ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Growing Up, Growing Wiser

by Fantasy

Violence: None

Sex/Language: This series depicts a deep and abiding love between two soul mates, who happen to be women. If you don’t like this kind of relationship, don’t read my stories, if you live in a state or province where this sort of depiction/relationship is illegal, go away. If you are not 21 go away. This segment does not contain any explicit or graphic sex or potty mouth either.

Hurt/Comfort: Nope

This is the next installment of the ‘Lost and Found Series’. The plots and characters are pretty much connected, so if you don’t read the other stories you will be lost. For those of you who think I’ve missed a part, I haven’t. This follows Reunion Part I. I decided Reunion didn’t need another part, so I changed the title of this story. I would really like to hear from you. Your constructive criticism is most helpful and greatly appreciated. The addy is fantasysrealm@home.com or fans91@hotmail.com Now enjoy.

November 25, 2000

Chapter 4: A Golfing We Will Go…

The senior citizen and the teenager pulled into the Malibu Country Club just before 11:00am. When Harley called to get a tee time, he was told he would have a tee time whenever he wanted to play. Grandfather and granddaughter entered the clubhouse and were greeted warmly by the young man behind the counter.

"Good morning, how may I help you this morning?" The young man asked, never taking his eyes off the blonde teenager.

"We have a tee time for 11:00," Harley said sternly.

"Of course sir," the boy replied, whose eyes were still glued to Sydnee, "what is the name on that sir?" Harley was starting to get steamed. Hey would you look at the way that kid is ogling Syd? What the hell are you doin’ here? I thought you were Stacey’s particular trial. Hey I go where I’m needed, and right now, I’d say I’m needed here. What are you kidding me? I could handle him blindfolded.

"I’m over here sport," Harley growled. That got the young man’s attention. "The name is Sheriff Harley Danforth and this is my granddaughter Sydnee." Harley glowered at the teenager who was sure he would wet his pants at any moment.

"Uh…Robert…Williams…uh yeah that’s it, Robert Williams." Harley patted Robert’s cheek.

"Okay Robert, we’d like to rent a cart and play eighteen. Is that all right with you Syd?" Syd flashed her grandfather one of her million dollar smiles and nodded.

"That sounds just great Gramps. Thank you very much Robert, you’ve been very kind." Robert was ready to melt into a puddle right there and then.

"Y…yo…you are most welcome Miss Danforth." Syd smiled a coy smile.

"No, you see my name is Sydnee McGregor. My parents are Dr. and Mrs. Stacey McGregor." Syd said. The young man’s eyes opened wide.

"Oh yo…yo…you’ve got two mom’s? You’re that McGregor?" Harley rose to his full 6’5" in height towering over the now shaking teenager.

"You got a problem with that young man?" Robert was seriously hyperventilating now.

"Oh no sir, not at all. I mean they’re famous ya know? Everybody knows about the good stuff they do for the town and all. Wow, you’re their daughter. Wow!" Syd smiled warmly at Robert, then turned on her heel, and walked away, her blonde ponytail bouncing with each step. Harley followed close behind but turned and winked at young Master Williams. He chuckled to himself. Just like her mother and grandmother. I pity the person that girl sets her sights on. He or she doesn’t have a prayer. The two golfers checked out their cart and loaded their clubs onto the rack.

"Gramps, I think that was mean." Syd chided her grandfather.

"What? I didn’t do any harm. Just shook him up a little bit. Keeps him on his toes." Syd snaked two slender fingers out and pulled a few strands of hair on Harley’s arm. "Ow, you’re as bad as your grandmother." The blonde imp smiled wickedly.

"Just who do you think taught me that," she laughed. Harley could only shake his head. Hey sport, I think you’re way outclassed. Don’t I know it?

Harley and Syd stopped their cart along side the first tee. Harley set the brake and climbed out. Selecting his driver he asked.

"You wanna hit? Ladies first ya know?" Syd turned on her grandfather, her competitive spirit on fire.

"Heck no. We’ll do this fair and square. We’ll flip for it." She reached in her packet and retrieved a quarter. "Heads I go first, tails you do. I’ll let you call it in the air. How’s that?" Harley nodded his approval and Syd tossed the coin high in the air, letting it fall to the ground with a light thump.

"Ha! Heads I hit first." Sid walked over to the white tee box, the same one her grandfather would use and started to tee up her ball.

"Just a dad blasted minute their little girl. What’dya think you’re doing?" Syd looked at Harley like he didn’t have a clue.

