Chapter 43: 2nd Sunday Evening: Part 1: Date Prep

She opened the door, then hurried through it. Kara turned to Allison, a slight grimace crossing her face. “What’s wrong darling?”

“We need to get dressed again.”

“True, but we can choose something simple again. Skirt plus a t-shirt maybe?”

Kara nodded her head and turned into the bedroom as Emanuel left it. “That sounds good, yeah. With underwear, but no special jewelry tonight.”

“Why not?” Allison joked.

“Wait, really?” Vanessa asked. “Why would you...” her confusion became a slight scowl as Kara and Allison began to giggle “really?”

“Like your date tonight, ours is also going to be a serious one” Kara began.

“One that could still inspire us for when we get home” Allison added “but that’s not the point of it.”

“Well, okay.” Vanessa looked nervously at a garment bag laying on the bed. “What?”

“Is that the outfit your grandmother sent over?”

“Yes Allison ... but I’m a little nervous. This” she pulled a pair of very sexy panties out from an exterior pocket “came with it. Which can only mean one thing.”

“Wait” Kara started, glancing up at the clock before moving to her closet “why would she send something like that?”

“It’s no secret that neither my parents or her have been happy with the boys I’ve dated so far. This can only mean she likes what she’s heard from or about Emanuel though, and wants to help me... ‘seal the deal’ so to speak.”

“You don’t HAVE to show us...” Allison began, a sly grin flashing on her face “but doing that might make seeing it yourself a little easier.”

Vanessa shook her head, soft laughter barely audible under her breath. “I hate that your idea makes sense. But it does.” She slowly undid the zipper as Kara pulled a skirt out of her closet, and slipped on a pair of fancy panties. “Oh my...”

“Well? Let’s...” Allison started as she looked into the now open bag “if you wear that, Manny will be unable to take his eyes off of you. I’m almost jealous.”

“Of?”

“Manny. He gets to take you out in something like that.”

“Something like” Kara’s eyes fell upon the red dress “wow. That’s going to hug every one of your curves and never let them go.”

Vanessa took the dress out, holding it up to her body. “Kara! Allison! Are you two almost ready?” Clara’s voice rang, growing louder as she came to stand in the open doorway. “Is Emanuel a lucky man tonight, or are you a lucky woman?”

Vanessa shrugged her shoulders. “A little bit of both? I don’t know whether I should yell at my grandmother or hug her when I get home tonight.”

Kara took another look though her closet, then looked back Vanessa. “Will yelling at her actually do anything?”

“Nothing good. At best she’ll merely yell right back.”

“Mom? Have you seen my outfit for tonight recently? I could have sworn it was in this closet a few days ago.”

“Oh, right! I forget to tell you that I had Leonard drop it off at the dry cleaners yesterday. I have it and Allison’s in garment bags in the front closet.”

“I appreciate that you did that, but...”

“I should have let you know. I’m sorry.”

Wait ... then how did she get mine too? That was still at mom’s place last I remember.

She probably had her do something similar and bring it with her today. “Do we need to leave soon?”

“Ten minutes at most.” Clara turned again to Vanessa. “I don’t remember if we talked about it earlier this week at all, but I’ll swing back here in time to drop you and Emanuel off at the place.”

“Don’t worry about that” a naked again Rebecca started from behind her “I’ll take them.”

“What about Bob? Will he be okay?”

“I figured I’d need to pick up dinner anyway on the way home, and I can do that after dropping them off. If you still want to do something, you can grab them afterward. Oh, and he’ll be fine. Today’s been nothing but a lazy day for him.”

Kara slipped on a plain t-shirt and a pair of socks. “Speaking of dinner ... I think we forget to figure out what we’re doing about that.”

“There are two options really” Clara began, watching Vanessa zip up the garment bag “and we can discuss them once we’re in the car.” She looked straight at Vanessa. “I’d hoped you weren’t going to put that on now.”

“No. Just before we need to leave. Emanuel and I are probably going to rest a bit until then.” She looked at the two of them. “Is it okay if he and I cuddle for a bit while you’re out? You know ... if we decide we want to.”

Kara nodded her head; Allison grinned, pulling her own t-shirt on afterward. “Of course!”

