Author's note: Thank you to my followers and for your comments and emails. It really encourages me to keep writing.
Please note that all my stories are in a fantasy or parallel universe; where people are nice and many of the world's problems are solved. Even politicians do things for the people rather than for votes.
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Jackie was fairly happy: Ashley seemed to notice him. She smile at him more often and she seemed happy with their routine of him giving her a lift home, after karate.
One Wednesday evening, as Ashley was saying goodbye to Jackie after he'd dropped her off at her home, she asked "Jackie?"
"Yes." answered Jackie.
Ashley bit her lip and then asked "Would you like to come to my birthday party on Saturday?"
Jackie thought that Ashley looked panicked, like a deer in headlights. He answered "Yes please. If... If you don't mind?"
"Great." said Ashley.
Jackie thought that she seemed relieved. He asked "What time?"
"Noon, this coming Saturday." answered Ashley.
"I'll be there." said Jackie, with a huge grin on his face. He then asked "What's the dress code."
"Oh... um..." hesitated Ashley. To Jackie, she seemed confused.
"Smart casual?" suggested Jackie.
"Yes." answered Ashley. "Smart casual will be good." She turned to enter her home but then turned back and said "And Jackie, no presents. Okay?"
"Okay." answered Jackie. "Should I bring something else?"
"Just bring yourself, Jackie. That'll be enough." answered Ashley, with a smile. She then said "Good night Jackie.", with a beautiful smile, and closed the front door.
Jackie stood on the brick path of Ashley's Federation style, semi-detached home, looking at where Ashley had been standing. He couldn't believe his luck. The most beautiful woman in the world had invited him to her birthday party. He was going to celebrate with his goddess!
Jackie drove home, whistling all the way.
~~~
Jackie arrived at Ashley's a couple of minutes before noon. He was wearing a linen, white shirt; beige trousers; and white, leather, moccasin-style, slip-on deck-shoes. He rang Ashley's doorbell and tried to wait patiently, clasping the envelope in his hands.
Ashley answered the door and Jackie was stunned. She was wearing a white, silk or polyester blouse; a grey, pleated, knee-high skirt; white socks; and flat, Mary-Jane shoes. She said, with a broad smile, "Hello, Jackie. How are you?"
Jackie just nodded and automatically answered "I'm well thank you."
"Are you okay?" asked Ashley.
"Yes." answered Jackie. "I'm just... a bit shocked. I've never seen you out of your karate kit."
Ashley giggled.
"No... Um... I mean..." stumbled Jackie. "I've never seen you wear anything but your karate gear."
Ashley giggled, again, and asked "Do you like it?" As she swung her hips from side to side and performed one spin on the spot.
Jackie had glimpses of her white, microfibre panties and answered "Yes. It's beautiful."
Ashley smiled broadly and said "Thank you." She stepped back into the hallway and said "Come in."
Jackie shook himself out of his daze and said, "Thank you." as he entered Ashley's home for the first time.
Ashley led Jackie down the wide hallway. There were rooms branching of to both sides. There was a wooden archway halfway along the hall. Jackie saw a glimpse of a modern kitchen through one doorway to the left.
Ashley stopped when they entered a big enclosed verandah or pergola. She turned and said "This is where I practice karate." The room was huge: probably six metres by twelve metres; the wall, adjacent to the house, was lined with a collapsible table, which was covered with all types of party food.
One wall was covered in mirrors. Ashley said, "I can check my techniques in these mirrors." as she indicated towards the mirrored wall.
"It's great." said Jackie. He then said, "Happy birthday." as he handed the envelope to Ashley.
Ashley seemed upset. She said "I said 'no presents', Jackie."
"It's not a present." said Jackie, defensively.
Ashley pursed her lips and took the card.
Jackie said, "It's not a very good card. I bought it at Woolies on the way here." as Ashley opened the envelope.
Ashley suspiciously looked at Jackie and asked "How did you know I was nineteen? Have you been snooping on me?"
"No... No." answered Jackie. "I saw your date-of-birth on your attendance card. That's all."
"What else do you know about me, Jackie?" commanded Ashley.
"Um... you're age... You're named 'Ashley'; you've been attending karate for years; and... and your beautiful." answered Jackie.
Ashley bit her lip, smiled and said, "Thank you, Jackie."
A clear-plastic zip-bag felt out of the card, as she opened the card to read. Jackie picked up the zip-bag and handed it to Ashley. She laughed and asked "Is this a hint that I need a new zip-bag for my attendance card at karate?"
"No." answered Jackie, with a smile, now that Ashley seemed happier.
Ashley smiled as she read the card. She said "You drew kisses on it."
"Did I?" asked Jackie, knowing too well that he had.
Ashley, smiled and then nodded. She looked at the zip-bag, frowned and said "There's sometime in there... Stud earrings?"
"Yes." answered Jackie. "I thought that they might be a nice change to your gold sleepers."
"What's wrong with my sleepers?" asked Ashley, as she touched one on her ear.
"Nothing... Nothing at all." answered Jackie. "I just thought that studs might be a nice change. For going out, or something." This wasn't going as well as Jackie had hoped.
Ashley pursed her lips and said "I said 'no presents', Jackie."
"They're not presents." said Jackie. "They're a little gift for my best friend."
"Your best friend?" asked Ashley.