You mean you guys are actually going to get a chance to fulfill that fantasy you’ve had since you we were fifteen?” I asked, trying not to giggle.

Fred gave his characteristic evil grin, which Joe mirrored. The two of them hadn’t dated much in high school—a lot of girls seemed a little threatened by their closeness with me. Had it not been for a couple of Claudia’s friends who had a fetish for deflowering freshmen, they’d still be virgins.

“Sure. Let me get a change of clothes out of the room first. The double bed will suit Rael and I just fine.” I grinned back at them.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Joe asked.

I nodded. “I’m ready. Rael won’t hurt me if his parents loved Ruby. Besides, he’s like the inverse of Elodio.”

“Okay, but at least we’ll be in the next room. Holler if you need us.” Fred said.

“Likewise.” I laughed. I hugged them both, and we walked back to the crowd, who were passing the second joint.

“Ah, there you three are! You need to get in on this.” Melvin passed the joint to Fred. He took a hit and passed it to Joe. Joe winked at me before he took his hit and passed it to me. I took a long hit and ended up coughing for about fifteen seconds. Rael laughed as I passed him the joint.

“Amateur.” He said, taking a hit equal to mine without coughing. He passed the joint to Hera, who took a hit and coughed almost as much as I did.

Bart and Marigold retired to the guest room at 12:30. Melvin and Louisa said goodnight at 12:45, though I had a feeling both couples weren’t going straight to bed.

The five of us remaining cleaned up the house a little bit before we went upstairs. Once upstairs, I grabbed my suitcase from the room I’d been sleeping in and took it to the smaller room. I left a couple condoms for them on the nightstand.

“All yours. Be safe and have fun.” I said to Fred and Joe, smiling. Hera headed for the room, and they followed her and closed the door.

“Leave it to Hera to fulfill her fantasy on New Year’s.” Rael chuckled.

“She’s wanted two guys at once?” I asked.

“Yep. We almost did it when we dated, but the other guy decided against it at the last moment.”

“Fred and Joe have always wanted to share an older woman.” I said. “So I suppose the three of them are cashing in on some really good Karma.”

Rael laughed. “I suppose so. So, shall we go directly into the other bedroom, or is that moving too fast?”

I smiled. “The inverse of Elodio indeed.” I thought to myself. “Well, I’m sort of new to this not being pressured into sex thing. Kinda makes me want it more.”

Rael looked at me kindly. “Let’s sit on the couch for a little bit.”

We moved to the couch. “That midnight kiss was something else.”

“I tried to send you genuine, pure, honest passion.”

“Yeah, that’s sort of what it felt like.” I leaned in to kiss him.

“Promise me you’ll tell me to stop the second you feel uncomfortable.” Rael looked into my eyes.

“I promise.” I kissed him, trying to send him the same kind of passion. We kissed for a long time, and the sense of security I felt the first time we kissed got stronger.

“I’m ready to go to the bedroom.” I looked at him, amazed at my luck that I’d met him in the first place.

“You’re sure?” Rael asked.

I nodded. “I should hang this dress up, anyway. It’s really old.”

Rael laughed. “I’ll help you out of it.” We stood up and he unzipped the dress and helped me slip out of it. He carried it carefully as we walked to the bedroom. I took it from him and hung it up.

“I like what you’re wearing.” Rael said, eyeing me lustfully. I was wearing Fred and Joe’s 18th joke birthday present to me—a black lace bra, matching panties, a garter belt, and black fishnets. (Elodio was a little pissed at them at first, but he forgot all about it once I wore it for him.)

“Thanks. I don’t wear this often. Figured it was a good occasion.” I smiled.

Rael took off his shirt and pants and carefully placed it on the desk chair. “Figured we should even up the clothing ratio a little.”

“Well, now you’re topless and I’m not.”

“That’s okay. You have more to show off up there.”

I moved onto the bed and motioned for him to join me. He followed. I straddled him and kissed him. He ran his hands down my back, and very gently pulled me down closer to him.

“I like where this is going, but I need to ask—do you have a condom?” Rael whispered in my ear.

“In my suitcase. Should I get it now?”

“Well, it would be nice to have it within arm’s reach if we need it.”

“Okay.” I retrieved two condoms, put them on the nightstand, and resumed my position on top of Rael. We kissed, and his hands explored my body. His touch was gentlemanly—while it was very clear that he was enjoying the fact that he had a scantily clad 18-year-old on top of him, he wasn’t expecting anything more to happen.

I shifted, and felt his erection press against my clit. The sensation made Elodio flash through my mind. I shuddered.

“Are you okay?” Rael asked. I looked at him, and could tell he was concerned.

“Yeah, though can we stop for a moment?” I said, getting up and sitting down next to him.

“Of course. The first time should be approached carefully.”

I turned to face him. “Um, Rael, I’m not a virgin.”

Rael sat up. “That’s not what I meant.” The look in his eyes told me he knew what I’d been through, and that I didn’t need to explain.