Clara laughed softly under her breath. “If I don’t think I’ll be back in time to finish the work laundry, I’ll let Becca know.” She turned around to face Rebecca. “If that’s the case, would you mind moving everything to the drier?”

“Not at...” Rebecca started as Vanessa shot up.

“That’s not ... I can do it. After all, I’m the reason you needed to put it on right away.”

“That’s ... thank you.”

Kara caught the quick look she shot at Rebecca as she left the doorway. Oh my...

I didn’t see what you apparently did, darling. What’s so interesting?

She grabbed her cell phone from the desk and started down the stairs. I’m pretty sure that was a ‘you know what to do with this’ sort of thing.

Allison cleared the last step and began putting on her shoes. Do you think she’s going to have my mom do it anyway?

Oh, not at all. Kara slipped her other shoe on. She wouldn’t lie about accepting something like this. What exactly she has in mind I don’t know though. She slipped the phone into one of the skirt’s pockets. This ... doesn’t quite work the way I’d like it to. But I don’t own a purse, so ... oh well.

Do you really want one?

Kara opened one of the car’s rear doors, beckoning Allison in. Not really. It’s really only that the phone bounces around a little too much sometimes. She moved around to other door and sat down next to Allison. And since I’m no longer wearing bras, keeping it between my breasts isn’t an option.

Not that it ever really was. I love your breasts, but they’re not big enough to do that comfortably. Now Vanessa ... I bet she could.

Kara laughed. Totally.

“Before we get going,” Clara looked at Allison “I have something for you from myself and Becca.” She handed a small black, leather purse to her. “The purse is from Becca. What’s in it is from me.”

“Okay ... what’s in...” Kara watched her open it and look inside. “This looks like Kara’s.”

“It’s the same model I have too. Nothing fancy, but the calls it makes are clear and it has good battery life. Oh, and I consulted with Becca about what color would be best for it.”

“You guys were serious about the cell phone thing?”

“Yeah. If we’re going to treat you and Emanuel like adults, then you need to be able to get in contact with us even if you’re not near Kara.”

“So Manny’s getting one too?”

“Becca’s going to give him his before they leave for their date. Now, we won’t insist that you all stay on the family plan once you have good enough jobs to afford your own plan, but until then you’re free to keep it.” She began backing out of the driveway. “Now, about dinner.”

“What are our two options?” Just so you know, my muse, the plan is one of those unlimited everything ones. Minutes, texts and data; so long as we’re in the country that is.

Good to know.

“We have enough time to grab something small before our appointments. The question is whether the three of us get something after your lesson, or if you two want to get something on your own afterward.”

“Won’t the first option effect your ability to pick up Vanessa and Manny?”

“I’m sure Becca can confirm this, but I suspect Vanessa’s father will pick them up instead. Everything I heard from the earlier calls to her grandmother suggests there are some things he’ll fight her over. And I’m sure he took a look at the dress before delivering it; Becca’s description of what your sister saw suggests he knows exactly what it means, and wasn’t happy about it.”

“Vanessa was saying that as far as he’s concerned, she’s still a virgin.”

My muse ... that wasn’t for us to share.

Oops.

“A lot of fathers are like that where their daughters are concerned. Bob and Leonard probably wish they could still be that way.”

Allison grinned. “Impossible with how often the three of us remind them of the fact.”

Clara’s laughter filled the car. “Becca has complained about Bob’s remarks from earlier this week. Anyway, do you two know what you’d prefer for later?”

“It would feel like more of a date if the latter really is okay. And even though I only saw the barest glimpse of Allison’s dress, I do like the idea of showing her off a bit.”

“I’m sure you look absolutely dashing in your suit too.”

“That she does. Okay.” Clara turned down onto main street. “Not all of your dates can be like this, but since this is your first, it really ought to be special.” Kara watched her eyes darting back and forth for a few moments. “There’s one!”

“Is the place you were thinking about near here?”

“The little diner is a few blocks down. And the salon is only a block that way.”

“Do you know of any nicer places near here Clara?”