"I’m teeing up my ball Gramps. Why am I doing it wrong?" Syd’s face carried a slight little smirk. Damn she’s just like her mom. Chip off the old block. Hey jarine, you better watch out, she is the smartass’s daughter ya know. Yeah well she’s my granddaughter too. Tell me again why you’re here? Just trying to be helpful. Well don’t bother, I got this covered. We’ll see, we’ll see.

"I just assumed you’d use the red box. It’s for ladies ya know. I don’t want to take advantage of you." Syd bristled at the notion her grandfather would give her any leeway just cause she was a girl.

"Gramps, I’ve been working on my club head speed, and staying down through the ball. It’s really helped my distance. You’ll be surprised. Watch, I’ll show you."

Syd took a couple practice swings before she addressed the ball. She lined up her shot for the 450-yard par 4 hole. There were bunkers lining the right side of the fairway, and water on the left. It was imperative that she hit the ball right down the middle. Just as she said, she stayed down all the way through the ball, and her shot carried straight away down the center of the fairway a good 210 yards. Syd turned Harley and smiled coyly.

"See works every time." Harley grunted.

"Ya hit the ball just like your mother." Syd cocked her head at the big man a questioning expression on her face. "That’s a good thing." The grin on Syd’s face hit the old man squarely in his heart, and spread joy throughout his whole body. "But don’t you tell her I said so, I’d never hear the end of it."

"Okay Gramps, your turn. Let her rip." The still muscular senior citizen teed up his ball, lined up the shot, and indeed did let her rip. His ball landed about ten yards ahead and to the left of Syd’s ball. There ya are. Not bad for an old man, huh? This is only the first hole, don’t count your chickens yet there, Buster Brown. "Way to go Gramps! Great shot!" The two exchanged a hug, and then walked to their cart.

"You wanna drive this thing darlin’?" Oh my God, Harley have you lost your mind? Shut up. God how can Mac stand you? Well, we have our moments.

"Are you serious? Way cool! Oh this is gonna be such a great day!" It may be our last. Go away! Believe me, she drives, I’m gone.

Syd jumped behind the wheel and released the break. The electric cart whirred off down the cart path on its way to the location of their golf balls.

"There’s your ball sweetie, what club you gonna use?" Harley asked curiously. Syd checked her scorecard for the appropriate yardage.

"I’m still about 240 yards from the pin, and it’s set in the back left corner. I think I better use my 3 wood. That’ll put me in a good position for a short chip shot and still have a good opportunity for a birdie. What do you think?" I think you’re your mother’s daughter.

"Let ‘er rip tater chip." Syd laughed at her gramps’ little joke, which puffed the older man’s chest up considerably.

"Gramps you’re a hoot ya know that? I love you," Syd said and gave her gramps a peck on the cheek to prove it.

Syd’s ball was in a really good lie, and she had an unobstructed view of the green. Again her shot had to be precise because of the hazards on either side of the fairway. There was a deep bunker on the right, guarding the front of the green. 200 yards from her present position, a creek crossed the fairway. Syd was uncertain whether she should lay up below the creek, which would be the safe shot, or just go ahead and try to clear the water with her 3 wood. Like there will even be a discussion about that. If Mom was here, she’d say go for it. Syd spared a glance at her grandfather who was standing there with a smug expression on his face. Okay gramps, if that’s the way it’s gonna be, the gloves come off now. Syd addressed the ball, and spanked the ball a good one. The ball flew straight and true, the arc on the ball just perfect. Not only did she clear the water hazard as well as the bunker, the ball landed gently on the green and rolled within twelve feet of the hole for a possible eagle. Harley was struck dumb…that’s not surprising…by the accuracy and skill with which Syd had struck the ball.

"Well I’ll be damned," the ex-sheriff murmured, "you been holding out on me baby girl?" Even Syd was surprised by how good the shot was. The yardage was at the outer edge of her driving ability with a fairway wood.

"No sir," the teenager replied earnestly, "I would never do that to you, honest." Harley felt slightly ashamed at what he had insinuated to his granddaughter.

"I know that baby girl," Harley said as he wrapped a huge arm around his favorite girl and kissed the blonde crown. "That was some shot. However, I think this old man is up to the challenge." Syd thought a little wager was in order.

"Just how up to it are you Gramps?" Syd leered wickedly. Harley looked at her suspiciously.

"You wouldn’t be thinking of making a little wager there would ya now darlin’ girl?" Harley chuckled at the young woman’s competitive spirit.