“Oh.” I said. “Yeah, well, I’d like to put that past me and figure out what sex is really about.”

“You know, Ruby once told me she wished I was younger because I’d be good for her Heiress.”

I laughed. “Well, now that I’m old enough…” I leaned over and kissed him again.

“I want you to really want this.” Rael said. “Don’t feel pressured to use this opportunity to try to get over what happened.”

I laughed. “You’re beginning to sound like Fred.”

Rael laughed. “Well, you’re the Heiress Benton—Ruby was wonderful to my parents, so I owe you respect.”

“I told Fred that you wouldn’t hurt me because of Ruby.” I kissed Rael again hungrily. It was like Elodio and Claudia never happened—that the slate was wiped clean again. I pulled back and looked him in the eye. “Maybe Ruby meant you’d be a good first lover for me.”

Rael laughed. “Possibly. I just don’t want you to deny your past. Hiding it will make it hurt more than letting it go.”

“Well, maybe I can call you my first real lover?”

“I’ll accept that.” Rael kissed me, first on the lips, and then my neck. Those kisses went straight to my clitoris. He worked his way down my neck as I reached back and unhooked my bra. I slid out of my bra and he grinned widely as he saw my naked breasts for the first time. He stroked them gently before kissing them. He moved on top of me and we kissed some more. I felt his hard cock press up against my clit again, but this time it felt good.

“I’d like to taste you.” Rael whispered into my ear before he got off of me.

“Okay.” I said. “Help me out of his garter belt.”

Rael obliged quite willingly, and tossed the garter belt aside. He nuzzled my pussy through my panties before gently taking them off.

“That is beautiful.” Rael said, before putting his tongue on my clit.

I closed my eyes and moaned, amazed at the wonderful sensation. I wasn’t sure exactly what he was doing, but it felt heavenly.

“I’m ready.” I moaned after about fifteen minutes.

“In what way?” Rael asked, looking up at me.

“I want to fuck you.” I said, a little surprised at my bluntness. I guess the joint hadn’t fully worn off.

“Are you sure?” Rael asked.

“Yes, I am.” I said, looking into his eyes.

“Okay.” Rael got up, took off his underwear, and reached over for a condom.

“Oh, so that’s what they look like in person.” I said.

“Huh?” Rael asked, tearing the wrapper off the condom.

“You’ve been circumcised.”

“Oh!” Rael laughed. “Guess you haven’t seen one in the flesh, so to speak?”

“No, only in porn.” I said.

Rael put the condom on and positioned himself on top of me. “Heiress, are you sure you want this?”

“Yes, Rael. I want you.” I said, and we kissed as he slowly slid himself inside me. Again I felt a sense of gentlemanliness I’d never felt with Elodio.

“This okay?” He asked, softly. Rael was slow and gentle.

“Yeah.” I kissed his neck and he moaned. His pace quickened slightly. He kissed my neck and I moaned. He thrust hard and for a split second I felt a flash of pain. I winced and gasped.

Quick as a flash, Rael pulled out of me. “Too much?”

I took a deep breath. “Just a little too intense for a second. But it’s okay. Let’s try again.”

“Why don’t you get on top? You’ll have better control.”

We shifted positions and he slid back inside me. He was right—from then on it was great! I had the right amount of control to keep things feeling good. Rael seemed to care more about my comfort and enjoyment than his pleasure, which made it easier for me to relax and actually enjoy myself.

My orgasm was the most intense I’d ever had. It seemed to go on for ages, and I could feel my muscles contract around his cock, which made him moan right along with me as he came. We stopped, and I rested my head on his chest. He kissed the top of my head.

The next thing I knew, tears filled my eyes, and I started crying. Rael put his arms around me as I slowly regained my composure.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know why that happened.”

“It’s okay, Heiress. It’s all a part of moving on.” Rael kissed the top of my head again.

“Rael, I’ve never come like that before. That was amazing.”

“Thanks. You know, Heiress, I never expected you to go through with this tonight.”

“Neither did I, but your kisses told me I could trust you. I really do wish you had been my first.”

“So do I. Then you would have known all this time what sex is supposed to be like.”

We cuddled for a while longer before drifting off to sleep with the lights still on.

We woke up at 3:30 in the morning to a very loud moan from the room next door.

“Hera.” Rael laughed. “I guess they’re still at it.”

“Well, she does have two young guys in there.”

Rael laughed. Then he looked at me, seriously. “Are you okay with what we did?”

I nodded. “Yes. You were amazing. In fact, I wouldn’t mind doing that again.”

“Really?” Rael looked at me, amazed.

I nodded. He reached for the second condom, and in a minute we were back at it again. This time was a lot better. It seemed like the tears released all the bad memories, and I was starting over as a sexual being again. Rael was quite enthusiastic, and he also had a great sense of timing and control. We kept changing positions, each one better than the previous one, and most of them eliciting orgasms from me. His orgasm (prompted by my fourth) was nearly as loud as Hera’s.

Rael held me for a while this time before we untangled ourselves. After he disposed of the condom, we got under the covers, and I fell asleep in his arms.