“Not off the top of my head, but the folks who run the dance studio will. I’m sure they’ll be able to help when they see how each of you is going to be dressed.” She put the car into park and turned off the engine. “We’ll pick up your outfits on our way back to the salon.”

Did you know Manny and I were going to be getting the cellphones tonight?

Not at all. Yet another of Mom’s secrets. Kara stepped out of the car, and stepped around to Allison’s door. “Have you been to the dance studio before, Mom?”

“A few times. If you’re worried about your shoes, don’t be. They’ll ask you to take them off before you enter the studio proper.”

“I thought that might be the case.” Although ... you probably look great in heels, my muse.

I never wear them, so I wouldn’t know. I doubt I’d have the balance for them. Now, you on the other hand...

“What could the two of you be thinking about to cause blushes like that?”

Should we?

Why not darling?

“Heels.”

Clara cracked a smile. “Not all women can pull them off.” She pointed to a neon sign a few storefronts down. “And there’s the diner. I’d suggest nothing too heavy; swing is one of the more energetic styles out there.”

“We’ll keep that in mind.” Kara pulled the door open, holding it while Allison and Clara stepped inside. “Will we have enough time to wait for a table?”

Clara nodded at the small seating area in front of them. “I don’t think we’ll need to wait at all. This place tends not to get too busy.” She stopped in front of the small podium. “Three please.”

“Right this way.”

Hey darling...

I see it too, yeah. I wasn’t expecting a place like this to encourage outreach.

“Excuse me” Clara motioned to the woman leading them to their table “are you offering a nudity discount now?”

The woman blushed slightly. “Not a full one, but we are trying one for topless women. It’s not much, but...”

“You do what you can; I understand. How much?”

“Ten percent per person.” She motioned to the booth next to them, laying three menus on the table. “A waitress will be with you in a few moments.”

Kara took one of the inside seats, quickly stripping off her shirt before picking up a menu. “I’m thinking something like a sandwich or salad.”

“Good idea darling!” Allison slid in next to her, her shirt already joining Kara’s on a pile next to them. “One of us gets the sandwich, and the other the salad?”

“Caesar?”

“Sounds good to me. French dip for the sandwich?”

Clara laughed as she pulled her own shirt off, tossing it next to her. “I was expecting you both to need more time than that.” She glanced through the menu for a few moments. “Chef’s salad.”

“Will that be enough for you Mom?”

“I need to leave some room for whatever your father and I do later.”

“I hope you weren’t...” another woman approached them “oh! That was quick.”

Clara grinned. “We’re all very comfortable in our own skin.”

“I can see that. Anyway ... I’m Candice, and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I get you started with anything to drink?”

“Water all around?” Clara asked, glancing at each of them. Kara nodded her in unison with Allison. “And we’re ready to order as well.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’ll have the Chef’s salad with the balsamic dressing.”

“Okay.” She turned to Kara. “For you?”

I’ll order for us this time?

Yeah.

“We’ll share a Caesar salad and a French dip. Waffle fries please.”

Kara watched her look at Clara; Clara nodded her head and smiled. “Very well. May I have your menus?” Kara handed Allison her menu, then returned her left hand to its place on top of Allison’s. Allison handed both to Candice; Candice’s eyes went wide as they focused on Kara’s left hand. Her eyes drifted back to Clara, catching Allison’s left hand which joined Kara’s a moment later.

Did you catch that too, my muse?

A look like that is rather hard to miss darling.

“Was that” Clara started, looking down at their intertwined hands “intentional?”

“Subconscious, I think.”

“Totally. But as far as anyone can tell, we’re just a couple, right?”

“That’s true ... sorry, I’m still a little on edge from earlier. And unlike the hardware store, we’re kind of stuck here if something does happen.”

Kara glanced behind her, catching a brief glimpse of Candice whispering something to the woman at the podium; the colors surrounding each of them too faint to really see. “Can you read them Mom? I’m having a hard time making them out.”

“Let’s see ... confusion and uncertainty for our waitress, and one that probably means ambivalence from the other woman. I think we’re safe for now. But if I’m recognizing their body language correctly, then we might see an apology from the waitress.”

Allison turned her head as stealthily as she could. “What leads you to say that?”