"Absolutely. What’dya say to a buck a hole?" Two silver eyebrows raised in unison at the audacity of his granddaughter. But he was good to go. Besides, she could use a good lesson in respecting her elder’s abilities. You’re toast grandpa. Go to hell! Ooooo, not nice.

"You’re on darlin’," Harley grinned, "stand back and watch a master at work youngin’."

Harley stepped up to his ball, with his chosen club, a 5 wood. He eyed his target and let fly. The swing was near perfect with a slight fade to the left. The ball bounced on the fairway and trickled onto the green. His ball stopped twenty feet from the hole. A few feet farther than Syd’s but still a makeable eagle putt. Harley looked over at Syd and grinned slyly.

"Take that sweet cheeks." Syd nodded her approval.

"Good shot Gramps, but the hole isn’t decided quite yet," Syd replied. A confident smile graced her lips. The two happy duffers hopped in the cart and drove up to the green to finish the first hole. Their conversation and laughter rang through the crisp November morning. They climbed out of the cart and selected their putters. "You’re away Gramps so you go ahead." The ex-marine nodded and walked up to his ball. He eyed the putt from every angle trying to decide whether or not there was any break at all.

"What do you think Syd? I looks like there’s a little break to the left." Syd had also checked the lie out pretty well herself and agreed.

"I think you’re right Gramps, but there’s not very much break. Many just at the very end. And you’re going up hill, so you’ll have to hit it pretty firm."

"Yep, well let’s give it a whack, okay?" Harley leaned over his putt, and brought the putter back slowly, steadily, then followed through and met the ball firmly. The ball started out to the right traveling slightly uphill before it tracked quickly left. Just as the ball neared the cup to fall in, it rimmed out on the uphill side and stopped a mere inch and a half on the downhill side. "Damn," Harley hissed, "I thought I had it." Syd was more disappointed than her grandfather was.

"Aahh Gramps, you were robbed," Syd whined, "I’ll give you the birdie." The big man walked over to retrieve his ball and kissed the teenager.

"Sure you’re not gonna make me earn it, that little display of sportsmanship may come back to haunt you."

"That’s okay, it’d be worth it." Harley couldn’t help but be touched by the girl’s empathy. You’re girls are doing a damn good job with this one don’t ya think? Damn straight. Jeeze, now I’m talking to myself. "My turn, right?"

"Yep."

"Okay Gramps, this is pretty straight on wouldn’t you say?" The tall man towered over the crouching form of his granddaughter.

"I’d say so. But be careful, it’s a little downhill. The ball will have pretty good pace."

"Gotcha."

Syd lined up her shot, and drew her club head back steadily. She came forward with a crisp, smooth stroke sending the ball rapidly toward the cup. The aggressive move paid off as the ball dropped into the cup with an audible clunk.

"Yes!!!" Syd yelled with a forceful fist pump as an exclamation point. "I did it! Did ya see gramps? I did it. I’ve never gotten an eagle before."

The large man’s face beamed with pride at his grandchild’s enthusiasm. But just as quickly as the joy spread over her face, it was gone. She looked into steely gray eyes, a sadness replacing the joy.

"Oh Gramps, I’m so sorry, you didn’t win the hole." The golden head dropped suddenly and brown eyes filled with tears. A large hand lifted the quivering chin and gazed into the face of an angel. A big thumb gently brushed away a lone tear, which slowly slipped down a tanned cheek.

"Hey darlin. Don’t you apologize ever for doing your best. We played straight up, fair and square and you beat me. There’s no shame in that. You shouldn’t feel bad cause you beat me. Hell, I’m damn proud of you. And don’t be countin’ your chickens there missy; there are still seventeen more holes to play ya know. We’ll see who’s the winner in the end, okay." The smile was back on an adoring face.

"Ya got a deal Gramps. And Gramps?"

"Yes"

"I love you."

*******************

The rest of the eighteen-hole match was a back and forth affair, but in the end, Syd’s precise drives and fairway play had prevailed, and she won the match by just one stroke. She shot a 79, (par is 72) which for this course, is darn good. It was, she admitted, the best round of golf she had ever played. Harley was a good sport throughout the whole ordeal, and paid up the money he owed. Since they were playing actual holes lost, he only had to pay off fifteen dollars. Syd insisted on treating at the 19^th hole, to which Harley readily agreed. They settled themselves at a table near the window where they could look out over the ocean. The waitress came over immediately to take their order.

"What are you gonna have gramps? Remember, I’m paying." Harley chuckled deep in his throat.

"You sure you can afford me? How do you know I’m not an expensive date?"

