Again not a word was uttered.Late the next morning, they all packed up to go home. Tom and Rick’s sister soon broke up, but Tom and Rick keep meetin...g in secret. The sex got more intense and more adventurous until the boyfriend went off to college a few months later. They have not seen each other since, though they talked often on the phone.“So does that mean you’re bi?” I asked.“For Tom I was,” he said. “And now for you.”“I guess I should feel honored,” I said.“You should,” he said, elbowing me. After I had eaten I started cooling off my overworked muscles with a mild set of stretches before I cramped up.Hell, it's midafternoon.I had been at this for hours. I was tired, sweaty, and dirty. I needed more food and a shower. In that order.Goddess, I miss showers.I finished the mug of ale and went to find someone to point me to a bath. Strangely, the yard was empty. I looked around and there was no one in sight. All the curtains facing the yard were closed except for one, and that was one. I came staggering through the front door, breathing hard and sweating, my legs trembling as I crossed the sales floor to the counter, behind which Aunt Gene sat, looking impassive."You are very late, young lady," she intoned gravely."I know," I panted. "I am very sorry, Aunt -" Oh, good, she's here!" Aunt Annie came bursting through the dividing doors, her expression one of relief. She continued over to me and enveloped me in her herb-scented arms briefly. "We were so worried." Not I," Aunt. "Thank you Erica - I didn't know how to handle that nicely? You're sogood with people." You have to be in my position - but as a woman, you get a lot ofleeway. Don't worry - you'll catch on soon enough." I hope so. Like, there's so much to learn about being a woman, isn'tthere? Was it hard for you at the beginning?"She nodded and smiled. "I'd have to say yes, it was. I can't tell youhow often I regretted doing something or saying something the way a manwould, but experience is the best teacher,.