“Lots of similarities to the manager from earlier.”

Well, if someone does try something funny...

No Ally! That isn’t what the art is meant for. Not unless we’re physically in danger and can’t get away.

“It’s okay Allison; the worst we’d need to deal with are other patrons ... and restaurant management tends to side with the calm customers who aren’t raising any trouble; not the ones making it.”

“Then why do you still look so tired?”

“Just because we’re unlikely to run into any problems, doesn’t mean I’m in any kind of emotional state to do so. I...” her voice dropped to a whisper “nearly lost my temper again today. That’s ... not me.”

“You were prepared to do what my mom would have done. You don’t try to poke a cub in front of its mother. Not if you value your life at all.”

Kara watched Candice walk briskly toward them, three tall water glasses balanced on her tray. “Your food will be out in a few minutes.” She carefully put a glass down in front of each of them, then scurried away.

I don’t think your mom is right this time darling.

Did you see the nervous tick in her eyes while she was here? That’s the sort of motion I’d expect of someone trying to analyze a situation, without looking like they are. In fact, I’d be very surprised if she wasn’t trying to gauge if there actually is a problem that needs to be resolved, or just her misreading everything earlier.

You might be right. Still... Allison turned to Clara. “Uhm ... what’s your current read?”

Clara lowered her voice slightly. “They’re unclear how upset we are, if at all. I’m not surprised to be honest. While it is true that you don’t want to let a customer leave your place unhappy, it’s also unwise to read a problem where there isn’t one. Don’t poke the sleeping bear, so to speak.” She carefully studied both of them for a moment. “I hope they don’t read anything into this that isn’t true. Neither of you seem upset by her reactions.”

“What’s there to be upset about?” Kara began, matching her volume to Clara’s. “We can handle a few looks like that.”

“Yeah. We’ve had to deal with much worse looks and words from people who actually know us a little. A complete stranger not quite sure what to make of us? That’s pretty small in the scheme of things.”

“Becca, Bella and I had hoped to spare you three the staring, taunting and other crap we were put through. Which is why we got a little nervous when the two of you made that declaration when you were maybe five.”

“You would have preferred that Kara and I had fought over Manny?”

“With careful nudging, any hurts that might have resulted from that could have been repaired. But ... you must have seen my face Monday night.”

“Yeah. We all saw it. Kara even filled us in on how much emotion was tied up in that box.”

Clara nodded her head softly, then looked straight at Kara. “Speaking about that ... I need to apologize for how I responded whenever you asked questions about it when you were growing up. Yes, Becca and I were still having trouble processing everything that had happened; especially after Bella passed away. But that’s no reason to react so negatively to a child’s curiosity.”

Kara smiled gently back at her. “Even then, I could understand hurt when I saw it. A few memories of that can’t erase a lifetime of love and support.”

“Still...”

Allison nudged her in the side with her elbow. Oof ... okay, message received. “Apology accepted. If anything ... I understood pain entirely too well.”

She felt the wave of sadness begin to creep over Allison. “Because of me.”

“No my love ... what happened then was completely outside of your control. Just like Manny had no control over how his father was handling Isabella’s death.”

“Have you had a chance to talk to Becca about that decision yet?”

Allison shrugged her shoulders. “Kind of. I did take a small water break while you and Kara were still out at the store, and I couldn’t help but ask what happened with that family therapist. She seemed surprised that I knew, and ... I can’t remember a time when I’ve seen her look that ... fragile, I suppose. Unfortunately, we really didn’t have enough time to really talk about it. But I did have enough to tell her that I forgive her for all that.” She squeezed Kara’s hand a little tighter. “I’m not sure she believed me though.”

“From her point of view, it’s a lot to forgive all at once. I know that she usually seems so strong ... but the things that make her feel weak really hit harder than they ought to.” Clara glanced passed them, then back at Allison. “Maybe it’s the right time for me to suggest she try seeing a therapist again.”

“Maybe I should be the one to suggest that? She knows I’m going to see someone starting next week.”

“It should be me; but I will remind her that you’re going to give one a chance.”

“Not just me ... Manny too.”