"Don’t worry, I gotcha covered," Syd whispered, "we’re putting this on Mom’s tab." The large man couldn’t help himself; a loud belly laugh erupted from his mouth, scaring the waitress half to death. Syd just nodded at the marine and winked.

"Okay, in that case, I’ll have prawns and fries. A little cold slaw along with that please." The waitress wrote down the order.

"Would you like a beverage, sir," she asked politely.

"Uh yes, I’ll have some of that pink stuff. What is that juice you like Syd?" The blonde pixie grinned broadly.

"It’s strawberry, bananas, and ice cream with a little whipped cream on top." Syd licked her lips.

"That’s what I want. Why don’t you bring a pitcher of the stuff, please? Syd what are you eating?"

"I’d like a double cheeseburger with bacon please. I’d also like a large order of fries and onion rings. And for dessert, I’d like a piece of apple pie ala mode." Harley just shook his head while the waitress continued to write down the menu items as Syd ticked them off.

"Will there be anything else?" Harley reconsidered the apple pie.

"Yes, I’d like apple pie too please, but I’d like some cheddar cheese melted on top." Syd shuddered.

"Gross Gramps, how can you do that to a good piece of pie?" Harley smacked his lips loudly.

"Hey that’s good eaten Syd. You don’t know what you’re missin’." ‘Humph, I don’t think so,’ Syd thought.

"Oh miss, we’d like this on my mom’s tab please. Dr. McGregor?" Harley started to protest, but Syd’s small hand on his forestalled him.

"Yes Miss McGregor, your mother called a short while ago and requested both your meals be added to her tab." Harley chuckled.

"Yes well, be sure you include a healthy tip for yourself young lady." The young waitress smiled broadly.

"Yes sir, thank you." Then she turned and went to fill their order. She hadn’t been gone but a short time when another waitress came with a pitcher of the pink concoction and two chilled glasses full of the stuff. Syd beamed.

"Oh goody. Look Gramps, they put cherries on the top too." Syd took a long draw on the straw in her glass letting the chilled sweet drink slide down her throat. "Mmmm this is so good. Don’t you think Gramps?"

Harley never ceased to be amazed at the childlike wonder his granddaughter exhibited at the slightest things. It was a quality he hoped she’d never lose. In that, she was so like his Rebecca Marie. Quite a contrast don’t ya think? What? Bec and the smartass. Don’t call her that, Rebecca doesn’t like it and I don’t think I do either. It was true, he thought, Becca and Stacey were different as night and day. But in the important things, they were so very alike. They weren’t so very different from Angie and him in that respect. Yes they were meant to be together and they always would be. He gazed at his darling granddaughter. I wish for you the same baby girl. As if reading his thoughts Syd spoke.

"Gramps, do you think everyone has one person out there, somewhere in the world, that only they are meant to be with? You know like a soul mate or something? Kinda like Mom and Mother?" Harley thought for a moment. Careful there bucko, this conversation sounds like it could turn into a sensitive chat. Ya think? Yep. That’s okay, I can do this. Smart… uh, Mac doesn’t. Really? You might be surprised. Before Harley could answer, their waitress brought them their food.

"There you are folks," the woman smiled, "if there is anything you need, just call."

"Thank you," the couple answered in unison, "we will." Now back to the conversation at hand.

"Yes darlin’, I do believe that. Your grandmother and I were s’posed to be together. I can’t imagine living without her." Now what?

"Do you think there is that one person out there for me too? Or am I just being foolish to wait. I mean all my friends, well not all, but many are having sex and stuff. Sometimes I think I’m, just being naïve and should go ahead and do it." Oh sweetheart, Harley thought.

"What have your moms told you about this?" Easy out there buddy boy. Butt out.

"They say I should do whatever feels right to me, but not to rush into anything because once I lose my virginity, there’s no going back. They say it’s the most precious gift a woman can give, and it should never be given lightly. It should be saved for the one person who will love you and cherish you for, not just their whole lives, but for all eternity." Good advice darlin’. Syd took another big bite of her burger and waited for her grandfather to answer.

"That’s very true, but I take it you have a problem with that?" Syd swallowed and took a drink from her glass.

"No not really Gramps, but it’s just that lately…well…there’s this…I mean. Oh Gramps, it’s Scott Vargas." Aahh, now I see.

"Has he been putting pressure on you to have sex?" That little punk, I’ll give him an attitude adjustment he won’t believe. Syd noticed the changed in the big man’s demeanor, and knew he’d jumped to the wrong conclusion. Syd placed a gentle hand on her grandfather’s much larger one.

