Authors note: This and all other chapters of this story, previous and future, are based on my own thoughts and are purely fictional with no connection or representation of, or to, anyone or anything intended.
Following a busy yet rewarding weekend Jane pops to see Neal and tell him about Sam and Lucy's project for college. He is very interested and more than a little excited hearing that they would like to use him as their subject.
Jane explains that although most of it is theory and will be questions and discussions, there may be some practical elements to the project. Neal is more than happy to agree, the thought of some company and from such cute young women is very welcome.
That evening Sam's mobile rings and it's Jane. "Hi Sam, how are you sweetie?"
"I'm great Jane thanks, what about you? Mum said you all had a super time at the weekend."
"Yes, I'm feeling wonderful Sam and of course, all the better for hearing your voice. The weekend went well, and your mum seemed to enjoy it immensely."
"She did Jane, not stopped talking about it. It's so nice to see her so happy."
"That's good news Sam, I am so pleased. Now, I hope I can please you too!"
"Oh, sounds intriguing Jane, don't keep me in suspense tell me please, what is it?"
"I went to see Neal this morning Sam, and he would love to help you and Lucy with your college project. All you need to do is plan for when to do it and give him some idea of what you will want to do at the first visit. I told him it may take a few visits over time, and he is fine with that."
Sam is delighted "thank you so much Jane. I can't wait to tell Lucy. Shall I contact Neal direct to sort things out Jane?"
"Yes, please Sam, it seems silly for me to be a go between. That said though, if you need any help or are unsure about anything please let me know and I'm happy to help."
Immediately Sam rings off from her chat with Jane she phones Lucy who is also excited at the prospect of being able to do this jointly with Sam and have Neal involved. "When are you thinking Sam? Have you spoken with Neal yet?"
"I was thinking how about this Saturday after you finish work at Jane's house, I meet you there and we go straight to Neal?"
"I'm not sure Sam, Jane and Mike might not like us doing that."
"I'll talk to Jane Lucy if you are OK with doing it that day."
Lucy agrees it would be a good idea as she is already there, but Sam must make the arrangements with Jane and with Neal.
Sam firstly calls Neal and asks if this coming Saturday afternoon is OK, and he is fine with that. He asks what it might involve, and she tells him, a lot will be questions at the first session. Neal doesn't mind at all as it means he gets some company from 2 gorgeous young women.
Next, Sam calls Jane back and tells her about the possible arrangements of meeting Lucy at her house then going over to Neal. Jane is happy to oblige, and they agree a time and Jane even offers for Sam and Lucy to join her for lunch before seeing Neal.
It is all set and arrangements made. Sam and Lucy discuss things during college the next day and agree that they should write down some questions and make notes before going to Neal so that they know how to tackle it.
Saturday morning and Lucy arrives at Jane's house wearing a black skirt, black nylons, flat shoes and a loose-fitting tee shirt. "Come on in Lucy, nice to see you and prompt again as usual." Jane kisses Lucy and ushers her into the kitchen. "A list of jobs on the white board sweetie, Mike and I are going out for a couple of hours and leaving you to it, that OK?"
"Of course, Jane, no problem. Any priority with these jobs?"
"Not at all Lucy, just take them in any order you like. I'll be back for lunch and see you then with Sam."
Lucy smiles and waves Jane and Mike off before getting down to tackling the laundry. Then while the washer is going, she cleans the bathroom and Jane's bedroom. Then back down and a dust and vacuum of the lounge and downstairs areas. She works diligently through the list of jobs and is feeling very satisfied that she has achieved everything. It's been hard work, but she was keen not to let Jane down being left alone to get on with it.
As Lucy relaxes Jane comes in and Lucy jumps up not wanting Jane to think she had been slacking. "Relax Lucy, looks like you deserve a break, I didn't expect you to have cleared all of this work in one morning, well done, such a good girl, thank you."
Lucy blushes as Jane heaps praise on her. Standing there red faced, clenching her hands and swaying her hips Lucy doesn't know what to say but Jane breaks the silence by hugging her and giving her a kiss on the head. Jane asks if she can adjust Lucy's hair as it seems a little out of place, probably because she has been rushing around. Lucy nods and Jane sets to work. "Here, sit on this stool love and let me sort you out. Lucy sits and Jane stands behind her and brushes her hair through before pulling it back and making a ponytail with it. Simple but effective. Jane looks at Lucy from the front and tells her what a lovely girl she is but there is something that would finish the hair off nicely "stay there sweetie, I'll be right back" Jane goes off for a minute before returning with a red ribbon. "Here, let's tie this around the ponytail Lucy."
Once finished, Jane looks excitedly at Lucy and tells her to look in the mirror. Lucy likes it and tells Jane she hasn't had a ribbon on her ponytail since she was a little girl, but she loves how it looks.