. . . . . . . . . I opened the front door, and stuck my head out, looking across the street, to see if the neighbors front curtain was open. Fortunate...ly, it was not. I grabbed my duffel of spare clothing and makeup, and made a mad dash for Betty's’ side gate. Well, “mad dash” hardly describes it. I am fairly well practiced in wearing heels, but that has always been in the house, on a hard floor, or a thin carpet. Walking, or trying to run, I should say, on uneven ground was an absolute. " Let's do it a capella." You do like to live dangerously. Ready, birls?Carol Sue nodded. "If you please, maestro."The introit began when Freddie hit the play button. Carol Sue and Sandyturned to each other, their crinoline spread dresses swishing in thebreeze."We are birls, and by us that's only great!We are proud that our silhouettes are curvy,That we walk with a sweet and birlish gaitWith our hips kind of swivelly and swervy."The birls had already performed in pageants many times. Miz Brooks. "Is that red motorcycle outside yours!?"Her excitement got me by surprise, "Uhum. Do you like it?" Yes! It looks fucking awesome. What kind of bike is it?" And I saw Mom's eyebrows crease."It's a Ducati Monster," I said, trying to keep it short as my mother seemed to enjoy her presence there less and less."Ooooh… Monster. Is it?" Is it what?" I was dumb enough to ask."A monster, duh," Jelly said mockingly, and I saw Allie smiling for the first time in ages."It depends on who's riding it," I. ” “Welcome Tony, I’m Mike,” I replied shaking his expended hand. “What can I do for you?” “I’m sorry to call so early but I think the fuse has gone on my kettle and wondered if you had a small screwdriver I could borrow. I can’t function without my morning coffee.”“Yes, I think so,” I said, “come on in, I’ll find it for you.” As he stepped into the hallway, I heard my wife’s voice behind me. “Who is it Mike?” she asked. I turned round to reply and saw that she was already standing in the.