"Oh no Gramps, Scott would never do that, it’s me, I’m the one who’s leading him on." Harley’s eyes grew wide in shock.

"Just what do you mean young lady?" ‘Damn, I’m making a big mess of this,’ Syd thought.

"No, it’s not that. The other night, when Scott saved my life, I think I led him to believe that I cared more than I do. I mean he’s a great guy, and we’re really good friends, but I don’t love him. At least I don’t think I do. Oh Gramps, I just don’t know. Tell me what to do. I’m so confused."

The gentle giant’s heart went out to his hurting grandchild. He slid his chair closer to hers and put a big burly arm around her shoulders and pulled her close against his massive chest. He let out a breath and kissed her golden crown. The old man would try his damnedest to help this precious child.

"Honey, Scott Vargas is a nice young man, and from what I’ve observed, I’d say he is a little more than smitten with you. But honey that doesn’t mean you’re obligated to return those same feelings. Don’t jeopardize your future for something that may not be meant to be, and if you don’t love him, right now, then it’s just not meant to be. If he is truly a friend he’ll understand that. But the most important thing is that you be honest and up front with him." The young girl in Harley’s arms snuggled a little closer to him.

"That’s pretty much what mom said." Oh yeah? This could be a first. Harley and Stacey agreeing. We always do, on the important things. And there is nothing more important than our Rebecca and this precious child.

"Your mom’s a pretty smart woman, you should listen to her." They looked at each other and burst out laughing and then said together.

"But don’t tell her I told you this." Then the big man kissed Syd again.

"Do you feel better?" Syd nodded.

"Yes I do, thanks Gramps. Scott and I are going to the movies tonight, I think we better have a long talk about us." Smart kid.

"Good idea. Now let’s finish up our lunch and head for home."

"Yes sir." Syd dove into the rest of her meal with zest and before long the two were pulling into the driveway at home. As they were putting their clubs away in the garage, Syd announced. "Gramps this was the best day we’ve ever spent together. I really had a great time today. Thanks, and I love you, a lot." Harley smiled and hugged Syd tightly.

"Me too sweetie, me too."

Chapter 5: The Date

Becca, Angie, and I spent a leisurely afternoon visiting and, in general, just enjoying one another’s company. I literally chased Margie out of the house at noontime so she could spend some time with her family. Of course she wouldn’t leave without first making sure we had enough food to last the remainder of the weekend. She left explicit instructions with Angie as to how the dishes should be reheated. I guess she didn’t think Becca or I were competent enough to put the damn dish in the oven and turn the damn thing on 350 degrees for forty-five minutes. Gee go figure. Oh great, you back already? It was sssooo peaceful here for awhile. Indeed, the balmy calm was shattered by the loud yollering of my angelic, teenage daughter.

"Mom, Mother, Grams were back! Where are you…" My excited child collided headlong into me as we both rounded the hallway corner leading to the living room. "Oh there you are." I received a quick kiss and hug before the darting sprite flitted into the living room. She flounced down on the sofa, sprawling her lithe body over, and on top of Becca. Of course my angel simply engulfed our baby girl her long arms and hugged her close.

"Hi baby," Becca smiled as she kissed yellow hair glistening in the late afternoon sunlight. "Did you and Harley have a good time." The exuberance of youth instantly kicked in, as the teenager sat up suddenly.

"Oh mother," Syd gushed, "Gramps and I had a blast. Didn’t we Gramps?" I walked behind the bar and dug into the fridge. I pulled out a couple of Coronas and offered one to the big, albeit exhausted, man.

"Care for a beer Harley?" I asked. That should be obvious, smartass. What the hell did you do to him anyway? Me?! I didn’t do a damn thing. It was her! I’m surprised either one of us survived. "You look all done in old man." I knew that would get a reaction.

"Old man hell," Harley snarled, "I’ll have you know I’m just getting my second wind." Uh huh.

"Well here," I chuckled, as I handed him the cold one, "see if this doesn’t help your wind some."

"Uh thanks," Harley grumbled, "you should have seen Syd. She scored an eagle on the first hole. She had four birdies…" Syd interrupted.

"Yeah but I also had five bogies and one double bogey. That wasn’t so good." Syd hung her head slightly. But Angie wouldn’t allow that.

"Now honey, don’t you dare feel badly. What was your final score?" Angie asked softly.

"A 79," Syd replied in a quiet voice. I damned near choked on my beer. I almost spit it clear across the room as it was.

"A 79!" I shouted enthusiastically. "Damn girl, that’s a great score. That’s only six over par. You keep that up, and you’ll be getting a handicap before long." Becca encircled her arms around our daughter.

