I think I'll start one anyway.

The big questions now are who is this Betty Brown and where has she come from. She has obviously ‘captured’ Frank Deere. How did she do it, and why? What is motivating her? Betty has been a bit of an enigma up to now; however, as we delve into her past, things may become a bit clearer.

Off to New York City and a very romantic weekend. Enough said there. This section is a definite ‘R’, but it’s not prurient. These two young adults just happen to be very physically attracted to each other, and they are very much in love. Frank coaxes Randi into Tiffany’s after the opera. I wonder why he did that? If all works out, theirs is going to be a very short engagement. That does beg the question, though. Somebody is watching them.

Does anyone want to venture a guess of the name of the hotel where they are staying? It’s very nice.

The turmoil and excitement generated by Bobbie’s win in the Masters has died down somewhat; however, the game of golf will never be the same. One result of the magic cheating scandal was that all professional sporting events in the western world would be closely monitored for magical influence. The word went out in the world of magic that anyone found influencing a sporting event would immediately and irrevocably (subject to review) lose their magic powers. The warning also carried over to the gambling community, which included the many lotteries around the world. It took a while for the word to reach some of the more remote areas of Africa and Asia. Eventually there were two banishments, both for influencing gaming. After that, for at least a century, the problem seemed to be under control.

Bobbie enjoyed her break from golf tremendously. Both she and Cindy found it difficult to describe the deep joy they felt about their impending motherhood. Bobbie and Andy were much in demand on the sports and regular talk shows, but Bobbie did manage to caddy for Andy for two months before it became too tiring. During that time, Andy won his first two events on the PGA. That opened the door to all the ‘Major’ tournaments on the tour.

The very precocious Randi Lewis, at only a little over 20 has completed her bachelors and masters in chemistry and will soon be starting doctoral work in chemistry at MIT. She is being groomed by The Wizard to run a satellite SRU shop. It will be only a part time, weekend job; however, this is setting the stage for other witches and young wizards to be able to practice their growing magical powers. Randi and Myrna Moscowitz will be doing major genetic and bio-chemical research. Avery Moscowitz has become l’enfant fantastique in physics for his research in controlled fusion. Now the adventure begins. Randi and Silky are alone in the SRU shop.

Cindy is safe and back with her friends and family. What did Maddy do to save the day? Where has The Wizard been? What will become of Evan Sheisskopf?

Cindy has adjusted quite well after some initial psychological problems and doubts created by her two life experiences. She has been growing rapidly over the summer, and enjoying every second of it. There is no reason for doubt any longer. Her mother talks to her about her sexuality, and Cindy has some definite feelings; however, she doesn’t feel she is ready to venture in that direction. There is a dark cloud on the horizon; something that none of them are prepared for.

Growing up isn’t easy for anyone, and certainly Cynthia Lewis is no exception. The hormones are starting to flow in greater quantities than they ever have before. Suddenly, the doubts that had been hiding in the depths of her mind are beginning to surface. Menarche is pending, and Cindy is beginning to think that she doesn’t have what it takes to be a woman. She is suddenly very afraid.

Chapters 29, 30 & 31: Karen and Persi, now a married and expectant couple, are finishing their residency. Fanny approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse. It is something that will help carry on both Fanny and Musetta’s legacy. Sylvia makes sure that Karen is ready to continue on her adventure. She exchanges Karen’s mummy bag with one that will zip to Pat’s. What does Sylvia have on her mind? It’s a tough two day trip; however, Karen finds Pat right where he was supposed to be. She also finds he is fighting mixed feelings about her. There is still some residue left from Brenda’s nefariousness.

Chapters 22, 23, 24 & 25: Demi auditions with the Vienna State Opera and is hired on the spot, as is a young English woman who proved to be an excellent mezzo soprano. Demi and her new friend get secondary roles in the first of Wagner’s Ring Cycle operas, Das Rheingold. Demi sees the new rage of the opera world, the star bass baritone, Arturo Vocelli who has the reputation of being a lothario. Demi is smitten, as have been many others; however, she is willing to take things slowly rather than throw herself at him. Unexpectedly, that is literally what happens. What she didn’t realize was that Arturo had also noticed her. Their romance takes off but Demi refuses to jump into bed with him. He is willing to wait. They can wait only so long. The question is, though, will Arturo propose? Well, if you read the first chapter, you know he does.
I posted four chapters because I wanted to get the story out there before we go on an extended trip to the Baltic. There are nine chapters and the epilogue to go after this.

Chapters 16, 17 & 18: Helen’s studies continue. She graduates from Julliard with honors and is ready to challenge the world. There is one challenge that she hasn’t talked much about; however, Fanny knows what Helen is capable of doing. Fanny confronts Helen and Helen admits she has thought about the Van Cliburn Competition for years, and it is coming up in the next year. Helen’s audition is submitted and she is one of 30 competitors accepted for the competition. She meets Jimmy Levine and the attraction is overwhelming.

Chapters 10, 11 & 12: Karen awakes after a very pleasant night to find she is sharing her bed with two cats. One of them checks her out to the little cat’s satisfaction and the heads to breakfast with her companion close behind. Karen never had a pet when she was growing up and is not too sure about cats in general. Karen does find out a bit more about Persi and Clara and a near disaster is averted. Helen and her husband arrive with the exciting news that they are going to be adopting a child soon. Karen realizes that Helen can’t have children. Helen explains that she has CAIS, Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, which means she has an X and Y chromosome.

Helen’s condition was a shock to everyone and very traumatic for Helen. She will recover. She continues to impress everyone with her musical abilities. Her Grandmother Jo and Aunt Fanny put her through a test that Helen finds to be fun; however, its implications are very serious about the direction her talent will take her. Her grandmother makes a serious statement that she won’t be around much longer, and Helen has trouble accepting it. It is nearly 80 years since we first met Jo.

This posting and the next two will deal with Helen’s rather remarkable life. She has her low points; however, the high points far outnumber the low.

Chapters 4, 5, & 6: Ah, young love; or should I say lust. Amy has her heart set on Joe, and Joe is really fond of Amy. The trouble is they are just kids verging on puberty. Like breaking the sound barrier, once you pass that point, there is a whole new world in front of you. Amy is very adventurous and she has her mind set on making love with Joe as soon as they are able. Amy takes precautions as best she can. Her mother won’t let her take the ‘pill’. They make love as often as is possible. Of course they get caught, not by their parents but by Joe’s sisters. That turns out to not be a problem; however, Amy fails to rotate her stock and the inevitable happens. Now they have to tell their parents.

Proudly with his head and tail held high, he ignored the useless chaff that hung about seeking favors from their betters. He had little respect for these courtiers who had never been entrusted with the most sacred of all duties. Being feline, all were of course Royalty, Princes and Princesses every last one, but there was only one Queen.

While Darlene slept Jenny sat quietly on the couch for another hour with her eyes closed, then reminded herself of Darlene’s description of Michi. Then she spoke. “Are you there Marlene?” Silence for a time, then a pale version of Darlene in an Orphan Annie dress stood next to the table.

TWINS by Marie C., Part 17 - Jenny’s House, Day 2
by Marie C.