As always...okay, by now you know Kenji is my editor. Thanks...This one does not contain any sex. There
's a bit of mutual masturbation, but that's it. Sorry. Yes, I know this site is for erotic stories, but I wanted to give a bit more context and backstory to this one. Thanks for indulging me...(okay, you may find a 'little' sex in Chapter 30)
Chapter 29
I awoke at six. I could have used another five hours of sleep, but needs must. I tried to creep silently from the bed, but Arabella's hand stopped me.
"You going, darling?" she whispered hoarsely, still half asleep.
"I need to, darling. I have a two-hour drive ahead of me and two sisters waiting!" I laughed. "I'll call when I get home, 'kay? I'll see myself out. You just sleep. And dream. Believe me, I don't want to go, but you'll be on my mind...all day," I sighed, and kissed her. I watched as she snuggled under the duvet. I left her bed and peed, brushed my teeth, rubbed the sleep from me, and left, writing her a quick note. I quietly closed the front door and headed to Richmond.
As I walked in the front door, mum was up, pottering about the kitchen in her robe and slippers.
"Hmmm. Look what the cat's dragged in," she laughed, hugging me and smiling. "You had a good evening, I assume?" she smirked.
"The best, mum. I'll tell you all about it later, 'kay? I need to get presentable. I have a long day ahead of me. Are they up yet?" I asked.
"No, sweetie. I checked before I came down. They're still sleeping, surprisingly!" she chuckled. "Go. Get yourself sorted. You look knackered, darling."
"I am," I laughed. "But in a good way," I chuckled.
Mum swatted my arm and pushed me from the kitchen. In no time, I was washed and refreshed, Maggie and Lily bounding into my room just as I was finishing my hair. Excited was too feeble a word for them today.
"I hope you two slept well. We have a busy day...and night!" I said, cryptically.
Mom and dad finally made an appearance, smirking at me, as they came into the kitchen, their faces glowing with the look of a nice lie-in.
"Oh, look, Tom. Who's this?" she smiled. I could only smirk and stuck my tongue out at her.
My sisters and I left, our overnight bags all packed and sorted. They still had no idea what we were up to. Safely buckled in, we headed out. We popped over to Camden Market, knowing it was their favourite for clothes and the general ambience. It was a weekend to spoil them, so I had my cards handy! They were both a hoot, scrambling from one stall to the next, asking each other, 'Does this look good on me?' It always surprised me that with the differences in their ages, albeit only two years, they never hid their obvious affection for each other. We held hands tightly, as we walked through the crowded market, our hands swinging out in front of us, trying to avoid the people around us.
I watched as Maggie held up yet another dress up in front of her. She was growing up so fast, and was at that precocious stage in her life, unsure of what was ahead of her, but in too much of a hurry to step back and breathe.
That
's where her big sister comes in, I thought.
Soon enough, we headed for the river and took a boat trip along the Thames, getting off in time for the performance at the Globe Theatre mom had helped book. We had been before with our parents, both of them enjoying the setting of the place. Moms and dad said it was never too early to get acquainted with Shakespeare! Mom had secured some tickets for A Midsummer Night's Dream from a colleague who knew people who knew people. It was a wonderful performance, both my sisters were totally enthralled with the production.
We headed to Covent Garden, to our favourite Mexican restaurant, where we feasted on nachos, tacos, platitos and a few other items ending in 'o.' We still had one more stop to go! All day they were bugging me on why they had to pack their bag for tonight. Of course, I teased them with all manner of improbable possibilities. We retrieved my car and headed to South Kensington. They knew it well, as mom worked at the V&A. The sun was going down as we arrived. They grabbed their bags and we headed for the National History Museum.
"Aren't they closing soon, though?" Lily asked.
"They are, but we have special permission tonight!" I smiled. I showed the guard our papers and we were let in.
"We're having a Night-at-the-Museum, you two. There'll be guides walking us around, and telling us all about what they have here. I think it's going to be spooky, though," I joked.
They both had heard of these special nights the museum had, but had never been. Both were ecstatic with what their big sister had arranged! Whew!
But I was still thinking of Arabella and knew I needed to hear her voice. Before the tours started, I left the two of them to wander and called her. I just had to see if she was okay with everything that had transpired. I shouldn't have doubted myself, as she was thrilled. She said her body was still tingling. I had to tell her to shush! Her last words were, 'I miss you,' and my heart leapt. Saying we'd keep in touch, both professionally and personally, we hung up.
Maggie, Lily and I FaceTimed Maisie. They were so excited, telling her where we were and what we had been up to. My heart bounced again, knowing she loved them as sisters, as well. We had a few cryptic words, and both of us were looking forward to a more private chat tomorrow night.
As all the lights were dimmed, we were handed torches, and a guide took us from room to room, talking about the different exhibits. I had been here so many times over the years, but walking around in the shadowy lights added another layer to the feeling. The exhibits seemed to take on a different look. They had left the animatronic dinosaurs on, scaring the bejesus out of everyone. It was a lovely, well-put-together tour, actually. After several hours, we were bedded down under a T-rex, and we all slept.
We were offered a small breakfast in the morning, but we declined, as I had other plans. After a long clean-up, we thanked the guides and made our way out to breakfast. From there, this day was going to be expensive. Our first stop was L.Cornelissen & Son, a wonderful artists' store. It was old, but chock-full of anything a budding or professional artist would ever want. We walked out with a bag full of new supplies, both of them happy with their choices. Lily thought it was her birthday and Christmas, all wrapped up in one.
The next stop was Liberty. Knowing she'd be dating soon, I wanted to treat Maggie to a decent dress. First impressions count, hmm? Lily found a lovely summer dress, so that went under her arm. Now Maggie. I directed her to a more 'grown-up' range, and she was somewhat captivated. She tried on and loved a beautiful Alemais dress. "Could I get...this one...please?" she asked, turning to and fro, looking at herself in the mirrors.
I looked at the price. A hundred-and-sixty-five bloody pounds.
"Pleeeese? I...I love it," and her smile melted me.
"You really are Trouble, aren't you?" I smiled, and bought the damn dress.
She jumped up and hugged me. I gave her another stern look, as she walked away giggling, a simple, innocent, 'What?' is all she said.
We headed home, all of us tired and me a hell-of-a-lot poorer. But it was worth every penny. These were my sisters, after all!
Moms and dad gushed at what they walked in with and gave me a dirty look, seeing what I had spoiled them with. All I could say was, 'What?' copying Maggie.
In time, I was safely in bed, tired and worn out from the last few days. I FaceTimed Maisie early, wanting to catch up as soon as possible. Her dad was getting stronger and getting around better every day. Perhaps, she said, she wouldn't be needed for another three months, although I tried to temper her expectations.
Now she wanted to hear the details about Arabella, and I wanted to hear about Jo. We laughed at each other. How strange was this, hmm? Both of us needed, and not only wanted, to hear about the others 'other-partners' affair.