"Oh Syd we’re very proud of you. I think that’s wonderful, baby," my world affirmed. Angie agreed.

"It certainly is isn’t it Harley?" Harley was beaming. I couldn’t remember when I saw such a look of total joy on his face.

"You bet darlin’. Hell, she beat me! She took me for fifteen bucks." Well I’ll be damned, way to go Syd! Angie patted Harley’s belly affectionately and turned his head to hers for a quick, sweet kiss.

"I love you Charles Robert Danforth," she whispered. Harley blushed profusely.

"I love you too Angelic Maria Lindsey," the totally whipped giant replied. I hated to break the moment, but I did anyway.

"So what else did you two do? It surely didn’t take all day to play eighteen holes." Again Syd was back to her bouncing self.

"Oh no Mom, we had lunch in the clubhouse. Right Gramps?" Harley nodded.

"On you, Stacey," Harley chuckled. Big surprise.

"I figured as much." I replied dryly. Don’t give me that, you knew. Hell you even called the club to tell the waitress. "So just what did you two eat?"

"Well Mom, I was really hungry…big surprise…I ate a double cheeseburger, fries, and onion rings. Gramps had prawns, fries, and cole slaw. Oh yeah we each had apple pie." Harley nodded.

"Don’t forget the pink stuff." Angie cast a dubious eye at her husband.

"Pink stuff? What’s that Sydnee dear?" The enthusiastic blonde started to rave about her favorite drink.

"Gams, it’s just the greatest. It’s got strawberries, bananas, ice cream, and they blend it all together. Then they put whipped cream and cherries on the top. It’s really good, huh Gramps?"

"That’s right darlin’, good stuff."

I looked over at my little girl reclining in her mother’s arms, while my angel gently stroked her hair and kissed her temple. I feel sorry for all the people in the world who see us, our lifestyle, as perverted, but for the life of me, can’t see anything wrong with us. I see a mother who loves her child, surrounded by the people they love, and who love them in return. Explain to me, if you can, what’s wrong with that.

"So," I asked lightly, "what do you have planned for this evening Syd?" I knew she had a hot date, and it was getting on toward evening. My guess is they would be going to dinner, and then to a movie. It was close to 6:00pm, and Syd’s penchant for long showers, she didn’t have a lot of time to waste.

"Oh Scott is coming over and we’re going out," Syd said languidly as she glanced at the clock. Then reality set in. "Oh my gosh!" Syd yelled as she sprang from the couch. "Mom, why didn’t you tell me it was this late! Oh damn, I’m gonna be late. Scott is never gonna let me hear the end of this. Shit, shit, shit!" Our daughter literally jumped over the back of the couch and headed for her bedroom and the shower.

"Don’t use that kind of language young lady," I called after her, "we have company ya know." The three adults laughed heartily at the flustered young woman who was still muttering about being late for her date. To add credence to her urgency, doors slammed and grumbling continued, punctuated periodically by an aggrieved shit, shit, shit. When the turmoil quieted down, I suggested we play a spirited game or two of pinochle.

"Hey that’s a great idea," Becca agreed. "Let’s order in pizza from Antonio’s." Harley thought for a minute.

"Isn’t that where Kylie Johnson’s boyfriend works? Jason something or other."

"That’s right. Jason delivers pizza." Becca said. "But I don’t think he’ll be working tonight. He and Kylie and Angie and David are joining Syd and Scott on their date." Angie smiled.

"I’m so glad Syd is going out more. I was beginning to think she was never going to spend time with people her own age." Harley looked at his wife with something akin to disbelief.

"Sweetie, what is that supposed to mean? Syd spends lots of time with her friends. God, she’s on the go all the time." I knew exactly what Angie was getting at.

"Harley that’s true, but that’s because she’s so active in athletics. I think what Angie’s getting at is she needs to go out with her friends and socialize more. Being on sports teams is almost like work. Don’t get me wrong, Bec and I are glad she’s active in sports, but she needs to learn social skills and interact with kids her own age." Harley still didn’t agree.

"I think she is very sociable. Shoot, she spends a lot of time with our friends and us. She’s very capable of fitting in wherever we go. Why just today at the club, the guys commented on how grown-up she…" Everyone just smirked at Harley. "Oh hell, I get it. You’re right. She spends way too much time with us old people." I didn’t like that implication.

"I beg your pardon, don’t include Becca and I with that old stuff." Angie swatted Harley on the arm.

"Or me either, thank you very much," Angie smiled. Harley hated when we all jumped him at once.