“And ... I probably should too” Kara began, squeezing Allison’s hand back. “Plus whoever we get for our marriage counselor ... that’s going to be a lot of different appointments.”

Clara smiled gently at them. “It’ll be worth it. For the three of you now, your triad, and for your kids whenever that day comes.”

“Th ... triad?” Candice stammered, her large tray in one hand. “I thought you were a ... dy ... I mean, lesbian couple. Not a...”

Oh dear ... you or me darling?

You this time. She almost used ‘that’ word, and I’m resisting the urge to punch her for it.

Okay. “Are either of those things a problem?”

“N ... no. I just thought, this also being a small town and all...”

I don’t ‘see’ any malice in her ... just surprise. And the look on Mom’s face suggests the other woman is her manager, and decidedly not happy with her right now.

I have an idea then. “Put our food down first, and then please sit with us for a few moments. We can talk about this.” They watched Candice look back at her manager, who began nodding her head vigorously. “Clara, are you willing to move over for a little bit?”

“Of course.” Clara shifted to the inside as Candice shakily put down Allison’s salad.

“Calm down, please” Allison began, taking the sandwich and passing it to Kara “we’re not angry yet.” Another waitress quickly stopped next to Candice and handed Clara her salad, then grabbed the tray and ran off; Candice finally sat down, a fourth glass of water having appeared in front of her. Where did that glass come from?

The other waitress. There’s something going on here that we’re not aware of. “We’re no strangers to unpleasant reactions to us; but we try to understand where people are coming from. What’s your story?”

“I ... I’m sorry. I just moved here from Litovia a few weeks ago, and this is only my second week working here. It’s been hard enough adjusting to seeing so many people baring their breasts in ... in public. I didn’t expect to also run into people who supported that ... that new bill too.”

“There aren’t many poly folks in Litovia?”

Clara nodded her head, resting a hand gently on Candice’s shoulder. “I’ve been there a handful of times for business. It’s rare to find straight couples holding hands before they’re married or exposed shoulders; let alone any more skin than that or openly gay couples. I’d be very surprised if anyone is positively talking about anything poly related.”

“I knew two ho ... gay guys in high school. Maybe one girl who might have been a lesbian?”

“And you knew about the bill before we ever heard of it” Allison began “I’m guessing it wasn’t talked about kindly?”

“No. Not at all. I ... I moved from there because” her voice dropped to barely a whisper “because I started asking if the bill was really as bad as everyone was making it out to be. Because I started to wonder what it might be like to be with more than one person.”

So THAT’S what I was detecting!

You had some idea darling?

Yeah. A color that was somewhere between uncomfortable surprise and curiosity. “As far as we’re aware, there aren’t that many groups like ours in the general area. But we’re not the only ones.” She picked up a fry from the plate and offered it to Candice. “Maybe eating a little might help calm your nerves a little.”

“Oh! Thank you...”

“My apologies. I’m Kara; the woman next to you is my Mom, Clara. And the beauty next to me is my ... what would be considered legally Mom?”

“Engaged? Maybe domestic partners.”

“I’m Allison. We’re not legally married yet, but we’re temporarily bound as if we are for now.”

Candice’s eyes lit up. “For a year and a day?”

“Yeah! Exactly. You know about hand fasting?”

“The gay guys I knew had one. In secret; the police would have run them out of town if they ever found out.” She glanced around nervously. “Again, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting people to be open about this sort of thing.” Her voice dropped again. “Or that you could be open about those sorts of things here.”

Kara shook her head softly. “To be honest, we’ve gotten a lot of dirty looks and snide comments. The community around here isn’t quite as accepting as we’d like. But we’re not going to let them stop us.”

“No we’re not” Allison grinned “we’re much too stubborn to allow that.”

“Is everything okay here folks?”

Clara’s smile was big and genuine. “Yes.”

“Even...”

“That was just a misunderstanding. Everything’s fine.”

“Still...”

“If it would make you feel better, a complimentary dessert will be sufficient to square things up.”

What is your mom doing?

We know we’re okay, but people in positions like hers can find that hard to believe.

“Two. One for you and one for them. Just let Candice know what you want, and she’ll make sure you get them.”