There was a knock on the front door at 10 AM. I heard the door being unlocked.

“Hey guys! Breakfast downstairs in a half hour!” Louisa’s cheerful voice filled the living room.

“Okay, Portia.” Hera’s voice came from the room next door.

“Yeah, we’ll be there.” I added.

At breakfast, it was clear that the whole table was awash in afterglow, and that nobody had gotten very much sleep.

We spent the rest of the day watching reruns of the Rose Parade and polishing off leftovers.

Rael and I went upstairs around 3, as he said he wanted to talk to me a bit more.

“Heiress, I had an amazing time with you, and I’d like to see you again.”

“Yeah, me too. You live up the coast a bit, don’t you?”

“Two hours. Which means I’m a good four hours from where you go to school.”

“Maybe we can manage a long weekend or something?” I asked.

“Possibly. But I fully expect you to date other people. Even have sex with them if you want. I can’t give you anything but friendship and an occasional fuck. And I respect you too much to make you believe otherwise.”

“I never expected anything more from you, Rael. I know our age difference would probably work against us in the end.”

“I think it has to do more with life experience than age.”

“So, now that we’ve had sex, will you tell me your name?”

“Thelonius.”

“As in the jazz guy?”

“Yep. My parents loved him.”

“Oh, now I think I know who your parents are, and I may have met them once when I was about fourteen. They came over and made this five course meal for Ruby’s birthday and played Thelonius Monk albums while they cooked.”

“Yep, that’s them. I was working in Northern California and couldn’t make the trip.”

“So do you see your parents often?”

Rael laughed cynically. “Only when I have time to visit the cemetery.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know they were dead.”

“I never mentioned it. Killed by a drunk driver a few weeks after Ruby died.”

“Oh man, that really sucks.”

Rael sighed. “Yeah, it did, but they were so devoted to each other, that it seems fitting that they died together.”

“Well, the three of them would certainly be amused if they could see us now.” I laughed.

Rael laughed. “Yes, they would.”

“So when are you leaving tomorrow?”

“About 24 hours from now. I’m driving Hera up most of the way home, but dropping her off at a train station that will drop her off right by her apartment.”

“May I ask why you two broke up?”

“We had different things we wanted to do after graduation.”

“Do you think you’ll ever get back together?”

“I don’t know. We’ve stayed very close friends, but we live about 90 miles from each other right now. I’m not good at long-distance romances.”

There was a knock on the front door, and Joe came up, holding a cordless phone.

“Shirley, it’s Andy.” Joe handed me the phone, grinning. “We’re going to eat in a few minutes.”

“I’ll meet you downstairs.” Rael said. I nodded. He followed Joe out the door.

“Hi Andy!”

“Hello, Shirley! Happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year to you, too! So, how was your night with the ex?” I asked.

“It was a repeat of Homecoming dance her senior year. We had her house to ourselves, and we made the most of it.”

I laughed. “Good for you!”

“So, how did the party go?”

I giggled. “Quite lovely, actually. I uh, got along quite well with one of Louisa’s friends.”

“Oh really?” Andy’s voice had a mixture of amusement and concern.

“Yep. He knew my namesake. His parents were good friends with her. I met them once when I was 14.”

“Oh.” Andy said. “So old is he?”

“I’m not sure. I never asked him how old he was. Probably about 15 years older than me, at least.”

“So how was it?”

“Great! He was really gentlemanly about the whole thing. Sorta like the way you were the night of our first sleepover.”

“Good. I’m glad you found someone who respects you.”

“I’m glad you got more time with your ex. You’ve always said really nice things about her.”

“She’s a great person—even more so that she’s broadened her horizons a bit.”

“Cool. Well, it’s nearly time for lunch, so I should get back downstairs.”

“When are you going back to school?”

“The 14th. Fred and Joe are going back to school that day, too. They start the following Tuesday.”

“I was planning on going back the 15th.”

“Great! Let me know when your train gets in and I’ll meet you at the station. I’ll make us dinner.”

“No, let me take you out to that place right by the train station.”

I laughed. “I’ll never refuse a free meal. It’s a date. Remember, call me when you know when your train is coming in.”

“Will do. Take care!”

“You, too. Good-bye, Andy.”

“Good-bye, Shirley.”

I hung up the phone. It felt odd to have just arranged a date with Andy after we’d just discussed having sex with other people mere hours ago. Had we really formed a bond that allowed for stuff like this? If so, we were going to have a very interesting friendship, indeed.

When I got downstairs, everyone was making his or her way to the dining room table.

“Perfect timing! Come sit next to us!” Joe said.

Rael and Hera were sitting next to each other. I could tell there was still some connection between them, and had a feeling they would end up getting back together.

“So, how’s Andy?” Fred asked, flashing his trademark evil grin.

“Having fun rekindling an old flame for the break.” I smiled as I sat down.

“While you’re kindling a new one? You are the Heiress Benton, aren’t you?” Louisa laughed.