"Okay! God, jump back! I beg your collective pardons; I apologize. I will prostrate myself before you. Tell me what I can ever do to regain your trust and I will do it gladly." Harley wailed. My God this is pathetic. Yeah it is ain’t it? Angie grinned wickedly.

"Well ladies, whatever shall we do to put this poor soul out of his misery?" Oh, oh, jarine, I think you went a bit overboard. Can you say toasted butt? My angel was the first to speak, and as for Harley, he was in shock. His little game backfired.

"Oh mother, I don’t know. Stacey my love, what do you think?" Harley pinned me with two steely gray eyes. The brutal seriousness of the glare let me know unequivocally if I said the wrong thing I would pay dearly. So I took the high road.

"Angel, I think we should let it go with a warning this time. After all, he did say he was sorry. And he is kinda cute when he grovels like that." Grovel? I’ll give you grovel young woman, Harley thought. I couldn’t miss the withering glare I received from the big man. "Why don’t we just get the cards and get started." Angie took the gentle giant’s hand and kissed the gnarled knuckles tenderly.

"Stacey Lynn, I think you’re right. Stacey, shall you and I take on Rebecca and Charles Robert?" Harley winced at the sound of his given name. I had to admit Harley fit the big man much better.

"Sounds like a plan to me. That okay with you babe?" My wife smiled at both Harley and I.

"For sure. Dad shall we show these two how to play? In fact, I think we should make a little wager on this game." I couldn’t resist the chance to poke a little fun at my daughter’s golfing partner.

"Careful Becca, he’s already lost to one McGregor woman today. I don’t think he could stand two losses in one day." Both Harley’s competitive streak and his ire was aroused full force at my words. Just what I wanted, gotcha big boy.

"Now just a damn minute here," he growled, "my Rebecca and I will take that challenge. And just remember Mac, she was a Danforth before she was a McGregor." Your point is what exactly?

"Okay big fella, what will we bet?" I badgered. Food jarine, food.

"Loser buys the pizza. How’s that?" Harley countered. I spit in my palm and extended it to him.

"That’s agreeable," I said. "Shake?" Without hesitation, my father-in-law grasped my hand firmly and sealed the deal. Both Angie and Becca shook their heads.

"God I’m glad that’s settled, right mother?" Angie agreed amiably.

"Oh yes, that’s a load off my mind. Why don’t I call Antonio’s and you get the drinks. I assume we’ll play in the game room?" Angie queried.

"Yep," I said. "Harley if you’ll get the cards and table set up, I’ll help Bec with the drinks." We all nodded.

"What kind of pizza does everyone want?" Becca and I responded in unison.

"The usual!" The usual was an extra large deep-dish cheese, sausage, mushroom, and black olive pizza.

"I’m all over it," Angie laughed.

*******************

We had been playing about forty-five minutes when the doorbell rang. No one had seen hide nor hair of Syd since she disappeared into her bedroom nearly an hour previously. I looked at my baby.

"Bet that’s Scott here to pick up Syd. I’ll go see." Sure enough, on the other side of the front door was a tall handsome bark young man dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a ‘B-U-M Equipment’ blue and gray striped polo shirt.

"Hi, Dr. McGregor. Is Syd ready?" I invited Scott inside.

"Come in Scott. I’ll go see. I think she should be about ready. Lord knows she been at it long enough. Everybody is in the game room; we’re playing pinochle. Go on in."

I had to smile. The tall teenage had it bad. Secretly, as much as I wanted Syd to take it slow and chose the right person to fall in love with, I hoped she and Scott would become a couple. He was everything a mother could hope for her daughter. He was polite, sensitive, intelligent, and most importantly, he cared a great deal for Syd and treated her like a queen. I had no doubt he would never hurt her. Yes, Syd could do a lot worse indeed. But then it wasn’t my decision to make; it was hers. I promised myself I would give her the space and freedom to make this important choice on her own. I would never force her to make choices that affect her life so profoundly, just to make me happy. Still a mother could always hope. I knocked on Syd’s door to let her know Scott was here.

"Syd," I called, "Scott is here. You ready yet? Syd?"

When I got no response, I pushed the door open so I could see inside. There lying on the bed sobbing quietly was my baby girl. I rushed to her side and climbed onto the bed. In less than a heartbeat, my arms were filled with a crying, hurting teenager.

"Syd? Baby what’s wrong? Honey, why are you crying? Are you sick or hurt? Tell me sweetheart." The young girl sniffled a couple of times, and I grabbed a handful of tissues from the box on the nightstand.

