“You’ll never guess what it is. Not in a million years.”“You care to make a small bet on that?” she asked with a smile.“What’s the time-...frame and what’s the bet?” I asked.“I’ll know what you’re planning by the time we’re back from Malibu in August,” she said with a smirk. “If I win, you take me with you to Hawaii next summer.”“And if I win?” I asked. I’d already decided that Emma was coming with me regardless of what else was going on. She was my life. Samantha would have to understand that.. 16, and the girls could recite it word for word. Of course, each Jan. 1st she told everyone how she'd given birth to John. Come to think of it, he realized she'd be telling the tale for the thirtieth time in a little over a month.But his smile held more meaning than anyone knew. Just like everyone else present, John would give the paternal twins presents everyone could oooh and ah over, and then later, behind the givers back, say how they thought it was a really good gift or how the giver. We all laughed but it was a sobering thoughtthat everybody in the pool that hot afternoon had some degree ofdeviancy or transgenderism. Thus I recharged my batteries after threeyears of academic rigour in New York.During that brief holiday, Shirley and Jasmine had learned of AuntieJamie and Uncle Penny's business interests in London and they werecurious to stay in the city. I had some old family stuff to sort outwith Auntie Beverly and Squire Weston so Simone, Shirley and Jasminewent up to town. At least with a man. And our baby sister Arethusa, she has no experience at all."I looked at my sixteen-year-old sibling, the fear in her eyes palpable. "Perhaps we can use that to our advantage." I turned to the captain of the guard. "Tell our invaders that we wish to stop the bloodshed and make peace,"Three strapping men strode into the Main Hall of the palace armed with swords. Their leader spoke. "I am Prince Karl. You wish to surrender?" Surrender? No. We wish to make peace. Form an.