"Kelly?"
There was a definite question in the tone and Kelly, glancing up from Jack's text, saw Holly.
"Hi, Hun," she said, faking delight.
"Kelly, you look so --" Holy struggled to find the word and settled on, "so different."
"I know, don't you love it?" Kelly twirled in her short denim skirt and vest, showing off her slim, supple body. The vest rode up, revealing her tanned flat stomach and a new belly button piercing.
"I haven't seen you in three weeks, you dropped off the planet, and the work you got done," Holly said, clearly amazed at the transformation.
"I know," Kelly said again then looked at the guy with Holly. "And who is this?"
He smiled and Holly stepped between them. "This is Mike... remember, the guy I arranged for a double date but you didn't come."
"What?" Kelly gawped. "So, you're saying Mike would've been my date?"
"Yes, but you never came -- and Mike is so much nicer than his cousin." Holly clutched his hand. "We just hit it off."
"Damn, I wish I'd turned up for that date. I definitely would have if I'd known meals were being served." Kelly smiled.
Holly held Mike's hand tighter and he grinned at the attention.
"Well, we better get going." Holly tugged Mike's hand.
"If you haven't seen her for weeks," Mike offered, "maybe Kelly would like to come."
"No, I'm sure Kelly is busy."
"Yes, I need to go." Kelly sounded disappointed. "I'm meeting Jack."
"Well, phone me for a catch-up." Holly spun herself and Mike around and leaned to speak into his ear.
Kelly thought it was possibly about her new appearance. When Mike looked back, Kelly blew him a kiss, formed a phone with her hand and mouthed 'Phone me'
before turning to head for the bus.
The ride home wasn't as busy and Kelly had fewer glances her way. It was a lot less fun so she put on headphones and listened to the recording she'd been told to listen to.
When she got off the bus, Jack was waiting. "Surprise," he said.
"Jack, why are you here?"
"I thought I'd walk you home."
She had to admit it was sweet of him. Pulling off her headphones, they began to walk.
"Did you meet Rick?" Jack asked innocently.
"Yes, I did."
"How did it go?"
"We fucked, it was okay. But he was nowhere near massive," Kelly said,
disappointment clear in her tone.
"Guess that puts me in a worse place."
"Jack, you did nothing wrong. You just need more confidence, that's all. You were good," she said, offering some support.
But Jack hung his head as they walked toward their houses.
"Hey," she said brightly, "you know one way to get better?"
"No."
"Practice: let's go practice fucking."
They raced home and Kelly led him by the hand through her front door. Her parents were in the living room and she announced, "Hi, Jack and I are going to my room."
Jack felt weird, rushing past them with barely a wave.
Kelly pushed him toward the bed. "I'll freshen up, won't be long," she said and went into her en-suite, leaving the door open. He heard the shower running then Kelly came back into view. Jack watched her remove her vest and skirt.
Her body was amazing.
Jack sat on the bed, then lay on it. He was nervous but wanted to appear confident. The bedroom door opened and a woman looked in. "Hi, Jack sweetheart. Can I get you anything?"
He realised it was Mrs Bright. She'd changed and was almost unrecognisable. Bleached blonde hair was full of extensions, teeth had been whitened, and she had a fake tan. A garish pink, fluffy tracksuit was embossed with the words 'Gold Digga'.
"Mrs Bright... no, I'm good thanks." Jack shot a nervous glance toward the bathroom where the daughter of his mom's best friend was showering, the door wide open.
The woman who'd helped raise him, said, "Oh, call me Julie," as she entered the room, clearly looking for her daughter. She swept strands of hair away from his face. "You let Kelly look after you, sweet boy, and if she doesn't--" she turned to leave when they heard the shower being turned off, "you come to me, honey. I will definitely make you happy and satisfied."
"Mom!" Kelly appeared with a towel around her boobs. "Out, now."
Mrs Bright held up her hands. "Okay, okay, I'm going. You kids shout me if you need anything... anything, you hear."