"Oh Mom, I’m such a mess. Look at me?" I was dumbfounded. I hadn’t a clue what was wrong. As far as I was concerned, she was a beautiful, gorgeous child, perfect in every way. Buy a clue smartass. Think about when you were Syd’s age. Remember Becca when she was growing and changing. Remember how ugly she felt? Hellooo! Aaahhh, I get it. Thank God!

"Sydnee, you are not a mess. You are a beautiful young girl. What makes you think you’re not?" Syd blew her nose, and tried to compose herself.

"I don’t know. I just feel like such a yutz lately. Like I don’t fit in my body anymore. I see all the other kids and they seem to have their act together, dating and all, and I hardly ever go out. It just never seemed important to me. Now Scott wants to date, and I…I…Mom I don’t know how." I was afraid to ask the next question, but did anyway.

"Uh, how to do what, baby?" I awaited my daughter’s answer with a great deal of concern and trepidation.

"To date, what do you do on a date?" Thank you, thank you, thank you.

"Honey, you go out and have fun. I mean you and your date decide what you want to do and then go do it. Ya know a movie, dinner, a game, whatever. It’s up to you." I hate this.

"I know that Mom, I mean after." Oh God.

"Ya go home?" Syd rolled her eyes. I don’t blame her, jeeze smartass, get real here.

"Mother, please. I mean what if the guy wants to you know." Ya knock him senseless. Works for me. We agree? I guess so. You explain your mother will hire a hit man and do him bodily harm if he touches you. You’re no help either.

"Baby, you follow your heart. You do what you know is right. Not because we, your mother and I, tell you, but because you know it’s right for you. In here." I placed my hand over my daughter’s heart. "If your date truly cares about you, he or she will respect your wishes. And if that’s the case, you’ll have all the time in the world to get to know each other and become good friends, and God willing, you’ll eventually find your soul mate. Now, dry your eyes, and get yourself fixed up. There is a very nice young man waiting for you." I kissed my child’s golden crown. "I’ll go tell him you’re just about ready. Or I could tell him to go home, if that’s what you want." Syd’s eyes got huge.

"Oh know mom, I could never do that. I’d have to tell Scott myself. But I don’t want him to go. Could you tell him I’ll be right out?" I nodded and opened the door. "Thanks mom."

"No problem. And baby girl, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about the after part, not with Scott," I smiled. Outside the door, I found myself leaning against the wall for support. God my little baby is growing up, and it is so hard. I wish I could save her from all the hard stuff. You can’t. I know. I found Syd’s date engaged in a very animated conversation with Harley about the finer points of pinochle. He took my place while I was talking with Syd. The pizza had arrived, and he was busy with a large piece and a cola as well.

"I’m sorry Mr. Danforth, but I still think you should have saved the jack and queen, that would have given you three hundred pinochle. The way you did it turned out okay in the end, you saved your melt, but it was risky." God I like this young man. When Scott noticed my presence, he stood up. Take notice there jarine. "Hi Dr. McGregor, it Syd ready? I played your hand, I hope you don’t mind."

"Not at all Scott. Syd will be right out. So how we doing?" I asked Angie.

"Very well indeed. I’m afraid I blew the last hand, and Harley and Becca were able to make their bid." Scott instantly went to the older woman’s rescue.

"Oh no Mrs. Danforth, you played exactly as the odds said you should. How did we know Mr. Danforth would pass the cards he did? It was totally unexpected." Angie patted the young man’s hand to reassure him.

"Scott, I have been married to this man for nearly fifty years. And I have been playing pinochle with him for that same length of time. I should have seen that move coming." Just then, Syd came into the room. Scott’s deep brown eyes fixed hers immediately. This is really sad; the boy has got it bad. He is so whipped and he doesn’t even know it. He knows, but he doesn’t care. Stardust filled the tall boy’s eyes, mixed with a good dose of adoration as well.

"H…hi…hi Syd. Wow, you look really nice." The young man stammered. "If you’re ready to go, we should be leaving." Syd smiled at me and I winked. You have fun my little one.

"Okay Scott. I’m ready." Scott walked around the table to join his date. He placed his hand protectively in the small of Syd’s back.

"I promise to have Syd back early Mrs. McGregor." My angel just grinned knowingly and looked from me to Harley.

"Thank you Scott, we’d appreciate that. You two have fun." The two teenagers looked at each other, then back at us.

"We will, Mother." Harley and I found each other’s eyes.

"Oh boy," we whispered softly.

Continue The Story In "She's Not A Little Girl Anymore"