Kara looked the woman in the eye. “Please don’t punish her for this.”

“You really don’t...”

She nodded at Candice. “Yes, we do. Please?”

The woman turned to Candice, her face softening a little. “It’s about time for your break anyway. The usual?” Candice nodded her head. “Okay. Christine will bring it out to that empty table...”

Darling?

I’m okay with it if you are.

“She’s welcome to stay here.”

“If you’re sure, miss...”

“Ms. Kirse.” What did she just mouth to Candice?

‘You lucked out this time’.

Oof!

Yeah.

“Are you all sure this is okay? This is really unusual.”

Clara laughed softly; Kara held half of the sandwich up for Allison to bite. “My daughter and her spouses are not normal. And I was a waitress once; I remember all too well how tough and lonely the job could be.”

“Really Mom?”

“Yes. I didn’t last very long at it, but it was long enough to learn everything I needed to know.”

They all turned in surprise as Candice began to laugh. “It’s funny ... in a sad kind of way I suppose; TV and movies always make small towns like this out to be full of friendly people. You’re the first people to be genuinely friendly.” She smiled as another woman put a cheeseburger and soda in front of her. “What is actually like having multiple partners? I’m sure it’s nothing like the late night shows made it out to be.”

“From the fuzzy channels?” Clara asked, a strange twinkle in her eyes. Candice nodded her head. “Usually, no. If a real triad tried using the communication techniques from those couples, they’d fall apart in a matter of weeks. It’s work, just like any relationship.”

Candice glanced at them, then back at Clara. Kara put down her fork. “We aren’t the first ones in our families to try it. And yes, we’ve had some ups and downs already. But we’re young still...”

“And that means some of what you might think it would” Allison grinned. “Much to the chagrin of our fathers.”

“Young adults will be young adults” Candice nodded in agreement “even when their parents are trying to stop them.” She looked questioningly at Clara. “You’re not?”

“I was young once; I remember all too well what those hormones do to you. I wasn’t about to make the same mistakes my parents did. And I’d much rather my daughter is fully equipped to make the decisions she needs to properly.” She smiled at Allison. “She’s certainly chosen her partners well.”

“If I may ask ... why did you chose our little diner, and where is your other partner?”

“We have a dancing date tonight” Allison grinned “and needed something to eat before our hair appointments. As for Manny...”

“He’s got a date tonight too.”

“Triad would suggest just three of you.”

“Vanessa’s a potential girlfriend.”

Allison nodded her head. “Yeah. We’re all kind of fond of her.”

“How exactly does that work?”

“We talk about things like other people we might be interested in, and what we’re interested in doing with those people. As long as one of us doesn’t have a good reason to deny the request, then that person is allowed to do the thing.”

“Yeah” Kara nodded her head “and as long as we’re being honest with each other, we can try to resolve jealousy and any other concerns that might come up.”

“That sounds ... surprisingly difficult. But maybe worth it?”

“So far” Allison smiled “yes. We’re not cheating on each other if we agree to the boundaries ahead of time, and stick to those boundaries.” She took another bite of the salad. “Although, a surprising number of people seem to have a hard time understanding that idea.”

“And your comfortable being topless like that?”

“If Ally had her way, she’d be naked right now. And honestly, I’d probably be too. This is basically outreach made easy.”

“Outreach? I read that term in the local paper recently ... oh! You’re both still in high school?”

“We’re all seniors, and all legally old enough to have made the decisions we have. Listen...”

“I know Kara and I might sound a little crazy, but when they say that the Program has the power to change your life, they’re not wrong. We’re as comfortable naked as we are because of it.”

“I do remember reading what its goals are supposed to be, but it all seemed too ridiculous to actually work. Does this also mean...”

“We’ve done a few public things, yes” Allison grinned “and I’ll admit they’ve were rather exciting.”

“Is whatever made those” she pointed to Kara’s arms “also a standard part of the Program? Because those remind me of... ‘friends’ I had back home who sometimes hurt themselves.”

“Oh, no. These marks were from something special. And I’m pretty sure the person who helped make these wouldn’t have agreed to my request if they were concerned about my mental health.”

Clara nodded her head. “No, they wouldn’t have.”