CHAPTER 81
Andy and Bev were back, tanned and happy, and of course with a shedload of pictures to show everyone, not just from the honeymoon, but also from the wedding itself.

CHAPTER 80
I had to take the hints, I had to back down and out, but I still worried.

CHAPTER 79
All vehicles loaded, they were off to the West at last, and of course I kept a close eye on the older two.

CHAPTER 78
Eventually the evening wound down. It had been a long, long day, and I was still shuddering at the thought of steak in chocolate sauce.

CHAPTER 77
After some more dancing, the DJ called a pause in the proceedings while Andy and Bev took their leave. Bev took his mike first.

Images 22

Chapter 22

Taylor just stared at the doctor for a minute then at the porter who came with the wheelchair for him. He actually hung his head a bit with a sigh. He looked like he was heading to the gallows as he got up and moved from where he was to the wheelchair. I smile at him, Then look at Dr. Clark “Do you have a list of what he needs and where?”

CHAPTER 74
I woke slowly the next morning, taking a while to work out who was snoring with an arm across my chest and a mass of hair in my face.

The tension and uncomfortable feelings dissapated as the day went on. Ryan felt a little ambivalent about what was happening to him. He knew that his last change was pretty dramatic, but he felt a sense of calm about it. He attributed it to his resiliance to remain true to himself no matter what changes occured physically to his body. He was in charge here...not the virus.

CHAPTER 72
That was our trial. I had been wetting myself all through it, it was over, and I hoped never to have to go through that again.

CHAPTER 70
Margaret had sorted authority for compassionate paid leave for us, but I knew the shop had to be sorted in the end, so I made the trek back to Canterbury the day after my talk with Arwel.

Bridges 13

Chapter 13

Brandon’s alive I’ve been told by Lacey when she came down to see me. She’s made the trip three times since I’ve been down here. Three months I’ve actually been down here. I was under heavy observation for a week on suicide watch. Then three weeks of really heavy observation to see if I’ve literally gone off my nut.

A short one tonight. I have to work, but this is at least an offering.

CHAPTER 66
I realised I was losing it again when Tony arrived for the third time, and at that point I started trying to get myself under control.

CHAPTER 63
It was still a huge thing to me, though. Tony could rationalise all he wanted, but after everything was done, would he really be able to handle having two children, or more, so far away and effectively out of reach for their early years?

CHAPTER 62
He wasn’t putting it on as I would with Tony (mmmmm), or as he would with me, but casually, carefully, as a friendly thing. I was proud of my uncle at that point, proud of my entire family.

Half a league onward.

That morning Irina picks me up at Tanner’s place. I’m in another one of the skirt suits and before we leave, Irina does my makeup and hair.

“Your hair isn’t perfect, but then you are going to see a judge not do a photo shoot so a few imperfections are permitted. Be certain you have your male ID with you. I'm so proud of you, Schatzi”

CHAPTER 59
Catching up. That is always the thing that can delight or appal you, as you work through the mail and the gossip that has piled up on the doorstep.

Yes, Santa Claus... by Andrea Lena DiMaggio

To:
Justin Winter, Editor-in-Chief
Elfin Gazette
136 Thankful Ave. North Pole, Arctic Circle

From:
Santa Claus, President & C.E.O. ClausInc.
115 Grateful Way, North Pole, Arctic Circle
December 1, 2010