After 3 sleep-deprived months it was finally Kelly's first night out since she had the baby. John, her husband, had been deployed to Korea shortly before Tommy was born, so he had been unable to help, but they skyped every weekend and he adored them both. Kelly's life revolved around her little man. She wanted to be the perfect mom, and had no regrets, but she desperately needed a night away.
A quiet knock on the door woke her. She had fallen asleep on the couch. After making sure Tommy was still in his playpen, Kelly picked him up and answered the door to find a pretty red head girl standing there.
"Hi, Miss Kelly. I didn't want to ring the bell in case Tommy was asleep."
Mary worked in the church nursery. She was the only other person who could hold Tommy without him throwing a tantrum. She looked very fit, but what 19-year-old didn't. Kelly wished she still had that metabolism.
"Thanks, Mary. I must've dozed off." She handed Tommy to the babysitter and rushed off to the bedroom. She called out, "I appreciate you babysitting on such short notice. There's a list on the counter. He's just started sleeping through the night, but if he wakes up just rock him a little and she should go right back to sleep. I pumped this morning so there is plenty of milk if he's hungry."
Mary read the list as she responded. "I'm sure we'll be fine. I love that little cutie." She laughed, booping him on the nose.
Kelly entered the room, buttoning her blouse. "Yeah, I'm sure you will. But if you have any problems, just give me a call. I'm sorry to rush, but I told them I'd be there by 6. Do you have any questions?"
"Nope, It looks pretty standard. Feel free to check in. Everyone tells me the first night out is the hardest. Have a great time!"
Kelly smiled. "I hope it gets easier. I'm just want to say goodbye one more time." She gave Tommy a loud kiss on the cheek, and made faces that had him giggling for a few minutes before tearing herself away. As she walked out the door, she stopped to check her reflection in the foyer mirror. She ran her fingers through her curly brown locks, and checked her makeup. She was still working to lose the baby weight, so she couldn't dress as cute as she wanted. Her blouse was a little snug, but her jeans looked pretty good on her. There just wasn't time to hit the gym. She frowned slightly.
"You look beautiful!" She jumped at Mary's voice.
"Oh! Thanks, I -- " She blushed. "I'll be back before midnight." And she rushed out the door.
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When she arrived at Sarah's apartment, the others had a head start on her. They cheered when she arrived and all hugged her at the same time.
"I'm so glad you made it." April was a petite, girl-next-door type with blond hair and a pretty smile. She was wearing a skirt and pull over top.
"I was sure you'd bail." Katie was a tall, confident brunette with porcelain skin and perfect D breasts. She was wearing jeans and a fashionable top.
"No, I knew you'd be here." Sarah wore a simple sundress. Her makeup was a little too dark for her light complexion. She handed Kelly a wine glass. "You have some catching up to do."
"The let's get started," Kelly said accepting the glass and moving to the counter to check her options. "Ugh. Traffic was awful. I didn't think I'd ever get here."
They laughed and talked till Kelly's phone chimed. Mary had texted a photo of Tommy sleeping. The girls all oo'd and aw'd. Kelly was well into her second glass when Sarah noticed her touching her lips and nose. "Is your face numb? You've really turned into a light weight."
"Hey now! Between pregnancy and breastfeeding I haven't had a drink in a year." Kelly giggled.
"We'll fix that," Katie retorted. "Hey -- you know what we should do? Let's play Truth or Dare."
"Where did that come from?" Sarah asked. "Anyway, I don't know. I know how you think, and some secrets are best kept secret."
"Okay then, how about Dare or Dare." Katie asked with a sly smile.
"I'm not sure that's any better." April looked unconvinced.
Katie pressed on. "Come on. We're all friends. Nothing dangerous allowed. We'll play one round at a time. You can't say no, but after every round, anyone can quit"
Sarah nodded, "I think it's the wine talking, but I guess I'm in."
Kelly smiled broadly, "I'm totally in. Who knows when I'll get another night out."
They looked at April as she stood quietly "I'm not sure."
Katie threw her arm around April's shoulder "C'mon. You can go first."
April looked unconvinced, but relented. "Okay. I guess I'll play one round."
The four found their seats and got comfortable.
"Okay, April. Whatcha got?" Katie asked.