This isn’t one of your surprises, is it?”I couldn’t help but smile back at her as I softly said, “Sweetie, this time, I had nothing to do with... it, but yes. It will be a surprise. A wonderful surprise. But...”“But?”“I’ll tell you in the car, okay? Help me pack the drawings up and we’ll take them with us. Oh, now, don’t get scared. I’ll pack the ones you were looking at. The others are ... Well, they’re harmless. Nothing about them could possibly hurt you.”“The ones I was looking at? They can. ." Perfect. "Oh, I'm sure you know how, even if you don't know it. "You've never practiced with anyone?" "No. I've thought about bringing it up with my friends, but I'm always too scared to suggest it." Well at least if all else fails, I now have the image of this sexy 15 year old girl practicing kissing with her hot cheerleader friends. My mind would just have to assume that they practice fingering each other too. "I really don't think I know how to.", she continued. "Oh, it's so easy. . I should go, h-she is expecting me.”Marguerite stood up, trying not to react to the slip of the tongue she had just made. She collected her things and headed for the door when the alarm bell began to sound from the gate. She opened the door and heard shouts from outside.“Open the Gate! Open the Gate!”As she ran across the courtyard, the gates slowly parted. Two riders crossed through, drawing to a stop in front of Marguerite. One was bundled in blankets and slumped heavily in the saddle. The. I watched from the counter as she fussed with a cushion and made herself comfortable, and wondered what the hell I was doing. By the time I’d arrived with our coffee Lynette looked tense and unsure. She thanked me for the coffee and confirmed my suspicion when she said, “I’m not sure I can just sit here and discuss my marriage. I’m not sure why I came out.” She didn’t seem stressed, but definitely a little unsure. “Don’t worry.” I reassured, growing in confidence in my new role as adult.