I lay on my bed listening to music that I had just downloaded from the Internet. I wasnt really thinking about anything special, just life in general. Then Tina came into my room, and I thought the dinner was ready.

Honey, can you turn down the music? Bettes trying to get Clara to sleep.

I sighed at this but did what she said.

Thanks. She smiled at me.

Is dinner ready yet? I asked.

Yeh, in half an hour or so. She left my room.

Everything had changed since Bette came home with Clara. And of course I knew things were gonna change, but not that itd change this much. I had been an only child for almost 17 years, which pretty much meant that I had been the focus of the family for all my life. No, I wasnt jealous that Clara got all the attention, I was actually relieved. I could step back and just be on my own, more than I could before. I think I settled pretty well with the changes. Clara was three months old, and she was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. She was my baby sister, and I loved her with all my heart. My thoughts were interrupted when Bette walked into my room and sat down on the bed. She smiled at me and stroked my hair. The dinner is ready.

We went out to Tina in the kitchen and sat down by the table.

Hows your day been sweetie? Tina asked me.

Its been pretty good, actually. I said and took a sip of my milk. I got invited to a party.
Whens that? Bette asked.

Tomorrow.

Do you wanna go? Tina smiled at me.

Yeh, I really, really wanna go.

Where is this party? Bette asked.

Its down at the beach. I smiled.

When does it start? Tina asked.

Um, at 8, I think.

Bette and Tina looked at each other. Do you want me to drive you down there or do you have a date? Tina asked me smiling.

I smiled at the both of them. Oh, thanks! Its gonna be so great! And you dont have to drive me, Ill call Jimmy and let him know that he can pick me up at 8.

Whos Jimmy? Tina asked. Someone special?

I laugh at this. Yeh, hes my lab partner!

Oh. Tina smiled at me. “So he isn’t cute?

“Cute isnt exactly the right word to describe him. I smile.

After the dinner I went into my moms room to see Clara sleep. She was so beautiful and I just stood the smiling to myself when Bette walked u behind me. She embraced me from behind and kissed the top of my head. Its hard to believe that you were once that little. She said.

I laughed a little. Yeh. But I bet I wasnt that gorgeous.”

Bette stroke my hair behind my ear. You were so gorgeous. Ive never seen a baby as cute as you were.

Not even Clara? I asked.

Well, I dont like to compare my kids, but not even Clara. Shes just behind though. Bette kissed my head again. You were so waited for. I loved you even before you were born. I loved you from the moment Tina told me she was pregnant. And well love you unconditionally forever. Cause you are our daughter.

I smiled and leaned back into Bette. I love you mommy. I whispered.


The doorbell rang at 8 the next night. Tina opened the door as I was still getting ready. She gasped when she saw the young man standing in front of her. He was well trained and could probably get all the girls he wanted.

Hi, Im Jimmy. I could hear him introduce himself.

Hi, Im Tina, Kathys mom. Tina said.

I went out to them in the hallway.

Wow. He looked at me. You look great.

I blushed but smiled at him. Thanks. So do you.

He smiled widely at me. So, shall we go?

Yeh, lets go.

Take it easy. Tina warned me.

Dont worry, Ill have her home before midnight. Jimmy said before I closed the door and we went to his car. He opened the door for me and I got in. Then he got into the car and started to drive towards the beach.

Theres beer in the bag on the floor if you want some. He told me. Im staying sober tonight, so that I can take you home later. He looked at me and smiled. I returned the smile before I bent down and picked up a beer. The beach was already crowded when we got there so we went down to the others and sat down at the fire. I opened my second beer for the night and we were sitting there and talking, having a great time. Before 11 pm I had already had 7 beers.

How are you feeling? Jimmy asked me.

Great! I said laughing.

Do you wanna go for a walk? He put his arm around my shoulders.

Yeh, sure. I said and rose.

I almost lost my balance but he held me up. Youre drunk. He laughed at me.

Oh, so this is drunk. I said laughing. Its actually pretty fun. I could get used to this.

He laughed at me. Lets not though. Com on, youll sober up after our walk. I cant take you home like this.

We walked along the beach, he held me tight so I wouldnt fall. I quit walking and watched the sea.

Are you feeling sick? he asked.

No. I shook my head. I feel great. I leaned in and kissed him. He was surprised but kissed me back. After a while he pulled back. Are you gonna remember this tomorrow? He asked me seriously.

How could I forget? I asked, pulling him in for another kiss.

We just stood there kissing for a while before he pulled back.

We better get back. I promised Id have you home before midnight and its 11.30 now.

I nodded my head. My moms gonna freak if she sees me like this. I hugged him tight.

okay, come on, lets get back to my car.

Im tired. I whispered in his ear.

He stroke my back before he lifted me up. Better? He asked.

A lot. I said and leaned my head towards him.

He carried me to his car and put me in the front seat before he drove me home. He helped me out of the car and I pulled him tight and kissed him again. I let his tongue enter my mouth and tasted it. Tasted him. I wanted the kiss to last forever but he pulled back. lets continue this tomorrow. He said. When youre a little more sober, and your mom isnt watching us from the window.

I looked up and saw Tina standing in the window. I laughed and waved at her. Jimmy shook his head and helped me to the house. Tina opened the door for us and let us in.

Shes a little drunk. Jimmy told her.

A little? Tina asked.

okay, a lot. Im sorry, I didnt know she hadnt had alcohol before.

hey guys, Im not feeling too well. I told them.

Tina grabbed my arm and sat me down on the couch. Ill take it from here, thanks.
She said.

Okay. Jimmy said. Good night.

He left the house and Tina shut the door after him. Isnt he awesome mom? I asked.

Yeh, awesome. She said. Lets get you into bed. And be careful so you dont wake Clara or Bette up.

The seconds after she had said that Bette entered the living room. Too late. Im already awake.

okay, Ill go to bed. I said and rose. Tina had to help me to stand.

Shes drunk? Bette asked looking angry.

Yeh, she is. Tina answered. well talk to her about it tomorrow.

Tina helped me in bed and shut the lights before she left my room. I fell asleep as soon as I laid my head down on the pillow. When I woke up the next morning I felt terrible. I had a major headache and it was freezing. I walked out to the living room.

Good morning sweetie. Tina said. How are you feeling today?

Like *****. I told her.

She laughed. You feel like you deserve to feel.

Thank you. I muttered.

Bette came in to the room with the phone in her hands. We have to go to the hospital. She said. Dana has been in labour all night. They think the baby is coming any minute now.

Wow thats great news! Tina smiled brightly. Ill go and get Clara ready. Kathy, go get ready, well buy you breakfast in the hospital cafeteria!

great ***** timing. I muttered as I went into my room to get ready.

TBC…